REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 0313660 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Langdowms DFK Limtte Chartwed Accountants Flemlng Court Leigh Road Easueigh Southampton Hampshire S050 9P0
L LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CONTENTS OF THE NANC STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 Pag• Chairf$ Report Rèport of lh• Trustsas 2 to 9 Indepondent Examlnerfs Roport 10 statement of Flnanclal AcUvltl•s 11 Balance She8t 12 Notes to the Flnan¢lal Statgm?nts 13 to 21
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CHAIR'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Chalr of tho SLA had to step away from the charity during the year for personal reasons. I was delighted to step and fulfil the role of Interim Chair until a new permanent Chair can be appointed. Thls Is an exciting time as the Association looks to g¥ow through delTvery of ils 5 year strategy - designed in 2021 and confimied In 2024. Our now CRM system ha5 been purchased and has had favourdbte member f88dback. As it is Implemented the SLA wll seè benefits from the system that shjukl help the member experfence and dlveTsify Income streams. The 5 year strategy remains an ambitious plan, but achievable. The Association wants to grow membership. diversify Income, and influence the political landscape relating to literacy of young pw)ple, and 1Sbr8ries and books in sthLw)Is. It wlll also be imw)rtanl to look at the benefits and serwce we provide to our members. and how we can enhance our offering. With a forthcomlng election influerKing the pollucal landscape arKI growing partnerships are more important than ever. 1 am gralefijl for the enthusiasm and (y)mmilment of every one of our trustees. Truslees are fijlly aware of th8lr responsibilities and wdl infoTmed about Ihe challenges the SLA face5 in the year ahead. Our CEO WOTks with us all in a collaborative way. and in pathership. Smaller workng parties are fom)ed as need arises. ensuring not lust full engagement of Iruslees but dr8wng the skills of indmdual trustees where appropriate. This report shows the hartj wort( that goes on to keep our AsSl8t10n strong and relevanL il is particularty pleasing to see the membership growth in the last year. On behalf of the Board. I would fike lo thank Aison Tarrant. our CEO. and her excellent team of d8dicaled staff for their commltment and hard work. Amanda Whiteford Vice Chair Ilnterim Chair September 2023 to March 2024) Page 1
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION REPORT OF THE TRU TEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Th& Iwstees present their rewrt wth the finanThal statements of the ¢harity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounung and Reporting by Charities.. Ststement of Recommendad Practice appllcable to charities preparing their aUnts In accordance the Financial Repotlng Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republlc of Ireland {FRS 102) (&ffecltVo 1 January 2019). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES The objects sel out in the Constitution for Schoc4 LSbrary Assoclalion 8re; To promote and advance for 8ducational and recatiOnal ends th8 use of fibraries in schools and educallonal establi5hmenls for those aged 18 and under for the purposes of the advancement of education in parttcular but not exdusively by.. Providing information and advice trj anyone who needs ( in relation to the Djnning of a school library ProvSding Infom)8tion and athce to anyone needs 51 th rel81ion to the actvities ond188ming that take place thin a library Raising awareness of the benefits that a Sc1 Ilbrary (sn have, Induding but not limtted to Ilteracy, well&eing and academic attainment Provldlng training, publlcations and Ilbraries for the purpose of promottng these objects School Llbrary Association Out oblects forth8 putrAlc benefit by. Provlding a telephone helpline to any enquirer in relation lo sctrk)ol librari&s and their staffing. Provldlng a publications programme, tr8Snlng opportunities and a website all of practical help to sthool librarians. Advocatlng the use of. and gc4)d practice In. sthool Ibraries in pUbC arenas and by wg in partnershlp with other organisations to raise the profile of school librari8S. Activities which promote Ilbraries and literacy to all. The tnjstees have paid due regard to guidan issued by the Charity Commlsslon In dedding what actlvSUes should be undertaken. All our tharftabl8 a¢VItieS are undertaken to fvrlher our ¢harltsble purposes for the publlc btsnefit. Page 2
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Key highlights 1) Thlrteen schod5 celebrated for thelr school Ilbrary spaces. staff and hNJh impact projects. 2> Infonnalion Book Award Book Club had po$Ve Impacts on sew-esteem. reading habits and enabled puplls to consider books in more depth across over 100 schools. 3) Over 170 people signed up to leam mfxe about new developments in school libraries, and we collaborated to produ new research. Strategy OLEr strategy wa8 reachlng its midpoinL so rt felt appwrlale to take some 15me In February 2024 to review the strategy and discuss ether li was still ddwering what was needed. Those conversations have been ongoing. We have pushed our strategy forward across all streams, induding: Engage in active advocacy and PR campaigns The CEO of the Assou8tiDn attended the City of London Fusion Skllls day. She also did a podcast for the Assoclatlon of School and College Leaders in November 2023, then a webinar Sn December and a keyrtole at their Literacy Confertrn(s in January 2024. Thereby reaching a wt81 audienco for school library slaff. and the development of school libraries. The Association was mentionetl by Justin T(nIinSOn MP in the House of Commons. I commend (he SC)01 Library Assctiation. which does its best lo champion the cause, share best practlce and deliver opportunities to make the money go that little blt further. 