Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustee’ report Year ended 5 April 2025
Trustees’ report for the year ended 5" April 2025
The Trustees, who are also the Directors of the Company under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” FRS 102 in preparing the annual report and audited financial statements of the Charity.
Reference and administrative details of the charity
Details of this information are included in page 1.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Board of Trustees (who are also the Directors of the charitable company for the purposes of charity law) under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 have pleasure in presenting their annual report and the unaudited financial statements of the year ended 5 April 2025 The Trustees have adopted the accounting policies and comply with the Charity’s Constitution applicable law and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice which applies to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK.
The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Ltd (NIKRF) is a charitable company limited by guarantee. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up each member may be required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
The Trustee Board, consisting of seven members, oversees the running of the charity. This board convened four times in the past year. They are responsible for all strategic and operational decisions concerning the charity's daily operations while maintaining close relationships with our medical advisors and researchers. New board members are elected through a process involving nomination, a proposer, and a seconder from the current board, with a majority vote required for the election to proceed.
NIKRF met with its ‘family and friends’ five times last year with prominent speakers at each meeting.
The NIKRF operates under a clear and effective management and decision-making structure designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient operations. The structure promotes collaborative decisionmaking and empowers the trustees to fulfill the charity's mission and objectives.
Dr James Frederick Douglas MA BCL: MB BCh BAO; FRCP
It was with deep regret that we learned of the death of our Patron Dr Douglas on 8" December, 2024.
In 1969 Dr Douglas became the first Research Fellow to be funded by the N. |. Kidney Research Fund. He went on to be a leading Consultant Nephrologist in Belfast City Hospital for over 20 years and was instrumental in the success of Renal Transplantation in Belfast. During his career he documented and preserved the history of transplantation, significantly influencing future work by providing a comprehensive understanding of the field's evolution. In addition, he significantly advanced research into acute renal failure.
In 2001 he was made a Council Member and Archivist for the British Transplantation Society, reflecting the high regard in which he was held nationally.
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Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustee’ report Year ended 5 April 2025
For over 60 years Dr. Douglas gave his unwavering support to the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund and succeeded Mollie McGeown as our patron in 2003. Since then, he has embodied everything that a patron should be by his pioneering work, his great wisdom, his sparkling wit, and his untiring willingness to travel anywhere in order promote NIKRF at every event he could possibly attend. We have lost a true friend.
Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practices.)
Company law and the law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland require 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 for that period.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustee Board received remuneration of Nil
The Charity undertook a review of the Articles of Association which will be published in next years report. Training will also take place for all trustees and policies will be drawn up to ensure that the Charity is kept up to date with legal and recommended guidelines.
Objectives and Activities
The Charity’s Objectives are:
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e toraise funds to support and promote research into the cause, prevention and possible cure for kidney disease;
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e to provide specialised equipment for research and advances in the treatment of kidney disease available from the National Health Service;
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e to increase public awareness of kidney disease, its causes, prevention and modern treatment including transplantation
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e to actively promote and support organ donation; and such other charitable purposes as the Trustees in their absolute discretion may decide from time to time.
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e to increase profile of the charity
NIKRF provides public benefit in the advancement of health and saving of lives as our core mission of raising money for research into kidney disease. This is done by supporting clinicians and scientists researching causes, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.
Patron
Following the death of Dr. James F. Dougias who served with great distinction as our patron from 2003 until his death on 8December, 2024, the search for a new patron is currently under way.
Ambassadors
- e Ms. Paula Mcintyre waived her fee and donated the proceeds from a cookery demonstration. She enthusiastically supports many NIKRF events and regularly mentions dietary factors about kidney health. She also donates proceeds from the sale of her books at such events.
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Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustee’ report Year ended 5 April 2025
- e Ms. Hannah Johns, renal nurse and Miss World Northern Ireland, attended many events and visits to renal units raising awareness of kidney disease. In particular she spotlighted the fact that kidney disease is a global health priority at the finals of the Miss World Contest in India.
