## **RSPCA West Dorset Branch**
**Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements**
**For the Year Ended 31 December 2024**
**Charity Registered in England and Wales Number: 248616**
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Contents For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
||Page|
|---|---|
|Reference and Administrative Details|1|
|Trustees’ Report|2 – 10|
|Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees|11|
|Statement of Financial Activities|12|
|Balance Sheet|13|
|Notes to Financial Statements|14 – 25|
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Reference and Administrative Details For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
|**Trustees**|D Cox
Chair|
|---|---|
||K Cartwright|
||C Elgar|
||S Fisher|
||N Pengelly
Secretary|
||J Westcott
Treasurer|
|**Key management personnel**|T Every
Taylors Centre Manager|
||C Dittrich
Area Retail Manager|
||C Moore
Branch Treasurer (non trustee)|
|**Charity Number**|248616|
|**Principal Address and Registered Office**|Taylor’s Re-homing Centre|
||Higher Dairy|
||Kingston Maurward College|
||Dorchester|
||Dorset, DT2 8PY|
||Website: www.westdorsetrspca.org|
||Email: mail@westdorsetrspca.org|
|**Branch (runs and owns)**|Taylor’s Re-homing Centre|
||Higher Dairy|
||Kingston Maurward College|
||Dorchester|
||Dorset, DT2 8PY|
||Email: taylors@westdorsetrspca.org|
|**Independent Examiner**|Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA|
||Albert Goodman LLP, Goodwood House, Blackbrook Park|
||Avenue, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2PX|
|**Bankers**|Lloyds, 92 St Mary Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8PA|
|**Investment Managers**|Epworth Investment Management Limited, 9 Bonhill Street,|
||London, EC2A 4PE|
|**Employment Advisors**|Croner, Croner House, Wheatfield Way, Hinckley LE10 1YG|
|**Legal Advisors**|Womble Bond Dickinson, Temple Quay, 3 Temple Back East,|
||Bristol, BS1 6DZ|
|**RSPCA National Society**|Parkside, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1GY|
||Cruelty line: 0300 1234 999|
||Advice line: 0300 1234 555|
||Website: www.rspca.org.uk|
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 1
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The Trustees’ present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements, comply with the Charity’s governing document, applicable law and the requirement of the Statement of Recommended Practice, “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP FRS 102) (implemented 1 January 2019).
## **Trustees**
The Trustees serving during the period and since the period end are as follows:
- Katherine Cartwright (appointed 16/10/2024)
- Dannielle Cox (appointed 08/04/2024)
- Christine Elgar
- Sarah Fisher
- Nicola Pengelly
- Julian Westcott (appointed 15/01/2025)
- Darron Cox (resigned 20/11/2024)
- Catherine Moore (resigned 21/08/2024)
- Fiona Renouf (resigned 18/12/2024)
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Objectives and public benefit statement**
We promote the work and objects of the national RSPCA, being to prevent cruelty, promote kindness, and to alleviate the suffering of animals, in the West Dorset and Axminster (Devon) area.
## **Our charitable activities**
1. We take into care and rehome unwanted and stray pets through Taylor’s Rehoming Centre.
2. We assist pet owners in the Branch area who are on low incomes with payment for female cat neutering treatment.
3. We promote the work and objects of the National RSPCA – to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by lawful means. We support the work of local RSPCA Inspectors.
## **Objects and public benefit statement**
1. The RSPCA West Dorset Branch is an unincorporated charitable association and a separately registered branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the Society), carrying out its direct animal welfare work in the area of West Dorset (and Axminster).
2. The objects of the Branch are to promote the work and objects of the Society - to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by all lawful means - with particular reference to the area of the Branch, in accordance with the policies of the Society.
3. The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of our objectives and activities for the year, to ensure they remain focused on our charitable aims, and continue to deliver benefits to the public. We have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 2
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **Advancement of animal welfare**
1. Under the Charities Act 2006, the advancement of animal welfare is recognised as a distinct statutory charitable purpose. This legislation and the Animal Welfare Act of the same year indicate an acceptance by society that treating living creatures with compassion has a moral benefit for the public as a whole. Whilst this public benefit is clear, it is sometimes difficult to quantify and must be balanced against any detriment.
