A year in brain tumour support - 2016/7 by brainstrust

Helping people with a brain tumour to live a better life The year in review 2016/7 Trusteesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Annual Report â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Our Challenge

60,000 people in the UK

More than are living with a devastating brain tumour diagnosis

20%

of all cancers spread to the brain

40 die of brain

More people under than from any other form of cancer

cancer

double

A brain tumour diagnosis brings with it the of a cancer diagnosis and a progressively debilitating neurological disease

impact

A brain tumour diagnosis is terrifying, confusing and overwhelming for all the family. We know how alone and afraid and out of control it can make you feel. Being able to access the right care and information quickly and easily can help improve knowledge and understanding, reduce anxiety and instil a feeling of control. It can also improve satisfaction with treatment in brain tumour patients and their carers. For many people, finding the right care and information can often be difficult. brainstrust supports people with a brain tumour, their families and carers, helping them to engage in their care so that they can take control and be confident they are working towards the best possible outcome for them. We have a special coaching relationship with our community, helping them to become more resilient and confident so that they can face the challenges of their diagnosis.

Helping people with a brain tumour to live a better life

brainstrust is a UK brain tumour support charity. We know that when you hear the words ‘you have a brain tumour’, you need support from people who not only understand the fear, confusion and isolation but can empower and resource you to overcome it.

“I rang brainstrust in the middle of the night, about 3am, when I was in a state. I was amazed that someone could care. I think she said ‘but you needed me now’ and since then that is the only thing I have ever felt from this charity – love support, friendship and care.” Sarah We provide personalised 24/7 support from the point of diagnosis, and build resources that help people with a brain tumour to become stronger. We also work with hospitals to secure the best care possible for people with the condition. And, because we truly understand, we’re able to campaign for the brain tumour community to help solve real issues. We’ve helped thousands of people on their brain tumour journey. Thanks to your support we can help even more.

“I’m so glad I found brainstrust. It’s really helped me find great support from people who know what I’m talking about.”

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything has been such a fight on this horrendous journey. I am so thankful I discovered the brainstrust helpline and know there is someone on the phone at all times to listen and give sensible advice.â&#x20AC;?

Contents

Page The year in review – a few words from our Chief Executive and from our Chair of Trustees

Meet Phoebe

Our vision

How we have helped

Putting the world right, the right way. brainstrust’s policy achievements

Creating the change – your support

Fundraising highlights

Financial review

Structure, governance and management

Relationships and collaborations

Statutory information and further contact details

Declaration

Report of the trustees and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017 for brainstrust

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

The year in review – a few words from our Chief Executive and from our Chair of Trustees I am honoured and privileged to have been asked to lead brainstrust as Chief Executive from October 2016. This new role continues the successful and effective collaboration across the brainstrust management team and has been established with the full support and consensus of brainstrust’s founders, Helen and Peter Bulbeck. With the counsel of our board of trustees, this leadership team will continue to implement brainstrust’s strategy to 2020 and to guide the Charity for the years to come. 2016 marked brainstrust’s 10th year of helping people with a brain tumour to live a better life. In the last 10 years, brainstrust has grown from an idea born of being afraid, lost, alone and confused in the face of a brain tumour diagnosis to a respected, socially and commercially viable charity. Today brainstrust helps thousands of people across the UK to be less alone, less afraid and more in control. Core to brainstrust’s existence and progress is our revered coaching service. This unique and defining programme of support bears real, measurable impact. It has also provided the foundations for our brand and values, which are built on community, wisdom, challenge and a deep understanding of the real issues faced by people with a brain tumour.

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

In more recent history, the story of the last 12 months, told in this report, plays an important role in this narrative. Beneficiary numbers have grown steadily and over the past 2 years, revenue has built from, £422,000 (2014–15) to nearly £750,000 (2016–17). The story ahead holds promise. In the face of an uncertain economic climate and an incredibly crowded marketplace, we are seeing a groundswell of national community support. We have the confidence of some very well-regarded funding organisations, including the Rank Foundation, Garfield Weston and the Big Lottery Fund. Furthermore, we are seeing steady growth across a diverse portfolio of traditional charity fundraising income streams. Managed effectively, we are well placed for further growth in revenue, and therein, increased accessibility and impact for our beneficiaries. Our focus remains on public benefit, with intense focus on working towards our goal of being able to help everyone in the UK with a brain tumour, and their caregivers, facilitated by a nationwide programme of continued regional expansion. Will Jones Chief Executive

brainstrust’s executive management and board of trustees believe the charity to be of healthy heart, and mind, and well placed to continue on the path of growth to helping every UK brain tumour patient and caregiver to feel less alone, less afraid and more in control for the months and years ahead. The charity has seen another record year’s fundraising, which has translated rapidly and directly into an expansion in reach and impact for our patient and caregiver communities. It has not been an easy year, with much needing to happen behind the scenes to facilitate sustainable growth. Occupation of a small, additional regional office in Leeds has taken place, alongside an office move on the Isle of Wight to accommodate the expanding team. The charity has appointed an additional trustee, and a new chair, and has also appointed its first Chief Executive.

