Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/04/2022 Period start date To 31/03/2023 Period end date
Charity name: Cat’s Guidance
Charity registration number: 1185873
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The objects of the CIO are: 1) For the public benefit to promote humane behaviour towards animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals. 2) The relief of poverty by providing support to persons who are unable to meet the costs of veterinary care for their animals due to economic disadvantage. |
| 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 |
Main activities: Neutering and general welfare advice – advice and financial support to owners. Will benefit people of Wigan and Bolton by supporting them to care for their cats and reduce requests for re-homing Trap, neuter, return programmes – of feral cats/kittens. Will benefit public of Wigan and Bolton by managing stray population Advice and support to cat owners or those concerned about a cat’s welfare. Will benefit all in Wigan and Bolton who wish to support cats in distress Working alongside similar organisations to maximise resources and benefit cats. Will benefit the people of Wigan and Bolton by providing maximum resource to support them and their cats Support owners with veterinary care where appropriate. Will Support target population with financial input where the situation requires it and the cat will suffer without such intervention |
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: SORP reference Policy on grant making Para 1.38 The charity does not provide grants |
||
| SORP reference |
||
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | The charity does not provide grants |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | N/A |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The charity is solely reliant on the contribution of volunteers to carry out its objectives |
| Other | N/A |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Statistics Cat’s Guidance has assisted 209 cats in the rehoming period. Foster space was reduced as the cattery offering us temporary space whilst closed during COVID, re-opened and returned to usual business. A breakdown of the cats we have helped is as follows: 89 rescued in this period and re-homed 30 new into foster and remaining in at time of report 24 re-homed in this period, in foster from last reporting period 1 remained in long term foster due to a terminal illness 1 rescued and re-united 2 transferred to another rescue to maximise their chance of re-homing 9 RIP. As ever, we have been unable to save all cats and kittens entering our care. We were hit hard with Panleukopenia this year, losing several kittens – 3 from one litter. Fortunately, Mum and one baby survived and were adopted together. Their new family took the ashes of the lost babies so the family have remained together, for which we are very grateful. Kittens from other litters in separate foster homes also lost their lives and we, along with our vets, have speculated on the impact of the vaccination shortage alongside the uncontrolled breeding that was undoubtedly accentuated throughout COVID We also lost Jasper, an older boy, who came into our care when his owner went into a care home. He had uncontrolled Diabetes and his fosterer gave him a wonderful life until the disease became too much for him and we agreed with our vet that euthanasia was the kindest option Several traps loaned to owners to recapture lost pets and other cats scanned in order to identify owners 5 owners were supported with reduced vets fees Several cats with ongoing medical needs continue to be supported following their adoption until their issue is resolved/for the lifetime of the cat |