11 Is tslling that those schools with the best libraries have the best engagement- il rnay seem obwLHJS, but it is not a gwen. tt should be." You can read the full debate herè.. https.IlvwM.theyworldoryou.comfvthaiinid-202&L6b.277.0#Y288.o We have contlnued wr leadership of the Great School Libraries campaign and recrulted a volunteer communlcations officer to support the communications around our alms. We launched the report of the 2023 research - Equ FLttures? An imbalance of opportunitses - ak)ngsido our colleagues at CILIP and CILIP SLG. That led to us wOlg with Margaret Greenwood MP to host a pop-in session for MPS who wanted to know more about the benefits of, and lack of data about. school libraries. We We ¢Jellghted that Michael Rosen joined us for that sesslon and added his expertise to the session. We have atso sent newsletters to our supporters arwj have spoken about the campaign on several occasions and podcasts, Indudlng on the Nith Gam dcast. We have also continued our Awards to celebrate the brilliant impact these highly 8ff9ctive schools and their 1Sbrary staff are having. Ilnd 811 sponsors and Foyle Foundation) The Primary School Libr8rlan of the Year had three people shortli5ted for it.. N8tasha Delaney from WesfvAiod Primary School, Cambridgeshire., Sally Hamerton from Two Mll8 Hlll Primary School. Bristol" Sarah Cross frcrfn Whitwk* St Jthn the Baptist CE Primary School, Lelceslershire. The Award was sponsored by Authors Abroad. The Secondary Sthool Librarian of the Year Award also had three peoF4e the Honour LISL Brf(Jgel Hamlet from Rushey Mead Academy. Leicesler" Jacqui Hale from St Hilda's CE High School, Very)001., Saffron Wlllams from Haberdashers, Monmouth schL8, Monmouth. The Award was sp)nsored by OverDrtve. These people prove that re8ding is a foundation to learning. b¥Jt the Work being $howc8sed here also highlights the positive impact on wellbeing and work acfOSS the whole curricltlum, including developing Independent leaming skills. The Enterprise of the Ye8r Award had four reach the shorlllst Blanchdande College, Colh8m M8nor Primary School, Oswesty Sd)ool. Strattord Gills. Grammar School. Page 3
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 For Blanchelande College the alm of thelr projoct was to estalsh a school Ilbrary that is Intsgr81 to the educational process through the implemenlation of a whol&school inquiry-based learning curriculum. While tho others were refuTbishments - though they varied signifi(sndy as well. Colham Manor (a slate fvnded primary School In West London for over 600 children) a leam of deted staff members transformed a neglected storage area Into an Ivng and engaging library on 8 very limited budget. The new Ilbrdry space. along with staff equipped vlth tools and knovAedge to make the most of it. h8$ transformed the Who school's approach to reading. Oswestry Sthool (an independent. CedUCatIOnal day and boarding sd)ool In Shropshire for just under 500 pupils betsveen the ages of 4 and 181 meanwhile. pul together a team to transfomi 8 redund811t space into an exciting. contemporary library, themed around bringing the outdoors in. ethoing the rural setting of the school. Stratford Girls. Grammar School {a selective slate-furTrded secondary school for around 800 girls aged 11 to 18 In Warwickshirel also wanted to uplift the school library. Once dated and duttered. it has been refurbished to provi(le a wel¢omlng and Indusfve space to adapt to th8 changing needs of the students. With more room for study and a vlde, dwerse range of resources. it SUPPOtts tea¢hSng arKI leaming throughout. and encourages a lrfelong love of reading. The library now sits at Ihe heart of wellbging wtthin the school- open. bright and connected to nature. The Community Award had a shortlist of three.. Mycenae Hc¥Jse Reach (Thjt CommunSty LSbr8rian Scheme wlth The Jthn Roan School Mycenae House Is a MmUn centre in Blackheath. London. Its Reach Out progrdmme helps the community to develop sknlls, find suN)ort and the capacity lo enjoy life to the full. The sg¢ond finallsl, and eventual wnner was the Swndon Youth Festlval of Literature 16th year, the week-long literary fesuval held every November which celebratss re8dlng, writing and creatlwty lo thousands of students. The fr68 lo att8nd events have enabled thousands of Students lo l* Insplred by wonderful and diverse authors and perfomlers. The thlrd finalist -whatever il Takes - is a partnership wMth Cr84tive Learning SeTvKes. Leicester City LibrarSes and other organisations. is a programme offering a range of projects 8nd events in primary and secondary schools Including training for school staff, author visiis. book awards and a Readathon. We also ran tho Infomation Book Award again. continued support from Hathgtte and Peters. Thanks to funding from the Foylg Foundatlon, we were also able to run the IBA Book Club - which provides book packs lo schools. The IBA Book Club alone reached lust shy of 30,(KIO pupils. 100°h of the schools whlch provided feedback would have Lwen unablg to tsk8 part without a book dub and 100% would tsk& part agaln. Th8ir feedback was fantasd¢'. 'Thtsy really loved the booksl They thought they were really intsresting. and it wa5 exciting to be able to spotlight som8 hIgqU81Y Information tsjoks. There's a tendency to focus on fiction and thls event was helpfijl to twly thlnk deeply ebout nonficti{.