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2024-03-31-accounts

Trustee Annual Report & Accounts st =, . > - ' . ~ ‘sf: >" Be for the year ended 31 March 2024

www.wirralhospice.org | Company Registration No: 1518364 | Registered Charity No. 510643

Annual Report 2023-24

Contents Page
Chair’s Preface 5
Report of the Trustees (Including the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities) 6-24
Financial Review: Independent Auditors’ Report 25-28
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities 29
Consolidated Balance Sheet 30
Balance Sheet 31
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 32
Notes to the Accounts 33-49

The Trustees present their report together with the consolidated financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024. The Trustees confirm that the financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, with those of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and those of the Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS102).

Reference and Administrative Details:

Charity Number: 510643
Company Number: 1518364
Registered Office: Mount Road
Higher Bebington
Wirral CH63 6JE
Auditors: Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited
Suite 5.1
12 Tithebarn Street
Liverpool L2 2DT
Bankers: HSBC Bank plc
31 The Pyramids
Grange Road
Birkenhead CH41 2ZL
Solicitors: Brabners LLP
Horton House
Exchange Flags
Liverpool L2 3YL
Investment Manager: Rathbones Incorporating Investec
Wealth & Investment (UK)
100 Old Hall Street
Liverpool L3 9AB

Directors, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team

President: His Honour John Roberts

Trustees:

The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.

The Trustees serving during the year, and since the year end, on Wirral Hospice St John’s Board were as follows: -

Chair Deputy Chair Treasurer Resigned 04.10.2024

Retired 27.11.2023

Appointed 05.06.2023 - Resigned 14.10.2024 Appointed 21.08.2023

Company Secretary:

Senior Leadership Team:

• Mrs. Helen Brown Chief Executive Officer • Mr. John R Pentland Director of Finance and Support Services • Mrs. Teresa Nightingale Director of Income Generation and Marketing • Mrs. Christine Sutcliffe Director of Clinical Services • Mrs. Jane Bohan Director of Workforce • Dr Emma Longford Medical Director / Consultant in Palliative Medicine

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Chair's Preface:

As we present this year’s Annual Report and Accounts for the 2023-24 year, I am pleased to report that Wirral Hospice St John’s remains in a position of financial stability. Despite the challenges that our sector is currently facing, the commitment of our staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors has ensured that we continue to deliver exceptional care and support to those who need it most.

However, as we look ahead, it is clear that maintaining this stability will be increasingly difficult. We are operating in an environment where costs are rising steadily, driven by inflation and increased demand for our services, while statutory funding continues to decline. This creates a growing gap between the funding we receive and the resources needed to deliver our essential services.

In addition to financial challenges, we also face difficulties in both workforce recruitment and an ageing estate. Attracting and retaining skilled professionals is becoming ever more competitive, and this has a direct impact on the quality and continuity of care we are able to offer. As patient needs are changing and our buildings age we need to continually invest to ensure that they remain fit for purpose providing a welcoming environment for patients, families, staff and visitors. These are challenges we are committed to addressing with innovation and determination.

Despite these hurdles, the Board of Trustees remain confident in the resilience of the organisation. We have a strong foundation, and with the continued support of our community, we are well positioned to navigate the uncertainties ahead. Our focus will be on securing sustainable funding, exploring new ways to support our workforce, and investing in our estate ensuring that we remain a lifeline for all who need our care.

Thank you for your unwavering support, which allows us to continue this vital work.

Tim McDonnell: Chair

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Objectives and Performance Monitoring:

Aims and Objectives of the Charity:

As a provider of Specialist Palliative Care, our responsibility is to patients, families and carers, supported by our multi-professional team working in collaboration and partnership with health and care professionals including primary, secondary, community care and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE).

Patients and those close to them are central to our services, and what matters most to them is the focus of our personalised care.

How Our Activities Deliver Public Benefit:

Our sole aim is the provision of Specialist Palliative Care & support, without charge, supporting patients and their families.

Our Key Strategic Aims for 2023-24:

Strategic Aim 1: To increase the reach of our services across the Wirral community providing care and support where needed.

The foundation of the NHS future plan is the integration of the care system through partnership, integration and collaboration across the health & social care sector including VCFSE organisations, providing care locally at “Wirral PLACE” based level.

We aim to support the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System (C&M ICS) through complementary working alongside other service providers to ensure equitable access for all who would benefit from our specialist services across the local community we serve.

Through increased use of population health data we aim to reach more patients and their families across our community, ensuring Wirral Hospice St John’s continues to be seen as a lead player in specialist palliative care, and an efficient and thriving organisation.

Strategic Aim 2: To secure sustainable income reducing the risk on the funding of care activities and provide funding for service developments

As a charity, we are heavily reliant upon the income we receive from our local community which amounts to 58% of total income. The NHS and C&M ICS is under immense financial pressure and service delivery challenges, the value of our statutory funding is declining as the cost of delivery increases. During the year we have continued to expand our retail network and legacy campaign in order to maximise our income generation.

Strategic Aim 3: We will be the employer of choice with a highly motivated workforce inclusive of volunteers supported through learning & development opportunities and investment in their skills and personal development

The health & care sector is facing increasing challenges in recruiting & retaining the workforce. Having the right workforce with the right skills is pivotal to our ability to continue to develop and deliver patient and family services to meet future demand. The external landscape continues to change, offering more choice and increased competition from which to recruit. It is essential that we continue to recruit, develop and retain high quality staff and volunteers investing in their knowledge and skills development,

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developing career pathways for the future.

Strategic Aim 4: We will ensure that Wirral Hospice St John’s is recognised as an effective, efficient and thriving organisation worthy of future investment.

Wirral Hospice St John’s has been a fundamental part of the local community for over 40 years, established and supported by them to provide care and support for them. We have developed a reputation for specialist high quality holistic care focused on patient need and maintaining that position is fundamental to securing our place in the provision of Integrated Care Services, as well as the funding we receive from both statutory and local community sources.

Monitoring Achievement of the Charity’s Objectives:

Key Performance Indicator (KPIs) reports are compiled on a monthly basis to cover: -

The reports are reviewed by the Senior Leadership Team, the Board as a whole and Governance Committees of the Board.

In the period covered by this annual report, the Board met 5 times including the annual Board Strategy Day and the following Governance Committees met as follows: -

For in-depth review and future planning purposes, Investment Committee meetings continued to take place bi-annually and the Income Generation & Marketing Committee held three meetings.

The Board and Senior Leadership Team undertook a Strategic planning day to focus on future strategic direction and risk.

A clinical focused ‘story’ and a strategic element is incorporated into most Governance and Board meetings to focus on patient and family need, whilst facilitating discussion and identifying opportunities for future strategic planning & development.

The Board maintains an Organisational Risk Register to identify key high-level risks which arise out of the monitoring process and the actions being taken to mitigate them with regular review.