2. The Branch’s animal welfare work, although local in nature, benefits society at large, and also aims to help people in need with the care of their animals. The next section of this report highlights the Branch’s main activities and demonstrates the benefit provided to the public. All our charitable activities, as described in more detail in the following pages of this report, focus on promoting kindness and preventing or suppressing cruelty to animals and are undertaken to further these purposes for the public benefit.
## **Charitable activities pursued for the public benefit**
1. We support our local Inspectors by taking in, free of charge, mistreated or abandoned animals, including pets whose owners suffer ill health or financial difficulties or pass away. The Society’s Inspectorate (as well as providing education, information and advice) rescues animals in distress and enforces laws against the cruel mistreatment of animals in England and Wales by bringing prosecutions. This work is key to ‘the prevention or suppression of cruelty’ part of the RSPCA objects, and promotes humane sentiments towards animals which involves moral benefit to humankind as a whole.
2. We provide subsidised neutering of female cats for those in the Branch area on low incomes. We do this through our Welfare scheme. This work helps to control cat populations through neutering and benefits those on means tested benefits by giving them financial help to neuter and microchip companion animals, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership.
3. Animals in our care receive veterinary treatment, vaccination, neutering, micro-chipping and are assessed for rehoming. This work helps to control the incidence and spread of disease and suffering through vaccination and neutering.
4. We rehome animals in need at low cost to people willing and able to have a companion animal. Whilst we recognise that companion animals provide measurable benefits to people’s physical and mental health, we consider the provision of pets as a subsidiary to the main charitable aim of this service, which is to reduce animal suffering. Our policy to charge a reasonable adoption fee for animals aims to highlight the ongoing personal and financial commitment of pet ownership. It would not be in the best interests of animals, and therefore would fall outside our objectives, to rehome to those who could not afford them.
5. We take in, free of charge, lost animals and take steps to reunite them with owners. This work benefits our local community (including local authorities) by preventing animals straying and posing a risk to themselves and to people through road traffic accidents.
6. We respond to enquiries (both direct and via the Society’s national call centre) from the public about animals locally. The public benefits from knowing that we can intervene to assist animals in need.
7. We offer free animal care advice at our rehoming centre. The public benefits through the promotion of responsible pet ownership.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 3
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
8. Within the terms of our governing document, we support the National Society and other RSPCA branches through collaborating on animal welfare initiatives and providing financial support for pet owners. The public benefits through our collective efforts to provide additional financial support by working together.
9. We provide volunteering opportunities for those who wish to support our work, including trusteeship, fostering and fundraising. This benefits local people and companies by providing the possibility of doing work which is compassionate and rewarding.
## **Aims and Objectives**
- To build on the success of Taylor’s by maximising the numbers of animals re-homed.
-
- To assist with female cat neutering for pet owners on low incomes within a set budget.
- To support the Inspectorate by taking in National RSPCA generated animals.
- To increase fundraising revenue and responsibly manage expenditure.
- To promote and maximise the income from our charity shops.
- To look for opportunities to open further shops to raise funds for the Branch
- To continually plan for the future of our rehoming facilities.
## **Strategies to achieve Aims and Objectives**
-
- To take full advantage of all fundraising and promotional opportunities.
- To hold an annual “Gala Day” event at Taylor’s.
- To seek to encourage legacies to the Branch.
- To maximise income from all shop sites.
- To maximise on-line sales and social media presence.
- To increase publicity and public awareness of the work of the Branch.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 4
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
## Fundraising
2024 was another busy year for the Charity. The Bridport shop has performed well, and the Weymouth shop income has increased after its opening in 2023. The Sherborne shop has continued to see a drop in income, despite a refit during the year. An Area Manager has been employed to identify ways of improving the performance of the existing shops and the potential for opening other sites. Total income for the year from all three shops was £223,028 (2023: £192,396).
