(2RSPCA ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT 2024 RSPCA- ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH UNAUDITED REPORTOFTHE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 htt www.rs ca.or local essex-south-west-branch Registered charity number: 208381
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Page Report of the Trustees 1to8 Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Activities 10 statement of Financial Position 11 Notes lo the Financial Statements 121016 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 17
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 THANK YOU On behalf of everyone at the RSPCA- Essex South Wesl Branch, we would like to express Our deepest gratitude to all our supporters, donors, volunteers, fosterers, and adopters. Your dedication and kindness have made an incredible impact on the lives of so many cats in need throughout our area. Whether you've donated, voluntee your time, opened your home as a fosterer, or given a cat a forever home, your contribution has played a crucial role in improving the lives of our furry friends. Your kindness provides hope and comfort to cats who might othetwise face an uncertain future, and il allows us to continue our mission. As part of our ongoing work, we'd like to shine a light on particular groups of cats who often find il more difficult to find new homes.. black cats and older cats. Unfortunately, black cats are often overlooked due lo common superslilions and their striking coat colour being bss visualty 'appealing to some potential adopter5. However, black cats are just as loving, playful. and loyal as any other cat, and they truly deserve the same opportunrties to find their forever homes. SimilaTly, older cats ean also be harder to rehome. Many people prefer the idea of adopting a k1tten, but older eals come with their own set of unique benefits- they're often calmer, more setlled, and have well-estsblished personalities. These cats, with their wisdom and charm, may just need a little extra lime and patien to find their perfect match. We encourage you to read the stories of these speeial cats below and see the impael that your support has had. Every donation, every hour volunteered, and every cat adopted brings us closerto our goal of providing every cat with the love and care they deserve. Thank you for being a vital part of this joumey. With your help, we are creating brighter futures for cats in need, one paw al a time. The RSPCA- Essex South West Branch QRSPCA ESSEX S(MITH WESTBRANCH YOUR LOCAL RSPCA Page 1
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Committee present its reports and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities,. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives The objectives of the Essex South West Branch (the Branch} are to support and adhere to the National RSPCA Society Ilhe Society) policies and procedures- to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals and lo do all such lawful acts as the Society may consider lo be conducive or incidental lo the attainment of those objects. The objectives of the Branch are with particular reference lo the area covered by the Branch, ranging from Dagenham & Barking in the South lo Epping & Nazeing in the North, Waltham Abbey lo the West and Abridge to the East, in accordan¢e with the policies of the Society. Advancement of animal welfare Animal welfare conrn is our top priority. The Branch recognises animal welfare as a distinctive charitsble purpose and focuses ils work on prevention of cruelty, providing veterinary care and treatment to animals in need, providing supported care with fully trained staff al the Bed and Biscuits Kennel & Callery IB&BI based in Romford, and re-homing animals entrusted into our care to a loving home when a qualified vet has given them a clean bill of health. The Branch animal welfare, although local in nature, has a compassionate and ethical approach which benefits the larger society and continue5 to help people in need and address issues of animal suffering in general. Significant activities The Branch supports the Society's inspectorate in their work by providing financial assistance and emergency accommodation for mistreated or abandoned animals, including pets whose owners suffer ill health or financial difficulties or pass away, in accordance with the Society's standards. On a case-by-case basis, the Branch will also accept animals from the public, prioritising those cases where the animal is in distress andlor injured. In cases Whe the Branch decides not to support the animal we would always look lo advise or re4irect to other charitses more suitable for the situation. All animals under our care, where appropriate, receive veterinary treatments, vaccinabon, neutering, micro- chipping and are assessed for rehoming. Vaccinations and neutering help control the incidence and spread of disease and suffering. The work benefits our local community, including local authorities, as it reduces the incidences of abandonment and cruelty and the public knows that we assist animals in need. Public beneflt In shaping the Society's objectives and planning our activities, the Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard lo public benefit guidance published by the Charities Commission. We advocate kindness lo animals and provide information and advice lo the local community including young people, with the aim of developing empathy to animals at a young age and prevent cruelty in the future. We establish networking with other charities in sharing knowledge and skills and provide volunteering opportunitie$ to those who wish lo help and participate in activities that will help us to achieve our work in animal welfare. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities The Essex South West Branch, like all RSPCA branches, is financially independent of the Society, although we often re1ve an annual grant from them. Our income derives mainly from donations. legacies, adoption fees and fundraising events. Page 2
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE {CONTINUED) Charitable activities (contlnued) Unfortunately, the new contract with Cedar Palm Vets was unsuccessful. We limited our intake of cats until the latter end of the year, when another local veterinary provider was identified - Hills Park Veterinary Group. This relationship showed early, strong signs of a potential futu partnerto Iri81 and enter negotl8tions to secure a service agreement. This setvice agreement has now been signed, effective from 1 April 2025. Recognising industry-wide increases in veterinary costs, a new Trustee and part-time Branch Administrator joined the Branch lo assist in recouping some of these increased costs, by increasing our fundraising, social media, adoption, fostering and community exF)osure. At the start of 2024 we entered a new contract with B&B to hire 7 pens for boarding our cats. This is al a higher day rale than in 2023 to reflect B&B's relocation and improved cattery facilities. To offset some of these costs, we signed up to the Society's new care contribution fund, which has been set up lo contribute lo the care of animals signed over to RSPCA branches, by the Inspectorate, for up to 90 days. In our care 2024120231 In our care 31112123 31112124 Transferred to RSPCA animal centers or claimed by owner At B&B In foster care Taken into our Rehomed Euthanised or dled At B&B In foster care Care Cats 221461 141461 181 171 Th& tr7umbe in brkets Tr18te to 2023 R5kU. Essèx West Br4h Our Branch Facebook account continues to be our main plattorm to promote the Branch work, and we now have an Inslagram page. We have also started emailing newsletters lo those on our mailing list. stweekwe atteIed alocal Cubsevening to talk abDUt¥yty people gr up pets and the importance of tarefultybelore choosin9 to commit 10 an onl1. At the end we askedfortheihildren18-10 years old) lo write a ketterto oneof our resCuecatsexplair vhry theywould be a great homel Bekiwi5 a 5elethon of afewof the letterswegotl Iiust lovethpm 4¥ ¥ only through education (an we Flpensure rgerI¥0nS of anlml ovm are reSpone. In relation to fundraising, a Trustee completed the London Marathon, doing an amazing job of raising over £2,000 for our Branch. Another Tnjstee did a fantastic tslk al their lo¢al cubs, raising animal welfare awareness. +-•4 wwla ie¥ yt*L llLfK 17uIsi ¢j1& ¢ sotus.low ca 5JP on OE OE fLWOV b¢Z Investment performance A review of investment perfomiance is included in the investment section within the financial review section. Page 3
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 CASE STUDIES OLAF AND ELSA Five-year-old Olaf and Elsa were abandoned in a house for al least weeks when their owner moved out, leaving them behind. Luckily, a kind neighbour noticed and reported it. allowing our inspectors lo rescue them just in limel Despite their gentle personalities and loving nature, Olaf and Elsa have been overlooked by potential adopters, likely due lo their age. They stayed with us for nearly six months. Luckily, thanks to our team's relentless work on trying to break the stigma around adopting adult cats, Olaf and Elsa are now happy in their new home. Their new family recently shared an update.. "They have assimilated to their new sunDunding much faster than we could have hoped. They are happy and so are we and bless you and the t8am for introducing them lo usl They are exploring our little bungalow and are being perfect lady and gentleman behveen them. They both allow us to fuss them. bul we let them come to us before we aGh out to them. They purr a lot end seem to wait for us to go to bed befo taking over the sitting room for a couple of hours of rampaging around and tearing up and down the cat tree." MAVERICK As wrth many black cats, Maveriek fad challenges in finding a forever home, as they are often ovedooked. However, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, Maverick found his perfect match in just over lour months. Today, he's thriving in his forever homel Page 4
