Charity registration number SC033385 (Scotland)
REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Charity number (Scotland)
SC033385
Principal address
Independent examiner
AAB
Macfarlane Gray House Castlecraig Business Park Stirling FK7 7WT
REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 14 |
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (second edition - October 2019) (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities Charitable purposes
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The study and promotion of local and regional anaesthesia, acute and chronic pain management by encouraging scientific research and the dissemination of information.
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To organise congresses and practical workshops and to publish scientific abstracts.
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To improve the outcome of surgery by the practice of local and regional anaesthesia, for the benefit of the community in the UK.
Summary of activities
The aim of RA-UK is the advancement of the standards and education in Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Management in the United Kingdom. The society runs an Annual Scientific Meeting which teaches the latest scientific evidence and techniques to a large audience of clinicians. Annual membership is offered to various grades of doctor. Other educational activities run by RA-UK include educational sessions at other major Anaesthesia conferences, webinars on topical areas of regional anaesthesia and provision of hands-on workshops at several national conferences. RA-UK has also contributed to several online educational videos which are viewed widely across the globe. RA-UK also collaborates with other national organisations to produce guidelines, consensus statements and research in Regional Anaesthesia. Many RA-UK affiliated local teaching courses are held throughout the UK, which adhere to our high standards of educational delivery. A limited number of educational grants are offered to trainee doctors to fund their attendance at conferences such as the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia Annual Congress. RA-UK also contributes research grants to the National Institute of Academic Anaesthesia if a suitable project is submitted. The Regional Anaesthesia UK app is a popular resource for doctors in anaesthesia.
Achievements and performance
RA-UK has experienced considerable growth over recent years. The society currently has 2082 members, compared to 554 on 30th April 2021. This growth is due to the increased popularity of our Annual Scientific Meeting and other educational activities, combined with a more widespread social media presence. Our Annual Scientific Meeting attracts a combined total of approximately 700 in-person and online delegates. We also offer online postconference educational content which is increasing in popularity. Our educational grants remain popular with Anaesthesia resident Doctors, and we continue to provide funding for the National Institute of Academic Anaesthesia Grant system if suitable research proposals are submitted. RA-UK has contributed to the Regional Anaesthesia chapter in the RCOA ‘Guidelines for Provision of Anaesthesia Services’ document. Educational webinars continue to attract a large online audience. RA-UK has contributed to several research projects which have been published in major peer-reviewed journals.
Financial review
As of 30th April 2025, we have £413,170 within our bank accounts and cash of £1,448 in our investment portfolio. Our overall cash balance has increased by £26,400.
The donation of £30,000 is to the Royal College of Anaesthetists to help fund the NAP8 study. This is a large research project run by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, investigating complications of regional anaesthesia.
Website development costs of £8,808 and app implementation costs of £38,328 in the year have been capitalised and amortised over their useful life.
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details are given in the accounting policy 1.2.
Reserves policy
The charity has general reserves of £362,512. The charity has considered the reserves required and have taken into account their current and future liabilities. The trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately three months of unrestricted charitable expenditure. The trustees consider that this level will provide sufficient funds to cover unexpected ASM payments, losses or grant payments.
Risk management
The principal risk faced by RA-UK is a financial loss from the Annual Scientific Meeting. The yearly ASM requires payment of a deposit to the conference venue and other vendors, and relies on a strong delegate attendance. To mitigate this risk, we plan our venues according to predicted number of delegates and associated predicted income. Insurance for unexpected event cancellation is also purchased each year. Our last three ASMs have made a generous profit, due to high delegate demand from all over the world. In addition, RA-UK now offers a virtual option for the ASM, which provides another revenue stream from those delegates who do not wish to travel. The significant increase in membership numbers also creates a predictable yearly income, which in combination with the healthy reserves balance, leaves RA-UK at low risk, even in the setting of an unexpected financial loss. Variability of investment returns also constitutes risk for RA-UK. This is mitigated by retaining expert investment managers and having a diversified investment portfolio.