The Finance & Infrastructure Governance Committee, Workforce Governance Committee and Clinical Governance Committees respectively review all organisational and clinical complaints and incidents quarterly to ensure the actions and learning identified results in continuous improvement to hospice services and patient care and, in turn, they report their findings to the Board for assurance.

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Similarly, all results from patient satisfaction surveys and compliments, comments and concerns received are captured, logged and responded to as required. This data is used to measure the quality and impact of our patient care and services and for appropriate promotional use, again to provide assurance to the Board as well as to our patients, families, carers and supporters.

In line with the quality schedule, quarterly reports are provided for commissioners.

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Our Achievements in the Year:

In pursuing Strategic Aim 1, we have: -

In pursuing Strategic Aim 2, we have: -

In pursuing Strategic Aim 3, we have: -

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In pursuing Strategic Aim 4, we have: -

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Our People:

As a values-based organisation, our people are at the very heart of the service we seek to provide, maintain and develop.

The Wirral community is pivotal to the hospice, volunteers over 40 years ago were instrumental in setting up the hospice and have continued to support the delivery of services to present day. We have continued to engage with and recognise their ongoing and invaluable contribution, listening to feedback from volunteers regarding what they want from the organisation in their role, embedding new communication and education framework and ensuring that relationships benefit all. A number of new roles have been introduced in year to support growing service need. Current number of active volunteers is 401 inclusive of our Board of Trustees, supporting across the hospice site, driving and retail operations. Together they provide a benefit of c£1m to the hospice each year.

Annual Long Service Awards, Christmas Lunch and afternoon tea events recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution from our volunteers.

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Our Charitable Activities:

Wirral Hospice St John’s submits annual returns on patient activity to Hospice UK and produces an annual Quality Account for the Department of Health and Social Care and published on our website.

Inpatient Service: Wirral Hospice has 16 Inpatient beds, of which 7 are single rooms, with 3 three bedded bays. The ward has a large bright patient and visitor lounge with dining facilities, a relatives' room with ensuite facilities for overnight stays and easy access to patio areas and gardens.

Patients are admitted for short term interventions following assessment by the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) whose specialist palliative care needs cannot be met by providers elsewhere. Patients are admitted under the care of the Specialist Palliative Care Consultant. MDT meetings are held weekly. All patients, including family issues/concerns where appropriate, are discussed and a personalised management plan devised with patients to address their complex symptoms and needs. In addition, patients are reviewed daily by a doctor and twice weekly by a consultant.

Advance care planning including discharge planning commences at the point of (or even prior to) admission. Discharge from the ward occurs once the patient's identified needs of what is important to them, and their specialist palliative care needs have been addressed.

The average length of stay over 2023-24 was 19.9 days with 61% of patients being discharged.

Inpatients (16 beds) 2022-23 2023-24
Total number of admissions 165 186
% Occupancy 62.5%* 71%
Mean Length of stay (Days) 21.2 19.9
Total number of discharges 77 (48%) 114 (61%)
Total number of deaths 83 74

During 2023-24, the Unit has been measuring occupancy against 13 beds.

At times throughout the year staffing has been a challenge due to sickness and unfilled vacancies. Notable trends are increasing admissions and reducing length of stay meaning a higher turnover of patients. Occupancy levels are continuously monitored to promote optimal utilisation of available bed & staff resource. Increased awareness of hospice services is being promoted across the health & care sector to support increased referrals.

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Wellbeing Service: Provided by a specialist multi-professional team, the Wellbeing service works alongside patients and their families to enable them to live well with a life-limiting illness and introduces them to a rehabilitative model of care, which encourages them to maximise their potential within the constraints of their illness.

Assessment and advice is available from members of the Multi-Professional Team; Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Counselling, and Social Work and has included support with advance care planning, benefits advice and family stress.

Wellbeing (48 places per week) 2022-23 2023-24
Total number of patients 218 312
Total number of referrals 211 246
Total number of Wellbeing session attendances 1,915 2,585

Outpatient Service: Outpatient clinics are provided by a team of Consultants in Palliative Medicine, specialist Doctors, Bereavement Workers, Counsellors, and complementary therapy service. Clinics are provided for patients under the care of their General Practitioner and the Community Specialist Palliative Care Team who require access to the specialist services provided by the hospice.

Close working with the Community Specialist Palliative Care (CSPC) Team continues to ensure the most appropriate patients are referred in for Consultant Medical review, with the intention of supporting more patients in their own home.

Outpatients 2022-23 2023-24
Total number of Medical Referrals 239 261
New Doctors Appointments 136 137
Total number of Medical Domiciliary Visits 115 113

Medical staffing has affected the number of medical appointments in year. All referrals are triaged, and patients supported by the most appropriate service.

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Hospice at Home Sitting Service:

The Hospice at Home (H@H) team continues to provide quality end of life care to Wirral residents wishing to remain at home, providing practical and emotional support to pa ~~ti~~ ents, families and carers in a variety of ways. The H@H service coordinates the care, daytime sits are provided by the hospice. A partnership arrangement between the hospice and Marie Curie Nursing service provides coordinated night sitting service.

Hospice at Home (Sits) 2022-23 2023-24
Total number of referrals 420 405
Hospice at day 1,911 2,118
Hospice at night 320 399
Total number of deaths 304 239
Total number of deaths at home 254 (83%) 200 (84%)

Hospice at Home Personal Care Service:

The Hospice at Home Personal Care service initiated in 2021/22 has developed and grown providing care and support for patients and their families to be cared for and to die in their own home.

Hospice at Home (Personal Care Visits) 2022-23 2023-24
Total number of referrals 250 265
Personal Care Visits 1,868 5,880
Total number of deaths 149 150
Total number of deaths at home 138 (92%) 147 (94%)

Interventional Pain Service:

The Interventional Pain Service is an Outpatient Service for patients with any palliative diagnosis who are not responding to conventional pain treatment and are suffering from chronic pain. Patients are assessed by the Consultant either as an Outpatient or Inpatient at Wirral Hospice.

A referral can be made by Consultants or General Practitioners.

Interventional Pain Service 2022-23 2023-24
Total number of referrals 73 77
New appointments 68 59

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Wirral Palliative Care Advice Line:

Professional calls to the advice line are supported by the Community Specialist Palliative Care Team 9am-5pm.

Advice Line Calls (taken by the Hospice) 2022-23 2023-24
Calls from professionals (OOH) 130 174
Calls from families/ carers 24/7 71 180
Total number of all calls taken by hospice 201 354

Plans for Future Periods:

Our plans for future periods are aligned with our four strategic priorities across the three year period set within the context of five overarching Care Quality Commission themes for the delivery of our activities under the headings of being:

We will pursue Strategic Aim 1 by:

We will pursue Strategic Aim 2 by:

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We will pursue Strategic Aim 3 by:

We will pursue Strategic Aim 4 by:

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Principal Risks and Uncertainties:

The hospice operates a policy of pro-actively monitoring risk through a Board Risk Register, covering clinical, financial, workforce and other organisational risks; it is reviewed regularly by the Board, Senior Leadership Team and the Governance Committees. High-level risks to the organisation are reviewed jointly by the Board and Senior Leadership Team on a quarterly basis.

