Registered Charity Number.. 1085815 Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Re8lStered Charity Number- 1085815 Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Contents Pages Reference & Administration Details Trustees, Report Statement of Financial Activities 10 Balance Sheet 11 Notes to the Financial Statements 12-15 Independent Examiner's Report 16
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Reference & Administrative Details Charity Name Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Charity registration number 1085815 Addre55 Rear of 108 High Road Willesden London NWIO 2PP Trustees Mr Zaim Pasic {Chair)- elected 27 January2024 Mrs Safeta Karabasic {Treasurer) - elected 27 Janury 2024 Ms Emina Trozic (Secretary) - resigned 23 April 2023 Mr Dusan Bilbija-resigned 27 January 2024 Mrs Hasnija Majdanac- elected 27 January 2024 Mrs Selveta Alimajstorovic - elected 27 January 2024 Mr Fejzi Jahaj {Secretary)- elected 27 January 2024 Centre Manager Ms Sadida Trozic Independent Examiner Dunstanette Kuti FCCA MCSI Skillspool Training Adiaha Anti8ha Centre 24-30 Dalston Lane London E8 3AZ
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Trustees, Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre is constituted as a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 26 March 2001 under charity registration number: 1085815 (the "Charlty'l and is governed by the constitution, dated 7 February 2001 (the "Constltutlon"). Appolntment, Indurtlon & Tralnlng of Trustees Members of the local community and users of the centre are invited to nominate Trustees prior to the Annual General Meeting {AGM). They are advised of the retiring Trustees and are asked for nominations for the AGM. When considering appointing Trustees, the Board has regard to the requirement for any specialist skills needed. New Trustees under80 an induction to brief them on their legal obligations under charity law, the content of the Constitution, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the Charity. During the induction day they meet key employees and other Trustees. In-house trainin8S provided by AdviceUK on governance and Trustees, responsibilities are delivered for all Trustees to equip them with necessary skills. In addition, the Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role. Organisation The Charity is organised so that the Trustees meet four times a year to manage its affairs. There is one full time member of staff who both manages the day-to-day administration of the Charity and organises delivery of services, administration, staff supervision, fundraising and other responsibilities. There is also two part-time members of staff who deliver advice and casework services. There is a team of 6 volunteers,. 2 are regular volunteers who either run or support weekly Social Club, while 4 are engaged on an occasional basis to organise and run events. The Charity operates from easily accessible premises in Willesden and delivers some of its services at two outreach locations in the London Borough of Brent Iwillesden Green and Harlesden libraries). The organisation works with the most deprived and vulnerable people from all community groups, those who are disadvantaged and marginalised, stuck in the cycle of poverty and at risk of home eviction. Risk Management The Charity has a risk management strategy which comprises: _an annual review of the risks the Charity may face;_the implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the Charity should those risks materialise. The annual review of the Risk Assessment Policy was conducted, and the Risk Register is reviewed quarterly by Trustees. The Risk Register clearly sets out the management processes to be deployed to effectively manage these potential risks, these include- strategic direction and forward planning; budgetary control and financial planning; operations and service delivery; information Management; and staff and volunteers.
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre All policie5 and procedures are reviewed and updated every year and are compliant with requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. OBJECTIVES The objects for which the Charity, as defined by the Constitution, adopted 7 February 2001, are; the promotion of any charitable purposes for the public benefit by the relief of poverty, sickness and distress, the advancement of education, the protection and preseryation of physical and mental health and providing facilities for recreation or leisure-time occupation with the object of improving the condition of life for its members in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the communities it serves. To achieve these objects the Charity has the following aims: l. To provide information, advice and guidance on Welfare Benefit Rights, Housing, Health and Community Care issues to help disadvantaged and marginalised people access benefits and services they are entitled to. 2. To provide vulnerable beneficiaries with support to address their multiple needs and empower them to become independent. 3. To organise trainings and workshops to help beneficiaries navigate the system, address financial problems and develop life skills. 4. To organise social and cultural events that reduce isolation and social exclusion and promote culture and positive interaction between communities. 5. To provide opportunities and support for volunteering to equip beneficiaries with the skills in community work so they can play their part and fully contribute to society. The Charity seeks to attain its objectives through the provision of a wide and varied range of services and activities which are described in this report. They are all designed to reduce poverty and distress and enable disadvantaged and marginalised individuals to be more resilient and lead; independent, better, active, positive and fulfilled lives. To overcome the cultural, social and financial barriers, communicate their expressed needs in order to shape the policies and services of local and regional agencies as well as to provide them with opportunities and support to contribute fully to society. Publlc Benefit The Trustees refer to the Charity Commission's General Guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity's aims and objectives and in plannin8 Its future activities. In particular, the Trustee5 consider how planned activities contributed to its aims. Trustees are committed to providing services of a high qua lity to all people accessing the Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre, services. The Charity is an equal opportunity organisation, and it is committed to providing seNices that are free from any form of discrimination under the protected characteristics. The Charity monitor5 Uptake of services to assist in advancing this policy. By supporting disadvantaged and marginalised people, the Charity also indirectly supports their carers. The Charity is committed to safeguarding its beneficiaries who may be vulnerable adults, Trustees, staff, and volunteers are Disc105ure and Barring Service {DBSI checked and trained on safeguarding adults. Majority of the services are free of charge. Where specialist services and activities, such as contributions for meals at the social club. events, and Christmas lunch are not supported by funders, the Trustee5 endeavoured to keep the charges as low as possible to allow widest Possible access.
