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2023-03-31-accounts

DeafblindUK You( suppo(t, your impact Annual (epo(t 2022-23

Contents

Welcome from Mohammed, Deafblind UK member .................... 1 Welcome from our CEO and Chair ........................................ 2 Who are we? ................................... 3 What do we do? ............................. 3 Your support ................................... 3 Your impact ..................................... 4 Strategic objectives ........................ 4 Our year in numbers ....................... 5 Key achievements ........................... 6 What next? ...................................... 11 Public benefit ................................... 12 Fundraising .................................... 12 Structure, Governance and Management ................................... 13 Legal status and Group .................. 13 Statement of disclosure to auditor . 13 How we are managed .................... 14 Finance Committee ........................ 14 Management team ......................... 14 Director recruitment, induction and training .................................... 14 Risk Management .......................... 14 Financial review .............................. 15 Reserves Policy .............................. 16 Investment Policy ............................ 16 Independent Auditor’s Report ........ 17 Opinion ............................................ 17 Basis for opinion .............................. 17 Conclusions relating to going concern .................................. 18 Other information ............................ 18 Other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 ....................... 19 Matters on which we are required to report by exception ........................ 19 Responsibilities of Trustees ........... 19 Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements .............. 20 Use of our report ............................. 21

Financial statements ...................... 22 a. Consolidated statement of financial activities ............................ 23 b. Consolidated balance sheet ....... 24 c. Charity balance sheet ................ 25 d. Group cash flow statement ......... 26 e. Accounting policies ..................... 28 Note 1: Income from grants and trusts......................................... 32 Note 2. Investment income ............. 33 Note 3. Income from charitable activities .......................... 33 Note 4. Income from subsidiary’s trading activities .............................. 33 Note 5. Fundraising costs ............... 34 Note 6. Charitable activities ............ 35 Note 7. Staff costs .......................... 36 Note 8. Net income/(expenditure) .. 37 Note 9. Tangible fixed assets ......... 38 Note 10. Investments ..................... 39 Note 11. Debtors ............................ 40 Note 12. Creditors .......................... 41 Note 13. Restricted 2022 – 2023 .... 42 Note 14. Unrestricted funds 2022 – 2023 .................................... 45 Note 15. Analysis of net assets 2022 – 2023 .................................... 46 Note 16. Financial instruments ...... 47 Note 17. Related party transaction 47 Note 18. Company limited by guarantee .................................. 47 Note 19. Pensions .......................... 47 Note 20. Contingent asset ............. 47 Note 21. Contingent liability ............ 47 Note 22. Comparative consolidated statement of financial activities by fund ............................................ 48 Note 23. Comparative analysis of charitable activities (Note 6) ............ 49

Welcome from Mohammed, Deafblind UK 1. member

I remember it well, the day in 2011 that changed my life forever. Everyone with a visual impairment, remembers the day when they were diagnosed with an eye condition that will eventually leave them with no sight. You feel stunned, shocked, and unable to take in what you are being told.

Being registered blind wasn’t the biggest hurdle I faced. I was just too overwhelmed with all that was going on in my life. I was left alone and isolated, feeling worthless. My greatest challenge was people assuming disability means inability, employers for example.

To tell you the truth, after contacting many organisations, I wasn’t expecting anyone to give me a call. But I remember the day well. As usual, I had not slept, then the telephone rang. The voice on the other end of the line said they were from Deafblind UK and asked what they could do to help. That kind soul was Amanda who reassured me that she would listen and not leave me until it was fine to do so. Amanda showed me that people do care and showed the kindness that I hadn’t been shown for such a long time. Kindness does exist. I was not alone anymore.

It's been a difficult journey, a journey that has tested me emotionally and physically. But in the midst of all these challenges, there's been one organisation that has stood by me, when no one else would – Deafblind UK. I can't even begin to describe the impact that Deafblind UK has had on my life. They've supported me through thick and thin, offering guidance, support, and compassion when I needed it most. Without their help, I don't know where I would be today.

We have many charities and organisations, but what I believe makes Deafblind UK stand out, is the people who work there. For these people, it's more than a job, and they all do genuinely care, show compassion and empathy. Deafblind UK means everything to me. They're more than just a charity, they're a family.

Thank you

Mohammed

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DeafblindUK

Welcome from our CEO and Chair

It has been a year of change for Deafblind UK as we bid farewell to Steve Conway and welcomed Nikki Morris as our new CEO.

People living with deafblindness have always been at the heart of what we do. Our passionate team have worked hard to make the recent change in leadership as seamless as possible for the people we support. We continue to meet the unique needs of a growing population of people who are deafblind, amidst rising inflation and the consequent cost-of-living increase.

Our expert team are proud to have delivered outstanding core services in response to this increased need, whilst also creating innovative solutions to unmet needs. As the only national charity that solely specialises in supporting people who are deafblind, we are always mindful of providing support which is both effective and provides value for money.

Raising income, to enable us to continue to provide the services that people want and need, remains imperative to what we do. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported our work over the past year, as well as to our dedicated team of fundraisers, grant application writers and shop staff who work tirelessly to generate these vital funds. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you!

And of course, we have worked hard to raise awareness of deafblindness and of the charity. We aim to ensure that we are there for everyone who needs us, when they need us and in a way that makes it most accessible to them.

Our journey of growth will continue next year with development work at our supported living complex, Rainbow Court in Peterborough. This will provide two homes for people who have complex care needs but who are able, with our help, to live in their own home within our supported housing complex.

We would like to thank Mohammed for introducing this annual report. The charity belongs to the membership past, present and future.

This annual report gives a snapshot into our world and that of our members. It shows how we are making the difference for which people with dual sensory loss are asking. We are very proud to stand alongside our colleagues in presenting this to you.

Nikki Morris, CEO

Robert Nolan, Chair

■Nikki Morris, CEO

■Robert Nolan, Chair

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DeafblindUK

We are Deafblind UK, the only charity that specialises in supporting people who are deafblind in the UK.

We are a small team, each an expert in our own field, be this care, support, counselling, research, education or finance. We are united by a desire and dedication to make the world a better place for people living with sight and hearing loss.

  1. Who are we?

I still have the odd day where it gets to me, when I think about things like never being able to drive and have my own car, or when I just wonder ‘why me?’ Asia

What do we do?

For over 90 years, we have supported anyone who is affected by deafblindness.

We listen, advise, care, support, coach, mentor and connect people.

We give people hope, we build confidence and we enable independence. Most importantly, we change lives.

Why do we do it?

Because too many people are touched by deafblindness. Too many lives are impacted, too many minds are struggling and too many people are isolated.

