Charity no. 1194995 River Action UK Report and Unaudited Financial Statements 31 March 2024
River Action UK Rofertrncè and administrative details For the earended 31 March 2024 Dats of foundation 29 June 2021 Charfty number 1194995 Registerad offic8 and OP8rational address Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS14QD Trusts8S The Iruslees vtho served during the year and up lo the date of this report were as follovts". Marina Gibson James Macpherson Charles Watson Bankor¥ Uoyds Bank PIC Levrisham London CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue 'n9s Hill West Malling Kent Ind•p•nd•nt •xamlner• Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and $talutw audrtors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS14QD
Rlver Actlon UK Report of the trustee5 For th oar ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees present their report and accounts for the period ended 31 March 2024. Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 fom)s part of this report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance the accounting policies set out on pages 13 to 15 and comply wrth the Charity's Foundation Consliluts'on. the charib.es Act 2011 and the Stslement of Rewmmended Practice IFRS1021 ISORPI. STRLICTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The Trust I'the Charity") is a charitable incorporated organisation number CE026257. and is a registered charity. number 1194995. The Charty was estsblished by inib.al gifts from Founder & Chair Charles VVat50n. The Charity actively fundraises and 5eek5 to Carry out the work desired through the careful stewardship of its existing resources and ad hoc contributions. There must be at least 2 Trustees and new Trustees shall be appointed by a Trustees, Resolution passed at a special meeting called under Clause 9.3.1 of the original Foundation Constitution. New Trustees shall be selected regard lo Ihe skills. knedge and experience needed for the effective adminislralion of the Chanty. If a vacancy occurs this shall be noted in the Trustees, Minutes al their next meebng. Procedures have not been adopted for the induction and training of Trustees but all ensure they ontinue to operate wthin currenl guidelines by di$¢u$sing all i$$ues arising as adwsed by the Charity Commission. The Trusleeg should hold at least ordinary meetings each year. The Trustees who served during the penod are as set out on page 1. 08JECTIVES AND ACTNITIES OF THE CHARITY River Action is an impa¢tful charity on a mission lo rescue Brilain's rivers from the environmental calamity caused by the deluge of agricultural. se%rage and industrial pollution. We aim to secure the necessary community activism, public support and policy change lo end river pollutson and enable nèluril climate solutsons. We go lo the root ¢ause$ of the problem and u$e a syslemic approa¢h to cascade change across the UK. Our five year strategy has three goals". Empower local ¢ommunitie$: Provide communth'es wth a toolkrt that includes legal guidance and advice, training in mobilising communities through media and communicatirms. and guidance on how to rnise ftJnd$ for lo¢al campaigns", and Help communrties g8lher and preseftt evidence of pollution sources and levels by enabling and organising collaborations befven NGOS. actiwsts, citizen science groups and academic bodies. Mobilise public opinion: Raise publi¢ awareness through Creabve and original content designeil to go wral, gain maximum exposure in the nats.onal media. and amplrfy ath"wsls' voices". and Leverage this awareness to pressure the govemment through pets'tions and call for consumer action such as boycotting products from certain polluting suppliers.
Rlver Actlon UK Report of the trustee5 For th oar ended 31 March 2024 Ad¥o¢at• gov•mment poll¢y and Industry pra¢tl¢e ¢h•ng•: Orive government policy enforcement of regulations through taking legal action against the relevant government bodies and c(eats'ng a charter of best practices for rtvers to expedite reform in regulation, incenliwse sustainable water qualrty management and to enforce the law." and Catslyse behaviour change In polluting industries lo adopt river-friendly practices by presenting them with evidence of the pollL'0n they are causing pressuring urgent investment in outdated infrastructure, offering natur&based solutions. and leveraging consumer and stakeholder support. The Trustees have complied wth s17151 of Charrties Act 2011 and have had due regard lo the guidance on public benefft by the Chanty Commission %then exercising relevant powers or duties. FINANCIAL REVIEW As set out on pages 10 and 11. the Charitys assets have increased in the period lo £450,101, wf(h £380.481 of this being unrestricted. Ro$orv68 From April 2024, the trustees have established an aim lo hold a minimum 01 £213,000 in free reserves (defined as unrestricted nel current assets). vh)ich equates to three months of projected running cos15 1 total expenditure for the year 2024125. to ensure that charity's main acbvilies can be carried out and operational needs are met. The current level of unrestricted reserves is £380,481, vthich equates to 6 months of charty expenditure. The charity plans to bring reserves in line with the policy by investing in future projects as outlined in the "plans for the future. section of this report. RISK MANAGEMENT River Action's CEO and Senior Management Team maintain a risk register detailing all potents'al risk areas, updated regularfy. The areas of risk include financial, strategic, govemance, operational, reputational. legal. staffing and other risks. The level of each risk's likelihoo¢J and impact is assessed and combined to give a rating that when above a certain limrt alerts the team to pay special attention lo that risk and expedite remedial actions. Concerns are discussed in monthly Senior Management Team meetings and wth Trustees in our quarterty board meetings. The Risk Register is then updated further wlh agreed ¢hange$ in risk profile and mitigating a¢b'ons. The main risks requiring Senior Management Team and Trustee attenb.on in this fin8n¢ial year were a5 follows.. Secure funding - as a new organisation with a growng team and overhead, we were concerned that we wll have sufficient funds to recruit our team and attain our objectives. Thanks to the generous support of new donors and the public. our fundraising was successful for this year, wrth a healthy pipeline for the next year. and our team has delivere(l our strategic prioritie5. The risk level has been lowered accordingly,. and Secure team folh)w'ng a period of rapid gTOWth and recrurtment, we are delighted to have engaged a team of talented and committed indiwduals. The organisation culiure is a very important contributor to our success. and we have endeavoured lo enable a healthy balance between intense campaigning and quieter times for refiectn and planning. Wrth the core team now in place, we plan to recruit only a small number of roles next year. The risk level has been lowered accordingly.
Rlver Actlon UK Report of the trustee5 For th oar ended 31 March 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE This year, the Charity has conb'nued to build on rts success from 2022123, cementing its reputstion as an impactful campaigning organisab'on. We expanded our focus from the River Wye catchment to the River Thames, including the launch of our first legal acb.on tsrgebng the Environment Agency and raising awareness of the health risks from sewage pollution, River Action has become a go-lo trusted voice on the issue of agricultural and sewage polluts.on and the crisis facing Britain's rivers. The team grew to 10 staff during the year enabling v$ lo deliver considerably more impact. building on past experience and lesling our theory of change lo maximise impa¢t. As a key measure of our Campaigning profile and suc¢e5s, we are pleased that the Charrty's public following through social media has grown rapidly this year along signrficant uplfft of national media coverage as we supported more communities, bringing their concerns to the key decision makers in industy to govemmenl lo bring about urgent change. Hoadllno a¢hloY•monts Includo: Galvanised a group of river activists on the River Thames - including Sir Steve Redgrave and Steve Backshall - creats'ng a campaign around the 2023 Henley Royal Regatta wth pathogen lesty'ng results for E.¢oli used lo tsrgel Thame$ Water, England's biggest river polluter, pressuring board level discussions lo eypedile sewage investment. We then buirt on this success for the Boat Race in March 2024 where our E.Coli testing resu115 discovered 10 lime5 Safe bathing water levels, and the story generated 1,751 news stories across the UK and international media., Empowered over 15 different community groups and over 100 actwists across the country to rescue le¢al river cal¢hmenls. providing practical advice. searCh to understand and resolve the challenge5, and public communications., Produced a series ol animation films, cheekily called "This is Shit,. alongside adIng 'Shaun the Sheep, animators wth celebrty voice-overs including Paul Whitehouse, Stephen Fry, Alexander Armstrong and Megan Mccubbin. reaching an audience of over 660k views.. Launched our first legal Challenge with a Judicial Review against the Environment Agency and DEFRA las a related party) for failing to uphold the Farming Rules for Water along the River Wye and allowng the intensive poultry industry to cause the ecological collapse ol the river catchrnent., Executive Produ¢ed and premiered Bla¢k Samphire, a gothi¢ horror short film highlighting the insidious danger of water pollution. ahead of World Water Day. It was held al the Brixton Ritzy cinema wth impressive media coverage 160 people attended and a5 well as the film and documentary, were treated to a panel discussion inclLKling Feargal Sharkey on the hot topic of how to reform the water industry., Oeveloped and launched the Charter for Rivers a call to action ¥thich sets out 10 policies required lo achieve healthy rivers by 2030 - supported by over 70 cross sector of organisalions from national eNGOs such as National TTUSt. Wildlrfe Trusts, VVWF and Greenpeace., Sustainable farming organisations such as