Collections
Trust
Annual Report and Financial
ststements
31 March 2021
Corllpany Limited by Guarantee
Registration Number
01300565 IEngland and Waksl
Charty Registration Number
0273984

Contents
Reports
Referen￿ and administrative information
Trustees, annual report
Independent auditor's report
14
Financial statements
Statement of financial activities
19
Balance sheet
20
Statement of cash flows
21
Principal accounting policies
22
Notes lo the financial statements
26
Collections Trust

Reference and administrative details about the charty. its Board and its advisers
Charity name
Collections Trust
Charlty number
0273984
Company number
01300565
Registered office
Rich Mix
3547 Bethnal Green Road
London
E16LA
Trustees and dlrectors
Ms C Hampshire {Chairl
Mr RAvann
Ms K Childs
Ms S Elliott
Ms A Karla
Dr C Michaels
Ms T Simpson
Mr P Stevenson
Ms L Turner
Company Secretary and Chief Executive
Mr K Gosling
Bankers
CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Wesl Malling
ME19 4JQ
Auditor
Buzzacott LLP
130 Wood Street
London
EC2V 6DL
Collections Trust

Tru$tees' annual report 31 March 2021
The trustees, who are also directors under company law, present their report and financial
statements for the year ended 31 March 2021. The Iruslees confirm that the financial
statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of
Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by
Charities." 8pplieable to charities P￿ paring theirfinancial statements in aecordance with FRS
102. Collections Trust does not fall within the definition of a 'larger charity,.
STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Collections Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee 1013005651, originally
incorporated las the Museum Documentation Associalionl on 28 February 1977. It is
registered as a charity with the Charity Commission102739841. Its governing document is
its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Governance
Collections Trust is governed by its board, whose members are directors under company
law and also Iruslees under charity law. All members give their time voluntarily and receive
no benefits except for the offer of a free copy of Spectrum and discounted conference tickets
in order to further their understanding of our work. Any expenses reclaimed are set out in
note 6 to the financial stslements.
The articles of association stsle that the minimum number of Iruslees shall be three bul sel
no maximum number. There are currently thirteen trustees. There are currently nine
trustees. They are elected lo serve a period of three years, after which they may be re-
elected once for a further three years. In February 2021 four trustees came to the end of
their second Ihree-year term. It was decided to defer recruiting new trustees until the
priorities of the org8nis8tion's business plan for 2023-27 become clearer over coming
months.
The trustees who served throughout the year ended 31 March 2021 and up to the date these
financial statements were approved, except where indicated, were..
Trustees
AppointedlResigned
Ms C Hampshire (Chairl
MrRAvann
Ms K Childs
Ms S Elliott
Ms J Jones
Ms A Karla
Ms S Levitt
Dr C Michaels
Ms D Potter
Ms S Raikes
Ms T Simpson
Mr P Stevenson
Ms L Turner
Ms I Walsh
Resigned 8 April 2020
Resigned 25 February 2021
Resigned 25 February 2021
Resigned 25 February 2021
Resigned 25 February 2021
Collections Trust



_Promote the education of the public by the development of museums and similar organisations by all appropriate methods._ 


_Help museums capture and share the information that gives their objects meaning. Our standards and advice are used around the world to make museum collections accessible._ 

- _Continue to build Collections Trust into a thriving, resilient sector support organisation valued around the world as a centre of excellence for collections management standards and advice._ 

- _Consolidate Spectrum as the international standard for museum collections management._ 

- _Work in partnership with other sector bodies to reduce significantly the number of UK museums without an appropriate inventory of their holdings._ 

- _Help UK museums enrich their collections information, capturing the knowledge generated through the use of collections by a wide range of people._ 

- _Influence the development of a sustainable, futureproof infrastructure for sharing and_ 



_storing the UK’s digital collections, linked to the wider online cultural heritage ecosystem._ 

- _Use that infrastructure to develop tools and procedures that support smarter working with collections across the sector._ 





## _**Influencing the development of a sustainable digital infrastructure**_ 

_Towards a National_ 

_Collection_ 



## _**Influencing the development of a sustainable digital infrastructure** (continued)_ 

_**Making it**_ 

_**FAIR,**_ 

## _**A thriving, resilient sector support organisation**_ 


- _The bite size sessions fit well into my work_ 

- _balance, as I find it hard to get the time for off the more in depth on-site sessions._ 



- _Dynamic information for dynamic collections_ 

_There was universal kudos for the way in which the Collections Trust had pivoted to deliver everything online during Covid-19, and how responsive the organisation had been to the needs of the sector with Covid-19-specific training and advice - ‘at the start of the pandemic, it was amazing how Collections Trust just went online’. Many respondents mentioned the delivery of the 2020 Conference as being particularly impressive._ 

