ALLIANCE ANNUAL REPORT 2024- 2025
CONTENTS
1. Reference & Administrative Information
2. Structure, Governance & Management
3. Our Mission & Objectives
4. Chair Report
5. Operating Highlights
6. Financial Review
7. Trustee Responsibilities
8. Annual Accounts
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
1. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Charity name | The Fertility Alliance |
| Charity number (England and Wales) |
1206323 |
| Scottish charity number | SC053407 |
| Governing Document | Constitution 2023 |
| Registered office | 5 Brayford Square London E1 0SG |
| Bank | Lloyds Bank 25 Gresham Street London EC2V 7HN |
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
2. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
The charity is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation and is therefore governed by the constitution. The number of Trustees shall not be less than 3 and not more than 12. The charity trustees may not appoint any other charity trustee if as a result the number would exceed the maximum. The Board meets quarterly and as necessary. The Trustees, who served during the year, were:
Angela Pericleous-Smith Appointed 23/12/23 Anya Sizer Appointed 23/12/23 Professor Abha Maheshwari Appointed 21/12/23 Professor Tim Child Chair Appointed 05/01/24 Raj Mathur Appointed 02/05/24
Professor Tim Child
Tim is an Associate Professor of Reproductive Medicine in the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford.
He became an HFEA member in January 2021 and Chairs the Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee (SCAAC). Tim was a member of the 2013 NICE Fertility Guidelines Group. He is co-author of the UK’s highest selling Obs and Gynae textbook and has published over 100 research papers and chapters. Tim is a firm believer in Evidence Based Medicine and has undertaken many trials assessing assisted conception interventions.
Professor Abha Maheshwari
Professor Abha Maheshwari is the lead consultant for Reproductive Medicine and Surgery in Aberdeen Fertility Centre.
Being Person Responsible and laboratory director, she is fully aware of clinical and legislative practices as well as challenges facing fertility treatments. She has been part of a number of subcommittees working on Scottish Guidance on various aspects of fertility over the years.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
Nationally she is a panel member for licence centres in HFEA and Andrology special interest Group of British Fertility Society. She is also subspecialty training supervisor for RCOG accredited subspeciality training in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery as well as trainer for multiple training modules for British Fertility Society. She is a strong advocate for research and research being lead and delivered in clinical setting to improve patient care.
She is also Clinical lead for Reproductive Health and Childbirth for National Research Scotland after having had personal fellowships from Chief Scientist Office for working on safety and efficacy of Assisted Reproduction. She has published extensively in the field both primary and secondary research and given talks nationally and internationally.
Angela Pericleous-Smith
Angela is Chair of the British Infertility Counselling Association working as a counsellor with over 20 years ’experience and specialising in fertility counselling since 2004 when she joined Leeds Fertility alongside her Private counselling and supervision practise in York. Previously, working with one-parent families, survivors of rape and abuse and as a Children’s counsellor for the NSPCC. alongside her private counselling and supervision practise in York.
Angela is a member of British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and an Accredited member of BICA. Currently she is a Trainer with the BICA Training Group providing training to other fertility counsellors to promote high standards of fertility counselling and is Deputy Chair of the BICA Accreditation Board. Angela has co-authored BICA Guidelines for Good Practice in Fertility Counselling 4th Ed. 2019.
Angela is Chair of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), Counsellor representative for British Fertility Society (BFS) and a Trustee for the Fertility Alliance, she has specialised in fertility counselling since 2004 working both within the NHS, private fertility clinics and in private practice since 2004.
Angela has written and spoken about the emotional impact of infertility and has co-authored BICA Guidelines for Good Practice in Fertility Counselling 4th Ed. 2019 and Counselling in Surrogacy in UK Licensed Centres (2021). Other research and writing have focused on Covid-19’s impact on UK counselling provision and patients’ experiences, The emotional, physical and psychological impact of infertility in the workplace and Counselling challenges associated with donor conception and surrogacy.
Angela is driven to improve professional standards in fertility counselling; the psychological support, provision and accessibility of information and fair treatment for patients.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
Anya Sizer
Anya has been a prolific campaigner for fair IVF treatment on the NHS . She has spent the last fifteen years working in fertility and IVF support . Anya was appointed as and HFEA Authority Member in October 2024.
Anya has delivered many talks/presentations throughout the UK to organisations such as BICA, BFS, NHS, HFEA and Adoption UK. As a mum of three through IVF and adoption, Anya’s experience of fertility spans first-hand experience and professional life. Anya is the author of ‘Fertile Thinking ’and is an Executive Committee Member for Fabian Women’s network .
