REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 206084
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
FOR
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
van Dijk Accountants Limited Georgian House 34 Thoroughfare Halesworth Suffolk IP19 8AP
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 11 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objectives of the Charity are to study and record the fauna, flora and geology of the county: to publish Suffolk Natural History, Suffolk Birds and the newsletter White Admiral; to liase with other natural history societies and conservation bodies in the county; to promote interest in natural history and the activities of the Society; and to apply the net income of the Society at the Trustees' discretion in such manner as they think fit in the furtherance of the Society.
The Society continues to look at ways in which it can raise its profile locally and attract new members. Looking to the future, it is anticipated that the Society will continue with its annual publications, members' meetings, and conferences when appropriate. The Society will continue to re-establish and build strong links with other scientific, environmental and conversation bodies. Grant funding will be made available for approved natural history projects and commissioned natural history work. The Society also plans to identify, finance and carry out its own projects within Suffolk, and to attempt to recruit additional Council members in order to push ahead with these initiatives.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake in respect of public benefit.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
The Society's membership stayed virtually the same at 561 (559 2023). The Society is conscious it must continue to actively promote membership as there has been a steady decline over the years.
The COIF Charities Ethical Investment fund rose slightly in value from £480,369 at the end of 2023 to £490,513; interest rates were relatively stable so there was a slight increase in investment income from £14,172 in 2023 to £14,511 in 2024.
Expenditure on publications continued to rise (£23,720 compared to £20,628 in 2023). Distribution costs were higher, but issues of both journals were larger than average. The Society will continue to produce its publications on Suffolk natural history as well as seeking to assist in the publications of the work of others. Publication sales fell slightly from £2,131 in 2023 to £1,663 in 2024.
We employed a part-time administration assistant throughout 2024, this has a cost implication but has meant the Society’s business is handled much more efficiently.
No bursaries were given out in 2024, but the Society gave a grant of £750 to support upgrading of the Suffolk Moth Group website.
The Society will continue to promote its bursaries and grants for research and other projects.
Page 1
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The charity was founded in 1929 by Claude Morley, as an unincorporated charity. It is registered with the Charity Commission under reference 206084.
The charity is governed by a written constitution, and is managed by its Council, whose members are the trustees of the charity. These comprise the Society's officers, together with a maximum of eight elected members. Major decisions are taken at the Annual General Meeting. The Council meets approximately every two months to attend to routine and operational matters.
The Society's officers and other Trustees are elected at the Society's Annual General Meeting, and hold office for four years, with two of the elected trustees retiring each year in turn. Ex officio officers are appointed as required. The Trustees set out above have held office during the whole of 2021 and up to the date of this report unless otherwise stated.
The Trustees have identified and reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, both operational and financial, and have established appropriate systems designed to mitigate those risks. The Society is satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate their exposure to the major risks which have been identified and reviewed see Risk Register (https://sns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/sns-Risk-Register-revised-Mar 2019.pdf) and Risk Management Policy (https://sns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/sns-Risk-Management-Policy-Jan 2019.pdf) The Trustees took steps to implement the General Data Protection Regulations May 2018 and are satisfied that the Society is compliant with the Regulations. See Data Management Policy (https://sns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/sns-Data-Protection-Policy-14 Mar 18.pdf)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
206084
Principal address
The Hold 131 Fore Street Ipswich Suffolk IP4 1LR
Page 2
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Trustees
J Hardingham Ms G Broad (resigned 24.04.24) M Sanford J Hawkins N Mason C J Hawes H Mottram P J Vincent D Tansley D Casey G Deans (appointed 24.04.24) H Honey E Aldous S Jackson Lloyds Bank Plc 13 Cornhill Ipswich IP1 1DG
Independent Examiner
van Dijk Accountants Limited Georgian House 34 Thoroughfare Halesworth Suffolk IP19 8AP
Investment advisors
CCLA Investment Management Limited Client Service Team COIF Charity Deposit Funds 80 Cheapside London EC2V 6DZ
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 20 February 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
M Sanford - Trustee
Page 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Suffolk Naturalists' Society
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Suffolk Naturalists' Society (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and 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.
