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2023-12-31-accounts

RSPCA GUILDFORD and EPSOM BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT 2023

This tortoise came into our care when she was found in the road at a very busy junction in Guildford. She was adopted by Donna who named her Myrtle.

SUCCESSES IN THE YEAR - recruiting new fosterers

This is gorgeous Zephyr, who came into us when his owner was too ill to take care of him. He was fortunate to be fostered by Jack, before being adopted in October.

Animal fostering is an important role. It helps play a vital part in the rehabilitation of animals and helps improve their chance of �inding a new home.

Some animals that we take in have either suffered or are not used to the care and affection that they deserve, and others do not cope well in an animal centre environment. This is where we need fosterers to provide them with a real home, even if it is only on a temporary basis. Living with a foster family provides them with one-to-one care, allowing them to build up their con�idence and get used to a normal lifestyle.

We were delighted to recruit several new rabbit fosterers in the year. Indoor rabbit fosterer Charlotte took her �irst bun for us early in the year. Debbie, who used to run her own rabbit rescue, and Humeera offered us some of their fabulous outdoor space and have been using that to help bond rabbits ready for adoption. We also welcomed Jason, Jack, Alex, Alison and Jolene to our cat fostering team. This additional, really valuable resource, helped us rehome 10 more cats compared with the previous year.

Pretty Jenny, who was Humeera’s �irst foster for us. She was adopted just a few months later.

You can read more about the animals we helped in section 5 of the Trustees’ Report.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Contact details

Trustees’ report

1. Reference and administration details

2. Introduction by the Chair

3. Structure, governance and management

4. Objectives and activities

5. Achievements and performance

6. Financial review

7. Plans for the future

Financial statements

Inspectorate report

Some of the animals we helped in 2023

INTRODUCTION

The RSPCA is the world’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, with much of its direct animal welfare work being carried out through its branches.

We are the RSPCA Guildford and Epsom Branch; a self-funding branch of the RSPCA. We raise money locally to fund our animal welfare work to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need in our branch area . All of our work, including managing the branch, is carried out by volunteers. We rehabilitate and rehome animals in our care (the majority of which are cats and rabbits) through fosterers and private boarding establishments. In 2023 we �inancially assisted 384 companion animals with welfare treatment. This included a horse, tortoises and mice. We also contributed towards 279 neuters and the microchipping of 114 pets. In addition to this we paid for any necessary treatments for the 78 animals we took into branch care and paid for specialist veterinary aid for 25 rescued wild animals.

OUR VISION

We support the vision of the national Society which is to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion. We believe that:

USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS

COMPLAINTS AND ADVICE

Anyone suspecting cruelty or mistreatment to animals should report the incident to the RSPCA by contacting the Cruelty Line via www.rspca.org.uk/reportcruelty or telephoning 0300 1234 999. All calls are dealt with in the strictest con�idence.

BRANCH CONTACT DETAILS

Telephone 07906 924002 Email info@rspcaguildfordepsom.org.uk

However, if your enquiry is related to volunteering please contact:

volunteer @rspcaguildfordepsom.org.uk

If you are looking to adopt from us please contact:

rehoming@ rspcaguildfordepsom.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/rspcaguildfordepsom Website www.rspcaguildfordepsom.org.uk

LOCAL ANIMAL CENTRE

LOCAL ANIMAL CENTRE CHIEF INSPECTOR RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre Chief Inspector Rob Jackson Guildford Road RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre Chobham, Surrey Guildford Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8EH GU24 8EH Tel: 0300 123 0740 Email millbrook@rspca.org.uk BRANCH PARTNERSHIP MANAGER Victoria Robson Animal viewings and introductions by Email supportercare@rspca.org.uk appointment only. POSTCODES COVERED BY THE BRANCH

GU1 1, GU1 2, GU1 3, GU1 4, GU2 4, GU2 5, GU2 6, GU2 7, GU2 8, GU2 9, GU3 1, GU4 7, GU4 8, GU5 0, GU5 9, GU6 7, GU6 8, GU7 1, GU7 2, GU7 3, GU8 4, GU8 5

KT4 9, KT9 1, KT9 2, KT9 9, KT17 1, KT17 2, KT17 3, KT17 4, KT17 6, KT17 9, KT18 5, KT18 6, KT18 7, KT19 0, KT19 7, KT19 8, KT19 9, KT20 5, KT20 6, KT20 7, KT20 9, KT21 1, KT21 2, KT22 0, KT22 2, KT22 7, KT22 8, KT22 9, KT23 3, KT23 4, KT24 5, KT24 6, KT24 7

SM7 1, SM7 2, SM7 3

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

1.Reference and administration details 1.Reference and administration details
Charity Name The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, Guildford and Epsom Branch
Other names charity is known by RSPCA Guildford and Epsom Branch
Registered charity number 203608
Charity’s principal addresses The Branch does not have an address for members of
the public to visit but can be contacted via email or
telephone.
Charity’s principal bankers Lloyds Bank plc
Independent examiner Jim Halliday FCA – Chartered Accountant

Names of the trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name Of�ice (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
year
Alessandra Cappai Appointed 29 January 2024
Steven Hooke Hon. Treasurer
Abbi Moore*
Cat Pilbeam
Lucy Pollard Hon. Chair
Katrina Tully Hon. Secretary
Rebecca Verne Appointed 22 August 2023
Sarah White
Ann Winter

*Abbi is employed by the RSPCA national Society. We obtained its approval before co-opting her as a trustee, as required by branch rule 7.4.