Soil Association, Nature Friendly Framing Nerk and Sustain., national governing bodies including British Rowng, Swm England, Angling Trust, 8ritish Canoeing,. and a wde range of local community groups. We co-hosted a padiamentary event wlh Philip Dunne MP. Chair of the Environmentsl Audit Commrttee, to launch the Charter", Launched a petrtion - Rescue our RiveTS- in May 2023 calling for the 5UPPOrt of our Charter. Our petition received over 108,000 signatories. We presented the petrtion to No.10 Downing Street and to the headquarters of Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties,. Developed a Local Charter for Rivers and accompanying resources pack for dissemination to voters ahead of the 2024 local and mayoral election. This was laun¢hed in partnership th the Wl, Rivers Trust and other Charter signatories, achiewng over 200 dovffjloads,"
Rlver Actlon UK Report of the trustee5 For th oar ended 31 March 2024 Actively worked with the Wye community and Leigh Day Solicitors, connecting them together with the thousands of people and businesses that have suffered loss of income by the pollution in the River Wye. This is a group legal action being taken by Leigh Day (we are taking a supporbng rolel against Avara. the main pouhry pioducer along the Wye. using stslultsry nuisance law, Funded al very short notice a legal appeal against Natural Resources Wales, which successfully resulted in the granting of the )Irst stretch of Bathing Water Status on the River Wye at the Warren near Hereford., Commenced another major campaign against the recent rapid gro%rth of the intensive poultry industry in the catchment of the River Sevem. This was laun¢hed by River Action initiating a funding a judiual review lo overtum planning Consent for a major new intensive poultry unrt in Shropshire., Hosted and presente(l on panel$ at the centre of a wide variety of river-related events including the UK River Summit and Fesbval 2024 - in ¥thich ¥%t declared and dis¢u$sed the Freshwater Emergency wrth senior polrticians. Industry leaders. media and envifonmentslisls including CEOS of a water company. regulator and Feargal Sharkey- and speaking at 'Getting what you pay for,, al the RSA in February 2024, and gave a speech at The national Church in Wales AGM., chOSted a 'Rivers Event, in London to dIu$$ mits'gating the huge problem of river pollution caused by intensive agri¢ullural pra¢ti¢e$ that was attended by 130 attendees including NGOS, influencers and the press. a group of waste lo fesource technology providers - lo promote nulrienl trading- and the now Minister for Agncutture and Chair of the Environment Agency., Expanded the team with the appointsnent of Campaigns Analyst, Senior Development Coordinator, Communities Coordinator and Senior Media Coordinator. These new roles have increased our ability to build links lo community groups and create¢J media contact based on data and evidence and reach the major media oullels lo gain po$ib"ve coverage. One example of thi9 was the Oxbridge Boat Race story in March 2024. Chloe Peck Icommunilies Coordinalorl collected E.coli data vthich was interpreted by Nick Woolgrove Icampaigns Analyst), and created into a media story by lan Woolverton, (Senior Media Coordinator). Our results caused a media slorn around the Boat Race. wth 1.751 news ilems across Ihe UK and international media.. Inerease<J our online presence and followng through producing high quality and inspiring eontenl. Significantly grew our media coverage and reach. Latest figures Show that betsyeen 1 January and 31 March 2024, we generated 3,287 media stories. Our share ol voice, in cornparison to 11 other environmental Mpaigners, including Surfers Against Sewage, the Wildlife Trusts and Rivers Trusts, a$ 42%. higher than any other eNGO". and Took the Environment Agency and DEFRA lo court for failing lo enforce the Faming Rules for Water and protect the River Wye in February 2024. Whilst the judge ruled against River Actions claims, he did so on the basis that he believed that as a resu of River Acts'on bringing its claim against the EA, the latter's enforcement poliCS had undergone significant improvement, making it difficult for him to rule in our favour. The judgement also resulted in a number of other wns for River Action, including the Juijge's recognition an a¢knovAedgemenl of the severe levels of pollution caused by excessive ph05phorus entering the River Wye, the recognib'on that lamiing practices must change, and the Judge's rebuttal of the NFU'S intervention in the case, confimiing that there was little legal basis lor the DEFRA Guidance on enforcement of the Famiing Rules for Water. As a result of the latter ruling. River Action is now evaluating tsking furtt)er legal action on the matter. The media coverage reached million5 of people. and a crowdfunder raised near £47,000. Submitted three complain15 to the Advertising Standards Aulhority accusing Red Tractor's advertising and olher publiaty materials of falsely representing environmental performance. We understand that the ASA are preparing to release their judgement following invesbgation.