The principal risks are associated with sustainability, both financial and access to a workforce with the necessary competencies to deliver our services. They are inter-related in that maintaining competitive remuneration in support of recruitment and retention impacts on financial viability. In identifying our Strategic Aims and our Future Plans for their pursuit we have set out how we intend to mitigate those risks.

The risk of a cyber-attack and having appropriate cyber security in place is an increasing risk to the organisation, we have taken the opportunity of reviewing and enhancing our cyber security approach with increased training for all staff. We have fulfilled the required criteria for the Data security and protection toolkit required by NHS contracts with the aim of including Cyber Essential Plus for 202425 and continue to monitor and maintain mitigation measures against all identified risks.

The principal uncertainty arises around the ICS significant financial deficit and their future approach to funding of palliative and end of life care. Consequently, we need to be clear that what we are doing is required, that we are providing services effectively with demonstrable impact, and that we are the organisation best suited to provide those services.

Whilst there is uncertainty arising out of the of ICS, we also regard it as an opportunity to consolidate our position within the sector with the potential for development in meeting the increased demand for palliative & end of life care as well as additional statutory funding underpinning our financial viability. We are pro-actively engaging with Wirral Place, including representation on governance and operational groups and our already established practice of partnership working relations. We have developed our performance monitoring systems with the aim of tangibly demonstrating our cost effectiveness and value-based service delivery.

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Structure, Governance and Management:

Governing Document:

Wirral Hospice St John’s is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Originally dated 22 September 1980, this was amended via a Special Resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting on 24 November 2014 and a Special Resolution passed by the Trustees on 30 May 2023.

Wirral Hospice St John’s is a registered charity and provides specialist palliative care and support for patients and families living and dying with a life limiting illness through its Inpatient, Outpatient, Hospice at Home and Wellbeing services.

Appointment and Tenure of Trustees:

New Trustees are appointed by the Board when appropriate, ensuring a balance of skills is maintained.

Trustees normally serve in terms of 3 years with the maximum period of service for Trustees being 9 years in line with the Charity Commission’s guidance. The Memorandum and Articles of Association requires three Trustees to retire by rotation at each AGM.

Trustee Induction, Appraisal and Training:

The 'Trustee Recruitment and Selection Policy' and 'Ambassadors Recruitment and Selection Policy' were reviewed and updated in August 2022. The policies were updated to reflect the requirements and processes for identifying and recruiting suitably qualified candidates to join our Board in line with current Charity Commission recommendations.

All new Trustees undertake a formal induction programme with the Chair, Chief Executive and the Senior Leadership Team, in addition to visiting each department, to gain an understanding of hospice services. Their legal obligations under Charity and Company Law are highlighted to ensure their understanding of the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, decision-making and function of the Board, which supports its business plan, and ongoing financial performance. Resources are readily available on the hospice’s intranet to support Trustees during their induction and to enable them to carry out their roles effectively throughout their term.

To ensure that the Board of Trustees continues to operate effectively, in the year each Trustee has had the opportunity to review the performance of the Board and undertake a personal appraisal conversation with the Chair of Trustees. Ongoing access to learning and development is available both online and in person for trustees to further develop their knowledge and skills.

E-Learning in Information Governance and Safeguarding is mandatory for all Trustees as follows: -

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Trustees are also encouraged to undertake additional learning, training and development appropriate to their roles as charity trustees, for example: conference and seminars from Hospice UK, charity law and finance updates, and internal hospice training events.

Organisational Structure:

The Board has a maximum of 15 Trustees who administer the Charity. The composition of the Board reflects the expertise necessary to oversee the range of activity undertaken by the hospice.

The Trustees refer to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future developments. Trustees give their expertise and time on a voluntary basis and without reimbursement.

In addition to exercising governance through full Board meetings, the Governance Committees and Sub-Committees of the Board monitor specific areas of activity. The Terms of Reference for each of these Governance Committees are reviewed on an annual basis.

The Chief Executive is appointed by the Chair and Board and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity with the support of the senior leaders.

To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority in accordance with the delegated powers documents.

Related Parties:

The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Wirral Hospice St John’s Enterprises Ltd., is engaged in the sale of goods for the benefit of the charity.

Risk Management:

The hospice has a Risk Management Policy which is endorsed by the Board and ensures that: -

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Serious incidents are considered at relevant Governance Committees and reported to the Integrated Care System – Quality Lead, Charity Commission / CQC / Health & Safety Executive as appropriate.

There was no serious untoward incident recorded during 2023-24.

These policies and procedures safeguard and ensure propriety. The Board has overall responsibility for risk management and receives quarterly reports, in addition to the Annual Delivery Plan & Key Performance Indicators quarterly progress report.

Income Generation Review:

Wirral Hospice St John’s has a broad income generation programme to raise funds for the charity.

The four main areas are: -

The hospice largely co-ordinates its income generation activities from within the Fundraising Department using paid fundraising staff.

The following activities are carried out through third parties: -

Wirral Hospice St John’s income generation activities are aligned to legislation, guidance and advice set out by the following: -

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Wirral Hospice St John’s has complied with regulatory reporting to the Gambling Commission in relation to its lottery and fundraising activities and more generally to both the Charity Commission and the Care Quality Commission. No issues have been raised with these reports or audit visits.

All fundraising activities are monitored through monthly management reports. Performance and significant variances are discussed at board level using risk management reporting tools. Any activities carried out by third parties are also monitored closely to ensure that objectives are met and the hospice’s good reputation and values are upheld.

For the year ended 31 March 2024, 2 actual complaints were recorded about income generation activities: -

These were reviewed and investigated following Wirral Hospice St John’s robust complaints policy.

Actions were taken to address the matters raised with relevant individuals and appropriate feedback was given to the complainant. None of the complaints were considered to be serious in nature and the complainant in each case appeared satisfied with our course of action. All complaints were fully resolved within timescales set and were fully compliant with the hospice’s policy.

Wirral Hospice St John’s takes its role in the community very seriously. On occasion, our charity comes into contact with potentially vulnerable members of public.

We train our staff and volunteers to be alert to vulnerable persons and to sensitively remove themselves from situations or commitments that could put themselves or the individuals at risk. If a safeguarding matter is identified, staff are trained to follow the hospice’s Safeguarding policy and alert the most appropriate member of senior staff or the Safeguarding Team.

