OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA

Charity No. 1159476

Trustees' Report and Unaudited Accounts

31 March 2023

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA Contents

Pages
Trustees' Annual Report 2 to 8
Independent Examiner's Report to 9
Statement of Financial Activities to 10
Balance Sheet to 11
Notes to the Accounts 12 to 17

Page 1

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA

Trustees Annual Report

British Society For Spondyloarthritis

The trustees present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity No. 1159476

Principal Office

C/O Professor JK Gaffney

Dept of Rheumatology, Level 2 Outpatients East

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Colmey Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY

Trustees

The following trustees served during the year:

A. Bennett J.K. Gafney H. Marzo-Ortega R. Sengupta S. Siebert D.R.A. Webb

Accountants

Andrew Parker Associates Ltd Unit 7 Beech Avenue Business Park Beech Avenue, Taverham Norwich NR8 6HW

Page 2

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA

Trustees Annual Report

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the British Society for Spondyloarthritis (the charity) for the period ended 31 March 2023. 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 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). Chair's report 2023

BRITSpA-supported national research studies are under development and the charity continues to collaborate with a partner charity and academic groups to promote a range of studies. We were delighted to see the launch of the BAxSIC study looking at the impact of the delay of diagnosis in an inception cohort of axSpA patients. Membership continues to increase steadily and includes the full range of health care professionals and scientists committed to the advancement of knowledge and treatment of spondyloarthritis. The 2022 Annual Scientific meeting was well-attended, with online access also provided, and attracted very positive feedback. BRITSpA continues to support Travelling Fellowships for members to facilitate sharing of best practice in axSpA. We were delighted to welcome Dr Dale Webb as a new Trustee in November 2022.

Prof Raj Sengupta, Chair of Trustees

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARITY

The objectives of the charity are to promote the education of health care specialists and the public in relation to all aspects of the spondyloarthritis group of diseases including axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, arthritis related to inflammatory bowel disease and undifferentiated peripheral arthritis, to share information and skills among different medical disciplines that deal with these types of conditions and related disorders and to enhance research, diagnosis and treatment of spondyloarthritis for the benefit of those suffering from these conditions.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

ACTIVITIES FOR ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES

The principal activities for achieving these objectives are:

Page 3

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA

Trustees Annual Report

MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN TO FURTHER THE CHARITY'S PURPOSES FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT FOR THE PERIOD 2022-23

(i) Provision of multidisciplinary educational meetings

Two further online educational webinars were held in June and December 2022, open to BRITSpA members and non-members, all free to attend. The two-day Annual Scientific Meeting’s programme was designed to benefit and be accessible to the full range of members.

(ii) Establishment and advocacy of best practice for clinicians

The online educational seminars and Annual Scientific meeting allow the sharing of best practice. Delegates are able to interact with the lecturers via Q&A. The latest developments and guidelines are shared with the membership.

(iii) Sharing of skills among the different medical disciplines

Current membership continues to grow, standing currently at 216, with approximately equal numbers of Rheumatology Consultants and allied health professionals.

(iv) Facilitation of research into aspects of spondyloarthritis

BRITSpA members are contacted by email and website notifications regarding studies of interest.

v) Improvement of diagnosis and treatment of spondyloarthritis

All of the activities of BRITSpA are aimed at improving the recognition of SpA amongst clinicians and allied health professionals, and refining and understanding current and emerging treatment modalities, particularly with a view to reducing the delay to diagnosis.

vi) Conform to GDPR regulations

The charity’s policy is shown on the website. Members are advised regularly how to request deletion of their details..

(vii) Broaden Executive Committee to reflect membership and broaden expertise The Executive Committee currently comprises five Rheumatology Consultants, one scientist, a clinical lecturer and two physiotherapists.

(viii) Extend representation of BRITSpA and axSpA on professional bodies

Page 4

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA

Trustees Annual Report

Executive committee members sit on:

Page 5

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA

Trustees Annual Report

Structure, governance and management

CONSTITUTION

The principal objective of the charity is to promote the education of the public and health care specialists in relation to all aspects of the spondyloarthritis group of diseases, and to share information and skills among different medical disciplines.

The registered charity, number 1159476, is constituted under a Trust deed dated 3rd December 2014. The British Society for Spondyloarthritis (BRITSpA) was set up as a charitable Trust by the current Trustees who are also founder members of the Executive Committee governing the activities of the Trust.

The Trust actively fundraises. In the first instance this is mainly through approaches to pharmaceutical companies with an interest in advancing knowledge of spondyloarthritis. The risk of potential conflicts of interest has been acknowledged from the inception of BRITSpA; there is no representation of pharmaceutical companies or other potential donors on the Executive Committee and the measures taken to ensure that all funding and expenditure are transparent and in line with the society’s charitable status and objectives and set out in the financial report below.