Rlver Actlon UK Report of the trustee5 For th oar ended 31 March 2024 Over this year, Rwer Action has continued its gro%th into a maturing environmental campaigning charity, with a reputalion across the natson, induslry, government and media as a trusted campai9ning organisation and voice for comMunes. rivers and nature. As a deepty collaborative team, our approach of working through a network of partners and being eviden¢e-led and relentlessly tough on polluters and failed regulators, we have been able to earn the respect of those y seek lo influence positively, while bearing our gaI teeth vthen necessary. It has proven to be essential that we not only have a place at the boardroomlgovernment department table but also act as an independent convener lo help find alignment that delivers urgenl action. We have a lon9 way to go bul are pleased rilh the oulpul of our work and the many people we Vrk vthh across the UK. The Charty has had another successfvl year raising fund5 to cover ils core costs and campaign costs through various channels including grants from trusts and foundations, High Net Worth Individuals, fundraising evenl$. online ¢Jonalions and cron¢jers. Our mutually beneficial relab'onships with funders have allowed us lo secure mults-year grants. maintained our exisb.ng relationships wrth funders and continue lo engage new le4d5. while remaining free of the con51raints imposed on others who accept funding from polluters and government. Most of the funds raised are unrestricted, with some restricted to community work and legal acbon. We have updated our Monitoring. Evaluation and Reporting system to incorporate all our activities ilh input from the team. Our MER system includes both quanlilalive and qualitative Key Performance Indicators that the team updates periodically to lollow our progress and measure our impact for the benefit of updating ¢)ur partners, beneficiaries. funders and the public and also lo improve our work. During the year ended 31 March 2024 incoming re$tyJrce$ amounted to £928,740. The Stslement of Financial Activities on page 10 includes income and expenditure throughoLrt the period. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE The Charity has an amb0U5 programme of campaigns planned over the next 6 10 12 months. Headline activitses indude.. Oblective Ono - Empoworing communities Launch our River Rescue Krt lo empower and support communities across 8ritain to rescue their local nver catchments. The RRK will include all guidance and tools an activist might need, delivered through a netsvork of collaborators including NGOS. law fimis and experienced community groups., Help establish more citizen saence communities across the UK, exlending nutrient pollution and bacteria lesling in Collaborabon with independent scientists including universities., Estsb115h a River Action Communty Fund providing micro funding for Small community proje¢ts lo inspire and drive nation-wde campaigns by gathering evidence of pollution and targeting polluters., Continue our Pathership Briiish RovAng land other river user groups) lor a major River Thames Campaign al Henley Royal Regatta wth alhleles parbcipaling in pathogen lesling and events, including 2024 Olympic5 In France, largekn.ng UK'S YrSt polluter, Thames Vvater., Facilrtate the development of a 'Friends of the River Thames, IFORTI collaboration of community groups and activists along the river., and Launch a major campaign tsckling the pollulion caused ty the dairy industy across England and Wales to promote best practice and increase fami payments. nutrient trading. food standards and fair pncing lo farmers.
Rlver Actlon UK Report of the trustee5 For th oar ended 31 March 2024 Obl•¢Vv• Two- Moblllslng publ1¢ oplnlon Produce engaging and crealive content such as a further episode of our mini series of short videos on river pollution vAth Ihe help of Jeremy Wade l¢reator of Discovery Channel show River Monsters)". Continue lo spread avrdrenes5 across our social media platforms and gain wide and extensive coverage in the local, national and intemational media with original stories and high impact campaigns., Rebuild our main website to provide engaging infom)ation. resources and stories including a new microsi(e for the community loolkil". increasing social media presence and followers". and Create an internal story bank for our ¢ommuni¢alion ¢ampaign5 Including Images and stories from various communths and then promote those stories throu9h our communications channels. Objgctivg Thrge- Advocate gov8rnm•nt pollcy and industy practice chang Lead a national 'March for Clean Water, In October 2024 mobilising NGOS, celèbrib'ès and communities across the country following Ihe election to pressure the new govemmenl to priorffise clean water and reform regulators,. Oeploy our Charter for Rivers through advocacy largeling policy makers and ensure election- winning partieslMPs are held to account". Engage wlh leaders from regulators. industy and NGOS lo supwt and rf necessary pressure the new government to expedite commitments to restore Britain's rivers, including refinancing failing water ¢ompanie$', Appeal our Judicial Review against the Environment Agency for its failure lo protect the River Wye, and then create a national campaign exposing the scandal of retsilers. and pursue further Judicial Review5, including the River Sevem, and across Brrtain for the govemmenl's failure lo protect our rivers., and Pursue our mplaInt against Red Tra¢tor for fal$ety ¢e..g dairy fami$ a$ enwronmentally friendly. ststemfrnt of responslbllltles of the trustees The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees. report and the financial statements in a¢¢ordan¢e ¥Mlh applicable law and Uniled Kingdom A¢Unn9 Standards, in¢luding Financial Reporting Standard 102." The Financial Reportsng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practscel. The law applicable to chanb'es in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, vthich give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources. including the net income or expenditu, of the charty for the year. In preparing those finan¢ial slalemenls the Iruslees are required to". select surtable accounting policies and then appty them consistently.. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent. slate whether applicable accounting stsndaids and statements of ¢0MMended practice have been followed, subject to any malenal departures di5c105ed and explained in the financial statements., and prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charty wll continue in operation.