Raj Mathur
Raj is a reproductive medicine specialist working in a large NHS fertility service based in Saint Mary’s Hospital Manchester and is also Senior Consultant at Manchester Fertility. He has been in the field of fertility for over 25 years and has led NHS fertility services in Manchester and Cambridge. Between 2021 and 2024 Raj chaired the British Fertility Society, which represents professionals working in this field in the UK. He has been an advisor to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
Raj’s interests are in ensuring equitable access to fertility treatment in the NHS and reducing the risks associated with IVF. He has published several original research papers and book chapters and is the lead author of national guidelines on prevention and management of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. He is a member of the NICE guideline committee tasked with developing guidance to support the care of people with fertility problems. He is active in public engagement and advocacy for improved NHS fertility care.
Our Patron – Allan Pacey
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
We are delighted Professor Allan Pacey is our founding Patron at the Fertility Alliance.
Allan recently joined the University of Manchester where he is the Deputy Vice President and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. He is also Professor of Andrology and has published over 200 research papers, book chapters and review articles.
He is a former Secretary (2005-2010) and Chairman (2012-2015) of the British Fertility Society and former Editor in Chief of the BFS journal Human Fertility (2015-2022). In addition, Allan is an accomplished science communicator and broadcaster. Recent television programmes include Me, My Brother and our Balls (2020), Alex Jones – Fertility and Me (2016), Britain’s Secret Code Breaker (2011), Donor Unknown (2011), The Great Sperm Race (2009), The Truth About Food (2007), Make me a Baby (2007) and Lab Rats (2004).
Awards include, a Fellowship ad eundem of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2014) in recognition of contributions to the speciality and the Wellbeing of Women, an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to Reproductive Medicine (2016), and Honorary (lifetime) Fellowship from the British Fertility Society (2023).
Our Advisory Board
Professor Adam Balen Marta Jansa Perez Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya Victoria Macdonald Natalie Gamble Jane Plumb Professor Nicky Hudson Anthony Ribb Professor Jackson-Kirkman-Brown Tracey Sainsbury Maria Satchi Francesca Steyn Rachel Gregoire
– For further information about our Advisory Board - Our Advisory Board The Fertility Alliance
We were delighted to welcome three new Ambassadors over the year:
Jonathan Luwagga
We have been working with Jonathan for a while and were so pleased and proud that he decided to become an Ambassador for The Fertility Alliance.
Jonathan says "I am passionate about breaking the silence around male infertility, a journey I know all too well. Diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia, I’ve faced the challenges of navigating a condition that affects not only my health but also my identity and relationships. Through countless appointments, tests, and procedures, I’ve gained first hand insight into the emotional and mental toll of infertility - a struggle often underrepresented in conversations about reproductive health.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
My experience has inspired me to become an Ambassador for Fertility Alliance by sharing my story, I hope to foster understanding, dismantle stigmas and empower others to embrace their fertility journeys with resilience and hope."
Professor Husain
Professor Husain is a highly experienced Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology working at Frimley Health Foundation Trust and is a Clinical Professor at the American University of the Caribbean. She is a leading advocate for health equity and has published research on ethnic disparities in fertility care.
Professor Husain was an elected member of the Council of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists which oversees the work of the College and sets strategy.
We welcome her to The Fertility Alliance where she will have a particular focus on issues around equality and diversity.
Bethan Shoemark-Spear
Bethan has worked in the field of fertility for the last three years, focusing on support solutions and patient representation for those on a fertility journey who are LGBTQ+.
She is a lay committee member on the NICE fertility guideline and an HFEA Patient Engagement Forum member.
Bethan and her wife underwent their own journey spanning 4 years and 9 IVF cycles. During this time they made connections with others on a similar journey and know firsthand the importance of organisations like The Fertility Alliance for facilitating safe spaces for people to connect.
Bethan and her wife are both egg and embryo donors, as well as using a donor on their own journey. Unexpectedly Bethan discovered her own infertility and health-related fertility issues during their journey, and she is passionate about educating health professionals to ensure their diagnostic questioning is relevant for same sex female couples.
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Bethan tells us she is honoured to become an Ambassador for the Fertility Alliance and is excited to work alongside such a dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate team.
Co-Founder Kate Brian
Kate is an author and journalist who has been working in the fertility sector for more than 25 years. Kate is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists where she was the first Women’s Voices Lead.
Kate was a lay member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority where she chaired the Licence Committee and continued to work with the Authority as a member of the Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee. Kate is a member of the NICE fertility guideline update group and also sat on the previous NICE fertility guideline development group.
Kate has written five books about fertility, IVF treatment and pregnancy, and presented two Radio Four documentaries about donor treatment.
Chief Executive, Gwenda Burns
Gwenda has over 17 years of experience in leadership roles supporting fertility patients across the UK. She has represented patients on numerous forums across all four nations and Europe, including the National Fertility Group, former CCG groups, health working groups, government bodies, the British Fertility Society, and Fertility Europe.