The Trustees/Executive Committee have met quarterly since the charity's inception, together with minuted teleconferences. Since in-person meetings have become impractical due to the Covid19 pandemic, more regular, shorter virtual meetings have been held most months. Any practical changes to the charity bylaws are circulated prior to the AGM and voted upon by the attending membership. All Trustees give their time freely and no Trustee remuneration was paid in the year. Details of Trustee expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in the accounts. Neither the Trust nor any of the Trustees have interests with the pharmaceutical industry but any such interests would be disclosed. Members of the Executive Committee (EC) were affirmed. At the Trustees’ meetings, the broad strategy and areas of activity for the charity and plans for research, education and links with other professional and patient groups are agreed. The day to day administration of the charity’s activities is managed by the Executive Committee members, assisted by the administrator.

METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the charity Bylaws, which are published on the BRITSpA website.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DECISION MAKING

The Executive Committee is responsible for overall policy and direction of BRITSpA, and delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations to the administrator. Sub-committees are formed for separate research projects, as applicable. All the Executive Committee will be eligible for re-election, with no more than half of the Executive Committee to be changed at one time.

EMPLOYEES OF THE CHARITY

BRITSpA employs a part-time administrator (appointed 7th January 2015), originally for three days a week: this role was reduced to one day a week from May 2020, then reviewed and increased to two days a week from March 2021.

Page 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA

Trustees Annual Report

MEMBERSHIP AND LINKS WITH RELATED PROFESSIONAL GROUPS

Recruitment to membership of BRITSpA continues to be successful with a current membership of 200 including Rheumatologists, both Consultants and trainees, nurses, radiologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, scientists, Research Fellows, radiologists, epidemiologists, chiropractors and general practitioners with an established interest.

We maintain our close relationship with patient-centred charity National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS), and count the CEO and three other staff among our membership. BRITSpA EC members remain as trustees and/or medical advisors to NASS.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

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, with a minimum balance of £5,000.

The Trustees have considered the Charity's position at the time of signing the financial statements, and in particular the current issues caused by the continuing Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the Charity and the wider economy. The administrator's working hours have been temporarily reduced.

Based on this, the Trustees have concluded that they have a reasonable expectation that the Charity will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and at the date of signing these financial statements, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.

RESERVES POLICY

The Treasurer continues to be successful in attracting funding for the Annual Scientific Meetings. Following discussion at the 2022 AGM, a decision was made for 2023 member delegates to make nominal contributions to the cost of the meeting by means of delegate fees .. Future options for core funding are continuously explored and are debated during the annual general meeting.

The Trustees have set a reserves policy of a minimum balance of £5,000.

Total unrestricted funds at 31 March 2023 amounted to £29,635 (2022: £35,146 ). Restricted funds amounted to £6,622 (2022: £21,314). Restricted funds are in respect of Travelling Fellowship funding to provide additional training for members, and a donation to fund medals

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

The charity’s main focus will be to progress and develop opportunities for members to engage in research, in order to continue share knowledge with regard to all aspects of the spondyloarthritis group of diseases.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees' annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Page 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA

Trustees Annual Report

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales 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 its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102); Make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any Material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. 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.

Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees

R. Sengupta Trustee 22 December 2023

Page 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA Independent Examiners Report

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of BRITSpA

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of BRITSpA for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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

I have completed my examination. I can 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:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Andrew Parker FCCA Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Andrew Parker Associates Ltd Unit 7

Beech Avenue Business Park

Beech Avenue, Taverham

Norwich NR8 6HW 22 December 2023

Page 9

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies
2
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
3
Other
4
Total
Net gains on investments
Net expenditure
5
Transfers between funds
Net expenditure before other
gains/(losses)
Other gains and losses
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total funds Total funds
2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £
45,095 - 45,095 20,000
45,095 - 45,095 20,000
48,040 - 48,040 19,576
2,566 14,692 17,258 19,789
50,606 14,692 65,298 39,365
- - - -
(5,511) (14,692) (20,203) (19,365)
- - - -
(5,511) (14,692) (20,203) (19,365)
(5,511) (14,692) (20,203) (19,365)
35,146 21,314 56,460 75,825
29,635 6,622 36,257 56,460

Page 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA

Balance Sheet

at 31 March 2023

Charity No. 1159476
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
7
Current assets
Debtors
8
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:Amount falling due within one year
9
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension asset or liability
Total net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted funds
10
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted funds
10
General funds
Reserves
10
Total funds		 2023
£
346
346
3,203
33,680
36,883
(972)
35,911
36,257
36,257
36,257
6,622
6,622
29,635
29,635
36,257		 £
462
462
6,506
50,412
56,918
(920)
55,998
56,460
56,460
56,460
21,314
21,314
35,146
35,146
56,460

Approved by the trustees on 22 December 2023

And signed on their behalf by:

R. Sengupta Trustee 22 December 2023

Page 11

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2023

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic if Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.