Deafblindness affects over 400,000 people in the UK. Not only does it present challenges to everyday living but it brings with it wider and far more serious issues. People who are deafblind often feel incredibly lonely, isolated and unable to cope. It can lead to mental health problems and mobility and communication issues.

The impact of deafblindness is vast, yet our support reaches just a small proportion of the people affected. We need to be there for everyone who is touched by deafblindness.

Your support

You help us to support anyone who is deafblind, their family, friends, carers, as well as professionals working with people who are deafblind. We provide:

There are still challenges that I have to face on a day-to-day basis. Things like understanding that I will always have a harder time than my friends on nights out or in loud, busy environments, tripping over my black cat because he blends into the darkness, or being covered in bruises from walking into stuff all the time.

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DeafblindUK

  1. Your impact

Thanks to generous support, we have sought opportunities for growth, introduced our services to new markets and supported many more people in a more efficient way.

We can achieve, and we can inspire. Annette

Strategic objectives

At the start of the year, we set out to develop the six areas of our strategy:

  1. Develop our offering to people who are deafblind

  2. Support more people who are deafblind

  3. Develop knowledge and understanding of deafblindness

  4. Raise the profile of Deafblind UK

  5. Further develop and engage our people

  6. Secure Deafblind UK as a sustainable organisation for the future

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We supported 134 people to better mental health though our emotional support services

Our year in DeafblindUK numbers

We helped 583[ people ] to get connected through new technology

supported 3,966

We took 7,193 helpline enquiries

We made 7,172 calls to support people with their emotional wellbeing

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We worked
with volunteers
to give over
16,000 hours
of befriending
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We worked with 496 volunteers

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We hosted the UK’s largest event on deafblindness

  1. Key achievements

For the second year running, we hosted a hugely successful Deafblind Convention. The event connected us to over 900 professionals, academics and individuals which, it is believed, makes it the largest event about deafblindness ever held in the UK. Speakers discussed the impact that the changing world has on deafblindness, and how deafblindness forces change.

The expert panel of speakers included representatives from the BBC accessibility research team, Birmingham City University and Jadavpur University, among others. They explored all aspects of the constant change that deafblindness brings, offering insights into the emotional, practical and linguistic impact and helping us to normalise the conversation around deafblindness.

We are extremely proud to be leading the conversation around deafblindness in the UK. The event significantly developed knowledge and understanding of deafblindness, whilst raising the profile of Deafblind UK. Plans are now underway for the 2023 event.

I was on @DeafblindUK #DeafblindConvention today for the very first time. Wow. The topics are so variable and interesting. I used the mirroring from my laptop to my 65” TV, easy for me to see a BSL Interpreter!

deafblindconvention Deafblind UKConvention 2022. Such an informative and inspiring day, talking about including Deafblind people and meeting their needs. Excellent Guest Speakers, Interpreters and Lipspeaker.

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We launched an award-winning education project

Throughout the year, we proudly embarked on our education project which is motivated by the desire to give every child a meaningful education.

Throughout the year we have produced a report, ‘Standing out and fitting in’, which highlights feedback from teachers and parents about the provision of education for young people who are deafblind. In response to this feedback, we produced a range of resources for teachers to help young people to understand deafblindness and to help them to create a more inclusive environment.

Huge congratulations to Deafblind UK for its success at this year’s ScottishPower Foundation Awards, which were a great opportunity to showcase the legacy and positive impact of the work we do.

By evolving this project over the next year, we aim to not only create more opportunities for deafblind children but to also teach hundreds of young people about deafblindness and raise awareness amongst the next generation.

Deafblind UK’s work to tackle the stigma associated with being deafblind and to ensure the people it supports have equal access to things many of us take for granted is truly inspiring. Their Education Project has the potential to be life enhancing for deafblind children. I’m looking forward to seeing Deafblind UK build on its legacy – and ours – for many years to come.

This project is in partnership with representatives from the Vision & Hearing Research Centre at Anglian Ruskin University. It recently won the Education Award at the ScottishPower Foundation awards – a hugely proud moment for everyone involved.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation.

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We supported better mental health

It’s a sad reality that deafblindness and mental health concerns go hand in hand. This year, we have stepped up our mental health support and now offer our members a clear pathway to emotional wellbeing, to help them cope better with the challenges of living with sight and hearing loss.

We now employ two counsellors to offer all members the support they need. We are here for everyone when they need us.

their emotional wellbeing

Stuart mourned the sight that he had lost and cannot be recovered. As Macular Degeneration claimed more and more of his useful vision, he feared what the future would hold. Stuart knew that he was now on a scary, unplanned journey to an unknown destination.

Counselling helped Stuart to come to terms with his situation, to accept his fears and to express himself in a way that he couldn’t do with other people.

Stuart’s volunteer befriender has told us that Stuart is noticeably brighter, happier and more positive. Life is now much happier for Stuart.

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We reconnected Wales

Thanks to generous support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we launched a three year project to empower people who are deafblind in South Wales to overcome personal challenges in confidence, motivation and mobility. It also addresses a lack of inclusivity within local social opportunities.

Through our ‘Reconnections Wales’ project, we give people bespoke support to help them achieve their personal goals – whether this is to return to a local social group, to start using their favourite café once again or to try something exciting they’ve never done before. We help people to feel confident enough to engage in social activities, and to have the mobility to access these activities independently.

This project is in its infancy and will develop throughout the next financial year.

When Jane became a member of Deafblind UK, she told us: “There have been a few times when I’ve just sat at my kitchen table all day long, from morning to evening, alone with my thoughts. Not much of a life, is it?” We connected Jane to a local social group and arranged for her to have a volunteer befriender. She recently told us: “I’m getting out and about now, the group’s been really good – there are a few old eccentrics like me turning up!”

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We helped people to access employment

Knowing that only 20% of people who are deafblind and of working age are in employment, we developed a project to give people the skills and confidence to enter the world of work.

The ‘Access Employment’ programme addresses the barriers to employment for people who are deafblind. Sight and hearing loss presents many different challenges to daily life and as a result, people often find their confidence, social skills, resilience and energy levels take a hit – all skills that you need to find and hold down a job.

I was given a mentor through the Access Employment Project and they are absolutely wonderful. We were talking weekly, now fortnightly. I never actually met her – it was always on the phone. They gave me lots of useful information that I didn’t know about whereas the hospital consultant just said – "I’m going to have to register you as blind and you’ll lose your sight completely. Goodbye". There's not enough information from the NHS about help that is available if you lose your sight. I was very surprised that they don't have someone to explain that there is help when you are told that you're going to go blind – they don't give you anything. I felt alone for months and months. Now, if I need some info all I need to do is contact my Access Employment mentor.

