Independent Living Agency AGM 24/25
Contents Mission Statement Committee/Staff/Volunteer Information Registered Address Agenda Minutes of Last AGM (2023/2024) Chairs Report Treasurers Report CEO Report
Mission Statement To support disabled people to live in a community and exercise choice and control in their lives. Philosophy The ILA will uphold its aims by working within the Social Model of disability and an equal opportunities framework and adopt the principles of the Independent Living movement, which states:]] • That all human life is of value • That anyone, whatever their impairment, is capable of exerting choices. • That people who are disabled by society's reaction to physical, intellectual and sensory impairment and emotional distress have the right to assert control over their lives. • That disabled people have the right to fully participate in society. Aims: To provide greater freedom of choice to disabled people over the age of 16 years regardless of impairment. To maximise the potential of individual disabled people in order for them to live their own lives. To promote the opportunities of independent living by working with individuals or groups within the community. To access appropriate services and resources to enable disabled people to stay in their own home within the community and make choices and decisions about their daily lifestyle. To offer a range of support options for disabled people at risk of entering or remaining in residential care. To work in partnership with disabled people's families and friends to encourage their participation (if appropriate), to enable relatives (known as carers) to be released from the traditional caring role in society
Objectives The ILA will achieve its aims by providing Advice, information and support on all aspects of independent living and disability issues to both disabled and non-disabled 2. Ongoing advice, information and advocacy to disabled people. Offering them support, both practically and emotionally to achieve and maintain the arrangements of their choice. 3. Facilitation for the above from home or from the range of services provided. This could include all aspects of independent living, i.e. personal assistance, personal domestic and financial tasks, equipment, assistance with finding, moving to and adapting suitable accommodation. 4. An invoice to Social Services requesting advance quarterly payment for support package under Direct Payment scheme or third party brokerage. 5. Support on all aspects of Personal Assistance employment, including ongoing training programmes on some or all aspects of becoming an employer (job descriptions, contracts etc). This would be via both Group work and one to one support. 6. A computerised payroll system, financial advice and administrative support and guidance for budgeting and accounts. 7. Support to enable disabled people to gain access to their services and opportunities in the community - to gain skills and knowledge - and advocate with other agencies as required 8. Networking to liase and build up links with the care management team, day and residential services, Health Authority, housing department, the independent and voluntary sector agencies and other interested people for the purpose of promoting the service and widening the support available to disabled people.
Committee Staff & Volunteers 2024/2025 Board of trustees/Directors Keith Smith Chair Person Appointed March2018 Peter Chand Appointed March 2022 Darren Cunningham Appointed January 2023 Gerry Driscol Thresher Appointed September 2022 Andrew slee Appointed July 2024 Carol Pieters Appointed March 2025 Management team Terry Miller CEO Karen Herbert Deputy CEO Towhid Khan Senior Financial Manager Carline Thomas Customer Relations Manager Shenay Elston Community project lead Sam Price Service manger
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF BARKING & DAGENHAM INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY FOR 2024/2025 Agenda 1) Chairs Report and Introduction 2) Apologies 3) Agree Mins of AGM (2024/2025) 4) Chairs Report 5) Annual Reports a. Finance b. Adoption of Audited Accounts 2024/2025 c. Adoption of Auditor 6) CEO Report / Deputy CEO Report / Business Plan Launch 7) Guest Speakers (tbc) 8) Election of ILA Trustees 9) A.O.B Refreshments and Networking