2 cats were transferred to a sanctuary to maximise their chance of re-homing following little interest locally During this season, we homed 26 cats who remained in foster with us from the previous season. Challenges and successes Cost of Living This 12 month period has seen a reduction in adoptions leading to less capacity to bring in cats in need. This appears to be due to the increase in the cost of living, with people forced to budget accordingly. This pressure has also led to an increase in cats being surrendered creating a perfect storm for most rescues we are in contact with. Paul’s Pens We have been able to extend our pens with catio space, meaning our foster cats have more space to access fresh air, climb, and also learn to tolerate other cats (once all health checks and vaccinations are completed) Policy Development We have developed a policy to cover how we support vulnerable people wishing to volunteer/donate to the rescue, alongside a policy regarding returning donations. These are now essential given our widening following Gift Aid Our first Gift Aid claim was led by our dedicated volunteer team and was successful. We have had confirmation from HMRC that our Gift Aid form collected appropriate information Vaccination Shortage The national shortage of vaccinations had a major impact on us as a rescue team. We were unable to vaccinate cats as quickly as we usually would and prioritised the most vulnerable cats/kittens when vaccines were available. We also saw a cohort of cats coming into our care who had not been neutered or vaccinated throughout COVID and the vaccination shortage. We experienced several losses from Panleukopenia as highlighted above, likely due to this combination of factors
Financial pressures
The Trustees have noted a rise in costs in all areas this year. Food, litter, vet’s fees – no area of outlay has remained static or reduced. Our litter supplier has terminated his business dure to spiralling costs and limited availability of product, meaning we are sourcing our own litter whilst we search for another bulk supplier. All of these factors lead to increased pressure on the team to support cats and we are currently unable to meet the need in the Wigan and Bolton area. By September 2022 we found ourselves unclear as to the future of the rescue
Fundraising Team
In September 2022, following a heartfelt plea for support by the Trustees on social media, a group of volunteers stepped forward and began to lead on fundraising for the rescue. Our ‘Part With a Pound Monday’ campaign has had a fantastic response alone, and in combination with other fantastic events the team have raised in excess of £39,300 in their first 6 months.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | We are currently producing our next Business Plan and setting new objectives which will be shared in our next Annual Report |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Fundraising has remained the main source of income for the charity. After reaching crisis point ion September 2022, fundraising has gone from strength to strength and the rescue is now receiving regular income that is able to meet its costs |
| Fundraising has been adequate to meet the objectives of the charity as set out in the Governing Document and Business Plan |
||
|---|---|---|
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The charity has had an income of £108,498 in the reporting period with expenditure including administration costs of £91,287. The operating profit was therefore £17,211 |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The Cat’s Guidance Reserves Policy is to maintain sufficient level of reserves to enable normal operating activities to continue over a period of up to 3 months should a shortfall in income occur and to take account of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time. It remains a challenge to hold sufficient reserves in a climate of increasing costs due to the demand for rescue |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | Nil at time of report although access to adequate long-term funding remains a concern and challenge. However the support of the charity’s followers built on the established reputation means the situation in this reporting period was stable but increasingly pressured. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statementswhere relevant about: |
