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2023-03-31-accounts

Charity number: 1183608

SUFFOLK SIGHT

Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Suffolk Sight

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 8
Independent examiner's report 9
Statement of financial activities 10
Balance sheet 11
Statement of cash flows 12
Notes to the financial statements 13 - 33

Suffolk Sight

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustees G M Staff, Chair
S W J Hodgkiss, Vice Chair
A Kelly*
M Peak*
C Presland*(resigned 11 August 2022)
A Sheppard
N A Broadbent
G Chambers*
* visually impaired
Charity registered
number
1183608
Principal office
West Suffolk Disability Resource Centre
4 Bunting Road
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP32 7BX
Chief executive officer
Operations Manager
Financial Controller
Stephanie O'Donoghue
Jade Rowlinson
Alexandra Sibun
Accountants
Larking Gowen LLP
Chartered Accountants
1 Claydon Business Park
Great Blakenham
Ipswich
IP6 0NL
Bankers
CAF Bank
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
ME19 4JQ
Investment managers
CCLA
1 Angel Lane
London
EC4R 3AB

Page 1

Suffolk Sight

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Board of Management who are the Trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act submit this report and Financial Statements of Suffolk Sight CIO (the Charity) for the twelve-month period ending 31 March 2023. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

The demand for the charity’s services continued to grow and remained at a high level throughout the year. Some of the changes to our delivery model that were necessitated by the restrictions in place at various times, such as offering more remote support, were retained and refined to optimise our delivery and use resources efficiently. Overall, the year saw the charity continue to consolidate its work bringing together the voluntary sector sightsupport services into one county-wide organisation.

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

Suffolk Sight CIO's (hereafter referred to as Suffolk Sight) activities are governed by its Constitution last amended and approved on 11 October 2021, which sets out the nature and limitations of the charity’s work with local blind and partially-sighted people.

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees who are elected, appointed and coopted under the terms of the Charity Commission Scheme.

b. Recruitment and induction of Trustees

New trustees are currently appointed at the Annual General Meeting or at any point in the year by the decision of the trustee board. Induction is carried out by the Chair and Chief Executive. A Trustee Handbook provides information about Suffolk Sight and the roles and responsibilities of its trustees. It is considered appropriate that a proportion of the trustees should be service users and currently four of the trustees have a visual impairment.

c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies

Suffolk Sight has a paid staff team to oversee provision of all services together with fifteen volunteer-run clubs that are all self-financing and run local social and activity groups for members of Suffolk Sight within their geographical areas. These clubs each operate their own bank accounts, however they operate and report within the registered charity and also operate under the charity’s single insurance policy.

Suffolk Sight’s strategic direction is set by its Board of Trustees which meets six times per year. Implementation of the strategy and management of the organisation is the responsibility of the part-time Chief Executive who is also responsible for the organisation's supporting infrastructure, assisted by a part-time Operations Manager, part-time Administrator and part-time Financial Controller. The other front-line members of staff are involved directly in the delivery of services to beneficiaries.

The Chair, Vice Chair and Chief Executive meet regularly to share information and consider important issues arising between board meetings. The Operations Manager holds a team meeting of all the paid staff every month to deal with operational matters.

Page 2

Suffolk Sight

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Structure, governance and management (continued)

d. Pay policy for key management personnel

The Board of Trustees and the senior staff team (the Chief Executive, Operations Manager and Financial Controller) comprise the key management personnel of the charity, in charge of directing and controlling its dayto-day operations. The remuneration of the senior staff team is reviewed annually by the Trustees. Salary increases consider both inflation rates and affordability and comparison of salaries within the sector. None of our Trustees receive remuneration or other benefits from their work with the charity.

e. Collaboration with other charities

The Charity maintains close links with both national and other local charities within the sight-loss sector. It is an active member of Visionary, which is a national body that supports local voluntary sight-loss charities. It also has a close working relationship with Sensing Change (the sensory team for Suffolk County Council Social Services) and the four NHS Hospital Eye Clinics serving the population of Suffolk. The Charity administers distribution of radios on behalf of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund. Blind Veterans UK and the RNIB are referred to for provision of information and support for Suffolk Sight clients within their remits. The charity also recommends those who would benefit from a guide dog to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

f. Risk management

The Board of Management have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to manage any exposure to identified major risks, which are subject to regular review. The trustees have recognised as a prime risk the need for on-going financial stability. Consequently, the operations team has continued to address overheads and work closely with Suffolk Sight’s commission-based external fund raiser.