Other support provided by

Other support provided by

Judith Crowhurst		 Membership Secretary
Trasna Palmer President
Victoria Robson Branch Partnership Manager

2. Introduction b the Chair y

Welcome to our review of 2023. As the Chair of RSPCA Guildford and Epsom branch, I take immense pride in being part of an organisation that has made signi�icant contributions to improve the lives of local animals. Throughout the past year, the trustee team and our fantastic volunteers have delivered some great results for animal welfare, which are detailed in section 5 of this Trustee Report. Our commitment to animal well-being remains unwavering, and we continue to work toward our vision: "to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion".

All of the work the branch does, including the governance and running of the charity, is performed by volunteers. The scope and scale of our activities is therefore driven by the skills and availability of volunteer resources, so we were delighted to recruit two new trustees in the year. Becky brings a wealth of practical animal welfare experience as she works at a fellow animal charity, and Alex is a skilled cat and kitten carer, with a passion for social media engagement. As detailed on the inside front cover we also had great success in recruiting new rabbit and cat fosterers; all of whom have already played an important part in transforming animals' lives from stray or unwanted to loved and adopted.

The number of events we were able to organise in 2023 was back to pre-pandemic levels. It was great to be out meeting the local community at 13 events including an educational talk. In addition, we volunteered at a local foodbank and continued to support The Hive foodbank in Guildford by supplying pet food to them to distribute.

At the time of writing, the national RSPCA is celebrating its 200th anniversary (our branch is only slightly younger at 147 years old). We have launched a new brand and a new purpose, but this isn’t about a new logo, it's all about raising the pro�ile of animal welfare and helping everyone understand that we can all play a part in improving animals’ lives. The new brand will help us reach more people, people who may not have considered us, or their role in animal welfare, before. We hope that this leads to more engagement between the local community and the branch, whether that be new volunteers, new adopters or new supporters. In addition, we hope through education and advocacy that we will prevent suffering and reduce unplanned litters and unwanted animals. We want to build a movement for animals and the more people we can inspire to get involved, the more impact we can have for animals, now and for many years to come.

Thank you for your support, which enables us to create a more positive future for animals. Whether through one-off gifts, regular donations, or gifts in wills, your contributions make a real difference. Or if you gave us your precious time, thank you for making a measurable impact on our public-facing and animal rehoming work. Together, we can continue to champion animal welfare and ensure a brighter tomorrow for our furry and feathered friends.

Lucy Pollard, Chair

3. Structure, governance,and management 3. Structure, governance,and management
How the charity is
constituted		 We are a separately registered charity, constituted as an unincorporated
association, working within the Rules, Policies and Guidelines of the national
RSPCA. Our governing document is the RSPCA Society’s Branch Rules. The
charity operates as an autonomous branch, responsible for our own
fundraising and for managing local animal welfare work.
Trustee selection
methods		 The committee consists of a maximum of 17 individuals, being:
(1) at least 5 and not more than 14 elected committee members, all of whom
must be eligible branch members, elected at the AGM and
(2) up to 3 co-opted committee members, who may also be branch members.
How trustees are
recruited and
appointed		 Elected from branch members at every AGM to carry on the Branch work for
the forthcoming year. Potential trustees are recruited via various methods
including volunteer agencies, RSPCA websites and Head Of�ice enquiries,
advertising and appeals to members. Potential new trustees are vetted in
accordance with Charity Commission guidelines and sign the recommended
declarations upon appointment.
Policies and
procedures adopted
for the induction and
training of trustees		 All trustees are briefed on their responsibilities prior to their acceptance of
the role.
New trustees receive appropriate training in RSPCA and Branch Policies and
Procedures, in line with Information Commissioner’s Of�ice and Charity
Commission guidance. They also receive support from other trustees,
guidance from Head Of�ice and Branch Partnership Managers and handover
from retiring of�icers if applicable.
The charity’s
organisational
structure and any
wider network with
which the charity
works		 Some services such as those of the inspectorate are carried out by the
national Society whereas others are carried out by a network of branches
which are independently registered charities operating in de�ined local areas.
Our branch is the Guildford and Epsom branch, which is a member of the
South East Regional Board area.
All the work of the Branch is carried out by volunteers, so we have no paid
staff. Decisions are made by the trustees at committee meetings, usually held
every 4 to 6 weeks. The Branch works with Head Of�ice staff, the
Inspectorate, RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre and other branches and animal
centres in its day-to-day work.
Trustees’
consideration of
major risks and the
system and
procedures to manage
them		 The main risks facing the Branch are:
People. We continue to have dif�iculties in �inding volunteers willing to act as
trustees and carry out welfare and fundraising work. We use volunteer
recruitment bureaux and other methods as described above to publicise our
requirements.
Financial. Income generation is vital for us to continue our work. Despite
pressing need, we must evaluate what we can afford to fund. Insuf�icient
income levels mean that we will have to reduce or cease welfare activity to
remain a viable branch. New demands and requests for funding are a key
discussion item at every committee meeting. Spending is controlled through
delegated limits and required approvals.

