Company registration number: 09314933
Charity registration number: 1159749
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
(A company limited by guarantee)
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the Year ended 31 December 2023
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Contents
| Administrative Information | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Report | 2 to 8 |
| Trustees’ Responsibilities Report | 9 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 10 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
| Balance Sheet | 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 to 22 |
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
| Administrative Information | |
|---|---|
| Charity Number | 1159749 |
| Company Registration Number | 09314933 |
| Registered & Administrative Office | Boulsdon House |
| Newent | |
| Gloucestershire | |
| GL18 1JJ | |
| Company Secretary | Vacant at present |
| Trustees | Dr Richard Kerr-Wilson |
| Dr Kaye Wellings | |
| Mr Tim Rice | |
| Mr Andrew Baldwin | |
| Mr Philip Madelin | |
| Mr Richard Aspinall – Appointed 12 January 2023 | |
| Patrons | Ms Miranda Richardson |
| Mr Bill Bailey | |
| Key Management Personnel | Ms J Parry-Jones - Director |
| The Trustees listed above | |
| Registered Auditors | Hazlewoods LLP |
| Staverton Court | |
| Staverton | |
| Cheltenham | |
| GL51 0UX | |
| Bankers | Lloyds Bank Plc |
| Business Banking | |
| P O Box 1000 | |
| BX1 1LT |
The Charity is incorporated in England and Wales.
1
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Trustees' Report
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2023
This year allowed us to become more settled in our new role.
The Trustees during the year ended 31 December 2023 remained the same, other than Mr Richard Aspinall, who was appointed on 12 January 2023. There were five board meetings throughout the year and one meeting of Trustees only in January. All meetings were held in the boardroom at Wye Fruit, thanks to George and Richard Leeds, except the one in November which took place at Boulsdon House. In June, two of the Trustees had an informative visit to Parsonage Down, where the hen harriers from Europe are initially housed by Natural England (see CEO’s report).
Since we are now closed to the public, our aims and objectives were changed to reflect this and have been agreed by the Charity Commission.
The principal items for discussion were the future direction of the Charity and our investment strategy.
A strategy meeting was held in January to discuss the future options for the Charity. One of these was to consider a merger with a similar charity. With this in mind, discussions were held with potential partners. This was discussed with the ICBP board in November, but it was decided not to take this further at present.
Instead, the ICBP board agreed that we should continue with small conservation projects such as the ongoing hen harrier breeding programme, and in the long term act as a grant-making body for other small conservation projects, educational outreach and research projects.
In order to fund this from the legacy we had been left last year, we had presentations from various investment companies to decide our best investment strategy.
The Trustees also discussed the need to change the tenancy agreement between the Charity and Ms Jemima Parry-Jones, but concluded that the present arrangement is satisfactory.
Our thanks go to Jemima for her continued hard work and dedication in spite of various hospital visits, to Simon and Karen for their support, and to George and Richard Leeds for allowing us the use of the boardroom at Wye Fruit.
Dr Richard Kerr-Wilson FRCS(Ed), FRCOG
.
2
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Trustees’ Report (continued)
The Trustees present their report, which incorporates their Directors Report, and the financial statements of the charitable company, for the year to 31 December 2023. The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law and who have served during the year and up to the date of this report, are set out on page 1.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
OBJECTS AND AIMS
Mission – Inspiring people to understand, appreciate and value birds of prey. Purpose – Ensuring the survival, protection, and conservation of birds of prey.
The important issue about conserving the predator species is that without the right habitat and all that entails, they will not survive. By using birds of prey as flagship species, and conserving them, which is our field of expertise, and which also fascinates the public, we can work to conserve the amazing biodiversity of the world upon which every living creature depends.
“Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.” — E.O. Wilson
INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY
The late Philip Glasier founded the International Centre for Birds of Prey (then called The Falconry Centre) in 1967. His daughter Jemima Parry-Jones took over in 1983 and received an MBE for services to bird conservation in 1999. The Centre has now been a Charity since 2015.
ICBP leads the world in the captive breeding of species of diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey, having bred over 73 species to date. This vast experience allows us to share the knowledge and accomplish training with others the world around. A large part of the Charity’s work in this aspect is currently with vultures (this group of birds having been recently listed by IUCN as one of the most threatened groups of birds in the world). This work occurs in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and South Africa, providing advice, planning, design, expertise, and training.
