Charity registration number 1159975 (England and Wales) NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION The Trustees Mr G Gordon SirA Massey Mr P Styles Dr. C Aps Mr S Hand Mr D Crozier Mr J Rolhwell Mr T Colquhoun Mr I Whalley Mr C Pouncey Charity number (England and Wales) 1159975 Principal address 17 Dean Street Liskeard Cornwall PL14 4AB Independent examlner Rouse Partners LLP 55 Station Road Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire United Kingdoffl HP9 1QL
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION CONTENTS Page Trustees, report 1-26 Independent examine¢s report 27 Statement of financial activities 28 Balance sheet 29 Statement of cash flows 30 Notes to the financial statements 31-39
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 30 September 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered charity name National Coastwatch Institution Constituted as Charitable Incorporated Organisation Governed by NCI Constitution 16 January 2015 Iupdated October 2020) Charity registration number 1159975 Principal office 17 Dean Street, Liskeard, PL14 4AB The Trustees The Trustees who served the charity during the period October 23- Sept 24 were as follows: Dr. Chris Aps Mr. David Crozier Mr. Graeme Gordon Ex-officio Trustee (National Trea5urerl Mr. Stephen Hand Mrs. Linda Lawrence Sir Alan Massey (Co-opted as a Trustee April 2024) Mrs. Gail Rendle Mrs. Helen Simpson Mr. Phil Styles Mr. lan Whalley (Co-opted as a Trustee June 2024) Independent Examiner Rouse Partners LLP, 55 Station Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 IQL NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 I. INTRODUCTION BYTHE CHAIR On behalf of the Board of Trustees, l am pleased to report a year of considerable progress against the goals and objective5 set in our 5 Year Business Plan. In 2024 NCI marked its 30, anniversary of helping to save lives along the coast5 and inshore waters of England and Wales. The anniversary was marked by two events namely a reception held at Trinity House for our partners and supporters in the presence of our Royal Patron and a flag relay involving a specially designed flag visiting every one of our sixty stations {see section 41. In June 2024 we were able to conclude a long-term collaboration agreement with Sirius Insight ISI) under which NCI stations will be equipped with Sl funded ccrv cameras enhanced by a facility to stream NCI camera images to a central server accessible by HMCG rescue centres. In addition, Sirius Insight will provide significant financial support towards NCI expenses. This agreement will enable a step change in NCS capability in helping to save lives at sea. Our search and rescue and coastal watersafety operations across the UK continued to develop in line with our strategic objectives. The year saw NCI watchkeepers involved in 825 SAR incidents. which involved NCI assisting in 345 people being rescued. Over 40 stations also now have Coastal and Water Safety officers and teams trained to engage directly with the public, to provide safety information and material and they have been active in targeting key activity groups using the coastline, through the summer period. Collaboration with our partners in water safety continued to be strengthened by our membership of the National Water Safety Foundation. The work of the Station Development team has continued. and the team has overseen the opening of a new station at Minehead. The team has continued to plan for new stations. at Cleethorpes and Berry Head. in addition to assisting with obtaining new equipment and managing refurbishment projects. We are extremely grateful for the close interest taken in our work by our Royal Patron. Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal. who has once again provided highly valued support, visiting NCI stations at Worms Head. Canvey Island. and Fleetwood, as well as visiting our stand at the Seawork exhibition and attending a reception to mark our 30, anniversary where she met many watchkeepers and supporters. NCI finances overall have remained healthy thanks to the significant fundraising efforts in local communities by our volunteers and supporters and these effort5 are now supported by a national fundraising team and strategy. The National Treasurer's initiative to improve our financial reporting has improved the visibility of charity finances to the Board of Trustees. On behalf of the Board of Trustees I thank all our sponsors and donors who have supported us during the year and most of all I thank our magnificent voluriteer watchkeepers who give so much of their time and effort to our mission of helping to save lives along the coast. NCI Reporl and Accounts 2023- 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2. NCI OBJECTIVE AND AcfiviTIES Objectives The Charity objective is to assist in the protettion and preservation of life at sea and around the UK coastline. Vision Our vision is to.. increase coverage around the coast in areas of highest need. continuously expand NCI'S capability to help save lives and be recognised for this. strengthen our reputation as a 'professional' organisation. Activities The volunteers of the National Coastwatch Institution INCI) help to keep people safe and save lives by providing a visual, listening and radar watch around the coast. We aim to keep watch in daylight hours. every day of the year to.. 'spot' accidents, incident5 and vulnerable people or vessels 'plot' the location 'reporf the details to HMCG or other emergency services 'respond' with further assistance as required by HMCG NCI is a declared asset of HM Coastguard and part of the UK National Search and Rescue organisation, providing 5UPPOrt to the frontline services. We help coastal users to be safe, and stay safe, providing information about local conditions and facilities- in person. by radio or by telephone. NCI has also now developed a structured approach to enhancing coastal and water safety providing information directly to the public by individual engagement and talks to community organisations. Public Benefit In managing the activities of the Charity. the Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance when exercising anv powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant. In addition to our primary objective-to protect and preSee life at sea and around the UK coastline,, NCI continues to benefit the wider community in several ways: NCI has an ongoing role in assisting, via HM Coastguard and other agencies, including the Police and Local Authorities, by alerting them to visible susPICiOUs activity along the coastline. We regularlv conduct visual searches for overdue craft and missing persons, as well as highlighting environmental incidents. By helping to improve safety around the coast, NCI encourages increased use of inshore coastal facilities and community participation. Local businesses and councils see us as a major contributor to safety, providing benefit where they offer leisure facilities and venues. NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 3. OPERATIONS PERFORMANCE 2023-2024 In the year 23-24 NCI revised the analysis of our performance to focus on the end results of our search and rescue participation i.e. the number of people rescued from danger though our observation and reporting. The trend in search and rescue incidents reported over the last ten years shows a significant historical increase, although in 2024 there was a slight year on year drop, compare to the previous two, which can be attributed to the poor summer weather reducing the numbers of visitors to coastal resorts. Our 59 operational NCI stations in 2024 recorded a total of 825 incidents, slightly down on the 2023 total of 845. 1000 YEARLYINCIDENTTRENDS 201&TO 2024 80Q Incld8nts 600 lrtcrdenls Inili8t•dbyN¢I 400 • Incldents InltiBtedby HM¢G+ Olhers 200 Period 0110112024 to 3111212024 Incident Initiator Assets Deployed NOOI Stations Ineldent Ratio Incldents NCI MCA Othars ILB AWLB Heio CRT TotsL All Stations 59 825 13.98 400 397 18 10 267 77 32 248 624 In calendar 2024 the NCI started to collate the -Nvmbers of persons rescued" from incidents that they had initiated or been tasked to support. The criteria used for cla5sifyinE persons rescued was based on the same principles used by HM Coastguard who, as well as recording persons rescued, also record persons assisted Something the NCI may consider looking at for 2025 data. In 2024 the NCI was involved with the rescue of 347 people of which 141 rescued from incidents initiated by the NCI and 206 from incidents that the NCI were tasked to a5Si5t. Some context for that NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 figure is that all the seats on a Boeing 777 or 5 double decker buses would be filled with the number of persons rescued. The key focus points for NCI the incident by group and type are shown in the table below. This information is important for several reasons. NCI Stations use the data to understand their coastal user priorities. NCI can focus on key issues for its national water safety campaign. NCI uses the data to understand the impatt new technology can make in improving coastal safety. Groups Incldents Land l Beach Activities 277 33% Leisure Craft 249 30% Water Sports 194 24% Others 105 13% Total 825 Each group has been split into top 5 listings indicating the types of incidents. 33% of all the incidents involving the NCI in 2024 was land based or are within what the Coastguard call the Littoral Area. 240A are related to water sports typically 0.25 to 1.0 nautical Mile offshore. 