Stronger Together Animal Rescue
Charity No: 1168941
Legal and Administrative Information
Principal venue for activities Brooklands Cottage Nuneaton Road Mancetter Atherstone Warwickshire CV9 1RF Registered Address Brooklands Cottage Nuneaton Road Mancetter Atherstone Warwickshire CV9 1RF Bank Metro Bank One Southampton Row London WC1B 5HA Independent Examiner Waqar Ahmed FCCA ACA Proacc Consulting Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street London EC2A 4NE
Page 1
Stronger Together Animal Rescue
Trustees' Annual Report for the year 2022-23
The Trustees are pleased to present their Trustees annual report together with the financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2023.
Trustees
Denise Karen Arp Chair Sara Willis Vice Chair Pandelitsa Demetriou Treasurer Anna Cleland Trustee (resigned on 13 July 2022) Catherine Phoenix Hallam Trustee (resigned on 15 June 2022)
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
Stronger Together Animal Rescue (STAR) is established by Constitution and is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales under charity number 1168941. This report covers the second full year as STAR.
Appointment of Trustees
We work to our governing document, and the requirements of the Charity Commission. We currently recruit Trustees through the volunteer pool and rescue networks that we are involved in. Trustees meet on a regular basis and have recommended Trustees for consideration during these meetings. Minutes as a record of this are available.
We do not employ staff but have a very active volunteer pool. People are selected to different types of groups e.g. rehoming/ fundraising/ microchips, based on want and ability of volunteers concerned.
Objectives, activities, achievements and performance
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
The charity was set up for the benefit of the public to relieve the suffering of dogs and cats that are abandoned, stray or otherwise in need of care and attention in Cyprus. Working Arrangements are created and signed with those pounds and shelters we work with to ensure that our strict adoption processes are followed. The Trustees keep up-to-date with regulations on animal transport to the UK and correspond with APHA and other key stakeholders; and continue to develop knowledge and practical experience in the rehoming process of dogs and cats.
We continue to underpin everything we do with our vision of 'the humane and compassionate treatment of all dogs and cats by all human beings'. Our mission 'to save lives and relieve the suffering of dogs and cats in need of care and attention by the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abandoned, stray and unwanted dogs and cats in Cyprus' guides our objects:
- Providing or assisting in the provision of the rehoming of such dogs and cats; - Assisting in the reception, treatment and care of such dogs and cats and working with dog pounds and shelters in Cyprus with the aim of avoiding dogs and cats being put to sleep.
Page 2
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects
Stronger Together Animal Rescue charity activities include rehoming dogs and cats to the UK and within Cyprus, being involved in the coordination of the animal's transportation and veterinary preparation for the travel to the UK and then directly coordinating the transport of the dogs and cats to UK fosterers and adopters once they arrive in the UK.
Activities also include fundraising to support our work and to provide funds for emergency veterinary care and kennels in the UK. The fundraising activities include online auctions, raffles and merchandise and promoting fundraising needs on social media that is then routed through the Total Giving fundraising platform.
As part of the rehoming activities a considerable amount of the charity time has included:
Developing our fundraising team and fundraising activities;
Ensuring that all dogs and cats meet the UK Health Certificate and EU passport requirements before they travel to the UK; Ensuring that all dogs and cats that enter the UK do so under all relevant EU and UK regulations and that we follow all guidanc with regards to this;
Building and managing a UK foster home rescue back up team to support any animal arriving in the UK;
Registering all animals directly with PetTrac as a recognised rescue to optimise safety and management of all the animals that Supporting our adopters and foster network with advice, guidance and rescue back up;
Providing a free 5 weeks Pet insurance with our Partner Agria Pet insurance to all our adopted dogs and cats;
Due to the above we have benefitted the public by ensuring that we follow stringent safety procedures with regards to the movement and rehoming of our animals as per UK and EU legislation.
Adopting and fostering dogs and cats have been proven to help people’s mental well-being and reduces or removes the loneliness many people may face. This has become even more relevant post pandemic and in a world of continued challenge.
Though our profile on social media we have also benefitted people that may find themselves isolated and are now engaged with our groups. Adopters are welcome to join the closed STAR adopters Facebook site which is a communication channel across the foster and adopter community, sharing good practice and updates on STAR dogs and cats. This group has 1400 members.