° 'They loved them and loved the oppcwlunty of having Iheir views hear(1 and respected.. 'They have helped our students lo leam how lo nawgate noTrfiction brx)ks. as well as openlng thelr mlnds to the idea that information books Can be treading for pleasure. books as well. Students found out lots of interesting infomialion arKI had the opportunity to engage wth books they might not nomially see or ch(KJso. Using the books for a challenge also led to lois of discussK)n, as did the voting proc - this meant the books had an impact on teamwork and discussion skllls. as well as helping sludents188m how thay judge arKI ch(K)se books they might enjoy. The opportunity lo vote In the award byds very important. maknng the students feel part of something bigger- they loved that other sludents across the county were Iwking al the same books and voting kn)." °B8lng Invlted lo loln a ludgiThJ panel has a huge positive impacl on se-esteeM. I llnd It encourages children to assess 8nd conslder bo¢)ks in greater depth and makes them think less superficially about books. They take time lo thlnk about the Infomialion provided: does the book answer what they want lo kno Is infomiatiC easy to find7 Is the Information trustworthy? They take the book less at face value.. b Create new searCh We Continued our work with our Patron. Professor Jufian McDougall, ndUlng research into how the sch1 library can support digital resilience in teenagers. This paper is av8ilabl6 here: httpS:IleprSnts.b(Memouth.ac.ukJ39618I In October 2023 we ran a New Developments Day which attracted over 170 registration8. The day focajs on new res&arch Into, and impacting. school libraries and was offered free to ev8ry(me - members or not. Feedback was hug8ly posIve, and we Mll run this again In fijture. Build strong p8rtnershlp8 We continued our close workSng relauonship with CILIP, and wcffked th thr schocl librarw interest group. SLG, to develop and lead censorship trwNng for ourloint mmber5hlps. Page 4
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 We have had positive relationships with a range of $8Ctry bodies, induding the Chellgnham Literature Fe511val, the National Literacy Trust, and BookTrusl. Our CEO joined the Wodd Book Day Strategic Advisory board,. and she continues to sll on the Designing Llbraries CIC Advisory Board. She was also invited lo present to The Reading Agency board of trustees about the work of the SLA In eady February which was successfvl and led to positive discussions and plans for the futur8. Mernb¥rshlp Overall, membership of the Association has grown. This is partty due to the introduction of a free membership oplSon which Sncreases our support for Ihoso unabk to pay the membership fee and who don't qualify for a concession rate. Paid membershlp has remaln8d steady over the year, with our knowledgeable slaff and the recent changes have been noticed by members who are giving us anothw chance- "Il's run by people who really Undetsnd vthal Ifs Ilke lo be a sthod Ilxadon, so they run an organSs8tlon that caters for its members." "l used to be a rnember years ago but didnl see a positive return on my Inveslment. l jolned agaln18St yO8r and have been am828d at the free webinars, and range of resources available. "l used lo be SLA member but didn't really see it as worthwhile. I10Sned again last year and have been amazed at the avallabillty of Webina and resources that I have been 8bte to access.. 'It is THE resourcelorganisation for school Ilbrwians" (their emphasis) Member retention rate is on average for AssClatI$ at 86%. as is our recruitrnent rale for this period, at 12Qh. W8 look forward to next year when th8 fully ernbedded system will alh)w us a mLK* e8sler andysis of our membèrs, their make-up and other data points. Where members leave land fill in an exil survey) 50% said limited budget was a factor in not reneYAng. The Comments show higher expectatlons of more free events Sndi¢ating that accessing fundSng outside of schools Is key to enabling engagement with our offer. One comment partlcularfy stood out as being in¢Ji¢ative of the feellng in tho sector was.. "I'm so angry al having to do this bul as we all know school librarians seem to be the first CUL. Impact We may be a small learn and charity. but we are having a positsve and long4asting impact on our members, making them feel less alone and empowering them to supp)rt more pupils with their readlng journeys and develop the Ilbrary In new and impactful way5 themselves. We hav& provided detailed advice to over 270 people over the course of the year. The majority has been providing reading recommendations and other toplcs IrKlude w)bues, starting up a new Ilbrary, training, deallng with book reslricdons and supplieTr. Supporbng membeTS: Your information 8nd Ilnks are very useful. I may well be in touch. Rlght now. I can see vthat I can do immediately to meet the needs of our mck inspectim next week. I was so gratefvl for the introduction to the SLA website this m(ming. Y¢JJ provide a fantsstic resour, and I can see I 11 be making good use of It.. After approximatsly slx months of membership, I would say that membership of the SLA is essenllal for any school library. The range of resources and atfvice on offer is impresslve. The scheme has been an invaluable support. I'm new to the role of Sch)1 Ilbrarian and the guid8nce I reassurance has been am8ing. After a couple of initial phone conversations. I now email if I have a prob18m or 8 question. I feel able to 8sk questions knovlng that thè SLA will be suppcrtllve end reply in lots of detall. Nothing is ever loo much trouble and I'm really gratefvl for the help. Tralning You've been provSdSng some absolutely amazing CPD opportunities rnIty- it is very much appreclated!. "l am really enjoying reading through and accessing the fabulous resourcgs available.. 'Belng the only school Ilbrarian in my school it was really helpful and refreshlng to speak lo other5 who do the same job and shalè Ideas. l aayS feel Ihe odd one out in school." Sharfng information wa newsletters- .1 love the offers in the newsletters, and also I love a useful prompt for upcoming themed weeks, days, et¢ (Mental Health Awareness Weekl well In advance of that week.. .1 like that you have created specaallst newsletters. and the content Is excellent in all of Ihem.. Page 5