Other projects are Saker Falcon breeding and release in Bulgaria, the Northern Spotted Owl breeding and release programme in Canada, and Hen Harriers in the UK.
The Trustees are also keen that ICBP works in the UK and concentrates its efforts where the need is greatest. Some of this was taken up with the 70+ injured wild birds of prey previously taken in each year by the Centre and cared for ready for release back to the wild. However, this is now proving much more difficult as Avian Influenza tightens its grip over the UK during the autumn, winter and spring. Consequently, we have taken the sad decision to no longer take in injured wild birds of prey.
The Trustees and staff are constantly and enormously grateful to the volunteers, members and patrons who support the Centre in so many ways.
EDUCATION
Without education conservation will fail, understanding of our fragile planet and all the lives on it is crucial for the future. The Centre undertakes more in-depth education to specific groups. Courses in Incubation and Harnessing of wild raptors for satellite tagging are a few of the specialist courses run for conservation NGOs.
3
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Trustees’ Report (continued)
CONSERVATION BREEDING
The conservation breeding aims of the centre are: to research species; breed consistently from species not previously understood; provide teaching and written information for good and viable conservation breeding programmes nationally and internationally; and, where acceptable, provide birds for conservation projects both in the United Kingdom and further afield.
RESEARCH
The Centre undertakes and encourages non-invasive research with the collection, working with colleges and universities to provide access to the birds for scientific projects and papers. The Centre also works with many NGOs, government groups and facilities to continue to support worldwide field research projects.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES
ICBP undertakes international conservation programmes whenever and wherever it can. In the last two decades it has been involved in the South Asian Vulture Programme, SAVE, since 1999. Also working in South Africa and Bulgaria and advises on many programmes around the world on a regular basis.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Without wildlife life for many people would be far less rich, it is our job to persuade them to understand the importance of all wildlife both in the UK and abroad.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
NATURE OF GOVERNING DOCUMENT
The International Centre for Birds of Prey ("the Centre") is a company limited by guarantee and its governing document is the Memorandum of Articles of Association as written and accepted by the Trustees in January 2015.
RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES
The current board of Trustees appoint new Trustees as and when they see fit, in order to maintain an appropriate range of skills, experience and understanding amongst the Trustees.
INDUCTION AND TRAINING OF TRUSTEES
New Trustees undergo extensive briefing on the organisation, its aims and objectives and their legal obligations under Charity and company law. During this time new Trustees will meet other existing Trustees and key members of staff and be appraised of the financial performance of the Centre and its business plan.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Trustees meet three times a year and will call Special General Meetings as and when these are required. As time for all is at a premium and excessive travel is poor conservation, at times the Trustees will have email agendas with a discussion period and a timed voting period, particularly when decisions need to be taken quickly. In addition, the Centre Director sends regular reports to all Trustees on both financial matters and the day to day running of the Centre with successes and failures.
4
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Trustees’ Report (continued)
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The major risks identified by the Trustees have been grouped under three headings, reputation, financial and personnel, and it is these three which are considered to be the greatest risks to the Charity. These risks are listed in a register and reviewed on an annual basis by the Board of Trustees.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE DURING THE YEAR
The Centre has been closed to the public now for over a year and, whilst most people do seem to know, the café still gets phone calls about opening times etc.
STAFF
Having said goodbye to all the staff, who had left for new jobs by June 2022, Holly and Adam finally managed to move with all the vultures and some of Holly’s personal birds. As a consequence, the Charity started 2023 with just two members of staff, Simon who has come to assist with the Hen Harrier projects, and Jemima. It is likely to remain that way until the Hen Harrier project is completed.
THE COLLECTION
At the start of this year, ten Hen Harriers settled in from quarantine having come in from France for the breeding project with Natural England. Six of the collection of Raptors, that the Charity has always had, have remained at the Centre and are well. These will probably be found good homes over time. The Charity also has two pairs of Long-eared owls for another breeding project, this time with another conservation group.
