Annual Report 2023 Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
Introduction & contents Bendrigg Trust: Trustees, foreword The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for Bendrigg Trust, an incorporated charity with charity number 508450 and company number 01396557. for the year ending 31 December 2023. Thi5 report includes the requirements of a director's report as required by company Low. The financiaL statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing accounts in accordance with the FinanciaL Reporting Standard applicable in the UK ond Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). Contents Chairrnan's Statement Vlslon, Misslon and VaLues Objectives and Achievements Year in Numbers Volunteering Beyond Bendri9g Looklng Forward Fundraislng Standards Risk Management Treasurer's Report Structure, Governance and Management Tru5tees' Official Statement Independent Audltor's Report Stotement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Cash FLo¥v Statement Notes to Financial Statements References and Administrative Details 13 14 17 18 21 22 23 25 26 28 32 33 34 35 52
Chairman's Statement A statement from our Chair of Trustees Welcome to our new look. After consulting widely with visitors, stoff ond other stakeholders, the 'Bendi foLk' brand, which has represented Bendrigg for many years, is being repLaced with more inclusive and modern imagery and messaging. We have also updoted our Vision, Mission and Values to better reflect our more ambitious and outward looking opproach. l Love our new tagline: 'Creating change one adventure at a time,. It communicates. very powerfully and succinctly, what Bendrigg is alL about. Our brand update is not just a 'fresh Lick of paint,, it is an integral part of our strategy ensuring Bendrigg continues to be relevant for our visitors, donors and society more widely. &r More than ever before our visitors want and need the Bendrigg experience," that unique blend of challenge ond adventure in a friendly, coring ond safe environment. It is marvetlous to see the grounds and buildings buzzing with the positive energy that Bendrigg generates but even at our 5ubsidised prices some visitors con struggLe with the cost. One result of this hos been the trend towards shorter stays but intensively packed with technical activities. Also our fully accessible Acorn House enabLes us to accommodate more visitors with complex needs and so the comblned effect of these chonges has been to gradualLy increase staffing levels in order to maintain the high quality we offer. These trends have been building over a number of years but the pandemic did a good job masking the impact. We are now confronted by the full force of these issues and with high infLation added in we face a situation where our costs are going up but our income isn't keeping pace. The result is significant deficit forecasts in the medium term (2024-2026). Although our reserves ore strong we must recover our finances to a sustainable position and this tosk is the top priority for the Centre Director, management team and the trustee board. A financial recovery plan is being developed with the objective of eliminating the budget deficit by 2026.
The plan incLudes o review of our donor income streams and a forensic financiaL analysis of the different activities we offer resuLting in a ronge of measures which should significantly increase donor income and improve financial performance through changes to pricing, occupancy and efficiency. Thank you to Kim Parry ond Jeremy PralL for Leading this work. I am pleosed to report thot momentum hos been maintoined on developing our long term strategy. One of the main strategic themes LO emerge is to exponentially increase our reach and impact beyond the visitors that come through our doors each year. This concept has crystalLised into'Beyond Bendrigg, a training and consuLtancy service that aims to equip and educate other organisations that need to consider accessibility and inclusivity in the services that they provide. Convinced thot this was such a strong idea, the decision was taken to Launch this initiative before our strategy was completed. A small team has been formed and partnerships are being developed with a range of organisations at national and community Level. Even though this is still very much a start-up we have a strong proposition and are buiLding a good reputatlon in this field. I love our new tagline: 'Creating change one adventure at a time,. It communicates, very powerfully and succinctly, what Bendrigg is aLL about. Other strategic options being evaluated are: Re-development of the existing estate to upgrade accommodation and facilities, improve accessibility generolly and better connect the built spaces to the natural environment. We also want to make better use of our avoilobLe Land to develop opportunities for olternative income streams and additional QCLiVities for our visitors. I would particularly like to thank Kay Foster for her major contribution, in time and expertise, developing the strategy. In August we attracted significant media exposure, including television, through our support for'summits up for Tony,. Tony Hudgell, an eight yeor old double amputee, had the goaL of ascending a Lake District peak raising funds for four charities incLuding Bendrigg. Our activities and accessibiLity expertise was essential in ensuring Tony's successful ascent of Orrest Head was completed safely.
Our staff are at the core of the Bendrigg experience and have once again been brilLiant, continuing to deliver o consistently high quality visitor experience even with the odded pressure of increased visitor numbers. The excellent visitor feedback we regularly receive Is due to their passion ond professionalism. Our fantastic team keep Bendrigg operations running smoothly and our Centre Director Nick LiLey continues to blend inspirotionol Leodership ond professionaL management. The management team are ossuming more responsibility for operational matters freeing up Nick LO operate more strategically ond spend more time creating network5 With the wider outdoor activity and disabiLity communities. I believe this change in emphasis is vital to Bendrigg achieving its strategic aims. In my report for 2022 1 referred to the tragic road accident involving Facilities Manager Jonny WoLfendaLe and his family. l am pleased to report that Jonny has now returned work and is continuing his recovery. I hove acknowLedged a few specific Trustees for their contributions but I would aLso Ilke to thank OLI of the Trustees for their continued work and commitment particuLarly with the enhanced committee structure which is improving decision moking ond connecting Trustees more directly with the monagement team. Judy Rayner and Shelagh McGregor retired os Trustees. Judy has been a Long serving trustee and, along with her family, very supportive of the Bendrigg Trust. I thank them both for their commitment over the years. We welcome new trustee5 Amy Peormon and Kirsty Heywood-MocDonald and look forward to their energy and ideas helping us move forward in the years ahead. Judy Goodland, a former Trustee and long standing supporter of Bendrlgg, sadly passed away in February 2024. We are incredibly grateful to Judy for all of her contributions to Bendrigg over her many years of service as a trustee, her time as chair of truslees and for her ongoing support since retirement. She WILL be deeply missed by alL those who knew her. Finally I reflect thot Nick and his team really hove pulled off an amazing feat in 2023: keeping the Bendrigg magic going day in day out whilst at the same time addressing our medium term financial chaLlenges and advancing our strategic plans ensuring we remain reLevant in the Long term.
.•¢ Our vision, mission and values Our vision To harness the pow•r of adventure to create lastlng change and transform comrnunltles for all. At our core, we champion the transformative power of adventure, seeing it not just as an individual journey but as a force that shapes society for the better. Our vision hinges on the Bendrlgg experience belng a catalyst, reshoping societal perspectives and creating enduring, impactful changes in people's Live5. Our mission If our vision defines our goal, then our mission statement defines what we WILI do every day to achieve it. We make adventure accesslble, worklng together to overcome barrlers and transform lives.
