Company No. 850300 Charity No. 313310
THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL SECRETARIES, PRACTICE MANAGERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND RECEPTIONISTS LIMITED (AMSPAR)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report and Accounts
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Tavistock House South Tavistock Square London WC1H 9LN
AMSPAR Chief Executive's Introduction to the Report of the Directors
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
The past year 23/24 marked the first full year whereby the AMSPAR Qualifications reverted back to our full control. Focus has continued on the Medical Terminology and the Diploma in Primary Care and Health Management qualifications. Initial steps are now being taken to re-instate the Medical Administration qualifications. Demand has continued to grow with more Training Hubs and ICBs taking contracts for courses. AMSPAR continues to meet these needs, on the eve of our 60th anniversary, through its core objectives:
Education:
To expand the accessibility of the qualifications and number of registrations.
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The Level 5 Diploma in Primary Care and Health Management
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The Level 5 Certificate in Primary Care and Health Management
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The Level 5 Award in Primary Care and Health Management
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The Level 3 Certificate in Medical Terminology
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The Level 2 Award in Medical Terminology
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Basic Introduction to Medical Terminology
Membership:
To recruit new members and retain current ones.
To provide support and promote their role
Daily Tweets, weekly Blogs and monthly e newsletters have been the key forms of communication along with the 3 core websites.
Administration:
Staff costs have fallen after the Education Officer post has not been filled.
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AMSPAR
Report of the Directors
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
The directors present their report and accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024
Legal and administrative information Charity name: AMSPAR (Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators & Receptionists Limited) Charity registration number: 313310 Company registration number: 850300 Registered office and Tavistock House South, Tavistock Square, London operations address: WC1H 9LN Elected Council President Myra Upton Vice Presidents Barbara Graham Treasurer Steve Williams Chief Executive and Secretary Tom Brownlie Independent Examiner Harry Nicolaou FCA of Harry Nicolaou & Co Limited, 21 Brendon Way, Enfield EN1 2LF Bankers NatWest Bank, 10 Marylebone High Street, London W1A 1FH Solicitors Stephenson Harwood, 1 St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8SH
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AMSPAR
Report of the Directors
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Structure, governance and management
Governing document
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 27 May 1965 and registered as a charity on 21 June 1965. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company. It is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Recruitment and appointment of members of Council
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as members of Council. Under the requirements of the Articles of Association any two members of the company within a region may nominate another member of that region to serve on Council and confirmed by the members at the Annual General Meeting. Other than the office bearers, who are required to offer themselves for re-appointment on an annual basis, a member of Council is elected to serve for a term of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
Induction and training of members of Council
Trustees are elected directly from the membership and they therefore have prior knowledge of the history and purpose of AMSPAR. On election a trustee is provided with an induction pack, minutes of prior meetings and a mentor.
Risk management
Council has conducted a review of the major risks the charity faces. Where appropriate systems and procedures have been established to mitigate those risks. In particular a Quality Assurance Framework has been developed to ensure standards set by Ofqual are achieved and maintained.
Organisation structure
The charity's Council meet at least four times a year and are responsible for the strategic policy and direction of the charity. At present Council has three elected members from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.
A scheme of delegation is in place and the day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Chief Executive. He manages the operations of the charity, supervises the staff team and ensures that the team continue to develop their skills and working practices.
Objects
The principal objects of the charity are:
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to raise the professional standards of those who are and those who aspire to be Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists and support them in attaining high levels of expertise and effectiveness by improving their knowledge and skills.
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to develop and provide a clear framework of qualifications which will be valued and recognised by Health Care Employers as key indicators of competence.
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AMSPAR
Report of the Directors
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Activities, achievements, performance, financial review and plans for the future
A detailed review of the above matters is provided in the Chief Executive's introduction to this report. The trustees, in planning the activities for the year, have had due regard to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
Reserves policy
Free reserves (those funds not tied up in fixed assets) are held to ensure the continuity of educational services to registered students and to ensure the long term viability of the charity. Having considered the projected income and potential risks the charity faces, the Council are of the opinion that a level approximating to three months total expenditure is necessary to ensure that the charity continues to meet its obligations on an ongoing basis. This equates to £62,517 at current levels of expenditure. Free reserves available at the year end amount to £2,971 .
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by Council on …………………………………..……………... and signed on its behalf by:
…………………………………...
Myra Upton President
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Independent Examiner's report to the Directors of THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL SECRETARIES, PRACTICE MANAGERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND RECEPTIONISTS LIMITED
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 6 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met.