30% are related to leisure craft with 45% of the issues beinE mechanic31 failure. 2% are related to commercial shipping with a total of 5 incidents of a minor nature. We have also analysed the number of incidents and persons rescued by region together with an incident ratio i.e. the number of stations in the region divided by the number of incidents. NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Peiioj 0110112024to31112ll024 AssetsDepioyed Person$Res¢ued IXEIEIII:11111 Region NOOI Stati0Tr5 Incident knddenls AIIiB CRI Coinwèll 13 6.46 41 17 61 23 45 DEyon&&metset 132 22.} 18 10 13 SoulhCoaslLymeBay 10 22 SouthCoasiNWes 167 61 103 1Y4 16 75 South E8sICoast 14 14 EasikngL 12 IB8 17 Easi&North Ecoast 7.iV) 16 12 13 12 27 19 Wèies&NorthWesl 10 174 17.4 12 75 Tots 825 13.98 267 248 141 206 347 The NCI Certificate of Merit. In early 2024 discussions took place at NCI Board level about how the charity could recognise and reward watchkeepers who through their actions had likely saved a life or lives. It was aEreed that a Certilicate of Merit should be awarded in cases where assistance in saving a life had been given. The key criteria were laid down that the actions taken by watchkeepers should be acknowledged by one of our other SAR partners. It was agreed that the Certificate of Merit would be the highest award that an NCI watchkeeper could achieve. th On Thursday 4 July 2024 three watchkeepers from NCI Newhaven reported to Solent Coastguard that a yacht was standing into danger. Through their prompt actions it was acknowledged that they had helped to save the life of a lone yachtsmen who had to be winched to safety by helicopter. At thof the 30, Anniversary reception on the 17 September 2024 at Trinity House the three watchkeeper5 from NCI Newhaven were presented with certificates of merit by HRH the Princess Royal in her capacity as our Royal Patron. NCI Report and Aeeounts 2023- 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 4. THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF NCI In 2024 NCI marked the thirtieth year of helping to save lives along the coasts and inshore waters. Two major events were held nationally to mark the anniversary. a flag relay involving a specially designed flag visiting every one of our sixty stations and to end the year a reception held at Trinity House for our partners and supporters in the presence of our Royal Patron and NCI'S 30, anniversary was celebrated acr055 the summer of 2024 by a1160 stations in a 2,000-plus miles relay journey of a specially commissioned anniversary flag. Each station marked the anniversary with special community events. The volunteer watchkeepers found innovative ways to pass the 5ftx3ft flag on to the waiting crews at their neighbouring station. It has been transported in many ways, including on foot, kayak, bicycle. cable car, steam strains, RNLI and independent lifeboats, all sorts of watercraft and classic vehicles. It even appeared in a circus performance. Nothing has been more of a symbol of our chariws togetherness than the anniversary flag visiting all sixty of our stations and the celebration of our anniversary with many highly creative events. The strongest recognition must go to our 2,700 volunteers who made the memorable anniversary journey possible. The well-travelled anniversary flag was at the event and will be displayed at Trinitv House. In the autumn HRH The Princess Royal, as Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, wa5 the guest of honour at a reception held at London's Trinity House. Over 100 guests attended the event including colleagues and sUPPOrters representing organisations including HM Coastguard, the RNLI. The Royal and Merchant Navies. The Cruising Association, Seafarers Charity, The Yacht Market and Seawork. Guests also included Vendee Globe yachtswoman Pip Hare, Dame Katherine Grainger and Air Marshall Sir Chris Colville, Patrons of NCI. and event sponsors Sirius Insight and the Trinity House Charitable Trust. The Princess Royal was received at Trinity House by Upper Warden Capt. Roger Barker who presented the Lady Mayores5 of the City of London. and NCI Patron Air Marshal Sir Chris Coville. The greeting party included NCI Trustees, and the NCI Station Manager and cadets from St Donat's Bay in Wales. After meeting the guests. Her Royal Highness was formally welcomed to Trinity House by NCI Chair Stephen Hand who thanked her for her visit. He also invited her to present new Certificate of Merit awards to recognise outstanding individual service in support of the rescue of people in difficulties at the coast. Her Royal Highness presented the new NCI Certificate of Merit Awards to two of the three NCI watchkeepers-Andrew Murray and Mark Osborn - whose actions helped save the life of a yachtsman at Newhaven earlier this year. STRATEGIC PiAN In 2022 the Trustees launched a new strategic five-year plan for NCI'S future which outlined six high level forward strategies to- Strengthen our management organisation and processes NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Expand our coverage around the coast in areas of greatest need Collaborate more closely with partners in the Search and Rescue community Raise our profile and win the heart5 and minds of the public nationally and locally Establish NCI'S role in water safety, widely sharing safety information Establish a cohesive fundraising programme for NCI A review of progress on these themes toward the end of 2024 showed mixed success. Bu5ines5 Plan Tople RAG Statu5 of Toplt Commentary HlghllÉhts and Lowlights Issues arising from implernentation The review has shown thal this eletneni of our original plan 15 noi delivering the beneliis intended. NCI has requested the services of an experienced organisation consullani from Cranlield Institute to review our slrategy for our managemenl stiucture. Good starl made to coastsl and water sèleiy with 40 stations now providing information to the public Over 250 volunteers now trained to engaee with the public. 2025 plan based on ihe need to tomplete the roll out. expand the trained volunteers and embed CWS into NCI aciiviries. Good local working relationships in many aceas Contacl at senior levels re-e5tablished. Projects to Share PTemises made a good start but have stalled. Technology projects have not started yet. Slation Development team working well. Struclured approach to location of new stations in place Progress restricted by lack of funds NCI telecommunications are now managed nIralty. New national website implemenled which has improved the showcasin8 of NCI at a national level Email, Teams and documenl rnanagement in place which underpin our management and admini5tiative protesses. Strengthen our Management Structure NCI Prevendon and Water Safety Bulld and allgn NCI ¢apablllties wlth HMCG Expanslon of natlonal coveYaBe IT programme Proflle and Awareness ralslng TV Campai8n failed on all counts. P¥ogre5s ha5 beerb made on social media and press coverage, e5peciallv around Royal visits, and other event Natfjonal fundralslng Fundraising strale8y in place and some progiess. but noi adeqvately put into practice due to lack of resource5. New appointment5 to Fundraisirbg team are positive indicators. New Station Development in 2024 The Station Development Team membership remained unchanged. with Chris Aps {Station Development Trustee) as Chair, Phil Styles IRegional Trustee Wales & Northwest England, CCTV Lead), lan Whalley MBE (Station Manager Skegness, Trustee and National Fundraiser), Linda Lawrence {Regional Trustee East England and DFS Lead). Richard Saynor IHead of Stations Technology). Rob Oruce (Sector Manager Northeast. East Coast) and Mark Tidy (Treasury Liaison). NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 There were several ongoing station development projects in the year and their progress is shown in the following table. It is anticipated that the five remaining onEoing projects at Filey, Llandudno, Mablethorpe, Ram5gate and Whitstable will be completed in 2025. Anglesev Replate trailer T5 at Point Lynas Relocaied to Moelfre, permanent Structure completed 5ummer'24 Branca5ter Repla trailer T7 wilh demountable Unit Demountable unit installed Spring'24 Flley Repla trailer T3 wilh demounlable unit Good progress, onÈoin8 Llandudno Repla Trailer T4 with demountable Good progress, ongoing Lyme Bav Replacement of lookout and CCTV Cctv project near completion Mablethorpe Replacement of failed lookout Good progress. on80in8 Somerset Crealion of new slations at Minehead and Burnham on Sea Minehead: Trailer T6 replaced by demountable unit Summer'24 Burnham stalled due to Council issues Hen8lstbury Head Creation ol satellite station or CCTV in Christchurch Bay Satellite slalion abandoned. CCTV project instigated. Ramsgate Relocate fiorn Herne Bay to R3ms8ate. Replace trailer T2 with demountable Good progress, ongoing Stokes Bay Rebuild or replace MOD observation Tower at Browndown Training Range Pyoiect had to be abandoned. Alternative Cctv examined. Donated lunds available for other SDT projects. Whltstable Relocation to new site, new demountable Good pro8ress, ongoing. It is notable that all these projects were. or will be. funded externally without resorting to central financial support, either by fundraising, applications for grants or bids to third parties. Congratulations to those station fundraising teams that allowed for completion of their projects (Brancaster won the Alan Richards Award