CHOOL LIBRARY AS OCIATION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 e Smalls I have reIved so f8r have been very useful and Irrformatlve.. hey are infomalive and conc#se.' 'They ar& always Interesting and a way of keewng up to dale or remlndlng mo of thlngsl" Advlce Ilne.. Yhank you so much. Thanks for the swift reSpSe. l>Jr first meellng was tcJay. and It was a great success.. Yhis is hugely helpfijl,. Ihank you so much for slving me a great starting place for this projecu. "I honestly don't know what to saylll Thank Y£ SO much for sharing this wlth me arKI I can tell 81 a glance il's perfeeL I can't tell you how l apprec4ate your speed in responding and the quality of the help you've given me.. 'Just to say thank you so much for our ¢xll earler and I hope I dldn'l sound too ove&1medI. hank you very much for your help wth the books, I do appreciat8 Id. "FABULOUS thank you. (slcl 'Wow- that's a massive reliefl Realty helpfijl, thank you" K6y Ar•as for developmenl Over the next few years, we vlll (Ljnthue to lId on tmjr strategy and start to (x)nsurt for tyjr strategy for 2027 (War(l$. We wll priori58 bullding a dearer plcture of our memtrs lo better undeland them and Identify any gaps and bl83e$ in our membershlp base. We will work lo ensure smooth succ8ssion of the trustee board. including the officer roles. FINANCIAL RENryEW Flnancial posltlon Th8 ffinanual ctUre over tha year has been mrxed. butthe year ende(I rK>sltfvely. It was partlctjlady pleasing to see membership grovth, the TSL generating a posltive income stream, and being able lo se(xJre grant bjnding from The Foyte Foun¢JaUon - although tho grant mnles will be re¢eivtrd In the next finanaal year. Highlights have Induded the put4ication and sales of new SLA Guiddines: ong Ls 8 Primary School Libraries publication, arjd one i8 about the IFLA guidelines and sales of both were b$tter than anticipated. Our training offer has continued to attract ngw registrations and pruce vital incom& for the Associatlon. Two particulady popular courses were New To School tibraries and Teenagers, Reading: Enfvyment And Eng8gement. The Asso(xation look the drfficult decjsion to run a Vir81 clferenCe in 2023 due to the workload prgssures the build and development of the new system and website, and due to the uncertain landscape. Fortunately, the virtual weekend course was well supported, and gained suffiuent incwe to make il worthwhile. Plans for the 2024 Weeket)d Course are well undenvay. and it appears that the course will bè the best attended 8nd blggest for many years. Reserves strategy - after the purchase of the new CRM system. which is v1181 for the charity, cash reserves would Inemtably drop. Our reserves policy was updated In November 2023 to allow for a range of resenres. The range is for between 24 months of operational income. Whilst the Charfty ended th8 financial year wth reserves higher than expected. it is fell prudent to leave the November '23 Reserves Policy in place whi151 we look to improve reserves in the coming months and years. b Reappointed Langdowns as accountants and Independent Examlnerfor the charity. Future challenges - the SLA needs to increase its reserves after the CRM purchase. With membership Income accounting for over 50% of lotsl income - membership ret8ntlon and membership growth are critical. Costs are always well managed, and a rUtrst budget is in place for the financial yaar ending 31 March 2025. Page 6
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy Reserves Pollcy PuTro$e: The purwse of thls reserves pollcy is to ensure the charity has a tevel of worklng capital that prolects it's continuity. enables it lo remain solvent, and Continue to deltver its core purp)se. 11 should also allow for a contingency in case of unplanned events happenlng wllhln the charity that are not o)vered by its insuranc8 policles. Reserves are classified as fvnds that are unrestricted- so rnt restrlde(l or allocated for any speafic purpose or projecL The SLA has Invested In 8 new CRM system as part of a new stralogy, lo ald Incom8 diversity and growth. This has reduced the amount of unrestricted cash that the charity is able to hold in the short term. It also means an updated T8serves policy is appropriate for this finandal year, and the flnan¢ial year starling on 1 Awll 2024. Income is not regular each month. To prowde more fiexibility the r8sèrves apwoach has changed. Rather than specify a partlcular amount of unrestricted cash to be held. the SLA resorve rx)licy will now include a range of reserves to be held. This is more appropriate gwen drffering income streams eath month. As lh8 amount of unrestricted cash hetd has redwd the reserve levels held will be reviewed quarterty by ihe Board - wllh thè intention that the pollcy conne$ to be upJated 8nnualty. Unrestrlcted r¢$erve$ to be held- A range of unrestricted reserves held fed$ more 8pproprfale. The SLA wll hold unrestricled reserves of a minimum of 2 months budgeted expenditure. arKI y1n a range of 24 months of budgeted expenditure. This level of reserves would be sufficient in an emergency siluab(m io allow for a slNctured, planned and controlled wSnd-down of the charity. R•strlct•d Reserves: The SLA will also al limes hold funds that are restrted. These funds are induded vAthln the reported and revlewed unrestricled reserves. Currently the trted funds are hdd f(Y Great Schwl Libraries and Awards. Page 7
