Charity registration number 1059801 Company registration number 02269918 (England 2nd Wales) BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATIO Trustees C Boland J O'Hara C Moloney D Maccraith T Traynor E O'Kane (Appointed 31 May 2023) CEO M McGing Secretary D Maccraitb Charity number 1059801 Company number 02269918 Registered office 379-381 High Road Willesden London NWIO 2JR Auditor Simpson Wreford LLP Wellesley House Duke of Wellington Avenue Royal Arscnal London SE186SS
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE CONTENTS Page Chair's Statement Trustees, report Statement of trustees, responsibilities Independent auditorfs report 9_ 12 Statcmcnt of financial activitics 13 Balance sheet 14 Notes lo the financial statements 15-26
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE CHAIR'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 has been an important year as BIAS has ¢ontinued to expand services i1th new projects coming online and is our 46th year of existence supporting Britain's largest Irish community. On behalf of the long- standing trustees Donal Maccraith, Tom Traynor and myself it has been an honour lo be involN'ed in the Charity for many decades. These times have now changed and many of the !oun(Fer Irish einigrants are well educated and do not need our help. It is the long-standing older vulnerable who have settled in the UK who need our services. BIAS over the lasi few years bas gone from strength io slrengih and I would like to thank all the staff, volunteers, and more recently the new Irustees and what they bring to the Charity. BIAS has supported many thousands of people oi'er a number of decades and over the last 12 months BIAS has achieved many amazing outcomes, raising over £1.9 million in extra income for the Irish community and having close to 3000 attendances at our clubs. BIAS continue5 to help the most TrThlnerable within our community continuing to rebuild confidence and community presence. This has meant that BIAS continues to adapi how we delivered our services to meet those new challenges and ensure that no one was left behind. BIAS continues to innovate and launched a new volunteer project in 2023. Weekly welfare advice drop-in One-to-one outreaLh Telephone advice Housing adviLC project In-person advice and forni-filling Three-way telephone conthci with clients and other organisaiions Weekly Active Ageing services in Dollis Hill and Cricklewood Volunteer project Be A Friend project. The aboN'e additional services could not have happened without the amazing support BIAS recei&ed from a number of grant funders, enabling BIAS to deliver innoi'atii-e new projects and to use moTe teLhnology to reach out. I would also like to thank the funders for the flexibility and underslanding. Ihat BIAS knows our local community with the trust built up over many decades. I wuuld also likc to thank d nutnber of donations from Irish businesses that inade a significant and real difference lo what BIAS could deliver. BIAS has had 2119 engagements from individuals with our welfare advice service allowing us to help them clairn over £1.9 million in bcncfit8 and other entitlemcnts. This helps to rcducc povcrty in our community. BIAS continues to operate under the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) kite mark (April 2023) which Provides TeaSSUTance on the level that BIAS operates, accounthbilAtI' and of course quality standards. As can be seen from our audited accounls. BIAS income has increased over the last 12 months with an increase of 37.4 % inconic froni thc ycar bcforc. Thi5 has bccn no casy task, with kcy staff going thc cxtra inilc in con]pctin&T for additional funding streams. As a small organisation. the operating environment continues to be challenging with limited resources and capacity. However, BIAS 1% in a solid financial position. with a number of new grants algo due to %tart later thi% year and continuing for the nexi 24 years. BIAS coniinues to have support from the Emigrant Support Prograrnme Ireland. as it has done over a number of decades, and this is recognition of the key role ive have in delii'ering e55enlial services to our community. This provides BIAS with an appropriate platform to continue io develop and meet Ihe changing needs of the Irish Community. As noted, it has been a challenging year FOT BIAS but also very rewarding, Ivith increased outcoineslouQ)uts and increased community awareness of the services we can provide. Firsi and foremost, a big (hank you to all the funders and donors that have supported BIAS and of course a big thank you to all the staff, volunteers and tru%tees that have supported the charity.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE CHAIR'S STATEMENT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 LWIARCH 2024 C Moloncy Chairperson Date..
