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2026-01-31-accounts

Scottish Charity No. SC048937

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

SCOTTISH CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (SCIO)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

Henderson Black & Co

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
and Income and Expenditure Account
Balance Sheet 7
Cash flow statement 8
Notes to the financial statements 9 - 11

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2026.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 of the accounts and comply with the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), the constitution of the charity 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) effective 1 January 2019.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The organisations charitable purposes are:

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Achievements in 2025-26

In March 2025 the Society organised its third Trustees Seminar, held over 2 days, attended by 9 of the 11 trustees and the business manager.

The Society returned to Stirling University for its Annual Congress attended by over 60 delegates over the course of 2 days either in person or virtually. Speakers from England, Wales and N. Ireland shared their experiences of working in Environmental Health and various speakers from the public, private and academic sectors presented a range of topics related to Environmental Health.

One of the most important roles carried out by our trustees is to represent the Society at meetings with the Scottish Government, agencies, various local authority groups and non-governmental organisations. During 2025-26 the trustees engaged with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s Health and Safety Division, Food Standards Scotland (SAFER Programme Board), Scottish Funding, REHIS and many other governmental agencies.

Joint work by the Society and the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland has resulted in the continuing development of a career pathway for entering the environmental health, aimed at combatting current workforce issues.

In the year to 31 January 2026, the Society provided £6,272 in financial support to the training of student Environmental Health Officers and £11,959 for the training of Food Safety Officers. In addition to this, we ensured that all 3[rd] year environmental health students at the University of the West of Scotland were offered a one-year training placement with a suitable local authority. The training placement requires all third-year students to be placed with a suitable training authority and complete a detailed training plan. Members of the Society across Scotland have fully supported this scheme, providing training free of charge, while the Society has reimbursed the local authorities for “out-of-pocket” expenses incurred during the training period.

The Society has contributed £2,925 towards the continuing development/management training of qualified staff.

Plans for 2026-27

1

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The SCIO’s main sources of income are derived from an annual subscription paid by 32 Scottish Local Authorities and from interest on funds deposited in 3 savings accounts. In addition, the SCIO receives regular donations from Food Standards Scotland which are mainly restricted for the purposes of supporting and organising training in Environmental Health and Food Safety for students, graduate trainees, modern apprentices and local authority staff.

The surplus for the year to 31 January 2026 was £9,413 (2025 – deficit £36,261).

RESERVES POLICY

Total funds held at 31 January 2026 were £422,555 (2025 - £413,142) of which £339,521 (2025 £346,039) is held for restricted purposes.

Unrestricted funds, which are available for the general purposes of the charity, were £83,034 (2024 £67,103).

The Society’s policy is to retain sufficient funds to pay its self employed Business Manager all sums due under the charity’s contract with him plus the unrecoverable costs of cancelling meetings paid for in advance due to unforeseen circumstances. The level of reserves required to meet these obligations was increased in 2023 to £12,500, the trustees have decided that this sum does not require to be increased this year. The Society will also commit sufficient funds to ensure that local authorities training EH and FSO students will receive financial reimbursement of training costs they have incurred.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The organisation is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). It was registered in its current legal form on the 7 January 2019. The charity was previously an unincorporated association. The assets of the unincorporated association were transferred to the SCIO on the 28 March 2019.

The SCIO has a single tier structure and as such the trustees are members of the charity.

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees are elected at the annual general meeting (AGM). There must be a minimum of five and a maximum of eleven trustees. The Board may at any time appoint a trustee to fill any vacancy which arises during the period between one AGM and the next. A person is not eligible for election/appointment to the Board unless they are a member of the Society.

2

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Name: Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland (SOCOEHS) Charity registration number: SC048937 Charity address: Nether Findas Cupar Fife KY15 5PQ Office bearers: Chair Craig Brown Vice Chair Lisa McCann Honorary Treasurer Brian Lawrie (to 9 October 2025) Nigel Kerr (from 9 October 2025) Honorary Secretary James Crawshaw (to 9 October 2025) Lynn Crothers (from 9 October 2025) Business Development Manager Fraser Thomson

Trustees:

The following have served as trustees from 1 February 2025 to the date of approval of the Accounts:

Craig Brown Elaine Cavanagh (from 9 October 2025) James Crawshaw (resigned 9 October 2025) Lynn Crothers Mark Finlay (from 9 October 2025) Nigel Kerr Brian Lawrie (resigned 9 October 2025) Stewart Mackenzie (from 1 March 2025) Lisa McCann Martin McNab Alan Morrison Hazel Stevenson Alan Yates Independent Examiner: Louise F McKay, CA Henderson Black & Co Chartered Accountants Edenbank House 22 Crossgate Cupar Fife KY15 5HW

3

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

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).

In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:

-state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity which enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They 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 trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This report was approved on 29 July 2026.

