Charity Registratlon No. 326905
Compary ReBlStratlon No. 01892427 (England and Wales)
BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Charity number
326905
Company number
01892427
Registered office
3rd Floor
Interchange place
151- 165 Edmund Street
Birmlngham
83 2TA
Independent examiner
TC Group
Star House
star Hill
Rochester
Kent
MEI IUX
Bankers
Unity Trust Bank PIC
9 Brindley Place
Birmingham
812H8
Solicitors
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
19 Cockridge Street
Leeds
LS2 3AG

BRITISH & IRISH ORThOPTIC SOCIErY
CONTENTS
Page
Trustee's report
i-ii
Independent examiner's report
12
Statement of financial activSties
13
Statement of financlal position
14-15
Notes to the ftnancial statements
16-26

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The trustees present their annual report and financial st3tements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policie5 set out in note I to the
financial statements and comply with the charity's (governing documentl, the Companies Act 2006 and
"Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing
their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applic3ble in the UK and Republic of Ireland
IFRS 102} (effective l January 20191.
Chair and Vice Chalr Report
The British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) continues to meet the charitable aims through all of its activities:
"The objects for which the Society 15 established are for the public benefrt to advance education in orthoptics
and cognate subjects and to encourage the study and improve the practice of orthoptics with a view to
maintaining and raising standards in clinical and scientific orthoptics."
We have continued to represent the profession nationally holding seats on the Allied Health Professions
Federation Board, the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commission, The UK Ophthalmology Alliance Board, and
the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Paediatric Sub Committee. We have positively engaged with the
Regulator IHCPCI and contributed to a number of workstreams and consultations.
2023 saw the return of the first face to face annual BIOS Conference which was held in Belfast. This was a
successful event whlch set a new record for attendance at the annual conference with over 150 orthoptists
from across the UK and ROI in attendance. The conference also introduced a dedicated section for student
orthoptists to present their research/project work that they were undertaking as part of their pr&registration
studies and all three universities were represented.
After the AGM In 2023 we honoured the following Orthoptists wlth BIOS awards for their dedicatlon and
servlce to BIOS in thelr volu ntary roles,.
Clinical and Non Clinic31 Adv150ry Group Leads
Declan McClements- Medical Retina CAG
Lorraine Manklow- Medical Retina CAG
Sajida Hanif - VPD Cag
Contributions to BIOS
Nadia Northway- EPDC
Vienna Jay Burchell- EPDC
Rebecca Flynn - EPDC
Janice Hoole- EPDC
Judith Gray- LOOP
Helen Haggarty- LOOP
Sonia MacDiarmid- LOOP
Teniola Soyoye - Work Experience Lead

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The 2023 AGM saw the end of Veronica Greenwood's second term as Chair of BIOS. The Board of Trustees put
on record the incredible leadership that Veronica has provided to BIOS since she became Chair. In her role, she
had led the development of the professional body to a dynamic, financially stable organisation that is in a
storing position to continue to advocate for its members and the profession more widely. Veronica was
awarded with a BIOS Fellowship by the new Chair, Craig Murray.
During the AGM in 2023, BIOS formally welcomed Clarie McEntee as the new Trustee for the Republic of Ireland
as well as Craig Murray as Chair.
The conference also saw the officlal launch of a new strategy laying out our key priorlties for delivering on our
v15ion of a "sustainable, thriving and visible profession dedicated to the improvement of the eye health of the
population" It identifies four key themes, underpinned by a series of commitments to a recognlsed
foundational culture. In particular, the strategy aligns wlth NHS workforce reform projects and the long term
workforce plan which sets out the need for continued workforce development and reform which will enable
orthtoptics to continue to thrive as an autonomou5 profession into the future.
The Trustee5, Council, standlng committee members, clinical advisory group leads and other volunteers have
continued to represent BIOS throughout 2023 in addition to supporttng their own colleagues in their full time
clinical, academic or research roles and we would like to thank them all for their continued support during thls
year.
There have been a number of projects and workstreams which have come to a positive conclusion in the last
year which have attracted funding from HEE. These include the development of the orthoptic support
workforce, clinical education and advanced practice for example. Projects which are a continuation ￿ some of
these these have also started this year e.g. the placement hub project funded by NHSE which aims to further
increase placement capacity. This, along with the success of the Clinical Placement Expansion Project which
created the PERL and livestream clinics aims to continue to increase the capacity of placements to enable
increased numbers of orthoptists in training to meet future workforce needs.
BIOS has contributed fundlng and is a stakeholder In a project lead by the College of Optometrists to create a
national dashboard which will inform commissioners and other stakeholders of the current picture of UK
eyecare workforce as well as future need based on dlsease prevalence. The dashboard is due for launth in
Spring 2024.
BIOS have also Initiated a plece of work which w511 build the evldence and narrative which wlll be presented to
the General Optical Councll to argue the case for orthoptlsts having the legal right to prescribe spectacle
corrections withln the Hospital Eye Service.
The end of 2023 and to early 2024 saw BIOS move to independent operations. Between 2018 and 2024 BIOS
had a service level agreement with another profe55ional body to provide business support. This agreement
came to an end in March 2024 with staff members undergoing a TUPE proce55 to be employed directly byBIOS.
This was a smooth process and is an exciting opportunity for BIOS to continue to develop as a modern, dynamic
professional body.
Craig Murray- Chair BIOS
Julle Dowdney-vlce Chair BIOS

