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2023-12-31-accounts

North West Police Benevolent Fund Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2023

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Contents

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 12
Independent auditor's report 13 - 15
Statement of financial activities 16
Balance sheet 17
Statement of cash flows 18
Notes to the financial statements 19 - 30

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Reference and Administrative Details for the North West Police Benevolent Fund

The registered address of the Charity is:

St Michael’s Lodge, Northcote Road, Langho, Lancashire, BB6 8BG

Bankers for the Charity are:

National Westminster Bank PLC, Chester Branch, PO Box 8, Chester, CH1 1XA

Auditors for the Charity are:

DJH Audit Ltd, Chester House, Cheshire Oaks Business Park, CH65 9HQ

Investment Management for the Charity:

RBC Brewin Dolphin LTD, Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD

Structure, Governance and Management of North West Police Benevolent Fund

The North West Police Benevolent Fund is an unincorporated charity, registered as a charity and governed by the rules of the Charity Commissioners. This report has been prepared by the Trustees of the Fund to conform to the requirements of the Charity Commissioners’ Statement of Recommended Practice. However, the Trustees have made the decision to change the structure of the charity to an incorporated charitable company. The transfer of assets will take place in the near future.

Trustees for the Charity in 2023:

Chair: Christopher Rowley – Chief Constable, Lancashire Constabulary – resigned 08/02/2024

New Chair: Sasha Hatchett – Chief Constable, Lancashire Constabulary – appointed 09/05/2024 Vice Chair: R. Hanley – Lancashire Constabulary – resigned 31/12/2023

New Vice Chair: – R. Robertshaw - Lancashire Constabulary appointed (as Vice Chair 08/02/2024)

D. O’Connor – NARPO – resigned 08/02/2024

Z. Awan - Lancashire Constabulary - appointed 6/12/2023

The Board of Trustees has delegated managerial responsibility for the day to day running of the charity to the Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Graham. The CEO was supported in the year by a team of two senior managers with portfolio responsibilities of Clinical Service Manager and General Manager.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 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 (FRS 102)”. The financial management of the charity is governed by a framework of policies and procedures that comply with the Charity Commission recommended best practice.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

CEO Overview

2023 proved to be a year of development and growth for the Ben Fund. The Fund effectively continued its programme of developing its service offer to meet the needs of its members and clients. Throughout the year there was a renewed focus upon programmes and activities designed to prevent in addition to treating physical or mental distress. Initiatives include provision of a wide range of alternative therapies, breathing classes and individual health checks for members. The Fund prides itself on providing a comprehensive and unique offer based upon individual clinical need that can be easily accessed across the North West region.

During the year the Fund has successfully grown its membership of both serving and retired officers. This has been achieved by working with the constituent Forces/ agencies and aligning processes to ensure that the Funds’ membership coordinator maximises opportunities to promote the offer to new recruits and officers about to retire. The Fund has also made significant efforts to enhance its profile through use of more sophisticated marketing techniques.

Aspects of the Ben Funds’ offer often have life changing benefits on the physical and mental wellbeing of patients relieving them from acute pain/distress and hardship. Consequently, the Fund attracts significant positive feedback through formal and informal means. Previously the approach to collating this information/ data has been haphazard and piecemeal. In June 2023, the Fund adopted a more rigorous approach to collecting user feedback across the range of its services. Members and clients are encouraged to complete questionnaires with a mix of tick box and free text that allows the management team to monitor and assess feedback across the totality of its offer by user type and Force. This provides a powerful tool to identify potential trends and evolve the offer.

Since 2019, the management team has been seeking to implement a series of changes to modernise and professionalise the way in which the charity operates. It is crucial that the Fund effectively supports its members and spends their donations judiciously. During 2023, the CEO conducted a management review resulting internal appointments to the posts of General Manager and Clinical services Manager. Furthermore, an external review of the Funds’ HR services was undertaken resulting in a new staff handbook and the transfer of many HR process from paper to online.

Ensuring the financial health of the charity is critical to its ability to continue to provide treatments and services for members and support Forces in the region. During the year a substantial amount of work has been put in place with the accountants DJH Chester Limited to prepare accounts that promote a granular and timely understanding of the current financial status. I am grateful to Martin Lanceley for preparing the accounts and the two Trustees who serve on the finance sub- committee for their challenge and scrutiny in this regard.

