Charity Registration No. 1142207
Company Registration No. 07441944 (England and Wales)
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
ANNUAL REPORT AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Directors
David Adams
Michael Amey
D Warner
D J Annis
Charity number
1142207
Company number
07441944
Registered office
The Forge Centre
Valley Road
Cinderford
Gloucestershire
GL14 2LJ
Independent examiner
Griffiths Marshall
20 Newerne Street
Lydney
Gloucestershire
GL15 5RA
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees report
1
Independent examiner's report
3
Statement of financial activities
4
Balance sheet
5 - 6
Notes to the financial statements
7 - 16
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 1 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity'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)

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are support, for people with sensory problems, and for members of the public who may come into contact with people with sensory problems, so providing Public Benefit.

The directors have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake, in particular with regard securing Public Benefit.

Achievements and performance

 

The charity is continuing to work with and support the people of the Forest of Dean with Sensory problems.

Financial review

It is the policy of the charity that designated unrestricted funds should be maintained at a level equivalent to about six months' expenditure plus potential redundancy costs. The directors consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to securing alternative funding.

The directors have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

The plans for future periods are to continue the charity's existing work.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and is governed in accord with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The directors who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

James Spiers
(Resigned 6 January 2025)
Mike Sollis
(Resigned 30 August 2023)
Susan Henchley
(Resigned 30 November 2023)
Anita Maxwell
(Resigned 30 August 2023)
David Adams
Michael Amey
D Warner
D J Annis

Directors are voted onto the board at the AGM and the board can co-opt directors as required. Training for directors is usually provided through the offices of the local Volunteer Forum. None of the directors has any beneficial interest in the company.

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Directors.

Michael Amey
Dated: 6 March 2025
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 2 -

The directors, who also act as trustees for the charitable activities of Forest Sensory Services, are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

 

Company Law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

 

In preparing these accounts, the directors are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

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

 

- prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. 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.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE DIRECTORS OF FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
- 3 -

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2024, which are set out on pages 4 to 16.

Respective responsibilities of directors and examiner

The charity’s directors, who also act as trustees for the charitable activities of Forest Sensory Services, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The directors 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 needed.

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:

(i)

examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

(ii)
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
(iii)
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of 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 financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, 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 financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(a)
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
(i)

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and

(ii)

to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;

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.

I J Price - Chartered Accountant
Griffiths Marshall
20 Newerne Street
Lydney
Gloucestershire
GL15 5RA
Dated: 6 March 2025
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 4 -
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
funds
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
3
54,293
-
28,984
83,277
92,082
Expenditure on:
4
Charitable activities
5
45,258
-
30,171
75,429
102,520
Net gains on investments
8
67
-
-
67
-
Net movement in funds
9,102
-
(1,187)
7,915
(10,438)
Fund balances at 1 August 2023
39,927
37,000
15,835
92,762
103,200
Fund balances at 31 July 2024
49,029
37,000
14,648
100,677
92,762

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

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

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 JULY 2024
31 July 2024
- 5 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
705
1,365
Investments
11
276
209
981
1,574
Current assets
Stocks
12
3,500
7,000
Debtors
13
1,948
3,011
Cash at bank and in hand
96,977
86,180
102,425
96,191
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
(2,729)
(5,003)
Net current assets
99,696
91,188
Total assets less current liabilities
100,677
92,762
Income funds
Restricted funds
15
14,648
15,835
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
16
37,000
37,000
General unrestricted funds
49,029
39,927
86,029
76,927
100,677
92,762
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 JULY 2024
31 July 2024
- 6 -

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 July 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 Directors on 6 March 2025
Michael Amey
Trustee
Company Registration No. 07441944
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 7 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Forest Sensory Services is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Forge Centre, Valley Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire, GL14 2LJ.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) 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)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and 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 directors have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors 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 directors 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 charity.
1.4
Incoming resources
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.

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 or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity 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.
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 8 -
1.5
Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the accounting period in which they are incurred, on the accruals basis.

1.6
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:

Fixtures and fittings
20-33% straight line basis

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.

1.7
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 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
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.10
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.

1.11
Financial instruments

The charity 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 charity's balance sheet when the charity 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.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 9 -
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.

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 charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the directors 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.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 10 -
3
Charitable activities

Voluntary income

Grant Income

Fundraising Income

Investment Income

Income from charitable activities

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

Sale of goods

8,631
41,292
5,353
2,776
25,225
83,277
92,082
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
8,631
12,308
5,353
2,776
25,225
54,293
42,542
Restricted funds
-
28,984
-
-
-
28,984
49,540
8,631
41,292
5,353
2,776
25,225
83,277
92,082
For the year ended 31 July 2023

Voluntary income

Grant Income

Fundraising Income

Investment Income

Income from charitable activities

Total
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£

Sale of goods

13,006
55,861
521
1,390
21,304
92,082
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
13,006
6,321
521
1,390
21,304
42,542
Restricted funds
-
49,540
-
-
-
49,540
13,006
55,861
521
1,390
21,304
92,082
4
Income

Voluntary income for the year ended 31 July 2024 includes donations and membership income and income from legacies.

