NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING
31 OCTOBER 2024
Registered CIO Number: 1195265
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2024 INDEX
| PAGE | |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Information | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2-5 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 8 |
| Accounting Policies | 9 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 10-11 |
Page 1
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2024 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Registered CIO Number 1195265
Address 16 Neale Close Wollaston Wellingborough NN29 7UT
Trustees
Nicholas Strelczuk Chair David Hough Vice chair John Frostwick Treasurer Paul Middlehurst Paul Willis Martin Crisp Grayham Amos Andrew Chatwin
Bankers
National Westminster Bank Plc
Steven Jones FCA
Independent Examiner
Page 2
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2024
Structure, Governance and Management
Northamptonshire Search and Rescue (NSAR) is governed by a Constitution adopted by its members. The Board of Trustees includes eight Trustees who bring a wealth of experience and skillset to the charity.
Trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the Annual General Meeting by the members.
Aims, Objectives and Public Benefit
We aim to relieve the suffering and distress amongst persons endangered, and the preservation of life, in particular, but not exclusively by:
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The provision of trained resources to the Police, other emergency services, Local Authorities and other Search and Rescue organisations
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Assist statutory authorities for the relief of those in need in emergencies
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The provision of useful training and skills to the members and to the public
All of our activities and decision making is carried out to further the Charity's aims and objectives which are for the public benefit.
Activities
Our services are entirely voluntary. Incidents we may be called upon include where the location of a high risk missing person is unknown, flooding or welfare checks.
Team members are highly trained in a variety of skills including search techniques, search planning, navigation, radio operation, first aid, swiftwater rescue and bank search.
Searches are coordinated through a Search Manager, Search Operations and Search Planner. Each team operates with a Team Leader, Comms, Navigation and Medic.
We work closely with the Police, Fire Service and Local Authority who contact us when our services are required.
Page 3
Financial Statements
The Board of Trustees confirm that the financial statements for the year:
i) have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the financial statements; ii) comply with the charity’s governing document; iii) and; comply with The Charities Act 2011
Achievements and Performance in the Period
The charity assisted the Emergency Services with 65 incidents , some multiple days in duration, covering the search for high risk missing persons and responding to flooding.
A total of 133 training exercises and sessions were conducted covering a broad range of subjects.
We ran or attended 8 fundraising events in the period.
We trained one Search Planner, two in Point of Find, four for the kayak team, six Training Assessment Quality Assurance, two Trainee Team Leaders, two Qualified Team Leaders and two Incident Commanders.
During the period, our members volunteered the following total hours to the Charity: 2596 Search hours
2795 Training hours 2665 Events hours
The Search Types undertaken in the period were as follows:
4 Missing child 9 Dementia 29 Despondent 5 Fatality 5 Flood response
14 Water searches
19 Mutual aid searches
We have grown to 46 Qualified Members.
Page 4
Financial Review
The Trustees have reviewed the financial position of the Charity and are happy we have a strong balance sheet. There are £1,012 of restricted funds for projects. There is also £41,834 which has been earmarked for various other projects, budgets and expenses.
The purpose of the Reserves Policy is to ensure the ongoing operations of the charity. The reserves are intended to provide a source of funds for situations such as an unexpected cashflow problem and to cover contingency plans such as unexpected expenditure. This amount held under the reserves policy is £39,800.
Our Members' Feedback
We surveyed our volunteers during the year, and this is what made them proud to be part of NSAR:
Page 5
A Thank You to Our Supporters
We rely upon the generosity and support of our donors and supporters without whom we could not carry out our vital public service.
The Northamptonshire Fire Service continue to provide us with a secondary base to store some of our vital equipment and vehicle.
Weetabix have been supportive in providing us with training space. Lamport Hall have been very generous in supporting our operation.
The David Laing Foundation have supported us with funding for our new base fit out.
We thank also GW Construction who helped in the major fit out work of our new base.
Finally, our biggest thanks goes to our volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Looking Ahead
This year marked a significant step forward in our governance structure. Our new governing document now allows us to appoint Trustees who are not part of the core team. This change opens the door for Trustees with diverse expertise, strengthening our leadership with a broad range of skills and perspectives.
Financial stability will be a key focus, especially following the acquisition of our new base. We have worked diligently to consolidate our financial position, ensuring long-term sustainability and operational security and we aim to continue to strengthen this over the coming year.
