## **Charity number: 1158499** ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** |**CONTENTS**|**PAGE**| |---|---| |Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and its|1| |Advisors|| |Trustees' Report|2 –15| |Independent Examiners Report|16| |Statement of Financing Activities (Incorporating Income & Expenditure|17| |Account)|| |Balance Sheet|18| |Notes to the Financial Statements|19 – 27| ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **Trustees** Lisa Cartwright (Founder) Rosemarie Edwards Julia Suzanne Burgess ## **Charity Registered Number** 1158499 ## **Principal Office** Grindlestone Kennels Cobmoor Road Kidsgrove Stoke on Trent Staffordshire ST7 3PZ **Secretary to The Trustees** Vanessa Rigby ## **Independent Examiner** Mark Bradley ACA Beever and Struthers Chartered Accountants Suite 9b The Beehive Lions Drive Shadsworth Business Park Blackburn BB1 2QS ## **Bankers** Lloyds TSB Bank plc 1 Legg Street Essex CM1 1JS - 1 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of Greyhound Gap for the year ended 30 September 2022. The trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governance documents and the provisions of Statement of Recommendation Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in March 2015. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **a. CONSTITUTION** The Greyhound Gap charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), formed on 9 September 2014 under a Foundation Constitution of the same date. The CIO was formed to take over the ongoing operation of the Greyhound Gap charity (registered number 113207), as the Trustees (who are the same for both charities) felt it was more appropriate to operate the charity with a recognised legal form. ## **b. METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION OF TRUSTEES** The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected under the terms of the CIO's foundation constitution. ## **c. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DECISION MAKING** The Charity operates throughout the UK. The dogs originate from many stray pounds, but our main area of operation is the Midlands and surrounding areas. When space allows, we service pounds in the whole of the UK. Greyhounds entering our care come directly from the track we facilitate directly in the Northwest and via 3 more trainers that we have an ongoing formulated agreement with. The charity works with a network of volunteers who foster, transport and generally aid the work of the Charity across the UK. The charity also works, where appropriate with other similar rescues to ensure those dogs that are at risk can be placed in a safe environment. The trustees make all decisions on any major expenditure and set the strategic direction for the Charity. ## **d. RISK MANAGMENT** The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, those related to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. ## **Objectives and Activities** ## **a. POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES** The Charity covers the following principal activities: - Rehoming dogs directly from our kennels and a network of volunteer foster homes through a clearly controlled adoption procedure. - 2 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** - Dogs that do not secure a foster home will be housed in our kennels premises where they are cared for by our staff with volunteer’s assistance. - Supporting Local Authorities by coordinating rescue, kennel or foster placements for the stray greyhounds and lurchers in their care. - Assistance with local and national welfare cases supporting dog wardens, Social Services and any other relevant bodies. - Supporting owners needing to surrender their dogs by coordinating rescue, kennel or foster placements if possible, within our own organisation or within other safe rescue environments - Facilitation placements via Greyhound Tracks, Trainers & Owners - Transport of dogs to reputable rescues offering rescue placements. - Provision of veterinary treatment for all animals in our care. - In-house fundraising such as auctions, competitions, eBay sales, web shop, sponsored events, direct appeals, sponsorship schemes for long term dogs and outside fundraising such as dog shows, attending events, meet and greets and street collections. - Outreach work within the local community in Stoke on Trent with the homeless and Social Services referrals providing dog food and basic care such as vaccinations, parasite control and in some cases neutering. - Lost and stolen dog recovery service assisting owners with advice, support and equipment if necessary to ensure a safe return home of their missing pets. - Working alongside Community Payback to offer working opportunities to offenders undergoing rehabilitation and reparation. - Continue to build links with local schools and colleges. During 2015 we began to welcome students from a local college studying animal management. These students are offered workplace opportunities to gain the necessary experience required. We also began to welcome in students from the local University from all course modules who wish to carry out volunteer activities. They now make up a large part of our regular Saturday dog walking group. The charity’s objectives are: - To promote the humane treatment of animals, in particular greyhounds and lurchers. - To provide appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for greyhounds and lurchers who are in need by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage. - To educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals. - To continue the promotion of the issues pertaining to greyhound racing and the abandonment of working lurchers. - 3 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** In pursuance of the objectives, we continue to strive to reduce numbers of greyhounds and lurchers euthanised in council holding facilities once time is served and ensure safe and swift release into our care from training kennels environments when no longer required. We continue to pursue the policies and objectives of the Charity. Greyhound Gap is principally, a death row rescue helping to provide emergency placements for greyhounds and lurchers in local authority holding kennels at risk of euthanasia. In early 2018 relations were formulated with a registered track in the North West to ensure help and safeguarding when possible for greyhounds ending their