sense Sense Group Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Sense: Registered company number 1825301 Registered charity number 289868 Contents Message from our President Introduction from our Chair and Chief Executive Report of the Trustees of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association (including the Strategic Report) About Sense Our year in numbers Our strategic outcomes.. plans and achievements" Sense International.. performance againsl objectives for 2023124, Sense International.. plans for 2024125" Quality and safeguarding Fundraising Our volunteers 10 18 19 21 23 Our people The governance of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Public benefit 23 26 30 The Sense Group Other information: Legal and Administrative Details" Section 172 statement 31 35 37 Statement of the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association 38 Financial review of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association 2023124. 41 Principal risks and uncertainties" Energy and carbon report 2023124 Report on the audit of the financial statements Consolidated statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 Consolidated balance sheet as at 31 March 2024 44 47 52 55 56 Accounting policies of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Notes to the financial statements of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association, for the year ended 31 March 2024 59 66 Sections marked . form the Strategic Report of the Trustees Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Message from our President There is so much to celebrate looking back at our work over the last year, and so much to look forward to in the year ahead. My role is infomied by the people Sense supports and the difference we make to so many lives. That's why my visit to one of our new regional hubs in Loughborough last year was so uplifting and inspiring. Sense Hub Loughborough is a place for disabled children, young people and adults to develop confidence, try new things, make friends and discover shared interests. Bespoke studios within the hub offer a range of services, activities and programmes to support disabled people and their families. The children's studio supports children aged O- 8, with a focus on connection and play. The activity studio hosts our arts, sports and wellbeing activities, including everyihing from music workshops to yoga sessions. Finally, the employment studio is kitted out with the latest assistive technology and software necessary to support individuals with sensory impairments looking for work. What I found most impactful was seeing firsthand how the hub creates a space where families can come together. In fact, last year we supported over 1,000 children, their families and carers through the hub. I know that this simply would not have been possible without our amazing community of supporters. At the same time, we should also acknowledge the challenges and uncertainty we face with the ongoing cost of living crisis. This impacts Sense as a social care provider, fundraiser and retailer, as well as in our international work. It has also disproportionately affected the children, adults and families we support. Page 3 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 We must also recognise that it is a challenging time for our team at Sense and acknowledge their unwavering support and passion for their work. Sense will continue to navigate this extended period of uncertainty with sensitivity and resolve. We have a clear strategy and plan to guide us. and we will realise our vision whatever the challenges we face. The Lord Levy- President Page 4 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Introduction from our Chair and Chief Executive It's great to look back on such a successful year, with so much achieved towards delivering on our strategy. One of our highlights was the launch of our national early intervention services for children, young people and families. These services are providing essential support to help children communicate. connect and play. We also launched a new regional Sense Hub in Denbigh, extending our reach in local communities. Our new Sense Hub Belfast will also be launching in 2024. And, of course, we continued to support people with complex disabilities to live independently. pursue their goals and be part of their communities through our accommodation services, day opportunities, community services and our colleges. The cost of living crisis had a massive impact over the last year, particularly on how much it costs to run our services. We've had to look hard at where we can be more efficient. including reducing the use of agency staff in our services by finding new ways to recruit and keep our own amazing teams. But, whilsl we're all affected by rising prices, we mustn't forgel that children and adults with complex disabilities are often hardest hit. Many disabled households have to buy specialist equipment and use more energy for vital services like extra laundry, charging wheelchairs and powering oxygen machines. The cost of living has put tremendous pressure on disabled households, with more than half experiencing debt and nearly a third admitting to skipping meals to save money. This just shows why all political parties need to show more courage and imagination to develop policies that focus on removing the barriers disabled people face. We need to have a national conversation about inclusion. And we need to ensure that disability awareness becomes a commitment- notjust a 'nice thing to do,. Page 5 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 We'll continue to push Government to come up with plans to strengthen our welfare system, provide more tailored employment suppori for disabled people and, above all, work with the people affected to shape these policies. Otherwise, it's disabled people that will lose out. Justin Molloy Chair of Sense Richard Kramer Chief Executive of Sense and Sense International Page 6 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Report of the Trustees of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association (including the Strategic Report) About Sense Our vision and mission Our vision is a world where no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is left out, isolated, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our mission is to remove barriers to communication so that everyone has the opportunity to live their life to the full. Who we are We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life, no matter how complex someone's disability. Who we support Sense supports people with complex disabilities, including deafblindness. From the first weeks of life and through the major milestones of adulthood, we want to ensure disabled people and their families are supported to live fully at every stage of life. People with complex disabilities tend to have two or more of the following: Deafness or hearing impairment Blindness or vision impairment Learning disability Autism People who are deafblind aren't necessarily totally deaf andlor totally blind. Even with mild sight and hearing loss, you'll still experience unique daily challenges. There are 1.6 million people in the UK with complex disabilities, most of whom need significant or high-level care in their daily lives. Page 7 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 What we do and how we do it Sense supports disabled people from the first weeks of life through all the major milestones of adulthood. No matter how complex someone's disability, we provide support in people's homes, in ￿nIreS and in residential services across the country. We also offer practical information, advi￿ and support to carers and families, enabling them to build the resilience to thrive, not just survive. With Sense, children can develop new ways to communicate and play, adults can build confidence and find a place in their community, and families can feel seen, supported and valued. Together, we can achieve long term change. That's why we go to any lengths, step up in the face of adversity and stand together with the 1.6 million people with complex disabilities in the UK. Our year in numbers Our reach in numbers Over the last year, we reached almost 32,000 people and families- 2,000 more than the previous year. We expanded services to support more people in new locations, including the North West, while also continuing our long-term core services and support. We raised £13,977,000 in donations and legacies for our work across Sense and Sense International, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, an increase of 8.5 % from the previous year (£12,875.000)- We reached more supporters through our new campaign, 'Give Carers a Break,, which calls for greater investment in respite services to support family carers. We worked with 18 family carers to support them in sharing their experiences in the media. Their stories were covered more than 300 times in the news, including ITV News and the Times, and our campaign film was viewed more than 44,000 times on social media. Page 8 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 During Deafblind Awareness Week, we also launched our myth-busting film, featuring people sharing their experiences of being deafblind. This was viewed more than 10,000 times. and wider content received 25,000 engagements on social media. Our social media followers rose by 16°/o, Wlth engagement remaining higher than similar charities, and our video views rose 28 % year on year. Our service in numbers We supported 279 people with short breaks for disabled people and their families, up by 13 % from the previous year. We expanded our employment offer and reached new people in areas like Loughborough, supporting a total of 542 people across our services and employment events. This was an increase of 128 % on the previous year. We reached over 5,141 children, young people and families across the country through our face-to-face services, an increase of 320/0. We also reached 2,603 families through our digital toolkits. Our arts and wellbeing activities continued lo grow, with 8,683 children, young people and adults benefiting from our activities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Through our Sense Active programme, we were able to grow and expand into new areas of the country thanks to Sports England funding. which meant we reached 5.174 people. In partnership with local and education authorities, we supported 341 people in our accommodation services, similar to the previous year. 626 people accessed one of our day opportunities, individual support or both, through our ten Sense Centres. Our specialist college sites worked with 356 young people and adults, up by 60/0 from the previous year. Our information and advice line supporled people with 5,157 telephone and email enquiries, an increase of 20/0 from the previous year. We continue to achieve over 90 % of our Se￿iceS being judged by the Care Quality Commission as 'good' or 'outstanding'. Page 9 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Our influence in numbers As of March 2024, there were just over 155,000 people actively supporting Sense through donating. campaigning and championing the rights of disabled people. From April 2023 to March 2024, 9,446 people took action in some way to support our cost of living and respite work. Our call for assistive technology to be made available to disabled people in job centres has been supported in debates by members of the Commons and the Lords, and 16 written questions have been tabled on our behalf. We have given evidence to two government committees and an All-Party Parliamentary Group. We are hopeful that they will include our recommendation in their inquiry reports. Over 550 people visited our stand at the Conservative and Labour party conferences, where we shared information on the lives of people with complex disabilities. Over 30 MPS wore Sense badges for the Prime Minister's Questions during Deafblind Awareness Week, raising our profile on social media as well as in parliament. Our strategic outcomes: plans and achievements Outcome 1.. Children and families get the best possible start Being a parent or carer of a child who is deafblind or who has complex disabilities can be challenging. In many cases, parents can struggle to communicate and connect with their child. especially if the child expresses themselves in a unique way. Getting the right support at the right time can make all the difference to a child's development. It also strengthens and supports families. helping them to ac￿pt and embrace their future lives. Key achievements Across all our charitable programmes, Sense reached 5,208 children and their families last year. We continued to grow the Sense Early Intervention and Play service in Birmingham, Loughborough and North Wales. We also extended our reach to Bristol, Page10of91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 offering Sense Connect and Play sessions for 2,392 children with complex disabilities. aged 0-8 years, and their families. These services support the vital contribution that free play makes to a child's development. By offering activities ranging from sensory stories to outdoor forest schools, we helped children find new ways to connect, communicate and play. We also launched the Sense Toy and Tech Se￿1￿. which helps parents looking for specialist assistive technology to try before they buy, supporting them to find the right toys and equipment to help their child learn and communicate. Our multi-sensory impaired {MSI) children's team of teachers and practitioners continues to provide tailored extra support for 1,572 children and young people aged 0-25 nationally. This includes specialist one-to-one support at home or in nurserylschool, early years groups, family events, parenucarer information and wellbeing sessions. and bespoke training. The team reached children and families through face-to-face and virtual activities, supporting them to communicate with each other and aC￿sS education. They also led and attended professional events across the country to raise awareness and share knowledge of deafblindness and MSI, reaching over 1,150 professionals. Responding to feedback from families, we changed the way we hosted Sense Holidays, opening them up to whole families. In total 36 people (nine families), including siblings, parents and carers, went on a holiday. Four families from our Sense Connect and Play service were supported lo attend an accessible holiday home in the Cotswolds. Meanwhile, five families who we support through our MSI team went for a fun-packed weekend together in Devon, with specialist support. Families told us they appreciated how Sense supported them to aC￿sS trips away and events in their communities, helping them cope with the cost of living and extra financial barriers which would othe￿iSe make these trips impossible. Page11of91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Over the last year we also launched new digital toolkits, which offer a range of downloadable information, services and products for children with complex disabilities and their families. Families downloaded this content over 3,700 times. Plans for 2024-25 We'll launch early intervention and multi-sensory impaimient programmes in Northern Ireland. We'll expand our Sense Toy and Tech service to reach more families and