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE TRLTSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDINC DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 LWIARCH 2024 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the financial statements and comply Th'ith the charity's Articles of Association. the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities= Statement of Recommended PraLtice applicable to chaTities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective I January 2019}. BIAS'S charitable purposes are lo provide advice. inf0mtion and support to vulnerable Irish people living in the London Borough of Brent and surrounding areas. Brent has ihe highest Irish population in Great Britain, with the majority in the ovcr 60 age group. BL4S collaborates with oihci similat local services and contributes lo Tclatcd local strategy development. Objeetives and activities The company is a charity striving to relieve poverty. disadvantage and social exclusion among vulnerable Irish people locally in Brent and acr055 Britain. To achieve this BIAS provide5 a range of advice, infonnation, support, recreational and welfare facilities as well as contn"buting to local and national developmenls affecting the clients group. Ensuring our work delivers our aims We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we have achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key acijiiity and Ilie benefits diey have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help. The review also helps us ensure our aims, objectives and activities remained focused on our staled purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trnstees consider how planned activities will Contribu to the aims and objectives they have set. How our activilies deliver public benefit The Management Committee confirn] that they have cornplied with the duty in %eetion 4 of the Charities Aet 2011 to have due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. BIAS'S charitable purposes are lo provide advice, infonnation and support to lnerable Irish people living in the London Borough of Brent and surrounding areas. Brent has the highest Irish population in Great Britain. with the n]ajority in the over 60 age group. BIAS collaborates with oiher similar local services and contributes to related local strategy development. Achievements and performanee BtAS continued io deliver tbree core projects: welfare advice. active ageing and volunteer services. Tuesday and Thursday Clubs BIAS continue to operate from the Trades Hall in Cricklewood for our Irish Active Ageing Club and St Mary's and St Andrew's which delivers our weekly tea danee. BIAS expects to have approx. 3000 attendances yearly. Welfare Advice Service BIAS opened an additional drop-in day lo increase access for our welfare services and help to support more people in need. In our experience. more people are presenting themselves and have complex muliiple needs and are often in crisis. BIAS provides approximately 2100 engagements. Volunteer services Our volunlecr scrviccs 'Ce introduced August 2023 and havc continued to grow with voluntccrs used in our clubs, offices, telephone befriending scheme and Be-a-friend sen-ice.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE TRLTSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDINC DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 LWIARCH 2024 The focus of our Ivork Our main objectives for the year continued to be promolion of services to our Lqrgel group. The strategies we used io meet these objectives included: l) Advocacy and Advice service: BIAS continues to provide advocacy to the Irish communiry on welfare and on other advocacy areas. BIAS supports around 400 people each year and ha5 over 2100 engagements through telephonelour drop-in advice surgeries on a yearly basis. BIAS regularly supports people presenting in crisis '1th multiple issues and complex advice needs. BIAS additionally would like lo extend one-to-one outreach support to those most vulnerable in their hornes to access seTh'ices and entitlements as they are often overlooked. This is planned to happen in late 2024. Online Casework and Database BIAS continues to use an online cloud-based daiabase thai has been designed io meet the specific needs of all BIAS projects including casework for our welfare service. This enables improved perforn]ance and cominunication between all staff and resources are utilised more efficiently. BIAS can provide detailed reporting to funders, quantifying value and quality standards achieved. BIAS has had a long-esthblished track record of delivering projects lo the local coi]m]unity ensuring tangible benefits to the community. 2) Active Ageing Thursdav Club and Dollis Hill elubs BIAS providc8 wcckly social support through OUT Tuesday and Thursday clubs. Mcinbers are involved in the planning and delivery. helping to reduce isolaiion, improve wellbeing and increase sustainability. More than half of all local Irish people are retired. The majority of our ¢lients are in their 70s180s and the above project helps to reduce loneliness. Without our inteTvention, our fear was that many would fall through the cracks. struggling 10 regain independence and confidence which would then require greater intervention from Statutory services. Our ITish Hcarts Thursda! and Tucsday Clubs avcrdgc 75 pcoplc pcr wcck and wc cxpcct to havc oiwcr 3000 attcndanccs per year over a 44-week period with approx. 240 people accessing our services. BIAS had over 230 people attend our Christmas event which included the Irish Ambassador. 3) Volunteer Project BIAS has a number of volunteers supporting the cbarity through our two clubs. administrative roles in BIAS, telephone befriending and our Be-a-Friend scheme. The befriending scheme5 match isolated older rnernbers of the ITish community wilh volunteers who call or visit them every week to provide companionship and support, with the aim of reducing loneliness and social i501ation. BIAS currently has twenty-eight volunteers. who contribute a total of 400 hours every month on average. The life experiences that they bring are invaluable: and the benefits in kind and the financial value is immcnsc to both scrvicc uscrs and th¢ir famili¢s and to th¢ sustainability of thc projcrt. Finaneial revie BIAS has secured a significant uplift our surplus in our 45tb Anniversary year with additional fundraising events for the accounting year. BIAS expects to draw down on some of the surplus in ihe next accounting year and has increased our designated rcscrvc Icvcl. Grant funding has staycd Iclatively consistcnl with thc prior ycar. BIAS continues to work hard to diversify funding and has made good progress to help aChIee these goals and, at the same time, deliver front line services. BIAS Lurrently has four core funding streams apart from the Emigrant Support Programme-Ireland which include the City Bridge Trust, Trust for London, the National Lottery Community Fund and NCIL Brent Council funding. The Cardinals Lenten Fund and NCIL Brent funding streams will expire between September and December 2024. Incoming resources for the year tothlled £419,275, of which £352,440 were for restricted purposes and £66,835 were for unrestricted purposes. Outgoing resources for the year totalled £331,213, of which £311,530 were attributable to rc8trictcd funds and £19,683 ivcic atttibulablc lo unrestricted funds. Ovcrall the accounts show a surplus for thc year of £88,062. Unrestricted funds at the year<nd totalled £176.866 and restricled funds totalled £85,886.