REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 292625
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
for
Compass Braille
A J Bennewith FCA, FCPA, FFA, FFTA,
FIPA, DChA, FRSA
3 Wey Court
Mary Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 4QU
Compass Braille
Contents of the Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
|
Page |
Report of the Trustees |
1 to 3 |
Independent Examiner's Report |
4 |
Statement of Financial Activities |
5 |
Balance Sheet |
6 |
Notes to the Financial Statements |
7 to 12 |
Compass Braille
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
Thetrusteespresenttheirreportwiththefinancialstatementsof thecharityfortheyearended31 March2020. The
trusteeshaveadoptedthe provisionsof AccountingandReportingby Charities:Statementof Recommended Practice
applicableto charitiespreparingtheiraccountsin accordancewiththe FinancialReportingStandardapplicablein the
UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
TheobjectsofthecharityaretosupporttheworkofoverseasChristianpartnergroupsandindividuals,who work
amongstpeoplewithvisualdisabilitieswithanemphasisonunderdevelopedcountriesandwiththeobject of
upholding the Gospel by providing Braille.
Summary of main activities:
The principal activities of the charity are:
1.TheproductionofBrailleincludingpreparationofcomputersoftwareandthetranscriptionofvarious languages
into the Braille format.
2.Mini-BraillelibraryprojectssupportedbyourSpecialBibleFundarenowprovidingruralhousechurchesin India
with Braille.Each mini libraryconsistsof 10 BrailleBible portionsof the group'schoicefor use in weekly Bible Studies.
When and where appropriate additional portions are also provided.
3. Also, the transcription of Bibles into Giant Print in various languages in digital format only.
Public benefit:
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
Policy on grant making and programme related investment:
Small donationsthat were for 2 or 3 existingoverseas partnergroups workingin India have ceased as these groups are
nowinastrongerfinancialposition.Alsothereisnowayforustoguaranteehowoverseasfinancialgiftsmight be
used so at present we no longer give financially. We continue to send our Braille free of charge.
Contribution made by volunteers:
The charitygratefullyacknowledgesthe contributionmade by its volunteersin the preparationof the Braille portions -
cutting,binding,labellingandpackagingofbooksandBibleportions.Nineregularvolunteersalongwith occasional
volunteershave given theirtime duringthis financialyear.Their valuedhelp enablesus to producelargequantities of
Brailleeach year. Other volunteers(usuallyoverseas)proofreadsamples of our Brailleto check for errorsbut because
we receiveelectronictextfilesin eachregionallanguageit is notnecessaryforthe entireBibleto be checkedin each
case.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Braille Bible and Braille Booklet Production:
AswellasthelargenumberofBrailleBiblevolumesthatweproduceeachyear,wehavealsoproduceda large
numberofBrailleBookletswhichconsistof'lifestyle'books,children'sstorybooks,healthawarenessbooks,etc. We
have kept up with demandfor Braillewhich remainsas high as ever as well as addingseveral new languagesthanks to
donations, grants and legacies.
Trustees/Staff/Volunteers:
We have a committed team of 5 trustees, 5 staff and 9 volunteers.
Transcription and software development:
Sofar,wehavetranscribedBrailleintomorethan50languagesforuseinvariouspartsoftheworld.We have
developeda new Brailletranscriptionprogramas well as a new GiantPrinttranscriptionprogramthathave improved
efficiencyand accuracyas well as reducingour overall transcriptioncosts. Compass Braille isa licensed member of the
DigitalBibleLibraryaspartofourpartnershipwiththeUnitedBibleSocietiesandthisinvolvesongoing transcription
work and updating the transcription program.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Policy statement on Reserves:
Page 1
Compass Braille
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
FINANCIAL REVIEW
We have a Reserve Fund for filteringmoney into our instantaccess account- it includesmoney that has been donated
forprojects.ThisReserveFundisalsoforemergencyuseshouldwesuffershortfallsduringlowincomeperiods. We
also have a second Reserve Fund to cover the lease of our present premises.
Principal sources of funds:
TheUnitedBibleSocietiespart-fundalltheBibleSocietyprojectrequestsforBrailleportionsthroughdonations. We
also receive UK donationsfrom individualsupporters,churchgroups,grant making bodies and legacies. We do not run
fundraisingcampaignsneitherdoweuseanyfundstoengageaprofessionalfund-raiserorcommercial participator.
Wedoproduceaquarterlynewslettertoraiseawarenessoftheneedsandweoccasionallyapproachgrant making
bodiesforsupportofnewprojectsornewequipment.Incomefromlegaciesbequeathedbyoursupporters is
occasionallyreceivedandthisoftenimprovesourfinancialpositionconsiderably.Weoccasionallyreceive financial
gifts when we carry out talks about the charity in churches or at social groups.