Within this year we have also continued to fund kennels that are for emergency fostering where an adoption has not been successful or where dogs need some rehabilitating prior to being rehomed.
Within this year we have also continued to fund kennels that are for emergency fostering where an adoption has not been successful or where dogs need some rehabilitating prior to being rehomed.
Appreciation
We appreciate the continued support from our volunteers, sponsors and donors and look forward to continuing these relationships.
Page 3
Financial review
The Trustees have adopted a reserves policy, which they consider appropriate to ensure the continued ability of the charity to meet its objectives. The Trustees aim to ensure reserves equal to 3— 6 months of operating expenditure are available, which we work to maintain.
Operational and Staff Report
Volunteers
Many of our UK volunteers are involved in promotion and fundraising activities to enable the charity to meet its aims and objectives as outlined above. We also have a volunteer administration team who support the adoption process including ensuring adoption contracts are received prior to the dog or cat being placed into the home.
Volunteers and STAR Guardians maintain contact with all dogs and cats adopted through social media channels or directly from the charity's operational system, Shelter Manager. Behaviorial concerns or issues identified are logged on this system, along with action taken. STAR have access to experienced trainers and behaviorists who support adopters as needed. STAR also have access to kennels when a dog requires emergency foster. Remedial kennels are available for STAR dogs either prior to adoption or when emergency foster is required, allowing the dog to be assessed before any further adoption or foster placement.
Activities
Through the continued support of the people that follow us and/or donate to the charity we have been able to continue our support of ‘Freedom flights’ to the UK. Flights have been on a monthly basis accommodating up to 150 dogs and cats as a collective effort with other rescue charities of Cyprus.
During the year we have implemented the revised the Behaviorial Assessment Form (BAF) to ensure it provides the best information on a dog prior to commencing promotion, these forms are saved in the dog's record on Shelter Manager and used to assess suitability against applications. Dogs cannot be promoted without a BAF being in place.
Risks
During the year we have implemented the Behaviorial Assessment Form (BAF) to ensure it provides the best information on a dog prior to commencing promotion, these forms are saved in the dog's record on Shelter Manager and used to assess suitability against applications. Dogs cannot be promoted without a BAF being in place.
The impact of the UK leaving the EU and the associated export and import requirements continue to be revised. We review our policies and procedures and have implemented the new IPAFFs requirements for the movement of dogs and cats into the UK.
Due to the current financial situation in the UK and to protect the sustainability of the charity, Trustees have continued with a quota for each guardian to ensure that STAR is not over-exposed and unable to provide rescue backup to the dogs and cats adopted in the UK. This will continue to be monitored against financial exposure and surrender rates.
Where STAR work with larger pounds and shelters a Partnership Agreement will be agreed to ensure clarity and transparency between STAR and the pound or shelter.
Trustees continue to monitor DEFRA and APHA guidance and regulations on the importation of dogs and cats and respond responsibly.
Page 4
Networks
The charity works with a wider network of rescues and rescuers in the UK and in Cyprus. Work has increased in this area to best share resource and expertise and ultimately to improve standards.
Related parties
We work closely with rescues and rescuers in Cyprus. Our role is to support them in their aim of rescuing abandoned dogs and cats and in removing dogs from pounds in the local areas of Cyprus that have a put to sleep (PTS) policy. We work with them to rehome the animals in the UK and to fundraise on their behalf in the UK for them to resource the kennels they have in terms of feed, vet costs for injured or sick animals and vet preparation costs to fly to the UK as per legal requirements.
We also identify suitable adopters in the UK that will rehome the animals once they arrive.
Post Balance Sheet Events
There were no post balance sheet events to report for the period.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees
Denise Karen Arp Chair Date: 20 January 2024
Page 5
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Stronger Together Animal Rescue
I report on the accounts of the Stronger Together Animal Rescue (CIO No: 1168941) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which are set out on pages 7 to 12.
Responsibili�es and basis of report
As the trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants which is one of the listed bodies.
