Therapy Dogs Nationwide Trustees’ Report 2023-2024
Objectives & Activities
Community Outreach and Corporate Engagement
Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN) continues to provide transformative therapy visits to schools, hospitals, residential homes, secure units, and other establishments. This year, we expanded our reach to include corporate well-being and mental health awareness events, allowing us to showcase the therapeutic power of our dogs to new audiences. To ensure these events remain impactful, we have implemented a more robust vetting process to prioritise partnerships that align with our values and provide meaningful support through donations.
Free Services
Our commitment to accessibility remains steadfast. All our services are free at the point of use, ensuring no financial barriers to receiving support. This year, we extended our offerings to include NHS clinical work, court liaison services, and funeral support, alongside our core services in schools, hospitals, and care homes.
Partnerships and Acknowledgments
We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners, whose contributions, such as the £37,952.75 received in thirdparty donations (+31%), have been critical in sustaining our work.
Fundraising Initiatives and Challenges
Historically, legacy donations have been a major source of income, but this year they fell by £23,006.37 (-93%). Coupled with a decline in fundraising income (-55%), this highlights an urgent need to revitalise our fundraising strategy. To address this, we are recruiting a trustee with expertise in fundraising and grant applications. This dedicated role will focus on securing new funding streams and developing relationships with grant-making organisations, ensuring we have the resources to sustain and grow our services.
Subscription Fee Review
In 2023, we increased our annual subscription fee from £12 to £20 for the first time since our founding in 2016. This change improves cash flow, supports operational costs, and ensures we can continue processing new applications efficiently. The adoption of accounting software has further streamlined subscription management, enhancing the experience for members and administrators alike.
Uniform Supply Transition
Historically, we have always prioritised supporting small, local businesses for our uniforms. However, as our needs have grown, many of these suppliers have been unable to meet demand. This year, we partnered with a larger supplier, allowing us to offer an expanded range of uniforms while maintaining cost control and meeting increasing demand. Both existing and new uniform styles will remain valid, minimising waste and reducing unnecessary costs for our volunteers.
Therapy Dogs Nationwide Registered Charity No. 1167622
Trustees: Eileen Slattery (Chair), Eileen Hodge, Mary Oliver MBE, Leisl de Lafontaine
Technological Advancements
The growth in our volunteer base has created significant demands on our IT infrastructure. Investments in digital tools, including an online shop, have proven effective, with uniform sales increasing by 112%. However, the need for ongoing IT support and software upgrades presents a recurring cost challenge. Future technology investments will focus on maximising efficiency and minimising overheads, with plans to phase in new hardware strategically over the next three years.
Showcasing at Crufts
Our continued presence at Crufts is a major achievement. Volunteers engaged with the public, promoting TDN’s work in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme ring and supporting the Paws & Read Scheme. These efforts not only raised awareness but also strengthened potential collaborations in education, training, and fundraising.
Achievements & Performance
Volunteer Growth and Resource Challenges
Our volunteer network now exceeds 2,000 members, supported by 39 Area Team Supporters and 108 Assessors. This growth is a testament to our impact but also brings significant challenges. The increased number of volunteers has stretched our administrative and IT resources, requiring additional personnel and infrastructure. While this growth underscores the demand for our services, it highlights the urgent need for sustainable funding to manage the associated costs effectively.
Increased Visibility and Collaborations
Our enhanced social media presence, press coverage, and collaborations have significantly increased public awareness of TDN’s mission. These efforts not only attract volunteers and supporters but also position us as a valuable partner for potential funders and collaborators. However, we recognise that this needs to be more consistent and we are actively recruiting for this role.
Financial Review
Income
Total income decreased by £12,997.29 (-12%) compared to the previous year. While growth in subscription fees (+45%) and uniform sales (+112%) offset some of this decline, reductions in legacy donations and fundraising income had a notable impact.
Expenditure
Total expenditure increased by £2,174.58 (+1.86%). Key areas of investment included sundry expenses (+421%), uniform purchases (+28%), and professional fees for administrative support. Despite these challenges, we managed significant cost reductions in admin costs (-57%) through strategic spending and process improvements.