Levels of pet ownership grew during the pandemic, and whilst owning a pet is a great boost to both mental and physical health it also comes with a substantial �inancial responsibility, which places additional pressure on charities when owners are unable to meet the costs of pet ownership.

The vets we work with continue to struggle with signi�icant shortages in staff, set against a huge demand for appointments. This impacts our ability to negotiate on price and may mean that non urgent procedures such as neuters are delayed. This has led to more unwanted litters and conditions that require emergency treatment such as tumours that are hormone related.

Public opinion . The RSPCA is a well-known and respected “brand”, and we must ensure that we do not tarnish it. Mitigating activities include screening/induction of volunteers, together with appropriate training. For trustees there is ongoing learning and instruction (speci�ically on their responsibilities as branch of�icials), and potential con�licts of interest are discussed at every meeting.

Health and Safety. We have a duty to take reasonable care of our volunteers’ health and safety and that of others who may be affected by our actions. Safeguarding matters are reviewed at every meeting. All volunteers are covered by the RSPCA’s liability and personal accident insurance and are provided with appropriate information on our health and safety policies and guidelines.

The committee has identi�ied and evaluated risks affecting the Branch and has set in place policies and procedures based on guidelines issued by RSPCA Head Of�ice and the Charity Commission to mitigate the risks where possible. The operation and relevance of these policies and procedures is reviewed regularly.

The Branch complies with the Branch Rules as issued by the national Society and has a number of related �inancial transactions with this organisation. Abbi Moore is also a paid employee of the RSPCA (national Society).

SUCCESSES IN THE YEAR - some of the animals we helped in 2023

Kiri came into our care when her elderly owner became unable to cope with her liveliness. She was a typical young cat - fun and playful and a delight to spend time with. After just one day in foster care she was making friends, coming for fusses and eating well.

This chatty girl had been brought up as an indoor cat, so although we rehomed her to an outdoor home, it had to be with an adopter who could accept that she will need a litter tray for the rest of her life. She also needed to be the sole resident puss, as she may be little but she can be �ierce with other cats!

4. Objectives and activities 4. Objectives and activities
Summary of the
objectives of the
charity
set out in its
governing
document		 To promote the work and objectives of the national Society; Royal Society for
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (registered charity number 219099),
with particular reference to the area of the Branch, in accordance with the
policies of the society.
The objectives of the Branch remain unchanged from previous years.
Charity’s aim The RSPCA as a charity will, by all lawful means, prevent cruelty, promote
kindness to and alleviate suffering of all animals.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to
these objects		 The Branch promotes animal welfare in the local area primarily through
veterinary assistance, neutering and rehoming.
●
We offer discretionary support to people in need to help pay
veterinary bills.
●
We respond to enquiries from the public about animals and offer free
animal care advice by phone, social media, via lea�lets and at our
events, which promotes responsible pet ownership.
●
Where funds permit, the Branch takes in abandoned animals,
including pets whose owners suffer ill health or �inancial dif�iculties,
or pass away. We also support the national RSPCA by caring for
animals taken in by the Inspectorate if there is no space at the
national animal centres.
●
We support the Inspectorate as a priority.
●
We undertake educational presentations and workshops with local
groups and schools.
More detail on our activities can be found in section 5 below.

5. Achievements And Performance

A. Animal Welfare

Rehoming, adoption support and fostering

One of the main roles of the RSPCA is rehoming animals to people who can meet the needs of a companion animal in an appropriate environment.

Most rehoming in the local area is done by Millbrook Animal Centre, which is the nearest RSPCA animal centre to the Branch. The Branch also has space in foster homes and private boarding establishments for cats and rabbits who have been found abandoned or stray or have been taken in via the RSPCA Inspectorate when there is no room for them in an animal centre. They are cared for and rehabilitated, while we search for loving new homes. There are few dogs mentioned in our reports because stray dogs are the responsibility of the local council, and we do not have the facilities or

expertise to take dogs into our direct care so we use other RSPCA branches and animal centres or other rescue organisations wherever possible. Animals in our care receive veterinary treatment, vaccinations, neutering and microchipping. Flea and other parasite treatments are kept up to date. This helps to control the incidence and spread of disease and suffering.

In 2023 the Branch rehomed 45 animals that came into our care. In addition to this, we took on responsibility for a number of other animals before �inding them places in RSPCA animal centres. We advertise animals for rehoming on our branch website and Facebook page, as well as the national Society’s main website, allowing us to reach a larger audience of prospective adopters. Unfortunately, more and more often all our facilities are full, yet it is very important that we can take in animals in need and give them a chance of a loving home.

Our animals can be loud, quiet, big, small, or three-legged - they all come with a personality and a past that's unique to them and it's our mission to �ind the perfect adopter to match them with. We support rehoming activity by recruiting and providing volunteers who undertake home suitability assessments as part of adoption support. Their role is to understand each animal's need (for space, stimulation, safety etc.) and ensure that what potential adopters can provide matches these needs. They then follow up with the adopter later to ensure that the adoption has been a success.

In 2023 we carried out 44 adoption visits (compared with 43 in 2022 and 22 in 2021).

We have cat fosterers who give the special care and attention that is often much easier to provide in a foster home than in a cattery. If we have spaces in this preferred home environment, we can socialise and nurture cats meaning that they are more quickly restored to good health and are able to be rehomed earlier.

