Families InFocus (Essex) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2025 Registered Charity No. 1062311 Company Limited by Guarantee No. 03287829 Families InFocus (Essex) ## Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Contents ## Contents **Company information ...................................................................................................................................................... 2 Chief Executive’s Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Figure 1 - Infographic 2024/25 Impact ............................................................................................................................. 5 Independent Evaluation: What the evidence shows……………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 The Case for Change to our provision .............................................................................................................................. 7 Our Strategic Direction .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Measuring Progress ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Specific Examples of what we are trying to achieve (Case Studies) .................................................................................. 9 Overcoming Barriers – IAS ............................................................................................................................................... 9 Running Courses - Fostering Engagement ........................................................................................................................ 9 Being There – Community Participation ........................................................................................................................ 10 Looking Ahead ............................................................................................................................................................... 11 Implementation Plan (12–18 Months) ........................................................................................................................... 12 Invitation to Partnership................................................................................................................................................ 12 Thank you to Funders .................................................................................................................................................... 13 Trustees Annual Report ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Chair’s concluding remarks ............................................................................................................................................ 20 Independent examiner’s report ..................................................................................................................................... 22 Statement of financial activities .................................................................................................................................... 23 Balance sheet ................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Notes to the financial statements ............................................................................................................................. …..25** 1 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Company information **Company Number** 3287829 **Charity Number** 1062311 **Registered office** 30 – 33 Townfield House Chelmsford Essex CM1 1QL **Patron** Lord Petre **Trustees** Clare Boston (Chairperson April 2025) Marc Jordan (Vice Chairperson) Martin Merrell Sue Dewar Kathy Wilkins Michael Cockerton (Treasurer, appointed April 2025) Kath Gayton (appointed June 2025) Kirsty Cornell (Chairperson, retired March 2025) Andrew Gothard (retired September 2025) Julie Sarti (retired January 2025) Keri-Ann Sargent (Sept 2024, retired March 2025) **Chief Executive Officer** Russell Pagan **Independent examiner** Alex Stone FCCA Edmund Carr LLP Chartered Accountants 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0AW 2 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees, who are the directors of the charitable company for Companies Act purposes, are pleased to present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. In this report they are referred to as the Trustees or, collectively, as “the Board”. ## Chief Executive’s Introduction Since I started two years ago, something has become increasingly clear across Essex and beyond: families are not struggling because there is a lack of recognition of need, expertise or legal protection. They are struggling because the systems around them are under extreme strain. Support structures intended to protect children with SEND are now routinely accessed too late, too inconsistently, or only after families have already reached a crisis point. And when we say crisis, we do not only mean in education. We see the wider impact: financial pressure, parents unable to work, challenges with literacy and language, digital exclusion, and the emotional exhaustion that comes from trying to self-advocate without support. The risk is not simply that a child misses out on provision, but that the whole family becomes overwhelmed. The growth in need is not marg inal. Schools across Essex report that one in five children now requires additional support. Yet the number of professionals available to assess, guide and respond has not grown at the same pace. This creates a predictable pattern: parents are left to advocate alone; systems become adversarial by default; and children wait, often for months or years, for support that the law already entitles them to. This is the environment in which Families InFocus works. And it is why our role cannot simply be to help parents navigate the system. If our model relied only on navigation, we would remain dependent on the system functioning well. It does not. So this past year, we made a deliberate shift. We will always support individual matters, but we are also building trust with parents, developing shared plans, and supporting them to engage confidently with professionals and with one another. We are reshaping our approach so that what we provide is not just expert advice, but also confidence, connection and community capacity. This is not about doing more with less. It is about doing the right things in the right sequence: - Early clarity – reducing escalation and preventable crisis - Shared knowledge – so rights and processes are widely understood - Community belonging – so no parent feels they are fighting alone - Targeted support – focusing on those facing the greatest barriers 3 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 We continue to hold our ground in the legal and statutory landscape, ensuring education and health entitlements are upheld. But a sustainable future requires something more: a selfsupporting SEND community in Essex that does not only react to crisis, but actively builds resilience, connection and hope. To help bring this work to life, the next page introduces a short infographic summarising what we achieved in 2024/25 — who we reached, how families’ needs are changing, and how our approach is widening access, strengthening confidence and improving outcomes. This sits alongside a summary of the independent evaluation, which provides an external assessment of our progress and confirms that this new direction is both working and needed. To support this shift, we have developed a visual narrative we call the raindrop. It depicts the journey from childhood to adulthood. It makes clear how our support helps families at each stage, not only when pressures peak, but in building confidence, capability and belonging along the way. It gives