Cheshire Deaf Society - Charities report

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 01323762 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 506791

CHESHIRE DEAF SOCIETY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2026

Page

Reference and Administrative Details

1

Report of the Trustees

2

to

10

Report of the Independent Auditors

11

to

13

Statement of Financial Activities

14

Balance Sheet

15

Cash Flow Statement

16

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

17

Notes to the Financial Statements

18

to

31

TRUSTEES

D Ball

D Fardoe (Chair)

Ms T L Lonergan

J Mander (Vice Chair)

P D Morley

D L Pane

Ms J Stringer (resigned 8.11.25)

D Bingle (Treasurer) (appointed 8.11.25)

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mrs G Reeder

REGISTERED OFFICE

144 London Road

Northwich

Cheshire

CW9 5HH

REGISTERED COMPANY

NUMBER

01323762 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY

NUMBER

506791

AUDITORS

Murray Smith LLP

Chartered Accountants

Statutory Auditors

Darland House

44 Winnington Hill

Northwich

Cheshire

CW8 1AU

SOLICITORS

Butcher & Barlow

2-3 Royal Mews

Gadbrook Park

Northwich

Cheshire

CW9 7UD

BANKERS

National Westminster Bank

33 Eastgate Street

Chester

CHl lLG

The council of management present their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 March 2026.

Officers & Council of Management

Cheshire Deaf Society (operating as DSN) is both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The society is governed by trustees collectively known as the Council of Management. The members of the Council are both Directors of the Company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 and charity trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act 2006.

The members of Council are responsible for the policy and strategy of the Society. They have special responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the Society's activities are properly conducted and carried out in full compliance with the Society's Memorandum and Articles of Association, although day to day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer and senior staff.

The Council of Management

The Council of Management during the year are documented in 'Reference and Administrative Details' on page 1.

Services are currently offered from four local centres:

- Northwich (Registered Office)

- Chester

- Macclesfield

- Warrington (Training services only)

Supported accommodation services are located at Stepping Stones, Lavender Lodge and two cluster homes, all based in Northwich.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The object of the Charity as stated in our Memorandum and Articles of Association is the relief of deaf persons in Cheshire, the north-west, and north Wales. DSN deliver this by providing the best choice and quality of services DSN can, as efficiently as DSN can, for as many people as possible, within the resources available to us.

DSN reviews its aims and objectives each year, seeking to deliver activities and outcomes that achieve them. This report will highlight achievements against those objectives and describe some of the activities carried out. DSN have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefits when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning for our future activities. The charity seeks to meet its objectives through working to a set of agreed values and priorities.

Significant activities

Our main activities during the year are described below. Traditionally all our activities have focused upon providing services and support to Deaf people. This focus has further expanded into the provision of full sensory loss services, enabling even more citizens to take a full and active role in wider society and to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.

DSN has been successful in retaining contracts and securing alternative investment streams to further develop services for the Deaf community of Cheshire and surrounding areas. DSN has been able to respond to real challenges by demonstrating the quality of the services DSN provides and the value DSN delivers through efficient and effective deployment of resources. DSN will continue to focus on Quality and Value, Person Centered Care, and Innovation in the years ahead.

DSN has successfully maintained the core of its established services across Cheshire whilst expanding its reach and service provision into North Wales. DSN continues to deliver high quality services valued by users and commissioners alike. DSN has maintained, and in some cases enhanced, its service delivery for sensory communities throughout the year.

DSN continually focuses on introducing operational efficiencies by re-designing service delivery and enhancing its partnerships with commissioners. The Organisational Management Team ("OMT") works hard at fostering ever-improving relationships with key commissioners and funders to ensure DSN is in the strongest possible position for upcoming contract negotiations. We are active on all local authority procurement portals which ensures that we are aware of potential tendering options in good time.

DSN looks continuously at opportunities to develop alternative income streams. This ensures that DSN allocates our limited resources to opportunities that will provide the most beneficial outcome for DSN and its service users.

When identifying suitable opportunities DSN considers our key skills and track record, emerging government policy and available resources (both internal and external). DSN's efforts have been focused on enhancing our community engagement in addition to the pursuit of grants and trust funding.

Trustees, along with support from OMT, completes an annual strategy document, which includes outcomes and an action plan report. This highlights key areas in which the charity wishes to make further progress in the year ahead.

DSN formally reviews all policies and procedures annually and this exercise considers changes in legislation, regulations, and developments in good practice. OMT undertakes this process and changes made to any policies and procedures are highlighted to and ratified at board level by all trustees and shared with all staff at all locations.

