Company No: 3613999 Charity No: 1071906
ADVOCACY FIRST
Trustees' Report and Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 September 2022
A company limited by guarantee
ADVOCACY FIRST
CHARITY INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mr I Radnor - Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Ms A Massey | |
| Mr S Shooman - Company secretary | |
| Mrs K Marshall | |
| Mr S Ramdunne | |
| Mr T Abdalla - appointed 12 August 2022 | |
| Company number | 3613999 |
| Charity number | 1071906 |
| Charity's office | Kingfisher House |
| 21-23 Elmfield Road | |
| Bromley | |
| BR1 1LT | |
| Independent examiner | Mr Clifford Chan |
| ProAccounts UK | |
| Unit M228 | |
| Trident Business Centre | |
| 89 Bickersteth Road | |
| LONDON SW17 9SH | |
| Bankers - from April 2022 | Metro Bank |
| 72-76 High Street | |
| Bromley | |
| Kent BR1 1EG | |
| Bankers - to April 2022 | CAF Bank Limited |
| Kings Hill | |
| West Malling | |
| Kent ME19 4TA |
A company limited by guarantee
1
ADVOCACY FIRST
CONTENTS
| PAGE NO | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 3 - 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 - 11 |
A company limited by guarantee
2
ADVOCACY FIRST Trustees' Report FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
The trustees, who act as directors for the purpsoe of the Companies Act present their annual report and the financial statements.Recommendedfor thePracticeyear ended"Accounting30 Septemberand Reporting2022.byTheCharities"trusteesissuedhave adoptedin Marchthe2006,provisionswhen preparingof the Statementthe annualof report and financial statements of the charity.
Company status
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, and is therefore governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Objectives and principle of the charity
Advocacy First's team of Advocates and volunteers work in local hospitals with clients who are medically fit for discharge. From 2022 work is also undertaken in those Care Homes where patients awaiting discharge temporarily reside.
The objective of the charity is to help and support as many of these clients as possible each year.
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are required under Charity Law to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the charity. In preparing those financial statements, thetrustees are requiredto:
-select suitable accounting policies andthen apply them consistently;
-make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation; and -state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The trustees are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud andother irregularities.
The trustees are also responsible for the contents of the trustees' report and the responsibility of the independent examiner in relation to the trustees' report is limited to the ensuring that, on the face of the report, there are no inconsistencies with the figures disclosed in the financial statements.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
a) there is no relevant accounting informationof which the independent examiner is unaware; and b) the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant accounting information and establish that theindependent examiner is aware of that information.
Structure Governance and Management
Advocacy First is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected and co-opted under its constitution. The trustees are independent and receive no remuneration for their involvement.
The trustees oversee the day-to-day operations. The charity employs paid staffand volunteer Advocates.
The trustees are adequately trained and are regularly updated on all relevant issues pertaining to advocacy and trusteeship. Training courses are regularly attended.
Developments, activities and achievements
The year has seen a successful return to normality after the COVID pandemic. Our people resumed face-to-face interactions with clients and Hospital colleagues.
As a consequence of this we are very pleased to report that an increase in client numbers in excess of 80% has been achieved. This is substantially above the targetset in our contract.
In addition, following a request from Hospital management, we helped a significant number of patients in the 'step-down' beds in care Homes referred to above.
Advocacy First is proud to have been awarded a further contract by the NHS for our Hospital work. By the end of this contract, we will have continuously beenhelpingand supportingclients in bromley's Hospitals for 25 years.
A company limited by guarantee
3
ADVOCACY FIRST Trustees' Report FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
Plans for the future
Our contract is now with the new ICN (Intergrated Care Network), that covers most aspects of health and Social Care in the London Boroughof Bromley.
Our focus in the core contract remains on helping people to access all elements of their further care, both within the ICN and with other organisations.
In addition we have been commissioned to undertake a trial project for new ways of supporting patients throughout their journey from Hospital to going home.
We are also regularly in touch with adjacent boroughs and hospitals with a long-term view of our expansion outside Bromley.
Risk Management
The Trustees actively review the major risks that the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining and increasing our reserves from the current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and bsuiness risks faced by the charity and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate any significant risks.
Public Benefit Statement
The Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (issued March 2006) and in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Signed on behalf of the trustees on
I Radnor Chairperson
A company limited by guarantee
4
ADVOCACY FIRST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ADVOCACY FIRST
We report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2022, which are set out on pages 6 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner
The Charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of 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 out 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 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met.
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Clifford Chan - FCCA ProAccounts UK Unit M228 Trident Business Centre 89 Bickersteth Road
London SW17 9SH
……………………….
Dated:
A company limited by guarantee
5
ADVOCACY FIRST Statement of financial activities (income and expenditure account) for the period ended 30 September 2022
for the period ended 30 September 2022 |
|
|---|---|
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Contract Income 2 Voluntary Income TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of charitable activities 4 Governance costs 7 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED Net incoming resources before transfers between funds Gross transfers between funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FUNDS AT 01.10.2021 FUNDS AT 30.09.2022 |
Unrestricted Restricted Sept 2022 Sept 2021 Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds £ £ £ £ 80 37,571 37,651 32,364 - - - 80 37,571 37,651 32,364 |
| - 36,543 36,543 29,466 - 336 336 420 - 36,879 36,879 29,885 |
|
| 80 693 772 2,479 - - - - 80 693 772 2,479 3,479 18,755 22,234 19,755 3,559 19,447 23,006 22,234 |
The statement of financial statements includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
A company limited by guarantee
6
ADVOCACY FIRST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
| NOTES Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets [08] Current assets Debtors [09] Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year [10] Net current liabilities NET ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted income funds [11] Unrestricted income funds [11] SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS |
Sept 2022 | Sept 2022 | Sept 2021 | Sept 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ 8,050 15,292 |
£ - |
£ 8,050 14,484 |
£ - |
|
| - 23,006 |
- 22,234 |
|||
| 23,342 336 |
22,534 300 |
|||
| 23,006 | 22,234 | |||
| 19,447 3,558 |
18,755 3,479 |
|||
| 23,006 | 22,234 |
The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ending 30 September 2022.