We alsohaveourownprojects,suchasMiniBrailleLibrariesandBrailleforindividualsorsmallgroupswhohave no
Bible Society support in their area.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Type of governing document: Trust deed
How the charity is constituted: Declaration of Trust
Trustee selection methods: Appointed by existing trustees
Organisational structure:
Thechiefexecutivereportstoandliaiseswiththetrusteesinmattersconcerningthemanagementand development
of the charity.Thereare five membersof staffwhosehoursequateto an equivalentof 3 full-timeposts.The trustees
meet two or three times per annum.
Partnerships/relationship with related parties:
Whilstthecharityisindependentofanyotherorganisation,itworksinpartnershipwiththeUBS(United Bible
Societies)WorldwideBrailleCoordinationDepartmentbasedinGermany.TheyfacilitateBrailleprovision and
cooperationwithmanyBibleSocietiesaroundthe worldwhodistributeBrailleportionson behalfof Compass Braille.
WealsopartnerotherOverseasMissionGroupswhorunprojectsintheircountries,particularlythoseworking in
Outreach, Education, Vocational Training, Community Healthcare and Healthcare Awareness.
Consideration of major risks:
Werecognisethat,havingonemainpartnerandonlyafewsmallerpartnergroups,CompassBraille'sability to
functionis dependenton these groupsso we continueto seek new partnershipsand add new languages.Our website
hashelpedto increasethenumberof enquirieswhichcanleadto theproductionof Braillefornew countriesor new
languageareas.OneofCompassBraille'suniquestrengthsisthatwearetheonlygroupintheUK(and probably
worldwide)who transcribeandproducethe BrailleBible,withits complexlayout.Our Press is fullycomputerised and
this means we produce Braille in small or large quantities in many languages.
ThepremisesatCraneMeadBusinessParkareleasedona5-yearcontractandacontingencyamounthas been
investedina norisksavingsaccounttocoverthiscostshouldtherebecausetodissolvethecharitybeforethe lease
expires. The charity does not own any property.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
292625
Principal address
16 Crane Mead Business Park
Crane Mead
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9PZ
Page 2
Compass Braille
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Trustees
Glennis Anne Dowling
Paul East
Susannah Joan East
Gwilym Aylward Hitchcock (Chair of Trustees)
Madhukanta Jacob Hitchcock
Chief Executive
Colin P Dowling
Independent examiner
A J Bennewith FCA, FCPA, FFA, FFTA,
FIPA, DChA, FRSA
3 Wey Court
Mary Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 4QU
Bankers
Lloyds Bank PLC
Fore Street
Okehampton
EX20 1HJ
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 28 August 2020 and signed on its behalf by:
G Hitchcock - Trustee
Page 3
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Compass Braille
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Compass Braille
IreporttothecharitytrusteesonmyexaminationoftheaccountsoftheCompassBraille(theTrust)forthe year
ended 31 March 2020.
Responsibilities and basis of report
AsthecharitytrusteesoftheTrustyouareresponsibleforthepreparationoftheaccountsinaccordancewith the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I reportinrespectof my examinationof theTrust'saccountscarriedoutundersection145of theActandin carrying
out my examinationI have followedall applicableDirectionsgiven by the CharityCommissionundersection 145(5)(b)
of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I havecompletedmyexamination.I confirmthatnomaterialmattershavecometomyattentioninconnection with
the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
Ihavenoconcernsandhavecomeacrossnoothermattersinconnectionwiththeexaminationtowhich attention
should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
A J Bennewith FCA, FCPA, FFA, FFTA,
FIPA, DChA, FRSA
3 Wey Court
Mary Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 4QU
Date: .............................................