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
BIOS Tru5tees' Report
The new BIOS five-year Strategy was launched at the 2023 Conference, idendfying four key themes.. to develop
BIOS'S operational resilience; to lead the development of the profession; to improve visibility, recruitment and
retention,. and to lead innovation within the profession. There is a particular focu5 now on working towards
independent prescribing, ensuring a coherent definition of core orthotic practice, and actively supporting a
diversity of routes into the profession. There remains a continuing focus on areas such as growing our
membership and promoting greater recruitment into the profession.
In the Trustees, report, we highlight our achievements in 2023 against the priorities from our new Strategic
plan.
Develop BIOS operatlonal resillence
BIOS has continued to focus on ensuring the future of the Society through supporting and representing an
involved and committed membership. However, the new Strategy places an explicit emphasis on the need to
develop leaders Within BIOS, to ensure succession planningi and, particularly with the end of our management
agreement with the British Dietetlc Association IBDAI, developing opportunlties for BIOS tp operate
independently.
BIOS Strurtural Changes
Throughout 2023, we've been focused on providing a new structure for the future of BIOS'S operational staff.
For the previous six years, this has been managed by staff employed by the BDA, but in the second haf of the
year we Started the process of transferring staff across to be directly employed by BIOS, a process that wa5
completed in March 2024. This provides us with stability and the scope to further expand and develop the work
we're doing over the coming years.
BIOS Conference and AGMS 2024
In July we held the first face-to-face BIOS Conference since the COVID pandemic in Belfast. This was a huge
success, attracting over 170 delegates, representing over IO% of the orthoptic workforce. We had 36
presentations over two days, as well as Q&As, poster presentations and networking opportunities. Work is now
underway for the 2024 Conference in Manchester.
Advice and support
All of our full members receive bespoke Medical & Professional Liability Insurance. The insurance offered
through BIOS is also the only insurance that covers the entire scope and extended scope of practice by an
orthoptist. We know how valuable this is to our members and are committed to continuing to provide this.
Members in the UK also receive support from the BOS TU, providing representation and advice on work matters
from local BOS TU reps and Society Officers and experts including grievance and disciplinary issues, and terms
and conditions of employment.
Member Benefits
We continue to develop new resources and sources of information for member5. In July. we Saunched the BIOS
Online Archives, free to members. providing digital versions of pass lists, photos, and orthoptic eq uipment from
the Wellcome Collection. In August, a new webpage on Equality. Diversity and Inclusion went live, multi-faith
calendar, articles on events, extra resource5 and signposting on becoming an EDI champion. We have since
begun working towards our goal of every department having an EDI champion.

BRrrisH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
A particular focus towards the end of the year was improving our communication with members, to support
awarene55 Of the work done by BIOS and the benefits available to members. In November we therefore
launched a survey of member5 to get views on our current communications, including the &zine5, online
forums, social media, and the members, area of the website. In response to this, we launched a new look e-zine
in January and are continuing to work towards a relaunch of the website and changes to the online forums.
BIOS is entirely reliant on the contributions of members of the profession to lead on and deliver on the aims of
our strategic plan. Part of the focus of our communications review is therefore to better highlight the work that
we're doing and the opportunities to volunteer. Towards the end of the year, we produced a number of profiles
on Trustees, something we will be continuing into 2024.
Lead the development of the profession
BIOS'S core work remains to ensure high Standards across the orthoptic profession, through setting and
maintaining standards and guidance, but also through identifying and supporting the future development of
orthoptics.
Settln8 Standards
Our Education and Professlonal Development Committee IEPDCI and our CAGS conttnue to maintain up-to-date
standards and competencies for our members. They also work with other organisations Irb their fields to
produce collaborative guidelines and documentation.
We launched a revised Orthoptic Curriculum Framework in September, adding in content covering
sustainability, EDI, quality a55urance, and personal health and wellbeing. The new Framework is a150
aligned to the Advanced Practice 'pillars' _ around clinical practice, education, research, anLI leadership
and management.
The Stroke and Neuro Rehab CAG produced a revised Orthoptic Stroke/Neuro Rehab Care Pathway In
April.
The Leaders of the Orthaptic Profession (LOOP) steering group produced a guide on the importance of
Integrated Care System5 and the importance of orthoptic involvement.
The Glaucoma CAG produced guidance on extended role training wlthin this field.
The Medicines CAG produced a position statement in July to addre55 the complexities surrounding the
use of medical exemptions, Strongly advocating the autonomous use of Medicine Exemption5 by
orthoptists within the scope of their clinical practice.
Advanced Practice
A5 part of the workforce development programme, led by an expert working group of dietitian5 and
orthoptists, we developed a suite of resources to support advanced clinical practice IACP), including case
studies, videos, and Sample job plans and business cases, hosted on our ACP pages. These were launched as
part of the second National Advanced Practice Conference in November.
Support Workforce
We hugely expanded our resources and guidance for our support workforce in 2023, creating an information
hub on our website for orthoptic clinical assistants. This includes Roles and Responsibilities Guidance, an FAQ
document, and case studies. We 3150 hosted a webinar to celebrate the Support workforce and are contiiuing
to work to identify areas to further support the development of these roles.

