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2023-03-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 207060

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Financial statements

31 March 2023

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2023

Page
Board of management's annual report 1
Independent auditor's report to the trustees 14
Statement of financial activities 18
Balance sheet 19
Statement of cash flows 20
Notes to the financial statements 21

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report

Year ended 31 March 2023

The trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 published in October 2019.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind

Working name Vision Norfolk Charity registration number 207060 Principal office Bradbury Activity Centre Beckham Place Edward Street Norwich NR3 3DZ

Patron The late Queen Elizabeth II President The Right Reverend The Bishop of Norwich

Vice presidents The Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk The High Sheriff of Norfolk The Lord Mayor of Norwich The Sheriff of Norwich The Mayor of Great Yarmouth The Mayor of King's Lynn and West Norfolk P Scarfe FCA

Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr N Puvanachandra MB BChir MA FRCOphth Honorary Physician Dr S Pinto MB BS DCH DRCOG MRCPG

Board of Management

Mrs K Norton (Chair) Dr D Goldser MBBS (Vice Chair) J Foster MA ACA FCT (Treasurer) R Hanson B Hemmant MD FRCOphth (appointed 22 June 2022) J Manser (appointed 20 October 2022) Canon S Stokes (resigned 30 April 2022) G Holloway (resigned 24 November 2022) Mrs B Jones (resigned 31 May 2022) R West MBCS CITP (resigned 24 November 2022) C Daniels (resigned 13 September 2022)

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Morter
Investment Advisors Barratt & Cooke Ltd
5 Opie Street
Norwich
NR1 3DW
Auditor Lovewell Blake LLP
Chartered accountants & statutory auditor
Bankside 300
Peachman Way
Broadland Business Park
Norwich
NR7 0LB
Bankers Barclays Bank Plc
3 St James Court
Norwich
Norfolk
NR3 1RJ
Solicitors BDB Pitmans
50/60 Station Road
Cambridge
CB1 2JH
Howes Percival
1 Bedding Lane
Norwich
NR3 1RG

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Objectives and activities

Policies and objectives

Established in 1805, Vision Norfolk is one of Norfolk's oldest existing charities, and the fifth oldest sight loss charity in the United Kingdom.

We owe our existence to our founder, Thomas Tawell (1763 - 1820) who, after experiencing a period of sight loss himself, purchased a sizeable property and three and a half acres of land at Magdalen Street in Norwich, generously donating these to establish 'The Institution for the benefit of the Indigent Blind in Norfolk and Norwich' which provided housing, education, and gainful employment to local blind and vision impaired adults and children.

In 1988, we changed our name to 'The Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind' (or NNAB as we were more commonly known), as a reflection of the changing language and attitudes towards the negative connotations associated with 'institution' and 'asylum'.

In 2020, we rebranded and again changed our name, this time to 'Vision Norfolk' to reflect a modern approach to the work we do and improve accessibility for the people we aim to support. Many people told us that they did not feel that they qualified for our services as they were not registered 'blind' and were either 'partially sighted' or 'vision impaired'.

To ensure that the charity operates effectively, the Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team regularly review performance against established indicators and assess progress towards meeting strategic goals outlined in the organisational strategy. As such, Vision Norfolk is on track and well positioned to deliver on its long-term vision.

Our Vision is that all people with a vision impairment in Norfolk live independent and fulfilled lives.

Our Mission is to improve the confidence, skills, and social engagement of people with a vision impairment across Norfolk by delivering high quality services and practical and emotional support which enable them to live independent and fulfilled lives.

Charitable Objects:

The charitable objects, as described in our governing document, are the relief of blind and partially sighted persons, primarily but not exclusively resident in Norwich or elsewhere in Norfolk.

The Charity supports people in Norfolk who are registered blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired). It is estimated by RNIB that more than 38,000 people in Norfolk have vision impairment. We are only able to contact a small proportion of that number, but believe many more people could benefit from our support and services.

Activities for achieving objectives

The Charity provided the following services during the year:

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Objectives and activities (continued)

Public benefit

The Board of Trustees confirm that, in exercising their powers and duties, they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The Trustees ensure that the objectives and aims of the charity are carried out through its activities for the public benefit and details its activities and achievements in the report.

Review of the year

The past year has been a period of consolidation for the charity. With a new leadership team firmly embedded and a 5-year strategy in place, we are focussed on increasing the reach and impact of our services to ensure that we provide the right support, in the right place, at the right time, to deliver on our mission.

Two significant areas of focus over the last 12 months have centred around the sale of Thomas Tawell House, our specialist care home in Norwich, and the refurbishment of Hammond Court, our independent living accommodation scheme.

The Board of Trustees considered the future of our care home, Thomas Tawell House. Increased regulation and staffing pressures meant that running a standalone care home had become a significant challenge for the Charity. As a result we approached a number of possible interested parties with existing interests in the care home sector, with a view to securing the future of the care home. Following this exercise ownership of Thomas Tawell House successfully transferred to Black Swan Care Group in December 2022, ensuring that the residents could continue to receive the high quality and personalised care that they deserve. Whilst completion of the sale marks the end of a chapter in our story, the income we received from the sale starts a new chapter, one where we can concentrate on providing essential services and support to vision impaired people in their local communities.