Independent Living Agency Minutes for AGM meeting. Monday 28 October 2024 at 11.00am. Meeting held at Kingsley hall Dagenham Essex Welcome and introductions by Keith Smith Apologies: Andrew Slee Darren Cunningham Minutes of the previous meeting/AGM read by Keith Smith and agreed by Jerry Driscal Treasurer's report: Jerry Driscal gave an overview of the year's accounts and gave an overview of raising costs terry Read a message from Titi awosika on how we raised our reserves titi said in her statement it was a very good year and we increased our reserves BY £50,000 Chair report: gave an overview of how the ILA preformed over 2023/2024 the aims the ILA has and how we plan to move forward He gave thanks all the staff and other trustees for all the support giving this year Annual report: Adaption of audited accountancy 23/24 proposed by Keith Smith seconded by Karen Herbert CEO report: Terry Miller gave overview outcomes for the year project by protect. Terry thanked all the staff for their good work carried out throughout the year. Terry Gave Over view of new project call NAPS Vote for Samuels &Co to stay as auditor
Tim brown was presented with the D lock award for services to our community Keith closed meeting thanking everyone for coming A.O.B: Meeting closed 12pm. Signed Date
Chairperson's Report 2024 / 2025 I would like to begin by thanking everyone for all they have achieved this year. Over my two years as Trustee and Chairperson of the ILA, I have continually felt inspired by the dedication and passion of our team. Looking back over the last 12 months, I feel incredibly proud. Whenever I meet our residents, I'm reminded of the real difference we make through the support we provide. We remain a hands-on organisation, committed to empowering our community to stay independent in their own homes. This year, our services continued to grow. Our payroll department expanded into new areas, and we began working with the CCG. Feedback from our monitoring clearly shows that we are meeting the needs of our residents. We also strengthened our partnership with Adult Services across East London and will continue to move forward collaboratively and positively. Our floating support team worked closely with Community Solutions, helping to demonstrate the value of joint working and shared outcomes. I am pleased to report that all services operated within budget. We were able to increase our reserves this year and aim to continue building on this financial stability year after year. We invested in updating our IT systems and have begun exploring new, improved pathways for working. This has been long overdue, and I am proud of the progress made. We also supported a group of residents in developing the Forward Together Forum, which we have funded. The group has grown significantly and has held several successful forums, strengthening the voice of our service users. This year, we supported more residents than ever before. Listening to our residents remains central to our work, and our collaboration with the Forward Together Group has been vital in ensuring we receive meaningful feedback and maintain strong links with the Local Authority. I am especially pleased with the work Debbie and her team have achieved through the Healthy Living Project. It has been inspiring to see the positive changes—from college courses to gym sessions, cooking lessons, and a wide range of keep-fit activities—all aimed at reducing isolation in our community. I would like to thank the National Lottery for funding this powerful project. With over 360 residents taking part, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. From the trip to Kew Gardens to the excitement of learners earning a pass, to stories from arts and crafts, gym sessions, and cooking classes—it has all been a wonderful celebration of community connection. A huge thank-you to the entire team for their exceptional work. I would also like to acknowledge the Blitz Team, who continue to go above and beyond to ensure we meet every client's needs. Our floating support team has once again helped people stay in their own homes while achieving a record amount in benefit increases for residents in 2024/25. We remain a service-user-led organisation, run by disabled people for disabled people— something we are deeply proud of.