for totally funding their new lookout) and to lan Whalley for his consistent. successful and substantial bids for many of these ar)d future initiatives. NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Council mergers, funding or redundancies contributed to projects in Christchurch Bay and Burnham on Sea being stalled. The Browndown initiative for a new lookout in Stokes Bay in the Solent had to be eventually abandoned due to excessive potential costs. however. the terms of the 5UPPOrting bequest allows forthe donated funds to be used for other Station Development projects. Despite continuing and constructive dialogue at the highest level between our organi5ations, the outstanding success of NCI Bembridge sharing facilities with a CRT in an operational HMCG station has not automatically led to this concept being rolled out to similar sites, such as HMCG Hayling Island, Littlehampton or Clacton. This has been due to several recent and Significant concerns withing the MCA that need resolution before they are able to consider committing to further co- location. Likewise, fit for habitation issues at the HMCG remote radio site at Berry Head, Devon is prolonging negotiations for NCI to occupy and operate from that unmanned Coastguard lookout in similar manner to Needles and Hengistbury Head. NCI owns several fully equipped lookout trailers. Tango units, which are distributed in England and Wales according to need to allow new stations to be established. Latest plans thanks to a grant of £10,000 from the Steli05 Foundation are to upgrade the exhibition trailer to NCI lookout-5tandard, whilst retaining its exhibition capability. In 2025, the upgraded trailer will be located on the sea front in Cleethorpes to become another brand-new NCI station in Lincolnshire. CCTV and Streaming Server Roll Out An increasing effort has been invested in development of Station ccrv. It has long been our ambition to develop a national serverthat could gather data from all our NCI CCTVS to share with HMCG and our SAR partners. Discussions with the Joint Maritime Security Centre, Portsmouth. revealed their interest in the concept. Meanwhile one of their data providers. Sirius Insight, as explained above, offered an arrangement with NCI to provide ccrv and AIS equipment to NCI stations as well as financial support to the Charity as a whole. This arrangement with Sirius Insight spawned the instigation of two CCTV initiatives for NCI. Firstly, the provision of CCTV equipment to stations currently without cameras and secondly, the creation of the NCI CCTV seNer/website to disseminate our data more widely. Together this ha5 become the National CCTV Pro ect which is now managed by the SDT project team outlined below. NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024 10
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 MCIOAQANISATION NAIIOIIAi¢CIVPROKT P&A&CA Ch Coastal and Water Safety {CWS} Management of CWS in NCI has been undertaken by a single co-ordinator which. as activity expanded in 2024, is not a sustainable situation. We will implement management of CWS by appointing a small team drawn from national, sector and station personnel. The plan is to recruit and train approximately 150 additional volunteers at the remaining 30 stations yet to join the scheme. NCI has recently joined two National Water Safety Forum {NWSFI management groups (coastal and communications). We will formalise our'stay Safe Along the Coast. as NCI'S official CWS campaign and add the campaign material to the NWSF website campaigns. NCI has approximately 250 watchkeeper members who have been trained to engage with members of the public and provide safety information. We will now create and maintain a database of qualified CWS personnel to communicate and administer the group as it has continued to grow in 2024. CWS activity has increased in 2024 and as NCI recruit and train new volunteers for CWS activity to supplement current watchkeeping volunteers, CWS 'joiners' will be required to complete elements of watchkeeper training, attend at least one station watch and attend at least one accompanied CWS event before solo activity. Completion of the training package is mandatory for all members involved in CWS public engagement. Regular reviews of training material and delivery have been implemented to ensure the training remains consistent with NWSF guidance. NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024 11
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 NCI has continued to supply water safety materials such as waterproof phone pouches, wristbands and stickers to meet demand. We have also continued to provide feather flags and pull up banner5 for stations and these will be Supplemented with protective folders or display stands for posters and leaflets. 6. RISK MANAGEMENT During the year NCI has adopted a more Structured approach to managing the risks to the charity. Progress made to date by the NCI Risk Committee in further developing the NCI'S national risk management process. This aspect of our performance is summarised as 6.1. Risk Committee. In 2023 -24 the Committee met three times since standing up, in line with the Terms of Reference that were endorsed by the Board at its February 2024 meeting. The Board subsequently endorsed at its July 2024 meeting the key guiding principles and protocols for managing risks within the organisation. as drafted by the Risk Committee: a risk management policy for the NCI a risk scoring methodology and matrix a register capturing those risks considered to be of the highest current priority for mitigation and management by the NCI Board. Risk Register. The draft risk register lists 13 current key risks for the NCI, along with indicative mitigation measures, many of which are already in train. The highest scoring risks, after mitigation. remain as of July 2024- financial instability, failure to retain staff, and a breach of HSE standards resulting in loss of life or serious injury. 'Financial instability, is still. by some measure, the highest current assessed risk to the organisation. and mitigation measures are being actively pursued. Action Plan. Timeline and Task Schedule. Having established the basic methodology for risk management (a policy, risk scoring regime, mitigation strategy, and risk register), the Committee has been focu5sed on developing an Action Plan, Timeline and Task Schedule to define in detail those actions now needed to mitigate and manage the organisation's risk5. These actions are being identified and documented into a Risk Management Action Plan, including a proposed Timeline for the management of those risks. Flowing from this, the risk management Task Schedule will detail the key risks in a prioritised way and will illustrate the specific tasks that need to be undertaken to deal effectively with the actions. The Task Schedule is currently under development. Ownership and Delivery. Some of the risk management tasks will entail considerable effort and resource. and it will normally be for designated risk owners to take responsibility for delivering the scheduled task5, or to seek direction and guidance from the Board if they are unable for any reason to achieve timely delivery. It will be important to identify risk owners at an early stage to assist in mitigation planning. NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024 12
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Risk Tolerance/Appetite. The Board will. in due course, define its tolerance level lor'appetite'l against the risks listed in the register. One would hope that, after mitigation. most risks could be contained within that tolerance boundary- but we should not expect to achieve that level of comfort in every case. The Risk Committee will propose a suitable starting position for the Board's risk appetite and, in parallel, the Committee will continue to review the risk register, and progress against the Action Plan, every Six months on behalf of the Board. Subsequently presenting these to the Board for endorsement and for confirmation of the Board's tolerance level against the key risks. 7. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT In accordance with the NCI Constitution (October 20201.. Election of Trustees The Charity Constitution states that there should be not less than 5 nor more than 8 elected trustees- one ex officio trustee- and not more than 3 nominated or co-opted trustees. If the number of elected trustees falls below 5 the remaining trustee or trustee5 may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees to appoint a new charity trustee. Elected Trustees NCI Trustees will be elected by the member Stations at the annual general meeting and will serve term of 3 years after which they must retire, however they may seek re-election (to a maximum of 3 terms). Vacancies not filled at the annual general meeting. or that occur between annual general meetings, may be filled by co-option. The member Stations or the Trustees mayat any time decide to appoint a new Trustee, whether in place of a Trustee who has retired or been removed, or as an additional Trustee. provided that the limit specified on the number of Trustees would not, as a result, be exceeded. Ex Officio Trustee NCI'S Treasurer for the time being I'the office holderfl shall automatically. by virtue of holding that office l'ex officio'l, be an NCI Trustee. If unwilling to act as a Trustee. the office holder may, before accepting appointment as a Trustee, give notice in writing to the Trustees their unwillingness to act in that capacity or after accepting appointment as a Trustee, resign. The office of ex officio Trustee will then remain vacant until the office holder ceases to hold office. Nominated Trustees Corporate or unincorporated bodies, agencies and other organisations I'the appointing body'l, as invited by the NCI Trustees, may each appoint one Trustee. Any appointment must be made at a meeting held according to the ordinary practice of the appointing body. Each appointment must be for a term of 3 years. Trustees so appointed have the same duty as the other NCI Trustees, to act in the way they decide, in good faith. would be most likely to further NCI'S purposes. Co-opted Trustees NCI Trustees may at any time. also appoint other fit and proper persons as Trustees. Co-opted Trustees shall be reappointed on an annual basis following each AGM. Trustees so appointed have the same duty as the other NCI Trustees, to act in the waythey decide, in good faith, would be most likely NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024 13