Our outdoor rabbit fosterers have provided a great resource for the branch, the Inspectorate, and the wider RSPCA needs, by taking in rabbits to full capacity. Our indoor rabbit fosterers obviously have more limited capacity but provide an essential environment to those rabbits that cannot be housed outdoors - especially in the colder months. All of our fosterers have been invaluable in their work to rehabilitate rabbits in their care and progress them to rehoming with wonderful new forever homes.

We are always looking to recruit more potential fosterers, including kitten fosterers, who will have support from our co-ordinator. This enables us to take more animals into branch care and reduces the costs of boarding overall.

Welfare assistance

We provide support to people in need to help pay their vet bills. The service is offered in certain circumstances to assist with dif�iculties experienced by pet owners faced with veterinary costs which they will struggle to meet. This helps to promote responsible pet ownership, prevent suffering, and reduce the numbers of unwanted cats, dogs, and rabbits.

In 2023 we gave �inancial help for 384 animal welfare treatments (compared with 268 in 2022).

We also helped with the neutering of 279 animals (compared to 192 in 2022 and 147 in the prior year). 235 of these were cats, where we offered subsidised neutering to owners under our World Spay Day initiative.

We had 78 animals in our care during 2023 and we paid for all their necessary treatments. Our thanks go to the veterinary community for their help and support throughout the year.

We also paid for the care of 25 wild animals at Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead, including hedgehogs, foxes, pigeons, and an owl (92 animals in the previous year). These cases originated in our branch area and were taken to this specialist centre by the Inspectorate.

Supporting the Inspectorate

The Branch continued to support the Inspectorate in their vital and sometimes distressing work. We do this through fostering or boarding and paying for veterinary treatment for animals signed over to the RSPCA. We also provide welfare assistance for veterinary treatment and neutering where the Inspectors �ind owners in need. We paid for �lea and worm treatment supplies to be held in their vans (helping owners improve care and keep their pets). The Inspectorate report is in a later section of the Annual Report.

Other welfare activities

We take in, free of charge, lost animals and take steps to reunite them with owners. This work bene�its our local community (including local authorities) by preventing animals from straying and posing a risk to themselves and to people through road accidents. We respond to enquiries from the public about animals in the Branch area. The public bene�its by knowing that we can and will intervene to assist animals in need.

We advertised a number of lost and found pets through the year but microchipping is our best resource to help return missing animals to their relieved and delighted owners. Microchipped pets where contact details are kept up to date are easily reunited with their families, avoiding heartache for the owners and costs for the RSPCA. Unfortunately, the care of unidenti�iable, stray animals adds signi�icantly to our work.

For many years it has been the law that you must have your dog microchipped and your details kept up to date. We welcome the new legal requirement (in force from June 2024) for cat owners to microchip their cats before 20 weeks old and to ensure their contact details are kept up to date in a pet microchipping database. This new law means that more lost cats can be easily identi�ied and reunited with their owners, rather than being handed to rehoming charities like ourselves that are struggling with over�lowing waiting lists.

We believe all cats, dogs and rabbits should be chipped to ensure that a pet can be reunited with their owner, and to aid this we will pay for chipping where required. We microchipped 143 animals in 2023 (compared to 105 animals in 2022 and 82 in 2021). This was made up of 29 branch animals and 114 pets.

B. Education

Education events

Our education events look at the work of the RSPCA, the welfare needs of animals and the action young people can take to help them; at home, at school and in the local community. They are tailored to the audience following consultation with their teachers/youth leaders. Although we did not secure any school talks in 2023, we have already delivered three in 2024 and hope to have another in the diary.

In November 2023 we were delighted to be invited to speak to the members of a local Rotary Club, who treated us to dinner beforehand.

We want everyone to understand that – whatever their age or circumstances – they have the power to change animal welfare for the better. By understanding the causes of neglect or cruelty, we can prevent them from happening in the �irst place. We are looking at new ways to engage with schools to secure more invitations in future.

We also engage children in educational activities at our fundraising events; for example we take a “spin the wheel” game for an animal welfare quiz.

RSPCA Head Of�ice have online educational facilities which we have promoted on our social media sites. Our welfare line operated throughout the year and provided advice to the general public to help with pets, wildlife, and farm animals.

Social media

Our social media content can be found at www.facebook.com/rspcaguildfordepsom and www.rspcaguildfordepsom.org.uk. You can see more about the Branch trustees and our work, �ind out

about our welfare services, and learn about forthcoming campaigns and events. You can also obtain useful help and advice and contact us via these links.

Other educational activities

We continued to heavily publicise and support World Spay Day and Early Neutering Awareness by running a social media campaign to offer low-cost cat neutering and free microchipping for both male and female cats in the Branch area.

We continue to support Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) promotions. In 2023 we carried on the previous initiative focussed on getting rabbits vaccinated against the deadly RHD2 disease. The virus causes internal bleeding and is highly contagious. There is no speci�ic treatment, which makes vaccination essential. Alongside the education campaign we offered subsidised vaccines in the branch area.

C. Fundraising

Fundraising events and activities

Our events were partially impacted by Covid and its aftermath in 2022, but 2023 saw us return to our traditional fundraising activities and we attended 13 events . As at the time of writing we have a full calendar of events planned for 2024, and are looking forward to chatting to the public about our work, and the animals we have available for rehoming.