The operational team has grown to 17, with the focus for expansion falling on building capacity for expanded delivery of service. With this growth, brainstrust’s operational infrastructure has proven its robustness and ability to scale. In the face of this potentially destabilising activity, reserve levels remain strong, revenue has grown, and expenditure is managed well, with a very small operating deficit for the year in review. The coming 12 months are exciting for brainstrust and the charity’s community of patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, scientists and supporters. We are looking ahead to a year full of promise for those that we are here to help, day and night. Chris Baker Chair of Trustees

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once again I can not tell you how reassured you made me feel yesterday. It was so important that I spoke to someone and you were there, which I really appreciated.â&#x20AC;?

Meet Phoebe

In December 2016, brainstrust featured on BBC television, showing the reality of what life is like when you’re living with a brain tumour. The Lifeline Appeal, which reached one million people, followed five-year-old Phoebe as she and her family attended one of our meet ups. This is their story.

“To get that call was just a total bombshell. I wanted to know as much as I could about the stats. You’re trying to claw control, and context gives you control. And, for me, statistics and information was some of that control.” Feeling alone and afraid, the family didn’t have long to process news of the diagnosis or gain any sense of control because Phoebe’s doctors wanted to operate the next day. During the nine-hour operation, surgeons removed all of the tumour and Phoebe remained stable, but it was just the start of Phoebe and her family’s journey. That’s when a social worker put them in touch with brainstrust. “brainstrust gave me the brain box, which contained really useful stuff,” says Rachel.

The Lollar family’s story Wednesday 3 February 2015 was the day when life for the Lollar family was turned upside down. It was the day their then five-year-old daughter, Phoebe, was diagnosed with a brain tumour the size of a golf ball. She’d been admitted to hospital a few days earlier suffering from vomiting and a headache, and then came the devastating news of a brain tumour. Matthew, Phoebe’s dad, received a phone call from his wife, Rachel. “My phone went and I knew something really serious was wrong. I drove to the hospital thinking something’s really wrong. Although she didn’t tell me, I could hear it in her voice.

Matthew adds, ‘Some of it was very academic and detailed and some of it more accessible. There were also very practical things, like a guide to where the meet ups were happening and tea and coffee, because in that scenario in the hospital, you need a lot of tea and coffee. That and the brainstrust website had all the reliable information we needed.”

“brainstrust gave me the brain box, which contained really useful stuff.”

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Phoebe’s tumour was a medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer that affected Phoebe’s brain and spinal cord. She had to undergo aggressive radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, which lasted a year. Understandably, it was a difficult and emotional time for all the family, which is where brainstrust’s brain tumour community could help. “It can feel a very lonely experience,” says Rachel. “So something like brainstrust is key to just coping emotionally and not feeling that you’re on your own. Calling on brainstrust means you get welcomed into a community who’ve experienced what you’re going through.” Phoebe and her family are regulars at the little brainstrust meet ups in Sheffield, where children and families affected by brain tumours get together.

Phoebe, now aged six and recovered from her cancer and treatment, says, “I like it here because I know that they’ve been through the same thing as me. I get to know them through cancer.” As well as the children, the meet ups are also great for the parents of children with brain tumours. “brainstrust has been brilliant in supporting us along this unexpected journey that we’ve found ourselves on,” says Rachel. “Particularly for me in terms of these meet ups, and a chance to connect with other families who are going through something similar. You come to something like this and realise that you’re not alone.”

“So something like brainstrust is key to just coping emotionally and not feeling that you’re on your own. Calling on brainstrust means you get welcomed into a community who’ve experienced what you’re going through.”

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Our vision

Everyone with a brain tumour should be resourced and resilient so that they can live the life they want to and secure the best outcome for their situation.

Coaching is at the heart of our service, and it works to support people living with a brain tumour to develop strategies and resilience so that they can make choices and are in control of their life.

We want to make sure the 60,000 people living in the UK with a brain tumour feel resourced, resilient and better able to face their challenges.

Personal and positive

How we will achieve this To help everyone living with a brain tumour to have a better quality of life, we deliver personalised coaching-led support and information. Our national service has regional centres in London and the South East, the North, the Midlands and Scotland.

How we help We’re here to help people diagnosed with a brain tumour, and those caring for them. We want them to understand what is happening and to take control following a diagnosis so they can be confident they have secured the best possible outcome.

Our approach is personal and positive, with a focus on truth and honesty. We have direct experience of living with a brain tumour and cancer, which is why we set up brainstrust in 2006. We didn’t want others to feel as lost and afraid as we did. We provide 24/7 telephone support, face-to-face meet ups, printed information and support tools, coaching workshops and events, as well as an online community, our website and signposting to useful services, from all providers, via the ‘brain tumour hub’ and ‘Little White Books’.

We provide pragmatic support and advice from the point of diagnosis onwards. We can do this because of our team’s experience of battling brain cancer, as well as our unique network of advisers and our supporters in the medical, scientific and nursing community.

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

How we have helped

Our support makes a real difference to the brain tumour community, helping people with brain tumours, their families and carers to feel better resourced and more able to cope with a brain tumour diagnosis.

