Charity Registration No. 1050596 Company Registration No. 03114996 (England and Wales) THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) CONTENTS Page Report of the Board of Trustees Independent Auditor's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Statement of Cash flows Notes to the Financial Statements 2 - 10 11 - 13 14 15 16 17-25
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Board of Trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Standard applicable to UK and the Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Reference and Administrative information Charity name: Operating name: Charity registration number: Company registration number: The Bridge (East Midlands) The Bridge 1050596 03114996 Board of Trustees Jeanette Webb - Chair David Sims - Vice Chair Richard White Ashiedu Joel - Resigned 20/03/2025 Bhavnaben Patel - Resigned 25/11/2024 Gary Beharrell Joseph Warwick - Resigned 30/06/2025 Halinka Hepworth Vina Parekh - Appointed 17/04/2025 Zina Alhilali - Appointed 9/05/2025 Alison Barlow - Appointed 14/05/2025 Veena D'Soni - Appointed 01/06/2025 Company Secretary Naishad Chhatralia Senior Staff Members Naishad Chhatralia - CEO Anna Maudsley - Head of Programmes and Services Nicola Jones - Finance and Operations Manager Registered Office and Operational Address John Storer House, Ward's End, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 ЗНА Statutory Auditor John F Mould & Co. 19-20 Baxter Gate, Loughborough LE11 1TG Bankers CAF Bank Limited, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4TA 2
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 A Message from the Chair The funding for charities in an ever-changing world is challenging as we compete for funding with so many others and housing needs escalate exponentially. The fact that our services are still needed after so many years and indeed more so, is indictment of the lack of funding to ensure that social housing is available for those on low income and to raise people from poverty. Our charity was born from the need to do more for our community to prevent homelessness. It has grown an expanded its services over the years evidencing the continuing need for charities such as ours to support ou fellow citizens. We are pleased to report that the organisation has stabilised considerably since our last report. Our financial management, controls and new systems are working well. We have an excellent team of well experienced and committed staff and managers led by a now well-established CEO. We are indebted to several organisations who have supported us working in partnership including Charnwood Borough Council, John Storer House, North-West Leicestershire District Council, Hinckley & Rugby, Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough Building Societies and GTS Security Services. The services we provide have never been more vital as families struggle to manage day to day living, debt, homelessness, and food poverty. Applying for funding, raising funds and winning grant funding for our work is vital. Several individuals have made significant contributions to support the work that we do in the community. We have been fortunate to have been awarded funding by a number of funders including The National Lottery, Charnwood Borough Council, North West Leicester and Leicestershire District Councils, Masonic Charitable foundation, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government through NWLDC, the Ministry of Justice (NACRO Contract supporting prison and ex- offenders), Henry Smith Foundation, Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Market Harborough Building Society and Melton Building Society, Dukes Foundation, Swire Charitable Trust, St James Place and Garfield Weston. Our Management Team and staff continue to work to deliver current services whilst also proactively seeking opportunities that will ensure that we remain strategically relevant to meet the changing needs of our communities and clients. Growth can only be achieved by hard working and dedicated staff, and I again give them mine and The Board of Trustees heartfelt thanks for all the work that they, the Strategic Management Team and the CEO have done. My thanks also go to our dedicated and hard-working Trustees who do so much more than just turning up at a bimonthly meeting, they get involved and help to support the organisation in so many ways. Particular thanks go to our Vice Chair David Sims who steadfastly has supported me in the Chair role. This year has felt particularly good as the organisation has stabilised in terms of financial management and the excellent team we now have ir place delivering services. Unfortunately, we have lost some of our very dedicated and hard-working Trustees! My special thanks go to Ashiedu Joel who has been a particular stalwart on the committee and Bhavnaben Patel who supported our fund- raising team raising our profile and generating much needed funds. Organisation like ours, cannot achieve what we do without the help and support of our volunteers and the partner organisations, BNI Tigers, members of the business community, schools, Loughborough University including the Students Union and the public for their generous donations so lastly, I would like to thank them all for their help and continued support. Jay Webb, Chair of the Board of Trustees gunmales 3
