REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1157147
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
FOR
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
Leukaemia Busters MP3, Southampton General Hospital Southampton SO16 6YD
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
| Page | ||
|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 | |
| Balance Sheet | 8 | |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 | to 14 |
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
Leukaemia Busters was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) formed under a constitution dated 21st May 2014. The objectives of the charity are to relieve patients with leukaemia, lymphoma and other blood-related cancers through funding the pursuit of pure and translational scientific research aimed at the development of new improved therapies for these malignant diseases. The objective is achieved through research conducted in our dedicated research laboratory, The Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Laboratory based at Southampton General Hospital. The charity's vision is a world in which leukaemia and related conditions are safely, quickly and completely cured and our mission is to fund and conduct research focused on providing antibody-based treatments that will provide this for leukaemia patients.
The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's latest general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and planning future activities and are satisfied that our main research activities meet requirements.
We pursue a research portfolio that has a translational value; that is research that is intended one day to yield practical benefits for patients through research and development of novel treatments based on antibodies or other similar molecules. Unlike many medical research charities Leukaemia Busters raises funds for direct application by its own scientists in its own laboratory in Southampton, and for collaborations with major national and overseas institutions under the management of the charity's scientific directors. In this way we have been able to hold firm to on-going investment in promising lines of research that meet our core objectives while maintaining scientific excellence through exhaustive independent peer review of our publications and scientific work.
Research activities
During this reporting period the effects of the coronavirus pandemic have largely receded and after successive lockdowns our laboratories have returned to normal working within the hospital environment. However, the disruption that the pandemic caused in 2020 and for part of 2021, with long breaks in our working schedules, means that, we are now in the process of a rapid catch-up.
New experimental data is being generated once again and will be published as original papers in international peer reviewed science and medical journals in the near future. In this respect our ongoing lab-based work continues to centre on exploring ways of increasing the potency and therapeutic index of immunotoxin-based anti-leukaemia drugs. We have over the years identified a number of ways to achieve such improvements and in order to translate these findings into clinical practice it is essential to understand the mechanism(s) that lie behind such improvements.
In particular much of our work centres on how drugs and toxins delivered by an antibody escape from vesicles termed endosomes situated inside the leukaemia cell and thence gain entry to the malignant cell interior. It is from here that cytotoxic drugs and toxins delivered by an antibody are able to exert their pharmacological action to kill the malignant cell. Good progress has recently been made in our laboratory-based studies that aim to elucidate the mechanism(s) behind the saponinmediated augmentation of saporin-based immunotoxin cyctotoxicity for leukaemia and lymphoma cells. Studies are ongoing and will be published for open access to the global scientific community once we are confident that our results are credible and statistically sound.
An essential ingredient for the future of successful original research work is a steady supply of young talented scientists and the trustees recognise this as an important area for future funding. An important pathway to becoming an independent scientist is through the pursuit of a course of supervised research leading to a PhD qualification. In past and recent years Leukaemia Busters has financially supported several young postgraduate scientists working in its own laboratories in pursuit of a PhD qualification from the University of Southampton. The Trustees are considering how best to extend this form of funding in support of PhD candidates who wish to pursue a career in research on the immunotherapy of all forms of blood cancers. This would likely take the form of a limited number of studentships awarded on a competitive basis to suitably accredited institutions. This best way to approach this is currently under exploration as an additional funding strand for the charity to consider in the foreseeable future.
Page 1
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
The Trustees are committed to the running of the CIO with extremely low overhead costs. The charity does not employ expensive fundraisers but instead relies on voluntary and community efforts to raise funds. The Trustees continue to improve and refine, where necessary, good governance practices without adding an unnecessary burden to operating costs.
The Trustees continue to maintain robust and reliable financial management systems that adhere to current regulations which have proven successful in the past. The CIO has a clear sense of both purpose and direction that is driven by positive outcomes in the research it funds that is viewed as an important incremental step towards clinical benefits for patients. The CIO retains a small but strong group of dedicated Trustees who between them share a good range of skills including scientific, business and management. As a charity funding medical research with responsibility for on-going laboratory and staffing costs we have an obligation to remain financially sound and prudent. Our management systems are transparent and Trustees exercise effective controls over money and assets.
