Charity no: 1185913 TNF Talking News Federation TALKING NEWS FEDERATION CIO REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERIOD FROM 1 APRIL 2021 TO 31 MARCH 2022
Contents Page Legal and administrative infomiation From the Chair Our seNi Our Impact Independent Review Governance and Management Social Investment Grant Making Remuneration Policy for Trustees Fundraising Statement Public benefrt Conflicts of interest Reserves Statement Risk Management Financial review Talking News Federation Annual Accounts 2021- 2022 9-12 Independent Examinerfs report to the Trustees of Talking News Federation 13
Legal and administrative information Registered office 145 Victoria Road and principal address Swindon SN1 3BU Charity number 1185913 Trustees Amanda Reed (Chairl (elected 9 October 2021) Heather Bolton (Secretary) (elected 9 October 2021 > Richard Black (Treasurer) (elected 9 October 2021) Alan Dunderdale (elected 9 October 2021) Paul Ramsden (elected 9 October 2021) Tim Baty (elected 9 October 2021) Michael Lewington (resigned 9 Odober 2021} Catherine Sexton (resigned 9 October 2021) Independent Examiner Gerald Bygraves GB Accounting Solutions Limited Millennium Studios Bedford Technology Park Bedford MK44 2YA Bankers CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Shawbrook Bank Limited Lutea House, Warley Hill Business Park The Drive, Great Warley Brentwood, Essex CM13 3BE Natwest Bank PIC 30 High Street Chippenham SN15 3HB Contact detsils Telephone Email Website 01793 497555 en uiries tnf.or TNF.org.uk
From the Chairman Amanda Reed writes: I was privileged to have been chosen as TNF Chairman at our Annual General Meeting held in Cardiff in October 2021. In the year Sin I took over from retiring Chair Mike Lewington, I have seen a new changing world emerging, not only for Talking Newspapers, but for everyone. We all find ourselves in uncertain times as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has affected Talking Newspapers in different ways. Some Talking Newspapers lost everything, including aCsS to their premises, and so were forced to stop production. Some managed to access their equipment and change their operations so that they could follow government guidelines and work from home. Other TNS adopted new recording methods, setting up new systems to record and distribute everything remotely so they were able to continue to provide a service to listeners. A few TNS were lucky and managed to carry on. Sadly, we are aware that some Talking Newspapers have unfortunately ceased to exist during the pandemic, leaving gaps for listeners. But as the world emerges from Covid-19, we need to try and get back to business as normal, to start over, or rebuild. Now is the time to share our pandemic experienS- what went well, what went wrong, what we have done differently and what changes we have made. Most importantly, we need to support each other locally and nationally and get back to providing nomal Servi for our listeners. It is so important to keep the conversation going, whether in person or online, so that together we can make the TN voice heard On again. TNF'S strategic plan has seen changes due to the pandemic. What we historically delivered is not necessary what is wanted now. Following this year's conference, we will be re-writing our strategic plan with your support, according to your wants and needs in a post-pandemic world. For example, during the pandemic. TNF switched events to an online 'Zoom' format when we couldn't meet and network face-to-fa. TNF members welcomed initiatives such as our successful programme of Winter workshops in 2021-22 and indications are that many TNS are happy to continue online get-togethers. We will aim to build on this success and offer more online events in the coming year. We will also continue the popular TNF Soundings service, providing additional TN content to supplement local nev and features. So now is the time for you as members to tell us about your wants and needs, your dreams and aspirations for the future of your TN. and what we can do to help and assist you. I cannot promise miracles, but we will do our very best for you. We are here to help. Just ask! About the Talking News Federation The Talking News Federation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, run entirely by volunteers, with work overseen by a board of elected trustees. TNF'S objectives are: to promote good practi and the efficiency and effectiveness of its member organisations for the benefit of blind or partially sighted people or those labouring under some temporary or permanent incapacity or disabilty that makes reading a strain to support, represent and develop the work of Talking News Organisations which undertake the systematic provision of news and other material by digital or analogue transmission throughout the United Kingdom to promote and assist the fonnation of Talking News Organisations throughout the United Kingdom.
