TNF Talking News Federati•n TALKING NEWS FEDERATION CIO REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERIOD FROM 1 APRIL 2023 TO 31 MARCH 2024 Page Al
Contents Legal and Administrative Infomiation .. From the Chair................. .A3 .A5 Our Service................................. .A6 Our Impact.............. Independent Review..... Govemance and Management.................................................... A7 Social Investment................ .A7 .A6 .A6 Grant Making....... Remuneration Policy for Trustees........................................-...... A7 Fundraising Statement................................................................A7 Public Benefit........................................................... .A8 .A7 Conflicts of Interest.....-...-....-..... .A8 Reserves Statemenl.................................. .A8 Risk Management........ .... . .A8 Financial Review...... .A9 Talking News Federation Accounts 2023-2024.... Independent Examinerfs Report to Trustees of TNF................... A16 .A11 Page A2
Legal and Administrative Information Talking News Federation CIO Registered Office and Principal Address 145 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN13BU Charity Number 1185913 President Peter White MBE Vice President Mike Wood Trustees Amanda Reed (Chairl (elec 9 Oct 2021) Richard Black (Treasurer) {elec 9 Oct 2021) Heather Botton (elec 9 Oct 2021) June Little {elec 17 Sept 2022) Alan Dunderdale (elec 14 Oct 2023) Luke Howarth (elec 14 Oct 20231 Daniel Vthtle (elec 14 Oct 2023) Paul Ramsden {elec 9 Oct 2021. resig 14 Oct 20231 Graham Hedley {elec 14 Oct 2023, resig 1 Dec 20231 Gerald Bygraves GB Accounting Soluti¢)ns Limited Millennium Studios Bedford Technology Park Bedford MK44 2YA Independent Examiner Bankers CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Shawbrook Bank Limrted Lutea House Wadey Hill Business Pa The Drive, Great Warley Brentwood Essex CM13 3BE Natwest Bank PLC 30 High Stfeet Chippenham SN15 3HB Page A3
Conlacl Details Telephone 01793 497555 Email enquiries@tnf.org.uk Website tnf.org.uk Page A4
From the Chairman Our theme for last year was "Better Togetherf. we stuck to this goal and we delivered!11 A huge thank you to all the trustees, volunteers, workers, suppliers, local societies, delegates, speakers, presenters. specialisls and venues, who together have allowed us to achieve so much. We really are striving foard. Achieved in Ihis year National Conference and AGM in October 2023 A Technology Specrfic Roadshow in Cheltenham in March 2024 A Roadshow in Norfolk in June 2023 wrth lurther Shows developed for delivery in Preston and Falkirk in April and June 2024 New TNF branded leaflets and pull up banners for use al events The new TNF Website went live Four recorded Winter W0shopS available to view on our website Talkphone TNF Soundings MYTN TNF archiving Supporting TNS in crisis whether opening, closing or just a helping hand TNF interaclive map so listeners can find you fast on the website TNF'S Audio Technician lo visil. check and advise on your sound set-up Exhibiting at Sight Villages, Retina UK and Macular Society Events Development of TNF Social Media Presence Working on improving policy, guidance and "how to" guides TN Insurance Irom Insurance Brokers Verlingue Grant making lo TNS Utilise HESK to ensure we respond to queries eff iciently and effectively Liaising with Deafblind UK, RNIB. Blind Brrtish Sport. Retina UK, Guide Dogs, Blind Veterans, Visionary, Bntish Wireless tor the Blind, Macular Society Please note - This is a nonexhaustive list and my sincere apologies if I have failed to mention work that has been achieved and not listed. This year our theme is "Challenging Assumptions" time to sit back and review all that we do. l am sure it will create some very open conversations and create new ideas thal can further improve Ihe quality of the worf( we do. From getting back to basics and questioning what we do and why, to interpreting policy and legislation, developing and understanding changes in lechnology. Knowing what the listeners want in the future will ensure that Talking Newspapers remain needed for now and in the fulure. Amanda Reed Chairman Page A5
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 twstees. TNF'S objectives are: to promote good practice and the eff iciency and effectiveness of tts member organisations for the benefit of blind or partially sighted people or those labouring under some temporary or pennanent incapacity or disability 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 assisl the formation 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 to deliver local news and infom)alion 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 Ihe 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: . Almost 1,000 newspapers and magazines are recorded • Over 20,000 listeners receive a regular local TN or magazine Some 9,000 volunteers deliver the service. Independent Review A TNF Independent Fleview 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. Page A6
