ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1195857
Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CONTENTS
| Page 3 | Legal and Administrative Information |
|---|---|
| Pages 4 to 6 | Trustees' Report |
| Page 7 | Statement of Financial Activities |
| Page 8 | Balance Sheet |
| Pages 9 to 15 | Notes to the Financial Statements |
| Page 16 | Independent Examiner's Report |
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHARITY NUMBER
CHARITY NUMBER 1195857 DATE OF REGISTRATION 21st September 2021 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st January 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st December 2024 TRUSTEES AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Nicole Cannon Richard Bailey Lynn Robinson Scott Robertson Adam Thistlewaite Andrew Higson LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation GOVERNING INSTRUMENT CIO - Foundation Registered 21st September 2021
OBJECTS
The provision of facilities for and the organising of open-air recreation activities such as climbing, walking, paddle sports, biking and the outdoors in general throughout the UK with the object of improving health (particularly mental health), and in the interest of social welfare. Advancing the education of the public in subjects relating to the health benefits (particularly mental health) of outdoors recreation pursuits.
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS 24 Broadgate Almondbury Huddersfield HD5 8HW PRIMARY BANKERS Lloyds Bank Plc 25 Gresham Street London EC2V 7HN INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
Structure, Governance, and Management
The charity was registered as a CIO Foundation on 21st September 2021 and is managed by 6 appointed trustees.
Method of Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Trustee must be appointed by a resolution passed at a special meeting of the charity trustees.
Objectives and Activities
The Charity's Objects
The provision of facilities for and the organising of open-air recreational activities such as climbing, walking, paddle sports, biking and the outdoors in general throughout the UK with the object of improving health (particularly mental health), and in the interests of social welfare.
Advancing the education of the public in the subjects relating to the health benefits (particularly mental health) of outdoor recreational pursuits.
The Charity's Main Activities
Blackdog Outdoors is a charity that supports and promotes a re-connection with nature to improve mental health and wellbeing. We achieve this through organised events that we plan and run and are free to attend by those affected by poor mental health. Our events are free to attend (apart from navigation and mountain skills courses), are led by qualified outdoor professionals, and supported by Mental Health First Aid trained volunteers, to create a safe and supportive environment.
Public Benefit Statement
Blackdog Outdoors is committed to the mental health and wellbeing of people through a reconnection with nature.
Our events, delivered by qualified outdoor professionals and supported by Mental Health First Aid trained volunteers, allow the attendees to engage in outdoor recreation with confidence, in turn meeting like-minded people, and learning how to access the outdoors responsibly.
Achievements and Performance
Our reporting period commenced on 1st January 2024, and we were able to engage with 1,156 attendees across 125 events, an average of 9 attendees per event.
The 125 events delivered in our 2024 reporting period can be summarised as:
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82 x walking events
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4 x climbing events
-
24 x paddling events
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12 x bouldering sessions
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1 x mountain skills courses (Mountain Training accredited)
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1 x ghyll scrambling event
Of the 125 events, 87% were delivered in England, 6% in Scotland, and 7% in Wales.
Blackdog Outdoors gained funding from various sources, which was used to deliver events to support various service user groups. These groups include:
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Space4Autism – supporting people living with autism.
-
Leicestershire NHS Trust – supporting service users of the early intervention psychosis team.
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Sheffield NHS Trust – supporting service users of the early intervention psychosis team.
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LGBT Foundation, Manchester – supporting adults in a recovery programme.
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SWY NHS Trust – supporting service users of the early intervention psychosis team.
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Carrington Coffee – community based wellbeing Initiative.
-
Outdoor Partnership – supporting residents of Copeland & Allerdale.
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
The Charity received the following recognition for its work during the reporting period:
----- Start of picture text -----
Recipient Awarding Body Award Outcome
Blackdog Outdoors SWY NHS Trust Excellence Awards Runner-up
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The charity expects to deliver at least the following core activities in the 2025 reporting period: · Walking events · Climbing events · Paddling events · Bouldering sessions · Ghyll Scrambling events
In addition, we will be providing further events to support service user groups that include:
- LGBT Foundation, Manchester – supporting adults in a recovery programme.
· SW Yorkshire NHS Trust – supporting service users of the early intervention psychosis team in Kirklees and Calderdal · Leicestershire NHS Trust – supporting service users of the early intervention psychosis team.
· Sheffield NHS Trust – supporting service users of the early intervention psychosis team.
· College of Paramedics – providing respite for trainee and qualified paramedics.
· Space4Autism – supporting adults with autism.
- Carrington Coffee – community based wellbeing Initiative.
Financial Review
The income for the year was £35,179, of which £10,000 was restricted funding from Sport England to deliver communityfocused walking events.