SCHOOL LIBRARY AS CIATION REP RT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governlng document The charity is controlled by Sts govemlng dLKumen( Constilution for Sd)ocl Ubrary Associalon. 8nd constttutes a Charitable Incorporaled Organlsauon ICIOI. If the CIO is wound up. tho mgmber8 of the CIO have no liability to c(trIAIt& to Its assets and no peonal responslbS11ty for settling its debts and fiat4lities. The charity was a limited company. limited by guarantee until 16 Dember 2022. The chartiy was controlled by its goveming doctjment, Articles of Assouation of Sthool knbrdry Assodaticfi up until that date. The charlty converted lo CIO on 16 De¢ember2022. Goveman¢g Unfortunately. our Chalr had to take somg 1Sme away from the charity due to a dose famity bereavement. and this led to her taking the deaOn to step down as Chair and trustee as it was best for the charity. We are grdtefijl to her for the time and energy she gav6 to the s arKI trustee. Vice Chair and then as Chalr. We are also gratefijl to Amanda Whiteford for stepping up as Vice Chair to brne Acling Chair while we recruit a Chair. It was unfortunate that one of our newly appointed (ln September 20231 trustees also found hetself unable to continue due to heakh reasons. and again took Ihe o)ur3geous dedslon lo step down. The CoMin00n of Ih&se two unforeseen cirCJJmstan meant w8 have an Interim Chair. Refiecting on the $klll8 of the current BoanJ members, we have started to recruf( 8 permanent Chalr. a Membership Development Trustee and an Education Tnlee. The board of trustees also took two important deusions over the Course of the year r818ted to the governan of the Assoclation. The first was lo remove our registratlon in Scotland. This in no way indlc8tes 8 lack of intent when St comes to Scotland and our Actimties there, but we are able to ojntinue and grow our aCtIlIeS wthcMJt belng reglstsred, and as our financial ffluduations mean we may hil the threshold for an audlt In Scouand the board felt It would achieve better use of resources for benefi(aaries rf tt was not registered In Scotland. The second wos lo Increase the number of board m8etlngs from four to slx. Thls decisiC was takon to en8ble the board to better assess the risk in relalion to Ihe vilal implemerttation of the new system and the Iluctuatlng finances over the yèar. Pag8 8
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charlty nurnr 0313660 PrlTrcipal address 1 Pine Court Kembrey Park Swndon Willshire SN2 8AD Trustees S C 8astone Ireskjned 13.923) J Bradford A M De8ville K Kaur A A Kennedy (resigned 12.1.24} A Whiteford V S Dilly E M Firth {resigned 9.6.23} R Horsman H L Cleaves H L Richardson P Register J Crittenden {appointed 13.9.23) (resigned 26.2.24) Independent Examiner Graham Taylor Langdowns DFK Limited Chartered Accountants Flemlng Court Leigh Road Easlleigh Southampton Hampshire SOS0 9PD Chlef Ext¢utlve A J C Tarrant If Approved by order of the board of twslees on .................... . and SIgr on Its beh8W ty. A Whlleford - Trustee P8ge 9
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TR SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION ESOF I rèport to the charity tnJstees on my ex8mlnation ofthe accounts ofthe (*8rfty forthe year anded 31 Msrch 2024. Responslbllltles and basls of r•wt As the chariivs Iruslees you are responsible the weparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe Act,). I report In raspect of my examlnation of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrwng out rny examination I have followed all the applicable Diredons glven by the Charity Commission under sedon 145(51{bl of the ACL Independent examlnerfs statsment S5nce the charity's gross income exc&èded £250,000 your examiner must ba 8 member of a body fisted in section 145 of the ACL I confirm that l am qualffied to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. 1¢h Is one of the $ted bcKlles. I have complated my examination. I ccrfrni that no material Matte have rne to my attention in Connection with the examlnatlon gMrwa me c8use to believe that In any material spe accounting records werg not kept in respect of the charity as requlrnd by section 130 ot the Act or 2 the accounts do not accord wtth tIKJS8 rerS., or 3 the accounts do not comply with the applitrable requlrements conceming th6 fomi and wntent of aco)unts set out In the CharllSes (knounts and Reports) Regulauons 2¢YJ8 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ru6 and faSr which is not a matter ¢Si¢JOred as part of an independent examinallon. I have no con¢ems and have come across no olher mattgrn in nneCti( vthh the examinatlon to which attention should be drawn in thls report In order lo enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Graham Taylor The Institute of Chartered Aw)untants in England and Waies Langdowns DFK Limited Chartered Accountants Fleming Court LeSgh Road Easdeigh Southgmpton Hampshire S050 9PD Dale- Page 10