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What next? 5.

Our dream is to provide care for everyone for every stage of their journey. This starts by developing our work with children and young people, ensuring that everyone who is touched by deafblindness has the very best start in life.

As experts in assistive digital technology, we will also continue to provide help and advice to connect those who need it. But that’s not all, we will work with leading technology partners to ensure that inclusivity is at the heart of new developments and innovations, so that people who are deafblind grow up feeling familiar with and supported by technology.

We will make sure that people who are deafblind can continue to live as independently as possibly, by influencing key decision makers to promote the need for deafblind assessments, and the agreement of care packages.

And of course, we will be there for people who need more support. Plans are underway to create comfortable supported housing for people with complex medical issues, and those requiring care home provision. This will give them a home where they can be part of a community whilst receiving the care they need.

We are excited about the next chapter of our journey and this is possible due to the following reasons. Back in 2020 we took the difficult but prudent decision to sell the building which was home to our headquarters and Conference Centre. The Board has undertaken due diligence to ensure that the reserves generated through the sale have seen us through the difficulties of the Covid pandemic and, more recently, the cost-of-living crisis. However, the time has now come to reduce these reserves by creating more opportunities for people who are deafblind.

On Page 44 of our Annual Report, we list ‘Designated Funds’ which will be spent in the forthcoming financial year, 2023 – 2024, and beyond. These funds have been held in reserve while we recruited a new CEO and agreed a new five-year strategy. With both in place we now feel that it is appropriate and timely to commit a substantial proportion of these funds to the developments itemised on Page 44. In doing so we aim to return our reserves to the 3 – 6 months operating level, as outlined in our Reserves Policy on Page 16.

Finally we will increase our knowledge of deafblindness and its impact, as well as nurturing future researchers by investing in our research infrastructure. This will increase our knowledge of deafblindness and its impact, as well as nurturing future researchers in this area.

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6. Public benefit

In setting activities and objectives each year, the Directors refer to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. The Directors always ensure that the activities, services or programmes undertaken are in line with the charitable objects and aims of the organisation.

Fundraising

Deafblind UK complies with the Code of Fundraising Practice and we are registered with the Fundraising Regulator. We have also volunteered to be part of the Fundraising Preference Service, through which when requested, we removed one individual’s details in this reporting period. The vast majority of our activity to reach new donors and supporters is undertaken by our fundraising team who have significant understanding of our service delivery.

Where we have worked with an external organisation, we ensure they are registered with the relevant bodies and we conduct appropriate due diligence prior to contract commencement. In addition to a new fundraising strategy, our focus is to develop procedures to enable our staff, volunteers and suppliers to carry out fundraising activity aligned with our policy and current UK regulation and legislation.

Deafblind UK did not receive any complaints in relation to fundraising activities in 2022 – 23. As a charity that works directly with people in vulnerable circumstances, it is a fundamental value that no donation is sought from someone who may not have the capacity to make an informed and considered decision. We are fully compliant with the latest General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) ensuring that all communications are only sent to the right people.

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Deafblind UK’s Board of Trustees (herein called Directors) have established a group of organisations to support the work of Deafblind UK.

Legal status and Group

Deafblind UK is a registered charity (Registration No. 802976) and company limited by guarantee (Registration No. 2426281) and is governed by its Articles of Association. It was founded in 1928 by deafblind people and their carers.

These comprise Deafblind UK Trading Limited (Company No. 5082057), About Me Care and Support Limited (Company No. 7945990) and I Decide Limited (Company No. 8045589).

Structure, Governance and 7. Management

Registered Office

National Centre for Deafblindness, Paston Ridings, Peterborough, PE4 7UP.

Auditor

Saffery Champness, Peterborough Business Park, Westpoint, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FZ.

Bankers

Barclays Bank, Peterborough Business Centre, Peterborough, PE1 1XE.

The Board of Trustees

The Trustees, who are also Directors for the purpose of the Companies Act, take pleasure in presenting the report and the financial statements of the charity and subsidiary companies for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Statement of Trustees responsibilities

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

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity and the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and applicable accounting regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

  1. So far as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Charity’s auditors are unaware, and

  2. They have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Trustees to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Charity’s auditors are aware of that information.

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How we are managed

The governing body of the Charity is the Board of Trustees. The Board meets quarterly and is supported by the finance sub-committee who regularly report back to the Board. Decisions are taken within our quarterly Board meetings and finance committee, our AGM and through other regular contact with other directors where required.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee was removed from the formal governance structure but the Chairman, Treasurer, CEO and Director of Finance continued to meet to review significant financial proposals such as the sale of the building and the budget before seeking full Board approval.

Management team

The day to day management of Deafblind UK is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and executive management team comprising: Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations. The CEO meets regularly with the Chair and the full Board to review progress and address any specific operational issues.

Director recruitment, induction and training

We are committed to ensuring the Board comprises a mix of Directors who are deafblind and those who are sighted hearing.

The Directors are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the organisation and are elected by voting members. The Board is kept up to date with any major changes in the Charities Act and Charity Commission guidance and best practice. Directors do not receive a salary but may claim out of pocket expenses for attending meetings.

All new Directors follow an agreed robust and detailed Trustee induction programme to ensure they fully understand their responsibilities as Trustees.

Risk Management

The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

The primary risk facing the charity is the on-going increases to the cost of living. Despite recent falls in inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) remains significantly above the Bank of England’s target of 2%. This has placed substantial pressure on the cost base of the charity. Increased monitoring and monthly review meetings of all budgeted expenditure continue to mitigate the risk.

Attention remains focused on nonfinancial risks such as safeguarding, retention of key staff and recruitment of support workers for our care and support services. We have embedded a robust process of policies and procedures to successfully comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) however impact of legislative changes remain a risk to member and donor growth.

All of the above risks are managed by a risk register which is regularly updated and reviewed quarterly at Board meetings.

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Financial review 8.

The Deafblind UK accounts for the year ending 31 March 2023 show a loss of £191,982 (2022: surplus £144,251). Income increased to £2,933,151 (2022: £2,743,755) which is a increase of £189,396, or 7%.

Day-to-day activities of the charity showed a surplus of £53,448, which is a very strong performance in such a challenging economic environment. Conversely, the investment portfolio preformed poorly in the year. Factors such as the on-going war in Ukraine, energy price rises and the general global uncertainty had a significantly adverse impact with an unrealised portfolio loss of £245,430 to March 2023.

