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2022-12-31-accounts

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity Number 1160504

Trustees Annual Report and Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2022

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

Contents

Contents Contents
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2022 ........................................................... 1
1 Charity Information ......................................................................................................................... 1
2 Objectives and Activities ................................................................................................................. 2
3 Achievements and Performance – Delivering Public Benefit ......................................................... 2
4 Financial Review .............................................................................................................................. 3
4.1
Principal Funding Sources and Expenses ................................................................................ 3
4.2
Reserves Policy ........................................................................................................................ 4
4.3
Investment Policy .................................................................................................................... 4
4.4
Independent Examiner ............................................................................................................ 4
5 Structure, Governance and Management ...................................................................................... 4
5.1
Trustees Appointment and Induction ..................................................................................... 5
5.2
Operational Management....................................................................................................... 5
5.3
Risk Management ................................................................................................................... 5
5.4
Trustees’ Responsibilities ........................................................................................................ 5
6 Independent Examiner's Report To The Trustees Of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO ........... 7
7 Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2022 ...................................... 8
7.1
Statement Of Financial Position At 31 December 2022 ......................................................... 8
7.2
Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31st December 2022 .................... 10

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

The Trustees of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO (OVMRO) present their report and financial statement for the year ended 31 December 2022. This report has been prepared in accordance with the 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), (referred to as “Charities SORP (FRS102)”).

1 Charity Information

Charity name Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Charitable Incorporated Organisation Known as: Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) Charity Registration Number 1160504 (England & Wales) Address Bryn Poeth, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0EU Trustees C J Lloyd (ex officio, Chair) (appointed 06 April 2022) C J Palmer (ex officio, Treasurer) (appointed 03 May 2022) A D Harbach H G Pritchard D W Otter J M Worrall (appointed 06 April 2022) T J Bird (resigned 06 April 2022) J M Barber (resigned 06 April 2022)

Principal Bankers HSBC plc, CAF Bank Independent Examiner Barrie Buels FCCA FCIE Crestmere Limited, Unit F1, Intec, Parc Menai, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4FG

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

2 Objectives and Activities

OVMRO’s objectives, as written in its constitution, are:

OVMRO’s primary focus remains to rescue people in difficulty in the mountain ranges adjacent to the Ogwen Valley in Eryri (Snowdonia), namely the Carneddau, Glyderau and Moel Siabod. In addition to mountain rescue activity, OVMRO maintains a swift water rescue capability and supports national flood emergencies. The scope of activities is reviewed periodically.

3 Achievements and Performance – Delivering Public Benefit

Following the pandemic and subsequent Lock Downs period there has been an increase in the use of the “great outdoors”. This has not only created major issues with car parking in our operational area, but an increase in the number of people calling for assistance from Mountain Rescue (178 incidents, 5785 hours by team members). Whilst a number of these calls were for injuries, many were due to lack of skills, experience and confidence. Many of the callers were unaware that the Mountain Rescue service is provided by volunteers and that the teams are charities funded almost entirely by donations from the general public.

Team members have assisted, and been assisted by, neighbouring mountain rescue teams (MRT) and have worked closely with the helicopter services of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the RAF Mountain Rescue Service, North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Team members continue to train to a high standard in a range of skills, including technical rope rescue, casualty care, swift water rescue, search management, fatal incident investigation, off-road driving techniques, winter search and rescue techniques, and working with helicopters. Team members’ training hours totalled 1140 hours over 127 training sessions.

At the end of 2022, OVMRO had 49 full/operational members and 4 trainee members with 7 trainees gaining full membership during the year. There are seven Specialists who assist with certain skills/expertise. The Team continues to attract the interests of potential new members. Members of the CIO are individuals who undertake to act in good faith to further the purposes of the CIO.

OVMRO was the first MRT to set up a supporters group: The 333 Support Group. This was established in early 1997. It continues to provide administrative and operational support to the Team as well as valuable fundraising activities through events, attending village fetes and selling merchandise.

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

OVMRO is affiliated to the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association (NWMRA) and Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW). Through its representation in these groups, OVMRO makes an active and valuable contribution to the mountain rescue community and Local Resilience Forum. Members were pleased to receive the newly appointed Chief Constable of North Wales Police, Amanda Blakeman, at Bryn Poeth shortly after her appointment. She recognised and noted the invaluable capabilities of our Mountain Rescue Team.

In deciding the activities that the CIO should undertake, the Trustees have paid regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

4 Financial Review

The CIO’s annual reports are published each year on the Charity Commission Website, with effect from the year ended 31 December 2015.

