Charity numbers: 1154843 & SC039900
GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 - 2 |
| Trustees' Report | 3 - 9 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 10 - 11 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
| Balance Sheet | 13 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 14 - 27 |
GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Trustees
Carol Hooper, Chair Paul Waine, Vice Chair Sean Austin, Treasurer (appointed 2 November 2023) Jenny Willison, Trustee Lee Raynor, Trustee Adam Pownall, Trustee (resigned 7 March 2024) Jatinder Paul, Trustee James Wilson, Trustee (appointed 4 April 2024) Stephanie Parker, Trustee (appointed 2 November 2023) Christopher Fuller, Chair (resigned 14 October 2023) David Wada, Treasurer (resigned 14 October 2023)
Charity registered numbers
1154843 and SC039900
Principal office
Glennys Sanders House Pride Parkway Sleaford NG34 8GL
President Emeritus
Glennys Sanders MBE
Patrons
Air Marshal Sir Ian Macfadyen KCVO CB OBE FRAeS RAF Rtd Professor Richard Hughes MD FRCP FMedSci
Chief Executive Officer
Rich Collins
Accountants
Goodman Jones LLP Chartered Accountants 1st Floor Arthur Stanley House 40-50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Bankers
CAF Bank 25 King's Hill Avenue West Malling ME19 4JQ
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees of Guillain-Barré & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies (GAIN) present their annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024 under the Charities Act 2011. The report has been prepared in accordance with GAIN’s governing document and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS 102) Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Our legal status and governance structure is explained in the ‘Structure, governance and management’ section of this report.
The Charity also trades under the name GAIN.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
GAIN is the only Charity working on behalf of people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, CIDP and the associated inflammatory neuropathies in the UK and Republic of Ireland. We are dedicated to supporting people impacted by these conditions through our support offer; information, advice, and guidance; peer support; online forums; and local groups. We aim to support and empower people to understand and manage their condition. We facilitate our members to participate in trials to further the search for treatments and a cure, as well as funding and facilitating research ourselves. We also seek to raise awareness about these life changing conditions and their impact on individuals and families, as well as raising awareness about the Charity and our work.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the information contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives, and in planning activities and strategy for the year ahead. The activities that we carry out to further our charitable purposes are for the public benefit.
Our objectives, as set out in our Constitution, are to relieve the needs of persons suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome and associated inflammatory neuropathies, their families and carers in particular but not exclusively by:
a. The provision of information, non-medical advice and other assistance; b. The promotion of research into the causes, prevention and treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome and associated inflammatory neuropathies; and
c. Advancing the awareness of the public and of the medical professions concerning Guillain-Barré syndrome and associated inflammatory neuropathies, their causes, prevention and treatment
Achievements and performance
This year has been a year of considerable evolution for GAIN, with significant changes in staffing and structure, including a complete change of personnel at all levels within the staffing team. We have brought in a new Chief Executive who is leading large scale organisational change and development, focusing on key areas previously identified as part of the internal review carried out earlier in the year, and seeking to work closely in coproduction with members to identify new opportunities to improve our core offer and improve our reach and impact. With other staff members moving on, we now have an entirely refreshed staff team. This change has meant that at some points we were operating on minimal staff numbers, but we ended the year with revitalised personnel working through a strong, shared team ethic. This process was managed by a supportive team of Trustees, within which we also saw considerable change with a new Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer taking on new roles, as previous long standing Trustees retired, and new Trustees joined the Charity.
We are proud of how our organisation has navigated through its changes in leadership, whilst still delivering incredible impact and outcomes for the people that we support and the wider Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Community.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
a. Supporting people impacted by the conditions
People are at the heart of everything that we do at GAIN, and we have begun a renewal of our core support offer that moves away from a signposting service, to providing direct support to people wherever we can, with signposting where we can’t. In 2023/24 we supported 191 people directly, with 24 people receiving peer support through our incredible volunteers. The number of contacts appears to be down and the number of people receiving peer support is around the same, but our data capture during this period has made this difficult to compare. Many of these individuals received repeat calls and continue to link in with their peer support volunteers.
