## **REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02786035 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1035083** 

**DIRECTORS REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **CHAIRS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

Aurora Nexus strives to be the support organisation of choice for those with Autism and learning disabilities:  the people you trust to care for your loved ones in the same way you would yourself.  As for all charitable organisations in the Care Sector, the past year has been challenging and we continue to seek new and innovative ways to meet these challenges. 

We now support 144 people in 26 supported living, registered care, day services and outreach. We offer day services in Lewisham and Bromley to those who need them and we continue to work on our own income-generating services such as assisting the people we support in making greetings cards. 

Over the past two years we have risen to the challenge of transitioning Aurora Options and Lewisham Nexus into Aurora Nexus.  With Gill Bryant joining us from Aspens as our CEO, we look forward to further developing and expanding our services to individuals and to our local communities, working in partnership with the families of those we support: ‘Friends of Aurora Nexus’. Gill has already made great inroads to consolidate Aurora Nexus, ensuring that our teams reflect the infrastructure needed to take us forward from this point. 

Our success could not be achieved and continued without reliable and caring teams at the heart of the organisation with positive leadership from the Executive Team and a hand on the tiller from the Board of Trustees. 

I look forward to working with Gill, the Executive Team and the Board of Trustees over the next year to take Aurora Nexus forward to the next milestone and continuing to provide the excellent services within the Social Care Sector. 

## **John Anderson** 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **CEO’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

Aurora Nexus entered 2023 facing multiple challenges that were not just impacting the health and social care sector, but society in general. Faced with a cost-of-living crisis, unprecedented increases in fuel bills, a crisis in recruitment in the sector, care packages being cut and reduced annual uplifts from local authorities. Alongside this, Aurora Nexus was still coming together, post-merger, and finding a way to comfortably become one organisation, working with one set of policies and processes and with one agreed approach. 

In July 2023 Andrea Wiggins, the CEO, left the organisation, with an interim placed, supported by trustees till January 2024. 

I was honoured to join Aurora Nexus as CEO in January 2024 and take on the challenge of moving the Charity into its next phase. 

Taking on the role as CEO with an organisation like Aurora Nexus, within a sector facing such challenges, was going to need a supportive, yet structured approach. In my first three months I focused on three key areas; finance, structure and culture. Between January and March 2024, as part of my leadership, I have restructured the team to bring in the best talent as the organisation continues to grow. And finally, a staff survey carried out in January highlighted the areas for improvement in our workplace culture that we needed to focus on. This has led us to agreeing to a set of behaviours that are now shared across the organisation that we all are working to. We have also focused on building our centralised services. Our HR department, continues to provide valuable support to the operational team, and Marketing and Communications support, who are able to tell our story and promote the work we do, which will be essential going forward as we start to focus on where we go next as a charity. 

During 2023/24 Aurora Nexus successfully set up and opened Manor Mount, a service for 5 young men with complex needs. 

The on-going commitment and dedication from the staff team across the charity has meant that the numbers of staff leaving remains low, providing the people we support with consistency and stability. We do still have many vacancies to fill, but our new HR team are busy working on this. 

Looking forward to 2024/25, we will work on ensuring all our policies and processes are in place. We will continue to develop a positive work-based culture. We will review our mission, vision and values and develop a new strategy, and finally we will place ourselves in a strong position to grow and develop from 2025 onwards, both operationally and geographically. I very much look forward to the challenge. 

## **Gill Bryant** 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

The Directors present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. 

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005. 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was formed in April 1993. The charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 2 February 1993 and reviewed on the 1 September 2021. The charity offers a comprehensive approach to supporting people who have learning disabilities as individuals. 

On 31 October 2021, Lewisham Nexus Service merged with Aurora Options. Following the merger, the charity trades under the name ‘Aurora Nexus’. 

The directors for the purposes of company law who served during the year are: 

## **Trustees** 

Nicole Allwood Phil Alvey _● *_ John Anderson _*_ (resigned 23 May 2024) Marcia Bryan (resigned 03 August 2023) Ramandeep Jhattu _*_ (appointed on 09 August 2023) James Robertson _*_ Jean Young _●_ Ava Zadkhorvash _●_ (appointed on 09 August 2023) 

_● Member of the QPR Committee_ 

_* Member of the Finance Committee_ 

## **Executive Management** 

Gillian Bryant (Chief Executive Officer) Bernie Mayal (Interim Chief Executive) Fahmeeda Amode (Director of Finance and Company Secretary) Michelle Jewell (Director of Resource and Governance and Company Secretary) Joe Donnellan (Director of Operations) Jacqui Shephard (Director of Practice Development) Gail Nicholls (Director of Operations, Housing and Development) 

The Board of Trustees consists of the Trustees and Chief Executive, with other members of management invited as required. Voting is restricted to the trustees only. At least three trustees must be present for a meeting to be quorate. Decisions are made by majority vote with the Chair holding the casting vote where votes are tied. 

Operational management decisions are made by the Executive, who provide regular reports on activities to the trustees. Decisions on the strategic direction are taken by the Board of Trustees, informed by management. 

The Board of Trustees has considered the risks that face the business and implemented delegated authority and accountability for dealing with risk and decisions that operate throughout the organisation. A risk register is in place. The trustees and management accept the potential of risk in planning and strategy, and where possible mitigate against adverse risk. 