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE TRLTSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDINC DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 LWIARCH 2024 Reservespolicy The Management Committee is comrnit¢ed to a policv of achieNing general reserves equivalent to six months, running costs. BIAS'S current designated Teser¥."e level is £60:000, Ivhich is equiN"alent to three,Ifour inonths runniiig costs. A formal resen'es policy is ai'ailable from BIAS olTices as a source of fi]rther infonnation. Principal Funding Sources: Th¢ Emigrant Support Programme (ITeland) provided 340/0 of BIAS funding for 2023_24 peTiOd. Investment powers and policy The majority of BIAS funds are spent in the short terni so ihere are fe funds for longer-terrn investment. BIAS holds income in a Charilics Aid Foundation bank (CAF) account attracting nominal intcrcst. BIAS has invested via CAF and Flagstone a fixed terni interest-bearing account in 2023-24. Plans for future periods BIAS is pleased that significant progress continues to be achieved with an uplift in incorne of approx. 370/0 BIAS expects some of the 2023124 surplus to allocaied for ihe ne. Operations Managers post. BIAS resern'e levels have been increased. Our core funder contribution remains consistent and is approx. 340/0 of the BIAS turnover. The biggest challenge is recruiting new experienced stafT. (a) Welfare advice BIAS plan is to continue to expand l- l outreach assessment in clients, own homes and has developed appropriate and related policies and procedures. BIAS continues to provide advice and telephone support. (b) Active ageing The Pensioners Group has proved popular among Irish pensioners in Brent and attracting many to other Irish services. (c} Volunteers BIAS values the contribulions of volunteers and further plans to expand during 2024 with support in adminislralion, Be- a-friend scheme alongside our club volunleers. (d) Haringe). BIAS plans to open new advice and active ageing services in Haringey borougb in early 2025. Structure) governance and management The charity is a company limited by guarantee, reStered in England and Wales (number 02269918) and is a charity rcgistercd with thc Charity Coniniission for England and Walcs (nunibcr 1059801)- Thc ChaTity's govcrning documcnt is the Articles of Association, amended by special resolution on 27 September 1996. In the event of the company being wound up, mcmbcrs arc required to contribut¢ an amount not cxceeding £1. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date ot. signature of the financial statemenls were: C Boland J O'Hara C Moloncy D Maccraith T Traynor E O'Kane (Appointed 31 May 2023)
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE TRLTSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDINC DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 LWIARCH 2024 Recryilment and appoinlmenl of trnstees and Management Conimittee The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company's Articles are also designated Members of the Management Committee. Under the requirement of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Management Committee are elected to seTh'e for a period of twelve months. After this time ihey must be re-elecled at ihe nexl Annual General Meeiing. The charity has a good mixlure of business, communily and legal skills represented on ihe Management Committee. In an effort lo mainlain this broad mixture of skills, members of the Board are requested lo provide a list of skills and updaie it on a yearly basis. BIAS has recenily Updated our constitution to update Charity Commission good practice and will also be looking to recruit new trustees in 2025. Trustee Induction and Training The trustcc induLtion pack w'ds Lomplcted in 2021 and is provided to ncw Board n]embers. Ncw committcc members will meet both ihe Chairftreasurer of the Management Committee and ihe Director as part of their induction, which will covcr.. The obligations of Members of the Management Committee- The tnain docun]ents which set out thc operntional frarnework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles. Resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts- Future plans and objeclives. Organisalional sln4Cture Brent Irish Advisory Service has a Management Committee: there is a maximum number of eight Tntees. The Committee meet every twelve weeks and are responsible for ihe siraiegic direction and policy of the charity. At present the Management Committee has a variety of professional backgrounds relei'ant to the work of the charity. The Company Secretary sils on the Committee bul has no voting righis. The Director holds regular infornial meetings supportive of day- to-day managernent with the Chair, Treasurer and Company Secretary. The Director is responsible for the day to day running of the service, ensuring that the charity deliN'ers the services specified and thal perforniance thrgels are met. The Directoi. ensuring thal stsff continues to deN'elop iheir skills in line wilh current and besl practice, carries oul operational management and line management. Kej, managemenl personnel BtAS is a small charity and the team consists of a Direcior. Operations Manager, Advice Manager, p/t Community Engagement Manager, Volunteer Manager, Senior Welfare Adi'iser, Housing Adviser, Welfare Adviser, pli Active Ageing Coordinator. p/1 Bcfriending Coordinator and pli Finance Manager who are instnllnental in key operational areas. The Director works with the board of trustees of the Chatity and is in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the Trust on a day to day basis. All Tn]stees give their time freely and do not receive any remuneration in the year. Pa) PolicTr']or Senior Staff The pay of the Director is reviewed annuallv and would be reviewed in line with average earnings and the current fmancial position of the Charity. Any fmancial decision of the pay of the Director would need to be authorised by the Board of Trustees. Auditor In accordance with the company's articles, a re.solution proposing that Simpson Wreford LLP be reappointed auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE TRLTSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDINC DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 LWIARCH 2024 Disc105ure of information to auditor Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no inforniation of which they are aware which is releN'ant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirnied that they have taken appropriate steps to idei)tify such relevant information and io establish that the auditor is aware of such infonT]ation. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Tnlees. J O'Hara Trustee 29 November 2024