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIErY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT IINCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Workforce Survey
Following our first survey of the workforce in the Republic of Ireland, we repeated our Orthoptic Workforce
Survey across the UK. This data has been used to baseline information for enhanced role stoping and reviewing
the core curriculum, negotiations across the UK and Ireland, and for inclusion in the National Eyecare
Workforce Survey.
Independent Prescrlblng
January saw the launch of the Prescriblng Now Campaign, a jolnt campaign wlth other AHP professional
assoclations, calllng on the government to extend independent prescrlblng responsibilities to orthoptlsts, and
other professions, to provide more tSmely care for patients and better support overstretched health servlces.
This was launched with a letter to the Secretary of State and an associated social media campaign encouraging
members to contact their MP. We received backing from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in August, who
wrote to Health Minister Will Quince to highlight the benefits to eye care service5 of extending IP to
orthopti5ts.
Stroke RehabillLition
The updated NICE Guideline on Stroke Rehabilitation In Adults recommended that stroke patienst should be
offered a specialist orthotic assessment as soon as possible, highlighting the massive strides made towards
cementing the place of orthoptists within the stroke care team. This reflects the huge amount of wod( done by
the BIOS Stroke and Neuro Rehab CAG on behalf of the profession.
Improve visibillty, recrultment & retentlon
We have continued to emphasise the need to increase the visibility of Orthotpics, actively repre$￿ting
orthotplc professionals at all levels, but also supporting recruitment to ensure the future of the profession.
Vlslbility
We have cOn￿nUed to work hard throughout 2023 to promote awareness or orthoptics and the valuable work
done by Orthoptlsts, as well as to make ourselves a hub for accessible information about eye care and orthoptic
services.
We have conttnued to have a strong social medla presence, thanks largely due to the work of our members In
sharin8, liking and retweeting.
On Twitter, we made over 270,500 impressions, and our follower5 increased to 2526.
Our Facebook page passed a thousand follower5 in February, reaching 1050 followers by the end of the
year. Our posts had over 128,000 impressions in 2023.
Our Linkedln page remains relatively new but we've made a concerted effort to increase our reach,
resulting in a 60% increase in followers, and 50,000 impressions, over double that of 2022.
One key focus of our social media activity was around the events of World Orthoptic Day, which we used to
launch our new Advanced Clinical Practice pages. We achieved 17,000 impressions on Twitter and 3,500
impressions on Facebook on the day alone. Much of our content on social media is aimed at growing awareness
of our website, providing a hub for information on orthoptic5 in the UK and Ireland. We had over 700,000 user
engagements in 2023, with over 6,000 visitors each month. Our visibility on search engines has continued to
increase with almost 55,000 clicks through from Google and 1.7 million impre55ions. Thi5 has led to a further
20% increase in visits to our public information page5, With over 153,000 user engagements.