_… The Museum Development teams across England are all invested in the Collections Trust and its work. They all report that the Collections Trust is responsive at all levels, interested in what the museums need, and efficient in its delivery. One respondent stated that, ‘The Collections Trust doesn’t just deliver what the Collections Trust wants to deliver’. This was echoed repeatedly and is highly valued._ 

_Collections Trust is the best SSO._ 

## _**Spectrum as the international standard for museum collections management**_ 

_Spectrum: the UK Museum Collections Management Standard_ 



Tru$tees' annual report 31 March 2021
Spectrum
SpBclrum C Resour￿ <
EN
ES FllNLNQgV
Jlknsyl
The Spanish translation formed part of the British Council's International Museums
Academy programme in Peru. Our Outreach Manager, Sarah Brown, delivered nine online
workshops introducing the Spectrum standard, each of which was attended by around 400
museum professionals from across Peru. The British Council continues to help those
museums pul Spectrum into practice within the Peruvian context.
As well as spreading the geographical reach of Spectrum thmugh these intemalional
collaborations, the standard is being used as the cornerstone of other standards
development work. In Notway, the Norwegian Arts Council has piloted a Spectrum-based
self-evaluation tool lo help museums assess and improve their collections management
practice. We fully support this initiative, which will be useful elsewhere once the final version
is released.
Back in the UK, the London Museum Documentation Nelmork is working on a toolkit for
managing 'dlgital collection objects,, supported by our Standards Manager, Gordon
McKenna. This will provide tools and guidelines taken from the digital preservation
community and adapted for museums within the Spectrum framework. It is hoped lo publish
the results later in 2021.
A significant proportion of our annual income comes from licensing Spectrum for commercial
use in collections management systems and related sofvare by our Spectrum Partners.
These are much-valued long-lerm relationships with companies that help users worldwide
pul Spectrum into daily practice. We are grateful to all our Spectrum Partners, despite the
difficult trading conditions of the past year.
Collections Trust

Tru$tees' annual report 31 March 2021
FINANCIAL REVIEW
During the year, Collections Trust had Income, excluding bank interest, of £359,80312020
- £389,092). Ofthis, £234,232 {2020- £230,000) was restricted funding with £234,23212020
£230,000) received from the Arts Council England.
The remaining income of £125,571 12020 - £159,0921 was made up from retail sales of
publications and forms £20,79312020 £40,886)., Spectrum Partnership membership fees
£47,270 12020 £66,894),. consultancy projects £45,57912020 £41,731),. furlough grant
income £11,29412020 - £nill", and donations £42512020 £nill, plus other income of £210
12020- £1,505). This year no income was eamed from the annual conference12020 £8,076)
as il was held as a free online event due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Collections Trust spent £234,232 12020 £230,000) directly on Arts Council England
projects, including staff time.
£106,578 12020 £120,085) was spent on other charitable activities Iretail, Spectrum
partnerships, and consullancyl.
The year finished with an overall surplus of £19,01512020 £39,084). Total funds carried
forward (excluding the pension liabililyl were £127,921 12020 - £116,9061 of which £97,921
12020- £86,906) was unrestricted funds and £30,00012020- £30,000) of restricted monies,
giving free reserves lunreslricled funds excluding fixed assetsl of £97,81412020- £86,3791.
The balance sheet shows total funds lo be in deficit by £317,079, once the defined benefi't
pension deficit, calculated by the actuary as £445,000, is taken into awounl.
Reserves policy
To mitigate against a cash flow failure, or a reduction in income, the charity aims lo keep
three month's operating costs, being approximately £90,000, in reserve. This level is also
calculated lo provide suffieient cover for unexpected costs. In the event that the reserves
fund is depleted for any of the above s￿narios, the organisalion aims lo return the fund to
the sel level within as short a timeframe as is reasonable within the limits of cashflow and
other commitments.
The organisalion aims to provide for these reserves through Ljnrestricted surplus funds
carried forward at the end of each financial year. This money shall be invested in bank
savings accounts on the most advantageous overall terms, in respect of interest and
charges and access, and will be regulady reviewed.
This policy has been reviewed by the trustees in light ofthe Covid-19 pandemic and deemed
to still be an appropriate strategy. Despite the difficult economic environment the
organisation made sufficient profit during the year lo return the reseNes fund to target level
for the first time in several years.
To work towards eliminating the funding shortfall in the LGPS pension scheme, the ￿heme
trustees and charity have agreed a repayment schedule of £15,000 per year in additional
contributions for the next len years. The Iruslees are satisfied that this is reasonable level
that can be afforded annually from budgeted expenditure without impacting reserves.
Collections Trust