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 LWIARCH 2024 The trustees, who are also the directors of Brent Jrish Adi'isory Service for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable la. and United Kingdom Accounling Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepied Accouniing Practice). Company Law requires Ihe trustees to prepare financial sthiemenls for each financial year ivhich give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resource5, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for thai year. In preparing these financial sthtemenls, the ttustees are required to.. select suitsble accounting policies and then apply them consistently" observe the methods and principles in the Charilies SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent: stale whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject lo any nterIal departures disclosed and explained in the financial slatements- and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will Lontinue in operation. The ITUStees are responsible foi keeping adequate accounting records thai disclose with reasonable accuracy at any tiine the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE Opinion We have audited the flnancial statements of Brent Irish Advisory Service (the 'cbarity') for tbe year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the slatement of financial actii'ities, Ihe balance sheet and notes to the financial statements, inLluding significant aLLounting 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 L'K and Republic of Ireland (Uniied Kingdom Geneially Accepted Accounting Practice). In OUT opinion, the financial statements. give a true and fair of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including ils 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 witb tbe requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance 'Ith International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our rLsponsibililies undcT Ihusc standards are furthcr dcscribcd in the Auditors responsibilities for the oudit of the financial siatements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that arc relcvant to our audit of Ihc financial slalements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and wc have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we hav¢ obtain¢d 18 8UtTicient and appioptiatc to pioi'ide a basis for our opinion. Conclu5ion$ relating to going ¢oncern In auditing the financial statements, we have Loncluded that the trustees. use of the going concem basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have perfornied, we have not idenlified any material uncertaintie5 relating to ei'ents or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity'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 tmstees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other information The other infonnation comprises the information included in ihe annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thcrcon. The trustec8 are restK)n%iblc for the other inforniation containcd within the annual rcport. Our opinion on the financial statements does nol cover the other infonnation and. except to the extent othenvise explicitly stated in our rcport, we do not ¢xprcss any form of assurance conelusion thereon. OUT Tesponsibility is to read thc other infonnation and. in doing so, consider whether the other infonnation is Materially inconsislent with the financial stdtetnents or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be rndterially mi55tdted. If we identify such material Inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements. we are required to detern]ine whether this give5 Tise to a m2L terial rnisstateTnent in the financial statevnents themselTres. If. based on the work we hdve perfornied, we conclude that there is a material misslatement of ihis other infonnation. we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinions on other matters preseribed bi, the Companies.4ct 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit: the infomlalion given in the trustees, rewrt for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors, report prepared for ihe purposes of company law. is consistent with the financial statcmcnts,. and the directors, report included within ihe trustees, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (COYTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE Matter5 on which we are required to report by exccption In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the chariry and ils enIrOnMent obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors, report included within the trustees, report. Wc have nothing to report in rcspcct of thc following mattcrs in relation to which the Companics Act 2006 rcquircs us to report to you if, in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept. or returns adequale for our audit have not been received from branches not Visited by us. or the financial statements are not in agreement with tbe accounting records and returns. or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made. or we have not received all the inromiaiion and explanaiions we require for our audit. or the trustees ere not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regirne and take adi'anlage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the ISlee, ieport and from the requireinenl to prepare a strategic report. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the statement of trustees, responsibilities, the tWStees, h0 are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law., are responsible for the preparaiion of the financial steMentS and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees detern]ine 15 necessary to enable the preparation of financial slatements ihal are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In Preparing thc financial statcnicnts, thc trustccs arc rcsponsiblc for asscssing thc charity's ability to continue as a gning conccrn, disclosing, as applicable, matters related io going concem and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable cotnpany or to cease operdtions. 