Our values Our values ore at the heart of Bendrigg, shaping who we are and how we operate. They've been with us since the starti passed down by each employee. They are cruciaL, always leading the way we think and act. Bring Compassion Bendrigg is o place built on empathy. By taking the time to listen, being consi5tentLy compassionate ond valuing each person for who they are, we create a unique haven where kindness is in the air, ond adventure is in the offing. At Bendrigg, there is always freedom to have fun, all are welcomed, and all are valued. Practice Progress Every day is a chance to make lasting changes, not just for visitors or their families. We constantly look for improvement and find better ways of working. We chaLLenge traditional approaches, offer innovotive ideas, and develop our practice. Little by little, we make big changes - becoming a force for progress far beyond our borders. Push Past Boundaries Some limits may be real, but we remove the ones that aren't. We challenge attitudes, strip away doubts and break through personol barrier5. Removing those limits is how we WILL make extraordinary things happen. We instil self-belief that reshapes everyday Lives for individuals and brings a new understanding that WILI reshape our communities. Embrace Noture There is no better classroom, there is no better therapy. This place is not just the setting for adventure; the outdoors is part of our purpose and our personality. Stepping outside ond connecting with nature spurs our growth and improves our weLL-belng, maklng an Impact that Lasts welL beyond a visit. Make It for Everyone Openlng doors Is what we do; to an outdoors full of exclting ond empowerlng adventures, to new abilities and attitudes, to personal potential waiting to be fuLfiLled. We open these doors for ab50luteLy everyone, with endless flexibility and steadfast adaptability. At Bendrigg, we are exclusively inclusive and we olways find a way. Work As One We vaLue each ond every individual, but it's as a team thot we excel. From staff and volunteers to first-time visitors and experienced leaders, we aLI contribute and 'muck in,. We celebrate aLL our successes and shore all our missteps. We are all each other's cheerleaders and safety nets, trusted advisors, and personaL champions. We are all equals.
The spirit of adventure is incredibLe. A bona fide superpower that can fill any one of us with conviction and confidence, with new abiLities and renewed agency. And it's universal too - not the excLusive preserve of the advantaged and non-disabled. It's for everyone because we're making sure it is. At Bendrigg, we have the setting and the scenery, the equlpment and the expertise, the peopLe and the passion. Together, we have a limitless supply of adventure, with a limitless determination to improve peopLe's Lives. Because we know that, whatever adventure means to each individuaL, it has the power to empower. To challenge and inspire, to tear down barriers and build up possibiLities, to create real and Lasting change. Above alL, it has the power to change minds- within those individuals and across our whole society: changing the way peopLe see their worLd and changing the way the world sees them.
BeMoreBendrigg
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Objectives & achievements Objectives In 2023. we were working towards our'Bounce Back, pLan as the effects of the pandemic continued to be felt. Our aims were to: Return to pre-pandemic operating levels, delivering high quality, outdoor courses To return to a position of financial sustainability To ensure that Bendrigg's resources continue to meet visitors expectations as a Leader in the field To develop our Long term strategic plans as we Look to the future. Achievements Beyond Bendrigg launched Our 'Beyond 8endrigg project, Launched with the successful appointment of Sara Murray, our new Troining, Research and ConsuLtoncy Manager. Saro took up the role in September 2023 ond you can read more about Beyond Bendrigg on page 17. A new look for Bendrigg Throughout 2023 we undertook extensive consultation with our visitors, staff, volunteers and supporters to review Bendrigg's 'brand'. This included a review of our Vision, Mission and VaLues ond ultimately concluded in a compLete overhouL of our visual identity. What makes Bendrigg special has not changed, but our Look and feeL now refLects this better. Our new brand will be rolled out in stages from January 2024, incLuding a new website.
Bendrigg Alternative Scheme re-launched In March 2023 we appointed a new BA Co-ordinator, Jorj Haston, to relaunch this fLagship scheme. See page 16 for more detaiLs. Lodge accommodation upgrades Our main Lodge accommodation got some tender loving care with decorating updates including new curtains, refreshed point, updated photos and new lounge seating. To improve the accessibility of the accommodation for some of our visitors with physical disobiLities, we also instolled new ceiling hoists in our lounge and some of OLJr bedrooms and bathrooms thanks to generous donations of equipment and time from Simply Moving and Sleeping. 'Someone Like Me, VoLunteers returned to Bendrigg in droves in 2023, including some fantastic work parties, far surpassing our pre-pandemic voLunteer numbers ond bucking the trend elsewhere in the charity sector which saw volunteer numbers dropping. See page 14 for more information on our 'Someone Like Me, voLunteering project and page 15 for a case study on one of our brilliant volunteers, Jack. 10
Reducing food waste 2023 saw the start of a wonderful reLotionship with Foreshare - a UK charity fighting hunger and food waste. Surplus food comes through Fareshare to Bendrigg once a week, which is then Used in our delicious meoL5.This not only reduces food waste and saves Bendrigg money by reducing the amount of food we need to purchase, but aLso comes with a cash grant from The CumberLand's Kinder Kind of Kitchen initiative- wins all aroundl FRUI fs" ICY coyi61 Fundraising growth Thanks to the first stage of an investment in fundraising for Bendrigg, almost £671,000 was raised in 2023, accounilng for 430/0 of our total income. This is aLmost double what was raised in 2022 and has buffered some of the effects of the cost of living crisis on our charity. More accessible odventures We constantly look for ways to improve our activities and facilities and 2023 was no different. We improved acce5S to some of our on-site activities by instaLling electric hoists, tweaked and improved countless ways of working and re-invigorated our'zap. activity (pictured opposite) enabling visitors to chaLLenge themselves through adventure in different ways. 11
Businesses back Bendrigg We saw an outpouring of Support from Local businesses wanting to support Bendrigg in 2023. From'Busking for Bendrigg, and various other fundraising events organised by Harrison Drury SoLicitors, to donations of hoists and sen4ices-in-kind from Simply Moving and Sleeping. We are grateful to all of our locol business community for continuing to support odventure for alL. Today w• are jolning the dots between families who no longer need hoists and charlty thal doo8. Slmply glvlng back. S'imply Summit•s Up For Tony In August, 8endrigg supported 8- yeor-old double amputee Tony HudgeLI as he took on an immense fundraising chalLenge by climbing to the top of Orrest Head in Windermere. Tony's chaLLenge was featured in national media and inspirational adventurers such as Hari Budha Magar and Sir Chris Bonington turned out in support. Tony raised over £58,000 for 4 charities, including Bendrigg. Big Give: Make it for everyone Less thon 48 hours into our annuol Big Give Christmas ChaLLenge we hit our fundraising target of £80,000! This was a big ask and our supporters raLlied to our cause with vorious fundraising events, personal donations and corporate support helping us to make 2023 a record-breaking appeaL. This vital funding aLLowed us to'make It For Everyone,: supporting our bursary scheme to ensure finances are not a barrier for people wishing to achieve through adventure. Christmas Challenge BigGive 12
Our year in numbers A summary of our year In 2023, we hoped to return to our pre-pondemic operating levels and we didl We've had an incredibLy busy year ond here are just some of the statistics that highlight the impoct we've had on the peopLe through the doors at Bendrigg. 133 residential courses and 55 day activities deLivered 2,824 participants and 834 leaders/ carers totalling 3,658 visitors in the year 353 wheelchair users supported 72 % of visitors saw 'significant' or 'considerable' increases in seLf confidence 80 % of visitors saw 'significant' or'considerable, increases in feeling more included Visitors rated Bendrigg 4.92 out of 5 stars 72 % of visitors saw'significant, or'considerable, increases in independence 70 % of visitors saw'significant, or 'considerabLe' increases in social skills 73 % of visitors saw 'significant' or 'considerable' increases in physical and/or mental weLlbeing 13
Volunteering at Bendrigg has helped my confidence, helped me have faith in myseLf. They look beyond my disability and condition and see the true me and my capabilities. As soon as you walk through the door you instantly feel part of a fantastic team. VoLunteering in 2023 In 2023, we were excited to see 264 unique voLunteers come through our doors, giving a total of 10,480 hours of support. The Living Woge of this time would have cost Bendrigg £131,367, so their generous gift of time is greatly appreciated! 32 voLunteer5 declared o disability. WhiL5t these individuals make up 21 % of our voLunteers, they actualLy make up an ostonishing 41% of our voLunteer hours; which proves the need for projects like 'Someone Like Me,. 'Someone Like Me, is a Bendrigg project seeking to support those with disabiLities to volunteer. There remains in society, o Lack of recognition for the contribution that people with disabilities can bring to volunteering. People with disobilities are often recipients of volunteer services but are rorely considered os o potentiol volunteer resource. 'Someone Like Me, seek5 to support those with disabilities to voLunteer at Bendrigg becoming role models and mentors for our visitors. In 2023. Alistoir (who drew the picture above) celebrated 40 years since his first Bendrigg holiday. Since then, he has volunteered each year and creates wonderful newsletters of each of his visits. 14