more locations. We'll develop a plan to recruit, retain and train more multi-sensory impairment specialists. We'll continue to grow our Sense Early InteNention Programme, expanding in London and Leeds. We'll further develop our digital support for parents across all our children and young people's services, ensuring that we reach more families than ever. Outcome 2.. Adults are supported to live and learn at every stage of their lives We believe that everyone has a right to live a fulfilling life and play an active parl in their community, including through equal access to work, education and training. With the right support- reflecting people's aspirations and needs - we can ensure that no one is left out or unable to fulfil their potential. Key achievements Our new supported living site in Belfast opened for six people who are new to Sense. The tenants have now all moved in and are living independently with the freedom to choose the support they want and need. Our target last year was to reach 75 new adults across services that are commissioned, for example by local authorities and integrated care systems {ICSs). We significantly exceeded this target, with 132 new adults benefiting from our support, including across our supported living. college, residential care and day services. Page12of91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 We have continued to develop our Sense Hubs across the UK. Our new hub in Denbigh. opened in September 2023, offers a range of vital services and support for disabled people to make new friends. learn new skills and express themselves. Plans for 2024-25 We have identified a building for our new Sense Hub Belfast, where we'll collaborate with the MS Society to provide services funded by both commissioners and our charitable donations. We'll take steps to ensure that the Sense operating model for commissioned services continues to be robust and of a high quality. We'll design and develop a digital social care system that meets the needs of Sense and its regulators. The system will be implemented in 2025126. Outcome 3.. Individuals are less lonely and more connected in their communities We know that many disabled people, across all stages of life, feel lonely. This is a very common experience among the people we support. We respond to this challenge by supporting people to build confidence, access new environments, create a sense of connection within their local community and find a route out of loneliness. Key achievements Over the last year we helped 17,851 people and families combat loneliness. learn new skills and make connections through a range of activities. In 2023124, we hosted a wider range of Sense Holidays than in previous years, creating more opportunities for people and their families to take a break. In all, 137 people benefited from being able to go on a memorable accessible holiday with our support. Our main holiday programme hosted 19 holidays across a range of venues, venturing to Gloucester, North Yorkshire. Kent and Blackpool. Thanks to 86 wonderful volunteers, we enabled 71 holidaymakers to enjoy these opportunities. Page13of91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 We also worked alongside the Deafblind International Network to enable 30 holidaymakers who are deafblind and their supporters to visit a four-day event in Holland. The event brought together people from all over Europe, including Germany. Norway. Denmark and Ireland. We supported 757 siblings and young carers through our services. Based on feedback from young people and parents, we began offering monthly wellbeing sessions. facilitated by qualified counsellors. Specific group sessions were aimed at teenagers, with sessions ranging from revision tips to CV writing. Siblings were supported to develop peer-to-peer friendships, and we ran another successful residential trip for 25 siblings, supported by FoMard Carers. We also launched our sibling service at Sense Hub Loughborough. The Sense Virtual Buddy programme created opportunities for 491 people to connect virtually, learn new skills, have fun and form fantastic friendships. Our Sense Arts programme was expanded and reached 8,683 people across the year, thanks to new funding from Arts Council England. This opened up high quality arts and cultural activities to 489 people with complex disabilities, empowering them to use creativity to express themselves and connect with the world around them. An additional 2,978 people also engaged with our public specialist arts events and workshops, allowing many more people to find out about our work. Our Sense Active programme supported 5,174 people with complex disabilities to access sport and physical activity. We also trained 519 sports professionals, carers and paid supporters to develop their skills in inclusive sports practice and sensory approaches. Our employment programme supported 542 disabled people and employers, including providing access to training, volunteering and work preparation. Plans for 2024-25 We will further develop the Sense Virtual Buddying programme. including through partnerships, to increase our reach. We'll continue to develop a sustainable Sense Holidays programme, increasing opportunities for children. families and adults to enjoy breaks away. Page14of91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 We'll continue to deliver our national arts programme, providing more opportunities to connect through visual arts, dance and music. We'll deliver Sense Active's exciting programme of sport and training, acting as a System Partner for Sport England. Outcome 4.. Society has increased awareness of the impact of our work and is inspired to take action For almost 70 years, Sense has been standing up for disability rights. We support disabled people and their families to fight for change on a local and national level. Key achievements From volunteering as a virtual buddy or with our shops, services and holidays, to campaigning, fundraising and donating, last year we were proud to count over 150,000 people as active supporters of Sense. We continued to ensure that more people heard about Sense and our work through high profile events. including functions at the House of Lords and the opening of our Loughborough Hub with HRH The Princess Royal. And we grew our work with businesses across the UK, being supported by organisations such as the Village Group. PayPal, Next. Tara Group, Morrisons, Pertemps and Severn Trent. Most importantly, people felt inspired by the disabled voices and personal stories we promoted from people with lived experience. These accounts of lived experience motivated others to take action and support people with complex disabilities to live the life they choose. Our new campaign, 'Give Carers a Break,, shed light on the need for more respite support for family carers. We know this remains a huge issue, made worse by the pandemic and cost of living crisis. The campaign was covered widely on TV and in newspapers, as well as being viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media. This campaign, like all our campaigns, focused on the eXperIen￿S of the people we support and their families. Over the course of the year, we supported 126 people, including disabled people, family members, volunteers and support workers, to share their Page15of91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 experiences in the media. From Jade Cotton - who highlighted the difficulties she encountered finding work as a disabled person, to Anna Tesdale - a mother and carer who visited 10 Downing Street as an ambassador of our cost of living campaign. Our campaigns led to over 9,000 people taking action to support our cause. This included almost 300 who personally emailed their local MP about our 'Give Carers a Break, campaign, inviting them to meet with Sense at political party conferences. In July 2023, we published the latest results of our annual Potential and Possibility research, highlighting the eXperIen￿S of people with complex disabilities on a range of issues. We shared our findings with visitors to our stand at Labour and Conservative party conferences. The research was also showcased in a BBC Breakfast feature, highlighting the issue of loneliness among people with complex disabilities. This feature was watched by 6.5 million people. Plans for 2024-25 We will present our long-term goals to the new UK Government, gather support from our community, and work with all political parties before and after the general election to represent disabled people and their carers. We'll continue lo empower people to tell their own stories, growing our bank of engaging case studies. We'll develop more stand-out campaigns linked to our cause. including using digital marketing to test new approaches to spreading our reach. We'll further develop our philanthropy and partnerships programme, establishing three sustainable and measurable income streams: trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and philanthropylmajor donor giving. Sense International: performance against objectives for 2023124 Sense International supports children and adults with deafblindness in Bangladesh. India, Kenya. Nepal, Peru, Romania, Tanzania and Uganda. People with deafblindness in the countries we work in are particularly vulnerable to poverty and unemployment, with lower educational outcomes than other disabled people. They face multiple barriers, including Page16of91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 lack of access to healthcare, education, vocational training and opportunities to participate in their community. Lack of ac￿Ssible information and communication makes it extremely difficull for them to Vol￿ their issues. Strategic objective 1 .' People with deafblindness are included in national systems We show how people with deafblindness can be included in national systems - such as healthcare, education and vocational training - working and innovating in partnership with governments, partner organisations and parents. We aim to support people with deafblindness throughout their lives, offering diagnosis as early as possible and supporting them at key milestones in adulthood. from education and employment to family and community life. Through our work, we demonstrate to governments, health authorities, families and communities how early screening and intervention can make a huge difference to a child's life. Last year 70,887 children were screened for deafblindness across our countries. We work with families, schools, colleges, partner organisations, government institutions and ministries of education, to enable learners with deafblindness to get the educational support they need to fulfil their potential. Last year, across all countries. we supported 5,586 children with deafblindness to access education. Like anyone their age, young people with deafblindness want to be as independent as possible, earn a living and contribute to their families and communities. We support young people with deafblindness to achieve this, enabling them to join a vocational training centre, become an apprenti￿, or plan to start their own business. Last year, 1,180 young people were supported with vocational training or opportunities to earn across our eight countries. Strategic objective 2.. People with deafblindness, and the people who support them, have more information, skills and knowledge We share information and train people with deafblindness,. their families and carers- health-workers. educators and other professionals., communities. and decision-makers, so that people with deafblindness get better support. Page17of91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Across all our countries, 9,178 people were trained to support people with deafblindness. We also continue to develop the online Global Deafblindness Resource Centre - deafblindness.info. Funded by the Nelumbo Foundation, this offers accessible information and resources to those who support people with deafblindness, including parents. caregivers, teachers and NGO workers. Strategic objective 3.. People with deafblindness are recognised in laws, policies and budgets We raise our voice to ensure the promises and commitments of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPDI and other international human rights legal instruments, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are realised for people with deafblindness. Together with our partners and collaborators, including organisations led by people with deafblindness, we advocate for change in policy, programmes and ServI￿S so that people with deafblindness are included in every aspect of life. Sense International: plans for 2024125 In 2024125, we will continue to implement the refreshed five-year strategy we put in pla in 2021122. We will deliver work on early inteNention, inclusive education, and vocational training and livelihoods, alongside advocacy, training and knowledge sharing, so that people with deafblindness are meaningfully included in systems and societies. A few of our priorities for 2024125 are= In Latin America, we will work in a new geography, Ecuador, and expand our education and livelihoods work to reach more people with deafblindness. In Kenya, we'll work with local authorities and partners to set up hearing screening and early intervention services in Garissa and Kwale counties. We'll train local health workers and professionals on early intervention approaches to identify and support children with deafblindness. In Nepal, we'll enable children and young people with deafblindness and multi-sensory impairments to have access to early screening, education, lifelong learning and skills training in Kathmandu, Kaski, Rupandehi and Morang districts. Page18of91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 In India. through a new two-year partnership with the John Lewis Partnership, we'll support young people with deafblindness and multi-sensory impairments to access employment in Delhi and Alleppey. In Uganda, we'll expand our early intervention services to new districts. We'll continue to deliver our Global Inclusive Education programme, ensuring more children with deafblindness and complex disabilities have access to education. As part of this programme, we will launch our Global Resource Hub, a digital plaffomi with information and resources for people with deafblindness and the people who support them. To mark 30 years of Sense International in 2024, we'll plan a series of campaigns and events, including a gala in September to raise awareness and support for people with deafblindness and our work. Quality and safeguarding Quality Last year, our services rated 'good' or'outstanding, decreased from 94 % to 90.40/0. This is due to two services being re-inspected and dropping from a 'good' rating to a 'requires itnprovement, rating. Our services in Northern Ireland and Wales remain 'assured' by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), and Care Inspectorale Wales (CIW) respectively. We have been working to prepare for the new CQC inspection processes. which includes assessment of services against CQC'S new quality statements. Audits are being completed in person to ensure the quality, safety and compliance of seNices, and we have been working on new audit tools which will align with the new CQC assessment framework. Our independently chaired Quality Board continues to meet quarterly to review evidence