Compliance

In these challenging financial times, and to help funders decide to invest in our services, it is important that DSN evidences what we are doing and how we deliver value for money. By looking at the services DSN provides and measuring the impact of those services on peoples' lives, we can demonstrate the value of the work we do to commissioners, funders, and the communities DSN serve. This commitment helps us to raise the profile of DSN and increases awareness of the high-quality help and support that we consistently deliver.

DSN collects information in the form of facts and figures, for example,

- the number of people supported

- case studies

- how many pieces of equipment are supplied

- training courses delivered

- feedback from service users and other stakeholders

- recording of compliments and complaints

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Overall responsibility for developing and reviewing the effectiveness of corporate policies on social, ethical, and environmental matters lies with OMT. These policies are communicated and applied across all departments to ensure compliance with the policies. DSN's policies and procedures, including those relating to social, environmental, health and safety, employment, and ethical matters, are communicated to all staff via induction training, on-going personal developmental training, and internal communications. All policies and procedures are reviewed annually, and updates are communicated to staff.

DSN are delighted to have worked in partnership with other charitable and public benefit organisations to raise awareness of over-arching social issues including the combatting of social isolation and loneliness, awareness raising and the fight against hate crime (DSN offices act as a safe space, published in the local area for the reporting of hate crime) and the development of youth services.

DSN is delighted to report that we continue to be accredited with the Good Business Charter and the Living Wage Foundation. This demonstrates our commitment to CSR.

Operations Division

Social Care

For the year to 30th March 2026, DSN is pleased to report continued provision of our social care contracts with four local authorities: Cheshire West and Chester (CWaC), Cheshire East Council (CEC), Flintshire County Council (FCC), and Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC).

We continue to effectively monitor our service delivery and adhere to all contractual monitoring requirements. In addition to this DSN utilises its commitment to capture service user experience and satisfaction, enabling us to use the qualitative and quantitative data to improve customer experience and deliver sustainable improvements. Our compliance officer is constantly looking at new and innovative ways to collect data.

The model also allows us to inform the commissioners in the local authorities of our success measures, including outputs, outcomes, and impact for our service(s) on users. We continue to monitor and report where necessary on any safeguarding issues.

Health Inequalities

Health inequalities continue to be experienced by deaf people such as making their own GP appointments, accessing pharmacy services, and arriving for a hospital appointment only to find a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter has not been booked. DSN, as part of the national movement (via COG - Chief Officers Group), will continue to address these barriers. DSN is also working to develop partnerships with like-minded organisations to meet this need.

Positive Hearing

Positive Hearing LLP (Audiology) operates as a partnership with DSN and The Hearing Centres. This partnership operates from DSN's registered office at 144 London Road, Northwich. DSN receives a 50% share of the profits from the LLP.

Community Engagement

DSN's Community Liaison Officer promotes our work in the community and provides information to potential new service users. Our community vehicle enables this out-reach work and the promotion of services across Cheshire and North Wales, particularly in the more remote, rural areas covered by DSN. DSN has recently partnered with Cheshire East Rural Community Alliance and the Audiology Outreach Service in North Wales.

Achievements in this area of our work was recognised nationally at the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards in 2025.

Sensory Loss & Dementia

DSN continues to partner with the University of Manchester, in order to assist with their research.

I'm Hear!

The bid to extend the I'm Hear! Project, funded by BBC Children in Need, unfortunately was unsuccessful and the project ended in June 2025.

Youth Service

DSN's Youth Service, funded by the Big Lottery Community Fund, is in year 2 of a 3 year project. This service provides opportunities and activities for young people aged between 8 to 19 years with a link to deafness, including friends and siblings of and/or Children of Deaf Adults (CODA). This funding also supports young deaf adults up to 25 years.

Our membership database includes children and young people from Cheshire and surrounding areas with 20-30 attending each week. There is a variety of communication methods used at our youth clubs (Youth Vibe), from BSL, signed supported English and speech.

Training Service - Incus

Services provided include:

- Deaf Awareness Training

- BSL tuition available from Level 1 to Level 6 and Level 6 interpreter

- Bespoke training tailored to corporate organisations to meet their requirements

- After School Clubs providing fun activies for school children to promote BSL

- Trainee programme for BSL Tutors

- Internal DSN staff training

Supported Living Service

DSN's Supported Living service continues to operate from four group homes within the Northwich area.

This service is a specialist service designed to meet the needs of those tenants with complex needs (deaf, deafblind, with an additional disability).

Our Tenants integrate into the wider local Deaf Community, enabling social interactions, friendship, and activities for them to join in.

DSN staff are committed to supporting each individual tenant to achieve the highest possible level of independence. By using a person-centred approach within an outcome framework, goals and aspirations are set for each tenant and achievements are recorded via annual reviews.

Our services are regularly inspected and monitored by Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Care Quality Commission. We also have tenants who reside with us from out of our catchment area.