Our service The Talking News Federation exists to support and assist some 300 local Talking Newspapers throughout the United Kingdom lo deliver local news and infomiation in audio to blind, partially sighted and print disabled people. Our impact Local TNS and their listeners are at the heart of everything we do at the TNF. We endeavour to ensure the best quality service is delivered to our members. The diagnosis of a print disability, such as macular degeneration, can be disempowering. Many sufferers speak of the condition as isolating and upsetting, similar to a bereavement. Many listeners regard the service provided by TNS as a way to counter loneliness and an opportunity to continue to keep in touch with local news and information. The TN Servi impact across the UK can be summarised as: 1,054 newspapers and magazines are recorded 25,000 listeners re1ve a regular local TN or magazine 10,000 volunteers deliver the servi. Independent Review A TNF Independent Review is a friendly assessment of a TN'S selected recording. The experienced review panel comprises the TNF review administrator, an audio technician, and iwo teams of four visually impaired listeners. TNF'S aim in offering reviews is to act as a 'criti¢al friend, to support TNS to provide consistently interesting and engaging local audio news to a growing number of listeners. An Independent Review provides feedback on a TN'S recording. as well as ideas and examples of great practice gained from reviewing other TNS. Working together in this way contributes to the achievement of TNF'S aim. Governance and Management The charity was formed as a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) numbered 1185913 on 21 October 2019 and the Activities, Assets and Liabilities of the previous Unincorporated Registered Charity number 1108294 were transferred with effect from 1 April 2020. This Report covers the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. There are currently 6 TNF Trustees who meet at least quarterly to administer the charity. Every year one third of the Trustees is required to resign. However, Trustees may be nominated and elected for a subsequent tem. The TrUStS are responsible for the prOsS of succession planning to ensure that the Committee is always composed of members with the requisrte experien and skills necessary to contribute to the life of the Charity and with the interests of Charity always in mind. None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the Charity. nor receives any remuneration. The Trustees 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 that offer reasonable mitigation of the major risks.
Trustee indemnity insurance is included in our insurance policies and has been in pla throughout the year. Social investment All income received by the Charity is used solely for the benefit of members. The Trustees do not provide any social investment loans to indtviduals. charities or organisations. Grant Making No grants were awarded during the year. Remuneration Policy for Trustees The Charity's Trustees give of their time freely and none reiVed remuneration in the year. Details of Trustees, expenses are in accordance with the TNF Allowances Policy on the TNF website. Fundraising Statement TNF does not currently conduct any proactive fundraising activity. We have never employed third party fundraisers nor engaged with commercial partners, bought or sold lists of personal data or mailing lists from any sour. Public Benefit The Charities Act 2011 requires all charities to meet the legal requirement that its aims are for the public benefit. Two key principles should be met in order to demonstrate that an organisation's aims are for the public benefit.. firstly, there must be an identifiable benefit and secondly that the benefit must be for the public or a section of the public The guidance issued by the Charity Commission includes 'promoting the relief of those in need by reason of disability, financial or other hardship" and -the provision of leisure-time occupation in the interests of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom they are intended". The Trustees confirm they have given due consideration to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and are confident that the Charity has complied with these. The Federation's charitable objects fall wrthin subsection 3 (1) of the Charities Act 2011 relating to the relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage. The Trustees ensure these are carried out for the public benefit, through delivery of the Talking Newspaper service delivered by some 300 local Talking Newspapers for visually impaired and print disabled people within the Untted Kingdom. Conflicts of Interest As part of our governance process, Trustees are required at the end of our accounting year to confirm whether they or any close member of their family has any business interests in any company, where an expenditure in excess of £1,000 is incurred, which may result in a conflict of interest.
Reserves Statement The Annual Conference, which includes the Annual General Meeting. is TNF'S major financial commitment. The maximum liability could be up to £25,000. To meet this potential liability, a designated fund of £10,000 is held alongside a similar level fund relating to the developmenurescue of Talking Newspapers in the UK. The Trustees consider a level of unrestricted reserves amounting to 50 % of annual expenditure is realistic. The reserves level as calculated has increased substantially this year because of increased Legacy income and the reduction in expenditure during the Covid-19 pandemic on trustee meetings, Conferences, promoting TNS at tradelcharity events and hands-on TN support. TNF currently has over 11A years Reserves. This expected to decline as many items of Expenditure retum to pre-pandemic Vels. Risk Management The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises". an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate or remove those risks identified in the annual review- and the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those nsks materialise Major risks are.. a loss of confidence in the Federation resulting in a reduction in membership. the continued closure of local and regional print newspapers, bringing additional challenges to those providing local TN services. the closure of local TNS as a result of eitherlor the demise of the print newspaper or the difficulties of recruiting volunteets. The risk is managed by maintaining close links with TNS, the provision of a Federation website to attract listeners and volunteers and contributing to the TN Talk chat forum where questions on technical, governance, copyright and related subjects may be posted and advice sought.
