Royal Humane Society
Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31 December 2023
Registered Charity no: 231469
Royal Humane Society
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Legal and administration | 1 |
| Report of the trustees | 2 |
| Report of the independent examiners | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes forming part of the financial statements | 8 |
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Royal Humane Society
Legal and administration
Charity name: Charity registration number: Principal office and operational address:
Royal Humane Society 231469 Room 40 3/7 Temple Avenue London EC4Y 0HP
Patron
HM The Queen
President
HRH Princess Alexandra
Trustees
The trustees for the year under review were: Mr John Grandy Chairman & Treasurer Mr Charles Spicer Deputy Chairman Mr Michael Bernard Mrs Anna Blaxland Mr Luke Chauveau Mr Peter Dawson – legal adviser Mr Mark Dickson Mrs Diana Duke CVO DL Mr Ian Dyson QPM DL Mrs Justina Gilbert Mr George Hawkins Ms Kate Holt Dr Michael McCaldin FRCGP – medical adviser Mrs Sharmaine Malik Mr Rupert Novis Mrs Rowena Osborne Ms Kate Pennell Mrs Lynda Rose MBE Sir Nigel Southward KCVO – medical adviser Mr Sheridan Swallow – finance committee lead Mr Rupert Uloth
Police Adviser
Mrs Angela McLaren, Commissioner, City of London Police.
Secretary Mr Andrew Chapman Assistant Secretary Mr John Wilson Awards Administrator Mrs Deborah Woollon-Kemp RHS Liaison Dr Robert Gurney Honorary Adviser Dr Roger Willoughby PHD
Independent Examiners Ridley, Marreco & Co. Pool House Pool Street Woodford Halse Northants NN11 3TS Bankers Drummonds at Royal Bank of Scotland plc 49 Charing Cross London SW1 2DX Solicitors Russell Cooke 7 Bedford Row London WC1R 4BS Investment Managers Church House Investment Management York House 6 Coldharbour Sherborne Dorset DT9 4JW
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Royal Humane Society
Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023
The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, 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 for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014.
Structure, Governance and Management
Constitution
The Royal Humane Society was founded in 1774. It is incorporated under Royal Charter and is a registered charity no 231469.
Governance and Decision Making
Trustees are appointed in general meeting, at the charity’s Annual General Court, for a period of four years after which they may put themselves forward for re-appointment.
The trustees who have served during the year and since the year-end are set out on page 1.
The trustees meet every quarter to assess cases of saving, or attempted saving, of life where personal bravery is involved and make awards that they consider suitable. They also make awards for restoration of life by resuscitation.
In addition, the Trustees meet annually to award the Royal Humane Society’s Police Medal and the charity’s highest bravery award, the Stanhope Gold Medal.
The Trustees are assisted on the day to day running of the charity by the charity’s secretary.
Risk Management
The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen those risks. All procedures are subject to annual review to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity.
Objectives and Activities
The objects of the charity are to seek out and reward those persons who:
-
at personal risk, save or endeavour to save life by rescue, or
-
effect a successful resuscitation
Award making policy
The charity invites applications for its awards from local constabularies, other public services and the public in general.
Applicants are invited to submit a summary of the life saving incident and the individuals involved, in a specific format. The applications are reviewed against specific criteria together with the element of personal risk involved in the life saving attempt.
Awards of Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, Testimonial on Vellum and Testimonial on Parchment, Resuscitation Certificates, Certificates of Commendation and In Memoriam Certificates are made every quarter, if the Trustees deem that the cases put forward warrant such awards. The charity also awards the President’s Award annually to the young person under 18 who displayed the most merit from those put forward that year. The charity awards a Police Medal annually to the case displaying the most merit from those put forward involving a Police Officer as rescuer.
The annual award of the Stanhope Gold Medal, the charity’s highest award, is made to the case displaying the most merit from those already having been awarded a medal by the charity in the preceding year. Nominations are also submitted by the Humane Societies of Australia, Canada, New South Wales, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society.
The charity makes no monetary awards.
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Royal Humane Society
Achievements and Performance
Awards
As a result of seeking out potential award winners and processing 398 cases the following awards (967 in total) were made during the year:
One Stanhope Gold Medal One Police Medal The President’s Award 2 Silver Medals 14 Bronze medals 53 Testimonials on Vellum 62 Testimonials on Parchment 560 Resuscitation Certificates 273 Certificates of Commendation
In 2023 967 awards were made to people whose actions saved a total of 392 lives. 274 of the awards were made to members of the public and 693 to police officers.