Day Services

The Tannery is the focus of our Day Services provision, based in Northwich. The Tannery is a specialist service for deaf and deafblind people with complex needs from across the region. This service is provided from Tuesday to Friday each week.

Our programme is designed to encourage each person attending to develop and learn, thus reaching their full potential.

Our staff and volunteers ensure that the most appropriate communication method is used for each individual attending.

DSN's Day Service has a variety of activities and is also a safe place where people meet and share friendships and continue to develop their social skill.

Communication Service

We employ a number of British Sign Language Interpreters, and maintain our own register of freelancers, all of whom are qualified and registered with the NRCPD.

STRATEGIC REPORT

Statement of Financial Activities - Income and expenditure

DSN have delivered a financial performance which has significantly improved from the previous year. Income has increased to £2,808,958 from £2,736,037 in 2025. Management of operating expenditure continues to remain a focus for OMT and the Board. A review of our overall expenditure resulted in a decision to sell our office in Macclesfield. This generated a profit of £57,001. DSN's office in Macclesfield has relocated to managed rented premises in the town centre. This has also significantly reduced our operating costs compared with the previous property.

For 2026, there was an overall net income of £74,443, compared with 2025 of £28,293.

Balance Sheet

At 30 March 2026, there were cash and short term investment balances of £2,313,278 compared with £986,135 in March 2025. Current assets cover current liabilities in a ratio of 15.9:1. Our net assets at 30 March 2026 were £3,925,136 (2025: £3,850,693).

Investment policy and objectives

The governing documents of the charity (Memorandum & Articles of Association) provide the trustees with the power to invest any monies not immediately required for any purpose, as considered appropriate.

DSN has had a long term relationship with a portfolio managed by CCLA. However, due to poor performance of the fund and lack of communication from CCLA, the Trustees (Chair and Treasurer), along with CEO and Head of Finance, decided to seek an alternative investment partner. Following a process of due diligence of a number of fund managers, a suitable partner was identified and a proposal was put to the full Board. Subsequently, Rathbones was appointed as DSN's investment partner.

All investment funds previously held by CCLA have been withdrawn and will be re-invested into a portfolio with Rathbones.

DSN also utilises a high interest treasury account operated by NatWest.

The Trustees have decided to continue utilising some portion of the established Free Reserves to support the delivery of the adopted organisational strategy.

The Trustees, with regard to the liquidity requirements of the organisation and to the reserves policy, ensure that funds are available as necessary to meet day-to-day operational requirements.

Reserves policy

The trustees receive information from OMT that forecasts the expected level of income for the next 12 months based on the best evidence that is reasonably available. They then assess associated opportunities, contingencies, and risks. The trustees have examined the charity's reserves in the context of the key risks identified.

The trustees can elect to utilise a proportion of Free Reserves, if required, to develop and maintain the provision of vital services.

Free Reserves are defined as Total Funds less Designated or Restricted Funds less amounts invested in tangible and intangible fixed assets. As per the Balance Sheet, at 30 March 2026, Free Reserves were calculated to be £1,925,763 (2025: £1,575,831).

Internal Controls

To provide reasonable assurance against material misstatements, DSN have in place effective internal controls covering income, expenditure, and commitments. The appropriate management information is prepared and· reviewed regularly by both the Organisational Management Team (OMT) and the Board of Trustees. Through a combination of these internal controls and our annual budgets approved by the trustees, DSN seek to ensure that the charity is committed to a sustainable level of expenditure and retains adequate resources to continue as a going concern.

The Trustees along with the OMT continue to ensure that adequate consideration is given to the longer-term funding challenges that may arise when applying for or considering new or continuing service provision. Over the coming years DSN will aim to retain, expand, or secure our current service provision in line with our Mission Statement and in support of the charity's beneficiaries.

Financial Sustainability

Our budget for the next financial year (to March 2027) shows a deficit of £155,547. This budget reflects anticipated changes in income, along with anticipated increased expenditure due to inflationary pressures and the significant increase in employers payroll costs. In addition we continue to review working practices and are hopeful that our deficit for 2026-2027 will be lower than indicated in our budget.

The Charity continues to work hard to manage and reduce the use of agency staff, which has an adverse impact on financial performance. Our investment strategy and effective management of reserves provides DSN with the opportunity to invest in our staff and services to ensure that DSN continues to innovate and achieve a sustainable balance of high quality and efficient services.

Annual General Meeting

On 21 July 2026, the Council of Management approved the 2025-2026 Report and Statement of Accounts.

To raise public awareness of the charity's work and to demonstrate that its aims continue to be carried out for the public benefit, the charity holds its Annual General Meeting. The 49th Annual General Meeting will be held on 7 November 2026 at which the Council's 2025-2026 Report and Statement of Accounts will be presented to Members.

