OpenCharities

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

2021-05-31-accounts

Little People UK

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended

31 May 2021

Registered Charity Number 1161274 Little People UK

Contents
Page
Charity Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Annual Report 2 - 6
Independent Examiner's report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance sheet 9
Notes to the financial statements 10 - 15
Detailed Statement of Financial Position 16 - 17

Little People UK CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS for the year ended 31 May 2021

Trustees Samantha Davis, Chair Raymond Griffiths, Vice Chair - resigned 03/03/21 Stuart Walker, Treasurer Emma-Jayne Belcher (co-opted Co-vice Chair 12/04/21) Denise Walker Simeon Dyer (co-opted Co-vice Chair 12/04/21) Colleen Ewart Darren Todd Annabelle Davis Charlie McGreal Sarah Griffiths Belinda Thompson Charity Registered Number 1161274 Registered Office PO Box 1292 Peterborough PE2 2NT Administrator Rebecca Nuttall Accountants Duncan & Toplis Enterprise Way Pinchbeck Spalding Lincolnshire PE11 3YR

1

Little People UK TRUSTEES ’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 May 2021

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of Little People UK (the Charity) for the year ended 31 May 2021. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the Charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Change of status

On 1[st] of June 2018 the charity converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The charity was previously an unincorporated charity.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

a. Constitution

Little People UK is governed by our constitution, adopted on 1 June 2018. This was written following the guidance of and to comply with the charity commission.

The principal object of Little People UK is to provide friendship and support to people with dwarfism, their families and friends, and help build a positive future for those individuals.

b. Method of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of Little People UK is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed, forming a committee.

It is such that there are currently 12 trustees, all of who are nominated to join the committee prior to the annual general meeting and then subsequently voted on to the committee by Little People UK members during the annual general meeting. Each trustee effectively resigns from the committee at the annual general meeting, requiring nomination and election for a subsequent term.

c. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees

The charity provides new Council of Management members with an induction pack and mentoring from the Chair.

d. Organisational structure and decision making

Currently, there are 12 Trustees, including a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. All decisions are put to the vote at committee meetings or via poll using email.

e. Risk management

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.

2

Little People UK TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT continued… for the year ended 31 May 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

a. Policies and objectives

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the charity commission relating to public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance on:

  1. Building a sustainable and diverse funding base.

  2. We aim to be an essential resource for little people, their families, friends and allied professionals.

  3. We offer friendship, support and advice to all little people in the UK.

  4. We aim to help members develop confidence, improve self-esteem and build resilience through a blend of social, educational and wellbeing activities.

b. Activities for achieving objectives

Little People UK have not only continued to deliver on their key objectives throughout the COVID 19 pandemic but have also developed networking opportunities which were started in previous years and we have expanded these where possible, given the current pandemic. The past year has been unexpected for all and Little People UK were quick to adapt and move lots of our activities online, where possible. We also took this opportunity to reinforce structure as an organisation, developing a robust process for the supervision, support and personal development of our charity administrator.

Members Zoom workshops and discussion groups

The subscription of a Zoom account has provided the flexibility to connect our membership across the UK with each other in a virtual capacity whilst face to face meetings have not been possible. Through the year we have delivered weekly and monthly events via Zoom in order to provide emotional, educational and social support. For example: quizzes, film club, book club, Glad Rags and Chat, wellbeing events with Tai Chi, cooking demos and art classes, Christmas party with games, mental health drop ins for tea and chatting and travel tips/advice.

Trustee Zoom meetings

It has also provided a convenient way for the board of trustees to meet regularly and progress a number of important projects and governance updates. This method of working has proved to be exceptionally efficient in terms of time and finances.

Membership database

We have recognised that our membership database is outdated and provides little demographic information, the pandemic has enabled us to research and procure a new database to address this shortfall, this database will better meet out needs, by improving the information we collate and being more versatile for our needs, we also aim to improve our membership using this new system as it will be more streamlined.