The pay of the executive members is generally reviewed alongside the periodic review of all staff salaries. Where necessary, the trustees will discuss executive salaries in private. 

The trustees do not receive remuneration, although reasonable expenses incurred in performing their duties are reimbursed. 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

## **Our vision** 

A world where people with learning disabilities or Autism are equal in society and lead a good life 

## **Our mission** 

To deliver services that support individuals with learning disabilities or autism to live fulfilling lives, effectively engaged in their local community feeling safe and involved es 

## **Our Values** 

Our Values are core ethics or principles that we will abide to, no matter what. 

They will inspire our best efforts and constrain actions. Over time they will improve our ethical character. 

## We are **proactive, honest, professional** and **brave.** 

**Proactive** and innovative in everything we do. 

**Honest** we will acknowledge our errors and mistakes and foster an open and transparent culture, to learn from them and improve our future performance. 

**Professiona** l we will strive to be professional in everything we do. 

**Brave** we will support people to be brave and to take risks, we will be courageous in everything we do and we will do the right thing even when it isn’t the easy thing. 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORAMNCE** 

## **Key Achievements** 

## **Milestones** 

- Number of new services opened- 1 

- Number of people supported- 144 

- Number of hours delivered- 373,126 hours 

- Number of families supported directly- 144 

- Number of PWS supported in employment- 9 

- Number of people we support in education- 35 

- Number of people we support to volunteer- 6 

- Number of internal quality inspections carried out- 60 service visits by operations managers and directors and 11 themed organisational audits 

- Number of staff we employed- 35 

- Number of training sessions carried out- 67 

- Number of Commissioners worked with- 4 

- Partners agencies etc we engaged with - 26 

## **Awards and Recognition** 

- **Above and Beyond awards** 

We have discussed new ways of recognising staff who go an extra mile and we plan to introduce two Above and Beyond award programs to recognise exceptional efforts across Aurora Nexus in 2024/25. Each month, staff will be able to nominate an individual who has gone the extra mile, with winners receiving a voucher. Additionally, teams that excel together may be nominated every quarter. Winning teams will not only be celebrated but also entered into a year-end draw for a team night out. This initiative will aim to foster a culture of appreciation and recognition across the organisation. 

## **Innovations and Improvements** 

- **Bright HR** 

We implemented and rolled out BrightHR to the organisation.  We had previously been using the parent company, Croner Simplify, an online HR recording system.  The whole of the records system was copied over with assistance from Croner and Aurora Nexus HR Team, with the project being completed in October 2023. The new system allows for Managers to view their staff information far easier and update annual leave and sickness for their teams more efficiently than before. We also plan to implement the BrightHR app to all staff in the near future. This will mean staff can book their annual leave and get it signed off straightaway electronically by their manager. This will save management time and issues with the length of time that it can take to be agreed. 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **ACHEIVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)** 

• **Nourish** 

We’ve launched a digital care recording platform called Nourish, giving staff instant access to support plans and risk assessments via an app on a phone or tablet. Nourish streamlines daily tasks—staff can update notes, complete assessments, manage health records, log A&Is, and capture photos all in one place. Managers also benefit from real-time updates, accessible from anywhere, ensuring seamless oversight and support delivery. 

## **Key Highlights** 

## **Case study 1: New Supported Living Service** 

We partnered with a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) to transform a 5-bedroom house in Lewisham into a supported living service for young adults aged 18-24 with learning disabilities and autism. This service was created to support individuals transitioning from out of borough placements, residential colleges, foster care, or family homes, helping them live more independently. The aim of the service is to empower young people to live independently within a supported environment, giving them the confidence and skills to thrive in the community. 

A manager and support staff were recruited. Staff received tailored training particularly around Makaton, Positive Behaviour Support and Skills Teaching. 

We provided 1 to 1 outreach support prior to individuals moving in to allow staff to get to know individuals better. We worked in collaboration with schools and the multi-disciplinary team to understand people’s needs and enable a smooth transition process. 

Individualised support plans were created before the individuals moved in. Plans focused on assessing abilities and setting positive, achievable outcomes. With the support of the multi-disciplinary team, strategies were implemented to reduce behaviours of concern by identifying triggers and adopt early intervention approaches, particularly in new or unfamiliar settings. 

## **Successes so far:** 

**Travel training** : Staff have provided consistent travel training, resulting in one individual now being able to travel independently to work. 

**Skills teaching** : Staff have focused on increasing cooking skills, emphasising preference, choice, culture and healthy nutrition. Individuals are being taught the importance of cleanliness and its impact on well-being. 

**New experiences** : Residents have enjoyed trips to the Balloon Museum, Brighton, biking riding at Dulwich Park and festivals at the Horniman’s Museum. Two individuals took part in a Cancer Research Swimathon, raising £500. Individuals also take part in new regular activities like swimming and bowling. 

**Employment:** One individual was supported to secure a voluntary job at a local sailing club. 

**Education** : Several tenants have enrolled in adult education courses, with one pursuing carpentry and joinery at Lewisham College. 

**Social skills** : Group outings have been promoted and encouraged since the service opened, to allow individuals to get to know each other and develop relationships. Staff continue to recognise the challenges some individuals face with socialising and understanding in social situations. Individuals are supported to recognise other people's routines and rituals. 

