BEXLEY DEAF GROUP TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Registered Charity number: 1039183 Company Registration Number: 02942265 Independent Examiner: Sadler Davies (Trading as: Finsbury Robinson Ltd) Top Floor. West Hill House. Dartford, Kent DA12EU Registored Addre5S: The Learning and Enterprise College, 5 Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 4EZ
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP Year Ended 31st March 2025 Contents: Page Reference and Administration Details Report of the Trustees Statement of Assets & Liabilities Statement of Financial Activities Notes to the Financial Statements 8-10 Independent Examiners report 11
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP Reference and Administration Details for the Year Ended 31st March 2025 Company Registration Number 02942265 Charity Number 1039183 Registered Office The Learning & Enterprise College, 5 Brampton Road. Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ Directors and trustees: David Foot (Chair) Mark Raymond Gately Barry Hartwell Belliappa Konganda Nikolas Murley Melanie Porte Oyin Olaitan Rogers Balkar Thind Chief Executive Officer Mrs Tania Bushell Bankers CAF Bank Ltd 25 KinES Hill Avenue West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ Independent Examiner Sadler Davies (Trading as: Finsbury Robinson Ltd) Top Floor, West Hill House, Dartford Kent DAI 2EU
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP Trustees, Annual Re ort for the eriod from 1st A ril 2024 to 31st March 2025 Governin Document The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 23rd June 1994 and registered as a charity on 1st July 1994.The company was e5tabli5hed under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of A550ciation. We appoint Trustees through a programme of local advertising and recruitment, where we utilise local communication channels and partners, such a5 our local Council for Voluntary Services and service user groups. We advertise the skills and requirements needed to enhance the Board and applications are then reviewed by the Trustee Board. Shortlisted applicants have the opportunity to observe a Trustee Board meetin& ask informal questions prior to an interview with Trustee members and appointment. The Charity's structure is as follows: General day to day management of the centre is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer. All major decisions and expenditure must be presented to and agreed by the Trustees. There are no major risks that would affect the delivery of services provided by the charity. The charity relies on a grantjointly funded from Bexley Council and South East London IC5, which provides most of the income for the charity to run. The trustees recognise the risk that should the grant not be awarded the charity would have to find different sources of funding. Ob'ectives and artivities and ubllc benefit To relieve deaf persons resident in the London Borough of Bexley in any manner which is now or shall hereafter be deemed to be charitable in law. Bexley Deaf Group provides support and encouragement to hearing impaired people and their familie5 Within the Bexley borough. To promote improvements in all facilities {i.e. medical, environmental, educational and recreationall for Deaf and hard of hearing people irrespective of racial background, religion, gender, age or degree of hearing loss, resident in the London Borough of Bexley. It aims to enable these residents to enjoy the same quality of life as that enjoyed by those with unimpaired hearing. Achievements and erformance This year has been another productive and rewarding one for the Bexley Deaf Group. Alongside our usual day-to-day work to support our local Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, we have been working hard on raising our profile within the wider community. The centre is now fully established in Brampton Road. due to our new location and excellent transport link5, Bexley Deaf Centre has found a fantastic new space to operate from. We have continued to meet the need5 of the community Wlth the added bonus of being able to deliver most of our courses on the premises and in one consistent space. Our British Sign Language IBSL) Courses are proving to be as popular as ever. Many of these course5 are at capacity and upcoming courses have waiting lists. This is testament to our teaching and office staff who ensure that we provide a high quality, efficient service. We have consistently offered BSL levels l and 2 over the past 25 years, and this year we have introduced Level 3. We celebrated our students. achievements by holding a presentation evening atThe Star in Sidcup. Our students were awarded their certificates by Daniel Francis MP and the evening was a huge success, one which will now be repeated every year. In addition to our BSL courses, we welcomed a group of 12 hearing aid users and delivered two, 8 week courses in lipreading skills which were a huge succe55. These courses provide valuable techniques and tips