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Structure, Governance and Management Governing document The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which sets out the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Recruitment and appointment of Trustees The Directors of the company are also charity Trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as members of the Board of Trustees. The charity may, by ordinary resolution, appoint a person who is willing to act to be a Trustee. No person other than a Trustee retiring may be appointed a Trustee at any general meeting unless: • he or she is recommended for re-election by the Trustees; or • not less than fourteen nor more than thirty-five clear days before the date of the meeting, the charity is given a notice that: (a) is signed by a member entitled to vote at the meeting. (b) states the member's intention to propose the appointment of a person as a Trustee. (c) contains the details that, if the person were to be appointed, the charity would have to file at Companies House; and (d) is signed by the person who is to be proposed to show his or her willingness to be appointed. All members who are entitled to receive notice of a general meeting must be given not less than seven nor more than twenty-eight clear days' notice of any resolution to be put to the meeting to appoint a Trustee other than a Trustee who is to retire by rotation. (a) the Trustees may appoint a person who is willing to act to be a Trustee. (b) a Trustee appointed by a resolution of the other Trustees must retire at the next annual general meeting and must not be taken into account in determining the Trustees who are to retire by rotation. (c) the Trustees may co-opt any individual who has appropriate specialist skills to support them in fulfilling the objectives of the charity. The appointment of a Trustee, whether by the charity in general meeting or by the other Trustees, must not cause the number of Trustees to exceed any number fixed as the maximum number of Trustees. The organisation recognises that recruitment of new Trustees by way of personal recommendation is flawed. When looking to recruit new Trustees, the organisation advertises externally and invites expressions of interest from individuals. Information packs are then dispatched to individuals along with an application form. Individuals who return a completed application are invited to an interview with the Chief Officer and an existing Trustee (usually the Chair). The organisation is keen to recruit individuals with specific areas of interest or expertise. Trustee Induction and Training The organisation provides all new Trustees with an information pack containing details of the rights and responsibilities of Charity Trustees - this includes information published by the Charity Commission. All new Trustees are invited to attend an induction evening facilitated by an experienced Trustee. Training is ongoing and based around Trustee Meetings with an emphasis on using the individual expertise of Trustees in specific areas of work. Risk Management The Trustees conduct their own review of the risks to which the charity is exposed and establish systems to mitigate those risks. These systems are periodically reviewed to ensure they still meet the needs of the charity both now and for the future. The organisation has developed a robust Risk Register which is reviewed by the Board of Trustees bi-annually. 4
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Organisational Structure The charity provides a number of services, early intervention and homelessness prevention services, including Triage Service, Specialist Housing Advice and Tenancy Relations Service, Housing Related Support Services, the talk sort Mediation Service, a Single Access Point for 16- & 17-year-olds, a Rough Sleeper Outreach and Supported Lettings Programme and Homeless Offenders accommodation advice service. The charity has a central office providing Customer Services including Welfare Provision (Food and Fuel assistance) and financial and administrative support for the overall operation of the charity. The Trustees are responsible for developing overall policy, aided by the Chief Officer. Volunteers are welcomed in all our work and are given training and support to enable them to work alongside our paid staff. Objectives and Activities The objectives, for which the charity was established, as defined by the Memorandum of Association on 29" February 2012 and amended on 23rd May 2018 are to promote charitable purposes only; more specifically for the relief and rehabilitation of homeless persons in need in the East Midlands and in particular by the provision o accommodation and associated facilities calculated to alleviate their need, to promote any other charitable purpose for the benefit of homeless persons and those at risk of homelessness in the East Midlands. Public Benefit The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. Public Benefit is demonstrated more specifically in the following Performance and Achievements sections which highlight specific client work from each of the services within the organisation.