Outreach

The COVID 19 pandemic resulted in social isolation of some of our members vulnerable to health issues, to help with this we provided ‘Hello’ boxes (filled with mindfulness activities, hot chocolate, sweets etc) to ensure they were connected to the community. Throughout the pandemic we continued to deal with enquiries and added information and resources to our website which not only offered guidance from the government on remaining

3

Little People UK TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT continued… for the year ended 31 May 2021

Outreach (continued)

safe, but also focused on maintaining good mental and physical health. Throughout the pandemic we have also attracted new people due to the ease of using Zoom and enabling us to develop different activities focussing on different interest areas.

Training

Trustees have attended training events through the Foundation for Social Improvement to gain knowledge/skills for fundraising/grant application writing including focussing on the information funders require. We identified a portion of budget for additional training/professional level/use investment etc. i.e. induction for trustees etc. Trustees attended a Mental Health workshop ran by a Clinical Psychologist which developed our skills in supporting people in appropriate way in particular focussing on after the covid pandemic. Trustees also attended a training session by NICE, to learn about the procedure by which new drugs developed would be regulated for people with dwarfism, which is currently a pertinent issue within the community.

Networking and collaborations

Working online has helped us develop and form a number of connections with organisations both across the UK and worldwide, for example: we have started to developed a range of hosiery suitable for people with dwarfism in collaboration with ‘Snag Tights UK’, we have been in conversation with Blackpool Council to help curate a major exhibition looking back on the role of people with dwarfism in the entertainment industry. We have coproduced a training module for the Royal College of Midwives about the support medical/emotional essential for mothers giving birth to a baby with ‘dwarfism’. We have continued our work with Peterborough Physical Disability Partnership Boards being involved in conversation regarding Hate Crime and making the physical surroundings more suitable for people with a wide range of disabilities including dwarfism. We have made initial connections with Over The Wall and Changing Faces to determine how we can work together to support members of the community who have physical differences. And we have developed links with Dwarf Sports Association UK (DSAUK) and Little People of America to work jointly on issues of joint interest for example new drugs trials for people with dwarfism.

Equipment Loan Scheme

We have re-evaluated the LPUK Equipment Loan Scheme; selling or disposing of some of the items which were unsuitable and outdated, allowing us to offer more items to members in need.

Business Plan development

We have developed our business plan to a more structured and formal document to represent the growing organisation, focussing our plans for future and ensure this is reviewed at our monthly trustee meetings. In connection to this we have developed a portfolio of evidence and testimonials from members about our impact for example: Polls from our online sessions/consultations allowing us to evaluate the feedback from Zoom and make changes to current sessions or add sessions where we feel a demographic may have been missing out. We have also approached our recipients of the LPUK Equipment Loan Scheme to ask for feedback about how their piece of equipment has been beneficial and the impact it has had on their lives.

Committee development

A formal guidebook has been developed to provide adequate information to newly elected trustees regarding their roles and responsibilities of being a trustee, along with consideration regarding attracting new trustees, - identifying the needs of the charity and people to suite these needs, ‘drop in’ sessions have been planned so the current trustees can inform potential trustees on what the role entails. Policies have been reviewed to ensure we cover all safeguarding aspects and we have planned to improve our risk assessment to make it more robust for the future.

4

Little People UK TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT continued… for the year ended 31 May 2021

Fundraising

Our funding comes predominantly from members, with COVID having a huge impact on what activities can be undertaken, however we have adapted to move these online with a virtual hot air balloon race, online Christmas, Easter and springtime raffles, a Star Wars Collectors Facebook group held virtual auctions, live streams with donating possibilities and some members held Harry Potter marathons all to raise funds.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year the trustees agreed on a reserves policy that sees the charity hold sufficient reserves to cover 2 years employment costs, convention subsidies and loan scheme costs. This equates to approximately £73,000.