Net Position
A deficit of £24,049.71 reflects the growing financial pressures on the charity. This reinforces the importance of prioritising fundraising and securing grants in the coming year.
Section break
Therapy Dogs Nationwide Registered Charity No. 1167622
Trustees: Eileen Slattery (Chair), Eileen Hodge, Mary Oliver MBE, Leisl de Lafontaine
Organisational Structure
Recruiting for Fundraising Expertise
To address the urgent need for new income streams, we are recruiting a trustee with expertise in fundraising and grant applications. This role will focus on securing vital funds, enabling us to sustain our growth and invest in areas critical to our mission. Board Expansion
To support our ambitious plans, we aim to expand the Board of Trustees by 2-4 members over the next 12-24 months, ensuring diverse skills and fresh perspectives.
Administrative Strengthening
The growth in volunteer numbers has necessitated additional administrative support. Our structured back office, supported by part-time administrators, has been essential in maintaining efficiency. However, sustaining this structure requires a focus on cost management and additional funding.
Future Aims and Key Objectives
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Grant Applications : Actively pursue funding opportunities to secure additional income streams.
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Fundraising Focus : Develop innovative campaigns and events to address income shortfalls.
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Volunteer Expansion : Target recruitment in underserved areas to meet growing demand for our services.
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Sustainable IT Investment : Manage technology upgrades strategically to balance cost and functionality.
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Uniform Supply Stability : Expand partnerships with reliable suppliers to meet growing needs without compromising cost-effectiveness.
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Celebrating Milestones : Plan TDN’s 10th-anniversary celebration in 2026, engaging volunteers, supporters, and the community.
Conclusion
The 2023-2024 period has been one of growth, adaptation, and reflection. While challenges remain, our commitment to delivering life-changing therapy remains unwavering. Recruiting a trustee focused on fundraising, securing grants, and expanding partnerships will be critical in addressing financial pressures and ensuring long-term sustainability.
We thank our volunteers, donors, and partners for their invaluable support and look forward to working together to expand our impact and bring comfort to even more people in the coming years.
Signed: Leisl de Lafontaine Trustee
Therapy Dogs Nationwide Registered Charity No. 1167622
Trustees: Eileen Slattery (Chair), Eileen Hodge, Mary Oliver MBE, Leisl de Lafontaine
Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2024
| TOTAL | |
|---|---|
| Fixed Asset | |
| Tangible assets | |
| Computer Equipment | 5,085.76 |
| Computer Hardware | 7,285.19 |
| Total Tangible assets | £12,370.95 |
| Total Fixed Asset | £12,370.95 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | |
| BUSINESS CURRENT ACCOUNT (3616) | 940.92 |
| BUSINESS SAVINGS ACCOUNT (2489) | 17,827.52 |
| Cash Floats | 7.43 |
| PAYPAL TDN Account | 5,125.10 |
| Total Cash at bank and in hand | £23,900.97 |
| Debtors | |
| Debtors | 0.00 |
| Total Debtors | £0.00 |
| Current Assets | |
| Office Equipment | 0.00 |
| Undeposited Funds | 0.00 |
| Total Current Assets | £0.00 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | £23,900.97 |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |
| Current Liabilities | |
| Payroll Liabilities | |
| HMRC | 458.40 |
| Pension | 145.60 |
| Total Payroll Liabilities | 604.00 |
| Total Current Liabilities | £604.00 |
| Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | £604.00 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) | £23,296.97 |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | £35,667.92 |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) | £35,667.92 |
