Charity number: 1190959
Trustees Report and Financial Statements Period ending 31 March 2021
Trustees Report and Financial Statements for the period ended 31 March 2021
Contents
Officers, advisers and contact details ................................................................................................................ 2 A personal message from the Trustees ............................................................................................................... 3 Our mission ............................................................................................................................................................. 4 Our impact ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Our future plans..................................................................................................................................................... 5 Case studies .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Our partners, supporters and collaborators ....................................................................................................... 7 Our other activities ................................................................................................................................................ 7 Media ................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Our merchandise .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Operational ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Objective ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Structure, Governance and Management ................................................................................................... 8 Public Benefit ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 Fundraising ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Covid Pandemic ............................................................................................................................................... 9 Financial review .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Results for the period ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Reserves policy .................................................................................................................................................. 9 Going concern ................................................................................................................................................ 10 Statement of Trustees responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 11 Independent Examiner’s Report ....................................................................................................................... 12 Statement of Financial Activities ....................................................................................................................... 13 Balance Sheet ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 Notes to the accounts ........................................................................................................................................ 15
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Trustees Report and Financial Statements for the period ended 31 March 2021
Officers, advisers, and contact details
Charity registration Registered office Trustees
A foundation model Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered in England and Wales; number 1190959 Harpenden Hall, Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1TE
Kieran Stanbridge Gemma Wardell Dave Wardell
Banks :
All Trustees were appointed when the Constitution was confirmed on 18 May 2020 Metro Bank One Southampton Row, London, WC1B 5HA
CAF Bank
25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ
Independent Examiner
Jonathon Holt BA(Hons) FCCA Cloke & Co 475 Salisbury House London Wall London EC2M 5QQ
Website and social media www.thinbluepaw.org.uk Twitter: @ThinBluePaw Facebook: @thinbluepaw Instagram: @thinbluepaw LinkedIn: Thin Blue Paw Foundation Contact us info@thinbluepaw.org.uk Donate to help us donate.thinbluepaw.org.uk
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
A personal message from the Trustees
When we launched the charity in 2020, we had major ambitions and big dreams; but we never could have envisioned our first year going as well as it did - particularly during the middle of a global health pandemic that shook even the biggest and most established of charities. We owe our success and our continued growth to the dedication of the team and the support we’ve received from our wonderful corporate partners, sponsors and all our donors and fundraisers.
Our goal at the Thin Blue Paw Foundation has always been clear: to protect, celebrate and rehabilitate both serving and retired police dogs from across the UK. And during over the course of 2020 and 2021, we’ve done just that. We launched campaigns and partnerships to better protect those police dogs on the frontline; we celebrated working and retired police dogs at our inaugural Thin Blue Paw Awards; and we rehabilitated dozens of retired police dogs, offering access to the very best veterinary care and specialist treatment, improving the dogs’ quality of life, and easing the financial and emotional pressures faced by their adoring owners.
We set up the Foundation because we love dogs and we are indebted to the incredible police dogs who put their lives on the line for us everyday in order to fight crime and make this country a safer place for us all to enjoy. We feel very privileged to have been able to give back to these dogs and to raise more awareness of just some of the incredible stories of bravery and dedication that show how loyal and loving these frontline four-legged officers truly are.
This year we’ve had the honour of meeting dogs who have survived violent attacks while serving their communities and protected their handlers in frightening criminal encounters; and we’ve supported unsung canine heroes who have saved lives, captured dangerous criminals, and recovered hundreds of thousands of pounds of drugs, cash, and dangerous weapons.
We feel incredibly proud to have given the opportunity to tell the stories of just some of the working and retired police dogs across the UK through national newspaper articles, heart-warming magazine features, and to have appeared alongside these canine champions on TV programmes from Crimewatch Live to BBC Breakfast.