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 to further NCI'S purpose5. 8. MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE The Management Executive IMEI had a very demanding year with all aspects of day-to-day NCI operations seeing an increase in activity. There was a particular increase in Human Resources IHRI with the small HR team successfully handling the many aspects of the needs and welfare of our volunteers. The area of Stations Technology had a constantly busy year as new stations opened, and existing stations re-equipped to update their technological capability. Keeping up with swiftly developing technology is a vital part of NCI'S brief across all 60 stations. Public Relations. press and social media work was robust throughout 2023-24 with social media. particularly, seeing growth in public awareness of NCI. The Operations area was consistently busy every day of the year with the central operations management structure keeping all stations supported in their daily watchkeeping duties, via their Sector Managers. Throughout the year. internal communications techniques were tested and refined with more work yet to do. Administration is a daily requirement to service the disparate need5 of our 2800 volunteers spread acr055 60 locations throughout England and Wales, and 2023-24 saw another administratively demanding year. IT needs of over 700 NCI account holders place an ever-increasing demand on resources and the very busy IT team coped well. The ME continued to generally develop and refine its contribution to the daily running of NCI across the year. 9. REGIONAL SUMMARIES Cornwall - Helen Simpson The Cornwall region covers 13 stations from Boscastle on the North Cornish coast to Rame Head on the South Cornish coast. There are two Sector Managers Jim Jeffries and Debbie Edwards. All stations are recipients of the Queens Award forvoluntary Service. All stations reportto Falmouth Coastguard. who are supportive partners. often hosting visits to stations. All 13 stations underwent their annual DFS. and good practices are being shared amongst NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024 14
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 stations, with all working well within the competencies. All stations received excellent assessment results. The stations took part in the 30, Anniversary flag relay with enthusiasm and creativity. The events were recorded on social media as they unfolded and stimulated much interested from the public. Excellent community and inter station involvement made the event a great success. Cornish stations, having become Way Makers for the SW Coastpath Association. are now receiving frequent visits from walkers. Challenging weather condition5 during the year ha5 Put tremendous pressure on buildings and equipment. In some cases. stations closed for safety reasons. Wear and tear on the buildings, many former coastguard lookouts. is a constant battle. The level of ongoing refurbishment request5 is a constant reminder of their age. NCI Boscastle Continues to cover all watches with 27 volunteers. Recruitment of volunteers can be difficult due to the long walk over difficult terrain to the watch station. The site is a popular area for walkers from Boscastle and engagement with the public is good. The addition of new equipment. PC and display screen, AIS system. and extra solar panels have aided good watchkeeping, with notable incidents being recorded. An excellent fundraising team work hard to maintain a good thriving balance of funds, resulting from strong community partnerships. NCI Padstow Despite the rnile walk over open terrain to reach the watch station. the Membership is good at 55. The station is well equipped relying on solar and wind power, there is no vehicular access to the station and therefore any maintenance equipment must be carried by hand. It is hoped that the name change to Padstow. {formerly Stepper Pointl. will help to increase public awareness and fundraising. NCI St Agnes Head This station has had an excessive amount of damage due to the many stomis and its exposed location. This has not thwarted the enthusiasm and energies of the Station Manager and his team. A grant from Cornwall Council of £23.0(M) has enabled the watch station to be refurbished and is now fully operational, with a new wind turbine and solar panels. The help and support from the local community is evident. The refurbishment has taken into account disabled access. NCI St Ives Celebrated 25 years in August. The town is a popular visitor destination and during the summer months water activities increase greatly. St Ives Town Council is very supportive and a recent grant of £700 enabled the purchase of much needed parts for the weather station. An excellent contactless fundraising scheme and a book stall helps raise much needed funds to keep the station operational. Remote CCTV assists the watchkeepers observing the hazardous Hayle estuary. Recruitment is good at 55 volunteers. The number of incidents recorded show good observational watchkeeping. NCI Cape Cornwall NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024 15
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 This station monitors commercial vessels, local fishing boats and leisure activities. The Cctv and Weather Station have recently been replaced, the cost of £4.(K)O was achieved through local donations. Cape Cornwall has excellent liaison with the local RNLI, and joint training exercises benefit watchkeepers and RNLI crew alike. A new Station Manager was appointed during the year. Every effort is made to recruit members. to increase the numbers which at present is 27. NCI Gwennap Head The station membership is good at 49. This is a well-run and equipped station. recent removal of the radar has been replaced by AIS. This is a popular coastal walking and climbing area. There 15 good contact with both Sennen and Penlee RNLI who frequently work together on live training exercises. The drainage issues have at long last been resolved at cost to the landlords. There are plans for some station refurbishment to take place in the Spring of 2025. Fundraising is undertaken with enthusiasm and commitment, and the station has excellent connections in the local community. Every effort is made to be present at local events. NCI Penzance This has had the most incidents in the SW, ivs a busy bay which includes Newlyn harbour. The location of the watch station means good optics. radar and Cctv are essential. These resources are used by both the local coastguard team and Falmouth Coastguard in incident working. The watch station has very limited access by the public and so a great effort is made to raise awareness of the NCI at community events. Fundraising is a challenge but is met with enthusiasm. More volunteers would always be welcome. however, the 24 watch keepers make every effort to cover all watches. NCI Bass Point Bass Point IS Sltuated on the Lizard, the membership stands at 34 and every attempt is made to raise awareness to attract more volunteers. The external cladding to prevent water ingress ha5 been completed. More work will continue as the weather improve5. Due to hard efforts by the fundraising team this was made possible from funding by Cornwall Community Foundation, National Trust and Go Fund Me as well as an independent donation in total £8,500. NCI Nare Point The addition of APM binoculars and a radio. in each of the watch rooms, has assisted observation and monitoring of the many and varied sea users. Money from the Tesco community fund enabled the purchasing of a laptop and digltal projector for training purposes. The incidents recorded Show excellent observation and decision-making skills by the watch keepers. The recently opened bridge on the coastal path will give greater access to the public with the expectation of more coastal walkers. NCI Porthscatho This station is closed during the winter months. However, work continues with trainin& recruiting and refurbishment and socia15. Membership remain5 Steady at 40. Fund raising in 2024 was another measure of the level of endorsement for the NCI, with many examples of generous personal donations and support of fund-raising events. Examples include raising £l.000 in two hours at a coffee morning, almost a thousand pounds raised by two children knitting.sea monsters- and NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024 16