Treasurer's Report 2024/2025 This is my second year serving as Treasurer, and I am grateful to say that I have truly enjoyed this role. As a person with disabilities, I feel I have finally found my calling. It is a privilege to contribute to an organisation that empowers others and creates real change in our community. I am delighted to report that 2024/25 has been a strong and positive year for us as a charity. We supported more residents than ever before and successfully met all our social value targets through our contracts with LBBD. Our work now reaches people across East London, and I continue to be inspired by the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our team. I am equally grateful for the support of my fellow trustees during my second year as Treasurer. This year, I had the opportunity to meet Sam, our auditor from Sammels & Company. He was very pleased with our accounts, raised no concerns, and was satisfied with our reporting and financial management. He has now fully signed off our accounts, which is a significant achievement for the organisation. I would also like to extend my thanks to our external accounts clerk, Titi, for her guidance and for ensuring I had all the necessary paperwork prepared ahead of trustee meetings. Her support has been invaluable. One of our greatest successes this year has been increasing our reserves by more than $50,000. This was achieved through careful cost savings, strict adherence to budgets, and close collaboration between the CEO and Titi to ensure we stayed on target. These efforts helped us reach the reserve level recommended by our auditor, strengthening our financial position for the future. Our payroll service continues to grow week by week, and I am pleased to confirm that all our services remain on budget. I appreciate the regular feedback I receive from the team, which ensures we stay financially responsible and well-informed. As we move forward, we remain committed to increasing our reserves in line with our rising turnover. With the current economic uncertainty and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is more important than ever that we maintain a strong, resilient financial foundation. I will ontinue meeting regularly with Titi, our internal accountant, to ensure we stay on budget an lake informed decision We do not know what the future holds, but I am confident in our direction. With careful pagrow, strap, aamsupporn a stared need ument to our mission, the ILA will continue Thank you to everyone who has contributed to another successful year. Jerry Driscol
Charity number: 1064099 Company number: 3370858 INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE Reports and statements of financial activities For the gear ended 31 March 2025
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Contents Page Legal and administrative infonnation Trustees report 2 - 3 Independent examiner's report Statement of financial activities 5 Balance sheet 6 Notes to the financial statements 7 - 10
Legal and administrative information Status Independent Living Agency is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity govemed by is Memorandum and Articles of Association. Charity number: 1064099 and Company number 3370858. Board of directors Trustees The trustees ofthe charitable company are also its directors for the purpose ofcharity law and company law. The trusteest directors who served during the year are as follows: Keith Smith Chair Darren Cunningham Vice Chair Jerry Dricoll Treasurer Andrew Lee (appointed 24:07/2024) Peter Chand Carol Pieters (appointed 28 03/2025) Trevor Lock Doreen Lock (deceased on 12/07/2024) Company number: 3370858 Charity number: 1064099 Registered office Unit 15 Dagenham Business Centre 123 Rainham Road North Dagenham, Essex RM10 7FD Independent examiner S.S. Fakorede 2nd Floor office, 594 High Road London N17 9TA Business address Unit 15 Dagenham Business Centre 123 Rainham Road North Dagenham, Essex RM10 7FD Bankers Lloyds TSB Page 1
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Trustees' report For the year ended 31 March 2023 Structure, governance and management independent Living Agency was incurporated as a company limited by guarantec on 15th May 1997 and is govemed by lis Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charity is run by the Management Committee which consists ofine officers and an elected! number of members as decided at the Annual General Meeting of the charity. The trustees who are also the charity's directors are appointed annually by the members of the company atte Annual General Meeting. Additionally new mustee(sy chrectors) mas be appointed by the existing trustees/directors, subject to a maximum of twelve. Trustees induction and training All the trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the charity but all new trustees undergo an orientation course to brief them on their legal obligation under the charity and company laws, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the charity. The Committee's decision making process, the business plan and recent financial performance together with Health and Safety regulations are all covered at the induction. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events to support the role they are performing. Objectives and activities The objects of the charity are to promote the opportunities of independent living for disabled people. through the provision of advice, support, information and educational activities, aiding them towards equal opportunities and social integration. In addition. to maximise individual disabled peoples' potential to live their own lives with choice and control. Part of the activites of the charity continues to be to secure continuing finance to provide cosistent, supportive and stable environment for the people within its care. Public benefit In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The focus of our activities remain two fold. Firstly to provide advocacy, support, information, encouragement and assistance to disabled people living in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham in order for them to take control of their lives. Disabled people are encouraged to live in their own homes within the community and also help them to access appropriate services and resources. Achievements and performance The charity continued to provide help, support and advice on an increased scale via the Choices Project for service users with physical impairements for those aged between eighteen and sixty five. The charity continued to provide, throughout the year. a blitz cleaning services to disabled people within the Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Page?