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 iogelher in this way contributes to the achievement of TNF'S aim. No reviews were requested during the year under review. Governance and Management This Report covers the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. There are currently 6 TNF Trustees who meet at least quartedy 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 ol the major risks. Trustee indemnity insurance is included in our insurance policies and has been in place Ihroughout 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 lo 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 ol Trustees, expenses are in accordance with the TNF Allowances Policy on Ihe 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. Page A7
Public Benefit The Charities Act 2011 requires all charities to rneet the legal requirement that its aims are for the public benefil. Two key principles should be mel in order to demonstrate Ihat an organisation's aims are for the public beneftt.. firstly, there must be an identifiable benefit and secondly that the beneftt 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 llhe provision of leisure-time occupation in the interests of social welfare wrth the object of improving the conditions ol 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 Ihe Charrty has complied with these. The Federation's charitable objects fall within subsection 311} of the Chartties 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 Ihese are carried out for the public benefit, through delivery of the Talking Newspaper seNice delivered by some 300 local Talking Newspapers for visually impaired and print disabled people within the United Kingdom. Confllcts of Interest As part of our govemance prosS, Trustees a required to confirm annually whelher they or any close member of Iheir 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 liabilily, a designated fund of £10,000 is held alongside a similar level fund relating to the developmenvrescue of Talking Newspapers in the UK. The Trustees consider a level of unrestricled reseNes amounting to 50°/o of annual expenditure is realistic. The reserves held at the end of the Financial Year are signrficantly above the level needed by TNF due to the receipt of unbudgeted donations. Going forward, projects are being developed to ensure rnember TNS, and the Vl Listeners they serve, will benefil. Risk Management The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises: an annual review pf the principal risks and uncertainties Ihat the charity faces the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate or rernove those risks identified in the annual review. and the implementalion of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise Page A8
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 addrtional challenges to those providing local TN services. the closure of local TNS as a resu of eitherlor the demise of the prinl newspaper or Ihe difficulties of recruiling volunteers and leaders. 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 queslions on technical, govemance, copyright and related subjects may be posted and advice soughl. TNF trustees and other volunteers organise training and support events and represent TNF and the whole TN constituency at events organised by other Vl groups working wilh similar beneficiaries. Financial Review The accounts for the year under report- 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024- have been Independently Examined. Our sustaining source of income is Membership Subscriptions from local Talking Newspaper organisations in the UK. This year, 10°/0 fewer TNS renewed their membership than for the previous year. This reflects the continuing reduction in the availability and content of local newspapers as well as Ihe increasing age of volunteers and listeners. There are ongoing issues with member TNS failing lo update the TNF contact database so renewal messages may not be received and also TNS are not fully informed about the new services developed by TNF. A major source of income Ihis year was a legacy from an individual who was deeply involved in the fomiation and development of TNAUK and TNF for which we are deeply grateful. Total Income for the Year was £59,935. TNF has developed several services to help TNS to support their Listeners. All these seNices are free to members and can be accessed now by calling TNF Enquiries. TNF has invested over £3,000 lo create the sepiices and free delivery io members will incur ongoing costs. The seNices are: TNF Soundings TNF Talklnfo MYTN Websites Studio in the Cloud TNF TalkPhone The IT equipment supporting the TNF Communications and Database seNices at our Swindon Office and in the Cloud has been updated and expanded at a cost of over £5,000 and should provide a stable ICT operating base for several years. 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 in Coventry with Delegate Pricing set to reflect the restricted financial abilty of many TNS. Consequently. TNF supported the event to the Page A9