4.1 Principal Funding Sources and Expenses

OVMRO continues to benefit from a strong flow of charitable donations and remains in a sound financial position to deliver its charitable objectives.

OVMRO’s income in the year was £183,047 of which £170,426 was received from voluntary donations and legacies. Together with a slightly reduced level of expenditure in the year, this resulted in an overall increase in reserves of £67,564.

OVMRO received no restricted income in the year and all of its reserves carried forward are deemed unrestricted. All financial commitments are fully funded.

In addition to publicity from its mountain rescue activities, OVMRO maintains a public profile by attending community events, hosting visits to its rescue base, providing talks to school and community groups, utilising social media responsibly and responding to an appropriate level of media engagement.

OVMRO does not use commercial fund raisers. Any fund-raising activities must first be approved by the Management Committee and no activities are permitted that could in any way intrude on a person’s privacy, be persistent, or place undue pressure on a person to donate money.

Equipment and training costs continue to be the main expenditure areas. Team members are supported by the periodic issue of personal protection equipment and other essential kit items and by the reimbursement of travelling expenses when responding to operational incidents and participating in training events.

The Team’s policy is that membership should be cost-neutral. Beyond this, there are expenses for the continuing programme of maintenance and improvement work at the Team’s base, Bryn Poeth in the Ogwen Valley.

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

4.2 Reserves Policy

Although it is intended that future activities of the charity are to be funded by future income, OVMRO’s reserves provide a buffer should there be any significant downturn in donations. The Trustees consider it prudent to maintain OVMRO’s designated operational reserve, calculated as being 3 years estimated annual costs based on an average of the last 3 years annual costs. At 31 December 2022, the operational reserve was set at £363,000 out of total reserves of £868,050.

In addition to the operational reserve, the Trustees have authorised an operational contingency which, at the discretion of the Chair and Treasurer, may be used for the payment of operational expenses arising in exceptional circumstances. The sum is to be set annually at 10% of the operational reserve and amounted to approximately £37,000 at 31 December 2022.

The Trustees recognise that significant capital expenditure may be required in the foreseeable future to fund replacement vehicles, energy efficient improvements to the team’s operational base and enhanced digital communications. The team is currently procuring quotes and estimates for this expenditure which is anticipated to be in the region of £250,000.

4.3 Investment Policy

Funds not currently required for short-term expenditure are held in interest bearing bank accounts, with account balances aimed to be within the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) limits.

4.4 Independent Examiner

Barrie Buels was re-appointed as Independent Examiner and has expressed his willingness to continue in that capacity.

5 Structure, Governance and Management

The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed according to its constitution dated 12 March 2016, and last amended 15 April 2021, and a Rule Book covering day-to-day management of the team and supported by policies on key areas, such as equal opportunities and data protection.

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

5.1 Trustees Appointment and Induction

Trustees are elected for a period of three years at the AGM from nominations made and seconded by members in advance of the AGM. There must be at least three and not more than seven elected Trustees including the three ex-officio Trustees (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary).

All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration from the charity.

Trustees on appointment are usually familiar with the activities of OVMRO but receive a copy of the Constitution, Rule Book and accounts. Trustees can attend Management Committee meetings.

5.2 Operational Management

The Trustees delegate operational management of OVMRO to a Management Committee whose members are elected for a period of one year at the AGM from nominations made and seconded by members in advance of the AGM. The Committee must adhere to the Constitution, and Rule Book and supporting policies.

5.3 Risk Management

The Trustees have reviewed the major risks to which OVMRO is exposed. They are satisfied that OVMRO’s systems mitigate the majority of those risks, and steps are being taken to further mitigate some of the more serious risks.

The Trustees are satisfied that the OVMRO’s processes and controls continue to meet the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation.

5.4 Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Charities Act 2011 requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of the resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

The Trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 as well as the charity’s governing document. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees believe they have met these responsibilities in 2022.

The Trustees are pleased with the performance of OVMRO during 2022 and once again wish to thank everyone who has supported OVMRO during the year, in particular the team members and their families and members of the 333 Support Group.