## **Feedback:** 

_"I’ve learned so much, from cooking to budgeting, and have enjoyed trying new things."-_ Person we support _"The staff are truly invested in each individual’s well-being and progress_ ."- Family member _"The team’s professionalism and dedication have made a real difference."_ - Social worker 

We are extremely proud of the progress these young adults are making and are grateful for the continued hard work of our staff team. Together, we are promoting independence and improving lives. 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **ACHEIVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)** 

## **Case Study 2: Nourish** 

In alignment with NHS England’s push for digital transformation, social care providers were encouraged to implement a digital care planning system. We saw this as an opportunity to modernise our operations. A shift to digital would not only reduce our environmental footprint and cut costs on printing and stationery, but also provide more accurate, real-time records, minimise admin time, and enable more detailed reporting. 

In April 2023, we began the search for a platform that would best meet the needs of our organisation. After attending conferences, engaging in demonstrations, and conducting in-depth research, we selected Nourish as our digital care solution. Its customisability, ease of use, and adaptability were features we felt aligned with our goals. 

Recognising the potential risks of transitioning to a digital platform, we took proactive steps to mitigate them. A detailed business case was developed and successfully presented to our Board of Trustees, outlining both the benefits and challenges. 

We understood that the move to a digital platform would involve significant costs, including implementation fees, device purchases, and ongoing annual expenses. To alleviate this, we applied for the Digital Transformation Fund, a grant administered by the NHS to support care providers in adopting digital technology. Though the application process was complex, we were thrilled to secure nearly £20,000 in funding. 

Following this success, we began the implementation phase. Seven managers and Directors were trained by Nourish on the system, and user accounts for both staff and people we support were established. To ensure a smooth implementation, we divided the organisation into two groups. The first group was trained and used the system for a month as a trial period, enabling us to apply lessons learned when rolling out the system to the second group. The entire process took around six months. 

By June 2024, Nourish was fully integrated across the organisation. We have already witnessed significant improvements in service delivery, with positive feedback from staff across all levels. The platform has been widely praised for reducing administrative workloads and providing up-to-date, accurate information. 

_“For me, the change has been great. I can access information from anywhere, monitor daily activities, and track levels of engagement. Since its digital, I’ve significantly reduced printing, which will have a huge environmental impact.”_ — KM, Service Manager 

_“Nourish has streamlined our processes, allowing us to be more organised and focused, which lets us spend more time with the people we support. It’s simple and easy to use.”_ — BB, Senior Support Worker 

## **Community and Stakeholder Engagement** 

## **Community Involvement** 

- **Events and Activities** :  We have participated in Lewisham Speaking Up, Lewisham providers forums, Brighter Horizons BBQ, Bromley day service events, Mental health forum, Bromley transitions event, Pan London IPC training, Skills for Care Managers Networking events, The Autism Show, a number of VODG events and the Lewisham recruitment fair 

## **Partnerships** 

- **Key Partners** : Lewisham, Bromley and Southwark Commissioning and Social work teams, multidisciplinary teams across the 3 boroughs and housing associations (L&Q, Hyde, A2 Dominion, Hexagon) 

## **Stories of Impact** 

## **Story 1: Sean finds a new voice in his 62nd year** 

It was earlier this year that my brother Sean gained a new voice which has taken his communication to new levels. 

I grew up with Sean and he was a tireless and highly energised brother. Sean is unable to hear or speak and has limited vision. Such has never held Sean back. Sean would sign at Olympic speed. At similar frenetic speed, Sean would write key words and draw intricate pictures for those who couldn’t sign. Sean’s desire to communicate and interact with the world around him knew no bounds. 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **ACHEIVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)** 

Unfortunately, following some life-saving spinal surgery in 2014, Sean lost his mobility and more recently the power in his one remaining hand available for signing. However, this did not diminish Sean’s desire to be understood by all and for him to engage with his community. Consequently, the race was on to secure tools that would help Sean gain a spontaneous voice once more. 

The staff at Kingfisher Mews, the Assistive Communications and Speech and Language Teams all worked collaboratively with Sean and I to put together a bespoke range of icons and key words that would form the basis of the Think SmartBox screens that Sean would engage with to generate speech for all to hear. 

Sean now has use of a Think SmartBox communication device. Essentially, this is a cleverly upgraded tablet which allows users to select from a range of icons and text what they would like to convey to others. Sean uses the scanning option and then clicks a button and the selected item is converted into speech. At first, Sean retained the ability to click the selected icon or text using a button much like you might find a gamer using. Unfortunately, Sean no longer has this level of dexterity and now utilises a switch located at head height. Sean is still adapting to this new technology but it holds much promise and he is resolutely focused on making the very best of its potential. 

Sean’s face lit up like a firework when he first realised that others around him could instantly hear the speech generated by his device. From my perspective, it was very moving to hear for the very first time a voice attached to what Sean was precisely selecting from the icons and text on the screen. Sean’s enthusiasm meant that he inadvertently selected and repeated one icon several times which generated the very clear command that he wanted: a McDonald’s cheeseburger for lunch! From this point forward there was no of escaping the way this device had significantly re-empowered Sean’s ability to communicate with all at will. Truly a miracle only made possible by all those who helped secure this technology for Sean. I know that Sean is truly thankful for the efforts of all those who helped make this device and its options work for him. 

(Nick Matthews -Sean’s Brother) 

## **FINANCE** 

## **Financial Overview** 

For the financial year ending 31 March 2024, the Charity reported a deficit of £233,774. (2023: a deficit of £132,849) Although this represents a material increase in the deficit, it is worth noting that FY24 deficit includes exceptional costs of approximately £100k associated with redundancy costs. 