We began a programme of extensive refurbishment works to our accommodation at Hammond Court 1 in late 2022. Each of the 13 flats have been completely stripped back and updated, installing new kitchens and bathrooms, new carpets, French doors installed, and redecorated to give a modern and comfortable home to each of our tenants. The feedback received from the tenants has been overwhelmingly positive, all of whom have indicated that they are happier in their new homes.

Against this backdrop, the charity has continued to deliver frontline services and support to vision impaired clients, and their families, across Norfolk, adopting a person-centred, place-based approach to our work.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Achievements and performance

As we emerged from the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, we have had to take stock of the Charity's current position, and where it aims to be for the future. With a new leadership team firmly embedded, we have developed an ambitious but achievable 5-year strategy to guide us through a period of anticipated growth and sustainability. Our strategy, 'a shared vision', focuses on 4 main priorities:

  1. Increasing the reach and impact of our services;

  2. Investing in our workforce and embedding a positive workplace culture;

  3. Improving the financial strength and resilience of the Charity; and

  4. Increasing awareness and building effective partnerships.

As we put our strategy into action throughout 2023/2024, we are immensely proud of the achievements we have made during the past 12 months, which is a testament to the tireless dedication of our staff and volunteers, who have survived some of the most challenging times the Charity has faced in its history.

Our Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) have continued to deliver the emotional and practical support to patients in the eye clinics at each of the three main hospitals across Norfolk, and at the Cromer eye clinic. We know from the feedback we received from patients and clinicians just how valuable this service is, and as we put the disruptions from COVID behind us, we have started looking at how we can improve the support we provide as demand for the service continues to grow.

We have started the recruitment for five new Community Outreach Workers who will bridge the gap for many of our service users who are unable to attend one of our current hubs in Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn or Norwich, and who may not have had access to an ECLO at the point of diagnosis or treatment. This service will aim to provide both practical and emotional support for any vision impaired person to continue living independently, and connect with their local community.

Our Equipment Centres have been providing access to our specialist advisors to discuss their sight needs and explore the wide range of equipment and technology devices we offer to help them adapt to their daily life and continue living independently. Throughout the year, our equipment centres have also hosted a range of popular technology demonstrations from providers, giving people hands on access to the newest technology on the market.

Our activity co-ordinators have organised a wide variety of educational and recreational activities for our service users, both at each of our hubs and at various community venues across the county. Our activity sessions for arts and crafts, short mat bowls, boccia, yoga, darts and photography have become increasingly popular, and our guided walks, garden visits, beach and theatre trips are nearly always over-subscribed. These sessions are essential for our services users to help improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, reduce instances of loneliness and isolation, improve social connections, and increase their confidence and self-esteem.

Similarly, our Children, Young People and Families Service (CYPF) has continued to support and arrange activities for vision impaired children and their families throughout the year, including kayaking, climbing, escape rooms, snow tubing, music sessions, bubble football, baby and toddler groups, pizza nights, and of course, our Christmas Party and Christmas Train trips. These sessions are always popular with the children, but also provide the parents and carers the opportunity to socialise and have access to specialist and peer-to-peer support.

Our Volunteer Engagement Team have undertaken a review of our volunteer policies and procedures, updating the Volunteer Handbook and ensuring we maximise the opportunities to recruit and retain new volunteers, and improve the way in which we recognise and celebrate the contribution our volunteers make to the charity.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

The Trustees have maintained their focus on strategic and business planning having updated the charity's mission statement and values, and approving the charity's new organisational strategy, improving the financial and management systems, and have undertaken a careful review of the charity's risk policies and processes, in line with Charity Commission guidance.

Vision Norfolk remains part of the Disability Confident Employer Scheme, and has become an accredited Living Wage employer, demonstrating our commitment to justice and fair pay. We continue to contribute to local partnerships, working closely with other charities and public sector organisations to develop and deliver services. Most recently have joined the Later Life network in partnership with organisations such as Age UK Norwich, Hear for Norfolk, Equal Lives and a range of other local providers across the county to work collaboratively, share best practice and give a voice to our service users on how services need to be shaped to meet their needs. We were also commissioned to conduct a consultation with our service users on behalf of Norfolk County Council on how to overcome the barriers vision impaired people face in accessing their services, and we continue to support the wider developments of the new Integrated Care System, recognising that this will have a significant impact of the future of the charity, its services, and vision impaired people across the county.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the endless dedication and commitment of our amazing team of staff and volunteers, to whom we offer our heartfelt thanks and owe a debt of gratitude, and without whom, none of our achievements would be possible.

Financial review

Net income in unrestricted funds amounted to £189,165 (2022: net income £4,661,968), before losses of £130,218 (2022: gains of £134,082) on investment assets. This result was despite exceptional income of £681,936 from the sale of Thomas Tawell House during the year, and also reflects exceptional legacy income of £5.3m received in the previous year. Total net income was £58,947 (2022: £4,796,050). The unrestricted fund balance at 31 March 2023 amounted to £8,227,960 (2022: £8,169,013).

Net expenditure in restricted funds amounted to £38,605 (2022: £46,010), before gains of £416 (2022: gains of £2,991) on investment assets. The restricted fund balance at 31 March 2023 amounted to £88,672 (2022: £126,861).