of quality assurance across our services and agree recommendations. Our practice development team, which provides support across Sense services nationally, has a strong focus on positive behaviour support. Increasing people's quality of life and providing opportunities for people to flourish and thrive is an underlying aim. Page19of91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Last year, 16 of our services also piloted the Capable Environment Standards Audit Tool. This was designed by members of the Restrain Reduction Network {RRN) and helps to assess both Ihe quality of provision and possible causes of behaviours of concem. It is also a self-reflection lool. which means teams can identify areas of improvement themselves, as well as find things to celebrate. Inclusion The Sense User Reference Group {SURG) is a group of people who receive a Sense service and volunteer to give valuable feedback to help us shape service delivery and continuously improve the way we meet people's needs. Last year, the group met both virtually and in person at Sense Touchbase Pears. They met with senior members of staff to talk about topics as varied as our equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy, our latest staff survey and the impact of global warming. A member of the group was also involved in presenting information on Sense to a group of international students. One member of SURG has resigned from the group and therefore a vacancy is open. Our Experts by Experience (EXE) - people who have lived experience of social care- are employed by Sense to ensure the design and delivery of our services are truly person- centred. We are appointing a further three EXE members on fixed term contracts in spring 2024. The EXE will continue to take part in quality audits for services, both remotely and in person. The Working Together for Change {wfFC) programme is part of our yearly feedback process. It ensures that we listen to the people we support, using their experiences and hopes for the future to help improve what we do. Safeguarding We take safeguarding very seriously at Sense, and continually ensure our approaches reflect legislation and emerging best practices, including for online and digital seNices. Our Safeguarding Board is independently chaired and meets regularly to review policies, processes and procedures. It also makes recommendations, including monitoring levels of training and awareness across the whole of Sense. Page 20 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 We are committed to the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP), which means we focus on the personalised outcomes that the people we support want. Last year, with funding support from Fairer Futures Fund, we ran a series of workshops with a group of individuals who used varied methods of communication. This taught about consent. saying 'No' to abuse and taking control of their decisions. Fundraising So much of our work would be impossible without our supporters, and the amazing people that have donated time and money, fundraised, or left money in their Will for Sense. Last year, the generosity of our supporters meant we raised £13,977.000 for the work of Sense and Sense International. This was thanks to.. 168 supporters who left us £3,264,000 through special bequests to remember Sense in their Will. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and thanks to their loved ones. 2,498 further people who enquired about leaving a gift in their Will, after seeing our TV and online advertising. Our brilliant individual supporters who donated £706,000 to Sense Children's Specialist Services at Christmas. Our appeal featured four-year old Verity, who has a rare genetic condition and is sight impaired. The campaign described how we have worked with Verity and her family to ensure that she can be included and feel the magic of Christmas using her other senses. 2,129 supporters who signed up to participate in Sense Sign School, raising money and helping people learn British Sign Language. For £10 a month, people receive a set of flash cards, conversation guides and access to teaching videos by Deaf people who use our services. Over 16,500 new people who gave a gift following our campaigns and appeals on TV, in newspapers and magazines, and online. Over 850 people who ran, cycled, trekked and swam for Sense. We also recruited 490 runners for the 2024 London Marathon, where we raised over £1 M through this event for the first time. Over 100 tribute funds were set up for donations in memory of a loved one, collectively raising £89,000. Page 21 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 130 Sense shops that took part in four fun weeks of fundraising to raise £88.000. 65 local businesses that kindly donated to us. We also launched Stream it for Sense, a way for online video streamers to fundraise, and we had over 100 people sign up to host a Sensational Tea Party to raise money for Sense. Our commitment to fundraise responsibly Maintaining the trust of our supporters is critical - that is why honesty and transparency are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to following best practices in fundraising and marketing. We are members of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and registered with the Fundraising Regulator, whose Code of Practice we follow. We adhere to all legislative and regulatory requirements and ensure that our policies, guidelines and processes are regularly reviewed. We have strict guidelines about fundraising from vulnerable people and we never put pressure on anyone to donate. In 2023124, we worked with four professional fundraisers to support our fundraising. We closely monitor our supplier partners and those that fundraise on our behalf to ensure the highest standards are maintained. We work extremely hard to ensure that supporters and the public have a positive experience of Sense, but we recognise we do not always get it right. You can find our complaints policy on the Sense website- we take all complaints and concerns seriously and value the feedback this provides. Over the last year, our supporter ServI￿S team re￿iVed 75 complaints. We always respond quickly to requests to change the way we contact people, and we ensure that our supporters, personal details are managed respectFully and securely. We also review our data management procedures regularly. During the reporting period, we received 60 requests through the Fundraising Preference Service asking us not to send fundraising requests, and were removed from our mailing Page 22 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 lists. No complaints were made to the Fundraising Regulator about Sense during this period. If you would like to talk to us about fundraising, please contact us at: supporterservices@sense.org.uk or 0300 330 9257. Our volunteers In 2023124, our incredible volunteers continued to provide vital support for our shops, services, activities and holidays. We are so thankful for their time, energy and commitment. Sense shops rely on volunteers. They are a huge part of our retail operation and help us engage with our local communities. Last year over 1,800 people volunteered across our 137 shops. Sense Virtual Buddying is an important way we can tackle loneliness and social isolation. In July 2023, we filmed the story of Chapman - a 13-year-old boy with complex disabilities- and his virtual buddy, Gabi. Their story was also broadcast on BBC Breakfast, with a reach of over 4.8 million viewers. It highlighted this great initiative, only made possible Ihrough the commitment of over 200 people that volunteered to be a buddy last year. In November 2023, we launched a new system for recruiting volunteers to Sense. replicating our system for recruiting employees. This has helped us become more efficient and effective at recruiting and welcoming new volunteers. We appointed a new Head of Volunteering in January 2024 who is leading us in launching a revised approach and strategy for volunteering in 2024-25. Our people In 2023124 our talented and dedicated workforce and volunteers continued to ensure that our services remained safe and secure for the people we support. Everyone, from those directly involved in looking after the people we support, to those raising funds in our shops or working in office functions, played a vital role. Page 23 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 How we supported our people Last year, we appointed a wellbeing lead to focus on our wellbeing action plan, which was generated from feedback sessions held in 2023. We introduced free access to the Headspace app so our people can find wellbeing content lo help with stress, anxiety, sleep and much more. We continued to offer the Sense Plus rewards portal. with discounts for well-known retailers, and our employee assistan￿ programme provided confidential support and counselling on a wide range of topics. We also offer a voluntary Health Care Cash Plan and Cycle to Work Scheme. We now have a wellbeing hub on Sense Engage, our interactive intranet. which brings together all our employee support and information signposting in one place. Recruiting new talent We continue to use digital campaigns to raise awareness of vacancies at Sense and encourage a wide range of applications, as well as using traditional advertising and job boards to attract candidates. Our new applicant tracking system is now embedded for faster, more efficient recruitment and welcoming of new employees. Over 350 hiring managers are now trained to use it. Engaging and communicating with our people Our intranet, Sense Engage, continues to evolve and be further embedded into our work culture and practices. Last year, we used it to share news, team information, policies and links to our systems. It helps our people find contact infomiation for colleagues, comment on blogs or articles and access our employee benefits. We launched an employee engagement survey in June 2023 for our people to have their say about working at Sense. From the response we have created organisational and team- level action plans. We are regularly reporting on progress with 'you said, we did, internal communications. Page 24 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Equality, diversity and inclusion As part of our continued equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) journey, we reviewed our EDI Board and defined our objectives, along with creating a working action plan to help track activity. The EDI Board continued to meet regularly over the year. Our four employee diversity networks the disability network, the ethnic diversity network, the LGBTQ+ network and the wellbeing network- are now more established and provide a safe space for our people to meet, as well as continuing to promote an inclusive culture. We use staff stories to raise awareness of cultural dates and religious festivals, and we created 'toolbox talks, for our teams to facilitate and have open conversations, as well as providing signposting information. We developed a refreshed EDI strategy to launch in the 2024125 financial year, which was written by a working group formed of people from all levels and areas of the organisation. As a result of the integration of the new recruitment system and our Sense People system, we now have EDI data on 74 % of our people. This has provided better insight and understanding of protected characteristics and associated trends within our workforce, informing report such as our annual pay gap review. We incorporated Equality Impact Assessments within our policy and procedure development. In addition to our statutory requirements for reporting our gender pay gap, we continue to report on disability and ethnicity pay gaps for our people.. Gender- Mean: 8.82 % (up 1.42 % from 7.4 % Disability - Mean: _3.2 / Ethnicity- Mean- 7.8 0/0 (up 0.4 % from 7.4 % Senior management pay Salaries for the Chief Executive and the executive team are set and reviewed by the Remuneration committee, which is a sub-committee of our Board of Trustees. The benefits Page 25 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 available are in line with other employees,, and pay is externally benchmarked in a similar way. Sense is a complex organisation which works across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our workforce is engaged in a wide variety of work. As well as providing specialist personalised support to help people communicate and make the most of their potential, we work in education, campaigning and supporter engagement. Meanwhile, our retail arm runs over 100 shops in England and Wales. Our subsidiary organisation. Sense International, works with partners in East Africa, parts of Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. The governance of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association During the year 2023124, and up to the adoption of the annual report and financial statements by the Board, there have been 14 Trustees, some of whom were in post for part of the year. Trustees are also (for the purposes of company law) Directors of Sense, The National Deafblind and Rubella Association. Their names are set out within the section 'The Sense Group, later in this report. Under the current Articles, Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees and can serve two tems of four years. Those co-opted can be reappointed annually, up to a maximum of eight years. The Board of Trustees (the Board) usually meets four times a year and Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. Sub-committees The Board is supported by four sub-committees: Finance and Audit, Remuneration, Nominations and Engagement. Each sub-committee has written Terms of Reference, which are reviewed as necessary and included in the Governance Handbook. The Board appoints the members of the sub-committees annually and receives either the minutes from their meetings, or reports of their activities, with any recommendations. Page 26 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Finance and Audit sub-committee The Finance and Audit sub-committee's main purposes are to: Ensure that financial resources are deployed appropriately in furtherance of the charity's strategic objectives. Monitor and review the effectiveness of Sense's internal and external auditing prO￿dureS and outcomes. Report to and advise the Board on all matters within the purview of the Committee. Committee membership comprises at least three Trustees, in addition to the Chair (the Honorary Treasurer). Apart from Trustees, the committee can co-opt new members who they feel will bring relevant financial expertise. The Chief Executive and the Group Director of Finance and Resources attend the meetings. Nominations sub-committee The role of the Nominations sub-committee is to: Identify skills gaps in the membership of the Board of Trustees. Oversee the recruitment process of Board members and recommend prospective Trustees to the Board for appointment or co-option, ensuring that, once appointed, they have an appropriate induction. Membership of the sub-committee comprises at least one other Trustee, in addition to the Chair. The Chief Executive and the Head of Governance attend the meetings. Prospective Trustees are interviewed by the Nominations sub-commiltee and, if successful, their appointment is recommended to the Board. With the agreement of the Chair. nominees are invited to a