Our main sources of income are from spot contracts, day services, floating support services (outreach) and housing management. Our principal funder is Lewisham Council; we also receive funding from other Local Authorities, namely Bromley and Southwark. 

Our main area of expenditure is staff costs directly attributed to meeting the support needs of people we support. We also have central management costs which are aimed at providing vital support, administration, and management to the core support functions. 

The charity is committed to reducing the operating deficit and developing its financial resilience over the next 36 months and this is part of their strategic document. 

A summary of the main highlights for FY 24 are: 

## **Income** 

**Sources of Income** Financial year 24: 

- Spot contracts - £7,264,673 

- Day services - £273,226 

- Floating support services (Outreach)- £171,984 

- Housing management- £ 954,027 

- Voluntary Income -£ 3,546 

- Investment Income -£17,830 

Total Income: £8,685,285 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **FINANCE (continued)** 

## **Expenses** 

- Direct Support Costs - £7,315,064 

- Direct Housing Costs- £ 724,056 

- Central Overhead Costs: £879,938 

Total Expenses: £8,919,059 

## **Financial Health** 

- Net Assets: £1,602,396 

- Cash: £1,394,944 

- Reserves: £2,157,490 (this includes a £510k revaluation reserve) 

The main ethos of our financial strategy is to become financially strong and sustainable. 

We plan a deficit of approximately 1.5% for the coming year whilst we lay out our strategic 3-year plan. We are targeting growth to provide an exceptional service to those who need it, while achieving economies of scale in a geographically concentrated region. 

We will continue innovating to find ways to increase financial sustainability. These will include increased donations, fundraising on a larger scale, higher value grant applications, extended VAT optimization to more services, inhouse payroll services to reduce costs. 

The charity’s policy is to hold at least 2 months of annual income to enable the organisation to survive in the event of a “market shock” and to help the charity operate effectively. The reserves policy and the level of reserves are held under review in line with the risk register updates. Aurora Nexus defines free reserves as unrestricted funds. As of 31st March 2024 this value is £2,157,490 (£1,647,490 plus £510,000). This includes a designated revaluation reserve of £510k which the organisation holds. This reserve relates to the revaluation of Geoffrey Road, a three bedded property owned by the Charity since 1996. We estimate 60% of the current market value (£850k at November 23) can be used as collateral in the event of a loss of liquidity. 

Cash not required in the short or medium term is invested in fixed deposit accounts for 3 to 12 months agreed fixed terms. This is designed to raise interest income. This is situated with reputable banks in the UK providing the best interest rates with minimum risk of loss. Any cash surplus to our daily requirements but which is needed to fund on-going working capital is invested in an instant access savings account. 

## **FUTURE PLANS AND GOALS** 

## **Strategic Goals** 

**Short-term Goals** : (1 year plan) 

- During 2024/25 we want to focus on the following areas: 

- Retendering for existing services in Lewisham and Southwark 

- Tendering for new services in Lewisham, Southwark and Bromley 

- Tendering for new services in additional London Boroughs 

- Working with property developers and registered social landlords to develop new supported living services 

- Developing specialist services, such as dementia services 

## **FUTURE PLANS AND GOALS (continued)** 

**Long-term Goals** : [Goals for the next 3-5 years] 

- Tendering for services outside of London 

- Developing services for Children and Young people 

- Expanding our Day opportunities 

- Becoming experts in our field for specialist provision 

- Developing employability services for the People we Support 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **Upcoming Projects** 

## **Art Exhibition** 

In September 2024 Aurora Nexus will hold its first charitable event to promote the artwork of the people we support. We will showcase the amazing creative talent of several individuals, whilst promoting the work of Aurora Nexus as a charity. We are also using this as an opportunity to launch our new fundraising platform and “Donate here” button on our website. We hope that this event will raise our profile within our communities. 

## **Aurora Nexus strategy** 

We are excited to announce the development of our new three-year strategy, set to launch in April 2025. To ensure it reflects the needs of our community, we are seeking valuable input from staff, families and those who use our services. A staff questionnaire has already been distributed, and we will be hosting six strategy planning sessions throughout October and November 2024. These sessions are open to all staff and families, offering an opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of Aurora Nexus. We will exchange ideas, share perspectives, and collaboratively define the path for our next chapter. 

## **New service** 

We have been awarded a tender for a new three-bedroom supported living service in Southwark, set to open by the end of 2024. This service will provide specialised support for adults with complex needs. We are currently in the process of recruiting a manager and staff team and assessing potential referrals. 

## **Advisory Board** 

We are setting up our new Advisory Board, which we hope will be fully operational later this year. This smaller, more focused board will consist of four individuals we support, one of whom will serve as the Chair. Their role will be to guide and advise the leadership team, offering valuable insights from lived experience to ensure Aurora Nexus remains centred on the people we support. The Advisory Board will review and provide input on policy and procedure and will play a role in shaping our plans. 

## **Public Benefit Statement** 

The sections of the report above entitled "Objectives and Activities “Achievements and Performance” and “Future Plans” set out Lewisham Nexus Service's objectives and reports on the activity and successes in the year to 31st March 2024, as well as explaining the plans for the current and future financial years. Lewisham Nexus Services’ work benefits the whole community by helping to integrate people with learning disabilities into community life. Lewisham Nexus Services provides employment for people with learning disabilities. We also provide work training for our employees. 