During 2023, the Trustees decided to increase the donation rate for members by £1 per month. This represented the first increase since 2015 as Trustees sought to insulate members from increases during a period of low pay increases and the cost of living crisis. The increase was necessary to ensure the Fund can keep pace with the increasing costs of providing its services and the enhanced donation rate still represents excellent value for money for members.

The Fund has made considerable efforts to maximise other income streams to support its work. During 2023, the Fund opened its swimming facilities at weekends to a local club that teaches children to swim. Every effort has been made to minimise disruption or inconvenience to members use of the facilities. Additionally, the Fund opened St Michael’s Lodge to members for bed and breakfast stays to attract additional funding.

In December 2023, the Fund held its inaugural charity dinner which was attended by 150 people. The event was a huge success and raised £5,000.

Ensuring that members have access to the best possible infrastructure and equipment is a critical priority for the Fund. During the year, further work was undertaken to refurbish bedrooms to bring them to boutique standard. Investing in the infrastructure of St Michaels’ Lodge will continue to be a priority during 2024.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

As part of improving the professional status of the Ben Fund a decision was taken by Trustees in 2021 to change the legal status of the charity from unincorporated to a company limited by guarantee. This is a protracted legal process that takes place in stages; however, the Fund is now listed as a company. The final stages of the process should complete in 2024.

In closing I believe the Ben Fund is a in a strong position to continue developing and growing to adapt to the needs of its members. I am grateful to the Chair of Trustees and the wider trustee board for their continued support and scrutiny. I would particularly like to express my gratitude to the staff of the Fund for their continued enthusiasm, hard work and support.

JM Graham

CEO

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023

The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The following represents a statistical analysis of the activity and performance of the Fund across the range of its offer to its members and service users.

1.1 Membership

A vibrant and dynamic membership is the lifeblood of the Ben Fund. The Fund provides a unique, flexible and comprehensive offer for potential members. With the current emphasis on the health and wellbeing of staff illustrated by the police covenant, the Trustees believe that all serving officers/ law enforcement agents in the region who are entitled to membership should have the opportunity to learn about the offer and join the Ben Fund.

This involves the opportunity to present the Funds’ offer to student officers, officers who are in service but not previously joined and officers who are about to retire from the service. In previous years, the Fund has had a haphazard approach to this important function, relying upon the goodwill of motivated individuals within Force/ Agency to advocate on behalf of the Fund. Given the importance of attracting members and in recognition that donations from members represent 80% of total income a decision was taken to employ a dedicated membership coordinator to undertake this task.

This appointment began in January 2022 and has proved to be very effective. The Fund now has much greater consistency of access to potential members. The post holder has been very successful at building relationships with stakeholders within Forces/ Agencies and is regularly attending events across the region to attract members and raise the profile of the Funds’ offer. During 2023, 1,112 new student officers were signed up to become members of the Fund

The total number of donating members on 31 December 2023 was 16,790 (2022 equivalent was 16,334).

Breakdown of current members by Force and status (serving or retired)

FORCE 2022
Serving
Members		 2023
Serving
Members		 2022
Retired
Members		 2023
Retired
Members
Cheshire 1353 1355 756 759
GMP 4046 4181 1288 1323
Merseyside 2570 2667 1837 1820
Lancashire 2270 2355 832 882
Cumbria 730 762 181 187
North Wales 123 176 2 4
NCA 332 303 14 16
Total Members 11424 11799 4910 4991

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Graph illustrating membership trends 2020-2023

1.2 Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy was the first clinical service that the Fund invested in as it expanded its service upon the occupying St Michaels’ Lodge, and it remains at the core of the Ben Fund offer. The Fund provides a flexible and bespoke service to its members. Treatment is offered at Cheshire Police HQ, Cumbria Police HQ, Progress House in Manchester and Green Lane in Liverpool and St Michaels’ Lodge in Lancashire. Members have the benefit of travelling to their nearest and most convenient location to access treatment. Additionally, treatment is based around the clinical need of the patient. Depending upon symptoms, members may access treatment as an outpatient or inpatient and the number of sessions is predicated upon the clinical needs of each individual.

