Chair’s Report 2024–2025
HiVitality Charity
Dear Members and Supporters,
It is my pleasure to present the Chair’s Report for HiVitality for the period 2024–2025. This has been a year of renewal, stability, and reconnection, as we continue to strengthen the charity’s foundations and deliver our mission to support people living with HIV across the UK.
Governance and Structure
Following a period of transition, HiVitality now benefits from a stable and committed Board of Trustees:
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Christopher McFarlanc Baxter – Chair– Secretary
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Kevin Bazeley – Treasurer
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Emma Aciro - Secretary
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Nick Maxwell – Trustee
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Angela Maclagan - Trustee
Together, we have focused on rebuilding strong governance, reviewing key policies, and ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. Updated policies covering trustee conduct, safeguarding, and volunteer responsibilities have been introduced, ensuring HiVitality continues to operate in full alignment with Charity Commission guidance and best practice.
Retreats and Member Engagement
Our member retreats remain at the heart of HiVitality’s work — providing safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces where members can rest, reflect, and reconnect. Over the past year, we successfully delivered and planned a full programme of retreats, including our regular venue at Shallowford House and an additional event in Scotland.
Retreats 2024–2025:
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7–9 June 2024 – Summer Retreat (Shallowford House): A weekend focused on rebuilding connections and strengthening our community.
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2–4 August 2024 – Perth Retreat (Scotland): Our first Scottish retreat in several years, giving members in the north an opportunity to gather locally.
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19–22 September 2024 – Autumn Retreat (Shallowford House): A longer weekend combining workshops, mindfulness, and shared experiences.
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6–8 December 2024 – Winter Wellness Weekend (Shallowford House): A reflective event centred on wellbeing during the festive period.
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14–16 March 2025 – Spring Retreat (Shallowford House): Planned as a celebration of renewal and growth to conclude the year’s programme.
These retreats have been deeply valued by members and have continued to demonstrate the importance of community connection and peer support. Our thanks go to the facilitators, volunteers, and attendees who make these weekends possible through their dedication and care.
Finance and Donations
HiVitality remains in a healthy and sustainable financial position. Through careful financial management and the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to maintain our core activities and plan confidently for the future.
During the 2024–2025 financial year, we received significant and much-appreciated contributions, including:
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A £10,000 donation from one of our members , whose generosity will directly support future retreats and member activities.
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A £5,000 transfer of funds following the closure of Positive Southwest (Positive SW) , which we are honoured to continue using to benefit the community both charities have long supported.
These contributions, alongside regular donations and member support, have provided a vital boost to our sustainability and allowed us to focus on expanding our programme of events.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, our priorities are to:
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Continue offering inclusive, high-quality retreats for our members.
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Strengthen outreach and engagement across the UK.
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Build a wider network of volunteers and facilitators.
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Continue improving governance, safeguarding, and transparency.
HiVitality’s strength lies in its people — our members, volunteers, trustees, and supporters. Together, we have rebuilt momentum and renewed our shared sense of purpose.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, or resources this year. Your support ensures that HiVitality continues to thrive as a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for all those living with HIV.