COURSES
The Charity no longer runs the courses that it used to run on training birds of prey, but it did run one course for staff and volunteers who were going to be working with the northern Brood Management Hen Harriers prior to their release to the wild. The Charity will be available for courses similar to this in the future.
FUNDING / STRATEGY
With the legacy that the Charity was given in 2022, which has nearly all now been received, the Trustees are working on new plans and strategies for the direction the ICBP and its conservation work will take in the future. Funding other projects will be one of the main aspects of the work the Charity will want to do in the future and it is setting up a page on a new website for people to apply for various funding for both small and larger projects.
CONSERVATION WORK
The Charity’s physical, hands-on conservation work particularly with Hen Harriers continues on.
BROOD MANAGEMENT
It reared six clutches this year with a total of 24 chicks being ready to go up to the release aviaries in July. That was a lot of work, but a learning experience for Simon who collected one of the clutches from up north, and returned the last two clutches back for release, both experiences gave him useful understanding with rearing and releasing. It has been rewarding for Jemima as usual and she looks forward to hearing how they all do in the next year or so.
5
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Trustees’ Report (continued)
One of the Hen Harriers arrived as an egg from Cumbria, there were two eggs and five hatched young. The Charity has had this before, but prior to this none of the remaining eggs had been alive. This time one of the eggs was alive and kicking as it were. After six days of incubation Simon managed to hatch it. It was tiny and would never have survived in the wild as its siblings were much larger in comparison, but the Charity was able to rear it with another clutch, and it went to prove that it could successfully move viable eggs and hatch them as well as dealing with live chicks. A number of the Hen Harriers that the Charity has Brood Managed over the trial have gone on to breed and produce young in the wild which is immensely satisfying.
THE SOUTHERN RELEASE PROGRAMME
The ten Hen Harriers that arrived in late 2022, having shown some breeding behaviour in the Spring failed to actually breed, but this was not surprising as they had had a relatively stressful time with the move and quarantine, prior to arriving here.
Simon and Jemima thought about how we can encourage them more for the following breeding season next year, and they planned changes to the aviaries and nest areas as well as management techniques. In the late summer they caught them all up with the help of Natural England staff and vet tested them with our avian specialist vet Tom Dutton who gave the Hen Harriers an all-round check over. They were all well, in good condition and with nothing to worry about. They had all moulted out and were starting to look very smart, as well as gaining weight.
OTHER WORK
In February, Jemima had a fairly significant accident and nearly managed to cut off her left hand and broke both bones in her arm. Because of the severity of the injury the surgeons said no to a planned trip to Nepal and India because of the risk of infection. That was very disappointing and meant that Jemima missed the release of the last captive vultures in Nepal. However, she is also still working remotely on the vulture conservation work in South Asia. As the Chair of SAVE, Jemima has to run meetings and encourage all the good work going on in the involved countries, with huge assistance from the RSPB, without whom SAVE would not be able to function.
In November, Jemima had a trip to New Mexico for the Raptor Research Foundation meeting, where she gave a paper on the Hen Harrier work. This was followed two days later by a trip to the Falklands where a small team including me spent 10 days on New Island working on a conservation programme for Striated Caracaras and then writing a report. It is an amazing place, but a very long flight to get there. Other than that, and the many Teams and Zoom meetings that Jemima has, she has continued to care for the birds, and work on husbandry and management at the Centre.
VOLUNTEERS
A few of our wonderful volunteers still come in and help out, although there is not as much for them to get done as we slowly get all the big tasks completed.
HOSPITAL REPORT
The Charity are still getting phone calls, about injured wild birds of prey and what to do to help them. It is usually able to advise and then send the birds to a suitable rehabilitation facility.
6
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Trustees’ Report (continued)
GRANTS
The Charity donated a grant to Moremi Vulture Trust who work in Botswana. It was a grant of £2500 to build three or four holding aviaries for those Cape Vultures that fledged too early and were not able to fly well enough to get off the ground and so would be vulnerable to predation. It is good to be able to fund this sort of good and simple conservation work. The Charity is in the throes of building our new website and on it will be a grant application form as we hope to be able to assist other groups in their conservation work.