In addition, we are actively exploring new ways to advance the skills and capabilities of our team. By investing in professional development and strategic growth, we aim to enhance our effectiveness and impact, equipping our team for future challenges and opportunities.
Presented and approved at a board meeting held on 20th February 2025, and signed on their behalf.
______ Nicholas Strelczuk Chair
Page 6
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2024 CHARITY NUMBER 1195265
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 October 2024 as set out on pages 7 to 11.
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
…............................................................
Steven Jones Bsc(Hons), FCA
Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor
Dated: 21st February 2025
c/o Cube Partners Ltd Chartered Accountants 5 Giffard Court Millbrook Close Northampton NN5 5JF
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE REGISTERED CIO NUMBER:1195265
Page 7
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2024
| Notes Income from: General donations and legacies Grant income 1 Fundraising and other events Members contributions VAT refunds Other Income Total Income Receipts Asset Sales TOTAL RECEIPTS Expenditure on: Search operations costs Medical & other consumables Subscriptions and insurances Vehicle fuel and running costs Training Fundraising costs Base costs Other Total Expenditure Payments Asset purchases TOTAL PAYMENTS Net of Receipts/(Payments) Transfer between funds Cash funds brought forward from last year Cash funds carried forward this year end 3 |
Total Total Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 34,198 - 34,198 36,323 - 36,323 3,526 14,625 18,151 2,000 2,625 4,625 3,033 - 3,033 8,203 - 8,203 3,010 - 3,010 3,637 3,637 1,743 - 1,743 13,773 - 13,773 1,359 - 1,359 1,627 - 1,627 |
|---|---|
| 46,869 14,625 61,494 65,563 2,625 68,188 |
|
| - - - 8,500 - 8,500 |
|
| 46,869 14,625 61,494 74,063 2,625 76,688 |
|
| 3,424 - 3,424 4,152 - 4,152 488 488 1,240 1,240 10,880 10,880 8,901 8,901 4,451 4,451 5,855 5,855 3,155 3,155 6,972 6,972 - - 2,283 2,283 1,362 8,987 10,349 - - - 1,248 - 1,248 197 - 197 |
|
| 25,008 8,987 33,995 29,600 - 29,600 |
|
| 2,004 5,000 7,004 6,772 58,391 65,163 |
|
| 27,012 13,987 40,999 36,372 58,391 94,763 |
|
| 19,857 638 20,495 37,691 (55,766) (18,075) |
|
| - - - - - - 75,146 1,500 76,646 37,455 57,266 94,721 |
|
| 95,003 2,138 97,141 75,146 1,500 76,646 |
All income and expenditure derive from charitable operations.
Page 8
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE REGISTERED CIO NUMBER:1195265
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2024
| Notes ASSETS: Fixed Assets at Current Value 2 Current Assets Cash at Bank and in hand 3 LIABILITIES: Creditors Amounts falling due within one year NET ASSETS OF THE CHARITY |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 7,339 56,574 63,913 11,677 73,734 85,411 |
|---|---|
| 96,127 1,013 97,140 75,146 1,500 76,646 |
|
| 96,127 1,013 97,140 75,146 1,500 76,646 |
|
| - - - - - - |
|
| - - - - - - |
|
| 103,466 57,587 161,053 86,823 75,234 162,057 |
Approved by the trustees at a committee meeting held on 20th February 2025, and signed on their behalf
John Frostwick
Treasurer
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE REGISTERED CIO NUMBER:1195265
Page 9
ACCOUNTING POLICIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2024
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and applicable UK Accounting Standards.
Income recognition
Monetary donations and legacies income is accounted for when received.
Grants are accounted for when received.
Fundraising and other events income are sponsorship and other donations raised at events, and are accounted for when received.
Donations of consumable goods are not included in Income, as it is not considered practicable to quantify such income.
Intangible Income
Intangible income, in the form of donated facilities and services etc., is not included in the financial statements since it is not considered practicable to quantify such income.
Expenditure
Expenditure is stated inclusive of value added tax, and is brought into account in the period it is paid for. Costs are allocated to the functional cost heading or asset heading to which it relates in the Receipts and Payments accounts
Employees
The charity does not have any employees. It is operated purely by volunteers.
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are shown in total in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at their estimated current value.