It's totally life changing because it's so inclusive and I'm valued by everyone and part of the team. As a person with a disabilityi It's reassuring that I can ask for support and guidance if I need it. Meet one of our volunteers Jack. Jack first came to Bendrigg on a residential trip when he was nine and has been volunteering with us since 2020. His ultimote gool is to work in outdoor education and so we are working together to support him in this. Jack describes himself as a deafblind person who is seeking to break the barriers faced by the deafbLind community but also other disabilities. The support Jack gets at Bendrigg Is constantly evolvlng based on hls needs. So far, we hove heLped him build a consistent routine when on site, spent time with him learning how to safely navigate around the buildings including adding odditional aids on his main routes and we always ensure that tasks ore communicated cLearLy and concisely so he can action them independently. We grade and adapt his programme so he is able to Sustain his energy and be his best. Visitors constantly leave very positive feedback about Jack; he is an asset to our team. It is our pleasure to continue to support Jack in working towards his future career prospects and we're very gratefuL for his time and hard work with us. 15
rpv- It is hard to contain the emotion involved when talking about Bendrigg Lodge. 'Giving back to society, is a cliché that is over- used at the best of times; only at Bendrigg is it real. Bendrigg Alternative Scheme Our Bendrigg Alternative (BA) scheme was mostly paused during 2023 whilst we recruited to our BA Co-ordinator role (appointed in March 2023) and then undertook a thorough review of the scheme's history, impact and future oims and objectives. Although there were no residential BA volunteers in 2023, our mainienance team were supported by six Community Pay Back Team visits, giving a total of 183 hours of work across our 15 acres of grounds. renewing sections of fencing, repairing paths, strimming, mowing and generally maintaining our site. The BA scheme has historicaLLy focused primarily on people in prison. However, after thoroughly reviewing our work, and the changing needs of those impacted by the Criminal lustice sector, the BA scheme at Bendrigg WILI expand in 2024 and beyond to focus on four key areas: People in Prison People on Community Licence People on Community Order (unpaid work) People at higher risk of offending 16
Bendrigg is honestly the only pLace we have found on this pLanet where we can truly relax and have fun. Everywhere shouLd be more Bendrigg. Training and consultancy launched in 2023. Beyond Bendrigg is born out of a need for education and support to make the world a more accesslble and Incluslve space. We are more than a place, offering more than facilities: we are home to sector-leading knowledge and Life-changing expertise. Now, we're preparing to harness that capability, to moke on impact far beyond the boundaries of our e5toLe: to go Beyond Bendrigg. Launched in 2023, Beyond Bendrigg is a training and consuLtancy service for the outdoor education and tourism sectors, regionaLLy, nationally and - uLtimately- internationaLIy. And it's already off to a strong start - tralning 119 people across nine sesslons In the flrst four months of the program! While it's an opportunity to diversify our offering and generate funding for our charitable operations, it's aLs0 a vehicle for much greater change. As an authority in the sector, we can infLuence individuals, organisations, national governing bodies and even policy makers. By sharing our expertise, we're going further to change attitudes, raise awareness and embed positive practice into everyday experiences- driving inclusion across alL areas of society. In short, it's our chance to make an impact far Beyond Bendrigg. 17
Looking forward: the next five years Our plans for the future In the last 47 years, we have come a long way. But we know we still have a long way to go. As we look forword, 2024 WILI see the start of our newly approved five-year Strategic Plan. With our strategy set and our goals stated, we're giving form to our ambitions for the next five years and beyond - hornessing more adveniure, creoting more change and touching more Live5. To turn our ombitions into achievements. we have planned five themes for the work that lies ohead. These are not isoLated programmes - each theme overLaps with the other, each success will provide a platform for the next. Over the next five years we will: Accommodate a wider audience We will give people new ways to enjoy the Bendrigg experience, by buildlng fully accesslble multi-functional self-catering accommodation. When we're finished, os well as making a small difference in meeting a national shortfaLI, our new service WILI make o huge difference for our visitors - supporting our mission while generating income to sustain our organisation. Transform our space We will make better use of space across our estate: making space for getting meals and getting rest, for getting around and getting closer to nature. When we're finished, Bendrigg WILI be coherent and connected, more accessible and better equipped than ever - the sector's Leading destination for visiting, working, volunteering, learning and more. Protect our environment Working to preserve the setting so vital to our spirit of adventure, we will make our connection to nature central to everything we do. When we're finished, with Net Zero in sight, we will work in ever-cl05er hormony wiLh our noturoL environment. Help the Bendrigg family flourish We WILI go further for our people, by fostering a growth mindset in everyone connected to Bendrigg - not only helping people challenge the boundaries of disability, but giving our employees and volunteers the support and space to excel. When we're finished, everyone at Bendrigg wlll have the opportunity to reaLise their fullest potential- inspired to be innovators and Leaders, driving our progress and taking their pLace at the Forefront of the industry. Go Beyond Bendrigg Our training and consultancy progromme will equip a broad range of organisations with the skills to bring inclusion into their everyday practice. When we're finished, we will have extended and muLtiplied the impact of our expertise - touching the lives of over 30,000 people every year, to play an increasingly powerful roLe in creating a more inclusive society. 18
Looking forward: 2024 The next five years are a big adventure, but often big adventures start with a small step. During 2024 we will start our journey by: Delivering excellence for our visitors At our core, we chompion the transformative power of adventure, seeing it not just as on individual journey but as a force that shapes society for the better. We WILL continue to harness the power of adventure, ensuring that our visitors get the most incLusive and personal experience possibLe, making an impact that LasLS well beyond a visit. Taking steps to improve our financial sustainability We hove not been untouched by the ongoing chalLenging finonciaL climate and must take steps to ensure we can continue funding our vital sen4ices through these difficult times, without adding additional unaffordabLe cost to those hardest hit by the pandemic and Cost- of-Llving crlsls. Thls will include Investlng in our fundraislng capocity and looking at woys to make our services even more efficient, without Losing the Bendrigg magic. Undertaking a staff health and weLlbeing review It is our people who make Bendrigg so speciol and we want to give our employees ond voLunteers the support and space to excel. In 2024 we WILL undertake a staff heolth and wellbeing review and, using the results, Put In place a programme ensurlng that our staff are valued, supported and rewarded in their careers and lives. CompLeting the vital work to our Lodge Although we made great progress in 2023 in refurbishing our Lodge accommodation, we will continue this into 2024 with more internal and external improvements. I loved how students were encouraged to develop independence skills. The tutors were so attentive, Learned aLL names and made it feel really personal. 19
Looking forward: 2024 Continuing to improve our activities As we constantly Look for improvement ond find better ways of working, we WILI continue to enhance our activities ond make them more accessible for aLI. This will include the refurbishment of our tube slide sheLters, and the commi55ioning of a new ond expanded fleet of canoes. Welcoming back our residential Bendrigg Alternative volunteers As well as re-starting our Bendrigg Alternative Scheme for residential volunteers we WILL expand the project to work with more people in the CriminaL Justice sector, carrying on the original spirit of Bendrigg. Developing our Beyond Bendrigg project In its first fuLI year of operation. we plon to develop trolning ond consultancy offerings to support the outdoor sector, as well as leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors, to 'Be More Bendrigg, and become more accessible and inclusive for aLL. Implementing our new branding With a re-invigorated brand, Bendrigg will become more recognisable and more occessibLe for all. 2024 will see our new branding spreading through our social channels, a new website, as weLL as on our site, in our gift shop and across alL of our work. We have loved how easy you make things that usually feel impossible. You give each child the time and space they need for their individual needs and see instinctively how to meet those needs. Watching one child overcome several difficulties with patience and support and our other child being included where she otherwise might not be. 20