We continued to build on our online support groups. These meet monthly, and there is now always someone from GAIN on the call to support and facilitate. The number of people attending fluctuates depending on need and availability. We are now capturing numbers at each meeting to create a baseline going forward.
We have maintained one local group in the North-West of the country, who continue to meet quarterly with around 10 people attending each meeting.
Our physiotherapy packs remained a popular part of our support offer with a further 48 people receiving a pack and a link to online videos. This is slightly down on last year, but gives a total of 281 people receiving packs in total. This project ceased at the end of 23/24.
Our personal grants scheme continued to grow, with a slight increase in the total spent to £22,666, up from £21,728. These grants were provided to 27 different people, with most supporting travel costs, while others provided equipment.
We added 4 voting members and lost 4 voting members over the year, resulting in maintaining 152 voting members. The overall age of this group does appear to be reducing. We also added 326 non-voting members during the year. However, our overall total was only up by 3 at 1143, meaning we either lost a lot of non-voting members, or there was an issue around data collection.
Our engagement with people, and our awareness raising saw us send out 4 newsletters, each to over 1000 people. Our website was visited by 43,624 people, and there were 3,900 people using our Facebook group. We continued to grow and develop our social media presence, with significant changes to how we operated, and as a result, to the reach we got after January 2024.
For the first time ever, we have produced an Impact Report to demonstrate what we do. The data we have to date is minimal, and we will be building on this over the coming months and years.
b. Trials and research
During the year, we contributed £20,000 to clinical research, supporting important work around identifying biomarkers.
We also continued to liaise with researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies to support recruitment to clinical and social research, and to share news on trials, research, and new potential treatments with our members
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
c. Marketing and engagement
In early 2024 we undertook an engagement and listening exercise with members and the public to better understand people’s experiences and views of GAIN and what we do. We heard from 90 people, and have used and are using these findings to shape what we do and how we do it.
We have reviewed our baseline information and literature, creating easy read factsheets, as well as ensuring that our information is accessible. There is still some way to go, but feedback from people is demonstrating that we are moving in the right direction.
The previous and new Chief Executives have been involved in a number of partnerships and collaborations, building on our memberships of the various Neurological Alliances, the Specialised HealthCare Alliance, Rare Diseases UK, National Voices, and NCVO. We are working more closely on policy and developing collaborative approaches as we move forward. We continue to link with appropriate bodies such as NICE, NHS England, the British Peripheral Nerve Society and others, and have significantly built on our relationships with partner organisations GBS/CIDP Foundation International and EPODIN.
We continue to work with ACES Marketing to increase our reach and engagement, and our changes to how we undertake social media since January 2024 has seen significant growth across all channels.
We are beginning to develop new ways to engage with a broader and more diverse group of people, utilising new engagement methods, seeking to reach different demographic groups, and working with others to further our reach. This is to ensure that we reach as many people as possible, offering support and raising awareness across all potential patient groups.
d. Raising funds
Our fundraising continues to fluctuate with an increase in donations and fundraising, but an overall decrease in income due to receiving significantly less in terms of legacies. We will be working on a new fundraising strategy in 24/25.
e. Strategies for achieving objectives for the coming year
With the introduction of a new Chief Executive, the Board of Trustees have tasked him with developing a new overall organisational strategy in co-production with members and the Board. This will build on the previous iteration of the strategic plan.
The new plan will focus on:
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Renewing our core support offer
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Increasing reach and engagement
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Developing new clinical and social research channels
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Improving data collection and management
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Ensuring financial stability and sustainability
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Increasing impact for people and of the organisation and its assets
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Maintaining growth and development
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Developing collaborations and partnerships
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.
b. Our finances for the year 2023/24
Our consolidated financial statements for the year are shown on pages 11 to 26. A summary of the financial results for the year is set out below.
Incoming resources
Total income for the year was £303,906 which showed a decrease donations and members’ activity.
Resources expended.
This year has seen expenditure fall from £224,221 to £216,979 of this being on charitable expenditure.