Plans for future periods

The past year has shown that we have been able to quickly adapt to different ways of working and still maintain our provision of support to people across the county. In the future, we will ensure that our services continue to respond and develop in the most appropriate and safe way. In particular, we will:

Page 3

Suffolk Sight

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Charitable objectives

a. Policies and objectives

Suffolk Sight’s principal objective is to provide support, welfare services and social activities enabling those experiencing sight loss in Suffolk to continue living independent and fulfilling lives within their home community wherever practical. Within the parameters set by its constitution, Suffolk Sight provides public benefit by supporting people with a visual impairment in endeavouring to maintain independence and quality of life. In the exercise of its powers to that end, Suffolk Sight has paid due regard to the published guidance from the Charity Commission on the operation of the Public Benefit requirement under the Charities Act 2011.

The overarching objective of Suffolk Sight is to relieve the needs of people who are visually impaired across Suffolk for the public benefit by providing the best support and care so that they can lead rich and fulfilling lives with the highest level of independence and by promoting the objectives to its members, beneficiaries and the wider communities in which it operates.

The main aims and objectives of the charity are:

The Charity has at any time approximately 2,150 people in Suffolk on its database who are living with sight loss and who wish to benefit from its services. The RNIB statistics indicate that there are 29,600 people in Suffolk living with sight loss of whom 4,590 are registered sight impaired or severely sight impaired.

Main activities and achievements for the period

a. Main achievements of the Charity

  1. At the end of the reporting period, there were 2,150 registered beneficiaries on the Suffolk Sight database. The average age of new registrations continues to increase, largely due to continuously improved treatments but along with that we are finding that a lot of new registrants are suffering multiple disabilities and hence are being supported by several agencies.

  2. New referrals into Suffolk Sight came from the Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) at West Suffolk, Ipswich, James Paget and Addenbrookes hospitals, from Sensing Change and directly from individuals or family members, either through recommendation or through Suffolk Sight’s widely distributed trifold leaflets.

Page 4

Suffolk Sight

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Main activities and achievements for the period (continued)

  1. The primary activity is supporting visually impaired members through our seven Community Workers resolving their needs by a combination of home visits and telephone support, offering advice, providing solutions and making referrals to third-parties where appropriate. Inevitably we only are called upon to serve approximately 20% of our members at any one point in time but we endeavour to contact all of our members at least once a year to see if their circumstances have changed thus requiring our attention. The effects of the pandemic were still felt and a proportion of support has continued to be offered remotely, with face-toface support being given where appropriate, always in line with government guidance.

  2. Our Community Workers continue to use their magnification training from Optelec to both demonstrate and arrange purchase of simple and electronic hand-held magnifiers. This is an extremely valuable service particularly for those living without easy access to Low Vision clinics at the hospitals. Wherever possible they demonstrate a core set of daily living aids and provide catalogues and help where necessary to make sure that our members can purchase from a large range of other daily living aids. In most years we provide or help with the acquisition of over 1,000 items of daily living aids for our members. Where members are financially disadvantaged, we are able to assist in the purchase of small items by applying for appropriate grants or, where this is not applicable, via a fund kindly donated to Suffolk Sight by a number of charitable trusts and donors. For this, we and the members concerned are very appreciative.

  3. Suffolk Sight is able to assist its beneficiaries with applications for welfare benefits where appropriate, most commonly Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

  4. Suffolk Sight has two trained Technology Advisors who can demonstrate a range of IT assistive technology products as well as provide training and technical support for member’s own IT equipment, both remotely and at the resource centres or in the beneficiary’s home.

  5. We have continued to offer our befriending scheme, which has seen increased demand throughout the year, with many people experiencing feelings of social isolation. The service was delivered by a mixture of telephone and face-to-face visits.

  6. The telephone counselling continued to offer support for beneficiaries struggling to come to terms with their sight loss and its impact on their lives.

  7. We also provide referrals to the RNIB for any of our members who require help getting back into or staying in employment.

  8. We encourage all of our members to receive talking newspapers and magazines from both local and national charities offering this service. In addition we help members get access to talking books either through the RNIB or through a charity called Calibre.

  9. We act as agents for a charity called British Wireless for the Blind (BWFB) who provide radios and radio/CD/USB stick players as well as internet-based radios. These are offered to members who meet the tight criteria set by BWBF.

