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2023-03-31-accounts

Charity no: 1185913

TALKING NEWS FEDERATION CIO

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERIOD FROM 1 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

Contents

Contents
Page
Legal and administrative information 3
From the Chair 4
Our service 5
Our Impact 5
Independent Review 5
Governance and Management 6
Social Investment 6
Grant Making 6
Remuneration Policy for Trustees 6
Fundraising Statement 6
Public benefit 6
Conflicts of interest 7
Reserves Statement 7
Risk Management 7
Financial review 8
Talking News Federation Annual Accounts 2022 - 2023 9-12
Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees of Talking News 13
Federation

2

Legal and administrative information

Talking News Federation CIO

Registered office 145 Victoria Road
and principal address Swindon
SN1 3BU
Charity number 1185913
President Peter White MBE
Vice President Mike Wood
Trustees Amanda Reed (Chair) (elected 9 October 2021)
Heather Bolton (Secretary until 16 February 2023) (elected 9 October
2021)
Richard Black (Treasurer) (elected 9 October 2021)
Alan Dunderdale (elected 9 October 2021, resigned 17 September
2022)
Paul Ramsden (elected 9 October 2021)
Tim Baty (elected 9 October 2021, resigned 18 December 2022)
June Little (elected 17 September 2022)
Independent Gerald Bygraves
Examiner GB Accounting Solutions Limited
Millennium Studios
Bedford Technology Park
Bedford MK44 2YA
Bankers CAF Bank Limited Shawbrook Bank Limited
25 Kings Hill Avenue Lutea House,
Kings Hill Warley Hill Business Park
West Malling The Drive, Great Warley
Kent ME19 4JQ Brentwood, Essex
CM13 3BE
NatWest Bank Plc
30 High Street
Chippenham SN15 3HB
Contact details Telephone 01793 497555
Email enquiries@tnf.org.uk
Website TNF.org.uk

3

From the Chairman

A year of change.

Following the Covid era, we have seen many changes in the Talking Newspaper world. As many Talking Newspapers are now back in the studios, up and running again producing their weekly editions, we are saddened by the loss of TNs who, following the pandemic, just lost too much - premises, volunteers or board members that their newspaper now ceases to exist.

We have been looking to improve contact with our members and partners and on this theme of “Getting TNs To Come Together”, June our Engagement Trustee, took the lead with the concept of roadshows which due to their uptake by members and positive feedback we will continue into next year.

We have continued to recruit new Trustees with specialist skills to enhance the Board’s skill set and knowledge base, including Secretary, IT Support, Marketing and Communications, and improving relationships with our Associated Partners. It is so good to have new Trustees coming onto the Board. I am looking forward to the new ideas, impact and improvements that they will make to the services we deliver to our members.

Following Conference, we will be reviewing our new strategic plan to ensure it is fit for the future with the theme of working together, supporting each other, communicating to share our knowledge and skills as our priority. Also, to strengthen the Talking Newspaper community to ensure that TNs not only survive but thrive.

Conference is always the time when we ask you to share with us your highs and lows, your problems and solutions, your wants and needs, your dreams and aspirations for the future of your TN.

We are here to help, so let’s get talking!

Amanda Reed Chairman

4

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:

Our service

The Talking News Federation exists to support and assist some 300 local Talking Newspapers throughout the United Kingdom to deliver local news and information 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 service impact across the UK can be summarised as:

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 two teams of four visually impaired listeners. TNF’s aim in offering reviews is to act as a ‘critical 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.

No reviews were requested during the year under review.

5

Governance and Management

This Report covers the period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

There are currently 5 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 term.

The Trustees are responsible for the process of succession planning to ensure that the Committee is always composed of members with the requisite experience 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 place 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 individuals, 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 received 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 source.

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”.

6

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 within subsection 3 (I) 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 United Kingdom.

Conflicts of Interest

As part of our governance process, Trustees are required to confirm annually whether they or any close member of their family has any business interests in any organisation or company which may result in a conflict of interest. Several trustees are associated with Member TNs.