Like so many other concerns, GAIN has not escaped the impact of the cost of living crisis, which has seen income from donations reduce.
However, our other income streams have performed well against predictions.
We are now undertaking a full financial analysis to look at our financial strategies, and developing budgets across all expenditure areas of the Charity. These will be in place for 2024/25.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
c. Investment and reserves policy
Our policy is to invest funds in the ongoing expansion of our work, but to retain sufficient levels of available reserves to enable us to continue our core strategic activities in the event of a significant downturn in our income. This considers risks associated with our income streams, our ongoing investment in delivering our strategies, the varying needs of our members, longer term cash flow projections, and other relevant business risks.
We have identified sufficient levels of available reserves as being a minimum of 6 months of our planned expenditure. We recognize that there may be circumstances where reserve levels fall below this target range. However, if this was the case there must be a clear action plan to restore them.
Our investment policy for these reserves is reviewed by the Board on an annual basis. Our objective is to seek to produce the best financial return within an acceptable level of risk for the bulk of the assets, referred to as the 'financial investments'. The Investment portfolio is invested to directly further the Charity’s aims. The performance of our investments is kept under review.
We keep our funds with UK-based institutions with a strong credit rating and we keep our policy under review in the light of changes to the financial climate. The Board of Trustees has reviewed the GAIN financial positions and believes there are sufficient resources to manage any operational or financial risks.
As of 31 March 2024, our funds total £994,789 (2023: £903,608). Of this £296,364 (2023: £306,987) represents the assets of the Charity including the land and building. In line with our policy stated above we are committed to projects during 2024-2025 totaling £20,000. Our policy is that we should also have in reserve a minimum of 6 months operating costs which would amount to approx. £108,490. We calculate free reserves totaling £698,425 as of March 2024 (2023: £596,621).
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Guillain-Barre & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies (GAIN) was founded in 1985 and rebranded in 2014. The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is regulated by the Charity Commission in England and Wales - no 1154843 and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator - no SCO39900.
b. Board of Trustees
Our governing body, the Board of Trustees (the Board), is responsible for the overall governance and work of the Charity.
Our trustees are volunteers and do not receive any remuneration for their services but may claim reasonable expenses incurred through attending meetings or other duties. The Board usually meets 4 times each year and is responsible for directing the affairs of the Charity and ensuring that it is solvent, well run and delivers the charitable outcomes for the benefit of people affected by GBS, CIDP and the related conditions. Trustees who served during the year are listed on page 1.
The Board may include up to 12 trustees at any one time. Trustees can be recruited from within the membership or from outside. Trustees are appointed for 3 years and can serve a maximum of three terms. The Trustees are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.
c. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
Potential trustees attend an interview to assess their suitability for the role. At this interview they are also told about the responsibilities of Trustees; the Constitution and other documentation; the financial situation; and existing strategy. If the Board is satisfied and the applicant wishes to proceed they are asked to attend the next meeting as an observer. Successful applicants are then invited to join and are co-opted until the next AGM at which time they may stand for election.
d. Organisational structure and decision making
The Board delegates operational planning and day-to-day management of the Charity to the Chief Executive, supported by the Charity’s staff. This authority is delegated within approved limits. Staffing levels are two full time.