  10. We provide a twice yearly informative newsletter which goes out to all of our members either in large print, on CDs, USB Sticks or via email. These newsletters contain a wide range of helpful information and guidance to our members.

  11. Across Suffolk we have fifteen district or social clubs, including a children’s group, meeting at least once a month for those of our members who are able to attend. These offer a good social setting around food and drink and more often than not some activity or entertainment. Occasionally there will be an outing and at Christmas time a special celebratory meal or party.

Page 5

Suffolk Sight

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Main activities and achievements for the period (continued)

  1. In Lowestoft and Felixstowe the local District Committees offer directly or in conjunction with other local organisers a range of activity groups for our members to participate in. This embraces Blind Bowls, Blind Shooting, New Age Curling, rambles, sailing and arts & crafts groups.

b. Management and staffing

Suffolk Sight employed sixteen part-time staff.

The day to day operations of Suffolk Sight are the responsibility of the Operations Manager, who is supported by the Administrator and Financial Controller.

There were seven Community Workers and one member of staff was employed as a Development Officer to coordinate the leisure and recreational activities taking place in Lowestoft and the immediate area. The charity also employed a Befriending Co-ordinator, Community Fundraiser, two Technology Advisors, a Low Vision Therapist, Social Club and Volunteer Liaison Officer and a Communications and Engagement Officer.

Volunteers

Volunteers are an essential part of Suffolk Sight’s overall operation. The charity is fortunate to be able to call upon over 200 volunteers across Suffolk to cover a wide range of duties. Volunteers support a number of our services and provide a wide range of practical help including administration support, befriending, and running monthly social and activity groups including outings and transport.

Financial review

We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to us this year, with their time and financially, as is demonstrated by:

We continue to receive a small amount of grant funding for key services; Suffolk Sight Junior’s group, our Emotional Support and Technical Advice services.

The year has been full of activity with all our services in high demand and a welcome return to social group meetings and outings. Our charitable expenditure came to £311,970 (2022 £311,822) of which 76% covers our essential services; Community Workers, Technical Advisors, Volunteer and Befriending Team.

Our fundraising costs doubled due to increased legal fees related to property transactions from the administration of residuary legacies. This year’s costs were £22,068 compared to £9,301 in 2022. Overall expenditure for the year totalled £334,038 (2022 £321,123).

Suffolk Sight’s financial year to 31st March 2023 concluded with a surplus of £418,895 (2022 £258,593) as set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 10.

Page 6

Suffolk Sight

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

During the year the charity sold property and parcels of land received from residuary legacies which included land at East Bergholdt, sold for £45,000, and the Baylham Farmhouse for £250,000. The proceeds were invested in our funds held with CCLA.

The year-end funds of the charity total £1,754,744 (2022: £1,411,061). The unrestricted fund balance was £1,562,692 (2022: £1,383,588) of which £81,895 (2022: £74,315) comprises the balances held by our district club funds. The restricted fund balance was £192,052 (2022: £27,474).

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

a. Reserves policy

The Trustees are establishing Suffolk Sight’s strategy and sustainability plan and have set a reserves policy for the forthcoming year. The Trustees have given due consideration to the external environment and the performance of current operations and have set a policy which requires that reserves be maintained at a level to ensure continuity of Suffolk Sight’s core activities, and which recognises that the principal source of funding is from legacies, which by their very nature are unpredictable.

The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted accessible funds at a level which equates to a minimum of twelve months and a maximum of 18 months of unrestricted charitable expenditure and ensures that there are sufficient resources:

This policy is reviewed annually and levels of reserves are monitored and reviewed as part of the management accounts every two months. This gives the Trustees sufficient time to adjust to changing financial circumstances and to manage the levels of our liquid reserves. In the event of the Suffolk Sight being a recipient of a large bequest, the Trustees will undertake to review the activities of the Charity.

The accessible reserves held at 31st March 2023 were £453,245 which equates to 16 months of charitable expenditure based on current costs. This figure excludes the balances held by our regional clubs.

b. Investments policy

In accordance with the charity's constitution, the Trustees have the power to invest in such stocks, shares and investments as they see fit. The Trustees have delegated oversight of Suffolk Sight’s investment assets to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee, which meets six times a year, report and make recommendations to the Trustees at Board meetings held every two months.