Linda’s story Linda Patrick was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016. Linda regularly attends meet ups and is part of our online community. “Without brainstrust’s help and ongoing support, I really don’t know how I would have coped. When I called the helpline, they sent me a brain box, which was very helpful. The team offered help and support and put me in touch with other people to talk with about my brain tumour. I read everything on the brainstrust Facebook page and found answers to all the questions I had.”

Sue’s story “When I was first diagnosed, it felt like I’d been given a death sentence. It was just before Christmas and I had no information and had to wait. I’d been told of the brain tumour but not given any information. I was agitated and anxious. When I received the brain box, I thought ‘Wow! This is amazing.’ If everyone with a diagnosis was given a brain box, they would be informed and that would help.”

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

During the year in review, brainstrust has evolved considerably towards operating nationally, via a regional model, to provide personalised, informed and relevant support ‘on the ground’. Services are now delivered regionally from London, Leeds, Birmingham, Southampton and Glasgow. Plans for 3 more regions to complete this expansion are in place but contingent on securing additional funding. Since the charity launched in 2006, we have supported 2,879 people directly by phone and email, with just under 300,000 people accessing the supportive information on our websites. From 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017, we have helped 507 new patients and carers through our helpline and sent out 229 brain boxes, our support toolkit for patients and carers. In our online community, we have 302 new members, which takes the total online support group members to 1,600. We held 27 meet ups, attended by 259 people. We also held mindful drawing workshops, designed to help people with a brain tumour to relax and develop their creativity in a supportive and friendly environment. 13 people attended and said the workshops helped them. Our coaching workshops were launched to help people with a brain tumour to feel more in control of their diagnosis, with 13 people attending. Our fatigue workshop, attended by 11 people, helped develop ways to better manage extreme fatigue.

Since the charity launched in 2006, we have

supported 2,879 people directly by phone and email, with just under

300,000 people accessing the supportive information on our websites

From 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017, we have helped

507 new patients and carers through our helpline and sent out

229 brain boxes,

our support toolkit for patients and carers

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just listening to the feelings of fatigue being articulated made it feel like it was normal. It made me feel challenges are acceptable.â&#x20AC;? Fatigue workshop participant In our online community, we have

302 new members,

which takes the total online support group members to

1,600

We held

27 meet ups, attended by

259 people

Putting the world right, the right way. brainstrust’s policy achievements

Last year we launched our campaigning activity, announcing a commitment to drive real change in the way that people with a brain tumour are treated and how research is run. We have set out to put the world right, the right way, for people with a brain tumour. For brainstrust, this means adopting a long-term view, with activity rooted in sensitive and supportive engagement with the clinical, patient, charity and political communities. The overriding message is that we want to see patients at the centre of the national agenda for improved treatment and care.

Do lifestyle factors (e.g. sleep, stress, diet) influence tumour growth in people with a brain or spinal cord tumour?

What is the effect on prognosis of interval scanning to detect tumour recurrence, compared with scanning on symptomatic recurrence, in people with a brain tumour?

Does earlier diagnosis improve outcomes, compared to standard diagnosis times, in people with a brain or spinal cord tumour?

During the year in review, we have progressed our work to promote cohesion and facilitate a strategic approach to brain tumour research through the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. We run five additional incubator days where we facilitate discussion between leading clinical specialists and patients to develop patient-centric trial proposals that relate to the top 10 research priorities. Areas of focus have included:

In second recurrence glioblastoma, what is the effect of further treatment on survival and quality of life, compared with best supportive care?

Does earlier referral to specialist palliative care services at diagnosis improve quality of life and survival in people with a brain or spinal cord tumour?

interventions for caregivers

palliative care for brain tumour patients

epilepsy and brain tumours (2 events)

fatigue.

Do molecular subtyping techniques improve treatment selection, prediction and prognostication in people with a brain or spinal cord tumour?

What are the long-term physical and cognitive effects of surgery and/or radiotherapy when treating people with a brain or spinal cord tumour?

Engagement at this ‘high level’ also informs our service provision, driving relevance, and efficiency, bringing knowledge and enhancing impact.

Top 10 JLA priorities

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

What is the effect of interventions to help carers cope with changes that occur in people with a brain or spinal cord tumour, compared with standard care? What is the effect of additional strategies for managing fatigue, compared with standard care, in people with a brain or spinal cord tumour?

10 What is the effect of extent of resection on survival in people with a suspected glioma of the brain or spinal cord?

What is an incubator day? A facilitated event where ideas are incubated and grown. It takes the form of an interactive workshop, structured to drive lateral thinking and radical approaches to address research challenges, with the aim of producing research proposals. Working collectively, we: l

find out about the state of current research evidence (Cochrane or other systematic review)

explore research ideas around the ‘theme’ of the incubator event – a JLA question

bring an expert team together to build a study/trial submission – usually three centres or more

seek advice from the study design experts in Research Design Service – http://www.rds.nihr.ac.uk/

develop the study proposal with the help of a Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) http://www.ukcrc-ctu.org.uk/

consider the trial management, protocol, statistics and data management implications

provide a robust peer review of the clinical research proposal through the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI)

seek the most appropriate funding route for the study with partners – NIHR, cancer charities, brain tumour charities

work collaboratively to produce the best funding application to find the most appropriate funder.