Tru$tees' annual report 31 March 2021
FINANCIAL REVIEW Icontinuedl
The trustees have considered the strategic risks facing Collections Trust and the
measures needed to miligale them.
Risk
Capacity and eontinuty
The CEO is currently the key income-generating role, and repository
of organisational knowledge on strategy in the wider museum sector.
Low- There is more work lo be done in this area than can be achieved
by one individual, and there is also the risk that if the CEO becomes
incapacilaled il will not be possible lo continue with existing or new
projects or contracts
Tolerance
Steps have been taken to mitigate this risk, with the employment of a
new outreach offi￿r, and the promotion of the current OLJlreach officer
to lake a more strategie role supporting the CEO.
The risk is still a concern in the short term whilst the new outreach
officer setues in and knowledge is transferred, but in the medium term
it is much reduced.
Mitigation
The organisalion has also drawn up a business conlinuily plan which
addresses the loss of other members of stsff and other continuity
issues.
Risk
Reputation and relevance in the sector
Our latest impact evaluation survey showed very high levels of
satisfaction from those who engage with us regularly doing day to day
collections management work. However, il also revealed a lack of
awareness amongst sector leadership of the work that CT does and
how that work could support wider strategic plans.
There is the danger that with all the projects currently going on, we
fall through the cracks and someone tskes up the proposals we have
been making for an aggregator, but we are not involved in making il
happen.
Low - if CT is not considered lo be relevant, or key parties do not
understand the signifieanee of our work we risk missing out on strategic
partnerships and opportunities that could move forward both
Collections Trust's work, and also the sector as a whole. We also risk
not having our funding continued.
Tolerance
Vvork will focus on advocacy and awareness raising to ensure that key
funders and sector leaders understand that our work is necessary in
order lo deliver large infraslruclure projects and other strategic plans.
Mitigation
Collections Trust 10

Tru$tees' annual report 31 March 2021
FINANCIAL REVIEW Icontinuedl
Risk Management Icontinuedl
Risk
Financial sustainability
Efforts in recent years to rebuild CT'S reserves mean that the
oryanisalion is currently on a secure financial footing.
However, more broadly the economic outlook post pandemic is less
positive, and this could affect the income generation possibilities
available lo CT.
The additional year of funding offered by ACE under the current grant
is currently being agreed, and a new funding agreement from 2023 will
need lo be applied for.
The political focus is currently on STEM subjects al the expense of the
arts. Sustained challenges to public finan￿5 could therefore lead to
funding being cul or removed during a government spending review.
Medium in the short-term sinTr we now have healthy reserves, bul low
in the longer term as without the ACE grant the organisation could not
continue lo operate.
Tolerance
The miligalion for this is the same as for reputation and relevan
ensuring that we make ourselves indispensable to ACE and making
sure that sector leadership appreciates the Significan￿ of our work.
Mitigation
Risk
Cyber security
Recent high-profile cases have shown that even the largest
organisalions with the most sophisticated cyber security are not
immune to cyber-allacks.
CT is reliant on IT systems and the internet in all its operations.
A cyber-attack could compromise ils ability to deliver its services and
generate income. A data breach could also risk litigation and damage
to our reputslion.
Medium to low
whilst a cyber-allack is unlikely lo threaten the
existence of CT, il could take considerable time and reSoUr￿S to
resolve al allack, which would exacerbate the inability caused by the
initial allack lo deliver our ServI￿S and generate income.
Tolerance
Collections Trust 11