Suffolk Sight’s investment strategy is to generate a consistent and sustainable return, within an acceptable level of risk, to part fund annual expenditure and to deliver the investment objectives, which are in turn aligned with the Suffolk Sight’s short, medium and long-term strategic objectives.

Page 7

Suffolk Sight

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Suffolk Sight has been the recipient of the Baylham Trust which held land and a house in trust and was administered by trustees that had no link to Suffolk Sight and operated completely independently under the terms of the benefactor’s last will and testament. The freehold for the house was transferred to Suffolk Sight on 29th March 2022 and the freehold to the land was transferred on 11th August 2022. The house was sold during the financial year for £250,000 and the land has been recognised in these accounts at the fair market value of £395,000. The land has been let on an agricultural tenancy while the Trustees consider their options.

At the year-end £800,945 (2022 £531,290) was held within four COIF Charities Funds which are administered by CCLA and £415,000 was held in three freehold rental properties in Ipswich, £395,000 in the land at Baylham.

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provision of the Constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

................................................ G M Staff (Chair of Trustees)

Date:

Page 8

Suffolk Sight

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Suffolk Sight ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

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 that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do 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.

This report is made solely to the Charity'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 Charity'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 Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed: Dated: 13/10/2023

Giles Kerkham FCA DChA

Larking Gowen LLP Chartered Accountants 1 Claydon Business Park Great Blakenham Ipswich IP6 0NL

Page 9

Suffolk Sight

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

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
8
Total expenditure
Net income before net (losses)/gains
on investments
Net (losses)/gains on investments
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
462,139
34,276
3,474
42,867
692
543,448
22,068
268,263
290,331
253,117
(74,012)
179,105
1,383,587
179,105
1,562,692
Restricted
funds
2023
£
199,912
9,475
98
-
-
209,485
-
43,707
43,707
165,778
(1,200)
164,578
27,474
164,578
192,052
Total
funds
2023
£
662,051
43,751
3,572
42,867
692
752,933
22,068
311,970
334,038
418,895
(75,212)
343,683
1,411,061
343,683
1,754,744
Total
funds
2022
£
476,033
54,996
1,085
40,532
7,070
579,716
9,301
311,822
321,123
258,593
21,648
280,241
1,130,820
280,241
1,411,061

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 13 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

Suffolk Sight

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Investments
15
Investment property
14
Current assets
Stocks
16
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
18
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
19
Net current assets
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
20
Unrestricted funds
20
Total funds
6,925
43,399
105,553
155,877
(24,584)
2023
£
12,506
800,945
810,000
1,623,451
131,293
1,754,744
192,052
1,562,692
1,754,744
8,139
5,232
126,921
140,292
(31,727)
2022
£
11,206
531,290
760,000
1,302,496
108,565
1,411,061
27,474
1,383,587
1,411,061

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

................................................

G M Staff

(Chair of Trustees)

Date:

The notes on pages 13 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

Suffolk Sight

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Sale of investment properties
Sale of tangible fixed assets
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
The notes on pages 13 to 33 form part of these financial statements
2023
£
(15,989)
(6,105)
115,000
(409,867)
295,000
593
(5,379)
-
(21,368)
126,921
105,553
2022
£
(22,532)
(10,980)
110,000
(70,000)
-
-
29,020
-
6,488
120,433
126,921

Page 12

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1. General information

Suffolk Sight, registered charity number 1183608, is a public benefit entity established in the UK as a charitable incorporated organisation governed by its constitution dated 29th May 2019. Suffolk Sight is formed from the amalgamation of West Suffolk Sight CIO and East Suffolk Association for the Blind CIO and became active on 1st April 2020.

Suffolk Sight operates from its offices in Bury St. Edmunds and Ipswich and regionally throughout Suffolk. The Charity’s principal office is at the Disability Resource Centre, 4 Bunting Road, Bury St. Edmunds IP32 7BX.

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 Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Suffolk Sight 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.

2.2 Going concern

Taking account of the level of the charity's investments and expenditure commitments, the Trustees are of the opinion that Suffolk Sight is a going concern. The Trustees are of the view that Suffolk Sight will remain able to meet its commitments as they arise for a period of at least 12 months from the date of this report, and there are no material uncertainties in relation to Suffolk Sight’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Page 13

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Income

The Charity derives its income from donations, legacies, investments, rentals and other voluntary income and grants that provide core funding.

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised in the period to which it relates and liabilities are recognised in the period in which they arise.

