Charity registration number 289541
Company registration number 01794511 (England and Wales)
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 14
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
15
Independent examiner's report
16
Statement of financial activities
17
Balance sheet
18
Notes to the financial statements
19 - 27
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 1 -

The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2024.

 

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 Memorandum and Articles , the Companies Act 2006 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).

 

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

 

Trustees

 

The trustees of the charity, who are also the directors of the company, are the Officers and other elected members of the Council of the Society as shown below. Council is the Society's governing body and consists of the Trustees as well as co-opted and ex-officio members. The members of Council which have held office since 1 July 2023 are as follows:

 

Officers

Prof A Lim    President (from December 2022)

Dr P Cantin    President-Elect (from December 2022)

Mrs C Kirkpatrick    Development Officer (from December 2018)

Dr Sian Curtis    Honorary Secretary (from December 2022)

Dr Piero Miloro    Honorary Treasurer (from December 2022)

 

Elected members

Dr Nigel Grunshaw        (appointed January 2021, re-elected until December 2025)

Dr Jeanette Kraft        (appointed January 2021, re-elected until December 2025)

Mr Andrew Lee        (appointed January 2023 until December 2025)

Dr Pauline Mitchell        (appointed January 2023 until December 2025)

Mr Stephen Moore        (appointed January 2022 until December 2024)

Mrs Ruth Reeve        (appointed January 2023 until December 2025)

Ms Shaunna Smith        (appointed January 2022 until December 2024)

 

Ex-officio members

Mr Colin Griffin        Senior Editor of the Journal (appointed December 2021, re-appointed December 2023)

Dr P Verma        Chair of Physics & Safety Committee (appointed December 2020)

Dr Barry Ward        Chair of the 2023 ASM Organising Committee

 

Co-opted Members

Dr Robin Hughes     (appointed December 2021)

Dr Andrew Logan     (appointed March 2023)

 

The principal address of the charity and the registered office of the company are at 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AX. The charity is registered under the charity number 289541, and the company is incorporated with the company registration number 01794511.

 

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 2 -
Objectives and activities

 

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS (Continued)

 

Advisers

 

The trustees have made the following professional appointments:

 

Solicitor:             McCloy Legal, 4 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire                     BA15 1JS

 

Accountant:             SBM & Co, 24 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2JW

 

Independent Examiner:        SBM & Co, 24 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2JW

 

Bankers:             Unity Trust Bank, 9 Brindleyplace, Birmingham B12HB

 

HR Advisers             RBS Mentor Services Limited, 36 St Andrew Square,                         Edinburgh EH2 2YB

 

Investment Manager:         Courtiers Investment Services Limited, 18a Hart Street,                     Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2AU

 

During the year the following permanent members of staff formed the Secretariat of the Society and were responsible for the day-to-day running and management of the charity.

 

Ms E Tucker     Chief Operating Officer

Mrs H Edwards    Professional Officer (employment ended 31st July 2024)

Mrs D Holdcroft Professional Officer (commenced 1st July 2024)

Mrs J Whyte     Financial Officer

Mrs T Clarke     Office Administrator

Miss C Scott     Events & Marketing Co-ordinator

Mrs M Worthington Marketing & Communications Officer (employment ended 31st May 2024)

Miss L Messenger    Trainee Events and Projects Assistant (commenced 5th August 2024)

 

 

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

 

Status and history

BMUS is a registered charity, and a company limited by guarantee, not having share capital. Every member undertakes to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of the charity being wound-up during the period of membership, or within one year thereafter.

 

BMUS is a charitable, multi-disciplinary Society, whose healthcare professional members include radiologists, sonographers, obstetricians, physicists, veterinarians and others.

 

Originating in 1969 as an informal ultrasound group, the Society took its present name in 1977 when it became affiliated to the World and European Federations of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology ("WFUMB"). It was incorporated on 23 February 1984, and became a registered charity on 5 June 1984.

