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← Serbia's Forgotten Paws

2024-05-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1156501

Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barn Appledram Lane South Chichester PO20 7EG

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

Page
Legal and Administrative Information 3
Trustees' Report 4 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Accounts 10 to 15

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER

1156501

WORKING NAMES SFP START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 07 April 2023

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR

31 May 2024

The charity changed their accounting system to Sage and used the opportunity to change their financial year end from 6th April 2024 to 31st May 2024.

TRUSTEES AT 31 MAY 2024

Maria Foskett (Chair) Jessica Rogers Sabrina Lotz Gillian Fenge Jovana Ivastanin

The existing trustees appoint any new trustees following the provisions laid out in the Charity's governing instrument.

LEGAL STATUS Unincorporated Charity

GOVERNING INSTRUMENT

Constitution adopted 16th October 2013 as amended on 4th March 2014.

OBJECTS

  1. To Relieve The Suffering Of Stray Dogs And Feral Cats In Need Of Care And Attention In Serbia And, In Particular, To Support The Maintenance Of Rescue Homes Or Other Facilities For The Reception, Care And Treatment Of Such Animals In The Hope Of Finding Them Permanent Homes Either In Serbia Or Elsewhere In The World As The Trustees See Fit.

  2. To Preserve Public Health And To Protect The Public From Nuisance And Distress Primarily By Promoting The Responsible Management Of Domestic, Stray And Feral Dogs And Cats Through Neutering In Such Ways And In Such Parts Of Serbia Or The World As The Trustees From Time To Time May Think Fit.

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

30 Herbs End Fanrborough GU14 9YD

PRIMARY BANKERS

TSB Bank Plc

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Donna Leppitt Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barn Appledram Lane South Chichester PO20 7EG

3

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

The Council of Trustees is pleased to present the annual report and financial statements of Serbia’s Forgotten Paws for the year ending 31st May 2024. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2022, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and 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.

Introduction and Executive Summary

Serbia’s Forgotten Paws (SFP) aims to relieve the suffering of animals in Serbia in need of care and attention. In particular, to support the maintenance of rescue homes or other facilities for the reception, care and treatment of such animals in the hope of finding them permanent homes either in Serbia, or elsewhere in the world as the trustees see fit.

Whilst a small charity in the grand scheme of things, the passion and determination of those involved in the charity is impressive and to be applauded. The impact of Covid and Brexit continues to cause issues for the charity. Fundraising has also been impacted by changes in algorithms and donation capabilities of social media platforms, which have previously been the main source of income. There was a dip in donations in September, and again at the start of the calendar year from January to March. The most successful period for donations was October, through to December. Donations total £200,972.84, a decrease of 24% from prior year. Fostering has encountered several problems with the number of fosterers in the UK dropping, and the cost of paying for those in Serbia increasing.

The Accounts

Income to the charity is still challenging via platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. They apparently altered their algorithms and the charity posts do not have as much reach as experienced previously. There have also been a number of issues with capturing donations via Facebook which has impacted the charity’s donations considerably. Receiving donations via JustGiving ensures the charity benefits from the GiftAid rebates where applicable. Donations are received in various currencies from supporters worldwide which in turn requires careful tracking of finances and exchange rates – this has involved quite a bit of work with the accounting service to bring clarity, but the Trustees are comfortable that spending has been entirely in line with the charity’s objectives. The charity have trialled various accounting tools - due to the different currencies and platforms used, they have proved difficult to implement however the Sage platform has now been implemented successfully with forward-looking accounts and receipts in good order.

Of the total income of £205,543, £159,237 was spent in Serbia in support of the charity’s aims of feeding, vetting, rehoming and improving the conditions for the animals. The expenditure in the UK (£56,034) was spent on transport, balance on vet bills, fostering, fundraising investment and expenses.

Reserves Policy

Reserve funds are held for any instances of emergency rescue needs, or unexpected vet bills - it enables the charity to ensure there is a buffer for these situations or to cover any shortfall in fundraising activities.

Constitution

There are no proposed amendments to the constitution at present.

Membership

Membership status is still small and has decreased. As part of the constitution members are required. This is an area to be discussed further by Trustees to explore whether further efforts are needed to increase membership.

Trustees

No change to the number of Trustees at present.

