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 aC￿sS 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 experien￿S- 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 re￿1ve 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 TrUSt￿S are responsible for the prO￿sS 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 re￿iVed 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 Can￿lled
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 ac￿Ssible online via by
Zoom and 18 TNS joined that way.
No awards were made under the TNF Memberfs Grant scheme.
Looking fo￿ard, 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
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IIDEPENDEf*T EXAMI)ER'S REPORT TO THE TRI STEES OF
TALKING ￿lE￿.5 FEDEIL4TIO
I r•port on ts accounts for ￿ ￿ar en(kn# 31141grch 2￿. out on p•g85 fojr.
Resp¢¢tlve respoDilbllhks of ir¥st¢u aud ei•JwlAer
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an audit 15 not required for th*s under se¢ton 144(21 of Charrtw AQ 2011111* 2011 ALI)
and th8t an I￿pend￿nI exarnination Is n8*y0d.
11 Is my rtspo•$lblllry ¢0:
4xarnine the aC￿unts urk*r se¢bOn 145 of tre 2011 Art
-to follth procedures igid down In Ihe general DlreCbc￿ gwgn by Chanty Comm
under seojon 145lSllbl of the 2011 Aa. aThJ
.to stste byh*thor particular matters have cryn8 to my altsnbon
B8sls of iDdtptndtDt exathlner's r¢pDrt
My axamination was rnrnao out In accordance wMh Ihe 98neral DirKtK)ns gIVW )y th8 Cmarrty CcrnmMw.
An examinaton Indud&s a revw ol thè a(tounbrrtJ r¢wrds kept by Ihe chanty and a ca)mpanson
of the aceounts present8d wth th95e r•tord5 It alw Indude5 eonsH1•th￿ of any unusual rtams or
disdosures in the accounts. aThJ se•king oxplanalton$ frryn yw as twt8•s ￿nCe￿Ir0 any suth mattws.
The pr￿adUr99 undatsken tjo not provide 811 the that be rtyuir&J In an audit
and ¢onsequenlty no O￿n￿n L% given as to the accounts kwont a aThJ fa.r aNJ tr*
re￿rtIS Iimrt&J lo th05& matter5 Sgt out statem8nt b•kn
IDdepettdeni tim￿l￿tr,5 s¢*¢emeTri
In connec*on rny ?xarninatw. M) matter has oyr* to my attention
111 whith givas m& r•asonab* rause to b•l*¥e thot In any m•twwl r•¥•a fv r•]uirwT4ints'
-t¢ kegp accounb.ng records In aC￿rdance secton 130 01 the 2011 Act and
40 prepare accounts whth ac¢ord accountsng records aTrJ cwply
accounb'rrtJ requirements of the 2011 A
have not tttn met". or
121 to In rny opinion. att￿tson 8noukJ t* In ordef ￿ en1￿ a kYop8r underTt¥ndirpJ of
the aCCLJunts to tE reoche
G8 Actounling Solubons
Mill•nnium Studios
Bedford Tethnolryy Park
Thurlfrigh
Bedford
8edfordshirtr
MK44 2YA
13