 

BMUS is governed by the rules and regulations set down in its company Memorandum and Articles of Association as last updated in December 2022.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 3 -

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (Continued)

 

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

 

The trustees of the charity, who are also the directors of the company, are the Officers and members of the Council of the Society.

 

Recruitment, Appointment & Election

The majority of the Council members are elected by the Society's membership. Members are advised six months prior to the Annual General Meeting of vacancies arising on the Council for the following year and given the opportunity to nominate individuals for these vacant posts. The Council may also collectively nominate individuals for these posts; particularly in circumstances where it is felt specific skills are desirable in relation to a new member of the Council. Should the number of nominations for any post exceed the number of vacancies for any post, there is an online ballot with all members of BMUS having one vote per vacancy. The ballot is conducted under the direction of a returning officer, appointed by the Council, who is not a candidate in the election. Results are announced at the Society's Annual General Meeting.

 

Induction and training of new trustees

 

New trustees are sent details of their responsibilities under the requirements of Charity Law, using the guidance materials supplied by the Charity Commission. All Directors are made aware of their responsibilities under the Companies Acts. New and existing Council members are kept up to date, by the Operations & Development Manager on any new developments in relation to their training needs.

 

Organisational structure

 

The Council of BMUS, which acts as its supreme governing Board, comprises of up to 18 UK-resident members consisting of:

 

 

Whilst the Council members' roles may differ somewhat, all members vote pari passu, unless a casting vote is required, the exercise of which is at the discretion of the President who acts as Chair of Council. The overall strategic direction of BMUS is determined by the Council which takes all the key decisions in relation to the charitable activities of the Society. The 12 Trustees of the charity, who are also the Directors of the company, are the Officers and elected members of the Council.

 

The Council comprises at least two medical practitioners, at least two sonographers, and at least two physical scientists. In the event of a dispute arising as to which category a member falls into, the decision of the Council is final. The Journal Editor, who is appointed by the Council, serves for two years and is eligible for reappointment for a further period of two years.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 4 -

The Officers and the Council meet formally three times each year with the Operations & Development Manager, Professional Officer and Financial Officer in attendance.

 

The Officers have specific responsibilities in relation to the governance of the Society, and work closely with the Secretariat to pursue the goals of the charity. The day-to-day management of the activities of BMUS is delegated by the Council to the Secretariat under the principal stewardship of the Operations & Development Manager to whom the office-based staff and volunteers report. The Operations & Development Manager is accountable in the first instance to the Officers of the Council, and is responsible for key operational matters and developing strategic goals into workable annual plans of work for BMUS. Additionally, the Financial Officer and Professional Officer work closely with the Officers to ensure effective governance of the charity. The President acts as line-manager for the Operations & Development Manager and Professional Officer, the Honorary Treasurer acts as line-manager for the Financial Officer.

 

In addition to regular meetings of the Officers of the Council and the Council itself, since January 2017 the Council has operated one single committee comprising of four sub-groups; each of which has specific roles and responsibilities, and each of which is able to advise the Council in relation to their specific areas of expertise.

 

Scientific & Education Committee

 

The Scientific & Education Committee advises the Council on matters relating to the development, practice, teaching and monitoring of ultrasound in the various fields where it is used for clinical or research purposes. The committee meets twice a year and comprises of four sub groups – Editorial, Physics & Safety, Professional Development and Education. Additionally, there are 3 Clinical Subgroups namely PoCUS, Veterinary and Obstetrics. The President-Elect acts as chairman of the Scientific & Education Committee for a term of two years. The role of the committee is to oversee and bring together the work of the seven sub groups,

 

The structure of the seven sub groups is as follows:

 

i) Education Group

 

The Education Group plan and create the programme of BMUS workshops / study days and contribute to the programme for the Annual Scientific Meeting, The group is also responsible for the assessment of applications for course endorsement. The Education Group meets two times a year, and submits written minutes and reports to the Council following each meeting. The group works closely with the other groups which make up the Scientific & Education Committee to ensure that all BMUS activities are of a quality expected by the membership.

