AVSPNI
DIRECTORS. REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for ihe year ended 31 August 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wth the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the
financial statements and comply with the charity'5 Memorandurn and Articles of Assocaation, the Companies Act
2006 and "Accounting and Reportin9 by Charities: Ststement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland (FRS 102)" (effectiv& 1 January 20191.
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects are specifically restricted to the promotion of the followng purposes for the benefit of the
public..
The advancement of education by promoting. managing. C￿ordInating, and developing a programme for
education of Veterinary Surgeons who are in practice in Northem Ireland or elsewhere:
The advancement of animal welfare by representing and advocating for Veterinary Surgeons and animals
in need of care and protection-, and
The advancement of health or the saving of lives of veterinary practsknoners in Northem Ireland who are
suffering frorn. have suffered from or are ai risk of mental or physlcal health problems for the benefit of the
public parti¢ulady by the dissemination of infomiation and assistance wtthin the veterinary profession.
Ther8 has been no change in the policies adopted in furtherance of these objects during the year.
The charity aims to fulfill irs objectives through the followng=
the provision of training courses and adwce and to publish or distribute in a suitable formac
to be a member of and Coryoperate with all such bodies, organisations and associations. whether within
Northern Ireland and United Kingdom or no( as may be thought fft by the directors.,
to raise fijnds by subscrtption, donations. grants, loans or otherwse tor Ihe purposes of 1he chanty.
The director5 have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the
chartty should undertake.
A¢hievements and perfomianco
In this financial year AVSPNI has delivered 2 x multFday conferences - one for Small Animal vets and vet nurses
and one for Small Animal and Large Animal vets. plus 7 evening meetings and 1 full day of education and
ne￿orking.
AVSPNI ha5 engaged wth organisations and V￿rf(ing groups including, but not limited to the Department of
Agriculture. Environment and Rural Affairs IDAERAI., the Agri-Food and Bi￿ScienCeS Institute (AFBII,. Animal Health
and Welfare Northern Ireland IAHWNII. British Catue Veterinary Association {BCVA}: The Soaety of Practising
Veterinary Surgeons ISPVS),. The North of Ireland Veterinary Associalion (NIVAI,. Rural Support- Ulster Farrners
Union {UFUI' Royal Co118ge of Veterinary Surgeons IRCVS).. RCVS Knowledge - Fami Vp.t Champions.. Young Vet
Ne￿Ork {YVN-Nll., Veterinary Ireland; LANTRA Coun￿1,. VetNI Board: Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Implementation Group
(BVDIG),. TB Stakeholder Working Group ffBSWGI" Animal Health and Welfare Stakeholders Forum {AHWSF).' the
Livestock and Meat Commission ILMC): Vet Support Northem Ireland.. British Small Animal Veterinary Association
(BSAVA}' Veterinary Practice Managers A550aalion (VPMAI" Northem IreEand Sheep Scab Group: The Links
Group,. Harper Adams University: the British Veterinary Association (BVA),. The College of Agriculture. Foord and
RuTal Enterprise (CAFRE).
Ongoing engagement with the bodies listed above is anticipated in the coming year. AVSPNI also initiated
Graduate Developmpnl PmgrammÈ - a series of full and practical days, training with topics careful chosen to upskill
and build confidence for new veterinary graduates wofking in Northem Ireland. This series of events rolled out from
September 2023 but the planning took place in financial year ending 31stAugUSt 2023.
AVSPNI remains flexible and able to respond quickty to amend its programme of education io meet changing
needs. e.g. novel disease challenges.

AVSPNI
DIRECTORS. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Financial review
The results are set out in detsil on pages 5 to 11. The company retumed net incoming resour￿ for the year of
£6,249 (2022: £37.4491 leawng unrestricted funds of £436.402 (2022: £430,153).
The unrestricted ftjnds are considered to be essential to provide sufficient funds to cover any unforeseen costs
which may arise and fulfil le9al obligations of the charity in the event that current levels of ino)me are not
maintained.
1115 the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be
maintsined at a level equivalent to belween three and six month's expenditure. The directors Consider that reserves
at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in fijnding. they will be able to continue the Gharity's
current aclivilies while ￿nsideratiOn is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves
has been maintained throughout the year.
Structure, governance and management
The charitsble company is govemed by Tls Memorandum and Artides of Assouation. The company is not for profit
and limited by guarantee.
The directors who served during the year and up to the dats of signature of the finanoal statements were:
Mr P Walsh
Mr M Watts
Mrs M Spahn-Holmes
Mr I Smith
Mr K Sheridan
Mr S O'Kanè
Mr S Muffay
Mr K McKeeman
Mrs P Hart
Mr C Carr
Mrs L Hamitton
Mr M Allison
MrGBel
Mr L Fitzsimons
Ms K Henderson
Mr C Mccrea
Ms S Menzies
The charity is govemed by its Board of Director5 who meet regularly.
None of the directors has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the directors are members of the company
and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
This report has been prepared in accordance the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the sma
companies. exemption.
The directo¥s' report was approved by the Board of Directors.
Mr P Walsh
Director