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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1157579 (England and Wales)

Charity registration number SC050752 (Scotland) Company registration number 09044459 (England and Wales)

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees A G Bloom L M Bloom A D Humzah M L Sugarman P Hanson (Appointed 23 June 2023) S M Middlemiss (Appointed 23 June 2023) O A Ilenda (Appointed 5 January 2024) S Saraf (Appointed 5 January 2024) K C Bayles (Appointed 5 January 2024) P Harris (Appointed 14 May 2024) K Carpenter (Appointed 14 May 2024) Charity number (England and Wales) 1157579 Charity number (Scotland) SC050752 Company number 09044459 Registered office C/O Critchleys LLP Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP Auditor Critchleys Audit LLP Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

CONTENTS

Page
Introduction - Strengthening our commitment 1
Trustees report 2 - 11
Statement of Trustees responsibilities 12
Independent auditor's report 13 - 16
Statement of financial activities 17
Balance sheet 18
Statement of cash flows 19
Notes to the financial statements 20 - 30

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

INTRODUCTION - STRENGTHENING OUR COMMITMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

As we moved into our second decade, Overcoming MS continued to grow and further serve our community. We strengthened our commitment to our vision of a world in which living a full and healthy life with MS is possible for all.

This year saw us expanding our services to the MS community, including the return of our life-changing residential retreats and the launch of new Pop-Up events where people with MS can meet, share insights and learn from guest speakers as well as each other. We recruited new expert Facilitators, built our capacity to further enhance our support provision and launched our new global community service, the Live Well Hub.

In addition, we were delighted to welcome further research into how the Overcoming MS Program helps people improve their MS symptoms and long-term prognosis, offering hope and optimism to all those impacted by multiple sclerosis[1] .

Working together with other organisations is essential and I would like to thank the MS Society, who we collaborated that so many different organisations are prepared to come together for the benefit of those affected by MS.

2023 was also a very positive year for the Overcoming MS team. Our new Chief Executive, Alex Holden, provided strong leadership and led an excellent strategic review; and new trustees also joined us, broadening the Board of new, and Caroline Clarke in particular, for her dedication across many years of service. She has now stepped down from the Board of Trustees due to her new role as NHS London Regional Director, but we are fortunate that she will remain an Emeritus Director of the charity, along with Overcoming MS Program founder Professor George Jelinek.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who supported us in 2023 partners, collaborators, Trusts and Foundations, individual donors and fundraisers, our dedicated staff team, community, Board and volunteers. All of you are helping us make a positive impact on the lives of people with MS.

.............................. Dowshan Humzah Chair of the Board of trustees, Overcoming MS

Date: .........................

1Simpson-Yap S, Neate SL, Nag N, Probst YC, Yu M, Jelinek GA, Reece JC: Longitudinal associations between quality of diet and disability over 7.5 years in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2023, 30:3200-3211.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act) present their annual report together with the financial statements of Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (the company) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the company qualifies as small under section 383, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Director's Report) Regulations 2013 is not required.

The company also operates under the names Overcoming MS and OMS.

Objectives and activities

Overcoming MS bringing hope

Overcoming MS is here to enable everyone with MS to achieve optimal health and wellbeing through making informed healthy lifestyle choices.

The Overcoming MS Program

The information we share is based on the Overcoming MS Program, following the comprehensive research and subsequent book publication by Professor George Jelinek, Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis . The Program covers diet, vitamin D, physical activity, stress management, medication, family health (risk reduction for family members) and changing your life, for life (i.e. ensuring long-term lifestyle changes).

A high-quality diet, such as that recommended as part of the Overcoming MS Program, has been shown to reduce disability progression in people with MS by as much as 50% over 7 ½ years.[1]

Help us share this vital information to help more people live well with MS.

1Simpson-Yap S, Neate SL, Nag N, Probst YC, Yu M, Jelinek GA, Reece JC: Longitudinal associations between quality of diet and disability over 7.5 years in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2023, 30:3200-321

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Achievements and performance: Inform

We use a range of channels to ensure people are aware and fully informed about the Overcoming MS Program as an evidence-based way to help self-manage MS through lifestyle choices. This content also serves to support and inspire our community.