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR5, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Recruitment
As part of the HEE-funded workforce development programme, we developed entirely new careers resources,
including updating and rebranding our web page5, creating a series of promotional flyers, postcards and
banners, and creating videos for use on the website and Social media. These were launched in May and
members can download them for free for use at careers events.
We also received specific funding to encourage recruitment in the Republic of Ireland, which we used to create
targetted careers leaflet5 and a video of Orthoptists across different clinical setknngs, speaking about their
career and workin8 in Ireland.
We continue to explore and encourage new routes into the profession. A Second post-graduate pre-registration
orthoptics course was launched at the University of Liverpool in Januaryi Wlth the first cohort of the MSC at UCL
graduating in the summer. Level 6 orthoptic Ipr+registrationl degree apprenticeship pre-proposal
documentation wa5 submitted and a scoping exercise was completed to Support the development of an
orthoptic enhanced clinical practice apprenticeship curriculum. The aim 15 for thi5 to be launched in 2024.
Preceptorship
We collected evidence of best practice and have created a series of case studies of early orthopttc careers,
highlighting the vital role of preceptorship for new graduates, as well as a new guidance document
preceptors, Heads of service, or professional leads on using our preceptorship programme. These have been
incorporated into a newly expanded New Graduates & Preceptorship page on the website.
Representing the professlon
BIOS also plays a significa nt role in representing the profession in a number of formal and informal bodies and
groupings. For example, we are represented on the AHPF Board and policy grouping5, the Royal College of
Ophthalmologists, paediatric subcommittee, the Eye Health Forum, the UK Ophthalmology Alliance, al0￿ with
a seat on the Clinical Councll for Eye Health Commissioning ICCEHCI.
BIOS remain affiliated to both the Orthoptistes de la Communauté Européenne IOCEI, representing OrthoptistS
in Europe, and the International Orthoptic A5s0ciation IIOAI, giving us representation in important international
discussions affecting our members.
BIOS represents Orthoptists across all four countries of the United Kingdom and in the Republic of Ireland.
Many of the issues facin8 our members will be common across the UK and Ireland. However, through all our
work we look to provide representation and support that recognises the differences in the contexts Wlthin
which our members are working. As such, the role of our regional and country Trustees is e55ential.
In 2023 we responded to a number of consultations and calls for evidence on behalf of our members:
Following the publication of the NHS Lon-term Workforce Plan, we responded highlighting the need to
underpin the plan5 Wlth adequate funding to increase workforce numbers and to ensure staff are
sufficiently compensated.
We provided evidence to the NHSE engagement around in-school eye testing for pupils in special
schools in England.
We responded to the Health Care Professions Council IHCPC) consultation on the revised Standards of
conduct performance and ethics in June.
We have worked alongside other similar organisations to campaign and promote i55ues of parkncular
significance to our members.

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT IINCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Following the announcement of the HCPC fee increase, we joined with a number of other profe55ional
bodies and trade unions to lend greater weight to our opposition but also to ra15e further concern5
about the service provided by the Council.
Alongside other members of the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning, in January we wroteto
NHS England to raise concerns about delays and lack of progress in the commissioning of an NHS
England Special School Eye Care Service {SSECS). Following the announcement in October that NHS
England intend5 to extend in-school eye testing to pupils in all Special schools in England, we have
continued to engage with stakeholders on the nature of the service.
We have continued to work as part of the coalition to promote the need for better investment and
planning of the specialist workforce for children and young people. This included a letter in March,
following the publication of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative
Provision (API Improvement Plan, making clear in the letter the need to address shortages in trained
staff immediatelv.
Lead innovatlon within the professlon
We continue to Invest in promottng innovation wlthin the professlon, including ongoing CPD, research by
orthoptlsts, and innovatlons within orthoptic education and practice-based learning IP8LI,
CPD and Networking
Our Clinical and non-clinical Advisory Groups ICAGS and nCAGsl alon8 With the Trustees have continued to host
both virtual and face-to-face events, enabling more members to access CPD, both on the day and via the
recordings provided for free to member5. BIOS held 23 events in 2023, including study days, regional meetings
and discussion events, with over 1,000 places booked.
Some of the hlghlights were:
A Paedlatric Ophthalmology, Glaucoma and Medicines Jolnt study day, an exciting first, dellverlng
training reflecttve of the changlng landscape of ophthalmic care and the integrated nature in which this
is delivered.
The Neuro Orthoptlc study day in Liverpool, covering subjects such as neuroimaging, OCT, and the
impact of weight1055 drugs on I IH.
The BIOS Preceptorship Webinar in September, saw the launch of our New Grad and Preceptorship
web page, including best practice case studies, and the BIOS Guidefor Preceptor5, Head5 of Service ond
Professional Leod5.
Our Orthoptic support workforce webinar celebrated our support workforce and marked the launch of
our new Support Workforce Hub.
We continue to provide recordings of all of our online CPD free to access for all BIOS members.
Orthoptl¢ Education Fund {OEF)
The OEF provides mall grants to orthoptic professionals and students to support them with education and
training. In 2023 we gave out £4,432 across eight members, to support conference attendance and post-
graduate modules.