The Branch received £24,560 (2023: £8,692) in Legacy income during the year. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of those who leave us money in their will, and committed to ensure that the legacy income we receive is spent for the maximum possible benefit for the animals in our care. The Trustees worked to promote the giving of Legacies to protect the future finances of the Charity and will continue to do so in 2025. In addition to Legacy income, the Branch received £1,073 (2023: £876) from Funeral Donations.
Income is generated at Taylors Rehoming Centre through homing donations, sale of food, litter and other goods, pen sponsorship, general donations and fundraising events. The overall number of fundraising and publicity events was increased in 2024 and Taylors’ Gala Day was a very popular and successful event raising £4,726 (2023: £4,104). Total income generated by Taylors in 2024 was £76,619 (2023: £49,239). In addition to this, income from the “Friends of Taylors” and regular standing orders brought in £5,057 (2023: £4,799).
£21,816 (2023: £23,094) was received from RSPCA Headquarters in respect of the national door to door fundraising initiative. The Branch itself does not carry out door to door fundraising, but we are very grateful for the proportion of funds raised which are passed to the Branch as a result of the National RSPCA initiative.
Our investments generated £23,736 (2023: £10,464) in interest and dividends. The Trustees closely monitor the performance of our investment portfolio and endeavour to maximise income with minimal risk to capital.
We were able to reclaim £1,996 (2023: £3,454) in Gift Aid in 2024. We are grateful for our donors who kindly elect to allow us to claim Gift Aid on their donations, and also for all small cash donations, which are eligible for Gift Aid payments under the GASDS scheme.
Our static collection boxes throughout the Branch area, brought in £566 (2023: £327). We would like to thank the shops and businesses who kindly allow us to keep collection boxes on their premises, and to the volunteers who manage them.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 5
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE continued**
## Performance
The income generated by the Branch is used to meet the three main charitable objectives of the Branch set with regards to public benefit.
## **1. We take in to care and rehome unwanted and stray pets through “Taylor’s Rehoming Centre”.**
Taylor’s total running costs for 2024 were £207,070 (2023: £198,089). The following table shows the number of animals rehomed in the past three years.
Rehoming: Numbers of animals rehomed by Taylor’s 2024
||CATS|RABBITS|HENS|OTHER|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2022|69|14|0|36|
|2023|120|26|0|46|
|2024|183|26|28|49|
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 6
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **2. We assist pet owners in the Branch area who are on low incomes with payment for veterinary treatment.**
The total cost of Welfare expenditure in 2024 was £240 (2023: £200). The branch welfare focus is on the neutering of female cats only. This will be reviewed again in 2025 with consideration given to expanding Welfare activity as and when the financial situation permits. The following table shows the number of animals assisted by our welfare activity over the past three years
Welfare : Veterinary procedures financially assisted by the Branch 2024
||CATS||DOGS||OTHER||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||MEDICAL|NEUTERING|MEDICAL|NEUTERING|MEDICAL|NEUTERING|
|2022|1|19|0|0|0|0|
|2023|0|5|0|0|0|0|
|2024|0|6|0|0|0|0|
## **3. We promote the work and objects of the National RSPCA - to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by all lawful means. We support the work of local RSPCA Inspectors.**
During 2024 the Branch continued to use its social media profile to promote national campaigns and the Branch provides support to the National RSPCA Inspectors by taking in Inspectorate generated animals wherever possible.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 7
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The Branch received income from donations and legacies totalling £133,033 during the year compared with £84,936 in 2023. The main proportion of additional income received came from other trading activities totalling £228,371 (2023: £199,906) and investment income of £23,736 (2023: £10,464). Total income for the year showed a significant increase at £394,701 compared with £301,384 in 2023.
Total expenditure increased to £401,326 (2023: £360,063) and the net deficit for the year was £6,625 (£75,682 deficit in 2023).
