Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023
Charity name: Whale Wise
Charity registration number: 1194223
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | For the public benefit, the protection and conservation of marine mammals, in any part of the world, in particular but not exclusively by: (a) conducting scientific research of the interactions between marine mammals and human activity; and (b) engaging with the public through scientific research and education. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Scientific research:studying the interaction between marine mammal populations and human activity. Research methods include behavioural observation, aerial imagery (with unmanned aerial vehicles) and passive acoustic monitoring. Engagement:engaging the public with our research and marine conservation generally. Methods include in-person events, online events, social media, blogs and talks. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees are aware of the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference N/A Para 1.38 Policy on grant making NA Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Currently, all Whale Wise activities are run entirely by volunteers. There are no paid staff. |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Scientific research: By gathering new evidence and information on the interactions between whale populations and human activities, and publishing our results, we hope to inform future conservation efforts. Progress during April 2022-March 2023: • Assessing the interaction impact of whale-watching on whale populations in North Iceland, using various methods. Data analysis complete, report writing in progress (PhD with University of Edinburgh, BA thesis with Kiel University). Acoustic research was published in a peer- reviewed journal. Initial results were shared with local companies and IceWhale (an Icelandic NGO), initiating discussions to improve vessel practices and local code of conduct. Results were presented at one conference. • Assessing the potential impact of future port development on whales in Northeast Iceland. Progress: fieldwork complete, data analysis and report writing in progress (MSc thesis with Kiel University; in order to inform port development). • Citizen science monitoring of whales in Iceland. Progress: data collection ongoing to build a comprehensive data base of whale sightings. Results presented at one conference. • Testing hydrophones for marine mammal monitoring in Southeast Scotland. Progress: fieldwork, data analysis and report writing complete (MSc thesis with University of Edinburgh). Results presented at one conference. |
| • | Using drones to assess whale |
|---|---|
| entanglement and health impacts. | |
| Progress: fieldwork and data analysis | |
| in progress. | |
| • | Assessing and recording the |
| underwater sound of multiple UAVs. | |
| Progress: fieldwork and data analysis | |
| complete, and manuscript submitted. | |
| Results presented at two | |
| conferences. Study used to inform | |
| best future UAV practices for | |
| scientific and recreational use. | |
| Engagement: | |
| Through various methods, we have engaged | |
| (and informed) the public with marine | |
| conservation in order to promote informed | |
| decision-making and positive behavioural | |
| change. Progress during April 2022-March | |
| 2023: | |
| • | Collaborated with Húsavík Whale |
| Museum to host an ocean-based film | |
| festival in Iceland. Attendance: 70 | |
| people (to continue next year). | |
| • | Worked with collaborators to create a |
| virtual reality ocean education | |
| programme. Progress: initial | |
| programme design and creation | |
| complete, trialled in schools and | |
| museums in Iceland, Norway and | |
| Denmark (content also used in | |
| museum events in the UK). | |
| • | Collaborated with Húsavík Whale |
| Museum to create an interactive | |
| porpoise skeletal exhibit for tourists | |
| and local schoolchildren in Iceland. | |
| • | Continued to maintain a Facebook |
| group for Iceland whale sightings to | |
| stimulate interest and discussion | |
| around Icelandic marine mammals. | |
| • | Regular social media posts (with |
| increasing engagement), blog posts | |
| and educational videos. | |
| • | Work featured in BBC series ‘Our |
| Changing Planet’ (advanced | |
| engagement and fundraising efforts). | |
| • | Presented work through public online |
| talks and in-person events in the UK. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | This was the second year of operation for the charity. The official charity bank account for Whale Wise was opened on 1st April 2022. Income was £27,228 and expenditures were £13,202, resulting in a balance of £14,766 at the end of the period. This includes £750 held as reserves. We intend to spend approximately £12,500 on research and engagement activities through the next financial period. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Whale Wise endeavours to maintain £750 to safeguard the charity from any changes in its income, expenditure or other unforeseen circumstances. Currently, this level of funds would maintain basic charity functioning for one year (excluding research and engagement activities) and is considered sufficient to close the charity. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £750 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | No funds materially in deficit |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | Currently, the charity will continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future and there are no uncertainties. Sufficient reserves are held and a fundraising plan is in place. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Funds were received from several sources, including: - Grants (small private grants) - Private donations: direct to bank account, through PayPal and through a crowdfunding campaign - Gift Aid - Merchandise sales - Services (payment for video footage) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | We have identified one primary risk to the charity: 1. Fundraising The majority of funds were obtained from private donations, such that income was dominated by a single income stream. To |