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP in how to manage hearing1055 and empowers hard of hearing people to have the confidence to speak up about their issues. We were very pleased to welcome London Fire Brigade's Borough Commander for Bexley onto our BSL level I course and subsequently level 2. He was very keen on getting all Bexley firefighters trained in basic BSL to ensure that they would be able to communicate with a BSL user in the event of an emergency. We worked alongside the Commander to facilitate courses that would work around shift patterns and this flexible approach proved to be a resounding success. It is hoped that this training can be repeated every 2 years and shows how organisations can collaborate in orderto improve the lives of our local Deaf community. We were invited along to an open day hosted by London Fire Brigade where we set up our own stall and had a core group of volunteers to help liaise with the public. A demonstration was set up for the general public where one of our Deaf residents was cut out of a car. Bexley firefighters were able to show off their newly learnt BSL skills which proved to be a huge success. Many people expressed an interest in learning BSL and as a result, we had many sign-ups for our courses. th This year saw a special achievement in Bexley Deaf Centre's history. We celebrated our 30 year and to th recognise this we held a celebration on the 4 September 2024. It was a prestigious event which was attended by Mr Daniel Francis MP, The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Sue Gower MBE, alongside the leader of Bexley Council, Baroness Theresa O'Neill, the Director of Adult Social Care and Health for Bexley, Yolande Dennehy and finally the Cabinet Member forAdult Social Care and Health, Councillor Melvin Seymour. We were joined by 80 people from the Deaf and hard of hearing communities, along with 5UPPOrters and other Stakeholders. Barry Hartwell gave a compelling talk about the history of BDC, followed by a presentation from our CEO and a speech by our Chair. We were also joined by Kenneth Gibbons, whose father was one of the founders of the charity. He was asked to cut our celebration cake and gave a short speech about how proud he was to be representing his father and recognised the hard work of the staff in making the deaf centre the charity it is todav. During this event we were presented with a copy of the text of an 'Early Day Motion, raised by Mr Daniel Francis MP, which had been announced in Parliament and recorded as such. It read: hat this House congratulates Bexley Deaf Centre on its 30th anniversary of being recognised os a chority and celebmtes the opening OA a new Deaf Centre in Brnmpton Road, Bexleyheath earlier this year," notes that Bexley Deof Centre wos originally commissioned by the locul authority to help people maintain their hearing aids and distribute botterles." highlights that their services now include British Sign Language courses, o hearing aid clinic a job club. odvococy and infomiation advice and deaf oworeness in schools.'Aurther notes that Bexley Deaf Centre's setvlces are now accessed on avernge over 10.000 times a year.. thanks all staff and volunteersfor their continued dedication,. and wishes the Bexley Deof Centre all the bestfor thefvture.. h edm. arliament.u eorl -du -motion 62835 We were very pleased to be successful in securing funding from Lloyds Bank Foundation who awarded us £75,000 in unrestricted funding, released over a three-year period. This funding has allowed us to employ a part-time member of staff in response to the increasing demand for benefit support and advice for the Deaf community. We adjusted our current website, which is now a new snappier and more accessible site for our user5 to learn about what we do, services we provide, and up to date information in both British Sign Language and written English. However, we are currently in the proce55 of developing a new website that will bring a whole new look to the charity and one which will incorporate our aims in our new strategy which is due to begin in the next financial year. Bexley Council contacted us with the view to integrating more BSL on their website, thereby meeting their statutory obligations under the Accessible Information Standard. They have a new resident engagement platform called 'Ask Bexley, and were are keen to get important content provided in BSL.