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 development/rescue of Talking Newspapers in the UK.

The Trustees consider a level of unrestricted reserves amounting to 50% of annual expenditure is realistic. The reserves held at the end of the Financial Year are significantly above the level needed by TNF due to the receipt of unbudgeted donations. Going forward, projects are being developed to ensure member TNs, and the VI Listeners they serve, will benefit.

Risk Management

The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

Major risks are:

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. TNF trustees and other volunteers organise training and support events and represent TNF and the whole TN constituency at events organised by other VI groups working with similar beneficiaries.

7

Financial Review

The accounts for the year under report – 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 – have been Independently Examined.

Our sustaining source of income is Membership Subscriptions from local Talking Newspaper organisations in the UK. This year, 7% fewer TNs renewed their membership than for the previous year. This reflects closure/mergers of TNs, but also the National Lockdown around Covid-19 disrupted administrative and financial procedures for TNs and some volunteers have decided to step down, many after several years of supporting their visually impaired neighbours. This has created a management issue for some TNs which have decided to close even though they are financially stable and have a viable number of VI Listeners. TNF has developed services to support TNs in this position and we are confident that the trend can be reversed.

A major source of income this year was from the closure of member Talking Newspapers with over sixty thousand pounds gifted to the Federation. Whilst the funds are very welcome for TNF going forward, it is deeply regrettable that member TNs are closing and VIP Listeners are losing highly valued services.

Other income was a donation from a TN to sponsor the inaugural TNF Road Show held in Cheltenham. This was the first local event held for several years and followed cancellation of two such events in 2021 due to a lack of delegates.

Total Income for the Year was £87,239, including Delegate Booking Fees.

Trustees continued their practice of alternating meetings between physical and virtual gatherings. Expenditure supporting TNs almost doubled as activity increased and new services were developed TNF Soundings is now fully established and Talk Info is undergoing rigorous location testing. TNF promotional materials were redesigned and distributed geographically to facilitate attendance at events nationwide. Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind continued to deliver administrative support both to TNF and to TN members during the period.

The AGM and National Conference was held at the Musical Museum in Brentford, West London. Although this provided a first-class Conference venue it has no overnight accommodation and delegates undertook bookings directly with local hotels where required. Once again, the event was available to TNs on-line through the excellent audio-visual equipment and production team at the museum.

Overall, TNF registered a surplus of £54,800 after deducting the deficit of £3,744 recorded by the Conference Events

No awards were made under the TNF Member’s Grant scheme.

8

Talking News Federation Accounts 20222023

The period covered is from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 (excluding Conferences)

1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023
Receipts
Membership
Membership Subscriptions for the year 2021 - 2022
Membership Subscriptions for the year 2022 - 2023
Membership Subscriptions for the year 2023 - 2024
Donations
Donations - General
Donations - Restricted
Other Income
Service Income
Bank Interest
Total Receipts
Payments
Administration
Office Administration Costs
TNF Insurance
Finance Charges
Trustees Meetings
Archiving
Outsource Costs
Services
Direct TN Support
Exhibiting at Events
TNF Soundings
TNF TalkInfo
TNF Website and Social Media
Promotional Material
TN Development and Training
Governance
Independent Examination 2021-22
Total Payments
Surplus for the year		 2022
2021
£
£
10,119.00
9,594.00
1,815.00
4,686.00
63,799.87
16,652.86
0.00
0.00
0.00
516.00
549.05
303.40
78,628.92
29,406.26
4,069.47
2,167.06
1,451.46
1,401.32
72.00
96.00
3,983.67
1,702.10
149.15
346.20
1,524.49
1,500.00
11,250.24
7,212.68
2,494.52
2,400.00
1,201.84
414.00
1,000.68
27.74
276.04
10.79
1,220.52
1,552.94
2,521.70
0.00
18.00
535.10
8,733.30
4,940.57
100.05
96.80
100.05
96.80
20,083.59
12,250.05
58,545.33
17,156.21