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 baking cakes for sale during the Regatta Day. This fund raising allowed for the complete refurbishment of the interior of the Lookout. transforming the working environment. NCI Charlestown Carlyon Bay is busy with both commercial and leisure activities. The station has a good membership, 49 in total, and help NCI Polruan with extra watchkeepers. The station like many other relies on wind and solar power for its energy source. This is effective and well maintained. The water safety programme is incorporated into talks to the local community and involves both NCI and the RNLI in a good working partnership. The local radio station give5 monthly airtime for NCI news. NCI Polruan The location of the station makes recruitment quite difficult. as the main town is on the opposite side of the River Fowey. The support from Charlestown NCI has helped and there has been some improvement in recruitment. Good PR work with the local town has resulted in The Royal Fowey Yacht Club supporting the fundraising programme. The recent purchase of the Fuji binoculars and the reengineering ofthe tripod has transformed the watchkeeping. NCI Rame Head The present ccrv camera is beyond repair and the station are awaiting authorisation to replace it. There is a good relationship with the RNLI in both Plymouth and Looe. The station has a good following on Facebook and keeps the public updated on many safety practices. The membership is good at 67 and incident records show good judgement. observational skills and communication with Falmouth Coastguard. Devon and Somerset- Gail Rendle The Devon and Somerset region covers a total of five stations along the south coast of Devon and two along the Somerset coastline. The Devon stations are. from east to west, Exmouth, Teignmouth, Torbay. Froward Point and Prawle Point. The Somerset stations are Minehead and Burnham-on-sea (the latter yet to become operationall. Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay report to Solent Coastguard, Froward Point and Prawle Point report to Falmouth Coastguard while Minehead reports to Milford Haven Coastguard. The Devon and Somerset Stations are very ably supported by Ivor Jones as Sector Manager who regularly meets with Station Managers online along with visits to stations throughout the year. NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024 17
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 All five Devon stations passed their annual DFS assessments With flying colours. This was particularly significant for Prawle Point who. due to several changes in station management, had had their assessment delayed for some time. Minehead also successfully passed a pre-DFS inspection. All stations took part in the 30, Anniversary flag relay with huge enthusiasm- despite some challenging weather - bringing inspired and creative ideas to each of their relay legs. Indeed. it was a real pleasure for this Regional Trustee to watch each leg unfold on social media. NCI Exmouth A particularly challenging autumn 2023 when Storm Ciaran caused major damage and subsidence to the slipway adjacent to their training and storage facility, Coastwatch House. Storm Pierrick finished the job in the sprin& resulting in the building being condemned and demolished with loss of the site. The lookout tower was unaffected, and the station remained operational throughout. After overcoming many technical difficulties. a successful project resulted in the installation of a fourth ccrv camera on the MOD site at Straight Point. now covering the previously unseen hotspot of Sandy Bay. NCI Telgnmouth A positive year with the installation of a new CCTV camera at the nearby harbour entrance. covering a blind spot. A successful project resulted in the replacement of degraded cable trays carrying outside wiring supporting the main electronic function5 of the station. NCI Torbay Torbay enjoyed another busy year with fundraising success gaining specific sponsorship agreements with local individuals and businesses. This was a deliberate move away from supermarket collections. The station's popular and well-attended Golf Day netted over £2.000. Recruitment has also been very effective with station membership finally above pre-covid levels and nudging 80. An excellent training programme compliments this. Following a successful 5igEx application, upgraded optics now give watchkeepers a clear view across Torbay towards the busy area of Brixham Harbour. NCI Froward Point Also enjoyed success on the fundraising front with a local Shanty Evening raising £1.800 along with a pub Christmas draw in favour of the station raising a further £2.0(K). Andy Westwood, the Station Manager, energetic a5 always. addressed the congregation at a Service of the Seas in nearby Brixham on the activities of NCI. which resulted in some useful contacts. A determined recruitment drive has proved successful. NCI Prawle Point Another Devon station with a particularly successful and energetic fundraising profile raising £2,000 from one lunch alone. The station's online newsletter is an excellent example of its kind and should stand as a template to other stations who may have ambitions in that area. NCI Minehead NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024 18
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Opened for business in early December 2023 and was temporarily housed in the exhibition trailer T6, along the promenade. They have since successfully moved to a permanent demountable on the same 51te and are currently operational 1000-1600 three days per week. Recruitment at Minehead, land nationally) benefitted from excellent exposure on BBC Tv's Countryfile in March. NCI Burnham on Sea Unfortunately remains a station in name only. Despite this. the membership continues to meet and bang the drum locally. NCI Dorset and Bembridge low- Dr Chris Aps NCI Stations in Dorset Region are, from West to East, Charmouth, Lyme Bay, Portland Bill, St Alban's Head, Swanage and Hengistbury Head together with Bembridge low. The six Dorset Stations are an extraordinarily cohesive group with the Station Managers regularly meeting face to face in addition to the monthly online Sector Manager meetings. which were also attended by their Regional Trustee. They closely cooperated on several levels such as joint fundraising and radio trainin& but the Dorset stations enthusiastically embraced the 30, Anniversary Flag relay. They all showed great and varied imagination in that celebration with Bembridge even flying their flag to NCI Shoreham in a PA28 light aircraftl NCI Lyme Bay Finally ordered the ccrv in West Bay after SigEx approval following a year of hard work in investigation. negotiation and preparation. This will greatly enhance the station's operational NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024 19
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 capability. Their plan5 for replacing their lookout were delayed by an anticipated report from the Environment Agency on coastal erosion at the site. NCI Swanage Particularly successful at fundraisin& sharing their produrtive footfall with NCI Lyme Bay, for example. They also ran the local SRC training courses. During the year a successful SigEx application resulted in extensive works on the approach stairway to meet concerns from the local ambulance service about emergency access to and from the lookout. NCI Hengistbury Head Enjoyed a 5ucces5ful Royal visit this year. The Station was again particularly effective at recruitment and recorded the highest incident reporting rate in Dorset, including persons saved (see above). Potential plans for a satellite station at Christchurch Bay were shelved and an alternative CCTV project at Hengistbury Head begun. NCI St Alban's Head Continued to have a high working profile with Border Force and the Marine Police and worked closely with the military at the firing ranges at Lulworth to the benefit of both them and transiting mariners. The station worked hard at building excellent working relations with local organisations, such as Cumulus Outdoor5. A point of celebration has been acquiring a piped stream water supply to the lookout for the first time. NCI Portland Bill Saw the impending retirement of Geoff and Pam Peters after an incredible 25 years. service. This station was also chosen to have a replacement radar funded by the Joint Maritime Security Centre, planned to be operational in early 2025. NCI Bembridge Enjoyed a successful Royal visit. achieved their first DF5 and finally became operational seven days per week, 365 days per year. They continued enjoying superb relations both with the Coastguard Rescue Team who are their hosts in the HMCG Bembridge station and with their sister IOW NCI station at Needles. East Coast- Linda Lawrence All Stations had the annual 2024 DFS review with excellent results NCI Filey Still working from a mobile unit. but plans have been submitted for a bespoke unit. The SM has formed a good team around him, with increasing membership. Membership 26 NCI Hornsea Has new cameras from Sirius. this now gives them excellent views. Membership 50 NCI Mablethorpe NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024 20