Losses on the investment assets in the permanent endowment fund amounted to £51,547 (2022: gain £18,691), leaving a balance carried forward on the permanent endowment fund of £556,247 (2022: £607,794).

As a result of these changes the Charity's total reserves position has remained at £8.9m (2022: £8.9m) reflecting the small net deficit over the last year. However the Charity's underlying operating deficit (excluding the exceptional income and investment gains) remains around £835,000 and highlights the need for the current high level of reserves.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Financial review (continued)

Investment policy

The board of management has approved an investment management policy which addresses the approach to the investment of a larger level of cash reserves.

The board recognises that whilst increasing risk increases potential returns over a longer period, it also increases the risk of a shortfall in returns as well as produces more short-term volatility in the Charity's funding position. In addition to targeting an appropriate overall level of investment risk, the board seeks to spread risks across a range of different sources, believing that diversification limits the impact of any single risk. The board aims to take on those risks for which they expect to be rewarded over time, in the form of excess returns.

Our overall investment approach to our investment risk profile is 'medium risk'. Our definition of medium risk is:

Funds will be invested with a large bias towards equity investments for potential growth in capital and income. The equity element may consist of managed funds, direct equity shareholdings, infrastructure, funds, REITS and gold, and up to 10% of higher-risk investments, creating diversified equity-based allocation. The balance of the portfolio will provide exposure to low-risk investments which will typically have a minimum weighting of approximately 15%.

Investments are under regular review by the Charity's Stockbroker who submits monthly returns to the Charity which are reported by the Treasurer to the Board periodically. Over the past 12 months, the Charity's stockbroker has met with the Board on two occasions to review investment performance.

The Treasurer and Finance Manager regularly meet the Charity's Stockbroker to discuss the portfolio performance on a benchmarked basis, in addition to which the Stockbroker briefs the Board annually. Investments are currently held as follows: Fixed Interest/Preference Shares = 26%, Unit / Investment Trusts = 6%, Equities = 64%, Cash on deposit = 4%.

Ethical statement regarding investments

The Charity will not buy, invest or deal in any stocks or shares which are derived solely from, or attributed to, the production and sale of alcohol or tobacco nor those associated with gambling, arms sales or the sex industry.

Reserves Policy

The reasons the Charity needs reserves

The only activity that has recently generated a surplus for the Charity is Hammond Court (supported housing). Every other aspect of the Charity's work costs money.

In the current financial year the Charity contributed nearly £700,000 worth of services to the local community. This included costs of our Activity Centres, our Community Hubs, Eye Clinic Information Services, our Telephone Befriending Service, organised Activities and Transport Services.

Without reserves to produce investment income and cover any shortfall, the Charity would not be able to maintain its current service levels to the community.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Financial review (continued)

Level of reserves required

Reserves are unrestricted funds that are freely available to spend on any of the Charity's purposes. This definition excludes tangible fixed assets held for the Charity's use and amounts designated for essential future spending. Reserves are calculated to ensure that there is appropriate funding in place to meet ongoing financial commitments, to cover expenditure in the event of reduced income or changes in circumstances, and financial capacity to achieve the Charity's strategic priorities for developing existing or establishing new services.

The Board has reviewed and reapproved its reserves policy this year in accordance with the Charity Commission guidance CC19. This policy primarily addresses our free reserves, which are defined as unrestricted funds excluding those already invested in fixed assets. These free reserves include short-term investment balances, cash and other working capital balances. They also include any reserves balances which have been designated by the Trustees for particular future use (recognising that such designation may be changed in future by board resolution).

As part of effective financial management, we hold reserves to ensure we can manage:

Given our mission is to continuously improve the quality of support available for visually impaired people in Norfolk, our reserves policy aims to ensure our work is protected from the risk of disruption at short notice due to a lack of funds, whilst at the same time ensuring we do not retain income for longer than required.

The Charity aims to put people with visual impairment at the heart of all that we do.

Providing targeted, effective support when it is needed is therefore core to our mission, and to the reserves policy we have set to ensure we are able to deliver on our vision and mission.

The board of management have calculated an appropriate reserves range for our organisation of £5.2m to £7.2m, which is analysed as:

Reserves range £m
1. Financial impact of risk 4.0
2. Working capital 1.0
3. Capital commitments 0.2
Minimum level of reserves 5.2
Maximum level of reserves 7.2

At 31 March 2023, the Charity held reserves of £6,331,717 defined on this basis but is expecting to see a decrease in these reserves in the coming year to cover the operating deficit.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Financial review (continued)

Principal funding sources

The main sources of income for the Charity are income derived from legacies, donations, trusts and grant income, and rental income from Hammond Court.

Plans for future periods

We pride ourselves in being a user-led organisation, in touch with the needs of our service users and enable them to have a say in the running of our Charity and how we shape our services across the county. It is through this voice that we have reinstated our Community Outreach Service, providing a person-centred, place-based approach to provide vision impaired people in Norfolk with personalised support when and where they need it most.

We recognise that we are living in challenging times, particularly with the ongoing cost of living crisis, and will aim to tackle these challenges by remaining responsive to the needs of our service users and designing our services to alleviate hardship, improve physical and mental wellbeing, increase social interaction, and reduce loneliness.

We will continue to implement our 5 year strategy, 'A Shared Vision', focussing on:

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) is a registered charity (no 207060). It was founded in 1805 and registered as a charity on 9 January 1964. The present charitable scheme dates from 1 November 1985. Its headquarters are in the Bradbury Activity Centre, Beckham Place, Norwich, NR3 3DZ. Telephone 01603 573000, e-mail address office@visionnorfolk.org.uk, website www.visionnorfolk.org.uk.

The management of the Charity is the ultimate responsibility of the board which comprise trustees who are elected, appointed and co-opted under the terms of the Charity Commission Scheme. The board of management delegate powers to the Chair, Chief Executive, Treasurer and staff under a scheme of delegation which is subject to annual review and approval by the board.

Induction and training of members of the board of management

Potential board members are invited to attend board meetings as observers before joining. They are given familiarisation tours and briefings covering the wide range of activities carried out by the Charity. A Trustee Handbook is issued to all board members, this clarifies the duties and responsibilities of the board members for both existing board members and those considering joining the board.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Arrangements for setting pay and remuneration of key management personnel

The board consider that they, together with the Senior Management Team, comprise the key management personnel of the Charity with responsibility for directing and controlling, running and operating the Charity on a day to day basis. All members of the board give their time freely and no board member received remuneration or expenses in the year. Details of related party transactions are disclosed in note 29 to the accounts.

The pay of the senior staff is reviewed annually by the Board and normally increased by reference to inflation indices and other local salary comparisons. The Board work in a variety of professions in the area and, engage in detailed discussions to determine that the level of pay is appropriate to the position and consistent with the responsibilities of the senior staff.

Organisational structure

The full complement of Trustees on the Board of the NNAB is 12. The Board has met 10 times between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023.

Risk management

The risk management strategy plays an integral part in the governance and management of the Charity at a strategic and operational level. This risk management strategy is updated and reviewed on an annual basis, approved by the board.

The Board have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and functions of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to manage its exposure to the major risks.

The board have approved an improved risk management strategy in accordance with the approach outlined in the Charity Commission's guidance in its publication cc26 Charities and risk management (CC26). This approach incorporated inclusion of all risks proposed in the template to that guidance along with other risks relating to the Charity's distinct operations this year with the following key objectives:

Key elements of the strategy are:-

When identifying, analysing and evaluating risks, the Charity follows the Charity Commission guidance to put extra weighting on the impact of a potential risk when contrasted with its likelihood.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Structure, governance and management (continued)

The highest risks now faced by the Charity are considered to be:

The Chief Executive is responsible for all health and safety matters on a day-to-day basis together with oversight responsibility for safeguarding, compliance with all requirements under GDPR and our governance framework. Responsibilities of this role extend to all aspects of the Charity's work, both within our accommodation services, and in the wider community. Significant staff training and risk assessments have now been completed to reduce the likelihood of this risk area.

Further staff and trustee recruitment and work allocation will continue to reduce the impact of these risks in the coming year.

The current full employment status of the wider economy makes this a risk not entirely within our own control. However critical review of salary levels and staff engagement exercises have and are likely to continue to reduce the likelihood of this risk.

The higher level of investment activity and volatility of stock market returns make this a significant risk as the Charity aims to cover some of its current underlying deficit through investment returns.

Policies and procedures are reviewed on a cyclical basis and a rolling schedule of audits and inspections is in place. The Charity has a separate training budget to ensure that all staff and volunteers receive the appropriate training relevant to their role, and to ensure compliance with all current legislation and best practice.

The board has currently approved the following approach to risk appetite to different broad areas of risk for the purpose of its future planning:-

Category Risk appetite (1-5)
(5 = most risk-taking)
Trustee board’s comment
Strategic 4
(risk-taking)
Due to the Charity’s income and expenditure position the
board recognises that organisational strategy will likely
involve considerable risk.
Financial 3
(balanced)
The board considers the Charity needs to balance
investment in priority areas with overall prudence and the
need to reduce costs where possible.
Operational 2
(risk-averse)
The board recognises that the Charity’s operations involve
significant risks and that these must be well-controlled but
cannot be eliminated.
Compliance 2
(risk-averse)
The board is committed to ensuring the Charity fulfils its
legal and contractual obligations, although it recognises
that limited resources may at times prevent full
compliance.
Reputational 1
(strongly risk-averse)
The board considers that the Charity’s good reputation is
of paramount importance and must be protected.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Related parties

The Charity maintains close links with both national and other local charities for the vision impaired. The Chief Executive is a member of the Visionary network, which is an umbrella organisation linking local sight loss charities across the UK. Locally, the Charity has a close working relationship with the Sensory Support Unit of Norfolk County Council Social Services team, the Virtual School Sensory Support team, and the three NHS hospital Eye Clinics in Norfolk. The Charity has also become members of the United Kingdom Association for Accessible Formats (UKAAF), and works with a range of other charities who are providing services to communities within Norfolk, including the Later in Life Network.

The Charity administers a Talking Book Service through Calibre Audio Libraries (on behalf of Norfolk County Council). Relationships and partnership opportunities are openly discussed with Blind Veterans UK, Guide Dogs, and the RNIB.