No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
(a) Ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006, and
(b) Preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year, and of its profit and loss for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 396, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the company.
These financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with ~~the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities effec~~ DIRECTOR - V SHAH tive April 2008.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
…………………………........
Mr I Radnor - Chairperson
Approved by the Board on
A company limited by guarantee
7
ADVOCACY FIRST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For The Year Ended 30 September 2022
1 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Statement of Recommended Practice and Reporting by Charities issued in
Depreciation
Depreciation has been providedto write off the cost of fixed assets on the following rates:
Office Equipment 25% straight line
Income
Income is recorded as receivable whenever the amount is known, otherwise it is recorded on a cash received basis
Grants receivable are credited to income for the period for which they are given. Grants received in respect of future periods are treated as deferredincome.
Expenditure
Expenditure is taken into accountwhen it is incurred.
Support costs are allocated to the charitable activities of the charity based on the estimated use of the support facilities as assessed by the Trustees.
Governance costs are those costs which relate to the general running of the Charity as opposed to those costs in respect of fundraising or charitable activities.
2 CONTRACT INCOME
| Grants South-East London Integrated Care Network (ICN) - formerly CCG Total grants for the year Donations & Fundraising During the year the following donations and fundraising were received to restricted funds to unrestricted funds Total donations for the year TOTAL VOLUNTARY INCOME to restricted funds to unrestricted funds |
Sept 2022 Sept 2021 |
|---|---|
| £ £ 37,571 32,200 37,571 32,200 |
|
| - - 80 164 80 164 |
|
| 37,571 32,200 80 164 37,651 32,364 |
A company limited by guarantee
8
ADVOCACY FIRST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For The Year Ended 30 September 2022
3 INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | |
|---|---|
| During the year interest was received on unrestricted funds | Sept 2022 Sept 2021 |
| £ £ - - - - |
4 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
| Restricted Funds Hospital services Bromley Training Fund Total restricted funds Unrestricted Funds General Fund Total Funds 5 STAFF COSTS Emoluments of employees: Emoluments and expenses of employees |
Direct activities Management costs £ £ 35,035 1,844 - - |
Sept 2022 Sept 2021 Total Total £ £ 36,879 29,886 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 35,035 1,844 |
36,879 29,886 |
|
| - - - - |
- - - - |
|
| 35,035 1,844 |
36,879 29,886 |
|
| Sept 2022 Sept 2021 |
||
| £ £ 30,279 22,049 30,279 22,049 |
Staff costs in the year to September 2021 were lower than expected because of a long-term vacancy, now filled.
During the period ended 30 September 2022 the average number of full time equivalent employees was 1.6 (2021: 1.5). No employees received emoluments in excess of £ 60,000.
6 PENSION SCHEME
The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. Contributions payable for the year were charged to the resources expended. One current employee was a member of this scheme during the year. One other employee joined the Pension Scheme in August 2022.
A company limited by guarantee
9
ADVOCACY FIRST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For The Year Ended 30 September 2022
| 7 GOVERNANCE COSTS Accountancy fees 8 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Cost At 01 October 2021 Additions At 30 September 2022 Depreciation At 01 October 2021 Charge for the year At 30 September 2022 Net book value At 30 September 2022 At 01 October 2021 9 DEBTORS Debtors and prepayments 10 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Creditors and accruals |
Sept 2022 Sept 2021 |
|---|---|
| £ £ 336 420 336 420 |
|
| Office Equipment £ 24,188 - 24,188 24,188 0 24,188 - - Sept 2022 Sept 2021 |
|
| £ £ 8,050 8,050 |
|
| Sept 2022 Sept 2021 |
|
| £ £ 336 300 |
A company limited by guarantee
10
ADVOCACY FIRST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For The Year Ended 30 September 2022
11 FUNDS
Restricted funds hold amounts received for specific activities and expenditure on those activities is set against those amounts. Unrestricted funds comprise donations and income received for general use of the Charity.
| use of the Charity. | |
|---|---|
| Restricted funds Hospital Advocacy Service Unrestricted funds General fund Total funds |
Balance at 01.10.2021 Transfers Incoming Resources Resources Expended Balance 30.09.2022 £ £ £ £ £ 18,755 - 37,571 36,879 19,447 18,755 - 37,571 36,879 19,447 |
| 3,479 - 80 - 3,558 22,234 - 37,651 36,879 23,006 |
Further information on the activities undertaken with the resources of eachfund is given on page3.
12 STATUS
The company is limited by guarantee and thus has no share capital. Each of the members has undertaken to contribute the um of £ 1 in the event of the company being unable to meet its liabilities.
A company limited by guarantee
11