Rlver Actlon UK Report of the trustee5 For th oar ended 31 March 2024 The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose wlh reasonable accuracy the financial position of the chanty at any time and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply wth the Charities Act 2011. the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the conslilulion. The Iruslees 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 irregularf£ies. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitys ebSite. Legislabon in the United lfj'ngdom governing the preparation and dis5eminalion of financial ststements may differ fr¢)m legislation In other junsdicb"ons. The members of the charity have no liabilty to ¢ontribLrte to the assets of the ¢harity in the event of nding up. The Iruslees are members of the charity but this entiues them only lo voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial inleiesl in the charty. The Trustees acknedge their responsibihbes for ensuring that the Charity keep5 accounting records vkni¢h comply with the Charities Act and the prgvi$i¢)n$ of the Foundation Consliluts'on and preparing accounts vthi¢h give a true and fair view of the stsle of affairs of the Charills financial activities during the period and of ts financial posib.on at the end of the penod. Ind•p•nd•nt •xamln•rs Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners lo the Charity during the period and have expressed their llingneSS lo conbnue in that capacity. Approved by the trustees ¢Jn 30 August 2024 and signed on their behaw by Charles Walson Chair
Independent examinerfs report To the tTustses of RiverAction UK I report lo the trustees on my examinats.on of the accounts of River Action UK (the CIO} for the period ended 31 March 2024, %thich are set out on pages 10 to 22. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the CIO you are sponsible for the pparatiOn of the accounts in accordance wlh the requirement5 of the Charits"es Act 2011 Ithe Acl'l. I report in respect of my examination of the CIO'S accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have fo1104%td all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515}Ib} of the Act. Indep•nd•nt •xamln•Vs 8tatsm•nt Since the CIO'S gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confimi that l am qualified lo undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountsnls In England and Wales IICAEWI. %thich is one of the listed bodies. Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides bookkeeping and payroll services to the CIO. I confimi that as a member of the ICAEW l am subject lo the FRC'S Revised Ethical Standard 2016, vthich I have applied Mlh respect lo this engagement. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection wth the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material re$ped'. 111 accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act,. or 121 the a¢counls do not ac¢ord those re¢ord$', or 131 the accounts do not comply Mlh the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charities IAc¢ounls and Reports) Regulats"ons 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fair viev/ %thich is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across otr matters in connection with thè examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reachfjd. Lb U,1 Dale.. 30 August 2024 Robort Wilson FCA M•mr of the ICAEW For and on behaff of.. Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS14QD
River Action UK Statèmont ol financial activiti•s For the earended 31 March 2024 2024 Total 2023 Totsl Restricted un$tre Note Income from: Donations and legacies Interest in¢ome 121,452 802,574 4.714 924,026 4,714 485,398 Total income 121,452 807,288 928,740 485.398 Expenditure on.. Raising funds Charitsble acts'vilies 93,244 523, 169 93,244 633,727 50,438 253.297 110.55B Total exp8ndlturo 110,558 616,413 726,971 303,735 Net Income and net mov•mont In funds 10,894 190,875 201,769 181.883 Reconciliatlon of funds: Total funds brought forward 58,726 189,606 248,332 66,669 Total funds carrfed forward 69.620 380.481 450,101 248.332 All of the above results are derived from conlinuing ath'wb"es. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stsled above. Movements ui funds are disclosed In note 13 to the accounts. 10
River Action UK Balance sheet As at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Note Current assèts Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 10 5,974 249,786 458,3SS 469,816 255.780 Liabilitios Creditors.. amounts falling due within 1 year 19.715 7,428 Not current as$•ts 450,101 248.332 Not assets 12 248.332 Funds Restricted funds Unrestricted fund5 General funds 69,620 58,726 380 481 189,606 Total charfty fund8 450 101 248,332 Approved by the trustees on 30 August 2024 and signed on their behalf by kakléJ Charles Wal$on Chair
