Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 December 2024
Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation (JRBF)
COMPANY INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Trustees
Dr Joel Richard Bell Ethan Gottlieb Kuhn Dr Stewart Wynn Humble Dr Leslie Anne Duncan
Governing Document
The Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation is governed by its Articles of Association, which set out the charity’s purposes, powers, and trustee responsibilities.
Company Registration Number Charity Registration Number
15257599
1207023
Principal Address & Registered Office
Mardale Manor Road Wantage Oxfordshire OX12 8DW
Independent Examiner
Marsela Armstrong, FCCA 19 Parklands, Besselsleigh Abingdon OX13 5PN
Contents
Company Information Trustees' Annual Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation (JRBF)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations 3 Gift Aid Total income and endowments EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities 4 Total expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes Other gains/(losses) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds £ 39,471 1,125 - 40,596 48,963 - 48,963 - (8,367) - (8,367) - - - (8,367) - (8,367) |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total Funds 2024 £ 39,471 1,125 - 40,596 48,963 - 48,963 - (8,367) - (8,367) - - - (8,367) - (8,367) |
Total Funds 2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing operations.
All income and expenditure was unrestricted in the current and previous year.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account required by the Companies Act 2006.
The notes form part of these accounts.
Page 3
Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation (JRBF)
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 5 Cash at bank and in hand 6 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 7 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after more than one year Provisions for liabilities Net assets / (liabilities) excluding pension asset / (liability) Defined benefit scheme asset / (liability) TOTAL NET ASSETS FUND BALANCES Unrestricted Funds General funds |
Unrestricted Funds £ - - 2,089 1,813 3,902 (12,269) (8,367) (8,367) - - (8,367) - (8,367) (8,367) (8,367) |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total Funds 2024 £ - - 2,089 1,813 3,902 (12,269) (8,367) (8,367) - - (8,367) - (8,367) (8,367) (8,367) |
Total Funds 2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the period ended 31 December 2024 and has been granted an audit dispensation under Regulation 34(3)(a) of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The member has not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 and the audit dispensation awarded by the Charity Commission. However, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, the accounts have been examined by an independent examiner and their report has been included in these financial statements.
The directors (who are the charitable company's trustees for the purposes of charity law) acknowledge their responsibilities for:
-
(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
-
(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its net income or expenditure for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and were signed on its behalf by:
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Dr Joel Richard Bell
Date: _______ 6/03/26
Company number: 15257599 Charity number: 1207023
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The notes form part of these accounts.
Page 4
Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation (JRBF)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Statutory Information
The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee and is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found on the Company Information page.
2 Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, on a going concern basis, in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) ("the Charities SORP"), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.
a) Going concern
The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. The trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
b) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
c) Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure includes irrecoverable VAT.
d) Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions imposed by donors as to how they may be used.
e) Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £5,000 and the asset is expected to have a useful economic life of more than one year. No tangible fixed assets were held during the year.
f) Taxation
he charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation on its income and gains to the extent that they are applied for charitable purposes.
Page 5
Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation (JRBF)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2 Accounting Policies (cont.)
g) Financial instruments
- The charity has only basic financial instruments, comprising debtors, creditors and cash balances. These are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at settlement value.
h) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
The trustees do not consider that there are any material sources of estimation or uncertainty at the balance sheet date that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying values of assets and liabilities in the next reporting period.
3 Donations
| Donations of cash and similar Grants receivable Gift Aid recoverable 4 Charitable expenditure a Costs incurred directly on specific activities Project management fees Professional & legal fees Miscellaneous expenses b Costs incurred on support & administration Governance costs Independent examiner's fee Bank and Stripe fees Insurance Total expenditure |
2024 £ 39,471 - (1,125) 38,346 2024 £ 35,794 11,420 1,035 48,248 - - 715 0 715 48,963 |
2023 £ - - - - 2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|---|
Page 6
Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation (JRBF)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5 Debtors
| Falling due within one year: Gift Aid recoverable Donations commitment Stripe Cash held on behalf of the charity Falling due after one year Total debtors h at Bank and in Hand Cash at bank with immediate access Notice deposits Petty cash itors: liabilities falling due within one year Trade creditors Taxation and social security Accruals |
2024 £ 1,125 964 - 2,089 2,089 2024 £ 1,813 - - 1,813 2024 £ 12,269 - 12,269 |
2023 £ - - - - 2023 £ - - - 2023 £ - - - |
|---|---|---|
6 Cash at Bank and in Hand
7 Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year
- 8 Analysis of net assets by fund
The assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
| Tangible fixed assets Stock Debtors Investments held as current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors falling due within one year Creditors falling due after one year Provisions for liabilities Defined benefit pension schemes liabilities |
General Designated funds funds £ £ - - 2,089 - 1,813 - (12,269) - - - (8,367) - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ - - |
2024 £ - - 2,089 - 1,813 (12,269) - - - (8,367) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ - - 2,089 - 1,813 (12,269) - - - (8,367) |
9 Transactions with related parties
During the year the charity received donations totalling from its related parties £153.85 and £0 from trustees
b) No expenses were paid to the trustees whilst carrying out duties associated with being trustees.