Tru$tees' annual report 31 March 2021
We have recently undertaken CyberEssentials accreditstion to ensure
our systems are as secure as possible and a￿ in the process of
reviewing any other actions that could be taken lo increase security.
This will include regular training for staff, and a focus on the risks of
homeworking.
We also hold cyber Insuran￿ as part of the Cyber Essentials
accreditstion.
Mitigation
FINANCIAL REVIEW Icontinuedl
Going Concern
The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate
in preparing these financial statements. The Iruslees have made this assessment in respect
to a period of one year from the dale of approval of these financial statements, and in light
of the continuing implications of the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on the economy
with consideration given lo budget forecasts, cashflow, confirmed and pipeline projects.
The trustees have given particular consideration to the defi'ned benefit pension liability,
recognising that this puls the balance sheet into deficit. Vvhilst this is a large liability, it Is
not an immediate one, and a manageable repayment plan has been agreed with the pension
fund over the next ten years, meaning it is not a cause for concern.
The organisation performed well over the year despite the broader global difficulties,
delivering a high service lo stakeholders under the ACE grant, and securing consultancy
income al Ihree-quarters of the level in a normal year. Whilst retail sales were affected more
heavily, it is expected that these will make a gradual recovery in the coming year. The
strong results for the year meant that the reserves target has been met, and that the
organisation is in a firm position to weather the potential impacts of an economic downturn.
The trustees have therefore concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue
as a going concem.
STATEMENT OF REPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES
The Iruslees (who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company
lawl are responsible for preparing the Iruslees, annual report and the financial statements
in aceordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United
Kingdom Generally A¢￿pted Accounting Praclicel.
Company law requires the trustees to prepa￿ financial ststemenls for each financial year
which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the charitable company and of the
incoming reSoUr￿S and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of
the charitsble company for that period. In preparing these financial ststements, the Iruslees
are required to..
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.,
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
Collections Trust 12

Tru$tees' annual report 31 March 2021
Stale whether applicable UK Accounting Standards and statements of recommended
practice 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
lo presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with
reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are
also resF)onsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the Maintenan￿ and integrity of the corporate and financial
information included on the charitable company's website. Legis18tion in the United Kingdom
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from
legislation in olherjurisdiclions.
In so far as the trustees are aware..
There is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are
unaware., and
The trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken lo make themselves
aware of any relevant audit information and lo estsblish that the auditors are aware of
that information.
Members of the charity guarantee lo contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets
of the charity in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees at 31 March
2021 was 1412019". 101. The Iruslees are members of the charity but this entiues them only
to voting rights. The Iruslees have no beneficial interest In the charity.
The trustees, annual report has been approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
by:
C Hampshire, Chair
Dale..
7129/2021
Collections Trust 13

Independent auditor's report 31 March 2021
Independent auditor's rgport to the members of Collections Trust
Oplnlon
We have audited the financial st21ements of Collections Trust Ithe 'charitable company'l for
the year ended 31 March 2021 which comprise the slalemenl of financial activities, the
balance sheet, statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and the notes to
the financial slatemenls. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their
preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, Including
Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland, Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practi￿1.
In our opinion, the finanei81 statements..
give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March
2021 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended.,
• have been propedy prepared in accordan￿ with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice., and
+ have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Aet 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordan￿ with International Stsndards on Auditing IUKI IISAS
IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described
in the auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report.
We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements
that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S
Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with
these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Collections Trust 14

Independent auditor's report 31 March 2021
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have eoncluded that the Iruslees, use of the going
ncern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial ststemenls is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties
relating lo events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubl
on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least
Imelve months from when the financial statements are aulhorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are
described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and financial
statements, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The
trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report and
financial stalemenls. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other
information and, except lo the extent otherwise explicitly slated in our report, we do not
express any form of assurance conclusion Ihereon.
Our responsibility isto read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge
obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears lo be materially misstated. If we
identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstalemenls, we are required
to determine whether this gives rise lo a material misstatement in the financial statements
themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material
misstatement of this other information, we are required lo report that fact.
We have nothing lo report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit".
the information given in the trustees, report, which is also the directors, report for the
purposes of company law for the financial year for which the financial statements are
prepared is consislenl with the financial statements,. and
+ the trustees, report, which is also the directors, report for the purposes of company law,
has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and ils
environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material
misstatements in the trustees, report. We have nothing lo report in respect of the following
mallers in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us lo report lo you if, in our
opinion..
Collections Trust 15

Independent auditor's report 31 March 2021
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have
not been received from branches not visited by us., or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.,
or
certain disclosures of Iruslees, remuneration specified by law are not made.. or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit", or
• the trLJStees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordan￿ with the
small companies regime and lake advantage of the small companies, exemptions in
preparing the trustees, report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
Responslbllltles of trustees
As explained more fully in the tnjstees, responsibilities statement, the trustees Iwho are also
the directors of the charitable Company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible
for the preparation of the financial stslemenls and for being satisfied that they give a true
and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable
the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misslatemenl, whether
due to traud or error.
In preparing the financial slalements, the Iruslees are responsible for assessing the
charitable company s ability lo continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable,
mallers related lo going concern and using the going concem basis of accounting unless
the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have
no realists'c alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are lo obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due lo fraud or error, and lo issue
an auditorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of
assurance but is not a guamnlee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will
always delect a material misstatement when il exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or
error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these
financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are InStan￿S of non-compliance with laws and regulations.
We design pr￿dureS in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, lo detect material
misstatements in respect of ir￿gUIarl1ies, including fraud. The extent lo which our
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below..
Our approach lo identifying and assessing the risks of material misstslement in respect of
irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows..
the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the
appropriate competen￿, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-
Collections Trust 16