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Building awareness of patient need and brain tumour support brainstrust is regularly asked to present the patient perspective on life with a brain tumour at medical conferences, in the UK and further afield. During the year in review, we have presented on stage, shared posters and/or run workshops at: l

Cochrane UK & Ireland Symposium, Birmingham

Society of Neuro-Oncology Conference on Meningioma, Toronto

Scottish Cancer Research Conference, Glasgow

British Neuro-Oncology Society annual meeting, Leeds

NCRI CSG, London

EANO conference, Mannheim

NCRI National Conference, Liverpool

Britain Against Cancer, London

RCR Academic Radiation Oncology Conference, London

Cochrane James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership, London.

24 of our studies

Brain Tumour Tissue Banking Brain tumour tissue can be difficult for researchers to access, yet National Health Service (NHS) neuropathology archives contain a wealth of tissue. A review of NHS CNS biopsy archives revealed around 400,000 stored samples, accruing a further 18,500 annually. Simply trying to identify suitable tissue to help shape a study can pose challenges. In addition, the legal and ethical considerations required for approval to use human tissue can be difficult to new researchers and can prove time consuming. In order to drive improvement in both quality and quantity of brain tumour research, unlocking these tissue samples is an obvious starting point, and also an ethical necessity – it is simply not right that tissue is being collected, stored and not used. To this end, BRAIN UK has been established. This is a collaborative national virtual brain bank, facilitating access to under-utilised neuropathology archives for research. Initially funded by the MRC, BRAIN UK facilitates access to post-mortem archives. Two and half years ago, it expanded to include biopsies and is

have produced 45 platform presentations, 48 posters, 23 publications and 17 grants

generating over £1,300,000 income We’ve supported

over 110 interactions 14

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

31 tumour applications and 19 informal enquiries have been supported with

over 3,600 tissue samples approved for release for research

now supported by a group of brain tumour charities, led by brainstrust. 27 out of 30 NHS neuropathology centres participate in BRAIN UK, giving effective coverage of over 90% of UK population. A linked-anonymised database includes diagnosis and simple demographics. There is a centralised application process at www.brain-uk.org. BRAIN UK acts as a ‘matchmaker’, and its generic ethical approval covers the majority of projects. Investigators’ grants fund the costs associated with the retrieval, processing and transportation of tissue. Now 3 years in, we can reflect on what has been achieved. BRAIN UK utilises its generic ethical approval to reduce the time for researchers to achieve ethics, its network to obtain tissue and its expertise and insight into potentially available tissue to help form scientifically valid studies. 24 of our studies have produced 45 platform presentations, 48 posters, 23 publications and 17 grants (generating over £1,300,000 income). We’ve supported over 110 interactions, these would either be between the NHS and university sector or between universities. All active studies that were recently asked about the impact of BUK on their project felt that BUK had a positive impact, with 70% answering that they couldn’t have done their study without BUK. 31 tumour applications and 19 informal enquiries have been supported with over 3,600 tissue samples approved for release for research. Studies have encompassed a wide variety of tumour types, utilising a number of techniques. Studies utilising large quantities or rare tumour types particularly highlight the success of this approach.

little brainstrust Thanks to the support of Children with Cancer UK, we have been able to expand little brainstrust, our support service for children and their parents. little brainstrust delivers useful, effective and national help for children and families affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, and it advocates on behalf of this vulnerable patient group.

We know from our own experiences, as well as those of our wider patient base, that once diagnosed with a brain tumour, children feel scared, and their carers isolated. There are also complex communication issues that arise between patients and carers, and unlike with the adult population, schools and peers need to be engaged sensitively. A child’s brain tumour diagnosis often has a much greater impact on the carer’s life.

brainstrust empowers families to be engaged in their care so that they can take control and be confident that they are working towards the best possible outcome for their situation. Our ethos revolves around creating a supportive, helpful community where families can interact as much, or as little, as they need to, both in the real world and online. Our focus on high performance coaching sets us apart. When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. You are the person who is ultimately going to have the greatest impact on your life. Our coaching relationship with the families and children we support enables them to face their challenges so they learn how to develop resilience and use resources to their full potential. From 2016 to 2017, little brainstrust supported 78 families living with a brain tumour diagnosis, including 36 new families. We sent out 18 little brain boxes, a toolkit to help families feel better resourced and more in control.

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Building capacity by working with volunteers

than most people and able to cope, but I do have very bad days. It’s given me an opportunity to look at life in a different way.”

We couldn’t do the work we do to support people living with a brain tumour diagnosis without the support of our team of dedicated volunteers.

What we weren’t been able to do this year

Increasingly, the brainstrust community is keen to engage directly with our work in order to ‘give something back’ and to help others. Whether it’s helping in the office, peer support for our patients and caregivers or running their own awareness and fundraising events, our volunteers are a fantastic team who bring huge value and increased capacity for brainstrust and our brain tumour community. This year, we worked with 85 new volunteers, with our active team of volunteers now totalling 332.

This year we’ve had another record year, helping more people with a brain tumour, their families and carers than ever before. But we must still do more, and we also have a great deal to learn. We provide a national service, but there are still people who are feeling isolated and find it hard to access face-to-face brain tumour support from brainstrust in 3 key regions. We have begun to roll out our coaching and fatigue workshops, but demand is significant, with these filling up very quickly. There are still people who are unable to access these groups.