 

The current membership of the Education Group is as follows:

 

Dr Peter Cantin    Chair

Dr Adam Aboalkaz

Dr Salman Javed Arain

Prof Richard Beese

Dr Richard Brindley

Dr Anna Maria Deganello

Mrs Alexandra Drought

Ms Kerry Green

Mr Colin Griffin        

Dr Nigel Grunshaw

 

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 5 -

Mr Gerry Johnson        

Mrs Catherine Kirkpatrick

Dr Jeanette Kraft

Dr Andrew Logan

Mr Mark Maybury

Miss Aia Mehdi

Ms Eimer Robinson

Mrs Borsha Sarker

Ms Roxanne Sicklen

Miss Shaunna Smith

Mrs Cathy Stewart

Ms Helen Varley

Dr Barry Ward

Dr Adrian Wong

Ms Tanyah Ewen         SVT representative

Mrs Hazel Edwards        BMUS Professional Officer

Dr Mike Smith        CSP representative

Mr Tim Palarm        Industry representative - Canon Medical Systems (by invitation)

 

 

ii. Professional Standards Group

 

The group review and contribute to publications and guidelines on ultrasound topics of a general nature and which may affect the general practice of BMUS members. The Professional Standards Group meets two times a year, and submits written minutes and reports to the Council following each meeting. The group works closely with the other groups which make up the Scientific & Education Committee to ensure that all BMUS activities are of a quality expected by the membership.

 

The current membership of the Professional Standards Group is as follows:

 

Mrs Catherine Kirkpatrick Chair

Dr Adam Aboalkaz         

Dr Peter Cantin             

Miss Alexandra Drought    

Mrs Farrah Elsaghir    

Dr Anmol Gangi                         

Mrs Alison Hall                

Mr Gerry Johnson                

Mrs Susannah Lightfoot            

Ms Amanda Parry                

Ms Roxanne Sicklen            

Mrs Hilary Brooke-Clarke

Mr Mark Charnock    

Dr Anthony Eka

Mrs Helen French

Mr Colin Griffin         

Mrs Sally-Anne Hill

Dr Ahmed Khan

Mr Stephen Moore     

Ms Ruth Reeve

Ms Morag Stout

Dr Trish Chudleigh     Special Advisor

Mrs Hazel Edwards BMUS professional Officer

Miss Gill Harrison     SCoR representative

Mr Mike Smith      CSP Representative

 

 

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 6 -

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (Continued)

Clinical Interest Groups

 

Obstetrics

Musculoskeletal (MSK

Veterinary

 

 

 

Dr T Chudleigh (Chair)

E Barnes

Mrs A Lloyd-Jones (Chair)

Dr U Agrawal

C Berry

A Bebbington

Dr Anne Marie Coady

E Berry

J Burnage

Ms A Drought

L Boucher

G Catlow

Dr N Dudley

L Bradley

N Casey

Ms G Harrison (SCoR)

R Brindley

D Chambers

Prof C Lees

M Charnock

B Clarke

Dr Rita Phillips

K Cronin

S Cowan

Ms E Skelton

C Drury

N Dickinson

 

K Foster

C Edwards

 

A Gapper

N Garrett

 

K Green

M Gurney

 

A Hall

W Humphreys

 

K Jan

J Hunt

 

G Johnson

G Jones

 

J Leddy

R Littler

 

A Longmead

S McMurrough

 

M Maybury

M Overend

 

S Moore

G Ponte

 

P O’Riordan

C Skillman

 

A Parry

N Summerfield

 

E Robinson

H Yeates

 

S Savage

 

 

J Saxelby

 

 

A Shah

 

 

K Simm

 

 

M Smith

 

 

A Syed

 

 

H Ubhi

 

 

R Wakefield

 

 

L Waring

 

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 7 -

Editorial Group

 

The Editorial Group plans, oversees the production and has editorial control of the BMUS journal, Ultrasound. The Editorial Group meets two times a year and submits written minutes and reports to the Council following each meeting. The group works closely with the other groups which make up the Scientific & Education Committee to ensure that the Ultrasound journal is of the quality expected by the membership.