Independent auditor's report 31 March 2021
compliance with applicable laws and ￿gulations",
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charitable company through
discussions with management, and from our commercial knowledge and
experience of the sector.,
the identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team
regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout
the audit.,
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct
material effect on the accounts or the activities of the charity. These included but
were not limited to the Charities Act 2011, Companies Act 2006 and data protection
legislation.
we assessed the extent of Complian￿ with the laws and regulations identified above
through making enquiries of management, inspecting legal correspondence and
reviewing trustee meeting minutes.
We assessed the SUS￿ptibl1ify of the company's financial statements lo material
misstatement, including obtsining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by..
making enquiries of management and those charged with governance as lo where
they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual,
suspected and alleged fraud., and
considering the internal controls in place to miligale risks of fraud and non-
Complian￿ with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override tsf controls, we..
perfoTmed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected
relationships.,
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions.,
tested the aulhorisation of expenditure as part of our substantive testing thereon.,
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in detem)ining the
accounting eslimales set out in the accounting policies We￿ indic21ive of potential
bias,. and
used data analylics to identify any significant or unusual transactions and identify
the rationale for them.
In response lo the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we
designed procedures which Included, but were not limited lo..
agreeing financial statement disclosures lo undertying supporting documentation.,
reading the minutes of Iruslee meetings.,
Collections Trust 17

Independent auditor's report 31 March 2021
enquiring of management and those charged with governance as to actual and
potential litigation and claims., and
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed
that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely il is that we would
become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures
required lo identify non-compliance with laws and regulations lo enquiry of the trustees and
other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misslatemenls that arise due lo fraud can be harder to delecl than those that arise
from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's
website al www.frc.org.uklaudilorsresponsibililies. This description forms part of our
auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely lo the charitable company's members, as a body, in aecordance
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken
so that we might stale lo the charitable company's members those matters we are required
to slate to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable
company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this
report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Catherine Biscoe Isenior Ststutory Audilorl
For and on behalf of Buzzacott LLP, Statutory Auditor
130 Wood Street
London
EC2V 6DL
Dale 12 August 2021
Collections Trust 18

Statement of financial activities {incorporating an income and expenditure account)
31 March 2021
2021
Total
fund8
2020
Totsl
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Notes
Income from..
Charitable activities
Investments
Total income
125,571
22
125,593
234,232
359,803
22
359.825
389,092
77
389,189
234,232
Expènditurè on..
Charitable activities..
Projects and programmes
Other charitable activiti85
Total expenditure
234,232
234.232
106.578
340.810
230,01)0
120.085
350,085
108,578
106,578
234,232
Net income for the year
19.015
19,015
39.084
Net income before other
recognised gains and los3e8
19.015
19,015
39.084
Other re¢ogni8ed 108¥es
Actuarial loss in respect to defined
benefit pension scherne
Net movement in funds
19 1229,0001
1209.9851
1229,0001 1229,0001
1209,9851 1189,9161
R￿on¢ll10￿On of fund¥'.
Total funds brought foNard
1137,0941
30,000
1107,094
82,822
Total funds carrled fon¥ar(I
1347,0791
30,000
1317,0791 1107,0941
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities.
There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above.
The attached notes ft)rm part of these financial statements.
A full comparative statement of financial activities is included at Note 1.
Collections Trust 19

Balance sheet 31 March 2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
107
528
Current assets
Stock
Debtors
Cash at bank and In hand
1,062
13,391
142,494
156,947
1,123
35.804
107,833
144,560
10
Liabilitie¥=
Creditors.. amounts falling due
within one year
129,1331
128,1821
Net current assets
127,814
116,378
Total assèts lèss currnnt
liabilities
127,921
116,906
Pension liability
19
1445,0001
1224,0001
Total net Iliabilitiesl
1317,0791
1107,0941
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds..
Pension reseNe
Gener81 funds
Total unrestricted funds
12
30,000
30,000
12 1445,0001
12
97,921
1224,0001
86.9)6
12
1347,0791
1137,0941
Total funds
1317,0791
1107.0941
The financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ with the special provisions ft)r
small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Approved by the Iruslees and signed on their behalf by..
Camilla Hampshire
Trustee
Date..
7/29/2021
Company registration number.. 01300565
The attached notes form part of the financial statements.
Collections Trust 20