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 staternents as a whole are free frorn material misstatement, whether due to fraud or etfoT, and to issue an auditoT's report that inLludes OUT opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high lei'el of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with JSAS (UK) will alw'ays deteel a material misstatement when it exists. Misstsiements Lan aiise froin fraud or error and are considered malerial if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to inlluence the economic decisions of users thken on ihe basis of these financial SLqiements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compllance with laws and regulation5. We design proceduTe5 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 delailed below.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (COYTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE Extent to which the audit was considered ¢opable of detecting irreguloritie5, including fraud Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows- the engagemenl partner ensured thal the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills lo identify or recognise non-compliance with Applicable laws and regulations; we identified the laws and regulations applicable io the company through discussions with trnstees and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the charity sector; we focused on specific laws and regulalions which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operaiions of tbe company, including the Companies Act 2006, the Cbarities Act 201 l and data protection- we assessed the extent of compliance with ihe laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal cortespondence- and identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit teain regularly and the team remained alert to insLqnces of non-compliance throughout the audit. Audit response to risks identified We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to n]aterial misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur. by: making enquiries of management as lo where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and considering the iniemal controls in place io miligaie risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we- perfomed analytical procedures io identify any unusual or unexpected relationships. tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions- assessed ivhether judgements and assumptions made in detennining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias,. and investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions. In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to- agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation. enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims- and rei'iew of meeting minutes enquiring as to any correspondence with the Charity Commission. There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more remoN'ed that law's and regulations are from finanLial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aivare of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audil procedures required to identify non-compliance 1th laws and regulalions lo enquiry of the directors and other management and ihe inspeLtion of regulatory and legal coffespondence, ifany. Material misstatements that arise due lo fraud can be barder to deteci ihan those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. https.'Il www.frc.org.uk/auditOTsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (COYTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF BRENT IRISH ADVISORY 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 cornpany's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditofs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent perniitted by laiv, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charilable company's members as a body, for oui audil woik, for ihis ieport, or lor the opinions we have fom]ed. Kate Tavlor FCA (Senior Statutor), Auditor) for and on behalf of Simpson Wreford LLP I l December 2024 Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Wellesley House Duke of Wellington Avenue Royal Arsenal London SE18 6SS
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOfvIE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUWT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Restri¢ted funds funds Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds as restated as restated as restated Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023 Notes Income from: Donation5 and legacies Charitable activities Investments 36,191 24,827 5,817 184.850 167.590 221.041 192.417 5,817 11,108 26.638 2,761 43,406 221,195 54,514 247,833 2,761 Total income 66.835 352.440 419,275 40.507 264,601 305,108 Expenditure on: Charitable activit1¢5 19,683 311.530 331.213 25,471 220,763 246,234 Total expenditure 19,683 311.530 331,213 25,471 220,763 246,234 INet income and movement in funds 47,152 40,910 88,062 15.036 43,838 58,874 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at l April 2023 129.714 44,976 174.690 114.678 1,138 115,816 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 176.866 85.886 262,752 129,714 44,976 174,690 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losse5 Tecognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 as restated Note5 Fixed assets Tangible assets li 1,772 2,039 Current assets Debtors Investments Cash at bank and in hand 13 14 27.973 237,437 52.150 12,269 229,007 317,560 241,276 Creditors: amounts falling due within one yerdr 15 {56,580) (68,625} Net current assets 260,980 172,651 Total assets less current liabilities 262,752 174,690 The funds of the charity Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds 18 19 85.886 176,866 44,976 129,714 262.752 174,690 The financial statemenls were approved by the trustees on 29 December 2024 J O'Hara Trustee Company registration number 02269918 (England and Wales) 14
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting policies Charity information Brcnl 1ri8h Advisory Servicc is a privatc company limitcd by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. Thc registered otyice is 379-381 High Road. Willesden. London. NW10 2JR. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 in the event of liquidation. 1.1 A¢¢ounting convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006. FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting SLdard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ("FRS 102") and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Stateinent of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Il)e Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective l January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the proi'isions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial siatemenls are prepared in sterling, which is the fLmCtional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements ate iounded io the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The PTincipal accounting policies adopted are set oui below. 