Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
Registered number: 09734369 Charity number: 1165847
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
| WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS | |
|---|---|
| (A Company Limited by Guarantee) | |
| CONTENTS | |
| Page | |
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 - 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12 - 31 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Trustees | Alison A Hall |
|---|---|
| Christopher Farman | |
| Diane Morton | |
| Douglas R Morton | |
| Robert K Boville (Resigned 23 July 2023) | |
| Sean Churchill | |
| Sophie Carvin | |
| Company registered number 09734369 Charity registered number 1165847 Registered office C/o Hay & Kilner The Lumen St James' Boulevard Newcastle Helix Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5BZ Principal operating office Northumbria House French Gardens Industrial Estate Hexham Northumberland NE46 4DL Company secretary Alison A Hall Accountants Kinnair Associates Limited Chartered Accountants Aston House Redburn Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1 NB |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Objectives and Activities
Wag and Company North East Friendship Dogs (Wag & Company) was incorporated on 15 August 2015 and became a registered charity on 3 March 2016.
The charity's object is to promote social inclusion for the public benefit by relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded by reason of old age and assisting them to integrate into society by the provision of a befriending service in the North East of England.
Wag & Company is the only visiting dog charity befriending older dog lovers in their own homes ( home placements ) as well as in care or hospitals across the North East region.
Before 2016 visiting dogs were only available in care or medical establishments and so Wag & Company was created to provide home visiting with dogs to fill this gap. The charity launched in the North East where there are some of the most socially isolated communities in the UK and one of highest number of dog owning households.
With an hour or two most weeks, professionally assessed volunteers and their special dogs (Visiting Wag Teams/VWTs) provide older people, dog lovers who can't have their own dogs any more, often bereaved, lonely and in failing health, with something to look forward to, some company and a cuddle with that much missed furry friend.
Today a small central Wag team, from a donated office in Hexham, are managing hundreds of Visiting Wag Teams all across the North East region, from Northallerton in North Yorkshire up to the border with Scotland and across to the border with Cumbria benefitting thousands of people in their own homes as well as in care and medical establishments.
The home placements are referred by social care organisations eg Social Services, British Red Cross, Age UKs, GPs, NHS Trusts, Mind etc and since the pandemic we have also adapted our processes so that individuals or families can refer directly to us.The people we visit have typically lost friends, family and their beloved pets, their health and mobility are failing, they can't go out independently or have a dog of their own any more and they have become socially isolated often developing associated mental health issues.
As David Dawson, Older Person's Fellow from Northumbria NHS Trust tells us:-"what you do in Wag is as important as medical treatments, because when you're lonely and socially isolated, it's almost impossible to stay well".
Their VWTs are from their own communities so there is an immediate connection through their shared experiences of caring for dogs locally, often forming important friendships for life. It reconnects them with their communities as well as with the Wag community, feeling included again, a sense of belonging.
Care and medical establishments also ask us to visit their residents and patients using our online forms. Whilst these people are less socially isolated than our home placements, their need for contact with a dog again is no less important.
Wag & Company is dedicated to reducing loneliness. The Campaign to End Loneliness statistics show that over 50,000 pensioners in the region describe themselves as lonely all or most of the time. Many of them are dog lovers as surveys tell us that the North East at 31% has one of the highest numbers of dog owning households in England. The impact of Covid-19 in North East communities has worsened the situation with Durham topping Care Sources Loneliness Index as the loneliest place in the UK; Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland are also ranked in the top ten, at numbers four and nine respectively.
The need for our unique Wag friendships for people alone in their own homes has never been more necessary.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
As one of our older friends told us:- "I had nothing and now I have a wonderful relationship with these lovely friends and my life has completely changed. I do get lonely living on my own and I couldn't manage to have a dog of my own now. This is the best of both worlds. It's fantastic, like winning the Pools!".
Achievements and Performance
2023/24 has been another excellent year for Wag & Company seeing both our visiting performance and our financials continuing to stabilise after the turbulent years of the pandemic followed by a cost of living crisis.
We ended the year with 396 volunteers (Visiting Wag Team) spread from Northallerton up to Berwick upon Tweed, across to Brampton and everywhere in between.
We had made 127,881 friend visits since we started in May 2016 and 2,148 people are benefiting every week across North East communities from Wag volunteers and their special dogs.
Volunteer turnover continues to be an issue however it is reducing, hovering around 36%. Our hope is that, as life continues to return to a new normal and the cost of living impacts reduce, volunteering will again become possible for more people.
At the 31st of March 2024 we were visiting 207 isolated, older people in their own homes with an average age of 83 years. We were also pleased to see turnover in this population reducing back to a more normal 31% from the pandemic high of 51%.
The majority of the people we visit are referred by social care and medical organisations with a smaller number self referring something we have made possible since the pandemic. These people have typically lost their loved ones, partners, family members including their four legged family members. They have developed often multiple health challenges which impact on their ability to go out independently or at all and consequentially they spend much more time on their own than they’d like. Some have family members to visit and support them, some have loved ones who live away and visit as often as they can, others have no family or friends to visit and are entirely supported by carers, with their Wag friends as their main source of companionship.
We were also visiting 177 care and medical organisations across the region - with another 227 waiting. The people we visit in care homes or hospitals and hospices are not isolated like the people we visit in their own homes, but their need for contact with a lovely dog again is just as great. Often Wag volunteers are called upon to provide support and comfort during treatment or palliative and end of life care, benefiting the individuals and often their families too at very difficult times.