e. Risk management
We have a comprehensive risk register which takes into account plans and strategies for mitigating risk. The register is reviewed throughout the year by the Chief Executive who updates the Board on the status of the key risks as part of the regular reporting to each Board meeting.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales and Scotland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the provisions of the Memorandum of Association. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of trustees and signed on their behalf by: Carol Hooper Date: 05-11-24
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Guillain-Barre & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies (GAIN) ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 ('the 2005 Act'), the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) ('the 2006 Accounts Regulations') and the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). You are satisfied that your charity is not required by charity law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 44(1)(c) of the 2005 Act and section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the requirements of Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations and all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the Charity has prepared its accounts on an accruals basis and is registered in Scotland your examiner must be a member of a body listed in Regulation 11(2) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act, Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations and the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 05-11-24
Julian Flitter FCA
Goodman Jones LLP Chartered Accountants 1st Floor Arthur Stanley House 40-50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income before net gains/(losses) on investments Net gains/(losses) on investments Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 267,744 21,491 14,671 303,906 5,806 211,173 216,979 86,927 4,254 91,181 903,608 91,181 994,789 |
Total funds 2024 £ 267,744 21,491 14,671 303,906 5,806 211,173 216,979 86,927 4,254 91,181 903,608 91,181 994,789 |
Total funds 2023 £ 443,949 - 6,633 450,582 5,588 218,633 224,221 226,361 (10,795) 215,566 688,042 215,566 903,608 |
|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed assets | ||||||
| Tangible assets | 10 | 296,364 | 306,987 | |||
| Investments | 11 | 111,673 | 102,913 | |||
| 408,037 | 409,900 | |||||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Debtors | 12 | 7,735 | 12,291 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 604,974 | 542,976 | ||||
| 612,709 | 555,267 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | ||||||
| year | 13 | (25,957) | (61,559) | |||
| Net current assets | 586,752 | 493,708 | ||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 994,789 | 903,608 | ||||
| Total net assets | 994,789 | 903,608 | ||||
| Charity funds | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 14 | 994,789 | 903,608 | |||
| Total funds | 994,789 | 903,608 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Date: 05-11-24 Carol Hooper
The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. General information
Guillain-Barré & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies (GAIN) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered in England and Wales. The principal office address is Glennys Sanders House, Pride Parkway, Sleaford NG34 8GL.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with item recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
Guillain-Barre & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies (GAIN) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Trustees deemed that the Charity can meet its commitments and liabilities and can continue for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
- Freehold property (excluding Straight line over 50 years land) - Property fixtures and fittings Straight line over 10 years - Office equipment 25% straight line - Computer equipment 25% straight line
2.7 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2.8 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.10 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.11 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.12 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.13 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Donations 118,742 Legacies 149,002 267,744 Total 2023 443,949 |
Total funds 2024 £ 118,742 149,002 267,744 443,949 |
Total funds 2023 £ 152,242 291,707 |
|---|---|---|
| 443,949 | ||
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
4. Income from other trading activities
Income from fundraising events
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Fundraising 16,000 Sales of cards and goods 5,491 21,491 |
Total funds 2024 £ 16,000 5,491 21,491 |
Total funds 2023 £ - - |
|---|---|---|
| - |
5. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Investment income 14,671 Total 2023 6,633 |
Total funds 2024 £ 14,671 6,633 |
Total funds 2023 £ 6,633 |
|---|---|---|
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Research and raising awareness Total 2023 |
Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 21,803 37,136 |
Grant activities 2024 £ 13,365 (2,000) |
Support costs 2024 £ 176,005 183,497 |
Total funds 2024 £ 211,173 218,633 |
Total funds 2023 £ 218,633 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
| Newsletter costs Welfare Total 2023 |
Raising awareness 2024 £ 21,803 - 21,803 37,136 |
Total funds 2024 £ 21,803 - 21,803 37,136 |
Total funds 2023 £ 15,408 21,728 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37,136 | |||
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Staff costs Depreciation Recruitment Account system Water rates Repairs Communication system Staff agency costs Miscellaneous Licenses and subscriptions Rent and service charge Telephone and computer Print and postage Insurance Equipment hire Travel Legal and professional Bank charges Independent examination Office costs Cleaning and waste disposal Governance costs - trustees travel reimbursed Total 2023 |
Raising awareness 2024 £ 99,580 11,998 885 - 435 2,066 - 12,004 18 13,252 - 4,692 4,927 826 13,552 138 4,918 352 3,000 1,762 1,055 545 176,005 183,497 |
Total funds 2024 £ 99,580 11,998 885 - 435 2,066 - 12,004 18 13,252 - 4,692 4,927 826 13,552 138 4,918 352 3,000 1,762 1,055 545 176,005 183,497 |
Total funds 2023 £ 127,204 13,383 - 292 184 1,215 3,280 - 701 1,300 624 4,619 17,949 1,526 753 1,076 3,187 892 2,860 2,325 - 127 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 183,497 | |||
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
7. Analysis of grants
| Grants to Institutions 2024 Grants to Individuals 2024 Total funds 2024 £ £ £ Grants awarded (9,301) 22,666 13,365 Total 2023 (2,000) - (2,000) The Charity has made the following material grants to institutions during the year: |
Total funds 2023 £ (2,000) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Name of institution | ||
| Other grants to institutions | (9,301) | (2,000) |
8. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2024 £ 93,755 4,280 1,545 99,580 |
2023 £ 112,905 11,580 2,719 |
|---|---|---|
| 127,204 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Management and administration | 2 | 3 |
| The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) | The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) | exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| £60,000 was: | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| No. | No. | |
| In the band £60,001 - £70,000 | 1 | - |
Total renumeration including national insurance and pension contributions in respect to key management personnel totalled £72,799 (2023: £56,375)
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 31 March 2024, expenses totalling £ 545 were reimbursed or paid directly to Trustee (2023 - £NIL to Trustee) in respect of travel costs for meetings.
10. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2023 Additions At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 |
Freehold property £ 278,350 - 278,350 20,445 67 20,512 257,838 257,905 |
Property Fixtures and fittings £ 77,471 - 77,471 28,389 11,587 39,976 37,495 49,082 |
Office equipment £ 9,388 - 9,388 9,388 - 9,388 - - |
Computer equipment £ - 1,375 1,375 - 344 344 1,031 - |
Total £ 365,209 1,375 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 366,584 | |||||
| 58,222 11,998 |
|||||
| 70,220 | |||||
| 296,364 | |||||
| 306,987 |
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
11. Fixed asset investments
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2023 Additions Revaluations At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 Debtors Due within one year Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2024 £ 6,985 750 7,735 |
Unlisted investments £ 102,913 4,506 4,254 |
|---|---|---|
| 111,673 | ||
| 111,673 | ||
| 102,913 | ||
| 2023 £ 11,841 450 12,291 |
12. Debtors
Page 23
GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Grants payable - institutional |
2024 £ 1,523 18 4,416 20,000 25,957 |
2023 £ 2,597 - 8,594 50,368 |
|---|---|---|
| 61,559 |
Grants payable relate to an ongoing University College London research project.
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 14. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year Balance at 1 April 2023 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds Designated funds Property fund 306,987 - General funds General Funds 596,621 303,906 Total Unrestricted funds 903,608 303,906 |
Expenditure £ - (216,979) (216,979) |
Transfers in/out £ (10,623) 10,623 - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - 4,254 4,254 |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 296,364 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 698,425 | ||||
| 994,789 |
Designated funds:
Property fund - this fund reflects the net book value of the property held by GAIN.
Page 25
GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 14. Statement of funds (continued) Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 April 2022 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds Designated funds Play - Getting Better Slowly 1,753 - Kent Branch 353 - West Midlands Branch 430 - Property fund 320,370 - 322,906 - General funds General Funds 365,136 450,582 Total Unrestricted funds 688,042 450,582 |
Expenditure £ - - - - - (224,221) (224,221) |
Transfers in/out £ (1,753) (353) (430) (13,383) (15,919) 15,919 - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - - - - - (10,795) (10,795) |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ - - - 306,987 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 306,987 | ||||
| 596,621 | ||||
| 903,608 |
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GUILLAIN-BARRE & ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHIES (GAIN)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Tangible fixed assets 296,364 Fixed asset investments 111,673 Current assets 612,709 Creditors due within one year (25,957) Total 994,789 |
Total funds 2024 £ 296,364 111,673 612,709 (25,957) 994,789 |
|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 306,987 102,913 555,267 (61,559) 903,608 |
Total funds 2023 £ 306,987 102,913 555,267 (61,559) 903,608 |
|---|---|---|
16. Pension commitments
The Charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £1,545 (2023 - £2,719). Contributions totalling £nil (2023 -£nil) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
17. Related party transactions
Other than disclosed above or elsewhere in these financial statements, there were no other transactions with related parties requiring disclosure.
Page 27