Outlook for Future Periods

Although our funding streams are consistent, DSN is alert to that fact that public spending on adult social care is anticipated to continue to fall in real terms. DSN will continue to plan accordingly for the future of our contracts and services. DSN also needs to remain vigilant to potential changes due to the current devolution debate in Cheshire and Warrington.

Our financial prudence and management of reserves leaves DSN well placed to meet these challenges and DSN continues to actively target income generation from non-traditional resources. DSN will continue with the strategy of extending our funding base, which has been successful to date.

Our ongoing research work into sensory loss and dementia and our partnership with The Hearing Centres in the Positive Hearing programme are good examples of taking appropriate routes to secure continued growth. DSN continues to positively engage with users and commissioners, and we strongly believe that this enables us to deliver innovative person-centred services leading to a reputation for quality, effectiveness, and value.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee and as such it does not have a share capital. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's articles are known as members of the Council of Management. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Council are elected to serve for a period of three years, after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting of members.

The Council seeks to ensure that the needs of Deaf people are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body. To enhance the potential pool of trustees the charity continually seeks to identify Deaf individuals, who would be willing to become members of the Council, through networking with other organisations in the local area and throughout the local Deaf communities.

Traditional business skills are also well represented on the Council. To maintain this broad skill mix, Council members are requested to provide an up-to-date list of their skills and in the event of particular skills being lost to retirements from the Council, new individuals are approached to offer themselves for election. DSN will continue to actively look to enhance the skill base of the Council of Management through personal development of existing members and appointment of new trustees where appropriate.

Organisational structure

Under its constitution, the charity has a Council of Management of more than 3 members who meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. The Company Secretary, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, sits on the Council but has no voting rights. As of 30 March 2026, there were a total of 7 members.

A scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the provision of the service rests with the Chief Executive Officer, along with the OMT. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified and that key performance indicators are met. The OMT has responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the charity, individual supervision of the staff and ensuring staff continue to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.

Induction and training of new trustees

Most trustees are familiar with the practical work of the charity. New trustees are invited and encouraged to visit the charity's various offices and meet with the CEO and Chair to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates.

A trustee induction pack is provided which includes the following information:

- Trustee role description

- The history of the organisation

- Organisation charts

- Annual review and service leaflets

- The Essential Trustee (An introduction & what you need to know)

- Statutory and Management Accounts

- Memorandum and Articles of Association

- Minutes of previous Council and members' meetings

- Organisational risk register

- Safeguarding policy

An annual trustee strategy session addresses issues of trustee development and considers the strategic development of the organisation.

Related parties

In so far as it is complementary to the charity's objectives, the charity is guided by both local and national policy. Services are delivered in partnership and attract funding from various organisations which include:

- Children's and Adult Social Care Service (Sensory Services), through contracts with Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West & Chester Council, Flintshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council.

- Supported Living contracts, through numerous local authorities within the UK.

DSN has a wholly owned subsidiary company, DSN Cymru, which is currently dormant.

Risk management

OMT conducts a regular review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Where appropriate, systems or procedures are established to mitigate and manage the risks the charity faces. Where appropriate, assurances are given to the officers and trustees by OMT.

OMT meet every two weeks to discuss operational issues and ensure that associated risks are identified, managed, and mitigated in a pro-active manner. This approach to risk management is further underpinned and informed by an annual review of DSN's policies which ensures a more rounded approach to stakeholder involvement in the identification and management of risk.

DSN continually works to improve its reporting framework to enhance strong governance. The reporting dashboard for trustees and senior managers continues to be revised as appropriate and has proved to be of significant benefit. This is a live process which will continue to develop to ensure business needs are met.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of Cheshire Deaf Society for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees 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. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).

Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they 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 the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees 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 accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

-	prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable 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.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

-	there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and

-	the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

AUDITORS

The auditors, Murray Smith LLP, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on 21 July 2026 and signed on the board's behalf by:

D Fardoe - Trustee

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Cheshire Deaf Society (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 30 March 2026 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

-	give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 30 March 2026 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

-	have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

-	have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

-	the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

-	the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-	adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

-	the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

-	certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

-	we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The audit procedures designed to identify irregularities included:

-

Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims;

-

Enquiry of company staff with responsibilities for compliance matters to identify any instances of

non-compliance with laws and regulations;

-

Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with

applicable laws and regulations;

-

Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other

adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the

normal course of business.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, intentional misrepresentations or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Nicola Tucker (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of Murray Smith LLP