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTMTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total fijnds UnrestrifAe funds R&8tricted fund Notes INCOME AND ENDOVIMENTS FROM Donations and legacles 7.257 22.300 29,557 35,938 Charitablè aetlvltlès Promollon of libraries in education 324,874 324.874 371.780 other tradlng activities Investment income 1,374 624 1,374 624 4,887 119 Total 334,129 22.300 356 429 412 724 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 500 4,499 Charftable actlvitles Promollon of Ilbraries educallon 341.244 20.780 362 024 418,515 Totsl 362.524 423,014 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDrruRE) 17.6151 1.520 {6,095) (lo,2) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Totsl fun(Is brought forward 195,IM5 27,906 222,951 233.241 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 187.430 29,426 216,856 222,951 The notes f¢Jm part of Ihese financial statements Page 11
CHO L LBRARY A SOCIATION BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Totsl funds Unrestrscted funds Restrict fvnd Notes FIXED ASSETS Intsngible assets Tangible a&8ets 12 13 52,358 52,358 177,296 30,935 182,424 229.654 229.654 213.359 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and In hand 14 15 4.437 97,190 91.629 4.437 97,190 121055 3,4 39.167 146,429 193,256 29,426 222.682 189.086 CREDITORS Amounts falling dve wlthln one year 16 (204665) (204,665) (145,862) NET CURRENT ASSETS 11.409) 29.426 43,224 TOTAL ASSEfs LESS CURRENT LIABILMES 218.245 29,426 247,671 256,583 CREDITORS Amounts falllng duo aftfjr moro than on8 year 17 (30.815) (30,815) 133.6321 NET ASSETS 187.430 29.426 216,856 FUNDS Unreslrlcted funds Restricted funds 187.430 29,426 195.045 27.906 TOTAL FUNDS 216.856 222.951 The financial sta(ents were approved by the Board of TTUStees a¥Jthorised for issue on . and were signed on its behalf by. A Whiteford- Trustee The notes fcmm part of these )Inandal stat8ments Page 12
CH L LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basls of prgparlng the flnanclal statements The financial statements of the tharsty, whi¢h Is a pu1¢ benefft entity under FRS 102. have been prepared In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 102) 'ACc(ntIng and Reporring by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practlce applicable lo charities preparing thelr aUnts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Re¥AJblic of Ireland {FRS 1021 (effective 1 January 2019}', Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Flnancial Repon9 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Irelanrf and tha Charities Act 2011. The financlal statemenls have been prepared under the histlca1 cost convention. The charity was a limited ¢J)mpany, limited by guarantee until 16 December 2022. The charity conv8rted lo a Charflable Incorwrated Organisafion on 16 December 2022. The prior year figures up lo the point of conversion relate lo a period when the charity was a company. Golng concem The financA81 stslem8nts have been prepared on a going o)ncem basis as the Iru51ees believe that no material uncertainties exisL Th8 trustees have sIdered the level of funds held and the expected level of In¢(*re and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgetwj income and expenditure is sufficlent the le1 of reserves for the tharity to be ab18 to contlnue as a golng concem. Incorne All income is recognlsed In the Statement of Finarla1 Activibes On the charity has entitlement to the funds, It Is probable that the in¢om6 wll received and Ihe amount can be measured reliably. For donations to be re(niSed the tharity wll have been notified of the amounts and the seWement date In writsng. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until ttrbjse conditions are fijlly met or the fulfilmenl of thosts conditlons Is wthin the u)ntrol of thè charity and il is probable that they will be fuffilleil. Tradlng Income Is recognlsed vthgn the goods or SeThI is provided. Income from membership subscrfptions is recognised in Ihe period to which bt rete$. Membership subscrfption income received In conn8Ctlon wth a future period is inctuded as deferred inwme In the Balance Sheel. Expenditure L[alitieS are recognised as expendihjre as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation commilling the charity to that expendSture, it is probable that a transfer of economic beneffts 11 b8 requlred In s9tt1ement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is ac£ounled for on an accruals basis and has been clasSed under headlngs that aggregate dl cost related to the category. Where costs cannot ba directly attributed lo particular headings they have been allocated to aCtieS on a basis consislenl th the use of reSoUrs. Intangible flxed assets other than goodwill Intangible assets acquired sep8r8tety from a business are recognised at cost and are subseqL¢enlly m88$ured at cost less accLtmulaled amortisation and accumulated impaimienl losses. Intangltr assets acqulred on business combinauons are recognlse(I sep8r8tety from goothll at the acqulsttlon date If the falr value can be measured reliably. Amortisalion is recognised so as to writ& off the eost or vabjation of assets le55 thelr re51dual values over thelr useful lives on the following bases: Computer Software 25% straight line basis Compuler Software includes Ihe ojsls of website and database development. Tangiblo fixed assets Deprecjallon Is provlded at the ft)Ilowing annual rates in Order to write off eath asset over eSMad useful Ilf8. Freehold property Fixbjres and fittings 2% straight line 15QA_ 25% on reduang baLan Tanglble fixed assets of a value of greatsr than £50 are initialty measured at cost and subsequenuy measured at cost or valuation, net of detweclauon and any impaimient losses. Page 13 convnued...