Page 4
Compass Braille
Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
32,053
-
Charitable activities
Braille production
57,402
-
Investment income
2
348
-
Total
89,803
-
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Braille production
112,546
-
Support costs
2,924
-
Total
115,470
-
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(25,667)
-
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
169,367
-
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
143,700
- |
31.3.20
Total
funds
£
32,053
57,402
348
89,803
112,546
2,924
115,470
(25,667)
169,367
143,700 |
31.3.19
Total
funds
£
43,304
76,247
260
119,811
116,758
3,279
120,037
(226)
169,593
169,367 |
|
|
|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
Compass Braille
Balance Sheet
At 31 March 2020
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
24,751
-
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
7,352
-
Cash at bank
113,991
-
121,343
-
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
9
(2,394)
-
NET CURRENT ASSETS
118,949
-
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
143,700
-
NET ASSETS
143,700
-
FUNDS
10
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS |
31.3.20
Total
funds
£
24,751
7,352
113,991
121,343
(2,394)
118,949
143,700
143,700
143,700
143,700 |
31.3.19
Total
funds
£
33,002
7,377
130,800
138,177
(1,812)
136,365
169,367
169,367
169,367
169,367 |
|
|
|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 28 August 2020 and were signed on its behalf by:
G Hitchcock -Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
Compass Braille
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
Thefinancialstatementsof thecharity,whichis a publicbenefitentityunderFRS 102,havebeenprepared in
accordancewiththeCharitiesSORP(FRS102)'AccountingandReportingbyCharities:Statement of
RecommendedPracticeapplicabletocharitiespreparingtheiraccountsinaccordancewiththe Financial
ReportingStandardapplicablein the UK and Republicof Ireland(FRS 102) (effective1 January2015)', Financial
ReportingStandard102 'The FinancialReportingStandardapplicablein the UK and Republicof Ireland'and the
Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All incomeis recognisedin the Statementof FinancialActivitiesoncethe charityhasentitlementto the funds,
it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilitiesarerecognisedasexpenditureassoonasthereisalegalorconstructiveobligationcommitting the
charitytothatexpenditure,itisprobablethatatransferofeconomicbenefitswillberequiredin settlement
andtheamountof theobligationcanbe measuredreliably.Expenditureis accountedforonanaccruals basis
andhas been classifiedunderheadingsthataggregateall costrelatedto the category.Wherecostscannot be
directlyattributedtoparticularheadingstheyhavebeenallocatedtoactivitiesonabasisconsistentwith the
use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciationis providedat the followingannualrates in orderto write off each asset over its estimated useful
life.
Equipment- 25% on reducing balance
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restrictedfundscanonlybeusedforparticularrestrictedpurposeswithintheobjectsofthe charity.
Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Furtherexplanationofthenatureandpurposeofeachfundisincludedinthenotestothe financial
statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
Thecharityoperatesadefinedcontributionpensionscheme.Contributionspayabletothecharity's pension
scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
|
31.3.20 |
31.3.19 |
|
£ |
£ |
Interest |
348 |
260 |
Page 7
Compass Braille
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Duringthe year ended 31 March 2020 remunerationtotalling£9,804 (2019: £10,695)was paid to G A Dowling,
a trustee. The remuneration is approved by the Charity Commission.
CPDowling,amemberofkeymanagementpersonnel,whoisalsothespouseofatrustee, received
remuneration of £24,204 (2019: £11,328).
NADowling,afamilymemberofatrusteeisemployedbythecharityandreceivedremuneration totalling
£8,694 (2019: £8,441).
RJDowling,afamilymemberofatrusteeisemployedbythecharityandreceivedremuneration totalling
£4,867 (2019: £nil).
Trustees' expenses
There were no trusteeexpensesduringthe year (2019:2 trusteeswere reimburseda totalof £52 in respect of
travel expenses incurred in carrying out their duties as trustees).
The charity purchased Trustees' Indemnity Insurance at a cost of £263 (2019: £263).
4. STAFF COSTS
Staff costs incurred by the charity were as follows:
|
31.3.20 |
31.3.19 |
|
£ |
£ |
Gross wages |
69,410 |
73,889 |
Employer's National Insurance |
2,101 |
1,384 |
Pension costs |
641 |
868 |
|
|
|
Total |
£72,152 |
£76,141 |
|
|
|
The average number of full and part-time staff employed by the charity was as follows:
|
31.3.20 |
31.3.19 |
Charitable activities |
5 |
5 |
There were no employees whose remuneration exceeded £60,000 (2019: none).