Web, email and social media

To help inform people about the importance of lifestyle choices to live well with MS, in 2023 we reached a record 382,000 people from over 150 countries with our web content, with 1.1 million page views. We have over 22,000 people subscribed to regularly receive our email content and hear how to live well with MS.

Podcast

We continued creating regular content with our most ambitious podcast season to date with 38 new episodes, achieving 118,000 podcast downloads from over 100 countries. Topics covered the pillars of the Program plus topics like menopause and MS, MS and creativity, and a conversation with an MS nurse who has multiple sclerosis.

Webinar

3,800 people from 61 countries registered, with over

8,000 playbacks and our webinars achieved an overall satisfaction score of 96%.

Events: Pop-Ups

We delivered four Pop-Up events across the UK in direct response to a need for more face-to-face interaction expressed by the community, with presentations from experts with lived experience of MS and the Program. We visited Edinburgh, Guildford, Buxton and Bristol, attracting 144 attendees and achieving an overall satisfaction score of 80%.

-Up, and it was a massively important event for me. Only diagnosed with PPMS in September 2022, I found Overcoming MS in February 2023. Podcasts let me hear the voices of people living with MS, but this Pop-Up let me meet people for real. The range of people ages, symptoms, stories, treatments was

Achievements and performance: Support

We provide direct support to enable people with MS to follow a healthy lifestyle as well as facilitating peer to peer support through our accessible and responsive community.

Circle groups

In 2023, we had 99 local Circles of supportive community members across 26 countries, with 3,086 Circle members. The Circles are led by our 107 volunteer Ambassadors - 75% of whom rated themselves as extremely passionate and committed. See below for stats by area .

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Our volunteers

We had 127 volunteers supporting the work of Overcoming MS contributing on average 4.75 hours every month. Volunteer roles include Ambassadors, Communications Advisory group, trustees, content contributors and a Podcast producer.

out of 5 compared to 76% of the general Overcoming MS community. The Overcoming MS Program achieved a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 77 amongst volunteers compared to 48 within the general community, demonstrating they are our strongest advocates. 66% of volunteers reported a score of 4+ out of 5 for how supported they felt in 2023, compared to 43% in 2022 and 27% in 2021.

Ambassador support

We delivered safeguarding, mindfulness and healthy boundaries training including a livestream delivered by community members. The overall satisfaction score for safeguarding training was 89%, and 88% confidence level to approach a safeguarding issue.

Live Well Hub app launch

Launched in July 2023, our Live Well Hub is a global, online community where people with multiple sclerosis can hear direct from experts, find out about events, and get lifestyle tips, ideas and support. By the end of 2023, we had 2,000 members registered on the Hub, supporting connections and conversations across our global community.

Social media

We also engaged regularly with our 58,000 followers across our social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest and LinkedIn, including responding to direct messages.

Circle stats by area in 2023

Total active Circles: 99 Total active Circles by region:

----- Start of picture text -----
United Kingdom: Europe: 29 North and South The Middle East: 1 Thematic Circles:
30 Belgium 2 America: 18 Israel - 1 11
England - 24 Czech Republic Canada 3 Australia and Asia:
Northern Ireland 1 USA 13 10
- 2 Denmark 1 Brazil 1 Australia 4
Scotland - 3 Germany 11 Colombia - 1 Hong Kong 1
Wales - 1 Greece 1 India 1
Ireland 2 New Zealand - 4
Italy 2
Netherlands 3
Portugal 1
Slovakia 1
Spain 2
Sweden 1
Switzerland - 1
----- End of picture text -----

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Achievements and performance: Empower

We help people with MS feel more hopeful, optimistic, and empowered, knowing they can take control of their MS and lead a more full and healthy life. Although this empowerment is delivered by sharing the Overcoming MS Program through all our activities, particular activities have a specific focus on empowering our community.

Course: Pathways

Twenty-five participants attended the second Pathways course, an interactive six-week online course with expert Facilitators to support participants in their understanding of the Overcoming MS Program. Evaluation showed a 100% improvement in overall measures (wellbeing, confidence to follow the Program, ability to talk with family and friends), while 100% of participants said they would recommend Pathways to others.