Barry’s story Barry Allen has been living with a brain tumour for 8 years. It’s affected all aspects of his life. He had to stop work, leaving a job he loved. But despite the challenges he’s faced, he wants to use his experience to help others.

There are still hospitals, particularly in the regions where we do not yet have a presence ‘on the ground’, who are not signposting dedicated support for people with a brain tumour.

“The worst thing about this condition is that you lose control. People think you’re still here, so you’re doing well, but life is about quality, not quantity. There is a lot of ignorance about this condition. The lack of knowledge is unbelievable. I’d like to volunteer for brainstrust and use my experience to help others. I know about the dayto-day of how it affects you. I believe I’m stronger

181

Volunteer Interests showing number of people

Fundraising

Event support

We have some great stories to tell about how the right support from brainstrust, at the right time, has transformed the lives of the people that we are here for. But there are still many patients and caregivers that we have helped for whom we do not know the impact of our service or the outcome of their journey. This coming year we will be working hard to develop and implement rigorous new methods for understanding our impact.

Information distribution

Administration Attending events (patient support) (patient support)

Meet up coordination

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Office administration

Peer support (for other patients/carers)

Probono services

Research (patient support)

Trading

Creating the change – your support

Of course, all of this wouldn’t be possible without your support. And thanks to you, we can say we’ve had another record year of fundraising for brain tumour support. Your help is enabling us to make the brain tumour population more resourced and more resilient in the face of an isolating, confusing and terrifying diagnosis. We continue to generate our income through a mixture of traditional charity fundraising channels, with an emphasis on community activity (events, cake sales, tea parties, school fundraising, etc.), sponsored activities, which take place under our thriving ‘Team brainstrust’ banner, and grants from both national and regionally focused charitable organisations. The cornerstone of brainstrust’s sustainability and stability is the overwhelming support that we receive from our community. Our Income: £744,622 Partner fundraising groups: £4,989 Team brainstrust (sponsored activities): £124,327

Our focus this year was to grow our income by maximising the potential of our regional model. We now have dedicated regional fundraisers in Scotland, the North of England, the South, London and the South East and the South West. Our team, working closely with the regional support specialists, are able to maximise the fundraising opportunities that arise from our patient and carer community, whose families and friends are the cornerstone of our sustainability and stability. This integrated approach has resulted in over £105,000 raised through the community against a target of £95,000. This income includes our 2 annual campaigns, TEAFEST and Wear Grey for a Day, which show growth year on year and are proving a very efficient way for us to reach new supporters.

How we spend your funds: Interest: £75 Personal donations: £35,914 Grants from other charities: £191,346

Cost of generating income: £98,557

Governance costs: £13,068

Corporate support: £16,910 Gift aid tax recovered: £65,397 Community fundraising activity: £286,965

Legacy donations: £10,000 Trading: £12,740

Helping people with a brain tumour and charitable activities: £647,102

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Fundraising highlights

Team brainstrust ‘Team brainstrust’ participants – our fantastic supporters who take part in sponsored activity events – have raised £124,000 this year. We had over 550 participants who raised an average of £245 per person. Our first multi-location Follow the Seagulls Walk took place in early April. On the Isle of Wight and in North Yorkshire, a total of 40 intrepid walkers took on the challenge of 50 miles in 2 days. These 2 events raised £30,000, and we are looking forward to expanding into new regions in the coming years. We also work hard to establish links and partnerships with companies whose employees have an affinity with our work. We understand

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

how difficult it is to secure one-off donations; however, we have received support in other ways through PAYE contributions, match-funding for sponsored events and participation in our TEAFEST and Wear Grey events. Over £16,000 was raised by companies for our work, an increase on last year, and we know that other areas of fundraising benefit indirectly from the exposure that a positive partnership brings.

Supported by the families we support In memoriam and legacy fundraising can be difficult to discuss, but through the work of our support team, it seems very natural that many families want to support us through funeral collections and activities in memory of

a loved one. Our support continues even when the patient is no longer with us, and often families and friends relish the opportunity to do something positive during a very difficult time.

BBC Lifeline Appeal We were the recipients of the BBC Lifeline Appeal this year, which resulted in one million people watching the brainstrust appeal over the 2 days when it was broadcast on BBC1 and BBC2. Over £13,000 was raised through direct donations as a result of the appeal, and there has been a definite wider impact on our fundraising activities and campaigns.

With his wife, Laura, and family and friends, Chris held a fundraising event in Lincolnshire, raising £1,646.27. “brainstrust helped me with a second opinion. From this, I was referred to an epilepsy specialist, and brainstrust continued to support me. I felt someone was listening and focused on making improvements to my quality of life. It’s the fact that there is someone there to listen and someone to speak to, that’s why I come to the meet up group. It’s something to look forward to. It helps.

Support from other charitable organisations We are also proud of the fact that we have been able to secure grant funding from trusts and foundations. These partnerships, some new, some ongoing, include, but are not limited to, the Rank Foundation, the National Lottery’s ‘Big Lottery Fund’ and ‘Awards for All’, the Vera Wolstencroft Charity for Children and Animals, Children with Cancer UK, the Wyseliot Charitable Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation. We are grateful to these organisations for their support.