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Investment policy and objectives The Trustees have wide powers of investment govemed and restricted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Investment Act 1958. The Branch needs to have quick and easy access lo sufficient funds and so consider the most appropriate policy lo hold funds is in a Bank Santander current and savings account. To increase the return earned on ftjnds, £250.000 is held as income bonds with National Savings and Investments INS&II, earning interest at a rale of 3.490A AER as at 31 December 2024. The Trustees consider the future retum on the Branch's investments to be satisfactory. Reserves policy The Branch holds reseryes in order that the level of service provided for animal welfare is maintained should there be a reduction in incoming resources. With the uncertainty in our incoming resources, we have kept our reserve policy to a level that allows resilien and capacity to manage unforeseen financial difficulties. Reserves relate to funds that are freely available for the Branch's general purposes or can be reslricled if they are for a $pecific purpose only. The Trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed and held by the Branch should be at least e1ve months of the resources expended. The resources expended in the year were £69,331 12023. £67,742). The Branch has unrestricted reserves represented by net current assets of £325,331 12023". £328,561), which covers the resources expended by 4.7 times12023.' 4.91. The adequacy of the resetves policy is reviewed annually. Financial review A net expense of £3,230 resulted in the year12023'. £24,104}, which includes £26,559 of legacy income12023.' negative adjustment £1,569). The major items of expenditure remain as boarding fees, veterinary costs, administration support wages (via an agency) and the Society regional contribution. The £23,329 difference compared to18St year is mainly due lo the legacy income. Having £250,000 with NS&I for the whole year, resulted in higher investment income of £9,875 in 2023 compared lo £6,197 in 2023. Direct charitable expenditure reduced from £48,955 to £46,32815°/0l compared to 2023, with the increase in boarding fees being offset by the reduction in veterinary fees las less eats were taken inl and the reduction in the regional contribution to the Society (which is calculated by the Society). Stripping out the legacy income, income reduced by £5,665 compared to 2023, mainly as a result of a reduction in rehoming fees as less cats were rehomed. There are no restricted funds. Unrestricted funds of £325,331 compared to £328,561 in 2023, are general funds to meet ongoing operating expenditure. With the uncertainty in our incoming resources. we have kept our reserve policy lo a level that allows resilien and capacity lo manage unforeseen financial difficulties. A budgetary projection for 2025 is lo make a loss due lo unpredictability of funding e.g , legacy income, and that boarding and veterinary costs are greater than rehoming fees received. Although we have started to increase OUT efft)rts to raise more funds from donations and fundraising, it is not expected that this income will make up the full drfference. We enter 2025 wrth Sufficient cash reserves to cover these losses and lo maintain cash reserves at a su(t8ble level. Going concern The Trustees assess whether the use of going concem is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Branch to continue as a going concem. The Trustees make their assessment in respect of a period of al least one year from the date of authorisalion for issue of the financial slatemenls. The Board of Trustees has a reasonable expectslion that the Charity has adequate resources lo continue in existence for the foreseeable future. Page 5
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FUTURE PLANS With animal welfare being the Branch's top priority, the Trustees have agreed to concentrate on a few bul effective operational, tactical and strategic initiatives covering areas such as.. 1. Volunteers, to continue our volunteer eruitMernt drive. This include5 new potential Trustees and building on our cat fostering netwotk. 2. Fundraising, to continue to increase methods and channels. 3. Marketing and Social Media, lo try and increase our mailing list and extend membership. 4. Education, this is mainly through social media, but we hope to increase the number of visits we do to schools and clubs. S. Long term development, for example, this may involve development of our own cattery. This pathular investment would be funded by the Branch's cash reseNes and corporate sponsorships. In addition to increasing the Branch's Capacity lo grow our animal welfare activities and intake of animals, these initiatives may generate revenue to bolster future income, protect reserves, maintain our liquidity requirements and enable the reinvestment of broadening our animal welfare. In February 2024 we bolstered our administrative support by splitting the role into part-lime positions, via an agency, to mitigate any single point of contael and cover for absences. This administrative support enables Trustees to bring greater rigour around the development of policies, remain compliant, crUit volunteers and enable strategic inilialives to malerialise. We look forward lo continuing the Branch work with a strong Board of Trustees, volunteers and our tho Branch Adminislralors, offering different skills and expertise. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The Branch is controlled by its goveming document, a deed of trust. The Branch is consb'tuted as an unincorporated charitable association. The Branch operates as an autonomous branch of the Society subject lo The Branch Rules 2012 alongside the accompanying updates of these rules (updated August 20221 and is separately registered with the Charity Commission. Oryanisational structure Committee members are elected al the Annual General Meeting IAGMI from the members of the Branch. Each Candidate is nominated by al least two eligible branch members and musl receive the voles of al least fifty per cent of the eligible branch members present and voting. All Committee members musl be Society members for a minimum of three months on appointment. Up lo three co-opted Committee members may be co-opted by the Committee lo hold office until the next AGM. The Committee may at any time appoint a replacement Committee member from eligible branch members to fill a causal vacancy. The Committee members are Trustees of the Branch and are briefed on their responsibilities as Trustees prior to their acceptance of the role. The Trustees hold meetings every 1-2 months at which decisions a made, tasks are delegated for actions, risks are assessed and written reports on the Branch's financial position and activities are reviewed. Minutes of each meeting are kept. The Society's animal welfare work is reported by the Society's Chief Inspector in the London East Group and the Society's Branch Partnership Manager {BPM}. All Trustees are volunteers and the Trustees cary out their duties on a voluntary basis. Induction and training New Trustees, other volunteers and agency resources are provided with an induction pack the Branch has created to ensure they have all the relevant literature required. Training provided by the Society is available and attended where applicable. Page 6
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT {CONTINUED) Risk management The Branch has carried out a review lo identify major risks and has taken steps to mitigate them. The major risks identified are.. insufficient Trustees and volunteers lo continue", availability of suitable cat pens at private l)oarding establishments.. veterinary services- scarcity of industry capacity, rising national costs and threat of scarcity of vaccinations.. Cost to income ratio attributsble to an inCsSe in animals and atx)ve routine treatment because of cost of living and affordability., a reduction in fundraising actwilies th81 affect the level of protection of operating income and reserves,. and adverse publicity and loss of reputab'on due lo misconceptions of our and the Society's aclivilies, or due to error or fraud. Al the date of this report, it is the opinion of the Trustees that the Branches policies, procedures and controls are adequate lo minimise the possibility of financial loss through error or fraud and to maintain the future financial viability of the Branch. Related party relationships As described above the Branch operates as a branch of the Society. Details of transactions with the Society and other branches of the Society are set out in note 8. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 208381 Principal address Winsley's House High Street Colchester C01 1UG Trustees Ms Manisha Aatkar Mr David Stewart Andrews - Chair Ms Sharon Jacqueline Gillett- Treasurer Ms Joey Kapff Ms Laura Monaghan Ms Amina Sahbegovic {appointed 25107120241 Independent Examiner Community360 Winsley's House High Street Colchester C01 1UG Bankers Santander Business Banking Bridle Road Bootle L30 4GB Page 7
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report ofthe Trustees 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 ITr England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity {Accounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP. makejudgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity wll continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the charity and lo enable them to ensure that the financi81 statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets ofthe charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by order of the Board of Trustees on 27 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by.. Ms S Gillett - Trustee, Treasurer Page 8
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF RSPCA- ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of RSPCA - Essex South West Branch (the Charity) I report lo the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of Ihe Charities Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Acti. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{51{bl of the 2011 Act. Independent exaMineS statement Your attention is drawn lo the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts in accordan with Accounting and Reporting by Charities." Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 in preference lo the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view In accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respecL' accounting words were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act., or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records," or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of accounts sel out in the Charits'es (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I heve no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in ac¢ordan¢e with Part 4 of the Charities IAccounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might slate to the charity's Trustees those matters l am required lo slate to them in an Independent examinevs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not acpt or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as 8 body, for my work or for this report. Signed.. Dated.. 2oz5 Address.. Community360 Winsley's House High Street Colchesler C01 1UG Page 9
