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← Abilitynet

2024-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1067673 (England and Wales) Charity Registration No. SC039866 (Scotland) Company Registration No. 03469653 (England and Wales)

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees A Brooks — Chairman
M Evason
K Kanodia
A Orsi
G Pedlingham
O Purcell
N Rumsey
D Silverstone
S Woodhams
IBM UK Ltd (S Warwick)
The Information Technologists' Company (M Gurney)
Patron Martha Lane Fox, Baroness Lane-Fox of Soho CBE
President David Livermore OBE
Vice President Roger Jefcoate CBE DL
Chief Executive Amy Low
Secretary Fiona Watson
Charity number
England and Wales 1067673
Scotland SC039866
Company number 03469653
Principal address Microsoft Campus
Thames Valley Park
Reading
RG6 1WG
Registered office 9 Appold Street
London
England
EC2A 2AP

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Auditor

9 Appold Street London England EC2A 2AP

Bankers

Coutts & Co 440 The Strand London WC2R 0QS

CCLA Investment Management Limited Senator House 85 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4ET

Nationwide Building Society Kings Park Road Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6NW

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 12
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 13
Independent auditor's report 14 - 18
Statement of financial activities 19 - 20
Balance sheet 21
Statement of cash flows 22
Notes to the financial statements 23 - 38

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Trustees report includes the directors’ report required under company law.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102), “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)”.

Reference and administrative information

The charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under the number 03469653 at Companies House.

The charity is also registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales under number 1067673 and with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator under number SC039866.

Trustees

The Trustees, who are also directors for the purpose of company law, who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements, were:

A Brooks – Chairman K Kanodia A Orsi G Pedlingham O Purcell N Rumsey D Silverstone M Evason S Woodhams M Gurney S Warwick IBM UK Ltd The Information Technologists’ Company

None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Chief Executive who served during the year: G Moore (left 05.09.2024) Chief Executive who served during the year: A Low (start 05.09.2024)

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Related parties

There were no related party transactions in the year.

Structure, governance and management

Governing Document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in the UK, and registered as a charity in England and Wales as well as in Scotland. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which created the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed by its Articles of Association.

Trustee recruitment, appointment, training, and induction

AbilityNet currently has ten Trustees, who are also directors under company law; there are two Corporate Trustees being IBM (UK) Ltd and The Information Technologists’ Company (WCIT) which each appoint a representative to the Board.

Other Trustees are selected for a range of skills to support the existing or emerging needs of AbilityNet. When a vacancy occurs, potential candidates are interviewed by a panel of Trustees.

Suitable individuals are briefed by the Chairman and Chief Executive before being proposed for appointment to the Board of Trustees. New Trustees receive a full briefing, including an induction pack containing the Memorandum and Articles, a copy of relevant policies with a glossary of terms and copies of minutes of previous meetings.

Management

Key management personnel comprise the Trustees and the senior management team.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the charity’s overall day to day management reporting to the Board. Key strategic decisions are taken to the Board for approval and where appropriate a sub-committee is formed to consider anything that requires additional input or that needs resolution.

The Board of Trustees (Directors) is responsible for the overall strategic direction and sound financial practices within the charity. The Trustees hold Board meetings on a quarterly basis; they also receive a Monthly Business Update from the Chief Executive which includes management accounts, a report on progress to date and any notable events in the coming period.

The Chairman, as the representative of the Board, also maintains regular contact with the Chief Executive and, where necessary, secures agreement from the Board for

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

urgent action, unless already empowered by the Board to make the necessary decision.

Senior Managers are invited to Board meetings to provide briefings on different aspects of the charity’s work. The Trustees provide advice and support to senior managers whenever appropriate, so that their expertise and insights can be used to benefit the charity.

The senior management team who served during the year were:

G Moore (Chief Executive Officer) (resigned 05.09.2024) A Low (Chief Executive Officer) (appointed 05.09.2024) M Comerford (Human Resources) P Dalton (Sales) W Sutton (Consultancy Services) S Brain (Charitable Services) F Watson (Finance) M Walker (Marketing & Portfolio)

Audit & Remuneration Committees

The Audit Committee considers the financial conduct of the organisation and related risks. In addition, current plans and actions are discussed and considered, including emerging and existing financial, economic, and operational risks to the charity and the evaluation of their impact and likelihood. The committee decides if and how to include these on the charity’s Risk Register. Actions are agreed where necessary and progress monitored on a regular basis.

