## **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:
1. The provision of trained resources to the Police, other emergency services, Local Authorities and other Search and Rescue organisations
2. Assist statutory authorities for the relief of those in need in emergencies
3. 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:
- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
- 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.