Award-winning Pathways evaluation

Following the mixed-methods research carried out on the effectiveness of our pilot Pathway course, we were able to evidence the success of delivering peer to peer self-management support in following the Overcoming MS Program. We submitted an abstract in response to the British Society for Lifestyle Medicine's call for lifestyle medicine projects and were invited to submit both oral and poster presentations, winning an award for the oral presentation given by Dr Jonathan White, demonstrating the quality of the course.

Events: Retreats

2023 saw a return to residential retreats. Forty participants attended a three-day residential retreat in the UK, which aimed to help participants with MS who are keen to make lifestyle changes to support their physical and mental well-being. Retreats enable participants to gain a better understanding of the Overcoming MS Program and form connections with others. A new hybrid approach included a four-week online introduction, delivered by Overcoming MS Facilitators. Results from the retreat showed an 81% improvement in mental health and well-being, and 97% of respondents said their original goals for the retreat had been met.

be totally immersed in an environment where everyone understood what I was going through, and where everything was geared to my

Campaigns to inspire

a

empowering people to share their different. We also worked with supporter Andy McKenna, who created a powerful video with our medical advisor, Dr Jonathan White for his series, Evolution Stories.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Raising our profile empowering others

We attended key external conferences and events to widen our network and knowledge base. These included the MS Trust conference, the Primary Care show, Veg Med, presented at BSLM (British Society for Lifestyle and Medicine), Manchester Mindfulness Festival and ECTRIMS / ACTRIMS.

Achievements and performance: Collaborate

We influence and collaborate with our community, the broader MS community, healthcare professionals and experts to increase our reach and impact.

Co-designing with our community

Collaborating with MS charities and other organisations

Overcoming MS is a member of the MS Charities CEO and Policy and Evidence working groups, campaigning alongside other UK-based MS charities. We worked with other UK charities on a shared MS Awareness Week

Joint policy paper

Overcoming MS worked with other UK-based MS charities to present a joint policy positioning paper to Parliament on MS and mental health. It was informed by the experiences of people with MS which was published as part of Mental Health Awareness month. We also attended a roundtable discussion with Ministers. We are part of the Neurological Alliance (CEO Group and Policy Group) and BSLM.

Healthcare professional engagement

A new Healthcare Professional (HCP) Engagement Strategy for 2024-2026 was developed and a new HCP Advisory group was formalised. New content and resources were developed, including a dedicated HCP webpage, HCP Circle, and a specific Circle for HCPs living with MS.

Facilitators

We launched a new Train the Trainer programme to expand our pool of expertise and create centres of excellence. Seven new trainees joined the mentoring programme and, as part of their training, they delivered webinars, presented at Pop-Ups and attended the retreat with a formal assessment at the end of the training.

Expert content

As well as working with our Facilitators, we work with a number of experts for the creation of our content, including those with expertise across our Program pillars: diet and vitamin D, physical activity, stress management, medication, and behavioural change.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Community insight

Community survey

We ran our Community Survey in 2023 with 773 responses received, as a follow up to the baseline results from 2021.

Growth over the last two years includes:

An overall quality rating of 4.1 of their experience in contacting Overcoming MS

Top 3 motivations for connecting with the charity:

How to manage MS (73%)

Healthy lifestyle (71%)

Evidence base (64%)

Top 3 community recommendations for how we can improve our support:

Income generation

Last year we were thrilled to have the continued support of our community. In October we introduced our inaugural abseil, an MS inclusive event, championed by our President and Founder, Linda Bloom, raising almost £50,000.

In November we were delighted to receive the support of Tim Cobb of Cobb PR who organised a luncheon and auction in Brighton. £25,000 was raised by an incredibly generous audience.

Throughout the year we celebrated all of our fundraisers from skydivers and marathon runners, to crafters and cake bakers. As a charity that receives no statutory funding, we remain forever grateful to our funders and community who so generously donate and fundraise on our behalf. With their support, we can continue to deliver our services to those living with a diagnosis of MS.

Income

Our total 2023 income was £1,016,960, fundraised from donations, community, grants and through pro-bono services. In 2022 our total income was £847,954.