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Service Aims and Outcomes Young People's Services (Single Access Point (SAP), and talk'sort) Aims (SAP): To prevent homelessness and reduce the use of B&B accommodation for 16/17-year-olds. To improve young people's life chances. To enable family members to plan future accommodation options and avert crises which often result in youth homelessness. • To increase the young person and family members understanding of the reality of their personal and housing situation(s). Aims (talk'sort): • To prevent homelessness. • To undertake one to one mediation sessions and facilitate meetings between young people and families where appropriate. • To provide an opportunity for families to improve relationships, to build agreements and plan for the future. • To raise awareness of mediation services, other local support services and homelessness issues in general. Housing Support Services (Getting Help In Neighbourhoods & North West Leicestershire) Aims (GHIN): • Intended to improve mental health and wellbeing to people aged 19+ experiencing homelessness and/or living in poverty with a disadvantage. Delivered through 1:1 support and drop-in services. • To prevent homelessness and promote independent living. Performance: • 139 clients supported in this period • 100% reported their emotional/ mental health had improved. • 96% reported improved economic circumstances. Street Homelessness and Offenders Services (Dynamic Framework and Rough Sleeper Initiative) Aims (Dynamic Framework): • To provide specialist housing advice to those who are homeless and have an offending history. • To provide intensive support to those who are homeless to help them access accommodation. • To support those who are homeless to address any barriers to accessing accommodation. Performance: • 1048 referrals to the service. • 845(81%) clients received assessment and advice within 10 days of receipt of referral • 990 total clients provided with assessments and guidance over the year. Aims (Rough Sleeper Initiative): • To support those who are homeless with no accommodation options available to them outside of the pathway, into suitable accommodation. • To provide outreach support to those who are rough sleeping. To support those who are homeless to address any barriers to accessing accommodation. • To provide support to those who access accommodation to promote positive tenancy management. 6
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Performance: • 1259 referrals received in the period. 321 separate individuals verified as rough sleeping 106 successfully assisted into accommodation • 33% homelessness relieved Housing Advice, Tenancy Relations Services Aims: To provide a free, independent and holistic Housing Advice service to all residents in the Borough of Charnwood and across the county • To provide an emergency advice and assistance service to those in housing crisis. • To prevent homelessness through partnership working and tenancy relations work with both private and social landlord. • To provide a free, independent telephone advice service. Performance: • 929 referrals during the period. • 71% improved housing conditions. • 100% increased knowledge of their housing options. • 100% emotional/mental health improved. Triage Aims: • To provide a drop-in/telephone service to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. • To provide an effective and efficient housing triage service to ensure people have access to the right service for their needs. • To deliver a welfare service, providing food parcels, fuel vouchers, starter packs and access to the telephone and/or computer. • To support the organisation's services in an administrative capacity. Performance: • 3092 referrals received within the period. : 100% tasteroner nancia crumsanes hat improved. 100% stated their financial circumstances had improved. 406 households supported with food parcels and fuel vouchers worth E11,482.05. 7
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Organisational Achievements Our Vision is... "Resilient, compassionate communities where individuals thrive in safe and secure homes". The Bridge (East Midlands) has a 4-year organisational strategy (2024-2028). This strategy serves as the framework for all that we achieve. During the 2024 - 2025 financial year, the Senior Management Team at the Bridge has reviewed our strategy to ensure that as an organisation we remain relevant, agile and responsive to current issues, such as the impact of the pandemic and the rising cost of living The strategy aligns with The Bridge (East Midlands) vision, mission and core values and is focused upon the future sustainability of services that provide advice and support for preventing and overcoming homelessness, as well as securing and maintaining tenancies, promoting personal wellbeing and providing a number of projects specifically for young people. At The Bridge (East Midlands), we are proud of the difference we make, with 94% of respondents who have accessed support from The Bridge stating that their emotional and mental health has improved. 94% of people also stated that they felt more independent after the support they received and 100% said that they are more able to make their own choices and to solve their own problems. Overall, 100% of people who responded to the exit survey fed back that they were happy with the service they had received that are responsive to the needs of the local community. The local community have supported service provision innovative income generation solutions and long-term business/corporate partnerships for the benefit of the community. Working in partnership with key agencies within our locality is another key component to providing the best services that we can, and we have continued to develop existing partnerships and to initiate new ones. We adopt a strengths-based approach and have continued to develop targeted solutions for continual improvement. • Homelessness Prevented 85% • Accessed Employment 25% • Improved Housing 79.% • Accessed Training/Education 80% Improved Finances 100% • Improved Independence 88% • Improved Mental Health 87% • Reduced Substance Misuse 8% • Improved Physical health 87% • Reduced Crime/ASB 75% Feeling Less Isolated 91% • Improved confidence/Self-Esteem 85% • Improved Relationships 84% • Improved Communication Skills 81% • Involved in the Wider Community 90% • More Able to Make Own Choices 97% Plans for Future Periods The Bridge's vision of "resilient, compassionate communities, where individuals thrive in safe and secure homes" has provided the foundations for the development of the charity's Four-Year Strategy for the period 2024-2025. The strategic objectives outlined within the strategy support and guide the organisation with its direction. In January 2024, the Strategic Management Team reviewed the Strategic Objectives, and they are now as follows: Strategic Objectives Prevent homelessness where possible. a. Provide advice, support, mediation and signposting to those at risk throughout Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland b. C. d. e. Work with the justice system to support those leaving prison. Provide continued long-term support to prevent future homelessness. Work with local authorities and partner agencies for the benefit of reducing homelessness. Increase awareness throughout the county of the current homelessness situation showcasing awareness and causes of homelessness. f. g. Create and promote public awareness of the support available. Campaign and advocate for homelessness throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.. 8