The support we’ve received in our mission to protect, celebrate, and rehabilitate these dogs has been unwavering and overwhelming. Thank you to every person who has donated money, organised a fundraiser to support our work, told their friends and family about us, shared our posts on social media, and helped us spread the message that police dogs need, and deserve, our help.
We are committed to continuing our vital work and we hope the next 12 months will hold many more exciting opportunities for us to celebrate and support the nation’s beloved police dogs, while they wear their badge and long after they’ve hung it up.
Kieran Stanbridge Gemma Wardell Dave Wardell
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
The Trustees present their first report along with the financial statements covering the period from 18 May 2020, when the charity was constituted, to the period end of 31 March 2021. The financial statements have been prepared based on the accounting policies set out in the note to these accounts. The Trustees, and other administrative details are shown on page 2.
Our mission
We will protect, celebrate & rehabilitate both serving and retired police dogs from across the United Kingdom.
Serving police officers Dave and Gemma Wardell and their friend and fellow dog-lover Kieran Stanbridge set up the foundation in 2020 after months spent researching what national support there was available for working and retired police dogs. Their aim was simple: to improve the health and welfare of serving and retired police dogs.
There are around 1,500 serving police dogs across the UK and approximately 150 retire each year. Many of these dogs stay with their handlers, alongside any replacement service dog, while others are adopted by police colleagues or by members of the public.
But many people are unaware that retired police dogs do not receive any financial support from the force they served with meaning the responsibility for their care – and the associated costs – fall solely on their owner. As it’s incredibly difficult to get insurance for an ex-working dog, this can be a daunting prospect for any new owner, particularly as many retired police dogs will carry with them the wear and tear of a strenuous working life that can cause painful medical conditions in later life.
The Foundation provides much-needed financial support to more than 200 retired police dogs and their owners to ensure they can lead a long and happy retirement with access to the very best vet care and treatment they may need.
Protect
We will provide greater protection for serving police dogs through influencing law-makers, calling for policy change, and supporting campaigns such as #FinnsLaw and #FinnsLaw2. We will also support serving police dogs by becoming the UK’s first charity – in partnership with our sponsors and partners – to issue free dog first aid training to all dog handlers as well as supply free first aid kits to all dog units. We will continue to explore providing PPE for police dogs across the UK, including stab vests and paw protectors.
Celebrate Every day, police dogs step out onto the frontline to keep the public safe and help officers fight crime. These unsung canine heroes secure public venues and events, sniff out missing people and save innocent lives, track down criminals and seek out cash, drugs, and firearms; going above and beyond to provide a vital service to their local communities. They put their lives on the line each time they jump out of the van, always with a wagging tail.
We launched the Thin Blue Paw Awards to celebrate these dogs’ achievements and, through our media team and social media channels, set about to shine a light on some of their incredible tails.
Rehabilitate
After retiring from active service, the cost of caring for a retired police dog becomes the sole responsibility of their new owner. With insurance practically impossible to attain, we will step in to provide much-needed financial support to help cover the often huge costs of medication, veterinary treatment, and ongoing therapy to treat illnesses, injuries, conditions and ensure the dog can enjoy their retirement.
Our fund is open to all retired Police Dogs within the United Kingdom.
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
Our impact
What we have done
Our scope
Since we started, we have:
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distributed 140 introductory gift boxes and dog blankets;
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signed up over 240 dogs across the UK;
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to date have given over 120 grants to more than 60 dogs needing a range of veterinary treatments;
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sponsored arrangements for a number of hydrotherapy sessions;
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sponsored 500 online veterinary consultations with Joii vets, for the dogs registered with us;
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more recently, have arranged for canine first aid training courses and first aid kits to police dog handlers across the UK.
When we originally launched the Foundation, we pledged to support any retired police dog who had served within one of the UK’s 45 police forces in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We also committed to support retired Ministry of Defence Police dogs and RAF Police dogs.
Our future plans
We have enjoyed a very successful opening period and are extremely grateful to all our sponsors, donors, and supporters. We have provided financial support to a number of dogs and set up schemes for the benefit of all retired police dogs.