## Our Financial Reserves policy
As of 31 December 2024, total funds stood at £596,303 (2023: £602,928), of which, free reserves available (including investments) to the Branch, totalled £535,286 (2023: £528,592). This is equivalent to approximately 16 months’ current expenditure. The Branch aims to ensure that the financial reserves at any one time would cover at least twelve months predicted expenditure. This is to protect the Branch from fluctuations in income in order that levels of service provided for the welfare of local animals may be maintained in the event of a reduction in incoming resources. Reserves, in this context, means funds that are freely available for the Branch’s general purposes after all commitments have been met and excludes fixed assets.
If the financial reserves substantially exceed 18 months predicted expenditure at any one time, the trustees will seek to increase and expand the animal welfare activity of the Branch.
## **FUTURE PLANS**
In 2025 the Trustees will continue to closely monitor the performance of the shops; supporting Bridport in their consistency in ever increasing sales; identifying areas of development within the Weymouth store to build on the steady progress in terms of revenue during last year and looking at improved staff engagement and marketing strategies to improve falling revenue in our Sherborne shop. All shops will be encouraged to implement regular promotional events. We will continue to look for suitable venues for other shops Legacies will be further promoted via leaflets, in-shop campaigns, social media, and contact with local solicitors. The Branch will aim to substantially increase the number of fundraising and promotional events as resources allow. Use of social media will be further increased to promote the work of the Branch. Taylors Rehoming Centre will have a number of improvements, including the installation of new, more suitable rabbit facilities, and the replacement of outdated heating equipment. This will provide better conditions for the animals on site and help to maintain the excellent standard of care given. The increase in promotional events and use of social media will help maximise the number of animals rehomed.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
The charity is a branch of the South West Regional and National RSPCA and was registered on 13 July 1966 (number 248616). It is governed by the RSPCA Branch model rules and subject to the overall supervision of the RSPCA, but otherwise manages its own affairs and finances independently.
The charity is run by the branch committee whose members are the charity’s trustees. The Committee is elected by branch members at the AGM (5 to 14 trustees), or may be co-opted by the existing committee if they have particular skills required; up to 3 trustees may be co-opted in a year. Candidates for election at the AGM must be nominated by two eligible branch members and must receive in excess of 50% of the votes of those eligible members who are present and who vote at the AGM. To stand for election at the AGM, or to exercise voting rights, individuals must have been members of the branch for at least 3 clear calendar months. A declaration of willingness to act must be completed and signed before being eligible to vote at meetings.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 8
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Induction and training is covered by the provision of information packs and booklets from the National Society and the Charity Commission, as well as guidance and training from existing committee members.
There are three lead officer posts, Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, and additionally nominated trustees take a lead responsibility for such things as line management of the re-homing centre, shops and website management.
Trustees receive support and advice from the Branch Partnership Manager (from the South and South West Regional RSPCA) who attends branch committee meetings and is always on hand to offer guidance.
Additionally one trustee is elected to the South West Regional Board, which meets on a regular basis to agree and assess campaigns, networking and home visiting schemes, and receives information on Inspectorate issues.
Matters that require a vote must be proposed and seconded by individual trustees and all trustees present at the meeting have one vote. The Chairman of the meeting is not eligible to vote unless in the case of the tie, in which case the vote of the Chairman is the deciding vote.
The trustees are legally required to draw up and implement a Risk Management Strategy. Once it is in operation daily implementation can be delegated, but the final responsibility lies with the trustees, who are liable for any infringement. Our very comprehensive Risk Management Strategy has been put in writing and made available to our auditors. The Strategy is reviewed and updated regularly.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 9
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material 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 maintaining proper accounting records which 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 Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/constitution. 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 are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the trustees on ………………………………
………………………………. D Cox Chair
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 10
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **Independent examiners report to the Trustees of RSPCA West Dorset Branch**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts for RSPCA West Dorset Branch (“the charity”) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”).