Board meeting as observers. Following this, with the agreement of the Board, they are appointed or co-opted as Trustees. New Trustees receive a comprehensive induction pack. An appropriate induction plan is also put in place, which involves meetings with senior staff, internal and external training as necessary. and visits to Sense's services as appropriate. Page 27 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Remuneration sub-committee The Remuneration sub-committee ensures that.. Sense's remuneration strategy for the Chief Executive and members of the executive team, and its implementation, is perceived by all stakeholders to be transparent, fair and effective. Total remuneration is commensurate with personal and corporate performance and market expectations. Overall packages enable Sense to recruit suitably skilled, qualified and experienced people. The membership of the sub-committee comprises the Chair, Vice-chair and Treasurer, with a minimum of two members also needed to hold any meeting. The Chief Executive is a non-voting ex officio member but is not present for discussions regarding their own remuneration. The Director of People may be asked to attend for certain items. Engagement sub-committee The Engagement sub-committee is responsible for: Advising the Board about fundraising and marketing matters. Monitoring the implementation of our engagement strategy. Providing oversight of key activity, campaigns and outcomes. Making recommendations about plans and activities. The sub-committee has at least one member in addition to the Chair and can co-opt external members. The meetings are attended by the Group Director of Engagement. Executive team The Board delegates day-to-day operational management of the organisation to the Chief Executive. The broad areas of delegation. for which the Chief Executive is accountable, have been agreed by the Board and are set out in the Governance Handbook. To ensure these responsibilities are discharged effectively, the Chief Executive is responsible for appointing, managing and developing senior staff to take direct Page 28 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 responsibility for these areas, and for putting in place appropriate reporting and assurance mechanisms. The executive team meets regularly and includes the Chief Executive, Group Director of Operational Services, Group Director of Finance and Resources, Group Director of Engagement, four other functional Directors and the Head of Governance and Executive Support. The Governance Handbook In addition to the areas covered above (temis of reference and delegated matters), the 'Governance Handbook, also includes sections on the values of Sense. our commitment to diversity,. the appointment of Trustees., role profiles for the Chair, Vice Chair. Treasurer and other Trustees. the Trustee induction process. Trustee Code of Conduct; Trustee conflict of interest policy and the Board's agenda cycle. We currently use the 7th edition of this, which was approved by the Board in March 2022. The Charity Governance Code The Charity Governance Code specifies that the boards of large charities should publish a brief statement in their annual report, on how they use the code under the seven principles. We have detailed our approaches to 'Organisational Purpose, (Page 7 and 32), 'Leadership' (Page 33), 'Integrity' (as noted within our Governance Handbook) and 'Openness and Accountability, within the information provided within this report. To note the three outstanding principles.. Principle 4: Decision making, risk and control As detailed on Page 27, Sense has a robust governance structure. Led by the needs of the organisation, Trustees meet quarterly as a Board and in addition will sit on various other Committees to provide oversight and decision making within the remit of each Committee othemise decisions will be taken as recommended actions to the full Board of Trustees. Page 29 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Principle 5: Board effectiveness The last internal Board review, which took place in 2021, concluded that the Board operates very efficiently, creating a positive and transparent working atmosphere and making decisions well as a team. We plan to undertake annual Board and sub board reviews from 2024125 onwards. Principle 6: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) The Board is committed to having a diverse membership, with a reasonable balance across areas including race, gender, age, involvement of people with complex disabilities or their family members, and people from various professional backgrounds. The Govemance review in 2021 identified the need to increase the diversity of Trustees, noting the under-representation of people from minority ethnic backgrounds and the importance of recruiting Trustees with a lived experience of disabilities. A Trustee with lived experience of disability was appointed as a result and further recruitment is planned for 2024125. The Board continues to re￿1ve updates on the progress of the EDI strategy and, by extending the software package for recruitment to volunteers, we will be gathering data for all volunteers - including Trustees - going forward. Public benefit Trustees refer to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The information about our ServI￿S and achievements contained in this report gives clear examples of how our work is beneficial and brings public benefit. Our objectives for next year show that Sense will continue to provide public benefit in line with our objects. Page 30 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 The Sense Group Working together The Sense Group comprises two discrete legal entities.. Sense and Sense International, in addition to the subsidiaries as set out below. Both Sense and Sense International are registered charities and companies limited by guarantee in England and Wales, with their own Boards and Memorandum and Articles. The objects of both charities are similar in referring to supporting people who are deafblind and have sensory impairments. Our shared vision is a world where no one who is deafblind or has complex disabilities is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Each organisation runs its own activities to work towards this vision. Information about Sense International is given below, but additional details can be found in their own annual report and financial statements. Sense is the trading name of Sense, The National Deafblind and Rubella Association, which is a registered charity in England and Wales (charity number 289868) and a company limited by guarantee (company number- 01825301). It is governed by its Articles of Association. Sense works primarily in England. Wales and Northern Ireland. It is the Corporate Trustee of the Royal School for Deaf Children (Birmingham)- It is the sole member of Sense International and Sense4Enterprise Limited, and also holds 100 % of the issued share capital of Helping Sense Limited. The Objects approved in 2021 are set out in Article 3 as follows= 3. Objects The objects for which the Charity is established (the "Objects") are to.. 3.1 primarily support and promote the interests of persons who are deafblind or have multi- sensory impaimients; Page 31 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 3.2 and to supporl persons who, by virtue of having a learning disability or one or more mental or physical impairments, or sensory impairmentls), require care andlor communication support (together, the 'beneficiaries"). Sense International is a registered charity (charity number 1076497), a company limited by guarantee (company number.. 03742986) and is govemed by its own Memorandum and Articles of Association. It works on a global basis, raising the needs of people with deafblindness and working with partner organisations in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Peru, Romania, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Sense is the only member of Sense Intemational. Sense has the following of subsidiaries: Helping Sense Limited is Sense's trading company (company number: 02214430). It is governed by its own Memorandum and Articles of Association, and its main activity is the sale of goods through Sense's charity shops. The profits from its activities are donated to Sense. Sense4Enterprise Limited (company number: 08112973) is a registered company limited by guarantee, set up to enable Sense to take forward social enterprise activities. The Royal School for Deaf Children (Birmingham) is a registered charity (charity number- 528908). The Charity Commission granted a linking order, permitting its activities to be reported within Sense's report without the need to file its own separate annual report and financial statements. It is governed by its trust deed but does not operate in its own right. This subsidiary did not trade in the year. This is the consolidated annual report and financial statements for all the Sense organisations. Sense International publishes its own annual reports and financial statements that describe its activities and finances in more detail. Helping Sense Limited and Sense4Enterprise Limited, have taken advantage of the exemption available under Section 479 of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the Page 32 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 requirement for audit. As a condition of the exemption, the Company has guaranteed the year-end liabilities of the relevant subsidiaries until they are settled in full. Sense subsidiaries HSL Ltd and S4E Ltd complete statutory accounts that are lodged with Companies House, however not available on our website. Members of the Board from 1 April 2023 to the present Dr Justin Molloy (Chair} (member of Remuneration sub-committee) Andrew Pearson (Chair of Finance and Audit sub-committee) {member of Engagement and Remuneration sub-committees, also member of Trading Board) (Resigned 15 December 20231 Saeed Ahmed Ashling Barvé (Resigned 8 June 2023} Mark Cammies (member of Finan￿ and Audit and Engagement subcommittees, also member of Trading Board) Ben Cooper (member of Nominations sub-committee) Vivienne Hoskins (also member of Trading Board) Simon Jones (Chair of Finance and Audit sub-committee from December 2023) ythily Katsaris (member of Finance and Audit sub-committee) Benedict Leigh (Resigned 9 June 2023) Amanda Mortensen (Appointed 26 April 2023, resigned 19 September 2023) Brian Symington Nathan Taylor (also member of Sense College Board) Mark Westwell (member of Nominations and Engagement sub-committees) During this year there were four female and ten male TrusteeslDirectors. Page 33 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Sense International Board from 1 April 2023 to the present Raaxeet Shah {Chair) Sunil Shah (Treasurer) Maria Arce-moreira (resigned 20 December 2023) Richard Cooper Nicholas Corby ythily Katsaris Suzi Nandera (appointed 6 April 2023) Lucy Roberts (resigned 3 October 2023) Lisa Szucs (appointed 6 April 2023) Kiran Virdee (appointed 6 April 2023) Lauren Watters Gillian Wood During the year there were seven female and five male TrusteeslDirectors. Sense executive team Richard Kramer- Chief Executive (also Chief Executive of Sense Inlemational) Maria Horton - Group Director of Operations Catherine Still - Group Director of Finance and Resources Louise Robertshaw- Group Director of Engagement Kavita Prasad - Director of Sense International Adrian Darkin - Director of Trading Page 34 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Emma Evans- Director of People Dave Rutt- Director of Data, Insight and Technology In the year, there were five female and three male members of the executive team. Other information: Legal and Administrative Details Registered address - Sense and Sense International 101 Pentonville Road, London, N19LG United Kingdom Tel.. 0300 330 9250 Email.. facilities@sense.org.uk Websites: www.sense.org.uk https'.Ilwww.senseintemational.org.uk Sense Information and Advice For details about the support and seNices Sense offers - and information about deafblindness and complex disabilities- please contact.. Tel: 0300 330 9256 Email.. info@sense.org.uk Sense Northern Ireland Sense Family Centre The Manor House 51 Mallusk Road Newtownabbey County Antrim BT36 4RU Telltext.. 028 9083 3430 Email.. nienquiries@sense.org.uk Sense Cymru TouchBase Wales Caerphilly Business Park Van Road Caerphilly, CF83 3ED Ffonltel.. 0300 330 9280 Page 35 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Testudltext.. 0300 330 9282 Email.. cymruenquiries@sense.org.uk Sense: Registered number 1825301 Registered charity number 289868 Professional advisers Independent auditors Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP 1 Embankment Place, London WC2N 6RH Bankers National Westminster Bank PLC Tavistock House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1 H 9JA Lloyds Banking Group plc 33 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1 HZ Solicitors Wilsons Solicitors LLP Alexandra House St John Street Salisbury SP12SB Trowers & Hamlins LLP 3 Bunhill Row London EC1Y 8YZ Insurance advisers Willis Towers Watson 8 First Street Floor 6 Manchester M15 4RP Page 36 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Section 172 statement Sense is required by the Companies Act 2006 to make an annual statement about how Directors have 'promoted the success of the company,, having regard to the following matters set out in Section 172 of that Act.. a} The likely consequences of any decision in the long term This is a fundamental consideration in relation to any major decisions made by the Board. Last year the Board focused heavily on the national increase in the cost of living and the effects it has had on the people we support and how we operate. b) The interests of the company's employees Last year, we completed an employee survey. This identified three key areas, which we then responded to. These were.. Communication. We have put in pla￿ an internal communications plan and send regular communications across the organisation, as well as using and sign posting colleagues to our intranet. Valuing colleagues. We have developed and promoted our employee benefits package, as well as setting up and encouraging involvement with our employee networks, which include Disability. LGBTQ+ Wellbeing and Ethnic Diversity. Leadership. Sense has worked with Positive Dynamics to develop a Leadership Framework which is linked to our strategy, as well as 'enabling objectives. to create a more cohesive approach to appraising and developing staff. c) The need to foster the company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others Our key stakeholders are the people we support across all our services and their families. We regularly communicate with our suppliers. Other important stakeholders are our supporters and volunteers. We continue to work with other charities in our sector and the Board, and Engagement sub-committee are regularly updated about these relationships. Page 37 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 d) The impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment One of the key aims of our services is to enable the people we support to feel part of their local communities. Our trading arm also builds strong community links through our shops. which act as important ambassadors for Sense. The shops hold fun weeks, enabling members of the public to take part in activities and to learn more about Sense and the people we support. The shops also sell items which would otherwise go to landfill - an important contribution to the environment (and in line with Sense's Environment Policy). Our Trading Board is attended by the Chair of the Finance and Audit sub-committee and other Trustees and receives regular reports on community activities. e) The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct The good reputation of Sense, both in terms of our services and our business relationships, is critical to our long-term future. Our services are scrutinised not only by our quality team, but by the Quality and Safeguarding Boards, which both have an external Chair and members, with direct input from Trustees. We also have a Whistleblowing Policy in place, giving aC￿sS to an independent external organisation. The Finance and Audit sub-committee has responsibility for monitoring the impact of the Policy. fj The need to act fairly as between members of the company Sense has almost 1,000 company members. In line with our constitution, we have not held an AGM for the last three years. We send a letter from the Chair to our members setting out the key issues discussed by the Board over the year. This goes to all active supporters of Sense, rather than just Company members. Statement of the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association The Trustees (who are also Directors of Sense. The National Deafblind and Rubella Association for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report (including the Strategic Report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulation. Page 38 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the Trustees have prepared the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and the group. and of the incoming resources and application of resources. including the income and expenditure, of the charitable companylgroup 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 Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (2019). Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102, have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and the group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and the group, 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 charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in otherjurisdictions. Page 39 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 In accordance with Section 418, Directors, reports shall include a statement, in the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors, report is approved, that.. So far as the Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company and the group's auditors are unaware. They have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a Trustee, in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that infonmation. Internal financial controls The Board has overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity has appropriate systems of control, financial and otherwise, in place. The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material misstatement or loss. They include.. A five-year strategic plan and an annual budget approved by the Board. A number of matters are specifically reserved for the Board's approval. Regular consideration of financial results, variance from budgets, non-financial performance indicators and benchmarking reviews by the Finance and Audit sub- committee and the Board. The development of policy documents covering all major strategic and operational activities. The executive team reviews these with appropriate regularity and consultation. Anti-bribery policy Sense has an anti-bribery policy, which sets out the definition of bribery and makes it the responsibility of all employees and Trustees to prevent and report any bribery issues. If necessary, this can be through Sense's Whistleblowing Policy which provides a number of possible contacts, including an extemal organisation. Page 40 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Financial review of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association 2023124 Overview This was a challenging year for Sense, with an unfavourable retail environment in our shops more than offsetting a year on year increase in fundraising income. Income in our accommodation and day services held up despite much negotiation with commissioners on fee increases to support the increase in the National Living Wage. and increased running costs. We increased numbers in our education provision. However, the high street proved difficult for us this year and income in our trading arm across our shops was lower than we had hoped. It still represented an increase in income compared to the previous year, reflecting the benefit of the new shops opened in the year. There was continued pressure on costs, including the National Living Wage increase which saw pay rates increase by 9.7 % from £9.50 to £10.42, which we reflected in the best salary increase we could afford. Utility costs stabilised and ceased to present a risk to our financial wellbeing. It is still a challenging environment however, and pressure remains on our social care fees with another 9.7 % increase in National Living Wage in April 2024, leading to another round of difficult conversations with hard pressed commissioners. Sense remains well resourced with healthy levels of cash and reserves, and a strong asset base. Financial highlights This year saw another significant increase in income from commissioned services of £5.7 million, but again this largely reflects the high level of increase in these fees directly linked to Ihe increase in National Living Wage. Apart from the increase in income linked to fees, our provision did grow in the year as we were able to attract more students to our education provision, and also the demand for day services was strong. We opened our Denbigh hub delivering commissioned services for adults and charitably funded services for children. We opened our Loughborough hub delivering charitably funded services for various groups from our thriving education facility- The costs of providing services increased substantially in the year. mainly driven by pay rates and salaries. Increases in inflation also affected us, with many of our invoiced costs Page 41 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 increasing to reflect the higher wage rates that all organisations experienced last year. Apart from inflation. expenditure on programmes again increased, by £0.4 million to £3.7 million (2023.. £3.3 million) and this reflects our expansion into two hubs as well as more investment in our early intervention and family support programmes. We also increased expenditure on providing holidays for those we support, made possible by our fantastic volunteers. Towards the end of the year we invested in management for our volunteers with a view to becoming more effective in recruiting, onboarding and getting value from our volunteers whilst also providing a meaningful opportunity for people to contribute to our imporiant work. We opened 14 new shops in the year, and we closed 4 underperforming shops, meaning that we ended the year with 137 shops trading. Despite this, income did not reach planned levels whilst costs increased. leading to a below expectation performance from the shops. Income from fundraising increased year on year, with a particular increase in philanthropy income. Income from legacies reduced in the year however as we saw longer delays in the probate process affecting the timing of receipt of donations. Income for Sense International increased in the year with more money secured from grants to deliver vital services. In the year we also invested in building up our skills in technology to support significant development plans to improve our use of our data assets. We have designated reserves to allow investment in this area in the future. We are in the process of investing in our fundraising CRM. We invested resources and systems in building up our capacity and capability in recruiting and managing our volunteers. whilst also providing a meaningful opportunity for people to contribute to our important work. The above investments in the skills and capacity of our support functions accounts for the small rise in support costs to £7.0 million (2023.. £6.7 million). Page 42 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 The loss of £2.2 million redU￿d reseNes to £48.6 million12023- £50.8 million) of which £3.1 million (2023.. £2.8 million) is restricted and £5.0 million (2023.. £8.5 million) is designated, leaving £40.1 million unrestricted12023- £39.1 million). Cash levels reduced in the year as we invested as planned in our buildings and opened new shops in line with our strategic plan to increase contribution from retail by focussing on the best locations for trading. Cash redU￿d by £4.6 million in the year to £10.1 million (2023.. £14.7 million). Reserves The Trustees regularly review free reserves to ensure that there are adequate funds to support all the activity that Sense Group undertakes. This review reflects the need to maintain a considerable property estate in order to continue to provide the high quality of services to the people we support, to fund investment projects to grow services and to ensure an adequate contingency is maintained for unforeseen events, especially given the recent pandemic impact. This year Designated Reserves have been set by the Trustees at £5.0 million (2023.. £8.5 million) reflecting planned investments in service delivery, digital development and our hubs programme. We also consider unforeseen risks when setting a minimum level offree reserves. We define free reserves as unrestricted reserves minus fixed assets (offset by borrowings taken out to support the purchase of those assets) minus any designated reserves as follows= Sense Group Free R85erv85 £k5 Unrestricted Reserves Mar 24 Mar-23 45,437 47,987 Minus fixed assets offset by Ic)ng term borrowings Minus designated resetves Total Free Reserves 135.8431 15,0001 4,594 133.9281 18,5001 5,559 Free reserves at March 2024 were £4.6 million (2023.. £5.5 million), reflecting the investment we made in fixed assets in the year. After considering various scenarios and the risks attached to each of our income streams, the Trustees consider that minimum free reserves of £4.2 million are required (2023: £4.7 million). Trustees therefore consider our reserves to be in excess of our minimum target. Page 43 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Going concern The financial ststements show that our cash and reserves position means that we are able to fund foreseeable operational and capital expenditure.. last year we eliminated all long term debt and liabilities. including the pension liability. The Trustees have reviewed budgets and forecasts which consider future activity and the risks that might threaten those forecasts. Sense Group provides a letter of support to Sense International which pledges to provide financial support to Sense International if it is unable to operate as a going concern, and to settle its liabilities as they fall due. This is reviewed as part of the going con￿rn analysis. Together with our risk management policies, the strong reserves position and no indebtedness allows the Trustees to conclude that the organisation will continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of this report and that therefore it is appropriate to continue to prepare the financial statements on a going concem basis. Pensions Following the exit from the deficit funding agreement with the Local Pensions Partnership (LPP) in September 2022, Sense no longer has any liability attached to a defined benefit pension scheme. All obligations to the Fund were satisfied in the prior year. Ethical investments Where relevant, Sense aims to hold ethical investments that are consistent with its charitable objectives. Principal risks and uncertainties The Board has delegated day-to-day responsibility for the management of risks to the Chief Executive and the executive team. The executive team is responsible for the identification and assessment of risk, including those identified on departmental risk registers, and for reporting on this to the Finan￿ and Audit sub-committee. The executive team is also responsible for developing risk mitigation strategies and controls, and for implementing actions to minimise or reduce risk to acceptable levels. The risk register is reviewed at every executive team meeting, and the Page 44 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 departmental risk registers are reviewed by each executive for their areas. The executive team agree which department-specific risks should be included on the corporate risk register. The Finance and Audit sub-committee is responsible for overseeing the establishment and maintenance of good practice in this area, and for reporting to the Board at each of its meetings when the corporate risk register is reviewed. Uncertaintylrisk Possible consequences Controls being implemented Trading- Sales income does Contribution from the shops Trading strategy focusses not grow or reduces, and new reduces or becomes loss on increasing donations, shops do not achieve planned making and trading stops being pricing structures and income targets a net contributor to Sense increasing sales, along with ensuring receipts from gift aid are maximized. We have intrOdu￿d new processes to ensure that costs are understood and controlled. We are making efficiencies in our central costs and will constantly examine the portfolio of shops to ensure that we have an efficient operation that maximises our central infrastructure. We close loss making shops. In fundraising, we fail to grow Voluntary income reduces, We have produced a three the number of supporters restricting the amount we can year strategy and are actively engaged with us. invest in bringing services to our investing in our CRM beneficiaries free of charge. system, and activities to acquire new supporters and ensure we fully engage with existing supporters. We have started face to face fundraising. We are considering our brand awareness and how to increase our impact. Page 45 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Sense is subject to, or Sense systems are unavailable We have introduced Cyber experiences disruption from impacting on service delivery. Security systems including a significant cyber-attack There is a significant data firewalls, endpoint breach or inability to protection, access controls, communicate which leads to Multi-Factor authentication financial loss. There is severe for users. We have Cyber reputational impact with insurance. We regularly regulatory and contractual review processes and implications responses to incidents with independent CISO support from an expert supplier. We work with existing suppliers to review security arrangements. All staff are required to undertake Cyber Security training every 6 months. Page 46 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Energy and carbon report 2023124 The table below gives a summary of our energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions for the financial year 2023124, and also compares with the data from 2022123 and 2021122. SEPISE.OH(4EmlsiloniaThdEn*r Stw-(4Hfi iC02• 02• Cow4t• kwh FxT¢i Toral kwh tCO2• tC02• Ims) Varn% 4.ZryJ.Q9 01 4.r￿1 487 Q180 3510 4F6.441 Scopel IDrt¢l DFe 1 IDre emwtsns) 1 IDWOGI 24000 Petrdl 54.14D 610% 1830 -141 -fTB% Scwl. TOTAL5 -285.fj87 EkninEty SrDpc21Enrrgy InthKII 3.201.5 3.94187 >225% 4W.58 Stow3I(knEr Irth¢ll 92U.B8Z bU￿eSStra 5BU.3Z6 1358 34U. 334.353 TOTALS{aroM) 11*0.7 2J811 78.699 Buldin#slfiwr45ty I￿￿￿24 T￿Sp￿tInt•n5KI R4golkWIE& I¢DZ￿TrE Emission Changes v 2022123 Sense have eXperIen￿d a reduction of 4.9°/0 in C02e emissions when compared to 2022123. This has mainly been reflected in the building use, where both gas and electricity consumption has significantly reduced. While building floor area has marginally reduced, the intensity Ratio reflects that good work has been implemented in reducing energy consumption. The respective building intensity ratio has decreased from 166 to 159 kWhlm2 (a reduction of 4.4 % Scope 1 Transport emissions have witnessed a 4.8 % reduction. As a result of these comparisons the following observations are noted.. 