families, professionals and our team a shared way to understand the journey and to focus on progress, not just crisis. This report reflects that shift. It shows our impact, but more importantly, it sets out our direction: not only a source of advice, but also a catalyst for confidence, community and change. We invite funders, partners and system leaders to work with us. The scale of the challenge is shared, and so the solution must be shared. With aligned purpose and commitment, we can ensure families are not left to carry this burden unsupported. Russell Pagan Chief Executive Officer 4 Families InFocus (Essex) ## Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 _Figure 1 - Infographic 2024/25 Impact_ 5 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Independent Evaluation: What the evidence shows The independent evaluation completed in 2025 provided a detailed review of our impact, the pressures families face, and the effectiveness of our new delivery model. It highlighted: Maintaining impact despite reduced capacity - Staff capacity reduced by roughly half after the restructure - Despite this, reach decreased by only 13%, reflecting strong efficiency - The new referral system increased new families by 3% (pages 2–3) Strengthened IAS delivery - Families reported improved clarity, reduced overwhelm and better outcomes. - 93% felt better after support, 80% much better (page 8) - 86% saw a positive impact across the whole family - FSAs praised for empathy, knowledge and responsiveness (pages 8–9) A more inclusive service Increased engagement from families facing additional barriers including: - Non-White families (up 50%) - Parents with learning difficulties, anxiety or mental health needs (36%) - Families with language/digital barriers (3%) These align directly with the evaluation’s finding that FIF is now reaching communities most at risk of exclusion (pages 12–14) A stronger organisational foundation The evaluation recognised: - A well-structured triage model that prioritises families effectively (pages 3–4, 22–24) - Improved staff training, leadership and collaboration - As a consequence of the refocus, it led to a healthier internal culture This has led to a clear case for our strategic direction, but more importantly it concluded that Families InFocus remains a lifeline for families across Essex. 6 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## The Case for Change to our provision The independent evaluation provided a clear view of both the external environment and our internal transformation. It found that while public systems remain under significant strain, Families InFocus has maintained both quality and reach during a period of considerable change. - Schools across Essex report that one in five children now requires additional support. - Education Health and Care Plan applications and waiting times have risen sharply; many families are still waiting more than 20 weeks for an assessment. - Family stress, digital exclusion and low confidence in navigating the system continue to be defining barriers to early support. - The reduction in local authority funding for family support services has forced voluntary organisations to become leaner, more collaborative and more data-driven. This context shaped our decision to refocus our mission – not just to help families survive crisis, but to build the confidence, clarity and community that help them avoid it altogether. ## Our Strategic Direction We no longer describe our work solely in terms of programmes or services. Instead, our approach is organised around three interconnected priorities that together define how change happens for families. 1. Information Advice and Support - IAS (Trust) We provide independent, accurate and timely advice delivered in a way that families can genuinely access and understand. Our aim is to build trust – trust in the information, trust in the process, and trust in themselves. 2. Fostering Engagement (Confidence) We work with parents and carers to help them become confident advocates. This means developing communication skills, resilience and the ability to navigate systems collaboratively rather than adversarially. 3. Community Participation (Belonging) We build the networks and connections that make support sustainable. Through volunteering, listening events and community-led groups, we strengthen families’ sense of belonging and their ability to support one another. These three priorities align directly with our measurement framework and form the structure of how we assess our progress and plan our future work. 7 Families InFocus (Essex) ## Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Measuring Progress The independent evaluation confirmed that, despite the reduction in staff capacity following the 2024 restructure, we maintained reach and continued to deliver consistently high-quality support across Essex. During the year, 1613 families received direct support – a reduction of only 13 per cent compared with the previous year, despite our staff capacity being reduced by around half. This demonstrates the efficiency and adaptability of our new delivery model. At the same time, the introduction of a new referral system led to a 3 per cent increase in new families accessing support for the first time. Our focus on inclusion has also shifted the profile of families we reach. Non-White families increased by over 50 per cent compared with the previous year. 35 per cent of new referrals involved parents or carers with a learning difficulty, mental health condition or anxiety. 3 per cent of families reported language or digital barriers. This growing diversity shows that our IAS service is now engaging the families most likely to be excluded, directly supporting our goal of trust and access equity. ## Outcomes Against Our Strategic Priorities ## IAS (Trust) Maintained service reach despite reduced capacity; improved efficiency and widened access to new families and more marginalised groups. Fostering Engagement (Confidence) Ran the first couple of resilience workshops in Basildon with 11 parents and published a peer-topeer learning paper that will inform the integration of peer networks within IAS. ## Community Participation (Belonging) Recruited five new volunteers, launched our partnership with Citizens UK, and delivered our first community-building event in April 2025 after co-designing with partner charities and parents. ## Why This Matters The evaluation evidence shows that we are achieving more equitable impact with fewer resources. We are demonstrating that a locally rooted, parent-led model can maintain service reach while expanding inclusion and enhancing community resilience. 