In addition to providing physiotherapy, the clinicians also support a range of other health and wellbeing programmes by leading a variety of classes and activities.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023

Physiotherapy Offer delivered at St Michael’s Lodge 2022/2023

Physio

Physio
2022 2023
In-patient
Serving
In-patient
Retired
Out-
patient		 Total In-patient
Serving
In-patient
Retired
Out-
patient		 Total
Cheshire 23 7 23 53 16 4 34 54
Cumbria 3 4 10 17 9 3 10 22
GMP 23 15 105 143 12 9 141 162
Lancashire 6 4 324 334 5 1 334 340
Merseyside 8 23 47 78 18 15 135 168
N. Wales 4 0 1 5 5 0 0 5
NCA 1 1 3 5 3 0 3 6
W. Mids 22 0 28 50 45 0 0 45

Total patients attending St Michael’s Lodge for treatment in 2023 - 802 (2022 - 685)

An SLA has been in place since 2015, whereby Cheshire Constabulary pay an additional sum to the Fund to facilitate the treatment of non-Ben Fund members by the physiotherapist sited at Cheshire Police HQ.

Table showing data on Physio/ Fitness Instructor led group classes

Activity 2022 2023
Physio Led		 2023
Fitness
Instructor Led
Ai Chi 468 260 0
Aqua Fit 104 0 104
Pilates 312 156 0
Stretch 104 52 0
Tai Chi 104 0 52
Yoga 0 0 52

1.3 Mental Health Services

The profile of mental health issues affecting serving and retired officers has greatly increased in recent years. Research commissioned by the College of Policing demonstrates that officers are routinely operating in high stress environments often being exposed to traumatic incidents, the cumulative effect of which can lead to mental distress or breakdown. Furthermore, the legacy impact of the pandemic has had a significantly adverse impact of mental health and perceptions of wellbeing. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the numbers of individuals seeking support. Amongst police charities, the Ben Fund provides a unique service by providing one to one treatment for clients who present with moderate to severe symptoms.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

The increase in demand on the Fund for counselling continued to grow during the course of the year. The Fund has tried to better match supply and demand by, in addition to our own therapists, utilising a bank of independent counsellors so that supply can be surged at times of peak demand. As demand has continued to grow, the Trustees, aware of growing waiting times for treatment, took the decision to expand the number of employed counsellors to mitigate demand and enhance service.

The figures below correspond to new clients that were first registered for counselling between 01/01/22 and 31/12/23.

2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023
New
referrals		 Ongoing
clients		 Clients
closed		 Sessions
closed		 New
referrals		 Ongoing
clients		 Clients
closed		 Sessions
closed
Cheshire 18 10 8 117 30 4 26 161
Cumbria 4 1 3 8 10 0 10 46
GMP 87 61 26 645 177 33 144 1292
Lancashire 16 2 14 124 60 8 52 350
Merseyside 36 8 28 270 55 11 44 297
NCA 2 1 1 4 7 3 4 56
North Wales 1 0 1 5 - - - -
Retired 16 5 11 99 18 2 16 122

1.4 Holistic and Alternative Therapies

The holistic therapists complement and support the offer provided by mental health practitioners and physiotherapists by providing a range of mainstream alternative therapies to promote health and wellbeing. Holistic therapies play a pivotal role in supporting the Force Wellbeing and Individual Wellbeing programmes.

During 2023, a total of 2,774 holistic therapies were delivered.

1.5 Force Wellbeing Offer

In 2020, a strategic decision was taken to develop the Ben Funds’ offer towards a greater emphasis upon prevention rather than simply treatment. A two-day programme was developed that facilitated groups of individuals to attend St Michael’s Lodge for a period of recuperation and decompression. The Fund layered in a series of relaxation classes and techniques to promote relaxation and wellbeing.

All Forces in the region and the NW ROCU made donations to secure places for their staff on this programme. The progress of this programme was severely disrupted by the impact of the pandemic and what was intended to be a one-year programme has had to be extended over three years. 2023 was a year where the backlog from previous years was expedited. In 2022, 507 places were provided. During 2023 this increased to 960 places.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

The feedback from this programme has been overwhelmingly positive and the Fund is pleased to report that all six Forces renewed this commitment for 2024.

