REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1187228
Report of the Trustees and
Financial Statements
For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
for
The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Kingscott Dix Limited Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor Goodridge Court Goodridge Avenue Gloucester Gloucestershire GL2 5EN
The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Contents of the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 | ||
| Report of the Trustees | 2 | to | 9 |
| Report of the Independent Auditors | 10 | to | 12 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 13 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 14 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 15 | to | 23 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 24 | to | 25 |
The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Reference and Administrative Details For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| TRUSTEES | Dr R E Walker (Ex-Chair) |
|---|---|
| A R Crook | |
| W J Abbott (Treasurer) | |
| N C Hurst | |
| Mrs S A Herschell | |
| Dr S Weir (G.P. Liaison) | |
| B Chapman | |
| Mrs M Greaves (Chair) | |
| Miss E Booth | |
| Mrs M L Street | |
| PRINCIPAL ADDRESS | Stroud General Hospital |
| Trinity Road | |
| Stroud | |
| Gloucestershire | |
| GL5 2HY | |
| REGISTERED CHARITY | 1187228 |
| NUMBER | |
| AUDITORS | Kingscott Dix Limited |
| Chartered Accountants | |
| and Statutory Auditor | |
| Goodridge Court | |
| Goodridge Avenue | |
| Gloucester | |
| Gloucestershire | |
| GL2 5EN | |
| BANKERS | NatWest Bank PLC |
| Bank Buildings | |
| George Street | |
| Stroud | |
| Gloucestershire | |
| GL5 3DT | |
| INVESTMENT MANAGERS | Charles Stanley Group PLC |
| 25 Luke St | |
| London | |
| EC2A 4AR |
Page 1
The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
The Charity also trades under the name The League of Friends of Stroud Hospitals.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
a. Policies and objectives
The objective is to relieve patients, former patients and potential patients of the Stroud Hospitals and the Beeches Green Health Centre who are sick, convalescent, disabled, handicapped, infirm or in need of health care support and, generally to support the charitable work of the said hospitals. The remit of The League of Friends of the Stroud Hospitals and the Health Centre covers Stroud General Hospital, Stroud Maternity Hospital (known as unit), Weavers Croft and Park House, Beeches Green Health Centre and Redwood House, and Stroud Ambulance Station, to supplement the services provided by these centres for the health, welfare and comfort of the patients therein and others in the community. Stroud Hospital now houses the daily office base of the Stroud Cotswold Integrated Care Team (ICT) community staff.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees give due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Strategies for achieving objectives
We continue to liaise with the various NHS Trusts involved in providing services to Stroud. The Chair, along with the Chairs of other local Leagues of Friends, has regular contact with the Chief Officers of Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (GHCNHSFT) and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHNHSFT).
Social Investment Policy
There are no restrictions on the Charity's power to invest and as the Charity sometimes needs to react very quickly on applications for direct charitable expenditure, it has a policy of keeping the restricted and designated funds in short-term deposits which can be accessed immediately. The Trustees have sought investments that will show capital appreciation in a 5 to 10-year timescale, as well as generating income. The Trustees' investment policy is to generate increases in overall value that exceed the portfolio.
The Trustees retain Charles Stanley & Co for professional investment advice and act on a discretionary basis. Trustees meet with them to review investment performance and ensure holdings are in line with our policy - which excludes investments in weapons, tobacco and alcohol.
All organisations are responsible for mitigating the effects of climate change as far as they are able. Hence, following the recommendations of the UN Inter-governmental Panel of Climate Change in 2018, Stroud Hospitals League of Friends has withdrawn its investments from carbon-based industries and has increased its holdings in renewables.
We are limited in the action we can take but the following guidance is followed as far as possible: i. scrutinise projects and requests for funding in regard to environmental impact, and in relation to single use plastic.
ii. encourage and support our local NHS Trusts and partners to follow environmental good practice. iii. regularly review our policy and our organisation's environmental impact.
All investment changes are notified and explained to the Chair and Treasurer as they occur.
Grant-making policies
In making decisions about what funding applications to support, the Trustees of Stroud Hospitals League of Friends are guided by a set of principles and obligations. We are also constrained by the terms of our legal Constitution and by Charity Commission regulations. We believe it helpful to outline these to provide a greater understanding of what we are likely to support at the two hospitals and Weaver's Croft.