8 Families InFocus (Essex) ## Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 Specific Examples of what we are trying to achieve (Case Studies) ## **Overcoming Barriers – IAS** The Family The Need Mum, Dad and 8-year-old son. The family’s Support is required to secure an appropriate first language is Hindi. Mum struggles to use school placement within a special school. Due email and prefers to communicate by phone to the family's language difficulties, they would or text. The family are socially isolated with few be unable to navigate the complex appeal friends and was referred by a local charity process without support. ## The Support With parents' permission, we liaised with the school and were able to utilise contacts within the local community to obtain somebody as an interpreter. Through this coordinated approach, we were able to lodge an appeal. The interpreter ensured the family were involved in the process and understood each stage. ## **The Impact** The son was offered a place at an appropriate special school. Mum was very grateful that the use of the interpreter meant she felt heard and listened to. **Even better :** _“ Mum has made links with the community through the interpreter, which will have a positive and long-term impact” ._ ## **Running Courses - Fostering Engagement** The Families The Need We brought together 10 families for Families with children with SEND often report feeling an emotional resilience-building isolated and alone. They struggle to navigate the complex course, which was run in SEND system and often feel that they are not listened to conjunction with two local charities. by the professionals involved in their child’s needs. ## The Support The emotional resilience course ran for four two-hour sessions. It provided parents with the tools to feel more able to cope with challenges they may face throughout their child’s SEND journey. ## **The Impact** One hundred per cent of parents stated they felt more confident on a day-to-day basis; ninety per cent of parents reported an increase in their emotional resilience. **Even better** : _“This is the start of a self-supporting SEND group; that will support parents in the community on an ongoing basis”_ 9 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## **Being There – Community Participation** The Family The Need Single Mum of five children, four of Initially, support was required for her daughter, who has whom have SEND. Mum first ASD and selective mutism, and who was unable to attend contacted us for support in 2017.. school due to anxiety. The Support Long-term support to not only ensure the correct educational provision but also to develop Mum’s confidence and resilience to advocate for her daughter. . **The Impact** The daughter was able to return to school, complete her GCSEs, and is now thriving at college. Mum is now able to ensure support for her son without our intense support. **Even better:** _“Mum volunteers for our charity, with a view to going back to the work place and co-chairs a SEND parent group, providing advice and support to other parents on the SEND journey. ”_ 10 Families InFocus (Essex) ## Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Looking Ahead The coming year will be about consolidation, depth and partnership. Our evaluation confirmed that the new Families InFocus model works – it sustains reach with fewer resources and builds capability among parents, staff and communities. The next stage is to strengthen those foundations and make this impact scalable across the entire county of Essex. 1. Strengthen IAS Delivery, Staff Training and Access Equity We will consolidate the early triage model and invest in staff training, building group facilitation, reflective practice and shared case management skills across the team. By deepening staff capability, we ensure consistent, confident delivery and maintain morale through learning and collaboration. 2. Embed Peer-to-Peer Support Within IAS Following the success of the Basildon workshops, we will train and mentor Parent Champions, embed peer sessions within IAS, and create feedback loops so that lived experience informs professional practice. 3. Recruit and Embed the Community Engagement Manager This role will connect partners, parents and volunteers to grow community capacity, strengthen referral routes, and ensure that families can access support earlier and more locally. 4. Grow Community Participation and Leadership Working with Citizens UK, we will hold listening campaigns, expand community-building events to every district, and amplify families’ voices through a shared Essex Family Voice network. 5. Demonstrate Wider Social Impact Our ultimate aim is to show that investment in families’ capability and connection can reshape systems themselves. Families who learn, advocate and act together do not just improve their own outcomes – they strengthen social cohesion, creating a fairer Essex for everyone. 11 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Implementation Plan (12–18 Months) Over the next year and a half, we will integrate these priorities into our practice. 1. We will strengthen IAS delivery and staff capability through structured training and peer learning. 2. We will recruit and induct the Community Engagement Manager to lead cross-sector collaboration. 3. We will fully integrate peer-to-peer support within advice services. 4. We will publish evidence of impact using our Trust, Confidence and Belonging indicators. These actions will prepare Families InFocus for sustainable growth and demonstrate how small, community-rooted organisations can lead systemic change. ## Invitation to Partnership Families InFocus has always believed that real change happens when people and systems work with families, not to them. Our role is to stand alongside parents, bring clarity when the system feels impenetrable, and nurture the confidence that enables families to move forward. The evidence from this past year shows that this approach works. We have maintained reach with fewer resources, widened access to families facing the greatest barriers, and built the partnerships that make local systems stronger. What we are creating is not just a service – it is a model of how community resilience can underpin statutory delivery. Your partnership helps us do more than deliver advice. It builds the peer networks that challenge one of the UK’s most pressing social-cohesion issues – the fragmentation of communities. When families who struggle intersectionally come together, they embody the empathy, collaboration and resilience that our society urgently needs. By investing in this model, you are helping to shape a different kind of system – one rooted in trust, confidence and belonging. Together we can ensure that every family, whatever their background, has the chance not just to cope, but to thrive. We invite funders, partners and community leaders to join us in this next stage of our journey. With aligned purpose and commitment, we can create a self-supporting SEND community that strengthens Essex today and shapes a more compassionate, cohesive future for all. 12 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Thank you to Funders We would not be able to do the work we do without the wonderful support of our funders, fundraisers, and volunteers. ## Volunteers Our charity relies on the dedication and commitment of our amazing team of volunteers. They play a crucial role in our work, helping out at our Activity Club, events, helpline, office, and serving as our much-valued Trustees. ## Funders As ever, we are hugely grateful to the trusts, foundations and other grant makers who have made our work possible: Boshier Hinton The Marsh Charitable Trust Essex Community Foundation Essex County Council Access to Justice Chelmsford City Council National Lottery Augustine Courtauld Masonic Charitable Fund BBC Children In Need Health Accelerator Suffolk North East Essex ICB Active Essex The Souter Charitable Trust The Charles S French Charitable Trust We would also like to thank all the individuals who have made donations, either financially or in kind, provided support or took part in fundraising events during the year. We particularly want to thank Rob Eggleston and Simon Newland who ran the April 2024 London Marathon in aid of Families InFocus 13 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Trustees Annual Report The trustees, who are the directors of the charitable company for Companies Act purposes, are pleased to present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. In this report they are referred to as the Trustees or, collectively, as “the Board”. 