Outside of our visiting activities, we were delighted :-
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to be one of the first charities visited by the new Chair of the Charity Commission, Orlando Fraser
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to feature on Channel 4’s The Duchess and her Magical Kingdom programme receiving our Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from the Duchess of Northumberland, who is also our Patron.
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to bring comfort to the NHS Emergency & Critical Care NHS staff for both Northumbria NHS Healthcare
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Trust and also Gateshead.
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We were also very proud of Visiting Wag Team, Kay & Duggie who were BBC Radio Tees Making a Difference finalists.
Our Walk for Wag continues to be an important source of income as well as fellowship for the Wag community and our first ever afternoon tea fundraiser - the Fizzy Friday Afternoon Tea - was fully supported by the Apartment Group and a great success!
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Financial Review
Income
Our total income grew from £176,133 in 2022/23 to £206,573 in 23/24, an increase of 17%. Last year’s income also included £21,462 from The National Lottery funded Digital Transformation Project, so excluding that, the growth in income this year is 34%. A phenomenal achievement from the Wag team.
The main contributing income streams were: Trusts and Foundations which grew 54% from £72,756 in 22/23 to £111,890, representing more than half of total Income, : Donors which more than doubled to £25,061 and Beneficiaries which increased by 41% to £18,807. Overall income was 3% ahead of a challenging budget.
A further 16% growth in income is budgeted for next year with all areas contributing to that growth.
Expenditure
Total expenditure (excluding the Digital Transformation Project) was 29% below budget at £191,928 . All that underspend was accounted for by reduced staff costs. The budget included the recruitment of a Chief Operating Officer as part of succession planning, but an appointment has yet to be made. Meantime, money has been invested to support the Chair in fundraising activities which has significantly contributed to the growth in Grants.
The largest overspend was in the support and maintenance of the Wag management system, which is core to day-to-day activities of the Charity. The system was found to have some serious development flaws, which had to be addressed in the year. A third party was recruited to undergo a full review and address the faults in the system which is now stable and can be developed in the future. Overall, this led to a c£11,000 overspend and future maintenance costs will be at around the same level.
The expenditure budget for next year increases by 44%, of which, 40% is due to increased salaried costs. The budget includes the recruitment of a Chief Operating Officer as a key part of our succession plan. The addition of this senior manager will not only enable our planned growth in volunteer numbers to meet the huge demand for our services, it will also enable the achievement of our income requirements to finance it.
The 4 year Digital Transformation Project funded by The National Lottery was completed in the year. Total expenditure of £27,998 was made from Restricted Funds and is excluded from the costs and income above.
Donated Services
A notional cost of £6,000 has been added to Support costs for donated services. As this is not a cash cost an equal amount has been added to Income as a notional Donation.
Movement of Funds
Overall, the deficit of income over expenditure this year was -£13,353. However, excluding the expenditure of £27,998 on the Digital Transformation Project a surplus of £14,645 was generated compared to a budgeted deficit of -£41,938.
The budget for next year is for a deficit of -£34,781 as this year will bear most of the expenditure to establish a succession plan for the Chair as above.
Analysis of Reserves
Reserves reduced from £164,977 to £151,624 after the overall deficit is utilised.
Restricted Reserves reduced from £38,151 to £25,700 the majority of which is due to the final expenditure on the Digital Transformation project of £27,998.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Opening Designated Reserves were £60,000 of which £10,500 was utilised on a senior fund raising resource in support of the Chair. The balance of £49,500 is expected to be utilised for the recruitment of the new COO in 24/25.
Opening Unrestricted Reserves were £66,826 and increased to £76,424. This represents the net surplus after expenditure against Designated and Restricted Reserves.
The Reserves Policy requires the Charity to hold three months operational expenditure as a reserve in case of volatility in revenue, loss of key personal or catastrophic failure of IT/systems. At the end of 23/24 that amount was £66,945 and therefore as Unrestricted Reserves are above this figure the Charity remains compliant with the Reserves Policy. The Budget for 24/25 forecasts that the Charity will remain compliant with the policy in the next year.
The Future
The demand for our unique befrienders is substantial and we must continue to grow to reconnect and enrich the lives of older dog lovers right across our region.
Our three year plan assumes we’re returning to nearer pre-pandemic levels of volunteer turnover meaning we aim to achieve volunteer numbers of 450 in 2025, 500 in 2026 and 550 in 2027.
Volunteer numbers at around 1,000 by 2030 is still our longer term aspiration as it’s considered to be the point at which we are achieving the level of difference to loneliness we believe is possible and meaningful across our operation area.
Our three year plan also provides for a new senior member of staff to assume the CEO role from our Chair and Founder Diane Morton after eight years as part of succession. Not only will this give Wag stability into the future, it will enable Diane to become part time focussing on key relationships and emerging income streams as well as providing home visiting expertise operationally as required.
Once the new structure is in place we will begin to develop the expansion plan into North Yorkshire and North Cumbria along with the partnerships necessary to bring visiting dogs to vulnerable people wherever they are. Notably in 2024/25 we will also be continuing to develop our commercial income generation approach to ensure we can continue to provide our special friendships without charge. We are also moving our Walk for Wag from Kielder Reservoir to Derwent with the ambition of making it more accessible for more Wag supporters as well as working with the Apartment Group on a second Fizzy Friday Afternoon Tea.
We are delighted with our progress to date and confident in our ability to deliver an ambitious 3 year plan which helps to protect Wag & Company for older and vulnerable dog lovers in perpetuity.
Structure, Governance and Management
Wag & Company North East Friendship Dogs was incorporated on 15 August 2015 and became a registered charity on 3 March 2016.