During the year the charity also made no payments to related parties.
At the balance sheet date Dr Joel Richard Bell, The Chair, was owed £ £8698.93 by the charity.
Page 7
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1-Jan-2024 Period start date To 31-Dec-2024 Period end date
Charity name: Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation
Charity registration number: 1207023
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation’s charitable purposes are, for the public benefit, the relief of sickness and the preservation of health among people suffering from Neurofibromatosis (NF) and NF-related diseases, particularly Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
During its first full financial year, the Foundation focused on establishing visibility, credibility, and strategic infrastructure to advance NF research and collaboration. Activities included hosting its inaugural Gala to raise awareness and philanthropic support, expanding the Board of Trustees, securing endorsement from eight Olympic gold medallists, developing a data-driven NF1 research initiative, and strengthening internal governance and partnerships to support future research collaborations. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning and executing the Foundation’s activities. |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The Foundation made significant progress in establishing a credible and influential presence within the medical and philanthropic communities focused on NF research. Key achievements include: 1) hosting its inaugural Gala launch event, bringing together leaders from the USA and UK from the NF1 space; 2) engaging global advocates including eight Olympic gold medallists; 3) initiating a strategic NF1 data-asset project; and 4) working to build strong governance and financial structures to sustain long-term impact. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | All initial strategic goals were achieved: establishing credibility, mobilising networks, and laying a sustainable base for long-term impact. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Fundraising targets for the inaugural gala were not met, though the event successfully raised awareness, strengthened relationships with key supporters, and provided valuable visibility for future fundraising growth |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | Not applicable—no investment portfolio was held during the reporting period. |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At 31 December 2024, the Joanna Ruth Bell. Due to the nature of our first fundraising event, we did not complete the year with a financial surplus.Total income was £40,596 and total expenditure £48,963. Interest free loans totalling £8,646.50, together with an interest free trade debt of £3,614.05 owed to a supplier, provided essential start-up liquidity and will be repaid as future income allows. The Foundation intends to apply for HMRC recognition to enable Gift Aid claims on eligible UK donations and will seek to reclaim tax relief on qualifying gifts once registration is confirmed. The Foundation received a donation of £4,500 that is eligible for Gift Aid. Gift Aid has been accrued in the sum of £1,125. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The trustees intend to build reserves sufficient to cover approximately three months of essential operating costs, ensuring continuity and resilience in future years. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | The charityhad a cash amount of £1,813 atyear end. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | As a newly established charity in its first operational year, the Foundation invested in core launch activities before generating recurring income. Initial operating costs were covered by trustee loans, and building positive reserves remains a key objective for the coming year. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | No restricted funds were in deficit. The charity’s overall position reflected net liabilities of £8,367, comprising trustee loans of £8,646.50 and a supplier balance of £3,604.05. All loans were interest-free and provided to support start-up and event costs. There is an accrued income of £2,089 (Gift Aid £1,125 and donation of £963.79). |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | The trustees remain confident in the charity’s ongoing viability and future success. This confidence is underpinned by the trustees’ strong commitment, early donor engagement, and planned fundraising initiatives for 2025–26 designed to restore a positive reserve position. In addition, the charity is preparing to announce a significant partnership that will further strengthen its financial and strategic outlook. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: The charity’s income during the year derived primarily from donations, proceeds from the inaugural gala event, and interest-free trustee loans provided to
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | cover start-up and event costs. Future income is expected to come from individual donors, philanthropic partners, and institutional collaborations supporting NF1 research initiatives. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document | Para 1.25 |
The Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation is governed by its Articles of Association, which set out the charity’s purposes, powers, and trustee responsibilities. |
| How is the charity constituted? |