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review how we best support retired police and service dogs in the future
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review our own internal structure
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consider longer term roles and objectives, including potentially lobbying for improved government support and setting up permanent rehabilitation facilities
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
Case studies
Here are just three examples that illustrate the type of support we have provided, and how this has helped the dog and their owners.
RPD Pablo
Ten-year-old springer spaniel Pablo recovered more than £250,000 worth of cash, drugs, and weapons during his career with Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies’ Joint Dog Section. He was fit and healthy when he retired in August 2019 to live with police officers Carly and George who had met the cheeky little dog on shift. When Pablo started having difficulty going to the toilet over Christmas time in 2020, his owners rushed him to the vet who found a 4cm mass in his abdomen. He needed life-saving surgery at a cost of £4,000 and the young couple had no idea how they’d pay for it. The Foundation offered to cover the bill for the operation which was a success. Carly said:
“The Thin Blue Paw Foundation saved Pablo’s life. You can’t put a price on Pablo; not only is he our beloved pet, but he’s also a hero and he’s given so much to our community.”
RPD Becks
Labrador-cross Becks was gifted to Sussex Police by the Blind Association when he failed as a guide dog and became an explosives search dog with handler, Sam at Gatwick Airport. Becks retired in 2018 to live with Sam. They were out walking in February 2021 when he cut his paw and needed emergency stitches, costing £600. The following month he needed £1,200 surgery to remove a growth from his back. Sam said: “I don’t have that kind of money; I only work part-time and I have my two-year-old son to take care of. When the Foundation offered to cover the bills I couldn’t believe it; I cried my eyes out!”
“It was a huge weight off my mind. I will be eternally grateful for everyone’s generosity at The Thin Blue Paw Foundation for helping to give Becks the care he deserves.”
RPD Kaiser
Rescue dog Kaiser joined the Ministry of Defence as a general purpose dog and was paired with Ian to patrol an atomic weapons establishment. His career ended when he broke his leg falling down a hole on shift and he returned home with Ian, and his wife, Heather, as a pet. As an ex-working dog suffering from arthritis and spondylosis, the German Shepherd was uninsurable and his daily medication and weekly hydrotherapy – costing £45 per session – was paid
for by his adopters. That is until the Foundation agreed to pay for 22 sessions of hydrotherapy to give the couple a financial break.
“Hydrotherapy really helps Kaiser live life to the full and that’s all that matters to us. We’ve paid for it for five years as he comes first. But times have been really tough during Covid so when the Foundation offered to help, we were thrilled.”
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
Our partners, supporters, and collaborators
We wouldn’t be able to do the vital work we do without the help of our partners, supporters, and collaborators. We are incredibly grateful to all those who have provided financial support and fundraising on our behalf, including:
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Animal Friends;
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ai vets;
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Pet Remedy;
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All our donors and those that have arranged sponsored events, especially during these Covid times.
We would also like to say a huge thank you to all the incredible police staff and supporters who have organised fundraisers and charity challenges to raise money for the Foundation. These include:
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A team of seven dog handlers from Northamptonshire Police who raised more than £4,000 climbing Mount Snowdon;
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A Police Service Northern Ireland dog handler raised almost £6,000 by designing and selling a t-shirt in memory of her late retired police dog, Dino, who was supported by the Foundation;
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Four Falklands police officers and their dogs - from the military working dog section of the Joint Service and Security Unit – raised more than £3,000 completing a 38mile loaded march;
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Nine dog handlers from Police Scotland raised almost £10,000 by each running, walking, or cycling 10k a day.
Our other activities
Media
When we launched in August 2020, we were delighted to get extended coverage across the media, including a number of breakfast TV shows. This helped introduce us to the nation and to many new friends. Since then we have featured on BBC Breakfast, Crimewatch Live, ITV’s The Pet Show and Sky News Sunrise.