Deafblind UK received 51% (2022: 56%) of its income from voluntary sources, such as trusts and foundations, the Big Lottery Fund, and legacies. The surge in the cost of living has placed increased pressure on all areas of society, and we have seen a significant increase in demand for our incredibly valuable services. We are extremely appreciative of the fantastic support from all our donors.

Income from charitable activities rose by 13% to £1,185,581 (2022: £1,045,105). As we recovered from the pandemic, the service delivery to our customers was a key priority area and contracted hours delivered increased to over 95% from 90% the previous year.

Investment income rose 173% to £98,525 (2022: £36,152). These unrestricted funds are invaluable in supporting our work. The significant increase predominantly relates to income received from our investment portfolio which was first opened in April 2021.

Income from the trading company increased by 60% to £144,901 (2022: £90,430). This increase relates to a full year of income from two retail outlets, the second of which opened towards the end of the previous year.

Overall expenditure increased by 13% when compared to the previous year. This was principally due to the increase to the cost of living. Total expenditure in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) was £2,879,703 (2022: £2,541,560). There continues to be a concerted effort to minimise all expenditure, especially in organisational overheads.

Termination payments for redundancies were also paid during the year, these are detailed in Note 7.

A detailed analysis of income and expenditure is shown in the SOFA on Page 23 and in notes 1 to 8 of these accounts. The net assets of the group as shown in the consolidated balance sheet at year end amount to £4,797,071.

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Reserves Policy

The policy for free reserves held by the charity is to have a minimum of three months with desire to hold no more than six months operating costs. This policy was reviewed at the Board in March 2023 as part of the annual review process. The charity free cash reserves at the year-end were £947,417 which represents 4 months’ operating costs. Total funds at the end of the reporting period were, £4,797,071 of which £562,070 were fixed assets, and £114,134 were restricted funds.

Investment Policy

Deafblind UK employ a professional investment management firm to manage the assets (excluding the direct property) on a discretionary basis in line with the investment policy. The investment manager provides custody of assets. The manager is required to produce a valuation and performance report quarterly. The objective of these investments is to maintain the real value of the assets whilst aiming to generate additional funds to support the charitable objectives.

The Trustees have decided to pursue two strategies for the Charity’s combined investments. One portfolio is invested at low risk, the other at medium risk. All investments are subject to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) parameters agreed with the Board of Trustees.

Cash reserves are maintained in a spread of interest-bearing deposits with reputable UK based financial institutions which meet our ethical standards.

Deposits are selected which provide the best return available under current market conditions, whilst ensuring sufficient liquidity to provide operating capital and to cover capital requirements. The policy and portfolio of deposits are regularly kept under review by the Board.

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Independent 9. Auditor’s Report

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Deafblind UK (the ‘parent charitable company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise consolidated statement of financial activities, consolidated balance sheet, charity balance sheet, group cash flow statements and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

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

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Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

Other information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information; we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

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Other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent charitable company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities set out on Page 13 the Trustees’ (who are also the directors of the parent charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees’ determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group and the parent charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with regulations made under that Act.

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

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below.

Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities:

We assessed the susceptibility of the group and parent charitable company’s financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the trustees, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance in the context of the group and parent charitable company by discussions with trustees and updating our understanding of the sector in which the group and parent charitable company operate.

Laws and regulations of direct significance in the context of the group and parent charitable company include The Companies Act 2006 and guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Audit response to risks identified: We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the parent charitable company’s records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the parent charitable company’s policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance.

During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of noncompliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner’s review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

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

20

DeafblindUK

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the parent charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the parent charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the parent charitable company and the parent charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Gareth Norris (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of Saffery Champness LLP Chartered Accountants Westpoint, Lynch Wood, Peterborough Cambridgeshire, PE2 6FZ

Statutory Auditors

Date: 25 July 2023

Saffery Champness LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

DeafblindUK 21

a. Consolidated statement of financial activities

d. Group cash flow statement

Financial statements

e. Accounting policies Note 1. Income from grants and trusts Note 2. Investment income Note 3. Income from charitable activities Note 4. Income from subsidiary’s trading activities Note 5. Fundraising costs Note 6. Charitable activities Note 7. Staff costs Note 8. Net income/(expenditure) Note 9. Tangible fixed assets Note 10. Investments

Note 11. Debtors Note 12. Creditors

Note 13. Restricted

Note 14. Unrestricted funds Note 15. Analysis of net assets Note 16. Financial instruments Note 17. Related party transaction Note 18. Company limited by guarantee Note 19. Pensions Note 20. Contingent assets Note 21. Contingent liability Note 22. Comparative consolidated statement of financial activities by fund Note 23. Comparative analysis of charitable activities

22

DeafblindUK

a. Consolidated statement of financial activities

Income from:
Notes
Donations and legacies
Legacies
Grants and trusts
1
Other donations
Other trading activities
Commercial trading operations
4
Fundraising income
Non-charitable trading
Charitable activities
Contracted services
3
Income from property
3
3
Investment income
2
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Fundraising costs
5
Commercial trading operations
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/(expenditure)
and net movement in funds for
the year
Transfers between funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted funds
£
577,981
-
105,354
683,335
144,901
31,316
24,307
200,524
946,489
239,092
1,185,581
98,525
2,167,965
265,836
163,774
1,653,906
2,083,516
(245,430)
(160,981)
-
4,843,918
4,682,937		 Restricted funds
£
-
765,186
-
765,186
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
765,186
-
-
796,187
796,187
-
(31,001)
-
145,136
114,134		 Total funds 2023
£
577,981
765,186
105,354
1,448,521
144,901
31,316
24,307
200,524
946,489
239,092
1,185,581
98,525
2,933,151
265,836
163,774
2,450,093
2,879,703
(245,430)
(191,982)
-
4,989,054
4,797,071		 Total funds 2022
£
707,410
656,206
128,764
1,492,380
90,430
20,287
59,401
170,118
812,455
232,650
1,045,105
36,152
2,743,755
268,021
128,190
2,145,349
2,541,560
(57,944)
144,251
-
4,844,803
4,989,054

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.