Chartered Accountants

Statutory Auditors

Darland House

44 Winnington Hill

Northwich

Cheshire

CW8 1AU

27 July 2026

2026

2025

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

Notes

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

3

2,885

-

2,885

20,060

Charitable activities

5

Supported living

1,713,324

-

1,713,324

1,739,739

Commication services

340,776

-

340,776

309,668

Day services

146,264

-

146,264

103,696

Social care

237,651

59,686

297,337

391,682

Training service

112,842

-

112,842

69,910

Youth services

2,149

81,974

84,123

42,143

Projects

-

146

Investment income

4

51,878

-

51,878

46,183

Other income

59,529

-

59,529

12,810

Total

2,667,298

141,660

2,808,958

2,736,037

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

6

Supported living

1,968,769

-

1,968,769

1,904,086

Commication services

263,142

-

263,142

246,551

Day services

50,529

-

50,529

56,115

Social care

176,030

88,972

265,002

275,596

Training service

105,819

-

105,819

126,030

Youth services

5,537

35,671

41,208

30,661

Projects

19,928

-

19,928

18,817

Total

2,589,754

124,643

2,714,397

2,657,856

Net gains/(losses) on investments

(20,118

)

-

(20,118

)

(49,888

)

NET INCOME

57,426

17,017

74,443

28,293

Other recognised gains/(losses)

Actuarial gains on defined benefit schemes

-

161,000

Net movement in funds

57,426

17,017

74,443

189,293

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

3,754,548

96,145

3,850,693

3,661,400

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

3,811,974

113,162

3,925,136

3,850,693

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

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.

2026

2025

Notes

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

12

1,386,211

1,678,717

Investments

13

4

969,855

1,386,215

2,648,572

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

14

395,654

202,384

Investments

15

949,000

250,000

Cash at bank

1,364,278

736,135

2,708,932

1,188,519

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

16

(170,011

)

(192,398

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

2,538,921

996,121

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT

LIABILITIES

3,925,136

3,644,693

PENSION ASSET

20

-

206,000

NET ASSETS

3,925,136

3,850,693

FUNDS

19

Unrestricted funds:

General fund

3,311,974

3,048,548

Pension fund

-

206,000

Designated fund

500,000

3,811,974

3,754,548

Restricted funds

113,162

96,145

TOTAL FUNDS

3,925,136

3,850,693

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 21 July 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

D Fardoe - Trustee

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

1

(130,602

)

(114,537

)

Pension received

206,000

-

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

75,398

(114,537

)

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

(38,705

)

(44,651

)

Purchase of fixed asset investments

-

(4

)

Sale of tangible fixed assets

315,003

368,253

Sale of fixed asset investments

949,733

250,000

Disposal of current asset investments

-

150,000

Purchase of current asset investments

(699,000

)

-

Interest received

25,714

14,487

Dividends received

-

31,696

Net cash provided by investing activities

552,745

769,781

Change in cash and cash equivalents in

the reporting period

628,143

655,244

Cash and cash equivalents at the

beginning of the reporting period

736,135

80,891

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of

the reporting period

1,364,278

736,135

1.	RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2026

2025

£

Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial

Activities)

74,443

28,293

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges

73,209

85,031

Losses on investments

20,118

49,888

Profit on disposal of fixed assets

(57,001

)

(218,876

)

Interest received

(25,714

)

(14,487

)

Dividends received

-

(31,696

)

(Increase)/decrease in debtors

(193,270

)

46,451

Decrease in creditors

(22,387

)

(14,141

)

Difference between pension charge and cash contributions

-

(45,000

)

Net cash used in operations

(130,602

)

(114,537

)

2.	ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 31.3.25

Cash flow

At 30.3.26

£

Net cash

Cash at bank

736,135

628,143

1,364,278

736,135

628,143

1,364,278

Liquid resources

Deposits included in cash

-

Current asset investments

250,000

699,000

949,000

250,000

699,000

949,000

Total

986,135

1,327,143

2,313,278

1.	CHARITY STATUS

Cheshire Deaf Society is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 144 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5HH.

2.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Council of management have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Council of management continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

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.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on the basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned based on estimated usage.

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on the basis consistent with the use of resources and apportioned based on direct costs of the activity concerned.

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. The costs of minor additions or those costing below £500 are not capitalised.

Depreciation of assets 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:

Property improvements

10% on cost

Freehold buildings

2% on cost

Fixtures and fittings

33% on cost

Motor vehicles

17% 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.

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.

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).

Taxation

As a charity, DSN is exempt from the tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Designated funds are held as a contingency to cover fixed costs in the event of a shortfall in funding for ongoing projects and services.