 

The current membership of the Editorial Group is as follows:

 

Mr Colin Griffin        Chair         

Dr Timothy Canavan

Mr Stavros Daoukas

Dr Nick Dudley

Ms Michelle Fenech

Ms Glenda Mclean        

Dr Pauline Mitchell

Mrs Penny Moores

Dr Kalyana Murali        

Dr David Oxborough

Mrs Kate Smith    

Ms Emily Kent        Sage Publications

 

iii) Physics & Safety Group

 

The Physics & Safety Group’s remit is to provide informed advice to the President and the Council of BMUS on matters of medical physics and ultrasound safety, to inform the BMUS membership about medical physics and safety issues, and to be a focus for action in the UK in matters of medical physics and ultrasound safety. In addition it reviews the current literature on safety matters. The Physics & Safety Group regularly publishes a statement on the "Safe use, and potential hazards of diagnostic ultrasound", and has produced two guidelines, one on "The management of safety when using volunteers and patients for practical training in ultrasound scanning", and a second for the "Safe use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment". This second guideline document includes guidance on the use of the safety indices (Thermal Index and Mechanical Index) that are displayed on modern imaging equipment, and contains a rationale for the recommendations made. These documents are available on the BMUS website.

 

The current membership of the Physics & Safety Group is as follows:

 

Dr Prashant Verma    Chair

Mr Kingsley Ajibo

Dr Gail ter Haar

Mrs Donna Holdcroft

Prof Christoph Lees

Dr Piero Miloro

Mr David Rowland         

Dr Caroline Shaw

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 8 -

Related parties

 

BMUS works with the following connected organisations:

 

CASE - Consortium for Accreditation of Sonographic Education

BMUS is one of seven parent bodies that are represented at CASE meetings.

 

EFSUMB - European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology

This is a European network of ultrasound societies, of which BMUS is a member. BMUS pays a subscription annually to EFSUMB, and undertakes various projects in cooperation with EFSUMB.

 

WFUMB - World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology

This is an international network of ultrasound societies, of which EFSUMB is a member.

 

All members of BMUS have the opportunity to attend EFSUMB and WFUMB meetings.

 

Risk & Corporate Governance Matters

 

Decisions are made by the Council, and consequently, the Council is responsible for identifying the risks to which the Society is exposed or potentially exposed in relation to any decision or series of decisions. The Council seeks to ensure that appropriate systems, procedures, and controls are put in place to avoid or adequately minimise all risks. A Risk Assessment Document is reviewed annually by the Council. The Chief Operating Officer assists the Council in identifying new risks as they arise, and is responsible for keeping the Risk Assessment Document up to date. The Council delegates certain responsibilities to Officers, the Chief Operating Officer / Financial Officer / Professional Officer or BMUS staff in line with a Delegated Authorities Matrix.

 

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

 

Objectives and aims

 

The charitable objectives for which the charity was established are as follows:

 

  1. The advancement of the science and technology of ultrasonics as applied in medicine, and the maintenance of high standards in these fields.

  2. The advancement of education in the said science and technology, and allied science and technology in the provision of advice and information to the public in these fields.

  3. The advancement of research in the said science and technology and the publication of the results of such research.

Charitable Activities

 

In pursuance of its overall charitable objectives, the Society’s principal charitable activity is the dissemination of information as it relates to any and all of the fields that pertain to its charitable objectives.

 

Each year this activity is undertaken in a number of ways, including:

 

  1. the organisation of educational workshops, study days and meetings throughout the UK, and the provision of fora to discuss issues relevant to medical ultrasound;

  2. the publication and distribution to all members of a quarterly journal, “Ultrasound”; the issue of guidance to members on the application of ultrasound to medicine;

  3. support of education and research into applications of ultrasound in medicine through award schemes;

  4. support of educational issues in ultrasound through representation on CASE (the Consortium for Accreditation of Sonographic Education).