P N van Dijk FMAAT
van Dijk Accountants Limited Georgian House 34 Thoroughfare Halesworth Suffolk IP19 8AP
20 February 2025
Page 4
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted Endowment fund funds Notes £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 9,191 - General income 2 16,084 90 Total 25,275 90 EXPENDITURE ON Costs 32,581 - Net gains/(losses) on investments 3,734 9,367 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (3,572) 9,457 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 171,040 342,073 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 167,468 351,530 |
31.12.24 31.12.23 Total Total funds funds £ £ 9,191 10,340 16,174 16,303 25,365 26,643 32,581 26,209 13,101 43,347 5,885 43,781 513,113 469,332 518,998 513,113 |
31.12.24 31.12.23 Total Total funds funds £ £ 9,191 10,340 16,174 16,303 25,365 26,643 32,581 26,209 13,101 43,347 5,885 43,781 513,113 469,332 518,998 513,113 |
|---|---|---|
| 26,643 | ||
| 26,209 | ||
| 43,347 | ||
| 43,781 469,332 |
||
| 513,113 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
31 December 2024
| Unrestricted Endowment fund funds Notes £ £ CURRENT ASSETS Investments 6 142,753 350,717 Cash at bank 25,617 811 168,370 351,528 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 7 (900) - NET CURRENT ASSETS 167,470 351,528 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 167,470 351,528 NET ASSETS 167,470 351,528 FUNDS 8 Unrestricted funds Endowment funds TOTAL FUNDS |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 493,470 26,428 519,898 (900) 518,998 518,998 518,998 167,468 351,530 518,998 |
31.12.23 Total funds £ 480,369 33,644 514,013 (900) 513,113 513,113 513,113 171,040 342,073 513,113 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 20 February 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
M Sanford - Trustee
J Hardingham - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures, fittings and equipment-3 years straight line
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. GENERAL INCOME
| GENERAL INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Investment income | 14,511 | 14,172 |
| Publication sales | 1,663 | 2,131 |
| 16,174 | 16,303 |
continued...
Page 7
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
4. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies General income Total EXPENDITURE ON Costs Net gains/(losses) on investments NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Unrestricted Endowment fund funds £ £ 10,340 - 16,215 88 26,555 88 26,209 - |
Unrestricted Endowment fund funds £ £ 10,340 - 16,215 88 26,555 88 26,209 - |
Unrestricted Endowment fund funds £ £ 10,340 - 16,215 88 26,555 88 26,209 - |
Total funds £ 10,340 16,303 26,643 26,209 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,354 12,700 158,340 171,040 |
30,993 31,081 310,992 342,073 |
43,347 43,781 469,332 513,113 Fixtures and fittings £ 1,264 1,264 - - |
continued...
Page 8
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
6. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS
| COIF income units 7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors 8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund Endowment funds Endowment TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 25,275 Endowment funds Endowment 90 TOTAL FUNDS 25,365 |
At 1.1.24 £ 171,040 342,073 513,113 Resources expended £ (32,581) - (32,581) |
31.12.24 £ 493,470 31.12.24 £ 900 Net movement in funds £ (3,572) 9,457 5,885 Gains and losses £ 3,734 9,367 13,101 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 9
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Endowment funds TOTAL FUNDS Endowment |
At 1.1.23 £ 158,340 469,332 310,992 |
Net movement in funds £ 12,700 43,781 31,081 |
At 31.12.23 £ 171,040 342,073 513,113 |
|---|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Gains and | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | losses | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 26,555 | (26,209) | 12,354 | 12,700 |
| Endowment funds | ||||
| Endowment | 88 | - | 30,993 | 31,081 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 26,643 | (26,209) | 43,347 | 43,781 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Endowment funds Endowment TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.23 £ 158,340 310,992 469,332 |
Net movement in funds £ 9,128 40,538 49,666 |
At 31.12.24 £ 167,468 351,530 518,998 |
|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 10
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Gains and | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | losses | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 51,830 | (58,790) | 16,088 | 9,128 |
| Endowment funds | ||||
| Endowment | 178 | - | 40,360 | 40,538 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 52,008 | (58,790) | 56,448 | 49,666 |
9. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Page 11
SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
| DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 | ||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Donations and gifts | 235 | 125 |
| Legacies | - | 657 |
| Conference | - | 1,061 |
| Subscriptions | 8,956 | 8,497 |
| 9,191 | 10,340 | |
| General income | ||
| Investment income | 14,511 | 14,172 |
| Publication sales | 1,663 | 2,131 |
| 16,174 | 16,303 | |
| Total incoming resources | 25,365 | 26,643 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Costs | ||
| Insurance | 960 | 944 |
| Webhosting and internet | 990 | 346 |
| Suffolk Bird Report | 9,398 | 7,139 |
| Suffolk Natural History | 7,825 | 4,726 |
| SNS Newsletter | 2,540 | 4,257 |
| General expenses | 1,880 | 619 |
| Paypal fees | 96 | 111 |
| Distribution costs | 3,957 | 4,506 |
| Admin expenses | 2,361 | 310 |
| Direct Debit processing | 234 | 171 |
| Bursaries and grants | 750 | 550 |
| Honorarium | 300 | 250 |
| Conference | - | 1,380 |
| Accountancy | 900 | 900 |
| Legal fees | 390 |
- |
| 32,581 | 26,209 | |
| Total resources expended | 32,581 | 26,209 |
| Net income/loss before gains and losses | (7,216) | 434 |
| Unrealised recognised gains and losses | ||
| Unrealised gain/loss on investments | 13,101 | 43,347 |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 5,885 | 43,781 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 12
Issuer
Issuer van Dijk Accountants Document generated Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:37 GMT Document fingerprint efa57ba9500c6e2655ce7e6218e31db5
Parties involved with this document
Document processed
Party + Fingerprint
Mon, 24th Feb 2025 13:50:06 GMT Mrs Joan Frances Hardingham - Signer (cbf7c370edb3749e5c377fa831631bd5) Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:44:14 GMT Mr Martin Nicholas Sanford - Signer (a3fe82f685d094b502aa1c9c850c9b65) Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:44:14 GMT Piet van Dijk - Copied In (0981353f6c03be49d0aa674797b9b5c9)
Audit history log
Date
Action
Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:37 GMT Envelope generated with fingerprint 3f1751ac8ed265f9cd4b25ef92ff272e18.133.63.166 Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:37 GMT Document generated with fingerprint efa57ba9500c6e2655ce7e6218e31db5.18.133.63.166 Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:37 GMT Mrs Joan Frances Hardingham has been assigned to this envelope.18.133.63.166 Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:37 GMT Mr Martin Nicholas Sanford has been assigned to this envelope.18.133.63.166 Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:37 GMT Piet van Dijk has been assigned to this envelope.18.133.63.166 Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:37 GMT Envelope has been set to automatically remind the active signer every 1 day(s).18.133.63.166 Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:46 GMT Envelope generated Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:46 GMT Sent the envelope to Mrs Joan Frances Hardingham for signing Fri, 21st Feb 2025 14:08:47 GMT Document emailed to party email13.40.220.181 Sat, 22nd Feb 2025 14:09:05 GMT Document emailed to party email18.130.196.193 Sun, 23rd Feb 2025 14:10:06 GMT Document emailed to party email18.168.204.48 Mon, 24th Feb 2025 13:46:07 GMT Mrs Joan Frances Hardingham viewed the envelope81.178.207.243 Mon, 24th Feb 2025 13:48:14 GMT Mrs Joan Frances Hardingham viewed the envelope81.178.207.243 Mon, 24th Feb 2025 13:50:07 GMT Mrs Joan Frances Hardingham signed the envelope81.178.207.243
Mon, 24th Feb 2025 13:50:08 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 13:50:08 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 13:50:09 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 13:51:57 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:11:10 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:43:16 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:43:27 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:44:14 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:44:14 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:44:14 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:44:14 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:44:14 GMT Mon, 24th Feb 2025 14:44:28 GMT
Sent the envelope to Mr Martin Nicholas Sanford for signing81.178.207.243 Document emailed to party email35.179.131.231 Mrs Joan Frances Hardingham viewed the envelope81.178.207.243 Mrs Joan Frances Hardingham viewed the envelope81.178.207.243 Document emailed to party email18.130.208.109 Mr Martin Nicholas Sanford viewed the envelope130.41.186.83 Mr Martin Nicholas Sanford viewed the envelope51.142.169.205 Mr Martin Nicholas Sanford signed the envelope130.41.186.83 Sent the envelope to Piet van Dijk for signing130.41.186.83 This envelope has been signed by all parties130.41.186.83 Mr Martin Nicholas Sanford viewed the envelope130.41.186.83 Document emailed to party email18.133.204.74 Mr Martin Nicholas Sanford viewed the envelope130.41.186.83