1.Our guiding principle is that we should not replace statutory provision (i.e. what is considered a normal requirement of NHS service). Our role is to enhance or upgrade statutory provision, making the hospitals and Weaver's Croft a better experience for patients, their families and staff, than it would otherwise be.
2.We will also consider funding if our support would protect individual services that could be deemed under threat, or indeed if the hospitals themselves are under threat.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
3.We will consider funding equipment and services which would contribute to making the hospitals specialist centres of excellence.
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We will consider encouraging the development of new services at the hospitals and Weaver's Croft through financial support.
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We will also consider funding anything which might assist in the recruitment and retention of staff.
Clearly, there will be some grey areas, so discretion and interpretation are intrinsic to the Trustees' decision-making. Also, we may consider match-funding in the future, if seen as appropriate.
Fundraising activities and income generation
The League continued to receive various donations throughout the year, in particular from legacies and funeral collections. We are grateful that relatives recognise in this latter way the care received from the hospital.
Public facing fundraising is slowly and surely resuming after the Covid-hiatus. Sales of League of Friends Christmas cards through the League of Friends shop were strong. Together with the Chaplaincy team, we began the planning of resumption of the annual service in support of the League at adjacent Holy Trinity Church. The first will take place to jointly celebrate 150 years of Stroud Hospital (on it's present site) on Sunday 6th July 2025. Along with other hospital - driven events of celebration throughout that year, we plan to include images in a League of Friends calendar for 2026, for sale in the shop at the same time as Christmas cards.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
a. Introduction
This Annual Review covers the calendar year 2024. Normal face to face activities and meetings fully resumed. This included gatherings of Trustees and Members, also meetings with Matron, the Lead Midwife and other key Trust representatives in their operational settings, as well as participation in the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) at Stroud District Council office.
In April Chair Dr Roma Walker stepped aside from her role to attend to a personal priority. Trustee Margaret Greaves held the role of Interim Chair from that point. At the AGM in October Dr Walker relinquished her Chair role though remains a very committed Trustee. Margaret Greaves was subsequently appointed as Chair.
b. Review of activities
Hospital Services
MIIU
The breadth of opening hours and patient throughput has remained strong, always adhering to safe staff:patient ratios.
Inpatient Wards
We recognize the increased activity of patient status. Matron confirms that resources have been boosted by the rollout of Advanced Practitioner role with support from established expertise within the Trust.
Endoscopy
Throughput of this speciality has remained consistently high, with much positive recommendation from clinicians and patients alike.
Outpatients
Clinics covering diverse med/surg specialities were well attended. AMD eye clinic activity continues to expand, incorporating a weekly double session. The League funded a second specialist chair to aid patient access/tolerance and to enhance clinical intervention in the event of medical emergency.
Theatre
Day surgery has continued to cover the range of specialities driven and allocated by the Trust. In that respect, urology was diverted elsewhere during the later months though the introduction of other specialities is under review.
Breast Screening
The League learnt that the Trust is now committed to the establishment of breast screening at Stroud. This will improve patient access and experience. We await details of the timescale for enabling work and refurbishment. The League has pledged financial support of equipment and refurbishment up to £250K for this initiative.
Maternity
Whilst overnight beds remained closed, low-risk births at Stroud Maternity Unit continued. In 2024, 93 babies were born. We were delighted that our Patron HRH the Princess Royal visited the unit on 22nd March 2024, spending a relaxed and morale-boosting time with parents, babies and staff.
Within the Trust, the matters of quality of service, CQC compliance, recruitment and retention of midwives featured heavily throughout the year. The League has remained close to related activities and high-level discussions with Trust leads. We followed the Parliamentary debate on Gloucestershire Maternity Matters in October, contributing impartial narrative to subsequent media coverage of this topic.
Enhancement of the ward bedded area and conservatory (redecoration, refurbishment, decorative window film, furniture and seating) was funded by the League thereby refreshing these already welcoming, reassuring spaces.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
The suite of perinatal services (including companionship, yoga, singing, feeding and sleep support, journalling) were very well attended; the League continued to fund this range. At time of report we are working with Stroud Maternity Unit and the Trust to review and identify areas of additional need eg Birth Trauma and Baby Loss.