This committee is made up of four experienced Trustees and is attended by AbilityNet’s Finance Director and Chief Executive. During 2024 this was chaired by O Purcell and met twice. One of which was with the external Auditors to review and recommend approval of the annual report and financial statements. It reports to the Board of Trustees at the next available board meeting.

The Remuneration Committee considers aspects of AbilityNet’s remuneration policy and the reward package of the Chief Executive. The committee also agrees the general pay strategy for the charity to be followed by senior management.

This committee is made up of four experienced Trustees and is attended by AbilityNet’s Head of HR, Finance Director and Chief Executive. During 2024 this was chaired by N Rumsey and met once. It reports to the Board of Trustees at the next available board meeting.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Diversity & Equality

AbilityNet’s desire and determination is to provide an inclusive environment to encourage equal opportunities for its employees. We aim to deal with internal and external stakeholders and members of the public free from bias in an open and accessible way.

To further this aim, AbilityNet provides training to its employees (mandatory) and Trustees on Diversity and Equality to add to the cultural awareness and understanding of this subject throughout the organisation.

The Board of Trustees agree the context and strategic direction in this area, approving policies which underpin this across the charity. These are designed to inform and educate employees in our obligations under relevant legislation (e.g. Equality Act 2010) and to encourage an open and inclusive culture throughout the charity.

Safeguarding

AbilityNet is committed to enabling a safe and rewarding environment for its employees and volunteers. Our Safeguarding policy is designed to ensure everyone is treated fairly and respectfully. We also have a whistle-blowing policy so that people can raise any concerns they have in confidence.

A number of our employees and volunteers carry out roles that may mean they encounter people who are considered to be vulnerable. We carry out regular criminal record checks for employees and volunteers engaged in such roles.

We review the information in our Safeguarding policy every two years to ensure it is current and in line with best practice. We aim to provide our staff and volunteers with the most up-to date knowledge and understanding, using guidance from the Government and the Charity Commission, adapting our approach accordingly.

How our objectives deliver public benefit.

We have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.

The Trustees have thought carefully about how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

AbilityNet’s work benefits a wide range of organisations, including the voluntary sector, public and commercial organisations, and individuals across the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Our main objectives and activities and who we support are described in more detail below.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Objectives and activities

AbilityNet’s vision is “a digital world accessible to all”. We work towards this vision by supporting disabled and older people to leverage technology to achieve their full potential at work, in education and in day-to-day life.

Our ambition is to improve lives by recommending and demonstrating suitable technology to act as an enabler for our key audiences.

AbilityNet is known for the extent of its services, deep expertise, and insights, and for supporting a wide range of individual needs. Our staff and volunteers are experts who care; although our principal focus is the UK, our influence is global.

As more services move online, the potential for social and economic disadvantage increases for those struggling to access or use technology. We remain the only UK charity reaching out to support this pan-disability group with our strong motivation to ensure the technology they use, or wish to use, is accessible, usable, and inclusive.

How do we help?

We approach this in four ways:

The main areas we aim to influence are:

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance

Charitable Services

During 2024 we created impact through providing: free advice and information; accessibility advice; delivering 1-1 and group training and webinars, home support visits, devices and data, remote technical support and with our events and webinar programmes reaching many people using online platforms. By working with partners, we were able to leverage our capabilities to deliver greater impact.

Advice and Information

We provided telephone support via our help line and information through our website which gives access to free factsheets, guides, articles, and blogs.

Our support service answered 13,737 calls during 2024.

AbilityNet Volunteer programme

The AbilityNet Tech Volunteer programme empowers disabled and older people by providing essential IT support, both in their homes and remotely. Our volunteers offer everything from expert advice on choosing the right tech and setting up equipment to troubleshooting issues and delivering hands-on training. In 2024 alone, our dedicated team of 531 volunteers successfully resolved 4,386 tech-related queries

Through funded community-based projects, we expanded our impact by working directly with community partners and individuals to provide digital skills-based training and distribute devices and data. This effort resulted in 23,631 hours of free support, a 24% increase from 2023, delivered both in person and remotely to our clients and community partners.