Event type 2023 2022
Town centre collections £312 Nil
Store collections £373 Nil
Fetes and local fairs £1,058 £601
Car boot sales £143 £161
Educational £75 Nil
E-cards and online events £425 £284*

We are incredibly grateful that in addition to the events run by the branch, two individual supporters continued to pursue their own fundraising activities which raised over £1,300; a fantastic achievement

by both Lorna and Trasna. As in the prior year, s everal members of the committee sold second-hand items and home grown plants through social media or at vintage fairs/car boot/table top sales to bring in extra funds.

The money raised by these activities is disclosed in the accounts against the following categories: “Branch Fundraising Events” and “Other Donations”. However, “Other Donations” includes monies raised online as well as at events. Examples of our online receipts are being part of the Guildford Community Lottery and fundraising platforms such as Easyfundraising and Paypal, as well as donations made via our website.

Further details of how we use our income to help local animals can be found in section 5A.

Collection boxes

We would like to have more boxes out in the local area and continue to look for people to manage these boxes; recruits do not need to be branch members although we would encourage them to join our membership. In particular we would like to increase the number of collection boxes in Epsom and the surrounding areas. We would welcome suggestions for new locations and for people to manage collection boxes in the enlarged branch area.

D. Public benefit

Our objectives and activities are outlined in section 4 of this report. Performance against those objectives is detailed above. Our current short term and long-term aims can be found in section 7 of this report.

The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of our objectives and activities for the year to ensure they remain focussed on our charitable aims and continue to deliver bene�its to the public. We have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public bene�it guidance published by the Charity Commission.

6. Financial Review

Overview

Overall expenditure in 2023 increased by £27,055 to £98,462 compared to £71,407 in 2022. The increase in expenditure re�lects increased animal welfare activities and the impact of in�lation on the Branch’s costs, especially the increased cost of veterinary treatments.

The percentage of total expenditure spent in the branch area on animal welfare has increased from 88% in 2022 to 95% in 2023. This re�lects the lower levels of donations outside of the branch area in the current year.

Income was £142,002 in 2023, an increase of £81,215 compared to the £60,787 in the prior year. The increase is mainly due to a substantial legacy of £64,946 that was received in February 2023. The Branch also received £4,061 in contributions from the South East Regional Board (2022 £nil) towards neutering and emergency boarding costs incurred. Investment income increased by £6,662 compared to the prior year, due to higher average investment balances of the Branch and the signi�icant increase in interest rates during 2023. The share of direct debit donations raised by the RSPCA HQ door to door fundraising campaign, which amounted to £46,188 in 2023 makes up 33% of the income in the current year (2022: £46,436 and 76%).

Overall, there was a net surplus for the year of £43,540 compared to a de�icit of £10,620 in 2022. The Branch continues to hold signi�icant reserves but aims to reduce these in line with the policy as described below .

The full accounts are provided later within the Annual Report.

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

Reserves are those funds which are freely available for general purposes and have not been designated for speci�ic projects or activities.

The reserves policy of the branch is to hold general reserves to a level that, should all income cease, there would be suf�icient funds in hand to run the Branch for approximately 24 months. Based on this measure the Branch currently has excess reserves. The Trustees aim to reduce reserves over time by targeting increased levels of annual expenditure on activities or donations that further the animal welfare aims of the Branch .

The Branch invests surplus funds in capital-safe bank and deposit-based savings accounts where the deposits are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

7. Plans for the future 7. Plans for the future
Aims and objectives
for the future		 Our overriding aim is to continue to provide and promote animal welfare for
the local area by providing �inancial assistance for those on low incomes,
continuing with our fostering and rehoming work to ensure a healthy and
happy lifestyle for adopted animals, and to support the national Society.
In January 2021 the committee agreed our short and medium-term priorities
and we aligned our goals with the new RSPCA strategy.
Our main area of focus is to increase animal welfare across the Region by
continuing and extending collaboration with other branches and organisations
and supporting more people with animals in need. This is dependent upon and
supported by 4 additional pillars:
●People
●Revenue Generation
●Strong Governance
●Public Engagement
The Plan is reviewed regularly and adapted to re�lect changing circumstances
and priorities.
Activities planned to
achieve the objectives
1. People
2. Revenue Generation		 ●Expand and effectively manage, utilise, and retain our volunteer network
and membership
●De�ine clear roles and responsibility for trustee and volunteer roles with a
focus on succession planning
●Set up a fundraising working group to provide a dedicated focus on
revenuegeneration ideas
3. Strong Governance
4. Public Engagement		 ●Develop a compelling fundraising plan (including an emphasis on digital)
to rely less on door-to-door income
●Empower and engage members and volunteers to spread our messages
and support fundraising efforts
●Diversify income generation by exploring and evaluating alternative
revenue streams
●Continue our robust approach to managing and refreshing policies,
procedures, and processes
●Foster stronger connectivity, sharing, and leverage of best practices across
the Branch Network
●Build & enhance positive relationships with the public & our communities,
including amplifying national RSPCA advocacy areas
●Build our existing and/or adopt new digital channels to communicate
branch activities and successes
●Analyse ‘Audience Pro�ile’ for each message/campaign/activity to ensure
we’re targeting the right demographic
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Lucy Pollard
Hon. Chair
28 May2024