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Provide support to those who have become homeless. a. b. Provide a welcoming, kind, and supportive approach. Listen to those who have become homeless, support them by signposting to relevant health and mental health care offers, support them to get into temporary accommodation. C. Work with partner agencies to provide emergency accommodation. Care for and invest in staff to provide a high-quality supportive service. Ensure the future stability and sustainability of the charity. Build a robust business plan focused around the strategy. Work with and build good relationships with local authorities, trusts and funding agencies for grants, contracts and improved communications. C. d. Increase awareness and engagement within the local community of the work we do. Build relationships with corporate organisations local businesses and Professional individuals to increase resources. e. f. g h. i. Strengthen our recruitment, development and retention program. Develop a volunteers recruitment strategy to build a volunteer team. Reviewing our technology to make best use of new developments. Develop plans to purchase/lease premises and offer our own accommodation solution. Create a strategy to look at new avenues of income generation. Develop, support, and invest in our staff and volunteers. a. Value and recognise the dedication of our staff and volunteers. Provide good communication and engagement with the team. C. Provide a comprehensive training program to ensure the skills set within the organisation are enhanced. Invest in care and protection for those who work with us. e. f. Aspire to attain relevant agreed quality standards. Have a flexible, well-trained and compassionate workforce. Financial Review The results for the year showed an 11% increase on last year in total incoming resources. Total resources expended in the year showed an increase of 10% on last year, resulting in a net surplus for the year of £19,934 (2024 - surplus of £6,794). Investment Policy Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to make any investment which the Trustees see fit. Reserves Policy The charity has set itself a policy of maintaining unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity, a a level which equates to approximately six months expenditure. This policy is designed to provide the charit with sufficient funds to sustain its operations in the event of any changes to its funding streams and is aligned to Charity Commission recommended good practice. The target level of free reserves based on currend activities is approximately £542,489. As at 31 March 2025 the actual level of free reserves, excluding restricted funds, was £211,945. The charity continues to work on adding to these reserves and continues to keep the policy under review. 9
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees (who are also Directors of The Bridge (East Midlands) for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Board of Trustees' and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Board of 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. • prepare the financial statement on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The Board of Trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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. Members of the Board of Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 2. In accordance with company law, the company's Directors certify that: • so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditor is unaware; and • they have taken all the steps that ought to have been taken in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. Signed on behalf of the Trustees: Chair 10* September 2025 10
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) Opinion We have audited the financial statements of The Bridge (East Midlands) (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including 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 2025 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 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 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. 11
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) (CONTINUED) 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 Report of the Trustees, which includes the Directors Report, for the financia year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and - the Report of the Trustees, which includes the Directors Report, has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 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 Report of the Trustees. 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 and proper 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 trustees' 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 exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement set out on page 10, 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 extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: • We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the charitable company and determined that the most significant which were directly relevant to specific assertions in the financial statements were Charities SORP 2019, FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. 12
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) (CONTINUED) • We enquired of management, whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or whether they had any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud and reviewed the contro environment in place to enable management to prevent or detect fraud. We assessed the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur; • We evaluated the assumptions and judgements used by management within significant accounting estimates and assessing if these indicate evidence of management bias; Our testing included review of journal entries on a • We tested significant transactions, in particular the evaluation of the business rationale for any which appear unusual or outside the charitable company's normal course of business; • We reviewed the financial statements and tested the disclosures against supporting documentation; 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 for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. 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 and to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members and its trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body and the charitable company's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Meirion Thomas (Senior Statutory Auditor) John F Mould & Co. Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 19 & 20 Baxter Gate Loughborough Leics. LE11 1TG 10* September 2025 13