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Trustees' report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Risk management The trustees activels review che major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe maintaining reserves at the current levels, combined with regular review of key financial systems. will provide sufficient resources in the event ofany adverse condinions arising. The directors have also examined omer operanon: bustness cats reced by the charity and confor they have established systems to mitigate signiricant risks. Reserve policy The directors have considered the reserve policy and have concluded that the minamun reserve to hel maintained should be at a level which ensures that the charity's core activities could continue for a period of six months during a period of unforeseen difficulty. Based on projections for the year ending 31 March 2025 the minimum reserve would be £370,250 Full disclosure on all matters relating to fixed assets are set out in note 6 to the financial statements. This report was approved by the trustees directors on 16/10/25 and signed on its behalf by Keith Smith Page 3
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Independent examiner's report To the directors of Independent Living Agency I report on the financial statements of INDEPENDENT LIVINGHAGENCY for the vear ended 31 March 2023 ser out on pages 5 to 10. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of the compan; last are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The truastees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) ofthe Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. Having satistied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company last and in eligible for independent examination. iris my responsiblilty to: - examine the financial statements under secion 145 of the 2011 Act; - to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and - to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view and the report is limited to those matters set iout in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of Companies Act 2006, and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirement of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities, have not been met; or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. S.S. Fakorede FCA.FALA 594 High Road Page 1
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Statement of financial activities For the year ended 31 March 2023 Votes Unrestricted funds Restricteri funds 2025 Total Incoming resourees Grants Income from contracd Other incomes. Commercial trading activities Income from trading operations Total incoming resources 245969 549,198 795,242 199.00 H 225 199,226 199,001 245.969 300 549,198 994,468 Expenditure Costs of commercial trading Expenditure on trading operations Expenditure on charitable activities Direct charitable expenditure Total charitable expenditure Net incoming resources Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 4 (492,486) (251,208) (743.694) 51,548 290,401 341,949 - (492,486) (199,226) (199,226) 7,953 7,953 (450,434) (942,920) 51,548 298,354 349,902 The notes on pages 7 to 11 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 5 2024 Total 29.794 245.705 7.222 565,581 918,302 (532,835) (350,681) (883,516) 34,786 263,568 298,354
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Balance sheet As at 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Notes € Fixed assets Tangible asser Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 1530 10.211 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 8 90.200 328.016 418.216 (79,870) 84,441 290,886 375.327 187,289) 338,346 349,902 288,038 298,354 341,949 7,953 349,902 290,401 7,953 298,354 The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Small Entities. For the year ended 31 March 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 Companies Act 2006. and no notice has been deposited under section 476 requesting that an audit be conducted. As directors of the company we acknowledge our responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the The financial statement Were approved by the Board on 16/10/LS. and signed on its behalf by: Keith Smith The notes on pages 7 to 11 form an integral part of chese financial statements. Page 6
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 1. Accounting policies 1.1. Accounting convention The principal accounting policies adopted. Judgements and Key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows. 1.2. The financial statementshave been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statements of Reommended Practice applicabe to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective !| January 2015);- Charities SORP (FRS102). the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK. and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006. Independent Living Agency meets the defition of of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). The charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS1 from the requirement to produce a cashflow statement because it is a small charity. Incoming resources Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. Donated assets are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included. Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receivable. Income from trading activity under the charity's management is taken into account at the time of receipt. 1.3. Resources expended Resources expended are accounted for on an accrual basis. Expenditure is allocated in the statement of financial activities between direct charitable expenditure and governance costs. No significant costs are incurred in generating funds. Costs of generating trading income represent expenditure incurred in the operation and management of the trading activity. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements Page 7
