Charlty registration number 1019779
SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
LEGALAND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
.Gurdeep Hanspaul (Chair)
Lesley Donnelly
Pat Golding
Geraldine Brown
Camien Tulloch
Charlty number
1019779
PrlnGlpal address
28 Wood Str8at
Tipton
West Midlands
DY4 9BQ
Indep8ndent examlner
Nèal and Co Business Services Limited
Shakespeare Buildings
26 Cradley Road
Crad18y H8ath
West Midlands
B84 8AG
Bankers
Unity Trust Bank PIC
Nine Brindleyplace
60 Broad Street
Birminghsm
B12HB

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees, report
Independent examinerfs report
Statement of financial activities
Balanca sheet
Notss to the financial statements
10-14

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
TRUSTEES. REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The accounts have been prepared in accordanc8 wlth the accounting policies set OLrt in note 1 to the accounts
and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities AGt 2011 and 'AccDuntlng and ReFJ)rting by
Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance
with the Flnancial Reporting Standard appllcable in the UK and Republic of Ir8land (FRS 102)" (as amended for
accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
ObJectlv88 and activities
Structure, Governance and Managem8nt
The charity whos8 operational name is $an￿ell Advocacv, is governed by a constitution ortginally adopt8d by
the members on 26th March 1993 but subs8qU8ntly amended and adopted at the AGM on 26th June 1996, and
further amended at the AGM on 17th November 2011.
The Trustees who served during tha year were..
Lesley Donnelly
Patricia Golding
Garaldine Brown
Gurdeep Hanspaul
Carmen Tulloch
Leah Haynes
Yvonne Murray
(Resigned Chair 0610212025)
(Appointed Chair 0610212025)
(Resigned 1110412024)
IResign8d 0610212025)
The Management Committee Is elected annually by the membership and comprises of..
1. at least four members
2. up to three people co-opted by the management committee
3. representatives of active advocates and partners up to 8 maximum of nin8
The committee meets as Snd when raqulred but not lag8 than once every thrée months and a quorum of one
third of the committee, Includlng an officer Is requlred. Each management commfttee memberwhether elected or
co-optéd has one vote.

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Objectlves and Activiti88
The objectives of the charity are to promote and safeguar(I the rights and wishes of marginalised and vulnerable
individuals within our Community. To support P8op18 to ensure that they are able tc explore avenues open to
them, to plan and discuss options and make Informed decisions. Ultimately, we aim to empower th8 peop18 of
Santhell to have more say and control over what happ8ns in their liv88, which we feel promotes a more inclusive
society.
The aims adopted by the Charity to achieve these obj8Cts ar8 as follows..
a) To assist such people ta obtain theirfull rfghts as a atizen.
b) To provide long term p8rsonal support,
c) To provide advocacy support on a one to one basis whether they reside in thelr own homes, in ir￿tilutIonal
care, or with relatives.
These aims and objectives will be achieved through provision of both paid and volunt88r advocates. Both will
re￿1ve relevant and appropriat8 training and support to ensure that they are able to perfonn their roles
effeGtively.
We refer to those we support as 'advocacy partners, as we feel that our relationship is an equal partnership. Th8
term 'client' or 'serviR user, are those used by providers of saplices 8nd often have negatlve connotstions for
thosa who have accessed them.
An advocate will:
Support the partner in expresslng thelr views, conRm5 and opinions.
Speak on behalf of the partn8r, rslslng any issues where required, but only as the partner wshes. It is
desirable that people regain their own power to speak for themselves whare possible. Advocates will
support people when they speak for them8elv8s.
Develop 8 one to one relatlonshSp wlth a person for as long as the person wishes it to continue.
Allow the partner to make his or her own dacisions and choices whenever possible, even if the process
of engagement is slow and uncertain. An advocate en8ure5 that their partnar retains maximum control.

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The period from April 2024 to March 2025 was another busy and impactful year for Sandwell Advocacy. Our
Board of Trustees have supported our stsff, and volunte8rs to continue to deliver essential independent
advocacy support to those most in need within our community. We are proud to note that during this time, we
entered our 31 st year of providing ind8p8ndent advocacy across Sandwell, a milestone that reflects our ongoing
commitment and dedication. Throughout these three decades. we have remained unwav8ring in our core belief:
ensuring that people'5 vcices are heard and thèir rights are protectsd.
Our Board of Truste85 plays a pivotal role in overseeing govemance and shaping our strategic directton.
Throughout this period, we maintained a proactive approach to advancing our objectives and strategies. During
the year, we saw a significant change in leadership as Lesley Donnelly, our Chair since 2013, stepped down after
an outstanding 16 years of s8Nice, having first joined the Board in 2009. Lesley's dedication and commitment to
our organisation and its values have been truly remarkable. I was delighted to step into Lesley's shoes and
accept the position of chair going fomard, I will continue to champion our vision and drive forward vital advocacy
projects to meet the n60ds of those who rely on us most. We also, with r8gret, accepted the resignations of both
Leah Hayes and Yvonne Murray during this period. We extend our sincere thanks for their valuable coniributions.
which are very much appreciated. We continued to promote opportunities for potential new members to join the
Board and began developing a more structured approath to Trustee reGruitment, training, and induction.
As always, the management team works closely with Dave Bradshaw, our Chief Executive Officer, who oversees
the day-to-day management of cur stsff and seNices. Dave brings both vision and a wealth of ex￿rienCe to the
organisation, leading a dedic8t8d and focused team committed to delivering excellence. He keeps the Board fully
informed on 8Ctivitios snd collaborates with us to shape and implement cur strategic objectives. At the same
time, Dave maintains a hands-on, team-focused approach, ensuring strong support for our cperational activities.
Our Advocacy Project for Young Carers continued to thrive throughout this period, providing vital support to
children, young people, and their families. We are extremely grateful to Sandw•ll Childrèn's Trust for funding this
much-needed project for a further 12 months.
Helen Charles (Senior Independent Advocat8} and Sharon Wilson (Independent Advocate) remained dedicated
to delivering one-to-one, person-centred advocacy support. In addition tc this individual support, we organised
group activities and continued to work closely with our User-Engagement Group to ensure young carers, vol￿$
were heard. A highlight of the year was a popular summer outlng to Inllat&Nation, where chlldren, young people,
and their parentslcarers enjoyed a fun-filled dsy togathor.
We also remain committed to investing in our staff and their ongoing professional development, an essential part
of maintaining a highly skilléd team capable of delivering quality advocacy services. It was particularly rewarding
to see Helen Charles achieve her qualification in Independent Advocacy in Child Protection and Famity Courts
during this period. Helen also led safeguarding training sessions for our team this year, ensuring everyone was
up to date with best practices.
Our Advocacy Feedback Support Service continued to receive grant funding from Sandwell Metropolitan
Borough Council. This vital seryice, delivered by Carol Turley (Advocacy Support Officer), operates across
Nursing, Residential, and Extra Care settings, as well as Day Centre Units. It ensures that residents in these
environments have a voice, enabling them to share their experiences and express their views on the ore they
receive and the changes they would like to see.
A notable development during this period was the recruitment of new volunteers to support the propct. After
completing a structured programme of training and shadowing, these volunteers gained the skills and confidence
to work independently, while continuing to re￿1ve guidance and support from Carol.
The Sandwell Advocacy Voice and Empowemient (SAVE) Project Continued to make a significant impact
throughout this period, thanks to the generous support of various Trusts, grant-making foundations, and charities.
This vital project provides advocacy, enabling, and support services for children and young people experiencing
poor mentsl health andlDr behaviDural challenges_ Its aim is to empower them, ensuring their rights are upheld
and their vol￿$ and wishes are heard. Our dedicated independent advocates, Helen Charles and Sharon
Ison. delivered person-centred support thrDugh this project. helping young people navigate difficult
Gircumstances with confidence and dignity.

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Trls perfod marked the final year of our Volces and Cholces project, a three-year initiative funded by the Albert
Gubay Foundation. Helen Charles, our Senior IndependentAdvocate. has tak8n th8188d on this project. which
continued to be busy with referrals from a variety of sources, induding Adults Soclal Care, Social Prescribers. the
Cornmunty Offer. and relatives or family members.
The project provides vital support for oldar people wlth long-tenn health conditions, helping to:
Ensure that older people who wish to remain living ind8P8nd8ntly In th81r own homes receive the
appropriate support to do so.
Ensur8 that older p80p18, along wlth thelr famllles, carers, or frtend5. have aGcess to relevant itrfcnnation
and guidance when considering a move into care provlder accommodation. enabling them tc make
informed decisions about their cara options.
Louise Jones continued her role as Volunteer Co-ordinator for our Sandwall Together telephone befriending
service throughout this period. We were proud to mark our 400th referral since th8 S8rvic8 was estsblished in
2020. Sandwell Together continues to grow. providing volunteer befrienders who offer amotional support and
listening ear to lonely and isolated residents 8cross Sandwell.
Loulse's primary responsibilities as Volunteer Co-ordinator include:
Developing a volunteer recrultment strategy
Managing volunteer enquiries and the applicatlon procass
Promoting the service to a broad range of stakeholders
Reviewing volunteer policies and the handbook
Training volunteer befrlenders
Managing rafèrrals and matching volunteers with service users
Provldlng ongolng support and supervision forvoluntsers
Our volunteer recruitment efforts were pgrticularly successful this period, resulting in a significant increase in the
number of volurrteers. This has allowed us to expand the servi￿ and provida greater support to Icnely and
isolated residents.
In October 2024, we introduced a Volunteer Peer Support Group to further anhance the support offered to
Sandwell Together volunteers. This initiativa hag been highly successful in fostering team cohesion, sharing
information and good practi￿, supporting ongolng developrnent, and providing a forum to discuss any
challenges faced by volunteers.
As is customary, we celebr*ed National Volunteers Week in June this year to recognise and celebrate the
Invaluable contributions of all our volunteers. This yéar, we hosted an aftemoon tea at Langley Lodge. ￿leh was
well attended and enjoyed by everyone.
Our Bimingham Bereavement and Wellbeing Service, funded by Birmingham Cty Coundl. continued throughout
the year, providing vital support to carers experiencing loss and bereavement. This service is delivered in
partnership with a range of local health, social care. and wellbeing providers as part of the Communities in SynG
consortium. Helen Charles leads the project in her role as Senior Bereavernent Officer. As expected, the service
experienced high demand, with a significant number of referrals received, reflecting the essential support it
provides to the community.
Our Parents Advocacy, Guidan￿ and Empowerment (PAGE) Project, funded by the National Lottery. supports
parents with a learning disability andlor autism who are subject to, or at risk Df, interventions from Children's
SeNI￿S. The Project offers a range of support. including independent advocacy and independent living skills
training. We work closely with Ideal forAII. another partner organisation within the Communities in Sync (CIS)
consortium, to deliver this service.

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
PAGE focuses on developing trusting, user-led relationships, ensuring that parents with a learning disability
understand proceedings. explore their options, and r8m8in at th8 centr8 of all decision-making processes. Kirsty
Kemp continued to deliver the project in her role as Independent Advocate for most of this period. I n March 2025,
Kirsty moved on to pastures new. and H818n Charf8S St8pped in on an interim basis to ensure a seamless
handover and continuity of support for parents.
Our management and operational team are ably support8d by Sharon Jenkins, our Business Support Offic8r.
Sharon has been with the organisation since 2021 and is of(en the first point of contact for callers and visitors to
Sandw811 Advocacy, handling each interaction with confidence and expertise. She has become a versatile and
invaluable member of the team, bringing a wealth of skills and experience to the role.
The operational activities of Sandwell Advocacy are supported by the extensive work of our management team,
staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries in developing clearly defined aim5 and objectives. To ensure effectiven&55, we
conduct thorough consultations wtth all stakeholders, the result5 of which are incorporated into our Business
Plan. This plan outlines our key priorttie5 over a three-year period and serves a5 a roadmap for achieving our
vision for the future.
We recognise the importano of involving as many stakeholders as possible in shaping our strategic direction.
Regular Development Away Days provide an opportunty for trustees, staff, volunteers, and users to share their
views and feedback, which informs our strategic and bu8in883 development model. Our most recent
Development Away Day took place at Sandwall Vallay Ifisitor Centra cn 15th October 2024 and was facilitated by
steph Vidal-Hall of Making Meetings Matter, a qualified Thinking Environment coach and facilitator. The primary
focus of the day was to explore what makes the organisation sustainable and to consider how this inbms our
goals for the next three years.
We recognise the importance of building an effective digitsl and social madia pres6nc& in todays digital world
8nd have considered the investment required to ensure our output is current and Impactrul. To achleve this, we
worked with Brand Creab've Media, who also manage our website, to develop 8 coherent communication8
strategy that is well-planned and properly resourced. In July 2024, we made the decision to outsource our digital
marketing strategy to Brand Creative Media. This partnership allows us to hold monthly planning meetings to
coordinate and optimisé our digital marketing programma and campaigns.
Durlng this perlod, we undertook a signlficant piece of work to fully review and evaluats our comnrritinent to
equality, inclusion, and diversity. A dedicated working group was established to analyse our policies, approaches,
and practices. As a result of this work, we agreed andlor implement8d the following action5:
Indusion of dates commemorating and celebrating LGBTQ+, gender avRreness, and trans awarene&8
in our social media Galendar.
Updating volunteer equal opportunities monltorlng to include gender and sexuality Options on all
documentation, with anonymised central records maintalned.
Amending the Volunteer Handbook to includa guldance on pronoun usage and updating training
materials 8ccordingty.
Publishing an inclusion ststement on our website.
Organisation-wide discussion on the use of pronouns in emall signatures. with agreement that
individuals may decide for themselves_
Continued use cf quality marks across the organisats.on to ensure all crlteria are met.
Steve Leighton continued to m2nage our finances throughout the year, overseeing payroll. budget monitoring,
and day-tokday financial operations. He prepares and presents detailed management accounts and cash flow
projections at our Board meetings, providing the Board with the financial insight needed to make informed
decisions and ensure the ongoing financial stability of the organisation.

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
TRUSTEES. REPORT {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Of course, we cannot overstate th@ incr8dible contribution of our dedicated volunteers. Our organisation could
not operate as effectively without their commitment and generosity- By freely giving their time, skills, and
expertise, they play an essential ro18 in d81ivering our services and supporting our mission. We greatly value their
efforts and recognise the meaningful impact they have on the lives of the people we support and the wider
community.
We gretefiJlly acknowledge the financial contribution received from a variety of sourGes throughout 202412025.
without which our valuabl@ work could not be delivered or sustained. Funding, grants and donations were most
gratefully received from the following=
Sandw811 Children's Trust
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Birmingham Clty Council
National Lottery Community Fund
ripton Civic Soclety
The Albart Gubay Charitable Foundation
Baron Davenpcrts Charity
The Roger and Douglas Tumer Trust
Heart of England Community Fcundation (Birmingham and Black Country CommunSty Fund)
The Eveson Trust
The Tipton and Coseley Building Society Charitable Foundation
Finally, we exlend our sincere thanks to Neal and Co Business Services Limited for their guld8nce, support, 8nd
professional advice throughout the year, including the preparation of our annual accounts. Their experbse and
assistance h£ve been invaluable in ensuring accurate financial reporting and maintaining the integrrty of our
financial management.
We remain committed to making independent edvccacy available 8nd accessible to those in our community who
experience social exclusion or marginalisation. At the heart of advocacy lies a deep commitment to amplifying the
voices of people who have been overlooked. Silenced, or treated unfairly. This principle continues to guide
everything we do at Sandwell Advocacy, and we will steadfastly uphold it in the years ahead. We remain
committed to raising awaran6ss of its importanc6 and 6mbedding it into our core principles and values. Wa
sincerely thank everyone who has contributed in any capacity to support cur essential work and warmly
encourage more volunteers to become part of the organisation.
The trustees, rep
Was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Gurdeep Hanspaul (Chair)
Trustee
Dated. 25 September 2025

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year end8d 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8
to 14.
Respective responsibilitles of Trust888 and examiner
The charity's Trustees are responsible ft)r the preparation of the financial stat&ments. The charivs Trustees
consider that an audit is not r8quired for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)
and that an independent examination is needed.
It Is my respc)nsibility to-
examine the financial stat8ments under section 145 of the 2011 Act.,
(li) to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by thè Charity Commission under section
145(5)(b} of the 2011 Act. and
lili) to state whether particular matt8rs have come to my attention.
Basls of Independent examlner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An
examination includes a review of the accounting r8cords kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial
statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in thè
financial statements. and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The
procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be r8quir8d in an audit and consequently no
opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a tru6 and fair view, and the report 15 limited to
those matters set out in the next statement.
Independent examIne￿$ statomont
In connection with my examlnatlon, no matter has come to my attention:
(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any materlal respect the requirements..
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 AGt', and
(li) to prepare financlal statemenls which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
accounting requirèments of the 2011 Act,.
have not been met or
(b) to which, in my opinion, attentlon should be drawn in order to en8ble a proper understsnding of tl
financial ststements to be reached.
Nigel Kirkham FCCA
Chartered Certified AGGountant
Shakespeare Buildings
28 Craclley Road
Cradley Heath
West Midlands
B64 6AG
Dated.. 25 September 2025

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Unro8trlcted Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2026
Total Unrostrlcted Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
2025
2024
Notss
Me
Donations and legacies
85,595
144,502
230.097
35,963
187,676
223,639
ndltur
Charitable activities
61.915
145,819
207,734
15,097
194,793
209.890
Net Incom8J{8XP8ndlture) for
the yearl
Net movement in funds
23,680
(1,31n
22,363
20,866
(7,11n
13,749
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
150,430
1,317
151,747
129,564
8,434
137,998
Fund balances at 31 March
2026
174,110
174,110
150,430
1,317
151.747
Tha statement of financlal actlvltie8 Include3 all gains and Ioss88 recognisad in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing actlvities.

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
2025
2024
Notes
Current assets
D8btors
Cash at bank and in hand
2,603
333,057
27,270
277,955
335.660
305,225
cr6ditor6: amounts falling due withln
one year
(161,550)
(153,478)
Net current assets
174,110
151,747
Income funds
Restricted funds
Unrestrict8d funds
1,317
150,430
174,110
174,110
151,747
The accounts w
roved by the Trustees on 25 September 2025
Gurdeep Hanspaul
Chalr

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Accountlng policies
1.1 Accountlng conventlon
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charitys govemlng document, the Charities Act
2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice appliGable to
charit18s preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)° (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).
The charity is a Public B8nefit Entty as d8fln8d by FRS 102.
Thè charity has taken advantage of the provlsions In the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update
Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial stat8m8nts have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Raports) Regulations 2008 only to
the extent required to provide a true and fair Mew. This departure has involved following th8 Ststement of
Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of
Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statemants are prepared in sterting, which 13 the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary
amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared undar the historical Cost convention, [mod1fi8d to include the
revaluation of freehold properties and to includ8 Investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair
value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Golng concern
At the tlme of approving the financial statements, the Trusteas have a reasonable expectation that the charity
has adequate resources to conts'nue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thu8 the Trustees
continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing tha financial statements.
1.3 Charltable funds
Unrestricted funds are avallable for u8e at the discretion of tha Trustees in furtherance of their charitsble
objectives.
Restricted fvnds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purp)ses and
uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowmént funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the
ch8rity.
1A Incomlng resources
Income is reix)gnised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met.
the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified
of the donab"on. unl8ss performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tsx recoverable in
relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recDgnised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impendlng distribution,
the atnount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a
contingent asset.
10-