5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
43,304
-
Charitable activities
Braille production
76,247
-
Investment income
260
-
Total
119,811
- |
Total
funds
£
43,304
76,247
260 |
|
119,811 |
Page 8
Compass Braille
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
5.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted
funds
£
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Braille production
116,758
Support costs
3,279
Total
120,037
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(226)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
169,593
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
169,367
6.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REMUNERATION
Independent Examiner's remuneration
7.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2019
Charge for year
At 31 March 2020
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2020
At 31 March 2019 |
5.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted
funds
£
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Braille production
116,758
Support costs
3,279
Total
120,037
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(226)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
169,593
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
169,367
6.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REMUNERATION
Independent Examiner's remuneration
7.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2019
Charge for year
At 31 March 2020
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2020
At 31 March 2019 |
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
- |
Total
funds
£
116,758
3,279
120,037
(226)
169,593
169,367 |
|
|
31.3.20 |
31.3.19 |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
£1,300 |
£1,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment
£
227,766
194,764
8,251
203,015
24,751
33,002 |
|
Page 9
Compass Braille
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
8. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
|
|
|
31.3.20 |
31.3.19 |
|
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
Other debtors |
|
7,352 |
7,377 |
9. |
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.3.20 |
31.3.19 |
|
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
Taxation and social security |
|
969 |
353 |
|
Other creditors |
|
1,425 |
1,459 |
|
|
|
2,394 |
1,812 |
10. |
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
movement in |
|
|
|
At 1.4.19 |
funds |
At 31.3.20 |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
|
General fund |
160,469 |
(25,926) |
134,543 |
|
Special Bible Fund |
6,856 |
(281) |
6,575 |
|
Special Booklet Fund |
2,042 |
540 |
2,582 |
|
|
169,367 |
(25,667) |
143,700 |
|
TOTAL FUNDS |
169,367 |
(25,667) |
143,700 |
|
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
Incoming |
Resources |
Movement in |
|
|
resources |
expended |
funds |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
|
General fund |
89,262 |
(115,188) |
(25,926) |
|
Special Bible Fund |
1 |
(282) |
(281) |
|
Special Booklet Fund |
540 |
- |
540 |
|
|
89,803 |
(115,470) |
(25,667) |
|
TOTAL FUNDS |
89,803 |
(115,470) |
(25,667) |
Page 10
Compass Braille
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
Comparatives for movement in funds |
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
movement in |
|
|
At 1.4.18 |
funds |
At 31.3.19 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
Unrestricted Funds |
|
|
|
General fund |
160,577 |
(108) |
160,469 |
Special Bible Fund |
7,569 |
(713) |
6,856 |
Special Booklet Fund |
1,447 |
595 |
2,042 |
|
169,593 |
(226) |
169,367 |
TOTAL FUNDS |
169,593 |
(226) |
169,367 |
|
|
|
|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
Incoming |
Resources |
Movement in |
|
resources |
expended |
funds |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
General fund |
118,492 |
(118,600) |
(108) |
Special Bible Fund |
599 |
(1,312) |
(713) |
Special Booklet Fund |
720 |
(125) |
595 |
|
119,811 |
(120,037) |
(226) |
TOTAL FUNDS |
119,811 |
(120,037) |
(226) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Special Bible Fund
Special Booklet Fund
TOTAL FUNDS |
Net
movement in
At 1.4.18
funds
At 31.3.20
£
£
£
160,577
(26,034)
134,543
7,569
(994)
6,575
1,447
1,135
2,582
169,593
(25,893)
143,700 |
Net
movement in
At 1.4.18
funds
At 31.3.20
£
£
£
160,577
(26,034)
134,543
7,569
(994)
6,575
1,447
1,135
2,582
169,593
(25,893)
143,700 |
|
|
143,700 |
Page 11
Compass Braille
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2020
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A currentyear12monthsandprioryear12monthscombinednetmovementinfunds,includedinthe above
are as follows:
|
Incoming |
Resources |
Movement in |
|
resources |
expended |
funds |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
General fund |
207,754 |
(233,788) |
(26,034) |
Special Bible Fund |
600 |
(1,594) |
(994) |
Special Booklet Fund |
1,260 |
(125) |
1,135 |
|
209,614 |
(235,507) |
(25,893) |
TOTAL FUNDS |
209,614 |
(235,507) |
(25,893) |
General fund
This represents the general funds of the charity, to be used to further its charitable objectives.
Special Bible Fund
Giftswhichdonorsmake specificallyto the SpecialBibleFundare usedforourownprojects.Unlikeour other
projectsthataresupportedthroughourpartnershipwiththeUnitedBibleSocieties,theseprojectsare either
urgentorfalloutsideof thenormalremit.Thepurposeis tohelpsmalleroverseasgroupswhoonlyuse small
amounts of Braille.
Special Booklet Fund
Thisfundsupportstheproductionof BrailleBooklets.Theseconsistof 'lifestyle'books,children'sstory books,
health awareness books, etc.
11. OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
Operating lease commitments
AttheBalanceSheetdatethecharityhadacommitmentunderanon-cancellableoperatingleaseto make
rentalpaymentsof£11,500perannum.Thepropertyleaseexpireswithinonetofiveyearsofthe Balance
Sheet date.
Therentalpaymentsrecognisedasanexpenseintheyearended31March2020were£11,500 (2019:
£11,500).
The minimum total lease payments due over the remaining lifetime of the lease are £30,187.
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Pleaseseenote3totheaccountsfordetailsoftrustees'remunerationandbenefits.Therewereno further
related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2020, or for the year ended 31 March 2019.
Page 12