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

DSN was a member of the Cheshire Pension Scheme, a Local Government Pension Scheme ("LGPS"), which is funded by contributions from the employees and the charity as an employer. The LGPS is a funded multi-employer scheme, and the assets are held separately from those of the charity in separate trustee administered funds. Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit credit method and discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high-quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liabilities. The actuarial valuations are obtained at least triennially and are updated at each balance sheet date. The amounts charged to net income/(expenditure) are the current service costs and the costs of scheme introductions, benefit changes, settlements and curtailments. They are included as part of staff costs as incurred. Net interest on the net defined benefit liability/asset is also recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities and comprises the interest cost on the defined benefit obligation and interest income on the scheme assets, calculated by multiplying the fair value of the scheme assets at the beginning of the period by the rate used to discount the benefit obligations. The difference between the interest income on the scheme assets and the actual return on the scheme assets is recognised in the income and expenditure account. DSN ceased to be a member of the scheme on 31 July 2024.

Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in other recognised gains and losses.

Alternatively, employees may opt to join the Group Personal Pension scheme operated by NOW pensions as a defined contribution scheme which is funded by contributions from employees and the charity as employer. The charity has a group personal pension scheme operated by Friends Life which is now closed to new members.

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.

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.

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.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the Council of management 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.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2026

2025

£

Donations

2,885

20,060

4.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2026

2025

£

Income from listed investments

26,164

31,696

Deposit account interest

25,714

14,487

51,878

46,183

5.	INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

2026

2025

Activity

£

Charitable activities

Supported living

1,713,324

1,739,739

Charitable activities

Commication services

340,776

309,668

Charitable activities

Day services

146,264

103,696

Charitable activities

Social care

297,337

391,682

Charitable activities

Training service

112,842

69,910

Charitable activities

Youth services

84,123

42,143

Charitable activities

Projects

-

146

2,694,666

2,656,984

6.	CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Support

Direct

costs (see

Costs

note 7)

Totals

£

Supported living

1,235,048

733,721

1,968,769

Commication services

144,502

118,640

263,142

Day services

50,420

109

50,529

Social care

262,937

2,065

265,002

Training service

100,325

5,494

105,819

Youth services

40,949

259

41,208

Projects

19,691

237

19,928

1,853,872

860,525

2,714,397

7.	SUPPORT COSTS

Support

Governance

costs

Totals

£

Supported living

723,021

10,700

733,721

Commication services

118,640

-

118,640

Day services

109

-

109

Social care

2,065

-

2,065

Training service

5,494

-

5,494

Youth services

259

-

259

Projects

237

-

237

849,825

10,700

860,525

8.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2026

2025

£

Audit fees - current year

7,375

8,332

Audit fees - accountancy

3,325

3,174

Depreciation - owned assets

73,209

85,031

Surplus on disposal of fixed assets

(57,001

)

(218,876

)

9.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 March 2026 nor for the year ended 30 March 2025.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 March 2026 nor for the year ended 30 March 2025.

10.	STAFF COSTS

2026

2025

£

Wages and salaries

1,715,572

1,838,580

Social security costs

184,836

157,828

Other pension costs

76,228

88,502

1,976,636

2,084,910

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2026

2025

Executive

1

Operations

33

37

Supported living

36

35

Finance & administration

13

83

86

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

2026

2025

£80,001 - £90,000

1

-

£120,001 - £130,000

-

1

In the previous year, the above employee received a one-off lump sum payment of £48,500 following the Charity's exit from the Local Government Pension Scheme. The amount is included in the above calculation.

Key management

Total key management remuneration and benefits for the period ended 30 March 2026 was £324,350 (2025: £397,531).

11.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

20,060

-

20,060

Charitable activities

Supported living

1,739,739

-

1,739,739

Commication services

309,668

-

309,668

Day services

103,696

-

103,696

Social care

301,301

90,381

391,682

Training service

69,910

-

69,910

Youth services

1,743

40,400

42,143

Projects

146

-

146

Investment income

46,183

-

46,183

Other income

12,810

-

12,810

Total

2,605,256

130,781

2,736,037

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Supported living

1,904,086

-

1,904,086

Commication services

246,551

-

246,551

Day services

56,115

-

56,115

Social care

200,571

75,025

275,596

Training service

126,030

-

126,030

Youth services

6,164

24,497

30,661

Projects

18,817

-

18,817

Total

2,558,334

99,522

2,657,856

Net gains/(losses) on investments

(49,888

)

-

(49,888

)

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(2,966

)

31,259

28,293

Other recognised gains/(losses)

Actuarial gains on defined benefit schemes

161,000

-

161,000

Net movement in funds

158,034

31,259

189,293

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

3,596,514

64,886

3,661,400

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

3,754,548

96,145

3,850,693

12.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures

Freehold

and

Motor

property

fittings

vehicles

Totals

£

COST

At 31 March 2025

1,941,270

143,895

170,492

2,255,657

Additions

34,645

4,060

-

38,705

Disposals

(273,500

)

-

(273,500

)

At 30 March 2026

1,702,415

147,955

170,492

2,020,862

DEPRECIATION

At 31 March 2025

341,061

124,279

111,600

576,940

Charge for year

41,873

14,661

16,675

73,209

Eliminated on disposal

(15,498

)