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 9 -

Significant activities

 

Indicators, Milestones & Benchmarks

 

The Council uses a range of measures each year to assess the performance of BMUS in achieving its charitable objectives. These include:

 

 

Public Benefit

 

The trustees have taken The Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit (contained within the guidance publication "Charities and Public Benefit") into consideration in preparing their statements on public benefit contained within this trustees' annual report.

 

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)

 

Benefits & Beneficiaries

 

In accordance with its charitable objectives, the Society strives to advance the science and technology of ultrasonics as applied in medicine, and to maintain high standards, to advance education and to advance research in these fields. In doing so, the Society seeks to improve the quality of medical care for the benefit of patients. The charity's ultimate beneficiaries are therefore patients, and benefits to patients are provided through continuing dissemination of information in relation to the Society's specialty.

 

Trustees' Assessment of Public Benefit

 

The trustees seek to make the science and usage of ultrasound more accessible to the general public; indeed membership of the Society is open to all interested members of the public on payment of the relevant membership fee. In addition the trustees strive to ensure that medical knowledge and advancement in ultrasound practice is available to the general public through the Society's website which provides patient information and links to other free sources of information. Timely comment on important issues relating to the use of ultrasound is highlighted on the website, particularly issues of concern for the general public.

 

The Society considers that it continues to show public benefit in line with its charitable objectives

 

Grantmaking

 

The Society finances a number of awards to support education and research.

 

The revised Innovation Award (previously Pump Priming Grant) is intended to embrace any initiative that furthers the aims and objectives of BMUS. The Scientific and Education Committee assesses applications for this award and makes recommendations to the Council, whose decision is final and binding. The Innovation Award holders are expected to produce a written report for the Journal on the work undertaken or to give a presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting.

 

The revised Innovation Award had not yet been awarded and the pump priming grant was last awarded in 2016/2017.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 10 -

Prizes are awarded for the best posters and oral presentations at the Annual Scientific Meeting each year. Posters are judged by the Scientific and Education Committee. Oral presentations are assessed by the session chairmen.

 

Sponsorship for a BMUS member to participate in the Young Investigator's session at the annual Euroson Congress is awarded to one of the oral presentation winners. All awards and prizes are open to members of the Society. Criteria for applications and assessment are available to all via the website.

 

The Young Investigator prize for 2024 will be awarded following ‘Ultrasound 2024’ Annual Scientific Meeting being held through 10th – 12th December 2024.

 

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

 

Activities & Events

 

The specific aims set for 2023/2024 have been achieved and progressed.

 

BMUS held 8 study days during the period July 2023 - June 2024. Again, this was a mix of new and repeat events. As a multi-disciplinary society, we aim to cater to a wide range of specialties, and this is reflected in our education programme.

 

BMUS continues to seek feedback on demand for specific topics; this is invaluable when planning our programme of events.

 

Demand for the BMUS Endorsement of courses has decreased significantly due to the revision of the BMUS Endorsement Policy, as external agencies are now able to award their own CPD under the principles of CPD credits as agreed by the medical royal colleges and, in particular, the RCR. The Science & Education Committee continues to award BMUS Endorsement CPD Activity for all BMUS internal courses and the ASM.

 

The Annual Scientific Meeting ("ASM") was held in York. The excellent scientific programme attracted over 573 delegates, in addition to the 139 invited guest speakers. There were 39 scientific sessions, and 8 "hands-on" practical training sessions. Satisfaction rates expressed by the delegates were markedly high at this energetic and exciting educational event.

 

The journal, Ultrasound, continues to publish high quality articles. Council decided to allow the journal content to be indexed with PubMed Central, the process was completed in August 2016, with published articles having a 12 month embargo prior to being listed; content from the Ultrasound journal over 12 months old is now accessible on the PubMed website, with abstracts for the most recent content also listed.

