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2022-03-31-accounts

Charity Number: 511288 Company Registration Number: 01535327

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (A company limited by guarantee)

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

CONTENTS

CONTENTS CONTENTS
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Pages
Charity reference and administrative details 1
Trustees’ report (including directors’ report) 2-19
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities 20
Independent Examiner’s report 21-22
Statement of fnancial activities 23
Balance sheet 24-25
Cash fow statement 26
Notes to the fnancial statements 27-49

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

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Legal and administrative information

Charity registration number 511288 Company Registration Number 01535327 Trustees F Dale K Dear L Ellis M Evans (Treasurer) J Fisher (Chair) L Jones S Kauser K Skill G Stapleton (Vice Chair) A Youatt

Company secretary M J Conroy President L Jackson OBE Registered office 10 – 12 Carlton Street Nottingham NG1 1NN Independent examiner UHY Hacker Young 14 Park Row Nottingham NG1 6GR Bankers National Westminster Bank plc 16 South Parade Nottingham NG1 2JX HSBC Bank plc 26 Clumber Street Nottingham NG1 3GA Mansfield Building Society Regent House, Regent Street Nottingham NG18 1SS

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

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The directors, who are also trustees, present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014, as amended by Update Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016, and Update Bulletin 2 affecting reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

Trustees of the charity

THE DIRECTORS OF THE CHARITABLE COMPANY ARE ITS TRUSTEES FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHARITY LAW. THE TRUSTEES WHO HAVE SERVED DURING THE YEAR AND SINCE THE YEAR END WERE AS FOLLOWS:

F Dale K Dear L Ellis M Evans J Fisher L Jones S Kauser K Skill G Stapleton A Youatt

Structure, governance and management

Legal status and governing documents

My Sight Nottinghamshire (“My Sight Notts”) is the working name for Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind, and is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Articles of Association. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.

Anyone over the age of 16 who is visually impaired (or the parent or guardian of a visually impaired child under the age of 16) can become a member of the Company. At all times the number of members shall not be less than ten. In July 2017 the charity abolished the subscription fee for membership and all service users on our database who wished to become members did so.

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My Sight Notts is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital and governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £1.

The charity has obtained, under section 30 of the Companies Act 1985, license to omit the word ''Limited'' from its name.

Appointment of trustees

The Chair of the trustees is nominated by the Board of trustees. The full capacity of the board is twelve trustees. One quarter of the trustees are subject to retire by rotation annually. If one quarter of the number of trustees is not a whole number, the number will be rounded.

If there is only one trustee who is subject to retirement by rotation, they shall retire. The trustees to retire by rotation are those who have been the longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment, but between persons who became or were last re-appointed trustees on the same day, those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree amongst themselves) be determined by lot.

No person other than a trustee retiring by rotation shall be appointed or reappointed as a trustee at any general meeting unless:

  1. They are recommended by the trustees; or

  2. Not less than fourteen nor more than thirty-five clear days before the date for the meeting, notice has been executed by a member qualified to vote at the meeting to the Charity of the intention to propose that person for appointment; and

  3. Receives a majority vote from members eligible to vote.

Trustee recruitment, induction and training

The Trustees’ skills base is reviewed by a Governance Working Group (which includes the Chair and the CEO) and the Board’s skills need, gender balance and percentage of visually impaired trustees is assessed. New trustees are sought based on the needs identified by the Governance Working Group (and later discussed at the trustees Board meeting). The charity then advertises, sends mailings to appropriate sectors and petitions existing contacts for candidates to apply to join the Board. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to stand for election onto the Board by the membership at the next AGM. A candidate may be co-opted onto the Board in advance of the vote if there is a need for their skills to be utilised in the interim.

New trustees have access to information intended to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum of Association, the committee and decision making processes, the business plan and

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recent financial performance of the charity. They are given the opportunity to meet employees and other trustees prior to appointment. Once elected to the board, all trustees receive training on their roles and responsibilities as a trustee and trustees are encouraged to attend an internal vision impairment awareness training day to familiarise themselves with some of the issues facing our client group and to attend other external training events, where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.

Organisation

The board of trustees, which shall not be less than six in number (unless determined otherwise by ordinary resolution) and shall not exceed twelve in number, administers the charity. The Board meets bi-monthly and there are sub-committees and working groups covering Services, Finance & Fundraising and Governance which meet regularly.

A Chief Executive is appointed by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority, within terms of delegation approved by the trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment and service related activity.

Regular Subcommittees, comprising of a number of trustees, CEO and a manager, meet regularly to identify and recommend changes to strategy around finance, fundraising, development of services and policies. Recommendations are made to the full Board for approval. Recommendations are implemented by the CEO and his management team.

Management team

The management team consists of: M Spouge (Finance); L Fenton (Fundraising); E Lucas (Services); J Scarle (Marketing).

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration policy for key management personnel is decided between the trustees and CEO when a new employee is appointed. For the CEO remuneration, the board of trustees will decide this on an as and when basis. No bonuses are paid to any key management personnel. The criteria for setting the remuneration level relates to the previous experience of the new employee.

Umbrella body

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My Sight Notts is a member of Visionary – Linking Local Sight Loss Charities, providing valuable resource and support to local vision impairment charities. My Sight Nottinghamshire’s CEO is currently Vice Chair of Visionary.

Related parties

The charity has several areas of activity that involve joint working initiatives with other parties which share their aims in respect of the development of accessible support services for people with visual impairments. This includes other local and national charities and community associations in addition to local authorities and health bodies.

My Sight Notts currently has an ongoing partnership with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to deliver the My Guide Service; a service which was developed by Guide Dogs in partnership with local vision impairment charities.

Risk management

The trustees have a risk management strategy comprising of:

  1. An annual review of all the risks the charity may face;

  2. Bi Monthly risk reviews in the charity’s various subcommittees

  3. The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified; and

  4. The implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

This work has identified risks which have resulted in better emergency procedures and contingency plans and have given the impetus for better planning. Particular attention has been focused on non-financial risks arising from fire, health and safety of service users, visitors, volunteers, staff and event participants.

A key element in the management of financial risk is the development, and monitoring by the Finance Department, of a rolling eighteen month forecast (in addition to the existing fixed forecast and managed accounts) and the setting and regular review of the reserves policy by the trustees. Due to financial concerns in recent years, the Finance Subcommittee has risk review as a standing agenda item and continues to meet bi-monthly, until such time as our finances are on a more stable footing.

The potential for a drop in legacy income has been identified as a significant risk and to mitigate this, the charity is applying for more trust and grant income, looking at new ways of developing community and corporate fundraising activities and monitoring the profitability of its charity shops.

Fundraising events are also risk assessed both financially and with regard to the health and safety of participants and the general public. My Sight Nottinghamshire

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have now adopted the same risk assessment criteria for the implementation of its social events, activities and day trips.

We have identified that there are some risks in matters relating to safeguarding of vulnerable adults. To mitigate this, all service delivery staff receive updated safeguarding training and our Services Manager is trained as Safeguarding Lead for the charity.

Objectives and activities

The objects of the charity are:

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the Public Benefit requirement under the Charities Act 2011 when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in the commissioning and continuation of services and activities.

My Sight Nottinghamshire updated its Vision, Statement of Purpose and Strategy in June 2010 to reflect the priorities of its service users as indicated through the charity’s IMPACT Consultation Project as well as incorporating initiatives such as the Outcomes of the UK Vision Strategy and it’s ten Seeing It My Way objectives which help to highlight the issues that matter most to people with visual impairments today.

Vision

Our Vision is for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to become fully accessible to people with sight loss and to be recognised as an area where they have the same life opportunities as everyone else.

Statement of purpose

To enable people with visual impairments to have equal opportunities by providing access to the support needed to enable them to lead full and independent lives; and to give a voice to the people living with sight loss of Nottinghamshire, enabling

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them to affect change and help develop a city and county that is completely accessible.

Strategy

My Sight Nottinghamshire’s Strategy is based around the aims and outcomes arising from our ongoing consultation with local people with visual impairments and the strategic outcomes of the UK Vision Strategy.