Passionate about fair and equitable access to fertility care, Gwenda played a key role from 2010 as a member of the National Fertility Group in Scotland, helping to establish an equitable service that offers up to three cycles of treatment in line with NICE fertility guidelines.
Gwenda remains committed to driving positive change and improving outcomes for fertility patients across the UK.
The Chief Executive is appointed by the Board of Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity and has overall responsibility for managing the charity’s operations and employees.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
3. OUR MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
The Fertility Alliance is a national charity focused on providing fertility information, education and support, taking a life course approach.
We support and educate everyone who wants to know more about their fertility, including the 3.5 million people currently facing fertility issues. Our broad range of programmes and activities will deliver education, wellbeing support, digital innovation, knowledge and guidance about all aspects of fertility. We will work with our partners to ensure the public and stakeholders are at the centre of designing services which are fit for purpose.
We bring together and champion the expertise of people with lived experience, the third sector, and organisations across fertility and reproductive health to inform policy, practice and service delivery. We aim to ensure fair and equitable access to information, to fertility care and to treatment. Together our voice is stronger, and we will use it to promote meaningful change.
The charity’s objectives are subject to review each year to ensure it continues to deliver value to the individuals, couples, communities, and entities it supports.
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❖ The advancement of education of the general public on effects and treatment of fertility problems and other such related conditions by
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❖ Providing information, services and support for people on a fertility/infertility journey and related conditions
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❖ promoting/participating in research work into fertility/infertility and related conditions and publish the results of such work
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❖ Delivering information sessions to Professionals in relation to fertility and infertility
We aim to:
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❖ Improve fertility awareness, education and health through effective partnership engagement.
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❖ Champion and support wellbeing and self-care
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❖ Campaign for fair and equal access to fertility treatment across the UK
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❖ Support research projects which aim to increase knowledge, improve health, wellbeing and treatment options.
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❖ Ensure lived experience and stakeholder insights drive policy and sit at the heart of design, delivery and improvement of support and services.
Our Values are simple:
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❖ We will work in an honest, kind, transparent and accountable manner.
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❖ We are ambitious, we will continually evolve and change by listening
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❖ We collaborate with other organisations.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
❖ We are inclusive, we recognise and respect the value and diversity of all
4. CHAIR REPORT
The Fertility Alliance: Building Momentum and Driving Change
It is with great pride that I present the Chair’s Report for The Fertility Alliance’s second annual accounts. This year has been one of significant progress, marking a period in which the charity has moved beyond its establishment phase into a phase defined by delivery, influence, and measurable impact. Our team, volunteers, and partners have worked tirelessly to ensure that people navigating fertility challenges are heard, supported, and empowered, and I am delighted to reflect on the achievements and developments of the past year.
Our Achievement Highlights
Over the past year, The Fertility Alliance has continued to grow in both reach and reputation, establishing itself as a trusted voice for patients and a valued partner across the fertility sector. Among our key achievements:
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Responding to growing demand for support: There has been a marked increase in individuals accessing our one-to-one support services and specialist support groups. These include tailored services for men, LGBTQ+ communities, and people at different stages of their fertility journey. By listening to our community and responding to their needs, we have ensured that no one feels alone during this often-challenging experience.
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Embedding the People’s Panel: Our People’s Panel, which brings together individuals with lived experience of fertility challenges, has become central to our work. The Panel informs service development, contributes to research, and ensures that our advocacy and policy positions are rooted in real patient experiences. Their input continues to shape every aspect of our work, helping us maintain a truly patient-centred approach.
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Building presence and influence across the sector: The Fertility Alliance has established a credible and influential presence in the fertility community. We have delivered presentations at national conferences, contributed to professional forums, and engaged in clinical discussions, allowing us to share patient insights and best practice guidance widely.
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Producing accessible, evidence-based resources: This year, we expanded our library of digital content, producing videos, webinars, and written guides that address gaps in reliable fertility information. By offering clear, accessible resources, we support patients, professionals, and the wider public in understanding complex fertility issues.
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Influencing national conversations: Through initiatives such as our Fertility Awareness Week survey, we have highlighted systemic issues in fertility education, information, and access. These
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
insights have strengthened our role as a key advocacy organisation, ensuring that patients’ experiences are central to national discussions.
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Deepening partnerships: We have worked closely with key organisations across the sector, most notably through our formal collaboration with the British Fertility Society. These partnerships enable us to address inequalities in access to treatment, improve patient support, and drive positive change at a system-wide level.
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Engaging policymakers: We have actively participated in discussions on the variation in fertility provision across the UK, attending Integrated Care Board meetings, briefing MPs, and presenting evidence from our research and patient community. This engagement ensures that patient voices are represented at the highest levels and that national policy decisions reflect the realities faced by those navigating fertility challenges.