The Directors have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and concluded: 

1. That the aims of the organisation continue to be charitable. 

2. That the aims and the work done give identifiable benefits to the charitable sector and both indirectly and directly to individuals’ need. 

3. That the benefits are for the public, are not unreasonably restricted in any way and certainly not by ability to pay. 

4. That there is no detriment or harm arising from the aims of activities. 

The contracts for supported living that Lewisham Nexus Services holds have various start dates and end dates this allows resilience as all contracts are tracked and managed through a pipeline most run for four years with an option for commissioners to extend for a further year or up to three years in Bromley. 

Lewisham Nexus Services was heavily reliant on the funding it receives from Lewisham Council. However, we have been a successful local provider of services working mostly in one London borough for the past 27 years. Post-merger we now work in four London Boroughs and have some diversification of funding streams. 

## **Principal Risks and Uncertainties** 

Major risks are identified on an on-going basis through a risk register and are discussed with external agents with expertise in the required area as appropriate. The council members are involved in this process as required. 

We have worked with our funders to ensure that our disaster planning is robust. This covers IT back up, financial precautions and physical evacuation contingencies. We have carried out a test of the contingency planning. 

The current financial climate for publicly funded bodies is very challenging and uncertain. 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

Lewisham Council continues with its policy of requiring local organisations to participate in competitive tendering to retain their current services. In the coming months, some of our services will be put out to tender. Some of these services the organisation has been providing support to for many years. 

We have refined our financial strategies to ensure we are functioning at peak efficiency and we are in constant contact with Commissioners in adjusting our service strategy to ensure that this is in line with requirements. We maintain a competitive edge. Post-merger we will look for further savings to be realized, these savings are all around the business functions and do not impact on the lives of the people we support. 

## **Acknowledgments** 

We would like to thank the following organisations and individuals for their continued support: 

- Lewisham Council 

- Southwark Council 

- Bromley Council 

- Ntel Communcations 

- Computa Support 

- Croner 

- Everwell 

- Social Care TV 

- External training partners 

- Nourish 

## **Donors** 

**Major Donors** : South East London ICB- Digital First Programme 

## **Testimonials:** 

_“I just wanted to get in touch to say what an amazing job you and your staff team did with XX over the last 8 months, but particularly in his last weeks of life. You really honoured XX’s wish to be at home, even though I can imagine how tough this must have been for staff. I think you really did XX proud. Your willingness to learn and support your staff team really shone through.”_ 

## PM- St Christopher’s Hospice 

_“I wanted to take this opportunity to put in writing a compliment about the staff team. They were engaged and enthusiastic. They demonstrated through their comments an understanding of the importance of following a personcentred approach and valuing their clients chosen style of communication. They were keen to generate ideas of appropriate sensory items to use with their clients.”_ 

JH- Speech and Language therapist 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

**DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN REALATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **REGISTERED OFFICE** 

Unit 3 Deals Gateway London England SE13 7SB 

## **SOCIAL MEDIA** 

www.aurora-nexus.org X-@Auroranexus_ Facebook – Aurora Nexus Instagram – auroranexus8 LinkedIn – Aurora Nexus 

## **REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER** 

1035083 

**COMPANY NUMBER** 02786035 

## **Directors** 

Nicole Allwood Phil Alvey Gillian Bryant John Anderson Ramandeep Jhattu James Robertson Jean Young Ava Zadkhorvash Marcia Bryan 

## **CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER** 

Andrea Wiggins – to July 2023 Bernie Mayall – Interim – August 2023 to December 2023 Gill Bryant – from January 2024 

## **COMPANY SECRETARY** 

Michelle Jewell (appointed 4 December 2023) 

## **BANKERS** 

NatWest Bank PLC 159 Rushey Green London SE6 4BJ 

Lloyds TSB Bank Plc 15 Blackheath Village London SE3 9LH 

## **AUDITORS** 

Azets Audit Services 2[nd] Floor, Regis House 45 King William Street, London EC4R 9AN 

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**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

The trustees (who are also directors of Lewisham Nexus Service for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

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

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

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

In so far as the trustees are aware: 

- there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware; and 

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

## **Disclosure of information to auditors** 

Each of the directors has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditors are aware of such information. 

## **Auditors** 

In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that Azets Audit Services be appointed as auditors of the company will be put to the Annual General Meeting. 

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ and in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to smaller entities. 

On behalf of the Directors 

……………………………………… J Robertson - Trustee 

Date:  01 December 2024 

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**REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Lewisham Nexus Service (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2024, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; 

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

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

## **Basis for opinion** 

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

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

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

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

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

## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## **Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006** 

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

- the information given in the trustees' report (incorporating the directors’ report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

- the trustees’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

13 



## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

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

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

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

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

- certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

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

- the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies’ regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the directors’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 12, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

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

## **Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

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

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

- Reviewing the reports of any regulatory inspections carried out in the year; 

- Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims as well as actual, suspected and alleged fraud; 

- Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; 

- Assessing the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations considered to have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company through enquiry and inspection; 

- Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations; 

- Performing audit work over the risk of management bias and override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for indicators of potential bias. 