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre AcfiviTIES Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre's (the "Charitw,) activities continue to be in line with the Charitvs objectives. Advlce & Proson-centred Project- from February 2018 (initially funded by Brent Council and currently funded jointly by Henry Smith Charity and Trust for London). The Project provides outreach welfare benefits advice, advocacy casework and person-centred support services to Brent residents. The service see5 Brent residents at outreach advice sessions at Willesden Green and Harlesden libraries on a first come first served basis and by appointments at our office. During the reporting year, Henry Smith Charity's fund helped 554 people secure their benefit entitlements and increase their monthly income while the Trust for London fund helped to achieve the same for 532 people. Crlsls Support Project- from April 2023 to March 2024 (first six months funded by the London Community Foundation and then by the UK Government's Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund and administered by the National Lottery Community Fund). This short-term Project increased our organisational staff ing capacity which enabled us to address increased users, demand for existing advice and support services due to the cost of living crisis. This funding helped 574 reduce financial hardship and avoid home evictions. Removlng Flnaclal Barrlers Project- from December to March 2024 Ifunded by the National Lottery Awards for All England programmel. This funding increased access to social and educational opportunities and reduced isolation and social exclusion for over 100 people. The activities included fruit basket arrangement workshops and two large events; Christmas dinner on 13 December 2023 and International Women's Day Celebration on 2 March 2024. Throughout the year our older volunteers continued to run twice weekly Social Club, facilitated group talks, and organised lunches and coffee sessions. This year, we commemorated the 28th Anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, Bosnia and Herzegovina {19951 on 6 July 2023 at Brent Civic Centre hosted by Brent Council and in partnership with Brent Multi-Faith Forum and our organisation. WHO USED AND BENEFITED FROM OUR SERVICE The 8osnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Team records case matter type and profile information provided by users on our dedicated case management system, This includes data on age, ethnicity, gender, disability, employment, English langua8e and borou8h of residence. In addition, the service conducts user feedback and an annual survey designed to provide more information about the needs of its users which is used to inform business planning. During 2023-24, we supported 1,660 individuals from all community groups. Out of this number, 7% were Londoners from West Blakans and 93% were Brent residents; Middle East125%), Africa117%1, Europe {16%1, Asia115Y.), Caribbean {12Y.I, British14%1 and other14%). 83% were unemployed lup from 78Yo in 2022-23} and 23% non-English speakers. 60Yo of all beneficiaries described themselves as disabled or living with long-term health problems lup from 48% in 2022-23). Of the beneficiaries supported 57% were female and 43% male. Most of our beneficiaries continue to be people of working age179%1 while 14% were aged between 65-74 and 7% were over 75.