career. This was deemed necessary due to assistance with a welfare situation pertaining to dogs retired from this track entering an unreputable facility. If we are unable to directly assist, referrals are made or places sourced within other reputable organisations. Safe transport to aforementioned rescues is handled by ourselves. Dogs that enter the care of Greyhound Gap are supported for as long as is necessary. Homing is via a network of sighthound experienced foster placements and directly from our own kennels. The kennels are located close to our main core of volunteers and are staffed by experienced people to enable in depth assessments of every dog prior to rehoming. All dogs entering our care as a matter of course receive vaccinations, kennel cough vaccinations, parasite treatment, micro-chipping, are spayed/neutered and receive a dental check. Should a dog arrive in our care with more serious veterinary needs these are addressed, and all necessary treatment is funded. We operate a thorough vetting system including pre-adoption questionnaires, initial telephone discussion, home visit and careful introductions with potential adoption matches. All adopters are obliged to sign an agreement to relinquish the animal back into the organisation’s care should they no longer be able to meet the requirements of the dog. Follow up support is given post adoption and our ongoing support and advice is available throughout the dog's life. Greyhound Gap is a specialist rehabilitation facility and houses many dogs that other organisations do not feel qualified to manage. We pride ourselves on continued rehabilitation work with more challenging dogs and resolving behavioural issues prior to rehoming. We also give lifetime behavioural support to our adopters. ## **Dot** Dot landed into Greyhound Gap’s care at 7 weeks pregnant with a body score of 0. The team had a very short time to attempt to build her up not physically but mentally and to create a trust bond. Dot went on to have 11 healthy puppies but unfortunately lost 3 through what was a long difficult whelping that resulted in 12 hours at the vets and an emergency C section to remove a dead puppy. The team worked hard for the next 8 weeks to support Dot through motherhood. Although still so ill she was not overly keen on interference or top up feeding and it took round the clock persuasion to enable us to assist with top up feeds. - 4 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** Over the last eight years Greyhound Gap has been working more widely within the local community directing donations of surplus food to families struggling to financially support their dogs. We have also been working with local homeless support charities to provide food to the dogs residing on the streets with their owners. Locally there are no facilities for homeless pet owners, these people and their animals can often be at risk of hardship. Where possible we also provide basic medical treatment such as disease control and provide basic safety essentials i.e., collars, leads and coats for the dog’s wellbeing where necessary. This builds trust bonds between us, the dogs and their owners and should situations arise separating dog and owner we are able to offer a direct safety net. This, in turn, means the dogs do not enter the main stray system therefore placing them at risk. Towards the end of the 2017 financial year, we formulated a relationship with a local Foodbank based in Chesterton, Newcastle Under Lyme. We have now agreed to incorporate the Foodbank into the surplus food program in the hope that provision of dog food to service users helps to reduce the demand on human food and resources. This remains in place and is proving a vital much needed and appreciated service. Throughout 2021-2022 we increased that support to two more Foodbanks, one run by St Thomas our local church and that of Aspire Housing based in Newcastle-Under-Lyme where we now provide dog food for their warehouse available to their service users. In August 2015 we secured a service users contract with the local probation service. This enables offenders ordered by the court to carry out unpaid work to access our facility on a placement basis. We strongly believe that the bonds formed between offenders and our rescue dogs is mutually beneficial. The project has continued to make great strides with us fast becoming Staffordshire's placement of choice by probation and offenders alike. The scheme has been running for 7 years and a very small amount of our service users have re-entered the judicial service. During 2017 we secured a grant from Proceeds of Crime and in 2018 grew to incorporate agility exercises creating stronger bonds between service users and dogs. The Dog Agility has meant free handling of dogs and has shown that the teaching of impulse control to both service users and our current charges has been mutually beneficial. As most of our service users are in the system due to lack of self-control, we hope the formulation of stronger relationships and understanding in potentially frustrating situations will help them in general life. We remain extremely proud of the support for this scheme, especially as it was at the time understood to be the first of its kind in the UK. - 5 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** Since the Charity came into existence we have also on a less formal basis assisted with the securing of stray or abandoned dogs in the local area. Through experience and equipment, we have been able to offer remote monitoring, feeding and subsequent tools to enable a positive outcome in swiftly securing dogs in danger. Since 2017 this has progressed, and we have found more and more that we are called to assist owners of dogs who have found themselves in a situation where their dogs are lost or stolen. In these instances, advice and safe containment where possible to avoid loss through injury or death has been offered with great success. This is a service we are extremely proud of being able to provide and through ever increasing knowledge our skill sets are developing and once again allowing us to maximise our overall impact. ## **b. VOLUNTEERS** The charity is extremely grateful for the unstinting efforts of its volunteers. Many of our local supporters turn out in all weathers on a regular basis to help at the kennels with the daily cleaning, maintenance, gardening, vet runs and taking our