Financial Overview
The Fertility Alliance continues to manage its finances responsibly, focusing on directing resources to where they have the greatest impact:
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Income: We have achieved continued growth through donations, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships, enabling us to expand delivery and reach more people in need.
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Expenditure: Our spending has focused on increasing capacity, developing programmes, and strengthening infrastructure to support sustainable growth.
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Reserves: We continue to develop a sustainable reserves position, ensuring the long-term stability and resilience of the charity.
Looking Ahead
As we move into our third year, our focus is on scaling our impact and strengthening our influence across all aspects of fertility support and advocacy. Our priorities for the coming year include:
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Expanding access to support – ensuring underserved and underrepresented communities receive the guidance, care, and resources they need.
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Developing health and wellbeing programmes – complementing emotional and practical support with initiatives such as wellbeing coaching, nutrition, and holistic care.
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Continuing policy advocacy – championing equitable access to fertility treatment across the UK, supporting the implementation of national guidance, and amplifying patient voices.
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Strengthening partnerships – collaborating with professionals, researchers, and organisations to drive improvements in care and reduce inequalities.
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Increasing income generation – ensuring sustainability and continued growth, allowing us to expand services and reach more people in need.
Closing Reflections
This year has been a testament to the dedication, expertise, and passion of our team, volunteers, and partners. Their commitment has enabled The Fertility Alliance to move from foundation to influence, establishing the charity as a central voice in fertility support and advocacy.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
While challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and consistent quality of care across the UK, we are well positioned to build on the momentum of the past year. Our determination remains steadfast: to ensure that everyone navigating fertility challenges has access to the support, information, and care they deserve.
I would like to thank all our supporters, partners, and the wider community for their continued commitment. Together, we will continue to drive meaningful change and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
We are deeply passionate about putting the patient perspective at the centre of every conversation, decision, and initiative relating to fertility. To ensure we can do this effectively, all our team members receive comprehensive training when joining the charity, including trauma-informed training, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and sensitivity needed to support people navigating often complex and emotionally challenging fertility journeys.
Over the past year, we have actively shared our expertise and insights across a wide range of audiences. We’ve delivered talks and presentations to doctors, nurses, embryologists, counsellors, healthcare assistants, and the public at conferences and professional events. In addition, we have led workshops and facilitated discussions designed to foster understanding, collaboration, and practical solutions for improving patient experiences.
Our commitment extends beyond events and workshops. We have visited fertility clinics across the UK to engage directly with staff and explore ways to enhance patient support on the ground. These visits have provided invaluable insights and will continue over the coming year, as we seek to work hand-inhand with clinics to ensure care is consistently compassionate, informed, and patient-focused.
A key part of our work has been the ongoing growth and development of our People’s Panel, which brings together individuals with lived experience of fertility challenges. The Panel is open to anyone who wishes to contribute to our mission of amplifying patient voices, and it has become an increasingly integral part of our work. Over the past year, we have worked closely with the Panel, involving members in consultations, focus groups, and discussions to ensure that patient perspectives directly inform our programmes, services, and advocacy. By collaborating with those who have lived experience, we are laying the foundation for better, more inclusive care for everyone in the future.
Social media
Over the past year, we have established and grown our social media presence, building an engaged community and reaching people across the UK. Our platforms have been developing organically, reflecting increasing interest in fertility support, education, and advocacy:
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LinkedIn – 1213 followers
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Instagram - 1365 followers with 135,631 views over the past quarter
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
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Facebook - 378 followers with 58.371 views over the past quarter
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YouTube - 4.2k views
View the webinar series - The Fertility Alliance - YouTube
Our social media channels are more than just numbers, they are spaces where people can access trusted information, share experiences, and connect with our community.
As we move forward, we aim to continue growing our reach, fostering engagement, and using these platforms to amplify patient voices and highlight key issues in fertility care.
Research and Collaboration
The Fertility Alliance is proud to actively contribute to fertility research, working closely with leading universities and research teams across the UK. Our involvement ensures that the patient perspective is embedded in studies that aim to improve fertility care, treatment outcomes, and long-term health.
Aberdeen University
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When to start assisted reproductive technology treatment in couples with unexplained infertility – exploring the optimal timing for treatment to improve success rates and patient experience.
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Infertility and Long-term population health – investigating the broader health impacts of infertility across the population.
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Making pregnancy predictable: exploring the use of prediction models to streamline treatment decisions in infertility – we have attended several meetings and provided feedback on trial papers to help shape the study’s design and ensure patient needs are reflected.
Anglia Ruskin University
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AFFINITY Trial – Evaluating the efficacy of IVF add-ons in improving reproductive outcomes through a Bayesian multi-stage, multi-arm adaptive randomised trial.