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SoFA) (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Funds Notes Restricted Funds € Income from: Donations - personal and corporate Investments - interest receivable Charitable activities Government and other grants and 9. 64,994 8,173 483,729 Total Income Expenditure on: Costs of generating funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) before transfers Transfer between funds Net income/(expenditure for the year and net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Fund balances at 1 April 2024 556,896 3. 62,212 499,367 561,579 (4,683) 474 (4,209) 216,154 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 211,945 - 550,081 550,081 525,464 525,464 24,617 (474) 24,143 945 25,088 All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities. The notes on pages 17 to 25 form part of the financial statements 14 - 2025 € 64,994 8,173 1,033,810 1,106.977 62,212 1.024,831 1.087,043 19,934 - 19,934 217,099 237,033 Unrestricted Funds € 69,609 7,023 427,628 504,260 99,932 381,087 481.019 23,241 - 23,241 192,913 216,154 Restricted Funds € - - 490,429 490,429 506,876 506,876 (16,447) - (16,447) 17,392 945 2024 69,609 7,023 918,057 994,689 99,932 887,963 987,895 6,794 - 6,794 210,30€ 217,09
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 notes Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 8. 2025 2,220 78,084 333,173 411,257 (176,444) 234,813 237,033 211,945 25,088 237,033 2024 € 1,115 64,093 321,629 385,722 (169,738) 215,984 217,099 216,154 471 474 217,099 Net current assets Net assets Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted - Income Permanent endowment 9. 9. Total funds These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 10" September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Cash flow from operating activities Net income for the year per SOFA Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Movements in working capital ; increase in debtors : increase/(decrease) in creditors Investment income Net cash flow from operating activities Cash flow from investing activities Purchase of office equipment Investment income received Net cash flow from investing activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2024 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025 19,934 851 (13,991) 6,706 (8,173) 5,327 (1,956) 8.173 6,217 11,544 321,629 333,173 Cash and cash equivalents consists of: Cash at bank and in hand Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025 333,173 333,173 16 2024 6,794 5,982 (4,745) (37,708) (7,023) (36,700) (776) 7,023 6,247 (30,453) 352,082 321,629 321,629 321,629
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1. Accounting policies The principal accounting policies are summarised below. (a) Basis of accounting The Bridge (East Midlands) is a private company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (registration number 03114996) and registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission (registered number 1050596) with a registered address at John Storer House, Ward's End, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 ЗHA. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest E. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated (b) Fund accounting • Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity • Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Board of Trustees for particular purposes. • Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor. (c) Recognition of income All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: • Voluntary income is received by way of donations and grants and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Legacies are recognised where there is an entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts. • Investment income is included when receivable. 17
1. THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Accounting policies (continued) Expenditure recognition Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes VAT, which cannot be recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates: • Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of fundraising purposes. • Charitable activities expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. • Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. • All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly. The resources expended in the operation of the Charity's central services system and central office which cannot be directly allocated are apportioned between the expenditure categories on the basis of the estimated amount of staff time involved in each activity. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost, less the estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life, at varying rates. Fixtures and equipment 20.00 Computer equipment 33.33 Straight line Straight line All items of equipment that are not consumable in nature are capitalised. Donated assets are brought in at their second hand value at the date of receipt. Pensions The charity participates in a defined contribution pension scheme for the benefit of the employees, the regular costs of which are expended in the Statement of Financial Activities as and when incurred. All leases are regarded as operating leases and payments made under them are expended in the Statement of Financial Activities over the term of the lease. Employee Benefits When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the discounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service. 18
2. THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. () Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand and cash on deposit. Taxation The Company is a registered charity and thus is exempt from taxation on its income and capital gains. (1) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty The charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below. i) Deferred and accrued income: Income is deferred or accrued as considered to be appropriate in accordance with the guidance in Charities SORP 2019.. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. Legal status of the charity The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of a winding up is limited to E1.