Approved by the Trustees on 20 February 2023 and signed on their behalf by

C J Lloyd (Chair)

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited and are eligible for Independent Examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by the 2011 Act; or

  2. The financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. The financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. The financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Barrie Buels FCCA FCIE Crestmere Limited

27 March 2023

Unit F1, Intec Parc Menai Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4FG

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

2022 2021
(Unrestricted Funds Only) (Unrestricted Funds Only)
Notes
 £
 £
 £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 2a 170,426 223,054
Charitable activities - -
Other trading activities 2b 8,674 9,059
Investments 2c 3,945 2,985
Other 2d 2 270
_ _
Total income 183,047 235,368
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 3a 7,978 6,279
Charitable activities 3b 107,505 126,313
Other - -
_ _
Total expenditure 115,483 132,592
_ _
67,564 102,776
Net gains/(losses) on investments - -
_ _
Net income 4 67,564 102,776
Other recognised gains/(losses) - -
_ _
Net movement in funds £ 67,564 £ 102,776
_ _
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 800,486 697,710
_ _
Total funds carried forward £ 868,050
_		 £ 800,486
_

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

7.1 Statement Of Financial Position At 31 December 2022(continued)

2022 2021
Notes
 £ £
 £ £
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets 7 115,438 123,268
Currents assets:
Stock 6,864 3,530
Debtors 8 7,518 10,587
Cash at bank and in hand 742,784 669,861
_ _
757,166 683,978
_ _
872,604 807,246
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 9 ( 4,554) ( 6,760)
_ _
Total assets less current liabilities 868,050 800,486
_ _
Total net assets £ 868,050 £ 800,486
_ _
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds 10 868,050 800,486
_ _
Total charity funds £ 868,050
_		 £ 800,486
_

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 20[th] February 2023 and were signed on their behalf by:

C J Lloyd (Chair)

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

1. Accounting Policies

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019); hereinafter referred to as “Charities SORP (FRS102)”.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under the Charities SORP (FRS102).

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

There are no material uncertainties regarding the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Income recognition

Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities at the point when the charity has entitlement to the funds, an identifiable probability of receipt and the amount can be measured reliably.

When applicable, donated goods and services are included as income in the Statement of Financial Activities where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable and measurable. Such donated goods and services are shown at their fair value on initial recognition.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised on the accruals basis at the point when the charity has a legal or constructive obligation to the expenditure.

Expenditure on charitable activities comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services in accordance with the objects of the charity and include, where appropriate, attributable VAT which cannot be recovered. Expenditure incurred and attributable to more than one activity of the charity is apportioned on a fair and reasonable basis.

Governance costs comprise professional fees and similar costs attributable to the governance of the charity.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

Tangible fixed assets

7.2 Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31st December 2022 (Continued).

Tangible fixed assets are stated in the Statement of Financial Position at cost less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. The cost of tangible fixed assets includes directly attributable costs incurred in their acquisition and installation.

1. Accounting Policies (continued)

Depreciation

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Leasehold property over the lease term Motor vehicles over 5 years Plant and equipment between 4 and 10 years

Stock

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Donated goods for resale are not recognised on receipt. Instead, the value to the charity of the donated goods sold is recognised as income when sold.

Debtors

Debtors include amounts owed to the charity for the provision of good and services or amounts the charity has paid in advance for the goods and services it will receive and are measured at their recoverable amounts.

Cash and bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand is held to meet the short-term cash commitments of the charity as they fall due. Cash at bank is held with UK banks registered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Creditors

Creditors represent the charity’s obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of the charity’s activities and are shown at their settlement amounts.

Creditors are classified as current liabilities unless the company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.

Fund accounting

During the year the charity operated a single unrestricted income fund. Unrestricted funds are used in accordance with the charity’s objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

7.2 Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31st December 2022 (Continued).

2. Income

a. Income from donations and legacies

Income from donations and legacies is analysed as follows:

2022 2021
Unrestricted funds only £ £
Voluntary donations 48,155 32,188
Bequests, legacies and ‘In Memory Of’ donations 95,870 167,590
333 Supporters Group 15,154 14,351
Cash collection boxes 3,341 1,903
Sponsorship 1,474 1,015
Gift Aid received 6,432 6,007
_ _
£ 170,426 £ 223,054
_ _
Income from other trading activities
Income from other trading activities is analysed as follows:
2022 2021
Unrestricted funds only £ £
Sale of merchandise 6,480 8,247
Fundraising events 1,657 429
Other income 537 383
_ _
£ 8,674 £ 9,059
_ _
Income from investments
Income from investments is analysed as follows:
2022 2021
Unrestricted funds only £ £
Bank interest received 3,945 2,985
_ _
£ 3,945
_		 £ 2,985
_

b. Income from other trading activities

c. Income from investments

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

7.2 Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31st December 2022 (Continued).