The Directors are the Trustees of the charity and along with one appointed Member form the governing body which has ultimate responsibility for the proper administration of the charity and acts in its interests. Nominations for Trustee appointments are solicited from among the Corporate Partners and are appointed by invitation of existing Trustees who assess candidates on the basis of the skills they contribute to the future direction of the organisation. New appointees are apprised of their obligations as Trustees of the charity and as Directors of a company limited by guarantee and they receive an induction into the organisation, its current position and significant issues.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation giving consideration to resources and the risks and opportunities in the operational environment. The Board ensures compliance and has overall financial control, approving budgets and monitoring expenditure and revenues. The Board has overall approval of the programme of activity, ensuring it is consistent with objects and maximises public benefit. The Board meets at least quarterly and on other occasions as required to consider issues of particular significance.
While the Board retains the ultimate responsibility for running the charity, the management and day to day functions of implementing the Board's decisions are, at this time, devolved to the Charity Director who is also a Trustee Director. The Charity Director presents a full operational report to the Board at all quarterly Board meetings highlighting any areas of risk that require consideration.
Other operational delivery functions are carried out by paid charity staff, a specialist contracted accountant, a volunteer Kielder Walk Project Team, volunteer expert advisors and a number of professionally qualified dog trainers and behaviouralists who operate as dog assessors also on a volunteer basis.
Risk Management Statement
Wag and Company aims to take all reasonable steps to avoid any harm to our staff or volunteers, their dogs, those we visit and the general public as a result of our activities. We also want to ensure that Wag and Company continues to develop to its full potential guided by its Vision.
For these reasons, we operate a Risk Management System. It comprises a Risk Management Policy and a number of Risk Registers, which are designed to assess risks, manage an appropriate response and allocate responsibility for action.
The Charity's Trustees are collectively responsible for ensuring that an adequate system of risk management is implemented and maintained and have appointed a Trustee Director responsible for Risk to lead and oversee this process.
The Risk Management System was developed during a detailed review of the Charity's Plan and programme of activities which were designed to efficiently deliver its services.
Since the Charity was in its early stages of development great care was taken to assess each programme of activity in order to anticipate the major risks associated with our Charity's activities. It was also desirable to test the effectiveness of the system as the operations were being bedded in. The Charity Director has deliberately engaged in detail operationally from the outset to ensure that the risk management approach was continuously reviewed and developed, properly briefed to all new volunteers during induction and that its scope was comprehensive.
Everyone is encouraged to review the Risk Management System before commencing visits and to pay particular attention where specific further action is required by them, for example prior to visiting. One of the major benefits of operating such a system is the opportunity it presents for continuous improvement based upon the actual experience of our volunteers. So everyone is encouraged to feedback any issues from actual visits and discuss any new responses which may be necessary. In this way, risk registers can be updated and shared with others.
Major risks include :
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Safeguarding of lone visiting of vulnerable adults
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Failure to secure adequate funding
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Failure to attract and maintain adequate, suitable visiting resources
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Injury to elderly Friend/ Volunteer/ member of public as a result of dog scratch/bite
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Wag & Company has developed a Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy and ensures that volunteers are adequately trained in Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults best practice and lone working where relevant. Monitoring of placements is conducted at prescribed intervals with recording and reporting protocols. Volunteers submit a visit report after each visit enabling routine understanding of all activity and these reports, together with our incident reporting protocols, enable proactive management of issues or or potential issues.
Wag & Company's fundraising strategy has secured a range of funding sources and types such that the risk of failure due to single funder loss is eliminated. It has also minimised operating costs as a result of the ongoing support of its Corporate partners. It operates a reserve policy which retains a surplus equivalent to three month's operating costs.
In order to address suitable person and injury from dog risks, Wag & Company appointed an expert adviser in dog behaviour to design a customised dog assessment. This assessment is carried out of potential Visiting Wag Teams (volunteer and dog) by one of a number of professionally qualified volunteer assessors and simulates real hazards so that the dog and handler response can be judged. If in the assessor's opinion the risks are under control, the Charity is notified that they are qualified to visit subject to the successful completion of an Enhanced DBS check for the volunteer and the Wag induction.
For some of the major risks identified it is possible to transfer the consequences to insurers as part of a basket of responses. The Charity maintains an appropriate level of Public Liability Insurance.
The Risk Management System was reviewed by the Charity Trustees before its first implementation and has been accepted for ongoing use each year after an annual review.
Public Benefit
All our activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit. The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit through the year when deciding on the activities of the charity and its future plans.
