Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1 April 2023 To 31 March 2024 Charity name: Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind
Charity registration number: 202573
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The charity acts for the general benefit of blind and partially sighted persons |
| 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 |
Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind has provided support to the Huntingdonshire community since 1922 offering a lifetime of support for people who are blind or partially sighted, The Society provides a wide range of services to c600 members and their carers to meet a variety of needs including free information, advice, and support. Services include • Home visit Outreach service to assess needs and provide information and support • Identification of and assistance with benefit entitlement applications • Visual and mobility aid equipment centre in Huntingdon • An opportunity to talk through the effects of sight loss • Everyday living skills advice • Regular social groups, activities and member outings • Volunteer home visiting scheme • Emotional support • Technology support and information • Society newsletter • Signposting you to other support organisations • Equipment |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The charity acts for the public benefit of blind and partially sighted persons |
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 | At 31st March 2024, 586 visually impaired people were registered with Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind. 72% of our members are over the age of 70. Over the year we visit approx. 38 people a month in their homes, and approx. 140 members attend the social groups each month. Also, regular trips and activities are organised throughout the year, encouraging our members to keep active and independent. |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Whilst a trading loss of £23k was reported for the period this was largely due to one off expenditure and the net movement of funds overall was+£148k |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity maintains funds invested to generate returns which are used for the purpose of its charitable activities |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £2565k as at 31/1/2024 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
Constitution and Charity Commission Scheme sealed 10 September 1979 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Unincorporated association |
| 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 | Potential trustees are invited to submit applications to the Board for consideration. There are no constitutional provisions for election to post of for any body to appoint one or more trustees. Trustees are appointed by the Board following interview and receipt of satisfactory references and DBS check. |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Hunts Blind & Vision Impaired |
| Registered charity number | 202573 |
| Charity’s principal address | 8 St Mary’s Street Huntingdon PE29 3PE |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B Yare | President | Appointed President 18 Sept 2023 |
||
| N Ruston | Chair | |||
| F Tarpey | Vice Chair | |||
| F Newton | Treasurer | Resigned as Treasurer Jan 2024 |
||
| A Richardson | Treasurer | Appointed Trustee 18 Sept 2023 Appointed Treasurer January 2024 Resigned July2024 |
||
| A M White-Horan | Resigned 16 Sept 2024 | |||
| H Murphy | Appointed Jan 2023 | |||
| D Fletcher | ||||
| N Morgan | Appointed June 2023 | |||
| F Mizuro | Appointed April 2024 | |||
| The Venerable H McCurdy |
President | Resigned 18 Sept 2023 | ||
| J King | Resigned 23 Sept 2023 | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name N/A
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Declarations
Signature(s) Full name(s) Fiona Tarpey Position (eg Secretary, Vice Chair Chair, etc) Date 13 September 2024
STAIEMENf FINANCIALAciivmES YEAR ENDING 31 P4ARCH 2024 2023f24 2022r23 ikKestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Totsl Income Resowces Donation5, Legacies and Similar Income OperatingActivities (treaCh Grnnts OtherGrant1ncome Other trading activities Charity Shop Sale of Btind Ad5 Fund Raising Propety Rental Net Club Income +Member conlrftxrtton Income from wNestrnents 24935.95 668.32 000.(M) 33,000.00 3,68621 925.66 15,167.31 14.999.18 5.999.03 5.093.36 11.623.27 10.989.84 3.564.08 7.036.13 16.400.39 S5.90¢ 51903.30 880.02 4783.32 56,668.32 33,(th.00 925.66 14,999.18 5,093.36 10.989.84 7,036.13 170.360.28 182.615.79 880.02 183,495.81 Resources Expenditure Expend11ure on rslfilm1$ Charity SFM)p Bitnd d5 Fund Raising Expenses Club exrRnses .gJO.76 30.233.12 6.163.73 5,229.61 1.041.53 1985.04 8.082.84 55.188.86 38.447.77 ).233.12 5,229.61 1985.04 38,447.77 Net Income ArdllalAe Charltabie AppU&illon 115.171.42 144168.02 880.02 145.048.04 Expendltrre CharTialkn aclivilles Largelspecial Dons. . Payroii Jpport Costs 0.00 834.45 118.264.08 111247.25 19.683.72 17.316.( 12.834.45 112,247.25 880.02 18.1.08 137.947.80 142.397.76 880.02 143.277.78 Net Income11nd1ture) Net GainslLosses on Revaluat of Investments Property Revaluation Net Movement in Funds Funds Brought Forward Funds Canied Fomard .21776.38 L770.26 L770.26 170.54430 -71909.* -l).3 -74,100.29 0.00 15.000.(XI 15.000.00 147.767.92 -56.139.70 -1.1.33 -57.130.03 2.417.874.30 2,443,748.20 31,456.13 2.475.204.33 2.565.642.22 2.387.608.50 30.265.80 1417.874.30