AND FINALLY
2023 has been a tough year for Jemima and the Charity, with many highs and lows, but we still continue to do what we can in our small way to conserve this amazing planet and its wildlife. It staggers and saddens us to see how quickly we rush the planet towards the abyss with our behaviour, but to work in conservation you have to be an optimist, so we intend to optimistically carry on regardless!
As E.O. Wilson said – “ the education of women is the best way to save the environment .”
7
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Trustees’ Report (continued)
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND OTHER MATTERS
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The attached financial statements have been prepared to comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).
FINANCE COST AND FUNDING
The ICBP receives no government core grants, service level agreements or contracts that covers revenue costs and depends on funds from, donations, special events, conservation projects, and courses.
RESERVES POLICY
Given the nature of the Charity’s activities and our ongoing commitment to growth, the Trustees have established a reserves policy that covers two fundamental priorities. The Trustees agreed to keep the reserves at the previous level of 8 months unrestricted fund expenditure. In addition, we require that our reserves should be sufficient to underpin our commitment to continue our current conservation work and to award grants to conservation projects. As at 31 December 2023, the Charity held total reserves of £1,208,774 (2022: £1,312,953).
PAY POLICY FOR KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
The Trustees consider that the Board of Trustees and The Director comprise the key management personnel of the Charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the Charity on a dayto-day basis. All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee received remuneration in the year. Details of Trustees’ expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in notes 8 and 18 to the financial statements.
The pay of the Director and other staff is reviewed annually based on performance and normally increased in accordance with average earnings. The remuneration is set to ensure it is both fair but also will attract and retain staff of the appropriate calibre and experience required by the Charity.
GOING CONCERN
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast a significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. On review, the Trustees have concluded that they are to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements.
8
The International Centre for Bir(Ls of Prey Tru51ets' ReTM>rt {continued) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES The Tru#ets are resEK>nsible for pr¢p3Ting aTn&ees' aimual wort and fill]cial Staternts in CdanCe with appltcabl¢ law and Unit&l Kingdom AccouDtin8 Standarth (Untt&l King&xn GallY Accepted Accounting PractÉcc). Company law rffjuires the Twustefs to prepare fitwKial saternts for each fitwi¢ial yw. which give a e and fatr view of the stste of affairs of the Charxty and ofthe suwplus deficit ofthe awity forthat y¢ar. In ptwing these finanGiat staternenL% the Tr are re4uited to:. Select suitable xcowiting policies and 4yply con57Sttthly: Observe aT¥J principles the Charities SORP (Accountitig a1 RyTbDg by Clwities- Statement of R0Mmdl PEa¢tice)" Make judgements and estimatrs that are [¢&thI¢ and and Pware the financial staternents (XJ the going concern UTr] it js jnappropriatc lo pSUme thatth¢ Charity will continue in optsatio The TrteeS have overall regx)nsibiity for enswing that the )rnpanY h&s an appropriat¢ systan of ¢ontro]& ftnan¢ia] and Oth¥15& They are alg) re¥)nsTr1 Ile for kwtng pro accounting rOrdS, which disclose with r&sonable ac£ura¢y ai any tim< the financial )SItion of the company and IbI¢ them to ensure that the finan¢ial #atements comply with the Compani&s Ad 21kn. They are also ie5ponsibl¢ for safeguardiHg the assets of the cornpany aDd for the tsking reasoJ)abk steps for the prevention and STATEMEP4T AS TOTHE DL0$uR% TO OUR AUDITORS prq)arin8 their re[ of whi¢h tl Auditor [5 unawdr& aThJ the Tntste£& having rnade cHquiri&s of fellow Directors and the Auditor that they ht to have individualty have eth tskal all • thathejshe ts obl1j to take &s a Director in order to m8k¢ themselves awaTe ofaDy relevant alIt Infnation and to ¢stablish d)atth¢ AudttiK" ITEFENDE14T AuDoRs Havtng b¢en appoÉnted on 18 January 2018. the TnL#ees C01Mend that Ha7J¢woc*Js LLP ranatft in offi(x 11& fitythtrnotic SMALL COMPANY ExEMPTI(hYS of the Companies A¢t 2006. By ordv of the Tru5tE5 Dr Ri¢&4rd Kerr-wlson FR(%(Edk FRC(
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The International Centre for Birds of Prey
For the year ended 31 December 2023
I report on the financial statement of The International Centre for Birds of Prey for the year ended 31 December 2023, which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet and the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
As the Charity’s Trustees of the Company (who are also the Directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your Charity’s financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner’s statement and material uncertainty around the impact of COVID-19
The Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with such records; or
-
the financial statements do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).