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIErY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Research
We continue to promote and support Orthoptists Involved in research. to support their career development but
a150 to advance British orthoptic5 nationally and internationally. In 2023 we awarded a joint research grant with
Fight For Sight to Lauren Hepworth, to support her work adapting a cognitive screening test for stroke
survivors. We also provided funding for three further pump-priming award5 to support new researcher5 in the
profession and launched a joint research award alongside BIPOSA, to fund clinician5 at any career stage, to
undertake a specific formal research training course enabling them to undertake research relating to children's
Vision or eye disorders.
British and Irish OrthoptScs Journal (BIOJ)
BIOJ, the official journal of BIOS, has come to be recognised as an authoritative resource In areas related to
clinical ocular motility, visual function, amblyopia, binocular vision and strabismus. It published 15 articles in
2023. Fully open-access, the BIOJ website received over 3,000 page views a month.
Practlce-Based Learnln8 IPBL)
The Placement Expansion Resource Library IPERLI, continues to be a valued resource to support clinical
placements. receiving over 8,000 vlews in 2023. This was rebranded in 2023 as part of the workforce
development programme, which also included a report on the feasibility of a common assessment tool (CAT}
for clinical placements and the creation of a PBL section on the BIOS web51te including case studies and
guidance demonstrating the full range of PBL.
In June, with further support from NHSE, a year-long project was started to increase clinical placement capacltv
by creating an integrated simulated practice-based education programme for pre-registration Orthoptic
Students. This will build on the success of PERL. In July, we Joined with eight other AHP professiorkil
associations to support the growth and quality of practice-based learning through the launch of a Cctrbadged
set of princlples for PBL.
Flnancial review
The Society reports a net deficit of £64,567 for the year12022- net deficit of £62,914). Free reserves at 31
December 2023 were £88,25112022- £99,493). Restricted fund5 at 31 December 2023 amounted to £384,142
12022 - £437.4671. During the year, total income was £357.346, comprised of all unrestricted income from
membership subscriptions and course income. Total expenditure was £460,132 which comprised of
unrestricted spend of £406,807 and restricted spend of £53,325. Where there were no new sources of
restricted monies during 2023, all of the restricted expenditure related to b/fwd reserves for Apprenticeship5 to
develop the support worker roles, OBF Education Fund to provide financial support for the education and
further training of Orthoptists, Clinical placement expansion to provide support and increase cliniol placement
opportunieis and AHPF support worker to promote career development.
The charity is looking into further opportunities from 2024 to support the long term vision of a sustainable,
thriving and visible profession dedicated to the improvement of the eye health of the population. Funding
prospects are in place to increase capacity and reach for future projects.
Golng concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to
adopt the going concern bas15 in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of
the going concern ba515 can be found In the Accounting Policies.

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIErY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Reserves pollcy
The Trustees have considered the level of activity within the charity and believe a level of free re5erve5 of
£235,00 is sufficient to support the ongoing operation of the society in the foreseeable future. At 31 December
2023. the Society has free reserve5 of £88,25112022 - £99.493}. The Trustees are aware that thi5 is below the
stated target and are focused on replenishing these reserve5 over the coming years. The restricted reserves at
31 December 2023 is £384,142 and this will help support the charity objectives and projects in future year5.
Structure, governance and management
Constitutlon
The company is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of
Association on 14 March 1998.
The company is constituted under a Memorandum of Association dated 14 March 1998 and is a registered
charity number 326905.
Method of appolntment or election of Trustees
Trustees are recruited to represent members In England {3 regions), Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland. Nominations are requested from all members and applIca￿On Is in writing with reference to
job description and job specification. Where there is more than one candidate, applications are circulated
anonymously to voting trustees. The Chair of the Leaders of the Orthoptic Profession ILOOPI is also a Trustee.
The vast majority of officers of the Society are volunteer5 and undertake BIOS work in addition to their day
jobs. Only the Chair, and Vice Chair are seconded and their employers are reimbursed for their time
commitment to BIOS role5.
BIOS Council and Committee Officer5/members- These appointments and roles were appllcable in all or part of
2023:
BIOS Honorary Officers and trustees
Veronica Greenwood, Chair (left in 2023)
Craig Murray- Chair (appointed in 20231
Julie Dowdney- Vice Chair
BIOS Trustees
Midlands & East- Rebecca Pinches
Northern - Deborah Podmore
Southern - Kelly MacKenzie
Northern Ireland- Declan Mcclements
Republic of Ireland Vacant
Northern Ireland - Vacant lJan-Aug 2023IClaire McEntee ISept-Dec 20231
Wales- Patrick Reedy
Scotland - Angela Carlin
Leads of Orthoptic Profession Chair: Krishan Parmar