We have also enjoyed publicity in major national newspapers, such as the Daily Mail and Metro, popular magazines, such as Closer, Yours, and Take A Break Pets, as well as specialist titles, including Your Dog Magazine and Crime Monthly.
We are looking forward to further coverage and already have exciting plans which we hope will shine a light on the fabulous work we’re doing to support our unsung canine heroes.
Our merchandise
We have a comprehensive online shop selling a variety of merchandise for dogs and their owners. We offer something for all dog-lovers and owners. The shop has proved to be a useful source of additional funds and new lines are always being introduced.
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
Operational
Objective
The charity’s objective set out in the Charity’s Constitution are:
For the benefit of the public to relieve the suffering of serving and retired police dogs from across the United Kingdom by protecting and rehabilitating.
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is governed by a foundation model Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) constitution dated 18 May 2020 and was registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales in August 2020.
Trustees, including the initial Trustees, are appointed for a term of three years. The Trustees are in regular contact with each other, as well as formal meetings three times a year.
Additional Trustees will be recruited as required, either to replace a retiring Trustee or where it is felt that the Charity would benefit from additional skillsets and expertise. Following a selection process new Trustees will be taken through an induction programme covering the ethos, mission, governance, and financial background of the charity. They are also briefed on the role of a Trustee and Charitable law.
None of the Trustees received any remuneration for their services. Administration, fundraising and other back-office services are supplied by third parties on short term contracts, including arrangements for the provision and supply of merchandise.
The charity has no direct employees.
To support the fundraising, marketing, and merchandising the charity has fully embraced current technology and access to social media, especially with the personal contact restrictions brought about by the Covid pandemic. Wherever possible processes are automated and integrated. These incur fees based on a mixture of subscription and volume pricing arrangements.
Public Benefit
Our purpose is for the benefit of the public to relieve the suffering of serving and retired police dogs from across the United Kingdom by protecting and rehabilitating.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, “Charities and Public Benefit”.
Fundraising
We are reliant on fundraising to cover our costs and are incredibly grateful to all our supporters for the contributions they have made. We are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and abide by their codes and regulations.
Our approach to fundraising consists of:
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soliciting donations from corporate partners, individuals, charitable funds, and others who have a similar interest in promoting the welfare of the dogs we support.
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direct marketing appeals to individuals who have already expressed an interest in the work we do
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encouraging people to participate in events to raise funds on our behalf
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when times permit, we intend to run a number of charitable and informational events, some of which will raise funds. We will also exhibit and provide information centres at relevant exhibitions and events such as Crufts
We do not currently use third party professional fundraisers.
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
We strive for excellence through a safe fundraising environment for all donors. Should we have concerns regarding the vulnerability of a donor, for example, a lack of capacity, then we would not take a donation.
Our privacy policy is available on our website.
During the period to 31 March 2021 we have not received any complaints.
Covid Pandemic
The global Covid Pandemic and national lockdowns were a fact of life before the charity was formed. Undoubtedly this has had an impact on our activities and our original plans have been curtailed.
We planned to have exhibitions and stalls at a number of major events, such as Crufts and other national and local shows. Our presence at these events has a threefold purpose: information sharing, promoting the charity, and fundraising.
We were also planning to hold a number of local events putting owners of our registered dogs in touch with each other, which did not happen.
Whilst we have been able to do some of this through virtual means we are looking forward to a time when we can function in person and meet the dogs, their owners, and our supporters face-to-face.
Financial review
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS102 and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective 1 January 2019). The Statement of Financial Activities shows surplus of £91k for the period to 31 March 2021, all unrestricted funds.
Results for the period
Total income in the period was £214,364. The majority of this, £184,198, was donations and fundraising from our many supporters, whether personal, from connections with a number of police forces around the country and corporate sponsorships, particularly Animal Friends.
We are extremely grateful to all of them and the contributions they have made in our initial period.