Small Company Provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 11 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Diane Morton
(Trustee, Chair and CEO)
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Wag and Company North East Friendship Dogs ('the company')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the company's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 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
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the accounts 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 accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 11 July 2024 Detlev Anderson FCA Kinnair Associates Limited Aston House Redburn Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1NB
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Other income 7 Total Income Expenditure on: Raising funds 8 Charitable activities 9 Total expenditure Net expenditure Transfers between funds 16 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds (excluding designated) 2024 £ 125,087 19,926 26,786 1,624 - 173,423 35,738 128,087 163,825 9,598 (60,000) (50,402) 126,826 (50,402) 76,424 |
Designated funds 2024 £ - - - - - - 10,500 - 10,500 (10,500) 60,000 49,500 - 49,500 49,500 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 33,150 - - - - 33,150 - 45,601 45,601 (12,451) - (12,451) 38,151 (12,451) 25,700 |
Total funds 2024 £ 158,237 19,926 26,786 1,624 - 206,573 46,238 173,688 219,926 (13,353) - (13,353) 164,977 (13,353) 151,624 |
As restated Total funds 2023 £ 130,569 15,944 29,426 44 150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 176,133 | |||||
| 66,660 151,805 |
|||||
| 218,465 | |||||
| (42,332) - |
|||||
| (42,332) | |||||
| 207,309 (42,332) 164,977 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 13 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 09734369
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
| Note Current assets Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 16 Unrestricted funds Designated funds 16 General funds 16 Total unrestricted funds 16 Total funds |
3,783 159,041 162,824 (11,200) 49,500 76,424 |
2024 £ 151,624 151,624 151,624 151,624 25,700 125,924 151,624 |
5,409 164,440 169,849 (4,872) - 126,826 |
2023 £ 164,977 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 164,977 | ||||
| 164,977 | ||||
| 164,977 | ||||
| 38,151 126,826 |
||||
| 164,977 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 09734369
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
The company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Christopher Farman
Trustee and Finance Director Date: 11 July 2024
The notes on pages 12 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. General information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is C/O Hay & Kilner, The Lumen, St. James’ Boulevard, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 5BZ. The principal place of business is Northumbria House, French Gardens Industrial Estate, Hexham NE46 4DL.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Wag and Company North East Friendship Dogs meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investments measured at fair value through income or expenditure.
Comparative figures have been restated to recognise an estimate of the value of donated services of £6,000 as both a donation and as support costs.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
2.2 Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The preparation of the Financial Statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Trustees do not consider that there are any significant estimates or judgements affecting these Financial Statements.
2.3 Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Income
All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is entitled to the income, any performance related conditions attached have been met or are fully within the control of the charity, the income is considered probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Donations and legacy income received by way of donations, legacies, grants and gifts is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity but the criteria for income recognition have not been met, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the Charity, being the amount the Charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Investment income is included when receivable.
Income from charitable trading activity is accounted for when earned.
IIncome from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
2.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:
Costs of raising funds comprise the costs associated with attracting donations, grants and legacies and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by theCcharity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the Charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis, as set out in the notes to the accounts.
2.6 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.7 Taxation
The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
2.8 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.
2.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.10 Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
2.11 Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted
Page 14
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.12 Pensions
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.
When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.
2.13 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Page 15
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Donations Corporate partners, supporters and donors 40,347 Donated services 6,000 Grants Co-op Local Community Fund 2,778 County Durham Community Foundation - Darlington Building Society - Frazer Trust 2,500 Masonic Charitable Foundation - Province of Northumberland 4,812 McCarthy Stone Foundation - PPL - Postcode Neighbourhood Trust 25,000 Schroder Charity Trust 5,000 Sir James Knott Trust 5,000 Tees Valley Foundation - The Barbour Foundation 5,000 The Charles Hayward Foundation 5,000 The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust 4,800 The National Lottery Awards for All Fund - The Pets at Home Foundation 4,800 The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust 3,000 The Souter Charitable Trust 3,200 The St. James Place Charitable Foundation 2,500 Other smaller grants 5,350 Subtotal detailed disclosure 125,087 125,087 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - - 2,400 - - 7,200 - - - 2,400 - - - 20,000 - - - - 1,150 33,150 33,150 |
Total funds 2024 £ 40,347 6,000 2,778 2,400 2,500 4,812 7,200 25,000 5,000 5,000 2,400 5,000 5,000 4,800 20,000 4,800 3,000 3,200 2,500 6,500 158,237 158,237 |
|---|---|---|
Page 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
3. Income from donations and legacies (continued)
| Donations Corporate partners, supporters and donors Grants Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust David & Ruth Lewis Family Charitable Trust D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust Hadrian Trust Joseph Strong Frazer Trust Masonic Charitable Foundation - Province of Northumberland McCarthy Stone Foundation Pease Charitable Trust Prime via The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Sir James Knott Foundation The Joicey Trust The National Lottery Reaching Communities grant The Pargiter Trust via The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund The William Leech Charity Other smaller grants Total 2023 as restated |
As restated Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 36,351 3,000 15,000 3,000 2,000 2,500 4,812 - 5,000 - 5,000 - - - - 2,500 5,500 84,663 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - - - - - - - 4,812 - 4,812 - 2,000 21,462 8,020 2,500 - 2,300 45,906 |
As restated Total funds 2023 £ 36,351 3,000 15,000 3,000 2,000 2,500 4,812 4,812 5,000 4,812 5,000 2,000 21,462 8,020 2,500 2,500 7,800 130,569 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 17
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Beneficiaries 18,807 Sale of goods 1,119 19,926 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Beneficiaries 13,356 Sale of goods 2,588 15,944 5. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events |
Total funds 2024 £ 18,807 1,119 19,926 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 13,356 2,588 15,944 |
|
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Fund raising events 22,604 Gift aid 4,182 26,786 |
Total funds 2024 £ 22,604 4,182 26,786 |
|---|---|
Page 18
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