Warm regards, Marc Searle Chair, HiVitality
Income Statements
For the years 2019/2020 to 2024/2025
Current Yr 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 £ £ £
2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 £ £ £
Income
| Grants | 1 | 12,756 | 35,420 | 16,328 | 10,800 | 500 | 10,725 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retreat Donations | 2 | 6,014 | 6,450 | 7,175 | 6,211 | 300 | ||||||
| Donations | 14,548 | 2,288 | 6,768 | 9,155 | 81 | 8,531 | ||||||
| Karadoo | 6 | - | 305 | 942 | 425 | 197 | 183 | |||||
| Amazon Smile | 6 | - | 67 | 99 | 84 | 49 | 30 | |||||
| Interest Received | 4 | 86 | 367 | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Other Income | 7 | - | 570 | 1,307 | 549 | 30 | 145 | |||||
| Total income | 33,403 | 45,466 | 32,619 | 27,224 | 1,157 | 19,614 | ||||||
| Expenditure | ||||||||||||
| 12 | ||||||||||||
| Accommodation | (33,555) | (29,713) | (30,769) | (19,935) | - | (13,848) | ||||||
| Facilitators & Therapists Expenses | Facilitators & Therapists Expenses | (368) | (982) | (2,333) | (2,288) | - | (1,476) | |||||
| Members' Travel | (2,164) | (3,042) | (4,123) | (2,733) | - | (1,411) | ||||||
| Trustee costs | (313) | (2,030) | (209) | - | (60) | (40) | ||||||
| website | (297) | (840) | - | (132) | (72) | (144) | ||||||
| Admin | (109) | - | (64) | (136) | (55) | |||||||
| Phone | (0) | (24) | (60) | (55) | (69) | |||||||
| Subscriptions | (284) | (364) | - | - | - | (304) | ||||||
| Fund Raising Materials | (223) | - | (180) | - | (35) | |||||||
| Professional Fees | - | (120) | - | - | - | (64) | ||||||
| Sundry | (3) | (36) | (452) | (291) | - | (169) | ||||||
| Total Expenses | (37,315) | (37,151) | (38,190) | (25,570) | (291) | (17,456) | ||||||
| Surplus / (Deficit) | (3,912) | 8,315 | (5,571) | 1,654 | 865 | 2,158 |
Balance Sheet 2024/2025
| Note | 2024/2025 | 2023/2024 | 2022/2023 | 2021/2022 | 2020/2021 | 2019/2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash at bank Prepayments Total Assets Deferred Income Creditors Assets |
2 3 |
21,005 3,800 24,805 (4,272) (5,607) ~~__~~ |
28,136 3,375 31,511 (4,750) (7,923) |
14,938 3,125 18,063 (7,540) - |
28,547 3,375 31,922 (15,828) - |
23,241 500 23,741 (9,300) - |
13,575 0 13,575 - - |
| Total Liabilities Net Asets / (Liabilities) |
(9,878) 14,927 ~~—_~~ |
(12,673) 18,838 |
(7,540) 10,523 |
(15,828) 16,094 |
(9,300) 14,441 |
- 13,575 |
|
| Reserves Yr End Balance Prior Year General fund surplus for the year Closing Balance |
General fund surplus for the year | 18,838 (3,912) 14,927 ~~=~~ |
10,523 8,315 18,838 |
16,094 -5,571 10,523 |
14,441 1,654 16,094 |
13,575 865 14,441 |
11,418 2,158 13,575 |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
Cashflow Forecast
for next 12
| for next 12 | Hivitglity | Hivitglity | Hivitglity | Hivitglity | Hivitglity | Hivitglity | Hivitglity | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/2025 | 04/2025 | 05/2025 | 06/2025 | 07/2025 | 08/2025 | 09/2025 | 10/2025 | 11/2025 | 12/2025 | 01/2026 | 02/2026 | 03/2026 | |||||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||||||||||
| Cash In | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retreat Donations | 1,100 | 1,100 | 1,100 | 1,100 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Membership Donations | 200 | 200 | 200 | 700 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | |||||||||||||
| Karadoo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amazon Smile | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Received | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Cash In | - | 1,300 | 200 | 200 | 700 | 1,300 | 200 | 200 | 1,300 | 200 | 200 | 1,300 | 200 | ||||||||||||
| Cash Out | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accommodation | (5,663) | (6,000) | (6,000) | (6,000) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Facilitators & Therapists Expenses | (200) | (500) | (500) | (500) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Members' Travel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trustee costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| website | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (5) | |||||||||||||
| Admin | (100) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Phone | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscriptions | (100) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund Raising Materials | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional Fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sundry | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Cash Out | - | (5,868) | (205) | (6,505) | (5) | (5) | (5) | (6,505) | (5) | (5) | (6,505) | (5) | (5) | ||||||||||||
| Net Cash Movement | - | (4,568) | (5) | (6,305) | 695 | 1,295 | 195 | (6,305) | 1,295 | 195 | (6,305) | 1,295 | 195 | ||||||||||||