1. The property floor area has slightly reduced from the figures reported in 2021122- 56,030m' in 2021122 52.169m in 2022123 49,530m' in 2023124 Page 47 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 2. Gas consumption has reduced by circa 7.4 % The witnessed gas reduction is believed to be associated the improved energy measures intrOdU￿d to the number of the properties within the portfolio. 3. Oil consumption represents a very small proportion of the estates emissions but has seen a significant per￿ntage increase (134.2 % ). This is however believed to be due the method of recording consumption. Currently no meters are in place and consumption is based in delivery notes. Site delivery data is not truly reflective of site consumption and therefore year on year variances will occur until such time as we are able to install consumption meters to these locations. 4. When the data for 2023124 is compared with 2020121 data, it can be seen that both diesel and petrol emissions fell over the COVID pandemic. However. as the business has now returned to normal working practices, the transport impacts have risen back to pre-covid levels. The current figures however have reflected the migration away from a diesel fleet to petrol. It is also recognised that the Scope 3 'employee owed vehicle, emissions has increased. which is representative of the change in property portfolio and the geographical locations of such properties dictating greater transport requirements. Company Information Sense is a registered Charity No. 289868. Registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 01825301. Registered office at 101 Pentonville Road, London N1 gLG. The Reporting period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024. Organisational Boundaries We have used the Financial Control model as the basis to calculate our emissions, including everyihing that we own and operate within England & Wales. Quantification and Reporting Methodology We have followed the UK HM Government "Environmental Reporting Guidelines: Including streamlined energy and carbon reporting guidance June 2023. We have also used the GHG Reporting Protocol Corporate Standard. Page 48 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Data has been gathered from the following sources.. Gas Combustion - Supplier invoices including a minor quantity of supplier estimated meter readings based on historical direct comparison and pro-rata extrapolation. Oil Combustion Supplier delivery quantities (litres) for all fuels. Electricity - Supplier invoices including a minor quantity of supplier estimated meter readings based on historical direct comparison and pro-rata extrapolation. Transport- Own Fleet- Finance records for litres of fuel (Petrol & Diesel) purchased. Transport- Business Mileage employee own vehicles- Individual employee expense claim records for business mileages during the reporting period. We have then used the "average car: unknown fuel" factors to calculate kwh & tC02e. In calculating the emissions we have used the UK Government conversion factors for company reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, conversion factors 2023.. https.'Ilwww.gov.uklgovernmentlpublicationslgreenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors- 2023 Intensity Ratios For all our property energy usage we have chosen a ratio based on the Floor Area GIA. For our transport energy usage we have chosen a ratio based on our number of employees {FTE). Energy Efficiency Action The past year, we have continued our intense action regarding the organisation's aims of reducing energy consumption and carbon output. The Organisation continues its goal of being carbon neutral by 2040 and has a dedicated team, and a budget to carry out carbon and energy reduction projects. Page 49 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 The major contributors to carbon output (property, fleet and supply chain) are under the direct management of the Sense Property Team. This has enabled a more coordinated approach involving the whole Organisation. We continue to implement a fully inclusive environment strategy and has published a new Environmental Policy. We still encourage an agile working approach to the Offi￿ environment, which has released office space to enable us to incorporate another charity tenant increasing the more efficient use of floor space. This approach has been also rolled out in our major offices in Crayford and Wakefield. When we extend our properly portfolio i.e., new buildings (shops, warehouses etc) we continue our standard specification incorporating low energy measures, and as a minimum include LED lighting and thermostalically controlled heating and increased insulation where appropriate. Our trading operation recycles more than 5,500 tonnes per annum of clothing and furniture and there are plans to increase this. We will be working closely on improving our recycling rates across our portfolio. We continue to engage specialist consultants to carry out energy audits on our freehold property portfolio. This has resulted in a program of energy-saving initiatives including roof insulation and LED lighting. 93 % of our meters have now been upgraded to smart meters and we will continue to change the remaining meters to 'smart' meters. The software that compliments this project will give us on demand information and correct readings. We will be able to analyse the power usage which in turn will help us to make informed decisions regarding future energy reduction projects. As part of our planned maintenance budget, our approach has been to take up any opportunity to improve our energy efFiciency. Where boilers, windows, and roofs need replacement, this will always be based on A and A+ units where applicable and upgrading to current Building Regulation standards. Page 50 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 We are currently instructing a further two solar arrays to add to our existing installations. We continue to profile usage and the suitability of electric battery powered vehicles instead of fossil fuel. We have 2 hybrid vehicles in our fleet. We continue to ensure our supply chain adopt the same overall environmental aims and we apply an environmentallsustainability factor along with cost when choosing suppliers. We have submitted the compliance notification for ESOS Phase 3 and will review and implement any recommendations in the report where appropriate and cost-effective. We will continue to look at our use of energy and encourage change and change behaviour with regards to energy use. Assurance & Verification This report and the verification of the data was undertaken by an external independent CIBSE qualified Low Carbon Consultant and Elmhurst ESOS Lead Assessor. The Report of the Trustees, including the Strategic Report, was approved by order of the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by., A27N Dr stin Molloy, Chair 18 November 2024 Page 51 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Independent auditors, report to the members of Sense, The National Deafi)lind and Rubella Association Report on the audit of the financial statements Opinion In our opinion, Sense, The National Deatblind and Rubella Association's group fjnancial statements and parent charitable companyfinancial statements (the'financial statements").. give a true and fair of the State of the group's and of the parent charitable coinpany's affaii's as at 31 March 2024 alid of the grtsiip's and parent charitable co￿pan),$ incoming resourees and application of resourees, including its ineome and expenditure, and of the group's c&sh flows, for the year then ended., hai'e been properly prepared in ateordanee knuth United Kingdom Generally Aceepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdoln Accounting Standai'ds, indiiding FRS 102"The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland., and applicable lawl.. and have been prepared in aecordanee with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. We have audited the financial statement5, included Mithin the Anniial Report and Financial Statements (the "Annual Rewrt"), which thmprise.. the eon.%()lidated balance sheet and company balance sheet a8 at 31 Mard) 2n24- the consolidated statemeiit of financial actiiqties, the conso]idated sumniary income and expenditllre account and the consolidatedeashflow state]nent for theyearthen ended,. theaccollntingpolieies- andthenotestothefinancial state]neiits. BasAS for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) ("ISAs {UKI") and applicable law. Our re8tx)nsihilitie8 under 18Ji8 (UK) are further d&%cribed in the Auditar8' re8p(Jn.%ibilitie8 fi)r the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the alldit ewdenee we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to pro￿llde abasis for our opinion. Independence We remained independent of the group and parent charitable company in accordance the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK which includes the FRC'S Ethi￿ Standard and we have lfilled our other ethical i.e5ponsibilities in accordance wryth tliese requirements. Conclusions relating to going concern Based on the work we have performed, we have not idenlified any material uncertainties relating to events or cx)nditions that, indiwduall}' or ¢olle¢tively, may cast 8ignificant doubt on the groups and the parent charitsble Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a peiiod of at1&2St twelve months from the date on which the financial statements c2re allthorised for issue. In allditing the financial statements, we have conduded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of aecollnting in the preparation of the financial statemeiits is appropriate. However. because not all future events or eondition5 can be predicted. this condiision is not a gllarantee a5 to the group5 and the parent charitable CO￿pan￿5 ability to continue as a going concern. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of tlie tri]5tees Moth respect to going toneern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Reporting on other information The other information ty)mprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors, rew)rt ther￿n. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opitxion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, aeeoi'dingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, ex￿pt to the extent otherwuse explicitly stated in this report, any form of a55urance thei'eon. In connection wth our audit of the financia] ststetnents, oiir responsibility is to read the other infomation and, in doing so, conbiderwhether the other infortnation is materially inconsistent i*ith the financial statements or our knuwledge obtsined in the audit, or uthers*ibe appears tv be materially mibststed. lfwe identifjT an apparent material incijnsibtency or material mi%8tatement, we are required to perfonn procedures to conclude ￿hether there is a material mis%tatement of the financial staternents or a material rnisstatement of the other inforniation. If, based on the work we have performed, Page 52 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 we conclude that there is a rnaterial misstaternent of this other inforrnation, we are required to report that faet. We have nothing to reportbased on these r￿pOnsIbIlitieS. With respect tv the StrategiL Report dnd ReFX)rt of the Trubtees, we also cunbidered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006 atxd Charities Act 2011 ha￿'e been included. Based on our work undertaken in the eourse (rfthe audit, the Companies Aet 2006 requires us also to ￿pOrt eertain opinions and matters as described below. Repoi'£ of ihe Triislees, incliidinq the Strategic Report Jn our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the eourse of the audit the infomiatitsn given in the Report of the Trllstees, including the Strategic Report, foL' the period ended 31 March 2()24 18 consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in acco1'dan￿ applicable legal requirements. In light of the knowledge and Understa￿ding olthe group and parent Charitsble company and their ¢n￿r0￿ment obtained in the coll￿e of the audit, we did not identify any materia] misstatements in the Report of the Trusiees, including the Strategic Report. Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit Re.%Pf)n.sibilitie.s of the trii.%tee.%.fnr thefinonetol.