QRSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAST BRANCH ROYAL SOCIEfY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS HERTFORDSHIRE EAsf BRANCH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2024 Registered Charity Number: 208244
RSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAsf BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 IMPORTANT NOTICE Anyone witnessing, or having knowledge of acts of cruelty or neglect to animals or birds should immediately contstt the RSPCA National Call Centre Tel: 0300 1234 999 Complainants may rest assured their names wlll not be divulged without their consent. The Trustees prepare their annual report with the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2024. TRusfEES: Mr D Briance (Resigned June 2024) Mrs P Cope Ms C Hadden, Hon. Treasurer Ms L Jeffrey Ms J White Ms K Puttock, Hon. Secretary CHARITY NUMBER: 208244 PRINCIPAL ADDRESS ARW House Units 11 & 12 Baldock Industrial Estste London Road Baldock SG7 6NG INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Mr M Ebrahim
RSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAST BRANCH Trustees report For the year ended 31 December 2024 Introduction The Trustees present their annual report for year ending 2024. The Trustees are confident that the charity is in a good position to continue its activities in the coming year, and that the charities assets are adequate to fulfil its obligations. Confllct of interests policy The branch has a conflict of interest po5icy and mitigation strategy to manage any such conflicts. Conflicted Trustees would be asked to leave the room if appropriate and not partake in any votes related to a connected party. Decisions relating to any renumeration, pay or any other benefits will always exclude any conflicted Trustees. RSPCA Hertfordshire East Branch can declare there are no current conflicted Trustees. The branch Trustees remained stsble during 2024 with the exception of one Trustse stepplng down from their px)sition. We welcome applications from both Indlviduals wlth an interest in animal welfare and the skills required to help manage the strategy and governance of the branch. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee please e-mail secreta rs cahertseast.or Structurei governance and management The RSPCA Herthrdshire East Branch is a registered charity, gIStered on 22 September 1962 and govemed by the RSPCA Branch rules dated l January 2012. The Trustees a elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting. Following a new appointment, the appointed trustee receives a pack of rules and guidance from RSPCA Head Office. The charity is organised so that the board of trustees vote in order for decisions to be made. Trustees meet monthly, including the Annual General Meeting. Ad hoc expenditure is authorised by the charity treasurer. The board approves all major expenditure. Objectives and activities The charitys objertives in the year under review were that of promoting the work and objectives of the R.S.P.C.A. (charity number 219099). This entsils preventing cruelty, promoting kindness, and alleviating suffering of animals, in particular within the area of the branch. The charity aims to achieve this through providing a telephone helpline, taking in and rehoming signed over and stray animals, and providing financial assistan towards veterinary treatment for those on lower incomes.
RSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAST BRANCH Trustees report For the year ended 31 December 2024 Public benefrt The Trust&s have read the general guidance provided by the Charities Commission with regard to a statement on the benefit of the public. The charity has estsblished artivities to achieve its objectives for the public benefit. The charity aims to achieve these objettives by promoting the work and objectives of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, by providing support and financial assistsnce to those people whose animals are in need and who are unable to finance it themselves, promoting good care and welfare of animals, and re-homing abandoned or abused pets. Achievements and perfornian During the year the charity: Provided a phone line of support and took 1015 calls from the public. Provided 126 financial support vouchers which went towards help with veterinary costs for pet owners in need. Took in and treated 80 animals, including strays and abandoned pets. 70 of these animals were transferred and rehomed through RSPCA Danaher Animal Home via our boarding agreement. 9 of these animals were rehomed, reunited with owners or transferred to other RSPCA areas. As a branch, we never euthanise a healthy animal unless this is by recommendation for welfare reasons by a vet. Principal risks A key risk to the future of the branch is recruitment and retention of experienced volunteers and trustees. To mitigate this, we are exploring the possibility of a merger with another branch of the RSPCA. A merger would allow us to strengthen the Trustee team and increase the reach of the welfare activities that the branch can provide across the local area. Finanaal review Income exceeded expenditure by £28,422 (2023: £15,484 (expenditure exceeded income)). Main impacts on financial results were: Shop inconK Shop income inCaSed year on year by £4,729, with costs being reduced by £6,171 as a result of savings in staff costs, utilities and bank charges. As a result of staff turnover, we recruited a new Shop Manager towards the middle of the year, as well as a new Shop Assistant to ensure that the shop could remain operational 7 days a week. The new team within the shop have increased revenue as a result of enhanced shop displays and better stock selection. We/Pare costs As a result of our continued use of RSPCA Danaher for our boarding and veterinary care, our welfare costs have continued to drop, with an offsetting increase in our boarding fees ft)r those animals placed there. It is a strong belief of our Trustees that the use of RSPCA Danaher ensures that the animals we help are boarded in a much higher standard of facility. It also means that the cost we pay for boarding remains within the RSPCA as a whole rather than leave the charity for external parties.
RSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAsf BRANCH Trustees report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024 6iftAid. Our gift aid receipts in 2024 have increased by £1,179 year on year as a result of promotion in the shop as to the benefits to our Charity of customers agreeing to sign up to gift aid. Looking ahead to the 2025 reclaim of gift aid we continue to see more gift aid sign up than ever before and anticipate an increase in receipts. Going into 2025 the Trustees need to consider investing in a gift aid till to allow for ease of administration. Fundrais•ng. As in 2023 fund raising continues to be a challenge for the branch, as a result of the cost of living crisis meaning people are unable to offer the same level of donation and sponsorship than otherwise would be the case, and also due to the reduction in number of trustees during the year resulting in less rnanpower to organise events and arrange attivities. Reserves Policy The current designated capitsl reserve is £165,000 put aside for branch expansion which has continued to be on hold during 2024 as we once again concentrated on Trustee recruitment and trying to stabilise current finances. The ultimate aim of the branch is to still work towards our ambition of a small animal clinic as and when we can ensure that the initiative will be a success. £10,000 remains designatsd towards shop capital costs and commitments, and the remaining resenies of £71,157 represent 6 months operating expenditure within our policy to hold 3-6 months in resen4es. Future Devel¢)pments As mentioned above, this year the Trustees are seeking to merge with another branch of the RSPCA in order to allow for a greater reach of animal welfare support offered to the community along with the strengthening of our Trustee team. The branch has substantial reseNes and requires a strong team to be able to tske forward initiatives and indeed promote fundraising activity. We are still waiting to receive legacy in eXsS of £IOO,000 from the will of a local resident and the Trustees will ensure that this money is used to increase the level of animal welfare support we provide to the community, as was the wish of the benefactor. None of our Welfa achievements would have been possible but for our wonderful branch office stsff, shop stsff, volunteers, donors and supporters. The Trustees would like to take this opportunity to thank them all. We are always looking for volunteers and if you would like to find out more about volUntrIng for us and helping animals In your local area then contatt info cahertseast.or .uk for more infomiation. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: C Hadden - Treasurer DATE 16 June 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees on the unaudited accounts of RSPCA Hertfordshire East Branch I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of RSPCA Hertfordshire East Branch for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the receipts and payments accounts, the ststement of assets and liabilities and the related notes. Responsibilitles and basis of report As the Charity trustees 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 Trustee's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission, under s. 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connettion with the examination giving me cau* to believe that in any material respect: (l) accounting CordS were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act: or (2) the accounts do not accord with those records I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinatton to whlch attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. M Ebra Date: 16 June 2025 Embee Oak Chartered Accountsnts Unit 14, Mill Stream Lodge, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 8JQ
RSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAsf BRANCH Receipts and Payments account For the year ended 31 Dember 2024 Reipts Unrestricted Unrestricted 2024 2023 Branch Fund Raising (Note l) Subscriptions Bank interest Legacies Donations EBay sales Car BcM)t sales Pet Insurantr/Reqcling Door to Dts)r Grant ca Contributlon Fund Rehoming Shop income VAT refund&1 Gift aid receipts Other income 392 133 6,324 16,082 3,356 1,796 5,571 4,152 1,428 2.291 139 23,094 1.105 29 21,816 26,643 410 83,021 7,070 2,773 2,452 78,292 5,776 1,006 169,823 125,997 Payments Shop (Note 4) Region 5 contribution Branch insuran Veterinary costs & C4 scheme Boarding & fosterirKJ offi assistan, NI & pension offi rent, heat & light Van purcha Van running costs Sundry expenses (Note 3) Telephone & internet Postage expenses Stationery and computer expenses AGM & meeting costs TravellirKJ expenses Independent examination VAT paid Equipment purchases 57,620 551 653 12,969 21,297 30,572 2,478 64,022 1,378 19,924 16,095 26,469 2,777 3,429 449 346 35 1,249 2,129 449 576 54 1,063 613 871 8,249 237 670 5,638 141,381 141,481 Excess of receipts over payments 28,442 (15,484)
RSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAsf BRANCH Statement of assets and liabilities As at 31 Dember 2024 2024 2023 ASSETS RETAINED FOR THE CHARITYS OWN USE (AT COST) Shop fixtures and fittings Office computers and furniture RSPCA Branch Van 13,265 1,129 9,500 23,894 13,265 1.102 9,500 23,867 CASH FUNDS 8ank accounts Cash and credit card receipts Total cash funds 241,226 138 241,364 212,421 501 212.922 OTHER MONETARY ASSETS VAT refund Gift aid Rent and insurance paid in advan Subscriptions & donations receivable Grants receivable Commissions 2,590 2.800 6,671 1,294 2,500 6,747 12,061 10,541 LIABILITIES Suppliers accounts not yet paid Independent Examiners Fee Q4 PAYE December pension Staff Salaries (3.635) (1,000) (899) (154) (2,758) (835) (1,337) (13) 2,011 (6,954) (5.688) Signed on behalf of the Twstees C Hadden - Treasurer DATE 16 June 2025
RSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAsf BRANCH Notes to the financial statements As at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Note 1- Branch fundralsing Breakdown by area Baldock Harpenden Welwyn Gdn City Ashwell Marketing team Other fundraising 89 1,706 392 392 1,796 Note 2 - Relmbursements During the year 2 trustees (2023: 1) was reimbursed expenses totalling £289 (2023: £280) in respect of mileage, fostering expenses, computer expenses and items bought for shop. 2024 2023 Note 3- Sundry expenses Bank charges Accountancy - payroll Miscellaneous costs 43 360 46 60 360 29 449 2024 2023 Note 4- Shop expenses Goods purchased Staff costs Rent, rates and insurance Shop utilities Cleaning and refuse Telephone & stationery Consumables Repairs & renewals Other costs Bank and credit charges 322 26,669 24,882 353 1,327 584 117 1,171 1,208 992 57,620 92 31,200 24.911 3,032 1.117 528 16 827 399 1.900 64,022
RSPCA HERTFORDSHIRE EAsf BRANCH Notes to the financial ststements As at 31 December 2024 Note 5- Unrestricted fund balances 2023 SurpluslDeficit Transfers for year 2023 2024 General funds General funds 37.922 28,442 66,364 Designated funds Grant funds Capital reserve Shop reserve Total cash funds 165,000 10,000 212,922 165,000 28,442 241,364 General Funds of £66,364 represent approximately 6 months expenditure. Funds of £165,000 have been designaled to fund a capital project, such as a clinic, within the branch's area, in memory of Mrs Diana Russell and Pat Trussell. Funds of £10,000 have been designated to fund potential capital costs or commitments on the shop lease. Note 6- Legacles. donations & in memoriam The branch would like to extend grateful thanks to all those who have donated during 2024. 10