Statement of cash flows 31 March 2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
Note
Cash flows from operating
activities:
Net cash provided by operating
activrfties
14
34,639
56,430
Cash flows from Investlng
activities:
Interest received
22
77
Cash Provided by investing
activities
22
77
Change in cash and cash
equivalents in the year
34,661
58,507
Cash and cash equivalents * the
beginning of the year
107,833
51,326
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the year
142,494
107,833
Collections Trust 21

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2021
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting
by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their
financial slalemenls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the
UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021- (Charities SORP FRS 1021 and the Companies Act
2006.
The charitable company meets the definition of a publie benefit entity under FRS 102. The
financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items
initially recognised al cost or Iransacts'on value unless othetwise staled in the relevant
accounting policy notelsl.
The financial statements are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.
Going concern
The Iruslees have assessed whether the use ofthe going concern assumption is appropriate
in preparing these financial statements. The trustees have made this assessment in respect
to a period of one year from the dale of approval of these financial statements, and in light
of the continuing implications of the coronavirus pandemic and ils effect on the economy
with consideration given to budget forecasts, cashflow, confirmed and pipeline projects.
The trustees have given particular consideration lo the defined benefit pension liability,
recognising that this puls the balance sheet into deficit. Infftilsl this is a large liability, it is not
an immediate one, and a manageable repayment plan has been agreed with the pension
fund over the next ten years, meaning it is not a cause for concern.
The organisation performed well over the year despite the broader global difficulties,
delivering a high service lo stakeholders under the ACE grant, and securing consultancy
income al Ihree-quarters of the level in a normal year. Whilst retail sales were affected more
heavily, il is expected that these will make a godual recovery in the coming year. The strong
results for the year meant that the reserves target has been met, and that the organisation
is in a firm position lo weather the potential impacts of an economic downturn.
The Iruslees have therefore concluded that there are no material Un￿rtaInlieS related lo
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue
as a going concern.
Critical accounting estimates and argas of judgement
The most significant area of adjustment and key assumption that affects items in the financial
statements is the anticipated pension liability which the charity will have to pay, and which
is detailed in note 19.
Collections Trust 22

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2021
Income
Income is recognised when the charity has enlillemenl to the funds, any performance
conditions attsched to the income have been mel, it is probable that the income will be
re￿iVed and that the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is
recognised when the charity has entitlement lo the funds, any perfomiance conditions
attached lo the grants have been mel, it is probable that the income will be received, and
the amount can be measured reliably and Is not deferred. Income received in advance for
the provision of specified setvice is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are mel.
Retail and publishing income is recognised in the period in which the customer pla￿S the
order.
Consultancy income is recognised in the period in which the work is delivered to the
customer.
Income from events and training are recognised in the period in which the event or training
takes place.
Interest on funds held on depos11 is included when receivable and the amount can be
measured reliably by the charity., this is normally upon nolif56ication of the interest paid or
payable by the bank.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available lo spend on activities that further any of the purposes of
charity.
Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for
particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised On￿ there is a legal or constructive obligation lo make a payment
to a third party, it is probable that selllemenl will be required, and the amount of the obligation
C8n be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure
is comprised of direct and support Costs. Direct costs are allocated to a specific activity. The
classification be￿een activities is as follows..
Costs of raising funds comprise the costs incurred by the charitable company in
inducing third parties lo make voluntary Contributions lo it, as well as the cost of any
activities with a fundraising purpose.
Expenditure on charitable activities includes costs of delivering services, exhibitions
and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their
associated support costs", and
Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was
incurred.
Collections Trust 23

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2021
Allocation of support costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly
undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, payroll and
govemance costs which support the charitable activities. These costs have been allocated
bel￿een the various charitable activities. The basis on which support costs have been
allocated are sel out in note 4.
Operating leases
Rental charges are charged on a straighl-line basis over the temi of the lease.
Tangible fixed assets
Items of equipment are capitalised where the assets are expected to have a useful life of
more than four years. The capitalisalion threshold is £1,000. Depreciation is provided al
rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to Ils estimated residual value over ils
expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows..
Fixtures and fittings
200/0 per annum based on cost
Computer equipment
250/0 per annum based on cost
Stock
Stock is included al the lower of cost or nel realisable value. Donated items of stock are
recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing lo pay for
the items on the open market.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade
discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts
due.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with
a short malurily of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit
or similar account.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions 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 lo settle the obligation ean be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and
provisions are normally recognised al their settlement amount after allowing for any trade
discounts due.
Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic
financial Instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value
and subsequently measured al amortised cost using the effective interest method
Collections Trust 24