Chris’s story: from patient to supporter Chris Bassenger is a member of the brainstrust meet up group in Hull. Chris came to brainstrust for help and advice after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. We offered a second opinion, and Chris wanted to raise money to give something back to the brain tumour community.

“I wanted to give something back, so I organised a fundraising event. The money raised will pay for a brain box for 30 people with a brain tumour diagnosis. It makes me feel good that I could help someone else.”

“I wanted to give something back, so I organised a fundraising event... ...It makes me feel good that I could help someone else.”

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

“You have no idea how much your support has overwhelmed me. I have only ever had negative feelings about any of my care, but you managed to put a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I can’t quite believe it.”

Financial review

The Trust’s published statutory accounts for 2016/17 include considerable detail of the source and application of funds, and the financial position of the Trust at 31 March 2017. This report comments on the main points of interest. In summary, gross income generated in 2016/17 was £744,662 (2015/16 £739,722). The net deficit for the year, after providing a substantial sum for the future treatment of patients on clinical trials, was £14,065 (2015/16 surplus of £43,001). Of this year’s deficit, £5,469 related to net outflow of funds from restricted funds. The Trust’s fundraising resources continued to be strengthened during 2016/17, with an increase in gross income during a difficult period for the charity sector. Income continues to be derived from a diverse portfolio of traditional charity fundraising streams, with brainstrust’s principal sources of income during 2016/17 continuing to be from grants and donations. These sources include other trusts and grant-making organisations, corporate donors, social and sporting events, the sponsored activities of very many active supporters (marathons, cycle rides, etc.), the sale of branded items (Christmas cards, clothing, etc.) mostly through our online shop and, of course, the welcome recovery of Gift Aid tax on eligible donations. Team brainstrust, a focus of development for several years, continues to grow steadily, particularly in the breadth and depth of sponsored events supported by the Trust, and through the efforts of our dedicated voluntary fundraisers.

The majority of income, both general and restricted, is applied to supporting patients and their families from the point of a brain cancer diagnosis. Our support team has been strengthened during the year, with an emphasis on geographical coverage, supported by The Big Lottery Fund. The Trust also funds research and related resources that are defined to lead in the short term to better outcomes for patients. The Trust has only cash investments, deposited with NatWest Bank and The Co-operative Bank. At 31 March 2017, the Trust had net unrestricted reserves of £120,960 (2016 £129,556) and net restricted income fund reserves of £62,447 (2016 £67,916). The Trust has a significant sum held in reserves for ongoing clinical trials, shown under shortterm creditors in the balance sheet. The target level for uncommitted, unrestricted reserves is cover for 4 months of defined core expenditure. At 31 March 2017, this figure stood at 3 months, in part a reflection of the high proportion of funds held in reserve for clinical trials for the benefit of the patients whom we support.

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

“I have been a trustee since the early days of brainstrust, and I am continually in awe of everyone that is so dedicated and works so hard for this wonderful charity. To hear the words ‘you have a brain tumour’ is frightening, confusing and life changing. I am so proud to be involved with a charity where people truly care, understand what people are going through and can provide tangible, inspirational guidance and support.” Kevin Higgs

Structure, governance and management

brainstrust is constituted as a trust, governed by its Declaration of Trust, dated 4 March 2006. The overall guidelines for the management and administration of the Trust are incorporated in the Declaration of Trust, dated 4 March 2006, as amended by Deeds of Amendment adopted by the trustees under the terms of the original Deed and notified to the Charity Commission. This places overall responsibility for the proper governance of the Trust with the appointed trustees. Day-to-day management of the Trust is delegated to William Jones, who has been appointed Chief Executive of the Trust. The chief executive, supported by the management team, makes recommendations to the trustees on the Trust’s vision, clinical research, patient/carer support, financial fundraising and promotional activities and ensures that funds raised are spent as efficiently as possible on resources that will be useful to people affected by brain cancer. The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Senior Staff Contacts William Jones, Chief Executive, will@brainstrust.org.uk Dr Helen Bulbeck, Director of Services and Policy, helen@brainstrust.org.uk Peter Bulbeck, Director of Finance and Clerk to Trustees, hq@brainstrust.org.uk Tessa Watson, Head of Fundraising, tessa@brainstrust.org.uk

Trustees brainstrust’s trustees for the year in review are Chris Baker, Kevin Higgs, Philip Cuff, Gillian Bilbo and Stephen Warrington (appointed 18 May 2016). Catherine Fitton resigned 18 May 2016, and Hannah Richardson resigned 6 September 2016. The board of trustees meets formally four times a year to ratify the broad strategy and areas of activity for the Trust. In addition, trustees meet with members of the team individually and for other purposes, e.g. to work on specific projects. All trustees give their time freely and no remuneration is paid. In accordance with Clause 9 of the Trust Deed dated 4 March 2006: (i) There must be at least three trustees. Apart from the first trustees, every trustee must be appointed by a resolution of the trustees passed at a special meeting called under clause 15 of this deed. (ii) In selecting individuals for appointment as trustees, the trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity. (iii) The trustees must keep a record of the name and address and the dates of appointment, re-appointment and retirement of each trustee. (iv) The trustees must make available to each new trustee, on his or her first appointment: (a) a copy of this deed and any amendments made to it; (b) a copy of the charity’s latest report and statement of accounts.