%tcitemei?t.s explained more full! in the Statement of the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, the trustees (wlio are also the directors of the Lhai'itable LDmpany for the purpvseb of Lx)mpiiri)' law) ill'e responbible fur the preparrth Care and Support Northern Ireland C8re and Support Walgs Education and development programmes Intemational programmes Art5 and wellbeing programmes Holidays and volunteering Adult specialist services Children's specialist services 15,028 11.477 14,345 9,389 3,062 2,297 2,547 2,453 1,191 962 1,365 1,174 1,513 1,026 322 16,393 12,651 15,858 10,415 3,384 2,527 3,081 2,598 1,283 1,051 90 230 534 145 92 89 81 1,079 113 1,192 Page 67 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 4. Expenditure 2023124 (cont'd) ActlvSty DSrect Costs Apportloned Support Costs £OOOs 2024 £OOOs £OOOs 1,652 149 1,801 Campaigns. publicity and awareness Quality assurance and development other 1,120 433 121 1,241 433 Total 90,229 7.244 97,473 Analysis of apportioned support costs 2023124 Activity Facilities Management People £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs 20 14 98 43 Finance Governance Comms £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs 99 77 2024 £OOOs 310 43 Donations Trading TouchBase Care and Support Midlands ca￿ and Support East Care and Support South Care and Support No Care and Support Northern Ireland Care and Support Wales Education prograrnrnes Inlemation81 progr8mmes Arts and wellbeing programmes Holidays and volLJnteering Adult specialist services Childr8n'S specialist services C8rnpaigns, publicity and 8warene55 Quality assurance and develo ment Total 88 62 432 434 340 1.365 1,174 1,513 1,026 322 76 371 373 292 98 69 479 481 10 376 66 47 325 326 255 21 15 102 102 80 15 73 73 57 230 35 24 169 170 133 534 103 42 145 29 29 23 92 28 28 22 89 36 36 28 113 10 47 47 37 149 38 38 30 121 458 425 2,276 2,242 89 1,754 7,244 Page 68 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 4. Expenditure 2022123 Activity Oirect Costs £OOOs Apportioned Support Costs £OOOs 258 2023 £OOOs FLJndraising Trading TouchBase Pears Care and Support Midlands Care and Support East Care and Support South Care and Support North Care and Support Northem Ireland Care and Support Wales Education and developm&nt programmes International programmes Arts and wellbeing programmes Holidays and volunteering Adult specialist servi￿$ Children's specialist servi￿$ Campaigns, publicity and awar8nes5 Quality assuran￿ and development Other 5,322 13,874 1.029 13,680 10,691 13.092 8,827 3,007 2.071 2,416 2,644 1.060 1,397 627 5,580 13,917 1,033 14,885 11,789 14,453 9,797 3,339 2,289 2,949 2,809 1,136 1,514 702 43 1,205 1,098 1,361 970 332 218 533 165 76 117 75 924 96 1,020 1.715 570 1,579 517 136 53 748 748 Total 83.505 6,740 90,245 Anal sisofa Actlvlty ortioned su ort costs 2022123 Facllltles Management People £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Flnance Govemance Comms 2023 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs FLJndraising Trading TouchBase Care and Support Midlands Care and Support East Care and Support South Care and Support North Care and Support Northern Ireland Care and Support Wales Education progr8mm8s International programmes Arts and wellbeing programmes Holidays and volunteering Adult specialist Se￿ICe8 Child￿n,8 specialist services Campaigns. publicity and awareness Quality assuranTr and develo ment Total 20 90 73 57 257 43 43 92 73 423 343 266 1,205 1,099 1.361 970 67 386 312 243 104 83 478 340 387 300 74 59 276 214 25 20 117 95 73 332 17 77 62 48 218 41 32 187 151 118 533 136 29 165 26 21 16 75 41 33 26 117 26 21 75 34 27 21 96 10 48 39 136 15 54 499 533 2,337 1.856 74 1.441 6,740 Page 69 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 5. Net gains on sale of tangible fixed assets 2024 £OOOs 2023 £OOOs Net gain on sale of tangible fixed 8s5ets 304 52 6. Settlement of defined benefit pension scheme 2024 £OOOs 2023 £OOOs Remeasurement of defined benefit pension scheme on cessats"on130th Sep 20221 12.6331 Administration costs defined benefit pension scheme 1421 Total 12,6751 Effective 30th September 2022, the deficit funding agreement in place between Sense and the LGPS regarding the defined benefit pension scheme expired as a result of a cessation valuation producing a surplus on the scheme. The above charge of £2,633k is the accounting adjustment required to reconcile the cessation valuation surplus to the actuarial valuation surplus, which was higher. The scheme was nil in 2023124. 7. Net (decrease) l increase in funds The net movement in funds is stated after chargingl{crediting): 2024 2023 £OOOs £OOOs Audit lee- Group Audit lee- Subsidiaries Auditors- non audit f8es 138 117 15 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Operating lease rentals Int8r8St payable on bank loans 2.703 4,960 2,958 4,539 236 Page 70 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 8. Employee remuneration 2024 2023 £OOOs £OOOs Wages and salari85 Social security costs Pension costs - defined contribution schemes Pension costs - defined benefit scheme Isee note 101 Total 59,915 4,523 2,456 51 54,482 3,991 2,257 494 66,945 61,224 The average monthly number of employees - excluding volunteers - was 2,851 (2023.. 2,485). Employees earning over £60,000 fell into the following bandings.. 2024 Nurnbèr 19 2023 NuM￿r 14 £60,000- £70,000 £70.000- £80,000 £80,000- £90,000 £90,000- £100,000 £100,000- £110,000 £110,000- £120,000 £150,000- £160,000 £160,000- £170.000 Pension contributions for these employees were as follows.. 2024 £OOOs 2023 £OOOs No. 35 No. Defined contribution schemes 93 The aggregate remuneration of the 8 key management personnel (2023.. 12) listed in the Trustees, Report, was £831,502 (2023.. £745,536) before pension contributions of £29,588 (2023.. £39,336). 9. Remuneration of members of Trustee Board No Trustees received any remuneration during the year (2023- £nil). One Trustee {2023- Eight) was reimbursed travel and subsistence expenses for attending meetings and duties directly related to their duties as Trustees. Costs reimbursed were £204 (2023. £1,465). Page 71 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 10. Pensions The Group provides defined contribution pension schemes for current employees. In addition, the Group has ten employees who are members of the Teachers, Pension Scheme (TPS). The TPS is a multi-employer defined benefit pension scheme. Since the Group is unable to identify its share of the assets and liabilities of the scheme, contributions to the TPS are accounted for as if it was a defined contribution scheme. The Group historically participated in the Local Pensions Partnership (LPP), a scheme which provides benefits based on final pensionable pay in respect of employees. past seNice. The Scheme was closed to new members in 2014, and the Group exited the Scheme in 2022123. The Scheme is nil in 2023124. 11. Tangible assets Group Freehold Long leasehold Property improvements Short Furniture, leasehold fixtures improvements and rittings £OOOs Motor vehicles Total £0005 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions 27,206 773 4,405 103 4,086 1,500 1591 5,527 22,020 3,077 12931 24,804 3,472 61,189 143 5,596 13571 19591 3,258 65,826 Disposals At 31 March 2024 12501 27,729 4,508 Accumulated depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Disposals At 31 March 2024 4.784 441 933 71 2,274 447 16.483 2,162 12911 18,354 2.787 27,261 301 3,422 13681 17001 2,720 29,983 1411 2.680 5,225 1.004 Net book amounts At 31 March 2024 22,504 22,422 3.504 3,472 2.847 1,812 6,450 5,537 538 35,843 685 33,928 At 31 March 2023 Page 72 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 11. Tangible assets (cont'd) Company Freehold Propeity Long Short Furniture, leasehold leasehold fixtures improvements improvements and fittings £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Motor vehicles Total £OOOs £OQOs £OOOs C05t At 1 April 2023 Additions 27,206 773 4,405 103 4,086 1,500 1591 5.527 22,014 3,071 12931 24,792 3,403 61,114 143 5,590 13571 19591 3,189 65,745 Disposals At 31 March 2024 12501 27.729 4,508 Accumulated depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Disposals At 31 March 2024 4,784 933 71 2,274 447 16.479 2,159 12911 18,347 2,745 27,215 289 3,407 13681 17001 2,666 29,922 1411 2,680 5,225 1,004 Net book amount$ At 31 March 2024 22.504 22,422 3,504 3,472 2,847 1,812 6,445 5,535 523 35,823 658 33,899 At 31 March 2023 12. Fixed asset investments Company 2024 £OOOs 30 2023 £OOOs 30 Holding in Helping Sense Limited The company owns 100 % of the ordinary share capital of Helping Sense Limited, which is incorporated in England and Wales, and exists to raise funds for the company. There is no readily available market value for the company and accordingly it is accounted for at cost. The Trustees believe that the carrying value of the investment is supported by the underlying net assets (note 27). Page 73 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 13. Debtors Group 2024 £OOOs 6,286 330 619 2023 £OOOs 4,687 406 Trade debtors Taxats'on recoverable other dèbtors 828 Accrued income 1,890 2,128 11,253 2024 £OOOs 6,286 588 1,970 2,534 10,425 2023 £OOOs 4,687 794 Prepayments Total Company Trade debtor5 Other debtors Amounts owed by group undertakings T8x8tion recoverable 320 109 330 406 1,539 2,525 10,060 Aeerued income 1.731 2,113 11,368 Prepayments Total Trade debtors are shown net of bad and doubtful net provisions of £124k (2023: £124k) 14. Current asset investment Group and Company 2024 £OOOs 4,000 2023 £OOOs 9.000 Bank deposits 15. Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) Group 2024 £OOOs 3,111 1,077 1,028 4,103 9,319 2023 £OOOs 2,875 9fj3 Trade c￿dItorS Taxation and social security Deferred income 880 Accruals 4,207 8.925 Totsl Company 2024 £0005 3,111 1,077 955 4,011 9,154 2023 £OOOs 2,871 963 Trade ¢￿dItorS Taxation and social security Deferr8d incom8 879 4,085 8.798 Accruals Total Page 74 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 16. Creditors (amounts falling due after more than one year) Group 2024 £0005 1241 1241 2023 £OOOs 1321 1321 Other creditors Total 17. Provisions for Liabilities and Charges Group and Charity Balanca 31 March 2023 Chargad to Income and Ex endlture 158 Utilisad Balancè 31 March 2024 Provisions or dilapidations 962 11671 953 18. Movement of funds 2023-24 (Group) Group Balance al 1 Income Aprll 2023 £OOOs Expendlture Transf8rs Balance at 31 March 2024 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Unrestricted funds General fund, excluding pension Designated funds Pension (note 101 Total unrestricted funds 39,1￿ 89,951 8,500 92,891 325 3,889 13,1831 40,085 5,000 47.636 89.959 93,216 706 45,085 Restricted funds Arts & Wellbeing.. Co-op Inclusive Dan Big Lottery Fund Grant Cale 55-Providence Court 20 42 12 43 66 19 58 60 Children's Services Children's Services". North 321 13211 1201 1741 1341 1291 24 Children's Serwi¢es'. South East 82 Children's Services.. Wolverhampto Community Connections Comwall GOT Project Denbigh Hub DOH Health & Wellbeing Alliance EFA Capital Minor Works Employment and Benefits Stsff GOT Group Warwickshire Grafton Street Donations 34 105 76 32 30 21 31 23 1231 50 50 16 82 26 90 49 112 25 46 44 Hadley Centre (Operations) Holidays Fund Lottery Guide Dogs Needs and Numbers Survey Northern Ireland Day Centre Northern Ireland Mallusk Nursery Northern Ireland Out Of Schools Club Northern Ireland Special Donations North- Yorkshire Donations 65 80 102 11581 1121 181 52 55 47 114 151 109 29 29 95 181 149 16 152 92 188 40 39 st8ven8ge Special Donations 31 31 Page 75 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2023-24 (Group) cont'd Group Balance at 1 Income April 2023 £OOOs Expendlture Transfers Balance èt 31 March 2024 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Restricted funds cont'd Sense Coleridge Road- Student We￿are Fund Southeast.. Sense @ Keech Sport England- Active Together Stables and riding Anne Wall Centre ITBSEI TouchBase South East 22 22 28 21 104 104 43 16 59 26 26 50 50 Virtual Buddying Volunteering.. London Transitions Warren Fami Rd 51 1511 49 202 176 378 Woodside- Capital Woodside- Operations Andlaw House 43 60 1481 1671 10 CSS Cymru Fund North Wales Donations 150 132 35 35 Student Fund- Newton Court 14 24 22 The Devon Group Fund Loughborough Employment Room Strictly Belfast Hub C8pit81 Fund Arts & Wellbeing." NLHF-National Trust Partnership Arts & Wellbeing.. Esmee Fairt)airn IASW Salaiiesl Arts & Wellbeing." T8P Inclusive Programme Children's SenA ￿S.. Midlands 31 1271 1271 16 24 155 155 32 17 88 77 33 47 1141 78 1781 Early Intervention.. Reaching Cornmunities Early Intervention.. North WaleslDenbigh Hub Arts & Wellbeing.. Arts Council INPOI Sport.. Sport England System Partner Woodside- Sensory Room Equipment Siblings & Young Carer5 Programme other Sense 334 25 321 32 1251 250 208 45 692 35 487 205 35 61 1611 1801 137 76 238 11051 14 Active Citizens Romania 27 51 64 CareTech Foundation El TZ 3Y 22-25 71 57 14 Hollyhock Foundation El TZ EI 3Y 22- 25 Comic Relief Uganda 2020 Commonwealth Foundation Kenya Gu8m58y Bangl8d8sh Education Romania in Country KBTA- Uganda Ugand8 iHelp Project UK Aid Match Kenya 2020 Peru LACT ED Feb 2021-Jan 2024 20 27 22 25 67 181 131 18 26 19 14 29 42 135 59 73 121 23 15 51 22 20 85 56 29 46 47 Page 76 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2023-24 (Group) cont'd Group Balance at 1 Income Expenditure April 2023 £OOOs Transfers Balance at 31 March 2024 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs R85trict&d funds cont'd Kenya Holding Fund Tanzania Holding Fund Uganda Holding Fund Peru Holding Fund Guernsey Education (Bangladeshl 2 M8dicor IKeny81 Deaf Child Worldwide (Kenya) Nelumbo Stiftung Early Intervention (Ugandal Phase 2 MTN Telecorns Iugandal Lav8lle (Perul FCDO Disabilily Inclusive Development Nelumbo Stiftung Education Phase 2 John Lewis Foundation 101 97 102 102 107 165 59 99 99 23 23 23 1231 32 40 154 100 162 149 13 33 29 713 713 457 195 262 100 100 KJCF IPerul 2 Nelurnbo Stiftung - Educats'on other Sense International 59 47 47 57 39 13 40 Total Restricted 2,773 5,316 4,257 17061 3,126 Endowment Property Total Endowment 351 352 351 352 Total Funds 50,760 95,276 97,473 48,563 18. Movement of funds 2022-23 (Group) Group Balance at Income 1 April 2022 £OOOs Expenditure Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Unrestricted fiJnd5 General fund. excluding pension deficit 31,552 77,614 72,071 2,041 39,136 Designated fvnds Pension deficit (note 111 11,097 937 11,6601 869 8.500 18691 Total unrestricted funds 41.780 77.614 73,008 1.250 47,636 Restricted funds Arts & Wellbeing.. Co-op Inclusive Dan Arts Council.. Danc8 at Sens8 22 10 20 78 78 Big Lollery Fund Grant Cale 55-Providence Court 47 100 105 42 51 58 Children's Services 94 1941 Page 77 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2022-23 (Group) (cont'd) Group Balance al Income 1 April 2022 £OOOs Expenditure Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Restricted funds cont'd Children's servI￿S.. North 21 Children's se￿￿$.. South East 31 1851 Children's seN￿S.. Wolverhampton Community Connections Cornwall GOT Project Denbigh Hub DOH Health & Wellbeing Alliance Dual Sen50ry Itnpaitrn8nt Clinic EFA Capital Minor Works Employment and Benefits Staff GOT Group Warwickshire Grafton Street Donations 34 34 106 105 38 15 21 32 18 21 23 1231 Igoi 1301 90 46 16 15 83 15 82 28 26 36 10 46 Hadley Centre (Operationsl Holidays Fund Lottery Guide Dogs Loughborough Hub Capital Loughborough Hub Revenue Needs and Numbers Survey Northern Ireland Day Centre Northern Ir818nd Mallusk Nurs8ry Northern Ireland Out Of Schools Club 25 40 65 68 102 64 64 200 310 25 14851 1501 55 55 107 114 25 29 96 143 144 95 Northern Ireland Outreach Worker 20 1201 Northern Ireland Special Donations North Yorkshire Donations 165 32 16 181 40 40 Pears Grant- Prornoting W811being Stevenage Special Donations Sense Coleridge Road- Student Welfare Fund Southeast.. Sense @ Keech Northern Ireland Specialist Services Sport England - Active Together Stables and riding TBP CSS Studio Development TouchBase Pears Aspirations Anne Wall Centre ITBSEI TouchBase South East 195 212 17 31 31 16 22 30 28 31 537 403 1301 104 43 29 1821 1261 26 26 26 30 20 50 Virtual Buddying 137 149 12 Page 78 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2022-23 (Group) (cont'd) Group Balance at Income 1 April 2022 £OOOs Expenditure Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Restricted funds cont'd Volunteering.. London Transitions Warren Fam Rd 35 200 202 Woodside- Capitsl Woodside- Operations Andlaw Hou58 43 43 60 10 Children's Services.. Sweeney Foundation CSS Cyrnru Fund North Wales Donations 50 26 157 1301 150 35 35 student Fund- Newton CoLJrt 14 23 24 The Devon Group Fund Other 33 521 29 287 11261 137 Activ& Citizens Romania 37 27 NLCF Tanzania Adults vocational 2019-2022 CareTech Foundation El TZ 3Y 22- 25 Hollyhock Found8tion El TZ EI 3Y 22- 25 Comic Relief Uganda 2020 Commonwealth Foundation Kenya UK Aid Match 88ngladesh FCDO UK Aid Match Kenya (Earfy Intervention) UK Aid Direct Kenya Co-Funding FCDO Disability in Development Bangladesh Livelihoods FCDO Disability in Development Kenya Innovation Education FCDO Disability in Development Kenya FCDO Disability in Development Tanzania FCDO Disability in Development Nepal FCDO Disability in Development Bangladesh Education Guemsey Bangladesh Education Jersey Overseas