DeafblindUK 23

b. Consolidated balance sheet

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
9
Investments
10
Current assets
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
12
Net current assets
Total assets less current
liabilities
Net assets
Funds of the group
Restricted funds
13
Unrestricted funds
14
Total funds		 £
-
-
-
478,815
1,322,856
1,801,671
(354,523)		 2023
£
562,140
2,787,783
-
-
-
-
-
1,447,148
4,797,071
4,797,071
114,134
4,682,937
4,797,071		 £
-
-
-
249,108
1,728,078
1,977,186
(441,374)		 2022
£
490,999
2,962,242
-
-
-
-
-
1,535,812
4,989,054
4,989,054
145,135
4,843,919
4,989,054

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on the 24th July 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

R Nolan (Chair) Trustee

Company Registration No. 02426281. Charity No. 802976 The accounting policies and notes on Pages 28 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

DeafblindUK 24

c. Charity balance sheet

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
9
Investments
10
Current assets
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
12
Net current assets
Total assets less current
liabilities
Net assets
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds
13
Unrestricted funds
14
Total funds		 £
655,867
1,297,413
1,953,280
(339,473)		 2023
£
539,857
2,787,793
3,327,650
1,613,807
4,941,457
4,941,457
114,134
4,827,323
4,941,457		 £
404,467
1,716,454
2,120,921
(427,776)		 2022
£
459,217
2,962,252
3,421,469
1,693,145
5,114,614
5,114,614
145,135
4,969,479
5,114,614

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the parent Charity’s Statement of financial activities has not been included in these financial statements. The unconsolidated figure for the net expenditure of the charity, including donations from its subsidiaries, would have been £173,158 (2022: £182,007)

Details concerning the subsidiary companies, along with their results and financial position are set out in note 4. These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on the 24th July 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

R Nolan (Chair) Trustee

Company Registration No. 02426281. Charity No. 802976 The accounting policies and notes on Pages 28 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

DeafblindUK 25

d. Group cash flow statement

Net cash used in operating activities
Cashfows from investing activities
Interest received
Proceeds from sale of fxed assets
Purchase of Investment Portfolio
Purchase of plant and equipment
Net cash (used in)/provided by
investing activities
Change in cash in the year
Cash at the beginning of the year
Cash at the end of the year
Reconciliation of net income/
expenditure to net cash fow from
operating activities
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Interest received
Proft on disposal
Change in value of Investment Portfolio
Depreciation
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash used in operating activities
Analysis of cash
Cash in hand		 £
-
9,604
7,680
-
(125,698)		 2023
£
(296,808)
(108,414)
(405,222)
1,728,078
1,322,856
(191,982)
(9,604)
(7,680)
174,460
54,556
(229,707)
(86,851)
(296,808)
2023
£
1,322,856		 £
-
3,619
-
(3,000,000)
(73,093)		 2022
£
329,449
(3,069,474)
(2,740,025)
4,468,103
1,728,078
144,251
(3,619)
-
37,758
78,732
103,993
(31,666)
329,449
2022
£
1,728,078

DeafblindUK 26

Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash
Total		 31 Mar 2022
Cashfows
Acquisition/
Disposal of
subsidiaries
New fnance
leases
Fair value
movements
Foreign
exchange
movements
Other
non-cash
changes
31 Mar 2023
1,728,078
-405,222
-
-
-
-
-
1,322,856
1,728,078
-405,222
-
-
-
-
-
1,322,856

DeafblindUK 27

e. Accounting policies

Charity information

Deafblind UK is a Charity domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales.

The registered office is: The National Centre for Deafblindness, Paston Ridings, Peterborough, PE4 7UP.

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic 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) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102) Second Edition issued 1 October 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

Deafblind UK is a charitable company domiciled and registered in England. The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the Financial Statement are set out below.

Deafblind UK meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historic cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

Basis of consolidation

The group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the Charity and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 March 2023. The statement of financial activities (SOFA) and the balance sheet consolidate the financial statements on a line by line basis where appropriate.

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DeafblindUK 28
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Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. There remain some negative impacts of Covid-19, however the Trustees have placed significant scrutiny in this area and are confident that the charity has the necessary resources to continue to deliver services to our members. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Fixed assets

All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Generally, expenditure over £1,000 of a capital nature is capitalised at cost as fixed assets within the relevant fund.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that as follows:

Freehold property 2%–10% straight line

Equipment 10%–33% straight line & reducing balance Caravan 15–20% straight line

Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Charity estimates the recoverable amount of the cashgenerating unit to which the asset belongs. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time, value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is

increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the statement of financial activities, unless the relevant asset is carried in at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

Investment Accounting Policy

Investments are stated at market value. Changes in the market value of fixed asset investments are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as unrealised gains and losses. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the market value at the year end and the carrying value.

Realised gains and losses on the disposal of investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and the opening market value or the purchase cost if brought in this financial year.

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slowmoving items.

Operating lease agreements

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against profits on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

29

DeafblindUK

Pension costs

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity. The annual contributions payable are charged to the statement of financial activities.

Funds

If monies are given for a specific purpose, this income and related expenditure is treated as restricted. Monies are also held as designated funds as per Note 13. If the income is for general use, it is included as unrestricted and may be expended at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects of the Charity.

Income

Income from donations and legacies are recognised in the appropriate fund as follows:

Legacies

Legacies are included in income when received, or if before receipt when the Charity is entitled to the income, it is probable that the legacy will be received and the value can be determined with reasonable accuracy.

Donations

Donations under gift aid together with the associated income tax recovery are recognised as income when the donation is received. Income from other trading activities includes:

Retail

Sales in the Charity Shop are recognised as income as soon as the transaction has taken place.

Investment income includes:

Rental income

Deafblind UK receives rental income from renting accommodation at 18 Rainbow Court, Paston Ridings, Peterborough, PE4 7UP, to deafblind people. It is recognised as income in the period to which the income relates.

Income from charitable activities includes:

Fees and charges and support work income, exclusive of VAT, are included in the period which they relate to.

Other income

All other income, exclusive of VAT, is recorded in the period that it relates to.

Branch income

The results of the branches of the Charity are consolidated in the accounts.

Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay. The costs of operating the Charity have been split between costs of raising funds, charitable expenditure and support costs.

Support costs include an apportionment to fundraising and direct charitable activities, and have been allocated based on staff numbers. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of expenditure for which it was incurred.

Contracted services

Fees and charges and support work income, exclusive of VAT, are included in the period which they relate to.

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DeafblindUK

Financial instruments

The group only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial instruments and include cash in hand.

Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Taxation

The Charity is a registered Charity and is not liable to United Kingdom income tax or corporation tax on charitable activities.

Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

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

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

Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgements

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

The group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. There are no estimates and assumptions that are considered to have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

31

DeafblindUK

Note 1: Income from grants and trusts

Note 1: Income from grants and trusts
2022 – 2023
Grants and donations including
Specifc appeals
Big Lottery Fund
Furlough Scheme Income
2021 – 2022
Grants and donations including
Specifc appeals
Big Lottery Fund
Furlough Scheme Income		 Unrestricted funds
£
-
-
-
-
Unrestricted funds
£
3,000
-
-
3,000		 Restricted funds
£
616,513
148,673
-
765,186
Restricted funds
£
541,951
96,610
14,645
653,206		 Total funds 2023
£
616,513
148,673
-
765,186
Total funds 2022
£
544,951
96,610
14,645
656,206		 Total funds 2022
£
544,951
96,610
14,645
656,206
Total funds 2021
£
862,107
330,399
111,822
1,304,328

2022 – 2023: Received with thanks, donations from:

DeafblindUK 32

Note 2. Investment income

Income from Portfolio
Bank interest received		 Unrestricted funds
£
88,921
9,604
98,525		 Restricted funds
£
-
-
-		 Total funds 2023
£
88,921
9,604
98,525		 Total funds 2022
£
32,533
3,619
36,152

Note 3. Income from charitable activities

Contracted services
Fees, charges and support work
Income from property		 Unrestricted funds
£
946,489
239,092
1,185,581		 Restricted funds
£
-
-
-		 Total funds 2023
£
946,489
239,092
1,185,581		 Total funds 2022
£
812,455
232,650
1,045,105

Note 4. Income from subsidiary’s trading activities

Turnover
Cost of sales
Administrative expenses
Other operating income
Operating (loss)/Proft before Taxation
Interest receivable
Corporation tax Payable
Retained proft
Paid up shares capital
Net liabilities/assets		 Deafblind UK Trading Limited
2023
2022
£
£
144,901
90,430
-
-
144,901
90,430
(171,844)
(135,578)
-
-
(26,943)
(45,048)
49
4
-
-
(26,894)
(45,044)
2
2
(26,892)
(45,042)		 Deafblind UK Trading Limited
2023
2022
£
£
144,901
90,430
-
-
144,901
90,430
(171,844)
(135,578)
-
-
(26,943)
(45,048)
49
4
-
-
(26,894)
(45,044)
2
2
(26,892)
(45,042)
90,430
(135,578)
-
(45,048)
4
-
(45,044)
2
(45,042)

The following companies are wholly owned trading subsidiaries of the Charity:

Deafblind UK Trading Limited (company number 05082057), providing transcription service and to sell merchandise on behalf of the charity.

About Me Care & Support Limited – dormant (company number 07945990), a company working with people who have a sensory impairment to provide personalised, community-inclusive care and support solutions. About Me Care & Support Limited re-merged with Deafblind UK on April 1st 2019, having separated the operations in July 2012.

Ultimately the activities are undertaken with a view to raising funds for Deafblind UK. Their results for the year, as extracted from the audited financial statements, are summarised on this page.

Their results for the year, as extracted from the audited financial statements, are summarised here.

£nil (2022: £nil) was gifted by the subsidiaries to the charity in the year.

33

DeafblindUK

Note 5. Fundraising costs

Note 5. Fundraising costs
Fundraising and publicity costs including
salaries and consultancy
Postage and stationery		 Unrestricted funds
£
260,297
5,539
265,836		 Restricted funds
£
-
-
-		 Total funds 2023
£
260,297
5,539
265,836		 Total funds 2022
£
265,365
2,656
268,021

DeafblindUK 34

Note 6. Charitable activities

Direct charitable expenditure
Care & Support Operations
Governance
Community services
National Services
Rainbow Court
Information and Communications
Technology
Charitable expenditure comprises the
following main elements:
Wages and salaries, including staf training
Ofce running costs
IT costs
Travel and subsistence costs
Insurances
Deafblind Club costs
Interpreting costs
Depreciation and loss on disposal of
tangible fxed assets
Bad debt expenses
Audit and accountancy		 Direct charitable
£
891,574
52,718
409,123
375,258
94,451
97,903
1,921,027
2023
£
1,813,399
380,609
87,896
77,175
8,127
2,389
21,602
42,056
-
16,840
2,450,093		 Support costs
£
245,546
26,013
14,519
112,676
103,349
26,963
529,066
2022
£
1,658,109
224,817
120,571
43,025
8,305
2,464
12,530
62,433
(2,585)
15,680
2,145,349		 Total funds 2023
£
1,137,120
78,731
423,642
487,934
197,800
124,866
2,450,093		 Total funds 2022
£
1,090,992
162,860
45,990
318,746
378,692
148,069
2,145,349

Support costs are allocated directly between activities based on total costs incurred. The movement on restricted funds in respect of charitable activities is detailed note 13.

■ Care & Support: This is the total of all contracted services Deafblind UK provide across the country

■ Community Services: This is the total of all charitable services Deafblind UK provide in the community across the country

■ National Services: This is the total of all charitable services centrally provided by Deafblind UK to support members across the country

■ Rainbow Court: This is an independent living facility in Peterborough that supports people with deafblindness to live in their own accommodation

■ Information and Communications Technology: To provide specialist computer equipment and training for people with deafblindness, either at Deafblind UK or in their home.

DeafblindUK 35

Note 7. Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs were
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Termination payments
Employees who earned more than
£60,000 during the year:
£80,001 – £90,000
£60,001 – £70,000
Particulars of employees
The average number of staf employed
by the group during the fnancial year
amounted to:
Finance administrative and support
Care and support
Fundraising
Community service		 2023
£
1,921,830
160,576
47,848
27,848
2,158,102
2023
£
0
4
2023
Number
13
56
9
25
103		 2022
£
1,781,947
137,488
44,254
2,022
1,965,711
2022
£
1
3
2022
Number
12
54
11
22
99

The key management personnel of the parent charity, Deafblind UK, comprise the Trustees (who are not remunerated in their role), and members of the executive team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the Charity were £293,175 (2022: £281,451).

The key management personnel of the group comprise those of the Charity and the key management personnel of of its wholly owned subsidiaries Deafblind UK Trading Limited and About Me Care & Support Limited. The employee benefits of key management personnel for the group was therefore £308,324 (2022: £297,657).

Pension contributions in relation to these employees amounted to £14,416 (2022: £15,415) in the year.

Included in termination payments are non-contractual payments of £15,000 (2022: £0).

£386 has been reimbursed to Trustees during the year (2022: £56). This related to travel costs, guides and interpreting costs. Three Trustees in total received reimbursements (2022: 1).

Trustees did not receive remuneration in 2022 or 2021.