– Feedback Data 26/06/23 17/05/24 (Force Wellbeing)

Force Total forms How satisfied were you with the service you received from
The Ben Fund?
Cheshire 70 100% were Very Satisfied/Satisfied
Cumbria 20 100% were Very Satisfied/Satisfied
GMP 87 100% were Very Satisfied/Satisfied
Lancashire 86 100% were Very Satisfied/Satisfied
Merseyside 54 100% were Very Satisfied/Satisfied
North Wales 29 100% were Very Satisfied/Satisfied

1.6 Respite Offer

Members who are suffering physical and or psychological distress and would benefit from a respite break may apply to the Fund for a break free of charge. In previous years, the Ben Fund delivered this offer via its own collection of thirteen holiday lodges situated in the Lake District. In 2021, due to the deteriorating condition of some lodges and the spiralling costs of maintenance the Trustees decided to dispose of the lodges and deliver Respite & Recovery breaks through established holiday operators. This offered a greater choice of locations for members and better accommodation.

The table below shows data relating to the numbers of applications and respite breaks taken. This new approach has proved to be a success with a singular focus upon supporting individuals who are ill, feedback has been positive, and the programme is significantly more cost effective at £85K p.a equating to an average cost per booking of £687.

APPLICATIONS

RESPITE BREAKS

** some data above relates to applicants who were awarded a break in 2022 but took it in 2023.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023

1.7 Financial Hardship Assistance

Death Benefit Grant

The Fund continues to make an award of £5,000 as a Death Benefit Grant to the named beneficiaries of serving donating members who die in service. Sadly, during 2023 there were 9 recorded deaths and consequential payments. After receiving further information from the Charity Commission, the Trustees have amended the offer to ensure that consideration of relative need is considered prior to payment. Work is currently underway to ensure that any means testing is undertaken in the least intrusive way.

Grants

The Fund offers financial assistance to members in financial distress in the form of a grant usually capped at £5,000. All applications are means tested. There were 62 enquiries regarding financial assistance in 2023. These can be broken down as follows:

Force Total
no.
of
enquiries
Signposted
to
alternative
assistance
Withdrawn/
Declined		 Grants awards
Cheshire 5 4 0 1
Cumbria 5 2 2 1
GMP 32 16 13 3
Lancashire 7 2 4 1
Merseyside 13 5 7 1
North Wales 0 0 0 0
NCA 0 0 0 0
Total 62 29 26 7

Total awarded in grants: £12,522.43

1.8 Bed and Breakfast Breaks

In order to attract income for the charity members can utilise the facilities at St Michael’s Lodge for a weekend stay. In 2023 264 weekend breaks were taken which compares with a total of 357 in 2022.

Bed & Breakfast

Month 2022 Bookings 2023 Bookings
Jan 31 13
Feb 31 29
Mar 42 40
Apr 44 11
May 38 32
Jun 31 33
Jul 40 29
Aug 36 35
Sep 14 29
Oct 23 13
Nov 19 0
Dec 8 0
Total 357 264

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

1.9 Investment and Reserves Policy

The investment portfolio held by the Fund is managed by RBC Brewin Dolphin. The portfolio is held at risk level 5 with investment objectives that favour a diversified investment approach with a good level of liquidity. The aim is for a competitive level of income generation across the invested assets. The charity has a long-term investment time horizon which anticipates staying invested through successive market and economic cycles. The Trustee finance sub-group act on behalf of the wider Board to consider risk appetite and oversee investment performance.

Performance of Investment Portfolio

Performance of Investment Portfolio
Portfolio Summary @ 31.12.2023 2022 2023
£ £
Opening Valuation @ 01.01.2023 827,737 1,110,621
Investment purchases and transfers in 373,964 167,372
Investment sales and transfers out - -93,572
Unrealised revaluations of portfolio -90,682 73,816
Realised gains/losses -398 7,748
Closing valuation @ 31.12.23 1,110,621 1,265,985

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Financial review

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.

At 31 December 2023, the charity held fund balances of £6,324,246 (2022 - £6,385,926). Of this a total of £3,956,391 related to tangible fixed assets and £1,265,985 related to fixed asset investments. Designated funds as disclosed within the notes to the accounts were £744,419. The balance of free reserves was therefore £357,451 (2022 - £486,794).