Summary Proflt & Loss Account for year endlng 31 Marth 2024 2023124 2022123 Income Donati($ Other Income Property Income (net) Grant Income Investment and Dividend IrKome Shop Income (Net) Blind Aid Sales Fund Raising Income Club Income Total Charitsble Activities Totsl Income 24.935.95 3.68&21 3,564.08 33.).) 55,984.04 56.668.32 1,491.36 7,036.13 33,(X)O.(x) 54.783.32 14.374.75 5.999.03 11,623.27 13.381.39 12.9(N).73 5.454.49 10,989.84 45.378.44 166,548.72 29.345.06 182,324.19 Dlrect Costs Blind Aid Purchases Club Expenses Fund Raising Expenditure Cost of Sales Operating Income 6,163.73 8,082.84 1,041.53 5.444.ts1 6,399.80 2,587.67 15,288.10 151.260.62 14,431.51 167,892.68 Expenditures Payroll costs Transp(rt Milea8e. parki etc Prin¢ Post & Stationery {11 Stsmps) Equipment purchase Insurances - Property & Employers Legal and professional fees TrainirE and Development Staff and Volunteer Recruitrnent Office/General Admin Telephone/lnternet Repair and MaIntenae Utilities, Water & Rate5 Other Expenditure Total Expenditure Net Income/(Expendlture) 118.264.08 112,247.25 9.893.76 5.491.46 1.429.13 4,761.09 2,824.78 459.70 986.56 5.583.81 5.634.69 37.064.98 8,853.98 2,454.73 7,399.23 174.037.(X) -22.776.38 5.047.05 3.787.63 2,360.33 3,451.24 1.730.(X) 580.(KJ 488.56 1,076.60 4,496.53 30,233.12 4,844.09 1,220.33 4,836.81 153,381.60 14.511.08
i•nd & BulldlTrplasatOtt•b•r 2022) Offio, premlse's Bonham Trust Fund £&51I2141ffi unlts 0 £20A3261 Elliott Be4uEStFund £321X17 IL573.67 untts @E2Q43261 Holiday Fwid £155566.051713.52 @£20.43261 Word¥Rrd beq £486645m123,817.C8 uThts @ £20.4326) General stock£137%20J5 167SlQ75 units @ E2Q4326@ 413261 85122 31154.17 ).57 29,485.23 14165335 446251.29 446¢51 379.420. 2fj4.921.92 1444.63fj.56 2274,092.36 CUIREF ASSEts stock Debtor5- GenÈr&l 53)41.84 lo9) 4,93839 8,750.41 National San8$A¢vjnt Barclays Curntkcount CAF CurrentAcCj CAF Gdd Account CAF B55 Card Petty Cash 31%L12 14353.14 14222.48 nA6.05 .74 %7.23 133 240.76 31.746x5 IS2.03 27.776.a) 74OAIJ IC417 NcultENTtsSIS 14492956 Cash- Current Account Creditors Autht Fee Genefal 3,1(&C L447.62 .4147.62 121.(K15.% 565.642.22 143,781. 2.417,874.30 Genèral BalarKe asat l 2023 stJrFlIL¢j) forthÈ Y&w Ln3X1I77 ¥ThIW.43 145IL08 I.j5.51 49,74&67 IncreasellRe(luctionl in Share Valuaions IncreasèllRedtl0n) in Prrferty Valuati Elliott BequeStTrUstFw 8onham Tru5tFund Wo(NJward Bequest Holiday Acwjnt Spec(al Donatio Account OTh Lkn.568.69 32J5Q17 29.485.23 780.57 446.25129 14165335 28,857.02 2.417.874.30 486.645.07 155X&05 57 5i8ned ate F Tarpev Vlce c[r Board dTrusiEes
Notes to the Accounts l) These accounts have been prepared under the historica I cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction Wdlue unless otherwise ststed in the releva nt note{s) to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice= Accounting and Reporttng by Charities prepari ng thei r accounts in accordance with the Financia l Reporti ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 2) The Finance Report for the AGM contains an analysis of the Annua l Accounts and therefore forms part OF these accounts 3) The introduttion of accounting software QuickBooks has necessitated a slightly a merHJed layout to the accounts this yea r and certain income and expenditure items are now itemised eg club income and expenditure as in previous years club balances were included within the overall general balance. 4) All funds are considered unrestricted as per the Charity Commission's definition of restricted and unrestricted funds. 5) No trustee have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits for the reporti ng pericKI S) No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60.0(XI
15 Station Road St Ives Cambridgeshire PE27 5BH
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HUNTINGDONSHIRE SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND
We have audited the financial statements of Huntingdon Society for the Blind for the year ended 31 March 2024, which comprise the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 March 2024, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRCʼs Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:
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the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or
-
the trustees have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Charity’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
sufficient accounting records have not been kept;
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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we have not obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit.
Responsibilities of the trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 144* of the Charities Act 2011 and the regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Peter Matthew Barlow (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Thomas Quinn Statutory Auditors
13 September 2024 Dated: …………………………