| Charity funds | |
| Opening Balance Equity | 34,107.81 |
| Retained Earnings | 25,609.82 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | -24,049.71 |
| Total Charity funds | £35,667.92 |
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Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Financial Activities
April 2023 - March 2024
| TOTAL | |
|---|---|
| Income | |
| Annual Subscription | 17,169.50 |
| Donations | 48.00 |
| 300 Club | 3,371.00 |
| Amazon Smile | 73.49 |
| Donation - 3rd Party | 37,952.75 |
| Donation - Crufts | 1,284.17 |
| Donation - Fundraising | 4,555.77 |
| Donation - Legacy | 1,669.73 |
| Donations - Bow Ties | 3,589.02 |
| Gift Aid | 423.60 |
| Just Giving | 1,348.78 |
| PayPal | 1,085.83 |
| Stickers | 176.25 |
| Total Donations | 55,578.39 |
| Interest Charged | 307.51 |
| PayPal Income | 416.02 |
| SumUp Income | 5.89 |
| Unapplied Cash Payment Income | -65.00 |
| Uniform Sales | |
| Pre-loved Uniform Sold | 15.00 |
| Uniform Sales - online | 21,652.56 |
| Total Uniform Sales | 21,667.56 |
| Total Income | £95,079.87 |
| TOTAL | £95,079.87 |
| Expenditures | |
| Admin Costs | |
| Advertising/Promotional | 24.00 |
| Computer - Consumables | 50.98 |
| Computer - Hardware | |
| Computer - Support | 8,045.36 |
| Total Computer - Hardware | 8,045.36 |
| Computer - Software | 2,222.33 |
| Phone Costs | 20.00 |
| Projects | 1,132.80 |
| Total Admin Costs | 11,495.47 |
| Assessor Mileage | 870.00 |
| Bank Charges | |
| GoCardless Fees | 0.01 |
| Total Bank Charges | 0.01 |
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Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Financial Activities
April 2023 - March 2024
| TOTAL | |
|---|---|
| Fundraising Expenses | |
| Crufts | 66.77 |
| Hotels | 2,609.88 |
| Stands/Kennel Club | 6,724.26 |
| Travel & Subsistence | 865.05 |
| Total Crufts | 10,265.96 |
| Dog Show / Pitch Fees | 85.00 |
| Printing - leaflets & business cards etc | 1,157.18 |
| Total Fundraising Expenses | 11,508.14 |
| Insurance | 3,187.54 |
| PayPal Fees | 922.48 |
| Payroll Expenses | 0.20 |
| Pension | 499.20 |
| Taxes | 0.00 |
| Wages | 20,800.00 |
| Total Payroll Expenses | 21,299.40 |
| Printing, Postage & Stationery | 6,300.15 |
| Professional Fees | |
| Accountancy Fees | 8,017.54 |
| Admin Consultancy Fees - Aimee Lindsey | 10,440.00 |
| Admin Consultancy Fees - Faye Lindsey | 484.24 |
| Admin Consultancy Fees - Julieann Catterick | 8,614.00 |
| Admin Consultancy Fees - Sarah McTighe | 8,270.50 |
| Total Professional Fees | 35,826.28 |
| Subscriptions | 311.00 |
| Sundry Expenses | 7,218.02 |
| Trustee Travel expenses | 89.08 |
| Uniform Purchase | |
| Dog Bandanas | 413.34 |
| Dog Clothing/Accessories | 3,187.50 |
| Dog Collars & Leads | 4,610.66 |
| Lanyards/miscellaneous | 155.59 |
| Volunteers Clothing | 11,546.76 |
| Total Uniform Purchase | 19,913.85 |
| Volunteer Travel Expenses | |
| Admin meeting costs | 230.00 |
| Total Volunteer Travel Expenses | 230.00 |
| Total Expenditures | £119,171.42 |
| NET OPERATING INCOME | £ -24,091.55 |
| Other Expenditures | |
| Reconciliation Discrepancies | -41.84 |
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Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Financial Activities
April 2023 - March 2024
| TOTAL | |
|---|---|
| VOIDED TRANSACTIONS | 0.00 |
| Total Other Expenditures | £ -41.84 |
| NET OTHER INCOME | £41.84 |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | £ -24,049.71 |
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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 2024 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 / 2024
- 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:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
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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.
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Date: 20/01/2025
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Signed: Name: Mark Wall ~~Ps~~ 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 .