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Charity Commission

Board of Trustees

Chief Executive

Director of Services and Policy

Affiliations

Director of Finance

Finance and Operations Admin Support

the brainstrust

Story teller/ Communications Co-ordinator Key l Fundraising l External influence l Marketing l Governance l Service delivery l Operations

Support Specialist

(London and the South East)

Head of Fundraising and Volunteers

Grant Funding Manager

Designer

Intern Patient Information

Support Specialist (Midlands)

Support Specialist (Scotland)

Support Specialist

(North of England)

Support Admin

Grant Funders

Fundraiser and Volunteer Manager (London)

Fundraiser and Volunteer Manager

(North of England)

“It’s so helpful to have your guidance and many thanks to you and the Trust for all the help you give to so many and for getting in touch on a Sunday also. It makes all the difference.”

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

The brainstrust – a team of trusted advisers that represent different aspects of the brain tumour community Will Jones chief executive

Jane Neerkin consultant palliative care

Helen Bulbeck director of services and policy

Pam Bateson expert coach, consultant and trainer – managing partner at Zinnia Consulting

Peter Bulbeck director of finance and clerk to the trustees

Florien Boele clinical research fellow

Ingela Oberg specialist nurse

Julia Day clinical psychologist

Andrew McEvoy consultant neurosurgeon

Carol Loudfoot caregiver

Emma Evans patient

Jo White patient

Kathreena Kurian consultant neuropathologist

Graham Elmsley patient

Philip Humphries-Cuff brainstrust trustee

Andras Kemeny consultant neurosurgeon

Kevin Higgs brainstrust trustee

Neil Burnet consultant radiation oncologist

Catherine Fitton designer (freelance)

Caroline Phillips patient

Chris Baker brainstrust trustee

Nicki Lee clinical specialist radiographer

Mary Fraser clinical nurse specialist

Leonora Bulbeck editor (freelance)

Lyndsey Green caregiver

Anita Butler caregiver

Paul Grundy consultant neurosurgeon

Teri Spark patient

Heidi Gould patient

Lisa Morris caregiver

Geoff Pilkington scientific advisor

Anthony Byrne clinical specialist

Keith Knight patient

Phil Clarke patient

Alasdair Rooney clinical psychologist

Alan Geddes caregiver

Stephen Price consultant neurosurgeon

Nicky Callaby patient

Robin Grant consultant neurologist

Linda Patrick patient

JJ (to be anonymous) patient

Megan Hill patient

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Relationships and collaborations

We believe that no one of us is as smart as all of us. As such, meaningful collaboration is a key component of our approach as we work to help every one of the 60,000 people living with a brain tumour in the UK.

brainstrust’s partnerships

Clinical focus l

British Neuro-Oncology Society (BNOS)

Society of British Neurosurgeons (SBNS)

Society of Neuro-Oncology (SNO)

Scottish Adult Neuro-Oncology Network (SANON)

European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO)

Patient Focus

35 neurosurgical centres plus satellite hospitals

National Council for Palliative Care

British Psycho-Oncology Society

CHAIN (the Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network)

NCRI Brain and Central Nervous System CSG

Cancer Campaigning Group (CCG)

NCRI Neuro-oncology palliative care subgroup

Independent Cancer Patients Voice (ICPV)

NCRI Psychosocial and Supportive Care CSG

The King’s Fund

National Cancer Research Network (NCRN)

Patient Information Forum (PIF)

National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC)

Use My Data

Clinical and Translational Radiotherapy Research Working Group and executive (CTRad)

The Yorkshire and Humber Association of Neurological Organisations (YHANO)

British Neuropathology Society

James Lind Alliance (JLA)

Cochrane Collaboration

The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)

Public Health England

National Brain Tumour Registry

National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS)

Brain and CNS CRG

National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Political l

Brain Tumour Consortium

Charities l

Cancer Research UK

Medical Research Council

Children with Cancer UK

International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA)

Brain Tumour Research

The Rarer Cancers Foundation

Cancer 52

The Brain Tumour Charity

Brain and Spine Foundation

Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire

Charlie’s Challenge

Brain Tumour Support

Meningioma UK

Way Ahead Charity/Brain Tumour Research Campaign

Brain Tumour Buddies

Brainwaves NI

Macmillan

Marie Curie

Astro Brain Tumour Fund

Anna’s Hope

Levi’s Star

Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre

Headcase

Clic Sargent

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Statutory information and further contact details

Helping you

Registration

Talk to our team 24/7 on 01983 292 405 or email hello@brainstrust.org.uk

brainstrust is a registered charitable trust. Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as Charity No. 1114634. Registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator as Charity No. SC044642.