Signed on behalf of trustees

…………………………………… …………………………………… Craig Brown Nigel Kerr Chair Trustee

4

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 January 2026 which are set out on pages 6 to 11.

Respective Responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (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 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine and report on the accounts under section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

This report is made to the trustees, as a body, in accordance with the terms of my engagement. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the trustees for my work or for this report.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, 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 accounts.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In the course of my examination no matter has come to my attention:

  1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. To keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44 (1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and

  3. To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or

  4. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Louise F McKay, CA Partner Henderson Black & Co Chartered Accountants

20/08/2026

Edenbank House 22 Crossgate CUPAR Fife KY15 5HW

5

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

Note
Income:
Donations and legacies:
Subscriptions
Charitable activities:
Annual Congress
Investment income:
Bank interest
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
3
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
The notes on page 9 to 11 form part of these a
Unrestricted
Restricted
2026
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
27,200
-
27,200
7,845
-
7,845
12,125
-
12,125
Unrestricted
Restricted
2025
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
22,400
-
22,400
6,956
-
6,956
9,499
-
9,499
47,170
-
47,170
38,855
-
38,855
31,239
6,518
37,757
25,380
49,736
75,116
31,239
6,518
37,757
25,380
49,736
75,116
15,931
(6,518)
9,413
-
-
-
13,475
(49,736)
(36,261)
-
-
-
15,931
(6,518)
9,413
13,475
(49,736)
(36,261)
67,103
346,039
413,142
53,628
395,775
449,403
83,034
339,521
422,555
67,103
346,039
413,142
ccounts.

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derived from activities which will continue after the year end.

6

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JANUARY 2026

Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Note
Funds
Funds
2026
£
£
£
Current assets:
Debtors and prepayments
5
-
-
-
Cash at bank and in hand
85,073
346,796
431,869
Total current assets
85,073
346,796
431,869
Liabilities:
6
(2,039)
(7,275)
(9,314)
Net current assets
83,034
339,521
422,555
Total net assets
83,034
339,521
422,555
The funds of the charity:
7
Restricted funds
-
339,521
339,521
Unrestricted funds
83,034
-
83,034
83,034
339,521
422,555
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Note
Funds
Funds
2026
£
£
£
Current assets:
Debtors and prepayments
5
-
-
-
Cash at bank and in hand
85,073
346,796
431,869
Total current assets
85,073
346,796
431,869
Liabilities:
6
(2,039)
(7,275)
(9,314)
Net current assets
83,034
339,521
422,555
Total net assets
83,034
339,521
422,555
The funds of the charity:
7
Restricted funds
-
339,521
339,521
Unrestricted funds
83,034
-
83,034
83,034
339,521
422,555
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
£
£
£
1,190
-
1,190
67,908
365,027
432,935
85,073
346,796
431,869
69,098
365,027
434,125
(2,039)
(7,275)
(9,314)
(1,995)
(18,988)
(20,983)
83,034
339,521
422,555
67,103
346,039
413,142
83,034
339,521
422,555
67,103
346,039
413,142
-
339,521
339,521
83,034
-
83,034
-
346,039
346,039
67,103
-
67,103
83,034
339,521
422,555
67,103
346,039
413,142

The notes on page 9 to 11 form part of these accounts.

These financial statements wer approved by Trustees on 27 July 2026 and signed on their behalf by:

----- Start of picture text -----
…………………………………………………………
----- End of picture text -----

………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………… Craig Brown Nigel Kerr Chair Trustee Charity Registration No SC048937

7

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

Total
Funds
2026
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities
(13,191)
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
12,125
Net cash provided by investing activities
12,125
(1,066)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
432,935
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
431,869
2026
£
Net income for the year
9,413
(as per the statement of financal activities)
Adjustments for:
Bank interest received
(12,125)
Decrease in debtors
1,190
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(11,669)
Net cash used in operating activities
(13,191)
Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1
February
Cash-
Non cash
2025
flows
changes
£
£
£
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash at bank and in hand
432,935
(1,066)
-
432,935
(1,066)
-
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents comprise of bank balances.
Total
Funds
2026
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities
(13,191)
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
12,125
Net cash provided by investing activities
12,125
(1,066)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
432,935
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
431,869
2026
£
Net income for the year
9,413
(as per the statement of financal activities)
Adjustments for:
Bank interest received
(12,125)
Decrease in debtors
1,190
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(11,669)
Net cash used in operating activities
(13,191)
Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1
February
Cash-
Non cash
2025
flows
changes
£
£
£
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash at bank and in hand
432,935
(1,066)
-
432,935
(1,066)
-
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents comprise of bank balances.
Prior
year
2025
£
(35,518)
9,499
9,499
(26,019)
458,954
432,935
2025
£
(36,261)
(9,499)
20
10,222
(35,518)
At 31
January
2026
£
431,869
432,935
(1,066)
-
431,869

8

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

1. Accounting policies

Charity information

The Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland (SOCOEHS) is a registered charity, governed by its constitution. It is a registered charity with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. The registered office is Nether Findas, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5PQ.