1.2 Going concern At the time of approving ihe financial statements. the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operalional exisience for the foreseeable future. The charity has secured funding from the Irish Department of Foreiuti Affairs and Trade. Emigrant Support Programme for the next financial year. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accouniing in preparing the fmancial stalemeiics. 1.3 Charitable fund5 Unrestricted fijnds are available for use at the diSCTetion of the trustees" in fijrtherance of theiT charitrable objeLtives. Designated funds comprise funds which haN-e been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific PUTposes. The purposes and uses of the designaied lld5 are sel oui in The notes io ihe financial statements. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. Tbe purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 1.4 Income Income is rccognised when the charity is Icgally cntitlcd to it after any perforn]ancc conditions have been tne¢ the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable ihat income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donalions are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless perforn]ance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of coi'enant is recognised at the time of the donation.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting polieies (Continued) Grants are rccogniscd whcn thc cbarity has an cntitlcmcnt to thc funds and any conditions linkcd to thc grants have been met. Government granls are recognised at the fair value of the asset receii'ed or receivable when there is reasonable assuiance that the grant Londitions will be met and the gtants will be reLeived. A grant that specifies perfomance conditions is recognised in income when the perfonnance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify perforniance condilions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or rcccivablc. A grant rcccii'cd bcfoie the recognition criteria are satisfied is recogniscd as a liability. Donatcd profcssional scrviccs and donatcd facilitics arc rccogniscd as incomc whcn thc charity h&s COT]trol ovcr thc item. any conditions associated with the donated ilem have been met: the receipt of economic benefit froin the use by the Charity of the item is probablc and that economic benefit can be melsurcd reliably. In accordance wilh the Charities SORP (FRS 102). the general volunteer time of volunteers is not recognised. On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognlsed on the basis of the iialue of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would haNe been willing to pay to obtain service5 or facilities of equivaleni economic benefit on the open market" a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt. 1.5 Expenditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or consirnctive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expcnditure is classificd by activity. The costs of each activity arc made up of thc total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single actii'ity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to mole than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned bem'een ihose actii'ities on the basis of staff costs. Depreciation Lhdrges are alloLdted on the portion of the asset's use. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed asset5 are initially tneasured at cost and subsequently rneasured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impaimienl losses. Depreciation is recognised so as lo write off the cost or valuation of assets less their Tesidual values over their useful lives on the following bases- Fixtures and fittings Computers 3 years straight line 3 years straight line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the canying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. 1.7 Itnpairment of fixed assets At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of ils tangible assets to detennine whether there is any indicallon thai those assets have sutTered an impairnient loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to detern]ine the extent of the impaim]ent loss (if any). 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in han<L deposits held at call with bank5, other short-tern] liquid investments with original MaritieS of three months or less. and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilitics.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting polieies (Continued) 1.9 Financial instruments The chaiity ha8 elcctcd lo apply Ihc provisions of Section I I 'Basic Finxncial Instrumcnls, and Section 12 '0thcr Financial Instrnments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in ihe charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the LuntraLtual pruvisions of the instruvnent. Financial asscts dnd lidbililies are offsct. with ihc net avnounts prcscnlcd in thc finanLial stdtcinLnts, when thcre is d legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to rcalisc ihc asqel and scttlc thc liability simultaneously. Ba.sicfinancial a.s.fet.s BasiL financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently Caled at amortlsed cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the presenl value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interesl. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amorlised. Bositfinaneial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement Loll5titutes a financing transaction, Ivhcre the dcbt instrument is measuTed at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable '1th1n one year are not amortised. Debt instnllncnts arc subsequcntly carricd at amortiscd cost, using the effcctivc intcrcst ratc mcthod. Tradc CTcditors arc obligations to pay for g(M)ds or SCTVieCS that have been aCqUiTcd in tbc ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payrnenl is due w'ithin one year or less. If not, they aTe PTesenied as non-current liabilities. TTade Creditors are reeognised initially at transa¢tion price and subsequently measured al amortised cost using the effective interest meihod. Derecogni¢ion offinoncial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.10 Retirement benefits Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. Critical accounting estimates and judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies. the trustees are required to rnake judgements. estimates and assumptions about the canying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be releN'ant. ALtual results may ditTer from ihese estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are review'ed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised iihere the revi.sion affects only thal perii)d, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affecls boih current and future periods.