The key principles of My Sight Notts’ strategy are as follows:

  1. To deliver services and activities that help to implement the strategic objectives of the refreshed UK Vision Strategy in Nottinghamshire, which are: a. Everyone looks after their eyes and their sight

  2. b. Everyone with an eye condition receives timely treatment and, if permanent sight loss occurs, early and appropriate services and support are available and accessible to all

  3. c. A society in which people with sight loss can fully participate

  4. To develop and deliver services in consultation with local people with visual impairments through My Sight Nottinghamshire’s Service User Member Involvement Team and through the development of a number of increased opportunities for service user feedback.

  5. To identify gaps in service provision, provide services where need is greatest and use our influence to improve the provision of public services for people with visual impairments in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

  6. To work in partnership with other organisations providing services for our client group, including local authorities, those charities providing services for people with sight loss as well as organisations serving a wider demographic, who are likely to include people with visual impairments amongst their recipients such as Nottinghamshire Deaf Society, Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and Diabetes UK.

  7. To commit to a Finance and Fundraising Strategy that provides the best services for people with visual impairments, whilst maintaining the stability of the organisation.

My Sight Notts’ Services

Our services include: Sight Loss Advisers; Equipment Advice and Guidance; Befriending Service, Tele-befriending; My Guide Service, Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO), Shared Vision Facilitated Peer Support sessions, IT and Assistive Technology Training in group and home based one to one settings and a team of voluntary Tech’ Befriending volunteers. We provide a range of leisure services including Events and Activities (for Children and Adults), Sports and Healthy Lifestyles Activities (including team sports), Social and Activity Groups, Trips and Outings, Arts and Crafts and our VI Choir. We also raise awareness of avoidable sight loss and eye

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health matters; raising awareness of the prevalence of sight loss conditions in a number of communities.

My Sight Nottinghamshire provides a range of information and support services aimed at people with a visual impairment, their support networks and external agencies. Our Service Team’s aims are to limit social exclusion and empower people through providing information, knowledge and support. The team works closely to motivate clients and their networks and strive to break down barriers and raise awareness of the challenges often faced by people living with a visual impairment.

Information and Support Services include:

Support Centre and Mobile Equipment Advice and Support Service

We are equipped with high and low-tech accessibility products and a range of magnifiers. This enables a ‘hands on’ experience where a Sight Loss Adviser can offer advice, information and demonstrations of equipment to assist people with visual impairments in their day-to-day activities. Products include talking clocks, magnifiers, liquid level indicators, canes, diaries, calendars and games. Additionally the service provides information about other My Sight Nottinghamshire services as well as a wide range of leaflets and information about eye conditions, product catalogues, social services and other organisations providing support for people with visual impairments. We also stage exhibitions of equipment, advice and information at our hubs in Worksop, Newark, Mansfield and Nottingham. This service is essential in giving people with visual impairments the opportunity to discover and try the wide range of products available to help them to be independent and safe at home and whilst they are out and about, as well as enabling independence and confidence with communications.

This service is delivered by a full time member of staff, with support from other Sight Loss Advisors and volunteers. We would like to recruit more volunteers to help increase capacity and develop this service further.

Low Vision Advice

Magnification and appropriate lighting are vital to clients living with Low Vision. We are often aware that people struggle to use their magnifiers effectively, so have decided to run specialist days to support people with visual impairments in using their magnifiers and assess whether their magnification strength needs to change. We also discuss Eccentric Viewing Technique, where appropriate and provide teaching sessions on this skill for reading and seeing. For many people, good lighting is another way of maximising their remaining vision; we have a variety of task lights that we can demonstrate and we also stock daylight bulbs which can be effective in enhancing vision. This service enables people with vision impairments to make the best use of the sight they have, retain and often regain a level of independence in their communications and daily living.

Befriending, Tele-befriending and My Guide Services

For those people with visual impairments who are unable to get out and about, we provide home visits to reduce social isolation and improve mental well-being.

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Volunteers help with simple tasks such as regular visits to the service users’ homes for a cup of tea and a chat, reading mail and newspapers. We match a suitable volunteer with a service user for weekly visits. Priority is given to those most in need, for example those who have little or no contact with family, neighbours or friends.

We recently launched telephone based befriending service, to help meet the challenges brought about by various lockdowns. A lot of these partnerships have continued following the easing of Covid restrictions.

Also working alongside our partners at Guide Dogs, My Sight Nottinghamshire delivers the My Guide Service which aims to reduce the isolation that many people with sight loss experience, helping people rebuild their confidence and regain their independence. As part of the scheme, people with visual impairments are matched with a My Guide volunteer who has received My Guide training endorsed by VISION 2020. Volunteers are able to: guide their partner to social, retail and leisure activities; help people establish lasting relationships with community members who can, in turn, help them get out more; working with their My Guide partners, they can work with visually impaired individuals setting clear goals to help them become more independent by providing a bridge to the community in which they live.

Volunteers are essential for the delivery of our My Guide and Befriending Services. 22 volunteers helped deliver this service throughout the year, reducing the loneliness and isolation often experienced by people with visual impairments and helping people to regain their confidence and enabling them to go out into the world again.

The My Guide Service also helps to raise awareness of the needs of people with visual impairments in the local community by engaging with local shop keepers and providers of other amenities, regarding the needs of their service user.

Hospital Based Support

Our Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) and volunteers, based in the Ophthalmology Department at Queens Medical Centre Campus of Nottingham University Hospitals, enable us to advise and give support to patients at the point of most need for people recently diagnosed with sight loss.

Our ECLO and volunteers are available to visit within the waiting areas and wards of the hospital to provide information, guidance, emotional support, referrals and sign posting, but most importantly, a listening ear to newly diagnosed and treated patients.

When patients are first diagnosed with a permanent sight loss condition, they are often devastated by this news and don’t know which way to turn. The ECLO Service is often a lifeline to helping people come to terms with the emotional impact of their sight loss. It also helps eye patients understand what is happening to them; what

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happens next; the range of support available to them and how they can access this support.

Technology classes and home tuition

Our IT Service enables people with visual impairments (regardless of their level of sight loss) to achieve far greater independence. Using accessible software in computers, tablets, smart phones and apps, service users are enabled to achieve greater independence in personal communication, shopping, managing personal finances and employment prospects, and activities which the majority of people with sight loss would otherwise require assistance to undertake. As new apps are developed technology is increasingly becoming an essential daily living aid, providing all sorts of support to enable people with visual impairments to live more independently. We also offer this service in the community via home visits.

There is so much that technology can do to improve the lives of people living with sight loss. Accessibility is built into nearly all devices now and additional apps can supplement that accessibility in a variety of increasingly creative ways. As technology solutions become ever more inventive and artificial intelligence comes into the mix, understanding technology becomes an essential aid to people living with sight loss and the demand for this service increases.

We now have a team of “Tech Befriending” volunteers who are trained up and paired with people with visual impairments who feel they need someone they can turn to when they need tech support, which enables access to this increasingly vital service by far greater numbers.

Leisure services

My Sight Nottinghamshire recognises that many leisure activities are not accessible to people with visual impairments in Nottinghamshire; we aim to ensure that they have the same leisure opportunities as sighted people by providing a wide range of adapted events and activities suitable for all ages. The team also strives to work with other providers to ensure that more public services are accessible to our client group. We find that through taking part in activities such as sports or arts and crafts, people with visual impairments are often given the confidence boost they need to get out and about and integrate with society. Our Leisure Services include:

Social groups and activities

Social, activity-based services for people with visual impairments are provided at our hubs in city and county. Hubs in Nottingham, Mansfield, Newark and Bassetlaw provide an opportunity for people with visual impairments to get together, reduce isolation and loneliness, enjoy accessible leisure activities and share valuable support amongst peers going through similar experiences. Peer support gives people with visual impairments knowledge, solutions, ideas and most of all confidence that they can cope, live their life with sight loss and the knowledge that

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they are not going through their journey alone. The social groups are supported by 20 volunteers who help with driving, guiding, planning and running activities.

Sports and healthy lifestyle services

Through this service, we offer sporting opportunities, which bring people together, facilitate peer support and build confidence through sport and exercise. This service also raises awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, with particular emphasis on the benefits to sight.