Fundraising Standards A look at fundraising standards and practices at Bendrigg Donors to Bendrigg Trust can be assured thot we comply with the regulatory standards for fundraising. We ore voLuntarily registered with the Fundroislng Regulator and are committed to the Fundraising Promise and comply with aLI the relevant standards set out in the Code of Fundraising Practice. Our Head of Business Development is a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundroising. Our fundraising effort involves encouraging donations and gifts from individuaLs. running and supporting fundraising events, engoging with corporate portners and applying for grants from Charitable Trusts and Foundations. These fundraising activities are organised ond monaged by our in-house fundraisers with one external professional fundraiser engaged in November 2022 to support our fundraising efforts. ALI our in-house and third- party fundraisers receive regulor training including Data Protection ond fundraising specific tralnlng. All fundralslng acilvities and third-party contracts are monitored by the Head of Business Development on a regular basis throughout the year, to ensure standards are maintained. This includes direct review of work, staff appraisoLs, monitoring of communications and consultations with non-fundroising staff and supporters. We encourage any individual, business or third-party, fundraising, on our behalf, to inform us of their fundraising activities and aLso adhere to the Code of Fundraising Practice. We have an Ethical Fundraising ond Donations Acceptance Policy which seeks to cover the ethical issues and sociaL responsibility within fundraising. We respond to aLL complaints within ten working doys. Complaints ore dealt with in-line with our Fundraising Complaints Procedure as outlined in our Ethical Fundraising Policy. ALI complaints are dealt with by our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and our trustees are informed of those which are serious. We received zero complaints about our fundraising in 2023. We have published our Safeguarding Policy on our website. We are aLso signed up to the Fundraising Preference Service to enable individuals to opt out from receiving fundraising communications from us. We received zero requests from this service Last year. Our fundraising promise We WILL be; Respectful Fair ond reasonable Accountable and responsible Clear, honest and open Registered with FR FUNDRAISING REGULATOR 21
Risk Management The Board of Trustees is sensitive to potentiol risks to which the charity may be exposed. Risk Register The monogement of risk by Bendrigg Trust is based upon o Risk Register ('the Register,) which has been in use since February 2017. The Register is kept under active consideration by the Centre Director ond is reviewed every Six months by Lhe Risk Register Committee, which consists of the Centre Director and up to three Trustees. The Last bi-annual review of the Register was on 28th February 2024. Responsibilities The Risk Committee reports to the Trustees in CounciL. Risk Management is ultimately the responsibility of all Trustees. It is the Trustees duty (assisted by the Risk Committee) to identify risks, to devise systems for managing those risks (or ensure that proper systems have been devised) ond to monitor these systems to ensure that they are being put into effect. The risks considered in the register ore considered under five headings: l.Governance 2. Financial 3. Operational 4. External factors 5. Legislation CompLiance Public Benefit From 2008, the Charities Act has required all charities to meet the Legal requirement that its aims are for the public benefit. For this to be true there must be an identifiable benefit ond the benefit must be to the pubLic or a section of Lhe pubLic. The Trustees are satisfied that the aims and objectives of the charity, and the activities reported on in ILS annual report to achieve those aims, meet these principles. 22
Financial Review Treasurers Report The Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) reports a total surplus of £21,598 for the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: surpLus OF £106,007); this is made up from an unrestricted deficit of £35,699 and a restricted funds surplus of £57,297. The overall surplus was added to the reserves brought forward of £3,779,770, to give total reserves at the baLance sheet date of £3,801,368. We are pLeosed to be abLe to report this overall surplus in our activities in 2023, in spite of some ongoing challenges during the year due to the re-basing of our cost base after the pandemic and due to widespread inflationary cost pressures. Our cLient and donor income has improved very considerably, from £1,420,548 in 2022 to £1,546,079 in 2023, an overaLI increase of over £120,000. Having sold this, the income in 2022 was much assisted by the inclusion of two exceptional items with a combined value of £347,000, meaning that the adjusted year on year increase In non-exceptional income is over £470,000. Some of this increase relates to an uplift in restricted income received In the year (£404,730 in 2023, compared with £168,654 in 2022), meaning that unrestricted income has risen by £236,000. The BaLance Sheet at 31 December confirms net assets of £3,801,368 {2022: £3,779,770), with net current assets of £767,731 (2022: £659,468) and net cosh balances of £998,042 (2022: £865,021). The cash balances are mostly held for unrestricted purposes, with £784,582 held as unrestricted funds and £213,460 relating to restricted projects. The overall cash position provides Bendrigg with good financial resilience as we face into the ongoing 5U5tainobiLity choLLenges that lie oheod in 2024. The Balonce Sheet also shows the carrying vaLue of our property and other fixed assets at £3,033,637, most of which are funded by restricted capital funds. The Cash Flow Statement provides the detail of Lhe cash movements during the year to 31 December showing that the overall cash position strengthened significantly in 2023, this is Largely due to the increased value of carried forward restricted project funds. OveraLI, the FinonciaL Statements reflect o good position after another year of recovery when the Charity achieved a better than expected overaLL financial performance. The Bendrigg management team hove worked tirelessly to bring the organisation back Lo pre pandemic levels of occupancy, and their ongoing efforts wilL ensure that the organisation returns to a surplus making position as soon as possible. 23
Financial Review cont. Going Concern The Trustees and Management Team ore concerned that the Charity is likely to incur ongoing Unrestricted General Fund deficits in the short to medium term future; in spite of the return to pre pandemic levels of income generation and site occupancy, our cost base has risen significantly due to infLationary and other cost pressures. We do not believe that the expected level of deficit gives rise to concern about the ongoing assumption of Going Concern, in part due to the resilience of our balonce sheet and cash reserves and in port due to the work that is currently being undertaken to address the deficit position. As a resuLt the Council are satisfied thot the ossumption of Going Concern remains entirely valid. Reserves Policy The Reserves PoLicy, which is reviewed and approved by the CounciL on an annual basis, sets out an assessment of on appropriate level of free reserves after restrictions and designations. The Trustees have again considered the Reserves Policy, ot 31 December 2023, taking full occount of the range of risks that face the organisation and as captured in our updated Risk Register. In determining the torget Level of General Fund reserves the Council have paid close attention to certoin key risks; in particulor these include the ongoing deficits that the charity expects to contlnue to Incur In the short term future. This risk-bosed approach to determining our policy continues to suggest o target Level of free reserves of £600,000, which equates to approximately six months of unrestricted operating costs. The unrestricted fund reserves stand at £599.627 at 31 December 2023, meaning that the Charity is carrying slightly Less free reserve5 than required by the Reserves Policy. 24
Structure, Governance & Management Constitution Bendrigg Trust is a charitoble company Limited by guarantee (01396557) incorporated on 27 October 1978 and registered with the Charity Commission (508450) on 15 February 1979. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which defines the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, the members are required to contribute on amount not exceeding £5. Trustees: Recruitment and Induction Bendrigg recognises that a robust, independent and effective Board of Trustees is essentiaL if the charity is to achieve it's objects. New Trustees are Invited to provide a CV and meet the Centre Director and Chair of the Trustees. Those without background knowledge of Bendrigg are given a tour and invited to attend Council ondlor Management Committee meetings before they commit themselves. The aim is to have a varied and diverse Trustee Board with a mix of skills that match Bendrigg's needs. After being elected, new Trustees are provided with the main documents which set out the operationaL framework of the charity including the Memorondum and Articles, Business Plan, and Financial Statements. Mony Trustees make frequent visits to Bendrigg, giving rise to an easy and informal relationship with the Centre Director, the rest of the staff and other TrLJStees. Under the Articles, the Trustees are elected to serve o period of three years. Of the elected Trustees, one third retire every year ond are eligible for re-election. Those Trustees retiring are those who hove been Longest in office since their Last election. Organisational Structure and Governance The CounciL meets bi-monthLy and is responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. Sub-committees consider the detail and report to the Council. Further to the sub-committees, working groups are also formed to oversee specific projects for a set period of time. 25
Official statement Statement of Trustees Responsibilities The Trustees (who are also directors of Bendrigg Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in occordance with appLicable Law and regulations. Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financiaL statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom GeneraLly Accepted Accounting Practice {United Kingdom Accounts Standards and appLicable law). Under company Law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unLess they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitabLe company and the income and expenditure of the choritable company for that period. 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 Stotement of Recommended Practice {SORP) • make judgements and accounting estimates thot are reasonable and prudent state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any maierial departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements 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 accounting records that are sufficient to show and exploin the charitable company's tronsoction5 and discI05e, with reasonable accuracy ot any time, the finonciaL position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure Lhat Lhe financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitoble company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregulorities. FoLlowing the merger of MHA Moore ond Smalley with MHA, the charity's independent auditor has now become MHA. A resolution to re-appoint MHA as independent auditor will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting. 26