 

The Society continued to produce a quarterly newsletter for members to give up to date news, which is distributed with the Ultrasound Journal in a printed version. The society also publishes a weekly e-newsletter ‘Ultrapost’.

 

From July 2023 to June 2024, 254 new members joined the Society, furthermore since January 2024 the Society has offered the opportunity for non-members to join for a discounted fee while booking for a study day, during this year this has resulted in a further 69 new members. However, during the period 387 members retired or resigned which culminated in a decrease in the total number of members by 64 over the year.

 

Impact of Activities & Events

 

In terms of charitable activities, 2023/2024 was a successful year for the Society. Through these activities, the journal, Ultrasound, and its website, the Society has furthered the education of many members and non-members in the field of medical ultrasound. The Innovation Award (superseded the Pump Priming Grant) continues to be part of the charitable activities of the society.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 11 -

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE (Continued)

 

Public Benefit

 

During the year 2023/2024, the trustees gathered the following evidence that demonstrates to their satisfaction that BMUS continues to benefit the public through its activities targeted to achieve its charitable objectives:

 

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

Financial Results of Activities & Events

 

During the year to 30 June 2024, BMUS generated £6122,229 (2023: £542,778) of incoming resources and expended resources of £544,807 (2023: £530,274) principally disseminating information as it relates to any and all of the fields that pertain to the Society's charitable objectives.

 

The revenue from the journal, Ultrasound, continued to be healthy but decreased slightly from the previous year due to a reduction in paid advertising.

 

In March 2023 a number of physical items from the Society's Historical Collection were donated to the Science Museum, the remainder of the collection was disposed of safely, and the storage unit was returned to the landlord. A large amount of the photographic collection has been digitised with a view to being catalogued in the future.

 

Following a decision by the Council in 2012, the Society's members', an annual increase in line with inflation would be applied to all subscription rates each year. However, due to the cost of living crisis, membership rates have been held at their current rates for two years. Council have decided to re-instate the inflationary increase from 2025 and membership rates will increase from 1st January by 3.1%. A digital membership has been offered since 1st January 2022 and since July 2024 all new UK members joining the Society now pay by Direct Debit.

 

The membership rates in place until 31st December 2024 are as follows :

 

 

Print member

Digital Member

Digital Student / Trainee:

n/a

£45.00

Retired/unwaged:

£72.04

£66.04

UK Ordinary members:

£101.44

£95.44

European member:

£102.00

£96.00

Digital International member:

n/a

£102.00

 

The Society continued to review its financial strategies and annual and projected budgets. Financial plans are in place to ensure where possible that the Society runs activities without loss and can continue build up its reserves to an appropriate level.

 

Grant Making

 

During 2023/2024, no grants were awarded by the charity (2022/2023 - £nil). This award varies year on year dependent upon the number of applicants and the quality of submissions. All grant applications are peer reviewed and awards are only made if supported by the Council. A budget is set annually for the forthcoming financial year for awards, taking account of the total funds of the Society available for such expenditure. The funds to support these activities are not always paid out in the financial year awarded. BMUS does retain the money in BMUS bank accounts and may choose to release it in increments to support the activity of grants.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 12 -

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued)

 

Reserves Policy

 

As at 30 June 2024, the Society's 'free reserves' stood at £462,546 (2023: £379,281).

 

The reserves policy is reviewed annually to ensure that the reserves continue to provide an adequate safeguard against any potential decline in key sources of revenue in the longer term. The trustees are of the opinion that the Society requires a minimum of £300,000 in its free reserves to continue to meet its operational needs, based on an assessment of the Society's risks, its short-term business plan and to cover any unpredictable future financial circumstances. The reserves currently sit at a level to sustain one year of operational needs, the Officers closely monitor the level at which the Society’s reserves should be set to maintain future stability.

 

Investment policy

 

Under the terms of the Articles of Association of the Society, the Council has wide ranging powers to invest the funds of the Society as it sees fit. In practice, the Council receives advice from its investment managers on an appropriate investment portfolio, and also makes use of higher fixed term interest deposit accounts to retain short term surplus cash funds.