kennel dogs for their daily exercise, enrichment, playtimes and walks. Greyhound Gap is lucky to have a large volunteer and supporter base throughout the UK. There are committed groups of helpers who continually step up to man fundraising stalls and events on our behalf, who attend street collections, hold meet and greets and take part in sponsored events. Others put their brilliant creative skills to use by making collars, cakes, jams, dog treats, hand crafted items and artwork to be sold to raise funds or by simply donating items for our online fundraising auctions. We are extremely lucky to have such a supportive and wide-reaching community of volunteers and realise that without their efforts we would not be a viable organisation. We appreciate every one of those who help us in whatever capacity they can. During the last financial year we have seen the increased level of support built online during Covid remain in place, indeed there has been continued growth. Many of those volunteers now able to are assisting freely with our external fundraising activities. ## **Achievements and Performance** ## **a. GOING CONCERN** After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. - 6 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **b. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES** ## **Rehoming and Rescue Placements** Moving out of Covid and directly into a cost-of-living crisis during the financial year saw huge implications for not only ourselves as a Charity but all other Animal Charities the length and breadth of the UK. Covid created the perfect storm. Huge amounts of animals were sourced by members of the public during this period, either via Rescue Charities or breeders. Once old working patterns re-emerged, and with rising financial cost implications, many of those dogs suddenly found themselves surplus to requirements. Dogs needing assistance in the main were also displaying much more adverse behaviour patterns due to lack of socialisation during the vital time frame from a young age or within their new home. This meant that dogs entering the rescue system required much longer periods of assessment and remedial behaviour work. It was also seen that health problems amongst dogs landing into our care had increased dramatically. Many dogs had been denied even basic routine treatment resulting in much further reaching health issues. The cost of this to us, as a Charity, saw an increase once again in the need for specialist veterinary care. This is something moving forward we are expecting to continue to increase. Furthermore, rescues found a huge demand on their services not only with returns of their own dogs but others from varying different backgrounds. The price of purchased pups increasing during that time meant that many of these dogs had often been resold multiple times at decreasing costs before losing saleability and requiring Charitable assistance. During Covid, as a Charity agreeing that it would mitigate risk of a forward moving issue, we made tough decisions. It was agreed at a time where huge numbers of homes were forthcoming to reduce the number of dogs we sought to rehome. A policy was introduced that in the main dogs would only be rehomed to those who’s work life before, during and after Covid looked set to be the same mainly public sector workers. We are now assured this was absolutely the right decision as throughout the financial year we only received one return and that was a dog that had been within the home for less than a week. No dogs rehomed during the previous period were returned due to working patterns changing or financial inability. Throughout the financial year we found facilitation placement availability reduced dramatically. Many rescues were faced with multiple returns and dealing with the increasing behaviour problems of the dogs landing into their care. All that said we are immensely proud that during the financial year we were still able to be responsible for successfully rehoming or placing into long term foster 69 dogs. The 1 dog returned was soon replaced into another suitable environment. With a distinct lack of safe placements available 137 other dogs were still facilitated. This was achieved via placements into mutually reputable organisations with whom we have formulated longstanding ongoing relationships. There remained a significant rise in demand for safe placements of Greyhounds and Lurchers throughout the financial year. The Charity has continued to strive to the best of our abilities in challenging times for maximum impact and continues to remain alive to opportunities and other avenues to ensure dog’s safety without compromising our ethics and charitable aims. - 7 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **Bert and Ernie** Bert and Ernie were to very obviously bonded male lurchers who were abandoned on a Friday night onto the drinkers outside a local public house. Both dogs were thin and carrying a huge parasite burden. Bert was much less confident with humans than Ernie and Ernie much less confident around other dogs than Bert. Together they almost worked better as one dog helping each other mentally overcome hurdles. With the support of the team the boys were soon well enough mentally and physically to find their new home and we are delighted to say they headed off together. Throughout the pandemic Greyhound Gap had to make the sensible decision to carry out our rehoming in a fresh new way. Our area of operations was dramatically reduced to Counties more directly accessible to our main kennels base. For the first time ever, due to inability to use external home vetters because of restrictions, rehoming was moved fully in house and carried out solely by our experienced staff team. The new system proved a huge success for both dogs and adopters with better consistent pre and post adoption support work becoming more streamlined. This also helped to build stronger foundations for the future giving the staff base additional experience and skills in further reaching areas providing a better opportunity for infrastructure and long-term survival of the Charity. Post pandemic, through sheer volume of Greyhounds and Lurchers filing into the system countrywide, it was decided that the implemented reduced area of operations and new rehoming system established would remain in place. Most national adoptions are now reserved to those who have previously adopted