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT IINCWDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
BOS TU Executive Board
General Secretary: Sam Aitkenhead
President: Deborah Podmore
Wales: Vacant
Northern Ireland: Vacant
Scotland: Vacant
England: Joe Smith, John McBride and Vacant
BIOS Council members Inon-votlng)
British and Irish Orthoptic Journal {BIOJI Edltor: Gemma Arblaster
IOA Representative.. Jigs Mehta
OCE Representative: Nadia Northway
Research Director: Kerry Hanna
Education and Professional Development Committee Chalr.. Helen Davls
New Graduate Representative: Holly Knlazewycz
Public Health Lead: Fiona Bush
BOSTU (General Secretary): Sam Aitkenhead
Clinlcal Advlsory Group Leads
Falls - Jigs Mehta
Retinal Dlsease- Annabelle Searle & Clare Cooley
Glaucoma- Katie Meaking5
Neuro Orthoptics and Ophthalmology- Joanne Adeoye and Victoria Smerdon
Visual Processing Difficulties - Priti Kashyap & Sajida Hanif
Special Educational Needs - Louise Allen
Stroke and Neuro Rehabilitation- Alex Green and Lauren Hepworth
Vision Screening- Miriam Conway & Asad Atiq
Low Vision - Martin Rhodes and Charlotte Codina
Medicines- Lorraine North & Karzan Hughes
Non-cllnlcal Advisory Group Leads
Global Involvement and volunteerlng for eyes {GIVEI - Rowena McNamara
e-Health- Michelle Wood and Carla Eccleston
Private Practice- Liz Tomlin and Jamie Spofforth
Policles adopted for the inductlon and tralnlng of Trustees
New trustees receive inducts'on from the chair and vice chair and a copy of the Governance and Procedures
Handbook, which become effective from the start of the 2019 membership year.
Organlsational structure and decislon making
The honorary officers and BOSTU General Secretary are in regular communications via email, telephone, Zoom
and face-to-face when required to transact decision making work. Business is conducted via the I￿sInesS
provider company who meet with the honorary officers regularly. Trustee meetings are held 4 times per year
and full council twice per year with an AGM in June to appoint new officers and agree the accounts.
Related party relationships
The Society collects membership fees on behalf of the BOSTU. The society is a member of professional
organisations within the eye health and care sector.
10-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Statement of trustee's responsibilities
The trustees, who are also the directors of British & Irish Orthoptic Society for the purpose of company law, are
responsible for preparing the Trustee'5 Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law
and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Pratticel.
Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true
and fair view of the State of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources,
includin8 the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
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 Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures
dlsclosed and explalned in the financlal statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accountlng records that disclose with reasonableaccuracy at
any time the financial posltion of the charity 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 charity aryl hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustee's report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Craig M
Trustee
Dated:......
rav
11

BRrrisH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'5 REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIErY
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial ststements of British & Irish Orthoptic Society {the
charity) for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Responslbllltles and basls of report
As the trustees of the charity land also its directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for
the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006
(the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financlal statements of the charlty are not requlred to be audlted under Part
16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the
charity's financlal statements carried out under section 145 of the Charlties Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Act). In
carrying out my examinatlon I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charlty Commission
under Section 145{5llbl of the 2011 Act.
Independent examlner's statement
Since the charity's gr05s income exceeded £250,000 your examlner must be a member of a body Ilsted in
section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examlnation because l am a
member of the Associatlon of Chartered Certified Accountants, which 15 one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with
the examination giving me ca use to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006Act; or
the financial Statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 ofthe 2006 Act
other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considffed
as part of an independent examination. or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and prlnciples of the
statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charitie5 applicable to charities
preparing their accounts In accordance with the Flnancial Reporttng Standard applicable in the UK arKI
Republlc of Ireland {FRS 1021.
In our oplnlon the financ131 statements have been been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the
Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to whrh
attention should be drawn in thls report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial
ststements to be reached.
Sally Meah, FCCA
On behalf of TC Group
Star House
Star Hill
Rochester
Kent
MEI IUX
Dated:
12-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIErY
srATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Unrestrlrted Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Total Unrestricted Re5trlcted
funds
funds
2022
2022
Totsl
2023
2022
Notes
Income and endowments from:
Donation5 and legacie5
Charitable activities
Other income
185,649
185,649
305,914
1,375
356,171
1,175
356,171
1,175
305,914
1,375
Totsl income
357,346
357,346
307,289
185,649
492,938
Charitable acttvities
406,807
53,325
460,132
352,324
174,524
526,848
Net gainslllossesl on
Investments
38,219
38,219
129,0041
(29,0041
Net expendlture and
movement in funds
111,242)
153,325) {64,567)
(74,039)
11,125
162,9141
Reconclllatlon of funds:
Fund balances at l January
2023
99,493
437,467
536,960
173,532
426,342
599,874
Fund balances at 31 December
2023
88,251
384,142
472,393
99,493
437,467
536,960
The statement of financial activities includes all gain5 and losses recognised in the year. All income and
expenditure derive from continuing activities.
13-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT31 DECEMBER 2023
2023
2022
Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Investments
19,973
257,422
21,260
228,760
io
277,395
250,020
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
li
25,803
678,274
10,491
699,087
704,077
709,578
Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one
year
12
{509,0791
1422,6381
Net current a55et5
194,998
286,940
Total assets less current Ilablllties
472,393
536,960
Net assets exclyding pension liablllty
472,393
536,960
The funds of the charltv
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted funds
13
384,142
88,251
437,467
99,493
472,393
536,960
The company Is entitled to the exemption from the audlt requirement contained In section 477 of the Companies
Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The directors acknowledge thelr responsibillties for complylng with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006
with respect to accounting records and the preparats'on of fi'nancial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of it5 financial statements for the year in question
in accordance with section 476.
These financial statement5 have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companie5 subject
to the small companie5 regime.
14-