5. Income from other trading activities (continued)
Income from fundraising events (continued)
| Fund raising events Gift aid |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 25,013 4,413 29,426 |
Total funds 2023 £ 25,013 4,413 29,426 |
|---|---|---|
6. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Bank interest receivable 1,624 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Bank interest receivable 44 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,624 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 44 |
Page 19
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
7. Other incoming resources
| Total | ||
|---|---|---|
| funds | ||
| 2024 | ||
| £ | ||
| Unrestricted | Total | |
| funds | funds | |
| 2023 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other income | 150 | 150 |
8. Expenditure on raising funds
Fundraising expenses
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Staff costs 21,851 Fundraising and marketing materials 5,986 Processing fees, postage and packaging 929 Other costs 104 Subcontractor costs 17,368 46,238 |
Total funds 2024 £ 21,851 5,986 929 104 17,368 46,238 |
|---|---|
Page 20
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
8. Expenditure on raising funds (continued)
| Staff costs Fundraising and marketing materials Processing fees, postage and packaging Other costs Subcontractor costs Fundraising digital hardware & support |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 34,955 6,028 81 165 2,869 - 44,098 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - - - - 5,550 17,012 22,562 |
Total funds 2023 £ 34,955 6,028 81 165 8,419 17,012 66,660 |
|---|---|---|---|
9. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Ongoing costs 128,087 One off project costs - 128,087 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Ongoing costs 68,454 One off project costs 1,110 69,564 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 17,603 27,998 45,601 Restricted funds 2023 £ 62,313 19,928 82,241 |
Total 2024 £ 145,690 27,998 173,688 |
|---|---|---|
| Total 2023 £ 130,767 21,038 151,805 |
Page 21
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Ongoing costs One off project costs Ongoing costs One off project costs Analysis of direct costs Staff costs Computer software, licences and consumables Gifts for our elderly at home friends Volunteer recruitment, insurance and starter kits Other direct costs Subcontractor costs Volunteer recruitment and management system |
Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 105,623 27,998 133,621 Activities undertaken directly 2023 £ 94,876 19,928 114,804 Ongoing costs 2024 £ 93,397 1,314 3,075 4,888 1,961 988 - 105,623 |
Support costs 2024 £ 40,067 - 40,067 Support costs 2023 £ 35,891 1,110 37,001 One off project costs 2024 £ - - - - - - 27,998 27,998 |
Total funds 2024 £ 145,690 27,998 173,688 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 130,767 21,038 151,805 |
|||
| Total funds 2024 £ 93,397 1,314 3,075 4,888 1,961 988 27,998 133,621 |
Page 22
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs (continued)
| Staff costs Gifts for our elderly at home friends Volunteer recruitment, insurance and starter kits Other direct costs Subcontractor costs Volunteer recruitment and management system |
Ongoing costs 2023 £ 85,075 2,886 5,519 1,396 - - 94,876 |
One off project costs 2023 £ - - - 152 10,666 9,110 19,928 |
Total funds 2023 £ 85,075 2,886 5,519 1,548 10,666 9,110 114,804 |
|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of support costs
| Staff costs Computer software, licences and consumables Subcontractor costs Professional fees, accounts and general office costs WAG managment system |
Ongoing costs 2024 £ 4,080 4,348 6,034 10,826 14,779 40,067 |
One off project costs 2024 £ - - - - - - |
Total funds 2024 £ 4,080 4,348 6,034 10,826 14,779 40,067 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 23
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs (continued)
| Staff costs Computer software, licences and consumables Subcontractor costs Other support costs Professional fees, accounts and general office costs WAG managment system |
As restated Ongoing costs 2023 £ 15,724 3,098 5,194 260 8,606 3,009 35,891 |
One off project costs 2023 £ - - 1,110 - - - 1,110 |
As restated Total funds 2023 £ 15,724 3,098 6,304 260 8,606 3,009 37,001 |
|---|---|---|---|
11. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the company's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the company's annual accounts | 700 | 900 |
| Fees payable to the company's independent examiner in respect of: | ||
| All other services not included above | 800 | 1,966 |
12. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2024 £ 113,331 3,800 2,197 119,328 |
2023 £ 127,477 5,793 2,484 |
|---|---|---|
| 135,754 |
Page 24
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
12. Staff costs (continued)
The average number of persons employed by the company during the year was as follows:
| Operational staff Fundraising and support staff |
2024 No. 4 2 6 |
2023 No. 5 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 |
The average headcount expressed as full-time equivalents was: 5 (2023: 6).
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
13. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 31 March 2024, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2023 - £NIL) .
14. Debtors
| Due within one year Prepayments and accrued income 15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 3,783 3,783 2024 £ 6,925 2,075 400 1,800 11,200 |
2023 £ 5,409 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,409 | ||
| 2023 £ 1,721 1,808 443 900 |
||
| 4,872 |
Page 25
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
16. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Designated Funds General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund Digital Transformation Project National Lottery Digital Fund 2 Remote Working The Smith (Haltwhistle & District) Charitable Trust The Joicy Trust The Rothley Trust County Durham Community Foundation - Darlington Building Society McCarthy Stone Foundation Tees Valley Foundaton The National Lottery Awards for All Fund Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ - 126,826 126,826 6,439 27,998 2,614 300 800 - - - - - 38,151 164,977 |
Income £ - 173,423 173,423 - - - 300 - 850 2,400 7,200 2,400 20,000 33,150 206,573 |
Expenditure £ (10,500) (163,825) (174,325) (6,439) (27,998) (2,614) (600) (800) (850) (1,000) (3,000) (600) (1,700) (45,601) (219,926) |
Transfers in/out £ 60,000 (60,000) - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 49,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76,424 | |||||
| 125,924 | |||||
| - - - - - - 1,400 4,200 1,800 18,300 25,700 |
|||||
| 151,624 |
Page 26
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
16. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds General funds Restricted funds The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund Digital Transformation Project National Lottery Digital Fund 2 Remote Working The Smith (Haltwhistle & District) Charitable Trust The Joicy Trust Kavli UK Limited Tesco Community Grant The Pargiter Trust via The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund Prime via The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland McCarthy Stone Foundation Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 110,261 22,437 71,598 3,013 - - - - - - - - 97,048 207,309 |
Income £ 124,227 21,462 - - 300 2,000 1,500 500 8,020 2,500 4,812 4,812 45,906 170,133 |
Expenditure £ (107,662) (37,460) (43,600) (399) - (1,200) (1,500) (500) (8,020) (2,500) (4,812) (4,812) (104,803) (212,465) |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ 126,826 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,439 27,998 2,614 300 800 - - - - - - 38,151 |
||||
| 164,977 |
Page 27
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
17. Nature of funds
The restricted funds are for the following purposes:
The Smith (Haltwhistle & District) Charitable Trust provided a grant of £300 in September 2022 restricted to contribute to the annual costs of 1 Visiting Wag Team in the Haltwhistle area. In 2022/23 we had some turnover in that area and recruitment was delayed but the grant was fully utilised by the end of July 2023. We were then lucky enough to be awarded a second grant from The Smith of £300 in September 2023 supporting another volunteer team in Haltwhistle and thanks to the increased activity from the previous grant this was fully utilised in the year.