9

National and Regional Conferences

Brentford AGM & Conference September 2022 Cheltenham Road Show March 2023 Cardiff AGM & Conference October 2021

Accounting Period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023

Receipts
Delegate Fees
Exhibition Stands
Sponsorship
Raffle
Total Receipts
Payments
Venue and Accommodation
Speakers/Gratuities
Stationery/ Telephone/ Postage/ Travel
Audiovisual Systems
Planning & Oversight
Total Payments
(Deficit) on Conferences for the year
Brentford Event
Cheltenham Event
Cardiff Event		 2022/3
£
£5,518.00
£93.00
£3,000.00		 2021
£
£11,930.00
£310.00
£108.00
£8,611.00 £12,348.00
£9,835.22
£768.44
£877.15
£600.00
£275.08		 £13,605.70
£299.00
£295.05
£0.00
£435.00
£12,355.89 £14,634.75
(3,744.89) (2,286.75)
(2,240.97)
(1,503.92)
(2,286.75)

10

Talking News Federation

Summary of Financial Results

1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023

Total incoming resources
Membership Activities
National/Regional Conferences
Total Resources expended
Membership Activities
National/Regional Conferences
TNF Soundings; TalkInfo; Training
Net incoming/outgoing resources
Fund Balances B/fwd. 1st April
2022
Fund Balances C/fwd. 31 March
2023
Summary Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2023
Funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated Funds
Note 1
Restricted
Ronald Sturt Fund
Restricted
TNF Development Fund
Note 2
Accumulated Funds		 2022- 2023
2021-2022
£
£
£
£
£
General Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted
Fund
Total Funds
78,628.92
78,628.92
29,406.26
5,611.00
3,000.00
8,611.00
12,348.00
84,239.92
0.00
3,000.00
87,239.92
41,754.26
18,788.87
18,788.87
11,687.21
9,355.89
3,000.00
12,355.89
14,634.75
1,294.72
1,294.72
562.84
28,144.76
0.00
4,294.72
32,439.48
26,884.80
56,095.16
0.00
(1,294.72)
54,800.44
14,869.46
43,483.69
26,984.36
23,188.94
93,656.99
78,787.53
99,578.85
26,984.36
21894.22
148,457.43
93,656.99
2023
2022
£
£
99,578.85
99,578.85
43,483.69
26,984.36
26,984.36
26,984.36
9,462.40
9,462.40
10,757.12
.
12,431.82
12,431.82
12,431.82
99,57885
26,984.36
21894.22
148,457.43
93,656.99

11

(o ¢7) ￿0￿ (7) 4r• ¢i oory) uozio

INDEPENDELYT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF TALKING NEWS FEDERATION I report on the a¢¢ounts for the year ended 31 March 2023. which are set out on pages nine lo tsvelve. Respective respoDsibilities of trustees and ¢￿mIller The charity's trustees are ￿PonSI1￿e for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for thi5 year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Acti and that an independent examination is needed. It ￿ my responsibility to: xamine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act". -to foll¢)w the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145ISllbl of the 2011 Act,. and -to slate whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions gwen by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the ¢hanty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consKJerabon of any unusual items or disclosures in the ac￿Unts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ that would be required in an audit and consequently, no opinion is given as lo whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited lo those matters set out in the statement below. Independent e￿mIller,$ ststemeut In Connection with my examinatson, no matter has come to my attenb"on". 111 whith gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. -to keep accounting records in accordan￿ with seCt￿n 130 of the 2011 Act", and -to prepare accounts which accord with the aeeounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Acl have not been met". or 121 lo which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the account$ lo be reached. ¥aJ Aj￿ Fh hAf GB Accounting Solutions Limited Millennium Studios Bedford Technology Park Thurleigh Bedford 8edford$hire MK44 2YA Date.. 5th September 2023