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 Totsl funds 2023 Total funds Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds Notes INCOMEANDENDOWMENTSFROM: Donations and legacies 28,979 28.979 981 Charltable actlvltles Fundraising and collection boxe$ Subscriptions Other income Rehoming fees Care contribution fund Society grant 2,097 792 2,097 792 393 521 92 12,360 1,680 862 21,816 1,680 862 21,816 23.094 Investment income 9,875 9,875 6,197 Total 66,101 66,101 43,638 EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activrtles Direct charitsble expenditu Administration expenditure 46,328 23,003 46,328 23,003 48,955 18,787 Total 69,331 69,331 67,742 NET EXPENSE 13.2301 13,2301 {24,1041 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought fonvard 328,561 328.561 352,665 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 325,331 325,331 328,561 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 10
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 Totsl funds 2023 Total funds Unrestrfctsd funds Restrlcted funds Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Prepayments and accrued income Cash al bank 3,420 27,691 297,621 3,420 27,691 297,621 2,495 380 329,938 328,732 328,732 332,813 CREDITORS Amounts falling dije within one year 13,4011 13,4011 14,2521 NET CURRENT ASSETS 325,331 325.331 328.561 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 325,331 325,331 328,561 NET ASSETS 325,331 325,331 328,561 FUNDS Unrestricted funds.. General fvnd TOTAL FUNDS 325,331 328,561 325,331 328,561 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 27 May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by.. M$ S Gillett- Trustee, Treasurer Mr D Andrews- Trustee, Chair The notes form part ofthese financial statements Page 11
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES General Informatlon RSPCA- Essex South West Branch is a charitable unincorporated association registered in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered office is given in the charity inforrnation page of the financial statements. The nature ofthe charity's operation and principal actThrities ao lo promote the work and obje¢lnies of the Society to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by all lawful means, wi(h particular reference to the area of the branch in accordance w((h the policies of the Society. Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffeclive l January 20191., Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Charities Act 2011. The financial ststemenls have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Going concern The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related lo events or conditions that may cast significant doubl on the ability of the charity to continue as a going COnrn. The Trustees make their assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the dale of aulhorisalion for issue of the financial statements. After making appropriate enquiries, the Board of Trustees has a reasonable expectation that the Branch has adequate resources to continue in existen for the foreseeable future. Income All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement lo the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Investment income is included in the financial statements when received. Legacies are included in the financial stalernenls when the Branch is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Online donation income and gift aid is included in the financial statements nel of platfonn and proce$sing Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committi'ng the charity to that expenditure, il is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate 311 cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to acthi(ties on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Governance costs Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory financial statements, the costs of Trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice lo Trustees on govemance or conststulDnal matters. Taxatlon The Charity is exempt from tsx on ils charitable acts'vities. Page 12