Specifically, we deliver facilitated swimming and gym sessions; we have a fortnightly rambling group and a walking talking group for mental health; we also have team sports, including Nottingham Sheriffs Goalball Teams in association with Nottingham University. We also hold regular Ten Pin Bowling sessions and have started Boccia taster sessions. All of our sports and healthy lifestyle services are supported by eleven volunteers.

Arts and Choir

We deliver a variety of arts activities in the city centre and from our hubs in the county by our Arts Officer. These sessions are equally suitable to people with visual impairments who wish to become more creative and may wish to develop their artistic skills as well as those who just wish to try a new activity and enjoy the social aspect of the groups. Attendees also have the opportunity to attend a number of arts related trips and talks.

The My Sight Notts Choir meets fortnightly in the city centre. We provide audio CDs and large print song sheets to make the choir accessible for people with visual impairments. They frequently attend a range of venues where they perform to a variety of audiences.

Our arts groups gain confidence by creating and exhibiting their work; through peer support in the groups and from working together in the choir. Creating and singing help to engender a positive outlook and improve the mental health of people who are living with sight loss. We are able to deliver the arts and choir activities thanks to the additional assistance of five arts volunteers.

Communication services

Communication is a key to the quality of life of blind and partially sighted people. At My Sight Nottinghamshire, we aim to ensure that people have access to the same information as their sighted peers through our newsletters, accessible website and the following services:

Talking newspapers

The Nottingham and District Talking Newspaper record stories of interest, news and information onto CD and USB formats. A dedicated team of nine volunteers undertake various tasks from recording to mailing the completed material. People with visual impairments who access the Talking Newspaper service rely heavily on

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this service to remain in touch with current affairs and place great value on the efficiency and quality by which the service is constantly delivered.

Touch transcriptions

This project offers transcription of text to Braille, audio and large print. The service also offers volunteering opportunities for people with visual impairments with the aim of teaching transferable skills that will benefit their long term employment prospects.

Volunteering

Our charity is heavily dependent on voluntary help to deliver our services. In addition to those directly delivering services outlined above, we have an additional 24 volunteers who help to run our charity shops, with a further 10 volunteers serving as trustees; 13 working on our Service User and Member Involvement Team (SUMIT); and 26 supporting in admin and fundraising.

We currently have 35 volunteers who are blind and partially sighted serving in a range of capacities, including as Trustees, Reception, Admin and SUMIT volunteers, as well as a number volunteering in service delivery. In total we have 185 volunteers who donate their time and knowledge to assisting with the delivery of our charitable objectives.

The trustees and management acknowledge that without this volunteer help many activities, services and events, which are currently undertaken, would not be possible.

Service development

The 2021 – 2022 financial year has been a year of recovery and change. We began offering services for people with visual impairments in a Covid-secure way, but as the year progressed it’s been a real joy for all our staff and volunteers to see people with visual impairments return with enthusiasm to face-to-face services while continuing to take advantage of our virtual services.

After two years of restrictions, our Heathcoat Street centre is once more full of people with visual impairments enjoying our social groups, IT groups, choir and peer support group and we have celebrated as people return to art, sports and healthy lifestyle activities at various venues across the county.

Technology and equipment services continue to expand as we invest in lifechanging tech support for people with visual impairments; helping them reduce isolation, stay connected and enjoy greater independence.

Our Eye Clinic Liaison Service at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) and our Shared Vision peer support services have supported an increasing number of people with visual impairments, many with complex needs due to the devastating impact of the pandemic on access to support for people living with sight loss.

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We remain committed to the vision of a Nottinghamshire in which people with visual impairments can live without barriers and where they can take full advantage of all that our county has to offer. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic we have strengthened the support offered to local business and service providers, helping them become more inclusive and accessible for people with sight loss.

Achievements and Performance

The suspension and slow return of many support services has had a devastating impact on local people with visual impairments, many of whom have been forced to face the life-changing impact of sight loss without access to a full range of support.

Data suggests that during the pandemic referrals for Ophthalmology dropped by 36% in 2020-21, and referrals were still down by 14% during 2021-22 when compared with 2019-20.

Our Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, Chris White, worked alongside medical professionals in the eye clinic at QMC offering emotional support, practical advice and signposting for patients.

What we achieved.

During 2021-22 we saw 1,534 patients up from 943 the previous year. We undertook 400 certifications of visual impairment (CVI) compared with 260 during the last financial year, helping more patients to access vital support. We also delivered a number of presentations to hospital staff on Sighted Guiding, the importance of certification and mental health and the impact of sight loss.

Shared Vision - Changing Lives through Peer Support

We are passionate about the power of peer support because it creates networks of support that deliver mutual learning, which significantly improves outcomes for people with sight loss.

During the pandemic our Shared Vision support groups met remotely using technology to access telephone and video conferencing. As our services reopened we now offer face-to-face and virtual sessions to meet the increasingly complex needs for those who struggled without support for so long during the pandemic.

During 2021-22 we delivered 7 Shared Vision groups, offering a total of 58 sessions. 44 people with visual impairments attended our Shared Vision sessions benefitting enormously.

We hosted 6 informal peer support coffee mornings, which were attended by 100 people with visual impairments. 2 support groups for carers and friends of people with visual impairments were attended by 10 people. Our first targeted support session for people with visual hallucinations after sight loss known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome was attended by 6 people.

“It’s been incredible going to Shared Vision and meeting other people who understood my anxiety and everyday frustrations. It’s easy to think you’re on your

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own trying to deal with this scary thing that’s happening. So when you meet other people in a similar boat, you learn from each other and you support each other, it’s really life-changing.” Dale

The Power of Technology

The pandemic has changed the way we live our lives and one legacy from it is the growing importance of technology. As our reliance on the digital world grows, it’s vital that people with visual impairments are not excluded from this tech revolution and are empowered to embrace its life-changing benefits.

Having supported many people with visual impairments to get online and access our services during the pandemic, our team of Sight Loss Advisors and Tech Befriending volunteers continue to support people through home visits, technology workshops and a twice-weekly IT group.

With the support of our funders at the People’s Projects, we were able to repurpose our community café, which was forced to close during the pandemic to create a new Smart Space, packed full of the latest apps, smart devices and daily living equipment. Our Smart Space is an important resource, enabling us to demystify tech and demonstrate a range of solutions in a non-threatening home-style environment.

We supported 332 people with visual impairments to access technology through face-to-face and remote appointments. We delivered 84 IT group sessions, which were attended by 10 different participants. We held 8 training sessions, which were attended by 98 people. We recruited and trained 18 Tech Befriending volunteers. We supported 87 people to access our groups in arts, peer support and other services remotely.

Equipment Advice and Support

Our Equipment Advice and Support Service moved from offering remote appointments to once again seeing people face-to-face. We provided advice and hands-on support to help people select a broad range of daily living aids from magnifiers and white canes to lighting solutions and smart devices. The advice and equipment provided helped hundreds of local people with visual impairments retain their independence.

We provided 239 appointments for aids and equipment, which is an increase on the 128 offered the previous year. We sold 693 daily living aids up from 170 the previous year.

42 people with visual impairments enjoyed listening to our Talking News Service.

Sports for all

Over the course of 2021-22 we kick started our inclusive sports and healthy lifestyles programme, offering a broad range of both team and individual activities to enable people with sight loss to benefit from all the mental and physical health benefits of an active lifestyle.

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14 people participated in 19 goalball sessions with our Nottingham Sheriffs Goalball teams at both novice and intermediate levels.

10 people took part in 38 supported swimming sessions. We organised 38 supported gym sessions, which were attended by 10 people. 12 people with visual impairments enjoyed 14 Walkie Talkie gentle walks. We hosted 22 rambles, which were enjoyed by 12 people with visual impairments. 14 people with visual impairments participated in 4 tenpin bowling sessions. 40 people were supported to attend 10 Boccia sessions.

Social Groups, Reduced Isolation Across Notts

We deliver social groups throughout the county. During the pandemic some of our social groups got together using our telephone conference call facility, helping us reach even more people across the county. We host five social groups in Newark, Nottingham, Worksop and two in Mansfield. They help reduce isolation and provide social activities including day trips, arts and crafts, guest speakers and a good old chat over a cuppa.