Charitable Activities

Charitable activities expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its charitable services in line with the Charity’s objectives. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Raising Funds

Expenditure on raising funds includes the direct costs paid to our freelance fundraising consultant and the direct costs related to the management and repair of the three rental properties in Ipswich and the property in Baylham owned by the charity.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.

Underlying management fees for the common investment funds have been incurred and have been charged to those funds.

Governance costs

Governance costs are those costs associated with maintaining the governance of the charity as opposed to the management of the charity's activities.

Page 14

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Expenditure (continued)

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 Investments

Listed investments are stated in the balance sheet at their market value, as at the balance sheet date.

2.6 Investment properties

Investment property is carried at fair value determined annually by independent surveyors and derived from the current market rents and investment property yields for comparable real estate, adjusted if necessary for any differences in nature, location or condition of the specific asset. No depreciation is provided. Changes in fair value are recognised in the Statement of financial activities.

2.7 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.8 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Office equipment - 20%

2.9 Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.

2.10 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.

Page 15

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.11 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and 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.

2.12 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity 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.

2.13 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.14 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

2.15 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 Charity 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 Charity 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.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Page 16

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

3. Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Donations
15,344
Legacies
444,720
Gift Aid
2,075
462,139
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Donations
32,959
Legacies
436,712
Gift Aid
1,620
471,291
Restricted
funds
2023
£
2,776
196,991
145
199,912
Restricted
funds
2022
£
4,742
-
-
4,742
Total
funds
2023
£
18,120
641,711
2,220
662,051
Total
funds
2022
£
37,701
436,712
1,620
476,033

4. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Grants
-
District Club
30,426
Other charitable income
3,850
34,276
Restricted
funds
2023
£
9,475
-
-
9,475
Total
funds
2023
£
9,475
30,426
3,850
43,751

Page 17

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4. Income from charitable activities (continued)

Grants
Covid Job Retention Scheme Grants
District Club
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
3,100
16,128
10,926
30,154
Restricted
funds
2022
£
24,842
-
-
24,842
Total
funds
2022
£
27,942
16,128
10,926
54,996

5. Income from other trading activities

Income from fundraising events

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Community fundraising
3,038
External fundraising
436
3,474
Community fundraising
Restricted
funds
2023
£
98
-
98
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
1,085
Total
funds
2023
£
3,136
436
3,572
Total
funds
2022
£
1,085

Page 18

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

6. Investment income

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Rental income from investment properties
28,175
Investment income
14,692
42,867
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Rental income from investment properties
26,246
Investment income
14,286
40,532
Total
funds
2023
£
28,175
14,692
42,867
Total
funds
2022
£
26,246
14,286
40,532

7. Other incoming resources

Sundry income
Sundry income
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
692
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
7,070
Total
funds
2023
£
692
Total
funds
2022
£
7,070

Page 19

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8. Expenditure on raising funds

Costs of raising voluntary income

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Fundraising costs
18,367
Staff costs of raising voluntary income
3,701
22,068
Costs of raising voluntary income (continued)
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Fundraising costs
9,301
Analysis of expenditure by activities
Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
Support
costs
2023
£
£
Charitable activities
276,152
35,818
Total
funds
2023
£
18,367
3,701
22,068
Total
funds
2022
£
9,301
Total
funds
2023
£
311,970

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Page 20

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Activities
undertaken Support Total
directly costs funds
2022 2022 2022
£ £ £
Charitable activities 272,482 39,340 311,822

Page 21

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs for service delivery
Depreciation
Direct costs for service delivery
Training
Administration
Communications
Loss on disposal
District Club expenditure
Accountancy fees and payroll
Occupational costs
Legal and professional
Digital expenditure
Total
funds
2023
£
184,624
4,012
25,253
1,842
6,705
1,949
200
22,485
1,200
15,104
9,728
3,050
276,152
Total
funds
2022
£
186,708
2,996
25,193
1,635
4,300
3,646
923
11,255
2,066
16,408
9,775
7,577
272,482

Analysis of support costs

Staff costs for administration and management
Governance costs
Total
funds
2023
£
29,919
5,899
35,818
Total
funds
2022
£
35,936
3,404
39,340

10. Independent examiner's remuneration

The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £4,560 ( 2022 - £4,452 ).

Page 22

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

11. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
2023
£
206,488
6,347
5,409
218,244
2022
£
210,419
6,510
5,715
222,644

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

2023 2022
No. No.
Employees 16 17

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

Remuneration (including employer national insurance and employer pension) to key management personnel in the year amounted to £67,672 (2022 - £71,530) .

12. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 March 2023, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL) .

Page 23

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

13. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 March 2023
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
Office
equipment
£
14,983
6,105
(1,027)
20,061
3,777
4,012
(234)
7,555
12,506
11,206

Page 24

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

14. Investment property

Valuation
At 1 April 2022
Additions
Disposals
Deficit on revaluation
At 31 March 2023
Freehold
investment
property
£
760,000
395,000
(295,000)
(50,000)
810,000

Additions reflect donated land at estimated market value. Other properties held at the year end reflect valuation at 31 March 2021 made by the trustees on the basis of informal advice from an independent registered chartered surveyor; the trustees consider that there has been no material movement in their market value between then and 31 March 2023.

15. Investments

Valuation
At 1 April 2022
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 March 2023
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
UK Listed
investments
£
531,290
409,869
(115,000)
(25,214)
800,945
800,945
531,290

Page 25

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

16. Stocks

2023 2022
£ £
Goods for resale 6,925 8,139

17. Debtors

Due within one year
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Cash at bank and in hand
Suffolk Sight Bank and Cash
District Club Bank and Cash
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
VIP Mixed Club
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
2023
£
39,337
4,062
43,399
2023
£
23,658
81,895
105,553
2023
£
11,900
12,009
675
24,584
2022
£
3,072
2,160
5,232
2022
£
52,606
74,315
126,921
2022
£
11,900
16,278
3,549
31,727

18. Cash at bank and in hand

19. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Page 26

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

20. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Insurance claim
General funds
General funds
Beccles & Bungay
Woodbridge
Halesworth & Southwold
Lowestoft
Felixstowe
Shotley
Stowmarket
Sudbury VIP
Pakenham VIP
Bury St Edmunds VIP
Haverhill BAPS
Mildenhall
Brandon
Hadleigh Optimists
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Aids equipment and magnifier
East Suffolk community
workers
Community Support
Suffolk Sight Juniors
Telephone Service
Outreach
Balance at 1
April 2022
£
6,034
1,302,768
4,372
12,418
8,038
8,625
19,521
7,582
5,240
1,374
1,032
470
2,131
395
1,338
2,249
1,377,553
1,383,587
10,949
446
3,000
6,234
6,845
-
Income
£
-
514,994
453
1,731
451
2,451
913
1,815
81
16,322
515
-
2,861
-
-
861
543,448
543,448
3,862
-
-
3,121
2,105
281
Expenditure
£
(2,810)
(264,699)
(1,705)
(1,636)
(2,100)
(4,243)
(3,527)
(3,105)
(553)
(1,631)
(495)
-
(2,466)
(360)
-
(1,001)
(287,521)
(290,331)
(4,113)
(446)
(1,644)
(4,113)
(6,830)
-
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
(74,012)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(74,012)
(74,012)
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at
31 March
2023
£
3,224
1,479,051
3,120
12,513
6,389
6,833
16,907
6,292
4,768
16,065
1,052
470
2,526
35
1,338
2,109
1,559,468
1,562,692
10,698
-
1,356
5,242
2,120
281

Page 27

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

20. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - current year (continued)

Technical Advisers
Walker Estate
Total of funds
Balance at 1
April 2022
£
-
-
27,474
1,411,061
Income
£
3,125
196,991
209,485
752,933
Expenditure
£
(672)
(25,889)
(43,707)
(334,038)
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
(1,200)
(1,200)
(75,212)
Balance at
31 March
2023
£
2,453
169,902
192,052
1,754,744

These restricted funds are as follows:

Aids & Equipment - funds the provision of aids to members who are in need, assistive technology for our community workers and technical advisors.

East Suffolk Community Workers - funds the salary and/or expenses of community workers and volunteers in the east of the county.

Community Support - funds the salary and/or expenses of community workers and their support to the district clubs.

Suffolk Sight Juniors - funds equipment, facilities and activities for the Children's Group.

Telephone Service - funds the provision of one-to-one telephone counselling service to blind or partially sighted people.

Outreach - funds the 2023 Equipment day.

Technical advisors - funds our technical advice service.

Walker Estate - funds our services in the Felixstowe area

The Trustees have created a designated fund to carry forward income received from an insurance claim to cover the replacement of flood damaged equipment.