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES ICONTINUEDI Fund accountlng Unrestricted funds can be used in aecordanee with the charitsble objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restricb'ons arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular reslricled purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Debtors and prepayments Debtors are recognised al the sethement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. Cash at bank Cash at bank includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less. Liabilities Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the statement of financial position date as a result of a past event, il is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Branch anticipates it will pay to settle the debt. Judgements and estimation unc6rtalnty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements. estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities as al the financial position dale and the amounts reported in the statement of financial activities during the year. However, the nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could differ from those estimates. The Trustees do not consider there lo be any critical accounting judgements, estimates or assumptions. 2. INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unrestricted funds Rgstri¢ted funds NS&I income bonds Bank interest 9,431 444 9,431 444 5,733 464 9,875 9,875 6,197 3. TRUSTEES, AND STAFF REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no Trustees, remuneration or other benefits, and no $taff who received employee benefits of more than £60,000, for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023. Trustee expenses For the year ending 31 December 2024 there were £nil12023.' £5381 of Trustees. expenses reimbursed lo Trustees, whilst acting in their ¢apa¢ity as a Trustee. Average number of staff {employed by an agency) During the year the average number of part-time staff was 212023.. 11, equivalent to approximately 0.7 {2023'. 0.61 full-time members of staff_ Page 13
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 4. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestrict9d funds Restricted funds Total funds INCOMEANDENDOWMENTSFROM Donations and legacies 981 981 Charltable actlvities Fundraising and collection boxes Subscriptions Other income Rehoming fees Society grant 393 521 92 12,360 23,094 393 521 92 12.360 23,094 Investment income 6,197 6.197 Total 43.638 43,638 EXPENDITURE ON Charitablg activities Direct charitable expenditure Administration expenditure 48,955 18,787 48,955 18,787 Total 67,742 67.742 NET EXPENSE 124,104} 124,1041 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought foTrward 352,665 352,665 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 328,561 328,561 S. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 VAT other debtors 3,334 86 2,495 3,420 2,495 6. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accrued expenses and deferred income 391 3,010 1,293 2,959 3,401 4,252 Page 14
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 7. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 111124 At 31112124 Unrestrlcted funds General fund 328,561 13.2301 325,331 TOTAL FUNDS 328,561 13,2301 325,331 Net movement in funds, induded in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Rgsources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund 66.101 169,3311 13,230} TOTAL FUNDS 66,101 169,3311 13,230) Comparatives for movement in funds Net movement in funds At 31112123 At 111123 Unrgstrictod funds General fvnd 352,665 124,1041 328,561 TOTAL FUNDS 352,665 124,1041 328,561 Comparative net movement in ftjnds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming Resources resources expendèd Movement in funds Unrgstrictod funds General fund 43,638 (67,7421 (24,1041 TOTAL FUNDS 43,638 167,7421 (24,1041 Page 15
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 8. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES The Society, all branches of the Society and affiliated RSPCA animal homes and hospitals are conSided related parties. The Branch receives income and purchases goods and seNices from the Society. In 2024 the value of grants received was £21,816 12023.. £23,094), with £6,064 12023.. £12,128) deducted towards regional Contribution osls. In 2024 the Branch also received £862 trom the care contribution fund 12023.. £nill. In 2024 the value of pUhaseS was £48012023. £1,233). The Branch also paid £41412023.. £1921 in legacy service administration fees to the Society. Page 16
RSPCA - ESSEX SOUTH WEST BRANCH DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS 2024 2023 Donatlons and legacles Donations Gift aid Legacies 2,129 291 26,559 2.479 71 {1,5691 28,979 981 Investment Income NS&I income bonds and bank interest 9,875 6,197 Charitsble activitles Fundraising and collecting l)oxes Membership subscriptions Pet insurance Commission Rehoming fees Care contribution fund Society grant 2,097 792 393 521 92 12,360 1,680 862 21,816 23,094 27,247 36,460 Total Incomlng rnsources 66,101 43,638 EXPENDITURE Charitsblg activities Society regional contributions Veterinary fees Boarding fees Food, litter, toys, beds elc. 12,128 14,064 21,907 856 4,020 35,868 376 46,328 48,955 Support costs Other Administration support wages Insurance Fundraising costs IT sOare Prints'ng, postage and stationery Sundries Telephone Advertising Society legacy service administrab.on fee Govornance costs Independent examination fee Trustee meetings 20,684 479 15.238 598 45 411 413 188 290 146 35 425 80 414 22 192 450 1,500 180 23,003 18,787 Total resources expended 69,331 67,742 Net expense 13,2301 124,1041 This page does not form part of the statutory financial slalements. Page17