 

The Society's investment portfolio continues to be managed by Courtiers Investment Services Limited (London). The Society's investment strategy is to maintain a low-medium risk exposure portfolio principally targeted towards long-term growth. This helps to support the Society in the execution of its activities and supports future development, whilst meeting the requirements of the reserves policy.

 

The Council is kept informed of the performance of the portfolio through quarterly statements from the investment managers throughout the year.

 

During 2023 / 2024, the market value of the investment units increased by 9.16% (2023 increase of 1.38%).

 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

 

Future Strategy

 

The trustees' long term plans for BMUS are:

 

 

 

 

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 13 -

Future Activities & Events

 

In the year from July 2024 to June 2025, the Society plans to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact of Future Activities & Events

 

It is anticipated that the activities and events planned for 2024/2025 will continue to further the education of members and non-members in the field of medical ultrasound.

 

The trustees plan to measure the success of the Society in 2024/2025 against the following targets:

 

Public Benefit

 

In the future, the trustees intend to ensure that BMUS continues to benefit the public by:

 

FUNDS HELD AS CUSTODIAN FOR OTHERS

 

Although BMUS would apply restricted fund accounting to deal with incoming resources that are earmarked for a particular purpose by donors, sponsors, and other funders, the Society does not currently hold, and the trustees do not anticipate that it will in the future hold, any funds as custodian for any third party.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 14 -

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Prof A Lim
Trustee
Dated: 10 December 2024
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 15 -

The trustees (who are also the directors of BMUS for the purposes of company law) 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 Practice).

 

Company law 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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees and directors are required to:

 

 

The trustees and directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity company, and to 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.

 

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information on the charitable company’s website.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
- 16 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of British Medical Ultrasound Society (the charitable company) for the year ended 30 June 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

The charity's trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required. The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ICAEW.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

 

-

 

examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act

-

 

to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and

-

 

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

 

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

 

 

1

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2

the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3

the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Pauline McAlpine FCA

For and on behalf of
SBM Associates Limited
24 Wandsworth Road
London
SW8 2JW
Dated: 10 December 2024
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 17 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
164,580
151,878
Charitable activities
4
433,820
360,609
Investments
5
13,167
7,414
Other income
6
10,662
14,493
Total income
622,229
534,394
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
7,602
7,179
Charitable activities
8
536,057
514,710
Total expenditure
543,659
521,889
Net gains/(losses) on investments
13
4,695
706
Net income and movement in funds
83,265
13,211
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 July 2023
379,281
366,070
Fund balances at 30 June 2024
462,546
379,281

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
30 JUNE 2024
30 June 2024
- 18 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
15
6,166
3,359
Investments
16
55,965
51,647
62,131
55,006
Current assets
Debtors
18
78,204
56,369
Cash at bank and in hand
509,924
442,996
588,128
499,365
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
19
(187,713)
(175,090)
Net current assets
400,415
324,275
Total assets less current liabilities
462,546
379,281
The funds of the charitable company
Unrestricted funds
462,546
379,281
462,546
379,281

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 30 June 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 10 December 2024
Prof A Lim
Trustee
Company registration number 01794511 (England and Wales)
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 19 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

British Medical Ultrasound Society is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The charitable company has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charitable company. 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 a reasonable expectation that the charitable company 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.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charitable company.
1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charitable company 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.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charitable company 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 or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charitable company has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 20 -

These financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024 are the first financial statements of British Medical Ultrasound Society prepared in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The date of transition to FRS 102 was 1 July 2022. The reported financial position and financial performance for the previous period are not affected by the transition to FRS 102.

1.5
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment
20% on cost
Fixtures and fittings
20% on cost

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.6
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.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charitable company 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).

1.8
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.