River Action UK Statèment of Cash flows For the earended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Cash used in operating activities: Net movement in funds 201,769 181,663 Adjuslmenls for". Dividends. interest and rents from investments Ilncreasel I decrease in debtors Increase I Idecreasel in creditors 14.7141 15.4871 12.287 26,836 6,915 Not cash provlded by olatIng a¢tlvltl•$ 203,855 201.584 Cash flows from investing activities: Dividends, interest and rents from investments Not cash provlded by Inv•$tlng actlvltles 4.714 Incraa88 In cash and cash 8qulvants In th• year 208,569 201,584 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 249,786 48,202 Cash and cash wulval•nts at the end of the ¥r 458,3S5 249,788 The chari(y has not provided an anatysis of changes in net debt as il does not have any long lemi rinancing arran9emenl5. 12
River Action UK Notes to the financial statements For the earended 31 March 2024 Accounting policias al Basls of pr•paratlon The financial statements have been prepared in accordance Accounting and Reporting by Charits'es.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to ¢harities in preparing their accounts in accordance wlh the Financial Reporb"ng Stsndard appl¢able in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffeclive 1 January 2019> - ICharits"es SORP IFRS 10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. River Action UK meets the deffinrtion of a publi¢ benefft entty under FRS 102. A$$el$ and liabilities are initially recognised * historical cost or transacb'on value unless OtheSe slated in the relevant accounting policy note. bl Golng concern basis ol accounting The accounts have been prepared on the assumplion that the chafity 1$ able lo continue as a going concem. vh)ich the Iruslees consider appropriate hawng regard to the current level of unreslricled reserves. There are no material uncertainties ab¢1 the charitys ability lo continue as a going concern. cl Income Income is recognised when the charity has entrtlement lo the funds, any perfomiance condition8 attached to the rtem ol income have been met. it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Income from the government and other granls. whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants. is recognised when the charity has enlillemenl to the funds. any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, rt is probable that the income wll be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferreil. For legacies. enlillemenl 1$ tsken as Ihe eadier of the dale on vthich either.. the charity is aware that probate has been granted. the eslale has been finalised and nolificalion has been made by the executorlsl to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or vthen a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt ol a legacy, in vthole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount ¢an be measured reliabty and the ¢harity has been notified of the exe¢utor'$ intention to make a dislribub'on. Where legacies have been notthed lo the chanty, or the charty is awa of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognib.on have not been met, then the legacy is Irealed as a contsn9enl asset and disclosed if material. Income received in advance of provision of a specffied seNce 1$ deferred until criteria for InMe recognition are mel. dl Donated $ervl¢es and facllllle$ Donated professional services and donated faciliti'es are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item. any conditK)ns associated the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefft from the use by the Charity of the item. is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance wth the Charib"e5 SORP IFRS 1021, general volunteer time is not recognised. 13
River Action UK Notes to the financial statements For the earended 31 March 2024 dl Donatsd Servic and facilitios {continuod) On receipt, donated professional services and donated faciliti'es are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charty vthich is the amount the charity %%ould have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilitses of equivalent economic benefit on the open market,. a corspondIng amount is then recognise(l in eN)enrtu in the period of receipt. •) Intornst r•¢•lvab Interest on funds held on deposit is included ¥then receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity.. this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. fj Funds accountlng Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activrties that further any of the purposes of the charity. Restricted funds are donation$ which Ihe donor has specffied are to be solely used for particular areas of the charrty's work or for spe¢ifi¢ projects being undertaken by the eharity. gl E¥yndltur• and Irrocov•rabl• VAT Expenditure 1$ recognised on¢e