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF RSPCA GUILDFORD AND EPSOM BRANCH

I report on the accounts of the Charity (Registered Charity number 203608) for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on the following pages.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act), and that an independent examination is needed.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

JIM HALLIDAY, FCA

Chartered Accountant

28 May 2024

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RSPCA GUILDFORD AND EPSOM BRANCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTE
INCOMING RESOURCES
Collec�ng Boxes
Branch Fundraising Events
Branch Adop�on Fees
Dona�ons via HQ Door to Door Fundraising
Contribu�ons From Regional Board
Other Dona�ons
Legacies
Membership Subscrip�ons
Investment Income
3
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable Ac�vi�es
Veterinary Treatment on Branch Voucher Scheme
Neutering on Branch Voucher Scheme
Voucher Scheme and Charitable Expenses
Veterinary Treatment and Neutering of Unowned Animals
Boarding and Food
Wildlife
Dona�ons
Branch Contribu�on to RSPCA Headquarters and Region
Cost of Genera�ng Funds
4
Governance Costs and Deprecia�on
AGM/Annual Reports
Administra�ve Expenses
Deprecia�on
Insurance
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR
TOTAL FUNDSBalance Brought Forward
TOTAL FUNDSBalance Carried Forward		 Total
funds
2023
£
344
2,386
3,435
46,188
4,061
4,948
69,796
361
10,483
142,002
40,524
21,460
647
18,429
6,642
5,350
211
3,308
96,751
91
259
755
60
726
1,800
98,462
43,540
266,774
310,314		 Total
funds
2022
£
-
762
3,215
46,436
-
3,038
3,137
378
3,821
60,787
33,133
9,969
260
7,731
4,606
7,461
3,501
3,308
69,969
20
214
510
117
577
1,418
71,407
(10,620)
277,394
266,774

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RSPCA GUILDFORD AND EPSOM BRANCH

BALANCE SHEET

AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTE
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fxed assets
6
Investment Bank Accounts
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Investment Bank Accounts
Cash at bank - Current Account
CREDITORS (falling due within 1 year)
Creditors
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS		 2023
£
-
135,000
135,000
10,217
170,001
5,682
185,900
(10,586)
175,314
310,314
310,314		 2022
£
60
-
60
3,476
255,000
15,732
274,208
(7,494)
266,714
266,774
266,774

Approved by the Trustees on 28 May 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

______ Hon. Chairman ________ Hon. Treasurer

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RSPCA GUILDFORD AND EPSOM BRANCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A General

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost conven�on and in accordance with applicable accoun�ng standards and the Statement of Recommended Prac�ce: Accoun�ng by Chari�es.

The accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis.

B Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Ac�vi�es once the charity has en�tlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Dona�ons are recognised when the Charity has been no�fied in wri�ng of both the amount and se�lement date. In the event that a dona�on is subject to condi�ons that require a level of performance before the charity is en�tled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised un�l either those condi�ons are fully met, or the fulfilment of those condi�ons is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those condi�ons will be fulfilled in the repor�ng period.

Legacies are recognised on the earlier of either (a) the date that probate is granted, the estate has been finalised and no�fica�on has been made by the executor(s) to the Charity that a distribu�on will be made, or (b) when a distribu�on is received from the estate. Where legacies have been no�fied to the charity, or the charity is aware of the gran�ng of probate, and the criteria for income recogni�on has not been met, then the legacy is disclosed in the notes to the accounts. Legacies received via the Branch legacy scheme are grossed up for the administra�on charges deducted, with the associated charges shown as expenditure in the year the legacy is credited.

Investment income is recognised on an accruals basis.

C Expenditure

Liabili�es are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or construc�ve obliga�on commi�ng the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in se�lement and the amount of the obliga�on can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly a�ributed to par�cular headings, they have been allocated to ac�vi�es on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

D Tangible fixed assets

Deprecia�on is provided on equipment at a rate of 25% per annum to write off the assets over an es�mated useful life of 4 years.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RSPCA GUILDFORD AND EPSOM BRANCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

E Investment bank accounts

The branch invests surplus funds in investment bank accounts including instant access accounts, no�ce accounts and fixed rate bonds. Where the maturity date of the investment bank account is greater than one year from the balance sheet date, these investments are included within fixed asset investments. Where the maturity date is less than one year from the balance sheet date, the investments are included within current assets.

F Fund accoun�ng

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objec�ves at the discre�on of the trustees.

Designated funds represent those unrestricted funds which have been ring-fenced by the trustees for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds can only be used for par�cular restricted purposes, within the objec�ves of the charity. Restric�ons arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for par�cular restricted purposes.

2. STATEMENT OF BRANCH COMMITTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Charity law requires the branch commi�ee, as trustees, to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial ac�vi�es during the year, and the financial posi�on at the end of the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

Interest on Investment Bank Accounts:-
Fixed assets
Current assets
COST OF GENERATING FUNDS
Pitch fees and licences		 2023
£
3,972
6,511
10,483
2023
£
91		 2022
£
-
3,821
3,821
2022
£
20

4. COST OF GENERATING FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RSPCA GUILDFORD AND EPSOM BRANCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5. COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ EXPENSES AND REMUNERATION

No commi�ee member received any remunera�on, and the branch has no paid staff. Five commi�ee members were reimbursed a total of £2,943.65 for costs incurred.