Financial Review The accounts for the year under report- 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 - have been Independently Examined and the Certrficate confimis that the Accountant was satisfied with our record keeping and transaction eviden. Income is mainly dernied from Membership Subscriptions from local Talking Newspaper organisations in the UK. This year, several fewer TNS renewed their membership than for the previous year. This reflects closurelmergers of TNS but the National Lockdown around Covid-19 disrupted administrative and financial procedures for many TNS and some failed to complete the renewal procedure. A major source of income this year was from the closure of member Talking Newspapers. Cynon Valley and Leeds closed and donated almost £10,000 to the Federation. Whilst the funds are very welcome for TNF going fomard, it is unfortunate that member TNS are closing, often through lack of volunteers as well as VIP Listeners. Other income was a legacy of almost £7,000 which the Executors have agreed can be used to support Talking Info. This is a new project to help bring TNS to areas not currently covered by local service. There was also Commission from the Brokers handling the TNF Insuran Scheme and Bank Interest. Total Income for the Year was £29,404, excluding conferen Booking Fees. Expenditure reflected the partial reinstatement of physical Trustee and Strategic Planning Meetings which the Trustees have decided should alternate with virtual meetings. Expenditure supporting TNS fell by 150/0 due to Covid-19 travel restridions and the temporary closure of many TNS. The reduction also reflected the reluctance of many TN volunteers to attend large gatherings, a continuing feature of the current year with planned regional gatherings Canlled due to lack of sufficient delegate registrations. Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind delivered administrative support both to TNF and to TN members during the period. The first 'in-person' TNF AGM and Annual COTrferen since 2019 was held in Cardiff in October 2021. Although attendance was well down on pre-covid levels the Event was considered successful by attendees. An innovation this year was to make the Event acSsible online via by Zoom and 18 TNS joined that way. No awards were made under the TNF Memberfs Grant scheme. Looking foard, it is probable that several TNS have not survived the Covid-19 Closures and Subscription Income for 2022-2023 may be impacted adversely.
Talking News Federation Accounts 2021-2022 The period Govered is from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 Excluding National Conference 1 April 2021- 31 March 2022 2022 2021 Receipts Membershi Membership Subscriptions for the year 2020 - 2021 Membership Subscriptions for the year 2021- 2022 Membership Subscriptions for the year 2022 - 2023 13.188.00 2,050 00 10,119 00 1,815.00 Donations Donations- General Donations- Reslricteo 16.652.86 0.00 10.046 21 0.00 Other Income Service Income Bank Interest 516 00 303.40 550.00 486.53 Total Receipts 29,406.26 26.320.74 Payments Administration Office Administration Costs Office Equipment TNF Insurance Finance Charges Trustees Meetings Archiving Outsource Costs 2,167.06 2,809.12 0.00 1,366.89 130.00 67.50 1,401 32 96.00 1.702 10 346.20 1.500.00 7,212.68 1,200.00 5 573.51 Services Direct TN Support Local Conferences Exhibiting al Events Representing TNF TNF Soundings TNF Talking Info TNF Website and Social Media Promotional Material TN Development and Training 2,400.00 0.00 414.00 0.00 27.74 2.100.00 o_oo 000 0.00 1,640.55 0.00 1,458.00 0.00 680.30 5.878.85 1,552.94 0.00 535 10 4.940.57 Govemance Independent Examination 2019-20 Strategic Planning Meetsngs 9680 0.00 96.80 94.10 0.00 94.10 Total Payments 12,250.05 11.546.46 Surplus for the year 17.156.21 14.774.28
Talking News Federation National and Regional Conferences Cardiff AGM & Conference 2021 (2020 Event cancelled due to Covid-19) Accounting Period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 2020 2020 Receipts Delegate Fees Exhibition Stands Raffle Regional Conference Delegate Fee Total Roceipts £11,880.00 £310 00 £108.00 £50 00 £12.348.00 0.00 Payments Venue Account Speakers Graluilies Slationeryl Telephonel Postagel Travel Audiovisual Systems Planning & Oversight Total Payments £13,605 70 £299.00 £295.05 £0.00 £435.00 £14,634.75 £844.65 844.65 (Deficlt) on Conference for the year 2,286.75 844.65 10
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