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Audit/Audit-and-assurance/Standards-and-guidance/Standards-and-guidance-forauditors/Auditors-responsibilities-for-audit/Description-of-auditors-responsibilities-for-audit.aspx. 

This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

14 



## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **Use of our report** 

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

## **John Howard (Senior Statutory Auditor)** 

## **For and on behalf of Azets Audit Services** 

Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants 2nd Floor, Regis House 45 King William Street London EC4R 9AN 

> Date: 3 December 2024 

15 



## **LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**Note**<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>**2**<br>Charitable activities<br>**3**<br>Voluntary income<br>Other trading activities<br>Investment income<br>Other incoming resources<br>**Total income**<br>**EXPENDITURE ON:**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>**4**<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net incoming resources before**<br>**transfers**<br>**6**<br>Gross transfers between funds<br>**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>**Total funds brought forward**<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>**14**|**Unrestricted funds**<br>**General**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>-<br>8,629,296<br>3,546<br>34,613<br>17,830<br>-<br>8,685,285<br>8,919,059<br>8,919,059<br>(233,774)<br>-<br>(233,774)<br>1,881,264<br>**1,647,490**|<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**8,629,296**<br>**3,546**<br>**34,613**<br>**17,830**<br>**-**<br>**8,685,285**<br>**8,919,059**<br>**8,919,059**<br>**(233,774)**<br>**-**<br>**(233,774)**<br>1,881,264<br>**1,647,490**|**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>7,807,620<br>-<br>48,186<br>-<br>115,140|
|---|---|---|---|
||||7,970,946|
||||8,103,795|
||||8,103,795|
||||(132,849)<br>-|
||||(132,849)|
||||2,014,113|
||||1,881,264|



The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. 

The notes on pages 20 to 28 form part of these financial statements 

16 



## **LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**PRIOR FINANCIAL YEAR - 2023**<br>**Note**<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>**2**<br>Charitable activities<br>**3**<br>Transfer of assets from Aurora Options<br>Other trading activities<br>Investment income<br>Other incoming resources<br>**Total income**<br>**EXPENDITURE ON:**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>**4**<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net incoming resources before**<br>**transfers**<br>**6**<br>Gross transfers between funds<br>**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>**Total funds brought forward**<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>**15**|**Unrestricted funds**<br>**General**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>7,807,620<br>-<br>48,186<br>-<br>115,140<br>7,970,946<br>8,103,795<br>8,103,795<br>(132,849)<br>-<br>(132,849)<br>2,014,113<br>**1,881,264**|<br>**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**7,807,620**<br>**-**<br>**48,186**<br>**-**<br>**115,140**<br>**7,970,946**<br>**8,103,795**<br>**8,103,795**<br>**(132,849)**<br>**-**<br>**(132,849)**<br>2,014,113<br>**1,881,264 **||**Total**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>59,981<br>4,080,742<br>1,257,110<br>8,596<br>89<br>68,285|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||5,474,803|
|||||4,464,820|
|||||4,464,820|
|||||1,009,983<br>-|
|||||1,009,983|
|||||1,004,130|
|||||2,014,113|



The notes on pages 20 to 28 form part of these financial statements 

17 



## **LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2024** 

|||**2024**|||2023||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Note**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|£|
|**FIXED ASSETS**|||||||
|Investments|**9**|1||-|-||
|Tangible fixed assets|**10**|65,094||70,345|70,345||
|**CURRENT ASSETS**|||||||
|Debtors|**11**|1,208,888||1,633,663|1,633,663||
|Cash and cash equivalents||1,394,944||1,155,975|1,155,975||
|||2,603,832||2,789,638|2,789,638||
|**CREDITORS**|||||||
|Amounts falling due within one year|**12**|(1,001,437)||(877,954)|||
|**NET CURRENT ASSETS**|||1,602,396|||1,911,684|
|**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**|||||||
|**LIABILITIES**|||1,667,490|||1,982,029|
|**Provisions for liabilities**|**13**||(20,000)|||(100,765)|
|**NET ASSETS**|||**1,647,490**|||**1,881,264**|
|**FUNDS**|||||||
|Restricted funds|||-|||-|
|Unrestricted funds|||||||
|General unrestricted Funds|**15**|1,647,490||1,881,264|1,881,264||
||||||||
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|||**1,647,490**|||**1,881,264**|



The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2016 relating to small charitable companies. 

## `1 December 2024` 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on…………………………………… and were signed on its behalf by: 

………………………………………………………… 

J Robertson - Trustee 

## **Company Registration number 02786035** 

The notes on pages 20 to 28 form part of these financial statements 

18 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**Notes**<br>**Net cash flow from operating activities**<br>Cash (absorbed by) / generated by operations<br>**18**<br>**INVESTING ACTIVITIES**<br>Purchase of shares in subsidiary undertakings<br>Interest received<br>**Net cash (used in) investing activities**<br>**Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities**<br>**Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents**<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**238,970**<br>**(1)**<br>**-**<br>**(1)**<br>**-**<br>**238,969**<br>1,155,975<br>**1,394,944**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**238,970**<br>**(1)**<br>**-**<br>**(1)**<br>**-**<br>**238,969**<br>1,155,975<br>**1,394,944**|2023<br>**£**<br>£<br>(1,011,094)<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**(1,011,094)**<br>2,167,069<br>**1,155,975**|2023<br>**£**<br>£<br>(1,011,094)<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**(1,011,094)**<br>2,167,069<br>**1,155,975**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
|||**238,969**<br>1,155,975||**(1,011,094)**<br>2,167,069|
|||**1,394,944**||**1,155,975**|



The notes on pages 20 to 28 form part of these financial statements 

19 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **1.1 Company information** 

Lewisham Nexus Service is a private limited company limited by guarantee in England and Wales, registration number 02786035. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are set out on page 2. 