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Grant income BD NHS-MH & Communis Lottery LBBD NCIL Care City Innovation LBBD Garden Project Others Direct charitable expenditure Support costs (see note 5) Staff training Rent Insurance Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Printing, postage and stationery Advertising Telephone Computer consumables Storage Travelling expenses Consultancy fees Governance costs (see note 5) Depreciation Staff cost Subscription General expenses Bank charges Unrestricted Fund 200,132 1,476 7,768 4,025 2,379 7,895 8,370 537 4.375 401 1,227 732 4,286 4,000 993 877 66 1.233 236 251.208 Page 8 Restricted funds € 33:0 143.671 5,890 12.573 1.084 656 199,226 ..... Total 2025 200,132 1,476 7,768 4,025 2,379 7,895 8,370 537 4,575 401 1,227 732 4,286 4,000 993 877 66 1.233 236 251.208 2025 1350 143.671 5.890 12,575 1.084 656 199,226 2024 € 197,893 1,479 7,542 1,066 3.567 3.609 7,755 626 5.831 3,500 3,395 377 3.016 4,000 1,419 1,365 165 2.153 129 250.887 2024 99. 99,794
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Analysis of governance and support costs Support C051S Governance costs 3025 Staff costs Accountancy services General oftice costs 6 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At i April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book values At 31 March 2025 200.132 1.233 Office Equipmemt 18,442 18,442 15,044 3,220 18,264 178 4.000 Motor vehicle 15.170 15,170 3702 3,792 11,378 Debtors Trade debtors Prepayments 2025 80,617 9,583 90,200 Page 9 2024 197,893 1,000 2.153 Total 18,442 15,170 33,612 15,044 7,012 22,056 11,556 2024 73,138 11.303 84,741
INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCY Notes to the financial statements For the vear ended 31 March 2025 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Payments received on account Trade creditors Other Taxes and social security costs Sundry creditors Accruals 12.171 3,772 10,003 17,412 4.209 79,870 49 503 4,892 10.307 18,587 4,000 87,289 9 Employees Number of employees The average monthly numbers of employees during the year were: 2025 Number 27 2024 Number 28 Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs 191,636 8,496 200.132 The total wages and salaries of the charity during the year was £686,978 of which an amount of €409,958 was for trading activities. 190,485 7,408 197,893 No employee earned more than £50.000 per annum Page 10
CEO REPORT 24/25 The independent living agency has gone forward in a positive way in the last year we increased the Blitz cleaning team and this has grown in the last year to a high-level service which has been complemented by all those that has made referrals the blitz cleaning team contract now will end in july2025 we have as a team worked tireless throw the year as the credit crunch has meant that we have had to support our clients more than ever and this was very much the whole ILA pulling together to meet the demand our service has been pushed to levels and we me the needs of our community All the service are running on budget and we are always looking at new funding steams so we can support local residents this year we have increased our reserves and had positive feedback from the auditor we are really happy to say that new project for disability employment has started Mya is the lead the project is moving forward very quickly its 3 year project from city bridge trust Floating support team has worked in partnership with community solutions In supporting local residents to stay in their own homes we have increased the referrals and support more residents than ever before this has been difficult with the rollout of UC and placed a Hugh strain on local services and residents I'm happy to say that we brought in Karen into our team she has settled in well and we will continue to look at meeting the needs of our changing community Financial management team and payroll service has grown in size and we have had staff changes and more service users who use the service it has now been operating over 20 years and year on year grows in strength the appointee ship side of the team is growing slowly but the work that is being done is making a Hugh difference to our residents in staying in their homes and giving choice and control back to them we are now working to increase this service us we are seeing real benefits to residents we have looked at the way we work and have set a review in place and Mollie storey will report back to the trustees in the next few mouths
The home cleaning and shopping service has grown throughout the year and has become a very important service to our residents Heathy living project We have a grant finder looking for funding to take us forward as lotter runs out in march 2025 Of course, I have not worked alone we have a team that inspires me every day and working alongside our residents is truly empowering 2024 /25 has seen us face new challenges and residents facing problems which we not seen before as a team we have meet these challenges and worked aside our partner groups to meet all new needs in the community Our new contact information booklet as been a real help to our community we have produce over 5000 booklets I would like to thank all our partners and trustees for their support over the last year I look forward to the year ahead as we move forward the ILA WILL GO FROM STENTH AND STENTH Terry Miller ILA CEO