Champion Ms. Seana Maguire, Head of Spanish in Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, Belfast, is our educational champion. Seana has produced an organ donation module for her pupils and has incorporated it into the Key Stage 5 Enrichment program in the school curriculum, as well as helping to embed it throughout the school curriculum. She has inspired two teams of runners from her school to take part in the Belfast marathon in aid of NIKRF. Significantly, she has developed modules on kidney health and is also a member of the PHA Education Working Group that has developed organ donation resources for primary and post- primary schools in N. Ireland and these are currently being pioneered in Controlled, Maintained, Voluntary Grammar, Integrated and Irish-Medium sectors across the country.
Achievements and Performance
Research
The NiKRF supports a wide variety of research projects that explore why persons develop kidney failure and assess the best forms of treatment for these kidney conditions. Research has played a vital role in developing the best evidence for current care of patients with kidney disease. Our medical advisors and scientist recommend and oversee these projects. Whilst completing these research projects trainee doctors and scientists gain an immense amount of practical experience. Other avenues are always explored first before our funding to ensure best possible use is made of our funds. Research can contribute to innovation in clinical practice and higher standards of patient care.
In the year 2024-2025 NIKRF supported the following research areas:
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e Co-designing a video educational series for kidney transplantation and living donation e Why do Kidney Transplants fail so early in young people? e Cancost-effective strategies identify and stabilise higher risk patients with Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy and prevent end-stage renal disease?
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e Cochrane Systematic Review. Multi-modal interventions for cachexia management e Viewing Paediatric Transplantation through a Longitudinal Lens e Physical activity from the perspectives of children and young people with chronic kidney disease and their families.
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e Embedding NI in the UK Ecosystem e Two PhD scientific studentships
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¢ To investigate why some individuals are more likely to develop kidney disease(s) as they age.
We sought to raise awareness of kidney disease and promoted organ donation.
Research Operations Manager A research operations manager was engaged by Queens’ University Belfast Foundation to manage the administrative aspects of the partnership and coordinate all aspects of the research in consultation with the NIKRF Board, Medical and Scientific Advisors, and Researchers. This appointment significantly helps to raise the profile of the charity and is proving to be very beneficial to the promotion of research funded by NIKRF.
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Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Limited
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Company limited by guarantee
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Trustee’ report Year ended 5 April 2025
Charity Partners
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e Queens University Belfast. NIKRF invested £600,000 to secure funding for two high-quality kidney research posts — o a scientific, post-doctoral research fellowship and o aclinical research, post-doctoral research fellowship.
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e Bob Stewart’s Beer garden where each weekend volunteers raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation, and receive donations.
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e Aquinas Grammar School raising awareness of kidney disease and organ donation, and developing educational material about and organ donation for use in other schools.
The Dr Jennifer McCaughan Bursary
This bursary funds individuals to present high-quality renal research projects at prestigious conferences. The Bursary funded three awards to present two research posters and an abstract presentation at prestigious conferences this year.
The Janet Greeves Legacy (Designated Fund)
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This legacy funds the following projects:
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Legacy Lecture 2. Legacy Training Grant 3. Legacy Fellowship
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Funded two training grants
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° Todevelop expertise in Next Generation Sequence data analysis to support the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic variations associated with DKD
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e REDEFINE DGF: Rethinking Essential DEFinitions and INdices for the Evaluation of Delayed Graft Function.
Total Designated fund available at year ended 5 April 2025 is £592,718
Member Organisations
e Renal Alliance
- e Renal Arts Group e Organ donation stakeholder group
Activities
The fund has had a very busy year. There were many fundraising activities together with outreach in order to increase funds and raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation.