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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Albert Goodman LLP provides the charity with book-keeping services. I confirm that the necessary safeguards as required by the Directions of the Charity Commission have been implemented, and that I have applied the provisions of the Revised Ethical Standard 2016 issued by the Financial Reporting Standard.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
2. the accounts do not comply with these records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair view” which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
…………………………………………… Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA Goodwood House for and on behalf of Blackbrook Park Avenue Albert Goodman LLP Taunton Chartered Accountants Somerset TA1 2PX Date:………………………………………
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 11
## **RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Statement of Financial Activities For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
|**Note**
**Income:**
Donations and legacies
2
Income from other trading
activities
Trading income
3
Other fundraising income
Investments
4
**Total income**
**Expenditure:**
Costs of raising funds
Investment manager's fees
Trading expenditure
3
Other fundraising and
publicity costs
Charitable activities
5
**Total expenditure**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**before other recognised**
**(losses)/gains**
Losses on
investments
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**before transfers**
**Transfers between funds**
12
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
12
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unres-**
**tricted**
**£**
117,629
228,371
9,561
23,736|**Res-**
**tricted**
**£**
15,404
-
-
-|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
133,033
228,371
9,561
23,736|
**Unres-**
**tricted**
**£**
70,178
199,906
6,078
10,464|**Res-**
**tricted**
**Total**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
14,758
84,936
-
199,906
-
6,078
-
10,464|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||379,297|15,404|394,701|286,626|14,758
301,384
-
3,223
-
132,431
-
75
27,552
224,334|
||-
169,954
477
202,697|-
-
-
28,198|-
169,954
477
230,895|3,223
132,431
75
196,782||
||373,128|28,198|401,326|332,511|27,552
360,063
(12,794)
(58,679)
-
(17,003)|
||6,169
-|(12,794)
-|(6,625)
-|(45,885)
(17,003)||
||6,169
-|(12,794)
-|(6,625)
-|(62,888)
-|(12,794)
(75,682)
-
-|
||6,169
530,510|(12,794)
72,418|(6,625)
602,928|(62,888)
593,398|(12,794)
(75,682)
85,212
678,610|
||536,679|59,624|596,303|530,510|72,418
602,928|
|||||||
The statement of financial activities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
There were no gains or losses arising in the period that are not shown above.
The statement of financial activities incorporates the income and expenditure account.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 12
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2024
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024 2023
£ £
Note
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 8 61,017 74,336
61,017 74,336
Current assets
Stock 3,621 3,995
Debtors 10 18,123 13,308
Cash at bank and in hand 530,506 530,164
552,250 547,467
Liabilities
Creditors falling due within one year 11 (16,964) (18,875)
Net current assets 535,286 528,592
Total net assets 596,303 602,928
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds 12 59,624 72,418
Unrestricted funds
General 12 536,679 530,510
Total unrestricted funds 536,679 530,510
Total charity funds 596,303 602,928
**----- End of picture text -----**
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on ……………………. and signed on their behalf by:
……………………………………….
D Cox Chair
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 13
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **1 Accounting policies**
The principle accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are:
## 1.1 **Basis of accounting**
The financial statements have been prepared in £ sterling on the historical cost basis and 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP FRS 102).
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
## 1.2
## **Income**
Income from donations is recognised on a cash basis, in the year the income is physically received, except when the donors specify that they must be used in future accounting periods or donor conditions have not been fulfilled, then the income is deferred.
Bequests and legacies are included when entitlement is established, it is probable that the amount will be received, and the amount receivable can be estimated with sufficient accuracy.
Income from grants is recognised in the year in which they are receivable. Grants without performance conditions are presented within donations and legacies and within charitable activities when performance criteria apply.
Income from government grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Where no conditions are attached to the grant income they are recognised within donations and legacies and where conditions relating to performance of services are attached, grant income is recognised in income from charitable activities within the Statement of Financial Activities.
Income from other trading activities includes income relating to fundraising and is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.
Income from the shops are recognised at the point of sale. Goods donated for resale are included as trading income when sold. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been provided. Income from investments constitutes dividends and bank interest and is recognised in the year to which it relates to.