## **1.2 Accounting convention** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. 

Lewisham Nexus Service meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). 

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 

## **1.3 Going concern** 

The trustees have reasonable expectation that the Charitable Company can continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements and thus the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern. 

**1.4 Charitable funds** Unrestricted funds are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. 

Designated funds are unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes of the uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **1.5 Incoming resources** 

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

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid is recognised at the time of the donation. 

20 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued** 

## **1.6 Resources expended** 

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. 

Expenditure relating to Supported Housing and Day Services are those elements of expenditure directly incurred in performing these activities. 

Support costs represent costs that cannot be directly attributed to charitable activities but are necessarily incurred in the running of the charity. 

Governance costs includes those costs incurred in the governance of the charity’s assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements. 

## **1.7 Tangible fixed assets** 

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows: 

Land and buildings Over 50 years straight line Fixtures, fittings & equipment 25% straight line Motor vehicles Over 7 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 its recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. 

## **1.8 Financial instruments** 

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic financial instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other financial instruments issues’ of FRS 102 to tall of its financial instruments. 

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. 

## **1.9 Provisions** 

Provisions are recognised when the charity has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the charity will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 

**1.10 Employee benefit** The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received. 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. 

## **1.11 Critical accounting and estimates and judgements** 

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The trustees are required to make estimates in respect of the provision of dilapidations. The basis of recognition is provided within the accounting policies (policy 1.8). 

21 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **1.12 Fixed asset investments** 

Interests in subsidiaries are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. 

## **1.13 Impairment of fixed assets** 

Assets not measured at fair value are reviewed for any indication that the asset may be impaired at each balance sheet date. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, or the asset's cash generating unit, is estimated and compared to the carrying amount. Where the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in the profit and loss account. 

. 

22 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**2.**|**DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**|**DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**||||**Unrestricted Funds**<br>**General**|**Unrestricted Funds**<br>**General**|**Unrestricted Funds**<br>**General**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**2024**||2023|
|||||||**£**||£|
||Donations and grants|||||**-**||-|
|||||||**-**||-|
|**3.**|**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**|||||**Supported housing**<br>**and day services**|||
|||||||**2024**||2023|
|||||||**£**||£|
||Supported housing and other services|||||**8,629,296**||7,807,620|
||Analysis by fund||||||||
||Unrestricted funds – general|||||**8,629,296**||7,807,620|
|**4.**|**RESOURCES EXPENDED: CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**||||||||
|||||||**2024**||2023|
|||||||**£**||£|
||Supported Housing and day services|||||**7,315,065**||6,113,017|
||Share of support costs (note 5)|||||**724,056**||1,858,059|
||Share of governance|costs||||**879,938**||132,719|
|||||||**8,919,059**||8,103,795|
||**Analysis by fund**||||||||
||Unrestricted funds – general|||||**8,919,059**||8,103,795|
||Restricted funds|||||**-**||-|
|||||||**8,919,059**||8,103,795|
|**5.**|**SUPPORT COSTS**|**Support**<br>**Costs**|**Governance**<br>**Costs**|**2024**|**Support**<br>**Costs**|**Governance**<br>**Costs**||**2023**|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**||**£**|**£**|
||Staff costs<br>2,048,219||133,301|**2,181,520**|1,858,059|121,719||**1,979,778**|
||Audit fees|-|13,000|**13,000**|-|11,000||**11,000**|



23 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **6. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)** 

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

|Depreciation<br>Auditors’ remuneration<br>Auditors’ remuneration (non-audit work)|**£**<br>5,751<br>13,000<br>2,250|£<br>5,251<br>11,000<br>1,900|
|---|---|---|



## **7. Trustees** 

No (2023: nil) Trustees received reimbursed travel expenses during the year (2023: £nil). None of the Directors (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits during the year (2023: £Nil). For the purposes of this disclosure, the Directors comprises the board of trustees only, it does not include Senior Management Team. 

## **8. EMPLOYEES** 

||||
|---|---|---|
|**EMPLOYEES**<br>The average monthly number of employees during the year was:<br>Supported housing and other services<br>Support staff<br>Employment costs:<br>Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Redundancy payments<br>Other pension costs<br>Temporary and agency staff|**2024**<br>**Number**<br>**203**<br>**19**|2023<br>Number<br>202<br>18|
||**222**|220|
||**2024**<br>**£**<br>**5,766,680**<br>**541,323**<br>**84,757**<br>**153,622**<br>**768,682**<br>**7,315,064**|2023<br>£<br>5,262,797<br>502,255<br>-<br>139,826<br>731,078|
|||6,635,956|



The senior management team, as listed on page 2 of the Directors’ Report, received total remuneration of £313,743 (2023: £397,885). 

||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||**Number**|**Number**|
|The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or|||
|more were:|||
|£60,000 - £69,999|**3**|**3**|
|£70,000 - £79,999|**-**|**-**|
|£80,000 - £89,999|**-**|**1**|