4

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

Summary

The charity have had another successful year providing support for the care of dogs who have enjoyed a much better quality of life than they would have been able to expect without Serbia’s Forgotten Paws’ interventions. SFP’s objectives and constitution focus on relieving the suffering of animals in Serbia, not just dogs, but cats, horses and even pigs – all of whom are supported via feeding, catch-neuter-release schemes, support of shelters, fostering for the neediest and provision of medical care.

Supporters and volunteers always have the best interests of the animals and charity at heart and do their best to support SFP in any way possible. The commitment and dedication from the volunteers who run the charity is amazing, considering they do this alongside their full-time jobs and busy personal lives. I’m still incredibly proud to be part of this charity and would like to recognize the incredible dedication of our volunteer team and difference they have made.

5

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

Trustees' Responsibilities

The Charities Act 2022 requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which presents a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the surplus of the Charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

i) Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently

ii) Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

iii) Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the trust will continue in existence.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity. 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.

I approve the attached statement of financial activities and balance sheet and confirm that I have made available all information necessary for its preparation.

Approved by the Trustees on… 15.09.25 .....................................

Signed on their behalf by Trustee …..............................

Printed Name: Maria Foskett

6

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 14.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2022 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting 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

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts

to be reached.

Donna Leppitt Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barn Appledram Lane South Chichester PO20 7EG

Date: 24th September 2025

7

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES
Donations & Legacies
3a
Charitable Activities
3b
Other Income
3c
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
PAYMENTS
Costs of Charitable Activities
4
NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES
Balances Brought Forward
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
RESOURCES EXPENDED
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
138,315
-
138,315
196,974
106,899
-
106,899
-
96
-
96
-
245,309
-
245,309
196,974
268,021
-
268,021
199,862
268,021
-
268,021
199,862
(22,712)
-
(22,712)
(2,888)
-
-
-
-
(22,712)
-
(22,712)
(2,888)
31,919
-
31,919
34,806
-
-
-
9,207
-
9,207
31,919

Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.

The notes form part of these financial statements, found on pages:-

10 to 15

8

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MAY 2024

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Fund Fund 31-May-24 06-Apr-23
£ £ £ £
Assets Notes
Tangible Assets 2 - - - -
Current Assets
Debtors & Prepayments 8 805 - 805 313
Cash at bank and in hand 7 13,074 - 13,074 34,846
Total Current Assets 13,879 - 13,879 35,159
Creditors:amounts falling due 9 4,673 - 4,673 3,240
within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS 9,207 - 9,207 31,919
TOTAL ASSETSless current liabilities 9,207 - 9,207 31,919
Creditors:amounts falling due in more 10 - - - -
than one year
NET ASSETS 9,207 - 9,207 31,919
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
General Funds 9,207 - 9,207 31,919
Restricted funds 5 - - - -
TOTAL FUNDS 9,207 - 9,207 31,919

The financial statements were approved, authorised and signed on their behalf by:

Approved by the Trustees on … 15.09.25 .................................... Mariw toskett Signed on their behalf by Trustee …..............................

Print Name: Maria Foskett …..............................

9

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.

Basis of preparation:

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP - FRS102) and the Charities Act 2022.

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Assessment of Going Concern

Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Recognition of Incoming Resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

Incoming Resources with Related expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.

Grants and Donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the tax reclaim is received.

Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants

This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.

Gifts in Kind

Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as income receivable.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts and is described in the Trustees' Report.

Donated Services and Facilities

These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Foreign Currency

Where sums received or paid in a foreign currency have been included in income or expenditure, those sums have been translated into sterling at the exchange rate used by the banking institution at the time of transaction. Foreign currency assets held (for example foreign currencies held at PayPal) are translated into sterling using the applicable spot exchange rate at the end of the reporting period.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

10

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Expenditure and Liabilities

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Governance Costs

Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advise to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

Fund Accounting

Funds held by the charity are either:

These are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.