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP They asked us to create signed videos for this website, encouraging Deaf Bexley residents to have their say on important issues in the community. This important piece of work ensures that Deaf residents are treated equitably and 15 in keeping with our mission statement of Working with Deaf people for Equaliv. We have now been commissioned to provide another 10 short info-videos throughout the next year. We were successful in securing funding to set up some Pickleball sessions for our Deaf community as it was something they were very keen to learn. We purchased starter equipment and were lucky enough to find a Deaf Pickleball coach who brought such energy and excitement to the sessions they took off immediately. Due to this succe55, we hosted the UK'S very first Pickleball festival in January which was attended by 50 participants from all over the country including Derby, the West Country and one person from Canada. Bexley Deaf Pickleball Club is now a thriving group and is self-run. There is now a national league and Deaf Pickleball groups are popping up all over the country. It is a very popular sport in the Deaf community but recognition should go to James Townsend who has been the driving force behind this phenomenon. Finally, in a first for BDC, a group of six people including our CEO and Chair embarked on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, this year to raise money forthe centre and for Bexley Deaf Club. This event Is very tough, requiring participants to walk over 25 miles, climbing 3 mountains in the process, all in under 12 hours. Our group completed it in 9 hours and 42 minutes and was a hugely successful event, raising an impressive total of £4,200. The funds were shared equally between the 2 organisations and will be used to fund various activities in the coming year. Our work in the Bexley Deaf community remains at the heart of our day-to-day lives. The Deaf Centre remains a place where people can drop in for hearing checks, hearing aid maintenance, and general advice and sUPPOrt. Our CEO is involved in a number of profe55ional networking opportunities within Bexley and is committed to raising awareness of Bexley Deaf Centre and the importance of our service5 Within the borough. Our commissioned services include: Hearing aid information and maintenance Outreach clinics and home visits Lip reading classes for hard of hearing people BSL cla55es, levels 1,2 and 3 Deaf Awareness for organisations Job-seekers club Pickleball and Bowls Advocacy and information Hearcheck Financial Review The expenditure of the charity exceeded the income, resulting in a deficit of £4,929.6212024: surplus £77,140.29) in the year and has £116,433.6912024: £126,067.44) unrestricted reserves. The charity has a policy on resen/es, to keep at least 3 months expenditure in the unrestricted reserve. The restricted reserve of £44,159.07 is the unspent balance of funding for the following projects: SEL ICS (South East London Integrated Care System) supported the development of our befriending 'Lend an Ear, project. SEL ICS (South East London Integrated Care System) 5UPPOrted the GP Acces5 Project; working to improve accessibility to healthcare for the deaf community. Sport England, through BVSC, fund the walking football project. providing access to sport for people who are deaf or disabled.
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP Lloyds Bank Foundation supports our benefit support and advice provision. Stafflng: The staffing levels for the year were 3 full time equivalent paid staff and 7 volunteers give their time on an ad hoc basi5. Investment Policy. Aside from retaining a prudent amount in reserves most of the charity's funds are spent in the short term, consequently there are no long term investments. Trustee5' res onsibilities The trustees are required under the Charities Act 2011 to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and: la) Selett suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. (b) Make suitablejudgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. {cl State whether applicable accounting standards of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statement5. Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it 15 inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. {dl The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records, which enable them to disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity, and for ensuring that they comply with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Signed on behalf of the charitys trustees: Mr David Foot Chair of Trustees Date:
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP STATEMENT OF ASSET5 & LIABILrfiES Y•ar End•d 31st March 2025 Notg Unr•strlcted 2025 Deslgn4téd 2025 Total Tolal 2024 2025 2025 Tanglbl? Flxed Assets Current Assets 3,332.68 3,332.68 3,526.56 Debtor5 685.00 665.00 cash and Bank Cash Bank account Totsl currant ossets 84.01 113,889.03 114.638.04 84.01 44.159.07 252.243.92 44.159.OY 252.992.93 34.01 257.908.42 257.942.43 94,195.82 94,195.82 Li8biliti8s'. amounts falling due wthin 1 year 1,537.03 1.537.03 1,750.79 Currant Ass•ts Itss Currtnt Uabllltl•# 113.101.01 94.195.82 44,159.07 251,455.90 256,191.64 T¢>tal A¥sèts less Current LIabIll¢S £116,433.69 £94.195.82 £44.159.07 £2S4.788.58 £259.718.20 FUNDS Unreslricted.. General Designated= Daisy Mumford Restricted= South East London ICS- Rent Restricted- South East London ICS- Lend an Ear Restricted: South East London ICS- GP Ac¢ess Project Restricted= BVSC= Uoyds Bank Foundalkjn Rostrict8d: BVSC: Deal Sport Fund 116,433.69 116.433.69 94.195.82 126,067.44 94,195.82 9,869.52 10.535.53 16.395.82 94.195.82 3,560.00 16,256.00 21,729.00 2.614.07 3.560.00 16.256.00 21.729.00 2.614.07 2.654.07 £116,433.69 £94,195.82 £44.159.07 £254.788.58 £259.718.20 The company was entllled to exernplton frorn audlt under section 477 of tho Companles Act 2006. Tha Trustees acknowladge their responslbSllties for complwng with thg requirèmènts of Ihè Act wilh respecl to acuiunting records and proparaiion of ffinancial slaternents. Th8 finaneial statem•nts havè bo•n prop8r•d in accordance wsth the provisions applicabl8 to enthti•s subjod to the small companies reglme. Thè financlal statements were appmd and aUthised for issue by the Tru5t8es and signed on thelr behaff by. Mr David F Date- 2u)Il | 20?:
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTWMES Year Ended 31st March 2025 Unrnstrlctèd Funds TOTAL FUND 20¥ ener Funds 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income Charitablè AcIfvléS Income from investments TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 3.802.97 104.046.79 547.82 108,397.58 3.802.97 131.446.79 547.82 135,797.SB 3,582.65 2C4).754.52 476.85 204.814.02 4b 4c 27.400.00 27.4100.00 RESOURCES EXPENDED ChaTitabl8 Activities Othèr expendiiuro TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 5a 5b 127.020.31 880.54 127,900.85 12,828.35 139.846.66 880 54 140,727.20 126,741.82 931.91 127,673.73 12.826.35 NET INCOMING I ( OUTGOING ) RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS 119.S03.271 14,573.65 (4.929.62} 77.140.29 ADDITIONS TO & RELEASES FROM FUNDS 9.869.52 19.889.521 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 19.633.751 4.704.13 {4.929.621 TT.140.29 BALANCES BROUGHT FWD AT 1 APRIL 2024120231 £ 126,067.44 £ 94.195.82 £ 39.454.94 £ 259.718.20 £ 182.577.91 BALANCES CARRIED FWD AT 31 MARCH 2025120241 £ 116A33.69 £ 94195.82 £ 44.159.07 £ 254.788.58 £ 259.71820
BEXLEY D&4F GROUP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Y•ar Ended 318t March 2025 countlng Pollcle• ¢ountlno Conv•ntlon la Th8 finan8] statements hav8 b88n pr8par8d under lh8 historical cost convention antl in a¢¢oTdan¢e with Ihe Charitles Statgment of Re¢ornmend8d Practice ISORP FRS102) 2015 and tho Charitles Act 2011. An Indepgndont examlnavon Is requlred und8rthe Charities Act 2011. Abridued financlal sta¢ements have been filed Companie$ Hou$8 In aCcrdanCe 1th Ih8 special provision5 olthe CoTnpanres Act 2006 T¢l8tlng to smaller companlas. ND aud Is requlred under exaMpOn S 477 of th8 Companle5 Act2006. Exemption has bBen taken from preparfng a cashflow on th8 grounds thaltha company qualifi88 as a small company. 1b Tanglble FIMed A55ets Doprethation Is at the folltiwng annual rdtes in ordorto writ¥ off each ass81ov8r its 88tlmated usafvl Ilfe. oirice hjmfture and computer equlpment - 20% rndu¢lng b818ncg. Pen8lon Costs Bax Deaf Group has offered the NEST penslon plan for all eligible ernployees. 1d Fund a¢¢ounllno Unreslricted and d8signaled funds are avallabl8 for us8 at Ih8 discretion of the trustees in furtheran¢¢ of tho gonoral objedves of Ihe Charity. Restrfcted fvnds are subjected to rest0$ on thelr expenditur* impo88d by lh8 donor. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 2025 2024 Offlca Equlprnont Cost Addition 13.934.64 622.01 14.556.65 12,984.68 949.96 13,934.64 Ac¢umulaied Deplaon 1stAprfl 2024 Chargè for year 10.408.08 815.89 11.223.97 9.536.17 871.91 10,408.08 NET BOOK VALUE 31st March 2025 3 332.68 LIABILITIES FALLING DUE WITHIN 1 YEAR Credilors Nest Pen$lon Acerued expense$ 204.20 348.83 984.00 460.80 326.99 963.110 1.537.03 1.75Q.79 INCOMING RESOURCES Unrestrlcted Dosi nated Restricte General Fund5 Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2025 2024 Voluntary Incorn? Donations and Iggacies 3,802.97 3,802.97 3.802.97 3,582.65 3,582.65 3,802.97 4b Charltable Actlvltlos South East London ICS- Service Delivery and Rpnt South East London ICS- GP A¢¢ess Project South East London ICS- Core Sustainability Fund GWUK Grourthrk ff8scoI- Land an Ear Cornrnunty Llnks Broml8y- Health Educauon England Lloyds Bank Foundation Course$ TInng 68,971.10 68,971.10 68.961.10 25.000.1)O 60.000.00 375.00 21.600.IKS 2.400.00 25,000.00 2.400.00 25.000.00 31,115.69 3,960.00 131.44fj.79 31.115.69 3.960.00 24.818.42 104.046.79 27.400.00 200.754.52 4¢ In¢om• from Invèstm•nt Bank Int8r85t 547.62 547.82 547.82 547.82 476.85 476.65 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES £108,397.58 £0.00 £27,400.00 £135,797.5B £204.&102
