Trustees’ Annual Report for the period: 01/01/2020 to 31/12/2020
Charity name: Stopford Cat Rescue
Charity registration number: 1178415
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference |
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|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | For the benefit of the public, to relieve the suffering of cats and kittens in need of care and attention |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Homing– the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of stray and unwanted cats and kittens Neutering–i) the neutering and release of feral and garden cats to humanely controlled environments and ii) encouraging and assisting where possible in the neutering of domestic cats Education– improving understanding of cats and their needs and prevention of cruelty and suffering to cats and kittens |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees are mindful of the Charity Commission guidance that our activities should benefit the public |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment Para 1.38 including program related investment
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| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The charity is run entirely by volunteers from their own homesand does not own land or property thus keeping overheads to an absolute minimum. There are seven committee members and many other supporters who help in a wide variety of ways. Volunteers manage the day-to-day care of cats and kittens in foster. Sometimes volunteers help by interacting with specific cats to develop their confidence prior to rehoming. During 2020, due to COVID restrictions, we have been unable to accommodate requests for volunteers to visit ie Duke of Edinburgh students and work experience. It is hoped to fulfill these requests when COVID restrictions are eventually lifted. |
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| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference |
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|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Homing Cats come into our care from a variety of sources – strays, unwanted, abandoned, evictions, bereavement, via Social Services, police and vet referrals. Whilst we are unable to accommodate all requests, we help if we can. If we are unable to accept a cat, advice and alternative suggestions are always offered. Before being rehomed, all cats undergo a health check from a qualified veterinary surgeon, are neutered (if not already), wormed and deflead, vaccinated, microchipped and for peace of mind, all are homed with 4 weeks free health insurance from Petplan. All cats that come into our care are assessed as to their homing suitability (eg. with small children, inexperienced owners, dogs, other pets.) We will only home a cat if we feel there is a good match with their new environment and new owners. We do not home animals on, or near, busy roads in an effort to ensure cats are safe from traffic accidents. |
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Every cat being rehomed is taken to its new owner by a volunteer; We give verbal and written advice about how to settle a new cat into the family. Cats will always be accepted back into care should their new owner’s circumstances change. Because of COVID restrictions, we had to modify our rehoming procedures using DEFRA guidelines. Cats were ‘met’ using photographs, videos, discussions with fosterers etc Homes and bonding rooms were similarly checked. Rehoming volunteers still took cats to their new homes but could not go inside the premises and completed paperwork outside. Despite these challenges, we rehomed an increased number of cats compared to last year. In the period under review, 137 cats and kittens were rehomed. Neutering - Financially Assisted Neutering The charity strongly believes that all cats should be neutered both for the cat’s health and to avoid the birth of unwanted kittens. In 2019 we began helping people to access Financially Assisted Neutering: owners on low disposable income, who could not afford to have their cats neutered, paid a £10 contribution and the charity paid the remaining veterinary costs. Some owners took the cats to the appointed vets themselves but in most cases, a volunteer transported the cat; the latter arrangement tends to be preferable to ensure the cat has been pre-starved and is transported in a secure basket. Collection also eliminates any worries disabled owners may have and supports owners who have communication difficulties. Often flea and worm medications are prescribed by the veterinary surgeon and can be followed by suggestions to the owner to improve the living conditions of the cat. Pre-operation and post-operation advice is always given to ensure owners understand the procedures the cat has had. Kittens born to such cats before they have been neutered are sometimes taken in by us for rehoming to ensure they are not offered for sale on social media sites. Calls for help with neutering come via Social Services, Housing Partnerships, veterinary practices and the general public.
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In 2020, due to COVID, there was a drop in requests and also reduced availability of vet appointments. We found that people working from home, shielding etc didn’t want avoidable contact with ‘outsiders.’ In the period under review, 31 cats were neutered under this scheme. Neutering - Trap Neuter Return (TNR)
Unowned cats can become a nuisance in the community and on factory sites when they are roaming, fighting with neighbouring cats and having unwanted litters of kittens in inappropriate places. Most are semi-feral or feral; a few have had a home at some point. Cats are trapped then spayed or castrated, treated for parasites and ear-tipped for identification before being released back into their territory after recovery. On rare occasions, if the original trap site is considered unsafe for release, cats can be relocated to other safer sites e.g. farms, smallholdings and stables. Kittens young enough to be easily socialised are taken into foster care and subsequently placed for adoption. Truly feral cats do not fare well in confinement and cannot be successfully socialised. They are released as soon as possible. Any trapped cats suffering from serious medical problems e.g. an injury not able to be fixed with a single treatment, are usually euthanised. There are many benefits to TNR. Once neutered, a cat has a better quality of life, reduced fighting and disease. Female cats are prevented from having up to three litters a year. Nuisance behaviour is reduced or eliminated, thus improving the public’s perception of cats. During the past year, the COVID restrictions have prohibited most of our ‘routine’ activity but, where we could safely assist in cases of animal suffering, we have done so.