Each of the persons who is a Trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that: so far as they are aware there is no relevant audit information of which the charitabLe compony's ouditor is unaware; and each Trustee has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a Trustee to make themseLves oware of any relevant audit information ond to establish thot the charitable company's auditor is aware of that information. Approval By approving the Trustees report the Trustees ore also approving the strategic report in their capacity as company directors. This report wa5 opproved by the Trustees on 21st June 2024 and signed on their behalf by: Mr Nicholas Liley Secretary and Centre Director
Independent auditor's report Auditor's opinion We have audited the financial statements of Bendrigg Trust for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise of the Statement of Financiol Activities, Balance Sheet, Cash FLOW Statement and notes to the financial statements, incLuding a summary of significant accounting poLicies. The finonciaL reporting framework that hos been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accountlng Standords, including Financial Reportlng Standard 102 The FinanciaL Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In ouropinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the charitabLe company's affairs as at 31 December 2023, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended,. have been properLy prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our oudit in occordonce with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and opplicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the finonciol statement5 section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordonce with the ethical requirements that ore 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 opproprlate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions reLating to going concern In auditing the financial statements. we hove concluded thot the Trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the finoncial 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 charitable company'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. 28
Other Information The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees, Annual Report, other than the finonciol statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the finoncial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other informotion 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 oppeors to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a materiaL misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, bosed on the work we hove performed, we conclude that there is a materiaL misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothlng to report In this regard. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: the information given in the Trustees, Annual Report (incorporating the Directors, Report) for the financial yeor for which the financiol statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and the Trustees, Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legaL requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of our knowledge ond undersLanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we hove not identified material misstatements in the Trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the foLlowing matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: adequate ond sufficient accounting records have not been kept by the choritoble company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not Vislted by us" or the financial Statements ore not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. or certain disclosures of directors, remuneration specified by Law are not mode; or we have not received all the information and expLonations we require for our oudit; or the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financiaL statements in accordance with the smaLL companies, regime and take advantage of the smaLI companies, exemption in preparing a strategic report. 29
Responsibilities of Trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees, responsibilities statement set out on page 26, the Trustees {who are aLso the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company Law) are responsibLe for the preparation of the financial statements ond for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control os the Trustees determine is necessary to enobLe the preparation of financial statements that are free from materiaL misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financiol statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company'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 liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have o realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstotement, 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 thot an audit conducted in accordance with ISA5 {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 reosonably be expected LO influence the economic decisions of users token on the basis of these financial statements. Irregulorities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and reguLations. We deslgn procedures In Llne with our responslbilitles, outlined above, to detect materlol misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capoble of detecting irregularities, incLuding fraud is detaiLed below: enquiries with the board about any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with lows and regulations, including fraud; challenging assumptions and judgements made by the board in their significant accounting estimotes; auditing the risk of froud in income by woy of cut off testing, including testing deferral of income for future bookings, as well as transactional testing to obtain evidence Lhat income is complete and recognised in the correct accounting period. an evaluation of the risk management override of controLs and subsequent testing, incLuding through Eesting journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness; and an evaLuation of the charitabLe company's internal control environment. and a review of board minutes. 30
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we WILL not detect all irregularities, including those leoding to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compLiance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a Law or regulation is removed from the events and tronsoctions reftected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non- compliance. The risk is aLso greater regarding irregulorities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud invoLves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. A further description of our responsibilities is avaiLable on the Financial Reporting Council'5 website ot: https:/lwww.frc.org.uk/Our-WorklAudit/Audit-ond-assuronce/Stondards-and- guidancelstandards-and-guidance-for-ouditors/Auditors-responsibilities-for- oudit/Description-of-auditors-responsibilities-for-audit.aspx. This description forms part of our ouditor's report. Use of our report Thls report is mode soLely to the charitable company's members, as a body, In accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those motters we are required to state to them in an auditors 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 charitable company ond the charitable company's members as o body, for our oudit work, for this report. or for the opinion5 we have formed. Jack Steer Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of MHA, Statutory Auditor Date 14, Mannin Way Lancaster Lancoshire LAI 3SW MHA is the trading name of Macintyre Hudson LLP, a Limited Liability partnership in England and Wales, {registered number OC312313) 31
Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating the income and expenditure account) For the Year Ended 31 December 2023 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Incorne from: Donations and Legacies Investments Charitable actlvltles Other 266,174 11,222 863,857 96 404,730 670,904 11,222 863,857 96 367.482 3,753 702,205 347,108 Total 1.141,349 404,730 1,546,079 1,420,548 Expenditure on: Raising funds CharitobLe octivitie5 63,501 1,214,227 40,000 206,753 103,501 1,420,980 48,409 1,266,132 Total 1,277,728 246,753 1,524,481 1,314,541 Net {expenditure)/ Income before transfers (136,379) 157,977 21,598 106,007 Transfer between funds 10, 19 100,680 (100,680) Net movement In funds (35,699) 57,297 21,598 106,007 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 635,326 3,144,444 3,779,770 3,673,763 Total funds carried forward 599.627 3,201,741 3,801,368 3,779,770 The Statement of FinanciaL Activities includes all recognised gains and losses in the year. All of the above amounts relate to continuing octivities. The Statement of Financial Activities also compLies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Comparlies Act 2006. The notes on pages 35 to 52 form part of these financial statements. 32
Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 3,033,637 3,120,302 Current 05sets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 7,100 87,391 998,042 12,595 11,019 865,021 13 1,092,533 888,635 Credltors: amounts falllng due within one year 14 (324,802) (229,167) Net current assets 767,731 659,468 TotaL ossets less current liobiLities 3,801,368 3,779,770 Net Q55ets 3,801,368 3,779,770 FL•nds: Restricted fund5 Unrestricted funds 16 18 3,201,741 599,627 3,144,444 635,326 Total funds 3,801,368 3,779,770 These occounts were approved by the Trustees ond authorised for issue on the 21st June 2024 and are signed on their behalf by: Adrian WaLter Kim Parry Treasurer Chair Company Registration Number: 01396557 33 The notes on pages 35-52 form part of these financiaL statements.