Helping us Make a donation at www.brainstrust.org.uk/ donate.php or call us on 01983 292 405 during office hours. Share your story at www.facebook.com/ brainstrust and help us campaign for change at www.braintumourawareness.org.uk

Registered address 4 Yvery Court, Castle Road, Cowes, PO31 7QG. www.brainstrust.org.uk www.braintumourhub.org.uk

Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees. Signature: Full name: Chris Baker Position: Chair of Trustees Date: 23 August 2017 Signature: Full name: Philip Humphries-Cuff Position: Trustee Date: 23 August 2017

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Registered Charity Number: 1114634

Report of the Trustees and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2017 for brainstrust

Harrison Black Limited Statutory Auditor Pyle House, 136/137 Pyle Street, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1JW

brainstrust Trusteesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

brainstrust Contents of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017 Page

Report of the trustees

31 to 32

Report of the Independent Auditors

33 to 34

Statement of financial activities

Balance sheet

Cash flow statement

Notes to the cash flow statement

Notes to the financial statements

39 to 45

Detailed statement of financial activities

46 to 47

brainstrust Trusteesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

brainstrust Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2017 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2017. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 2015).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1114634

Principal address 4 Yvery Court, Castle Road, Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7QG

Trustees C Baker K Higgs P Humphries-Cuff C Fitton – resigned 18 May 2016 G Bilbo H Richardson – resigned 6 September 2016 S Warrington – appointed 18 May 2016

Auditors Harrison Black Limited Statutory Auditor Pyle House, 136/137 Pyle Street Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1JW

The Charity is additionally registered in Scotland – Charity number SC044642

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

brainstrust Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2017 Statement of trustees responsibilities The trustees 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). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year that 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 charity 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 Charity 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 charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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. Approved by order of the board of trustees on 23 August 2017 and signed on its behalf by: Chris Baker Trustee

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Report of the Independent Auditors to the trustees of brainstrust We have audited the financial statements of brainstrust for the year ended 31 March 2017 on pages 35 to 45. 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). This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under Section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees 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 charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and auditors As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees Responsibilities set out on page 32, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view. We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under Section 154 of that Act and under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the charity’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the trustees; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and nonfinancial information in the Report of the Trustees to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Opinion on financial statements In our opinion the financial statements: – give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 March 2017 and of its incoming resources and application of resources 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 Charities Act 2011.

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of brainstrust Matters on which we are required to report by exception We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: – the information given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or – sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or – the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or – we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Harrison Black Limited Statutory Auditor Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 Pyle House 136/137 Pyle Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1JW Date: 30 August 2017

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

brainstrust Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2017

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Unrestricted) funds) £) Notes

Restricted) funds) £)

2017) Total) funds) £)

257,130)

76,946)

334,076)

226,353

437)

–)

437)

Donations and legacies

Investment income

Other trading activities

Total

405,604)

4,545)

410,149)

2016 Total funds £

513,295

663,171)

81,491)

744,662)

739,722

86,706)

11,851)

98,557)

67,232

585,061) 671,767)

75,109)

86,960)

660,170)

629,489

(8,596)

(5,469)

(14,065)

43,001

Total funds brought forward

129,556)

67,916)

197,472)

154,471

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

120,960)

62,447)

183,407)

197,472

EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds

Charitable activities

Charity activities

Total

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

758,727)

696,721

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

CONTINUING OPERATIONS All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.

The notes form part of these financial statements

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

brainstrust Balance sheet at 31 March 2017

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors

Cash at bank

Unrestricted) funds) £) Notes

Restricted) funds) £)

2017) Total) funds) £)

–)

15,734)

–)

15,734)

5,905

418,248)

63,942)

482,190)

413,162

433,982)

63,942)

497,924)

419,067

(313,023)

(1,495)

(314,518)

(221,596)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

120,959)

62,447)

183,406)

197,471

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

120,960)

62,447)

183,407)

197,472

NET ASSETS

120,960)

62,447)

183,407)

197,472

120,960)

129,556

183,407)

197,472

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

FUNDS

Unrestricted funds

62,447)

Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 23 August 2017 and were signed on its behalf by: Chris Baker Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

2016 Total funds £

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

67,916

brainstrust Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 March 2017 2017) ÂŁ)

2016 ÂŁ

68,591)

260,226

68,591)

260,226

Cash flows from investing activities: Interest received

437)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

437)

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period

69,028)

260,300

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period

413,162)

152,862

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period

482,190)

413,162

Notes

Cash flows from operating activities: Cash generated from operations

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

The notes form part of these financial statements

brainstrust Trusteesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

brainstrust Notes to the cash flow statement for the year ended 31 March 2017 1. Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial activities)

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges

Interest received

Increase in debtors

Increase in creditors

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

2017) £)

2016) £)

(14,065)

43,001)

–)

375)

(9,829)

(1,475)

(437)

92,922) 68,591)

(74)

218,399)

260,226)

brainstrust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017 1. Accounting policies

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, 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 2015)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

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

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Grant income is recognised when received. In the event that a grant is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

brainstrust Trustees’ Annual Report: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

brainstrust Notes to the financial statements – continued for the year ended 31 March 2017 1. Accounting policies – continued

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Fixtures and fittings – 25% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

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.

2. Donations and legacies

Donations

2017) £)

2016 £

52,790)

65,622

16,911)

19,450

Grants from other charities

191,347)

Gift aid tax recovered

63,028)

65,397

334,076)

226,353

2017) £)

2016 £

Corporate grants and donations

Legacies

10,000)

74,884

1,000

3. Other trading activities

Fundraising events

262,541)

348,382