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Financial Review:

Income:

Total income is comparable to the prior year at just over £8m. NHS Revenue grants covered 48% (2023: 43%) of our expenditure (excluding fundraising costs). Due to high wage inflation, expenditure has once again risen faster than NHS income.

The turnover of the trading subsidiary was approximately £47k. Details of the subsidiary's performance are set out in note 7b of the financial statements.

Expenditure:

70% (2023: 69%) of costs relate to salaries, the total salary bill for the year being approximately £5.28m. Of these costs, approximately 73% relate to employees who are directly involved in clinical care.

Fundraising costs include the costs of running our lottery (£371k) and the charity shops (£795k), which generated income of £770k and £1.2m respectively.

Overall, this generated an operating surplus of £501k, before gains on investments of £623k. The Hospice's reliance on voluntary income, and particularly legacies, continues.

Balance Sheet:

Our principal assets are our tangible fixed assets, our investment portfolios of quoted investments and our bank balances. The bulk of our fixed assets consist of the Hospice premises.

Approximately £245k was spent on fixed assets in the year to upgrade our facilities and equipment.

Liquid reserves are £525k higher than the prior year.

The Trustees continue to closely monitor future activities and costs, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the impact on our income and operations.

Reserves Policy:

Reserves are required because the on-going revenue expenditure of the Hospice exceeds the minimum guaranteed income on an annual basis.

Due to the fundamental uncertainties surrounding the Hospice's income and the ever-increasing cost of its service commitment, the Trustees believe that the reserves should be equivalent to between 6 and 24 months of anticipated net expenditure. Currently reserves amount to 10.2 (2023: 13.0) months of anticipated expenditure. Note that reserves held are primarily in the form of listed investments which provide a further source of income to the Hospice in the year. The Trustees annually monitor and review the Reserves Policy.

Investment Policy:

The overall investment policy aims to achieve capital growth, with a medium level of risk, taking a long- term view.

Investments can be made across fixed interest investments, UK and overseas equities, property and alternative assets.

Fixed interest investments can be made in UK Government stocks (no restrictions), loan stocks of UK blue

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chip equities, and in UK unit trusts investing in gilts, corporate bond funds rated BBB or higher and cash. If the outlook for fixed interest investments at any time appears unfavorable, this allocation can be held in cash.

Individual equity purchases are restricted to shares that, at the time of purchase, are constituent elements of the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 Indices. Shares held in a company that is subsequently relegated from these indices need not automatically result in a disposal of that holding.

Holdings of smaller company shares will be held through unit trusts and/or investment trusts. No more than 25% of the total equity allocation is to be invested in non-UK stocks and only through unit trusts and investment trusts. A maximum of 10% of the value of the portfolio may be invested in emerging markets through unit trusts and investment trusts. No investment should exceed 5% of the total value of the funds under management.

Investments in tobacco stocks, hedge funds, derivatives and direct investments in commodities are not permitted.

The Board has given authority for the investments to be managed by the Investment Manager on a discretionary basis.

Investment Performance 2023-24:

During the year to 31 March 2024, the portfolio returned 11.87% compared to a benchmark return of 8.43% for the FTSE All Share Index.

These are total return performance figures on a time weighted basis. [Source: Investec Wealth & Investment (UK)]

Trustees' Responsibilities for the Financial Statements:

Company law requires the Trustees, who are also Directors of the company, to prepare financial statements for each financial period, which give a true and fair view of the group's financial activities during the period and of the financial position of the group and the charity at the end of the period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees should follow best practice and: -

In so far as the Trustees are aware: -

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable

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accuracy the financial position of the group and charitable company and which enable them to ascertain its financial position and to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. There are no private or incidental benefits to the Trustees.

Auditors:

Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited offer themselves for reappointment as auditors of the company in accordance with Section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES:

…………………………………………………………………… John R Pentland

Company Secretary 25[th ] November 2024

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WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF WIRRAL HOSPICE ST JOHN'S

Opinion

We have audited the accounts of Wirral Hospice St John's (the "Charity") and its subsidiary (the "Group") for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated and parent charitable company Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the notes to the accounts, including a summary of 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 accounts section of our report. We are independent of the Group and Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts 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 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 group's or that 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 trustees are responsible for the other information.

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears 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, 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.

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WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF WIRRAL HOSPICE ST JOHN'S

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Charity and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors’ Report included within 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:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the Charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts 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 accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the accounts, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Group's and 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 liquidate the group or the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF WIRRAL HOSPICE ST JOHN'S

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 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 extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud.

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

· the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

· we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation and data protection, antibribery, employment and health and safety legislation;

· identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

· making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

27

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF WIRRAL HOSPICE ST JOHN'S

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chaper 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 matters 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 and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Louise Casey ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited

Dated ……………………… Accountants Statutory Auditor Tempest Suite 5.1 12 Tithebarn Street Liverpool L2 2DT

28

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Note
Income
Income from generated funds:
Donations and Legacies
2
Other Trading Activities
2
Investments
2
Income from charitable activities
2
Total Income
Expenditure
Costs of raising funds
3(a)
Fundraising costs
3(b)
Investment management costs
Charitable activities
4
Total expenditure
Net Income/expenditure
Net Gains/(Losses) on investments
9
Net movement in funds
14
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward at 1 April 2023
Total funds carried forward at 31 March 2024		 Year ended
31.03.2024
£
2,093,211
2,590,589
249,020
4,932,820
3,076,372
8,009,192
37,341
1,734,659
21,560
5,662,795
7,456,355
552,837
622,556
1,175,393
13,249,925
14,425,318
Unrestricted
Funds		 Year ended
31.03.2024
£
-
-
-
12,284
12,284
-
-
-
64,203
64,203
(51,919)
-
(51,919)
1,945,505
1,893,586
Restricted
Funds		 Year ended
31.03.2024
Total
Funds
£
2,093,211
2,590,589
249,020
4,932,820
3,088,656
8,021,476
37,341
1,734,659
21,560
5,726,998
7,520,558
500,918
622,556
1,123,474
15,195,430
16,318,904		 Year ended
31.03.2023
Total
Funds
£
3,024,433
2,248,531
185,111
5,458,075
2,511,052
7,969,127
31,334
1,564,012
22,163
5,129,973
6,747,482
1,221,645
(366,961)
854,684
14,340,746
15,195,430

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes at pages 33 to 49 form part of these accounts.