Aid Nepal The Batchworth Trust INepall Romania In Country 38 38 34 41 21 20 81 135 105 30 19 63 63 129 129 25 32 51 121 32 93 92 121 210 208 93 114 114 23 14 37 33 70 24 24 138 28 31 135 Page 79 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2022-23 (Group) (cont'd) Group Balance at 1 April 2022 £OOOs Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Restricted funds cont'd KBTA- Uganda Lavelle 23 20 34 UN Women IUgand81 Uganda iHelp Project N8pal Base Fund UK Aid Match- Bangladesh Nelumbo Foundation - Education 33 40 107 60 51 30 30 43 1481 173 224 398 Thomas Cook Childr8n's Charity ISoLJth Goal UK Aid Mateh Kenya 2020 Uganda Nelumbo Foundation project Peru LACT ED Feb 2021-Jan 2024 31 22 87 81 83 85 30 30 28 49 31 46 Directors W88k 31 31 Kenya Holding Fund Tanzania Holding Fund Uganda Holding Fund Bangladesh Holding Fund Peru Holding Fund other 77 77 114 115 208 208 29 29 35 35 37 51 93 151 2.773 Total Restricted 3,285 4.784 4,046 11,2501 Endowment Property 360 191 191 77,063 351 Totsl Endowment 360 351 Total Funds 45,425 82,398 50,760 Page 80 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2023-24 (Company) Company Balanc8 at Ineom8 1 April 2023 £OOOs Exp8nditur• Transfers Balaneè at 31 March 2024 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Unrestricted funds General fund, excluding pension Designated funds Pension (note 101 38,618 90,030 93,149 4,256 39,755 8,500 325 13,1821 5,000 Total unre5trict8d funds Restricted fund5 47,118 90,037 93.474 1,074 44.755 Arts & Wellbeing.. Co-op Inclusive Dance Big Lott8ry Fund Grant Cale 55-Providence Court 20 42 43 66 19 58 60 Children's Services 321 13211 1201 1741 1341 1291 Childr8n's Services.. North 24 Children's servI￿S.. South East 82 Children's Services.. Wolverhampton Community Connections Comwall GOT Project Denbigh Hub DOH Health & Wellbeing Alliance EFA Capital Minor Works Employment and Benefits Staff GOT Group Warwickshire Grafton Street Donations 105 76 32 30 21 10 31 23 1231 50 16 16 82 90 49 112 26 25 46 Hadley Centre (Operations) Holidays Fund Lottery Guide Dogs Needs and Numbgrs Survey Northern Ireland Day Centre Northern Ireland Mallusk Nursery Northern Ireland Out OF Schools Glub 65 15 80 102 56 11581 1121 181 52 55 47 114 151 109 29 29 95 149 152 92 Northern Ireland Special Donations North- Yorkshire Donations 181 16 188 40 39 Stgvenage Special Donations Sense Coleridge Road- Student Welfare Fund Southeast.. Sense @ Keech Sport England- Active Together 31 31 22 22 28 21 104 Page 81 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2023-24 (Company) (cont'd) Company Balance at Income 1 April 2023 £OOOs Expenditure Transfers Balance at 31 March 2024 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Restricted funds cont'd Stables and riding Anne Wall Centre ITBSEI TBSE, Hyde Close, Barnel Virtual Buddying Volunteering.. London Transitions War￿n Fam Rd 43 16 59 26 26 50 10 57 51 34 15 49 202 176 378 Woodside- Capital Woodside- Operations CSS Cymru Fund North Wales Donations 43 1481 1671 60 150 132 35 35 Student Fund - Newton Court 14 35 33 The Devon Group Fund LoLJghborough Etnployment Room Strictly Belfast Hub Capital Fund Arts & Wellbeing.. NLHF-National Trust Arts & Wellbeing.. Esmee Fairbaim IASW Salaries) Arts & Wellbeing.. TBP Inclusive Programme Children's Services.. Midlands 31 1271 1271 16 24 155 155 32 88 77 33 47 1141 78 1781 19 Early Intervention. Reaching Communities Early Intetvention.. Ni*h WaleslDenbigh Hub Arts & Wellbeing.. Arts Council INPOI Sport.. Sport England System Partner Woodside- Sensory Roorll Equipment Other 334 321 32 25 1251 250 253 592 537 55 35 35 552 286 182 11401 11.0741 516 Total Rgstrlct8d 2.677 3.039 1.918 2.724 Endowment Propety Total Endowmènt 351 352 351 352 Total Funds 50,146 93,077 95.392 47.831 Individual funds listed are those with opening balances, annual income or annual expenditure that exceed £20,000. 'Other funds,. are those with opening balances, annual income and annual expenditure of less than £20,000. Page 82 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2022-23 (Company) Company Balance at Ine0rn8 1 April 2022 £OOOs £OOOs Expenditur• Transfers Balaneè at 31 Mareh 2023 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Unrestricted funds Gen8ral fund, excluding pension deficit Designated funds Pension deficit (note 111 31,183 76,630 71,236 2,041 38,618 11,097 18691 937 11,6601 869 8,500 Total unrestrlcted funds 41.411 76,630 72.173 1,250 47.118 Restricted funds Arts & W8llbeing.' c￿0p Inclusiv8 Danc8 Arts CoLJnciI.. Danc8 at S8ns8 22 10 20 78 78 Big Lottery Fund Grant Cale 55-Providence Court 47 100 105 42 51 58 Children's SeMc8S 1941 1211 1851 Children's servI￿S.. North 21 Children's servI￿S.. South East 58 31 Children's Services.. Wolv8rhampton Community Connèctions Cornwall GOT Project Denbigh Hub DOH Health & W8llbeing Alliance Dual Sensory lrnpairrnent Clinic EFA Capital Minor Works Ernployment and Benefit5 Staff GOT Group Warwickshire Grafton Street Donations 34 106 105 38 15 21 32 18 21 23 1231 1901 1301 90 46 16 15 83 82 28 36 26 46 10 Hadley Centre (Operationsl Holidays Fund Lottery Guide Dogs Loughborough Hub Capital Loughborough Hub Revenue Needs and Numbers SuNey Northern Ireland Day Centr8 Northern Ireland Mallusk Nursery Northern Ireland Out ol Schools Club Northern Ireland Outreach Worker 25 40 65 68 102 64 200 310 25 14851 50 1501 55 55 107 114 25 29 96 143 144 95 20 1201 Northern Ir8land Sp8cial Donations 165 32 16 181 Page 83 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds 2022-23 (Company) (cont'd) Company Balance at Income 1 April 2022 £OOOs £OOOs Expenditure Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £OOOs £OOOs £OOOs Restricted funds cont'd North - Yorkshire Donations 40 40 Pears Grant- Promoting Wellbeing Stevenage Special Donations Sense Coleridge Road- Student W8lfare Fund Southeast.. S8ns8 @ K8ech Northern Ireland Sperialist Services Sport England- Active Together Stables and riding TBP CSS Studio D8v8loptll8nt TouchBase Pears Aspirations Anne Wall Centre ITBSEI TBSE, Hyde Close, Barnet Virtual Buddying Volunteering.. London Transitions Warren Farm Rd 195 212 17 31 31 16 22 30 28 31 1311 537 403 1301 104 43 29 1821 1261 26 26 26 30 20 50 137 149 12 35 200 202 Woodside- Capital Woodside- Operations Andlaw House 43 43 64 60 10 10 Children's Services.. Sweeney Foundation CSS Cyrnru Fund North Wales Don8tions 50 26 157 1301 150 35 35 Student Fund- Newton Court 14 23 24 The Devon Group Fund Other 33 518 346 11261 11,2501 552 Total Restricted 2,371 2,993 1A37 2,677 Endowment Property 360 191 351 Total Endowmènt 360 351 Totsl Funds 44.142 79.623 73,619 50,146 Individual funds listed are those with opening balances. annual income or annual expenditure that exceed £20k. 'Other funds,. are those with opening balances, annual income and annual expenditure of less than £20k. Page 84 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds (cont'd) Unrestricted funds General fund This represents the accumulated reserves of the charity that are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees. Designated funds Designated funds are £5.Om (2023= £8.5 million) and include £2.0 million for the mainlenance and improvement of the Group's residential accommodation and £0.3 million for three years of contributions to Sense International. Various future strategic plans will be funded from reserves. Trustees have therefore designated £2.7 million for the following projects.. £0.5 million for investment in energy efficiency improvements centred on our buildings. £1.0 million for digital development £1.2 million to further progress the Hubs development programme. Pensions See note 10 for the movement during the year. The Scheme is nil in the year. Restricted funds Sense is reliant on the support of individuals, corporations, trusts, other charities and state bodies in order to deliver our activities. Monies that are received for an express purpose are restricted to that purpose. The principal restricted funds are considered to be.. Sport England A three-year project to build on our foundations of supporting people with complex disabilities to get active. Page 85 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 18. Movement of funds (cont'd) Children's services Money donated to support Children & Young People who are Deafblindlmulti-sensory impaired. Northern Ireland day centre Commissioned day seNice opportunities for adults with complex needs. Northern Ireland special donations An accumulation of donations I fundraised funds raised locally for services in Northem Ireland. Holidays Donations and fundraised income to support ac￿Ssible holidays for people with complex disabilities. Warren Farm Road A legacy donation restricted to be used against costs at the Warren Farm Road Care Home. Comic Relief Uganda This fund comprises the unspent balance at 31 March 2023 of a grant from Comic Relief to Sense Intemational Uganda for the Holistic Early Child Development IECD) for Children with Complex Disabilities in Uganda project. The Romania in-country income fund This fund comprises funds that are raised by Sense International Romania for use in Romania. Endowment funds These are properties given to the charity for its use. The movement on the fund represents the depreciation charge in the year. Transfers between funds Other transfers between funds represent either transfers from unrestricted funds to cover shortfalls of restricted funds or transfers from restricted funds to cover related expenditure paid by unrestricted tnonies. Page 86 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 19. Analysis of net assets between fund balances 2023-24 Group 2024 Unrestricted Funds £OOOs D85ignated Funds £OOOs Restricted Funds £OOOs Endowment Funds £OOOs Total Funds £OOOs Tangible Fixed Asset 352 35,843 35,491 3,980 1241 Net current assets 5,000 3,568 12,548 1241 Long-term liabilities Total 39.447 5,000 3.568 352 48,367 Company 2024 Unrestricted funds £OOOs Deslgnated funds £OOOs Restricted funds £OOOs Endowment funds £OOOs Total funds £OOOs Tangible fixed 8ssets Fixed asset Investments Net current assets Total 35.471 30 4.057 39.558 352 35.823 30 11,781 47,634 5,000 5,000 2,724 2.724 352 19. Analysis of net assets between fund balances 2022-23 Group 2023 Unrestricted funds £OOOs Designated funds £OOOs Restricted funds £OOOs Endowment funds £0005 Total funds £OOOs Tangible fixed assets Net currenl assets 33.577 5,591 1321 39,136 351 33,928 16,864 1321 50,760 8,500 2,773 Long-lem) liabilities Total 8.500 2,773 351 Company 2023 Unrestrlcted funds £OOOs Deslgnated funds £OOOs Restrlcted funds £OOOs Endowment funds £0005 Total funds tOOOs Tangible fix8d 8888ts Fixed asset investments Net current ass8ts 33,548 351 33,899 30 5,040 38,618 30 16,217 50,146 8,500 8.500 2,677 2,677 Total 351 20. Capital commitments At 31 March 2024 the Group had capital commitments of £555k (2023: £45k). 21. Contingent liabilities Sense, Sense International and Helping Sense Limited are members of a group VAT registration. Under the Value Added Tax Act 1983. all members of a VAT group are jointly and severally liable for any tax due during the period of their membership. Page 87 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 As disclosed in note 27 two of the Company's subsidiaries, Helping Sense Limited and Sense4Enterprise Limited, have taken advantage of the exemption available under Section 479 of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the requirement for audit. As a condition of the exemption, the Company has guaranteed Ihe year-end liabilities of the relevant subsidiaries until they are settled in full. The liabilities of one of the subsidiaries (Sense4Enterprise Limited) at the year-end were £134.814 (2023.. £126,736). The Trustees are satisfied that this does not impact on the going concem position of the Group and believe that this is an accurate and robust guarantee. The other subsidiary (Helping Sense Limited) had assets of £30,000 {2023: £30,000) at 31 March 2024. 22. Operating lease commitments Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below: Group and Company 2024 Land and buildings £OOOs 2023 Land and buildings £OOOs Operating leases which expire.. Within one year In two to fiv8 years After live years Total 3,985 13,055 10,907 27,947 4,378 12,640 9,888 26.906 Page 88 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 23. Reconciliation of net Incomel{expenditure) to net cash inflow l (outflow) from operating activities 2024 £OOOs 2023 £OOOs Net income before pension revaluations Defined benefit pension scheme deficit reduction payments Interest re￿iVed 12.1931 13.7151 14521 12991 236 14711 Interest paid Gain on interest rate swap olosed Depreciats"on Charges Profit on sale of fixed assets 12331 2,958 12011 12461 11,6071 165 3,421 13051 30 Ilncreasey d￿rease in stock Ilncreaseydecrease in debtors Increaselldecreasel in creditors Net cash provlde(I by (used In) operatlng activities 18281 385 39 13,3941 24. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net cash 2024 £OOOs 2023 £OOOs IDecreaseYincrease in cash in the year Bank loan interest repayments Repayment of bank loan 14.5231 15,0411 319 5,333 Changes generated from Cash flows 14,5231 611 Net cash at start of year lincluding short temi deposilsl 14,667 14,056 Net cash at end of year 10,144 14.667 25. Analysis of changes in net debt 2023-24 At 1 April 2023 £OOOs Cash flows £OOOs Nonw¢ash Changes £OOOs At 31 Ma￿h 2024 £OOOs Cash at bank and in hand 5,667 9,000 14.667 477 15.0001 14.5231 6,144 4,000 10,144 Current asset investments Total 25. Analysis of changes in net debt 2022-23 At 1 April 2022 £OOOs 15.708 4,000 13191 15,3331 14,056 Cash flows £OOOs 110,0411 5,000 319 Nonrfash changes £OOOs At 31 March 2023 £OOOs 5.667 9,000 Cash at bank and in hand Current asset investments Debt due within one year Debt due after one year Total 5,333 14,667 Page 89 of 91 Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 26. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2024 2023 £'ooo £'ooo Cash at bank and in hand 6,144 4,000 10,144 Current asset investments are fixed term deposits for a term of one year or less. 5,667 9,000 14.667 Current asset investments Total 27. Related party transactions The Group provides services to children or family members of some Trustees and Board members of the charity. These services are provided as part of the contracts agreed with funding authorities on the same commercial terms as with any other service user. These transactions happen at arms length. Balances with subsidiaries are disclosed below= 31 March 2024 Debtorllcreditorl 31 March 2023 Oebtorllcreditorl Sense International Helping Sense Limited Sense4Enterprise Limited 215.491 130,0001 134,813 199.816 130,0001 126,736 28. Subsidiary companies Sense International 024 £OOOs 3,135 2023 £OOOs 2,347 Income Expenditure et mov•mant 12,8171 13,0091 un Assets 1,271 883 14041 867 13281 555 Nèt ass•ts Page 90 of 91 Sense, the National Deaftilind and Rubella Association Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 28. Subsidiary companies (cont'd) Helping Sense Limited 2024 £OOOs 2023 £OOOs Tumover 5,436 18381 4.598 4,598 4.966 Cost of sales 18631 4,103 4,103 Gross profit eratin ex enses Net profit Assets 30 30 Net assets 30 30 Sense4Enterprise Limited 2024 £0005 314 13221 2023 £OOOs Income Expenditure 1891 Net movement in funds 181 11341 11341 151 11261 11261 Net liabilities Page 91 of 91