Designated funds

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied are as follows:

Equipment 33%

There has been no change to the accounting polices (Variation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

The Charity held no fixed assets investments during this or the previous financial period.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

11

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

3. INCOMING RESOURCES

3. INCOMING RESOURCES
Note
b) Incoming from Charitable Activities
c) Other Income
a) Donations & Legacies
Donations, Gifts, Sponsorship and
Adoption
Refunds
Sales-Products
Sales-Services
Other income
Realised loss on Foreign Exchange		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
138,005
-
138,005
196,974
310
-
310
-
138,315
-
138,315
196,974
91,262
-
91,262
-
53
-
53
-
15,583
-
15,583
-
106,899
-
106,899
-
96
-
96
-
96
-
96
-

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

12

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

4. RESOURCES EXPENDED

Note
Fostering
Horses
Other Direct Expenses
Printing, Postage and Stationery
Raffle and event items
Charitable Activities
Direct expenses:-
Cost of Sales-Goods
Animal Transportation Fees
Bank Charges & interest
Boarding, Shelter and Food Costs
Bank charges
Postage and Carriage
Governance costs:-
Independent Examiner's Fees
Legal & Professional fees
Suppliers via paypal:-
Computer
Dog boarding, food, shelter
Fees
Foster
Foster and Food
Horses
Printing and Postage
Raffle prizes, events
Shelter and food
Transport
Sundry expenses
Vet
Refunds
Rescue Activities
Sundry and Miscellaneous Expenses
Veterinary Fees
Computer and Software Costs
Fees
Fraudalent Payment		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
92,959
-
92,959
-
6,236
-
6,236
29,041
-
-
-
-
30,385
-
30,385
59,232
501
-
501
184
2,876
-
2,876
-
222
-
222
116
182
-
182
44,618
8,004
-
8,004
7,110
-
-
-
-
22
-
22
-
613
-
613
2,816
-
-
-
224
198
-
198
16,587
720
-
720
1,719
11,404
-
11,404
35,165
-
-
-
21
9
-
9
-
38,711
-
38,711
-
0
-
0
-
18,495
-
18,495
-
27,178
-
27,178
-
6,703
-
6,703
-
452
-
452
-
1,141
-
1,141
-
5,087
-
5,087
-
2,655
-
2,655
-
8,636
-
8,636
-
-
-
-
1,276
1,830
-
1,830
1,740
1,762
-
1,762
-
1,038
-
1,038
15
268,021
-
268,021
199,862

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

13

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

5. RESTRICTED FUNDS

The Charity held no Restricted Funds during this or the previous financial period.

6. INVESTMENTS

The Charity held no investment assets during this or the previous financial period.

7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Unrestricted
Restricted		 Total Total
Funds
Funds		 31-May-24 06-Apr-23
£
£		 £ £
TSB Current Account 4,384 - 4,384 34,136
PayPal Account GBP 8,690 - 8,690 549
PayPal Account CAD - - - 4
PayPal Account USD - - - 0
PayPal Account AUD - - - 9
PayPal Account EURO - - - 148
13,074 - 13,074 34,846
8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
Unrestricted
Restricted		 Total Total
Funds
Funds		 31-May-24 06-Apr-23
£
£		 £ £
Trade debtors 493 - 493 -
Bank Error (to be refunded) 313 - 313 313
805 - 805 313
9. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Unrestricted
Restricted		 Total Total
Funds
Funds		 31-May-24 06-Apr-23
£
£		 £ £
Trade Creditors 1,103 - 1,103 -
Independent Examiner's Fee 2022 - - - 1,500
Independent Examiner's Fee 2023 1,740 - 1,740 1,740
Independent Examiner's Fee 2024 1,830 - 1,830 -
4,673 - 4,673 3,240

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

14

SERBIA'S FORGOTTEN PAWS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

10. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR

The Charity held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial period.

11. ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The charity has no direct employees in the UK or Serbia. However in Serbia the charity contributes towards expenses for workers at the pound and shelter to enable them to get to the shelter i.e. taxis (as there is no public transport anywhere near the shelter) The Trustees confirm that these contributions are all small denominations and not of a material amount when considered in aggregate.

12. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.

(2022/23- None)

13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Tangible Fixed Assets
Net Current Assets
Long Term Liabilities
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
31-May-24
06-Apr-23
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
9,207
-
9,207
31,919
-
-
-
-
9,207
-
9,207
31,919

14. RISK ASSESSMENT

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

15. RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

16. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the charity has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

17. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There are no post balance sheet events which require disclosure, and no information of which the Independent Examiner is unaware.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

15