||
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Fundraising continues to be primary source of income |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The principal risk we face continues to be consistent funding so we can continue to bring in new cats who need our help and care for those already under our care. We monitor this carefully and do not go into debt with our vets – every bill is paid on receipt and we monitor our reserves and account balance and adjust our intake accordingly |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) |
| 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 | Elected by Trustees with regard to skills and abilities to contribute to the charity’s objectives administration of its activities |
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 | We have a comprehensive collection of policies and procedures that we continue to add to as we mature. These include: Safeguarding Adults Safeguarding Children Lone Working GDPR Complaints Privacy Notice Whistleblowing Equal Opportunities Code of Behaviour Vulnerable Person’s Donation Return Homing Policy Intake Policy |
|---|---|---|
Euthanasia Policy The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works Para 1.51 Relationship with any related Para 1.51 parties Other
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Cat’s Guidance |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Cat’s Guidance Rescue |
| Registered charity number | 1185873 |
| Charity’s principal address | 30 Arnside Road Hindley Green Wigan WN2 4LB |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samantha Ann Gallagher |
||||
| Janette Aylward- Barton |
||||
| Angela Goodwin | ||||
| Ian Aylward-Barton | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name Janette Aylward-Barton Samantha Gallagher
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets 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
Additional information (optional)
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
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Janette Aylward-Barton Signature(s) Samantha Gallagher Janette Patricia Aylward-Barton Full name(s) Samantha Ann Gallagher Position (eg Secretary, Chair Vice Chair Chair, etc) Date 04/01/2024
CATS GUIDANCE RESCUE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 2023 2022 Turno¥•f Cost ol sales 108 498 17S.2191 95.051 167.9441 Gro•• profil 33.279 27.707 Adrywnrtraltye •XF4JroJ•• Op•r•tln9 profft 116.wl 125,6611 17.211 Proflt on ordln¥ry •dfvltl• b•for• tsx•tlon 2048 Tax on wofil t Prollt for th• Ilnincl•l yr 17.271 2.046
CATS GUIDANCE RESCUE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2023 2023 2022 Nol Flx•d au•t• Tangitle 8$$e15 1.152 Curr•nt ass•t• Cash ai ban •NJ kn hand 4,eoJ 2,885 Crgdltorn.. amounts lalllng du• wllhln on• y••r N•t curr•nt a¥••t• 14801 14801 4.323 2.405 N•t •ss•ts 5.187 3.557 C•pllal •nd rn••Th•• Prof11 and bss atcovnl 5,187 3.$57 Sh•r•hold•rJ' fund• 5.187 3.557 For th• year onthng 31 March 2023 thè ¢4y¥ynywg1 •nwtyJ ¢0 oxerw Judil 4n of th• Crynpaniès Act 2Q06 reLgling kn Sm1 The rrwjmbern h•w r8wir¢O ts ¢tynpanylO fiwn •n aLw111 n •ettsfjanc• 41h 476 01th8 Compinw X and th• pr•P•r¥t of tnI4 regime an¢ In 8ccord•nc• I of FRS 102 IA- Snwll Envi The fin•nwi ¥l•t•rrKgrt• re ptytyd by 8c•rd ¢4 4ThJ •uVJprt 26 1023 •KS ww• •yr•d on I $Bmènlha GalLqgh Oirecior Company R•ll1¥h1 Nts. CE019234