having undergone all due diligence previously by the Charity. Special consideration remains in place for new breed experienced adopters further afield willing and able to sustain a more behaviourally challenged or longer staying dog. New national rehomes are directed to centres local to their base as we remain alive to the increased pressure on other rescues. We hope this in turn provides them with increased rehoming opportunities allowing for more free flow and facilitation capabilities. - 8 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** Interviews were for the first time conducted at the centre prior to a home visit to establish a greater understanding on experience and all commitment capabilities. All members of the immediate family, including any other dogs, were required to travel and join us on the day. With an increase in adverse behaviours in both the dogs entering the rescue system and those already in the home due to a period of inability to socialise during the pandemic, both owners’ levels of experience and commitment and their current dog’s level of tolerance needed stricter vetting than ever before. After the interview period and having monitored any existing dog’s behaviour, if deemed suitable and a suitably matching dog was available, an introduction would be made. The adopters then got the chance to walk the dog with any matched dogs before spending a period of supervised time in our home from home room with any current dogs and matched dogs mixing in a more natural setting. If all went well, the home visit was undertaken by 2 members of the staff team with the potentially suitable dog accompanying them. This gave the adopters the chance to see the dog within their own home and for both they and us to monitor interaction between current and new dogs also in the environment. Adopters were then given a cooling off period to further discuss as a family before a decision was made on progressing. For our dogs the prior introduction to the home and additional meetings has seen them settle happily without any mental trauma. We believe, that although time consuming, this approach is the reason that our return rates have remained so low. ## **Respite and Community Assistance** During the financial year ending September 30[th ] 2022, Greyhound Gap also actively through advice, attending or physically trapping and safely securing managed to assist 43 owners with the reuniting of lost and stolen pets. Remotely many more were reunited thanks to our time and effort to advise others further afield or through lending the necessary equipment to secure the safe capture. During the course of the year, Greyhound Gap worked either individually on set cases or alongside other rescues/teams with the same wealth of experience when needed. During the financial year our work within the community supporting and assisting families who found themselves in a sudden state of unexpected hardship increased dramatically, a growth we expect to continue. Thankfully through so many kind donations either dropped to the kennels or delivered directly we were able to continue with our support of not only the community foodbanks but to include others and to support more service users who we were approached directly about in addition to those already on our list. Respite was also offered for 2 dogs during the financial year whilst their owners received either emergency treatment for mental health or drug use. When one of those service users sadly and unexpectedly passed away at home with the dog present. We were able to assist the emergency services with recovery of the dog and offer a safe placement. The dog naturally was quite distressed at the sudden influx of strangers into her home environment at a time she was already naturally distressed. Due to the already longstanding relationship with the dog, she was relieved to see the team in attendance and happy to leave when encouraged with us. For us being there as a lifeline for this dog due to formulated trust bonds and others like her remains vitally important. - 9 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **Fostering and long term foster placements** Since the pandemic our area of foster operations has also reduced. However, our national foster carers remain committed to providing a long-term homing opportunity to dogs that find themselves with more permanent needs, elderly, or infirm dogs or those with more complex behaviour issues still receive full support from those available placements. Many of these dogs may be reaching end of life and a home environment with more wider ranging comfort and one on one care makes a huge difference during those last months. Our foster carers, in turn, receive full support and guidance from ourselves as an organisation with Greyhound Gap meeting care costs throughout the duration of the dog’s remaining time. ## **Fundraising** Throughout the financial year we were fortunate to see the return of our external fundraising and equally fortunate to see the return without apprehension of our wonderful volunteers. Stalls were once again being rebooked and although we focussed to begin with mainly on outside events with good ventilation, we found there was no reticence or worry throughout the fundraising team to return to well run, safe internal opportunities too. With the return of external fundraising, we have seen a natural return to all activities that were in place pre pandemic alongside yet more new opportunities. Some new events raised huge amounts whilst some events we were revisiting performed poorly compared with pre pandemic. However, that was envisaged as time will be needed to re-establish, but we are confident moving forward they can be grown back to the size previously seen. A new fundraising opportunity was added during the financial year that has proven to be hugely popular within the local community. With support from Newcastle- Under-Lyme Council, 3 times a year we have been given approval to take over their whole market area. They also kindly make all public car parks free of charge on the day. The 40 available market stalls are all gifted to the Charity for a nominal amount and an additional area of the town given to hold a dog show. With supported advertising from other local community groups the market has seen attendance in large numbers, reminiscent of past market days. Several stalls are taken over by us as a Charity and we also