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, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Financial 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 March 2015. ## Public benefit We have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our purpose, aims and objectives, and in planning our future projects and activities. The trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the overall aims and objectives they have set. The charitable purpose of Families InFocus (Essex) is for the public benefit and falls within the description “the relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage” in the Charities Act 2011. All our work is targeted to improve outcomes for Essex families with a CYP with SEND, reflecting the family’s needs and aspirations, and placing the child or young person at the heart of all decisionmaking. This is achieved through supportive services for their parents and carers, particularly at times of change, challenge or crisis. This includes where the child or young person has an enduring behavioural or mental health problem, has been excluded or is at risk of exclusion, is being bullied, is experiencing social exclusion, isolation, educational disadvantage, poverty, poor employment prospects or has problems accessing services – health, education, housing, social services, leisure, transport. ## Financial review The year 31 March 2025 results are set out in the statement of activities on page 23. This has been a more stable year financially, as we adapted to the new cost structure and began working with our new funders. We have also managed to restore our reserves ahead of plan. The Trustees are pleased to report that Edmund Carr LLP will continue as accountants, for the year ending March 2025, Community 360 handled our payroll (salaries and pension). ## Budgets The budget for the year to 31 March 2025 was for an income of £407,755, against the actual income of £387,444, and a budgeted expenditure of £368,489, against the actual expenditure of £326,413. The planned surplus was £40,266 and the actual result was £61,031 surplus. 14 Families InFocus (Essex) ## Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Reserves policy To ensure the charity’s long-term financial resilience, the Trustees maintain a policy of holding unrestricted reserves equivalent to a minimum of three months’ operating costs. For the year ended 31 March 2025, this target equated to £84,000. During 2024/25 the charity delivered a significantly improved financial position, producing a surplus that strengthened our unrestricted reserves to £55,181 as at 31 March 2025. This represents a notable improvement on the previous year and reflects both prudent cost management following the restructure and the stability created by new long-term funding agreements. The Trustees wish to acknowledge that this has been an important year in rebuilding the financial foundations of the organisation. Although reserves remain below the level set out in our policy, the Board has approved a clear and achievable plan to increase unrestricted reserves by approximately £12,500 per year, with the aim of meeting the full requirement by 31 March 2027. Where possible, the charity will accelerate progress towards this target. The Trustees are confident in the ongoing viability of Families InFocus due to the multi-year funding now secured for core operations, including substantial support from ILTA, the National Lottery Community Fund, BBC Children in Need, and statutory bodies. This funding provides stability through to at least 2028–29 and enables the charity to use this period to strengthen its delivery model, rebuild capacity and ensure long-term sustainability. The Board reviews reserves, liabilities and financial forecasts at regular intervals, and will adjust the strategy where necessary to ensure that the charity remains financially secure while continuing to meet the needs of families across Essex. ## Fundraising We have an on-going programme of fundraising to help meet the funding requirements of the organisation. This includes applications to statutory bodies, grant making trusts, businesses (and in kind), as well as individual donations and fundraising events to generate unrestricted income for the organisation. We are extremely grateful to all of our funders, and in particularly the fundraisers who have been imaginative and generous in planning events and raising funds on our behalf. We also want to thank the businesses and individuals who have supported us through this year. A full list of those we want to thank is on page 13. ## Investment policy Families InFocus (Essex) is committed to ensuring the best use of funds available to charity to carry out its aims and objectives. Where a sum surplus to immediate requirements is identified, the Trustees recognise their duty of care and responsibility to maximise the financial returns to be made by investing funds appropriately. We will seek proper advice when necessary and act prudently and cautiously, taking into account the need to diversify fund holdings, maintain liquidity and ensure adequate reserves are available to meet legislative and other obligations. So as to 15 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 safeguard the assets of Families InFocus (Essex), we will comply with the Charity Commission guidelines and endeavour to seek out low risk options for investment. ## Risk management policy The Trustees recognise that they have a responsibility to identify, assess, review and mitigate the risks which may be present in the operation of the charity. “Risk” relates to the uncertainty surrounding events and their outcomes that may have a significant effect, either enhancing or inhibiting: - operational performance; - achievement of aims and objectives; - meeting expectations of stakeholders. In undertaking risk management, the Trustees: - focus on the prevention of disaster and mitigation of risks; - enable the charity to achieve strategic objectives more effectively; - improve forward planning. Responsibility for carrying out risk management rests with the Board of Trustees who will involve staff, volunteers and other stakeholders as appropriate thereby ensuring that the Trustees can make the required statement on risk management with reasonable confidence. The risk management policy has been drawn up by the Trustees in conjunction with staff and other stakeholders. All new trustees, staff and volunteers are appraised of its contents during induction. Regularly and on an on-going basis, the Trustees will: - identify risks and controls in place; - assess risk; - evaluate what action needs to be taken on risks; - implement appropriate systems and procedures to mitigate risk; - undertake periodic monitoring and assessment. The outcomes of the above will be communicated throughout the organisation as appropriate, including through meetings, individual supervisions and appraisals. The CEO will be responsible for ensuring the Trustees agree a statement on risk for inclusion in their annual report. Our Risk Management Policy was updated at our Board meeting in March 2025. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities The Trustees (who are also directors of Families InFocus (Essex) for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming 16 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 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 judgements 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 statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping 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. ## Structure, Governance and Management ## Governing Document Families InFocus (Essex) is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 4 December 1996 and registered as a charity on 12 May 1997 under charity number 1062311. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers and is governed under its Articles of Association dated 19 September 1996, and amended by Special Resolutions on 28 June 1999, 19 December 2001, 8 October 2002 and 4 October 2008. On 15 October 2014, at the Annual General Meeting, agreement was given by Special Resolution, subject to approval by the Charity Commission, to amend the Charity’s Objects and extending support for families of children and young people from ages 0 to 19 to ages 0 to 25. Approval was obtained from the Charity Commission on 26 January 2015, and accepted at Companies House on 19 February 2015. In the event of the company being wound up the members’ liability is £1 each. As at 31 March 2025 there were 75 members. ## Operational Management The Trustees work closely with the CEO in the charity’s management, including safeguarding, finance and risk management, fundraising, charity and company law, policies, our aims, vision, missions and organisational values, good practice and governance. 17 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 Trustees meet at least 6 times per annum to discuss general charity issues with additional meetings/working groups held to discuss more in-depth matters e.g., strategic plans, risk and finance. Financial risks are reviewed at every meeting. The CEO, who reports to the Trustees, is responsible for the day to day operations of the charity. Progress reports (at least quarterly) are prepared by the CEO for review by Trustees which include details of casework and statistical information to ensure our work is developing as planned and is making a positive difference to local families. We have a rolling programme to regularly review policies and procedures. During the year, Trustees have reviewed policies on business continuity, comments compliments and complaints, data protection, equality diversity and inclusion, environment, financial procedures, health and safety, lone working, privacy, record retention, risk management, safeguarding and safer recruitment. Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all Staff, Trustees and Volunteers are carried out via the umbrella organisation Maldon and District CVS, and are renewed every three years. ## Monitoring and Evaluation As an organisation led by parents, the majority of our staff are parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and our Board of Trustees has a strong representation of individuals who have used our service. We continuously strive to embed a culture of self-critical evaluation and ongoing improvement, monitoring our impact and measuring successful outcomes through user records, responses to questionnaires, telephone interviews, and satisfaction surveys. Our volunteers are an invaluable feedback loop as the first hand assess how we help the parents. Every three years we commission independent external research to assess the effectiveness of our services. The last one was commissioned this year and has informed the direction of the charity. ## Trustee Recruitment and Appointment The directors of the company are also charity Trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as Board members. The number should not exceed 14 or be less than 7. Trustees are appointed at general meetings by passing an ordinary resolution. Existing Trustees may nominate one or more Trustees. Currently 7 Trustees sit on the Board comprising of parents of children with disabilities and sympathetic individuals all with a desire to do the best for our families and with a broad range of skills and experience in education, finance, fundraising, procurement, risk management and business. We review the skill set of the Board regularly. All Board members give their time voluntarily and received no material benefits. Any nominal fees or expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 9 to the Accounts. 18 Families InFocus (Essex) ## Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Training We provide appropriate training to Staff, Trustees and Volunteers as part of our induction programme and ongoing professional development. This includes safeguarding (child protection & vulnerable adults), health and safety, data protection and role specific training to ensure skills and knowledge are constantly kept up to date. New Trustees are usually invited to visit the Families InFocus office to speak to the CEO and members of staff. We are developing our trustee induction pack to be a comprehensive guide, containing information about the charity and the role of trustees. All Trustees have received and read ‘The Essential Trustee – what you need to know’ document. Our staff have many years’ experience (direct knowledge and from personal experience) with specialist skills in disability benefit claims, Disability Discrimination Act, SEND issues, procedures and reforms. Our Family Support Advisors are not qualified legal professionals, but all undertake IPSEA training to level 3. ## Our Financial Future In the course of the last year, we took a strategic decision to use a proportion of our reserves to enable a planned restructure and to position Families InFocus for the future. The long-term funding we have now secured has provided the stability needed to rebuild our operating model and refocus our work around the evolving needs of families and the changing external environment. We continue to benefit from major multi-year funding from the ILTA, the National Lottery Community Fund and BBC Children in Need, alongside ongoing statutory funding for our independent advice services. This combination gives us a high degree of stability for at least the next three years – a stronger position than we have held for some time. The support from ILTA in particular has given us both confidence and flexibility: confidence that we can plan beyond the short term, and flexibility to test new approaches, strengthen partnerships with health and education, and ensure our work remains relevant and responsive to local needs. We are using this period wisely – to consolidate what we do best, to rebuild capacity, and to redefine the charity’s proposition for the future. While we remain alert to the wider financial pressures facing the sector, we are confident that our current model, underpinned by long-term investment and sound financial management, gives us the best possible foundation to meet the changing requirements of families and the SEND system. 19 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## Chair’s concluding remarks This has been a different kind of year for Families InFocus — one that has given us the space to breathe, to reflect, and to plan. After several challenging years of financial uncertainty, the longterm funding we secured has allowed us to focus less on survival and more on shaping our future. I took on the role of Chair in April 2025, following in the footsteps of Kirsty, who so ably steered the charity through a period of considerable change. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank her for her steady leadership and commitment to Families InFocus during a particularly demanding time. I would also like to make special mention of Andy Gothard, who retired from the Board this year after more than a decade of dedicated service. His experience, calm insight and practical wisdom have made a lasting contribution to the charity, and we wish him well for the future. This year has been one of consolidation and renewal. Russell and the Senior Leadership Team have spent time wrestling with the reality of how the charity must evolve to reflect the needs of the families we serve. The independent evaluation, completed earlier in the year, arrived at just the right moment. It gave trustees a clear and independent view of what we are achieving, and the confidence that the direction we are now taking — focusing on confidence, community and belonging — is both right and necessary. We are deeply proud of our staff and volunteers, who have managed a major transition while continuing to support hundreds of families with professionalism and compassion. They did this quietly and effectively, without broadcasting the difficult choices that had to be made. That humility and focus on families is what defines Families InFocus, and it is what gives trustees confidence in the organisation’s continued strength. We also know that the wider context remains challenging. Devolution, impending reforms to the SEND system and changes in welfare policy will all test how far our model can go and how it can be funded in the long term. The coming year will be about embedding the changes we have begun, continuing to learn, and ensuring our impact remains both visible and valued. We are fortunate to have a strong and committed Board with a wide range of skills and experience to help guide this journey. As we look to the future, we are keen to strengthen our governance further and increase the diversity of our Board. We believe that the richness of perspective this brings will help us stay rooted in the families and communities we serve. Families InFocus has never stood still. The work of this year shows that it can continue to adapt and thrive, holding fast to its values while finding new ways to meet changing needs. I am confident that, together, we are building something that will last — an organisation that not only supports families through challenge but helps them build a sense of confidence, connection and hope for the future. 20 Families InFocus (Essex) Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption. On behalf of the Trustees, ## Clare Boston Clare Boston, Chairperson Date approved: 17 December 2025 21 Families InFocus (Essex) Independent Examinerfs Report to the trustees of Families InFocus (Essex) ('the Company.) I report to the charitable company Trustees on my examinatson of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 23 to 37. Responsibilities and basis of report As the chartiy Trustees of the company land also its directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ the requirements of the Companies Act 201 I'the 2006 Act'}. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the (x)mpany are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of your company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 20111'the 2011 Act'l. In carying out my examination I have followed the Direth'ons given by the Chanty Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement sin￿ the Company s gross income ex￿eded £250,CHJO your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm thal l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. l (x)nfimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection wth the examination giving me cause to believe.. 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Families InFocus IEssex} as required by sects.on 386 of the 2006 Act,. or 2. the accounts do not accord wth those records" or 3. the 8co)unts do not comply wth the ac(x)unting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair vievl which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance wth the melhcxjs and prinaples of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wtth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. I have no concems and have (x)me acfOSS no other matters in (x)nnection wth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Ale% S*on6 Alex Stone FCCA 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 OAW Date.. 18 De￿mber 2025 22 Families InFocus (Essex) ststement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Including Income and Expenditu￿ Account and Other Comprehensive Income) Total 2025 Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Note Income and Endowrnents from: Donations and legaaes Charitable activities Investment income 15,528 101,250 941 184,516 85,209 200,044 186,459 267,895 119,741 1,434 Total income 117.719 269,725 387,444 389,070 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 144 81,911 72 244,286 216 326,197 457,990 Total expenditure 82,055 244,358 326,413 458,044 Net incomellexpenditurel 35,664 25,367 61,031 168,9741 Net movement in funds 35,664 25,367 61,031 168,974) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 19.517 12.638 32,153 101,127 Totsl funds carried forward 17 55.181 38,003 93,184 32,153 All of the charitable companls activities derive from continuing operations during the above ￿ periods. 23 Families InFocus (Essex) (Registration number: 03287829) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 2,399 3,386 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 14 3,035 200,170 5,848 78,394 203,205 84,242 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 15 1112,4201 155,475} Net current assets 90,785 28,767 Net assets 93,184 32,153 Funds of the eharitsble company: Restricted income funds Restricted funds 38,003 12,636 Unreslricted income funds Unrestricted funds 55,181 19,517 Total funds 17 93,184 32,153 For the finanaal year ending 31 March 2025 the tharitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors, responsibilities". The members have not required the tharitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordan￿ with section 476,. and The directors ad(nowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These finanaal statements have been prepared in accordan￿ wlh the speaal provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements on pages 23 to 37 were approved by the Trustees. and aulhorised for issue on 17 December2025 - and signed on their behalf by". iGhael CoGKerton Michael Cockerton Trustee 24 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 1 Charitable company ststus The charitable company is limf(ed by guarantee. incorporated in England & Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the Tnjstees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charitsble company in the evenl of liquidation. 2 Accounting policies Sumrnary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estirnates The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are sel out below. These poliues have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise staled. ststement of eomplianee The financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ wtth Accounting and Reporting by Charities." Statement of Recommended practi￿ lapplicable to charrties preparing their accounts in accordan￿ wth the Finanaal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 10211 lissued in October 20191- Icharrties SORP IFRS 10211, the Finanaal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006. Basis of preparation Families InFocus IEssexl meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. Going concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going con￿rn basis as the trustees believe Ihat no material Un￿rtaIntieS 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 suffiryent wth the level of reserves for the charity to be able lo continue as a going Con￿M. Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement The charitable company opted to adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements. Income and endowrnents All income is recognised On￿ the charitable company has entl￿ement to the income, it is probable that the income will be retzived and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably. Donations and legacies Donations are recognised when the chantable company has been notified in writsng of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to condttions that require a level of performan(* by the charitable company before the tharitable company is entitled lo the funds, Ihe income is deferred and not recognised until either those condrtions are fully met, or the fvlfilmenl of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charitable company and it is probable that these conditsons wll be fvlfilled in the reporting period. Gtsnts receivable The charity has received govemment grants in the reporting period. Perf0Mian￿ related grants are only included in the SOFA On￿ the charity has provided the related services to meet the perfomian<* related conditions. 25 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Deferred income Deferred income represents amounts recEived for future pericNJs and is released to incoming reSoUr￿S in the period for which, it has been re￿ived. Such income is only deferred when: - The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods,. or - The donor has imposed condrtions vthich must be met before the charitsble company has unconditional entitlement. InveStn￿nt income Interest recewable is induded gross. Expenditure ReSoUr￿S expended, induding irrecoverable VAT. are a￿Unted for on an accruals basis. The majonty of costs are directly attributable to speafic activibes. Expenditure on projects is treated as direct charitsble expenditure. Raising funds These are costs incurred in raising funds from events and activities. Charitable activities Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charilable company in the delivery of its activities and ServI￿S for its benefiuaries. It indudes both (x)sts that Can be allocated direcly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature ne￿sSary to supportthem. Support eosts Support costs indude the ￿ntral functions and are allocated to cost categories on the basis of staff time and amount spent on those cost categories. Depreciation is allocated to c()st categories on the basis of total direct costs allocated. Govemance costs Governan￿ costs are associated wf(h the g0Veman￿ arrangements ofthe charity and relate to the general running of the charrty. Govemment grants Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset re￿iVed or re￿1Vable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating lo assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred. il is recognised as deferred income. Taxation The charitable company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finan￿ Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable (x)mpany for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charitable company is potentially exempt from taxation in respecl of income or capital gains re￿iVed within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exdusively to charitable purposes. Tangible fixed assets Individual fixed assets costing £1.000 or more are initially recorded at cost 26 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as lo wrile off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows.. Asset class Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment Depreciation method and rate 25.00/. reduung balance 33.3'kn reduung balan Trade debtors Trade debtors are amounts due for serVI￿S performed by the chanty. Trade debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. A provision for the impairment of Irade debtors is established when there is objective eviden￿ that the charity wll not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original ternis of the re￿1vableS. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, bank accounts and bank deposits. Trade creditors Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or ServI￿S that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are dassified as current liabilities if the tharity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period. lo defer settlement of the creditor for al least ￿e1ve months after the reporting date. If there is an uncondtlional right to defer setuement for at ￿ast twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented a5 non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised al their settlement amount. Fund structure Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the Trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charitable company. Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted lo that area or purpose. Pensions and other post retirement obligations The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the tharitable company has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does nol hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee Servi￿ in the (￿rrent and prior periods. Contributions to defined contributson plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contn"bution due for servi￿. the eX￿$S is recognised as a prepayment. Financial instruments Classification The Charity has financial assets and financial liabiif(ies of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. B8SIC financial instruments are initially recognised at Iransaclion value and subsequently measured al their settlement value. 27 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 3 Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted funds Restritted fund5 Total 2025 Donations re￿1vabLe Grants re￿1vable 15,528 15,528 184,516 184,516 15,528 184,516 200,044 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Donations re￿1vable Grants receivable 18,015 8,663 241,217 26,678 241,217 18,015 249,880 267,895 4 Income from Charitable activities Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Govemment contracts and grants Service income 100,000 1,250 85,209 185,209 1,250 101,250 85,209 186,459 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Govemmenl contracts and grants Service income 108,285 108,285 11.456 11,456 11,456 108,285 119,741 28 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 S Investment income Unrestricted funds Restritted fund5 Total 2025 Interest receivable on bank depostts 941 941 941 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Totsl 2024 Interest receivable on bank deposrts 1,434 1,434 1,434 1,434 6 Expenditure on charitable activities Unrestricted funds Totsl 2025 Total 2024 Restricted Family Support- Direct costs Group Activrties- Direct costs Support costs 67.750 211.052 278,802 408,989 1,000 48.001 14,161 33,234 47,395 81,911 244.286 326,197 457,990 29 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 7 Anatysis of govemance and support costs Support eosts allocated to tharitable activities Governance costs Administration costs Total 2025 Premises costs 26,575 Government contracts and grants 8,650 12,170 47,395 Governance costs Administration costs Prerni5es costs Totsl 2024 Government contracts and grants 8,539 13,158 26,304 48,001 Govemance Costs Total 2025 Total 2024 Independent examiner fees Examination of the financial statements Other fees paid to examiners Bookkeeping and payroll 850 2,552 5,248 810 2,430 5,299 8,650 8,539 8 Net incomingloutyoing resources Net incominglloutgoingl reSoUr￿S for the year indude= 2025 2024 Operating leases Depreuation of fixed assets 22,273 987 21.396 1,410 30 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 9 Trustees remuneration and expenses No Trustees, nor any persons connected wth them, have re￿iVed any remuneration from the charitable company during the year. During the year, no Trustees were reimbursed for expenses (2024". NIL). 10 Staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows-. 