The trustees have assessed the charity's ability to continue for at least 12 months from the date that the accounts were approved. There is no concern regarding the charity's ability to continue operating.
Our opening balance on 1st January 2024 was £40,416. The net income for the year was £35,179, of which £10,000 was restricted funding from Sport England to deliver community-focused walking events.
Our outgoings up to our year-end date of 31st December 2024 totalled £41,556, which leaves £34,139 to take into 2025.
Reserves Policy
The charity has no reserves but has a healthy bank balance, and sufficient funding to cover our activities during the next financial year. The trustees are, however, currently working to formalise a reserves policy to ensure sustainability for future years.
Going Concern
The trustees are satisfied that there are no concerns or uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue delivering its activities.
Taxation
As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
Trustee Renumeration and Benefits
No trustees received renumeration or benefits during the reporting period.
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS ICharilatA8 Ineorwalod Organisabr) TRUSTEES. REPORT Icontlnuedl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Truste, R8$ponslbllltl Th+ irugt••s sr rgSWrb f¢r th& T10¢. knport and th¢ atAt¢mtsnts kn ÈG¢x>rdon¢% with aprlKatle Law Generaty Accw4kng IGA4PI tr11n9 Financi Repxtlng standard 102 The Flnancw ReputitvJ Standard arpkaile in the UK 8ThJ Rep ol IréLnd Iurwted Kiwdom GeralY PLeeFled lTrJ Practkek The Churitses Act 2011 1rn8tsJS lo wewT• slalwmrts 88th lknaiKkil give a true aThJ falr OI1he stste olalfalrs oflhe CIO of1 ficI1011he ao fwthai pknl. kn wapariw Ise fingnc 8t818ments IhÈ trustae5 required lo.. Sa¢ sullaL4è apFtythem crnthl8nty. Ob5ew the metlths 8TrJ ¥Ind0& In fv chwit¥ SORP: MakeNKenhynls ond estkn8les Ihat are r8asLwWe arKI prLthI.' Slalg %thdh8r ato UK A(xxxJntirwJ Slwdwds bean g¢t to •ny ma¢or¥al dopgrturee ¢JMded and eXalned Iho fmntial $lalwrnnt& Preparo finArtal 51alfjThnl$ gcirvJ conc8m b kn•Fwcytsts to pre8Th that the QO ¥lll contlrMJè kn a#1. Tha truste68 ar8 rIble for keeFkng ffident Iha¢ dw58 ¥Ath rea816 aceuracy 8¢ •nylnK th8 nnanclal posllfvjn of Ihe thgriiy them to enwr• thai thb slalom8nl8 comF4y w5th the A¢1 2011, Ihe Charly (Acc(KlS and RÉKvtsl Regul4¢1 aTrJ lh8 ofihb tk¢umenl. They are also rW1bkn lor 8af•3u8rdlr*J th& awts th•rty r•8wtl• 8ttyo kn Iho prev•nlkn and d•ieGlk)n olfraLhl aTrJ clh&r IrreW18. 4..1..ts.l.Lo L Apyov•J ty thè TIL¥t on........ Prlnled Nama..
BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Donations, Grants & Legacies 3a Activities for Generating Funds 3b TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of Generating Funds Cost of Charitable Activities 4a Governance Costs 4b TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING (OUTGOING) RESOURCES Funds Brought Forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 24,147 10,000 34,147 39,851 1,032 - 1,032 3,233 25,179 10,000 35,179 43,085 40,596 - 40,596 40,772 960 - 960 900 41,556 - 41,556 41,672 (16,377) 10,000 (6,377) 1,413 37,516 3,000 40,516 39,103 21,139 13,000 34,139 40,516 |
|---|---|
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS Icharilab1e Incorporale(l Organisalionl BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Re51rK TOTAL rutKIs )1.Do24 TOTAL 91.DoG.2a Nol rur Fbxed Ajwts Tangl0 AsÉ81S Invésimenis Total Flxtd A•i•i8 Curr•n¢ Ass•ts 00blors & Prepwr¥Jrt6 Cash al Bank and in Ha Total Currènt Ai8•ti 22.099 22.090 1Y.IXX] 13.000 35.099 35.099 A1.418 41,416 Credltorn: Amwnt8 lth yeHr NET CURRENT A88ETS 21,139 ii¢J)o 34,139 40,516 TOTAL ASSETS108scwr8rt liatllti8 21.139 13,C#)O 34.139 40,516 Cr•dltor•'. 18lllThJ dug kn rn Ih 10 NET A8SET8 21,139 13,QOO 34,139 40,516 Fundsofth• ChrHy G8neral Funds Resiricled Funds 21.139 21,139 13,rxyJ 37.516 13,IlXI Total Fundi 21,130 13,000 34,139 40,S18 o%d bythe Tnle8$m.......... .. ..... ...................................................................................................... sj on Ihew beh•ff byTnJ8100...... .. Prfnled Namw.
BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) (Second Edition, effective 1st January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming Resources
Recognition of Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and Donations
Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants
This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.
Gifts in Kind
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated Services and Facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
Investment Income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Investment Gains and Losses
This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Governance Costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Grants with Performance Conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants Payable without Performance Conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.
Investments
Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.
Unrestricted funds
These funds can be used for the general objectives of the charity as set out in the trustees report. The movements of the unrestricted funds are given in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Restricted funds
These funds are where the donor has specified a purpose for the donation made. These restrictions often arise as a result of appeals for special offerings for specific purposes.
Designated funds
These funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for particular purposes or projects.
Fixed Assets
Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied are as follows:
Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment
25% - Reducing Balance Basis
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
The CIO held no fixed assets during this or the previous financial year.
The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows: 31st December 2024 : None
31st December 2023 : None
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
3. INCOMING RESOURCES
| Note a) Donations, Grants & Legacies Gifts & Donations Grants Received 5 b) Activities for Generating Funds Professional Services 4. RESOURCES EXPENDED a) Cost of Charitable Activities Advertising & Publicity Bank Charges Insurance Costs License & Subscriptions Office Costs Service Provision - Community Support Service Provision - Introductory Events Service Provision - Professional Services Staff Costs 12 Sundry Expenses Training Costs Website Costs b) Governance Costs Independent Examiners Fees 9 |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 6,107 - 6,107 36,211 18,040 10,000 28,040 3,640 24,147 10,000 34,147 39,851 1,032 - 1,032 3,233 1,032 - 1,032 3,233 Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 5,518 - 5,518 6,884 - - - 14 2,631 - 2,631 1,126 802 - 802 1,076 10 - 10 47 12,778 - 12,778 11,791 7,477 - 7,477 10,447 875 - 875 3,460 4,174 - 4,174 4,495 - - - 323 957 - 957 706 5,373 - 5,373 403 40,596 - 40,596 40,772 960 - 960 900 960 - 960 900 |
|---|---|
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
5. RESTRICTED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
| Calderdale Community Foundation Sports England |
Balance Balance 01-Jan-24 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec-24 £ £ £ £ £ 3,000 - - - 3,000 - 10,000 - - 10,000 3,000 10,000 - - 13,000 |
|---|---|
PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR
| Calderdale Community Foundation | Balance Balance 01-Jan-23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ £ - 3,000 - - 3,000 - 3,000 - - 3,000 |
|---|---|
The Restricted funds are wholly represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended as specified above.
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
6. INVESTMENTS
The CIO held no fixed assets investments during this or the previous financial year.
7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | TOTAL | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Fund | 31-Dec-24 | 31-Dec-23 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Cash at Bank & in Hand | 22,099 | 13,000 35,099 41,416 |
|||
| 22,099 | 13,000 35,099 41,416 |
||||
| 8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS | |||||
| Sundry Debtors | Unrestricted Fund £ - |
Restricted Fund £ |
TOTAL 31-Dec-24 £ - |
TOTAL 31-Dec-23 £ - - |
|
| - | - | - - |
|||
| 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | |||||
| Independent Examiners Fees | Unrestricted Fund £ 960 |
Restricted Fund £ |
TOTAL TOTAL 31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23 £ £ - 960 900 |
||
| 960 | - 960 900 |
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR
The CIO held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial year.
11. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed Asset Investments Net Current Assets Long Term Liabilities |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ - - - - 21,139 13,000 34,139 40,516 - - - - 21,139 13,000 34,139 40,516 |
|---|---|
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
12. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
| TOTAL 2024 £ Gross Wages, Salaries & Fees 4,174 Employer's National Insurance Costs - Pension Contributions - 4,174 Employees who were engaged in each of the following activities: TOTAL 2024 Charitable Activities 1 |
TOTAL 2023 £ 4,495 - - 4,495 TOTAL 2023 1 |
|---|---|
The Charity employed staff on a Self-Employed basis during the financial period and is therefore not liable for their National Insurance and Pension Costs. No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2023:None).
13. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES
No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them (2023:None).
14. RISK ASSESSMENT
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
15. RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
16. PUBLIC BENEFIT
The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.
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BLACKDOG OUTDOORS
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees/ members of Blackdog Outdoors on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 set out on pages 7 to 14.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
K. Collaku MAAT Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
Date: 11th June 2025
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