The Joicey Trust awarded us a grant of £2,000 on 20th February 2023 to deploy 5* new Visiting Wag Teams in Northumberland and the old Metropolitan Borough of Tyne & Wear (i.e. all NE and SR postcodes and DH4/5. By the end of March 2023 we had recruited 3 new Visiting Wag Teams and by the end of October 2023 we had recruited and begun to support the remaining 2 teams .
The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund
We received the final payment of the extension of TNL Reaching Communities project, £10,731, in January 2023 to support our operating costs during the final phase of the implementation of our Digital Project. The Digital Project is now scheduled to complete in August so the remaining Reaching Communities grant funds of £6,439 will contribute to our operating costs during the period 1 April to 16th July 2023. This was effectively utilised during that period and the final report submitted to The National Lottery.
In addition, TNL Reaching Communities also funded a key element of the Digital Project, the bespoke engine room of Wag, the Volunteer Recruitment, Referral and Management System(VRRMS). At year end, £5,527 of that element of the project budget was unspent due to delays in the final implementation of the VRRMS but work is back on track and this will be utilised before the end of June.
The National Lottery Digital Transformation Project
All elements of this transformational project have been very successfully implemented, total digitisation of the charity's operations, replacement hardware and software and a complete overhaul of the charity's fundraising approach and associated digital tools, website, financial management etc.
The final funds remaining within this project - £30,337 (including the Reaching Communities specific element of £5,527 see above) will ensure this year the successful completion of this project overall. The project was successfully completed and the final report submitted in July 2023.
The National Lottery Digital Fund 2 Remote Working
The final element of this project - £2,614 - is to finance the link between the VRRMS and the office MS365 environment to ensure all staff - office or remote based - can manage Wag auto reminders, tasks, contacts and assessment bookings in one place from wherever they are based. This work will be completed alongside the VRRMS work and will be completed before the end of the year. This project was redefined and successfully completed.
County Durham Community Foundation - Darlington Building Society
The County Durham Community Foundation awarded us £2,400 in late October 2023 restricted to recruiting, deploying and supporting 6 befriending Wag teams in Darlington, Teesside, County Durham and Sunderland for a year. All 6 teams are in place and being continuously supported to make a difference in their placements. The full year period of their impact ends in October 2024.
Page 28
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
McCarthy Stone Foundation
The McCarthy Stone Foundation awarded us £7,200 in late October 2023 restricted to recruiting, deploying and supporting 18 befriending Wag teams for a year right across our North East region creating important, life changing friendships which improve the health and wellbeing of our older dog lovers. All 18 teams are in place and making a difference in their placements, the full year period of their impact in October 2024.
Tees Valley Foundation
The Tees Valley Foundation awarded us £2,400 in late December 2023 restricted to recruiting, deploying and supporting 6 befriending Wag teams in Darlington, Stockton on Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool or Redcar and Cleveland for a year. All 6 teams are in place and being continuously supported to make a difference in their placements. The full year period of their impact ends in December 2024.
The Rothley Trust
The Rothley Trust awarded us £850 restricted to the purchase of a laptop which was obtained and allocated to a member of staff in 2023.
The National Lottery Awards for All
The National Lottery Awards for All, awarded us £20,000 in February, a 2 year grant to end March 2026, to help us replace the volunteer befrienders we’ve lost during the pandemic years and to sustain our current volunteer headcount and their important impact on loneliness for elderly dog lovers in our region. The work is ongoing and our target is to have 500 befrienders by March 2026.
Designated Fund
The trustees have agreed to set aside a designated reserve to be used in the two financial years 23/24 and 24/25 of £60,000 to allow for succession planning. The senior leadership role in Wag has been done on a voluntary basis for 7 years but isn't sustainable, so there is a need to recruit a senior manager with the ability to lead Wag & Company into the future. Without this recruitment, the future development of Wag and therefore income growth could be compromised.
18. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| Designated funds General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ - 126,826 38,151 164,977 |
Income £ - 173,423 33,150 206,573 |
Expenditure £ (10,500) (163,825) (45,601) (219,926) |
Transfers in/out £ 60,000 (60,000) - - |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 49,500 76,424 25,700 151,624 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 29
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18. Summary of funds (continued)
Summary of funds - prior year
| General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 110,261 97,048 207,309 |
Income £ 124,227 45,906 170,133 |
Expenditure £ (107,662) (104,803) (212,465) |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ 126,826 38,151 164,977 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
19. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Current assets 137,124 Creditors due within one year (11,200) Total 125,924 Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Current assets 131,698 Creditors due within one year (4,872) Total 126,826 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 25,700 - 25,700 Restricted funds 2023 £ 38,151 - 38,151 |
Total funds 2024 £ 162,824 (11,200) 151,624 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 169,849 (4,872) 164,977 |
Page 30
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
WAG AND COMPANY NORTH EAST FRIENDSHIP DOGS (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
20. Pension commitments
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charitable company to the fund and amounted to £2,197 (2023 - £2,483). There were £436 (2023 - £380) contributions payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
21. Members' liability
The charity is limited by guarantee. At 31 March 2024 there were eight members each of whom had undertaken to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 in the event of a winding up.