Harry Nicolaou FCA
Of Harry Nicolaou and Co Limited Chartered Accountants 21 Brendon Way Enfield EN1 2LF
………………………………
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AMSPAR
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Total | ||
| Note | funds | funds | |
| (Unrestricted) | (Unrestricted) | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| INCOME from: | |||
| Charitable activities: | |||
| Education | 270,103 | 288,150 | |
| Membership subscriptions | 10,160 | 12,274 | |
| Merchandising and other income | - | 533 | |
| Investments - bank interest | - | 147 | |
| Total income | 280,263 | 301,104 | |
| EXPENDITURE on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 250,068 | 354,949 | |
| Total expenditure | 2 | 250,068 | 354,949 |
| Net income/(expenditure) and net | |||
| movement in funds | 3 | 30,195 | (53,845) |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||
| Total funds brought forward | (27,224) | 26,621 | |
| Total funds carried forward - surplus/(deficiency) | 2,971 | (27,224) |
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AMSPAR
Company No. 850300 Balance Sheet
| As at 31 March 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 1 | 1 | ||
| Current assets | |||
| Debtors | 8 | 17,326 | 4,854 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 36,492 | 35,666 | |
| 53,818 | 40,520 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 9 | (32,763) | (40,882) |
| Net current assets/(liabilities) | 21,055 | (362) | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due after one year | 10 | (18,085) | (26,863) |
| Net assets/(liabilities) | 2,971 | (27,224) | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General funds: surplus/(deficiency) | 2,971 | (27,224) | |
| Total funds: surplus/(deficiency) | 2,971 | (27,224) |
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and that members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by Council on ………………………………….………………... and signed on its behalf by:
…………………………………... …………………………………... Myra Upton Steve Williams President Treasurer
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AMSPAR
Notes to the Accounts
1. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.
- (a) The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
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(b) All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, there is sufficient certainty of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
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(c) Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that a settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
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(d) Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them allocated on staff activity levels for each activity.
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(e) Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include independent examination fees and costs linked the strategic management of the charity. Governance costs which cannot be allocated directly are apportioned on an appropriate basis.
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(f) Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Items of furniture and equipment are capitalised when the purchase price exceeds £2,000.
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Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life. The rate used for furniture and equipment is 33 1/3% on the reducing balance.
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(g) Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discounts offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any trade discounts due.
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(h) Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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(i) Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. The charity holds no restricted funds.
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(j) Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) as incurred over the term of the lease.
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(k) Pension costs charged in the SOFA represent contributions payable to the employees' individual personal pension schemes by the charity in the year. These pension contributions terminated during the year and were replaced by workplace pension scheme contributions.
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AMSPAR
Notes to the Accounts
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
2. Total expenditure
| Education & membership services Direct cost of charitable activities Staff costs (Note 5) 34,250 3,806 Membership services 540 - Examination costs 190,382 - Conference and meetings 19 171 Telephone, postage, printing & stationery 2,054 228 Support costs Premises costs 12,415 1,380 275 14 Subscriptions, publications and sundries 303 76 Independent examination and accountancy fees - 1,900 Bank charges 135 15 Advertising 1,299 - Loan interest 806 - Total expenditure 242,478 7,590 Net income/(expenditure) This is stated after charging: Independent examination services Accountancy services Governance Purchase, hire and maintenance of office equipment Independent examiner's remuneration: |
2024 £ Charitable activities 38,056 540 190,382 190 2,282 13,795 289 379 1,900 150 1,299 806 250,068 2024 £ 1,100 800 |
2023 £ Charitable activities 40,050 540 294,322 629 2,233 13,366 517 191 1,900 180 - 1,021 |
|---|---|---|
| 354,949 | ||
| 2023 £ 1,100 800 |
3. Net income/(expenditure)
4. Payments to trustees (directors) and related party transactions
No remuneration has been paid to the trustees (2023 £nil) and no expenses were reimbursed to them (2023 £nil).
Steve Williams, a trustee of the charity is also a shareholder in Amerequus Limited which delivers the DPCHM training for the charity. The amount paid to Amerequus Limited in the year amounted to £190,552 (2023 £244,577) and the amount outstanding at the year end was £18,024 (2023 £26,388).
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AMSPAR
Notes to the Accounts
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
5. Staff costs and numbers
| Staff costs were as follows: Salaries and wages Pension costs Payroll processing costs Travelling expenses |
2024 2023 £ £ 36,500 38,005 1,095 1,140 65 290 396 615 38,056 40,050 |
|---|---|
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.
The average weekly number of employees during the year was 1.
6. Taxation
The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
7. Tangible fixed assets
| Office | |
|---|---|
| furniture & | |
| equipment | |
| £ | |
| Cost | |
| At 1 April 2023 | 12,059 |
| At 31 March 2024 | 12,059 |
| Depreciation | |
| At 1 April 2023 | 12,058 |
| At 31 March 2024 | 12,058 |
| Net book value | |
| At 31 March 2024 | 1 |
| At 31 March 2023 | 1 |
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AMSPAR
Notes to the Accounts
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
| 8. Debtors Trade debtors Other debtors 9. Creditors due within one year Taxation and social security Loan Trade creditors Other creditors 10 Creditors due after one year Loan |
2024 £ 14,342 2,984 17,326 2024 £ - 9,584 18,024 5,155 32,763 2024 £ 18,085 |
2023 £ 1,786 3,068 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,854 | ||
| 2023 £ 515 9,584 28,883 1,900 |
||
| 40,882 | ||
| 2023 £ 26,863 |
11. Pension costs
The charity participates in a workplace pension scheme (which is a defined contribution scheme) for members of staff. The pension costs for the year amounted to £1,095 (2023 £1,140).
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