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Now have plans submitted for a two-storey unit. They have been awarded a substantial grant from Nuclear Waste Services Community Investment Fund, which will cover the unit and completely new refit. They received a grant of £50CQ in November this will be used for new camera. Membership 42 NCI Chapel Point Continues with an issue of the only access being through a restaurant. If the restaurant doesn't open. then they cannot have access to the Station. Membership 27 NCI Skegness Earlier last year the SM resigned, there were a few watchkeepers who had caused problems. A new ASM was elected by the membership and has worked hard to get the Station back on track. Membership 19 NCI Brancaster Took delivery of their new bespoke 'green' Station in March 2023, it was equipped with solar panels, heat source pump. wind turbine. The SM and DSM raised all the money to pay for the new unit. Then last year were awarded a Royal Visit in July. Unfortunately, due the HRH having an accident, the event was postponed. The visit was rescheduled for January 2025 and HRH was very impressed with the low carbon footprint, of NCI Brancaster. They continue to have high praise from the RNLI, as their callouts have halved since the Station opened. Membership 32 NCI Wells Has had a turbulent few year5, but a new ASM has been able to stabilise the Station. Membership 45 NCI Cromer Continues to be a stable Station. They were invited, by the offshore wind fam) operated Equinor. to visit one of the offshore ships. A Team of six watchkeeper's went along and were given an excellent guided tour over one of the workboats. The Equinor Team offered to visit NCI Cromer in February 2025 to give all the watchkeepers a talk on the work on the offshore teams. Membership 30 NCI Mundeslev Continues a well-run station. Has done some excellent fund- raising and membership numbers have increased. Membership 31 NCI Gorleston The membership is growing and is a good stable Station. Membership 37 NCI Felixstowe The Station was chosen to be the Mayors Charity for the year and has held some excellent fund- raising events. Where they are situated, in a Martello Tower, they can hold open days. and this generates a lot of interest from the local community. The Station has some excellent CCTV along the coastline. In particular there is a camera sited at the mouth of the River Deben, for which, within the Station there is a separate screen, which one watchkeeper monitors during a watch. Membership 70 South and Solent- Stephen Hand Ncl Reporl and Accounts 2023 - 2024 21
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 The six stations in the South and Solent region are Shoreham, Gosport. Lee-on-the-solent, Needles, Calshot Tower, and Stone Point. All stations have been busy. especially during the high months of the summer. A total of 133 SAR incidents were recorded during 2023-2024 and every station showed an increase in search and rescue incident5 over the previous year. Station Incidents in 2024 NCI Calshot 24 NCI Stone Point 19 NCI Needles 16 NCI Lee-on-the-solent io NCI Gosport 27 NCI Shoreham 37 The south coast is an extremely popular destination for visitors from London and other inland locations and all South and Solent stations have been early contributors to our coastal and water safety information provision service. The Solent and IOW stations were again closely involved in assisting with monitoring the safety of participants in the Round the Island Race. The race was truncated due to extreme bad weather and stations were involved in the rescue of a yacht in difficulties. NCI are now also involved in the forward planning of future races. NCI Shoreham A total of 37 search and rescue incidents in the year made NCI Shoreham the 5, busiest station nationally. The station has been rewarded with a visit from our Royal Patron in December 2024. NCI Lee-on-the-solent The station was awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service at the end of 2024. NCI Gosport The tenancy of the station has been resolved in 2024 by a Tenancy-at-will agreement. NCI Calshot During the year the station experienced difficulties in maintaining a minimum two-man crew which is obviously essential in the tower. It is hoped that the problem will be resolved by attracting new recruits. Southeast- David Crozier In 2024 the SE sector comprised six NCI Stations- Newhaven, Folkestone. Ramsgate. Whitstable, Canvey Island and Southend-on-Sea. 2023-24 saw incident activity throughout this busy region increase from the previous year's figures, with a total of 93 incidents recorded, 54 of which were initiated by NCI. The nature of the incidents was mixed, ranging from vessels sinking, to vulnerable people needing help on Shore. The latter category saw an increase throughout the sector. People and drugs smuggling featured in some of the incidents and NCI worked with other SAR assets towards a safe outcome forthose involved. As a result of this type of incident, the stations in the SE settor continue to develop a close working relationship with UKBF. NCI Report and Accounts 2023- 2024 22
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Two stations are working towards obtaining new lookouts in better locations-. Whitstable and Ramsgate lex-Herne Bayl. Progress is slow but positive. Volunteer recruitment across the sector remained 5ati5factory with stations either maintaining or increasing their required complement of watchkeepers. 9.7. Wales and NW- Phil Styles The Wales & North-west of England region is made up of 10 stations split into two sectors, 5 in the North and 5 in the South. The stations on the region are Fleetwood, Llandudno, Moelfre, Rhoscolyn, Porthdinllaen, Wooltack Point, Worms Head, Porthcawl, St Donats Bay & Nells Point-Barry Island. This is the biggest region by area in the NCI starting in Fleetwood Lancashire and ends in Barry Island in South Wales. To the North the coastline has sweeping estuaries with large expanses of sand banks exposed at low tides and to the south the coastline is affected by tidal ranges over 10 meters around the Bristol Channel. Incidents. During the Financial year, the 10 stations dealt with 171 incidents, 20% of all the incidents recorded by the NCI during the same period. As can be expected from the topography of the coastline and the high tidal ranges, the top incident by type was people being cut off by the incoming tide. Events. During the reporting period the region was honoured to have two visits from our Royal Patron to the region. In February Her Royal Highness visited NCI Worms Head and in April a visit to NCI Fleetwood, both visits proved very successful. th NCI 30 Year Flag Tour On the 4, June the NCI 30-year flag started its Journey at NCI Fleetwood visiting all 10 stations in the region before leaving NCI Nells point on the 16 June. During its tour various modes of transportation was used. including a classic car. Police RIB, a Quad Bike and some Jet Skis, good fun was had by all. NCI Moelfre On the 6, September NCI Moelfre on the north coast of Anglesey was officially opened. The station crew had been working out of a small transportable unit at Amlwch for some time and had been trying to raise funds to build a new station sited at Moelfre. Due to a generous donation made by a local benefactor the team was able to purchase a purpose-built station and get it positioned at the headland overlooking Moelfre and Liverpool Bay. NCI Llandudno This station needs special mentioning having gone through some tough times of late, however they have bounced back and are actively searching for funding to build a new station on the West shore at Llandudno. In June they received notification from a local community fund that they had Secured NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024 23
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 funding to move the project forward dependant on planning approval. They are currently seeking planning permission from Conwy County Council whi15t garnering support from the local community. NCI St Donat's Bay. In April at the NCI AGM St Donays Bay received the annual Alan Richards award for its work training student cadets at its Station. The St Donat's Bay station is sited in the grounds of UWC Atlantic college. a 5iXth form college who specialises in the humanities and focuse5 on community service for its students. The students come to the college from all over the world. The NCI team take a group of4 to 6 students each year and train them on all things NCI. including sharing watches with the station crew. NCI Fleetwood. It was with sad heartsthatwe heard in Septemberthat Colin Cooperthe Station manager at Fleetwood had passed away after a short illness. Gone but never off watch thank you Colin. 10. FINANCIAL REPORT As indicated above in Section 6 Risk Management, Financial instability, is "still. by some measure. the highest current assessed risk to the organisation" As part of the mitigation of this risk, during the year in question a new unified IT accounting system was implemented. Whilst the implementation has not been without issues, the majority of Station5, and allied Station Treasurers, have adapted and adopted well. helped by an excellent team of Group Treasurers. In addition, the Trustees commissioned a Task Force of four station Managers, along with two Trustees and a Group Treasurer, to review the present ir)ternal financial situation, and to recommend the way forward in the short to medium term, which would reduce or remove the historical issues. After two rounds of consultation, the Task Force produced its recommendations to the Trustees. which were all accepted and implemented. However, one aspect. highlighted by both the Task Force during their deliberations, and the National Treasurer at the Charity's AGM. of the excessive proliferation of bank accounts holding the Charities Money. was not addressed in the Task Force recommendations. As a result of this, the Trustees, ever conscious of the issue5 highlighted by the number of accounts and cognisant of their duty of care over Charity funds. have tasked the National Treasurer to prepare a report recommending the attions required to mitigate this risk. His initial report he indicated should be presented to the Trustees prior to the 2025 AGM. Across the whole of the Charity, the fundin& however, remains strong. As is reported above, most major capital items. in particular building work, have successfully been funded by grants from a variety of sources. Individual Stations and the National Fundraising team particularly are to be commended for their hard work and great results in this essential aspert of obtaining financial stability. IYCI Report aDd Accounts 2023 - 2024 24