Weaver's Croft and Park House
Whilst there were no direct requests for funding, we remain committed to these two community mental health facilities and include in our dialogue and staff-boosting events eg the annual ice cream van visit.
Community Services
Horsfall House
We continued to fund the free and much needed respite bed at Horsfall House for those registered with the local GP practices in Stroud and the Five Valleys area. During 2024 we funded 387 bed nights, just over 366, reflecting extended periods for a couple of more complex cases.
The demand for the Horsfall House respite service has not reduced. Horsfall House remains very grateful to the League for its support since this enables continued provision to those families who need and benefit from respite. Some stays are planned to secure regular, sustaining breaks for unpaid carers; others are arranged at shorter notice, often urgent. Initial requests originate either directly from users or from health and social care professionals, such as GPs and social care assessors. On occasions, admission to hospital for medical care is averted.
The League is privileged to be able to offer this much needed support.
Hope for Tomorrow (HFT)
We continued to fund the weekly visit of the specialist mobile unit which parks at the back of Stroud Hospital. This provides chemotherapy and other cancer treatment. Our grant covers the cost of the HFT Stroud service and we are delighted to be able to help in this way. It enables Stroud residents to receive their regular treatment in Stroud rather than travelling to Cheltenham and is much-valued. During 2024 we agreed a further three year grant period.
Community Grants
In July we were pleased to allocate £44,500 to eight community-based applicants. Access Bikes, Allsorts, Five Valley Sounds, Listening Post, Longfield, Stroud Womens Refuge, The Door and Sunflowers Suicide Support.
Volunteers and Gardening Group
A stronger volunteer headcount enables the shop/café to be open Monday - Friday. A range of fresh wraps/salads/sandwiches, sweet treats and beverages is available. Payments are made by card or QR code. This inviting, accessible facility is enjoyed by staff, outpatients, visitors and occasional inpatients. A palpable feelgood factor. Volunteers on the wards provide companionship and engagement, particularly to patients whose journey through the post-admission health and care system is lengthy. The Gardening group still enthusiastically tend public spaces and seating areas. Plants and compost are generously donated by Tesco, Co-op, M & S and B & Q. Linda Phillips' plant/flower sales raised £1200.
The NHS
As in all years, this report would not be complete without recognising the dedication, resilience and adaptability shown, in the face of the most extreme and unimaginably challenging circumstances, by all the staff of the two hospitals and Weavers Croft.
This gratitude extends equally to the administrators of the two NHS Foundation Trusts and all the allied services, such as Ambulance and Primary Care. Locally and nationally, we are indebted to you all.
On a related note, we resumed our annual funding of an ice cream van visit to the staff on a hot, sunny day in July - a small gesture in the grand scheme of things, though a great morale boost.
Chaplaincy Team
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
We must also register our thanks and regard for the Chaplaincy team who so sensitively support patients, relatives and staff both within the hospitals and in the wider community.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
a. Going concern
After making the appropriate enquiries, the Trustees are satisfied that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
b. Annual Review
The Charity's funds were boosted in the year by the receipt of £266,999 of legacies from four estates. The shop income continued to grow following its reopening and increased range of food and drink on offer. Combined with increased investment returns total income for the year was £316,345.
Total expenditure amounted to £248,368 including £209,884 of grants to fund equipment and services at the hospital and in the wider community.
Taken together the surplus for the year was £67,977 before losses on investments of £10,170.
At the year end the Charity's total funds amounted to £1.739m including investments of £1.085m and cash of £632,706.
The majority of the Charity's Reserves are invested through Charles Stanley. These investments have now largely been moved out of equities into fixed interest stocks and bonds to facilitate their liquidation as needed. The Charity remains in a strong position financially and the Trustees continue to explore a number of projects where the funds can be used for maximum impact.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
a. Governing Document
The League of Friends of Stroud Hospitals and the Health Centre is a charitable trust governed by the rules adopted on 14th March 1964, as amended and registered under the Charities' Act 1960, Charity Registration No. 1187228. The charity has due regard for the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The League is administered by an Executive Committee of up to ten people who usually meet six times a year, in addition to three General Members Committee meetings and the AGM. All Executive Committee members are appointed at the Annual General Meeting. The General Members Committee represents local organisations and volunteers.