We also generated £30,157 from merchandise sales. There was an amazing interest when we launched our online shop and in the period leading up to Christmas. Sales continue to hold up; please do support our online store as we are continually introducing new lines.
Total expenditure was £123,207, including £20,851 of merchandise costs.
We gave £42,182 in support for our registered dogs, as direct financial support and we sent gift boxes to our initial member dogs. The direct financial support we provide is dependent on the number and value of applications, and not something that can easily be predicted.
Inevitably, this year we have incurred a lot of set-up costs, including creating the website and integrating various platforms as part of our fundraising process and merchandise sales. Whilst these will require ongoing review to ensure that they remain fit for purpose, we do not envisage incurring a similar level of expenditure going forward. In addition to IT related costs we also incurred various professional fees setting up the charity.
In this initial period when the Trustees have provided so much support across all the activities and setting up the charity, we have not allocated indirect support costs to the various charitable activities. This approach may change in the future.
At the period end the Charity had net assets of £91,157 mainly held as cash.
We are a charity at the end of our first period in some very challenging times. At this point we do not know the full extent of our supporter base
Reserves policy
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
and income potential, nor indeed the level of financial support we will be asked to provide on an ongoing basis. We are looking to build up our reserves to ensure we have sufficient funds such that we can provide the necessary support on an ongoing basis and can meet all request for support as applications are made.
The Trustees will keep this under regular review but are looking to build this up to a level equivalent to six to nine months total expenditure. We will also have regard to potential future major projects that will enhance the support we can give.
Going concern
The Trustees review the charity’s cash flow to ensure that it has sufficient working capital available to sustain its operations and that it can meet its day-to-day requirements from existing cash resources.
The Trustees regularly review the risks and consider the potential impact on the charity taking into account existing resources, together with anticipated future income and outgoings.
The Charity has operated throughout the period against the background of the Covid 19 pandemic which has obviously curtailed the extent of activities and opportunities to fundraise and also potentially people have been holding back on procedures that would be supported by the charity.
Our base plan assumes additional funding income in excess of previous year amounts. Should this not occur then we will slow down expenditure to match incoming resources. Our charitable outgoings and other costs, which are mainly on short-term contracts can be curtailed if we do not feel that the relevant funding will be received, and we do not have the resources to fund it ourselves.
Our current projections show that the charity is expected to be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future. After careful consideration of these factors, the Trustees have concluded that the going concern basis of preparation is appropriate.
This report was approved by the Trustees. and signed on their behalf on 31 January 2022
Kieran Stanbridge
Trustee
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Trustees Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
Statement of Trustees responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report of the Trustee and the Accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustee to prepare accounts 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 of the charity for that period.
In preparing these accounts, 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 Charities SORP;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;
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prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity and group 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 the group and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. It is 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.