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CONCRETE Trial – Investigating the effectiveness of Clomiphene Citrate in managing male infertility in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
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Prediction Model for OHSS Risk – Acting as co-applicants to develop a model to predict and reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome among couples undergoing IVF.
Through these collaborations, The Fertility Alliance helps ensure that research is not only scientifically robust but also grounded in real-world patient experiences. By participating in meetings, reviewing papers, and providing expert insight, we are helping shape studies that have the potential to transform fertility care, inform clinical practice, and improve outcomes for patients and families across the UK.
People’s Panel
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
Our People’s Panel is made up of representatives from diverse communities, including ethnic minority groups, men, and the LGBTQ+ community. Over the coming year, we aim to further broaden the panel’s demographics to ensure even more voices are represented.
The panel plays a vital role in shaping our work by:
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Sharing insights into the lived experiences of people navigating fertility challenges.
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Ensuring that our initiatives, services, and policies are inclusive, community-informed, and responsive.
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Keeping our community at the heart of everything we do.
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Providing high-quality patient and public involvement (PPI).
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Participating in focus group sessions to inform our strategies and projects.
Over the past year, the People’s Panel has contributed their perspectives on a wide range of topics, helping us to continuously improve our support and advocacy for everyone affected by fertility issues.
During 2024/25, our dedicated team has been supporting a growing number of individuals navigating fertility challenges via email, telephone, and online platforms. We provide a comprehensive range of services designed to meet emotional, informational, and practical support needs. Over the past year, we have seen a remarkable increase in demand for one-to-one support, reflecting the importance of personalised guidance during what can often be a complex and emotionally challenging journey.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
We were delighted to welcome Kelly Da Silva to the Fertility Alliance in the role as Head of Patient Support for the charity.
Kelly is the founder of The IVF Gap and The Dovecote: Childless Support Organisation .
Drawing on her own ten-year personal experience of infertility, Kelly has spent the last decade working in the fertility sector, supporting others through treatment and in the often-overlooked space beyond.
She is currently a PhD researcher at the Centre for Reproduction Research at De Montfort University, where her work explores the lived experience of unsuccessful fertility treatment. Kelly recently worked as a Patient Experience and Co-Production Facilitator, using her professional insight and lived experience to shape more compassionate and responsive support pathways.
Her work is grounded in a trauma-informed approach, with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, validation, and psychological safety for those navigating fertility challenges.
Over the past ten years, she has worked for a leading UK fertility provider to design and deliver emotional support services -helping to develop emotional support services that were formally recognised by the HFEA for their contribution to improving patient care.
Kelly is a trained practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Mindfulness practitioner, weaving these approaches into her work to gently support people at any stage of their journey - including life after fertility treatment.
In addition to individual support, we have facilitated a variety of group sessions to meet the diverse needs of our community, including:
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General Support Group
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Secondary Fertility
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Considering Moving On from Treatment
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Male Support
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Diet and Nutrition
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The Book Club
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LGBTQ+ Group
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Professional Group
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Reclaiming Christmas
These sessions provide a safe and welcoming space for people to share experiences, gain insight, and feel part of a supportive community.
We have also developed a rich library of information resources, producing 32 new videos over the course of the year. Our three most popular videos were:
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
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Lived Experiences: Going through treatment in a same-sex couple – 341 views
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Research on social media and fertility – 292 views
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Surrogacy – Q & A with Sarah Jones from Surrogacy UK – 286 views
Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to expand our support services further, with a particular focus on Health and Wellbeing. This initiative aims to empower people to take back some control during their fertility journey and will include access to one-to-one wellbeing coaching, as well as yoga and nutrition sessions. By offering holistic support, we hope to help individuals maintain their emotional and physical health while navigating fertility challenges.
The impact of our support is reflected in the voices of those we help:
"It was very helpful to talk through my situation with someone who understands the situation, and who has experienced going through the same things. It was helpful to think about how to best manage the situation while keeping up my mental health."
"The guidance and support we received helped us feel less alone and more confident in our journey."
"Having someone to talk to who truly understands what we’re going through has made a world of difference."
"Knowing there’s a community that truly understands this journey has given me hope when I felt like giving up."
Through these services, The Fertility Alliance continues to provide compassionate, person-centred support, helping individuals and families feel informed, understood, and empowered at every stage of their fertility journey.