b. Method of appointment or election of Trustees
Management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
c. Privacy policy
In line with legislative requirements relating to data protection, the Trustees have implemented a Privacy Policy and have made the necessary arrangements to become compliant. This will be regularly reviewed and updated.
d. Relationships with other charities
The League is an affiliated member of Attend (formerly the National Association of Leagues of Hospital and Community Friends). The Chair has regular meetings with the Chairs of other Leagues of Friends in Gloucestershire.
e. Investment policy
There are no restrictions on the charity's power to invest and as the charity sometimes needs to react very quickly on applications for direct charitable expenditure, it has a policy of keeping the restricted and designated funds in short-term deposits which can be accessed immediately. The Trustees have sought investments that will show capital appreciation in a medium term 5-10 year timescale as well as generating income. The Trustees' investment policy is to generate increases in overall value that exceed the portfolio. The Trustees have retained Charles Stanley & Co to give professional investment advice and act on a discretionary basis. The trustees meet with them twice per annum to review investment performance and ensure holdings are in line with policy - which precludes investments in weapons, tobacco or alcohol. All investment changes are notified and explained to the Chair and Treasurer as they occur.
f. Reserves policy
The Charity has free reserves of c£1.764m. Existing support for Community based projects is close to £100K per annum. The Charity has little in the way of ongoing costs. Having given the matter appropriate consideration, the Trustees have concluded that Free Reserves of around £50K are adequate.
In order to reach this level, the Trustees intend to commit up to £300K per annum over the next 5 years to support local health provision including those based in the community. To do so requires significant projects and these remain elusive. The Trustees have identified one project to establish a new clinic at the Hospital which may require up to £250K of financial support in the near future. Whilst options are continually being explored, the Charity benefits from the generosity of local supporters and these two factors have again combined to increase the Charity's reserves.
g. Principal risks and uncertainties
The Trustees actively and regularly review the risks which the Charity faces. The Trustees believe that by having a clear strategy for spending reserves, use of an Investment Broker, ensuring appropriate controls exist over key financial systems and an open Trustee recruitment process, the key risks faced by the Charity have been mitigated appropriately.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 10 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs M Greaves (Chair) - Trustee
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Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the information given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
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sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditors under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
In assigning the audit engagement team we ensured that collectively they had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations, highlight areas of the financial statements particularly susceptible to fraud and conduct appropriate additional enquiries where suspicions or weaknesses became evident.
At the planning stage, we assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur. This involved preliminary planning discussions with management to obtain their assessment of fraud risk, to identify any incidences of fraud during the year and understand the measures and controls they had taken to combat the possibility of fraud.
Our transaction testing and assessment of controls during the audit provided further evidence as to the validity of this initial assessment with regard to material misstatement and fraud.
We identified areas of law and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the Trustees, and inspection of the Charity's regulatory and legal correspondence. The team were briefed with regard to laws and regulations and remained alert to any indication of non-compliance throughout the audit.
The charity is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including legislation covering financial reporting including specific disclosures requirements and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items. In assessing this compliance, we evaluated the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates in the measurement and presentation of profit within the financial statements.
The charity is subject to other laws and regulations including those affecting the conduct and and remuneration of trustees, and the operation of the charity for charitable purpose being for public benefit. The consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on the financial statements and jeopardise the going concern status of the charity.