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Total resources expended including VAT) Salaries and related costs - see note 4 Rent and room hire Telephone and internet Travel and staff expenses Staff training Recruitment Insurance Subscriptions Marketing, publicity and fundraising Printing, and stationery Professional fees and services, including interpreters Business support costs Audit Client welfare Bank charges Bad debt recovered Depreciation Contra expenditure Support costs and activities Salaries and related costs Rent and room hire Telephone and internet Travel and staff expenses Staff training Recruitment Insurance Subscriptions Marketing, publicity and fundraising Printing, and stationery Repairs Professional fees and services, including interpreters Business support costs Audit Client welfare Bank charges Depreciation Contra expenditure Administration and triage 178,579 5,424 4,872 1,905 431 103 4,851 2,513 8,597 723 359 3,756 1,911 1,649 13,654 44 851 185 230,407 20 2025 906,826 20,833 17,311 28,565 7,541 938 17,356 8,213 20,534 1,827 1,256 16,692 11,908 6,000 18,976 183 1,233 1.087.043 Advisory and advocacy 728.247 15,409 12,439 26,660 7,110 835 12,505 5,700 11,937 1,104 897 12,936 9,997 4,351 5,322 139 - 1,048 856,636 2024 € 780,036 17,792 15,638 34,256 4,950 13,909 10,341 15,091 2,300 37.200 1,465 14,820 4,515 - (154) 5,979 27.178 987,895 Total 2025 906.826 20,833 17,311 28,565 7,541 938 17,356 8,213 20,534 1,827 1,256 16,692 11,908 6,000 18,976 183 851 1,233 1.087.043
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Support costs and activities continued Salaries Rent and room hire Telephone and internet Staff training Recruitment Insurance Subscriptions Marketing, publicity and fundraising Printing, and stationery Repairs Professional fees and services, including interpreters Business support costs Audit Client welfare Depreciation Contra expenditure Bad debt recovered Administration and triage 143,168 4,331 4,301 3,139 884 3,947 2,466 4,380 578 1,832 9,135 305 4,048 533 1,697 27,178 ( 154) 211.768 Advisory and advocacy 636,868 13,461 11,337 31,117 4,066 9,962 7,875 10,711 1,722 28,440 1,160 10,772 3,982 4,282 776,127 Total 2024 € 780,036 17,792 15,638 34,256 13,950 10,341 15,091 2,300 2,204 37,575 1,465 14,820 4,515 5,979 27,178 ( 154) 987,895 Support and governance The charity identifies the indirect costs of the support functions to the Advisory and advocacy activities as shown above. The basis used for allocation of costs is explained in note 1(d). Within the above, the costs attributable to governance were Staff salaries and related costs Audit costs 2025 18,381 4,800 23.181 2024 17,500 10,800 28,300 4. Staff costs and numbers Salaries Social security costs - employers NIC Employer pension costs Agency staff costs 810,682 54,897 41,247 906,826 The average number of employees during the year was as follows Fundraising Charitable activities 684,922 44,381 34,833 15,900 780,036 35 32
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 4. Staff costs and numbers continued The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. The scheme and its assets are administered and held by independent managers. The pension charge in the accounts of £41,247 (2024 - £34,833) represents contributions due from the company. Unpaid contributions at the balance sheet date were E4,633 2024- No trustee received remuneration or was in receipt of reimbursed out of pocket expenses in this year or the preceding year. No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000. The Chief Officer was considered to be a key employee along with the Head of Programmes & Services and the Finance Manager. Their remuneration and benefits for the year totalled £142,011 (2024 - £116,578). 5. Auditors remuneration Audit Other services 6. Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions Cost of disposals At 31 March 2025 Accumulated depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for year Relating to disposals At 31 March 2025 Net book values At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 Computer equipment 16,448 1,396 (6,188) 11,656 15,753 569 (6,188) 10,134 1.522 695 2025 4,800 1,200 6,000 Fixtures & equipment 53,469 560 (51,517) 2,512 53,049 282 (51,517) 1,814 698 420 2024 11,220 3,600 14,820 Total 69,917 1,956 (57,705) 14,168 68,802 851 (57,705) 11.948 2,220 1,115 22