| Cash Balance | 21,005 | 16,437 | 16,432 | 10,127 | 10,822 | 12,117 | 12,312 | 6,007 | 7,302 | 7,497 | 1,192 | 2,487 | 2,682 |
| Row Labels | Sum of Total Income Sum of Total Expenditure Sum of Net cost | Sum of Total Income Sum of Total Expenditure Sum of Net cost | Sum of Total Income Sum of Total Expenditure Sum of Net cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shallowford Dec 24 | £1,565.00 | (£6,479.88) | (£4,914.88) |
| Shallowford Dec 25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Shallowford Jun 24 | £6,055.00 | (£6,631.68) | (£576.68) |
| Shallowford Mar 24 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Shallowford Mar 25 | £610.00 | (£6,163.00) | (£5,553.00) |
| Shallowford May 25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Shallowford Sep 24 | £2,594.00 | (£10,309.59) | (£7,715.59) |
| (blank) | £12,819.08 | (£1,209.16) | £11,609.92 |
| Shallowford Mar 26 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Shallowford May 26 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Shallowford Aug 26 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Shallowford Dec 26 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Membership | £1,814.76 | £0.00 | £1,814.76 |
| Nightingale Sep 25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Scotland Aug 24 | £7,945.63 | (£6,521.72) | £1,423.91 |
| PositiveStepsNW | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Grand Total | £33,403.47 | (£37,315.03) | (£3,911.56) |
| Row Labels | Sum of Prepayment | Sum of Prepayment |
|---|---|---|
| (blank) | £ | - |
| Shallowford Mar 24 | £ | - |
| Shallowford Jun 24 | £ | - |
| Shallowford Sep 24 | £ | - |
| Shallowford Dec 24 | £ | - |
| Shallowford Mar 25 | £ | - |
| Shallowford May 25 | £ | 500.00 |
| Shallowford Dec 25 | £ | 500.00 |
| Shallowford Mar 26 | £ | 500.00 |
| Shallowford May 26 | £ | 500.00 |
| Shallowford Aug 26 | £ | 500.00 |
| Shallowford Dec 26 | £ | 500.00 |
| Membership | £ | - |
| Nightingale Sep 25 | £ | 800.00 |
| Scotland Aug 24 | £ | - |
| PositiveStepsNW | £ | - |
| Total | £ | 3,800.00 |
| Row Labels | Sum of Deferred Income |
|---|---|
| (blank) | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Mar 24 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Jun 24 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Sep 24 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Dec 24 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Mar 25 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford May 25 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Dec 25 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Mar 26 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford May 26 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Aug 26 | 0.00 |
| Shallowford Dec 26 | 0.00 |
| Membership | 0.00 |
| Nightingale Sep 25 | 0.00 |
| Scotland Aug 24 | 0.00 |
| PositiveStepsNW | (4,271.83) |
| Grand Total | (4,271.83) |
Ind•p•nd•nt Examlner'• Roport on tho A¢counl• Report to the Trustees ol HIVllallty Reglstered Charity 1160307 the Accounts lor Ihe Year endlng 31 • March 2025 Respectlv• R•4pon8lblllt1•8 01 Trustoes and examln•r The Chaty'S trusiees are re8pJnslble for the weparauon of the &(nts. Tr chity Iruste8s consldef that an audit is nol required for this year (under section 43(2) ol the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) and Ihai an Independent ExaMir is needed. It Is my resp)nslbilfty lo: Exarnine the accounts (urKler S8Cllon 43(3)(a) of Ihe Aci) Follow the procedure laid down in the general DIrec1l5 given by the Charities Commisslon (under sth 43(7){b) of the Aet): and Stats whether partKular matters have come to my attenkn. Basls for Independant Examln8r'8 Statement I carri&J out ts examinaiion ot the accounts wilh General Direcaions given by the Charitles Commissionets. induding a review of tha accounting records kept by the charty arKI mparing them wilh those records, IncdIng a cOnderation ol any unusual Iiems or dlsclosures in th8 said accounts arKI seeklng explanation from the trustees on such matters. Those procedur8s do nol provkJ8 all Ihe evidence that would be required in an audft and in Consequen I do noi declare an audit opinion on the said a(xounts. Independent Examlner'8 Statement Regarding my examlnation. nothing has CO to my attention which: 1. Gives reasonable cause to believe that there In any material respe the requirements: & To keep accounting records in accordan(% with section 41 of the 1993 Act; and b. To prepare accounts which accord with the aCCntg records and comply with th8 accounting requIrentS of the Act have not been met; or 2. To whiL. in my opinion, attention should be drawn lo enable a woper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Hywel Anthony l 3th Octobcr 2025 Darllng Farm, Hlgh Street, Mlckleton Chlpplng Campden GL55 6RJ