Events/Meetings
During the course of the last year, we have attended and spoke at many events on a variety of subjects. We have also attended numerous meetings over this period. Some of these have included:
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
Fertility 2025 in Liverpool
DELTA Reproductive Health Symposium RCOG/BFS meeting on patient experiences Conway House LWC Bristol Female Reproductive Endocrinology conference Aberdeen Fertility All-Party Parliamentary Group on PCOS Report The Fertility Show London
Fertility Europe National Fertility Group Masterclass for professional BFS Fertility Education Initiative SIG Fertility Preservation Group BFS Study Week IBSA ARTiculate meeting Newcastle Fertility ESHRE 41[st] Annual Meeting
Clare Lewis-Jones award
We were thrilled to announce the opening of nominations for the inaugural Clare Lewis-Jones Award for Outstanding Patient Care and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Clare’s family for supporting this exciting new initiative.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
The award will be presented for the first time at Fertility 2026 to a healthcare professional nominated by their patients as someone who exemplifies the qualities that Clare held dear: compassion, dedication, and a genuine commitment to putting patients at the heart of care.
Clare Lewis-Jones was a true pioneer in fertility patient advocacy, dedicating over 30 years of her life to supporting individuals and families navigating fertility challenges. She was instrumental in shaping the fertility support sector, initially leading the charity CHILD, which later merged with ISSUE to form the Infertility Network . Clare was also a founding member and driving force of Fertility Europe , serving as Chair for six years, and she played a pivotal role in leading the patient forum AFPO and the National Infertility Awareness Campaign . In recognition of her outstanding contributions to health, Clare was awarded an MBE in 2009.
Clare’s vision, dedication, and passion for patient-centred care were a constant inspiration. She was a mentor to the staff team at The Fertility Alliance and a guiding influence in the charity’s founding. Establishing this annual award is our way of honouring Clare’s remarkable legacy and ensuring that her values continue to inspire excellence in patient care across the fertility sector.
By recognising healthcare professionals who embody Clare’s ethos, the award celebrates not only outstanding practice but also the compassion, empathy, and dedication that make a real difference to the lives of those navigating fertility treatment. The Clare Lewis-Jones Award will stand as a lasting tribute to a remarkable advocate, mentor, and pioneer, ensuring her impact on the fertility community is remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Fertility Week
During National Fertility Awareness week, we joined with our fellow UK charities BICA - British Infertility Counselling Association, Verity - PCOS Charity and Chana - and our all colleagues in Fertility Europe, bringing together the fertility charities from across Europe, to raise awareness of the need for evidencebased fertility education and information to ensure everyone has the knowledge they need.
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
We carried out a snapshot survey of fertility patients for Fertility Awareness Week (Nov 3-9) which found that the majority of respondents felt confused and overwhelmed by the experience of trying to find fertility information.
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8% of respondents said their GP had been able to give them the information they needed about their fertility, and only 44% thought their fertility clinic gave them what they needed.
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The majority (57%) had found it difficult to find information about fertility and fewer than 1% of respondents were confident that the information they were finding online was accurate and evidence based. 74% had used social media to source information, but not a single respondent said they were very confident that the information they found this way was accurate. Only 7% of respondents reported being “very confident” that they would be able to identify bias in social media posts about fertility.
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Two-thirds of patients (67%) found that information from different sources was conflicting. This was often from social media and online influencers, but they also reported that different doctors and different clinics were giving conflicting advice.
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When asked how they felt about the experience of trying to find fertility information the most common responses were that they felt overwhelmed, confused, anxious and uncertain. Fewer than 1% of respondents said it made them feel certain about fertility information.
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More than 90% had not been told anything during their school education about the possibility of infertility and 98% did not receive any information about family-building options of LGBTQ+ communities.
Gwenda Burns, Chief Executive of The Fertility Alliance said “These results show just how much we’re failing people when it comes to fertility education. That leaves them turning to the internet and social media, where accuracy and trust are major concerns. Fertility impacts so many aspects of people’s lives, yet reliable, evidence-based information is still far too hard to access. We urgently need a national effort to improve fertility education and ensure clear, trustworthy information is available for everyone.”
Kevin McEleny, Chair of the British Fertility Society said: “This study builds on previous work, showing that patients find it difficult to access accurate information about fertility issues, particularly from social media, leading to confusion and anxiety. The British Fertility Society is keen to work with The Fertility Alliance, primary care and educators to improve this situation and help support patients better through this early part of their fertility journey.”
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
Advocacy and Access to Fertility Treatment
Access to fertility treatment across the UK remains highly variable. In England, provision can differ significantly from postcode to postcode, resulting in unequal opportunities for patients depending on where they live. Scotland stands out as the only nation providing the gold standard of treatment in line with NICE guidelines . Wales and Northern Ireland offer more equitable provision, but both fall short of delivering carefully aligned with NICE recommendations. In contrast, many areas of England continue to disinvest in fertility services, with a majority of Integrated Care Boards failing to adhere to national guidance.
Throughout the year, The Fertility Alliance has devoted significant time and energy to advocating for fairer access. We have attended numerous ICB meetings, written to and met with MPs, and consistently highlighted the urgent need for equitable, evidence-based fertility care.
