Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 9/07/2021 To 31/03/2022
Charity name: Cat Squad South Essex
Charity registration number: 1195112
Objectives and Activities: Rescue and rehoming of stray, abandoned and vulnerable cats.
For the public benefit in the South East of England, to promote humane behaviour towards cats and kittens and to relieve the suffering and distress of cats and kittens who are in need of care and protection due to sickness, neglect or maltreatment by the provision of a rescue and rehoming service.
During the above period Cat Squad successfully rescued 72 cats and rehomed 69 of those cats with three still in foster care at the beginning of the next period. The trustees made these rescues and rehomes while successfully maintaining a credit bank balance despite regular vet bills. The working model of operation was successful but services need to be expanded ongoing as enquiries from the public are often referred to other rescues.
The Charity Commission guidance has proved an invaluable operating model and the trustees have fully complied
Additional information Policy on grant making: Cat Squad have not made any grants despite the initial vision. The intention was to grant funds to the public for neutering and spaying and help towards vet bills in exceptional circumstances. Cat Squad had not generated the funds it considers it need to expand its operation to facilitate grant making.
Contributions made by volunteers:
Whilst the governing document allows trustees to claim out of pocket expenses from the charity, a decision was made by the trustees that trustees would self fund with the exception of vet bills and excessive expenses.
This decision was taken by unanimous vote of the trustees because it was felt that as the charity asks fosterers to self fund, the trustees must lead by example. Going forward this is to be written into the governing document.
Volunteers during the period 9/7/2021 - 31/03/2023 were limited to the trustees. Other extraneous help was offered by supporters.
Contributions made by volunteers:
Whilst the governing document allows trustees to claim out of pocket expenses from the charity, a decision was made by the trustees that trustees would self fund with the exception of vet bills and excessive expenses.
This decision was taken by unanimous vote of the trustees because it was felt that as the charity asks fosterers to self fund, the trustees must lead by example.
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Going forward this is to be written into the governing document.
Volunteers during the period 9/7/2021 - 31/03/2023 were limited to the trustees. Other extraneous help was offered by supporters.
Conclusion.
Cat Squad succeeded in rescuing 72 cats and rehoming 69 cats in its first year operating as a charity and regard this as a success.
Cat Squad succeeded in its financial policy of charging a set adoption fee (which had to be increased from £70 to £120).
That level of fee successfully sustained the veterinary care required.
Cat Squad had not achieved its vision of serving the South East of England and has had to limit its activities to a smaller local area of South Essex. Serving this smaller area has been successful.
Cat Squad piloted the Silver Rose scheme which has had very limited success and due to a lack of volunteers is not currently being promoted.
The limiting factor to Cat Squads operations had was the lack of volunteers. Funding was not a problem as people willingly donated to Cat Squad and the adoption fees were acceptable.
Ongoing the trustees must reinforce a recruitment drive as the lack of volunteers had been Cat Squads limiting factor.
Signed
Patricia Davies Trustee Cat Squad South Essex Write to
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