there is a legal or cOnStrL1Ive obligation to make a payment lo a third paty, il is probable that settlement will be required and Ihe amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the acb'wty for lch the expenditure was incurred. h) Allo¢atSon of support and govgman¢e ¢ts Support costs are those functions that assisl the vrk of the charity tjut do not directly undertake charitable actiwties. Governance costs are the costs associated wth the governance arrangements of the charity, including the ¢ost$ of comptying wth constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated wth Ihe strategic management of the charity's aclivilies. These costs have been allocated belween cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities based as follows.. 2024 2023 Raising funds Charitable ale$ 13.0% 87.0% 16.6% 83.4% 11 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade dioUnt offered. Prepayments are valueil al the amount prepaid nel of any trade discounts due. J) Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash in hand inclLKles cash arKI short temi highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of a¢quisib'on or opening of the depgsil or similar account. 14
River Action UK Notes to the financial statements For the earended 31 March 2024 kl Croditors Creditors and provisions are recognised vknere the charity has a present obligation results'ng frorn a past event that wll probably result in the Iransfer of fvnds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measuced or estsmated reliably. Creditors and provisions are nom)ally COgnised at their settlement èmount after allowng for any trade discounts due. 11 Flnanclal Instrumènts The trust only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are inib'alty recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value wth the exception of bank loans ¥thich are subsequently recognised at amortised c051 using the effecb.ve interest method. ml Foreign currency transactlons Transactions in toreign currencies are translated al rates prevailing al the dale of the Iransath'on. Balances denominated in foreign Currencies are translated al the rale of exchange prevailing at the yearend. n) Accountlng •stim•tès and kèy ludpmonts In the application of the charitys accounting policies. the iruslees are required lo make judgements. eslimales and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilits'es that are not readily apparent Irom other SOUT¢es. The e5tsmates and underfyng assumptions are based on hislorical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual result$ may differ from these estsmates. The eslimales and undL¥lyng assumptions are rewewed on an ongoing basis. Rewsions lo accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects onty that period, or in the penod of the rewsion and fiJture per$ if the revision affects both current and future period$. There are no sources of esb"mation uncertainty in the current or prior year. Prlor porfod comparatlves: statemont of financial activitie 2023 Total Reslriclet1 Unrestricted Income from.. Donations and legacies 59,451 425,947 48S,398 Totsl In¢om• 59.451 425.947 485,398 Expenditure on.. Raising funds Charitable adiwties 50,438 252.572 SO,438 253,297 725 Total expenditure 725 303,010 303,735 Net income 58,726 122.937 181,663 15
River Action UK Notes to the financial statements For the earended 31 March 2024 Incomè from donations and lègaci•s 2024 Total Reslri¢led Unrestricted Donations Grft aid 112.884 8.568 767.399 35.175 880.283 43,743 Totsl Income from donatlon$ and Ia¢l•s 121,452 802.574 924,026 Prlor PO0d ¢<)mparallv• 2023 Totsl Reslri¢led Unrestricted Oonalions Grft aid 53,824 5.627 425.947 479,771 5,627 Total Income Irom donatlons and lffja¢lo• 59.451 425.947 485.398 Govemment grants The charity received no government gran¢$ during Ihg current or prior period. 16
River Action UK Notes to the financial statements For the earended 31 March 2024 S. Total axpanditurn Support and governan¢e costs Raising ftjnds Charit3Ne activ.e$ 2024 Total Photography Props & equipment Meeting costs Adminislralors Fundraising platfom fees Event Costs Staff training & wellare Staff costs Inole 71 Recruitment Design cos15 Advertising, marketing and PR Raising awareness and campaigning Computer and website Legal Accountancy Bank fees Printing, postage & staty'onery Insurance Travel and subsistence 7.633 7.873 7,633 7,873 5,656 13,749 3,142 5,783 3,161 374,838 3,715 67,500 8,304 156,874 29,612 13 4,717 150 1,133 2,680 30,438 5,656 13,749 3.142 5.783 3,161 54,051 3,715 69.663 251.124 67.500 8,304 156,874 29,612 13 4,717 150 1,133 2,680 30,438 Sub-total 72,805 496.800 157,366 726,971 Allocation of support and governance $ts 20,439 136,927 157,386 Totsl expgndlturg 93,244 633,727 726,971 Total governance costs were £5.377 {2023.' £5.045). 17