We successfully completed another year of our event’s programme, reaching over 4,000 people through free webinars and training sessions on digital accessibility and disability-related topics.

Online services

In 2024, our website attracted 1.3 million unique visitors who accessed reliable digital accessibility resources. Our free factsheets, which offer expert guidance on

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

how digital technologies can support individuals with various conditions and impairments, were downloaded 95,756 times.

Additionally, our flagship accessibility guide, MyComputerMyWay, recorded 1 million sessions, helping users explore and customise the built-in accessibility features available on computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.

Projects and income

We made we made significant progress in 2024 towards our strategic goal to diversify funding for our charitable services and reduce reliance on commercial revenue. A key milestone was the completion of Phase 1 of the BT Group-funded Senior Skills Programme, aimed at improving digital skills among older and digitally excluded individuals across the UK.

In September 2024, we entered Phase 2, building on the strong foundation established in the first phase. During Phase 1, we supported 5,063 people through four key areas of engagement: 2952 supported through 1:1 and group sessions, 453 supported through live online sessions, 1540 people watching back our online sessions and Bitesize videos and 1658 people at Digital Voice Roadshows.

The impact of these sessions has been significant with 3 in 4 attendees more confident in tech, 4 in 5 are more knowledgeable about tech and 3 in 4 are more independent. Throughout the project our volunteers have been key to supporting this work and are continuing to provide vital support during phase 2. During Phase 1 we upskilled 25 BT staff members to support our network.

AbilityNet has a dedicated team of 39 tech volunteers providing free assistance to older adults and disabled individuals across Scotland. In collaboration with BT Group, AbilityNet has been hosting Digital Voice events to educate and support vulnerable customers during the switchover process. These events have taken place in regions including Fife, Midlothian, Renfrewshire, Highland, and Orkney. Additionally, two Digital Skills trainers, funded by BT Group through AbilityNet, deliver in person group and one-to-one training sessions in Scotland, empowering older and disabled people to navigate and excel in the ever-evolving digital world.

TechShare Pro

Now in its 8[th] year TechShare Pro is our flagship community event and was hosted at HSBC’s Canada Square headquarters in Canary Wharf. This sold-out event took place over three days between the 12[th] and 14[th] November and was attended by over 250 people in-person, and 2,000 online registrants.

The event was supported by HSBC, Google, Microsoft, Deque, Barclays, Crawford Technologies, Sony, eBay, Meta, and many other partners and included 89 speakers from a wide range of organisations, and backgrounds from the UK, Europe, the US, Africa, and Asia.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Alongside an excellent Accessibility Leaders Day, packed with helpful content to support our audience in growing and improving their accessibility programmes, we worked closely with several key partners to introduce The Disability and Accessible Advertising Summit as part of the event.

This was the first summit of its kind in the UK and was a great success in terms of the calibre of speakers, the engagement from delegates and the important new relationships it has helped forge. This includes industry networks such as the Ad Association, ISBA’s Accessible Advertising Alliance and not for profit partners such as Valuable 500.

Public Benefit

Our estimate of the public benefit value of our free services delivered in 2024 under our measure is £2,255m versus £1,864m in 2023 (21% up year on year).

Our impact report for 2024 can be found using this link to our website: AbilityNet Impact Report 2024.

Commercial Services

During 2024 we worked with over 370 customers across the public, private and third sectors, supporting them strategically and operationally to benchmark and mature their digital accessibility programmes and take action to improve the digital experience for their customers.

We provided a range of solutions to enable this progress, including strategy advice and consultancy, testing and audits, user research, and website and app accreditation. Our learning services remained popular with our clients and with individuals wishing to enhance their skills and build their careers in the accessibility and inclusive design space.

The market for digital accessibility continues to grow in response to regulatory and legal requirements including the European Accessibility Act (EAA) which comes into law in mid-2025 and has far reaching implications for organisations trading within the member states.

During 2024, organisations were also getting to grips with the updated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards and exploring the opportunities and concerns relating to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning in relation to digital accessibility and disability inclusion.

Our deep experience and long tenure in the Digital Accessibility space means that many organisations look to us for quality guidance and advice in navigating these changes. We saw record numbers of attendees at our public webinars and client training sessions and round tables which referenced these topics, underlining the

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

importance of the range of support we can offer to organisations who were in many cases hampered by economic headwinds and constrained budgets during the year.

The work we undertake with companies to optimise the accessibility of their digital estates continues to significantly enhance the digital experience for countless users. Although it is challenging to quantify the full extent of this impact for the purposes of public benefit calculation, the positive feedback we receive underscores the meaningful difference we are making for companies and their users.

We continued to scale down our needs assessment’s activity during 2024 in favour of providing strategic advice and training to organisations to enable them to sustainably mature their practices and create and maintain an accessible and inclusive experience for their staff in employer settings and for their students in the education space.

Plans for the future

Whilst the charity delivered record levels of public benefit and evidenced positive outcomes and significant impact for its charitable, commercial and community audiences during 2024, we recognise that the scale of the challenge to make our vision of “A Digital World Accessible to All” a reality, remains large. Indeed, with the pace of technological innovation and the digitisation of society it is growing.

During 2025 we will continue to support existing and new clients to build out and enact their digital accessibility strategies, advising them on priorities, challenges and opportunities linked to developments in technology, legislation, and the geopolitical landscape.

We will also identify strategic partners that share our vision and values and build lasting partnerships to enable us to go further faster with the work that we undertake supporting disabled and older people to participate fully in the digital world.

We will continue to deliver quality thought leadership and convene the community to further our mission. We will invest in our people and our proposition to ensure they are meeting the current and future needs of our audiences.

Review of financial position

The Summary of the year ended 31 December 2024 is as follows:

A loss recorded of £182,092 (2023 loss recorded of £670,426) after depreciation costs.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

At the Balance Sheet date the Charity’s total funds amounted to £1,451,570 (2023: £1,633,662) Free Reserves amounted to £1,405,319 (2023: £1,564,339).

Fundraising Compliance

AbilityNet recognises that the generosity of our donors and partners is a critical constituent of our funding which enables us to carry out our charitable activities. We will continue to seek a diverse range of sources of income for our charitable activities.

Whilst our aim is to maximise our income, we recognise that on rare occasions we may consider refusing a donation or other involvement with a sponsor or a particular activity. In such an instance we will act with utmost integrity; we will respect any matters of legitimate confidentiality and, in conducting all discussions and conveying the decision, will aim to respect the dignity of the prospective donor and/or partner.

We had no occasions in 2024 to refuse any donations.

We seek to adhere to the highest standards of fundraising practice. Our fundraising activities comply with the standards in the Code of Fundraising Practice.

We have received no complaints about our fundraising this year. We also pay close attention to the changing regulatory environment to ensure that we remain compliant with best practice and that any fundraising is transparent, honest, and non-intrusive.

We did not directly approach the public in our fundraising activities or employ professional fundraising agencies. The majority of fundraising activities were planned and delivered in-house.

Reserves policy

The charity’s ambition in the medium to longer term is to provide five months’ cover of the charity’s day to day average running costs.

Our free reserves (being Unrestricted Reserves excluding Fixed Assets) as of 31 December 2024 stood at £1,405,319 versus £1,564,339 prior year, providing 4.0 months’ cover of an average of our last 3 month’s operating costs, versus 4.2 months from the year before.

The Board remains committed to strengthening our reserves and working towards attaining the objective set in the policy.

Investment Principles

If the longer-term outlook for the Charity looks secure, funds of more than six months’ expenditure, may be invested in suitable funds or invested in projects to increase the Charity’s impact to its beneficiaries.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

At the time of writing, AbilityNet has little experience of investment management, therefore, our policy will be general in this regard. Should trustees wish to take any investment decisions beyond the cash-based approach described here, our current policy is:

All investment decisions for investing funds above six months’ expenditure (as defined above) are to be taken by the Trustees after obtaining appropriate advice and instructing the Chief Executive and Finance Director accordingly.

The Charity’s current aim is that the maximum allowed reserve level should not exceed twelve months, with guidance to not exceed more than nine months’ expenditure before an agreed plan of action has been approved.

In summary

Above 12 months, the Board must either review this policy or act to cap reserves at this level.

Risk factors

The Trustees and Management keep the risks to which the charity is exposed under review and have established monitoring processes to understand and mitigate those risks. Strategic and shorter-term plans are reviewed on a regular basis.

The Trustees have identified that a key risk is the concentration of commercial income, that is contract backed, from a small number of sources. Working with the Management team we continue to make progress to diversify the customer base and grow alternative sources of income through developing and delivering new services into the accessibility arena.

Risk Management is an integral part of the management process and is underpinned by timely reporting and regular Senior Leadership meetings. Mitigation of risk is actively monitored with regular reporting at Board and Finance Committee meetings.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Going Concern

The Trustees are satisfied that the restructuring and cost mitigation actions enacted in respect of changing market conditions, have significantly reduced costs. This is kept under regular review with Senior Management. Additionally, the Trustees are satisfied that the Charity’s efforts to expand activities in its chargeable services, given the anticipated impact of further cultural and regulatory changes for corporate customers in the coming years, including the EAA, will in the medium term, place the Charity on a firm financial footing.

Accordingly, at the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees are content that the company has adequate resources, to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. Thus, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Disclosure of information to the auditor

Each of the Trustees (Directors) has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditors are aware of such information.

Auditor

The Board Finance Committee has responsibility for monitoring the independence and objectivity of the external auditor and the effectiveness of the Audit process and fixing its renumeration. The auditor, Moore Kingston Smith LLP, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006. Notwithstanding this in line with FRC guidance and good governance the committee has resolved to undertake a review of the current arrangements.

On behalf of the board of Trustees

Alan Brooks Chairman

Date: 30[th] April 2025

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees, who are also the directors of AbilityNet for the purpose 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 Board to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Board are required to:

The Board are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF ABILITYNET

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of AbilityNet (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable, law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF ABILITYNET

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Board are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we

identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

• the information given in the trustees' report, which includes the directors' report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the directors' report included within the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the trustees' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF ABILITYNET

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 13, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of

assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK) we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charitable company’s internal control.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF ABILITYNET

• Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charitable company to cease to continue as a going concern.

• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

The objectives of our audit in respect of fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses to those assessed risks; and to respond appropriately to instances of fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both management and those charged with governance of the charitable company.

Our approach was as follows:

• We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the company and considered that the most significant are the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011, UK financial reporting standards as issued by the Financial Reporting Council and UK taxation legislation.

• We obtained an understanding of how the charitable company complies with these requirements by discussions with management and those charged with governance.

• We assessed the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, including the risk of material misstatement due to fraud and how it might occur, by holding discussions with management and those charged with governance.

• We inquired of management and those charged with governance as to any known instances of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations.

• Based on this understanding, we designed specific appropriate audit procedures to identify instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. This included making enquiries of management and those charged with governance and obtaining additional corroborative evidence as required.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF ABILITYNET

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and to the regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members and trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, the charitable company's members as a body, and the charitable company's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Luke Holt (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Moore Kingston Smith LLP, Statutory Auditor

Date: 7 May 2025

9 Appold Street London England EC2A 2AP

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Investments
5
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
IT Solutions for disabled people
6
6
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) before
net gains / (losses) on
Net income for the year
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Total income
Current Financial year		 Unrestricted
£
534,336
3,671,738
79,602
4,285,675
4,481,766
4,481,766
(196,090)
-
(196,090)
1,630,646
1,434,556
(196,090)		 Restricted
£
46,907
-
-
46,907
32,908
32,908
-
13,998
-
13,998
3,016
17,014
13,998		 2024
Total
£
581,242
3,671,738
79,602
4,332,582
4,514,674
4,514,674
-
(182,092)
-
(182,092)
1,633,662
1,451,570
(182,092)		 2023
Total
£
363,093
4,124,882
66,852
4,554,827
5,225,253
5,225,253
-
(670,426)
-
(670,426)
2,304,088
1,633,662
(670,426)

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Investments
5
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
IT Solutions for disabled people
6
Fund balances at 31 January 2023
Fund balances at 31 December 2023
Net movement in funds
Net gains / (losses) on investments
Net income for the year
Transfers between funds
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) before
net gains / (losses) on investments
Prior Financial year
Total income		 Unrestricted
£
299,509
4,124,882
66,852
4,491,243
5,156,433
5,156,433
-
(665,190)
-
(665,190)
2,295,836
1,630,646
(665,190)		 Restricted
£
63,584
63,584
68,820
68,820
-
(5,236)
-
(5,236)
8,252
3,016
(5,236)		 2023
Total
£
363,093
4,124,882
66,852
4,554,827
5,225,253
5,225,253
-
(670,426)
-
(670,426)
2,304,088
1,633,662
(670,426)

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets 11 29,237 66,307
Current assets: 29,237 66,307
Debtors 12 625,950 388,637
Cash at bank and in hand 2,746,295 2,798,291
Creditors: amounts falling due 3,372,245 3,186,928
within one year 13 (1,949,911) (1,619,573)
Net current assets 1,422,333 1,567,355
Total assets less current
liabilities 1,451,570 1,633,662
The funds of the charity: 15
Restricted income funds 17,014 3,016
Unrestricted income funds: 1,434,556 1,630,646
Total charity funds 1,451,570 1,633,662

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 30 April 2025 and signed on their behalf

…………………………….. Alan Brooks Chairman

Company Registration Number: 03469653

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating
activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from
operations
18
Cash flows from Investing
activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds on disposal of tangible
fixed assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities
Cash flows from Financing
activities
Payment of obligations under finance
leases
Net cash generated from/(used in)
Financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash
and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of year		 £
(11,096)
366
79,602
-		 2024
£
(120,868)
68,872
-
(51,996)
2,798,291
2,746,295		 £
(29,452)
547
66,852
(5,153)		 2023
£
(127,544)
37,947
(5,153)
(94,750)
2,893,041
2,798,291

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

AbilityNet is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The principal address is Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley Park, Reading, RG6 1WG, United Kingdom.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest GB pound sterling.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

1.2 Going concern

The Trustees are satisfied that the restructuring and cost mitigation actions enacted in respect of changing market conditions, have significantly reduced costs. This is kept under regular review with Senior Management. Additionally, the Trustees are satisfied that the Charity’s efforts to expand activities in its chargeable services, given the anticipated impact of further cultural and regulatory changes for corporate customers in the coming years, including the EAA, will in the medium term, place the Charity on a firm financial footing.

Accordingly, at the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees are content that the company has adequate resources, to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. Thus, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the Charity.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the Charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the Charity.

1.4 Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these financial statements.

Intangible income (such as rent-free accommodation) is included where a third party is bearing the cost of supplying the resources and the resources can be valued with reasonable accuracy.

Investment income is included when receivable.

Incoming resources from charitable trading activities are accounted for when earned.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

1.5 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.

All support costs are allocated to the one charitable activity of IT solutions for disabled people.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as below.

A full year's charge is not accounted for in the year of acquisition. Instead, the depreciation charge is time apportioned based on the month of purchase of the tangible fixed asset.

Assessment assets Office equipment

On a straight line basis over their estimated life of 1-3 years.

On a straight line basis over their estimated life of 1-3 years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.8 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 Basic Financial Instruments' and Section 12Other Financial Instruments Issues' of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. These financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

1.9 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.10 Leases

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the fair value of the assets at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to net income/(expenditure) for the year so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

1.11 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered and provision for bad and doubtful debts.

Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.12 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

1.13 Foreign exchange

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All differences are included in net incoming resources.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the Board are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

There were no critical accounting estimates.

3 Voluntary income

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Total Total
funds funds funds funds
2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and
198,833 46,907 245,739 32,564 63,584 96,148
gifts
Intangible
335,503 335,503 266,945 - 266,945
income
534,336 46,907 581,242 299,509 63,584 363,093
----- End of picture text -----

Intangible income comprises primarily free office facilities, software and services as well as equipment.

Intangible income
Microsoft
50,000
Google Ads
92,108
Free software
and hardware
193,395
Venue &
Catering
-
335,503		 -
-
-

-
-		 50,000
92,108
193,395

-
335,503		 50,000
85,549
95,792
35,604
266,945		 -
-
-
-
-		 50,000
85,549
95,792
35,604

266,945

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3A Donations

Included in donations is the transfer of net assets on acquistion of Citizens online which was acquired on 1 July 2024 for £nil consideration.

Transfer of Citizens Online net assets

On 1 July 2024 the charity acquired the net assets of the following entity, analysed as follows:

Tangible
fixed assets
Cash
Citizens Online
2,035
98,874
Charity No.1087794
4 Charitable activities
Fees from services provided
Event income		 Net Debtors/
Creditors
(9,359)
IT solutions
for disabled
people
2024
£
3,435,518
236,220
3,671,738		 Total
91,550
IT solutions
for disabled
people
2023
£
3,968,656
156,226
4,124,882

Event income includes TechShare Pro for £236,220 (2023: £156,226).

5 Investments

There were no critical accounting estimates.

Interest receivable Unrestricted
funds
2024
79,602		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
66,852

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6 Charitable activities

Staff and subcontractor costs
Depreciation and impairment
Equipment and direct project costs
Staff development and recruitment
Professional membership
Rent and rates
Telephone
Motor expenses
Travel and subsistence
Printing and postage
Office facilities and services
Connectivity costs
Miscellaneous expenses
Advertising and PR
Consultancy
Irrecoverable VAT
Event costs
Share of support costs (see note 7)
Share of governance costs (see note 7)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 2024
£
2,778,560
26,111
221,052
3,606
2,410
108,696
3,443
35,764
27,376
5,442
59,058
75,073
7,904
126,389
65,396
4,281
129,215
3,679,774
809,552
25,348
4,514,674
4,481,766
32,908
4,514,674		 2023
£
3,459,925
27,783
140,430
11,553
4,117
176,631
4,064
31,987
27,999
6,123
73,690
65,350
12,046
132,654
74,788
2,441
128,029
4,379,610
817,893
27,750
5,225,253
5,156,433
68,820
5,225,253

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

_7_Support costs
Subcontractor
costs
Depreciation
Staff development
and recruitment
Insurance
Bank charges
Netsuite charges
Irrecoverable VAT
Legal and
professional fees
Connectivity costs
Other support costs
Audit and
accountancy
Analysed between
Charitable activities		 Support
costs
£
556,563
19,666
4,460
23,529
2,205
43,215
9,728
1,891
74,892
73,404
-
809,552
809,552		 Governance
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

25,348
25,348
25,348		 2024
£

556,563

19,666

4,460

23,529

2,205

43,215

9,728

1,891

74,892

73,404
25,348
834,900
834,900		 Support
costs
£
571,137
20,749
8,075
24,710
2,525
38,110
915
1,262
76,482
73,928
-
817,893
817,893		 Governance
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

27,750
27,750
27,750		 2023
£
571,137
20,749

8,075
24,710

2,525
38,110

915

1,262
76,482
73,928
27,750
845,643
845,643

The Charity identifies all costs associated with its support and governance functions and allocates them entirely to the one charitable activity of IT solutions for disabled people.

Audit and accountancy includes audit fees of £21,250 (2023: £25,000) and £2,750 (2023: £2,750) in respect of assistance with the preparation of the financial statements. Fees were paid to HW Fisher for the provision of payroll services of £7,318 (2023 : £5,894).

8 Board

None of the Board (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, and no trustee claimed expenses during the current or prior year.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9 Pension and other post-retirement benefit commitments

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund.

Contributions payable by the company for the year were £155,644 (2023: £176,693).

The expense has been allocated to unrestricted expenditure on the same basis as wages and salaries.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

IT solutions for disabled people
Support staff
Total
Employment and subcontractor costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Subcontractor costs		 2024 Number
64
8
72
2024
£
2,711,589
259,606
155,644
3,126,840
202,628
3,329,468		 2023 Number
75
8
83
2023
£
3,245,936
309,193
176,693
3,731,822
299,240
4,031,062

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10 Employees (Continued)

The key management personnel of the Charity comprise the senior management team as detailed in the trustees' annual report.

Subcontractor costs are shown separately in note 10.

The total employee benefits including pension contributions and employers National Insurance costs of key management personnel was £571,656 (2023: £647,646). The highest paid member of the senior management team received benefits of £109,814 (2023: £155,304).

Redundancy costs for the year amounted to £7,306 (2023:£Nil)

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more were:

2024 Number 2023 Number
£60,000 to £69,999 1 1
£70,000 to £79,999 1 1
£80,000 to £89,999 2 2
£90,000 to £99,999 1 1
£100,000 to £109,999 - -
£120,000 to £129,999 - -
£130,000 to £139,999 - 1

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11 Tangible fixed assets
Assessment
assets
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
146,120
Additions
-
Disposals
(44,162)
Transfer between categories
(450)
At 31 December 2024
101,508
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
115,762
Depreciation charged in the year
28,134
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(44,162)
Transfer between categories
(450)
At 31 December 2024
99,285
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
2,224
At 31 December 2023
30,358
12 Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Office
equipment
£
141,595
11,096
(20,764)
450
132,377
105,646
17,939
(18,672)
450
105,363
27,013
35,949
2024
£
451,265
26,565
148,120
625,950		 Total
£
287,715
11,096
(64,926)
-
233,885
221,408
46,074
(62,834)
-
204,648
29,237
66,307
2023
£
178,371
38,051
172,215
388,637

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
14
Deferred income
Balance as at 1 January 2024
Amount released to income
Amount deferred in the year
Balance as at 31 December 2024		 2024
£
191,822
23,986
45,335
1,688,768
1,949,911
2024
£
1,263,230
(1,263,230)
1,601,119
1,601,119		 2023
£
162,256
71,902
45,885
1,339,530
1,619,573
2023
£
858,729
(1,103,210)
1,507,711
1,263,230

Deferred income consists of service agreements invoiced in advance of the service being provided. Deferred income forms part of accruals and deferred income in note 13 above.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following movements on donations and grants given on trust for specific purposes:

WCIT
United Way -
Refugee
Project
Other small
projects
United Way -
ISOC		 Balance
at 1
January
2023
£
2,516
-
5,736
-
8,252		 Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
-
-
5,200 (5,200)
36,934 (42,170)
21,450 (21,450)
63,584 (68,820)
Movement in funds
Balance
at 1
January
2024
£
2,516
-
500
-
3,016		 Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
- (1,540)

-
-
46,907 (31,368)

-
-
46,907 (32,908)
Movement in funds		 Balance at
31
December
2024
£
976

-
16,038

-
17,014

United Way - funding was for the ISOC programme "Joining Forces" connecting and supporting two vulnerable groups in society through the use of technology. There also was funding for the HP Refugee Project.

Restricted Grants from WCIT were for use to help fund tech demo days.

Other small projects includes funding received in the year for AbilityNet's IT Can Help service which enables the provision of free IT support to older people and people with disabilities of any age.

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible
assets
Current
assets/
(liabilities)
Fund
balances at
31st
December
2024 are
represented
by :		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
29,237
1,405,319
1,434,556
 Restricted
funds
2024
£
17,014
17,014		 Total
2024
£
29,237
1,422,333
1,451,570		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
66,307
1,564,339
1,630,646		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
3,016
**3,016 **		 Total
2023
£
66,307
1,567,355
1,633,662

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

17 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

18 Cash generated from operations

Cash generated from operations
(Deficit)/surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of
financial activities
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
(Profit)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations		 2024
£
(182,092)
(79,602)
46,074
1,727
(237,313)
330,338
(120,868)		 2023
£
(670,426)
(66,852)
48,532
-
299,029
262,173
(127,544)

ABILITYNET (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

19
Analysis of changes in
Cash at bank and in hand		 net funds
At 1 January
2024
£
2,798,291
2,798,291		 Cash flows
£
(51,996)
(51,996)		 At 31 December
2024
£
2,746,295
2,746,295