Plans for future periods
The 2025 ASM, held in Leeds in May, has proven very popular, with a record number of delegate registrations. The 2026 ASM is scheduled to be in Bristol, and high delegate numbers are expected. RA-UK will also be involved in the delivery of regional anaesthesia educational sessions at other Anaesthesia society meetings including the Royal College of Anaesthetists and Association of Anaesthetists. Local teaching courses will continue to run in conjunction with RA-UK in 2025. RA-UK awaits the next round of grant applications for the National Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, and will contribute research grants to any suitable projects. A new mobile device application has been created which has replaced the educational content in the RA-UK handbook. A new RA-UK website is also under construction. Work will continue on several ongoing research projects which RA-UK are involved with. The 8th National Audit Project from the Royal College of Anaesthetists will focus on complications of Regional Anaesthesia, and RA-UK will be contributing to this important work.
Governing document
The governing document is the constitution of The Society. Proposed amendments are submitted to the membership at least one month in advance of the AGM and a vote taken at the AGM by a show of hands.
Trustees
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Officers are elected for a three year term at the AGM, taking up their posts immediately. In the final year, at least one month in advance of the AGM, nominations are sought from the membership, with a proposer and seconder. A majority vote is then taken at the AGM and the result is announced immediately and published in the minutes. When an election is contested, there is a secret paper ballot, but when not, a show of hands is requested. Officers can stand for a second term of office.
Organisational structure
The RA-UK board consists of a President, President-elect or immediate past president, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, five other elected council members and a trainee council member. At present there are 3 coopted board members: a webmaster, a research lead and a paediatrics lead.
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 trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Trustee
5 January 2026
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 14.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investments (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no other matter except that referred to in the previous paragraph has come to my attention:
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(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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(i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and
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(ii) to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;
have not been met or
- (b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
AAB Macfarlane Gray House Castlecraig Business Park Stirling FK7 7WT
Dated: 5 January 2026
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 49,600 | 116,893 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 365,605 | 285,563 |
| Investments | 4 | 5,470 | 2,471 |
| Total income | 420,675 | 404,927 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Raising funds | 5 | 833 | 918 |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 437,219 | 344,174 |
| Total expenditure | 438,052 | 345,092 | |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | 9 | 1,742 | 2,449 |
| Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds | (15,635) | 62,284 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 May 2024 | 378,147 | 315,863 | |
| Fund balances at 30 April 2025 | 362,512 | 378,147 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 APRIL 2025
| 2025 Notes £ Fixed assets Intangible assets 12 Investments 13 Current assets Debtors 14 116,638 Cash at bank and in hand 413,171 529,809 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 (285,445) Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Unrestricted funds |
2024 £ £ 42,422 75,726 118,148 262,353 386,594 648,947 (344,911) 244,364 362,512 362,512 362,512 |
£ - 74,111 |
|---|---|---|
| 74,111 304,036 |
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| 378,147 | ||
| 378,147 | ||
| 378,147 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 5 January 2026
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Trustee
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Regional Anaesthesia UK is an unincorporated charity.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (second edition - October 2019) (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have reviewed the future funding and activities of the charity. The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Donations
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under gift aid is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income from charitable activities
Income from charitable activities includes income from activities or where entitlement is subject to specific performance conditions is recognised as earned (as the related service is provided).
Investment income
Income from investments is included in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which it is receivable.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for expenditure. All costs have been directly attributed to one of the functional categories of resources expended in the Statement of Financial Activities, the charity is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure is shown gross.
Costs of raising funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income and for the management of the investment portfolio.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
1.6 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill
Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Intangible assets comprise website and app development fees paid in advance. Such assets are defined as having finite useful lives and the costs are amortised on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives of 10 years. Intangible assets are stated at cost less amortisation and are reviewed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the carrying value may be impaired.
Website & app development costs
Over useful life of 10 years
1.7 Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
1.8 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible 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).