The charity's principal funding source is the receipt of unrestricted donations.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

We offer thanks to Echo Base, an online Star Wars trading group and we look to develop links with such organisations who can fundraise for us in a similar way in the future. Developing a sustainable and diverse funding base remains a key priority, with an annual business plan, budget forecast and plans for a new membership database, the board feel the future is positive. We are planning a few social and fundraising events including a masked charity ball, a relaxed in-person members event and we have secured three places in the 2021 London Marathon. With the backup of virtual events, we are confident that we can respond flexibly if any further restrictions are imposed due to COVID 19. Improving awareness of dwarfism also continues to be a priority and the project with Blackpool Council will provide an amazing opportunity for LPUK to raise awareness, along with our plans to work collaboratively with other dwarfism charities and researchers at Nottingham University, which will also provide new opportunities to build evidence for potential grants/funding.

5

Little People UK TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT continued… for the year ended 31 May 2021

Trustees’ responsibilities statement

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

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 30 November 2021 and signed on their behalf by:

Stuart Walker, Treasurer

6

Little People UK INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT for the year ended 31 May 2021

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Little People UK

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 May 2021 which are set out on pages 8 to 17.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records [; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that th e accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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 accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Dated: 30 November 2021

Alistair Main FCA Duncan & Toplis Limited Chartered Accountants Enterprise Way Pinchbeck Spalding Lincolnshire PE11 3YR

7

LITTLE PEOPLE UK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

for the year ended 31 May 2021

2021 2020
Unrestricted Total funds Total funds
funds Restricted fund
£ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 2 25,827 - 25,827 54,725
Charitable activities 3 955 - 955 28,200
Other trading activities 4 130 - 130 503
Investment income 5 31 - 31 317
Other income 6 2,700 - 2,700 149
29,643 - 29,643 83,884
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 233 - 233 708
Charitable activities 7 25,958 - 25,958 68,710
Other 5,393 - 5,393 4,861
Total 31,584 - 31,584 74,279
NET (EXPENDITURE) (1,941) - (1,941) 9,605
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 107,686 - 107,686 98,081
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 105,745 - 105,745 107,686

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

8

LITTLE PEOPLE UK BALANCE SHEET at 31 May 2021

Note
Current assets
Stock
Cash at bank
Creditors:amounts falling due within
one year
11
Net current assets
Net assets
Charity funds
Unrestricted funds
12
Total funds		 £
1,920
105,444
(1,619)		 2021
£
107,364
105,745
105,745
105,745
105,745		 £
1,920
108,355
(2,589)		 2020
£
110,275
107,686
107,686
107,686
107,686

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 30 November 2021 and signed on their behalf, by:

Stuart Walker, Treasurer

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

9

LITTLE PEOPLE UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 May 2021

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

Little People UK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation whose principle office is in England. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the Charity’s operations and principal activities are to provide friendship and support to people with dwarfism, their families and friends, and help build a positive future for those individuals.

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) issued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity and rounded to the nearest £1.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

As of 1 June 2018, the charity has converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with all assets of the existing charity transferred to this new entity.

1.2 FUNDS

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

1.3 INCOME RECOGNITION

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the Charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the Charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained, then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the Charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid is recognised at the date of the submission of the claim.

10

LITTLE PEOPLE UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued For the year ended 31 May 2021

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

1.4 EXPENDITURE RECOGNITION

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.

1.5 DEBTORS AND CREDITORS RECEIVABLE / PAYABLE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Debtors are recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.

Creditors are recognised when the Charity has a present legal or constructive obligation resulting from a past event and the settlement is expected to result in an outflow of economic benefits.

1.6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Charity holds basic financial instruments.

Section 11.35 of FRS102 SORP 2015 for basic financial instruments requires an entity to disclose the carrying amounts of its financial assets and financial liabilities at the reporting date.

Cash at bank - is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.

Liabilities - accruals will be classified as financial instruments and are measured at amortised cost.

1.7 GOING CONCERN

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

1.8 STOCK

Valuation and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell and after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving items. Cost is calculated using the first-in, first-out method and includes all purchase, transport, and handling costs in bringing valuation to their present location and condition.