extent of over £2,000 Once again, the event was available to TNS online through the excellent audio-visual equipment and production team of TNF Volunteers. In addition to the continuing series of Online Winter Workshops, TNF developed a series of Roadshows around the country with a general event in Norfolk and a technical event in Gloucestershire. These events were offered to member TNS at a 50 % discount on the venue Day Delegate Rate and were reasonably well attended. TNF invested over £11,000 in the Roadshows and, although there was capacity for more TN represenlation, the resulting mingling ol delegales was above expectations. TrLiStees continued their practice of ahemating meetings between physical and virtual gatherings. No applications lo the Member's Grant scheme were received. Overall, TNF registered a surplus of £9,046 after deducting the Conference and Event deficits totalling £16,606. Page Alo
Talking News Federation Accounts 2023-2024 The period covered is from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 (excluding Conferences) 1 April 2023- 31 March 2024 2023-24 2022-23 Receipts Membershi Membership Subscriptions for the year 2022-2023 Membership Subscriptions for the year 2023-2024 Membership Subscriptions for the year 2024-2025 9,594.00 4,686.00 5,538.00 420.00 Donations Donations - General Donations - Restricted 40,548.90 0.00 63,799.87 0.00 Other Income Service Income Bank Interest 914.00 2.793.07 0.00 549.05 TOTAL RECEIPTS 50 213.97 78 628.92 Payments Administration Off ice Administration Costs Off ice Equipment TNF Insuran Finance Charges Trustees Meetings Archiving Outsource Costs 4,492.21 5,623.24 1,510.17 67.12 2,168.47 109.29 1,500.00 15.470.50 4,069.47 0.00 1,451.46 72.00 3,983.67 149.15 1,524.49 11250.24 Services Direct TN Support Exhibiting at Events TNF Soundings TNF Talklnfo MYTN Project Studio in the Cloud TalkPhone TNF Website and Social Media Promotional Material TN Development and Training 2,400.00 2,276.87 533.07 1,262.62 951.00 379.05 204.48 489.17 252.19 0.00 2.494.52 1.201.84 1.000.68 276.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,220.52 2,521.70 18.00 8 733.30 Governance Subscripiions Independent Examination 2021-2022 223.00 119.94 342.94 0.00 100.05 100.05 Page All
TOTAL PAYMENTS 24 561.89 20 083.59 SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR 25 652.08 58,545.33 National and Regional Conferences Coventry AGM & Conference 2023 East Anglia Roadshow 2023 Cheltenham Technical Roadshow 2024 Accounting Period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 2023r24 2022123 Receipts Delegate Fees Exhibilion Stands Sponsorship 9,303.C 419.00 5,518.00 93.00 3,000.00 TOTAL RECEIPTS 9,722.00 8 611.00 Payments Venue and Accommodation Speakers/Gratuities s1alionerye1ephonelP0stageraVel Audio-visual Systems Planning & Oversight 24,951.45 1,088.77 37.68 250.13 0.00 9,835.22 768.44 877.15 600.00 275.00 TOTAL PAYMENTS 26,328.03 12,355.89 Deficit on Conlerences for the 16,606.03 3 744.89 Brentford AGM & National Conference 2022 Cheltenharn Roadshow 2023 Coventry AGM & National Conference 2023 Easl Anglia Roadshow 2023 Cheltenham Technical Roadshow 2024 Preslon Roadshow 2024 (venue deposit) (2,240.97) (1,503.92) (2,121.73) (4.288.55) (7.235.75) (2.960.00) Page A12
CO io CO Lfi *'¢i r£J 13) cv oThJ
(DO cocrytco Ln(x¢*t OID ¢w (D CO Thj LNO Lfi r Thi lid c(n xxQ]o C C Jocc CCL) U(JZ(n
CT4
OO Jkoo c OJ c
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF TALKING NEWS FEDERATION I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages A11 to A15. Respeetive responsibilities of trustees and examlner The charty's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider Ihat an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charilies Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independenl examination is needed. It is my responsibilty to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act: lo follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by Ihe Charity Commission under section 145{51(b) of the 2011 Acl- and to state 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 given by the Charity Commission. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not Provide all the evidence Ihat would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whelher Ihe accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters sel out in the stalement below. Independent examiner's ststement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: {1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements lo keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act" and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply wilh the accounting requirements of Ihe 2011 Act have nol been met. or (21 to which, in my opinion, attention should be dravm in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Page A16