Fundraising standards information

The board supports raising funds from the public in relation to our core activities. No professional fundraisers or third party commercial participators are used. The Charity is registered with the Fundraising Regulator. There have been no complaints about our fundraising activity this year.

The fundraising team has signed up to the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice. All fundraising guidance and working practices have been or are being updated so that they are compliant. Volunteer fundraisers are also given a briefing before the raise funds for the Charity and will also be given annual updates/reminders via communication from the fundraising department.

All marketing material or information sent from the Charity contains clear instructions on how a person can be removed from the mailing lists and is GDPR compliant.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Board of management's annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Statement of board of management's responsibilities

The board of management are responsible for preparing the board of management's annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the board of management to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the Charity for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the board of management is required to:

The board of management is responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of of fraud and other irregularities.

True and fair override

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a "true and fair" view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a "true and fair view". This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by charities by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Auditor

Lovewell Blake LLP have indicated their willingness to continue in office for the ensuing year.

The board of management's annual report was approved on 27 July 2023 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mrs K Norton Chair

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Independent auditor's report to the trustees of The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind

Year ended 31 March 2023

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet, statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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 FRC’s 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

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Independent auditor's report to the trustees of The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. 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

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of 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 the trustees 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.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Independent auditor's report to the trustees of The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

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.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

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.

- 16 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Independent auditor's report to the trustees of The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

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 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 and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Bankside 300 Peachman Way Broadland Business Park Norwich NR7 0LB

2 August 2023

Lovewell Blake LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

- 17 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Statement of financial activities

Year ended 31 March 2023

2023 2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 441,262 89,314 530,576 5,677,038
Charitable activities 5 991,133 991,133 1,321,654
Other trading activities 6 21,311 21,311 30,608
Investment income 7 131,104 131,104 77,773
Other income 8 721,494 721,494 81,736
--------------------------------------- -------------------------- ------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Total income 2,306,304 89,314 2,395,618 7,188,809
======================================= ========================== ============= ======================================= =======================================
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Cost of raising
funds 9 (92,896) (92,896) (81,112)
Expenditure on charitable
activities 10 (2,024,243) (127,919) (2,152,162) (2,491,739)
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Total expenditure (2,117,139) (127,919) (2,245,058) (2,572,851)
======================================= =============================== ============= ======================================= =======================================
Net (expenditure)/income
and net movements in funds
before gains and losses on
investments 189,165 (38,605) 150,560 4,615,958
Net (losses)/gains on
investments (130,218) 416 (51,547) (181,349) 155,764
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net (expenditure)/income
and net movement in funds 58,947 (38,189) (51,547) (30,789) 4,771,722
======================================= =============================== ========================== ======================================= =======================================
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 8,169,013 126,861 607,794 8,903,668 4,131,946
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Total funds carried forward 8,227,960 88,672 556,247 8,872,879 8,903,668
======================================= =============================== =============================== ======================================= =======================================

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 21 to 34 form part of these financial statements.

- 18 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Balance sheet

31 March 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 16 1,908,796 2,301,815
Investments 17 6,236,103 3,818,245
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
8,144,899 6,120,060
Current assets
Stocks 18 13,595 16,220
Debtors 19 684,571 2,867,950
Cash at bank and in hand 350,375 193,042
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
1,048,541 3,077,212
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year 20 320,561 244,906
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net current assets 727,980 2,832,306
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Total assets less current liabilities 8,872,879 8,952,366
Creditors: Amounts falling due after
more than one year 21 48,698
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net assets 8,872,879 8,903,668
======================================= =======================================
Funds of the charity
Endowment funds 556,247 607,794
Restricted funds 88,672 126,861
Unrestricted funds 8,227,960 8,169,013
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Total charity funds 23 8,872,879 8,903,668
======================================= =======================================

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 27 July 2023, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mrs K Norton Chair

J Foster Treasurer

A Morter Chief Executive Officer

The notes on pages 21 to 34 form part of these financial statements.

- 19 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Statement of cash flows

Year ended 31 March 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £
Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities 26 1,673,027 1,957,593
Interest received 1,033 199
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net cash from operating activities 1,674,060 1,957,792
======================================= =======================================
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interest and rents from investments 130,071 77,574
Purchase of tangible assets (553,698)
Proceeds from sale of tangible assets 1,554,805
Purchases of other investments (2,681,062) (3,266,435)
Proceeds from sale of other investments 81,855 1,371,755
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (1,468,029) (1,817,106)
======================================= =======================================
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings (48,698)
Repayments of borrowings (486)
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities (48,698) (486)
======================================= =======================================
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 157,333 140,200
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 193,042 52,842
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 350,375 193,042
=============================== ===============================

The notes on pages 21 to 34 form part of these financial statements.

- 20 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2023

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Bradbury Activity Centre, Beckham Place, Edward Street, Norwich, NR3 3DZ.

2. Statement of compliance

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following the 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

3. Accounting policies

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity, and rounded to the nearest £.

(b) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less.

(c) Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the board of management believe that no material uncertainties exist. The board of management have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

(d) Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

(e) Loans and borrowings

Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the transaction price including transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less impairment, If an arrangement constitutes a finance transaction it is measured at present value.

- 21 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

3. Accounting policies (continued)

(f) Employee benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.

(g) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

(h) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Board of Management in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Board of Management for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

(i) Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

(j) Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the company will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.