## 1.3
## **Expenditure**
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
The charity’s operating costs include rehoming and welfare costs, shop and other trading expenses and expenditure on publicity and fundraising. These are allocated to costs and expenditure on charitable activities’ in the statement of financial activities as appropriate. Indirect support costs and governance costs are included under charitable activity expenditure.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 14
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## 1.4 **Tangible fixed assets and depreciation**
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:
Rehoming Centre building 25 years straight line Shed, pens and fencing 5 years straight line Shop fittings and equipment 5 years straight line Other furniture and equipment 5 years straight line Motor vehicles 3 years straight line
Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity are capitalised where the cost is greater than £100 and their expected useful life exceeds one year.
## 1.5 **Investments**
Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price (excluding transaction costs). Subsequently, investments are held at market value, with all realised and unrealised gains and losses passing through the Statement of Financial Activities.
## 1.6 **Stocks**
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. Stock is calculated on a first in, first out basis.
In line with the charities SORP FRS 102, it is considered that the costs of valuation of goods donated for resale outweighs the benefits to users of the financial statements and therefore donated goods are recognised when sold.
## 1.7 **Debtors**
Trade debtors and accrued income are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered and any impairment necessary. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
## 1.8 **Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
## 1.9 **Creditors**
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
## 1.10 **Taxation**
As a registered charity, the company is exempt from corporation tax and capital gains tax, but not Value Added Tax. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
## 1.11 **Operating leases**
Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred over the term of the lease. The charity has operating leases for the premises in which they operate their shops. The title of the leased premises remains with the lessor.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 15
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## 1.12 **Fund accounting**
Funds held by the charitable company are one of the following types:-
- Unrestricted general funds – these funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees.
- Designated funds – these funds are set aside out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes, projects, or reserves.
- Restricted funds – these funds can only be used for the particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when funds raised are for a specific purpose.
- Further explanations of the nature and purpose of each fund are included in the notes to the financial statements.
## 1.13 **Pension**
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.
## 1.14 **Services in kind**
On receipt, services in kind are recognised on the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services of equivalent benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
## 1.15 **Financial instruments**
The charity only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and liabilities of the charity and their measurements are as follows:
Financial assets – trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost. Investment portfolios are basic financial instruments measured at fair value through the income and expenditure account. Prepayments are not financial instruments.
Cash at bank - is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.
Financial liabilities – trade creditors, accruals and other creditors are financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure definition. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver services rather than cash or another financial instrument.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 16
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2 Donations and legacies
Unrest- Restrict- Total Unrest- Restrict- Total
ricted ed 2024 ricted ed 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
- -
Legacies, bequests and funeral donations 25,633 25,633 9,568 9,568
National RSPCA door to door 21,816 - 21,816 23,094 - 23,094
National RSPCA neutering grants,
- -
donations and pet insurance 21,370 21,370 3,119 3,119
National RSPCA members subscriptions 615 - 615 432 - 432
- -
Rehoming donations 17,044 17,044 10,365 10,365
Collections and general donations
- -
(incl Gift Aid) 25,221 25,221 23,600 23,600
Kingston Maurward contribution
- -
towards Centre running costs 10,347 10,347 9,959 9,959
- -
Taylors Friends 5,057 5,057 4,799 4,799
CAF donations 5,930 - 5,930 - - -
Total 117,629 15,404 133,033 70,178 14,758 84,936
**----- End of picture text -----**
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 17
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
**----- Start of picture text -----**
3 Trade incoming and expenditure
Charity Other Charity Other
Shops Trading 2024 shops trading 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
- -
Turnover from donated goods sold 202,843 202,843 170,730 170,730
Turnover from purchased goods sold 20,185 5,343 25,528 21,666 6,615 28,281
Turnover from boarding at Taylors - - - - 895 895
Total trading Income 223,028 5,343 228,371 192,396 7,510 199,906
Cost of goods sold 11,514 7,738 19,252 13,491 2,732 16,223
- -
Shop wages 87,533 87,533 57,871 57,871
- -
Shop rent 44,500 44,500 41,265 41,265
- -
Shop running costs 18,132 18,132 16,413 16,413
Depreciation of shop fixtures & equipment 537 - 537 659 - 659
Total trading expenditure 162,216 7,738 169,954 129,699 2,732 132,431
Net trading income 60,812 (2,395) 58,417 62,697 4,778 67,475
**----- End of picture text -----**
All income and expenditure is unrestricted (2023: all unrestricted).