Some of the main activities were:
Organ Donation
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e ‘The Call’ exhibition — highlighting children in need of transplants e City Hall recognition — in honour of ‘Daithi’s Law’ e Slieve Donard climb — part of Organ Donation Week e World Kidney Day o Outreach at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children o Outreach at the Magee Campus of the University of Ulster, Londonderry
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e International Rare Diseases Day
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Raising awareness of rare diseases at The Guildhall, Londonderry
Fundraisers
- e NIKRF relay teams fund raising at the Belfast Marathon e Volunteers served afternoon teas at Billy Old Rectory during the garden open days. Page 5
Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustee’ report Year ended 5 April 2025
e The Waringstown Cavalcade, one of our main fundraising events, took place on the last Friday in June. e Belvoir Players staged a night at the movies e Molecular Epidemiology walking event e Various car and motorbike events In addition a very wide range of events have been run by the families/friends of those suffering from kidney disease. Events e Outreach NIKRF meeting in Ballymoney e Outreach at Balmoral Show e Thanksgiving services and concerts e NI Science Festival e Attendance at Conference for Charity Trustees e Lurgan Show
Financial Review The trustees are satisfied that the Fund is in a sound financial position to meet the commitments of the charity to Research Fellows over the next 3 years and ensure Investment for future research projects. Planned level of Grants awarded will be closely monitored in line with income to maintain a level of free reserves of £1 million.
Charitable Activities
The Trustees approved Grant applications requested by our medical advisors to fund two PhD Scientific Studentships with an estimated cost of £363k over a 2-4 year period (Plan £200k for PhD studentship). The purpose of the funding is to carry out renal research projects at Queen's University Belfast subject to a number of conditions.
A donation of £6,000 from the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund to the Dr Jennifer Bursary Award is reported under Restricted Funds. The balance of £3,366.50 takes account of two Grant applications for £2,633.50 which was approved by the Board.
NIKRF have considered the current financial climate and, with the continued commitment of the charity's fundraising groups supported by their local communities, has raised circa £125k (prior year £141k) and received legacies of £145k. Investment income of £102k continues to perform well.
The Groups are community-based and retain strong links with renal services through the Nephrology Dept. in the Belfast City Hospital. When policies and decisions have to be made about our ongoing research programme and future planning, we are updated and guided by our medical and scientific advisors.
The rising cost of generating voluntary income is in line with the previous year.
The advertising/publicity budget increased in line with the expenditure of £21k last year. This took account of the many additional fundraising events requiring promotional material which were held during the year.
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Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Limited Company limited by guarantee Trustee’ report Year ended 5 April 2025
Future Plans
The Trustees will endeavour to recruit new volunteers and seek to ensure that the Board of Trustees is augmented by the addition of new members who have specific skills and are representative of all our groups.
The revised Articles of Association have been adopted by the Charity Commission and policies including health and safety will be revised.
We will endeavour to fund more quality research in order to meet our objectives to the very best of our ability. The charity medical advisors are very keen to support postgraduate students and scientific staff to undertake kidney research projects. In 2025/26 the NIKRF will be supporting a stipend for a PhD studentship at an estimated £300k over a 3 year period. The outcome will be a strengthening of the scientific base and resilience beneficial to team and patients and satisfying the aims of the charity.
Grant making policy
Applications for grants are made to the fund’s medical advisers. These applications are reviewed against the objectives of the fund and grants are awarded if applicable.
Principal funding sources
The company’s principal source of funding is voluntary income generated from support groups, donations and legacies.
Investment policy The Company has engaged Evelyn Partners as an investment manager to pursuea policy of maximising income whilst maintaining some capital growth.
Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those relating to the operation and finances of the Fund and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to those risks. Risks are considered on an annual basis.
Reserves policy
The company’s policy is to maintain a level of unrestricted funds excluding fixed assets (the free reserves) at approximately a level sufficient to meet the average charitable expenditure and running costs for a period equivalent to six months expenditure, which equates to approximately £168,950 (ignoring any revaluation gains). These “free reserves” amount to a deficit of £468,476 arising from a change in the market value of investments included within fixed assets. The policy is reviewed on an annual basis.
Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others
There are no funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others.
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities The trustees (who are also directors for the purposes of the company law) 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).
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Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustee’ report Year ended 5 April 2025
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have prepared the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of irefand”.
Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of the 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:
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e select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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e observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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e make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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e state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards are FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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e prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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.
Small companies’ exemption
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
By order of the Board JMartin pe one / A giatrn Date: 17 September 2025 Company secretary
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