I have considered the disclosures made in Note 1 to the financial statements with regards to the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and draw the attention to the material uncertainty over income as a result of COVID-19.
I have no other 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.
15/08/2024
…………………………………………………. ………………………….. Scott Lawrence FCA, DChA Date Hazlewoods LLP Staverton Court Staverton Cheltenham GL51 0UX
10
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Interest receivable Total Income Expenditure on: Raising Funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Total Expenditure Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Interest receivable Total Income Expenditure on: Raising Funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Total Expenditure Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds £ 1,214 19,369 999 21,582 (577) (114,814) (115,391) (93,809) 1,090,790 996,981 Unrestricted Funds £ 967,052 51,844 430 1,019,326 (4,999) (252,893) (257,892) 761,434 329,356 1,090,790 |
Restricted Funds £ - 132,459 - 132,459 - (142,829) (142,829) (10,370) 222,163 211,793 Restricted Funds £ - 250,000 - 250,000 - (109,120) (109,120) 140,880 81,283 222,163 |
Total 2023 £ 1,214 151,828 999 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 154,041 | |||
| (577) (257,643) |
|||
| (258,220) | |||
| (104,179) | |||
| 1,312,953 | |||
| 1,208,774 | |||
| Total 2022 £ 967,052 301,844 430 |
|||
| 1,269,326 | |||
| (4,999) (362,013) |
|||
| (367,012) | |||
| 902,314 | |||
| 410,639 | |||
| 1,312,953 |
All of the Charity’s activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.
11
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
(Registration number: 09314933)
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | |||
| TangibleAssets | 12 | 26,733 | 33,438 |
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors | 13 | 328,297 | 402,500 |
| Cashatbankandinhand | 857,416 | 894,764 | |
| 1,185,713 | 1,297,264 | ||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within one | 14 | (3,672) | (17,749) |
| year | |||
| Net Current Assets | 1,182,041 | 1,279,515 | |
| Net Assets | 15 | 1,208,774 | 1,312,953 |
| Funds off flae Charity | |||
| Restrictedfunds | 16 | 211,793 | 222,163 |
| Unrestrictedfunds | 16 | 996,981 | 1,090,790 |
| Total funds | 1,208,774 | 1,312,953 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
The financial statements on pages 11 to 22 were approved by the Trustees, and authorised for issue on
and signed on their behalf by:
Dr Richard Kerr-Wilson FRCS(Ed), FRCOG Chair of Trustees
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The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
1. Company Limited by Guarantee
The International Centre for Birds of Prey is a company limited by guarantee and accordingly does not have a share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of its being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.
2. Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
The International Centre for Birds of Prey meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast a significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. On review, the Trustees have concluded that they are to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements.
Income and endowments
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the Charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the Charity before the Charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the Charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Government grants
Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised.
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The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. All resources expended are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Fund Accounting
Funds held by the Charity are either:-
-
Unrestricted general funds – these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.
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Restricted funds – these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the Charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees’ meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Taxation
The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £1,500 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Furniture and equipment 20% Reducing balance basis Motor vehicles
20% Reducing balance basis 20% Reducing balance basis
14
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Investments
Current asset investments are included at the lower of cost and net realisable value/market value.
Stock
The bird stock is deemed to be a biological asset and is valued at its fair value less costs to sell. The value is reviewed at each reporting date with changes in fair value less costs to sell recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the Charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Financial statements payable are classified as current liabilities if the Charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial instruments
Classification
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
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The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the balance sheet when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the Charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the Charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the Charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party. Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Legacies Gift aid reclaimed Regular giving and capital donations COVID-19 grants receivable |
Unrestricted Funds £ 834 - - 380 - 1,214 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - |
Total 2023 £ 834 - - 380 - 1,214 |
Total 2022 £ 9,544 952,500 - 1,008 4,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 967,052 |
Of the income received in 2023, £967,052 was unrestricted funds and £Nil was restricted funds.