We strongly believe that as an established local charity our clearly stated aims, well publicised achievements and prudent financial management have been the hallmarks of our success. The resultant low administrative overheads that we incur will allow us to truthfully tell organisations and individuals that over ninety seven pence of every pound donated goes directly towards our charitable objectives. Maintaining our low running costs is absolutely essential if we are to project the right ethos to staff, beneficiaries and the wider public.
The Trustees are mindful of the charity’s exposure to risk and have put in place checks and balances designed to minimise these. The charity adheres to all aspects of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and treats all personal data it collects with absolute confidentiality never sharing this with any third party or to be used in ways that might be considered as unethical.
The scientific research objectives of the charity are clearly stated. Laboratory-based research work streams are carefully costed before commencement to ensure that we operate within the bounds of affordability. Increasing efforts will be made to attract funding from other charitable trusts, supportive academic institutions, government or other international sources. The majority of our funding to date has come from charitable trusts, charitable donations from individuals, other charitable organisations or legacies and we will continue to build on these.
Our financial reporting is detailed, scrutinised and approved by the Board of Trustees in twice yearly meetings dedicated to this purpose. The Trustees have elected not to invest capital sums of money but to instead keep the charity’s cash assets in bank accounts offering the highest current rates of interest. Bank interest rates are regularly monitored and capital money moved as best judged appropriate.
The professional contributions to the charity's fully qualified postgraduate and postdoctoral scientific research staff cannot be understated and are absolutely vital to the success of the charity's stated objectives. The trustees intend to safeguard these scientific posts recognising that they are central to achieving the charity's set objectives. All contracts of employment and salary scales for the science staff are drawn up to closely parallel those offered to University of Southampton employees. This helps ensure that we remain competitive for and retain high quality research staff. All our scientific staff are now enrolled on a workplace pension scheme run by the government approved "Smart Pension", identified and selected by the Trustees as being best in terms of online operative simplicity and benefits offered to pension holders. Laboratory operating and consumables costs are scrutinised, reconciled and allocated at each Board of Trustees meeting. Larger items of equipment are purchased using a 'best value' procedure that entails obtaining a minimum of three quotations and selecting that which offers best value for money.
The charity's Trustees recognise the growing importance of legacies to our funding and see this as a priority for the future financial health of the charity. The Trustees are enormously grateful to those kind individuals who consider leaving the charity a legacy in their will. Indeed the Trustees are very grateful to all those loyal supporters, past and present, who have unstintingly supported the Leukaemia Busters over the past years and hope that they will be able to continue to do so in the future to keep our work alive. It is these individuals who have made possible the lifesaving work we have conducted in the past. The Trustees are optimistic that improving economic forecasts will ensure that future funding levels will safeguard the charity's work in the development of new and improved treatments for leukaemia and other blood cancers.
Page 2
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Investment policy and objectives
In accordance with the CIO constitution the Trustees have the power to invest in any investments as they see fit to further the objectives of the CIO. The current policy is to adopt a low risk investment strategy based on maximising income from bank deposits.
Financial position
Leukaemia Busters raises the bulk of its income from charitable donations from the public and various organisations though legacy income continues to provide an important though less unpredictable additional source.
During the financial year ended 31 March 2022 the CIO received donations, legacies and grants totaling £92,144. The total fund balance at the end of the year amounted to £424,064.
The Trustees confirm that the CIO's assets are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations to meet all existing commitments.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees adopt a reserves policy of maintaining sufficient funds to meet the costs of approved research projects, and to build funds to support work in the future. To ensure that this obligation is fulfilled the trustees have set £100,000, sufficient for one year’s worth of laboratory operations as its minimum reserve. The charity nevertheless seeks to establish break clauses in its grant approvals as a matter of prudence to ensure that the charity never becomes overextended.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document (a constitution) that constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).
