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2024-04-05-accounts

Charity Registration Number: 1190070

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Financial Statements

For the Year Ending

5 April 2024

JANE ASCROFT ACCOUNTANCY LIMITED

Chartered accountants Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Financial Statements

Year Ended 5 April 2024

Page
Trustees' Annual Report 1
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Statement of Financial Position 6
Notes to the Financial Statements 7
The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 16

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Trustees' Annual Report

Year Ended 5 April 2024

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2024.

Objectives

The objectives of the charity are education, advice and rescue of wildlife

It was established in 1991 as a specialist wildlife information bureau and fox deterrence consultancy, we have since additionally incorporated a Wildlife Hospital since 1993 which, today - admits and treats around 1,400 foxes per year, including 300 cubs.

Main activities

The Wildlife Information Bureau - regularly advises national and local government and all areas of the media as well as providing information to the public on all aspects of the Red Fox.

Our fox deterrence consultancy - provides Do-it-Yourself information on simple, humane and non-lethal methods of resolving conflict with urban foxes. To that end, it works with, and recommends professional call-out consultancies that provenly share our ethic, which excludes both destruction and relocation and precludes co-operation with bodies that operate such systems.

The Wildlife Ambulance Service - operates over a 60 x 70 mile range over parts of Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex and South East London, dealing with sick and injured foxes and abandoned fox cubs and working with a large team of local volunteer rescuers, fosterers and rehabbers to provide for their care, treatment and rehabilitation back into the wild.

Public Benefit

The Trustees are aware of their responsibilities in terms of public benefit and have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Contribution made by volunteers

The Fox Project does not receive financial support from national or local governments. It relies entirely on donations from supporters, the general public and for specific projects, from grant making trusts.

Numerous Volunteers Operating Under Staff and Trustees Guidance.

The Intensive Care Unit where volunteers clean and feed recovering casualties twice daily.

Rescuers: A keen rescuer will be kitted out with a carry cage and a landing net, after which they would be contacted by the duty ambulance driver to assist with any foxes in need of rescue in their area.

Fosterers - we build pens in fosterers' gardens where they can look after recovering adult casualties or groups of cubs until they get released.

Fundraisers: We operate a system of local fundraising groups, each of which organises their own events or comes together with others for larger projects. Fundraising schemes will include street collections, supermarket customer check-out bag packing, information and sales stalls at local fetes, shows etc., pub quizzes, sponsored events, school no-uniform days and raffles.

1

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

Achievements and Performance

Over 6,000 advice calls fielded per annum from public, institutions and government.

1,000+ Wildlife Rescue operations undertaken per annum on request of public.

We rescue and provide care for sick and injured foxes and also lost and orphaned fox cubs, rehabilitating them back to the wild. We also educate and inform the public about the true nature and behaviour of foxes in order to reduce fear and persecution and encourage tolerance and acceptance of our wild neighbour.

Although the high profile side of our charity is rescue and rehabilitation, we also provide a national information bureau and humane non-lethal deterrence advice service; we promote networking between associated charities and groups, helping to cross-feed information and current knowledge.

What makes The Fox Project different: We are specialists in fox behaviour, having been operating for 25 years, and are the only charity in the country that provides a comprehensive advice service.

We cover a 60 x 70-mile radius over parts of Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex and Southeast London with the invaluable assistance of our volunteer rescuers.

Financial Review

Income generated during the year was £448,338.

Cash at bank and in hand as of 5th April 2024 was £1,213,146.

Reserves policy

We maintain a minimum £400,000 bolster - which is the figure needed to survive for 12 months if no further income was forthcoming. At 5th April 2024 reserves were £1,260,415.

Principal funding sources

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 23 June 2020 with charity number 1190070. It is governed by its Constitution as a foundation CIO. It has taken over the activities of charity number 1044928 (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network) which was established in 1995 as an unincorporated charity.

Trustees are appointed by majority invitation of existing trustees. Trustees are expected to introduce themselves to all aspects of charity activity.

Day to day decisions made by appointed staff within parameters established by trustees.