CATS GUIDANCE RESCUE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 1 Ststutory InloftnJUot) Cats Guhlan Re%JJe o [8t8 erynpany. Iknthy by tharas. regv4tew Wakrys. rogL4tralh ntsrnr CE019234 Th¢ reg151ered 30 ARNSIOE ROAO. HINOLEY GREEN. WIGAN WN2 4LB, Unrtett lQngJom 2 Compllanc• wlth a¢UntIng standard# The 4c£ountB ha% b•tn w¢wed thè ¢YFRS 102 SbJth IA Sm•1 Énitw Thw r• no m•t8n•i ¢JePre8 frtyn ihal ¥ondanJ 3 Aceountlng pollclm Tho pnnrypal 8&Jo•d In tr• Frf•POrnkn ofth8 finarK41 stewts •ty •ré h•v• remwn•J unchanoed frcffi preww . also hwe tw conw•nlty aFVI ¢¢thrt• B•sl• of pr•p•r•iknn Thè account¥ ha been cJ)•i fithJ tylm r•vWu•in cIc•11kn flx•d iu¢ty Prn¥•ntstlon curr•n¢y T•nolbl• Ilx¢(l •#•t8 •nd d•pr•¢l•iion ordef 10 1• off Ih th•r e¥tlnMd usefvl Compui•f •tyJlprMN 25% R•duw 8•r¥ M•b 4 T•nglbl• flJt•d aH•t• Flxturu & Comwt•r flttln9b •qulpm•nt Tot•1 Cost or valuatlon Al 1 Apni ?022 1.081 1.481 Al 31 M•rth 20rJ 4LXI Dopr•clatlon Ai 1 Apnl 2022 Charo• ftrth• y•ar 329 Al 31 Mwth 20rJ 125 492 817 N•t book vlu• Al 31 March 2023 275 Al 31 Mrth 2022 367 705 S Cr•ditorn'. •mount• lalling du• *lthln on• y•w 2023 2022
CATS GUIDANCE RESCUE DETAILED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Th15 nc4 ltym olthe accoun 2023 2022 Tumov•r Soles lQ8.498 95,651 Cost ol sal•• Pvrch#se8 SutrKoniraclor L•¥$ 32.912 42.307 18.288 49.656 75,219 67.944 Gros• profil Admlnl¥trJtl¥• •xp•nu• Travel and ¥ub54t¢nco olor exwnsei 33,279 27.707 3,751 7,315 925 2.748 f2.193 1,046 1.350 2.573 Reni Posth9¢ Sorry 8TrJ pnnlwwj BaThk In¥ufanc• SoPww• R•Th al nwnhn• 2,472 107 244 293 1.W3 295 451 2.351 295 Accountnty f• 1,317 18, 25,661 Op•r•tlng profft Proflt on ordln•ry •1•4 for t•x•llon 2.048 2.046
CATS GUIDANCE RESCUE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 2023 2022 Turno¥•f Cost ol sales 108 498 17S.2191 95.051 167.9441 Gro•• profil 33.279 27.707 Adrywnrtraltye •XF4JroJ•• Op•r•tln9 profft 116.wl 125,6611 17.211 Proflt on ordln¥ry •dfvltl• b•for• tsx•tlon 2048 Tax on wofil t Prollt for th• Ilnincl•l yr 17.271 2.046
CATS GUIDANCE RESCUE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2023 2023 2022 Nol Flx•d au•t• Tangitle 8$$e15 1.152 Curr•nt ass•t• Cash ai ban •NJ kn hand 4,eoJ 2,885 Crgdltorn.. amounts lalllng du• wllhln on• y••r N•t curr•nt a¥••t• 14801 14801 4.323 2.405 N•t •ss•ts 5.187 3.557 C•pllal •nd rn••Th•• Prof11 and bss atcovnl 5,187 3.$57 Sh•r•hold•rJ' fund• 5.187 3.557 For th• year onthng 31 March 2023 thè ¢4y¥ynywg1 •nwtyJ ¢0 oxerw Judil 4n of th• Crynpaniès Act 2Q06 reLgling kn Sm1 The rrwjmbern h•w r8wir¢O ts ¢tynpanylO fiwn •n aLw111 n •ettsfjanc• 41h 476 01th8 Compinw X and th• pr•P•r¥t of tnI4 regime an¢ In 8ccord•nc• I of FRS 102 IA- Snwll Envi The fin•nwi ¥l•t•rrKgrt• re ptytyd by 8c•rd ¢4 4ThJ •uVJprt 26 1023 •KS ww• •yr•d on I $Bmènlha GalLqgh Oirecior Company R•ll1¥h1 Nts. CE019234
CATS GUIDANCE RESCUE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 1 Ststutory InloftnJUot) Cats Guhlan Re%JJe o [8t8 erynpany. Iknthy by tharas. regv4tew Wakrys. rogL4tralh ntsrnr CE019234 Th¢ reg151ered 30 ARNSIOE ROAO. HINOLEY GREEN. WIGAN WN2 4LB, Unrtett lQngJom 2 Compllanc• wlth a¢UntIng standard# The 4c£ountB ha% b•tn w¢wed thè ¢YFRS 102 SbJth IA Sm•1 Énitw Thw r• no m•t8n•i ¢JePre8 frtyn ihal ¥ondanJ 3 Aceountlng pollclm Tho pnnrypal 8&Jo•d In tr• Frf•POrnkn ofth8 finarK41 stewts •ty •ré h•v• remwn•J unchanoed frcffi preww . also hwe tw conw•nlty aFVI ¢¢thrt• B•sl• of pr•p•r•iknn Thè account¥ ha been cJ)•i fithJ tylm r•vWu•in cIc•11kn flx•d iu¢ty Prn¥•ntstlon curr•n¢y T•nolbl• Ilx¢(l •#•t8 •nd d•pr•¢l•iion ordef 10 1• off Ih th•r e¥tlnMd usefvl Compui•f •tyJlprMN 25% R•duw 8•r¥ M•b 4 T•nglbl• flJt•d aH•t• Flxturu & Comwt•r flttln9b •qulpm•nt Tot•1 Cost or valuatlon Al 1 Apni ?022 1.081 1.481 Al 31 M•rth 20rJ 4LXI Dopr•clatlon Ai 1 Apnl 2022 Charo• ftrth• y•ar 329 Al 31 Mwth 20rJ 125 492 817 N•t book vlu• Al 31 March 2023 275 Al 31 Mrth 2022 367 705 S Cr•ditorn'. •mount• lalling du• *lthln on• y•w 2023 2022
CATS GUIDANCE RESCUE DETAILED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Th15 nc4 ltym olthe accoun 2023 2022 Tumov•r Soles lQ8.498 95,651 Cost ol sal•• Pvrch#se8 SutrKoniraclor L•¥$ 32.912 42.307 18.288 49.656 75,219 67.944 Gros• profil Admlnl¥trJtl¥• •xp•nu• Travel and ¥ub54t¢nco olor exwnsei 33,279 27.707 3,751 7,315 925 2.748 f2.193 1,046 1.350 2.573 Reni Posth9¢ Sorry 8TrJ pnnlwwj BaThk In¥ufanc• SoPww• R•Th al nwnhn• 2,472 107 244 293 1.W3 295 451 2.351 295 Accountnty f• 1,317 18, 25,661 Op•r•tlng profft Proflt on ordln•ry •1•4 for t•x•llon 2.048 2.046