2. Income (continued)

d. Other income

Other income is analysed as follows:

2022 2021
Unrestricted funds only £ £
Other interest received 2 20
Other income - 250
_ _
£ 2 £ 270
_ _
nditure
Raising Funds
Expenditure on raising funds is analysed as follows:
2022 2021
Unrestricted funds only £ £
Merchandise costs 5,288 4,511
333 Supporters Group costs 1,366 376
Fundraising event costs: Other events - 37
Online donation fees 1,324 1,355
_ _
£ 7,978

_		 £ 6,279
_

3. Expenditure

a. Raising Funds

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

7.2 Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31st December 2022 (Continued).

3. Expenditure (continued)

b. Charitable activities

Expenditure on charitable activities is analysed as follows:

2022 2021
Unrestricted funds only £ £
Equipment inc. swift water rescue 18,395 26,342
First aid and casualty care 3,785 6,036
Transport costs 5,330 7,305
Training expenses 8,647 8,894
Communications and IT 4,417 2,749
Base (Bryn Poeth) expenses 8,689 6,531
Team expenses 32,135 32,165
Administration expenses 292 332
Bank charges 122 20
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 24,256 23,887
Grants to charitable organisations - 11,000
Governance costs (Note 3c.) 1,437 1,052
_ _
£ 107,505 £ 126,313
_ _
Governance costs
Expenditure on governance costs is analysed as follows:
2022 2021
Unrestricted funds only £ £
Independent examiner’s fees 300 500
Trustees’ expenses 779 517
Other professional fees 35 35
AGM expenses 323 -
_ _
£ 1,437
_		 £ 1,052
_

c. Governance costs

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

7.2 Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31st December 2022 (Continued).

4. Net income

Net income is stated after charging:

Unrestricted funds only

Depreciation
Independent examiner’s fees
Trustees’ expenses		 2022

£

24,256
300
779
_		 2021
£
23,887
500
517
_

5. Employment Costs

During the year the charity had no employees (2021: Nil).

6. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

None of the trustees received any remuneration during the year (2021: £Nil).

During the year 6 trustees (2021: 3) were reimbursed £345 (2021: £18) for travel expenses in connection with the governance of the charity.

Trustee liability insurance cover is provided via a third-party consortium comprising Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW), British Cave Rescue Council (BCRC) and the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) and amounted to £434 in the year (2021: £499).

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

7.2 Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31st December 2022 (Continued).

7. Tangible fixed assets

Leasehold Motor Plant &
Property Vehicles Equipment Total
Cost: £ £
 £ £
At 1stJanuary 2022 80,280 65,371 151,219 296,870
Additions - - 16,426 16,426
_ _ _ _
At 31stDecember 2022 80,280 65,371 167,645 313,296
_ _ _ _
Depreciation:
At 1stJanuary 2022 22,806 57,221 93,575 173,602
Charge for the year 3,193 4,075 16,988 24,256
_ _ _ _
At 31stDecember 2022 25,999 61,296 110,563 197,858
_ _ _ _
Net book value:
At 31st December 2022 £ 54,281 £ 4,075 £ 57,082 £ 115,438
_ _ _ _
At 31stDecember 2021 £ 57,474
_		 £ 8,150
_		 £ 57,644
_		 £ 123,268
_

8. Debtors

2022 2021
£ £
Gift aid recoverable 2,094 1,751
VAT recoverable 3,136 3,553
Prepayments 2,288 5,283
_ _
£ 7,518
_		 £ 10,587
_

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Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue CIO – Trustees Report & Accounts 2022

7.2 Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31st December 2022 (Continued).

9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2022 2021
£ £
Sundry creditors 3,709 6,250
Accruals 845 510
_ _
£ 4,554 £
6,760
_ _

10. Analysis of charitable funds

The charity operates one singular unrestricted fund which includes certain designated funds.

At 1st At 31st
January Incoming Outgoing December
2022 Financial Year 2022 Resources Resources Transfers 2022
Unrestricted funds only £ £ £
 £ £
General unrestricted fund 400,486 183,047 (115,483) 37,000 505,050
Designated funds:
Operational reserve fund 400,000 - - (37,000) 363,000
_ _ _ _ _
£ 800,486 £ 183,047 £ (115,483) £ - £ 868,050
_ _ _ _ _
At 1st At 31st
January Incoming Outgoing December
2021 Financial Year 2021 Resources Resources Transfers 2021
Unrestricted funds only £ £ £ £ £
General unrestricted fund 267,710 235,368 (122,592) 20,000 400,486
Designated funds:
Operational reserve fund 420,000 - - (20,000) 400,000
Rescue Benevolent Fund 10,000 - (10,000) - -
_ _ _ _ _
£ 697,710
_		 £ 235,368
_		 £(132,592)
_		 £ -
_		 £ 800,486
_

The operational reserve designated fund is calculated as 3 times annual costs, based on an average of the last 3 years annual costs.

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