58 people with visual impairments accessed our social groups across the county: Bassetlaw 6, Mansfield 6, Newark 21 Nottingham 25. Activities enjoyed included Boccia, quizzes, arts and crafts, talks on varied topics from guest speakers plus visits from our staff for technology and equipment advice.

Arts

Delivering arts for people with visual impairments during the pandemic proved challenging, but as we emerged from the restrictions our arts groups have enjoyed collaborations on a number of exciting projects.

In December we took part in an audio tour of two exhibitions delivered by the curators at the New Art Exchange in Nottingham. The tours were followed by a virtual arts session in February, which will culminate in a practical workshop in May 2022.

We also collaborated with Textile students at Nottingham Trent University, who worked alongside our blind and partially sighted artists through three workshops to explore sensory materials.

One of the highlights of our artistic year was a highly innovative Tactile Universe Project, which helped bring astronomy to people with sight loss. We worked with Dr Nic Bonne, a visually impaired Astronomer to create a number of 3D tactile models of stars and galaxies so that people with visual impairments had the universe quite literally at their finger tips! Nic put us in touch with Dr Chris Harrison, who is using sound to represent the universe for a truly immersive sensory experience!

It has been challenging holding virtual arts and choir sessions for people with visual impairments, which is why numbers of participants have been lower than in previous years. We are working hard post-pandemic to rebuild participation is these valued services.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

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8 visually impaired participants took part in online arts. 6 people with visual impairments took part in our collaboration with New Art Exchange. 6 people with visual impairments took part in the collaboration with Nottingham Trent University. We held 6 choir sessions, which were attended by 6 visually impaired singers.

Valuing our volunteers

Volunteers are the beating heart of My Sight Notts, without their support and commitment our charity would simply be unable to deliver the variety of services that we do.

We work hard to recruit, train, retain and support our volunteers in more than 20 different roles including admin, reception and mail room; arts, choir and Talking News; car/minibus drivers, IT/tech befrienders, fundraising and charity shops; My Guide befriending, Shared Vision and Eye Clinic Liaison; rambling, walking and other sports; social groups, telephone befriending and not forgetting our service user engagement volunteers and our trustees.

We were supported by 136 volunteers this year, 30% of whom are visually impaired. We created and supported 11 befriending partnerships and 13 tele-befriending partnerships

We delivered Level 1 Sighted Guide training to 20 people and Level 2 to 7 people.

Fundraising and marketing

2021-2022 proved to be a really challenging year for fundraising as we continued to feel the impact of the pandemic and the looming cost of living crisis. Very few events or community fundraising activities were able to be planned for with any degree of certainty and the availability of Covid emergency grants was greatly reduced.

We finished the year with an income of £463,748 a decrease of 33.7% on the previous year’s income of £698,951.

Charity Shops

Our charity shops faced numerous challenges during 2021-22 beginning the financial year with greatly reduced footfall due to social distancing measures, placing limits to the number of customers allowed in shops at any given time. We also experienced a reduction in capacity to process and store donated stock because Covid restrictions mandated that we had to store our stock for 72 hours before we were able to sort it and get it out on the shop floor.

Shop income for 2021-2022 was £76,281, almost £65,000 less than in 2018-2019 prior to the pandemic. Thankfully we began to notice some ‘green shoots’ of recovery as we approached the end of the financial year, with an increase in trade and income that we hope will continue throughout 2022.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

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Trusts and Grants

During the pandemic, we, like many other charities saw a significant uplift in income from grants due to government support including Furlough, Business Interruption schemes and other Covid related grants, during the financial year 2021-22 we saw income from grants drop to £80,137.

We would like to thank our community fundraisers for their continuing support. Thank you to visually impaired fundraiser, Paul Baskcomb who raised over £2,500 and to our President, Len Jackson whose summer raffle raised £4,000. Thank you also to the former Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Cllr Wallace whose appeal raised £3,464 for our charity.

Marketing and Engagement

Like most charities, My Sight Notts needs to communicate with its beneficiaries, volunteers and potential funders to tell the story of the work we do and to raise our profile within the local community. In January 2022 we launched our new accessible website, providing information for people with sight loss about the support available. The website included important new pages about common eye conditions together with advice on looking after your eye health and where to go to find support.

We also worked with our supporters, encouraging them to tell their stories to the local and national media. During 2021-22 one of our visually impaired artists, Rob, fundraiser Paul and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Rachel, all told their stories on BBC East Midlands Today. We provided four interviews for BBC Radio Nottingham, two for Notts TV and contributed to 5 articles in the Nottingham Post. We worked with our funders at Global Make Some Noise on a series of interviews broadcast on national Global radio stations including Smooth, Heart and Capital Radio and even contributed to a national advertising campaign for Vodafone encourage people to donate unwanted laptops, desktops and tablets.

As part of our engagement activities with local people with sight loss, we worked with members of our Service User Member Involvement Team (SUMIT) to draw up plans to take service user engagement to the next level by establishing a subcommittee of our trust board with strategic responsibility for delivering our growing service user engagement agenda. This exciting new project will be launched in 2022.

Financial review

Year ending March 31[st] 2022 has been another difficult year; the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a direct impact on the charity’s usual sources of income and the gradual reintroduction of services has led to an increase in expenditure, although this is still lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Fortunately, the charity was eligible for some small Government Covid support and restart grants and was also able to claim some salary contributions for furloughed employees through the Government Job Retention Scheme which ended in September 2021. It was another good year for legacy income but the reduced

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

income from donations and grants resulted in the year ending with a deficit of £97,335 (£162,025 surplus in 2021).

Overall, total incoming resources decreased this year by £235,203 to £463,748 (2021: £698,951) and total resources expended increased by £23,157 to £561,083 (2021: £537,926)

Income from grant applications amounts to £39,350 this year (2021: £130,375). An additional £27,242 was received in Covid support and restart grants and £13,545 from Job Retention Scheme grants.

Income from donations and gifts decreased this year to £25,194 (2021: £53,726), legacy income also decreased to £242,622 (2021: £306,789) however this was another good year for legacies and is higher than our historical averages.

Our charity shops returned to full time trading, initially on reduced hours, which saw income increase to £76,281 (2021: £31,972). This is lower than pre-pandemic levels and we hope to see further increase in the next 12 months.

Total resources expended has increased to £561,083 (2021: £537,926) the return to more face-to-face services next year will see a further increase and a return to usual expenditure levels.

At the year end the charity had unrestricted funds of £489,495 (2021: £532,013) a decrease of £42,518. There is an amount of £288,224 included as designated funds.

At the year end, the charity had restricted funds of £43,403 (2021: £98,220). Repurposed Big Lotteries Building Connections and Peoples Project funding has been spent on developing our smart room and on sight loss advisor roles. The remaining £43,403 is mostly made up of Health Education East Midlands funding which will be spent during 2022/2023.

As we look to the future, achieving financial sustainability is likely to be one of the greatest difficulties we face; with rising inflation and the accompanying cost of living crisis, the cost of salaries, goods and utilities is set to increase; coupled with rising demand for services and declining donations and grants, we expect challenging times ahead.

Plans for future periods

The new world emerging from the shadow of the pandemic presents challenges to people living with sight loss, but it also brings opportunities. My Sight Notts is committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to as many people with sight loss as possible in a format that is accessible to them. We will build upon the success of our IT projects, which helped many more people with sight loss to embrace technology, continuing to develop opportunities for people with sight loss to increase their independence through technology. We will offer services in both face to face and remote formats, where appropriate; this will include extending our

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

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Tele-Befriending Service and offering our Shared Vision Group sessions with a choice of face to face and Zoom formats.

We will also work with external organisations to ensure people with visual impairments have been considered in the design of their digital and physical services, environments and facilities; ensuring they are as accessible to as they can be.

In recent years we have seen an increase in the number of people losing their jobs as a direct result of developing a visual impairment. We will work with Thomas Pocklington Trust to develop a number of employment initiatives that provide opportunities for people with visual impairments who are out of work; including taking part in an internship programme and developing an employment service, supporting blind and partially sighted people to develop skills, offering advice to transition to the workplace, navigate the job market or further their careers.