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Trustees Report and Accounts for the èlb• THINBLUEPAW period ended 31 March 2021 FOUNDATIO Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Thin Blue Paw Foundation Responsibilities and basis of report I report lo the Irv5tees on myexaminatk)n or the C¢1$ ofthe dxve chuity I'the Tru5t"I for the period ended 31 Morch 3)21. As the Ch¢5 tnjstees. yw ¢ye responsW Icy the preparation ol the occo¢thYt5 in occordanc& w4ffi the reqvrement5 01 the Ch¢tieS Act 2011 Iyhe Acl'l. I rewl in respect of my examination of the TnJ5t'5 account5 C¢d out under 5ectK)n 145 of ttrE Xll l Act orKJ in conwng out my exorninolion, I hovef¢)kn¥ed oll ltr (Oble gNen bYtt chfity Cs>iwmigskyi underseclion 1451Sllbl of tFw Act. Independent examiner's stalement I hove e¢3mted my excynwl0n. I crmfvm IlY)l rn molw moltws to my ¢)tt8ntK)n in connection wth tho examination which gNes me coJse lo beleve Ihal M. any motla1 respect.. the cclIO recuds we nol kepl n aCc¢Yde WTth section IXJ of the Chthie5 Act.. the ¢xcounts not occfJd wilh occcAmtiry fec(yds.' the occounts did nol comptywth Ihe oWicobl&reqvwementsc¢)nClng Ihe lom and conlenl ot occovnts set out in the ChleS (Accounts ¢ Repcfflsl RegUlatS 2CDg other than ony requirement that the aCcntS gNe o 'true and f. yW whh 15 not a mcrtter cornidered 0$ t ol an ndependenl exrynlnal. I hove no conce and h(we come ¢XT055 fK Otlwmolletsfft cOrThctK%W1h th& &xoMtr)twtoWhh attention shId b& hi thts rewl in ¢Jder to erKth a yoper underst¢Jicfing of the accounts lo be reached. Jonothon Hott BAIHor&l FCCA. Clok8 & Co 475 Salisbuy House London Woll London EC2M 5QQ ?, 21 121 Page
Trustees Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 March 2021
Statement of Financial Activities
| Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Incoming resources | ||||
| Income and endowments from: | ||||
| Donations | 2 | 173,848 | 10,350 | 184,198 |
| Other trading activities | 3 | 30,157 | - | 30,157 |
| Investments | 9 | - | 9 | |
| Other | - | |||
| Total | 204,014 | 10,350 | 214,364 | |
| Resources expended | ||||
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Fundraising costs | 4 | 19,665 | - | 19,665 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 72,341 | 10,350 | 82,691 |
| Other trading activities | 3 | 20,851 | - | 20,851 |
| Total | 112,857 | 10,350 | 123,207 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 91,157 | - | 91,157 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 91,157 | - | 91,157 |
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. All gains and losses recognised in the period are included above. The notes on pages 15 to 18 form part of these financial statements
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Trustees Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 March 2021
Balance Sheet
| Note | 31 March 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Fixed assets | 7 | 3,902 |
| Current Assets: | ||
| Debtors | 2,095 | |
| Cash at bank | 101,217 | |
| Total current assets | 103,312 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 8 | 16,057 |
| Net current assets | 87,255 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 91,157 | |
| Total net assets | 91,157 | |
| Charity funds | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 9 | 91,157 |
| Restricted funds | 9 | - |
| Total funds | 91,157 |
The notes on pages 15 to 18 form part of these accounts.
The accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Kieran Stanbridge
Trustee 31 January 2022
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Trustees Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 March 2021 Notes to the accounts
Notes to the accounts
These accounts 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)).
1. Accounting policies
a. Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
b. Going Concern
The accounts are prepared on the going concern basis.
The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic as explained in Trustees Annual Report has caused economic uncertainty within the United Kingdom. The Trustees have considered the potential impact of this on the financial position of the Charity and have concluded that the Charity is unlikely to be adversely affected by this considering particularly the ability of funders to continue to support the charity. If the level of funding falls then expenditure will be curtailed accordingly. These factors have been incorporated in the cash projections reviewed by the Trustees.
After careful consideration of these factors, the Trustees have concluded that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue in operation and that the going concern basis of preparation is appropriate
c. Judgements and key sources of Estimation uncertainty
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required 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.
d. Taxation
The charity is not liable to direct taxation (corporation tax) on its income as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities. The charity is not registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and is therefore unable to reclaim the input tax it suffers on its purchases. Expenditure in the accounts is therefore shown inclusive of VAT where appropriate
e. Fund accounting
Funds held by the charity are either:
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Unrestricted funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustee.
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Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes.
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Restricted funds - these funds, which arise from grants or donations made for a specific purpose, can only be used for that particular purpose within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when stipulated by the donor or grantor or where funds are raised for a specified purpose. The balances of the funds represent the unspent balances.
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Trustees Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 March 2021 Notes to the accounts
f. Incoming resources
Voluntary income, including donations, gifts and legacies that provide core funding or are of a general nature, are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift.