The Notes to the Financial Statements summarises the charity's Fixed Assets at both their original cost and at their estimated current value. The charity has a policy of regular maintenance of its fixed assets, so as to maintain their longevity, and provide value to donors.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised or set aside for particular restricted purposes.
Reserves
The current reserve policy is to maintain sufficient cash flow for known operating commitments, and the replacement of certain assets.
Risk
The trustees do not believe the charity is subject to any substantial risk.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE REGISTERED CIO NUMBER:1195265
Page 10
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| 1 Grant income Maud Elkington David Laing Foundation Drax Corporate Tesco Groundworks Enterprise Holdings PayPal Movement for Good Ruth Lee Ltd Volunteer Heroes Michael Guest Charitable Foundation 2 Fixed Assets - Current Value Asset Detail Orig cost Major Asset 1 - Incident Control Van 19,680 Major Asset 2 - Incident Support Vehicle 47,308 Major Asset 3 - 4x4 Response Vehicle 8,040 Search & Rescue Equipment - purch 2024 7,004 Search & Rescue Equipment - purch 2023 17,855 Search & Rescue Equipment - purch 2022 20,101 Search & Rescue Equipment - purch 2021 11,922 Total Current Values |
Total Total Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ - 1,500 1,500 - - 10,000 10,000 - - 2,000 2,000 - - 1,125 1,125 1,125 1,125 2,500 2,500 - 26 26 - 1,000 1,000 - - 1,500 1,500 - 2,000 2,000 |
|---|---|
| 3,526 14,625 18,151 2,000 2,625 4,625 |
|
| Total Total Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ - 14,685 14,685 - 17,276 17,276 - 34,180 34,180 - 40,212 40,212 - 1,000 1,000 - 1,500 1,500 1,503 3,750 5,253 - - - 3,386 384 3,770 5,079 8,312 13,391 2,450 2,576 5,025 4,900 5,151 10,051 - - - 1,698 1,283 2,981 |
|
| 7,339 56,574 63,913 11,677 73,734 85,411 |
Major fixed asset purchases are individually assessed for their Current Value.
Other fixed assets ("Search & Rescue Equipment" above) are deemed to have a Current Value based on a 4 year useful life Search & Rescue Equipment fixed assets purchased prior to FY2021 are deemed to have no material current value
| 3 Cash at Bank Current Accounts Savings Accounts Cash in Hand |
Total Total Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 500 - 500 493 - 493 95,587 1,013 96,600 74,612 1,500 76,112 40 - 40 40 - 40 |
|---|---|
| 96,127 1,013 97,140 75,145 1,500 76,645 |
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE REGISTERED CIO NUMBER:1195265
Page 11
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 Unrestricted Funds
| Unrestricted Funds | |
|---|---|
| General Reserve | Opening Transfer Closing Balance Movement Movement Between Balance 01.11.23 In Out Funds 31.10.24 £ £ £ £ £ 75,146 46,869 (27,012) - 95,003 |
| 75,146 46,869 (27,012) - 95,003 |
5 Restricted Funds
| Funds | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | Transfer | Closing | |||||
| Balance | Movement | Movement | Between | Balance | |||
| 01.11.23 | In | Out | Funds | 31.10.24 | |||
| note | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Ruth Lee Limited Volunteer Heroes | a | 1,500 | - | (1,500) | - | - | |
| Maud Elkington | b | 1,500 | (1,500) | - | - | ||
| David Laing Foundation | c | 10,000 | (8,987) | - | 1,013 | ||
| Drax Corporate | d | 2,000 | (2,000) | - | - | ||
| Tesco Groundworks | e | - | 1,125 | (1,125) | - | - | |
| 1,500 | 14,625 | (15,112) | - | 1,013 |
Purpose, use and restrictions of funds:
a This grant is to fund training of the Swiftwater Rescue Team
b This grant is to fund the charity's new kayak team equipment c This grant is to fund the fit out of the charity's base d This grant is to fund the charity's new kayak team equipment
e This grant is to fund the fit out of the charity's base
6 Ultimate Controlling Party
The Charity is controlled by the board of Trustees, who are listed in the Legal and Administrative Information page.
7 Events After the End of the Reporting Period
Since the year end the Charity was privileged to be awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service for 2024. The Charity updated its Constitution on 23 December 2024 to further strengthen its governance structure.