In the period under review, a total of 40 cats received help under our TNR programme.
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Advice and Education
The charity works in some of the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester e.g. Wythenshawe which is one of the largest council estates in Europe and has a huge problem with stray and unwanted cats. The information the charity provides improves peoples’ understanding of cats and it is believed many cats have a better quality of life through the charity’s intervention.
Agencies (eg housing associations) ring and ask for help when faced with situations involving tenants and their cats.
The charity produces a regular, free newsletter which highlights our recent work and also gives advice on cat related topics.
Summary
| Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | |
| Rehoming- cats and kittens homed | 83 | 137 |
| Financially Assisted Neutering - cats neutered | 55 | 31 |
| Trap Neuter Return- cats helped | 47 | 40 |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set Performance of fundraising Para 1.41 activities against objectives set Investment performance Para 1.41 against objectives Other
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Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | In the year in review, the charity’s expenditure was £28,931. This is slightly down from £33,301 last year. The charity’s income remained buoyant and exceeded expenditure by £14,547 so improving the charity’s financial resilience. There was a significant increase in most of the activities of the charity; higher numbers of rehomed cats resulted in more income from adoption fees and there were also increases in income via regular giving and fundraising. Our greatest expense continues to be for veterinary services. Because of COVID restrictions, we were unable to do as much TNR and Financially Assisted Neutering as we would like. However, we have successfully applied for grants which will help us to finance more of this work in the future, once restrictions are lifted. |
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| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity’s policy is to hold between three and six months of unrestricted reserves to provide a buffer against unexpected events. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | At the end of the review period, the charity held unrestricted reserves of £13,264 (5.9 months.) |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | Not applicable |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | None |
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Explanation of any Para 1.23 None uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | 1. Donations from adopters and the general public, either one-off or by standing order. 2. Fundraising - most of our usual fundraising activities were not possible in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. We raised funds mainly by online appeals, competitions and sales of second-hand items. 3. Grants from other organisations and charitable trusts |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The charity’s principal risk is the liability for large, unexpected vet bills for cats taken into our care. Routine veterinary costs are generally known and predictable; however, if a veterinary surgeon advises that a cat needs particularly expensive treatment, to mitigate the risk, the trustees will make an informed decision whether to proceed with treatment. |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Structure, Governance and Management | Structure, Governance and Management | Structure, Governance and Management |
|---|---|---|
| Description of charity’s trusts: | ||
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution, adopted 20th December 2017 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Unincorporated charitable association |
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| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are normally elected or re-elected annually at the charity’s AGM held in April. This year, the trustees agreed to cancel the AGM in view of the pandemic and extend their term of office for 12 months. The elected trustees may appoint further trustees during the year as required - in the event, none were appointed. |
|---|---|---|
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | Trustees are advised to study Charity Commission guidance CC3a and, if appropriate, attend locally sourced training. |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | Governance of, and decisions about, the charity’s activities are made by a committee that comprises three trustees and four other committee members/officers. The general public can apply to be members of the charity. Membership needs to be approved by the committee and is free. Members are able to vote at the AGM. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other | ||
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Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name Other names the charity uses Registered charity number Charity’s principal address |
Stopford Cat Rescue |
|---|---|
| None | |
| 1178415 | |
| 10 Long Lane Pott Shrigley Chesire SK10 5SD |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carole Olivia Barnes | Chair of Trustees, Secretary |
Elected by members | |
| Hannah Jane Hill | Elected by members | ||
| Diane Josephine Coffey | Elected by members |
Director name
None
Names of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| None |
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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Names and addresses of advisers (optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Not applicable
Other optional information
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Declarations
The trustees declare that they have unanimously approved this report.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair) Date |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Carole Olivia Barnes | |||
| Secretary and Chair of Trustees |
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| 13/05/2021 |
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| Charity Name | No (if any) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stopford Cat Rescue | 1178415 | ||
| Receipts andpayments accounts | CC16a | ||
| For the period from |
01/01/2020 Period start date |
31/12/2020 Period end date To |