-

(15,498

)

At 30 March 2026

367,436

138,940

128,275

634,651

NET BOOK VALUE

At 30 March 2026

1,334,979

9,015

42,217

1,386,211

At 30 March 2025

1,600,209

19,616

58,892

1,678,717

13.	FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Shares in

group

Listed

undertakings

investments

Totals

£

MARKET VALUE

At 31 March 2025

4

969,851

969,855

Disposals

-

(949,733

)

(949,733

)

Revaluations

-

(20,118

)

(20,118

)

At 30 March 2026

4

-

4

NET BOOK VALUE

At 30 March 2026

4

-

4

At 30 March 2025

4

969,851

969,855

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

Cost or valuation at 30 March 2026 is represented by:

Shares in

group

undertakings

£

Valuation in 2026

4

The company's investments at the balance sheet date in the share capital of companies include the following:

DSN Retail Limited

Registered office: 144 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5HH

Nature of business: Sale of new goods in specialised stores

%

Class of share:

holding

Ordinary

100

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Loss for the year

-

(1,420

)

DSN Cymru Limited

Registered office: 144 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire, England, CW9 5HH

Nature of business: Other social work activities

%

Class of share:

holding

Ordinary

100

30.6.25

30.6.24

£

Aggregate capital and reserves

2

Positive Hearing LLP

Registered office: 144 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire, England, CW9 5HH

Nature of business: Limited liability partnership

%

Class of share:

holding

Member

50

31.12.25

31.12.24

£

Aggregate capital and reserves

64,301

3,910

Profit for the year

60,391

32,954

14.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2026

2025

£

Trade debtors

210,493

62,949

Other debtors

1,013

-

Prepayments and accrued income

184,148

139,435

395,654

202,384

15.	CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS

2026

2025

£

Treasury bank account

949,000

250,000

16.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2026

2025

£

Trade creditors

80,261

37,676

Social security and other taxes

41,617

44,734

Accruals and deferred income

48,133

109,988

170,011

192,398

17.	LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

2026

2025

£

Within one year

17,776

Between one and five years

40,731

48,506

In more than five years

5,000

15,000

63,507

81,282

18.	ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

2026

2025

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

£

Fixed assets

1,386,211

-

1,386,211

1,678,717

Investments

4

-

4

969,855

Current assets

2,595,770

113,162

2,708,932

1,188,519

Current liabilities

(170,011

)

-

(170,011

)

(192,398

)

Pension asset

-

206,000

3,811,974

113,162

3,925,136

3,850,693

19.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

Transfers

At

movement

between

At

31.3.25

in funds

funds

30.3.26

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

3,048,548

57,426

206,000

3,311,974

Pension fund

206,000

-

(206,000

)

-

Designated fund

500,000

-

500,000

3,754,548

57,426

-

3,811,974

Restricted funds

National Lottery (Hear Me project)

27,054

22,501

-

49,555

Fundraising balances

1,401

-

1,401

BBC Children in Need (I'm Hear)

51,787

(51,787

)

-

National Lottery Community Fund (Youth

Project)

15,903

46,303

-

62,206

96,145

17,017

-

113,162

TOTAL FUNDS

3,850,693

74,443

-

3,925,136

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Gains and

Movement

resources

expended

losses

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

2,667,298

(2,589,754

)

(20,118

)

57,426

Restricted funds

National Lottery (Hear Me project)

59,686

(37,185

)

-

22,501

BBC Children in Need (I'm Hear)

-

(51,787

)

-

(51,787

)

National Lottery Community Fund (Youth

Project)

81,974

(35,671

)

-

46,303

141,660

(124,643

)

-

17,017

TOTAL FUNDS

2,808,958

(2,714,397

)

(20,118

)

74,443

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

At

movement

At

31.3.24

in funds

30.3.25

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

3,096,514

(47,966

)

3,048,548

Pension fund

-

206,000

Designated fund

500,000

-

500,000

3,596,514

158,034

3,754,548

Restricted funds

National Lottery (Hear Me project)

5,115

21,939

27,054

Fundraising balances

1,401

-

1,401

Armed Forces (Veterans Project)

13,778

(13,778

)

-

BBC Children in Need (I'm Hear)

44,592

7,195

51,787

National Lottery Community Fund (Youth

Project)

-

15,903

64,886

31,259

96,145

TOTAL FUNDS

3,661,400

189,293

3,850,693

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Gains and

Movement

resources

expended

losses

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

2,605,256

(2,603,334

)

(49,888

)

(47,966

)

Pension fund

-

45,000

161,000

206,000

2,605,256

(2,558,334

)

111,112

158,034

Restricted funds

National Lottery (Hear Me project)