24 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **9. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS** 

||||
|---|---|---|
|**FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS**<br>Shares in subsidiary undertakings|**2024**<br>**£**<br>**1**|2023<br>**£**|
|||-|



Shares in group undertakings comprise the following 100% owned subsidiary undertakings: 

Aurora Nexus Service Limited, a company registered in England. The principal activity of the company is that of social work activity. 

|**MOVEMENTS IN FIXED ASSET INVESMTENTS**<br>**Costs**<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Additions<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**Impairment**<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Impairment losses<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**Carrying amount**<br>At 31 March 2024<br>At 31 March 2023|**Shares in**<br>**subsidiaries**<br>**£**<br>-<br>1|
|---|---|
||**1**<br>-<br>-|
||**-**<br>**1**|
||-|



25 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**10.**<br>**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**<br>**Land and**<br>**buildings**<br>**£**<br>**Costs**<br>At 1 April 2023<br>193,421<br>Additions<br>-<br>Assets taken over<br>-<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**193,421**<br>**Depreciation and impairment**<br>At 1 April 2023<br>138,183<br>Depreciation charged in the year<br>500<br>Taken over<br>-<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**138,683**<br>**Carrying amount**<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**54,738**<br>At 31 March 2023<br>**55,238**<br>**11.**<br>**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Trade debtors<br>Other debtors<br>Prepayments and accrued income<br>**12.**<br>**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Trade creditors<br>Other creditors<br>Other taxation and social security<br>Accruals and deferred income|**Fixtures,**<br>**fittings &**<br>**equipment**<br>**£**<br>114,033<br>-<br>-|<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>|**Motor**<br>**vehicles**<br>**£**<br>38,892<br>-<br>-||**Total**<br>**£**<br>346,346<br>-<br>-|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**114,033**<br>98,926<br>4,751<br>-||**38,892**<br>38,892<br>-<br>-||**346,346**<br>276,001<br>5,251<br>-|
||**103,677**<br>**10,356**||**38,892**<br>**-**||**281,252**<br>**65,094**|
||**15,107**||**-**||**70,345**|
||||**2024**<br>**£**<br>**1,089,157**<br>**19,126**<br>**100,605**<br>**1,208,888**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**333,703**<br>**196,010**<br>**173,453**<br>**298,271**<br>**1,001,437**||2023<br>**£**<br>1,446,937<br>15,000<br>171,726|
||||||1,633,663|
||||||2023<br>£<br>290,731<br>150,000<br>136,405<br>300,818|
||||||877,954|



Included within the accruals and deferred income line above is £Nil (2023: £83,908) of deferred income, relating to services that will be provided in the next financial year. 

26 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **13. PROVISION FOR LIABILITIES** 

||||
|---|---|---|
|**PROVISION FOR LIABILITIES**|**2024**|2023|
||**£**|**£**|
|Provision for dilapidations|**20,000**|100,765|



## **14. RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES** 

The Charity operates defined contribution pension schemes for all qualifying employees with Standard Life. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.162 staff are currently paying into these schemes. 

Two Lewisham Nexus Service staff continue to pay into the NHS pension Scheme. Details of the scheme can be found on the NHS Pensions website at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensons. The scheme is an unfunded, defined benefit scheme that covers NHS employers, General Practices and other bodies allowed under the direction of the Secretary of State. Eligible employees of Lewisham Nexus Services fall into this latter category. 

The latest assessment of the liabilities of the scheme is contained in the Scheme Actuary report which forms part of the annual NHS pension Scheme (England and Wales) Resource Account, published annually. Theses financial statements can be viewed on the NHS Pensions website. 

The charge to the profit and loss in respect of the above schemes was £153,622 (2023 - £139,826). 

## **15. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS** 

||**Unrestricted**|**Designated**||**Unrestricted**|**Designated**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**fund**|**Total**|**Funds**|**fund**|**Total**|
||**2024**|**2024**|**2024**|**2023**|**2023**|**2023**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Fund balances at 31|||||||
|March are represented|||||||
|by:|||||||
|Fixed assets|65,095|-|**65,095**|70,345|-|70,345|
|Current assets/liabilities|1,602,395|-|**1,602,395**|1,911,684|-|1,911,684|
|Provisions|(20,000)|-|**(20,000)**|(100,765)|-|(100,765)|
||__________|__________|__________|__________|__________|__________|
||**1,647,490**|**-**|**1,647,490**|1,881,264|**-**|1,881,264|



27 



**LEWISHAM NEXUS SERVICE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**16.**|**OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS**|**2024**|2023|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|
||Within one year|**88,776**|81,576|
||Between two and five years|**156,964**|226,526|
|||__________|__________|
|||**245,740**<br>__________|308,102<br>__________|
|**17.**|**RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS**|||
||There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023: none).|||
|**18.**|**CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS**|**2024**|2023|
|||**£**|**£**|
||(Deficit) / Surplus for the year|(233,774)|(132,849)|
||Adjustments for:|||
||Investment income recognised in income and expenditure|-|-|
||Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets|5,251|5,251|
||Increase/(decrease) in provisions|(80,765)|55,765|
||Movements in working capital:|||
||(Increase)/decrease in debtors|424,775|(674,075)|
||Increase/(decrease) in creditors|123,483|(265,186)|
|||**__________**|**__________**|
||Cash generated (absorbed by) operations|238,970|(1,011,094)|



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