provide stalls to other local borough Charities to allow them a much-needed new outlet to promote their cause and generate revenue. The remaining stalls generate additional revenue for us as a Charity hired out to traders selling locally produced items. The town centre shops, and hospitality venues also benefit from a marked increase in footfall. We feel that in the current climate it is even more important that events like these allow us to provide an opportunity for other members of our community who may be facing difficult times. The general public themselves are hugely supportive stating it was wonderful to see the town centre bustling and back to life. - 10 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** An additional large fundraiser added to the calendar in 2022 also once again saw us join forces with another local Charity team at Trentham Gardens Big Bark. Co-hosting the dog show with Rottweiler Welfare, another borough rescue, has seen strong bonds forged between the two Charities and a mutual reciprocation and invite of attendance at individually organised events. The pooling of supporters has also seen an increased capability to generate revenue and attendance for both Charities. For us as a Charity, to continue to formulate stronger working relationships with other like-minded people in the current climate is of great importance. We cannot thank Trentham Gardens and the team at Rottweiler Welfare enough. The Big Bark event sees a high footfall and currently plans are afoot to run the event again in 2023. As Community engagement remained as a priority throughout the financial year with focus on how we could help others, many other opportunities presented. We are also grateful for the support of Shop Local who have enabled us to hold several pop-up shops and even used their volunteers and staff to man it when necessary. This is a relationship that is set to continue and build momentum moving forward. As a Charity, Greyhound Gap are extremely lucky to have a very large and active online support base. Our supporters are at all times engaged via our social media platforms and we like to think are made to feel a pivotal part of the team. No matter where in the world they are placed, they are kept up to date daily with the ongoing activities relating to the care and welfare of our dogs. Through this regular engagement and important family feel, our supporters not only welcome but support generously any online efforts to raise funds. During the pandemic many new fundraising opportunities were added into our online calendar and well received by our support base. Post pandemic we have seen no reduction in this activity and our supporters remain as dedicated as ever meaning even more online fundraising raffles, competitions, sales and auctions have been added. We have remained lucky enough to continue to receive an influx of highly valued prizes and items. Moving ahead, we plan to continue with the increase in our online fundraising whilst also monitoring and remaining alive to the cost-of-living crisis. Quite surprisingly, we did also see a growth in our individual giving throughout the year something that was closely monitored within our revenue streams. We, as an organisation, remain humbled by the level of effort our supporters place into ensuring we remain operational. As well as an increase in individual giving, we were also lucky to see an increase in donations made and delivered directly to the kennels. Both saleable items and items for the dogs in our care such as bedding, tinned meat, treat and enrichment items were never in short supply. The Amazon Wish List was once again reviewed and items that were more urgently required were changed out and added in place of some others that were not as necessary. The Valentines, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas gift sponsorship, sponsorship of memory baubles at Christmas were all once again well supported. The kennels sleepover was once again re introduced. 6 members of the staff team and volunteers bedded down for the night in a kennel block with 6 of our current charges looking for homes. As always, our supporters loved the live streaming and the chance to feel a part of something quite special and to see the dogs bedded down on camp beds with their designated human having a night of cuddles and comfort saw a good amount raised. Walking The Beat were also able to undertake their next walk after a 2-year stalling period. The boys - 11 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** once again covered 115 miles over just an 8-day period once again raising just shy of £4,000 and bringing their running total raised for us as a Charity over the £40000 mark. We cannot thank them enough. Another walk is already in planning stages for 2023. As is always the case, as a Charity we remain grateful to those providing grant assistance for their continued support. During the financial year, we would like to thank the following funders for their support: The Hobson Charity, Support Adoption for Pets and Happy Breed. Due to Happy Breed sadly ceasing to operate, we were fortunate to receive a large donation from their remaining reserves. We would like to thank them for their support over the years and wish their Trustees well in the future. Alongside all of this we continue to work hard within local and national communities relating to awareness. At every available opportunity we strive to engage the public to raise the general profile of greyhounds and lurchers as pets and to educate against the continued occurrence of recorded misuse for sporting purposes. One of our vital avenues for such is the continued relationship with Crewe Pets at Home store: this has seen continuance and bonds strengthening between our volunteer base and their own team during the financial year. We feel extremely fortunate to once again be chosen as their charity of choice. This enables us to hold fundraising and awareness days in the form of meet and greets, we also participate in the stores own in-house fundraising. As one of their nominated charities, we receive around 50% of all revenue raised in the store during their select fundraising drives. The store also holds a collection point solely for distribution to Greyhound Gap. Items donated can either be used by us or for sale on fundraising stalls. We were delighted to once again be able to join them physically instore. We remain