**----- Start of picture text -----**
4 Investment income and interest
Unrest- Restrict- Total Unrest- Restrict- Total
ricted ed 2024 ricted ed 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Dividends & interest on
UK listed investments 23,226 - 23,226 7,081 - 7,081
Interest on UK cash deposits 510 - 510 3,383 - 3,383
Total 23,736 - 23,736 10,464 - 10,464
**----- End of picture text -----**
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 18
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
**----- Start of picture text -----**
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
Unrest- Restrict- Total Unrest- Restrict- Total
ricted ed 2024 ricted ed 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Direct costs
- -
Wages 115,133 115,133 100,960 100,960
Food and litter 26,800 - 26,800 30,680 - 30,680
Vet fees 34,254 1,959 36,213 30,209 - 30,209
-
Centre running costs 13,445 13,445 1,072 14,758 15,830
- -
Motor expenses 2,367 2,367 2,563 2,563
- -
Depreciation of Rehoming Centre building 12,794 12,794 12,794 12,794
Depreciation of shed and pens 318 - 318 5,053 - 5,053
Total direct costs 178,872 28,198 207,070 170,537 27,552 198,089
Support costs
- -
Office and miscellaneous expenses 5,448 5,448 1,884 1,884
- -
Printing, postage and AGM 1,031 1,031 2,619 2,619
Insurance 2,418 - 2,418 1,905 - 1,905
- -
Legal and professional fees 5,834 5,834 10,356 10,356
RSPCA HQ Quota payment 551 - 551 551 - 551
Depreciation of computer and
other equipment 47 - 47 47 - 47
- -
Independent examiners remuneration 2,500 2,500 1,000 1,000
- -
Accountancy 5,996 5,996 7,883 7,883
- -
Total support costs 23,825 23,825 26,245 26,245
Total 202,697 28,198 230,895 196,782 27,552 224,334
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **6 Trustee expenses and related party transactions**
Trustees received no remuneration in either the current or the prior year for their work as trustees.
During the year the Branch received door to door grant income from the RSPCA national society of £21,816 (2023: £23,094) and neutering grants, insurance, donations, vets bills and subscriptions of £21,985 (2023: £3,551). In addition, purchases of goods for resale, food and other items amounting to £26,800 (2023: £28,399) were made by the Branch from RSPCA trading. The Branch also made an RSPCA HQ Quota payment of £551 (2023: £551).
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 19
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **7 Employees**
## **Employment costs**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 195,205 155,314
Social security costs 5,669 1,946
Pension costs -defined contributions 1,792 1,571
202,666 158,831
**----- End of picture text -----**
The average monthly head count was 15 staff (2023: 13 staff).
No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 in the period (2023: none).
## **Key management personnel**
The key management personnel of the charity are considered to be the animal centre manager and the area retail manager. The total costs to the charity of employee benefits (including employer national insurance and employer pension) for the key management personnel were £41,125 (2023: £41,547).
