Trustees Report – 2022 / 2023
Objec�ves & Ac�vi�es:
Community Outreach and Corporate Engagement: While maintaining our core commitment to regular community visits, Therapy Dogs Na�onwide has extended its reach by fulfilling corporate requests to atend staff well-being and mental health awareness days. This strategic expansion allows us to bring the therapeu�c benefits of our dogs to diverse se�ngs.
Free Services: Emphasizing our dedica�on to accessibility, our visits will con�nue to remain free at the point of use. This commitment ensures that our therapeu�c services are available to all without financial barriers.
Partnerships and Acknowledgments: Duke, contribu�ng to the provision of educa�onal material for our volunteers and the wider public. We extend our gra�tude to donors, including Bella & Duke, Bird & Blend, IQSA, SuperHoopers, NSU, Franklin College, and the NHS, among others. Their support has been instrumental in sustaining our mission.
Fundraising Initiatives: Our volunteers, demonstra�ng unwavering dedica�on, ac�vely fundraised throughout the year. Legacy and third party dona�ons, including a generous contribu�on from schoolboy Harry, who donated 50p from his pocket money, are a testament to the impact of our therapy dogs in the community.
Subscription Fees Review: Recognising the need to adapt to increasing opera�onal costs, a review of our subscrip�on fees (£12 per individual and £20 per joint) is underway. This prudent step ensures the con�nued financial stability necessary for our opera�ons.
Technological Advancements: An integral part of our strategic development involved upgrading our IT systems. This comprehensive project, spanning hardware, security, support, and training, was successfully implemented over four months. The collabora�on with external IT partners not only ensured efficiency but also represents a significant financial investment geared towards future sustainability.
Postage Cost Reduction and Digital Integration: The commitment to efficiency extends to our ongoing efforts to reduce postage costs and integrate data collec�on into our digital systems, aligning with modern prac�ces.
Showcasing at Crufts: Our presence at Cru�s in March marked a significant event where volunteers engaged with the public in the Kennel Club Good Ci�zen Scheme ring. Our support for the Kennel Club Paws & Read Scheme furthered our awareness, laying the groundwork for poten�al collabora�ons in educa�on, training, and fundraising. Importantly, volunteers atended these events free of charge, showcasing our commitment to their involvement.
Online Shop Success: The launch of our online shop in October 2022 has streamlined the uniform purchase process, leading to increased sales. Future plans include expanding the range to offer addi�onal items in the next 12 to 24 months.
Increased Visibility and Collaborations: Our focused efforts have resulted in heightened visibility, increased press coverage, a stronger social media presence, and collabora�ons that open new opportuni�es.
Achievements & Performance:
Volunteer and Supporter Growth: volunteers, now reaching 1,824. With 39 Area Team Supporters and 108 Assessors, we acknowledge that there's s�ll work to be done to cover areas of the country where our services are needed.
Financial Review:
Resilience Amid Challenges: contributed to a stable financial posi�on. We recognise that without structured fundraising ac�vi�es our ambi�ous growth plan will be challenging.
Organisa�onal Structure:
Board Expansion and Administrative Efficiency: Our Board of Trustees, currently remains at five members, but to ensure diverse skills and exper�se we recognise the need to increase this in the next 12-24 months.
Administrative Strengthening: Acknowledging the increased demand for administra�ve support, we expanded our admin team. While most admin roles remain unpaid and are conducted by dedicated volunteers, the addi�on of 5 new part-�me administrators has structured our back office, enhancing efficiency in volunteer and establishment interac�ons.
How Decisions Are Made:
Collaborative Decision-Making: Decisions are made collec�vely, with regular communica�on between trustees and admin volunteers. Financial maters are discussed during formal mee�ngs, ensuring transparency and consensus.
Structure & Governance:
Adaptability in Virtual Meetings: Monthly virtual mee�ngs have allowed for more �mely ac�ons, demonstra�ng adaptability in response to evolving circumstances.
Future Aims and Key Objec�ves:
Strategic Growth: enhanced social media presence, con�nuous staff development, and fostering collabora�ons for long-term stability.
Community Celebrations: We plan to celebrate Therapy Dogs Na�onwide's 10th birthday in 2026, engaging volunteers, supporters, and the community.
Continuous Improvement: Our commitment to con�nuous improvement involves regular feedback systems, goal assessments, and embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance our impact.
In conclusion, the accomplishments and challenges of Therapy Dogs Na�onwide in the 2022/2023 period underscore our commitment to providing therapeu�c support to those in need. We express our gra�tude to our dedicated volunteers, supporters, and donors who make our mission possible.