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

1.1 Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by 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, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Charities and Trustee Investment Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties over the ability to continue as a going concern. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

The functional currency is £ sterling. Figures are rounded to the nearest pound.

1.2 Funds

Funds treated as restricted funds are those where the donor has imposed a legally binding restriction on the use of funds, or where the trustees and the donor have together agreed that the funds be used for a specific purpose.

Unrestricted funds consist of funds which the charity may use for its purpose at its discretion.

1.3 Income recognition

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

1.4 Expenditure recognition

Expenditure is recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.

1.5 Irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.

1.6 Financial instruments

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial assets (which include cash and bank balances) and basic financial liabilities (which include creditors) are initially measured at the amount receivable or payable including any transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Basic financial assets/liabilities, classified as receivable/payable within one year, are not amortised.

1.7 Donated services and facilities

The value of work done by trustees in giving their time for meetings and other matters on behalf of the charity is not reflected in the accounts as it cannot be quantified.

1.8 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains applied to its charitable activities.

9

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

2 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Accruals: Charity Trustees estimate the requirements for accruals using post year end information. This identifies costs that are expected to be incurred for services provided by other parties. Accruals are only released when there is a reasonable expectation that these costs will not be invoiced in the future.

3 Charitable activities

Annual Congress
Business Manager fees and expenses
Student subsidies
FSO training
ILM training
Modern apprentice
Website
Marketing
Computer and equipment
Bank charges
Independent examination fees
Other expenses
Unrestricted
Restricted
2026
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
8,229
-
8,229
14,123
-
14,123
-
6,272
6,272
-
246
246
2,925
-
2,925
-
-
-
284
-
284
1,425
-
1,425
321
-
321
81
-
81
882
-
882
2,969
-
2,969
Unrestricted
Restricted
2025
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
8,137
-
8,137
13,363
-
13,363
-
15,438
15,438
-
18,673
18,673
-
-
-
-
15,625
15,625
225
-
225
-
-
-
210
-
210
77
-
77
1,140
-
1,140
2,228
-
2,228
31,239
6,518
37,757
25,380
49,736
75,116

4 Trustees and related parties

Expenses of £1,235 (2025 £nil) were paid to trustees for travel and conference fees.

Expenses of £545 (2025 - £299) were paid to the Business Manager for travel and office expenses.

No donations were received from Trustees in the year (2025 £nil).

The key management personnel of the charity are the Trustees and Business Manager. Total remuneration paid to key management personnel during the year was £13,578 (2025 - £13,064).

5 Debtors

Debtors
Trade debtors 2026
2025
£
£
-
1,190
-
1,190

6 Creditors due within one year

Trade creditors
Accruals
2026
2025
£
£
8,414
20,083
900
900
9,314
20,983

10

THE SOCIETY OF CHIEF OFFICERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND (SOCOEHS)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2026

7 Funds

Unrestricted funds:
General fund
Restricted funds
Training fund - Trainee Food Safety Officers
Training fund - Practical training
Total Funds
Designated fund - Cancellation and contractual
obligation fund
Balance at
Balance at
1 February
31 January
2025
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
2026
£
£
£
£
£
54,603
47,170
(31,239)
-
70,534
12,500
-
-
-
12,500
67,103
47,170
(31,239)
-
83,034
194,071
-
(246)
-
193,825
151,968
-
(6,272)
-
145,696
346,039
-
(6,518)
-
339,521
413,142
47,170
(37,757)
-
422,555
Unrestricted funds:
General fund
Restricted funds
Training fund - Trainee Food Safety Officers
Training fund - Practical training
Total Funds
Designated fund - Cancellation and contractual
obligation fund
Balance at
Balance at
1 February
31 January
2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
2025
£
£
£
£
£
41,128
38,855
(25,380)
-
54,603
12,500
-
-
-
12,500
53,628
38,855
(25,380)
-
67,103
228,369
-
(34,298)
-
194,071
167,406
-
(15,438)
-
151,968
395,775
-
(49,736)
-
346,039
449,403
38,855
(75,116)
-
413,142

Purpose of unrestricted funds

The general fund is for the general purposes of the charity.

Designated funds

The cancellation and contractual obligation fund is a designated fund sufficient to cover any cancellation penalty for pre booked courses and seminars and any contractual obligations to the Business Manager.

Purpose of restricted funds

Training fund - Practical training is funding received from Food Standards Scotland for the sponsorship of practical training of modern apprentices, students and trainees in environmental health (including food safety and regulatory services). Funds will be disbursed mainly to local authorities undertaking said training but may also be paid to a university, college or an individual who has incurred costs as a consequence of their academic or work place training required by an approved professional development scheme.

Training fund - Trainee Food Safety Officers is funding received from Food Standard Scotland to support the training of Food Safety Officers.

11