6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

EQUIPMENT
COST
At 1 January
At 31 December
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January
Charge for year
At 31 December
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December
7.
DEBTORS
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors		 2023
£
469
469
409
60
469
-
2023
£
6,654
3,563
10,217		 2022
£
469
469
292
117
409
60
2022
£
2,563
913
3,476

8. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There were no post balance sheet events.

RSPCA Surrey Inspectorate Team - Annual Report 2023

The Surrey team was delighted to welcome Inspector Lauren Evans back from her maternity leave in August. Having spent many, no doubt, exhausting months looking after her new twins (Emilia and Kobe), returning to work was probably something of a rest for Lauren! On a similar note, Inspector Nat Kitchin spent 2023 on maternity leave following the birth of baby Sofia back in January. We all look forward to welcoming Nat back into the team in 2024.

Congratulations to Deputy Chief Inspector Sandy Barlow who successfully completed her Team Leader / Supervisor apprenticeship in 2023 - well done Sandy, there was a great deal of work and effort involved in achieving that qualification.

We have continued to increase the number of Animal Rescue Volunteers in the team and we now have 10 active ARVs. The work that ARVs can take on is increasing all the time. ARVs deal with some of the less ‘complex’ collections / rescues e.g. collecting injured small wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs, or attending cats stuck up trees with the Fire & Rescue Service. They also assist with the movement of domestic animals (e.g. assisting officers with transporting domestic animals to vets). Some of our ARVs have also helped with essential kit movements (such as. transporting our issued life jackets for annual testing).

A couple of particularly good examples of ARV involvement this year were:

All of this work frees up our Inspectorate officers to focus on their core work of knocking on doors and dealing with complaints of neglect and cruelty. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank our ARVs for all of the hard work they have put in in 2023.

On a very sad note, we were all extremely upset to hear the news that former Surrey Chief Inspector Dave Fox had died towards the end of the year. Dave was the Surrey Chief for many years and the news of his death was a great shock to all of us and we continue to extend our sincere condolences to all of Dave’s family. Dave was a unique character and personality, and he will be very sadly missed by all of his RSPCA colleagues.

Case & significant complaint work in 2023

Surrey Inspectors submitted 13 case files to our Prosecution team in 2023 for their consideration. Some of those case files were dealt with by way of a Caution, others were heard in the courts. Here is a selection of just some of those files which have been concluded:

In November 2023 Insp Lauren Evans investigated the neglect of an emaciated saluki dog ‘Albert’ being kept in the Guildford area. A veterinary surgeon confirmed that Albert had not had his needs met in terms of being provided with a suitable diet, and the owner was interviewed. The owner agreed to sign Albert over to the RSPCA and also agreed to accept a Caution. Albert, who was found to also have significant liver issues, was subsequently cared for at RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre. Happily, he has now fully recovered and is ready to be rehomed once a suitable new owner can be found.

Insp Liz Wheeler investigated the neglect of a Lhasa Apso dog ‘Betty’ which was found to be underweight and to have skin issues. It was clear that the owner could not look after this little dog, but the owner did not accept this and refused to sign Betty over into our care. Happily the Magistrates agreed that Betty’s owner was unable to care for her properly, and Betty was removed from the owner and handed over to the care of the RSPCA. Betty has since been rehomed.

In late 2022, Insp Natalie Kitchin dealt with a case concerning an emaciated dog in Mitcham with an untreated mammary tumour. In March 2023, the owner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering. The owner was given a community order for a 12 month period, with 100 hours of unpaid work. The owner was also disqualified from owning / keeping all animals for a period of 5 years and instructed to pay costs of £500. Very sadly the dog had to be euthanased.

In February 2023, Insp Sandy Barlow secured a Caution for a couple from Feltham re their four German Shepherd dogs (two adults and two puppies). All four dogs were significantly underweight, and the couple accepted that they had failed to provide a suitable diet and also had failed to protect the dogs from pain, injury and disease. The dogs were signed over and were put up for rehoming.

There are several other ongoing cases which are currently awaiting court hearings and which I therefore cannot detail here currently. I will report further on those in the next Annual Report.

Several of my officers have investigated ‘Non-Accidental Injury’ cases, i.e. causing deliberate harm and injury to animals. Some of those investigations are also ongoing. Sadly, there has been a significant increase in these types of investigation, which is very concerning. These incidents can be distressing for my officers, and I would like to thank all of them for their professionalism and resilience when dealing with these.

Not all serious investigations turn into prosecution cases. For various reasons, there are some that we are unable to pursue further and some where we work with the owners to improve the situation.

A team effort was needed to secure a brighter future for 14 adult cats and 12 kittens which had all been living in one room in a flat in Epsom. This incident was attended by Inspector Liz Wheeler and ARO Chloe Wilson. Whilst the situation was clearly far from ideal, the owner agreed to sign over all of the cats and, with the help of the Guildford & Epsom branch, the Hants & Surrey Border branch and the Sussex North & Brighton branch all of the cats went on to find new homes. A great example of ‘partnership’ working.