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Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Audit procedures designed to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations included enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence. None of the procedures applied identified actual or suspected non-compliance.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. Where an irregularity is non-financial or has not reached a stage where its impact is financial, it is less likely to be identified by auditing procedures. In addition, to the extent that an irregularity involves collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls, there remains a high risk of non-detection. We are not responsible for detecting all instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and cannot be expected to do so.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Kingscott Dix Limited Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor Goodridge Court Goodridge Avenue Gloucester Gloucestershire GL2 5EN
10 September 2025
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 Other trading activities 3 Investment income 4 Total EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 5 Charitable activities Support costs Grant funding of activities Total Net gains/(losses) on investments NET INCOME RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted fund £ 247,484 18,847 50,014 316,345 23,695 14,789 209,884 248,368 (10,170) 57,807 1,610,434 1,668,241 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - 71,041 71,041 |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 247,484 18,847 50,014 316,345 23,695 14,789 209,884 248,368 (10,170) 57,807 1,681,475 1,739,282 |
31.12.23 Total funds £ 106,137 11,017 35,947 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 153,101 | ||||
| 16,758 14,982 118,858 |
||||
| 150,598 | ||||
| 28,391 | ||||
| 30,894 1,650,581 |
||||
| 1,681,475 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Balance Sheet
31 December 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Investments 12 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 13 Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 15 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CREDITORS Amounts falling due after more than one year 16 NET ASSETS FUNDS 18 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
31.12.24 £ 1,085,082 262 82,731 632,706 715,699 (36,499) 679,200 1,764,282 (25,000) 1,739,282 1,668,241 71,041 1,739,282 |
31.12.23 £ 1,095,252 262 300,162 321,298 621,722 (35,499) 586,223 1,681,475 - 1,681,475 1,610,434 71,041 1,681,475 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 10 September 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
M Greaves (Chair) - Trustee
W J Abbott (Treasurer) - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
The League of Friends of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.
Income from Investments
Income from investments is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income from donated services & facilities
Donated services or facilities are recognised when the Charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item, have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the Charity of the item is probable and that the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time of the Charity is not recognised. Refer to the Trustees' Report for more information about their contribution.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount the Charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
Interest Receivable
Interest of funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities in incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charities objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes
The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund..
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instruments and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which care it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as 'Gains/(Losses) on investments in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Liabilities are recognised where there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Financial instruments
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt of the amount it has recieved as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations Legacies 3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Shop income 4. INVESTMENT INCOME Investment income Deposit account interest 5. RAISING FUNDS Other trading activities Purchases Investment management costs Interest payable and similar charges Aggregate amounts |
31.12.24 £ 5,485 241,999 247,484 31.12.24 £ 18,847 31.12.24 £ 42,803 7,211 50,014 31.12.24 £ 15,362 31.12.24 £ 8,333 23,695 |
31.12.23 £ 6,137 100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 106,137 | ||
| 31.12.23 £ 11,017 31.12.23 £ 32,057 3,890 35,947 31.12.23 £ 8,567 31.12.23 £ 8,191 16,758 |
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
6. GRANTS PAYABLE
| GRANTS PAYABLE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grant funding of activities The total grants paid to institutions during the year was as follows: Grants |
31.12.24 £ 182,862 31.12.24 £ 182,862 |
31.12.23 £ 97,927 |
| 31.12.23 £ 97,927 |
7. SUPPORT COSTS
| 7. | SUPPORT COSTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governance | |||||
| Management | Finance | costs | Totals | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Support costs | 358 | 10,490 | 3,960 | 14,808 | |
| Support costs, included in the above, are | as follows: | ||||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||||
| Support | Total | ||||
| costs | activities | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Telephone | 358 | 852 | |||
| Salaries | 9,862 | 9,561 | |||
| Pensions | 246 | 31 | |||
| Bank charges | 382 | 297 | |||
| Auditors' remuneration | 3,960 | 4,241 | |||
| 14,808 | 14,982 | ||||
| 8. | AUDITORS' REMUNERATION | ||||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Fees payable to the charity's auditors for | the audit of the charity's | ||||
| financial statements | 3,960 | 4,241 |
9. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
10. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Other pension costs The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Administration No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 105,837 Other trading activities 11,017 Investment income 35,947 Total 152,801 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 16,758 Charitable activities Support costs 14,982 Grant funding of activities 109,196 Total 140,936 Net gains on investments 28,391 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 40,256 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1,570,178 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,610,434 |
31.12.24 £ 9,862 246 10,108 31.12.24 1 Restricted funds £ 300 - - 300 - - 9,662 9,662 - (9,362) 80,403 71,041 |
31.12.23 £ 9,561 31 9,592 31.12.23 1 Total funds £ 106,137 11,017 35,947 |
31.12.23 £ 9,561 31 9,592 31.12.23 1 Total funds £ 106,137 11,017 35,947 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 153,101 | |||
| 16,758 14,982 118,858 |
|||
| 150,598 | |||
| 28,391 | |||
| 30,894 1,650,581 |
|||
| 1,681,475 |
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
12. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| MARKET VALUE At 1 January 2024 Revaluations At 31 December 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Listed investments £ 1,095,252 (10,170) 1,085,082 1,085,082 1,095,252 |
|---|---|
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
All investments were valued in 2023 to market value. The original cost of the investments held at 31 December 2023 was £500,575.