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

In preparing the annual report the trustees had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Trustees' report (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

CC S. Hatchett - Chair of Trustees

12 July 2024

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Independent auditor's report

To the Trustees of North West Police Benevolent Fund

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of North West Police Benevolent Fund (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Independent auditor's report (continued)

To the Trustees of North West Police Benevolent Fund

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error as fraud may involve deliberate concealment , by for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations or through collusion. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities including fraud is detailed below.

Our approach was as follows:

We understood how the charity is complying with relevant frameworks by making enquiries of management and those responsible for legal and compliance procedures. We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement including how fraud might occur by discussing with the management and the board of trustees. We enquired of management as to any known instances of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations.

Based on this understanding we designed specific audit procedures to identify instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. This included making enquiries of management and obtaining additional corroborative evidence as required.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditors responsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Independent auditor's report (continued)

To the Trustees of North West Police Benevolent Fund

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Desirie Lea FCA FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of DJH Audit Limited

18 October 2024

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor

Chester House LLoyd Drive Ellesmere Port Cheshire United Kingdom CH65 9HQ

DJH Audit Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Statement of financial activities including income and expenditure account

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
designated
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and
legacies
3
94,875
-
Charitable activities
4
1,578,441
-
St Michaels Lodge
5
77,011
-
Investments
6
40,793
-
Other income
7
9,722
-
Total income
1,800,842
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
5,852
-
Charitable activities
9
1,938,234
-
Total expenditure
1,944,086
-
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
13
81,564
-
Gross transfers
between funds
-
-
Net movement in funds
(61,680)
-
Fund balances at 1 January
2023
5,641,507
744,419
Fund balances at 31
December 2023
5,579,827
744,419		 Total Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
designated
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
94,875
116,069
-
1,578,441
1,390,755
-
77,011
72,937
-
40,793
23,381
-
9,722
7,775
-
1,800,842
1,610,917
-
5,852
-
-
1,938,234
1,800,451
-
1,944,086
1,800,451
-
81,564
(91,080)
-
-
90,000
(90,000)
(61,680)
(190,614)
(90,000)
6,385,926
5,832,121
834,419
6,324,246
5,641,507
744,419		 Total
2022
£
116,069
1,390,755
72,937
23,381
7,775
1,610,917
-
1,800,451
1,800,451
(91,080)
-
(280,614)
6,666,540
6,385,926
Donations and
legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
St Michaels Lodge
5
Investments
6
Other income
7
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
Charitable activities
9
Total expenditure
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
13
Gross transfers
between funds
Net movement in funds
Fund balances at 1 January
2023
Fund balances at 31
December 2023

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Balance sheet

As at 31 December 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
15
Investments
16
Current assets
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
19
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Unrestricted funds - designated
Unrestricted funds - general		 2023
£
£
3,956,391
1,265,985
5,222,376
287,709
961,493
1,249,202
(147,332)
1,101,870
6,324,246
744,419
5,579,827
6,324,246		 2022
£
£
4,044,092
1,110,621
5,154,713
247,818
1,200,045
1,447,863
(216,650)
1,231,213
6,385,926
744,419
5,641,507
6,385,926		 2022
£
£
4,044,092
1,110,621
5,154,713
247,818
1,200,045
1,447,863
(216,650)
1,231,213
6,385,926
744,419
5,641,507
6,385,926
5,154,713
1,231,213
6,385,926
744,419
5,641,507
6,385,926

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 12 July 2024

CC S. Hatchett - Chair of Trustees

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
22
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from disposal of investments
Investment income received
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2023
£
£
(182,048)
(23,497)
(167,372)
93,572
40,793
(56,504)
-
(238,552)
1,200,045
961,493		 2022
£
£
(9,971)
(550)
(373,964)
-
23,380
(351,134)
-
(361,105)
1,561,150
1,200,045

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The charity is governed by the terms set out in the Governing document adopted in 2011 which formalised and regulated the activities of the Fund and its Trustees and is reviewed annually.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's rule book, the Charities Act 2011 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 (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include investmentments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial 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 continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity 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.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is accounted for on the accruals basis and is allocated under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Costs of generating funds relate to the promotional work undertaken in the year to enhance the charity's standing.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Costs of charitable activities include expenditure relating to convalescence and grant provision for officers in need.

Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance, regulation and good practice.

Support costs have been allocated on the assumption that they arise in proportion to direct expenditure of the charitable activity.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings 1% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings 20% straight line and 8% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed 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/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity 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 instruments 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 presented 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.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

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 carried 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 as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2023 2022
£ £
Donations and gifts 94,875 116,069
Donations and gifts
Donations - members of the public 19,914 17,788
Donations - Miscellaneous 2,914 20,080
Legacy income 53,774 36,401
Gift aid 10,273 9,215
Grant income 8,000 12,585
PCC Cumbria - 20,000
94,875 116,069
4 Charitable activities
2023 2022
£ £
Member donations 1,431,978 1,279,787
Merseyside Wellbeing donations 10,400 9,040
Cheshire Wellbeing donations 21,520 7,520
GMP Wellbeing donations 18,622 7,077
North Wales Wellbeing donations 7,200 9,520
Cumbria Wellbeing donations - 7,040
Lancashire Wellbeing donations 16,735 11,750
Cleveland Wellbeing donations 1,750 -
NWROCU Wellbeing donations 6,400 4,000
Satellite physio - Cheshire 25,000 25,000
Satellite physio - Merseyside - 6,250
West Midlands Physio & Wellbeing stays 27,430 10,350
West Midlands Counselling services 5,005 -
Holistic Treatments 6,401 13,421
1,578,441 1,390,755

All income from charitable activities was unrestricted in 2023 and 2022.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

5 St Michaels Lodge

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2023 2022
£ £
Facilities hire 48,175 51,261
Bistro 27,543 21,676
Other 1,293 -
77,011 72,937
6 Investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2023 2022
£ £
Income from listed investments 26,998 22,320
Interest receivable 13,795 1,061
40,793 23,381

7 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2023 2022
£ £
Other income - 7,775
Fundraising income 9,722 -
9,722 7,775

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

8
9		 Raising funds
Unrestricted
Total
funds
general
2023
2022
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
5,852
-
5,852
-
Charitable activities
St Michaels
St Michaels
2023
2022
£
£
Depreciation and impairment
111,198
124,986
Furnishings and maintenance
98,467
198,320
Services and insurance
203,657
132,564
Housekeeping and reception
278,261
254,276
Physiotherapy
359,867
342,534
Catering
147,947
128,002
Administration
31,730
57,614
Counselling and holistic services
296,059
184,033
Management
179,044
221,523
Site and security
69,351
62,274
1,775,581
1,706,126
Grant funding of activities (see note 11)
62,522
28,176
Share of support costs (see note 12)
92,631
59,299
Share of governance costs (see note 12)
7,500
6,850
1,938,234
1,800,451		 Total
2022
£
-
-
1,706,126
28,176
59,299
6,850
1,800,451

10 Trustees

Trustees are reimbursed for non material expenses incurred on charity business.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

11 Grants payable

St Michaels St Michaels
2023 2022
£ £
Discretionary grants
Serving officers 9,928 1,600
Retired officers 2,594 11,576
Death in service 50,000 15,000
62,522 28,176

12 Support costs

Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Committee expenses
393
-
Legal and professional
62,199
-
Marketing costs
19,542
-
Bad debts
10,497
-
Audit fees
-
7,500
92,631
7,500
Analysed between
Charitable activities
92,631
7,500		 2023
Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
£
393
280
-
62,199
30,776
-
19,542
27,935
-
10,497
308
-
7,500
-
6,850
100,131
59,299
6,850
100,131
59,299
6,850		 2022
£
280
30,776
27,935
308
6,850
66,149
66,149

Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £7,500 (2022 - £6,850) for audit fees.