Page 28

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

20. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Insurance claim
General funds
General funds
Beccles & Bungay
Woodbridge
Halesworth & Southwold
Lowestoft
Felixstowe
Shotley
Stowmarket
Sudbury VIP
Pakenham VIP
Clare Seekers
Bury St Edmunds VIP
Haverhill BAPS
Mildenhall
Brandon
Hadleigh Optimists
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Aids equipment and magnifier
Balance at
1 April 2021
£
-
1,045,003
4,468
11,498
6,522
9,132
20,244
6,971
5,240
1,323
1,026
1,696
478
2,307
395
1,338
2,376
1,120,017
1,120,017
Balance at
1 April 2021
£
2,994
Income
£
6,034
533,172
592
1,390
1,733
2,026
612
1,964
-
470
289
-
-
1,309
-
-
541
544,098
550,132
Income
£
16,792
Expenditure
£
-
(297,055)
(688)
(470)
(217)
(2,533)
(1,335)
(1,353)
-
(419)
(283)
(1,696)
(8)
(1,485)
-
-
(668)
(308,210)
(308,210)
Expenditure
£
(8,837)
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
21,648
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
21,648
21,648
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
Balance at
31 March
2022
£
6,034
1,302,768
4,372
12,418
8,038
8,625
19,521
7,582
5,240
1,374
1,032
-
470
2,131
395
1,338
2,249
1,377,553
1,383,587
Balance at
31 March
2022
£
10,949

Page 29

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

20. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year (continued)

East Suffolk community
workers
Community Support
Suffolk Sight Juniors
Telephone Service
Total of funds
Balance at
1 April 2021
£
1,378
3,000
3,431
-
10,803
1,130,820
Income
£
-
-
4,312
8,480
29,584
579,716
Expenditure
£
(932)
-
(1,509)
(1,635)
(12,913)
(321,123)
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
21,648
Balance at
31 March
2022
£
446
3,000
6,234
6,845
27,474
1,411,061

21. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

Designated funds
General funds
Restricted funds
Balance at 1
April 2022
£
6,034
1,377,553
27,474
1,411,061
Income
£
-
543,448
209,485
752,933
Expenditure
£
(2,810)
(287,521)
(43,707)
(334,038)
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
(74,012)
(1,200)
(75,212)
Balance at
31 March
2023
£
3,224
1,559,468
192,052
1,754,744

Page 30

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

21. Summary of funds (continued)

Summary of funds - prior year

Designated funds
General funds
Restricted funds
Balance at
1 April 2021
£
-
1,120,017
10,803
1,130,820
Income
£
6,034
544,098
29,584
579,716
Expenditure
£
-
(308,210)
(12,913)
(321,123)
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
21,648
-
21,648
Balance at
31 March
2022
£
6,034
1,377,553
27,474
1,411,061

22. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Tangible fixed assets
12,506
Investment assets
800,945
Investment property
646,998
Current assets
126,827
Creditors due within one year
(24,584)
Total
1,562,692
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Tangible fixed assets
11,206
Investment assets
531,290
Investment property
760,000
Current assets
112,818
Creditors due within one year
(31,727)
Total
1,383,587
Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
-
163,002
29,050
-
192,052
Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
-
-
27,474
-
27,474
Total
funds
2023
£
12,506
800,945
810,000
155,877
(24,584)
1,754,744
Total
funds
2022
£
11,206
531,290
760,000
140,292
(31,727)
1,411,061

Page 31

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

23. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
Decrease/ (Increase) in stocks
Increase in debtors
Increase/ (Decrease) in creditors
Net fair value (gains)/losses recognised in SOFA
Investment properties received through Legacies
Net cash used in operating activities
24.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
25.
Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1 April
2022
£
Cash at bank and in hand
126,921
126,921
2023
£
343,683
4,012
200
1,214
(38,167)
(7,143)
75,212
(395,000)
(15,989)
2023
£
105,553
105,553
Cash flows
£
(21,368)
(21,368)
2022
£
280,241
2,996
923
7,211
(104)
7,851
(21,650)
(300,000)
(22,532)
2022
£
126,921
126,921
At 31 March
2023
£
105,553
105,553

Page 32

Suffolk Sight

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

26. Operating lease commitments

At 31 March 2023 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
2023
£
7,668
-
7,668
2022
£
10,744
308
11,052

27. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year. Last year the spouse of a trustee received remuneration for her work as a community worker during the first quarter of the year. £Nil (2022 - £4,274)

Page 33