1.9
Financial instruments

The charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charitable company's balance sheet when the charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 21 -
Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10
Employee benefits

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 charitable company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11
Retirement benefits

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

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3

Membership subscriptions and donations    

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
14,659
4,644
Membership fees
149,921
147,234
164,580
151,878
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 22 -
4
Charitable activities

Annual Scientific Meeting

Study days and other education

Journal and advertising royalties

Total
2024
Total
2023
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£

Gross income from charitable activities

327,745
94,683
11,392
433,820
360,609
5
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
13,167
7,414
6
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£

Other income

10,662
14,493
7

Cost of raising funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Advertising
7,218
6,804
Investment management
384
375
7,602
7,179
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 23 -
8

Cost of charitable activities

2024
2023
£
£
Staff costs
135,290
128,966
Depreciation and impairment
2,369
1,333

Direct costs of education provision

306,495
284,167

Journal publishing costs

38,765
36,630

Website costs

1,054
11,127

EFSUMB subscription

9,775
9,810

CASE subscription

1,696
1,209

Other subscriptions

141
132

Other direct costs

3,513
3,567

Historical collection costs

-
2,398

Hire and maintenance of equipment

970
914

Rent rates and services

13,516
14,065

Printing postage & stationery

2,229
2,214

Staff travel and expenses

533
926

Computer and software

11,348
8,153

Office expenses

83
83
Other charitable expenditure
5,280
6,016
533,057
511,710
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
3,000
3,000
536,057
514,710
9
Support costs
Support costs
Governance costs
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
Accountancy
-
3,000
3,000
3,000
-
3,000
3,000
3,000
10
Net movement in funds
2024
2023
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
2,369
1,333
11
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charitable company during the year.
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 24 -
12
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
6
6
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
130,302
122,378
Emplyer's NI
5,633
5,296
PensionCosts
3,522
4,375
Total employee costs
139,457
132,049
Included in ASM expenses
(4,167)
(3,083)
Staff Costs per note 8
135,290
128,966
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
13
Gains and losses on investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Gains/(losses) arising on:
£
£
Revaluation of investments
4,695
706
14
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 25 -
15
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 July 2023
50,087
34,934
85,021
Additions
5,176
-
5,176
At 30 June 2024
55,263
34,934
90,197
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 July 2023
46,728
34,934
81,662
Depreciation charged in the year
2,369
-
2,369
At 30 June 2024
49,097
34,934
84,031
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2024
6,166
-
6,166
At 30 June 2023
3,359
-
3,359
16
Fixed asset investments
Unlisted investments
Cash in portfolio
Total
£
£
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 July 2023
51,133
514
51,647
Additions
231
-
231
Valuation changes
4,695
-
4,695
Disposals
(375)
(233)
(608)
At 30 June 2024
55,684
281
55,965
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2024
55,684
281
55,965
At 30 June 2023
51,133
514
51,647
17
Financial instruments
2024
2023
£
£
Carrying amount of financial assets
Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss
55,684
51,133
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 26 -
18
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Other debtors
26,922
19,111
Prepayments and accrued income
51,282
37,258
78,204
56,369
19
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other taxation and social security
3,179
724
Payments received on account
60,029
61,915
Trade creditors
40,650
53,793
Other creditors
610
1,888
Accruals and deferred income
83,245
56,770
187,713
175,090
20
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
3,532
3,887

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund.

21
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 July 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Gains and losses
At 30 June 2024
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
379,281
622,229
(543,659)
4,695
462,546
Previous year:
At 1 July 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Gains and losses
At 30 June 2023
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
366,070
534,394
(521,889)
706
379,281
BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
- 27 -
22
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

2024-06-302023-07-01falsefalseCCH SoftwareiXBRL Review & Tag 2024.2179451128954117945112023-07-012024-06-301794511bus:Director52023-07-012024-06-3017945112024-06-3017945112023-06-3017945112022-07-012023-06-301794511bus:FRS1022023-07-012024-06-301794511char:IndependentExaminationCharity2023-07-012024-06-301794511bus:FullAccounts2023-07-012024-06-30xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP