Charity registration number 10152161England and Wales) Company registration number 02761115 COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES/DIREcfoRS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31# March 2025 The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purpose of the Companies Act 2006, present their report along with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31, March 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities, in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Chair's introduction l am delighted to present this year's Trustees Annual Report for Coventry Independent Advice Service. Overthe past year, our team of dedicated staff and volunteers has continued to provide vital support to people across the city, often at moments of real diff iculty and uncertainty in their lives. Demand for advice and support has remained high, with many facing increasing financial pressures, cost of living concerns, and challenges in navigating complex systems. Despite these pressures, our servlce has helped many indlvlduals and families to secure their rlghts, Improve their circumstances, and regain a sense of stability. l am especlally proud of the way our organisatlon has adapted following a sudden loss of funding mid-way through the year. The huge shock of Coventry City Council cuts forced dramatlc change. But whether through innovative outreach work, strengthening partnershlps across Coventry, or ensuring that our advice remains accessible and hi8h-quality, we have shown resilience and commitment. The positlve outcomes we see for our cllents are a testament not only to the skill and dedication of our team, but also to the value of havin8 an independent advice service rooted in the community. Looking ahead, we know that the challenges will not diminish. Rising living costs and ongoing social and economic pressures mean that our work wlll continue to be essential. Our focus will be on sustaining and developing the service so that everyone who needs advice and advocacy in Coventry and surrounding areas can find it. With the continued support of our funders, partners, volunteers, and staff, l am confident we are well placed to meet the future with determination and hope. On behalf of the Board, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to our success over the past year. Together, we are making a real difference in people's lives and strengthening our communitie5. Strurture, Governance and Management Coventry Independent Advice Service ICIAS) is a charitable company. The Memorandum of Association establishes the objects and powers of the charitable company which is governed by the Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Charity trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. During the past year the trustees have been meeting every 1-2 months to review performance and budgets as well as overseeing the broad strategy of CIAS. CIAS operates in accordance with documented policies and procedures which are designed to ensure that these re5pon5ibilities are fully met. Day to day management of activities is delegated to the Chief Executive Off icer ICEOI who reports directly to the trustee board. Recruitment and a ointment of directors The trustees are appointed by ordinary resolutlon or by a decision of the existing trustees. Under the Articles of Association, one third of the directors are required to retire by rotation at each Annual General Meetin8 at which time they may seek re-election. Trustees who have served a total of nine years on the board must stand down for a period of not less than one year. CIAS has a recruitment process for new trustee5 which includes a written application form followed by an initial meetin8 With the Chair and CEO. Trustee vacancies are advertised on the CIAS website and promoted through Voluntary Action Coventry, social media accounts and national advertisin8 where appropriate. Officer roles may also be advert15ed on recruitment websites. The induction process for new trustees comprises further meetings with the Chalr andlor CEO and attendance at a trustee meeting as an observer. New trustees are given access to previous board papers, recent accounts and annual reports, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Charity Commission Guidance ICC31. New trustees also complete an NCVO e-learning module coverin8 the roles and duties of trustees. Risk Mana emen CIAS annually reviews its risk re8i5ter to ensure strategic, business, and operatlonal rlsks are covered. CIAS has detailed Health and Safety, Risk Management and Safeguarding policies as well as other policies to ensure that risks are identified and managed. Public and professional liability insurance is held at a level recommended by our membership body, AdviceUK, along with appropriate levels of insurance against other identifled rlsks such as trustee indemnlty and theft. Access to 24/7 human resources and health and safety support has been provided through a paid subscription to Croner HR. This support helps reduce exposure to risk in these key areas. The subscription also includes an Employee Assistance Programme aimed at promoting and supporting wellbeing. Governance support, through membership of professional bodies including AdviceUK and NCVO, is also in place. Information Assurance and Data Protection CIAS has policies to effectively manage compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations IGDPRI which are reviewed and updated regularly. All staff receive GDPR training relevant to their A resolution at the 2024 AGM suspended the normal trustee retirement process for one year to ensure that the board remained functional and aligned with the charity's objectlves, while safeguardin8 good governance processes, durin8 a period of unforeseen financial challenges. 2 Coventry Independent Advice Service at htt covadvice.or -uk NCVO E-learning 'Roles and Duties of Tru5tee5' at htt bookin learnin .n¢vo.or trainin event Series
role. Robust processes are in place to ensure that IT systems are secure and comply with recognised cyber security standards. These systems are supported by an external IT professional. The secure Microsoft 365 cloud-ba5ed environment is used for day-to-day operations and the online case management system, AdvicePro, is used to secure all client information and case files. Both systems are fully assured and compliant with international data security standards. The Microsoft 365 system was upgraded in 2021 to take advantage of enhanced security and protection options as more people were regularly working from home. Client data held in AdvicePro is securely stored in the UK within a robust, secure operations centre compliant wlth Information Security Code of Practice IS027001, and automatically backed up daily. E ualit and Diversi CIAS recognises that a diverse board brings a wider range of perspectives and improves critical evaluation. A board that reflects the communities we serve can enhance our le8ltimacy and ability to connect with and serve our beneficiaries. We use open recruitment methods fortrustees to help broaden the pool of candldates. CIAS trustees answered the call from ACEVO to sign up to eight principles to address the diver5itv deficit in the charity sector and to create an action plan. We are open to feedback on how we might take further steps towards increasln8 our reach. Liabilities CIAS main liabilities are for staffing costs, including pensions. Slnce losing our main source of core funding from Coventry City Council, we have strived to reduce our long-term liabillties. Most of our service contracts are on a monthly rolllng basis, including our current premises costs. Appropriate insurance is maintalned to cover all identlfied liabilities and we have a reserves policy In place to ensure adequate protection {see under'Financial Review, below}. Trustees, res onsibllities In relation to the flnancial statements The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and.. Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended prattice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. Prepare the financial statements on the 80ing concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose wlth reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ascertain the financial position of the charity, and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act ' ACEVO at htt www.acevo.or ei ht- rinci les-to-address-the-diver51 -deficit-in-charit -leader5hi
- The trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Public Benefit Statement In setting objectives and planning activities the trustees have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 by giving due consideration to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance. In pa rticular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives set. Objective5 and Activities CIAS charitable objectives are to promote any charitable purpose for the public benefit of communities in Coventry and the surrounding areas, predominantly by providing informatlon, advice, public legal education, and other support to relieve poverty and hardship, reduce inequality and improve quality of life. CIAS core actlvlties focus on the provislon of advlce and casework on welfare benef its and debt plus general advice and casework on other social welfare issues. Business planning and strategic development keeps these core attivities at heart with the aim of focusing work on the most disadvantaged and financially excluded sections of local communities. The services offered are free, confidential and independent. The range of specific activities focus on helping indlviduals and families to Identify and claim benefits, to challenge benefit decisions, to advise on strategies for dealing with problem debt, to negotlate with creditors and to provide informatlon and support on a range of other social welfare issues. The service model is focused on reaching people where they live, in their own neighbourhoods, and in areas of greatest need. Advice services are delivered usin8 a mix of face-to-face work In community venues across and remote delivery via telephone and an online enquiry portal, CIAS recognises that its 'USP' is advice in communities and that remains the key focus of dellvery. In addition, we have developed a significant digital inclusion offer enabled through our ongoing volunteer programme. This activity focuses on one-to-one sessions in public libraries across Coventry, assisting people to get online, perform everyday tasks which are increasingly 'di8ital flrst, and to improve their soclal interaction with friends and famllies. Over the past year a range of actlvities have been undertaken to help meet the charitable objectives, including: Working closely with community partners to ensure that our'in person, services are targeted on those who need them most. Focusing on 'early help, and working with partners to help meet community need for advice and information before problems reach crisis point. Recruiting and supporting more volunteers to help increase service capacity in response to rising demand. Developing targeted advice clinics around Personal Independence Payment IPIPI, utilising our own staff and trained students from Warwick University, to address an identified need within Coventry for help with claim forms and challenging decisions.
Delivering a debt advice and casework service as part of a local Health Justice Partnership IHJP) alongside Central England Law Centre, Citizens Advice, Coventry University and local health professionals. Developing a new service offering online and telephone-based support to the foodbank network in Stratford Upon Avon. U ndertaking new activity within communities focused on addressing digital exclusion, including links with Coventry City Council's '#CovConnects' initiative to extend availability of IT and support end users to access essential online services, Developing our volunteer offer to include NVQ qualifications in Advice and Guidance alongside further support with their personal and professional development. Working with statutory and voluntary sector partners to produce resources in response to the continuing cost-of-livin8 crisis and to help address wider poverty and inequality issues. Membership of the Health Determinants Research Collaboration IHDRCI in Coventry. This is a collaboration with the University of Warwick, Coventry University, University College London, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, the voluntary sector and local communities. The HDRC aims to establish a research infrastructure to reduce health inequalities and improve the health of Coventry residents, Part of the Marmot Partnership which brings together partners from the voluntary, commu nity and social enterprise sectors, statutory services, universlties, health, emergency services, and the cou ncil, focu55ed on reducin8 health inequalities by working together on the Marmot Principles Maintaining and developing accessible advlce and information for communities via telephone, email, and online enquiry. Maximising the Income of indlvlduals and famllles through increased benefit take-up and support with problem debt. Maintalning and further developing a public website, Including video advlce resources and an enhanced 'self-help' section to enable people to flnd other sources of help locally and nationally. Working with students on the Public Le8al Education module at the University of Warwick Law School, including an internship, to further enhance our public facing offer. Seekin8 Opportunities to help enhance seNice offer and demonstratin8 a good return on investment for funders. Helping address poverty and Inequallty by increaslng the take-up of benefits and by offering debt advice and casework. Playing a part in the life of the city throu8h engagement with local initiatives, pollcy work and campaigns. Financial review Trustees agree a budget each year and a quarterly monitoring report is prepared by the treasurer. A detailed cashflow forecast is updated monthly. The CEO and finance assistant deal with day-to-day flnancial matters In accordance with well established procedures. CIAS uses the Xero financial software package which allows trustee officers, the CEO and the financial administrator to carry out their respective roles in a hybrid working environment. htt htt www.coveni ov.uk cov-connects www.instituteofhealthe .or takin -action takin -action what-is-a-marmot- lace. df
Goin concern statement The Trustees have assessed the charity's financial position and are satisfied that it is a going concern. We have therefore adopted the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. The following information summarises the assessment made by the Trustees. Following the unforeseen loss of our core grant from Coventry City Council in October 2024, trustees undertook an immediate and comprehensive review of the charity's financial sustainability. This review identified a combination of cost-saving measures including strategic realignments and redoubled efforts to secure alternative funding. To allow the charity to continue to operate, the review also sadly resu Ited in the compulsory redundancies of three full-time advisers in January 2025. Trustees acknowled8e that the charity faces material uncertaintie5 inherent to the charity's reliance on external funding. However, based on the steps taken and the current assessment of available resources, the trustees are conf ident that the charity will remain operational throughout the next 12 months for the following reasons: Exlstln8 contracts: The charlty secured new contracts and seNlce level agreements with Cadent Gas, Stratford Foodbanks, the local Health Justice Partnership and with the Monev Advice and Pensions Service. These are due to explre at various polnts within the 12-month assessment period. but the charity anticipates that some of these agreements will be renewed. The outcome of these processes and the exact timing of the related funding cannot be guaranteed but the Trustees have mitl8ated this risk by preparing contingency plans. Antlclpated new funding: The Trustees have considered the charity's plpeline of new funding and grant applications. Thls Includes confirmation that a substantial bid to the National Lottery Reaching Communities fund has been pro8ressed to the second sta8e alon8 with positive feedback on applications. 5cenarlo analysis: Cash flow forecasts have been prepared and reviewed, which indicate that the charity can meet its liabilities as they fall due. A reseNes policy is in place and is kept under review Isee below). The charity has no outstanding debts and maintains a focus on reducing Costs where possible. Forecasts have been stress-tested for different scenarios, including potentlal delays in funding declsions, and demonstrate that the charity has suff icient resources to respond to challen8es. The Trustees will continue to closely monitor the charity's financial posltion and take approprlate actions as needed to address emer8ing challenges, ensurin8 that the charity remains focused on delivering its mission and objectives. Reserves olic The trustees have set a reserves policy that requires reseNes to be maintained at a level which ensures that core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty and that a proportion of reserves be maintained in a readily realisable form. The reserves policy is calculated and reviewed annually by the trustees. The intention of the policy is to cover liabilities including provision for redundancies, prem ises and other contrattual costs, a reasonable level of urgent contingencies and the realistic costs that may be incurred if the charity were to be wound-up.
The trustees assess the required level of reserves on an annual basis, alongside the operating budget. The assessment takes account of the income and expenditure risk within the budget and the need to keep sufficient bank balances to be able to manage the day-to-day fluctuations of receipts and payments. Any significant changes in activities or financial obligations that could affect the level of reserves is closely monitored. Based on risk analysis, unrestricted reserves equivalent to at least three months operating costs were agreed to be necessary (representing approximately £75,000 for 2025/261. Unrestricted reserves on 31, March 2025 were £119,295). Of this, we have designated £32,74012025/26) to cover potential redundancy costs if the charity needed to close. Income and ex enditure Overall income reduced to £350,540 in 2024/251£506,829 in 20231241, mainly due to the loss of fundin8 from Coventry Clty Council following a competitive tenderin8 process for advice services in the city. The competitive tendering process was completed in a short timescale, with little notice, and there was no transltional funding available or any period of adjustment. A three-year grant from the National Lottery continues to 5UPPOrt our Volunteer Programme but this Is due to end in December 2025 (after being rescheduled following the loss of our council grant). We have recently learned that a new application to the National Lottery has been approved at stage one and now progresses to the second stage of the process, which is encouraging. The existing grant has helped to enhance our service capacity as well as providing continued financial securitv. We successfully gained new funding from Cadent Gas and through the Stratford Foodbank network. This, alongside other project specific fundin8 and smaller unrestricted grants, has enabled us to continue to deliver core services to our communitles. Staff costs represented around 85% of our total charitable expenditure in 2024125. Following the loss of our main source of funding we implemented several cost saving measures, the most sSgnificant of which was a process to make some staff redundant. This enabled the charity to continue to operate, albeit at reduced capacity, in line with available resources The need to diversify funding streams Is recognised by trustees as critical to safeguarding the charity's future and building capacity to meet ever increasing demand from beneficiaries. This will continue to be our focus of activity in the coming months. Investment Polic and Performance CIAS continues to hold a current account with Unity Trust, an independent bank commltted to supporting socially minded organisations across the UK. The charity no longer holds any investments. and all cash is held in the current account. Finding a reasonable return on investment is still a major problem for the charity sector. Investments are regularly reviewed but, due to unattractive interest rates and the need to keep a level of reserves relatively liquid, potential income from investments 15 limited. Acknowled ements Trustees would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have supported their work in the past year, specifically:
The National Lottery Community Fund-for their continued support of our volunteer programme and for their flexibility in adjusting grant payments to help us navigate challenging financial circumstances. Cadent Gas- who stepped in to support our core advice service in Coventry at a time of uncertainty and who have shown a commitment to working with us in the longer term. Stratford Foodbanks- who contracted with us to provide a remote service to their users and who have demonstrated their support by extension of the contract. Warwick Law School- with whom we have maintained an excellent working relationship and who have endeavoured to unlock additional partnership opportunities. Money Advice and Pensions Service- who have funded a Debt Modernisation Project to help develop an Al tool and other resources to better support our beneficiaries. Coventry City Council- although our core funding from the council was withdrawn on I, October 2024, following a competitive tender process, we would like to thank them for their support over the last 30 years. Individual donors~ A small number of people who regularly donate In support of the charities work or who make one-off donations. The trustees are extremely grateful to every one of you. Review of the Year Our strongest indicators of success are the outcomes we help achieve for our clients, their families and for our city. These stories of chan8e provide greater evidence of our impact than simple outputs and help demonstrate progress in tacklin8 poverty and inequality within Coventry and the surrounding area. A summary of our outputs for the 2024125 financlal year include: We helped put over £3.5 mllllon into the pockets of local people in the form of beneflt entitlements, debts managed or written off, charitable payments and other financial gains. We estimate this is worth at least £5 milllon to the local economy as this money circulates rather than being saved or taken out of the city. In turn, this additional money helps to create local jobs and services. Our two main enquiry areas continue to be welfare benefits and welfare rl8hts {74% of new files opened) and debt/money guidance issue5 {13%1. This breakdown has remained consistent for many years. However, many clients have multiple complex issues and so there is inevitable overlap between enquiry categories. We opened 1530 new cases for 1211 individuals and families and had over 6300 dlrect engagements with our beneficiaries. We closed 1709 files as work was concluded, and an outcome recorded. 63tyh of cases closed resulted in a positive financial outcome. Our advisers completed nearly 9800 packages of work, includlng Intervlews, research casework, phone calls and other actions on behalf of our beneficiaries. 23% of clients told us they had a disability or a long-term illne5S. 58% of our clients are female. 46% of our client5 identified an ethnlc origin other than White 8ritlsh. Thi5 include5 20% from an Asian or British Asian background and 13% from a Black or Black British background. 48% of our clients were over the age of 50, with 17% over the age of 65. By contrast, only 9% were under the age of 25.
Our public website was viewed 16600 times by 7400 visitors. Approximately 7000 users had not visited our website before. 87% of people visiting our website have come to us directly or specifically searched for our service. 71% of visitors to our website are using a mobile device. The financial gains we have helped achieved for clients helps demonstrate the real value of our service to our clients, to the city and to our funders. Increased income and reduced indebtedness can be life-changing, having a positive impact on health and wellbeing as well as providing increased financial security and stability, Our social return on investment cannot be understated. We estimate this year that our work is worth around £5 million to the city economy. We base this estimate on the local economic multiplier model which recogni5es that people on lower incomes tend to spend their money locally, which in turn creates jobs and wealth for local businesses and other seNices. Additionally, financial security reduces pressure on health services and other soclal provision. Staffln A review of the past year would be incomplete without acknowledging our dedicated staff team. The last half of the 2024125 financial year was the most diff icult in the history of our charity. Losing our core funding Wlth only a few weeks, notlce out an incredible strain on all our staff and trustees. As Christmas approached, we were starting a redundancy consultation process which eventually resulted in us losin8 three full-time staff including our longest serving adviser, Magdelana Kolinska. None of our staff wanted to leave us, and they all understood the pressure the charlty was under to cuts costs to survive. At one point, because of the uncertainty, we nearly lost all our advice team as they had understandably started applying for alternative employment. While we could not retain all of them, the 5UPPOrt from Cadent Gas and Stratford Foodbanks helped us to keep a core staff team in employment. Some of these staff had Secured work elsewhere but rescinded those offers to stav with us. That level of commitment and dedication to our charity speaks volumes as to the value of our work and the culture we have maintained. We are pleased to say that the staff who left us have all gone on to thrive in their new job5, including Magdalena who is now working at a senior level within Citizens Advice. Information advice and su ort Advice is a powerful empowerment tool. We don't just 'do things, for clients, we work alongside them. For instance, when helping with a PIP claim, advisers explain ellgibility criteria, necessary evidence, and how to prepare for assessments. In debt cases, clients are guided through budgeting, credltor negotiation, and debt management options, helping to build long-term financial confidence. This hands-on approach helps people understand their rights and responsibilities, equipping them to advocate for themselves. Clients report increased confidence in dealing with future challenges and reduced anxiety about their financial situations. By demystifying complex systems, we help turn feelings of helplessness Into knowledge and action. htt COV3dvice.or Source.. Google Analytics. htt www.nefconsultin .com what-we40 evaluation-im act-assessment local-multi lier-3 io
We hold the Advice Quality Standardlo at the Advice with Casework level in Welfare Benefits and Debt advice. The board recognises the value of continuing to hold AQS as it gives confidence to clients, stakeholders, and funders that hiEh standards of Servi and quality of advice are in place. Our next assessment is due in April 2026. We currently offer a mix of face-to-fa, phone and digital support, with clients increasinglv choosing to use our new WhatsApp service and preferring some digital contact and text messaging. The loss of council funding and staff redundancies meant that we had to reduce our advertised service offer midway through the financial year. We now offer drop-in and appointments sessions in Tile Hill and Holbrooks and recently started an appointment session in Binley. We are a150 running a Personal Independence Payment IPIPI Clinic. in partnership with Warwick Law School, at Foleshill Community Centre following a successfu I pilot at Holbrooks Community Centre. We have helped 169 unique clients to date, supporting people with new PIP claims, reviews, and appeals. We have found that clients are grateful to see an adviser face to face to discuss their issues. They are often anxious and feel overwhelmed by the process. We help to reassure them and help them to feel more confident about their PIP journey. PIP and healthldisability related issues continue to be the biggest part of our work. It is a concernin8 time for sick and disabled people, considering the government's announcement earlier thls year re8ardinB reforms to benefits which could result in cuts for many. Although there was a change to the proposed PIP '4-point rule,, the review into how PIP will be reformed (the Timms Review), and about the test to replace the current Work Capability Assessment for Universal Credit IUC) when the WCA is scrapped, is not expected until Autumn 2026. Universal Credit mlgratlon Is nearing the end of Its roll out, wlth Employment and Support Allowance IESAI to UC migration nearing completion. Thls Is one of the tricklest client groups to migrate and CIAS is approached weekly for help with UC migration. While we do help clients we are already working With, we do not have capacity to help everyone that contacts us. The Government fund Citizen's Advice 'Help to Claim SeNice' to help clients migrate to UC but this is only via telephone. This doesn't work for many of the clients we speak to who prefer face to face advice. DWP visiting officer5 are lin theory) able to help clients claim, although anecdotally they do little more than visit to ensure the client knows they need to call to make the claim, It remains to be seen how many people on ESA may slip through the net. Our project with Stratford Foodbanks has been extended until March 2026. Two of our advisers, Denis and Selena, provide fortni8htly advice at The Fred Winter Centre and Denis provldes support at an evening session once a fortnight. There have been some challenges with the quality of referrals and clients have sometimes been hard to contact and engage with. We hope to see improvement in this, following our recent training for all foodbank volunteers. Our project with Coventry Law Centre's Health Justice Partnership has also been extended and we continue to support clients referred to us for debt advice. The Health Justice Partnership works across one of the Primary Care Networks in the city and allows GPS to make direct referrals for people whose health problems are often related to, or made worse by, financial difficulty. We have taken on 10 Warwick Law Student volunteers who will be supporting our PIP Clinic and our Holbrooks and Tile H ill outreach for two terms, helping them gain valuable experience and helping us deliver more support to Coventry residents. This will allow us to continue the work we started over the summer, when our intern from Warwick Law School helped clients with council tax JO Advice Quality Standard, at htt asauk.or advice- ualit -standard li
discounts and exemptions, signing up to the Priority Service Register, charity grant support, Big Difference Scheme applications, Blue Badge applications and other support. For such a small staff team, supported by a handful of dedicated volunteers, the Board is proud of the charity's achievements for individuals and families in Coventry. CIAS is very much embedded in the life of the city and initiatives to tackle poverty and exclusion. The trustees would like to thank Diane, our Advice Service Manager, along with the advice team for their continued commitment and hard work on behalf of the charity and our beneficiaries. Volunteer ro ramme and Communit Di ital The second year of our volunteer programme funded by the Natlonal Lottery Community Fund has brought growth and diversity in our volunteers and opportunities to support local people. We have seen a marked increase in volunteer numbers, noting the increase in volunteers who are seeking support to develop essential work skills and an increase in the number of volunteers holding de8rees and post graduate qualifications. The project continues to focus on disadvantaged communities across the clty of Coventry, with the Community Digital project expanding to two new locations and growth from monthly to weekly sesslons in addition to targeted sessions with local community 8roups. This preventative and empowering work has focused on givin8 people essential digltal skills to navigate information, services and access education and work opportunities. Participants have reported that they have learnt a wide range of skills from basic computer use, email, CV writing, and Excel to online safetv and using 8overnment services. Some participants reported getting jobs, help with benefits, and Increased confidence, Our partnership with community libraries and funding from the Good Things Foundation has enabled us to develop the project. Through the Coventry City Council #Covconnects device bank we have been able to tackle di8ital exclusion by giving people a range of device5 from Chromebooks to Echo devices and SIM cards through the National Databank. Our volunteers continue to provide valuable 5UPPOrt to our core service, saving valuable adviser time through form filling, money advice support and grants support, and facllitatlng more support for our clients, development of skills, confidence and expertise in our volunteers and our ability to add value to our services through their knowled8e about neighbourhoods and cultures. Volunteers tell us that they are more confident, volunteering wlth us has inspired their career and educational plans, they have learnt digital skills, communications skills, advice and guidance skills and teamwork. We received thanks for our clear communication, flexible schedulin8 and welcoming environment. As one volunteer sald, "I have helped improve people's quallty of life while learning how to complete applications, it makes me feel amazing." Along with offering a NVQ qualifications in Advice and Guidance, our volunteers receive training on communication skills, health and safety, safeguarding, diversity and inclusion and data protection. The project has developed the ethos that everyone can contribute, and we are seen locally as an organisation that can provide volunteering opportunities to people who may be perceived as furthest away from the jobs market, providing coaching and mentoring to help volunteers move forward with their lives. 12
We are looking forward to expanding our volunteer programme, providing more structured coaching and mentoring for volunteers and working closely with our third sector partners to drive improvements in volunteering across the city and sharing of best practice. We hope to increase our ability to empower more local people through our Community Digital project and to train more volunteers to support our core service. The trustees would like to thank Daksha, our Volunteer Programme Manager, along with our current and former volunteers, for their dedication and commitment to our charity. We recognise that you give your time for fe, and your support Is invaluable. Looklng forward As stated in the finance section above, we are working with regularly updated cashflow forecasts and adapting service delivery based on new income streams. These include our core work in Coventry supported by Cadent Gas and other smaller pots of money, our project supporting Foodbanks in Stratford Upon Avon, our disability-advice clinics alongside students from Warwick Law School, the Health Justice Partnership and our Debt Modernlsatlon Project supported by the Money and Pensions SeNice. Our key priorities are now: To consolidate our existing services as far as possible and retain valuable, hl8hly skilled, staff within the advice sector. To redouble our fundraising efforts and seek diversification of income to help secure the future of our charitv. To seek additional partnerships and other opportunities to share the costs of seNice delivery. To continue to build our volunteerlng activity and digital inclusion work. Thls Includes training and development activity to support our core advice work. Continuin8 to support our staff and volunteer wellbeing, including work towards the West Midlands Combined Authority'Thrive at Work, Bronze award, li To work on a sustainable succession strategy. We know there is a national shortage of experienced advisers and our CEO continues to work with colleagues across the UK on the development of initiatives to tackle this national challenge as well as looking internally, Trustees and our CEO are committed to remain focused on our mission and objectives, and to pursue all opportunltles that wlll continue to help us meet the needs of our beneficiaries. th The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 28 November 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Damon Swindell Director & Chair of CIAS Trustee Board 11 Thrive at Work: About the programme, at htt work about-the- ro ramme www.wmca.or . what-we-do thrive thrive-at- 13
Charfty registration number 1015216 (England and Wales) Company registration number 02761115 COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Chairperson Damon Swindell Trustees Cllr Rachel Lancaster Isabelle Osbourne Mark Monaghan Damon Swindell Zainib Hus5ain Secretary Alan Markey Charity number 1015216 Company numbor 02761115 Prlnclpal addres8 Norton House Bird Street Coventry CV15FX ReglsteTed office Norton House Bird Street Coventry CV1 SFX Independont examiner Amanda Asbury 16 Emily Allen Road Whilmore Park Coventry CV6 2PN
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Bankers Unity Trust Nine Brindley Place 4 Ooze115 Square Birmingham B12H8 Redwood Bank The Nexus Building Broadway Letchworth Garden City SC6 3TA Cambridge and Counties Bank Charnwood Court 5B New Walk Leicester LE16TE
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED CONTENTS Page Independent examiner's report Statement of finan¢ial activities Balance sheet Notes lo the financial statements 4-16
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial 5tatemenls of Coventry Independent Advice SeNice Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the charity land also its directors for Ihe purposes of company lawl, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial slalemenls in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the ¢harily's financial statements carried out under section 145 of Ihe Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)Ib) of the Charities Act 2011. Independent examinerfs statsment Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000. the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. 1 confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of Association of Accounting Technicians, which is onè of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come lo my attention in connection with Ihe examination giving me cause lo believe thal in any material respect.. ac¢ounling record5 were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006. the financial statements do not accord wlth those records., or the financial slalemenls do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial slalemenls give a true and fair view, which is not matter considered as part of an independent examination., or the financial slalements have not been prepared in accordance wilh the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Praclice for arKounting and reporting by ¢harities applicable to charities preparing iheir financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 8pplicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in conne¢lion with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper underslanding of the financia5 statements lo be reached. Amanda Asbury FCCA 16 Emily Allen Road Whitmore Park Coventry CV6 2PN Dated.. .Dec.3.2a2S..
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Notes Income from: Donations and legacies Other trading activities Investments 209,630 140,133 349,763 326,642 50,068 952 129,167 455,809 50,068 952 777 777 Total Income 210.407 140,133 350.540 377,662 129,167 506,829 Expenditurn on: harilable activities Advice service 266,872 109,101 375,973 337,133 113,430 450,563 Total expenditure 266,872 109,101 375.973 337,133 113,430 450,563 Net Incomellexpendlturo) (56,465) 31,032 (25,433) 40,529 15,737 56,266 Transfers between funds 22,817 <22.817) Net movement In funds (56,465) 31,032 (25.433) 63.346 (7.080) 56,266 Reconclliatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 175,760 (7,080) 168,680 112,414 112,414 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 119,295 23,952 143,247 175,760 {7,080) 168,680 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AS Af31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Natss Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 1,082 2.054 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 2,491 176,662 149,085 149,085 179,153 Credltor8: amounts falling due within one year 14 (6,920) (12,527) Not current assets 142,165 166,626 Total assets less current Ilabllltle• 143,247 168.680 The funds of the Charity Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds 16 23,952 119,295 (7,080) 175,760 143,247 168.680 The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requiremenl contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 MarGh 2025. The director acknowledges her responsibilities for complying with the requirements of Ihe Companies Acl 2006 wrth resped to a¢counling records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audil of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with s8ction 476. These financial statements have bèen prepared in accordance wilh Ihe provisions applicable to companies subject to the small Gompanies regime. The financial statements were approved by the trustees on Dec 2, 2025 Damon Swindell Trustee Company registration number 02761115 (England and Wales)
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng policle8 Charity information Coventry Independent Advice Service Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporaled in England and Wales. The regislered office is Norton House, Bird Slreel, Coventry, CV15FX. The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporaled in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees are liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation. 1.1 Accountlng conventSon The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wilh the Charty's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland" and Ihe Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitiès preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021" The Gharity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not lo prepare a statement of cash flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional ¢urr8ncy of the charity. Monelary amounts in these financial statements are rounded lo the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the hislorical cost convention, [modified lo include the revaluation of freehold properties and lo include investment properties and certain financial instruments al fair valuel. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng concem Al the lime of approving the financial statements, the Irustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources lo continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue lo adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial slalemenls. With regard to after 31st March 2025, the most significant area of uncertainty of the Charity is the level of grants to be received from Coventry City Council, which al the balance sheel has not been agreed beyond 3191 March 2025. 1.3 Charitable funds Unreslricled funds are available for use at the discrelion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 1A Income Income is recognised when the charity is legally entilled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably. Cash donations are recognised on reipl. 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 relalion 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 distributlon, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, Ihe legacy is treated as contingent asset.
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (Continued) Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance condition5 are allached to the grant and are yel to be met, the income is recognised as a liabiliiy and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released. Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. 1.5 Expenditure All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or conslruclive obligation to thal expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amounl can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to Ihe applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs lo that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of lime spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of Ihe asset's use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. 1.6 Tangible fixed assetx Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured al cost or valuation, net of deprecialion and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases.. Office equipment straightline method over three years The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. 1.7 Impalrrnent of flxed assets Al each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that Ihose assets have suffered an impairmenl loss. If any such indication exists. the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (rf any). 1.8 Cash and ca8h equlvalents Cash and cash equivalenls include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-lerm liquid investments wilh original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 1.9 Financial instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Finanal Instruments, and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of ils financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheel when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, wilh the nel 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 lo realise the asset and sellle the liability simultaneously.
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng policies (Continuedl Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include deblors and cash and bank balance5, 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 al the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as re1vable within one year are not amortised. Basic finanelal liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangem&nt conslitules 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 liabililies classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt inslruments are subsequently carried al amorlised cost, using the effective interest rate melhod. Trade Creditors are obligations lo pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified a5 current liabilitie5 if payment 15 due within one year or less. If not, Ihey are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured al amortised cost using the effective interest method. Derecognition of flnanclal Ilabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charlty's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.10 Taxatlon The charity is considered to pass the lesls set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore il mèets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly. the charity is potentially exempl from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of Ihe Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extenl that suGh income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. 1.11 Employee bènefits The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Termination bènefits are recogni58d immedialeSy as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or lo provide tefmination benefits. 1.12 Retirement beneflts Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. 1.13 Governance costs These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees, meetings and feimbursed expenses. 1.14 Government Grants Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating lo revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating lo an asset is deferred, il is recognised as deferred income.
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Critical accounting estimates and judgements In the application of Ihe charity's accounting policie5, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounl of assets and liabilities that are nol readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and as50Giated assumptions are based on historical experience and other faclors that are considered to be relevant. Actual result5 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.
fDOO
00
o¢0
00)
oi ¢ri iri r ln
oa)
(O Oi ri Ln r ln
J
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from other tradlng activities Unrestrictsd Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 Full recovery cost 50,068 Income from Investments Unrestrlctèd Unrestrtcted funds funds 2025 2024 Interest receivable 777 952
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Charitable activities Advice Service 2025 Advice Service 2024 Staff cosls Depreciation and impalrmenl Recruilmenl Training and conferences Rent, seTvice charge and storage fees Repairs and maintenance Telephone Printing, postage and stationery Sundry expenses Legal and professional fees Volunteer expenses Insurance, subscriplions and licences Computer software and maintenance costs 324.018 1,124 336,903 1,511 1,368 1,783 17,804 339 5,280 5,316 54,557 6,605 1,269 4,843 12,835 1,980 12,193 5,903 3,239 3,532 4,054 4,011 4,239 11,530 375,823 450,413 Share of governance costs (see note 7) 150 150 375,973 450.563 Anatysls by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 266,872 109,101 337,133 113,430 375,973 450,563 Support costs Support Governance costs costs 2025Support costs Governance costs 2024 Independent examiners fee 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 Analysed beeen Charitable activities 150 150 150 150 10-
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Net movement In funds 2025 2024 The net movement in fvnds is stated after chargingl(crediling).' Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial slalements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 1,124 1,511 Tru8tee8 None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) reiVed any remunèration or benefits from the charity during the year. 10 Employee8 The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 2025 Number 2024 Number Charitable activities Adminislration Total 12 13 Employment Costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 289,731 17,817 16,470 300,051 20,901 15,951 324,018 336,903 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year. The total employae benefits of th8 key management personnel of the charity were £51,286 (2024 - £49,751). There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. Remuneration of key managemenl personnel 11 Taxation The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation. 11
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12 Tangible fixed assets Office qulpmènt Cost At l April 2024 13,617 At 31 March 2025 13,617 Depreciation and Impalmiènt Al 1 April 2024 Depreciation charged in the year 11.411 1,124 Al 31 March 2025 12,535 Carying amount Al 31 March 2025 1,082 Al 31 March 2024 2,054 13 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falllng due wlthln one year: Other debtors 2,491 14 Credltorn: amounts falling due wlthln one yoar 2025 2024 Olher taxation and social security Trade creditors Olher creditors Accruals and deferred income 2,664 1,396 63 2,797 6,111 3,129 109 3,178 6,920 12,527 15 Retlrement benefft schemes 2025 2024 Deflned contribution schemes Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 16,470 15,951 The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of Ihe scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. 12-
T 4Y)
CD0(0 trj LD LV rfj %x VOO Jro c w o C CJ LLizziJS(oz>
COE iiB£
COVENTRY INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 17 Anatysis of nat assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2025 Restrictsd funds 2D25 Totsl 2025 At 31 March 2025: Tangible assets Current asselsl{liabilities) 1,082 118.213 1,082 142,165 23,952 119,295 23,952 143,247 Unre$trlcted fundg 2024 Re$trl¢ted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 March 2024: Tangible assets Current asselsl(liabilitiesl 2,054 173,706 2,054 166,626 (7,0801 175,760 17,0801 168,680 18 Related paty tran8actlons There were no dis¢losable related party transactions during the year12024 - none). 16-