DeafblindUK 36

Note 8. Net income/(expenditure)

Depreciation of tangible fxed asset –
owned
Proft on disposal
Auditors’ remuneration:
■ statutory audit of parent and consolidated
accounts
■ statutory audit of subsidiaries
■ other services		 2023
£
54,556
(7,680)
15,300
3,200
3,665
69,041		 2022
£
78,732
-
13,140
2,850
1,770
96,492

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting)

DeafblindUK 37

Note 9. Tangible fixed assets

Group
Cost At 1 April 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposal
At 31 March 2023
Net book value At 31 March 2023
Net book value At 1 April 2022
Charity
Cost At 1 April 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposal
At 31 March 2023
Net book value At 31 March 2023
Net book value At 31 March 2022		 Freehold Property
£
703,323
111,587
-
814,910
291,065
17,962
-
309,027
505,883
412,258
Freehold Property
£
703,323
111,587
-
814,910
291,065
17,962
-
309,027
505,883
412,258		 Equipment
£
336,506
14,111
(27,916)
322,701
257,765
36,594
(27,915)
266,444
56,257
78,741
Equipment
£
270,708
14,111
(27,916)
256,903
223,749
27,094
(27,915)
222,928
33,975
46,959		 Total
£
1,039,829
125,698
(27,916)
1,137,611
548,830
54,556
(27,915)
575,471
562,140
490,999
Total
£
974,031
125,698
(27,916)
1,071,813
514,814
45,056
(27,915)
531,955
539,858*
459,217

All fixed assets are held for charitable purposes.

DeafblindUK 38

Note 10. Investments

Group
Brought forward
Additions
Disposals at carrying value (market value)
Unrealised gain / (loss)
Realised gain / (loss)
Investments
Cash held at brokers
Total Fund
Charity
Listed Investments
Brought forward
Additions
Disposals at carrying value (market value)
Unrealised gain / (loss)
Realised gain / (loss)
Investments
Cash held at brokers
Total Fund
Shares in Subsidiary Companies at cost
Total Value of Investments		 2023
£
2,769,182
896,770
(692,617)
(161,257)
(84,173)
2,727,906
59,877
2,787,783
2023
£
2,769,182
896,770
(692,617)
(161,257)
(84,173)
2,727,906
59,877
2,787,783
10
2,787,793		 2022
£
-
2,991,544
(164,418)
(56,825)
(1,119)
2,769,182
193,060
2,962,242
2022
£
-
2,991,544
(164,418)
(56,825)
(1,119)
2,769,182
193,060
2,962,242
10
2,962,252

Fixed asset investments comprise of listed investments

Fixed asset investments comprise of listed investments, and shares held in 100% owned subsidiaries. The subsidiary companies are Deafblind UK Trading Limited and About Me Care and Support Limited, both are incorporated in the United Kingdom.

DeafblindUK 39

Note 11. Debtors

Note 11. Debtors
Group
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments
Charity
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Prepayments
Other debtors		 2023
£
56,612
354,811
67,392
478,815
2023
£
56,612
177,102
67,342
354,811
655,867		 2022
£
55,261
187,477
6,370
249,108
2022
£
55,261
155,359
6,370
187,477
404,467

DeafblindUK 40

Note 12. Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year

Note 12. Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
Group
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals
Charity
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals		 2023
£
64,860
30,767
31,148
227,748
354,523
2023
£
59,525
30,628
30,981
218,339
339,473		 2022
£
67,145
22,170
94,503
257,556
441,374
2022
£
60,009
25,326
93,468
248,973
427,776

DeafblindUK 41

Note 13. Restricted 2022 – 2023

Note 13. Restricted 2022 – 2023
Group and Charity Movement in
resources
The National Lottery Community Fund –
Out of the Shadows (Northern Ireland)
BAME Appeal
Access to Work Appeal
Youth Project Appeal
Education Project
Community Reconnections Cymru
Essex
Deafblind Friendly Garden
Digital Inclusion
Deafblind Holidays
Bristol Outreach
Cambridgeshire Carers Project
E-Learning Project
Veterans
Wellbeing & Emotional Support
Early Intervention
Deafblind Equipment
Restricted funds		 Balance at 31
March 2022
£
5,548
43,918
39,935
11,125
44,609
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
145,135		 Income
£
99,225
5,000
32,047
39,847
81,648
49,447
45,125
4,960
6,500
10,500
10,000
7,445
7,500
34,950
273,664
54,828
2,500
765,186		 Expenditure
£
98,908
48,918
39,509
33,924
81,807
37,649
45,125
4,960
6,500
10,500
10,000
7,445
7,500
34,950
273,664
54,828
-
796,187		 Transfer
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at 31
March 2023
£
5,865
-
32,473
17,048
44,450
11,798
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,500
114,134

DeafblindUK 42

Note 13 continued. Restricted 2021 – 2022

Group and Charity
Movement in resources
Digital Inclusion
Merseyside & Manchester Outreach
The National Lottery Community Fund –
Out of the Shadows (Northern Ireland)
North Wales Project
Essex Outreach
Caravan & Respite Breaks
National Services
Bristol Outreach
Helpline (Service)
Wellbeing & Emotional Support
Veterans
Clinicans Project
Volunteer Programme
Cambridgeshire Outreach
E-Learning Project
Mental Health Project
Virtual Groups Project
BAME Project
Access to Work Project
Youth Project
Carers Project
Education Project
Restricted Funds		 Balance at 31
March 2021
£
-
-
10,336
-
-
-
-
-
38,431
48,994
19,475
9,805
6,978
8,057
12,570
15,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
169,646		 Income
£
1,150
15,000
96,610
250
47,087
16,000
231,919
10,000
8,280
-
33,000
-
150
-
26,000
-
5,000
50,000
39,935
11,125
7,446
44,609
643,561		 Expenditure
£
1,150
15,000
101,398
250
47,087
16,000
231,919
10,000
46,711
48,994
52,475
9,805
7,128
8,057
38,570
15,000
5,000
6,082
-
-
7,446
-
668,072		 Transfer
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at 31
March 2022
£
-
-
5,548
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
43,918
39,935
11,125
-
44,609
145,135

Restricted Funds The National Lottery Community Fund – Out of the Shadows (N. Ireland): Big Lottery Fund Grant (under the Reaching Communities fund) for supporting deafblind people across Northern Ireland. Caravan and Respite Breaks: Subsidised caravan respite breaks for deafblind people, and their families and carers. National Services: Supporting information, advice, caseworker and volunteer services for deafblind members, carers and others working with deafblind people. Digital Inclusion: Raising awareness of digital inclusion for deafblind people with opportunity to try out accessibility features of technology, supported by volunteers. Various Outreach funds: Funds to support staff and volunteers working with deafblind people in their homes and communities and the provision of Peer Support groups in North Wales, London, Yorkshire, Essex, Manchester & Merseyside, East Anglia, West Midlands & Bristol.