2025 2024 Stsff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Social security Costs Pension costs 213,697 15,847 10,516 338,928 22.478 16,253 240,060 377,659 The monthly average number of persons {induding senior management I leadership team) employed by the charitable company during the year expressed by head count was as follows." 2025 No 2024 No Average number of paid employees 10 16 1012024- 8) of the above employees partiapated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes. Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £10,51612024- £16,253). During the year, the charitsble company made redundancy andlortemiination payments vthich totalled £Nil12024 - £12,384). No employee re￿iVed emoluments of rnore than £60,OtKJ during the year. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charitsble company were £54,388 12024 - £44,529). 11 Taxation The charitable rA)mp8ny is 8 registered chartty and is therefore exempt from taxation to the extent that such income or gains are applied exdusively lo chantable purposes. 31 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 12 Tangible fixed assets Fixtures. fittings and equipment Total Cost At 1 April 2024 Disposals 54,010 114,168} 54.010 114,1681 At 31 March 2025 39,842 39,842 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year Eliminated on disposals 50,624 987 114,1681 50,624 987 14,168 At 31 March 2025 37,443 37,443 Net book value At 31 March 2025 2,399 2,399 At 31 March 2024 3,386 3,386 13 Debtors 2025 2024 Trade debtors Prepayments Accrued income 3,000 1,848 1,000 3,035 3,035 5,848 32 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 14 Cash and cash equivalents 2025 2024 Cash on hand Cash at bank 100 78,294 200,170 200,170 78,394 15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accruals Deferred income 6,628 5,792 100,000 10,298 6,192 38,985 112.420 55.475 Deferred income relates to grants re￿iVed that are specified for expenditure in a future period and setvi income invoiced in advan￿. Deferred incorne of £38.985 at 31 March 2024 was released in the year ended 31 March 2025. 16 Obligations under leases and hire purchase Contracts Operating lease eommitments Total future minimum lease payments under non4ancellable operating leases are as follows." 2025 2024 Within one year Between one and five years 22,273 31,554 21,396 51,707 53,827 73,103 33 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 17 Funds Balance at 31 March 2025 Balance at 1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers Unresthcted funds Free reserves 5,835 117,719 182,055) 9,961 51,460 Designated funds 11 Moody Trust 21 Contingency Fund 31 IT Fund 41 Margaret Hulchon Fund 1,000 9,961 2,107 614 1,000 (9,9611 2,107 614 13,682 19.961 3,721 Total Unrestricted 19,517 117,719 82,055 55,181 Restricted 11 National Lottery Community Fund Grant 21 BBC Children In Need 31 Essex County Counul.. Befriending 41 Ac￿sS to Justi( 51 Essex County Counal Carers Community Fund 61 Other restricted grants & donations 71 Capital Fund (Fixed Assets) 60.016 11.000 160,016) 110,638) 362 8,717 100,000 18,7141 192,474) 7,526 15.000 111,074) 3,926 9,250 74.992 160,455) 23,787 3,386 1987) 2,399 Total restricted 12,636 269.725 1244,358} 38,003 Total funds 32,153 387,444 1326,413) 93,184 TheTrustees approved the release of the designated contingency fvnd following restructuring. Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Balance at 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Balance at 31 March 2024 Prior Year." Unrestricted funds Unrestricted fiinds Free reserves 35.432 30.905 160,5021 5,835 Designated funds 11 Moody Trust 21 Contingency Fund 31 IT Fund 41 Margaret Hulchon Fund 51 Family Support AdviserlProjects 1.000 19,961 2.107 614 1,000 9,961 2,107 614 110,0001 24,231 124,2311 47,913 134,2311 13,682 Totsl unrestricted funds 83,345 30,905 94.733 19.517 Restricted 11 National Lottery Community Fund Grant 21 BBC Children In Need 31 Essex County Council.. Befriending 61 Other restricted grants & donations 71 Capital Fund (Fixed Assets) 81 Essex County Counal- Independent SEND Information, Advice and Support Servi 91 Essex Community Foundation- Realising Ambitions 101 Essex Community Foundation - Moody Fund 111 Essex Community Foundation 121 Essex Community Foundation Provide Foundation 45,044 1,000 145,0441 11,000) 47.207 147,2071 4.557 178.528 2,750 1173,8351 11,410) 9,250 3,386 3.330 40.000 143,3301 1.415 7,000 18,415) 140 6.294 {1401 116,9301 10,636 26,000 126,0001 Total restricted funds 17.782 358,165 1363,3111 12,636 Total funds 101,127 389,070 1458,0441 32,153 35 Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The specific purposes for whith the funds are to be applied are as follows.. Designated funds.. 1 } The Moody Trust funding has been designated to provide respile to parents with children with disabilities who were found lo be under extreme pressure. 2} The designated contigency fund was established to meet operating shortfalls if required and the charity's statutory obligations, such as redundancy costs, should the need arise. 3} The Trustees designated funds for IT investment. 4} The Margaret Hutchon Fund has been designated to assist Essex families of children and young people Tmth disabilities and speaal needs who are most in need of some immediate finanryal support. 5} The Trustees have designated funds to provide for the costs of Family Support advisers and Family Support projects across Essex. Restricted funds.. 1 } The National Lottery Community Fund Grant (formerly known as the Big Lottery Fund) is towards the Family Support Project across Essex and a contribution to the core costs of the organisalion. 2} The grant from BBC Children In Need is towards the Saturday Activity Club. 3} Essex County Council awarded a grant to set up a peer support servi￿. 4} A￿$S lo Justi￿ awarded a grant as part of the improving lives Ihrough advi￿ programme. 5} Essex County Council provided a grant to set up an adult social care servi￿. 6} Other restricted grants & donations re￿IVed and applied for speafied purposes. 7} The Capital Fund represents the fixed assets ofthe charity. 8} Funding is to provide Independent SEND Infomiation, Advi￿ and Support on educational issues to parenlslcarers for their childrenlyoung people with SEND {aged 0-25 years}. 9} Essex Community Foundation grant from the Realising Ambttions Funding Prograrnme is towards Family Support for North East Essex families of thildrenlyoung people wth disabilitieslspecial needs. 101 Essex Community Foundation grants from The Moc#Yy Fund towards therapy sessions for ￿ children with learningldevelopmental issues. 111 Essex Community Foundation provided ftjnds towards the Saturday Activity Club. 121 Essex Community Foundation grant from the Provide Foundation is towards Family Support for Chelmsford families of childrenlyoung people wrth disabilits"eslspecial needs. Families InFocus (Essex) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 18 Anatysis of net assets belween funds Totsl funds at 31 March 2025 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 2,399 165,202 1112,4201 2,399 203,205 1112,4201 38,003 Total net assets 55,181 38,003 93,184 Prior Year Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds at 31 March 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 3,386 71,606 {55,4751 3,386 84,242 55,475) 12,636 Total net assets 19,517 12,636 32.153 19 Related party transactions During the year the charitable company made the following related party Iransath"ons'. The Trustees Some of the Trustees have a￿esS to the sibling group. activity club, and family events. The benefit received is not material to the accounts. At the balan￿ sheet date the amount due tolfrom the Trustees was £Nil12024 - £Nill. 37