As a small charity, we will continue to work hard with our funders and supporters to expand our programme of support and help more people with MS live a full and healthy life.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

We are grateful to all our funders, our individual fundraisers, and everyone who supported us. We would like to thank The Happy Charitable Trust for their support and The Bloom Foundation for their ongoing contribution. We have made a strategic commitment to reducing our dependence on The Bloom Foundation as our core funder over the next few years and to diversifying our income generation through a wider number of Trusts and alternative income sources. In 2023 we have started to put some foundations in place to achieve this.

Expenditure

Our total expenditure in 2023 was £1,049,439 and in 2022 was £1,007,309. Over 50% of our expenditure was spent on delivering and expanding our programme of support.

Gift-in-kind

We received gift-in-kind design and brand support from JMA Creative to the value of £1,000. We also received £85,000 from the Google Grant and pro bono HR and legal support with an estimated value of £5,000.

We are regulated by the Fundraising Regulator and adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice. We did not receive any complaints about our fundraising activities in 2023 or previously in 2022.

Financial review

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company 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 these financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies .

b. Principal funding

During the year, income was received from three main sources: donations, grants, and events.

The charity is regulated by the Fundraising Regulator and adheres to the Fundraising Code of Practice. There has been no failure to comply with the scheme and no complaints were received either directly or indirectly through any party in 2023.

c. Reserves policy

The reserves policy requires reserves to be maintained at a level of not less than three months' overhead expenditures. The trustees consider that the charity's reserves are consistent with this policy.

At the end of 2023, the charity held total reserves of £284,622 (2022: £317,101) comprising:

Unrestricted: £278,303 (2022: £297,360) Restricted: £ 6,319 (2022: £ 19,741)

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Plans for future periods

We have worked with our community to establish our focus for the next three years.

By engaging healthcare professionals to advocate healthy lifestyle to their patients

By investing in our digital functionality and content so we can reach more people across the globe.

By enhancing our existing products and services and expanding access to all

By working closely with our community and our experts to deliver the support people need.

By clearly communicating the existing evidence base and researching new developments

By influencing and working in partnerships to share our expertise and learn from others.

By building our team of Facilitators to increase our capacity and impact.

By generating income through other sources while reducing our cost base.

Structure, governance and management

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

A G Bloom

L M Bloom Caroline Clarke (Resigned 5 July 2023) A D Humzah M L Sugarman P Hanson (Appointed 23 June 2023) S M Middlemiss (Appointed 23 June 2023) O A Ilenda (Appointed 5 January 2024) S Saraf (Appointed 5 January 2024) K C Bayles (Appointed 5 January 2024) P Harris (Appointed 14 May 2024) K Carpenter (Appointed 14 May 2024) A Thomson (Appointed 23 June 2023 and resigned 1 November 2023)

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

From April 2022 the charity operated under an interim CEO. After an exhaustive search a permanent CEO was appointed and joined the charity in March 2023. The charity continues to expand its Board of Trustees; two new trustees joined in 2023 and three more in 2024 each bringing their own sets of skills and experience to the Board.

a Constitution

The charity is registered as a company limited by guarantee and is constituted under a Memorandum of Association dated 14 May 2014. It is a registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, number 1157579 and with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, number SC050752.

In 2014, the company took over activities from a predecessor charitable trust, also named Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis. The principal objective of the company is to provide relief to people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

b Method of appointment or election of trustees

The management of the company is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association.

c. Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud, error, and the consequences of providing healthcare-related information. The charity has put in place a robust risk management framework and a corporate risk register that enables the identification, management, and monitoring of risk at operational and strategic levels. At every meeting, the Board of Trustees scrutinises risks that Overcoming MS faces.

In the opinion of the trustees, a key material risk facing the charity is the challenging global fundraising environment due to post-pandemic adjustment, as well as implications from the war in Ukraine and UK economic crisis, which may delay achieving financial sustainability. We have revisited the fundraising strategy and appointed a new Head of Fundraising to help mitigate this risk.

d. Organisational structure and decision making

Regular formal meetings of the Board of Trustees take place to provide support and guidance to the Chief Executive, who is employed to manage the operational activities of the charity. The trustees maintain oversight of governance, costs and management and approve all strategic plans for the development of the charity.