29

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2024

Note
2024
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Investments
9
Current assets
Stocks
10
10,048
Debtors
11
3,714,150
Cash at bank and in hand
12
2,441,627
6,165,825
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
13
(1,950,576)
Net current assets
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
14
Unrestricted income funds
14
General
5,379,933
Fixed Assets
3,197,385
Designated
5,848,000
Total unrestricted funds
Total charity funds
The notes at pages 33 to 49 form part of these accounts.
The directors approved the financial statements on 25th November 2024
T McDonnell
J Wynne
Company Registration Number: 1518364		 2024
£
5,001,080
7,102,575
12,103,655
4,215,249
16,318,904
1,893,586
14,425,318
16,318,904
0
Director
Director		 2023
£
3,831
3,745,911
1,916,579
5,666,321
(2,035,765)
6,116,422
3,188,503
3,945,000
Difference		 2023
£
5,047,318
6,517,556
11,564,874
3,630,556
15,195,430
1,945,505
13,249,925
15,195,430

30

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE CHARITY BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2024

Note
2024
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Investments
9
Current assets
Debtors
11
3,738,408
Cash at bank and in hand
12
2,424,863
6,163,271
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
13
(1,948,024)
Net current assets
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
14
Unrestricted income funds
14
General
5,379,933
Fixed Assets
3,197,385
Designated
5,848,000
Total unrestricted funds
Total charity funds
The notes at pages 33 to 49 form part of these accounts.
The directors approved the financial statements on 25th November 2024
T McDonnell
J Wynne
Company Registration Number: 1518364		 2024
£
5,001,080
7,102,577
12,103,657
4,215,247
16,318,904
1,893,586
14,425,318
16,318,904
0
Director
Director		 2023
£
3,795,990
1,867,691
5,663,681
(2,033,127)
6,116,422
3,188,503
3,945,000
Difference		 2023
£
5,047,318
6,517,558
11,564,876
3,630,554
15,195,430
1,945,505
13,249,925
15,195,430

31

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

As at 31 March 2024

Cash flows from operating activities
Net Income for the financial year (before investment revaluations)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible assets
Profit on disposal of investments
Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other debtors
(Increase) in stocks
(Decrease)/ Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchases of tangible assets
Purchases of investments
Decrease in cash held by stockbrokers
Net cash (used in) investing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2024
£
478,939
291,419
21,979
31,761
(6,217)
(85,189)
732,692
1,003,267
(245,181)
(1,020,038)
54,308
(207,644)
525,048
1,916,579
2,441,627		 2023
£
1,197,043
284,505
24,602
(2,687,106)
(2,274)
1,494,233
311,003
943,173
(361,613)
(989,484)
60,816
(347,108)
(36,105)
1,952,684
1,916,579

32

WIRRAL HOSPICE ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

CHARITY INFORMATION

Wirral Hospice St John's is a registered charity and a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England & Wales. The registered office is Mount Road, Higher Bebington, Wirral CH63 6JE

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ("FRS 102") and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Wirral Hospice St John’s meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

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 principal accounting policies of the group are set out below.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

The group financial statements consolidate those of the company and of its subsidiary under-taking (see note 8), drawn up to 31 March 2024. Profits or losses on intra group transactions are eliminated in full. The results of the charity's subsidiary have been incorporated on a line by line basis.

No specific SOFA or Income & Expenditure account has been presented for the parent charity alone becase the charity has taken advantage of the exemption afforded by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and under the SORP.

GOING CONCERN

At the time of approving the accounts, 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 accounts.

FUND ACCOUNTING

Funds held by the charity are either:

Unrestricted general funds – these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Designated funds – these are unrestricted funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds and comprise of the following: Four Years of forecast Capital Expenditure £800,000, Service Development fund for the next 4 years £200,000, Forecast deficits fund for the next four years £3,630,000, a fund for the provision for closure costs of £1,200,000 and a fund for the maintenance and upgrading of our facilities over the next ten years of £560,000. The funds are offset by forecast Investment Gains of £542,000. Where the directors consider it appropriate, having regard to the intended use of the money, funds are transferred to the Designated fund from the General fund.

Restricted funds – these are funds which can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. The balance in the Restricted fund includes donations received specifically to finance capital expenditure, less revenue costs and depreciation to date, and is represented on the balance sheet as a proportion of the net book amount of tangible fixed assets and bank balances.

INCOME

Income from donations and grants are accounted for in the accounting year in which they are receivable, except as follows:

income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the pre-conditions have been met.

Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Income derived from trading activities is accounted for in the accounting year in which it is received. Lottery income is accounted for in respect of those weekly draws which have taken place during the year.

33

WIRRAL HOSPICE ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

INVESTMENTS

Fixed Asset Investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

The charity does not take out call or put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments. The main form of financial risk faced by the charity is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitude of investors to investment risk, and changes in sentiment concerning equities and within particular sectors or sub sectors.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Charity. Control is the power to govern the finances and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

Realised Gains and Losses

All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their purchase value. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses are combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.

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.

OPERATING LEASES

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred over the term of the lease.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION

Individual fixed assets are capitalised at cost where they are identified as being for continuing use in the charity’s activities. Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of all tangible fixed assets by equal annual instalments on a straight-line basis, as follows:

Hospice premises 50 years Charity shops 50 years Fund-raising office/education centre - Equipment, fixtures and fittings 7 years - Building 50 years Medical and office equipment 7 years Computer equipment 4 years Motor Vehicles 4 years

Impairment reviews are carried out on any assets where an indication is given that the recoverable amount is below the net book value. No assets have been subject to an impairment review.

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.

STOCK

Stock is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Donated items of stock are not valued on receipt as this would be impractical.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO PENSION SCHEMES

Defined Contribution Schemes

The group contributes towards the NHS pension scheme and the Group Flexible Retirement Plan for employees who are members of either scheme. The NHS pension scheme is a defined benefit scheme but the group is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities.

The pension costs charged against profits represent the amount of contributions payable to the schemes in respect of the accounting period.

34

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure, which is charged on an accruals basis, is allocated between:

Items of expenditure involving more than one cost category are apportioned on the basis of staff time incurred in respect of each category.

GOVERNANCE COSTS

Governance costs include expenditure on administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. Governance costs are included within support costs in Note 3 to the Accounts.

VAT

Hospice Income and Expenditure is recorded gross, with the net recoverable VAT element included within income. Enterprises Income and Expenditure is recorded net of VAT.

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.

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.

Other financial assets

Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure), except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment. 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.

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 experiences 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 revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Judgements are made on the useful economic life of fixed assets on acquisition when they are classified into categories. Depreciation is then calculated on each category as per the tangible fixed asset and depreciation policy (above). The classification of fixed assets could have a material impact on the asset net book value and annual depreciation charge. The useful economic lives are reassessed periodically to ensure they remain appropriate by assessing factors such as technological advancements, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets.