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Accounting pollcles
(Gontlnued)
1.5 Resources expended
Rosources expended on charitable activities include all costs incurred in the pursuit of the charitable objects
of th8 charity. Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred.
Gov8mance costs include the cost of the independent examination together with the cost of the AGM and the
trustees insurance.
1.6 Tangibl8 f￿ad assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of
depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to wrlte off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their
useful lives on the following bases..
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
25'h Straight Line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is d@t8miined as the difference bet￿een the ￿le
prorEed8 and the carrying value of the asset, and Is recognlsed in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash In hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-temi liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or les5, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown
wlthln borrowlngs In current Ilabilities.
1.8 Flnanclal Instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provlsions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12
'Oth8r Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument.
Flnancial assets and lisbilities £r6 offs6t, with th6 net amounts pr6$6nted in tha finsncial statements, when
there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on
net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liabilty simultaneously.
1.9 Retirement beneflts
The pension costs charged in the accounts represent the contributions payablè by th6 charity during the year
in accordance with FRS 17: Retirement Benefits.
1.10 Taxation
The charity has been registered for VAT since 1st De￿rnber 2011. Income and expenditure is shown net of
VAT where applicable. Expenditure is shown inclusive of VAT where it is irreGoverable.
The organisation, being a registered charlty with minlmal trading income, is exempt from tax under Section
505 of Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. No provision fr)r taxation is made in these accounts.
11

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Donatlons and legacles
Unrestrlctsd Re5trlcted
funds
funds
Total Unr8Stricted Restricted
funds
nds
Total
2025
2026
2025
2024
2024
2024
Donations and gifts
Grants receivable for
core activities
5,322
5,322
10,297
10,297
80,273
144,502
224,775
25,666
187,676
213.342
85,595
144,502
230.097
35,963
187.87e
223,639
Charltable aGtlvitio6
2025
2024
staff costs
Provision of advocacy, SUPPOrt and information
165,382
40,739
168,968
39.328
206,121
208,296
sha￿ of govemance Gosts
1,613
1,594
207,734
209,890
Trustees
The charty has not at any time entered into any material transactions, contracts or other arrangeTrEnts with
its truslees, employees or any other persons, business, or charities connected with them.
Trustee indemnity insurance has been tsken out by th8 charlty at an annual premium of £713 {2024- £694).
Employees
The average monthly number employees during the year was 9
2025
Number
2024
Number
12-

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Employees
(Continued)
Employment costs
2025
2024
Wages and salaries
other pension costs
156,834
8,748
181,283
7,705
1e5,382
188,988
There were no employ88s whos8 annual r8muneration was more than £60,000.
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falllng duo wlthln ono year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
499
2,104
25,805
1,465
2,603
27,270
Credltors: amounts falling due wlthln one y•ar
2025
2024
Notss
Other taxation and soclal securlty
Deferred income
Trade créditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred inwme
8,489
148,265
973
4,636
144,960
58
774
3,050
2.975
161,550
153,478
13-

SANDWELL CITIZEN ADVOCACY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Deferred income
2025
2024
other deferred inc£Jme
148.265
144,960
Craative Communities
SAVE
Time for Me
BBWS
Awards for All - SAVE
Sandwell Together BefrJ8nding
Tlpton Town Grant
PAGE
Albert Gubway
Housing Advocacy Support Servlce
26.997
8,453
3,000
30.103
8,453
1,600
19,955
14.864
547
53,455
15.115
8,857
547
74,528
15,015
10,000
148,265
144,960
Restrlctad funds
The inGome funds of the charlty include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of
donations and grants held on trust for specrfic purposes..
Movement in funds
Balance at 1
Incomlng Expenditure Balance at 31
Aprll 2024 Resources
March 2025
Young Carers
Advocacy Feedback Support Service
Albert Gubay
Sandwell Together Befriending Servlce
88,281
13,892
30,322
12,007
(88,281)
(13,892)
(31,638)
(12,007)
1,316
1,316
144,502
(145.818)
14-