In the US and Australia, the charity has established independent charitable entities. The CEO of Overcoming MS is a Director of these respective charitable entities, alongside local Directors in both countries. All charitable entities are aligned with the same authorised purposes and charitable goals.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Critchleys Audit LLP be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

.............................. M L Sugarman Trustee

Date: .............................................28th May 2024

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees, who are also the directors of Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis for the purpose of company law, 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).

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 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 Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). 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.

This report was approved by the Trustees, on..................and signed on their behalf by:

Dowshan Humzah Chair of the Board of Trustees, Overcoming MS

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable companies ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees responsibilities, the Trustees, who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable companies ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having an effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;

tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;

investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;

reviewing relevant correspondence.

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and to the regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members and trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, the

this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Katherine Wilkes (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Critchleys Audit LLP

03/06/2024

.........................

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor

Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
974,266
11,400
Investments
4
3,015
-
Other income
5
28,279
-
Total income
1,005,560
11,400
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
123,831
-
Charitable activities
7
907,527
18,081
Total expenditure
1,031,358
18,081
Net expenditure
(25,798)
(6,681)
Transfers between
funds
6,741
(6,741)
Net movement in
funds
(19,057)
(13,422)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January
2023
297,360
19,741
Fund balances at 31
December 2023
278,303
6,319		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
985,666
839,978
7,000
3,015
933
-
28,279
43
-
1,016,960
840,954
7,000
123,831
134,827
1,000
925,608
871,482
-
1,049,439
1,006,309
1,000
(32,479)
(165,355)
6,000
-
-
-
(32,479)
(165,355)
6,000
317,101
462,715
13,741
284,622
297,360
19,741		 Total
2022
£
846,978
933
43
847,954
135,827
871,482
1,007,309
(159,355)
-
(159,355)
476,456
317,101

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
12
Tangible assets
13
Current assets
Stocks
14
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the Charity
Restricted income funds
17
Unrestricted funds		 2023
£
-
27,061
300,189
327,250
66,251		 £
11,100
12,523
23,623
260,999
284,622
6,319
278,303
284,622		 2022
£
4,533
135,270
235,377
375,180
68,786		 £
-
10,707
10,707
306,394
317,101
19,741
297,360
317,101

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

.............................. M L Sugarman Trustee

Company registration number 09044459 (England and Wales)

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by)
operations
21
Investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Investment income received
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2023
£
(11,100)
(5,372)
3,015		 £
78,269
(13,457)
-
64,812
235,377
300,189		 2022
£
£
(160,801)
-
(7,401)
933
(6,468)
-
(167,269)
402,646
235,377

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is C/O Critchleys LLP, Beaver House, 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, OX1 2EP.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts 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 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

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 £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.5 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 are allocated in full to support costs.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.6 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Website 4 year straight line method

1.7 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Computers

25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.11 Financial instruments

The Charity

Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity cancelled.

1.12 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.13 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources, appropriate levels of depreciation being based on the assets estimated useful life, amounts to accrue for the year including deferred income and amounts to include as prepayments. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

The specific judgements/estimates relate to appropriate levels of depreciation being based on the assets estimated useful life, amounts to accrue for the year including deferred income and amounts to include as prepayments

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
216,266
-
Grants
758,000
11,400
974,266
11,400		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
216,266
235,302
-
769,400
604,676
7,000
985,666
839,978
7,000		 Total
2022
£
235,302
611,676
846,978

4 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Interest 3,015 933

5 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Client Events 27,712 -
Book royalties 567 43
28,279 43

6 Raising funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
38,482
13,376
1,000
Staff costs
85,349
121,451
-
123,831
134,827
1,000		 Total
2022
£
14,376
121,451
135,827

Total restricted income included in the above is £nil (2022 £1,000)

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
expenditure expenditure
2023 2022
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 290,127 236,631
Digital technology investment 131,370 145,274
Other donor related activities 130,246 123,245
Contractors and consultancy 12,726 -
564,469 505,150
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support 349,009 359,612
Governance 12,130 6,720
925,608 871,482
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 907,527 871,482
Restricted funds 18,081 -
925,608 871,482