River Action UK Notes to the financial statements For the earended 31 March 2024 S. Total axp8nditur8 Icontinu8dl Prfor lI¢d ¢omparntlv• Support and Chantable governance activiiies costs Raising funds 2023 Total Adminislralors Fundraising platform fees Event ¢05ts Consultancy Fundraisers Staff costs (note 71 Recruitment Advertising. marketing and PR Raising awareness and campaigning Computer and website Legal Accountancy Charitable donatsons Bank fees Printing, postage & staty'onery Memberships Insurance Travel and subsistence Grants payable Inole 81 10,664 10,664 870 1,213 850 17.483 111.804 3,420 1.592 122.126 4.611 18,754 5,045 3.200 30 368 304 478 3.267 2,144 870 1,213 850 17.483 18.710 50,257 42,637 3,420 1,592 122.126 4,611 18,754 5,045 3,200 30 366 304 478 3,267 2.144 Sub-total 38.276 192,193 73,266 303,735 Allocation of support and govemance costs 12,162 61,104 73.266 Total •xpenditur• 50.438 253,297 303.735 18
Rlver A¢tlon UK Note5 to the financial statements Fort oar ondod 31 March 2024 6. Not mov•ment In funds Thi5 IS 5ts1ed after charging.. 2024 2023 Trustees, remuneration Trustees, reimbursed expenses Independent examiner's fee.. Independent examinats'on (excluding VATI other services 288 2,800 1,681 1,650 2,554 7. Staff costs and numb8rs Slèff costs wefe as follows.. 2024 2023 Salaries and wages Social securty costs Pension costs Freelance staff 328.133 29.939 16.766 72,315 3,352 682 35,255 374,838 111,604 1 employee earned been £90,000 and £I00,00012023.' No employee eamed more than £60,000). The key management personnel of the charity compnse the Trustees and chief executive officer. The lolal remuneration and employee benefits of the key managemenl personnel were £106,048 12023.. £77,774, including the fteelance staff cost above). 2024 No. 2023 No. Average head count Grants payable Grants payable We made to the followng institutions". 2024 2023 Radnorshire Wildlrfe Trust 2,144 2,144 Included in 21122 accruals were grant commitments of £5,845 to Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. This Wds an over-a¢crual by £2,144. ected in Ihe prior year as a negative balance. 19
Rlver A¢tlon UK Note5 to the financial statements Fort oar ondod 31 March 2024 9. Taxatjon The charity is exempt ftom corporation tax as all its come is charitable and is applied for charitsble purposes. 10. D•btors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Gift aid Prepayments 116 8,588 2,757 5,581 393 11.461 5,974 11. Crgditors . amounts du8 within 1 year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals Other taxation and social securty 4,748 3,572 11.395 3,911 3,517 19.715 7,428 12. Anllysis ol net as$•ts b•twt•n lund• Restricted Unreslricled 2024 Total funds funds Current a$sel$ Current liabilities 69,620 400,196 19,715 469,816 19,715 Not assots at 31 March 2024 69.620 380,481 450.101 Prlor year ¢omparatlv¢ Restricted Unrestricted nds funds 2023 Total Current assets Current liabilities 58.726 197.034 7,428 255,760 7.428 Net assets at 31 March 2023 58.726 189,606 248,332 20
RiverAction UK Notos to the financial stattrments For the ear ended 31 March 2024 13. Mov8m•nts in funds At 1 April 2023 At 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Rostrictgd funds Creative assets Legal action 58,726 158.7281 51.832 121.452 69,620 Total restricted funds 58,726 121.452 110.558 69.620 Unr•$trlct•d lunds General funds 189.606 807.288 616.413 380,481 Total unro8trictod funds 189,606 807,288 616.413 380 481 Total funds 248.332 928.740 726,971 450,101 Purposes of restrlcted funds Cr8alive Ass&ls River Action conceptuall. funded, commissioned and executive produced a new animation Series called This is Sh't, working wth lead animators from Shaun the Sheep and Fantastic Mr Fox, and voice overs from Stephen Fry, Sunetra Saker. Paul Whitehouse, Hugh Feamley-whittingstsll and others. The series launched in July 2023 and used humour lo engage the public in supporting River Ath'on's advocacy work including petitions and the Charter for Rivers. Leg81 Act All costs pertaining to our legal ¢ampaign$ coverir¥J all Oulsoulng $1$ lin¢luding legal fee$l, ¢o$ls of gathering evidence. crtizen science and communicabons lo maximise the campaign impact in addition lo the cost of the team's work dedicated lo these campaigng. 21
RiverAction UK Notos to the financial stattrments For the ear ended 31 March 2024 13. Mov8m•nts in funds Icontinu8dl Prlor yoar comparatlv• At 1 April 2022 At 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Rostrlcted funds Creative assets 59.451 72S 58,726 Total restricted funds 59.451 725 58.72 Unr•$trlct•d lunds General funds 66.669 425.947 303.010 189,606 Total unro8trictod funds 66,669 425,947 303.010 189 608 Total funds 66,669 485,398 303,735 248,332 14. Related party tran$a¢tlon8 There were no related party transactions in the current or prior period.