BRMSH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
AS AT31 DECEMBER 2023
The financial statements were approved bythe trustees on ....!1 :..7.: t+..
Craig Mu
Trustee
Company registration number 01892427 (England and Wales)
15-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Accounting pollcles
Charity information
British & Irish Orthoptic Society 15 a private company limited by guarantee incorporated In England and
Wales. The registered office is 3rd Floor, Interchange place, 151- 165 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2TA.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Igoverning document]. the
Companies Act 2006 and 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 IFRS 1021 {effective l January 20191 The charity is a Public
Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102,
The charlty has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charlttes applylng FRS 102 Update Bulletin
I not to prepare a Statement cf Cash Flows,
The financial statements are prepared in sterllng, which Is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary
amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have beerb prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting
policies adopted a re set out below.
1.2 Goln8 concern
At the time of approving the financlal statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the
charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the
trustees contlnue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparlng the financlal statements.
1.3 Charltable funds
Unrestrlcted funds a re available for use at the dlscretion of the trustee5 in furtherance of thelr charltable
objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The
purposes and u5e5 of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the
charity.
1.4 Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions hwe been
met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donation5 are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charlty has been
notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax
recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time
of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending
distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated
as a contingent asset.
16-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEM8ER 2023
Accounting pollcies
(Continued)
1.5 Resource5 expended
Expenditure is reco8nised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic berEfit to a
third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit5 will be required in settlement and the amount
of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses includi ng support costs and go*rnance
costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings. The cost of raising funds comprise investment
management C05tS.
Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.
Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with
constitutional and statutory requirements,
1.6 Tanglble flxed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valLBtion, net of
depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation 15 recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their resldual value5 over
their useful lives on the following bases:
Website
Office Equipment
20% straight line
3 years straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determlned as the difference between the sale
proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and Is recognised in the statement of financial acttvities.
1.7 Flxed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are
subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net
income/lexpenditurel for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
1.8 Flnancial Instruments
The charlty has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12
'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instrument5 are recognised In the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presÈnted in the financial statements, when
there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a
net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
17-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT51CONTINUED)
FOR ThIE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Accounting policies
(Contlnued)
Baslcfinonclal assets
Basic financial assets. which include debtors and cash and bank balance5, are inltially measured at
transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost Using the
effective interest method unless the arrangement constitute5 a financing transaction, where the transaction
is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of Interest. Firencial
assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basicfinancial Ilobilitles
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price
unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the
present Value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as
payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carrled at amortised cost, using the effective Interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of
operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified a5 current liabilities if payment is due within one
year or le55. If not, they are presented a5 non-current liabilities. Trade creditor5 are reco8nised initially at
transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost Using the effective interest method.
Derecognltion offvnonclal Ilabllltles
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charitws contractual obligations expire or are discharged or
cancelled.
Donatlons and legacles
Restricted
funds
Totsl
2023
2022
Grants
185,649
18-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Income from charltable actlvltles
Unrestrlcted
funds
2023
Unrestrlrted
funds
2022
Member's subscriptions
Course income
316,044
40,127
293,727
12,187
356,171
305,914
Other Income
Unrestrlrted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
Advertislng income
Sundry income
1,150
25
1,350
25
1,175
1,375
19-

BRITISH & IRISH ORThOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
5 Charitable actlvlties
Artlvlties
Artivitles
2023
2022
Secondment costs
Courses and conferences
Journal
Contribution to awards
126,327
33,359
12,267
2,608
250,137
16,156
10,948
127
174,561
277,368
Share of support costs (see note 6)
Share of governance costs (see note 61
225,091
60,480
198,432
51,048
460,132
526,848
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
406,807
53,325
352,324
174,524
460,132
526,848
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
352,324
174,524
526,848
-20-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Support Costs allocated to actlvSties
Charitable
actlvlties
Total
2023
2022
Depreciatlon
Office Costs
Insurance
Telephone and postage
Bank charges
Business management charges
Computer costs
Legal, professlonal and consultancy fees
Training Costs
Advertising and marketing
Other consulting
Governance
13,483
1,620
46,537
3,948
5,360
117,193
17,753
{6,346)
16161
12,601
12,036
60,480
11,170
2,586
42,507
412
5,045
93,480
13,047
886
5,120
1,219
22,960
51,048
284,049
249,480
2023
2022
Governance costs compr15e:
Accountancy
AGM, comittee and officer's expenses
42,144
18,336
38,956
12,092
60,480
51,048
Independent examiner'5 remuneration - £12022- £1,824)
Independent examiner's remuneration- accountancy- £12022 £2,180)
Trustees
The trustees {or any persons connected with them) received remuneration or benefit5 from the charity
during the year as detailed in the Related Party Note 16 totaling £140,10512022- £85,038).
During the year, 7 Trustees received £1.317 reimbursement of expense5 {2022- £1,230 to 4 Trustees}.
T?￿ltion
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purpose5.
21