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 7. Debtors Trade Debtors Prepayments and other debtors 2025 25,620 52,464 2024 € 28,313 35,780 78.084 64.093 8. Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) Trade creditors Other taxes and social security Accruals and deferred income Other Creditors - pension contributions 19.005 152,131 4,633 176.444 112351 4,136 169,738 Restricted funds 31 March 2025 At Incoming Resources Transfers At 01/04/2024 resources expended 31/03/2025 Leicester Charity Link Buttle Trust Loughborough Welfare Trust Heinz Anna St Martin in the Field LCC hotel Henry Smith charity NWLDC rough sleeper initiative LCC food and fuel poverty Masonic Charitable Foundation National Lottery - triage Getting help in the Neighbourhoods NWLDC household support fund Pukka pies Dukes Foundation National Lottery Awards for All Next plo St James Place 278 192 1 521 452 347 192 1 471 419 250 201 47,500 272,344 12,380 29,292 105,466 25,226 1,500 3,000 10,000 19,982 12,000 10,000 550,081 419 250 185 47,500 272,344 12,166 29,210 104,767 25,226 1,381 1,473 9,990 19,982 214 82 699 119 525,345 119 1,527 10 12,000 10,000 25,088 = The main restricted funds are for the following purposes; Henry Smith Charity - funding for salary for head of programmes and services NWLDC RSI - funding for 5 outreach and 3 supported lettings workers 23
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 9. Restricted funds (continued) The main restricted funds are for the following purposes (continued) Masonic Charitable Foundation - funding for a mediation worker and other non staffing costs National Lottery - Triage - funding triage team and setting up hubs Getting Help in Neighbourhoods - funding to boost help in local communities - Dukes Foundation - funding for a mediation worker National Lottery Awards for All - funding for a tenancy relations officer Next plc - Drop-In community hubs St James Place - "talksort mediation services Restricted fund balances represent cash at bank held within the Charity's cash resources. These balances will be spent during 2025/26. Restricted funds 31 March 2024 At 01/04/2023 Incoming resources Resources expended € Transfers At 31/03/2024 Children in Need Fund Vicars Relief Fund Glasspool Leicester Charity Link Buttle Trust Henry Smith Charity Aston on Trent WI (Food Vouchers) TNL grant - Triage Getting Help in Neighbourhoods NWLDC-RSI Mountsorrel United Charities Loughborough Welfare Trust Other food poverty donations Food Poverty Contain funding CBC Food Poverty Masonic Charitable Creative 62 1,218 500 50 1,218 543 50 241 192 380 278 192 12,452 2,391 1 16,918 46,300 11 101,334 23,696 268,986 7,179 1,220 14 26,000 14,802 300 490,429 46,680 11 113,786 23,696 268,986 9,570 1,220 14 26,000 14,802 300 506,876 1 471 Restricted funds - permanent endowment This fund represented the assets donated by Charnwood Shelter Project to The Bridge (East Midlands). There has been no movement on this fund during 2024 or 2025.and in view of the triviality it has been released to unrestricted funds. 24
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 10. Operating lease commitments The charity had the following commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below: Land and Buildings 2025 2024 5,700 5,700 5,200 5,200 Other Operating Leases 2025 2024 € 177 177 Operating leases which expire: Within one year 11. Related Party Transactions Trustee Jeanette Webb is also managing director of Jay Webb Consultancy Services Limited. During the Year Jay Webb Consultancy Limited supplied the BreatheR software to the charity at cost price. 12. Deferred income Deferred income comprises grants subject to terms or performance related conditions which mus! be met before there is unconditional entitlement to recognise the income. The balances carrie forward to be recognised in 2025/26 amounted to £132,341 ( 2024 - £128,435). 25