Included within COVID-19 grants receivable is £Nil (2022 - £4,000) in relation to a general leisure sector grant from Forest of Dean Council.
4. Income from charitable activities
| 4. Income from charitable activities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultancy income Other income |
Unrestricted Funds £ 3,978 15,391 19,369 |
Restricted Funds £ 23,333 109,126 132,459 |
Total 2023 £ 27,311 124,517 151,828 |
Total 2022 £ 36,198 265,646 |
| 301,844 |
Of the income received in 2022, £51,844 was unrestricted funds and £250,000 was restricted funds.
16
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| 5. Raising Funds Fund raising All of the expenditure in 2023 (2022: all) was charged to unrestricted funds. |
2023 £ 2022 £ 577 4,999 |
|---|---|
6. Expenditure on charitable activities
| Bird expenses Costs of Employment Rent Rates and water Light and heat Insurance Repairs and maintenance Grounds & Gardens Telephone and office costs Subscriptions and donations Website costs Sundry expenses Contract work and cleaning costs Motor and travel Event & Course Expenses Legal and professional Bank and card charges Governance costs Depreciation Bad debt expense Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets |
2023 £ 12,585 80,917 12.804 5,548 3,847 4,050 86,508 - 2,835 2,500 4,800 105 12,440 3,268 1,388 6,935 1,623 3,000 5,038 - 7,452 257,643 |
2022 £ 43,224 108,504 7,107 3,836 13,323 5,957 100,793 3,079 5,076 322 - - 20,109 7,862 4,037 5,870 2,825 13,527 6,236 3,524 6,802 |
|---|---|---|
| 362,013 |
Of the total expenditure above £110,014 (2022: £252,893) was from unrestricted funds and £142,829 (2022: £109,120) from restricted funds.
7. Net incoming resources
Net incoming resources for the year is stated after charging:
| Depreciation of fixed assets Independent Auditor’s fee Independent Examiner’s fee |
2023 £ 2022 £ 5,038 6,236 - 9,420 3,000 - |
|---|---|
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The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
8. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses
During the year, No Trustees (2022: None) received reimbursed expenses from the Charity to the value of £Nil (2022: £Nil). No Trustees have received any other remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year (2022: none).
9. Trustees’ insurance
In accordance with normal commercial practice, the Charity has purchased insurance to protect Trustees from claims arising from negligent acts, errors or omissions whilst on Charity business. The insurance provides up to £250,000 cover on any one claim and the cost for the year ended 31 December 2023 was £516 (2022: £672).
10. Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| Wages and salaries Redundancy payments Other staff costs |
2023 £ 80,900 - 17 80,917 |
2022 £ 98,349 8,512 1,643 |
|---|---|---|
| 108,504 |
During the year, the Charity made redundancy payments totalling £Nil (2022: £8,512) in relation to no employees (2022: 4).
No employees received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2022: no employees) during the year.
The key management personnel of the Charity comprise the Director, the Curator and the Business Manager and the trustees. The total employee benefits of key management personnel of the Charity were £29,558 (2022: £47,242).