I confirm that no other matters have come to my attention that giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
1 the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
2 the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
3 the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Waqar Ahmed ACA FCCA Proacc Consulting Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street London EC2A 4NE
Date:
Page 6
Stronger Together Animal Rescue Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023
| Statement of financial activities | Statement of financial activities |
|---|---|
| Note Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income 3 Incoming resources from charitable activities Dog rescue and adoptions 3 Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of Generating Funds Costs of generating voluntary income Charitable activities Dog rescue and adoptions 4 Governance costs Total resources expended Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before transfers Gross transfers between funds Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before other recognised gains/(losses) Other recognised gains/(losses) Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total 2023 Total 2022 £ £ £ £ 72,171 - 72,171 127,132 206,882 - 206,882 262,062 279,053 - 279,053 389,194 2,184 - 2,184 3,118 291,852 - 291,852 365,588 2,811 - 2,811 3,805 296,847 - 296,847 372,511 (17,794 ) - (17,794 ) 16,683 - - - - (17,794 ) - (17,794 ) 16,683 - - - - (17,794 ) - (17,794 ) 16,683 54,430 - 54,430 37,747 36,636 - 36,636 54,430 |
The notes on page 9 to 12 form part of these accounts.
Page 7
Stronger Together Animal Rescue
Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023
| Balance sheet | Balance sheet |
|---|---|
| Note Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6 Net current assets/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Net assets Funds of the Charity Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total funds |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total 2023 Total 2022 £ £ £ £ 4,759 4,759 - 38,876 38,876 57,337 43,635 - 43,635 57,337 7,000 - 7,000 2,907 36,635 - 36,635 54,430 36,635 - 36,635 54,430 - - - - 36,635 - 36,635 54,430 36,636 36,636 54,430 - - - 36,636 - 36,636 54,430 1 - - 1 - - |
The notes on page 9 to 12 form part of these accounts.
Signed on behalf of the trustees :
Denise Karen Arp Chair Date: 20 January 2023
Page 8
Notes to the accounts
1 Basis of preparation
1.1 Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:
-
the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014.
-
the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). - and with the Charities Act 2011.
Stronger Together Animal Rescue meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
The board of trustees has a reasonable expectation that there are adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The accounts have been prepared under the going concern basis.
1.2 Change in basis of accounting
There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year.
1.3 Changes to previous accounts
No changes have been made to accounts for previous years except reclassification of income based on additional information.
2 Accounting policies
2.1 Recognition of incoming resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
-
the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
-
the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
-
the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
2.2 Incoming resources with related expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
2.3 Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
2.4 Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
2.5 Contractual income and performance related grants
This is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.
Page 9
Notes to the accounts (cont)
2.6 Donated services and facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
2.7 Volunteer help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual
2.8 Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
2.9 Governance costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
2.10 Grants with performance conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SoFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
2.11 Grants payable without performance conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity.
2.12 Tangible fixed assets for use by charity
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1000. They are valued at cost.
Page 10
| Notes to the accounts | (cont) |
|---|---|
| Voluntary income Donations including gift aid Costs of generating voluntary income Charitable activities Adoptions and Transport Food and Kennels Microchip Vet Other Governance costs Independent examiner’s reporting on the accounts Incoming resources from charitable activities 3 Analysis of incoming resources 4 Analysis of resources expended 5 Fees for examination of the accounts |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total 2023 2023 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 72,171 72,171 127,132 72,171 - 72,171 127,132 206,882 - 206,882 262,062 206,882 - 206,882 262,062 2,184 - 2,184 3,118 2,184 - 2,184 3,118 208,112 - 208,112 283,228 31,100 - 31,100 21,660 905 - 905 1,677 47,137 - 47,137 38,164 4,599 - 4,599 20,859 291,852 - 291,852 365,588 2,811 - 2,811 3,805 2,811 - 2,811 3,805 2,250 - 2,250 2,250 |
Page 11
Notes to the accounts (cont)
6 Creditors and accruals
| Accruals Deferred Income |
This year Last year £ £ 1,650 2,907 5,350 - 7,000 2,907 Amounts falling due within |
|---|---|
7 Transactions with trustees and related parties
All trustees are volunteers and do not receive any remuneration for their services.
Trustees were reimbursed £4,353 (2022: £2,755) in terms of expenses during the year.
Page 12