Registered charity number: 284582
Report of the trustees and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 The Skin Cancer Research Fund (SCaRF)
The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Trustees report
31 March 2024
Reference and administrative details
Charity name: The Skin Cancer Research Fund (SCaRF) Charity registration number: 284582
Registered office address: SCaRF
Office Pines and Steps Building Southmead Hospital Bristol BS10 5NB
Patrons:
The Lord Mayor of Bristol Mr B E Hockin MBE
Trustees:
Dr H Audrain Dr K Finucane Mr D Fuidge Mrs L Knowles SRN Mr B McGinn (Chair / Treasurer) Mr J Pleat Mr A Wilkinson
Medical advisors:
Dr Adam Bray Dermatologist
Scientific Advisors:
Prof P Martin Professor of Cell Biology (Bristol)
Charity contact details:
Administrator: Steve Hollyman Tel: 0117 4148755 Email: scarf@nbt.nhs.uk Website: skincancerresearch.org Bankers: Barclays Bank PLC, 14/16 Queen Square, Bristol, BS99 7AJ
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The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Trustees report
31 March 2024
Objectives and activities
SCaRF aims to promote research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of skin cancer generally, and malignant melanoma, in particular. It aims to publish the results of such research and thus to help significantly cut the number of new cases of skin cancer each year in the UK. As a result, a secondary target is to reduce significantly the number of deaths from the disease. A secondary aim is to assist in raising awareness of skin cancer through educational programmes.
Public benefit at the heart of our charity
Cancer of the skin is very common within the population and for those afflicted by it, including their friends and family, the course of investigation and treatment can be a very anxious time. For the unfortunate few who have the most serious and lifethreatening form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, the affects can be devastating physically, psychologically, and financially. Since its formation, SCaRF has worked towards the objective of reducing the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma, and reducing the number of deaths from the disease. Although we are a long way from finding a cure for all forms of skin cancer, new treatments are now becoming available for some forms of life-threatening malignant melanoma which are helping people live longer with the disease. SCaRF has materially contributed to the development of new therapeutic approaches by, for example, funding research projects have which have established the response of melanoma cells to novel drugs.
The trustees confirm that they have considered the guidance of the Charity Commission and confirm the public benefit of the charity's work. Our work on this front is evidenced by the regular positive feedback we have from patients and their families. Moreover, as a reflection of the importance of the funded project streams, after initial seed funding, many have subsequently achieved recognition in the form of much larger grants administered by national bodies. A ‘pump priming’ approach to basic research has yielded significant returns in relation to early discoveries about skin cancer. In summary, the trustees believe that the potential humanitarian, public benefit of our research strategy is a testament to our commitment the underlying precepts of improving the outcome for patients afflicted by skin cancer in all its forms.
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The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Trustees report
31 March 2024
Achievements and performance
Research
The new policy for research grant consideration came into force on the 1st April 2017 with award of research grants considered twice a year with closing date for receipt of applications being 30th March and 30th September. The funding round in the period attracted only one interesting application which was then sent out to our scientific advisors for blinded review and comment. The trustees are primarily looking at the potential of ‘pump-priming’ projects so that the applicant can produce provisional, ground-breaking data to support a later, more substantial application to some of the larger medical research charities. It is hoped that SCaRF-funded research can lead to rapid clinical translation to improve the treatment and outcome for melanoma. The successful applications were:
Pennylouise Hever – Grant paid in year £5,000:
Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a unique and incongruent variant of cutaneous melanoma for which the optimal management has been unclear. Recent investigation into its genetics, histology and clinical course has led to evolution in clinical
management over the past five years. It requires specific management strategies, and current published melanoma guidelines fail to address these optimally. Dr Hever’s application was an international, multi-centre retrospective cohort study, designed to evaluate management of desmoplastic melanoma and outcomes in the UK, Australia, and the USA.
The primary objectives of this study are being used to determine:
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The incidence of DM in cohorts from the UK, USA and Australia.
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Sentinel lymph node (a means of assessing the spread of melanoma) positivity rates in DM.
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Rates of recurrence following removal with standard surgical margins.
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The efficacy of adjuvant therapies including post-operative radiotherapy and systemic adjuvant therapies.
The secondary objective of this study was to develop a best practice guideline for the management of DM.