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8
Support costs
Staff costs
Depreciation and
loss on disposal
of fixed assets
Website and
publicity costs
Internet and IT
costs
Bank and credit
card charges
Printing, postage
and stationary
Subscriptions
Professional fees
Rent and rates
Travel costs
Office expenses
Exchange (gain)/
loss
Audit fees
Analysed between
Charitable
activities		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
92,487
-
3,556
-
40,420
-
68,313
-
1,506
-
2,548
-
1,521
-
50,593
-
6,261
-
27,933
-
48,402
-
5,469
-
-
12,130
349,009
12,130
349,009
12,130		 2023
Support costs
Governance
costs
£
£
£
92,487
203,071
-
3,556
11,972
-
40,420
25,852
-
68,313
22,263
-
1,506
1,390
-
2,548
3,122
-
1,521
748
-
50,593
22,700
-
6,261
6,478
-
27,933
23,171
-
48,402
43,075
-
5,469
(4,230)
-
12,130
-
6,720
361,139
359,612
6,720
361,139
359,612
6,720		 2022
£
203,071
11,972
25,852
22,263
1,390
3,122
748
22,700
6,478
23,171
43,075
(4,230)
6,720
366,332
366,332

9 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.

Two trustees (2022: None) received expenses totalling £325 (2020: £Nil) during the year.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023 2022
Number Number
12 10

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000
is as follows:
In the band £60,001 - £70,000
In the band £70,001 - £80,000		 (Continued)
2023
2022
£
£
422,588
524,079
36,533
29,658
8,842
7,416
467,963
561,153
2023
2022
Number
Number
1
-
-
1		 (Continued)
2023
2022
£
£
422,588
524,079
36,533
29,658
8,842
7,416
467,963
561,153
2023
2022
Number
Number
1
-
-
1
561,153
2022
Number
-
1

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel during the year was £65,285 (2022: 70,759)

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Intangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions - separately acquired
At 31 December 2023
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Website
£
-
11,100
11,100
-
11,100
-

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 December 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
14
Stocks
Books for free distribution
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
Other creditors
Accruals		 Computers
£
14,289
5,372
19,661
3,582
3,556
7,138
12,523
10,707
2023
2022
£
£
-
4,533
2023
2022
£
£
17,400
128,940
9,661
6,330
27,061
135,270
2023
2022
£
£
12,059
6,427
1,338
2,654
1,855
3,968
50,999
55,737
66,251
68,786		 Computers
£
14,289
5,372
19,661
3,582
3,556
7,138
12,523
10,707
2023
2022
£
£
-
4,533
2023
2022
£
£
17,400
128,940
9,661
6,330
27,061
135,270
2023
2022
£
£
12,059
6,427
1,338
2,654
1,855
3,968
50,999
55,737
66,251
68,786
19,661
3,582
3,556
7,138
12,523
10,707
2022
£
4,533
2022
£
128,940
6,330
135,270
2022
£
6,427
2,654
3,968
55,737
68,786

ou Q)

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
11,100
-
Tangible assets
12,523
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
254,680
6,319
278,303
6,319
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are represented by:
Tangible assets
10,707
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
286,653
19,741
297,360
19,741		 Total
2023
£
11,100
12,523
260,999
284,622
Total
2022
£
10,707
306,394
317,101

19 Related party transactions

At the balance sheet date, the charity was owed £Nil (2022: £112,940) by OMS Australia, a related charity. This balance related to funds raised in Australia on behalf of the UK charity and expenses paid by the Australian charity on behalf of the UK charity.

At the balance sheet date, the charity owes £Nil (2022: £1,888) to OMS USA, a related charity. This balance related to expenses paid by OMS USA on behalf of the UK charity.

In the year pro bono legal advice valued at £5,000 (2022: £10,000) was received from a company in which one of the Trustees is a shareholder.

20 Analysis of changes in net funds

The Charity had no material debt during the year.

OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

21
Cash generated from operations
Deficit for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(Gain)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in stocks
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(Decrease) in deferred income
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations		 2023
2022
£
£
(32,479)
(159,355)
(3,015)
(933)
-
9,306
3,556
2,666
4,533
(782)
108,209
(8,905)
(1,219)
8,795
(1,316)
(11,593)
78,269
(160,801)