Presentation of awards
Following award decisions and their preparation for presentation, the charity continues to ensure that awards are presented appropriately. Some award ceremonies are funded by the charity.
Publicity
Efforts to publicise cases have continued to be increased. The charity believes that by bringing deeds of bravery by people to public notice, these acts become an example and an inspiration to the rest of us. The web site has been maintained and expanded and the charity sends out news of its awards quarterly to regional and local press.
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Society’s aims and objectives and in setting the awards policy for the year.
In doing so the Society aims to foster and encourage people to become public spirited by seeking out and rewarding those who, at personal risk to themselves, have saved or attempted to save human life. Positive steps are also taken, at local and national level, to publicise these stories in the belief that there is a social benefit to the wider community in celebrating selfless action.
Education
Case studies of the bravery of some children have been maintained on the charity’s web site.
Funding
The funding of the charity’s activities this year has been achieved by a combination of investment income, a legacy and donations.
Financial Review
Incoming resources for the year amounted to £132,213. Last year incoming resources amounted to £98,664. Resources expended were £175,580. (2022 - £143,856).
The market value of the charity’s fixed asset investments decreased by £19,910 compared with the previous year.
The general fund, which is unrestricted, increased by £223 over the year.
Investment policy
The charity’s power to invest is restricted. The investment strategy is set by the trustees and is reviewed annually taking account of the need to generate sufficient income to contribute to the charity’s operating costs
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Royal Humane Society
without depleting reserves.
The trustees consider the income requirements, the risk profile and the investment managers’ view of the prospects of the market in the medium term. This strategy is set within an overall policy which states that any part of the fund invested is to be in low and medium risk investments. The investment policy is operated with a view to ensuring that capital appreciation of the fund, in the medium to long term, does not suffer at the expense of the need to generate adequate income.
Reserves policy
It is the long-term policy of the Trustees to maintain and increase the fund, which is an unrestricted fund, to a level, which, if invested for the most part would generate sufficient income to fully meet the operating costs of the charity.
It is also the policy of the Trustees to maintain free reserves (that part of the fund that is not committed or invested in fixed asset investments) at a level sufficient to meet 3 months’ resources expended.
Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial 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 of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees for the purposes of charity law who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1.
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
John Grandy
J Grandy, Chairman
April 2024
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Royal Humane Society
Report of the Independent Examiners for the year ended 31 December 2023
We report on the accounts of the Society for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 which are set out on pages 6 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiners
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having been satisfied that the charity is not subject to audit under the Charities Act and is eligible for independent examination it is our responsibility to:
1. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
2. follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the Charities Act and
3. state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiners’ report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiners’ statement
In connection with our examination no matters have come to our attention which give us cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or
2. The accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
Ridley, Marreco & Co.
Chartered Accountants Pool House Pool Street Woodford Halse Northants NN11 3TS
April 2024
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Royal Humane Society
| Note Incoming resources Incoming Resources from Generated Funds -Voluntary income: Donations including tax recoverable Legacies -Activities for generating funds: Gross income from fundraising event -Investment income Dividends - equities Interest - interest bearing securities Interest on cash deposits -Other incoming resources Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of generating funds Investment management costs Fundraising event costs Charitable activities Governance costs Total Resources expended Net (outgoing) resources before other recognised gains and losses Other recognised gains and losses Realised and unrealised gains/(losses) on 4 investment assets Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 5 |
6 Statement of financial activities – for the year ended 31 December 2023 2,023 2,022 £ £ 45,596 43,975 42,650 30,000 12,000 - 21,192 19,711 9,944 4,663 301 - 530 315 132,213 98,664 4,670 4,133 15,425 - 132,847 119,866 22,638 19,857 175,580 143,856 (43,367) (45,192) 43,590 (149,290) 223 (194,482) 1,085,273 1,279,755 1,085,496 1,085,273 TOTAL FUNDS |
|
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds £ 45,596 42,650 12,000 21,192 9,944 301 530 132,213 4,670 15,425 132,847 22,638 175,580 (43,367) 43,590 223 1,085,273 1,085,496 |
||
The above statement of financial activities relates to the sole fund of the charity which is an unrestricted fund.