DeafblindUK 43

Note 13 continued.

Designated funds

Note 13 continued.
Designated funds
Expansion of Rainbow Court
Purchase & ft out new care home
Energy efciency maintenance at
Rainbow Court
Seed funding for retail expansion
IT Support Programme
Research Programme
Purchase of Minibus
Total Designated Funds
Analysis of group reserves
Restricted Reserves
Unrestricted Designated Reserves
Unrestricted Fixed Assets
Unrestricted Free Reserves		 1,000,000
1,500,000
150,000
90,000
100,000
150,000
45,000
3,035,000
114,134
3,035,000
562,070
1,085,867
4,797,071

Analysis of group reserves

DeafblindUK 44

Note 14. Unrestricted funds 2022 – 2023

Movement in resources
Group
General
Other fxed assets
Unrestricted funds
Movement in resources
Charity
General
Other fxed assets
Unrestricted funds		 Balance at 31
March 2022
£
4,352,919
491,000
4,843,919
Balance at 31
March 2022
£
4,510,261
459,217
4,969,478		 Income
£
2,167,965
-
2,167,965
Income
£
2,557,782
-
2,557,782		 Expenditure
£
(2,274,391)
(54,556)
(2,328,947)
Expenditure
£
(2,540,747)
(45,056)
(2,585,803)		 Transfer
£
(125,696)
125,696
-
Transfer
£
(125,696)
125,696
-		 Balance at 31
March 2023
£
4,120,797
562,140
4,682,937
Balance at 31
March 2023
£
4,401,600
539,857
4,941,457

Other fixed assets

The other fixed asset fund represents tangible fixed assets held for the charity’s use. The expenditure allocated on this fund represents the depreciation charged on these assets in the year, and the transfer represents the net movement relating to additions and disposals in the year.

DeafblindUK 45

Note 15. Analysis of net assets 2022 – 2023

Group
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Charity
Restricted
Unrestricted funds		 Tangible fxed
assets
£
-
459,217
459,217		 Tangible fxed
assets
£
-
562,070
562,070
Investments
£
-
10
10		 Net current assets
£
114,134
4,120,867
4,235,001
Net current assets
£
114,134
4,368,096
4,482,230		 Total
£
114,134
4,682,937
4,797,071
Total
£
114,134
4,827,323
4,941,457

Note 15 continued. Analysis of net assets 2021 – 2022

Group
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Charity
Restricted
Unrestricted funds		 Tangible fxed
assets
£
-
3,421,459
3,421,459		 Tangible fxed
assets
£
-
3,453,241
3,453,241
Investments
£
-
10
10		 Net current assets
£
145,135
1,390,678
1,535,813
Net current assets
£
145,135
1,548,010
1,693,145		 Total
£
145,135
4,843,918
4,989,054
Total
£
145,135
4,969,478
5,114,614

DeafblindUK 46

Note 16. Financial instruments

The carrying amount of the charitable
company’s fnancial instruments as at
31 March 2023 was:
Financial assets
Equity instruments measured at fair value
Debt instruments measured at
amortised cost
Financial liabilities
Measured at amortised cost		 Group 2023
£
2,769,182
411,423
126,775		 Charity 2023
£
2,962,252
411,423
121,134		 Group 2022
£
2,962,242
242,738
183,818		 Charity 2022
£
2,962,252
242,738
178,803

Note 17. Related party transaction

At the year end the charity was owed £177,102 (2022: £155,359) by Deafblind UK Trading Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deafblind UK. During the year the charity recharged expenses of £29,805 (2022: £29,545) and rent of £nil (2022: £nil) to Deafblind UK Trading Limited.

Note 18. Company limited by guarantee

The company does not have share capital and is limited by guarantee. In the event of the company being wound up, the maximum amount which each member is liable to contribute is £10.

Note 19. Pensions

The group contributes to a defined benefit contribution scheme for its employees.

The charge for the year is £47,848 (2022: £44,254) and at the balance sheet date there were £4,285 (2022: £3,564) of outstanding contributions which were included within the creditors.

Note 20. Contingent asset

There are no contingent assets as at 31 March 2023. (2022: £263,000).

Note 21. Contingent liability

There are no contingent liabilities as at 31 March 2023. (2022: £nil).

47

DeafblindUK

Note 22. Comparative consolidated statement of financial activities by fund

Income from Donations and legacies
Legacies
Grants and trusts
Other donations
Other trading activities
Commercial trading operations
Fundraising income
Non-charitable trading
Charitable activities
Contracted services
Income from property
Investment income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Fundraising costs
Commercial trading operations
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement in funds for the year
Transfers between funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted funds
£
707,410
12,645
128,764
848,819
90,430
20,287
59,401
170,118
812,455
232,650
1,045,105
36,152
2,100,194
268,021
128,190
1,477,278
1,873,489
(57,944)
168,761
-
4,675,158
4,843,919		 Restricted funds
£
-
638,561
5,000
643,561
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
643,561
-
-
668,071
668,071
-
(24,510)
-
169,645
145,135		 Total funds 2022
£
707,410
651,206
133,764
1,492,380
90,430
20,287
59,401
170,118
812,455
232,650
1,045,105
36,152
2,743,755
268,021
128,190
2,145,349
2,541,560
(57,944)
144,251
-
4,844,803
4,989,054

DeafblindUK 48

Note 23. Comparative analysis of charitable activities (Note 6)

Direct charitable expenditure
Care & Support Operations
Governance
Community services
National Services
Rainbow Court
Information and Communications
Technology
Wages and salaries, including staf training
Ofce running costs
IT costs
Travel and subsistence costs
Insurances
Deafblind Club costs
Interpreting costs
Depreciation and loss on disposal of
tangible fxed assets
Bad debt expenses
Audit and accountancy		 Direct charitable
£
837,217
124,977
35,292
244,603
290,604
113,627
1,646,320		 Support costs
£
253,775
37,883
10,698
74,143
88,088
34,442
499,029		 Total funds
£
1,090,992
162,860
45,990
318,746
378,692
148,069
2,145,349
1,658,109
224,817
120,571
43,025
8,305
2,464
12,530
62,433
(2,585)
15,680
2,145,349

DeafblindUK 49

Your support, your impact Annual report 2022–23

National Centre for Deafblindness Rainbow Court, Paston Ridings, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE4 7UP

Tel: 0800 132 320

Email: info@deafblind.org.uk

www.deafblind.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 802976 Company Reg No: 2426281