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnued OR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - contlnued Tanglbl¢ flxed ass•ts The gain or loss arislng on the disposal of an asset is determined as Ihe differen betyn the sale proceeds 8nd the (Sng value of the a5S8t, and is recognised in net in0Jmel{eXpendireI for thè y8ar. Impairment of fixed assets At each reporting end date. the associatlon wews Ihe ryIng amounts of Its tsngible and intanglble assets to deleTmine whether there Ès any indi(2tion that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such IndScafjon e$ts. the recoverable arrnunt of the a8set is eslimat¢d in (*der to detsmlne the extent of the impairment loss lff any). Stocks stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estiwnated selling price less costs lo complete and sell. Cost compris8S direct malerias and, where applScabl9, direct labour Costs and those overheads that have been incuff6d In bringing the stocks to their Present location and condition. Items held for di51ribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of replocemgnt cfjst and (xJ8L Nel reallsable value is the estimated selllTrJ price less all estimated costs of complellon and costs to be Inojrred In marketing, sallng and distrbbution. Taxatlon Thè charity Is exemptfrom tax on its dritable acbvities. Fund accounting Unrestricled funds can be use(1 In accordance th the charltable objectives at the disuetion of thg trustees. Restrcted funds can lY be used for partiwlar rnStrIctl pury)os8s wfthln the obSecls of the charlty. Restrictions arlse when spectfied by the donor Oren fiJnds are rdsed for particular rostrfcted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purFose of each fund Is Included In the notes to the ffinan81 statements. Forolgn ¢urr¢n¢les Ass$ls and liabilities in foreign ujrrencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange Nling at the balance sheet date. Tr8nsaclSons In foreign currencies are translated into steding at the rate of exchange rullng at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating resulL Debtors and Credllors r¢¢elvabl• I payable wlthln one year Debtors and creditors wilh rK) Stated interest rale arkd re[Vable or payable within one year are rer¢jed at Iransadion price. Any losses adsing from Impalmienl 8re rec()gnised in expenditure. Loans and borrowings Loans and boThowings are inilialty recognised at the trans8¢tion pri irKluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective inler&st rate method, less Impalmènt. If an arrangement constitutes a ffinance trdnsaction it is measured al present value. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2024 2023 l)onation8 Award dOnaOn$ 8nd grdnts 6.357 1,205 34,733 29.557 35.938 Page 14 contlnued...
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 OTHER TRADING ACTMTIES 2024 2023 Fundraislng income 1.374 4,887 INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Interest receivable 624 119 INCOME FROM CHARrrABLE AcTIVlEs 2024 Promotion 2023 Ilbraries in education Tolal advlties Publication sales Membership and subscribeTS School librarian sales Training courses Job advertisement Inco Other income Research income Website income Income - partnerships Member events income Weekend 6.477 225,595 39,771 1 S.209 4.875 17.854 720 1.941 1.013 2,875 4.553 198,850 30.762 23.967 8.076 18.253 2.850 1.704 506 4.800 77.459 324 874 371.780 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs (see note 71 Support sts (see note 8} Totals Promotion of libraries in education 283 101 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Course expenses and publications Advethsing & Marketing Award expenditure 55.130 3.013 20.780 100,915 6,508 78.923 132,187 Page 15 continued...
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OTE THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 SUPPORT COSTS Govemanco costs Othèr Totals Promotion of libraries in education 261 165 Accountancy fees Indudes: 2024 2023 Independent examiner- fee f aco)unts and independent examination Independent examlner- fee for other s8rvic8s 4.460 4,250 13.536 10.344 SLEPPOrt costs, included in the above. are as follows: 2024 Promotion of librarfes In education 2023 Total a¢tNitles Wages Establishment expen888 Postage. stationery and offi¢e $uprAles IT & Soffvlare Costs Bank charges General Administration Foreign Currency Variances Staff trdining AmortSsalon of Intanglble fixed assets Depreciadon of lang1ble flxed 8ssets Interest payable Accountancy fea8 Legal and professional fees Board travel and moeung $ts Consultancy fees 195,187 8,839 4.121 18,027 1,523 17.387 8Q 1,407 8,695 5,128 2,771 13,536 203,001 5,577 4,156 9.143 1,309 22,612 {26) 2,727 3,870 5,613 1,883 10,344 2.297 5.659 1A64 6.936 283 101 286 328 TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND 8ENEFrrs None of the trustees were employed by the A8SOCiation N recefved any Yemuneralon from the AssoBlatlon under a contract of employment during the year or tho premous year. Truste¢$' exponse$ Expenses for awards. travel, subsistence and acct)mmoda1i lotslling £633 (2023: £2,386) were reimbursed to three trustees. Page 16 cnu0d...