A 2-year old Cane Corso dog was found dumped in Godalming in a very poor body condition. ARO Chloe Wilson attended and took the dog straight to the vet. The vet gave the poor dog a ‘body score’ of just 1 out of 9 (meaning emaciated). The dog was microchipped, but unfortunately the chip was still registered to the breeder and not the new owner. All attempts at tracking the owner down proved fruitless and this dog, named Shilou, was subsequently rehomed.

Collections & Rescues in 2023

Surrey officers have continued to deal with all manner of animal rescues. Here are some of the more unusual or complicated ones:

Animal Rescue Officers Chloe Wilson and Sam Matthews went to the aid of this sheep in Brighton which had the misfortune to fall into a hole from which it could not get out. A passing rambler had discovered the stricken ewe. Once successfully removed, Sam and Chloe managed to track down the farmer who came and collected her to take back to the farm for observation. She recovered well and was able to rejoin her flock.

AROs Chloe Horton and Louis Horton rescued a large fallow Buck completely entangled in wire fencing in the Horsham area. Happily the deer was able to be released. Animals tangled in fencing / netting is not unusual, but not all of them are so well and truly stuck as this particular deer found itself.

This poor fox got himself stuck inside a spare wheel in the New Malden area. ARO Sam Matthews was unable to release the fox in situ, and so took both fox and wheel to Wildlife Aid, Leatherhead. The fox was sedated and later released. Another good example of ‘partnership’ working.

A further example of a wild animal’s ability to get themselves trapped. This badger fell down a manhole at a school in the Farnham area and could not get out. ARO Ben Fitzcosta attended and managed to extricate the poor animal. After a quick check-up at another of our partner wildlife centres, HART Wildlife in Alton, Ben was able to release the badger back at the location none the worse for wear.

It’s not just our four-footed friends who have the capacity to get themselves into predicaments. This red kite was discovered tangled in football netting in the Wokingham area. Insp Jo Bowling attended and was able to cut the bird free and release it.

A good reminder to ensure all loose netting / fencing is secured to protect our wildlife.

A final example, which also highlights the ingenuity officers sometimes have to display when dealing with incidents. This deer had got himself wedged between a tree and a fence in the Bisley area. Unable to release him by hand, Inspectors Leanna Hone and Jo Bowling employed the use of their vehicle car jack to push the fence slightly outwards and to therefore create enough space for the deer to be freed unharmed.

Thank you’s

As always, I would like to thank all of our ‘partner’ organisations who have continued to assist us in working for animals. This includes local Police, Fire & Rescue, vets, local authorities and other animal charities / wildlife rescues. It is amazing and encouraging that so many different agencies work together for the same cause.

I would also like to express my particular gratitude, on behalf of the whole Surrey team, to all of our local Branches for their help and support during 2023. It really is a team effort and we have continued to work closely with all of them throughout the year. Whether it be assisting with veterinary invoices, funding wildlife treatment, arranging boarding or taking on and rehoming animals, we could not have done all of the things we have done this year to alleviate animal suffering and improve welfare without the assistance of all of the Branches we work alongside.

Thank you to all,

Rob Jackson Chief Inspector, Surrey

SUCCESSES IN THE YEAR - some of the animals we helped in 2023

It is not so common to have a bond of 2 female rabbits, but this mother and daughter pair are very happy together. Bonding rabbits can be a risky business and it is best to wait until after the hormonal changes of a neuter have had time to settle. However December 2023 saw a Christmas Rabbit Romance at fosterer Humeera's when her two separate foster buns got together by accident and decided they wanted to stay together! The happy couple, Smudge and Winnie (pictured right), are now looking for their forever home.

Ivy (the grey and white rabbit in the picture to the left) came to us from an overcrowding situation. She was originally with another rabbit who was thought to be a girl but turned out to be a boy! She was only discovered to be pregnant during her spay. In a special moment for experienced volunteer Jackie, Ivy gave birth whilst she was in her foster care. She had two babies; Dora (the white rabbit in the picture) being one and another who sadly had a leg abnormality whereby the vet recommended euthanasia.

We took in 5 mice from a nationwide appeal to help with hundreds of mice signed over to RSPCA of�icers from Wales. We named the pretty females Freya, Anna, Astrid, Frida and Agnatha. They were very shy, timid and not well handled to begin with, but in fosterer Alison’s caring hands, they were soon won over and became quite tame and happy to be picked up.

All of them were successfully adopted.

SUCCESSES IN THE YEAR - some of the animals we helped in 2023

Mini Rex rabbit Hazel came to us from a neglected and overpopulated home. She was very timid and scared at �irst, probably because she had not been regularly handled and socialised. We are delighted that since then she has been successfully adopted.

Freya came into RSPCA care after being found as a stray in a garden; skinny, scared and �lea ridden. She was taken to a local vet where they treated her �lea and worm burden and advised she'd possibly had kittens recently so checked her for mastitis. Alex and Tim took her into foster care in September and provided the perfect space for her to gain her con�idence. She was adopted in November, renamed “Willow” and after a lot of love, care and patience, has emerged from her shyness to meet Rambo, the adopters large black and white cat. They are now playing together, chasing one another around her new home, loving chin scratches and eating treats galore!

Pumpkin (hiding). This handsome lad was an injured stray who was understandably nervous, and with terrible toileting habits to begin with, but soon settled down with experienced fosterer Lisa. He has since found his forever home.