Dr Richard Paul – Grant awarded £20,000:
Dr Richard Paul’s research group at Bournemouth University is focused on the development of a point of care sensor for skin cancer, aiming to revolutionise the way
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The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Trustees report
31 March 2024
skin cancer is diagnosed. The vision is to develop a user friendly, rapid sensor, capable of detecting skin cancers which does not require specialist training to use. Such a device could be confidently used by a range of medical professionals in primary care, including nurses, and would enhance the detection of skin cancers. The team have already developed a technique to capture and identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from skin cancer lesions and have completed a clinical study with skin cancer patients. The first clinical study has demonstrated that it is possible to collect and identify specific skin cancer VOCs and data has indicated preliminary VOC targets to aid in sensor development. The request for funding was to support a larger clinical study utilising our technology to validate the identity of the biomarkers in a larger cohort, and to develop and trial a sensor targeted at these VOC biomarkers. The development of a rapid sensor, specific to skin cancers and deployable in a point of care device is an exciting prospect, which would enable rapid detection of skin cancer in primary care. It could enhance patient triage and improving patient outcomes by earlier diagnosis.
Dr Paul and his research group were awarded £20,000 towards this project and we wish them well with as they undertake the first stage of this work.
Education and Awareness
The trustees believe that educating young people on the importance of safety in the sun and skin cancer prevention. In recent years, several presentations to local sixth form students have been delivered by trustee clinicians. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, such presentations were not possible to deliver and although restrictions relating to COVID-19 were largely lifted in March 2022, our programme of rolling presentations has yet to recommence. During the coming year the trustees will consider options for restarting these presentations, as they consider them an important element of delivering the objectives of the charity.
Financial review
Overview for 2023/24
The charity delivered a surplus for the year of £24,925 (2023: £288,975) which increased the accumulated fund to £547,969 (2023: £523,044).
Donations and legacy income for the year was £30,488 (2023: £344,881). Legacies received in the year totalled £5,432 (2023: £316,457) and other fund-raising channels also delivered £7,235 (2023: £28,175). Licence royalties received in the year totalled £1,846 (2023: £nil). The trustees have invested time and money in developing
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Trustees report
31 March 2024
alternative fund-raising and awareness channels through social media and traditional web approaches.
Research projects were supported during the year with contributions of £5,000 (2023: £47,195).
Governance and support expenditure for the year was £12,074 (2023: £8,711). Governance and support expense was 28.7% of total income. The annual average for administration costs since SCaRF was established is now 10.8% of total income.
Future developments
Priorities for the year 2024/25
This year we are endeavouring to be more productive in our research and educational activities.
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The trustees are committed to raising the profile of the charity with regards to being a national source of funding for cutting-edge skin cancer research. To this end, we have commenced a medical networking drive to advertise the nature of our work to potential collaborators. Currently, this includes the targeting of regional and national multidisciplinary skin cancer teams within an NHS setting to encourage grant applications for projects which fall within our remit. It has been decided that to attract applications from a range of professionals with both clinical and laboratory-based projects, the nature of the grants will be more flexible in nature. For example, this may entail support for a significant, multiyear lab-based project stream to investigate skin cancer pathology, or, in another form, small, hospital-based projects to identify components of clinical care that may benefit from optimisation.
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We will continue to disseminate the findings of the research we support on social media channels including Facebook (Skin Cancer Research Fund - SCARF | Bristol | Facebook) and X.
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We will deliver an excellent service to our research grant applicants including a thorough and independent assessment of their project from our scientific advisory committee and even for unsuccessful proposals, constructive feedback about developing their ideas. Once a grant has been awarded, we work with our partner to ensure seamless distribution of funds and where appropriate, giving a visible platform for exciting, early discoveries.
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Trustees report
31 March 2024
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We will deliver more education to sixth form students as we reinvigorate our teaching programme. The long-term goals are to stimulate sensible behaviour in the sun and early detection of skin cancer in susceptible individuals.
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We will maintain the new website so that it remains dynamic and engaging. To this end we are looking to create a series of short videos to answer a diverse range of frequently asked questions in the spheres of skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
Structure, governance and management
Governance and Management
The Charity is regulated by Trust Deed dated 16 February 1982 as varied by schemes of the Charity Commission of 13 May 1987, 8 January 1991, and 25 May 1995.
Meetings of the full Board of trustees were held periodically throughout the year.
The day-to-day business of the charity is carried out by the SCaRF Administrator in accordance with Policy of the Charity Commission and Guidelines agreed by the trustees. These guidelines are constantly under review to reflect external changes, including banking requirements and Charity Commissioners updates.
The Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected for three years in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Guidelines agreed by trustees. The Hon Treasurer is appointed by the trustees for a period of three years. The current Chair and VC were elected in 2024. The Hon. Treasurer post is appointed by the trustees, for a maximum period of 3 years. The present incumbent was appointed during September 2019 – again the effects of COVID 19 has led to an extension to the post holder. We are actively seeking a new appointment to these positions.
Recruitment, appointment, and induction of new trustees
Selection and appointment of trustees is by invitation of the existing trustees to individuals known to have an interest in and or technical knowledge appropriate to satisfying the aims and objectives of the Charity and for whom they may have talents and areas of expertise under-represented amongst the other trustees. If the invited candidate is willing to become a trustee, their appointment is then ratified at the next regular trustees' meeting. On appointment, new trustees are given background information and a history of the Charity Commission publications about the responsibilities of trustees and background to topics currently under consideration. Whilst no formal training exists, on the job involvement in the day-to-day affairs of SCaRF ensure that new trustees are quickly assimilated into the work of the charity. The
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The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Trustees report
31 March 2024
appointment and induction of new trustees has occurred infrequently because we have been lucky enough to retain our trustees for long periods and in the past, it has been a rather informal process.
The following changes to trustees occurred during the period since the publication of the last Trustee report:
Name Date of appointment/retirement
Mr D Fuidge Appointed on 18 March 2024 Mr A Hancock Retired on 18 March 2024 Mr A Wilkinson Appointed on 1 March 2024
Currently there are seven trustees appointed, and the Constitution of the Trust requires there to be a maximum of eleven and a minimum of five trustees in post.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The trustees adopted a Policy of Risk Management in January 2007 which is reviewed annually. The last time this was carried out was in March 2020. Responsibility for the management of risk falls to the trustees collectively. Historically the trustees, understanding that all risks cannot be mitigated, have operated in such a way as to expose the charity to a negligible financial risk while balancing a reasonable return on investment and retaining financial flexibility. This facilitates a reasonable reserve of funding for projects at times of demand. The policy adopted by the trustees continues with this philosophy. The policy was reviewed and confirmed in March 2016 with minor updating.
Risk assessment of the SCaRF office working environment continues to be undertaken by North Bristol NHS Trust and is reviewed periodically. Any remedial actions required are undertaken. The SCaRF Secretary attends Mandatory Training sessions as required by North Bristol NHS Trust on subjects such as Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Waste Management, etc.
Organisers of SCaRF events are responsible for conducting a risk assessment for individual events in accordance with the requirements of the charity's insurance
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company. SCaRF supporters participating in sponsored events organised by third parties are responsible for making sure that they and the organisers of the event have appropriate indemnity.
All SCaRF documentation and web information is regularly reviewed to assure that it is contemporaneous, factually correct and complies with the precepts of the Information Commissioners.
Reserves policy
The nature of skin cancer research is inherently long-term and unpredictable in its outcomes. It requires financial support that can accommodate successive stages of a project stream without imposing challenges on available capital. Flexibility is essential on the part of the grant-giving body to ensure researchers receive the full support needed to reach satisfactory conclusions. Given this, it is challenging to define financial reserves with absolute certainty.
To address these complexities, SCaRF has committed to reassessing its reserves policy annually. This reassessment will ensure that the policy reflects the most recent experience in terms of income levels and the demand for investment in research. For the purposes of this policy, “reserves” are defined as all funds committed to ongoing projects or administrative overheads.
Minimum reserves
The minimum level of reserves will be set at the sum of all grants already promised or committed, plus two years’ administrative costs. Based on current figures, this amounts to £53,000. This ensures that the charity can continue its core operations and fulfils its obligations even in the event of unforeseen financial pressures.
The trustees have recognised the importance of aligning the charity’s reserves policy with its long-term mission and financial sustainability. A draft reserves policy has been prepared to reflect these priorities, proposing reserves levels that safeguard existing commitments, account for income fluctuations, and support ongoing research programs without financial disruption. The charity remains committed to ensuring financial prudence while optimising the use of funds for SCaRF’s mission.