- 22 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Government grants (continued)

Where the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the performance-related conditions have been met. Where grants received are prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability.

(k) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

(l) Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.

(m) Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Freehold property - 2% - 5% straight line Office equipment - 33% straight line Minibuses - 25% reducing balance

(n) Investments

Unlisted equity investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently measured at fair value. If fair value cannot be reliably measured, assets are measured at cost less impairment.

- 23 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Investments (continued)

Listed investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in income or expenditure.

(o) Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

(p) Stocks

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

(q) Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

(r) Redundancy

Where an obligation to make a redundancy or termination payment exists, the costs incurred by the charity are accounted for on an accruals basis and included within employee benefits.

4. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
General donations 22,366 11,064 33,430
Grants from Trusts and Foundations 10,500 68,302 78,802
National Lottery grants 9,948 9,948
Coronavirus support grants
Legacies
Legacies 408,396 408,396
------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------------
441,262 89,314 530,576
=============================== ========================== ===============================

- 24 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

4. Donations and legacies (continued)

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Donations
General donations 29,534 16,533 46,067
Grants from Trusts and Foundations 7,500 73,642 81,142
National Lottery grants 13,331 13,331
Coronavirus support grants 78,836 78,836
Legacies
Legacies 5,457,662 5,457,662
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
5,494,696 182,342 5,677,038
======================================= =============================== =======================================
Charitable activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Thomas Tawell House 838,418 838,418 1,175,335 1,175,335
Hammond Court 123,479 123,479 118,531 118,531
Community Hubs 25,219 25,219 25,995 25,995
Other income from charitable activities 4,017 4,017 1,793 1,793
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
991,133 991,133 1,321,654 1,321,654
=============================== =============================== ======================================= =======================================
Other trading activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Community fundraising 17,011 17,011 20,577 20,577
Voluntary events income 2,815 2,815 7,941 7,941
Christmas card income 1,485 1,485 2,090 2,090
-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
21,311 21,311 30,608 30,608
========================== ========================== ========================== ==========================
Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Rent received 10,160 10,160
Dividends 126,084 126,084 61,779 61,779
Income from generated electricity 3,987 3,987 5,635 5,635
Bank interest receivable 1,033 1,033 199 199
------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
131,104 131,104 77,773 77,773
=============================== =============================== ========================== ==========================

5. Charitable activities

6. Other trading activities

7. Investment income

- 25 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

8. Other income

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets 676,810 676,810
Covid 19 JRS grant income 46,827 46,827
Access to Work funding 44,684 44,684 34,909 34,909
------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
721,494 721,494 81,736 81,736
=============================== =============================== ========================== ==========================

9. Cost of raising funds

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Advertising and sundries 3,808 3,808 5,860 5,860
Staff costs 89,088 89,088 75,252 75,252
-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
92,896 92,896 81,112 81,112
========================== ========================== ========================== ==========================

10. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Establishment 375,213 36,254 411,467
Marketing and publicity 22,387 790 23,177
Legal and professional 42,892 42,892
Administration 73,413 73,413
Maintenance 65,008 11,641 76,649
Computer costs 91,579 91,579
Staff training, advertising and expenses 28,031 28,031
Wages and salaries 1,251,011 74,501 1,325,512
Depreciation 63,989 4,733 68,722
Governance costs 10,720 10,720
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
2,024,243 127,919 2,152,162
======================================= =============================== =======================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Establishment 343,465 32,069 375,534
Marketing and publicity 51,362 33,125 84,487
Legal and professional 119,923 119,923
Administration 44,286 89 44,375
Maintenance 82,242 11,235 93,477
Computer costs 73,278 2,090 75,368
Staff training, advertising and expenses 22,078 22,078
Wages and salaries 1,440,523 143,952 1,584,475
Depreciation 76,714 5,792 82,506
Governance costs 9,516 9,516
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
2,263,387 228,352 2,491,739
======================================= =============================== =======================================

Included within costs of charitable activities is £427,782 relating to support costs (2022: £500,211).

- 26 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

11. Analysis of governance costs

2023 2022
£ £
Audit fees (current year) 9,480 7,200
Audit fees (previous year) 1,116
AGM and Annual Report costs 1,240 1,200
-------------------------- ----------------------
10,720 9,516
========================== ======================
Net (expenditure)/income
Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2023 2022
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 68,722 82,506
Gains on disposal of tangible fixed assets (676,810)
=============================== ==========================
Auditors remuneration
2023 2022
£ £
Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements 9,840
======================
8,316
======================

12. Net (expenditure)/income

Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):

13. Auditors remuneration

14. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 1,008,661 1,294,561
Social Security costs 81,279 93,530
Employer's pension costs 35,103 44,361
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
1,125,043 1,432,452
======================================= =======================================

The average head count of employees during the year was 50 (2022: 71).

No employees received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the current and prior year.

The board of management consider the key management personnel to be the CEO. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £60,313 (2022: £107,192).

Wages and salaries include statutory redundancy pay of £Nil (2022: £22,489) and other termination payments totalling £Nil (2022: £29,847). There were no outstanding amounts due at the year end.

15. Board of management remuneration and expenses

No members of the board of management received any remuneration or were entitled to any expenses during the year.