Governance position
The trustees continue to retain and improve, where necessary, good governance practices without adding an unnecessary burden to operating costs.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
All trustees undergo a common selection and induction process. The trustees have highlighted key areas of experience and competency that the trustee group needs to contain. To function effectively the board needs to have diverse skills covering: Business & Governance; Marketing & Media; Scientific & Medical. All new recruited trustees undergo the same application, selection and induction process, to make sure all are fit for purpose, and can make a positive contribution to the charity.
Organisational structure
The board of five trustees provide the steerage and financial control of the charity with the day to day management delegated to the Charity & Scientific Director Dr D J Flavell. Executive Scientific Director Dr S U Flavell together with Dr D J Flavell is responsible for the effective management of the science programmes of the charity through a combination of administrative and scientific skills. A well developed and clearly defined reporting system for the scientific directors to the Trustees has been developed over the years to protect all aspects the charity's position and ensure good governance and best practice. The trustees have set objectives to continue to improve systems and processes in line with market best practice, and the board has formally adopted the "Code of Good Governance" principles.
Page 3
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Induction and training of new trustees
All potential new trustees are required to complete a standard application form detailing their skills and the benefits they will bring to the charity. All trustees are provided with the CIO governing document, a role description detailing their responsibilities, and Charity Commission and "Code of Good Governance" good practice guidelines. All appointees are invited to visit the charity's locations and meet with key staff and trustees prior to their application being formally considered by the board. The trustees are kept abreast of regulatory and general governance developments through internal communications, board presentations and other reference material.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1157147
Principal address
c/o Southampton General Hospital Mailpoint 3 Tremona Road Southampton Hampshire SO16 6YD
Trustees
R W Sutcliffe Dr S U Flavell Dr D J Flavell Mrs J Sherborne Mrs B Robinson-Grindey
Independent Examiner
Alison Powell B.Sc. (Hons), ACMA, CGMA, CPFA
Bankers
HSBC Bank PLC 55 Above Bar Street Southampton SO14 7DZ
Nat West Bank PLC 12 High Street Southampton SO14 2BF
Virgin Money 10 College Place Southampton Hampshire SO15 6YD
Page 4
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Patrons
David and Thorunn Gower
Officers
Dr D J Flavell (Charity & Scientific Director) Dr S U Flavell (Executive Scientific Director)
Fundraising Presidents
Harry and Sandra Redknapp
Ambassadors
Stewart Dunn Lawrie McMenemy Bruce Parker Sally Taylor
Approved by order of the board of trustees on………………………………… 5 January 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
....................................................... 5/1/2023 R W Sutcliffe - Trustee
Page 5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Leukaemia Busters
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Leukaemia Busters (the CIO) for the year ended 31st March 2022.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the CIO's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with 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.
Alison Powell ACMA, CGMA, CPFA
Date: 05/01/2023
…………………….
Page 6
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
| Unrestricted fund INCOME FROM Notes £ Donations and legacies 2 45,526 Fundraising 3 10,966 Grants 35,652 Bank Interest 4 1,378 Total 93,522 EXPENDITURE ON Office and Administration 2,592 Fundraising Costs 1,092 Leukaemia Research 93,248 Total 96,932 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (3,410) Transfers between funds - Net movement in funds (3,410) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 427,474 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 424,064 |
Restricted fund £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
2022 Total funds £ 45,526 10,966 35,652 1,378 93,522 2,592 1,092 93,248 96,932 (3,410) - (3,410) 427,474 424,064 |
2021 Total funds £ 187,864 4,125 81,895 2,860 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 276,744 3,274 2,536 98,941 |
|||
| 104,751 | |||
| 171,993 - |
|||
| 171,993 255,481 |
|||
| 427,474 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 7
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
BALANCE SHEET
31ST MARCH 2022
| Unrestricted fund FIXED ASSETS Notes £ Tangible assets 9 49 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors - Cash in hand 428,077 428,077 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 (4,062) NET CURRENT ASSETS 424,015 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 424,064 NET ASSETS 424,064 FUNDS 11 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Restricted fund £ - - - - - - - - |
2022 Total funds £ 49 - 428,077 428,077 (4,062) 424,015 424,064 424,064 424,064 - 424,064 |
2021 Total funds £ 286 86 433,274 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 433,360 (6,172) |
|||
| 427,188 | |||
| 427,474 | |||
| 427,474 | |||
| 427,474 - |
|||
| 427,474 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on……………………………….. 5 January 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
R W Sutcliffe - Trustee .......................................... 5/1/2023
5/1/2023
----- End of picture text -----
…………………………….