A key highlight of our advocacy work was being hosted by Navendu Mishra MP in the House of Commons, where the Fertility Alliance team, alongside the British Fertility Society, briefed MPs on the state of fertility provision in the UK. This important discussion centred on the newly published joint BFS / Fertility Alliance report: “Ending IVF Inequity: A Business Case for Change” (October 2025) https://shorturl.at/jkdz7. The business case calls for all Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England to implement the full NICE fertility guideline, providing three fully funded IVF cycles for eligible patients—
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
an approach recommended by NICE for over two decades. The briefing was supported by several committed MPs, including Andrew Griffith (Arundel and South Downs), Olivia Blake (Sheffield Hallam), Dr Caroline Johnson (Sleaford and North Hykeham), Kate Osborne (Jarrow and Gateshead East), and Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett).
Through these efforts, The Fertility Alliance continues to champion fair and equitable fertility care, ensuring that patient voices are heard at the highest levels of government. This vital work will continue throughout 2026 and beyond, as we push for evidence-based policy, equitable funding, and the consistent implementation of national standards to benefit patients across England and the UK.
We participated in several radio interviews, submitted requested quotes for national papers, and wrote articles for various outlets. We will continue to grow our media contacts and coverage over the next year, highlighting issues that impact our beneficiaries.
We were absolutely delighted and truly honoured to announce our official partnership with the British Fertility Society, marking an exciting step forward in our shared commitment to improving fertility care across the UK. This collaboration brings together two organisations dedicated to putting patients at the centre of fertility services, and it represents a unique opportunity to combine professional expertise with the lived experiences of those navigating fertility challenges.
Through this partnership, we will work more closely than ever to promote the highest possible standards of care for every patient. Together, we aim to ensure that everyone has access to accurate, evidence-based information, while also campaigning jointly for fair and equitable funding for fertility treatment. By uniting the voices of healthcare professionals with those of patients, we can drive
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
meaningful progress and help ensure that every individual seeking fertility care receives the support and treatment they deserve.
Gwenda Burns, Chief Executive of The Fertility Alliance, said:
"We are delighted to partner with the British Fertility Society to strengthen our shared commitment to high standards, collaboration and patient-centred fertility care. Together, we aim to promote evidencebased information for those wanting to know more about fertility, and to champion fair access to treatment following NICE guidance, ensuring that everyone who needs fertility treatment and support has the opportunity to receive it."
Kevin McEleny, Chair of the British Fertility Society, said:
"The British Fertility Society shares the aims of The Fertility Alliance in providing patients with evidencebased information and promoting the rights of patients, including fair access to fertility treatments in line with the NICE recommendations. We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Fertility Alliance and feel that this new relationship is a ‘win win’ for both patients and the professionals that look after them."
This partnership is a commitment to collaboration, to innovation in fertility care, and to making a real difference for patients across the UK. By combining expertise, experience, and advocacy, we are confident that together we can achieve lasting improvements in the quality, accessibility, and fairness of fertility services.
Strengthening Partnerships, Driving Impact
The Fertility Alliance continues to work closely with the UK regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, and leading organisations across the fertility sector, including the British Fertility Society, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, British Infertility Counselling Association, Fertility Europe, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Senior Infertility Nurse Group. These collaborations amplify our collective voice and help shape improvements in fertility care, policy, and access nationwide.
Over the past year, we have proudly supported individuals and families on their fertility journeys, providing compassionate, person-centred guidance and fostering hope at every stage. By working closely with clinicians, partners, and communities, we’ve expanded our reach, strengthened our influence, and championed the voices of those who need it most.
Looking forward, we are committed to building on this momentum, deepening partnerships, growing programmes, and ensuring that everyone experiencing fertility challenges has access to the support, information, and advocacy they deserve. Together, we are driving change, promoting equity, and creating a future where high-quality fertility care is accessible to all.
6. FINANCIAL REVIEW
Over the next year we will continue to look at income diversification initiatives. We are extremely grateful for the support of all those individuals who have kindly donated to us, have carried out fundraising
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
challenges and organisations that have supported us. We look forward to a new year working with everyone in the community to offer vital support.
7. OUR TRUSTEES & TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Trustee Responsibilities
Our trustees are the people that have overall oversight of the charity. They are not involved in running the charity on a day-to-day basis but collectively make decisions about the approach the charity will take and its future direction. They make sure that we have the policies and procedures needed to show we’re complying with our legal obligations. They provide support, ideas and constructive challenge to our team to help the charity to achieve the best it can for our beneficiaries and demonstrate the difference that we make.
The Trustees 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 irregularities.