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2021
Pensions
The charity contributes to a defined benefit scheme operated by Cambridgeshire County
Council, which provides benefit based on average pensionable salary. The assets of the
scheme are held and managed separately from those of the charity.
Pension scheme assets are measured using market values. Pension scheme liabilities are
measured using the projected unit actuarial method and are discounted at the current rate
of retum on a high-quality Corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability.
Any increases in the present value of the liabilities within the charity's defined benefit
scheme expected to arise from employee service in the period is allocated to the respective
expense category within the statement of financial activities. Actuarial gains and losses are
recognised in the statement of financial activities as part of other recognised gains and
losses for the period.
The charity also offers an auto-enrolmenl pension scheme into which all new employees are
enrolled. Contributions in respect to the personal pension schemes and defined contribution
schemes are recognised in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are
payable lo the relevant scheme.
Collections Trust 25




**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2020<br>Unrestricted   Restricted Total<br> funds  funds funds<br>£  £ £<br>—  230,000 230,000<br>40,886  — 40,886<br>66,894  — 66,894<br>41,731  — 41,731<br>8,076  — 8,076<br>—  — —<br>—  — —<br>1,505  — 1,505<br>159,092  230,000 389,092<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>





**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2020<br> Unrestricted   Restricted Total<br>funds  funds funds<br>£  £ £<br>77  —  77<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Restricted  Unrestricted<br>2020<br>ACE Retail Spectrum Consultancy Conference  CT Award Total<br>£ £ £ £ £ £ £<br>Expenditure<br>Direct costs  36,514  19,913  681  5,790  4,276  1,047  68,221<br>Direct staff costs  122,553  13,354  3,634  26,934  —  —  166,475<br>159,067  33,267  4,315  32,724  4,276  1,047  234,696<br>Overheads<br>Administration overheads  43,527  4,295  616  5,293  —  —  53,731<br>Staff overheads  27,406  14,419  2,063  17,770  —  —  61,658<br>70,933  18,714  2,678  23,063  —  —  115,389<br>Total expenditure 2020  230,000  51,981  6,994  55,787  4,276  1,047  350,085<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



_2020 £ 25,453 663 7,195_ 




_2020 £ 203,577 18,104 11,453 233,133 (5,000) 228,134_ 

_2020 £ 1_ 


_2020 No. 2.6 0.5 0.1 0.5 1.5 5.2_ 







_2020 £ 1,123 1,123 2020 £ 5,550 25,906 4 1,744 2,400 35,604_ 



_2020 £ 10,682 — 15,733 1,695 72 28,182_ 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2020<br>Total<br>Unrestricted  Restricted funds<br>£ £ £<br>528  — 528<br>86,378  30,000 116,378<br>—<br>(224,000)  (224,000)<br>(137,094)  30,000 (107,094)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>






||_2020_<br>_At the_<br>_start of the_<br>_year_<br>_£_<br>_30,000_<br>_30,000_<br>_—_<br>_52,822_<br>_52,822_<br>_82,822_|_Income_<br>_£_|_Expenditure_<br>_£_|<br>_Gains /_<br>_(losses)_<br>_£_<br>_—_<br>_—_<br>_(229,000)_<br>_—_<br>_(229,000)_<br>_(229,000)_|**_2020_**<br>**_At the_**<br>**_end of the_**<br>**_year_**<br>**_£_**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**_Restricted funds_**<br>_Arts Council England_<br>_Core funding_<br>**_Total restricted funds_**<br>**_Unrestricted funds_**<br>_Pension fund_<br>_General funds_<br>**_Total unrestricted funds_**<br>**_Total funds_**||_230,000_<br>_230,000_<br>_—_<br>_159,169_<br>_159,169_<br>_389,169_|_(230,000)_<br>_(230,000)_<br>_5,000_<br>_(125,085)_<br>_(120,085)_<br>_(350,085)_||**_30,000_**<br>**_30,000_**<br>**_(224,000)_**<br>**_86,906_**<br>**_(137,094)_**<br>**_(107,094)_**|




_2020 £ 39,084 663 (77) (559) 54,557 (32,238) (5,000) 56,430_ 


||_At 1_<br>_April_<br>_2019_<br>_£_|<br> <br> <br>_Cash flows_<br>_£_|**_At 31_**<br>**_March_**<br>**_2020_**<br>**_£_**|
|---|---|---|---|
|_Cash at bank and in hand_||||






Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2021
16 Operating lease Commitments
Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as
follows..
Property
2021
2020
Leases which expire..
Within one year
Within two to five years
20,350
2,779
23,129
20,350
23,129
43,479
17 Legal status of the charity
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Each member is
liable to contribute a sum not exceeding £1 in the event of the charity being wound up.
18 Related party transactions
Other than as disclosed in note 6, there were no related party transactions for 202112020 -
There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business
and no reslricled donations from related parties.
19 Defined benefit pension commitments
The charity parlicipales in the Cambridgeshire County Council Pension Scheme, a Career
Average Revalued Earnings ICAREI Pension Scheme, a mulli-employer scheme.
Participation in the Scheme is by virtue of the organisation's status as an Admitted Body to
the Fund.
In 2007 the charity was enrolled in a Small Bodies Pool within the pension scheme, and
whilst in this pool it was not possible to obtain sufficient information lo enable il to account
for the scheme as a defined benefit scheme. 11 therefore accounted used defined
contribution accounting.
A full triennial actuarial valuation of the scheme was carried out at 31 March 2019. At the
same time the Fund look the decision lo disb8nd the Small Bodies Pool, and as such
Collections Trust were able to identify their individual funding position. The valuation 31
March 2019 showed the charity had assets of £1,005,000, liabilities of £1,638,000 and a
deficit of £633,000.
To work towards eliminating the funding shortfall, the scheme trustees and charity have
agreed a repayment schedule of £15,000 per year in additional contributions for the next
nine years.
Collections Trust 32

Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2021
19 Pension commitments Icontinuedl
FRS 102
Financial Reporting Standard 102 IFRS 1021 requires the surplus or deficit on the Scheme
as at 31 March 2021, calculated in accordance with the requirements of FRS 102, to be
ineluded on the balance sheet. For the purpose of FRS 102, the assets of the scheme have
been tsken al market value and the liabilities have been calculated by a qualified
independent actuary.
In order to assess the actuarial value of the charity's assets and liabilities as al 31 March
2021, the actuaries have rolled forward the actuarial value of the assets and liabilities of the
scheme al 31 March 2020.
The major assumptions used by the actuary in preparing the FRS 102 figures were..
2021
p8r annum
Rale of increase in Salaries
Rate of increase in pension payments
Discount rate
Rate of Inflation- CPI
2.05
2.70
2.70
2.70
The mortality assumptions used were as follows..
2021
ears
Longevity 8t age 65 for wrrenl pensioners
.Men
. Women
Longevty at age 65 for future pensioners
.Men
. Women
22.1
24.2
22.9
25.6
The nel movement in the FRS 102 liability during the year was".
2021
£'OOO$
Nel deficit in ￿herne a11 April
Service cost
Net interest
Administration expenses
Employer contributions
Re-measurement of the defined liabilty
Net deficit in schem8 at 31 March
12241
151
24
12301
14451
Collections Trust 33

Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2021
19 Pension commitments Icontinuedl
FRS 102 (continued)
Total expenditure recognised in the statement of financial activities ISOFAI was..
2021
£OOOs
Service cost
Total expendlture recognlsed In SOFA
Ernployer contributions
FRS 102 charg8
24
35
The net gain recognised in the re-measurements in other recognised gains and losses was..
2021
£OOOs
Actuarial losses on scheme liabilities
Actuarial gains on scheme assets
Remeasurement of the defined benefit liability
14311
201
12301
Asset and benefit obligation reconciliation for the year to 31 March 2021..
2021
£OOOs
Opening defined benefit obligation
Current service cost
Interest cost
Contributions by scheme participants
Benefits paid
Actuarial losses
Closing defined benefit obligation
11,1681
1261
121
14
14311
11,6241
Reconciliation of opening and closing balances of the fair value of the charity's share of the
scheme assets..
2021
£OOOs
Fair value of scheme assets at 1 April
A￿uar181 gains
Interest on pension liabilities
Contribution5 by employei
Contributions by fund participants
Benefits paid
Fair value of scheme assets at 31 March
944
201
22
1141
1,179
Collections Trust 34

Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2021
19 Pension commitments Icontinuedl
FRS 102 (continued)
The charity's share of the assets in the scheme were..
Value at
31 March
2021
£'ooo
Equities
Government bonds
Other bonds
Property
Other managed funds
Total market value of assets
60.20
5.00
9.70
8.70
16.40
710
59
114
103
193
1.179
Contributions
The total contributions payable by the employer in the yearwere £24,000. At 31 March 2021,
there no oulstsnding contributions due lo the scheme.
The best estimate of contributions to be paid by the charity lo the scheme for the year ending
31 March 2022 is £24,000.
Collections Trust 35