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Y¢ar Ended 31st Morch 2025 RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestrlcted General DÈSI natod Funds Restrlcted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2025 2024 Expendlturo on charitablo activities Brthsh Sign Language cou8 InterpT8ting Services Ch8ritable ActNitie$: Expgrws Rent ofoffic8S M88ting roorn hire Wage5 Empltyars Nl Pènsions Telèphorte Computer 50fvare Prfnting postage stationery Travel and subsistence Insurance Refreshments Company accounts filing faès staff tr8ining Sundry Accouniancy and book keeping Subscriptions Legal & Professiortal 19,302.95 1,485.00 19.302.95 1.485.00 1.559.01 9.470.00 14,250.27 1,090.00 1,357.30 6.155.50 127.50 92.332.53 1.091.32 1.572.63 1.158.25 449.00 1,340.55 68.45 623.78 361.52 13.00 30.00 442.30 1,285.34 1,089.00 1.903.60 1,559.01 9.470.00 e6.173.62 1.000.00 1.000.00 7.992.98 1.118.39 77B.35 796.10 94,156.60 2,118.39 1.778.35 796.10 579.60 1.361.93 149.52 642.87 507.69 34.00 442.00 216.40 2.116.00 1.325.80 1.804.45 579.60 1,361.93 149.52 642.87 507.69 442.00 216.40 2.116.00 1,325.80 1.804.45 127.020.31 0.00 12.826.35 139,846.66 126.741.B2 Sb Oth•r oxpondlturo DgprecAation Bank charges 815.89 64.65 815.89 64.65 871.91 60.00 880.54 880.54 931.91 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED £127.900.85 £0.00 £12,826.35 £140,727.20 £127.673.73 Trust#• R•mun•ratlon None of the trustees have been paid remuneration or received other benefrts from employment with the char¢ty. Staff Costs 2025 2024 Gross wages, salarie5 and benefts in kind Employerfs National Insurance Employer's Pension £94,156.60 £1.118.39 £778.35 £96 053.34 £92,332.53 £1.091.32 £1.572.63 £94 996A8 Total ¥taff costs Trusts• Expenses None of the truste85 h?v8 clalm8d expenses or had thelr expenses met by the charity.
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Y•ar Ended 31st March 2025 Funds estrlct8d South Easl London ICS- Rent South East London ICS- Lend art Ear South East London ICS- GP Access Projè Uoyds Bank Foundation Communlty Links Bromley- Health Educauon England BVSC.. Deaf Sport Fund BFWD 9,869.52 10.535.53 18,395.82 Incorno ndlturo Net Movernent Tran5fors 19,869.52) CFWD 6.975.53 139.82 3.271.00 2.400.00 40.00 12.826.35 {6,975.53) 1139.82) 21.729.00 3.560.00 16.256.00 21,729.00 25.000.00 2.400.00 2,654.07 39,454.94 40.00 14.573.65 2 614.07 44.159.07 27,400.00 9.869.52 Deslgnated- Dalsy Mumford 94.195.82 0.00 94.195.82 General 126.067.44 108,397.58 £127.900.85 19,503.27 9,869.52 116.433.69 TOTAL FUNDS £259.718.20 £135,797.58 £140.727.20 £4.929.02 £0.00 £254.789.5B
BEXLEY DEAF GROUP KNDEPENDLNT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 tNDEPEIYDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEXLEY DEAF GROUP This report on the fmancial statements of the BEXLEY DEAF GROUP for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set on pages I to 10 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordonce with s145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act). Respective responsibilitles of the trustees and the ¢xamAner The charity's trnstees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) or under Regulation 10(I)(d) of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (the 2006 Acwunts Regulations) and that an independent ¢xamination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Clwity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. and to state whether particular matters have Come to my attention. Basis of independent examiller's report Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. The examination illcludes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as InJstee5 concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be requiied in an audiL and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Indep¢ndent ¢xarnin¢r's statement In ¢onn¢ction with out examination, no matter has come to our attention: (l) which gives us reasonable Cause to believe that in any material respect the Tequir¢ments: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and to prepare financial statements which accord with ihe accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act: have not been met. or to wbich. in our opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the a¢countS to be reached. or which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the accounting LeS of the charity's constitution have not been met. Gemma L Fogarty FCA Sadler Davies Trading as." Finsbury Robinson Ltd Top Floor, West Hill House, Darttord, Kent DAI 2EU tb Date: 6 November 2025