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Legacie5 and Donations In the year to 30 September 2024. the Charity received the following Legacies and donations over £1,000. In October 2023 the Baltic Exchange donated £IO,(XKI to the Charity. In December 2023. the Charity received a donation from Somerset Community Grants of £24,999. In February 2024 Trinity House Maritime Charity donated £20,900, with a further donation of £4,800 in July 2024. In March 2024 the charity received a legacy of £5.(KIO from the estate of George Derek Pannett, In Addition, a grant from the Stelios foundation of £IO.(N)O was received in March 2024. In May of 2024. 3 sum of £1,545 collected at the funeral of Brian Finch. Additionally in May 2024, £1,C()O was received from the Bulldog Trust. Furthermore, in May 2025 £1.290 was received as a series of donations during the festival "Songs of the Sea" Sirius Insight donated made a number of donations in the year totalling £25,000 in year. VAT With effect from 1st April 2015. qualifying charities as defined by section 33D of the VAT Act 1994 are able to reclaim VAT charged on non-business supplies and SeiCe5. Reserves Policy In November 2016. the Trustees established an investment fund of £250,(K)O. invested with Rathbones Investment Management. Based on projections on income and expenditure, it was envisaged that the investment fund would be reviewed after 5 years. Duringthe financial year 2022123 this was reviewed and after some consideration the Trustees agreed to retain Rathbones for 2023124. These reserves have been required to be accessed over the year in question and stood at £108,036 as at 30 September 2024. NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024 25
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Treatment of Restrlcted Flxed A55ets The purchase of an asset Usin8 restrlcted funds has been considered to meet In full the restriction Imposed on the orl8lnal donation. The present treatment5 are: the purchase of an asset with restricted funds in line with the 5tlpulated restriction is treated as the fulfilment of the strICtIon. the purchased asset is treated as an unrestricted asset. • the restrlcted fund holdlng on the balance sheet w511 be shown. The trustees, report was approved by the Board ofThe Trustees. Mr S Hand Mr G Gordon NCI Chalrman NCI Treasurer Date,, io/D71 ts2 NCI Report and Accounts 2023 - 2024 26
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE THE TRUSTEES OF NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION I report to the The trustees on my examination of the finanaal statements of National COasatch Institution (the charity} for the year ended 30 September 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the The Iruslees ol the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the ffinancial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under sects'on 14515){b) of the Chanlies Act 2011. Independent examinerfs statement Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250.000. the independent examiner musl be a member of 8 body listed in section 145 of the Chafilies Act 2011. 1 confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of Rouse Partners LLP. which is one of the listed bodies. Your attention is drawn to the fact that the tharity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their financial Statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 in pference lo the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order fof the financial statement5 to provide a true and fair view in accordan wilh UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no mallers have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011. the financial stalemenls do not accord with those records.. or the financial slalemenls do not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the fomi and content of financial statements sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial slalements give a Irue and fair view. which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Rouse Partners LLP Susan Drummond FCCA 55 Station Road Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 IQL United Kingdom Dale. -27-
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Unrestricted Restrleted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestricted Restricted fund$ funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Notes Income from: Oonations and legacies Other trading activities 479,771 343.538 133.766 613.537 343.538 407,638 248,889 147,742 555,380 248,889 Total income 823.309 133.766 957,075 656.527 147,742 804.269 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 118.527 898.166 118.527 941.113 134.132 762.223 134,132 792,106 42,947 29,883 Total expenditure 1,016.693 42.947 1,059.640 896.355 29,883 926,238 Nel losses on investments {6,773) (6.773) {8.723) {8.7231 Net incomel{expenditure) and movement in funds (200.1571 90.819 (109.3381 {248.551) 117.859 {130.6921 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 October 2023 912.465 274.120 1.186,585 1.161.016 156.261 1,317.277 Fund balances at 30 September 2024 712.308 364.939 1,077.247 912.465 274,120 1.186.585 The statement of finan¢i212Ctivities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. -28-
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Note• FSx•d a•i•t• Tangible assets Investments io 11 227,814 108,036 293,194 183,808 335.850 477,002 Cufrent assets Debtors Cash at bank and In hand 12 33.592 718.258 7,115 729.470 751,850 736.585 Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 14 {10,4531 127.002) N•t currènt a•$6ts 741,397 709,583 Total aBsel31g8$ current Ilabllltles 1,077,247 1,186,585 The lunds of the charlty Reslricled income funds Unrestricted funds 15 16 364.939 712,308 274,120 912,465 1.077.247 1,186,585 The flnancial slalements were approv q"J.I &DL by the The Iruslees on....................... . Mr S Hand NCI Chalrman
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Cash flows from operatlng actlvltles Cash absorbed by operations 20 (80,399) (18,453) Investlng a¢tlvltles Purchase of investments Proceeds from disposal of investments (29.199) 98.198 (35.375) 180.083 Net cash generated from Investlng actlvltles 68,999 144,708 Net cash generated from flnanclng actlvities Net (decrease)Ilncrease In cash and cash equlvalents (11.400) 126,255 Cash and cash equlvalents at beginning of year 729.470 603.215 Cash and cash equlvalents at end of year 718,070 729,470 Relatlng to: Cash at bank and in hand Bank overdrafts Included In creditors payable within one year 718,258 729,470 (188)
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Ac¢ounting poli¢ies 1.1 A¢countlng convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitys goveming document. the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 °The Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" I'FRS 102°} and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statemenl of Recommended Practice applicable lo charits'es preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102}" (effective 1 January 20191- The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (A¢¢ounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required lo provide 2 true and fair view. This departufe has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Slalement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn. 1.2 Going concern At the lime of approving the financial slalements. the The Iruslees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existen for the foreseeable future. Thus The trustees continue lo adopt the going COnrn basis of accounting in preparing the financial slalements. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discrelion of the The trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Reslricled funds are subject lo specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted lunds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 1.4 Income Income is recognised when the charity is legally entslled to il after any perfomiance conditions have been mel, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be reIved. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the chaTily has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donats'ons received under Gift "d or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution. the amount is known. and receipt is expected. If the amount is nol known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. 1.5 Expenditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party. il is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement. and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared Costs. including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute lo more than one activity and 5UPPOrt costs which are not allribulable lo a single activity are apportioned beeen those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent. and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use. 31