22. Donated Services
Total expenditure includes £6,000 for donated services. As this is a notional cost an equal amount has been added to income in Donations so that there is no impact on Funds.
Page 31
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
11 July 2024
Detlev Anderson
Kinnair Associates Limited Aston House Redburn Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1NB
Dear Sir
We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of sufficient enquiries of trustees, executive management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience and, where appropriate, of inspection of supporting documentation and that, to the best of our knowledge and belief, we can properly make each of these representations to you for the purpose of your independent examination of the financial statements of Wag and Company North East Friendship Dogs for the year ended 31 March 2024 under the Charities Act 2011.
-
We acknowledge that the work carried out by you is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with Auditing Standards and that you do not express an audit opinion.
-
We acknowledge our legal responsibility for the preparation of the financial statements to show a true and fair view as required by law and therefore confirm for your particular purposes that in our view these comply with the methods and principles set out in the Charities Act 2011, the regulations made under it and the Charities SORP: “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice”.
-
We acknowledge our management responsibility for the maintenance of adequate internal control systems and procedures designed to prevent and detect fraud and error. We have no knowledge of any fraud, suspected fraud or allegations of fraud which could affect the charity.
-
All the financial transactions of the charitable company for the year as recorded in the accounting records and any other related information has been made available to you for your inspection.
-
The financial statements are free of material misstatements, including omissions, to the best of our knowledge and belief.
-
There are no material liabilities or contingent liabilities known to us other than those disclosed in the financial statements, including any guarantees to third parties.
-
No claims in connection with litigation have been or are expected to be received to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Docusign Envelope ID: 6559FE91-51DA-4D15-BEDB-761590976611
-
There have been no events to our knowledge since the balance sheet date which require disclosure or which would materially affect the amounts in the financial statements other than those already disclosed or included in the financial statements. Should any material events occur which may necessitate revision of the figures in the financial statements, or inclusion in a note thereto, we will advise you accordingly.
-
We confirm that we are not aware of any possible or actual instance of non-compliance with those laws and regulations which provide a legal framework within which the charitable company conducts its activities.
-
The methods, data and significant assumptions used by us in making accounting estimates, and their related disclosures, are appropriate to achieve recognition, measurement and disclosure that is reasonable in the context of the applicable financial reporting framework.
-
We confirm the completeness of the information provided regarding the identification of related parties, and the adequacy of related party disclosures in the financial statements.
-
We confirm that, having considered our expectations and intentions for at least the next twelve months and the availability of working capital, the charitable company is a going concern. We are unaware of any events, conditions, or risks beyond the period of assessment that may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
-
All grants, donations and other voluntary incoming resources, the receipt of which is subject to specific terms and conditions, have been notified to you. There have been no breaches of terms or conditions in the application of such voluntary incoming resources.
-
We confirm that we are not aware of any breach of our charitable trusts and that we have advised you of the existence of any endowments and restricted income funds maintained by us.
Yours faithfully,
………………….
Diane Morton
Signed on behalf of the board.
Certificate Of Completion
Status: Completed
Envelope Id: 6559FE9151DA4D15BEDB761590976611
Subject: Complete with Docusign: W9628 accounts 31-03-2024.pdf, PDF of unsigned letter of representatio... Source Envelope: Document Pages: 35 Signatures: 4 Certificate Pages: 5 Initials: 0 AutoNav: Enabled EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled Time Zone: (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Envelope Originator: Detlev Anderson detlev-anderson@kinnair.co.uk IP Address: 185.16.152.169
Record Tracking
Status: Original Holder: Detlev Anderson Location: DocuSign 7/12/2024 3:01:26 AM detlev-anderson@kinnair.co.uk
Signer Events Signature
Timestamp
Chris Farman Sent: 7/12/2024 3:06:16 AM cfarman29@gmail.com Viewed: 7/12/2024 3:06:51 AM Security Level: Email, Account Authentication Signed: 7/12/2024 3:07:34 AM (None)
Signature Adoption: Drawn on Device Using IP Address: 86.158.14.39 Signed using mobile
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted: 7/12/2024 3:06:51 AM ID: 002ea3a8-0df1-4288-9689-a495df1c24e4 Diane Morton diane@wagandcompany.co.uk CEO Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None) Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Using IP Address: 148.252.147.151 Signed using mobile
Sent: 7/12/2024 3:06:17 AM Viewed: 7/12/2024 4:44:48 AM Signed: 7/12/2024 4:45:05 AM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted: 1/29/2024 6:16:13 AM ID: d876b427-fe12-4276-b848-1e34a084a741
Detlev Anderson detlev-anderson@kinnair.co.uk Director Kinnair Associates Limited Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None) Using IP Address: 185.16.152.169
Sent: 7/12/2024 4:45:07 AM Viewed: 7/12/2024 5:59:56 AM Signed: 7/12/2024 6:01:28 AM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
| In Person Signer Events | Signature | Timestamp |
|---|---|---|
| Editor Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Agent Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Intermediary Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Certified Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Carbon Copy Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Witness Events | Signature | Timestamp |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Events | Signature | Timestamp |
| Envelope Summary Events | Status | Timestamps |
| Envelope Sent | Hashed/Encrypted | 7/12/2024 3:06:18 AM |
| Certified Delivered | Security Checked | 7/12/2024 5:59:56 AM |
| Signing Complete | Security Checked | 7/12/2024 6:01:28 AM |
| Completed | Security Checked | 7/12/2024 6:01:28 AM |
| Payment Events | Status | Timestamps |
| Electronic Record and Signature | Disclosure |
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure created on: 2/28/2022 10:29:55 AM Parties agreed to: Chris Farman, Diane Morton
ELECTRONIC RECORD AND SIGNATURE DISCLOSURE
From time to time, Kinnair Associates (we, us or Company) may be required by law to provide to you certain written notices or disclosures. Described below are the terms and conditions for providing to you such notices and disclosures electronically through the DocuSign system. Please read the information below carefully and thoroughly, and if you can access this information electronically to your satisfaction and agree to this Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure (ERSD), please confirm your agreement by selecting the check-box next to ‘I agree to use electronic records and signatures’ before clicking ‘CONTINUE’ within the DocuSign system.