1.9 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.10 Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
2 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Sponsorship | 49,600 | 116,893 |
| Charitable activities | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| ASM, course and book income | 283,415 | 216,360 |
| Membership income | 80,690 | 67,988 |
| International membership | 1,500 | 1,215 |
| 365,605 | 285,563 | |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 365,605 | 285,563 |
3 Charitable activities
4 Investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Income from investments | 708 | 1,619 |
| Bank interest | 4,762 | 852 |
| 5,470 | 2,471 |
5 Raising funds
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Investment management | 833 | 918 |
| 833 | 918 |
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| 5 Raising funds 6 Charitable activities Amortisation Management charges ESRA fees ASM costs Course expenditure Research expenditure Book fees, printing and postage Travel Costs Donations paid Grant funding of activities (see note 7) Share of support costs (see note 8) Share of governance costs (see note 8) Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds 7 Grants payable Grants to individuals |
2025 £ - - |
(Continued) 2025 2024 £ £ 4,714 - 4,802 8,927 32,169 34,723 344,993 282,756 6,692 6,624 - 3,049 552 764 4,349 - 30,000 - 428,271 336,843 - 1,577 3,112 2,003 5,836 3,751 437,219 344,174 437,219 344,174 2024 2024 £ £ 1,577 1,577 1,577 1,577 |
(Continued) 2025 2024 £ £ 4,714 - 4,802 8,927 32,169 34,723 344,993 282,756 6,692 6,624 - 3,049 552 764 4,349 - 30,000 - 428,271 336,843 - 1,577 3,112 2,003 5,836 3,751 437,219 344,174 437,219 344,174 2024 2024 £ £ 1,577 1,577 1,577 1,577 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 336,843 1,577 2,003 3,751 |
|||
| 344,174 | |||
| 344,174 | |||
| 2024 £ 1,577 |
|||
| 1,577 |
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
8 Support costs allocated to activities
| Support costs Governance costs £ £ Website expenses 3,011 Bank charges 101 Accountancy 2,262 Legal expenses - 40 Board meetings - 3,534 3,112 5,836 Net gains/(losses) on investments Unrealised gain/(loss) on revaluation of investments Realised gain/(loss) on sale of investments |
2025 Support £ 3,011 101 2,262 40 3,534 8,948 |
costs Governance costs 2024 £ £ £ 1,892 1,892 111 111 - 2,076 2,076 - 40 40 - 1,635 1,635 2,003 3,751 5,754 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 £ £ 1,038 2,911 704 (462) 1,742 2,449 |
|---|---|---|
9 Net gains/(losses) on investments
10 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, but 6 of them were reimbursed a total of £3,534 for board meetings expenses (2024- 6 were reimbursed £1,635 for board meeting expenses).
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
12 Intangible fixed assets
| Intangible fixed assets | |
|---|---|
| Website & app | |
| development | |
| costs | |
| £ | |
| Cost | |
| At 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025 | 47,136 |
| Amortisation and impairment | |
| At 1 May 2024 | - |
| Amortisation charged for the year | 4,714 |
| At 30 April 2025 | 4,714 |
| Carrying amount | |
| At 30 April 2025 | 42,422 |
| At 30 April 2024 | - |
13 Fixed asset investments
| Listed investments Cash in portfolio £ £ Cost or valuation At 1 May 2024 72,486 1,625 Additions 76,878 - Other - (177) Gain/loss 1,741 - Disposals (76,827) - At 30 April 2025 74,278 1,448 Carrying amount At 30 April 2025 74,278 1,448 At 30 April 2024 72,486 1,625 |
Total £ 74,111 76,878 (177) 1,741 (76,827) |
|---|---|
| 75,726 | |
| 75,726 | |
| 74,111 |
Fixed asset investments revalued
The investments are held at revalued amounts, this valuation is provided by Parmenion Capital Partners LLP annually. The cost of the investments as at 30 April 2025 is £74,758 (2024: £74,003).
14 Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Amounts falling due within one year: | £ | £ |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 116,638 | 262,353 |
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Deferred income | 16 | 283,201 | 342,835 |
| Accruals | 2,244 | 2,076 | |
| 285,445 | 344,911 |
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REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
16 Deferred income
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Other deferred income | 283,201 | 342,835 |
| Movements in the year: | ||
| Deferred income at 1 May 2024 | 342,835 | 233,480 |
| Released from previous periods | (342,835) | (233,480) |
| Resources deferred in the year | 283,201 | 342,835 |
| Deferred income at 30 April 2025 | 283,201 | 342,835 |
The deferred income relates to income received in advance for the ASM and courses held in May.
17 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 May 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses At £ £ £ £ General funds 378,147 420,675 (438,052) 1,742 Previous year: At 1 May 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses At £ £ £ £ General funds 315,863 404,927 (345,092) 2,449 |
30 April 2025 £ 362,512 30 April 2024 £ 378,147 |
|---|---|
18 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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