thankful for the continued support of our local veterinary practices of choice. Leek Veterinary Clinic and Nantwich Pet Vets have once again been invaluable to allowing us to continue to offer the best care possible to our dogs. In a year when dogs landing had been left in a much further reaching state of neglect than previously seen we cannot thank them enough for their continued empathy and knowledge. ## **Securing of Kennel Premises** As stated in our Trustees Report for the year ending 30 September 2015, we secured a fit for purpose private rental property. In addition to the kennel facilities, the site also comprises a house and a safe off lead exercise area. During the financial year we were able to substantiate the growth of the staff team and to add an additional kennel assistant role. Moving forward as a Charity now, after a long transitional period followed by both a pandemic and continuing cost of living crisis, our forward aims are to concentrate on infrastructure. Longer standing members of the team moving into more senior roles will be a large part of contingency planning for the following financial year. Having moved from a small-to-small medium sized Charity, future longevity past founding members needs to be priority. The Trustees remain alive and committed to the continuance of revenue generation to ensure that is obtainable. Greyhound Gap continue to be a proud member of the ADCH (Association of Dogs and Cats Homes) and we were please to attend the first conference in two years in October 2022. - 12 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** In 2022 we were once again honoured to be 1 of 3 finalists from over 2000 nominated Charities for Animal Charity Team of the Year in the Petplan awards. This is the 2[nd] time since nominations opened in 2015 that we have had the honour of this placement. Even though we have not actually won thus far, the recognition of our work within such a wonderful large sector to this level means a lot to us as a team. We remain proud of the team we are building at our centre and the learning opportunities, environment and welfare standards offered to our dogs. Our home from home room addition continues to be hugely beneficial to both our dogs, staff, and visitors. So many of our dogs have never encountered a home environment before and having a specific space to desensitise them to hoovers, washing machines, TVs, sofas, and human space sharing have left them better prepared for their new homes. It also gives the dogs a break from the kennels environment, and they are able, if they chose, to engage in additional enrichment activities. ## **Developing Public Relations and Promotion of the Charity** Over the year, with the continued growth of social media we have remained proactive in engaging a broader spectrum of people nationwide. This has opened a whole new avenue of volunteers and supporters. It also helps with further advancement in fundraising and educational purposes with a larger audience of people actively becoming involved in campaigns headed up by us and other welfare organisations we work alongside. We are enthusiastic that this will continue with a steady growth and enable us to continue to grow our resources. We hope that moving forward we will once again during 2023 be able to re-open our premises to the general public more freely. Open days and public education events were a huge part of our social calendar pre pandemic. With the reintroduction of volunteer programs and more adopters once again returning to the site during the later part of the financial year and with Covid still very much passing through the community for now we have remained vigilant in a bid to keep our staff team safe. We continue to be extremely active within the local press and media with them giving us many opportunities to both promote the Charity and to continue education in the local and more further reaching communities. The website continues to serve as a front face for the rescue hosting all the relevant information including our current hounds, our adoption guidelines, our online web shop, events, newsletters and any relevant big announcements. The website has continued to receive many both independent and returning hits in line with previous years. The site also links to our online forum and, whilst numbers posting on there are down, visitors continue to use it to view more in-depth details of our dogs available for adoption and our help and advice archives. Through the forum’s facility, we can email the 7500 members if urgent assistance in any form is required. The member rate has continued to grow even though the forum remains in the main inactive. The Facebook groups and pages have seen a steady influx of new members, the main Facebook group itself is now on over 21,000 these members continue to get involved in direct appeals for help or are applying to become volunteers for the organisation. - 13 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **c. PUBLIC BENEFIT** The Trustees confirm that we have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit reporting in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. ## **Financial review** ## **a. PRINCIPLE FUNDING SOURCES** During the year the charity received income of £405,722 (2021: £319,758). We are well supported with a wide and loyal support base, this coupled with our own fundraising efforts which includes adoption, our own online shop, auctions, raffles, boarding, dog shows, stalls and markets to name a few means we are not reliant upon a limited number of income streams to deliver our objectives and commitments. Included in the amount above we received £nil (2021: £9,736) of restricted funds. ## **Key management personnel** The trustees consider the General Manager is the key member of management personnel of the charity, in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the Charity on a day to day basis. ## **b. RESERVES POLICY** Unrestricted reserves are held to ensure the ongoing care of the dogs. Annual operating costs are in excess of £360,000, which reflects the current rising costs. The trustees have set a policy to hold general reserves of £120,000 in order to fund four months of operating costs to enable alternative homes to be sourced for the dogs in the charity’s care in the event of the charity’s operations having to cease. The current level of reserves is higher than our policy and the trustees are looking at ways to reduce this going forward. At the year end the charity held total reserves of £602,547 (2021: £510,972) of which £Nil (2021: £7,500) were restricted funds and £269,700 (2021: £272,074) are held in fixed assets less those secured by long term liabilities. This leaves free reserves of £332,847 (2021: £231,398). ## **Plans for the future** ## **a. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS** ## Short to Medium Term Objectives - We continue with our aim to maintain reserves to £120,000 - We continue to strive for more low risk homing opportunities for our dogs - We aim to continue to carry out year on year improvements and upgrades to the kennels and kennels house to maximise its potential. - We will continue to recruit additional volunteers. - 14 - GREYHOUND GAP TRUSTEES REPORT {continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 To seek to improve and modemise kennels lacilibes to ensure maximum comfort to the dogs In our care. To work wlth more (xynmunlty groups and offer Serv1￿ to a ￿dar ranp of audloncos WO feel can benefrt from wor￿ng alongside our do95. We wlll b8 exptorlng tha growlh of (xjre alms espeddty paylng attentk)n trj tho n6ce8s1ty to secure and enable safe placements for 8 grrnvlng number of dog8 wlth our8elve8 and other organisations V•* work closely with. iv We will strive to achieve continuous imwovement in animal w&lfar8. building on our excellent reputatlon and alming lo s8t a benchmark for other slmilar anlmal welfare organisalions lo asplre lo. In dolng so. lo insplre 0th8r anlmal welfarn organlsaUons to ralse thelr standards of anlm81 w8lfar& pr8dlces In Iln8 wllh our own. ThL8 wll brlng about an Improvement way beyoThJ our dlrecl control and reath. We wlll stdve to bulkj b8ttér relatlons and n8lworks wlth Ilktrmlnded IndMdual$ and groups a¢ros5 th8 UK and continu8 to work toward5 odu¢ating tho public regards the exploitation and suffering of greyhwnds within the raciw iThJusty and fight for i W8Ware reforms. We wlll contlnue to supwt the bannlng ol the use of skJht hounds In general. In partaking In bl¢X4J sports and continu8 to back m08sures almed at keeping ban8 In placa. Tho number of dogs arriving In our caro SLrff•rlng from physlcal Inlurf68 con8lstent wllh both fox and badw damage c¥ntinu6s to be a gfaat worry io us. Thls r6POrt was approv￿1 by tho Tfusteos on . Juna 2023 arKI slgned on thalr b8h8tt by: Llsa Cartwdght Trustofj and Found•r 15- ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2022. Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the Financial Statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn. We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity’s trustees 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** Since the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. 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: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. 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. Mark Bradley BA FCA Beever and Struthers Chartered Accountants Suite 9b The Beehive Lions Drive Shadsworth Business Park Blackburn BB1 2QS Date: ……………………………….7 July 2023 - 16 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** |**Note**
**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
**2**
Raising Funds
**3**
Other income
**4**
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
**5**
Charitable activities
**6**
**Total expenditure**
**Net movement in funds for the year**
**Reconciliation of Funds**
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**
**15**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2022**
**2022**
**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
306,913
-
306,913
240,731
98,784
-
98,784
79,004
25
-
25
23| |---|---| ||405,722
-
405,722
319,758| ||2,121
-
2,121
3,511
304,526
7,500
312,026
299,018| ||306,647
7,500
314,147
302,529| ||99,075
(7,500)
91,575
17,229
503,472
7,500
510,972
493,743
**602,547**
**-**
**602,547**
**510,972**| The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The comparative statement of financial activities can be found in note 19 to the financial statements . The notes on pages 19 to 27 form part of these financial statements - 17 - GREYHOUND GAP BALANCE SHEEr FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 2022 2021 Flxod as￿￿ Tangible assets 10 569265 561,644 Currnnt aM•ts Stocks Debtor Cash at bank #nd In hand 11 12 1.000 14.161 244.201 259,362 12,017 336,833 349.89) Cr•dltorn: aM￿nts 18lllng due wltrdn one year Not curront a•uts 13 332,847 238.898 Totsl •u•ts l•u ¢urr•nt Ilabllttl 12,112 820,542 Cr•dltorn: amtyjnts falllng due after Adoption donations
Legacies and grants|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2022**
**2022**
**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
236,974
-
236,974
171,526
11,100
-
11,100
8,814
58,839
-
58,839
60,391
306,913
-
306,913
240,731| |---|---| ## **3. INCOME FROM RAISING FUNDS** |Sale of merchandise
Other fundraising activities|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2022**
**2022**
**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
8,839
-
8,839
11,659
89,945
-
89,945
67,345
98,784
-
98,784
79,004| |---|---| ## **4. INVESTMENT INCOME** All of the charity’s investment income arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts. - 21 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **5. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS** |Merchandise purchases|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2022**
**2022**
**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
2,121
-
2,121
3,511
2,121
-
2,121
3,511| |---|---| ## **6. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES** |**Direct Costs**
Veterinary fees
Kennelling
General dog costs
Vehicle running costs
Wages and salaries (Not)
Dog show
Sundry expenses
Bank interest
Rent & Rates
Heat & Light
Kennels Maintenance
Depreciation
Total Direct Costs
**Support Costs**
Legal fees
Insurance
Telephone
General administrative costs
Postage and packaging
Health and Safety
Independent examiners fees
Training
Motor Expenses
Total Support Costs
Total Expenditure|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total Funds**
**Total Funds**
**2022**
**2022**
**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
73,796
-
73,796
76,134
14,737
-
14,737
6,734
1,167
-
1,167
876
7,045
-
7,045
10,852
139,633
-
139,633
125,746
377
-
377
3,834
6,306
-