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATI NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- ¢ontlnu FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 10. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 195 187 203,001 195 187 203.001 Wages and salaries above includes cost of wages. emptoyers national Insuran and penslon. Penslon costs in the period totalled £10.502 {2023- £10,654). The awrage Month number of employees during the yearwas as fdlows: 2024 2023 Charit8ble a¢de$ No employees recelved emduments In excess of£60.OIXI. 11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES Unrestricted funds Restrcled fund Total funds INCOME AND ENDOW141ENTS FROM Donations and legacles 1,204 34,734 35,938 Charllablo a¢tlvltl•$ Promotion of libraries in education 371,780 371.780 Other trading activities Invesimenl Income 4,887 119 4,887 119 Total 377,990 34,734 412,724 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 4,499 4.499 Charltable acilyities Promolion of libraries in educallon 393.751 418.515 Total 398.250 423 014 INCOMEIIEXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds (20.2601 750 9.970 750 {10,290} Net rnovement In funds {19,510) 9,220 110,290) RECOMCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 214,555 18,686 233,241 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 195,045 27,906 222,951 Page 17 conunued...
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . ¢ontlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 12. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Computer software COST At 1 April 2023 Addltions 47037 28.118 At 31 March 2024 75.555 AMORTISATION At 1 April 2023 Charge for year 16.502 At 31 March 2024 23.197 NET BOOKVALUE At 31 March 2024 52.358 Al 31 March 2023 30.935 13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Flxiures and fiitings Freehold erty Totsls COST Al 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 190.401 26.496 216.897 DEPRECIATION At l April 2023 Charge for year 14.432 20,041 1.520 34,473 At 31 March 2024 18.1)40 21.561 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 Marth 2024 172.361 177.296 At 31 M8rc* 2023 175.969 182,424 STOCKS 2024 2023 Finished goods DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade debtors other debtors PrepayTnents and accrued income 79N32 63 28,440 63 Pag8 18 c0nnUed...
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2Q24 2023 Bank loans and overdrafts {see note 18) Trade credllor5 Taxatim and sodal securfty Other credit¢ys 3,038 17,187 17,206 3.238 429 7.557 134.638 204 665 145.862 Deferred Income relates lo membership and school librarian subscriptions released in line wth the period of membership and income recee in advance for a course in the f(Alowng fin8n(ial peri(xl. Deferred Income brought foThMrd was £128,129 (2023: £168,783) this was all rel8ased to thg proff( and loss account Sn the year. Deferred in¢ome (xrriad forward is £160.04512023.' £128.129). 17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFtER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Bank loans {see note 18) 1& LOANS An anaSIS of the maturity of toans Is glven b810w. 2024 2023 Amounts fallitvj due wthin one year on demand: Bank loans 3.238 Amoun18 falling belween one and ye8rs'. Bank toans- 1-2 yea 3.238 Amounts falling due balwoon and five years: Bank loans - 2-5 years Amounts falling due in more than fve years". Repayable by instalments: Bank loans- more than 5 years 18.663 20,679 19. SECURED DEBTS Thè followtng secured debts are included within rTrdlto. 2024 2023 Bank loans 33,853 36,870 The bank loan is secured by a mgage Deed over the freehold property owned by the A550dation. Page 19 conllnyed...
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 PIARCH 2024 20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Nel mov9mBnt in fijnds Al 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unrestrl¢ted funds General fund Ftrture Buildlng Works 189,045 6.000 17.6151 181.430 6,000 195.045 (7.615) 187,430 Restricted funds Awards 27.906 1.520 29.426 TOTAL FUNDS 222.951 6.095 216.856 Nel movement in funds. induded in the above are as fcllows.. IncomiThJ resourwq R&8ources expended Movement in fvnds Unrestrlcted funds Gener81 fund 334.129 (341,744) (7,615) Rgstrlet8d funds Awards 22.300 (20.780) 1.520 TOTAL FUNDS 356.429 Comparattvas for mov•mont In funds Net movement in funds Transfers betteen funds At 1.4.22 31.3.23 Unrè5tr1cted funds General fund Future BuSldlng Works 208.555 120.2601 750 189,045 214,555 (20,260) 750 195,045 Restricted funds Awards 18.686 9.970 (7501 27,906 TOTAL FUNDS 233.241 10.290) 222,951 Page 20 conunued...
SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnu FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- eontlnu•d Comparatlve nel movement in fvrKls, irngLKled in the above are as follows.. Inc(xMlny resources Resources expended Movemènt In funds Unrestrlcted funds General fund 377.990 1398.250) (20,260) Restricted fund$ Awards 34.734 124.764) 9.970 TOTAL FUNDS 412.724 423 014) 10.290} Restricted funds Indudes £29.426 12023.. £27,906) of monies recewed by the Asscti8tion, wth rustrictions th8t the monies must be used in connection wlh Awards and Campaigns. This includes monies held on behalf of the Great School Library campaign. This campaign is jointly by CILIP. CILIP SLG and SLA, and SLA holds tha operational funds. Followng the move to premise5 owned by the Assoaation a dedsion was made lo create a (kslgnated resefve for fure refurblshment costs of the premlses. The reserve remalned unchanged in the year at £6,otxJ. 21. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES During the year the AsscKiation paid trustees £367 {21Y23: £270) in connection vAth the provision of training and publlcatlon Sces. The constitu0 of the charity slates. 'a tharity trustee or conneGled peon rnay enter into a contract for the supply of SeceS, or of goods that are supplied In connection with the PTOMSiOn of services, to the CIO where that is pem)itted in accordance with. and subject k) the ¢ondifjons In, Section 185 and 188 of Charities Act 2011.. Page 21