Cash FLOW Statement For the year ended 31 December 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Cash generated in operating activities 140,255 175,496 CashfLows from investing activities: Investment income Proceeds from saLe of fixed assets Purchase of fixed assets 11,222 416 (18,872) 3,753 125,317 (11,588) Cash provided by/ (used in) investing activities (7,234) 117,482 Cashflows from financing activitie5 Payment of loan (250,000) Cash provided byl (used in) financing octivities (250,000) Increase In cash and cash equlvalents In the year Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 133,021 865,021 42,978 822,043 Cash and cash equivalents carried forward 998,042 865,021 ReconclLlation of net movement In funds to net coshflow from operat5ng actlvltles Net movement in funds Profit on sale of assets Investments Income received Depreciation Increase l (decrease) in stocks Decreosellincrease) in debtors Increase in creditors (excLuding loan) 21,598 (96) (11,222) 105,217 5,495 (76,372) 95,635 106,007 (118,394) {3,753} 113,112 {1,484) 1,927 52,348 Net cash generated in operating octivities 140,255 175,496 Components of cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand 998,042 865,021 998,042 865,021 34 The notes on pages 35-52 form part of these financial statements.
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 l Accounting policies Legal form Bendrigg Trust is o registered charity and a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006, incorporated in England and Wales. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £5 per member of the Charity. The registered office of the Charity, the nature of its operations and its principal octivities are all detailed in the Charity administrotive detoils of these financial statements. Basis of preparation Bendrigg Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard appLicabLe in the UK and Republic of IreLand (FRS102) - (Charities SORP IFRS 102)), the Financiol Reporting Standard appLicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements are prepored in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetory omounts ore rounded to the nearest pound. The financiaL statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The particular occounting policies adopted by the Trustees are described below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriote i.e. whether ihere are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cost significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees consider the charity to have a sufficient Level of working capital to see it through the upcoming months and have made an ossessment in respect of o period of ot Leost one year from the date of outhorisation for issue of the financlal staiements. There are no rnoteriaL uncertainties about the Charity's abiLity to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Income Donations and Legacies are included in the accounts on a cash received basis or where there is a certainty of receipt and the amount is quantifiabLe. Grants and donations in respect of specific projects are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which they are receivable and are credited to restricted reserves. 35
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 l Accountlng poLlcies (contlnued) Investment income is credited to the statement of financiol activities in the period in which it becomes receivable. Income from charitabLe activities is recognised in the period to which it relates. Other Income Includes Income from insurance cloim receipts ond the sale of tangible assets which are recognised upon legal entitlement to the Charity. Expenditure AIL expenditure is occounted for on on occruols bosis In the expense categories required by the SORP. Expenditure is recognised where there is a Legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obLigation can be measured reliabLy. Costs are further allocated between the activities undertaken on a basis consistent with the use of the resources. CharitobLe activities expenditure includes Costs incurred in the deLivery of the Charity's activities and services. It includes both direct Costs, including staff costs, that are incurred in the deLivery of the activities and services and indirect costs which are required to support the delivery of the charitable objects. Costs of raising funds include those costs in relation to the Charity's operotions which are used to generate further income which is integral to the Charity in meeting its charitable objectives. It includes direct costs and aL50 indirect costs which hove been aLLocaLed based on an estimated share reLating to fundraising costs. Fixed assets ALL fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed a55ets, less their residual value, over their expected useful Lives on the folLowing basis: Freehold property Leasehold property Motor vehicles and trailers Fixtures, fittings and equipment Sports instaLLations 2 % straight line per annum 4% straight line per annum 250/0 reducing balance 100/01200/0 Straight line per annum 10 % straight line per annum Stock5 Stocks are valued at the lower of cost ond net reaLisabLe value after making aLLowance for obsoLete and slow moving stocks. 36
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 l Accounting poLicies (continued) Debtors and creditors withln one year Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable and payable within one year ore recorded at transaction price. Any Losses arising from impairment ore recognised in expenditure. Cash and cash equivaLents Cash is a basic financial asset and includes cash in hand and deposits held on COLI with banks. Fund accountlng Unrestricted funds General funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the generaL objectives of the charity. Designoted funds particular purposes. Designoted funds are unrestricted funds set oside by the Trustees for Restrirted funds Restricted funds arise where there is a donor-imposed restriction on the use of the funds, or the funds have arisen in response to an appeal for a specified purpose. Pensions The Charity operates a defined contribution scheme. Contributions are charged in the Statement of FinanciaL Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. Toxotion HM Revenue & Customs considers Bendrigg Trust to be a charity ond therefore they are entitled to exemption from tax afforded by Sections 478-489 of the Corporation Taxes Act 2010 to the extent thot income is applied exclusively for charitable purposes. FlnanclaL Instruments The Charity has elected LO apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial InstrumenLS' and Section 12 '0ther 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 contractuaL provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liobilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the finoncial statements, when there is a Legally enforceable right to offset the recogni5ed amounts and there is an intention to settle on o net bosis or to reolise the asset ond settle the liability simuLtoneousLy. 37
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 l Accounting policies (continued) Bosic financial a55ets Basic financiol assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price and are subsequently carried at amortised cost. FinanciaL assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that the estimated future cash flows have been affected. The impairment Loss is recognised in the statement of financiaL activities. Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially OLI the rlsks ond rewords of ownership io onother entity. Baslc flnanclal Llabllltles Basic financial liobilities. including creditors. are initially recognised at transaction price, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts 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. Trade creditors ore obligatlons to poy for goods or servlces thot have been acquired Sn the ordinary course of busine55 from suppliers. Amounts payabLe are cLassified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented os non-current liabilities. Financial liabiLities are derecognised when the company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or canceLLed. 2 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty In the application of the Charity's accounting policies, the Trustees are required to makejudgements, estimates ond assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities thot are not reodiLy apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are bosed on historicoL 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 Lhat period, or in the period of the revision and future perlods where the revlsion affects both current and future periods. Key ossumptions. judgements and estimates In the opinion of the Trustees, there have been no significant judgements made in the process of applying the obove occounting policies. There have been no key ossumptions concerning future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty ot the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets ond LiabiLities within the next financial year. 38
Notes to the financiaL statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 3 Income from donations and Legacies U nrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 Total 2022 GeneraL donations Restricted donations Sponsored courses Specific capitol donations 266,174 266,174 157,534 106,240 140,950 198,828 106,642 62,012 157,534 106,246 140,950 266,174 404,730 670,904 367,482 Total 2022 198,828 168,054 367,482 4 Income from Investments Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds Totol 2023 Total 2022 Bank interest recelvable 11,222 11,222 3,753 11,222 11,222 3,753 Total 2022 3,753 3, 753 5 Income from charitobLe octivities Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Course fees Other charitable activities 833,731 30,126 833,731 30,126 677.816 24,389 863,857 863,857 702,205 Total 2022 702,205 702,205 39
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 6 Other income Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Insurance claim receipt 228,714 118,394 Proceeds from sale of asset 96 96 96 347,108 Total 2022 347,108 347,108 7 Expendlture on raislng funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 TotaL 2022 Telephone Postage Direct fundraising costs Freelance fundraisers fee Staff costs 383 110 4,678 383 110 7,694 9,600 85,714 633 3,016 9,600 27,384 4,642 1,200 41,934 58,330 63,501 40,000 103,501 48,409 Total 2022 48,409 48,409 40
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Expenditure on charitable activities Total TotaL U nrestrlcted Restricted 2023 2022 Goods for resale Rates and water Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Insurance Motor vehicLe expenses TeLephone Provisions and household Sundry expenses Outdoor equipment Staff training Advertising and sponsorship Bank charges Printing, post and stationery Freelance instructors fees Audlt and professional fees IT software and consumabLes Entry fees Subscriptions Indemnity insurance Wages ond 5oLaries National insurance Pension cost Depreciation Impairment of leasehold 9,115 1,766 46,050 83,644 22,712 24,683 3,450 113,065 8,819 6,040 13,446 24,693 2,236 14,190 51,256 16,124 15,282 2,201 2,943 1,193 589,486 32,077 24,539 105,217 9,115 1,766 46,050 83,644 22,712 24,683 3,450 113,065 46,833 6,040 13,446 24,693 2,236 14,190 51,256 16,124 15,282 2,201 2,943 1,193 743,439 40,454 30,948 105,217 4,514 3,302 42,739 81,423 15,702 25,257 2,532 86,888 9,956 5,976 12,371 9,791 1,796 11,605 43,735 9,609 14,092 2,142 3,732 435 551,697 23,931 24,015 113,112 25,733 38,014 153,953 8,377 6,409 1,214,227 206,753 1,420,980 1,266,132 Total 2022 1,120,086 140,040 1,206,132 Support costs are allocated entirely to chariLabLe activities in both the current and prior period. 41
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 9 Net incomel(expenditure) 2023 2022 Net income 15 Stated after charging: Staff pension contributions Auditors, remuneration audit of the financiaL statements Depreciation of tangibLe ossets owned by the Charity 43,561 36,849 9,500 5,500 105,217 113,112 10 Fund transfers A transfer is made onnuaLly from restricted to unrestricted funds in respect of depreciation charges in the year which relate to restricted assets. This year this transfer amounted to £100,680. Restricted funds are made up of restricted income funds and restricted copitaL funds. During the current year restricted income funds were used to purchase fixed assets in the financial year and transfers of £7,404 were made to restricted capital funds. A further £39,692 of resiricted income funds have been commltted to flxed assets (deposlts have been mode) so a similar transfer to the restrlcted capltoL fund has been made. Total transfers from income fund5 to capital funds were £47,096. The transfer out of restricted capital funds of £53,584 is the net of the depreciation transfer (£100,680) and the copiiaL asset Iransfer (£47,096). Further details of fund transfers are included in Note 16. 11 Analysis of staff costs. trustee remuneration ond the cost of key management personnel Total staff costs were as foLIows 2023 2022 Wages and salaries Sociol security costs Pension costs 798,806 58,188 43,561 674,332 49,343 36,849 900,555 760,524 42
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 11 AnaLysis of staff costs, trustee remunerotion and the cost of key management personnel (continued) Particulors of employees: The average number of employees during the year was as follows: 2023 2022 Administrative staff Tutorial stoff Maintenance staff 13 16 11 15 Catering and domestic staff 38 34 No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the current or prior year. The total omount of employee benefits recelved by key monogemenE personneL, as deLerm5ned by the Charity, is £234,602 (2022: £194,927) during the current period. The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The contributions paid into the scheme in respect of eligible empLoyees for the year ended 31 December 2023 amounted to £43,561 (2022: £36,849). No Trustees received ony remuneration during the current or prior period. No Trustee received any expenses for their role as Trustees in the current or prior period. 43 1
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 12 Tangible fixed assets Motor Vehicles & traiLers Fixtures Fittings & equipment Freehold Property Leasehold Property Totals C05t At l January 2023 Additions Disposals 4,180,254 7.036 76,456 277,432 602,456 5,136,598 11,836 18,872 {471,004) 1580,302) (76,456) (32,842) At 31 December 2023 4,187,290 244,590 143,288 4,575,168 Depreclatlon At l January 2023 Charge for the year Eliminated on disposal 1,142.377 83,759 76,456 202,307 18,742 (32,522) 595,156 2,716 14,71,004) 2,016,296 105,217 (579,982) (76,456) At 31 December 2023 1,226,136 188,527 126,868 1,541,531 Net book value At 31 December 2023 2,961,154 56,063 16,420 3,033,637 At 31 December 2022 3,037,877 75,125 7,300 3,120,302 The freehold ot Bendrigg Lodge was transferred from the Mary Kinross Trust on 12 March 1985 as a gift. The freehoLd is not included in the financial statements as an asset but has a substantial market value. The freehold property reported above, havlng a netbook value of £2,961,154 relates to the capitalised Cost of property developments (including Acorn House) that have taken place on the Bendrigg site subsequent to the original gift of Bendrigg Lodge. A 25 year Lease on Greenslack was agreed in April 2006 and this is the only Leasehold held by the Trust. During the year, the Charity has disposed of the leasehold property improvements, on the basis that it intends to terminate the Lease. 44
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 13 Debtors 2023 2022 Trade debtors Prepayments 193 87,198 358 10,661 87,391 11,019 14 Creditors: Amounts faLling due within one year 2023 2022 Trade creditors Toxation and sociol security Other creditors Accruals Deferred Income 23,380 22,383 1,045 36,613 241,381 24,466 10,901 2,241 29,596 161,963 Note 15 324,802 229,167 15 Deferred income 2023 2022 Balance brought forward Course fees received in advance Release of deferred income 161,963 238,574 (159,156) 145,900 147,861 (131,7981 241,381 161,963 45
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 16 Restricted funds: Current year Atl Jonuary 2023 Income At31 December 2023 Expenditure Transfers Restricted funds Restricted funds income Restricted funds capital 17 102,579 404.730 3,041,865 (246,753) (47,096) 213,460 {53,584) 2,988,281 Total funds 3,144,444 404,730 (246,753) (100,680) 3,201,741 Restricted funds: Prior year Atl January 2022 Income At31 December 2022 Expenditure Transfers Note Restricted funds Restrlcied funds Income Restricted funds capital 17 73,971 168,654 3,176,817 (140,046) 102,579 {134,952) 3,041,865 Total funds 3,250,788 168,654 (140.046) (134,952) 3,144.444 Restricted capital funds are made up of incoming resources given specifically to acquire fixed assets, as reduced over the useful economic Life of those assets in line with their depreciation £2,988,281 (2022: £3,041,865). $1,
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 17 Restricted funds: Current year Atl January 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers At31 December 2023 Climbing Club Sponsored Courses Outdoor Equipment Canoes Sensory Room Tube SLide Trainee Coordinator BA Co-ordinator Someone Like Me Project Beyond Bendrigg Project Bendrigg Development Minibus 12,025 17,617 106,246 9,350 12,220 16,486 25,950 560 1,000 15,000 8,750 21,791 (12,025) {89,5111 (13,5371 (3,7011 (22,3951 34,352 4,332 20,041 (560) 25,000 26.000 {15,0001 {23,7501 (42,1751 (3,7501 (1,7501 15,000 53,364 3,750 25,000 90,000 3,000 1,200 4,000 40,000 32,980 23,250 69,000 (21,0001 Apprenticeshlp Fareshare {RL) Staff Wellbeing project Fundraising Project (3,0001 (1,2001 (4951 (40,0001 3,505 Restricted income funds 102,579 404,730 (246,7531 (47,0961 213,460 Restricted income funds: Prior year Atl January 2022 Income Expenditure Transfer5 At31 December 2022 Climbing Club Sponsored Courses Outdoor Equipment Canoes Sensory Room Tube Slide Trainee Coordinator Trainee- Training BA Co-ordinator Hidden Disabilities Project 'Someone Like Me, Project 8,760 35,504 1,450 11,580 62,012 12,614 16,486 {8,315) (79,899) (4,714) 12,025 17,617 9,350 16,486 560 1,000 15,000 560 1,000 15,000 3.000 15,000 16,611 960 (16,611) (3,960) (6,250) (10,126) (10.171) 8,750 10,126 31.962 21,791 Restricted income funds 73.971 168,654 {140.046) 102,579 47
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 17 Restricted income funds (continued) Climbing Club: funds used to support an inclusive climbing club which aLlows young people of oll abiLitie5 LO Leorn Lo climb in a safe, supported and fun environment. Sponsored Courses". enoble5 bursaries to be given LO some groups who without it would not be able Lo afford to come to Bendrigg. Outdoor Equipment: enables specific pieces of equipment to be purchased. Canoes: to fund a new fleet of canoes. Sensory Room: funding received enabled the sensory room to be upgraded. Tube SLide: to fund the buiLding of two new tube slide huts which will incorporate a built-in hoisting system. Trainee Co-ordinator: to fund a post which supervises the work and the development of trainee tutors. BA Co-ordinator: to fund a co-ordinator post for the Bendrigg Alternative Scheme which is a scheme providing opportunities for offenders, or those at risk of offending, to work alongside the groups who visit Bendrigg. Hidden Disability Project.. funding to create 15 social story books and videos aimed at people with autistic spectrum disorder and other hidden disabilities. 'Someone Like Me, VoLunteer Project: to support the volunteer programme with a specific focus on increasing the number of volunteers with a disability. Beyond Bendrlgg Project: to help the outdoor, tourlsm and lelsure sectors io be more inclusive and accessible. Tailored training and bespoke advice demonstrate how, and why, to make activities open to all. Bendrigg Development Project: to fund an enabling phase for possibLe improvements to the Bendrigg estate. Apprenticeship: funding received to support Bendrigg apprentices. Fareshare (RL): funding received through Kinder Kind of Kitchen Project, which allows access to Fareshore, an organisation that redistributes food across Cumbria and Lancashire, to community food groups. Fundraising Support: funding received to expand Bendrigg's fundraising capabilities. Staff WeLlbeing Project: funding received to provide wellbeing support to Bendrigg empLoyees. Minibus: to fund the purchase of minibuses. 48
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 18 Unrestricted income funds: Current year Atl January 2023 At31 December 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers General Funds 635,326 1,141,349 (1,277,728) 100,680 599,627 Unrestricted funds 635,326 1,141,349 (1,277,728) 100,680 599,627 Unrestricted Income funds: Prior year Atl January 2022 At31 December 2022 Income Expenditure Transfers General Funds 422,975 1,251,894 (1,174,495) 134,952 635,326 Unrestrlcted funds 422,975 1,251,894 (1,174,495) 134,952 635,320 19 Analysis of fund transfers Total Annual transfer in respect of restricted fixed asset funds 100,680 Total transfers 100,080 49
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 20 Analysis of net assets between funds: Current year Net current Tanglble fixed ossets assets excl. Long term cash liabilities Cash Total Restrlcted funds GeneraL funds 2,988,281 45,356 213,460 784,582 3,201,741 599,627 (230,311) Total funds 3,033,637 998,042 (230,311) 3,801,368 Analysis of net assets between funds: Prior year Net current assets excl. cash Tangible fixed assets Long term Ilabllltles Cash Total Restricted funds GeneroL funds 3,041,865 102,579 78,437 762,442 3,144,444 635,326 (205,553) TotaL funds 3,120,302 865,021 (205,553) 3,779,770 21 Operating Lease commitments At 31 December 2023, the totaL of the Charity's future minimum Lease payments under non- concellabLe operating leoses was: 2023 2022 Amounts payable: Within l year Between l ond 5 years 1,596 3,984 1,596 5,580 5,580 7,176 50
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 22 Capital committments 2023 2022 Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements: Acquisition of tangible fixed assets 106,893 106,893 23 Contingencies The chority received lottery grants totalling £243,364 during the financial yeors 1999 and 2000 to fund the development of improvements to the accornmodation in Bendrigg Lodge and also a grant of £200,000 between 2007 ond 2008 Lowords the construction of the Kinross Building. The charlty may not dispose of these buildings without prlor written permission of the Lottery Board, nor use the buildings as security for a Loan. This restriction sholl be in force for 80 years from the date of the grants. 24 Control and related party transactlons The charlty was under the control of the Board of Trustees who are also dlrectors for the purposes of company Law in both the current and prior period. The charity has a very close relationship with The Bendrigg Support Trust. The Support Trust was establlshed for the purpose of supporting the work of the Bendrigg Trust. A revenue grant of £40,000 {2022: £20,000) and a specific donation grant of £25,000 (2022: £niL) was received during the year. Mr J Holmes, Mr T Lowe ond Miss R Hodgson, Trustees, ore also Trustees of the Bendrigg Support Trust along with an independent Trustee, Mr R Brownson. The charity also has a close relationship with The Mary Kinross Charitable Trust through an influential member who is also on the Bendrigg Alternative Committee. Total grants received during the yeor total £105,000 {2022: £100,000). Of Lhese gronls, £105,000 was for restricted purposes. During the year the charity incurred costs of £1,193 (2022: £435) relating to indemnity insurance for the Trustees. There were no outstanding balances with related parties at 31 December 2023 or 31 December 2022. 25 Company Limited by guarantee The company is limited by guarantee. In event of the cornpany being wound up or dissolved, each member undertakes to contribute such omounts as is required, not exceeding £5, for payment of any debts or liabilities. 51
Reference & administrative details Charity details Registered Charity name: Bendrigg Trust Chority Registration number: 508450 Company Registration number: 01396557 Registered office: Bendrigg Lodge, Old Hutton, Kendal LA8 ONR Trustees The Trustees who served the company during the period were as follows: Adrian Wolter, Chair of Trustees Kim Parry, Treasurer RachaeL Hodgson Kay Foster Shelagh McGregor (retired 23rd June 2023) Jeremy PraLI Tim Lowe Judy Rayner (retired 23rd June 2023) John Holmes MBE Brian McDonough Peter Botes Tom Hibbert Anne FLeck Kirsty Heywood-MacDonaLd loppointed 23rd June 2023) Amy Pearman (oppolnted 23rd June 2023) Senior Management Team Company Secretary and Centre Director: Nicholas Liley Head of Business Development: Soroh Garman Activities Manager: Som Litten Finance and HR Manager: Gill Smith Interim Facilities Manager: Graham Franks {January - June 2023} Facilities Manager: Jonathan Wolfendale Training, Research & ConsuLtancy Manager: Sara Murray (appointed September 2023) Patrons Sir Chris Bonington CVO CBE DL Claire Hensman, Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria (retired 3rd JULY 2023) Jamie Andrew Auditor: MHA, Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor. 14 Mannin Way, Lancaster. Lancashire, LAI 3SW 52