Para 1.25 | The Foundation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 3 November 2023 and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity no. 1207023). |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed by the Board in accordance with the Articles of Association. Each trustee serves a three-year term, renewable for up to three further terms. Appointments are based on relevant expertise, alignment with the Foundation’s mission, and the need to maintain a balanced mix of experience across governance, research, fundraising, and other factors. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | New trustees receive an induction that includes the Foundation’s governing document, legal duties and responsibilities under charity and company law, and an overview of the Foundation’s strategy, finances, and risk management framework. Ongoing updates are provided on developments in charity governance and sector best practice. |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees, who also serve as company directors under the Companies Act 2006. The Board meets as required to review progress, approve budgets, and ensure compliance with the charity’s purposes. The Foundation collaborates with a growing network of medical researchers (e.g., Dr James Walker of Harvard/MGH and Professor Evans University of Manchester) and philanthropic partners in the UK and US to advance NF1 research and public engagement. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | The charity has a related organisation operating as JRBF USA, a US-registered 501(c)(3) “Friends of” supporting organisation established to receive donations from US taxpayers in support of the charity’s work. The trustees of Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation also serve as the trustees of the US organisation, ensuring alignment of charitable purposes and oversight. During the year the two organisations collaborated on fundraising grant-making activities. All transactions between the two entities were conducted at arm’s |
length and in accordance with the respective governing documents. Grants and transfers from the US organisation to the UK charity are disclosed within the accounts as incoming donations. No trustee received any remuneration or personal benefit from either organisation in connection with these activities. Other
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Joanna Ruth Bell Foundation |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | JRBF |
| Registered charity number | 1207023 |
| Charity’s principal address | Mardale, Manor Road, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 8DW |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Joel Richard Bell | Chair | Appointed 3 Nov 2023 | Founding trustee | |
| Ethan Gottlieb Kuhn | Trustee | Appointed 3 Nov 2023 | Founding trustee | |
| Dr Stewart Wynn Humble |
Trustee | Appointed 3 Nov 2023 | Founding trustee | |
| Dr Leslie Anne Duncan |
Trustee | Appointed 22 Sept 2024 | Board appointment | |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others | ||
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
None | |
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
Not applicable | |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
Not applicable |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
||
|---|---|---|
| Joel Richard Bell | ||
Chair |
||
| 6 March 2026 | ||
| 6 March 2026 |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF Joanna Ruth Bell Foundatlon <JR8F) {'th6 Company.) I report to the charity trustees on my examinallon of the account8 of Joann8 Ruth Bell Foundation ('the charity,) for the year ended 31 December 2024, whlch comprfse the Statement of Financial Activities, IP Balance Sheet and related notes, IncludlThJ a Summary of slgnlftcant acwjnllrg policies. Ro8ponslbllltlos and bas18 of roport As ihe trustees of the charltsble company (and also ils dlrectors for purposes of company law). you are responsible for the preparation of the accounls in accordance smth the requirerrents of Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity are not required to be alited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charlties A¢t 2011 ('trE 2011 Act.). In carrying oui my examination I have follov& the Directlons given by Ihe Charity Commlsslon lor England and Wales under section 145(5)Ib) of the 2011 Act. Indopgndent •xamlneVs statomgnt I have compteted my examination. l confirm that no matters have come to my attention In conrecllon viith the examination givlng me cause to belleve that in any material respect: 1. accounting records We not kept In respect of the charity as rUl by section 386 of the 2006 AQ: or 2. the accounts do nol accord *ith Ihose records: or 3. the accounts do not comply yth the accounllng requirements of sectlon 396 of the 20C6 Act otrer than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true arKI fair vithv vhmch 5s not a matter Consided as part of an Independent examination; or 4. the accounts have not been prepared In accordance Wbth the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice appllcable to charities preparing their accounts In accordance with FRS 102. I have no concems and have come across no otskr matters In connectlon Kryth the examlnatlon to whlch attention should be drawn In Ihls report in order to enable a proper understandiro of accounts to be reached. Marsela Armstrong, FCCA 19 Parklands Besselsleigh Abingdon OX13 5PN Date: 03,06.2016 Page 2