2

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

Reference and Administrative Details
Registered charity name The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)
Charity registration number 1190070
Principal office Unit 29b, 39a Maidstone Road
Paddock Wood
Kent
TN12 6DG
The Trustees
Dr Philip John Anscombe (Chair)
Clive Martin (Resigned 21 March 2024)
Caroline Wetton
Cathy Webster
Angela Christou (Appointed 18 July 2024)
Independent Examiner Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab)
Enterprise House
Harmire Enterprise Park
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8XT

The trustees' annual report was approved on 13 December 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Dr Philip John Anscombe (Chair) Trustee

3

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network) ('the charity') for the year ended 5 April 2024.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Independent Examiner

Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT

4

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 5 April 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted
fundsTotal funds Total funds
Note £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 411,208 411,208 468,826
Other trading activities 5 15,581 15,581 12,133
Investment income 6 21,618 21,618 6,392
───────── ───────── ─────────
Total income 448,407 448,407 487,351
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of raising donations and legacies 7 3,447 3,447 3,816
Costs of other trading activities 8 14,021 14,021 8,670
Expenditure on charitable activities 9,10 542,922 542,922 415,306
───────── ───────── ─────────
Total expenditure 560,390 560,390 427,792
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
───────── ───────── ─────────
Net (expenditure)/income and net movement in funds (111,983) (111,983) 59,559
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 1,372,398 1,372,398 1,312,839
──────────── ──────────── ────────────
Total funds carried forward 1,260,415 1,260,415 1,372,398
════════════ ════════════ ════════════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 7 to 14 form part of these financial statements.

5

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Statement of Financial Position

5 April 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets 15 20,579 20,956
Current Assets
Debtors 16 27,290 16,875
Cash at bank and in hand 1,213,146 1,335,167
──────────── ────────────
1,240,436 1,352,042
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 600 600
──────────── ────────────
Net Current Assets 1,239,836 1,351,442
──────────── ────────────
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 1,260,415 1,372,398
──────────── ────────────
Net Assets 1,260,415 1,372,398
════════════ ════════════
Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted funds 1,260,415 1,372,398
──────────── ────────────
Total charity funds 19 1,260,415
════════════
1,372,398
════════════

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 13 December 2024, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Dr Philip John Anscombe (Chair) Trustee

The notes on pages 7 to 14 form part of these financial statements.

6

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 5 April 2024

1. General Information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is The Lodge, Kings Toll Road, Pembury, Kent, TN2 4BE.

2. Statement of Compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees are not aware of any significant errors or judgements affecting these accounts.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

7

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Income

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible Assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

8

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Motor vehicles - 20% straight line

Impairment of Fixed Assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and 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.

Defined Contribution Plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.

Cash at Bank and in Hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

9

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Taxation

The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

4. Donations and Legacies

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Donations
Donations and gifts 176,717 176,717 298,564 298,564
Gift aid 21,236 21,236 16,790 16,790
Legacies
Legacies 213,255 213,255 151,609 151,609
Grants
Big Wild Thought 613 613
Born Free 1,000 1,000
Waites Foundation 250 250
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
411,208 411,208 468,826 468,826
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════
5. Other Trading Activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Merchandise 15,581 15,581 12,133 12,133
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
6. Investment Income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 21,618 21,618 6,392 6,392
════════ ════════ ═══════ ═══════

10

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

7. Costs of Raising Donations and Legacies

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Costs of raising donations and legacies
- Donations 3,447 3,447 3,816 3,816
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
8. Costs of Other Trading Activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Costs of other trading activities -
Merchandise 14,021 14,021 8,670 8,670
════════ ════════ ═══════ ═══════
9. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Charitable expenditure (see page 16) 542,922 542,922 415,306 415,306
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════
10. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type
Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly 2024 2023
£ £ £
Charitable expenditure (see page 16) 542,922 542,922 415,306
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
11. Net (Expenditure)/Income
Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 7,745 4,658
Gains on disposal of heritage assets (2,171)
═══════ ═══════
12. Independent Examination Fees
2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 600 600
════ ════

11

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

13. Staff Costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 264,579 215,365
Social security costs 18,677 19,705
Employer contributions to pension plans 4,554 4,539
───────── ─────────
287,810 239,609
═════════ ═════════

The average head count of employees during the year was 11 (2023: 10). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:

2024 2023
No. No.
Fundraising 2 2
Charitable activities 7 6
Governance 1 1
Admin 1 1
──── ────
11 10
════ ════

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023: Nil).

14. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

The trustees received no expenses or remuneration during the current or preceding year.

15. Tangible Fixed Assets

Fixtures,
fittings and Motor
equipment vehicles Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 6 April 2023 2,800 34,950 37,750
Additions 12,347 12,347
Disposals (13,835) (13,835)
─────── ──────── ────────
At 5 April 2024 2,800 33,462 36,262
═══════ ════════ ════════
Depreciation
At 6 April 2023 16,794 16,794
Charge for the year 7,745 7,745
Disposals (8,856) (8,856)
─────── ──────── ────────
At 5 April 2024 15,683 15,683
═══════ ════════ ════════
Carrying amount
At 5 April 2024 2,800 17,779 20,579
═══════ ════════ ════════
At 5 April 2023 2,800 18,156 20,956
═══════ ════════ ════════

12

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

16. Debtors
2024 2023
£ £
Gift aid recoverable 21,203 16,875
Other debtors 6,087
──────── ────────
27,290 16,875
════════ ════════
17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 600 600
════ ════

18. Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £4,554 (2023: £4,539).

19. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At At
6 April 2023 Income Expenditure 5 April 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 1,372,398 448,407 (560,390)
1,260,415
════════════ ═════════ ═════════ ════════════
At At
6 April 2022 Income Expenditure 5 April 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 1,312,839 487,351 (427,792)
1,372,398
════════════ ═════════ ═════════ ════════════

13

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 5 April 2024

20. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024
£ £
Tangible fixed assets 20,579 20,579
Current assets 1,240,436 1,240,436
Creditors less than 1 year (600)
(600)
──────────── ────────────
Net assets 1,260,415 1,260,415
════════════ ════════════
Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023
£ £
Tangible fixed assets 20,956 20,956
Current assets 1,352,042 1,352,042
Creditors less than 1 year (600)
(600)
──────────── ────────────
Net assets 1,372,398 1,372,398
════════════ ════════════

14

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Management Information

Year Ended 5 April 2024

The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements.

15

The Fox Project (Southern Wildlife Ambulance Network)

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 5 April 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Donations and gifts 176,717 298,564
Gift aid 21,236 16,790
Legacies 213,255 151,609
Big Wild Thought 613
Born Free 1,000
Waites Foundation 250
───────── ─────────
411,208 468,826
───────── ─────────
Other trading activities
Merchandise 15,581 12,133
──────── ────────
Investment income
Bank interest receivable 21,618 6,392
──────── ───────
───────── ─────────
Total income 448,407 487,351
═════════ ═════════
Expenditure
Costs of raising donations and legacies
Cost of raising donations 3,447 3,816
─────── ───────
Costs of other trading activities
Merchandise 9,561 5,444
Postage 4,460 3,226
──────── ───────
14,021 8,670
──────── ───────
Expenditure on charitable activities
Salaries 264,579 215,365
Employer's NIC 18,677 19,705
Pension costs 4,554 4,539
Ambulance, fuel and maintenance 35,174 31,050
Consultancy 22,113 6,838
Office, information bureau, communications 40,329 31,564
Depreciation 7,745 4,658
Profit on disposal of assets (2,171)
Veterinary, feed, animal housing 146,400 95,698
Other costs 5,522 5,889
───────── ─────────
Expenditure on charitable activities 542,922 415,306
═════════ ═════════
───────── ─────────
Total expenditure 560,390 427,792
═════════ ═════════
───────── ─────────
Net (expenditure)/income (111,983) 59,559
═════════ ═════════

16