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds (unds 2023 2023 2023 as restated as restated as restated Total 2024 Donations and gifts Grants 29,451 6,740 10,800 174.050 40.251 180,790 11,108 11,108 43,406 43,406 36,191 184.850 221.041 11.108 43,406 54,514 Grants Cardinal Lenten Appcal City Bridge Trust Irish Youth Foundation The Ireland Fund of Great Britain The National Lottery Community Fund: RC London and South Easi Region Trust for London Wembley National Stadium Trust Other 21,000 48,100 21,000 49.840 5,000 1,740 5,000 31,531 31,531 7.000 7,000 82.150 14250 82,150 14250 11,875 11,875 1,300 250 1,300 250 6,740 174,050 180.790 43,406 43,406
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Income from charitable actiiitie5 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds as restated as restated 2023 Total as restated 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 Welfare Advice and Outreach Perfonnance related grants Othcr incomc 136.500 136,500 3,737 221,195 221,195 1,453 3,737 1,453 Active Ageing P¢rformanc¢ r¢lated grants Other inLome 6.474 6,474 21.090 21.090 25,185 25,185 Health) Irish Elders Project Perforn]ancc rclatcd grants 24,616 24,616 24,827 167,590 192,417 26.638 221,195 247,833 Performance related grant5 analysis WelfareAdvite and Outreac Actii'eAgeiDg HeAlthTr Irish Elder5 Project Total Welfgre Adviee and Outreach 2024 2024 2024 2024 2023 Government of Ireland.. Emigrant Support Programme London Borough of Brent Other 136,500 6,474 221,195 24.616 Income from cash equivalent5 on deposlt Unrestricted Unrestricted runds funds 2024 2023 Interesl receivable 5,817 2,761
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BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Net movement in funds 2024 2023 The net movement in funds is stated after chargingl{crediting): Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial slatements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 4,800 2,039 3,600 4,089 Trustees None of the trnstees (or any persons connecled with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during thc ycar. Employees The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 2024 Number 2023 Number Employment costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social Security costs Other pension costs 226,713 16,157 3,268 161,181 10,036 2,759 246,138 173,976 None of thc trustccs (or any persons connected with thcm) rcccivcd any rcmuneration or bcncfits from thc cbarity during the year. There were no employees whose annual remunerdtion was more ihan £60.000. Remuneration of key tn#nagement personnel The remuneration of key management personnel was a5 follows: 2024 2023 Aggregate cotnpensation 56,754 55,281 10 Taxation The charity is exempt from taxation on its aclivities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. 21
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Tangible fixed #ssets Fixtures and fitting5 Computers Total Cost At l April 2023 Additions Disposals 12.737 12,737 1,772 (12,737} 1,772 (12.737) At 31 March 2024 1,772 1,772 Depreciation and impairment At l April 2023 Depreciation Lharged in the year Eliminated in respect of disposals 10.698 2.039 (12.737) 10,698 2,039 (12,737} At 31 March 2024 Carrying amount At 31 March 2024 1,772 ,772 At 31 March 2023 2.039 2,039 12 Finan¢i21 instruments 2024 2023 Carrying amount of financial assets Instruments measured at fair value ihrough profit or loss 237,437 13 Debtors 2024 2023 as restated Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 486 1,411 26.076 11,825 27,973 12,269 14 Current asset investments 2024 2023 Cash equivalents on deposit 237,437 22-
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 15 Creditors: #mount$ falling due ilithin one year 2024 2023 as restated Notes Other taxation and social security Deferred income Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals 888 38,786 5,518 18 55,585 16 8,252 4,770 11,388 56,580 68,625 16 Deferred income 2024 2023 as restated Other deferred income 38,786 55,585 Deferred income is included in the financial statements a5 follows- 2024 2023 Dcfcrrcd incornc is includcd within= Current liabilities 38,786 55,585 Movements in the year: Deferred income at l April 2023 Rclcascd from previous periods Resources deferred in the year 55,585 (53,585} 36,786 86,750 (69,031) 37,866 Deferred income at 31 March 2024 38,786 55,585 Total deferred income in relation lo 24125 amounts to £38,786. £36,786 relates to a perfornlance related grant from the Emigrant Support Programrne for the period l April 2024 - 30 Junc 2024. Deferred income bTought forward of £53.585 Wds released to the Statement of Financidl Activities during the year. Deferred income of £2,000 was broughi forward and carried forward, as specified by the nder. 23-