We plan to develop new ways of working for our sight loss advisor staff; creating a caseload based working model to provide a smoother experience for people joining our services. We aim to establish a single entry point for new service users, where their needs will be assessed before they are allocated to a caseworker, who will be their contact point throughout their journey with us.

We will continue to work with the NHS, local authorities and other local organisations to ensure their services are accessible for people with sight loss. Our CEO will continue working with hospital trusts, primary care, commissioners and local authorities through Nottinghamshire Ophthalmology Delivery Group to establish suitable support pathways for people whilst they are going through clinical treatment and diagnosis; ensuring people living with impaired sight have access to a range of practical and emotional support at the earliest opportunities.

Our Fundraising and Marketing department will continue to look for new and regular trust and grant income and explore opportunities for income generation to replace the community and event fundraising activity that has declined as a result of the pandemic and is forecast to reduce further with the cost of living crisis. We will concentrate our fundraising efforts on securing multiyear funding from trust and grant income and we will continue to pursue opportunities for funding our services through NHS, local authorities and other providers.

As legacy income remains a stream on which we rely heavily, we will be exploring a number of new approaches to promote our need for legacy income to continue delivering services; including providing a free Will writing service and working to raise our profile with local probate solicitors.

Pension liabilities

The charity participates in The Pensions Trust’s Growth Plan. Until 30 September 2013, all contributions to the scheme were on a defined benefit basis. From 1

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

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October 2013, contributions are made on a defined contribution basis. The scheme has been in deficit for a number of years and all participating employers are making yearly repayments as part of the recovery plan in place.

At the year end the charity’s estimated additional contributions to the recovery plan amount to £9,210, including inflationary increases, over the remaining six years to 31 January 2025. A liability of £9,210 has been recognised in this year’s financial statements. More information on this is included in note 19.

From 1 February 2017 the charity joined National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) Workplace Pension Scheme as part of the Government workplace pension reform. NEST is a trust-based defined contribution scheme and all eligible employees are auto enrolled.

Reserves policy

The committee has considered the reserves held by My Sight Nottinghamshire as at 31 March 2022 and continues to monitor this closely. The charity needs reserves to enable it to develop its long term aims as well as to ensure the continuation of its current activities. In order to meet their responsibilities and to ensure that the charity continues to operate on a going concern basis, the committee has reviewed the requirements and risks faced by the charity in both the short and medium term. The trustees have agreed that the charity should endeavour to maintain a level of free reserves which is no less than 6 months and no more than 12 months running costs.

The charity defines its free reserves as the sum of its cash reserves plus the value of its investments. The free reserves of the charity at the balance sheet date stood at £489,495 (2021 £532,013). Total funds at the year-end were £532,898 (2021 £630,233) Unrestricted funds at the year-end were £489,495 (2021 £532,013) while restricted funds were £43,403 (2021 £98,220). Included within the unrestricted funds are designated funds totalling £288,224 (2021 £283,224).

The committee assessed the needs and risks that the charity faces, and continues to closely monitor income and expenditure and explore new opportunities for income generation to help us achieve greater sustainability. The committee believes the charity’s free reserves and known forecast income are adequate to meet the obligations of the organisation in the short term. It recognises the continued need for close monitoring of income and expenditure and to this end the management and trustees continue to convene Finance Sub Committee meetings on a bi-monthly basis and monitor cash flow with our rolling forecast.

Financial review

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

The charity has a deficit of £(97,335) this year compared to a surplus of £161,025 in 2021. The total incoming resources have decreased by £235,203 to £463,748 and total resources expended have increased by £23,157 to £561,083.

Income from grant applications amounts to £80,137 (2021 – £292,544) this year and income from donations and gifts has decreased from the prior year to £25,194 (2021 – £53,726). Legacy income has decreased to £242,622 (2021 – £306,789) with legacy income coming from a range of individuals this year as last year. Charity shop income has increased by 138% this year to £76,281 (2021 – £31,972) due to shops now opening again post covid restrictions.

Total resources expended have increased by 4% to £561,083 (2021 – £537,926). Management and trustees work together to regularly review the expenditure that the charity incurs and work at implementing policies to help reduce overall costs.

At the year end the charity had unrestricted funds of £489,495 (2021 – £532,013 a decrease of £42,518. There is an amount of £288,224 included in designated funds (2021 - £283,224).

At the year end, the charity had restricted funds of £43,403 (2021 – £98,220), a decrease of £54,817. This is largely due to unspent grants relating to the Big Lotteries Reaching Communities and Health Education East Midlands and Peer Support.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees (who are directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period.

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

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as we are aware:

Signed on behalf of the trustees:

…………………….. M Conroy Company Secretary

Date: ……………………..

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Charity registration number: 511288 Company registration number: 01535327

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2022 which are set out on pages 28 to 50.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's statement

Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

…………………….. David Allum FCCA UHY Hacker Young Chartered Accountants

14 Park Row Nottingham NG1 6GR

Date: ……………………..

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Not
e
Income and
endowments
from:
Donations and
legacies
2
Charitable
activities
3
Other trading
activities
4
Investments
5
Total income
and
endowments
Expenditure
on:
Raising funds
6
Charitable
activities
7
Total
expenditure
Net income/
(expenditure
)
Transfers
between
funds
26
Net
movement in
funds
Reconciliatio
n of funds:
Total funds
brought
forward
26
Total funds
26
2022
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowme
nt funds
Total
£
£
£
£
342,903
5,050
-
347,953
27,632
-
-
27,632
85,211
-
-
85,211
2,952
-
-
2,952
458,698
5,050
-
463,748
150,945
-
-
150,945
350,271
59,867
-
410,138
501,216
59,867
-
561,083
(42,518
)
(54,817
)
-
(97,335)
-
-
-
-
(42,518
)
(54,817
)
-
(97,335)
532,013
98,220
-
630,233
489,495
43,403
-
532,898
2021
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
£
£
£
£
515,615
137,444
-
653,059
8,082
-
-
8,082
34,981
-
-
34,981
2,829
-
-
2,829
561,507
137,444
-
698,951
146,419
-
-
146,419
257,660
133,847
-
391,507
404,079
133,847
-
537,926
157,428
3,597
-
161,025
-
-
-
-
157,428
3,597
-
161,025
374,585
94,623
-
469,208
532,013
98,220
-
630,233

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

carried

forward

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The charity has not recognised gains or losses other than the net movement in funds for the year.

The notes on pages 27 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

___________
Not
e
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
16
Current assets
Stock
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
18
Net current assets
Total assets less current
liabilities
Provisions for liabilities
19
Net assets
Charity funds:
Unrestricted funds
26
Restricted funds
26
Endowment funds
26
Total charity funds
_____
£
7,406
19,266
495,371
__
2022
£
50,927
491,181
542,108
(9,210)
532,898
489,495
43,403
-
532,898
_____
£
7,149
19,453
608,459
______
2021
£
61,578
609,279
522,043
(30,862
)
635,061
(25,782
)
670,857
(40,624
)
630,233
532,013
98,220
-
630,233

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022


For the year ended 31 March 2022, the charitable company was entitled to audit exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit for its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and preparation of the accounts.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue at the Annual General Meeting and were signed on its behalf on ……………………...

Signed on behalf of the board of trustees:

…………………….. J Fisher Chair

Date: ……………………..

Charity registration number: 511288 Company registration number: 01535327

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022


The notes on page 27 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

___________
Not
e
Cash fow from operating
activities
Cash generated from operations
22
Net cash fow from operating
activities
Cash fow from investing
activities
Payments to acquire tangible fxed
assets
Receipts from sales of tangible
fxed assets
Interest received
Net cash fow from investing
activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of the year
Cash and cash equivalents
consists of:
Cash at bank and in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
_____
£
(115,55
4)
(582)
96
2,952
__
2022
£
(115,55
4)
2,466
(113,08
8)
608,459
495,371
495,371
495,371
_____
£
178,260
-
350
2,829
_
2021
£
178,260
3,179
181,439
427,020
608,459
608,459
608,459

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022


The notes on page 27 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

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1 Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) General information and basis of preparation

Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind (My Sight Nottinghamshire) is a registered charity in England. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are promoting greater independence for visually impaired people of all ages throughout the county by providing emotional support, practical advice, information and training together with a huge range of adapted leisure activities.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and 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 (FRS 102) published in October 2019 affecting reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.