- 27 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

16. Tangible fixed assets

Freehold Office
property Minibuses equipment Total
£ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2022 3,770,097 105,944 134,741 4,010,782
Additions 549,665 4,033 553,698
Disposals (1,792,673) (52,211) (1,844,884)
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
At 31 March 2023 2,527,089 105,944 86,563 2,719,596
======================================= =============================== =============================== =======================================
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022 1,486,011 88,215 134,741 1,708,967
Charge for the year 64,288 4,434 68,722
Disposals (914,678) (52,211) (966,889)
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
At 31 March 2023 635,621 92,649 82,530 810,800
======================================= =============================== =============================== =======================================
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023 1,891,468 13,295 4,033 1,908,796
======================================= =============================== =============================== =======================================
At 31 March 2022 2,284,086 17,729 2,301,815
======================================= =============================== =============================== =======================================
17. Investments
Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2022 3,818,245
Additions 2,681,062
Disposals (81,855)
Fair value movements (181,349)
---------------------------------------
At 31 March 2023 6,236,103
=======================================
Impairment
At 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023 6,236,103
=======================================
At 31 March 2022 3,818,245
=======================================

All investments shown above are held at valuation.

Financial assets held at fair value

The fair value of listed investments is determined by reference to the quoted price for identical assets in an active market at the balance sheet date.

- 28 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

18. Stocks

2023 2022
£ £
Equipment for resale 13,595 14,220
Provisions and consumables 2,000
-------------------------- --------------------------
13,595 16,220
========================== ==========================
19. Debtors
2023 2022
£ £
Trade debtors 27,511 45,906
Prepayments and accrued income 25,344 23,813
Legacies receivable 529,913 2,795,056
Other debtors 101,803 3,175
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
684,571 2,867,950
=============================== =======================================
20. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Trade creditors 65,640 170,216
Accruals and deferred income 232,948 41,934
Social security and other taxes 11,161 19,167
Other creditors 10,812 13,589
------------------------------- -------------------------------
320,561 244,906
=============================== ===============================
21. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
2023 2022
£ £
Bank loans and overdrafts 48,698
============= ==========================

There were two loans, for which the interest rates were 15% and 9.5%, payable over 60 years with the final instalments falling due in 2040 and 2046 respectively. The loans were secured by a legal charge over the properties concerned. The loans were settled during the year.

22. Deferred income

2023 2022
£ £
Deferred income at 1 April 2022 2,335 2,400
Resources deferred during the year 1,777
Amounts released from previous years (2,335) (65)
---------------------- ----------------------
Deferred income at 31 March 2023 1,777 2,335
====================== ======================

Deferred income relates to events taking place in 2023/24 and fees for Hammond Court paid in advance.

- 29 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

23. Analysis of charitable funds

2023

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At 1 April Gains and At 31
2022 Income Expenditure Transfers losses March 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
General funds 7,469,013 2,306,304 (2,117,139) 700,000 (130,218) 8,227,960
Housing project 700,000 (700,000)
--------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
8,169,013 2,306,304 (2,117,139) (130,218) 8,227,960
======================================= ======================================= ======================================= =============================== =============================== =======================================
Restricted funds
At 1 April Gains and At 31 March
2022 Income Expenditure losses 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Committed donation
funds 40,072 8,564 (30,588) 18,048
Funded investments 41,284 416 41,700
Norwich minibus 18,293 (5,740) 12,553
NCF Love Communities 17,243 (17,243)
NCF Empowering
Communities 9,969 (9,969)
Mercers Trust 40,000 (40,000)
Norfolk Library Services 8,000 (8,000)
National Lottery 9,948 (9,948)
Norfolk Communities
Fund 2,497 (2,497)
Kings Lynn Borough
Council 200 (200)
Norfolk Community
Foundation 2,000 (200) 1,800
Active Norfolk 4,937 4,937
NCC Equality Diversity &
Inclusion 3,534 (3,534)
Early Childhood
Sustainability Funding 2,140 2,140
Norman Lamb
Foundation 4,994 4,994
Ellerdale Trust 2,500 2,500
------------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------- --------------------------
126,861 89,314 (127,919) 416 88,672
=============================== ========================== =============================== ============= ==========================
Endowment funds
At 1 April Gains and At 31 March
2022 Income Expenditure losses 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Endowment funds 607,794 (51,547) 556,247
=============================== ============= ============= ========================== ===============================