11

LITTLE PEOPLE UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued For the year ended 31 May 2021

1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

1.9 JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies that have had the most significant effect on amounts recognized in the financial statements:

Basis of valuation of financial instruments.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Fundraiser
Donations
3.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Convention fees
LPUK birthday party
Membership fees
Events
Loan scheme
4.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Sales of merchandise
5.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest		 2021
£
22,841
2,986
25,827
2021
£
170
-
35
-
750
955
2021
£
130
130
2021
£
31
31		 2020
£
42,419
12,306		 2020
£
42,419
12,306
54,725
2020
£
23,998
2,755
612
-
835
28,200
2020
£
503
503
2020
£
317
317
2020
£
503
503
2020
£
317
317

12

LITTLE PEOPLE UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued…

For the year ended 31 May 2021

6. OTHER INCOME

2021
£
Sundry income
2,700
2,700
7.
EXPENDITURE
Direct costs
Support costs
(See note 8)
£
£
Raising funds
233
-
Charitable activities
25,958
Other
5,393
26,191
5,393
8.
SUPPORT COSTS
Other
Governance
costs
£
£
Meeting expenses
-
-
Postage and stationery
Telephone
236
97
-
-
Insurance
-
675
Data protection
-
35
Sundry
2,463
-
Accountancy and professional fees
-
1,412
Justgiving
475
-

3,271
2,122
9.
STAFF COSTS
Staff costs were as follows:
2021
2020
£
£
Wages
19,260
18,129
Social Security
1,420
1,400
Pension
388
379
21,068 19,908		 2020
£
149
149
Totals
£
233
25,958
5,393
31,584
Totals
£
-
236
97
675
35
2,463
1,412
475
5,393

13

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued… For the year ended 31 May 2021

LITTLE PEOPLE UK

The average monthly number of employees during the year as follows:

2021 2020 No No 1 1

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

10. TRUSTEES' AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

The Trustees nether received nor waived any remuneration in the year (2020 - £Nil).

The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel is £19,260 (2020 - £18,129). The Charity consider its key management personnel comprise the Trustees as named on page 1 and the Charity's administrator.

During the year, one Trustee received reimbursement expenses of £410 (2020 - ten trustees received reimbursement expenses of £4,741).

11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors
Payee & NIC Creditor
Net wages
Total
12.
STATEMENT OF FUNDS
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General fund
Brought
forward
Income
£
£
107,686
29,643		 2021
£
900
75
644
-

1,619
Expenditure
£
(31,584)		 2020
£
900
77
-
1,612

2,589
Carried
forward
£
105,745
2,589

14

LITTLE PEOPLE UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 May 2021

13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
Net current assets
105,745
-
Total
105,745
-		 2021
£
105,745
105,745		 2020
£
107,686

107,686

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions in the year.

15

LITTLE PEOPLE UK

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION For the year ended 31 May 2021

All unrestricted
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Fundraiser
Auction sales
Donations

Charitable activities
Convention fees
LPUK birthday party

Membership fees
Events
Loan scheme
Other trading activities
Sales of merchandise
Investment income:
Interest received
Other incoming resources

TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Raising funds
Merchandise
Stock


Charitable activities:
Convention expenses
Event costs
Advertising and marketing
Hotel expenses
Mileage
Wages
Social Security
Birthday Party

Loan scheme
Pension (Nest)

Web Costs		 2021
£
22,841
-
2,986
25,827
170
-
35
-
750
955
2,700
31
-

29,643
233
-
233
-
1,500
-
7
247
19,260
1,420
-
928
388
2,208
25,958

16

LITTLE PEOPLE UK

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION continued…

For the year ended 31 May 2021

Other costs
Postage printing and stationery
Meeting expenses
Insurance
Data protection
Telephone
Justgiving
Sundry
Accountancy and professional fees
Card fees
TOTAL PAYMENTS

EXCESS PAYMENTS OVER RECEIPTS		 £
236
0
675
35
97
475
2,463
1,412
-
5,393
31,584

(1,941)		 £
297
0
654
0
96
216
2,082
1,407
-
4,752
73,462		 £
297
0
654
0
96
216
2,082
1,407
-
4,752
73,462
9,605

17