In line with our legal responsibilities and commitment to strong financial governance, the Trustees undertook an external review of the charity’s accounts for the financial year. As our annual income exceeded the threshold at which independent scrutiny is required, the Trustees appointed Dumas Accounting to carry out an Independent Examination of our financial statements.
The examination was conducted by Dumas Accounting, 16 Butlers Grove, Great Linford, Milton Keynes, MK14 5DT. Their review provided an objective assessment of our accounting records, financial controls and year-end statements, offering assurance that the accounts present a fair and accurate reflection of the charity’s financial position. The Trustees are satisfied that the Independent Examination was completed thoroughly and in accordance with the relevant regulatory standards.
This process reinforces our commitment to transparency, accountability and the responsible stewardship of the funds entrusted to us.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees --------------------Date: 5 June 2026 ---------------------------------------------------
The Fertility Alliance – Annual Report 2024/25
| 08 November 2024 07 November 2025 1206323 THE FERTILITY ALLIANCE Receipts andpayments accounts To For the period from |
08 November 2024 07 November 2025 1206323 THE FERTILITY ALLIANCE Receipts andpayments accounts To For the period from |
08 November 2024 07 November 2025 1206323 THE FERTILITY ALLIANCE Receipts andpayments accounts To For the period from |
08 November 2024 07 November 2025 1206323 THE FERTILITY ALLIANCE Receipts andpayments accounts To For the period from |
08 November 2024 07 November 2025 1206323 THE FERTILITY ALLIANCE Receipts andpayments accounts To For the period from |
08 November 2024 07 November 2025 1206323 THE FERTILITY ALLIANCE Receipts andpayments accounts To For the period from |
08 November 2024 07 November 2025 1206323 THE FERTILITY ALLIANCE Receipts andpayments accounts To For the period from |
08 November 2024 07 November 2025 1206323 THE FERTILITY ALLIANCE Receipts andpayments accounts To For the period from |
CC16a | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the period from |
08 November 2024 | To | 07 November 2025 | ||||||
| Section A Receipts and payments | |||||||||
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
Last year to the nearest £ |
||||
| Donations | 3,898 | - | - | 3,898 | - | ||||
| Corporate Partnership | 3,800 | - | - | 3,800 | - | ||||
| Scottish Government and WellbeingGrant | - | 22,500 | - | 22,500 | - | ||||
| Other income | 7,639 | - | - | 7,639 | - | ||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) | 15,337 |
22,500 | - | 37,837 | - | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Sub total | - | - | |||||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| Bank fees Consulting Evaluation/dissemination General expenses Insurance IT Software and consumables Pension costs Postage, freight & courier Printing & stationery Rent Salaries Travel-National |
43 | - | - | 43 | - | ||||
| 3,025 | - | - | 3,025 | - | |||||
| 150 | - | - | 150 | - | |||||
| 320 | - | - | 320 | - | |||||
| 157 | - | - | 157 | - | |||||
| 754 | 16 | 770 | - | ||||||
| - | 854 | - | 854 | - | |||||
| 192 | 12 | - | 204 | - | |||||
| 590 | 274 | - | 865 | - | |||||
| 26 | 26 | - | |||||||
| 18,650 | 18,650 | ||||||||
| 1,428 | 417 | 1,845 | |||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | 6,685 | 20,223 | - | 26,908 | - | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
|||||||||
| Church music equipments | - | - | |||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | |||||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| 8,652 | - | ||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| 5,349 | - | ||||||||
| 14,001 | 5,349 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
6/12/2026
1
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Bank - Current Account Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 14,001 - - 14,001 OK Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
Restricted funds to nearest £ 2,277 - - 2,277 OK Restricted funds to nearest £ |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| OK | |||||||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||||||
| - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | |||||
| Details Details Details |
Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which liability relates |
Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) Amount due (optional) |
Current value (optional) |
||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| Current value (optional) |
|||||||
| When due (optional) |
|||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| Signature | Print Name Tim Child |
||||||
| Date of approval |
|||||||
| Tim Child | 5-Jun-26 | ||||||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
6/12/2026
2
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
| Report to the trustees/ members of On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages |
Charity Name The Fertility Alliance |
Charity Name The Fertility Alliance |
Charity Name The Fertility Alliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07 November 2025 | Charity no (if any) |
1206323 | |
| 1 - 2 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) |
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 07/11/2025. DD / MM / YYYY .
- Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report 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.
Independent examiner's statement
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.
Signed: Nana Opoku Baerfi
Date: 21 May 2025
| Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: |
Nana Opoku Barfi |
|---|---|
| 1. Fellow - Certified Public Accountants Association (FCPAA) 2. Member – Association of Independent Charity Examiners (MCIE) |
|
| 16 Butlers Grove | |
| Great Linford, Milton Keynes | |
| MK14 5DT | |
1
October 2018
IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
October 2018
IER