Getting paper copies
At any time, you may request from us a paper copy of any record provided or made available electronically to you by us. You will have the ability to download and print documents we send to you through the DocuSign system during and immediately after the signing session and, if you elect to create a DocuSign account, you may access the documents for a limited period of time (usually 30 days) after such documents are first sent to you. After such time, if you wish for us to send you paper copies of any such documents from our office to you, you will be charged a $0.00 per-page fee. You may request delivery of such paper copies from us by following the procedure described below.
Withdrawing your consent
If you decide to receive notices and disclosures from us electronically, you may at any time change your mind and tell us that thereafter you want to receive required notices and disclosures only in paper format. How you must inform us of your decision to receive future notices and disclosure in paper format and withdraw your consent to receive notices and disclosures electronically is described below.
Consequences of changing your mind
If you elect to receive required notices and disclosures only in paper format, it will slow the speed at which we can complete certain steps in transactions with you and delivering services to you because we will need first to send the required notices or disclosures to you in paper format, and then wait until we receive back from you your acknowledgment of your receipt of such paper notices or disclosures. Further, you will no longer be able to use the DocuSign system to receive required notices and consents electronically from us or to sign electronically documents from us.
All notices and disclosures will be sent to you electronically
Unless you tell us otherwise in accordance with the procedures described herein, we will provide electronically to you through the DocuSign system all required notices, disclosures, authorizations, acknowledgements, and other documents that are required to be provided or made available to you during the course of our relationship with you. To reduce the chance of you inadvertently not receiving any notice or disclosure, we prefer to provide all of the required notices and disclosures to you by the same method and to the same address that you have given us. Thus, you can receive all the disclosures and notices electronically or in paper format through the paper mail delivery system. If you do not agree with this process, please let us know as described below. Please also see the paragraph immediately above that describes the consequences of your electing not to receive delivery of the notices and disclosures electronically from us.
How to contact Kinnair Associates:
You may contact us to let us know of your changes as to how we may contact you electronically, to request paper copies of certain information from us, and to withdraw your prior consent to receive notices and disclosures electronically as follows:
To contact us by email send messages to: graham-murray@kinnair.co.uk
To advise Kinnair Associates of your new email address
To let us know of a change in your email address where we should send notices and disclosures electronically to you, you must send an email message to us at graham-murray@kinnair.co.uk and in the body of such request you must state: your previous email address, your new email address. We do not require any other information from you to change your email address.
If you created a DocuSign account, you may update it with your new email address through your account preferences.
To request paper copies from Kinnair Associates
To request delivery from us of paper copies of the notices and disclosures previously provided by us to you electronically, you must send us an email to graham-murray@kinnair.co.uk and in the body of such request you must state your email address, full name, mailing address, and telephone number. We will bill you for any fees at that time, if any.
To withdraw your consent with Kinnair Associates
To inform us that you no longer wish to receive future notices and disclosures in electronic format you may:
i. decline to sign a document from within your signing session, and on the subsequent page, select the check-box indicating you wish to withdraw your consent, or you may;
ii. send us an email to graham-murray@kinnair.co.uk and in the body of such request you must state your email, full name, mailing address, and telephone number. We do not need any other information from you to withdraw consent.. The consequences of your withdrawing consent for online documents will be that transactions may take a longer time to process..
Required hardware and software
The minimum system requirements for using the DocuSign system may change over time. The - - current system requirements are found here: https://support.docusign.com/guides/signer guide signing-system-requirements.
Acknowledging your access and consent to receive and sign documents electronically
To confirm to us that you can access this information electronically, which will be similar to other electronic notices and disclosures that we will provide to you, please confirm that you have read this ERSD, and (i) that you are able to print on paper or electronically save this ERSD for your future reference and access; or (ii) that you are able to email this ERSD to an email address where you will be able to print on paper or save it for your future reference and access. Further, if you consent to receiving notices and disclosures exclusively in electronic format as described herein, then select the check-box next to ‘I agree to use electronic records and signatures’ before clicking ‘CONTINUE’ within the DocuSign system.
By selecting the check-box next to ‘I agree to use electronic records and signatures’, you confirm that:
-
You can access and read this Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure; and
-
You can print on paper this Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure, or save or send this Electronic Record and Disclosure to a location where you can print it, for future reference and access; and
-
Until or unless you notify Kinnair Associates as described above, you consent to receive exclusively through electronic means all notices, disclosures, authorizations, acknowledgements, and other documents that are required to be provided or made available to you by Kinnair Associates during the course of your relationship with Kinnair Associates.