13 Net gains/(losses) on investments

Revaluation of investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2023 2022
£ £
81,564 (91,080)

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

14 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Admin and Reception
Catering
Counselling
Holistic
Housekeeping
Management
Physio
Site and Security
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2023
Number
8
7
8
4
4
4
9
5
49
2023
£
1,054,053
87,417
16,978
1,158,448		 2022
Number
8
6
5
2
3
7
10
3
44
2022
£
913,955
82,610
15,806
1,012,371

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023

15 Tangible fixed assets

Freehold land
and buildings
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2023
4,235,776
455,222
Additions
-
23,497
At 31 December 2023
4,235,776
478,719
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
338,652
308,254
Depreciation charged in the year
47,105
64,093
At 31 December 2023
385,757
372,347
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
3,850,019
106,372
At 31 December 2022
3,897,124
146,968		 Total
£
4,690,998
23,497
4,714,495
646,906
111,198
758,104
3,956,391
4,044,092

16 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023 1,110,621
Additions 167,372
Valuation changes 81,564
Disposals (93,572)
At 31 December 2023 1,265,985
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023 1,265,985
At 31 December 2022 1,110,621

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

17
Debtors
Member loans
19
Donations and other trade debtors
Gift aid
Prepayments and accrued income
18
Member Loans
Balance at 1 January 2023
Repayments in the year
Loans written off or converted to grants
Bad debt provision
Balance at 31 December 2023
19
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year		 17
Debtors
Member loans
19
Donations and other trade debtors
Gift aid
Prepayments and accrued income
18
Member Loans
Balance at 1 January 2023
Repayments in the year
Loans written off or converted to grants
Bad debt provision
Balance at 31 December 2023
19
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year		 2023
£
6,846
255,329
9,348
16,186
287,709
2023
£
40,312
(12,132)
(10,498)
17,682
(10,836)
6,846		 2022
£
29,476
193,801
-
24,541
247,818
2022
£
71,261
(23,589)
(7,360)
40,312
(10,836)
29,476
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
20
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
21,931
20,640
31,545
2,617
70,599
147,332		 2022
£
22,572
101,767
42,077
5,522
44,712
216,650
2023 2022
Notes £ £
Other taxation and social security 21,931 22,572
Deferred income 20 20,640 101,767
Trade creditors 31,545 42,077
Other creditors 2,617 5,522
Accruals and deferred income 70,599 44,712
147,332 216,650

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

20 Deferred income

Other deferred income
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 January 2023
Released from previous periods
Resources deferred in the year
Deferred income at 31 December 2023		 2023
£
20,640
2023
£
20,640
101,767
(119,402)
38,275
20,640		 2022
£
101,767
2022
£
101,767
118,149
(95,772)
79,390
101,767

21 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fund balances at 31
December 2023 are
represented by:
Tangible assets
3,956,391
-
Investments
1,265,985
-
Current
assets/(liabilities)
357,451
744,419
5,579,827
744,419		 Total Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
3,956,391
4,044,092
-
1,265,985
1,110,621
-
1,101,870
486,794
744,419
6,324,246
5,641,507
744,419		 Total
2022
£
4,044,092
1,110,621
1,231,213
6,385,926

North West Police Benevolent Fund

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

22
Cash generated from operations
Deficit for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Fair value gains and losses on investments
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
(Decrease) in deferred income
Cash absorbed by operations		 2023
£
(61,680)
(40,793)
(81,564)
111,198
(39,891)
11,809
(81,127)
(182,048)		 2022
£
(280,614)
(23,381)
91,080
124,986
94,270
70
(16,382)
(9,971)

23 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

24 Movement in funds

At 1.1.23

£
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted income
5,641,507
Total
5,641,507
At 1.1.23

£
Unrestricted designated
funds
Business contingency
523,419
Database and IT
25,000
Health and Safety
40,000
St Michaels Capital
56,000
Disaster emergency
100,000
Total
744,419		 Incoming
resources
Outgoing
resources
£
1,800,842
(1,862,522)
1,800,842
(1,862,522)
Incoming
resources
Outgoing
resources
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Transfers
Net
movement
At 31.12.23
£
£
£
-
(61,680)
5,579,827
-
(61,680)
5,579,827
Transfers
Net
movement
At 31.12.23
£
£
£
-
-
523,419
-
-
25,000
-
-
40,000
-
-
56,000
-
-
100,000
-
-
744,419		 Transfers
Net
movement
At 31.12.23
£
£
£
-
(61,680)
5,579,827
-
(61,680)
5,579,827
Transfers
Net
movement
At 31.12.23
£
£
£
-
-
523,419
-
-
25,000
-
-
40,000
-
-
56,000
-
-
100,000
-
-
744,419
744,419