6,306
3,662
12,373
-
12,373
10,875
3,048
-
3,048
5,529
8,120
-
8,120
6,387
11,198
7,500
18,698
21,355
12,379
-
12,379
13,653| |---|---| ||290,179
7,500
297,679
285,637| ||1,794
-
1,794
1,475
2,776
-
2,776
2,584
4,280
-
4,280
2,799
1,171
-
1,171
2,892
1,590
-
1,590
1,628
99
-
99
803
1,867
-
1,867
1,040
190
-
190
160
580
-
580
-| ||14,347
-
14,347
13,381| ||304,526
7,500
312,026
299,018| - 22 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** # **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **7. STAFF COSTS** Staff costs during the year were as follows: |Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs – defined contribution|**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
123,400
119,027
11,626
4,477
4,607
2,242
139,633
125,746| |---|---| The average number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full-time equivalents was 8 (2021: 8). No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the period. ## **8. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES** During the year remuneration was paid to Lisa Cartwright, being a trustee of the charity, arising from her position as general manager of the charity. During the year remuneration totalling £26,442 (2021: £24,296), pension contributions £603 (2021: £554) was paid. The remuneration is paid in accordance with the clauses laid out in the CIO’s Foundation Constitution. No other Charity Trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the Charity (2021: £Nil). ## **9. CORPORATION TAX** The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling with section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. - 23 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** |**Cost**
At 1 October 2021
Additions
Disposals
**At 30 September 2022**
**Depreciation**
At 1 October 2021
Charge for the year
Disposals
**At 30 September 2022**
**Net book value**
**At 30 September 2022**
At 30 September 2021|**Freehold**
**Property**
**Motor**
**vehicles**
**Equipment**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
603,432
24,734
3,610
631,776
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-| |---|---| ||603,432
24,734
3,610
631,776| ||27,098
19,424
3,610
50,132
7,069
5,310
-
12,379
-
-
-
-| ||34,167
24,734
3,610
62,511| ||| ||**569,265**
**-**
**-**
**569,265**| ||576,334
5,310
-
581,644| |**11. STOCKS**
Fundraising stock
**12. DEBTORS**
VAT recoverable
Debtors & Prepayments
**13. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year**
Bank Loan
Trade Creditors
Other taxes and social security
Accruals|**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000| |---|---| ||**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
3,436
4,675
8,581
9,486
12,017
14,161| ||**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
10,491
10,491
1,137
1,849
887
1,310
4,488
6,814
17,003
20,464| - 24 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **14. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after one year** |Bank Loan|**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
299,565
309,570
299,565
309,570| |---|---| The bank loan is secured by a legal charge on the freehold property Grindlestone Edge House, Cobmoor Road, Kidsgrove. ## **15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS** |**Unrestricted Funds**
General Funds
**Restricted Funds**
Roof structure replacement
**Total funds**|**Balance**
**at 1**
**October**
**2021**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Outgoing**
**resources**
**Balance at**
**30 September**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
503,472
405,722
(306,647)
602,547
7,500
-
(7,500)
-| |---|---| ||7,500
-
(7,500)
-| ||510,972
405,722
(314,147)
602,547| The general funds are the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. - 25 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **STATEMENT OF FUNDS 2021** |**Unrestricted Funds**
General Funds
**Restricted Funds**
Vehicle repairs
Employee costs
Vet Fees
Roof structure replacement
**Total funds**|**Balance**
**at 1**
**October**
**2020**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Outgoing**
**resources**
**Balance at**
**30 September**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
480,205
310,022
(286,755)
503,472
-
1,002
(1,002)
-
2,500
(2,500)
-
6,038
6,234
(12,272)
-
7,500
-
-
7,500| |---|---| ||7,500
9,736
(15,774)
7,500
493,743
319,758
(302,529)
510,972| The general funds are the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. Restricted donations were received of £9,736 in relation to veterinary fees for specific dogs and employee costs. Grants totalling £7,500 were received in the prior year for the replacement of the roof structure. Of this amount £nil had been spent by the year end. ## **16. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS** |Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Creditors due after one year
**Total funds**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total**
**funds**
**Total**
**funds**
**2022**
**2022**
**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
569,265
-
569,265
581,644
349,850
-
349,850
259,362
(17,003)
-
(17,003)
(20,464)
(299,565)
-
(299,565)
(309,570)
602,547
-
602,547
510,972| |---|---| - 26 - ## **GREYHOUND GAP** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** ## **17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** As referred to in note 8 remuneration was paid to a trustee of the charity, arising from her position as general manager of the charity. There are no related party transactions in the reporting period that are required to be disclosed. ## **18. CONTROLLING PARTY** The charity is controlled by the trustees. ## **19. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** |**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
Raising Funds
Other income
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
Charitable activities
**Total expenditure**
**Net**
**incoming**
**resources**
**before**
**transfers**
**Transfers between funds**
**Net movement in funds for the year**
**Reconciliation of Funds**
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2021**
**2021**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**£**
230,995
9,736
240,731
79,004
-
79,004
23
-
23| |---|---| ||310,022
9,736
319,758| ||3,511
-
3,511
293,244
15,774
299,018| ||286,755
15,774
302,529| ||23,267
(6,038)
17,229
-
-
-| ||23,267
(6,038)
17,229
480,205
13,538
493,743
**503,472**
**7,500**
**510,972**| - 27 -