Therapy Dogs Na�onwide Registered Charity No. 1167622
Trustees: Eileen Slatery (Chair), Eileen Hodge, Mary Oliver MBE, Leisl de Lafontaine
Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Financial Activity 31[st] March 2023
| TOTAL | |
|---|---|
| Income | |
| Annual Subscription | 11,913.39 |
| Annual Subscription - in advance | -21.00 |
| Total Annual Subscription | 11,892.39 |
| Donations | 2,685.28 |
| 300 Club | 4,143.00 |
| Amazon Smile | 105.11 |
| Donation - 3rd Party | 29,018.20 |
| Donation - Crufts | 1,138.99 |
| Donation - Fundraising | 10,058.15 |
| Donation - Legacy | 24,676.10 |
| Just Giving | 6,879.81 |
| PayPal | 2,440.86 |
| Total Donations | 81,145.50 |
| Interest Charged | 143.62 |
| Sales | 234.91 |
| SumUp Income | 541.46 |
| Uniform Sales | 4,145.02 |
| Uniform Sales - online | 10,229.26 |
| Total Uniform Sales | 14,374.28 |
| Total Income | £108,332.16 |
| TOTAL | £108,332.16 |
| Expenditures | |
| Admin Costs | 71.62 |
| Advertising/Promotional | 246.05 |
| Computer - Consumables | 29.50 |
| Computer - Hardware | 189.60 |
| Computer - Support | 4,055.36 |
| Total Computer - Hardware | 4,244.96 |
| Computer - Software | 5,120.19 |
| Phone Costs | 50.00 |
| Projects | |
| IT upgrade | 15,457.36 |
| Total Projects | 15,457.36 |
| Web domain costs | 1,320.00 |
| Total Admin Costs | 26,539.68 |
| Assessor Mileage | 800.00 |
| Bank Charges | 1.27 |
| Fundraising Expenses | |
| Crufts | 11,539.64 |
| Printing - leaflets & business cards etc | 395.00 |
| Total Fundraising Expenses | 11,934.64 |
| Insurance | 2,235.38 |
| Office/General Administrative Expenses | 396.88 |
| TOTAL | |
|---|---|
| PayPal Fees | 533.36 |
| Printing, Postage & Stationery | 5,101.92 |
| Professional Fees | |
| Accountancy Fees | 5,098.69 |
| Admin Consultancy Fees - Aimee | 25,993.46 |
| Admin Consultancy Fees - Lorna Kook | 2,540.32 |
| Admin Consultancy Fees - Paulette | 8,966.63 |
| Admin Consultancy Fees - Sarah McTighe | 4,035.34 |
| Total Professional Fees | 46,634.44 |
| Subscriptions | 1,377.02 |
| Sundry Expenses | 1,385.40 |
| Trustee Travel expenses | 203.68 |
| Uncategorised Expenditure | 5.26 |
| Uniform Purchase | 10,950.07 |
| Dog Bandanas | 1,049.85 |
| Dog Collars & Leads | 3,378.75 |
| Lanyards/miscellaneous | 154.80 |
| Total Uniform Purchase | 15,533.47 |
| Volunteer Travel Expenses | 749.94 |
| Admin meeting costs | 3,564.50 |
| Total Volunteer Travel Expenses | 4,314.44 |
| Total Expenditures | £116,996.84 |
| NET OPERATING INCOME | £ -8,664.68 |
| Other Expenditures | |
| VOIDED TRANSACTIONS | 0.00 |
| Total Other Expenditures | £0.00 |
| NET OTHER INCOME | £0.00 |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | £ -8,664.68 |
Therapy Dogs Nationwide Registered Charity No. 1167622
Trustees: Eileen Slattery (Chair), Eileen Hodge, Mary Oliver MBE, Leisl de Lafontaine
Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Balance Sheet 31[st] March 2023
| TOTAL | |
|---|---|
| Fixed Asset | |
| Tangible assets | |
| Computer Equipment | 4,208.76 |
| Computer Hardware | 7,285.19 |
| Total Tangible assets | £11,493.95 |
| Total Fixed Asset | £11,493.95 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | |
| BUSINESS CURRENT ACCOUNT (3616) | 545.85 |
| BUSINESS SAVINGS ACCOUNT (2489) | 38,022.00 |
| Cash Floats | 6,387.45 |
| PAYPAL TDN Account | 2,391.38 |
| Total Cash at bank and in hand | £47,346.68 |
| Debtors | |
| Debtors | -7.00 |
| Total Debtors | £ -7.00 |
| Current Assets | |
| Office Equipment | 877.00 |
| Undeposited Funds | 0.00 |
| Total Current Assets | £877.00 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | £48,216.68 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) | £48,216.68 |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | £59,710.63 |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) | £59,710.63 |
| Charity funds | |
| Opening Balance Equity | 34,107.81 |
| Retained Earnings | 34,267.50 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | -8,664.68 |
| Total Charity funds | £59,710.63 |
Signed: Leisl de Lafontaine Trustee
Therapy Dogs Nationwide Registered Charity No. 1167622
Trustees: Eileen Slattery (Chair), Eileen Hodge, Mary Oliver MBE, Leisl de Lafontaine
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Therapy Dogs Nationwide On accounts for the year 31 March 2023 Charity no 1167622 ended (if any) Set out on pages (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 / 03 / 2023
- Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date: 30/01/2024 Signed: Name: Mark Wall Relevant professional FCPA qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: M W Accounting Ltd Unit 5 Basepoint Business Centre, Caxton Close Andover, SP10 3FG
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .