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