Income derived from merchandise sales and from events is recognised as earned (that is as the related goods or services are provided)
g. Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis when a liability is incurred:
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expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, noncharitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods.
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expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity.
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other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities
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the charity is not registered for VAT
The value of services provided by Trustees and volunteers is not incorporated into these financial statements. Given the significance of the voluntary contribution on the various activities of the charity from the Trustees in relation to the other support for the time being it is more appropriate not to allocate indirect support costs to the various charitable activities.
h. Tangible assets and depreciation
Tangible assets are stated at cost and depreciated over their useful economic lives at the following rates:
IT and office equipment (items over £500 are capitalised) three to five years
i. Stocks
Current arrangements for the bulk of the charity’s merchandise sales are through a third-party manufacturer and are invoiced at the point of sale. At the period end there were no significant levels of owned stock.
j. 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.
2. Donations
| 2. Donations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 76,757 | - | 76,757 |
| Corporate partnerships | 92,000 | 10,350 | 102,350 |
| Gift Aid | 5,091 | - | 5,091 |
| - | |||
| 173,848 | 10,350 | 184,198 |
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Trustees Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 March 2021 Notes to the accounts
3. Other trading activities
| 3. Other trading activities | |
|---|---|
| Total | |
| £ | |
| Sales of merchandise | 30,157 |
| less: Merchandise costs | (20,851) |
| - | |
| 9,306 |
4. Fundraising costs
| 4. Fundraising costs | |
|---|---|
| Total | |
| £ | |
| Advertising and marketing | 10,520 |
| Promotional and exhibition materials | 5,244 |
| Platform fees | 3,902 |
| 19,665 |
5. Charitable activities
| 5. Charitable activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Financial assistance | 32,182 | 10,000 | 42,182 |
| Othercharitable support | 9,047 | 350 | 9,397 |
| 41,229 | 10,350 | 51,579 | |
| Support and administration: | |||
| Administration and professional | |||
| fees | 17,106 | 17,106 | |
| Depreciation | 655 | - | 655 |
| Office and general costs | 3,441 | - | 3,441 |
| Independent examination | 900 | - | 900 |
| Set-up and developmentcosts | 9,010 | - | 9,010 |
| 31,112 | - | 31,112 | |
| 72,341 | 10,350 | 82,691 |
6. Staff and trustee costs
There were no permanent employees during the period. A number of administration and support services are provided to the charity on short-term contracts.
No trustee or person related or connected by business to them, have received any remuneration during the period. No trustee was reimbursed for any expenses.
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Trustees Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 March 2021 Notes to the accounts
7. Fixed assets
| 7. Fixed assets | |
|---|---|
| IT and office | |
| equipment | |
| £ | |
| Cost: additions in the period | 4,557 |
| Depreciation: charge for the period | (655) |
| Netbook value 31 March 2021 | 3,902 |
There were no capital commitments at the end of the period.
8. Creditors and accruals
| 8. Creditors and accruals | |
|---|---|
| 31 March 2021 | |
| £ | |
| Trade creditors | 2,354 |
| Accruals for financial support committed | 11,874 |
| Other accruals and deferred income | 1,828 |
| 16,057 |
All creditors and accruals are due within one year.
9. Movements in funds
| Income | Expenditure | 31 March 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds: | 204,015 | (112,858) | 91,157 |
| Restricted funds: | |||
| Animal Friends – veterinary consultations | 10,000 | (10,000) | - |
| Pet Remedy – contribution to gift box costs | 350 | (350) | - |
| Total restricted funds: | 10,350 | (10,350) | - |
| Total funds: | 214,365 | (123,208) | 91,157 |
There were two gifts of restricted funds received and utilised in the year:
-
Animal Friends: a contribution towards covering the costs of 500 online veterinary consultations for retired police dogs registered with us
-
Pet Remedy: a contribution towards the postal costs of the gift boxes sent to retired police dogs
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