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Royal Humane Society
| Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023 Note Fixed assets Investments 4 Current assets Prepayments and accrued income Income Tax Recoverable Cash at Bank and in hand Short-term deposits Current liabilities Amounts falling due within one year Accrued charges Net current assets Net assets Unrestricted funds General Fund 5 Total funds of the charity |
£ 7,930 31,686 16,901 |
2,023 £ 1,040,764 44,732 1,085,496 1,085,496 1,085,496 |
2,022 £ 1,060,674 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,580 - 18,204 11,634 |
||||
| 56,517 11,785 |
34,418 9,819 |
|||
| 24,599 | ||||
| 1,085,273 | ||||
| 1,085,273 | ||||
| 1,085,273 |
Approved by the board of trustees on May 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
J Grandy (Chairman)
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Royal Humane Society
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
1. Principal accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception that investments are included at market value. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.
(b) Funds structure
The charity has one sole fund, which is unrestricted, and comprises those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose.
(c) Incoming resources
All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resources will be received and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability.
(d) Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
(e) Irrecoverable VAT
Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expended for which it was incurred.
(f) Allocation of overhead and support costs
Overhead and support costs have been allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly. Others are apportioned on an appropriate basis. The allocation of overhead and support costs is analysed in note 3.
(g) Costs of generating funds
The costs of generating funds consist of investment management, certain legal fees and the cost of staging the fund- raising event.
(h) Charitable activities
Costs of charitable activities include awards made and overhead and support costs apportioned as shown in note 3.
(i) Governance costs
Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit and legal fees together with an apportionment of overhead and support costs.
(j) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
All assets are written off in the year of acquisition. Office equipment amounting to £nil (2022- £nil) was so treated.
(k) Stocks of medals
Medals are written off when purchased.
(l) Fixed asset investments
Investments are stated at market value as at the balance sheet date. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.
(m) Realised gains and losses
All gains and losses are taken to the statement of financial activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and opening market value (purchase date if later). Unrealised gains and losses are calculated at the difference between the market value at the year end and opening market value (or purchase date if later). Realised and unrealised gains are not separated in the Statement of Financial Activities.
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Royal Humane Society
2. Staff costs and trustees’ remuneration
| 2. Staff costs and trustees’ remuneration Salaries Social security costs |
2023 2022 £ £ 99,224 89,545 4,797 4,030 104,021 93,575 |
|---|---|
The average weekly number of employees during the year calculated on a full- time equivalent basis was: 2.5 2.5
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £50,000 in either year.
The Trustees received no remuneration (2022 - nil) and were not reimbursed for any expenses in the year (2022 - nil).
3. Total Resources expended
| Costs of generating funds Investment management fees Event costs Costs directly related to Charitable activities Medals, testimonials & presentation costs Support costs allocated to activities Rent & rates Salaries Sundry office expenditure Printing, stationery & postage Independent examination Cost of Annual General Court Travel Information technology Telephone |
2023 Total allocated 4,670 15,425 8,116 17,369 104,021 2,074 3,248 2,520 8,377 491 9,125 144 155,485 |
Governance - - - 1,390 8,321 166 1,083 2,520 8,377 39 730 12 22,638 |
Charitable Basis of 2022 Activities Allocation 4,670 actual 4,133 15,425 actual - 8,116 actual 1,945 15,979 staff time 18,740 95,700 staff time 93,575 1,908 staff time 1,719 2,165 actual 2,378 - actual 2,520 - actual 6,428 452 actual 623 8,395 staff time 10,632 132 staff time 1,162 132,847 139,722 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Royal Humane Society
| 4. Fixed asset investments 2023 Market value at 1 January 2023 Acquisitions at cost Proceeds from disposals Realised (loss)/ gain during the year Unrealised (loss)/ gain during the year Market value at 31 December 2023 Invedstments at market value comprise: Equities Fixed interest securities Historical cost at 31 December 2023 |
2022 1,060,674 - (63,500) 2,349 999,523 41,241 1,040,764 820,853 219,911 1,040,764 970,528 |
1,249,692 262,273 (302,000) (17,571) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,192,394 (131,720) |
||
| 1,060,674 | ||
| 846,712 213,962 |
||
| 1,060,674 | ||
| 1,025,382 |
All investments are listed securities. The trustees consider that there were no material individual investment holdings in the year that require disclosure.
5. Analysis of net assets by fund
| Investments Current assets Current liabilities |
Unrestricted Total 1,040,764 1,040,764 56,517 56,517 11,785 11,785 1,085,496 1,085,496 |
|---|---|
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