S U Flavell - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 8
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Raising funds
Fund raising costs
Fund raising costs represent promotional expenses incurred by the trust.
Promotional items
Promotional items are written off in the year of purchase
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Plant and machinery - 25% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Bank Interest
Bank Interest is accounted for at the time it is crystallised on the bank statement.
Page 9
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Friendship scheme In memoriam/bequests Donations Legacy income Total Summary of legacy income The late Mrs Barbara Davis The late Jean Brenda The late Pamela Barnes The late Mrs Taylor The late Mrs Gardner The late Mrs Dakin 3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Bee Flavell Virtual London Marathon 2021 Andy Pillar London Marathon 2021 Hayley Gibbens Jurassic Coast-Ultra Challenge RJ Williams Memorial Golf day Len & Jessi 50thWedding Anniversary Andy Pillar 40 Marathons in 52 weeks Skydive Skydive Total 4. INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest |
2022 £ 8,029 6,364 23,475 7,658 45,526 2022 £ 7,158 500 - - - - 7,658 2022 £ 5,031 2,701 2,100 1,084 50 - - 10,966 2022 £ 1,378 |
2021 £ 8,720 11,043 30,649 137,452 |
|---|---|---|
| 187,864 | ||
| 2021 £ - - 126,032 10,000 1,000 420 |
||
| 137,452 | ||
| 2021 £ - - - - - 3,990 135 |
||
| 4,125 | ||
| 2021 £ 2,860 |
||
Page 10
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Two trustees were employed by the charity to manage its scientific research programme for the period ended 31st March 2022.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2022 nor for the year ended 31st March 2021.
6. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Scientific staff No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 183,114 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 2,213 Charitable activities Leukaemia research 97,465 Total 99,678 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)172,316 Transfers between funds - Net movement in funds 172,316 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 255,158 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 427,474 Other trading activities 4,125 Grant income 81,895 Investment income 2,860 Total 271,994 |
2022 4 Restricted fund £ 4,750 323 4,750 5,073 (323) - (323) 323 - - - - 4,750 |
2021 4 Total funds £ 187,864 2,536 102,215 4,125 81,895 2,860 276,744 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 104,751 | |||
| 171,993 - |
|||
| 171,993 255,481 |
|||
| 427,474 |
7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Page 11
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
8. RESTRICTED FUND
The restricted fund includes the following:
Fixed assets
These have been written down in line with the accounting policy.
9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST DEPRECIATION NET BOOK VALUE At 1st April 2021 Additions At 31st March 2022 At 1st April 2021 Charge for year At 31st March 2022 At 31st March 2022 At 31st March 2021 |
Plant and machinery £ 40,428 0 |
|---|---|
| 40,428 | |
| 40,142 237 |
|
| 40,379 | |
| 49 | |
| 286 |
Page 12
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 01/04/21 Unrestricted funds £ General fund427,474 Restricted funds Restricted fund - TOTAL FUNDS 427,474 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds At 01/04/20 £ General fund 255,158 Restricted funds Restricted fund 323 TOTAL FUNDS 255,481 Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors |
Net movement in funds £ (3,410) - (3,410) Incoming resources £ 93,522 - 93,522 Net movement in funds £ 172,316 (323) 171,993 |
|
|---|---|---|
Page 13
LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 271,995 4,750 276,745 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (99,678) 172,317 (5,073) (323) (104,751)171,994 |
|---|---|---|
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st March 2022.
Page 14