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Tangible flxed assets
Webslteoffice Equlpment
Total
Cost
At l January 2023
Additions
Disposals
54,880
12,539
5,116
59,996
12,539
12,7291
12,729)
At 31 December 2023
67,419
2,387
69,806
Depreciation and Impairment
At l January 2023
Depreciatfon charged in the year
Eliminated In respect of disposals
34,427
13,484
4,308
38,735
13,484
12,3861
12,3861
At 31 December 2023
47,911
1,922
49,833
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
19,508
465
19,973
At 31 December 2022
20,453
807
21,260
10 Flxed asset Investments
Llsted securltles
Cort or valuatlon
At l January 2023
Valuation changes
228,760
28,662
At 31 December 2023
257,422
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
257,422
At 310ecember 2022
228,760
All the fixed asset investments are held in the UK.
-22-

BRMSH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
11 Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts fallin8 due withln one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
1,803
853
6,689
23,147
3,802
25,803
10,491
12 Credltors.. amounts falllng due withln one year
2023
2022
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
13,592
436,510
58,977
11,500
352,159
58,979
509,079
422,638
Deferred Income
Deferred Income at l January 2023
Resources deferred durlng the year
Amounts released from previous years
4,240
7,050
(4,2401
1,665
4,240
{1,6651
Deferred Income at 31 December 2023
7,050
4,240
-23-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
13 Restricted funds
The restrlcted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust
subject to Specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Movement In funds
Incoming
Resour￿5
Bal•n¢e at
resources
expended l January 2023
Balance at
l January 2022
Rpsources
expended
Balance at
ai December
2023
AHP support worker
Clinical placement
expansion
NEAS
OBF Educatlon Fund
AHP Workfare Reform
ROI Workforce
Apprentlce5hips
10,984
416
1385)
11,016
11,6041
9,412
33,503
19,950
361,905
2,458
114,7371
119,950)
18,0051
1120,000)
(5,8331
15,6141
21,224
13,054>
18,170
6,942
120,000
5,833
50,000
360,841
15,071)
355,770
44,386
143,596)
790
426,342
185,649
1174,5241
437,467
153,325)
384,142
AHP Support Worker.. this fund can be used to Increase CPD and taklng step5 to promoted flexibility and
career development.
Cllnical placement expansion: thls fund can be used to provide financSal support and Increase cllnlcal
placement opportunities.
08F Educational Fund.. thi5 fund can be used to provide financial support for the education and further
training of Orthoptists.
Apprenticeships.. this fund can be used to develop the support worker roles and responsibilities guidance
and competency scoping alon8 With future curriculum design for apprenticeships with surveys and clinical
activity review5.
-24-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR ThIE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
14 Unrestrlcted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charlty comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are
not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors a5 to how they may be used. These include
designated fund5 which have been Set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
At l January
2023
Incomlng
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
At31
December
2023
General funds
99,493
357,346
1406,8071
38,219
88,251
Previous year..
At l January
2022
Incomln8
resources
Resources
expended
Galns and
losses
At31
December
2022
General funds
173,532
307,289
1352,3241
129,0041
99,493
15 Analysls of net assets between funds
Unrestrlcted
funds
2023
Restrlcted
fund5
2023
Total
2023
At 31 December 2023:
Tangible assets
Investment5
Current assets/lliabilitiesl
19,973
19,973
257,422
194,998
257,422
126,720
68,278
88,251
384,142
472,393
Unrestrlcted
funds
2022
Restrlcted
funds
2022
Total
2022
At 31 December 2022:
Tangible assets
Investment5
Current a55ets/lliabllltfjesl
21,260
21,260
228,760
286,940
228,760
208.707
78,233
99,493
437,467
536,960
-25-

BRITISH & IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
16 Related party transactions
Remuneration of key management personnel
The charity considers key management personnel comprise of the trustees and external management
agencies, to whom the general management and running of the Soclety is outsourced.
The Articles of Association allow payments to the employers of the Chair and Vice Chair whllst performing
functions and duties for the Society.
Payments were made in respect of V Greenwood (Chalr - left 2023) for £25,52712022 - £38,634) and J
Dowdney (Vice Chair) £20,74312022 - £17,670), C Murray {Chair- appointed 2023) £28,408 {2022 - £7,102},
D Podmore £5,513 12022 - £Nill. Payments were also made to twelve {2022 four} other Consultants,
trustees or council members as follows,. £59,91412022- £21,632).
Fees were payable to one12022 - one) Business Manager during the year as follows:
Brltlsh Dietetic Assoclatlon - Management servlces £110,75712022 - £93,480)
The combined remuneratlon of the key management personnel was:
2023
2022
Aggregate compensatlon
140,105
85,038
There were no employees of the Charity in either the current or prior year.
Durlng the year, the charity collected fees of £125,51112022 - £126,759) from its members on behalf of the
British Orthoptic Society Trade Union. At 31 December 2023, £433,45712022 - £349,106) was due to the
British Orthoptic Trade Union.
-26-