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Accounting pollcles (Continued) 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured al cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impaiment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as lo wrile off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases.. Leasehold land 2nd buildings Plant and equipment at varying rates on cost 25% on reducing balan The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference beeen the sale pioceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the slalement of financial activities. 1.7 Fixed asset investments Fixed asset investments are initially measured at Iransaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured al fair value at each reporting dale. Changes in fair value are recognised in net incomellexpenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. 1.8 Flnan¢lal instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 'Olher Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial inslrumenls are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party lo the conlraclual provisions of the insliument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset. with the nel amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to sel off the recognised amounts and the is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and sellle the liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets. which indude debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement conslilules a financing transaction. where the transaction is measured al the present value of the future reip1S discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assels classified as re1vable within one year are not amortised. Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. where the debt instrument is measured al the present value of the lulure payments discounted at a markel rale of interesL Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cosl, using the effeclive interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services Ihat have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabililies if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as noniurrenl liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction pnce and subsequently measured al amortised cost using the effective inleresl method. Derecognition of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligalions expire or are discharged or cancelled. -32-
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Accounting poli¢195 (Continued) 1.9 Taxatlon The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable actsvitses. 1.10 Employee benefits The cost of any unused holiday enlillement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Temiination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide lennination benefits. 1.11 Legacles Legacies are recognised on a case by case basis where the receipl of Ihe legacy is considered probable and the amount can be measured reliably. A receipt will be probable if there has been a grant of probate.. the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in the eslale lo pay the legacy, after settling any liabilities. and any conditions attached lo the legacy are either within the control of the charity or have been mel. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity, or the Charity is aware of the granting of probate and the criteria for income recognition have not been met. then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. Critical accounting estimates and judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies. the The trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilits.es that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and undedying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period. or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Income from donations and legaeles Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Donations and gifts 479,771 133.766 613.537 407,638 147.742 555.380 -33-
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Income from other tradlng a¢tivlties Unrestri¢ted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2023 Shop income Letting and licensing arrangements 339,659 3.879 247,923 966 Other trading acts'vities 343.538 248.889 Expendlture on raising funds Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2023 Fundraising and publicity other fundraising costs 118,527 134.132 Charitable activities Operating Operating oastal coastal stations stations 2024 2023 Depreciation and impaimient Direct Costs 65.380 539.265 75.594 377,742 604.645 453.336 Share of support costs 336,468 338.770 941.113 792,106 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 898.166 42.947 762.223 29,883 941,113 792.106
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Net movement in funds 2024 2023 The nel movement in funds is slated after chargingl{credits'ng)- Fees payable for the independent examination of the chariws financial statements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 7.200 65.380 16,620 75.594 Gains and losses on investments Unreslricted Unrgstri¢ted funds funds 2024 2023 Gainsl{losses) arising on= Sale of investments {6.773) (8,723) Taxation The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. 10 Tangible fixed assets Leasehold land and buildin99 Plant and equipment Total Cost At 1 October 2023 436.956 392.867 829,823 At 30 September 2024 436,956 392.867 829,823 Depreciation and impairment At 1 October 2023 Depreciation charged in the year 266,326 34,739 270.303 30.641 536.629 65.380 AI 30 September 2024 301,065 300,944 602,009 Carrylng amount At 30 September 2024 135.891 91.923 227.814 At 30 September 2023 170,630 122.564 293.194 -35-
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 11 Flxed asset Investments Listed Investments Cost or valuatlon At 1 October 2023 Additions Valuation changes Disposals 183,808 29,199 {6,772) (98,199) At 30 September 2024 108,036 Carrylng amount At 30 September 2024 108,036 At 30 September 2023 183,808 12 Debtors 2024 2023 Amounts falllng due wlthln one year: Trade debtors Other debtors 250 6,865 33.592 33.592 7.115 13 Loans and overdrafts 2024 2023 Bank overdrafts 188 Payable within one year 188 14 Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Notes Bank overdrafts other taxatlon and social secudty Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income 13 188 2,800 24.202 999 9,266 10.453 27,002
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 15 Restricted funds The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on Irust subject lo specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. At 1 O¢tober 2023 Incomlng resources Resources expended At30 September 2024 Station fvnd Trinity House 159.229 114.891 112.866 20.900 {35.793) {7.154) 236,302 128.637 274,120 133,766 (42.9471 364.939 Prevlou$ year: Al 1 Oclober 2022 Incoming resources Resources At30 expended September 2023 Station fund Trinity House 67,756 88.505 114,202 33.540 {22.729) (7.1541 159.229 114.891 156,261 147.742 (29.883) 274.120 Trinity House figure relates to waler safety and integration wtth the coastguard. 16 Unrestricled funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject lo specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. At 1 October 2023 In¢oming Resources resources expended Transfers Gains and losses At30 September 2024 General funds 912.465 823.309 {1.016.693) 16,773) 712.308 Previous year: At 1 October 2022 Incoming resour¢e$ Resources expended Transfers Gains and losses A130 September 2023 General funds General funds 637.770 523,246 656.527 (896.355} 523,246 1523,2461 (8.7231 912,465 1,161.016 656.527 (8%.3551 (8,723) 912,465 -37-
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 17 Analysis of not assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 30 September 2024: Tangible assets Investments Current 2sselsllliabililiesl 227.814 108.036 376.458 227,814 108,036 741,397 364.939 712,308 364,939 1,077.247 Unreslricled funds 2023 Reslricted fund$ 2023 Total 2023 At 30 September 2023: Tangible assets Investments Current assetsl{liabililies) 293,194 183,808 435,463 293,194 183,808 709.583 274,120 912.465 274.120 1,186,585 18 Related party transactions There were no trustees. remuneration or other benefils for the year ended 30 September 2024. The Trust has reimbursed the trustees with £12.094 (2023.. £18.1651 in respect of travel costs, accommodation, subsistence and other ancillary costs being monies necessarily incurred in the pursuance of the Trust's business. 19 Analysis of changes in nel fundg The charity had no material debt during the year.
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 20 Cash generated from operatlons 2024 2023 Deficit for Ihe year (109.338} 1130.6921 Adjustments for.. Loss on disposal of investments Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 6.773 65,380 8,723 75,594 Movements in working capital.. {Increase)Idecrease in stocks {Increase)Idecrease in debtors {De¢aSeyIn¢rea$e in credilots 5.047 22.471 404 {26,477) {16,737) Cash absorbed by operations (80.399} (18,4531 -39-