70,019

(48,080

)

-

21,939

Armed Forces (Veterans Project)

(12,808

)

(970

)

-

(13,778

)

BBC Children in Need (I'm Hear)

33,170

(25,975

)

-

7,195

National Lottery Community Fund (Youth

Project)

40,400

(24,497

)

-

15,903

130,781

(99,522

)

-

31,259

TOTAL FUNDS

2,736,037

(2,657,856

)

111,112

189,293

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Net

Transfers

At

movement

between

At

31.3.24

in funds

funds

30.3.26

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

3,096,514

9,460

206,000

3,311,974

Pension fund

-

206,000

(206,000

)

-

Designated fund

500,000

-

500,000

3,596,514

215,460

-

3,811,974

Restricted funds

National Lottery (Hear Me project)

5,115

44,440

-

49,555

Fundraising balances

1,401

-

1,401

Armed Forces (Veterans Project)

13,778

(13,778

)

-

BBC Children in Need (I'm Hear)

44,592

(44,592

)

-

National Lottery Community Fund (Youth

Project)

-

62,206

-

62,206

64,886

48,276

-

113,162

TOTAL FUNDS

3,661,400

263,736

-

3,925,136

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Gains and

Movement

resources

expended

losses

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

5,272,554

(5,193,088

)

(70,006

)

9,460

Pension fund

-

45,000

161,000

206,000

5,272,554

(5,148,088

)

90,994

215,460

Restricted funds

National Lottery (Hear Me project)

129,705

(85,265

)

-

44,440

Armed Forces (Veterans Project)

(12,808

)

(970

)

-

(13,778

)

BBC Children in Need (I'm Hear)

33,170

(77,762

)

-

(44,592

)

National Lottery Community Fund (Youth

Project)

122,374

(60,168

)

-

62,206

272,441

(224,165

)

-

48,276

TOTAL FUNDS

5,544,995

(5,372,253

)

90,994

263,736

National Lottery funding is to support youth activities.

The Armed Forces grant is to support ex-members of the military who suffer from hearing loss.

The BBC Children in Need grant is for the I'm Hear project, which supports deaf children and their families.

The National Lottery Community Fund is to support the DSN Youth Service, for children and young people aged 8-25.

The Designated Fund is to provide a contingency for unexpected expenditure and repairs.

20.	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The Charity ceased as an employer in the Cheshire Pension Fund on 31 July 2024.

It was determined by the scheme actuary, Hymans Robertson, that as at the cessation date the Charity were in an asset position to the value of £206,000. This money was received by the Charity in the year ended 30 March 2026.

The amounts recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities are as follows:

Defined benefit

pension plans

2026

2025

£

Current service cost

-

Past service cost

-

Actual return on plan assets

-

631,000

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:

Defined benefit

pension plans

2026

2025

£

Opening defined benefit obligation

2,756,000

2,283,000

Contributions by scheme participants

-

3,000

Actuarial losses/(gains)

-

470,000

Settlements

206,000

-

Scheme closure

(2,962,000

)

-

2,756,000

Changes in the fair value of scheme assets are as follows:

Defined benefit

pension plans

2026

2025

£

Opening fair value of scheme assets

2,962,000

2,283,000

Contributions by employer

-

45,000

Contributions by scheme participants

-

3,000

Actuarial gains/(losses)

-

631,000

Scheme closure

(2,962,000

)

-

2,962,000

The amounts recognised in other recognised gains and losses are as follows:

Defined benefit

pension plans

2026

2025

£

Actuarial gains/(losses)

-

161,000

-

161,000

The major categories of scheme assets as a percentage of total scheme assets are as follows:

Defined benefit

pension plans

2026

2025

Equities

-

45%

Bonds

-

41%

Property

-

13%

Cash

-

1%

100%

Principal actuarial assumptions at the Balance Sheet date (expressed as weighted averages):

2026

2025

Discount rate

-

4.50%

Future salary increases

-

3.00%

Future pension increases

-

2.30%

21.	RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Remuneration of £23,351 (2025 - £25,143) was paid to Mrs L Birtles, who is daughter of the trustee Mr P Morley. The remuneration was paid to carry out her role on behalf of the Training Service.

Remuneration of £19,143 (2025 - £14,639) was paid to Ms A Pane, who is daughter of the trustee Mr D Pane. The remuneration was paid to carry out her role as BSL Tutor.

Remuneration of £16,548 (2025 - £20,208) was paid to P Craige, who is mother of the trustee T Lonergan. The remuneration was paid to carry out her role as Project Manager.

Cheshire Deaf Society were appointed as a designated member of Positive Hearing LLP on 30 July 2024. During the financial year the LLP paid a donation of £40,289 to DSN (2025 £5,000).