(b) Funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

(b) Funds (continued)

Endowment funds

Endowment funds represent those assets which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the investments form part of the fund. Investment management charges and legal advice relating to the fund are charged against the fund.

(c) Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

Where practicable, gifts in kind donated for distribution to the beneficiaries of the charity are included in donations in the financial statements upon receipt. If it is impracticable to assess the fair value at receipt or if the costs to undertake such a valuation outweigh any benefits, then the fair value is recognised as a component of donations when it is distributed and an equivalent amount recognised as charitable expenditure.

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.

Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

(d) Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. 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. It is categorised under the following headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense in the Statement of Financial Activities.

(e) Support costs allocation

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.

The analysis of these costs is included in note 10.

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

(f) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:

Short term leasehold 10% straight line basis property improvements Fixtures and fittings 25% straight line basis or 10% reducing balance basis or 15% reducing balance basis Motor vehicles 25% straight line basis Computer 33.33% straight line basis equipment

Land and buildings were valued using the life of the leasehold agreement.

(g) Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing stock to its present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the average cost formula. Provision is made for damaged, obsolete and slow-moving stock where appropriate.

(h) Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

(i) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the charity has an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount can be reliably estimated.

(j) Leases

Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and the expected useful life of the asset. Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding lease liability using the effective interest method. The related obligations, net of future finance charges, are included in creditors.

Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

(k) Employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

Until 30 September 2013, pension contributions were to a multi-employer defined benefit pension scheme. The charity is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme on a consistent and reasonable basis. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.

From 1 October 2013, the company operated a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are recognised when they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

A liability for the charity’s obligations under the plan is recognised net of plan assets. The net change in the net defined benefit liability is recognised as the cost of the defined benefit plan during the period. Pension plan assets are measured at fair value and the defined benefit obligation is measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method. Actuarial valuations are obtained at least triennially and are updated at each balance sheet date.

(l) Tax

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

(m) Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

The trustees are actively working with staff to manage and mitigate the impact to COVID-19 on the company’s operations. On review currently the trustees do not consider there to be a significant impact on their ability to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. The company is continually reviewing and monitoring the expected impact of COVID-19 and should it have any impact on the value of their assets and liabilities this will be recognised in the accounting period to which it relates.

2 Income from donations and legacies

Donations and
gifts
Legacies
Grants
2022
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
£
£
£
£
25,144
50
-
25,194
242,622
-
-
242,622
75,137
5,000
-
80,137
342,903
5,050
-
347,953
2021
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
£
£
£
£
49,735
3,991
-
53,726
306,789
-
-
306,789
159,091
133,453
-
292,544
515,615
137,444
-
653,059

3 Income from charitable activities

2022 2021
Unrestricte Restricted Endowmen Unrestricte Restricted Endowmen
d funds funds t funds Total d funds funds t funds Total
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Sale of visual aids
and equipment
Sale of
transcription
services
27,192
-
-
27,192
440
-
-
440
27,632
-
-
27,632
7,915
-
-
7,915
167
-
-
167
8,082
-
-
8,082

4 Income from other trading activities

Fundraising events
Shop income
Other
2022
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
£
£
£
£
7,649
-
-
7,649
76,281
-
-
76,281
1,281
-
-
1,281
85,211
-
-
85,211
2021
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
£
£
£
£
3,009
-
-
3,009
31,972
-
-
31,972
-
-
-
-
34,981
-
-
34,981

5 Income from investments

Bank interest
received
2022
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
£
£
£
£
2,952
-
-
2,952
2,952
-
-
2,952
2021
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
£
£
£
£
2,829
-
-
2,829
2,829
-
-
2,829

6 Expenditure on raising funds

2022 2021
Unrestricte Restricted Endowmen Unrestricte Restricted Endowmen
d funds funds t funds Total d funds funds t funds Total
Not £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

e
Motor and
travel
Sundry
expenses
Computer
costs
Insurance
Light, heat
and power
Rates
Rent
Water rates
Repairs and
maintenance
Telephone
and fax
Advertising
and publicity
Wages and
salaries
12
Social
security costs
12
Staf pensions
12
Printing,
postage and
stationery
Legal and
professional
496
-
-
496
6,724
-
-
6,724
446
-
-
446
1,791
-
-
1,791
4,001
-
-
4,001
719
-
-
719
26,536
-
-
26,536
457
-
-
457
77
-
-
77
717
-
-
717
-
-
-
-
96,959
-
-
96,959
8,204
-
-
8,204
3,687
-
-
3,687
131
-
-
131
-
-
-
-
150,945
-
-
150,945
184
-
-
184
2,990
-
-
2,990
1,000
-
-
1,000
2,003
-
-
2,003
2,742
-
-
2,742
-
-
-
-
25,923
-
-
25,923
527
-
-
527
115
-
-
115
735
-
-
735
-
-
-
-
97,873
-
-
97,873
8,163
-
-
8,163
3,569
-
-
3,569
95
-
-
95
500
-
-
500
146,419
-
-
146,419

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

2022 2021
Unrestricte Restricted Endowmen Unrestricte Restricted Endowmen
d funds funds t funds Total d funds funds t funds Total
Not £ £
e £ £ £ £ £ £
Staf training - 1,350 - 1,350 983 1,029 - 2,012
Motor and 12,912 1,363 - 14,275 4,189 73 - 4,262
travel
Sundry 6,586 3,179 - 9,765 4,133 8,665 - 12,798
expenses
Computer 4,065 - - 4,065 2,019 2,719 - 4,738
costs
Insurance 15,186 - - 15,186 15,458 - - 15,458

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

___
Light, heat
and power
Rent
Water rates
Repairs and
maintenance
Telephone
and fax
Advertising
and publicity
Purchases
Wages and
salaries
12
Social
security
costs
12
Staf
pensions
12
Pension
provision
Printing,
postage and
stationery
Bank
charges
Depreciation
16
(Proft) or
loss on
disposal of
fxed assets
Governance
costs
11
Bad and
doubtful
debts
___________
6,539
153
-
6,692
25,216
3,658
-
28,874
613
20
-
633
3,946
-
-
3,946
10,204
568
-
10,772
4,750
-
-
4,750
22,388
-
-
22,388
216,213
45,795
-
262,008
13,752
2,025
-
15,777
11,063
1,756
-
12,819
(21,159
)
(21,159
)
5,076
-
-
5,076
1,187
-
-
1,187
8,539
-
-
8,539
45
-
-
45
2,999
-
-
2,999
151
-
-
151
350,271
59,867
-
410,138
________
1,833
1,992
-
3,825
13,618
15,094
-
28,712
344
292
-
636
3,289
-
-
3,289
9,734
298
-
10,032
3,737
289
-
4,026
7,746
-
-
7,746
150,086
98,286
-
248,372
12,682
1,600
-
14,282
10,749
3,491
-
14,240
-
-
-
-
3,735
19
-
3,754
934
-
-
934
9,257
-
-
9,257
(100)
-
-
(100)
3,234
-
-
3,234
-
-
-
-
257,660
133,847
-
391,507
2022 2021
Unrestricte Restricted Endowmen Unrestricte Restricted Endowmen
d funds funds t funds Total d funds funds t funds Total
Not £ £
e £ £ £ £ £ £
Raising funds 6 150,945 - - 150,945 146,419 - - 146,419

__________

8 Analysis of expenditure

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
________
Charitable
activities
7
350,271
59,867
-
410,138
501,216
59,867
-
561,083
Split into direct and support costs:
2022
Raising
funds
Charitable
activities
Total
Raising
funds
Not
e
£
£
£
£
Direct costs
9
41,964
122,847
164,811
36,219
Support
costs
10
108,981
287,291
396,272
110,200
150,945
410,138
561,083
146,419
________
257,660
133,847
-
391,507
404,079
133,847
-
537,926
2021
Charitable
activities
Total
£
£
97,534
133,753
293,973
404,173
391,507
537,926
146,419