- 30 -

The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

2022

Unrestricted funds
At 1 April Gains and
At 31
2021 Income Expenditure Transfers losses March 2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
General funds 2,972,963 7,006,467 (2,344,499) (300,000) 134,082 7,469,013
Housing project 400,000 300,000 700,000
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
3,372,963 7,006,467 (2,344,499) 134,082 8,169,013
======================================= ======================================= ======================================= =============================== =============================== =======================================
Restricted funds
At 1 April Gains and At 31 March
2021 Income Expenditure losses 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Thomas Tawell House
legacies 10,250 (10,250)
Committed donation
funds 68,597 8,533 (37,058) 40,072
The National Lottery
Community Fund 19,794 13,331 (33,125)
Funded investments 38,293 2,991 41,284
Norwich minibus 23,872 (5,579) 18,293
Norfolk Community Fund 9,074 (9,074)
Norfolk County Council
Infection Control Fund 39,706 (39,706)
Mercers Trust 40,000 (40,000)
Norfolk CC Library &
Information Service 8,000 (8,000)
Arnold Clark 1,000 (1,000)
NCF Love Communities 20,750 (3,507) 17,243
NCF Empowering
Communities 9,969 9,969
Boshier Hinton
Foundation 1,923 (1,923)
Norfolk County Council
Covid PPE Grant 13,198 (13,198)
Norfolk County Council
Workplace Capacity
Grant 24,609 (24,609)
Norfolk County Council
Omicron Grant 1,323 (1,323)
------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------------
169,880 182,342 (228,352) 2,991 126,861
=============================== =============================== =============================== ====================== ===============================
Endowment funds
At 1 April Gains and At 31 March
2021 Income Expenditure losses 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Endowment funds 589,103 18,691 607,794
=============================== ============= ============= ========================== ===============================

The designated Housing project fund represents expenditure agreed by the Trustees to cover necessary improvements to the supported accommodation.

Committed donations and the Thomas Tawell House legacies represent funds received from individuals and organisations with restrictions placed on their use.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Funded investments represent specific schemes regulated by the Charity Commissioners for which the Board of Management of the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind were appointed Trustees in 1986. The fund is represented by investments as shown in note 17 to the accounts.

The Norwich Minibus fund represents funds to be used for the running and maintenance of the minibuses used for charitable activities.

The National Lottery Community Fund represents a grant towards developing an app as an accessible tool through which volunteers can engage directly with vision impaired people.

The Mercers Trust fund represents a grant received to facilitate Sports Leisure and Social Activities for people with sight loss in Norfolk.

The Norfolk Communities Fund represents funds received towards the costs of taking a Mobile Unit around Norfolk.

Norfolk County Council - the Infection Control Fund, the Workplace Capacity Grant, Covid PPE Grant and Omicron Grant represents funding received to cover additional staff costs in the Care Home throughout the pandemic.

Norfolk CC Library & Information Service fund represents funds received to support the costs of the Calibre Book Clubs.

Arnold Clark fund represents funds received to provide activities for children and young people.

NCF Love Communities fund represents funds received to support the costs of providing the Telefriends Services.

NCF Empowering Communities fund represents funds received to develop our volunteer programme to increase recruitment, retention and training of volunteers.

Boshier Hinton Foundation fund represents funds received to support the costs related to Children and Young People’s activities.

National Lottery grant represents funds received to facilitate an Arts Project for the Vision Impaired.

The Norfolk Communities Fund represents funds received to provide to set Preschool activities in West Norfolk.

The Kings Lynn Borough Council fund represents a grant towards the Queens Jubilee Celebrations.

Norfolk Community Foundation represents funds received to support the costs of the gardening group project as part of the 'Greening our Communities Fund'.

Active Norfolk represents funds received to support the costs related to exercise sessions at the Hubs and throughout Norfolk.

NCC Equality Diversity & Inclusion represents funds received to support research costs.

Early Childhood Sustainability Funding represents funds received to support the costs related to CYP activities.

Norman Lamb Foundation represents funds received to support the costs related to CYP activities.

The Ellerdale Trust represents funds to provide CYP activities.

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

24. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,896,243 12,553 1,908,796
Investments 5,638,156 41,700 556,247 6,236,103
Current assets 693,561 34,419 727,980
Creditors greater than 1 year
--------------------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net assets 8,227,960 88,672 556,247 8,872,879
======================================= ========================== =============================== =======================================
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 2,283,522 18,293 2,301,815
Investments 3,170,028 40,423 607,794 3,818,245
Current assets 2,764,161 68,145 2,832,306
Creditors greater than 1 year (48,698) (48,698)
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Net assets 8,169,013 126,861 607,794 8,903,668
======================================= =============================== =============================== =======================================

25. Financial instruments

The carrying amount for each category of financial instrument is as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure
Fixed asset listed investments (note 17) 6,236,103
=======================================
3,818,245
=======================================

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The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind (operating as Vision Norfolk)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

26. Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities

2023 2022
£ £
Net (expenditure)/income (30,789) 4,771,722
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 68,722 82,506
Net (losses)/gains on investments 181,349 (155,764)
Dividends, interest and rents from investments (130,071) (77,574)
Other interest receivable and similar income (1,033) (199)
Gains on disposal of tangible fixed assets (676,810)
Accrued income (7,495)
Changes in:
Stocks 2,625 2,995
Trade and other debtors 2,183,379 (2,742,392)
Trade and other creditors 83,150 76,299
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
1,673,027 1,957,593
======================================= =======================================

27. Analysis of changes in net debt

At At
1 April 2022 Cash flows 31 March 2023
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 193,042 157,333 350,375
Debt due after one year (48,698) 48,698
------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
144,344 206,031 350,375
=============================== =============================== ===============================

28. Operating lease commitments

The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
Not later than 1 year 11,500 30,500
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 4,792 28,958
-------------------------- --------------------------
16,292 59,458
========================== ==========================

29. Related parties

There were no related party transactions in the year or the previous year.

30. Pensions and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £35,103 (2022: £44,361). Contributions totalling £3,458 (2022: £6,152) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

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