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 17 Retirement benefit schemes 2024 2023 Defined contribution scheme5 Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 3,268 2,759 The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying ernployees. The assets of the scherne are held separately from those of the Lharity in an independently administered fund. 18 Restricted funds The restricled funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to sp¢¢ific Conditions by don015 a5 to ho. th¢y may b¢ usod. At l April 2023 Incoming resources Resources At 31 March expended 2024 a5 restated Welfare Advice and Outreach Volunteering Proj¢¢t Active Ageing Emerald Hearts Advice Poverty & Welfare Central costs Housing Advice Elders Christmas 1,570 136,5(M) 82.150 35.190 21.0(K) 48,IIK) 7,250 14,250 8,0(M) (138,070} (46,096) (30.113) (21.000} (44,512} 36,054 5,077 31,531 35,119 7,250 2,386 11,875 (23.739} (8,000} 44.976 352.440 (311.530} 85,886 Previou5 year: At l April 2022 Incoming resources Rc50urces At 31 March expended 2023 1.138 264,601 (220.763) 44,976 24-
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 18 Restricted funds (Continued) Purposes of restricted fund5 welfa Advice and Outreach ESP (Emigrant Support Programme) funded project delivering welfare advice and support to the Irish community both al our drop-in service in Willesden and through one io one oulreach lo vulnerable people in theiT homes. Volunteer project National Loltcry fundcd projcct delivcring volunteer services to the Irish cotnmunity wbicb includc tclcpbonc befriending, be a friend, club volunteers and supporting BIAS with administration duties. Emerald Hearts Advice Cardinals 3 year nded part time advice project supporting the catholic community with welfare advice and suppurt to niakc infortncd dcLisions. Healthy Irish Elders Projecl (Aclive Ageing) 2 year funded NCIL LB Brent funded whicb supports our Dollis Hill wcckly club and BIAS ha8 dclivcred social prescribing and health evenls. Poverti) & Weljare Fyorker City Bridge 5 year funded project delivering welfare advice and outreach support to the Irish community. 19 Unrestricted funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. At l April 21123 Ineoming resources Resources At 31 March expended 2024 as reststed Designated Funds General funds 60.OIX) 69,714 60,000 116,866 66,835 (19,683} 129,714 66.835 (19,683} 176,866 PreTrTrous year: At l April 2022 Incoming resources Resources At 31 March expended 2023 General funds 114.678 40.507 (25,471 } 129,714 Designated Funds Thc charity dcsignatcd £60,000 in thc ycar cnding 31 March 2022 towards the salary of an Opcrations Manag¢r. This post was filled in the year ending 31 March 2025. 25-
BRENT IRISH ADVISORY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 20 Analysis of net a55ets between funds Unrestrieted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 March 2024: Tangible assets Cuent assetsl(liabilities) ,772 175,094 1,772 260,980 85,886 176,866 85,886 262,752 Unrestricted fund5 2023 as restated Restricted funds 2023 as restated Total 2023 as restated At 31 March 2023: Tangible a%.%ets Current assetsl(liabilities) 2,039 127,675 2,039 172,651 44,976 129,714 44,976 174,690 21 Financial commitments, Euarantees alld contin2ent liabilities At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commilments for future licence payments payments under the licence agrecmenl with Breni Mcncap Limitcd. The outstanding coininitmcnt at the year end was £51,242 (2023 £36,942). of which £14,300 was due within one year (2023 £14,300) and £36.942 (2023 £22,642) was due between two to five years. 22 Related partv transaetions There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year {2023 - none). 23 Prior period adjustment As at 31 March 2023, accrued income and income from charitable activities were understed by £11,825. Deferred income and income from charitable activities Th'ere overstated by £31,581. This is due to a misunderstanding of the income treatment per the SORP. The financial slaiements for ihe year ending 31 March 2023 have been restated to correct this error. The reserves brought forward were £131,284. the restated reserves brought forward at the 31 March 23 are £174,690. 24 Iyon-audit service5 provided b). auditor In con]n]on with n]any other entities of our size and nature we use our auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial stalements. 26-