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

9 Direct costs

Staf training
Motor and travel
Sundry expenses
Computer costs
Insurance
Light, heat and
power
Rates
Rent
Water rates
Repairs and
maintenance
Telephone and fax
Advertising and
publicity
Purchases
Irrecoverable VAT
Bad and doubtful
debts
2022
Raising
funds
Charitable
activities
Total
£
£
£
-
1,350
1,350
496
14,275
14,771
6,724
9,765
16,489
446
4,065
4,511
1,791
15,186
16,977
4,001
6,692
10,693
719
-
719
26,536
28,874
55,410
457
633
1,090
77
3,946
4,023
717
10,772
11,489
-
4,750
4,750
-
22,388
22,388
-
-
-
-
151
151
41,964
122,847
164,811
2021
Raising
funds
Charitable
activities
Total
£
£
£
-
2,012
2,012
184
4,262
4,446
2,990
12,798
15,788
1,000
4,738
5,738
2,003
15,458
17,461
2,742
3,825
6,567
-
-
-
25,923
28,712
54,635
527
636
1,163
115
3,289
3,404
735
10,032
10,767
-
4,026
4,026
-
7,746
7,746
-
-
-
-
-
-
36,219
97,534
133,753

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

10
SUPPORT COSTS
2022
Raising
funds
Charitable
activities
Total
Not
e
£
£
£
Wages &
salaries
12
96,959
262,008
358,967
Social security
costs
12
8,204
15,777
23,981
Staf pensions
12
3,687
12,819
16,506
Pension
provision
(21,159
)
(21,159
Printing,
postage &
stationery
131
5,022
5,153
Legal &
professional
-
-
-
Bank charges
-
1,187
1,187
Depreciation
-
8,593
8,593
Proft/loss on
disposal of
fxed assets
-
45
45
Governance
costs
11
-
2,999
2,999
108,98
1
287,291
396,272
2021
Raising
funds
Charitable
activities
Total
£
£
£
97,873
248,372
346,245
8,163
14,282
22,445
3,569
14,240
17,809
-
-
-
95
3,754
3,849
500
-
500
-
934
934
-
9,257
9,257
-
(100)
(100)
-
3,234
3,234
Not
e
Wages &
salaries
12
Social security
costs
12
Staf pensions
12
Pension
provision
Printing,
postage &
stationery
Legal &
professional
Bank charges
Depreciation
Proft/loss on
disposal of
fxed assets
Governance
costs
11
110,200
293,973
404,173

11 Governance costs

Independent examiner’s fees

2022
£
2,999
2,999
2021
£
3,234
3,234

12 Staff costs and employee benefits

The average number of persons employed by the charity (including trustees) during the year, analysed by category, was as follows:

2022 2021 Numbe FTE Numbe FTE r r

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Administration
Services
Fundraising
4
4
10
7
4
3
18
14
4
4
10
7
4
3
18
14

12 Staff costs and employee benefits (continued)

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security
Defned contribution pension costs
2022
£
358,967
23,981
16,506
399,454
2021
£
346,245
22,445
17,809
386,499

No employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000.

13 Trustees’ and key management personnel remuneration and expenses

No trustees received any remuneration or had expenses reimbursed during the year (2021 – £nil).

The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel is £128,712 (2021 – £120,671).

The charity considers its key management personnel to comprise of the Chief Executive, the Finance and Administrative Manager and the Fundraising Manager.

14 Independent Examiner’s remuneration

The independent examiner’s remuneration includes an independent examination fee of £2,999 (2021 – £3,234).

15 Net income/(expenditure) for the year

Not 2022 2021
e
£ £
Net income/(expenditure) for the year is stated after
charging:

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Depreciation of tangible fxed assets 16 11,092 11,756
(Proft) or loss on sale of tangible fxed assets 45 (100)
Operating lease rentals 20 40,957 57,624
Independent examiner’s remuneration 11 2,999 3,234

16 Tangible fixed assets

Short term
leasehold
improvement
s
Fixtures,
fttings and
equipment
Computer
equipment
£
£
£
Cost or valuation:
At 1 April 2021
56,740
71,884
5,724
Additions
-
-
582
Disposals
-
(241)
-
At 31 March 2022
56,740
71,643
6,306
Depreciation:
At 1 April 2021
16,195
59,045
4,612
Charge for the year
5,674
1,919
999
Eliminated on disposals
-
(100)
-
At 31 March 2022
21,869
60,864
5,611
Net book value:
At 31 March 2022
34,871
10,779
695
At 31 March 2021
40,545
12,839
1,112
17
Debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Short term
leasehold
improvement
s
Fixtures,
fttings and
equipment
Computer
equipment
£
£
£
56,740
71,884
5,724
-
-
582
-
(241)
-
Motor
vehicles
£
32,802
-
-
32,802
25,720
2,500
-
28,220
4,582
7,082
2022
£
5,648
13,618
19,266
Total
£
167,150
582
(241)
56,740
71,643
6,306
167,491
16,195
59,045
4,612
5,674
1,919
999
-
(100)
-
105,572
11,092
(100)
21,869
60,864
5,611
116,564
34,871
10,779
695
50,927
40,545
12,839
1,112
61,578
2021
£
5,873
13,580
19,453

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
2022
£
13,828
6,923
2,628
7,483
30,862
2021
£
6,906
6,412
2,482
9,982
25,782

19 Provisions for liabilities

Provision brought forward
Interest expense
Defcit contributions paid
Re-measurement adjustment
Provision carried forward
2022
Defned
beneft
pension
Total
£
£
40,624
40,624
234
234
(10,280
)
(10,280
)
(21,368
)
(21,368
)
9,210
9,210
2021
Defned
beneft
pension
Total
£
£
48,134
48,134
1,082
1,082
(9,981)
(9,981)
1,389
1,389
40,624
40,624

The charity participates in a multi-employer scheme which provides benefits to some 950 non-associated participating employers. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme in the UK. It is not possible for the company to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the scheme as a defined benefit scheme. Therefore it accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme.

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

The scheme is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005. This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Technical Actuarial Standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council, set out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the UK.

The scheme is classified as a 'last-man standing arrangement'. Therefore the charity is potentially liable for other participating employers' obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the scheme deficit following withdrawal from the scheme. Participating employers are legally required to meet their share of the scheme deficit on an annuity purchase basis on withdrawal from the scheme.

19 Provisions for liabilities (continued)

A full actuarial valuation for the scheme was carried out at 30 September 2020. This valuation showed assets of £800.3m, liabilities of £831.9m and a deficit of £31.6m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the trustees have asked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme of £3,312,000 per annum from 1 April 2022 to 31 January 2025. The contributions are payable monthly and increase by 3% each 1 April.

20 Operating lease commitments

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Due within one year
Due within two to fve years
Due after fve years
2022
£
38,458
100,160
41,667
180,285
2021
£
40,958
113,617
66,667
221,242

21 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised as an expense in the period was £16,506 (2021 – £17,659).

At the year end the balance owing was £2,615 (2021 – £2,471).

__________

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

22 Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities

Net (expenditure) for the year
Interest receivable
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fxed assets
(Proft)/loss on disposal of tangible fxed assets
(Increase)/decrease in stock
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Increase/(decrease) in provisions
Net cash fow from operating activities
2022
£
(97,335)
(2,952)
11,092
45
(257)
187
5,080
(31,414)
(115,55
4)
2021
£
161,025
(2,829)
11,756
(100)
(857)
20,343
(3,568)
(7,510)
178,260

23 Change in net debt

Current year

Current year
Cash
Loans falling due within one year
Loans falling due after more than one
year
Comparative year
Cash
1 April 2021
Cash fows
Other non-
cash
changes
31 March
2022
£
£
£
£
608,459
(113,08
8)
-
495,371
608,459
(113,08
8)
-
495,371
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
608,459
(113,08
8)
-
495,371
1 April 2020
Cash fows
Other non-
cash
changes
31 March
2021
£
£
£
£
427,020
181,439
-
608,459
427,020
181,439
-
608,459

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Loans falling due within one year
Loans falling due after more than one
year
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
427,020
181,439
-
608,459

24 Related party transactions

A director of the charity is a director of Requisite Investments Limited. During the year the charity incurred rental and insurance costs of £12,756 (2021 – £8,772) with the company. At the year end the balance owing was £nil (2021 – £nil).

25 Company limited by guarantee

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and as such does not have a share capital. The liability of the members is limited.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of the same being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before he ceased to be a member, and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £1.