The average number of employees in the year, calculated on the basis of full-time equivalents, was as follows:
| s: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Number | Number | |
| Charitable activities: | 2 | 4 |
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The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
11. Taxation
The Charity is a registered Charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
12. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost: At 1 January 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 December 2023 Depreciation: At 1 January 2023 Charge for year On disposals At 31 December 2023 Net Book Value: At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022 13. Debtors Trade debtors Other debtors |
Furniture and equipment £ 54,712 5,785 (16,261) 44,236 21,956 4,902 (8,809) 18,049 26,188 32,756 |
Motor Vehicles £ 3,250 - - 3,250 2,568 136 - 2,704 545 682 2023 £ 797 327,500 403,297 |
Total £ 57,962 5,785 (16,261) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47,486 | |||
| 24,524 5,038 (8,809) |
|||
| 20,753 | |||
| 26,733 | |||
| 33,438 | |||
| 2022 £ - 402,500 |
|||
| 402,500 |
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The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Deferred income * Accruals |
2023 £ 672 - 3,000 3,672 |
2022 £ 8,329 - 9,420 |
|---|---|---|
| 17,749 |
- Deferred income relates to amounts received before the year-end, in relation to events that were due to be held after the year-end. Movements in deferred income during the year are as follows:
| Deferred income brought forward Amounts released in the year Amounts deferred in the year Deferred income carried forward |
2023 £ - - - - |
2022 £ 13,475 (13,475) - |
|---|---|---|
| - |
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted Funds £ 14,253 986,400 (3,672) 996,981 |
Restricted Funds £ 12,480 199,313 - 211,793 |
2023 Total funds £ 26,733 1,185,713 (3,672) 1,208,774 |
2022 Total Funds £ 33,438 1,297,264 (17,749) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,312,953 |
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The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
16. Analysis of Fund Movements
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Incoming Resources Resources Expended £ £ £ Unrestricted funds 1,090,790 21,582 (115,391) Restricted funds 222,163 132,459 (142,829) Total funds 1,312,953 154,041 (258,220) Unrestricted funding covers all funding that contributes to furthering the objectives of the Charity. Restricted funds are made up as follows: Balance at 1 January 2023 Incoming Resources Resources Expended Restricted funds £ £ £ National Birds of Prey Trust 2,445 - - Transport of birds to Balkans 756 - Hen Harrier project 218,662 109,126 (140,433) New hospital 300 - - Brood management - 23,333 (2,396) Total funds 222,163 132,459 (142,829) |
Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 996,981 211,793 |
|---|---|
| 1,208,774 | |
| Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 2,455 756 187,355 300 20,937 |
|
| 211,793 |
Unrestricted funding covers all funding that contributes to furthering the objectives of the Charity. Restricted funds are made up as follows:
National Birds of Prey Trust: Donated for rehabilitation aviary – unspent in the current year so carried forward to following year.
Care of birds: This is in relation to the care of birds by the Charity. The full amount has been spent in the year on various bird expenses, such as food and veterinary costs.
Transport of birds to Balkans: This is in relation to birds that were transported to Green Balkans, Bulgaria, in order to return them to the wild. The remaining unspent amount will be used for future Green Balkans projects.
Grounds and gardens: Donation received from Trustee, A F Glasier, with the requirement that the donation be spent on gardening costs incurred by the Charity.
Hen Harrier project: This is a 10-year project funded by Natural England to breed Hen Harriers in captivity for release into the wild. £250,000 has been received from Natural England during the year, with £133,985 of expenditure on the project during the year ended 31 December 2022. A further £250,000 is expected to be received over the next 5 years. These funds will be used exclusively for this project.
New hospital: Donation received in relation to the building of a future new hospital. These funds have been held for when expenditure on this new hospital is incurred.
Brood Management: Income received in relation to the Charity’s brood management project.
21
The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
17. Financial Commitments
As at 31 December 2023 the company has total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| s: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings Amounts due within one year Amounts due between two and five years Amounts due after five years |
31 December 2023 £ 25,000 100,000 682,172 807,172 |
31 December 2022 £ 25,000 100,000 694,976 |
| 819,976 |
Post year end the quarterly lease for the property was renegotiated, such that the total commitment under non-cancellable operating leases at 31 December 2023 reduced from £807,172 to £80,025.
18. Related Party Transactions
During the year the International Centre for Birds of Prey employed Ms J Parry-Jones as the Director of the Charity and paid gross remuneration of £29,558 (2022: £27,093). In addition, the Charity paid Ms J ParryJones rent of £12,804 (2022: £7,107) and reimbursed expenses of £Nil (2022: £Nil).
During the year the International Centre for Birds of Prey incurred expenses in relation to the premises which were reimbursed by Ms J Parry-Jones of £4,116 (2022: £Nil).
At the year-end, the Charity was owed £458 (2022: £Nil) by Ms J Parry-Jones, in relation to agreed contributions for overheads relating to land and buildings used by the Charity. This balance is included within trade debtors.
During the year, No Trustees (2022: None) received reimbursed travel expenses from the Charity to the value of £Nil (2022: £Nil). No Trustees have received any other remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year (2022: None).
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