reduce reliance on a single type of income stream, we aim to diversify fundraising to include crowdfunding, grants and possibly corporate partners. This work is already underway and will continue, with several grant applications and a crowdfunding campaign. COVID-19 is no longer considered a major risk to the successful delivery of charity objectives. Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | CIO constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed by the board of trustees by a majority vote, based on skills and experience. Trustees may serve for a minimum of one year. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | Newly appointed trustees receive a copy of the governing document (specifying their legal obligations under charity law), and a summary of recent and current charity activities. They also meet the other trustees and the management team. |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The board of trustees meets twice a year to review charity performance and structure, and approve major plans for the following six months. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | No subsidiaries or other related parties. |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Whale Wise |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1194223 |
| Charity’s principal address | The Hayes Horton Swansea SA3 1LB |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ms Natalie Barefoot | 2021-2023 | |||
| Mr Garðar Þröstur Einarsson |
2021-2023 | |||
| Dr Michelle Fournet | 2021-2023 | |||
| Ms Eva Björk Káradóttir |
2021-2023 | |||
| Mr Ronald Mackie | 2021-2023 | |||
| Ms Eva Prendergast | 2021-2023 | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets No funds held as custodian trustees held in this capacity Name and objects of the NA charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for NA safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Natalie Barefoot Position (eg Secretary, President (Chair) Chair, etc) Date 1st September 2023
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Charity Name No (if any)
WHALE WISE 1194223
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 1st April 2022 31st March 2023
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Grants 1,750 - - 1,750 -
Private donations 21,952 - - 21,952 -
Merchandise sales 437 - - 437 -
Gift Aid 2,281 - - 2,281 -
Services payment (media) 808 - - 808 -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total (Gross income for
27,228 - - 27,228 -
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 27,228 - - 27,228 -
A3 Payments
Payments Relating Directly to Charitable
Activities: local + international travel
(research) 4,589 - - 4,589 -
Payments Relating Directly to Charitable
Activities: equipment + consumables
(research + engagement) 3,615 - - 3,615 -
Payments Relating Directly to Charitable
Activities: volunteer living costs (research)
4,025 - - 4,025 -
Governance Costs: overheads +
administration 685 - - 685 -
Fundraising costs 288 - - 288 -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total 13,202 - - 13,202 -
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total payments 13,202 - - 13,202 -
Net of receipts/(payments) 14,026 - - 14,026 -
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 750 - - 750 -
Cash funds this year end 14,776 - - 14,776 -
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CC1194223 R1 accounts (SS)
25/09/2023
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B1 Cash funds |
Details Details Signature Unrestricted funds to cover 2023/24 research, engagement and overhead costs Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Funds retained as reserves Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 14,026 - 750 - - - 14,776 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - Print Name Natalie Barefoot (Treasurer) |
Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - Current value (optional) - - Current value (optional) - - - When due (optional) Date of approval 1st Sept. 2023 |
CC1194223 R2 accounts (SS)
25/09/2023
2
Supplementary information about the location of cash funds
During the previous Accounts period (2021-22), Whale Wise did not have a dedicated charity bank account. Therefore, transactions took place through the personal bank account of a Whale Wise volunteer representative (Thomas Grove, Barclay’s Bank). At the end of this period, a net amount of +£750 dedicated to Whale Wise remained in this bank account.
At the beginning of the Accounts period to which this report pertains (2022-23), a dedicated charity bank account was set up for Whale Wise (Metro Bank) and all transactions related to the charity’s activities took place through this bank account. However, the funds from the 2021-22 period (in the personal bank account) were not transferred to the charity bank account during the 2022-23 period. As a result, at the end of this period (March 31[st] , 2023), Whale Wise cash funds resided in two accounts:
-
£14,026 in charity bank account (Metro Bank), which is exactly the difference between receipts and payments during the 2022-23 Accounts period
-
£750 in the personal account of a volunteer representative (Thomas Grove, Barclay’s Bank), which is equal to the funds remaining at the end of the 2021-22 Accounts period
The fact that £750 was not transferred from the personal account into the charity account was a mistake. To rectify this, £750 was transferred from the personal account into the charity account on April 17[th] , 2023. This transfer will not be included in Section A1 of the Accounts during the 2023-24 period (Receipts); rather, this will form part of ‘A6 cash funds remaining last year end’, which will be £14,776 remaining from the 2022-23 period.