26 Movement in funds

Designated funds – Investments

The trustees have designated a value equal to the proceeds from the sale of Ortzen Street which have been invested in order to earn annual income for the charity.

Designated funds – Heathcoat Street reinstatement

The trustees have designated £5,000 per annum starting from 2018/19 for the potential costs of reinstating the Heathcoat Street premises to its former condition. A further £5,000 will continue to be designated annually until the estimated £50,000 has been designated. The transfers between the designated and unrestricted funds are in order to reflect this.

Designated funds – IT support for Nottinghamshire

The trustees have designated money for IT support for Nottinghamshire from an old restricted fund which had the purpose of providing equipment to Broxtowe, an area within Nottinghamshire.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Designated funds – Counselling service

The trustees have agreed to commit up to £10,000 from reserves to run a 12 month pilot project. £10,000 expenditure has been forecast from reserves to provide a basic service, but the charity will be looking to secure additional funding to expand this service.

Restricted funds – Thursday Group

Thursday Group includes grants, donations and service user contributions toward the cost of running Thursday social groups including day trips and other communal outings.

Restricted funds – Talking Newspaper

Talking Newspaper represents funds received for the provision of upgrading equipment.

Restricted funds – Sight Matters

The Sight Matters fund consists of grant and service user contributions towards the cost of running this group.

Restricted funds – Big Lotteries – Reaching Communities

The Big Lotteries Reaching Communities fund consists of grants that are used towards the cost of serving the community.

Restricted funds – Emotional and Peer Support

The Emotional and Peer Support fund consists of grant income contributing towards the equipment, transport and salary costs of employees.

Restricted funds – Befriending My Guide

Befriending My Guide represents grant income contribution towards the home visit and mobile support services which are part of the charity’s outreach work.

Restricted funds – Big Lotteries – Building Connections

Project will tackle loneliness and isolation experienced by many of the local VI community by creating opportunities for groups of individuals to share experiences. My Sight will provide a wide range of accessible activities, workshops, support and social opportunities that bring together groups of VI people over a positive experience. Activities will focus on building self-confidence and well-being and facilitating people to do things they enjoy. We need to be able to offer a range of social activities in order to have broad spectrum appeal. Most of the things we hope

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

to deliver have been ‘tried and tested’ either by us or other groups and organisations we have learnt from.

This project will:

Restricted funds – Big Lotteries – Peoples Project

A Community Cafe at our Support Centre in Nottingham offering work experience and training to visually impaired visually impaired people, to work in and run the cafe as well as creating a friendly social space for visually impaired people to be able to get together, meet people and build connections.

The purpose of the cafe is therefore two-fold:

Restricted funds – HEEM ELCO and Peer Support

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer provision for mid-Notts hospitals offering advice and support to visually impaired people during eye clinic visits and to deliver a sight loss educational project.

Restricted funds – Big Lotteries Covid Tech Project

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Funding from Big Lotteries for a 6 month project to provide equipment and technical support to enable isolated visually impaired people to access platforms such as Zoom to keep in touch with family and friends during Covid lockdowns and to use online shopping, banking etc.

Restricted funds – Newark Group

Funding from Active Partners Trust Tackling Inequalities awarded to our Newark Social Group to provide technology to enable visually impaired members to keep in touch during the Covid lockdown and to provide individual chair based exercise equipment to be used in the home to help members stay active.

Restricted funds – Building Accessibility / Smart Room

Funding from Counsellor Wallace at Nottinghamshire County Council to spend on Heathcoat Street accessibility alterations, including accessible signage, audible signage, sound baffling etc.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

26
Movement in funds (continued)
26
Movement in funds (continued)
Current year At 1 April Incoming Outgoing At 31 March
2021 resources resources Transfers 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds:
General fund (“free reserves”) (501,21
248,789 458,698 6) (5,000) 201,271
Designated funds
Investments 250,000 - - - 250,000
Heathcoat Street
reinstatement 15,000 - - 5,000 20,000
IT support for
Nottinghamshire 8,224 - - - 8,224
Counselling service 10,000 - - - 10,000
Total unrestricted funds 2022 (501,21
532,013 458,698 6) - 489,495
Restricted funds:
Thursday Group 1,528 50 (57) - 1,521
Talking Newspaper 1,808 - (66) - 1,742
Sight Matters 1,355 - - - 1,355
Big Lotteries – Reaching
Communities 11,588 - (4,184) - 7,404
Emotional and Peer Support 7,014 - (7,014) - -
Befriending My Guide 8,533 5,000 (12,296) - 1,237
Big Lotteries – Building
Connections 8,015 - (8,015) - -
Big Lotteries – Peoples Project 19,563 - (19,563) - -
HEEM ELCO and Peer Support 32,000 - (7,411) - 24,589
Big Lotteries Covid Tech Project 1,181 - (1,181) - -
Newark Group 1,694 - (80) - 1,614
Building Accessibility / Smart
Room 3,941 - - - 3,941
Total restricted funds 2022 98,220 5,050 (59,867) - 43,403
Endowment funds:
- - - - -
Total endowment funds 2022 - - - - -

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

Total funds 2022 (561,08
630,233 463,748 3) - 532,898

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

26
Movement in funds (continued)
26
Movement in funds (continued)
Comparative year At 1 April Incoming Outgoing At 31 March
2020 resources resources Transfers 2021
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds:
General fund (“free reserves”) (404,07
106,361 561,507 9) (15,000) 248,789
Designated funds
Investments 250,000 - - - 250,000
Heathcoat Street
reinstatement 10,000 - - 5,000 15,000
IT support for
Nottinghamshire 8,224 - - - 8,224
Counselling service - - - 10,000 10,000
Total unrestricted funds 2021 (404,07
374,585 561,507 9) - 532,013
Restricted funds:
Thursday Group 1,478 50 - - 1,528
Talking Newspaper 2,053 - (245) - 1,808
Sight Matters 1,355 - - - 1,355
Big Lotteries – Reaching
Communities 11,588 - - - 11,588
Emotional and Peer Support - 10,000 (2,986) - 7,014
Befriending My Guide 5,979 8,000 (5,446) - 8,533
Big Lotteries – Building
Connections 12,388 39,579 (43,952) - 8,015
Big Lotteries – Peoples Project 27,782 5,725 (13,944) - 19,563
HEEM ELCO and Peer Support 32,000 - - - 32,000
Big Lotteries Covid Tech Project - 61,500 (60,319) - 1,181
Newark Group - 3,649 (1,955) - 1,694
Building Accessibility / Smart
Room - 3,941 - - 3,941
IT and Equipment - 2,000 (2,000) - -
ECLO - 3,000 (3,000) - -
Total restricted funds 2021 (133,84
94,623 137,444 7) - 98,220

Endowment funds:

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

____
Total endowment funds 2021
Total funds 2021
______
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
469,208
698,951
(537,92
6)
-
630,233

27 Description of funds

Restricted funds – HLC Project

The HLC project represents funds for the provision of computer equipment in the Broxtowe area. The fund was transferred to unrestricted funds during the 2019/20 financial year.

Restricted funds – BAME Project

The BAME project consists of grants for a two year project on awareness of sight loss problems in black and minority ethnic groups.

Restricted funds – Choir

The Choir fund represents monies receive towards the cost trips for the My Sight visually impaired choir.

Endowment funds – S A Tomlinson

This fund represented funding for children’s holidays. The fund was transferred to unrestricted funds during the financial year.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRADING AS MY SIGHT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

__________

28 Analysis of funds

Current year

Current year
Fixed assets
Cash and current investments
Other current liabilities
Provisions
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
46,344
4,583
-
50,927
478,640
43,403
-
522,043
(26,279
)
(4,583)
-
(30,862
)
(9,210)
-
-
(9,210)
489,495
43,403
-
532,898

Comparative year

Fixed assets
Cash and current investments
Other current liabilities
Provisions
Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
funds
Endowmen
t funds
Total
2021
£
£
£
£
54,497
7,081
-
61,578
536,841
98,220
-
635,061
(18,701
)
(7,081)
-
(25,782
)
(40,624
)
-
-
(40,624
)
532,013
98,220
-
630,233

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