Section A Receipts and payments
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
Endowment funds |
Total funds | Last year | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to the nearest £ |
to the nearest | £ | to the nearest | £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | |||||
| A1 Receipts | |||||||||||
| Donations - regulargiving | 6,395 | - | - | 6,395 | 5,050 | ||||||
| Donations - adoption fees | 10,625 | - | - | 10,625 | 6,800 | ||||||
| Donations - one off | 4,840 | - | - | 4,840 | 6,368 | ||||||
| Sale of second hand items | 1,754 | - | - | 1,754 | - | ||||||
| Insurance commission | 1,082 | - | - | 1,082 | - | ||||||
| General fundraising | 8,654 | - | - | 8,654 | 9,713 | ||||||
| Sale of Christmas items | 438 | - | - | 438 | - | ||||||
| Events | 55 | - | - | 55 | - | ||||||
| Gift Aid | 2,335 | - | - | 2,335 | 536 | ||||||
| Trap-Neuter-Return | 300 | - | - | 300 | - | ||||||
| Lushgrant | - | 7,000 | - | 7,000 | 3,000 | ||||||
| Misc | - | - | - | - | 531 | ||||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) | 36,478 | 7,000 | - | 43,478 | 31,998 | ||||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales(see table) | |||||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| Sub total | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| Total receipts | 36,478 | 7,000 | - | 43,478 | 31,998 | ||||||
| A3 Payments | |||||||||||
| Vets bills | 18,951 | - | - | 18,951 | 23,986 | ||||||
| Food | 2,834 | - | - | 2,834 | - | ||||||
| Litter | 258 | - | - | 258 | - | ||||||
| Travel | 472 | - | - | 472 | - | ||||||
| Postage / stationery | 427 | - | - | 427 | - | ||||||
| Sundries | 1,404 | - | - | 1,404 | - | ||||||
| Events | 80 | - | - | 80 | - | ||||||
| Insurance | 359 | - | - | 359 | 328 | ||||||
| Accountant's fees | 275 | - | - | 275 | - | ||||||
| Lushgrant | - | 2,152 | - | 2,152 | 1,044 | ||||||
| Assisted neutering | 1,719 | - | - | 1,719 | - | ||||||
| Other charitable activities | - | - | - | - | 7,943 | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 26,779 | 2,152 | - | 28,931 | 33,301 | ||||||
| A4 Asset and investmentpurchases(see table) | |||||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| Total payments | 26,779 | 2,152 | - | 28,931 | 33,301 | ||||||
| Net of receipts/(payments) | 9,699 | 4,848 | - | 14,547 | (1,303) | ||||||
| A5 Transfers between funds | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| A6 Cash funds last year end | 3,565 | 1,956 | - | 5,521 | 6,824 | ||||||
| Cash funds this year end | 13,264 | 6,804 | - | 20,068 | 5,521 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
17/05/2021
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets |
Details Details Current account Paypal Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Signature Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 11,320 6,804 1,944 - - - 13,264 6,804 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Carole Olivia Barnes |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK Endowment funds to nearest £ |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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| Carole Olivia Barnes | 13/05/2021 | ||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
17/05/2021
2
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts •++ Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Ildllly Naiiie STOPFORD CAT RESCUE On accounts for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2020 Charity no (if any) 1178415 Set out on pages 34 (reiiiLniber to Iiiclucle the Pi4oe Iiuiiibers of additioiial sl)eets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 3111212020. 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. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ") 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 Independent examiner's statement 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. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: 2510512021 Name: Sarah Harrison Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ACA Address: 48 HIGHFIELD ROAD, LYMM, CHESHIRE, WA13 OEF IER October 2018
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. IER October 2018
CHARITY COMMISSION F012 INGLAND AND WALIS Stopford Cat Rescue Receipts and payments accounts 1178415 CC16a For the period from 0110112020 To 3111212020 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds to the nearest Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Last year to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ A1 Receipts Donations - regular giving Donations - adoption fees Donations - one off Sale of second hand items Insurance commission General fundraising Sale of Christmas items Events Gift Aid Trap-Neuter-Return Lush grant Misc 6,395 10,625 4,840 1,754 1,082 8.654 438 55 2,335 300 6.395 10,625 4,840 1,754 1,082 8,654 438 55 2,335 300 7,000 5.050 6,800 6,368 9,713 536 7,000 3.000 531 31.998 Sub total (Gmss income forAR) 36,478 7.000 43,478 A2 Asset and investment sales (see table) Sub total Total receipts 36,478 7,000 43,478 31,998 A3 Payments Vets bills Food Litter Travel Postage / stationery Sundries Events Insurance Accountant's fees Lush grant Assisted neutering Other charitable activities 18,951 2,834 258 472 427 1.404 80 359 275 18,951 2,834 258 472 427 1.404 80 359 275 2,152 1,719 23,986 328 2,152 1,044 1.719 7,943 33,301 Sub total 26,779 2,152 28,931 A4 Asset and investment urchases (see table) Sub total Total payments 26,779 2,152 28,931 33,301 Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 9,699 4,848 14,547 (1,303) 3,565 13,264 1,956 6,804 5,521 20,068 6,824 5,521 PA(4C CCXX R1 accounts (SS) 1710512021
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted funds to nearest £ Restricted funds to nearest £ Endowment funds to nearest £ te rie B1 Cash funds Current account 11,320 6,804 Paypal 1,944 Total cash funds 13,264 6,804 (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Unrestricted funds to nearest £ Restricted funds to nearest £ Endowment funds to nearest £ Details Fund to which asset belon Current value tional Details Cost (optional) B3 Investment assets Fund to which asset belon Details Cost (optional) Current value tional B4 Assets retained for the charity's own use Fund to whlch relates Amount due tional When due tlonal Details B5 Liabilities Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees Date of roval Signature Print Name Carole Olivia Bames 1310512021 FA ((E l4 CCXX R2 accounts (SS) 1710512021