Signed on behalf of Trustees:
Chair: Ben McGinn
Vice Chair: Jonathon Pleat
Date: 31[st ] December 2024
Date: 31[st ] December 2024
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The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Independent Examiner’s Statement for the year ended 31 March 2024
Independent examiner's report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the above charity (“SCaRF”) for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report:
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trusts financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2022 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement:
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the financial statements did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the financial statements did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
Signed:
Anthony Robin Dicker
Date: 8[th] January 2025
Relevant professional qualification(s) or body:
Chartered Accountant, Fellow member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. (FCA)
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The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | ||
| funds | ||||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 30,488 | 30,488 | 344,632 | |
| Charitable activities | 9,838 | 9,838 | - | |
| Investments | 2 | 1,673 | 1,673 | (249) |
| ──────── | ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Totalincome | 41,999 | 41,999 | 344,881 | |
| Expenditure | 3 | |||
| Charitable activities | (5,000) | (5,000) | (47,195) | |
| Other | (12,074) | (12,074) | (8,711) | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Totalexpenditure | (17,074) | (17,074) | (55,906) | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) | 24,925 | 24,925 | 288,975 | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Net movement in funds | 24,925 | 24,925 | 288,975 | |
| Total funds brought forward | 6 | 523,044 | 523,044 | 234,069 |
| ──────── | ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 547,969 | 547,969 | 523,044 | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ──────── |
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The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Balance sheet
31 March 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Currentassets | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 551,037 | 523,044 | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Total current assets | 551,037 | 523,044 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | |||
| one year | |||
| Trade Creditors | 551,03(73,068) | 523,04-4 | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Net current assets/(liabilities) | 547,969 | 523,044 | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 547,969 | 523,044 | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Total net assets | 547,969 | 523,044 | |
| ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Represented by the funds of the charity | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 6 | 547,969 | 523,044 |
| ──────── | ──────── | ||
| Total charity funds | 547,969 | 523,044 | |
| ──────── | ──────── |
Signed on behalf of Trustees:
Chair: Ben McGinn
Vice Chair: Jonathon Pleat
Date: 31[st ] December 2024
Date: 31[st ] December 2024
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The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
1. Accounting policies
Basis of financial statements
These financial statements are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, including FRS 102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to charities in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, as set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) agreed between all United Kingdom Charity Commissions and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting.
The SORP provides that for charities with gross income less than £250,000, financial statements are prepared on a receipts and payments basis, and that is the basis on which these financial statements are prepared
The financial statements comply with applicable laws and give a true and fair view.
Recognition of income
Income is recognised when received.
Recognition of liabilities and expenditure
General
Liabilities are recognised where it is probable that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Governance and support costs
Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
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The notes form part of these financial statements
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Grants payable
Where a grant is given with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output
Where there are no conditions attaching to the grant that enables the charity to avoid the commitment, the funding liability is recognised in full.
Funds accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for, closely defined purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. Investment income
| nvestment income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year to | Year to | |
| 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Bank interest received | 1,149 | 249 |
| ──────── | ──────── | |
| Total investment income | 1,149 | 249 |
| ──────── | ──────── | |
| Expenditure | ||
| Year to | Year to | |
| 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Grant funding of research | 5,000 | 47,195 |
| Governance and support costs | 11,114 | 8,711 |
| Independent examiner’s fees | 960 | - |
| ──────── | ──────── | |
| Totalexpenditure | 17,074 | 55,906 |
| ──────── | ──────── |
3. Expenditure
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The notes form part of these financial statements
The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Year to | Year to | |
|---|---|---|
| 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Grant funding of research expenditure | ||
| by beneficiary | ||
| Hever | 5,000 | - |
| Ladame | - | 20,000 |
| Hurlstone | - | 13,107 |
| Matin | - | 14,088 |
| ──────── | ──────── | |
| Total grant funding of research | 5,000 | 47,195 |
| ──────── | ──────── |
4. Trustee remuneration and benefits
Trustee remuneration
There were no trustee remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024, nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Trustee expenses
There were no trustee expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024, nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.
5. Staff costs
| Staffcosts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to | Year to | ||
| 31 | March 2024 | 31 March 2023 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Wages and salaries | 8,426 | 8,418 | |
| ──────── | ──────── |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Administration | 1 | 1 |
|---|---|---|
| ──────── | ──────── |
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The notes form part of these financial statements
The Skin Cancer Research Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
6. Movement in funds
| Movement in funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 April | Net | 31 March | |
| 2023 | Movement | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 523,044 | 24,925 | 547,969 |
| ──────── | ──────── | ──────── | |
| Comparative movement in funds | |||
| 1 April | Net | 31 March | |
| 2022 | Movement | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 234,069 | 288,975 | 523,044 |
| ──────── | ──────── | ──────── |
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The notes form part of these financial statements