13. STOCKS
| 13. | STOCKS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Stocks | 262 | 262 | |
| 14. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 82,731 | 300,162 |
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.12.24 £ Other creditors 36,499 16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 31.12.24 £ Other creditors 25,000 17. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS 31.12.24 Unrestricted Restricted Total fund funds funds £ £ £ Investments 1,085,082 - 1,085,082 Current assets 644,658 71,041 715,699 Current liabilities (36,499) - (36,499) Long term liabilities (25,000) - (25,000) 1,668,241 71,041 1,739,282 18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement At 1.1.24 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 1,610,434 57,807 Restricted funds Medical Equipment Fund 64,753 - Cashes Green 29 - Nailsworth Community Nurses 5,225 - Dementia Care at Weavers Croft 734 - Minor Injuries Unit 300 - 71,041 - TOTAL FUNDS 1,681,475 57,807 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming Resources Gains and resources expended losses £ £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 316,345 (248,368) (10,170) TOTAL FUNDS 316,345 (248,368) (10,170) |
31.12.23 £ 35,499 31.12.23 £ - 31.12.23 Total funds £ 1,095,252 621,722 (35,499) - 1,681,475 At 31.12.24 £ 1,668,241 64,753 29 5,225 734 300 71,041 1,739,282 Movement in funds £ 57,807 57,807 |
|---|---|
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Medical Equipment Fund Cashes Green Nailsworth Community Nurses Dementia Care at Weavers Croft Minor Injuries Unit TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.23 £ 1,570,178 74,289 155 5,225 734 - 80,403 1,650,581 |
Net movement in funds £ 40,256 (9,536) (126) - - 300 (9,362) 30,894 |
At 31.12.23 £ 1,610,434 64,753 29 5,225 734 300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71,041 | |||
| 1,681,475 |
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Medical Equipment Fund Cashes Green Minor Injuries Unit TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 152,801 - - 300 300 153,101 |
Resources expended £ (140,936) (9,536) (126) - (9,662) (150,598) |
Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ 28,391 40,256 - (9,536) - (126) - 300 - (9,362) 28,391 30,894 |
|---|---|---|---|
Nailsworth Community Nurses Fund : To support the work of the Community Nurses operating from Nailsworth.
Dementia Care at Weavers Croft Fund : To provide support for dementia care at Weavers Croft Unit
Medical Equipment Fund: A fund to be used to provide medical equipment.
Minor Injuries Unit Fund: To provide support for the minor injuries unit.
Cashes Green Fund : To provide support for Cashes Green ward.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
19. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024.
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Donations | 5,485 | 6,137 |
| Legacies | 241,999 | 100,000 |
| 247,484 | 106,137 | |
| Other trading activities | ||
| Shop income | 18,847 | 11,017 |
| Investment income | ||
| Investment income | 42,803 | 32,057 |
| Deposit account interest | 7,211 | 3,890 |
| 50,014 | 35,947 | |
| Total incoming resources | 316,345 | 153,101 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Other trading activities | ||
| Shop expenditure | 15,362 | 8,567 |
| Investment management costs | ||
| Just giving charges | 216 | 198 |
| Investment management fees | 8,117 | 7,993 |
| 8,333 | 8,191 | |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Equipment and amenities | 27,003 | 20,931 |
| Grants to institutions | 182,862 | 97,927 |
| 209,865 | 118,858 | |
| Support costs | ||
| Management | ||
| Telephone | 358 | 852 |
| Finance | ||
| Salaries | 9,862 | 9,561 |
| Pensions | 246 | 31 |
| Bank charges | 382 | 297 |
| 10,490 | 9,889 | |
| Governance costs | ||
| Auditors' remuneration | 3,960 | 4,241 |
| Total resources expended | 248,368 | 150,598 |
| Net income before gains and losses | 67,977 | 2,503 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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The League of Friends Of Stroud Hospital and Related Health Provision
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Realised recognised gains and losses | ||
| Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset | ||
| investments | (10,170) | 28,391 |
| Net income | 57,807 | 30,894 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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