 

 

Income from charitable activities for the year ended 31 July 2024 includes £8,834 (2023 - £12,619) income from groups and £3,288 (2023 - £6,223) equipment income and nil (2023 - £528) hearing clinic income and £9,648 (2023 - nil) contract income and £3,409 (2023-nil) excursion income and £46 (2023 - nil) other income.

 

 

Restricted grants income is analysed in note 15.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 11 -
5
Expenditure on charitable activities
2024
2023
£
£
Direct costs
Fundrasing costs
176
1,405
Costs of charitable activities
73,879
99,489
Governance costs
1,374
1,626
75,429
102,520
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
45,258
44,813
Restricted funds
30,171
57,707
75,429
102,520

Costs of charitable activities for the year ended 31 July 2024 includes staff costs of £38,535 (2023 - £43,955) (see note 7), group costs of £8,271 (2023 - £16,492), costs of purchases of equipment of £915 (2023 - £10.911), hearing clinic costs of £354 (2023 - £1,354), volunteers expenses of £41 (2023 - £3,489), depreciation of £1,041 (2023 - £1,293), reduction in stock of £3,500 (2023 - £7,325), excursion costs of £2,484 (2023 - nil), course instruction costs of £2,470 (2023-nil), and other premises costs and office costs and other costs of £16,268 (2023 - £14,670).

 

 

 

6
Directors

None of the directors (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits or expenses from the charity during the year.

7
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
3
3

No employees had emoluments over £60,000 (2022-none).

 

 

Staff costs for the year ended 31 July 2024 included £37,828 (2023 - £43,145) gross salaries, £0 (2022 - £0) social security costs, and £707 (2023 - £810) defined contribution employer pension contributions.

 

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

 

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 12 -
8
Gains and losses on investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Gains/(losses) arising on:
£
£
Revaluation of investments
67
-
9
Taxation

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

10
Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures and fittings
£
Cost
At 1 August 2023
30,287
Additions
380
Disposals
(3,148)
At 31 July 2024
27,519
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 August 2023
28,921
Depreciation charged in the year
1,041
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(3,148)
At 31 July 2024
26,814
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2024
705
At 31 July 2023
1,365
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 13 -
11
Fixed asset investments
Listed investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 August 2023
209
Valuation changes
67
At 31 July 2024
276
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2024
276
At 31 July 2023
209
12
Stocks
2024
2023
£
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
3,500
7,000
13
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,480
3,011
Other debtors
468
-
1,948
3,011
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other taxation and social security
421
219
Trade creditors
764
2,119
Other creditors
-
1,322
Accruals and deferred income
1,544
1,343
2,729
5,003
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 14 -
15
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 August 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 July 2024
£
£
£
£
National Lottery
14,335
28,984
(28,671)
14,648
Barnwood Trust
1,500
-
(1,500)
-
15,835
28,984
(30,171)
14,648
Previous year:
At 1 August 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 July 2023
£
£
£
£
Glos Community Foundation
-
2,500
(2,500)
-
Lydney Town Council
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
NGED
-
6,989
(6,989)
-
National Lottery Community Fund
-
14,056
(14,056)
-
National Lottery
-
14,335
-
14,335
OWLS
752
-
(752)
-
Barnwood Trust
-
7,000
(5,500)
1,500
Barnwood Trust - furniture
200
-
(200)
-
GCC IT grant
3,578
-
(3,578)
-
RNIB Eclo
-
3,660
(3,660)
-
Lottery
14,056
-
(14,056)
-
GCC classes
2,081
-
(2,081)
-
Magnifiers
2,395
-
(2,395)
-
LWWSL
940
-
(940)
-
24,002
49,540
57,707
15,835

The purpose of the restricted funds is to finance the expenditure to which the restricted income related.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 15 -
16
Unrestricted funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated unrestricted fund which has been set aside out of unrestricted funds for the purposes of ensuring that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, the charity will be able to continue its current activities whilst consideration is given to securing alternative funding:

 

Six months' expenditure plus potential redundancy costs - designated fund - £37,000

 

At 1 August 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Gains and losses
At 31 July 2024
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
39,927
54,293
(45,258)
67
49,029
Previous year:
At 1 August 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Gains and losses
At 31 July 2023
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
42,198
42,542
(44,813)
-
39,927
17
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
At 31 July 2024:
Tangible assets
705
-
-
705
Investments
276
-
-
276
Current assets/(liabilities)
48,048
37,000
14,648
99,696
49,029
37,000
14,648
100,677
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
At 31 July 2023:
Tangible assets
1,365
-
-
1,365
Investments
209
-
-
209
Current assets/(liabilities)
38,353
37,000
15,835
91,188
39,927
37,000
15,835
92,762
FOREST SENSORY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
- 16 -
18
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023- none). Governance costs for the year ended 31 July 2024 includes amounts payable to the independent examiner of £930 (2023 - £930) for the independent examination and £444 (2023-£444) for payroll work and other work.

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