35

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

2. NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR

The net income for the year is stated after charging:

Depreciation
Auditors remuneration
and after crediting:
Donations and Legacies:
Legacies
In memoriam
General donations
Gift Aid
Investments:
Listed investments
Bank deposits
Income from charitable activities:
Income from NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups
Hospice at Home Income
Covid-19 funding
Sundry Income
Other trading activities:
Fund-raising events
Charity shop sales
Subsidiary’s turnover
Lottery income		 2024
£
291,419
12,000
1,662,770
162,719
191,759
75,963
2,093,211
176,318
72,702
249,020
1,912,139
846,828
0
329,689
3,088,656
540,265
1,233,279
46,813
770,232
2,590,589		 2023
£
284,505
13,224
2,557,441
142,068
243,371
81,553
3,024,433
167,665
17,446
185,111
1,841,405
363,471
48,488
257,688
2,511,052
444,936
1,002,658
48,861
752,076
2,248,531

The Charity has one wholly owned trading subsidiary, which is incorporated in England and Wales.

Wirral Hospice St John’s Enterprises Limited is engaged in the sale of goods for the benefit of Wirral Hospice, St John’s.

Wirral Hospice St John’s Enterprises Limited has transferred its profits to the Charity.

36

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

3. COST OF RAISING FUNDS

(a) Costs of generating voluntary income – salaries
(b) Fundraising costs :
Salaries
Depreciation
Charity shop costs (including salaries £463,309)
Purchase of goods for resale
Lottery costs (including salaries £86,284)
Printing, stationery and advertising
Postage and telephone
Fundraising expenditure
Other		 2024
£
37,341
264,041
28,515
795,297
19,783
370,718
26,662
1,659
114,108
113,876
1,734,659		 2023
£
31,334
235,774
24,737
671,308
24,085
364,176
28,283
792
99,066
115,791
1,564,012

4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Salaries
Depreciation
Medical supplies
Food
Heat and lighting
Repairs and renewals
Cleaning
Other
Support costs (note 5)		 2024
£
3,865,913
262,903
249,119
79,070
89,586
239,063
39,772
172,302
729,270
5,726,998		 2023
£
3,315,476
259,768
254,323
60,030
86,262
218,797
38,389
138,965
757,963
5,129,973

5. SUPPORT COSTS

Salaries
Printing, stationery and advertising
Postage and telephone
Accountancy and payroll charges
Insurance
Governance Costs (Including salaries £17,328)		 2024
£
544,487
23,355
42,324
11,666
58,350
49,088
729,270		 2023
£
609,561
21,757
20,496
8,689
49,985
47,475
757,963

Included in Governance Costs is an amount of £12,000 (2023: £13,224) payable to the company's auditor for the audit of its financial statements.

37

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

6. DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES

Staff costs during the year were as follows
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Average number of employees
The analysis of employees by category is as follows:
Direct charitable
Fund-raising and publicity
Management and administration
Directors		 2024
£
4,517,917
397,988
362,798
5,278,703
172
2024
Number
111
32
19
10		 2023
£
4,045,453
317,589
293,049
4,656,091
165
2023
Number
108
30
17
10

The number of employees whose emoluments as defined for taxation purposes amounted to over £60,000 in the year was as follows:

2024 2023
Number Number
£60,000 - £70,000 1 1
£70,000 - £80,000 2 2
£80,000 - £90,000 0 0
£90,000 - £100,000 1 1

The employees earning £60,000 to £70,000 and £70,000 to £80,000 participated in a defined contribution pension scheme.

The employee earning £90,000 to £100,000 participated in the NHS defined benefit pension scheme.

The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity or its subsidiary in the year (2023: £nil) neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2023: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2023: £nil).

The key management personnel of the parent charity, Wirral Hospice St John’s, comprise the Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer, Medical Director, Director of Finance, Director of Clinical Services, Director of Income Generation and Director of Workforce. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel employed by the Charity were £417,085 (2023: £395,125).

The Medical Director is an employee of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

38

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

The Charity has arrangements with a number of staff who are not paid through the company payroll, but through a recharging agreement with third parties. The arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of service and protection of benefits for those staff whose careers are within the Health Service. The total amount paid under such agreements in 2024 was £244,361 (2023: £209,497). The posts and third parties involved are as follows:

Consultants and Doctors - Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

The Charity benefits greatly from the involvement and enthusiastic support of its many volunteers, details of which are given in our annual report. In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.

7a. TAXATION

The company has been granted charitable status and is thus generally exempt from Corporation Tax. All taxable trading income is received by the company’s subsidiary undertaking, which has provided for Corporation Tax as follows:

UK Corporation Tax at 25% £nil (2023: £nil)

39

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

7b. SUBSIDIARY

THE SUBSIDIARY’S PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT CAN BE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS:

Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Taxation
Gift Aid Payment
Profit retained		 2024
2023
£
£
46,813
48,861
(19,783)
(24,085)
27,030
24,776
(8,272)
(10,845)
-
0
(18,758)
(13,931)
-
-

THE SUBSIDIARY’S BALANCE SHEET CAN BE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS:

Current assets
Current liabilities
Share capital
Profit and loss account		 2024
£
26,812
26,810
2
2
-
2		 2023
£
52,720
52,718
2
2
0
2

40

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

The Group and the Company

Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Net book amount at 31 March 2024
Net book amount at 31 March 2023		 Hospice
Premises
£
6,685,025
110,194
-
6,795,219
2,268,187
135,904
-
2,404,091
4,391,128
4,416,838		 Computer,
medical &
office
equipment
£
2,615,148
66,764
-
2,681,912
2,069,206
129,087
-
2,198,293
483,619
545,942		 Charity shops
£
233,875
68,223
-
302,098
165,919
20,901
-
186,820
115,278
67,956		 Motor vehicles
£
47,347
-
-
47,347
30,765
5,527
-
36,292
11,055
16,582		 Total
£
9,581,395
245,181
-
9,826,576
4,534,077
291,419
-
4,825,496
5,001,080
5,047,318

The net book amount at 31 March 2024 in respect of land and buildings compromises freehold property of £4,391,128 (2023: £4,416,838)

The net book amount at 31 March 2024 represents fixed assets used for:

Charitable activities
Fund-raising
Charity shops		 Hospice
Premises
£
4,212,769
178,359
-
4,391,128		 Computer,
medical &
office
equipment
£
462,317
21,302
-
483,619		 Charity shops
£
-
-
115,278
115,278		 Motor vehicles
£
-
11,055
-
11,055		 Total
£
4,675,086
210,716
115,278
5,001,080

The net amount at 31 March 2024 in respect of Charity shops comprises property improvements £67,628 and fixtures and fittings £47,650

41

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

9. INVESTMENTS

Quoted investments at market value
Cash held by stockbrokers
Investment in subsidiary undertaking at cost
Quoted investments
Market value
At 1 April 2023
Additions at cost
Disposal proceeds
Profit/(Loss) on disposals
Increase/(Decrease) in unrealised gain
At 31 March 2024
Cost		 2024
2023
£
£
7,033,693
6,394,366
68,882
123,190
-
-
7,102,575
6,517,556
The Group		 2024
2023
£
£
7,033,693
6,394,366
68,882
123,190
2
2
7,102,577
6,517,558
£
£
6,394,366
6,715,016
1,020,038
989,484
(1,003,267)
(943,173)
(21,979)
(24,602)
644,535
(342,359)
7,033,693
6,394,366
5,914,983
5,920,190
The Company		 2024
2023
£
£
7,033,693
6,394,366
68,882
123,190
2
2
7,102,577
6,517,558
£
£
6,394,366
6,715,016
1,020,038
989,484
(1,003,267)
(943,173)
(21,979)
(24,602)
644,535
(342,359)
7,033,693
6,394,366
5,914,983
5,920,190
The Company
6,517,558
£
6,715,016
989,484
(943,173)
(24,602)
(342,359)
6,394,366
5,920,190

The year to end of March 2024 was initially challenging as investors struggled with the continued worry that interest rates would continue to rise inexorably as inflation remained worryingly high across developed markets. However as we moved to the final quarter of 2023 these concerns were increasingly allayed, inflation levels fell away quickly as the rapid tightening of rates began to have the desired effect.

As rate expectations became more doveish there was a welcome return to heightened level of risk appetite with global equities recovering quite sharply for the final six months of the period under review.

In the 12 months to the end of March 2024 the Wirral St Johns Hospice fund generated a total return, net of fees, time weighted and cash adjusted of+11.87% which was ahead of the ARC Steady Growth Index peer group which generated a total return of +9.36% This is a pleasingly positive outcome and supportive of our disciplined and focused approach to portfolio construction and our active management.

Overseas equities were the major contributor to this strong performance, this important asset class represented over 40% of the total portfolio at the year end. Overseas equities returned +21% over the 12 months, driven by the US equity content which represented 18% of the portfolio and produced a +26% total return as interest rate sensitive sectors such as the Magnificent 7, the likes of Apple, Amazon, Microsoft et al staged strong recoveries. Over the same period UK equities which represent 20% of the overall portfolio produced a positive return of +11%, which whilst pleasing does highlight how important the diversification away from UK equities over the last few years has been in generating returns.

The portfolio remained well-diversified both at a high end asset allocation level but also at the individual investment level. Fixed interest markets heaved a massive sigh of relief during the latter part of the period under review and generated a positive return of +5% over the year which compared favourably with the previous year which had been incredibly difficult for fixed income investors.

The key decision at times during the year was remaining disciplined and focused on the long-term prospects for the underlying investments and also holding our nerve which given our confidence in our process and due diligence proved to be beneficial in terms of generating a positive outcome in performance terms.

42

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

Investment in subsidiary undertaking

The investment in subsidiary undertaking represents a 100% holding in the Ordinary share capital of Wirral Hospice St John's Enterprises Limited. The company holds 2 Ordinary shares, being 100% of the subsidiary's issued share capital. The purpose of the company, which is incorporated in England and Wales, Company Number : 3940685, is to undertake the trading activities of the Hospice (buying and selling Christmas cards and other goods).

10. STOCKS

The Group The Company
2024 2023 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Fund-raising goods 10,048 3,831 - -

43

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

11. DEBTORS

11. DEBTORS
Prepayments and accrued income
Due from subsidiary undertaking
Other debtors
12. BANK BALANCES
Bank balances
Petty cash		 2024
2023
£
£
2,239,319
2,293,929
-
-
1,474,831
1,451,982
3,714,150
3,745,911
2024
2023
£
£
2,440,388
1,915,462
1,239
1,117
2,441,627
1,916,579
The Group
The Group		 2024
2023
£
£
2,239,319
2,293,929
24,258
50,079
1,474,831
1,451,982
3,738,408
3,795,990
2024
2023
£
£
2,423,624
1,866,574
1,239
1,117
2,424,863
1,867,691
The Company
The Company
1,867,691

13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors and accruals
Deferred income		 2024
2023
£
£
198,629
95,018
84,751
73,373
117,071
348,439
1,550,125
1,518,935
1,950,576
2,035,765
The Group		 2024
2023
£
£
196,077
94,670
84,751
73,373
117,071
346,149
1,550,125
1,518,935
1,948,024
2,033,127
The Company		 2024
2023
£
£
196,077
94,670
84,751
73,373
117,071
346,149
1,550,125
1,518,935
1,948,024
2,033,127
The Company
2,033,127

DEFERRED INCOME - THE GROUP AND THE COMPANY

As at 1 April 2023
Released to income in the year
Deferred in the year
As at 31 March 2024		 Total
£
1,518,935
(1,518,935)
1,550,125
1,550,125		 Activities in
furtherance of
the charity’s
objectives
£
1,419,472
(1,419,472)
1,450,840
1,450,840		 Lottery
income
£
99,463
(99,463)
99,285
99,285

Deferred income comprises lottery income received in advance and grants and donations which the donor has specified must be used in future accounting periods.

44

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

14. RESERVES

The Group

The Group
As at 1 April 2023
Surplus / (deficit) for the year
Transfers
As at 31 March 2024
Represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets		 Unrestricted
General funds
£
6,116,422
1,175,393
(1,911,882)
5,379,933
Unrestricted
General funds
-
1,254,575
2,351,736
1,773,622
5,379,933		 Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
£
3,188,503
-
8,882
3,197,385
Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
3,197,385
-
-
-
3,197,385		 Unrestricted
Designated
funds
£
3,945,000
-
1,903,000
5,848,000
Unrestricted
Designated
funds
-
5,848,000
-
-
5,848,000		 Restricted
Funds
£
1,945,505
(51,919)
-
1,893,586
Restricted
Funds
1,803,695
-
89,891
-
1,893,586		 2024 Total
£
15,195,430
1,123,474
-
16,318,904
2024 Total
5,001,080
7,102,575
2,441,627
1,773,622
16,318,904

The Company

The Company
As at 1 April 2023
Surplus / (deficit) for the year
Transfers
As at 31 March 2024
Represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets		 Unrestricted
General funds
£
6,116,422
1,175,393
(1,911,882)
5,379,933
Unrestricted
General funds
-
1,254,577
2,334,972
1,790,384
5,379,933		 Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
£
3,188,503
-
8,882
3,197,385
Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
3,197,385
-
-
3,197,385		 Unrestricted
Development
funds
£
3,945,000
-
1,903,000
5,848,000
Unrestricted
Development
funds
-
5,848,000
-
-
5,848,000		 Restricted
Funds
£
1,945,505
(51,919)
-
1,893,586
Restricted
Funds
1,803,695
-
89,891
-
1,893,586		 2024 Total
£
15,195,430
1,123,474
-
16,318,904
2024 Total
5,001,080
7,102,577
2,424,863
1,790,384
16,318,904

45

As at 31 March 2024

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

14. RESERVES (cont.)

The Group Prior Year

As at 1 April 2022
Surplus / (Deficit) for the year
Transfers
As at 31 March 2023
Represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets		 Unrestricted
General funds
£
4,956,039
904,611
255,772
6,116,422
Unrestricted
General funds
-
2,572,556
1,829,889
1,713,977
6,116,422		 Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
£
3,056,275
-
132,228
3,188,503
Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
3,188,503
-
-
-
3,188,503		 Unrestricted
Development
funds
£
4,333,000
-
(388,000)
3,945,000
Unrestricted
Development
funds
-
3,945,000
-
3,945,000		 Restricted Funds
£
1,995,432
(49,927)
-
1,945,505
Restricted Funds
1,858,815
-
86,690
-
1,945,505		 2023 Total
£
14,340,746
854,684
-
15,195,430
2023 Total
5,047,318
6,517,556
1,916,579
1,713,977
15,195,430

The Company Prior Year

As at 1 April 2022
Surplus / (Deficit) for the year
Transfers
As at 31 March 2023
Represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current liabilities		 Unrestricted
General funds
£
4,956,039
904,611
255,772
6,116,422
Unrestricted
General funds
-
2,572,558
1,781,001
1,762,863
6,116,422		 Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
£
3,056,275
-
132,228
3,188,503
Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
3,188,503
-
-
-
3,188,503		 Unrestricted
Development
funds
£
4,333,000
-
-388,000
3,945,000
Unrestricted
Development
funds
-
3,945,000
-
3,945,000		 Restricted Funds
£
1,995,432
(49,927)
-
1,945,505
Restricted Funds
1,858,815
-
86,690
-
1,945,505		 2023 Total
£
14,340,746
854,684
-
15,195,430
2023 Total
5,047,318
6,517,558
1,867,691
1,762,863
15,195,430

The parent undertaking has taken advantage of Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its own profit and loss account in these financial statements.

The group surplus for the year includes a surplus from the parent company of £1,123,474 (2023: surplus £854,684), which is dealt with in the financial statements of the company.

The unrestricted development funds are in place to cover anticipated expenditure on tangible fixed assets and operational developments in the next 4 years.

46

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

15. RESTRICTED FUNDS

The Group and the Company

Sunrise Appeal
Anniversary Appeal
Inpatient Refurbishment
Kitchen Appeal
Patient Information Centre
Apprentice Funding
Pallaborative Funds
Bathroom Refurbishment
Garden Project		 At 1.4.23
£
395,555
597,615
380,000
31,956
453,689
77,877
5,813
3,000
-
1,945,505		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,284
-
10,000
12,284		 Expenditure
£
(17,617)
(15,618)
(10,000)
(820)
(11,065)
-
(3,014)
(3,000)
(3,069)
(64,203)		 At 31.03.24
£
377,938
581,997
370,000
31,136
442,624
77,877
5,083
0
6,931
1,893,586

The above funds represent amounts received mainly to finance capital expenditure.

The Sunrise Appeal raised over £1m to fund the construction of a new purpose built Inpatient hospice which opened in 1996.

The Anniversary Appeal raised funds to construct a new Outpatient Service building which was completed in 2008.

The Inpatients Refurbishment was a grant received from the Department of Health for the remodelling and improvement of the Inpatients Ward of the Hospice. This has been included within Hospice Premises in fixed assets.

The Kitchen Appeal raised funds to redevelop the Hospice Kitchen, which was completed in 2012

The Patient Information Centre is a grant received from the Department of Health for the redevelopment and extension of a building for use as patient information centre and office space for our integrated shared care team. This has been included within Hospice Premises in fixed assets.

Apprentice Funding is restricted income received from The Wirral Postgraduate Medical Centre, expressly for the funding of clinical apprentices.

Pallaborative funds is restricted income, expressly for the funding of clinical training.

Bathroom Refurbishment refers to Trust income which was received solely for the purpose of refurbishing bathrooms in the inpatient unit.

Garden Project refers to Trust income which was received solely for the purpose of improving the Hospice gardens.

This is a comparative for the prior year

The Group and the Company

Sunrise Appeal
Anniversary Appeal
Inpatient Refurbishment
Kitchen Appeal
Patient Information Centre
Apprentice Funding
Pallaborative Funds
Bathrooom Refurbishment		 At 1.4.22
£
413,172
613,233
390,000
32,776
464,754
77,877
3,620
0
1,995,432		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,018
42,218
47,236		 Expenditure
£
(17,617)
(15,618)
(10,000)
(820)
(11,065)
-
(2,825)
(39,218)
(97,163)		 At 31.03.23
£
395,555
597,615
380,000
31,956
453,689
77,877
5,813
3,000
1,945,505

47

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

16. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Neither the group nor the company had any contingent liabilities at 31 March 2024 or 31 March 2023.

17. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

The group and the company had no capital commitment liabilities as at 31 March 2024. (2023: nil)

18. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

The total amounts payable in respect of operating leases for land and buildings are shown below, analysed according to the expiry date of the leases.

Within one year
Between one and five years
More than five years		 2024
2023
£
£
126,495
114,749
249,732
324,727
0
0
376,227
439,476
The Group		 2024
2023
£
£
126,495
114,749
249,732
324,727
0
0
376,227
439,476
The Company		 2024
2023
£
£
126,495
114,749
249,732
324,727
0
0
376,227
439,476
The Company
439,476

19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The remuneration of the key management personnel is included in note 6.

The group has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions to which it is entitled regarding transactions between parent and 100% owned subsidiary companies and there are no other disclosable related party transactions.

20. STATUTORY INFORMATION

Wirral Hospice St John's is a private company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. Approval has been obtained to dispense with "Limited" in the name of the company, being a charitable organisation. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found on the Reference and Administrative Details page within the Trustees' Report. The liability of the members is £Nil

48

WIRRAL HOSPICE, ST JOHN'S COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

As at 31 March 2024

21. ANALYSIS OF PRIOR YEAR STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Income
Donations and Legacies
Other Trading Activities
Investments
Income from charitable activities
Total Income
Expenditure
Costs of raising funds
Fundraising costs
Investment management costs
Charitable activities
Support costs
Total Expenditure
Net expenditure / income
Gains / (Losses) on investments
Gain on Disposal of Fixed Assets
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Year ended
31.03.2023
£
3,024,433
2,248,531
185,111
5,458,075
2,463,816
7,921,891
31,334
1,564,012
22,163
5,032,810
-
6,650,319
1,271,572
(366,961)
-
904,611
12,345,314
13,249,925
Unrestricted
Funds		 Year ended
31.03.2023
£
-
-
-
-
47,236
47,236
-
-
-
97,163
-
97,163
(49,927)
-
-
(49,927)
1,995,432
1,945,505
Restricted
Funds		 Year ended
31.03.2023
Total
Funds
£
3,024,433
2,248,531
185,111
5,458,075
2,511,052
7,969,127
31,334
1,564,012
22,163
5,129,973
0
6,747,482
1,221,645
(366,961)
0
854,684
14,340,746
15,195,430

49