## **Defined contribution pension scheme**
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension costs charge for the year represents contributions payable by the company to the scheme. Contributions totalling £385 (2023: £277) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 20
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **8 Tangible fixed assets**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Rehoming Shed, Shop Other
Centre pens & Fittings & furniture & Motor
buildings fencing Equipment equipment Vehicles Total
£ £ £ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 January 2024 319,846 57,163 45,400 15,667 10,601 448,677
Additions - 377 - - 377
At 31 December 2024 319,846 57,163 45,777 15,667 10,601 449,054
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024 247,428 56,230 44,462 15,620 10,601 374,341
Charge for the year 12,794 318 537 47 - 13,696
At 31 December 2024 260,222 56,548 44,999 15,667 10,601 388,037
Net book value
At 31 December 2024 59,624 615 778 - - 61,017
At 31 December 2023 72,418 933 938 47 - 74,336
**----- End of picture text -----**
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 21
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **9 Fixed asset investments**
|Listed shares & funds||**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
-
-|
|---|---|---|
|Cash held by investment manager||-
-|
|**Listed Shares**
**Market value**
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
Realised loss on disposals of investments
Unrealised gains / (losses) on revaluation
Interest & dividends received
Management fees
At 31 December 2024
**Historical cost**
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
Other movements||-
-
**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
-
416,290
-
(399,287)
-
(17,003)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
**£**
**£**
-
450,000
-
-
-
(450,000)
-|
||||
|At 31 December 2024||-
-|
|**10**
**Debtors**|||
||||
|Other debtors
Prepayments||**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
8,243
3,441
9,880
9,867|
|||18,123
13,308|
||||
||||
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 22
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **11 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024 2023
£ £
Accruals 7,010 5,813
Other creditors 7,124 11,126
Taxation and social security 2,830 1,936
16,964 18,875
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **12 Summary of movement in funds**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Opening Closing
Balance Transfers & Balance
1 Jan 2024 Income Expenditure gains/(losses) 31 Dec 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
- -
Taylor's Rehoming Centre 72,418 (12,794) 59,624
- - -
Friends of Taylor's 5,057 (5,057)
- - -
Kingston Maurward 10,347 (10,347)
Total restricted funds 72,418 15,404 (28,198) - 59,624
Unrestricted funds
General fund 530,510 379,297 (373,128) - 536,679
Total unrestricted funds 530,510 379,297 (373,128) - 536,679
Total funds 602,928 394,701 (401,326) - 596,303
**----- End of picture text -----**
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 23
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **Summary of movement in funds- 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Opening Closing
Balance Transfers & Balance
1 Jan 2023 Income Expenditure gains/(losses) 31 Dec 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
- -
Taylor's Rehoming Centre 85,212 (12,794) 72,418
- - -
Friends of Taylor's 4,799 (4,799)
- - -
Kingston Maurward 9,959 (9,959)
Total restricted funds 85,212 14,758 (27,552) - 72,418
Unrestricted funds
General fund 177,108 286,626 (332,511) 399,287 530,510
- - -
Designated fund 416,290 (416,290)
Total unrestricted funds 593,398 286,626 (332,511) (17,003) 530,510
Total funds 678,610 301,384 (360,063) (17,003) 602,928
**----- End of picture text -----**
General funds represents ‘free’ reserves after allowing for all designated funds.
The designated fund represented the value of the investments held. As these were sold during the prior year, the amount has been transferred out to unrestricted funds.
Restricted funds comprise monies donated for a specific project or purpose and represent monies received for:
- Taylor’s Rehoming Centre which must be used wholly towards the provision of an animal shelter. At the year end, the value held in the fund relates to the Net Book Value of the Taylor’s property.
- Kingston Maurward and Friends of Taylor’s are restricted to the running costs of Taylor’s Rehoming Centre.
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 24
**RSPCA West Dorset Branch** Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
## **13 Analysis of assets between funds**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £
-
Tangible assets 1,393 59,624 61,017
Current assets 552,250 - - 552,250
Current liabilities (16,964) - - (16,964)
-
536,679 59,624 596,303
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Analysis of assets between funds- 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2023
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £
-
Tangible assets 1,918 72,418 74,336
Current assets 547,457 - - 547,467
Current liabilities (18,875) - - (18,875)
-
530,500 72,418 602,928
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **14 Financial commitments**
At 31 December 2024 the charity was committed to making the following payments under noncancellable operating leases:
||Operating leases which expire:
Premises:
Within one year
2-5 years
In more than five years|**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
47,901
44,501
166,770
167,162
71,403
101,253
286,074
312,916|
|---|---|---|
||||
Produced by Albert Goodman LLP
Page 25