Fund accounting

Income

Volunteer help The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts. Investment income This is included in the accounts when receivable. Gains/(losses) on This includes any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value revaluation of fixed at the end of the year. assets Gains/(losses) on This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments. investment assets

Page 12

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA Notes to the Accounts

Expenditure

Recognition of Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which expenditure cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Expenditure on These comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income, fundraising raising funds trading costs and investment management costs. Expenditure on These comprise the costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and charitable activities services in the furtherance of its objects, including the making of grants and governance costs. Grants payable All grant expenditure is accounted for on an actual paid basis plus an accrual for grants that have been approved by the trustees at the end of the year but not yet paid.

Governance costs These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including any audit/independent examination fees, costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity, together with a share of other administration costs.

Other expenditure These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:

Office equipment 25%% Reducing balance

Freehold investment property

Investment properties are measured initially at cost and subsequently at fair value at each balance sheet date and are not depreciated. All gains or losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise.

Stocks

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market.

Trade and other debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the company's cash management.

Page 13

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA Notes to the Accounts

Trade and other creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Research and development

Expenditure on research and development is written off in the year in which it is incurred.

Foreign currencies

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the charity are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of the charity are recorded at the rate of exchange on the date that the transaction occurred.

All exchange differences are are taken into account in arriving at net income/expenditure.

Leased assets

Where the charity enters into a lease which entails taking substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of an asset, the lease is treated as a finance lease.

Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to charity are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are initially recognised as assets of the charity at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet date as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance expenses are recognised immediately, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalised in accordance with the charity's policy on borrowing costs. Assets held under finance leases are depreciated in the same way as owned assets.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis.

Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the charity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the charity has no further payments obligations. The contributions are recognised as expenses when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the charity in independently administered funds.

Receipt of donated goods, facilities and services

All donated goods, facilities and services received are recognised within incoming resources and expenditure at an estimate of the value to the charity.

Page 14

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA

Notes to the Accounts

2 Income from donations and legacies

3
Expenditure on charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable
activities
Governance costs
4
Other expenditure
Bank loan and overdraft
interest payable
Employee costs
Motor and travel costs
Amortisation, depreciation,
impairment, profit/loss on
disposal of fixed assets
General administrative costs
Legal and professional costs
5
Net expenditure before transfers
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation of owned fixed assets
6
Staff costs
Salaries and wages
Pension costs		 Unrestricted
£
-
168
295
116
551
1,436
2,566		 Unrestricted
£
45,095
45,095
Unrestricted
£
48,040
48,040
Restricted
£
-
14,692
-
-
-
-
14,692
2023
£
116
2023
14,158
534
14,692		 Total
2023
£
45,095
45,095
Total
2023
£
48,040
48,040
Total
2023
£
-
14,860
295
116
551
1,436
17,258		 Total
2022
£
20,000
20,000
Total
2022
£
19,576
19,576
Total
2022
£
138
15,056
464
154
2,519
1,458
19,789
2022
£
154
14,734
196
14,930

No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

Page 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2

BRITSpA

Notes to the Accounts

7 Tangible fixed assets

Cost or revaluation
At 1 April 2022
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation and
impairment
At 1 April 2022
Depreciation charge for the
year
At 31 March 2023
Net book values
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
8
Debtors
Other debtors
PAYE
9
Creditors:
amounts falling due within one year
Other taxes and social security
Accruals		 2023
£
3,203
-
3,203
2023
£
144		 Office
equipment
£
1,649
1,649
1,187
116
1,303
346
462		 Total
£
1,649
1,649
1,187
116
1,303
346
462
2022
£
4,981
1,525
6,506
2022
£
110
828 810
972 920

Page 16

DocuSign Envelope ID: D4E2BC4C-1A15-4B17-8A75-90E0078E9AC2 BRITSpA

Notes to the Accounts

10 Movement in funds

Restricted funds:
Restricted income funds:
Abbvie Funding
Novartis Travelling Felloship
Funding
Andrew Keat Lectrue
Total
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Total funds
11 Analysis of net assets between funds
Fixed assets
Net current assets
12 Reconciliation of net debt
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt		 At 1 April
2022
6,314
10,000
5,000
21,314
35,146
56,460		 Incoming
resources
£
-
-
-
-
45,095
45,095
Unrestricted
funds
£
346
36,055
36,401
At 1 April
2022
£		 Resources
expended
£
(14,692)
-
-
(14,692)
(50,606)
(65,298)
Restricted
funds
£
-
(144)
(144)
Cash flows
£		 At 31
March
2023
£
(8,378)
10,000
5,000
6,622
29,635
36,257
Total
£
346
35,911
36,257
At 31
March
2023
£
50,412 (16,732) 33,680
50,412
50,412		 (16,732)
(16,732)		 33,680
33,680
13 Commitments
Pension commitments
The pension cost charge to the charity
amounted to:		 2023
£
534		 2022
£
196

Page 17