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 fo￿ard.
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 W0￿shopS 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 pro￿sS, 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
s1alionery￿e1ephonelP0stage￿raVel
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