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The cost of living crisis continues to impact the communities we Serve, causing financial strain and housing evictions. This year 1,660 people benefited from our advice and sUPPOrt service5, an increase of 33% in comparison to 1,248 assisted in 2022-23. The breakdown of services and sUPPOrt provided to beneficiaries were: 78% Welfare Benefit Rights {up from 67% in 2022-23) IOYO Person-centred support including help with budgeting, utilities and discounts, transport costs Charitable Support and Foodbanks Il% Housing- help with eviction prevention (up from 8% in 2022-23} 1% Health Our advice, advocacy and casework continue to provide high-quality and effective services and support which is greatly appreciated by its beneficiaries. We know this from their feedback and results of the casework success rate which during the reporting year was IOO¥o successful. Our Caseworker submitted 50 benefit appeal cases to the Tribunal, out of this number 18 appeal cases have had successful outcomes with financial gain for our beneficiaries of £128,999 while results for the remaining 32 appeals at the time of thi5 report are still awaited. User feedback and evaluation were collected throu8hout the year to 31 March 2024, key findin8s from the feedback and evaluation analysis are: 99% of users reported increased knowledge of benefits and entitlements as a result of benefits advice and person-centred support received; 82% of users reported increased monthly income as a result of secured benefits and entitlements,. 100% of users reported a better understanding of Universal Credit elements, claimant cornmitments and sanctions as a result of access to Universal Credit training. 57Yo of users reported being better able to manage their Universal Credit online account, while 14% said that they can do this to some extent as a result of access to Universal Credit training; 91% of survey respondents reported a better understanding of their finances, savings and greater confidence when budgeting and managing their money as a result of access to a money management workshop; 81Yo of survey respondents reported improved financial literacy as a result of access to a money management workshop.
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Quallty Assurance The organisation undertakes regular and robust file review procedures which are conducted by suitably qualified Supervisor. Advisor and Caseworker have a number of their case records checked; the ratio is determined by their own level of competency. The individual cases are randomly selected and reviewed with feedback provided to the Advisor and Caseworker. Where training needs are identified, The Supervisor is required to address these needs through individual learning activities, in-house group session5 or arranging external training, usually with Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations INCVO). Over the last year, the following external trainings were attended by staff.. Introduction to Welfare Benefits, Universal Credit, Universal Credit Migration-the end of the line, Benefits for non-EEA nationals. Additionally, the organisation undertakes a quarterly analysis and assessment of our advice and information giving and reports this assessment to Trustees. The organisation is also subject to an independent audit by the Recognising Excellence LTD, against the requirements of the Advice Quality Standard, which we hold, having passed the m05t recent audit in August 2023. Operatlonal Performance All our grant-funded projectslservices were delivered in line with or exceeding, output and outcome requirements, and our charitable services continue to be in high demand. Service delivery activities are monitored by the Board of Trustees, and six monthly and end of year reports are produced for our main grant and contract funders, in line with their requirements. The growth of our outreach services for the wider Brent community in recent years has, to a large extent, come about through word of mouth about our excellent standards. Each project/service area is monitored against a plan, detailing key performance indicators (KPIS), milestones and resources required. The Project Manager is required to provide monthly reports on activity, outputs, outcomes, and client satisfaction. Trustees receive quarterly finance and project reports detailing project activity and performance against KPIS. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting was held on 27 January 2024 at Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre's premises. The meeting was attended by 7 members, who unanimously approved Charity's Annual Report for 2023. FINANCIAL REVIEW Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre had a surplus of £3,233 {2023: surplus £2,105) in the financial year, April 2023 to March 2024. The Charity's reserves consist of General/Unrestricted funds of £29,85012023: £28,450) and Restricted Funds of £114,958 (2023: £113,125) as at 31" March 2024.
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre FUTURE PLANS Our priorities for 2025-28 are to: l. Maintain effective, high quality and easily accessible services. This will include continued investment in staff training, successful pass of the Advice Quality Standards re-assessment due in August 2025 and regular service delivery provision reviews and adaptations. 2. Analysis and response to local advice needs- This will include monitoring updates from our publicly avallable sources and data from our AdvicePro case management system to keep up to date with local demographic trends and identify emerging advice needs. 3. Develop and deliver work to prevent problems from starting or recurring- This will include new ways of helping people earlier, looking at new forms of support and new partnerships and new ways of reachin8 people. 4. Focus on securing resources- This includes paying constant attention to securing funding whlch provides much-needed advice capacity, and evolving our service and support offer. 5. Strengthen existin8 partnerships and create new ones to achieve better outcomes for beneficiaries. This will Include new ways of partnership working, sharing resources and mutual support. Thi5 report and statement were approved by the Trustees on.221.041.2G2( .and si8ned on its behalf bv: Mr Zaim Pasic - Chair Mrs Safeta Karabasic-Treasurer
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restritted Funds Note Total Funds Total Funds INCOME FROM: Charitable activities 1,400 1,400 145,696 145,696 147,096 147,096 123,102 123,102 Total: EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable Activitles 143,863 143,863 120,997 Total: 143,863 143,863 120,997 NET INCOME {EXPENDITURE} 1,400 1,833 3,233 2,105 Total funds brou8ht forward 28,450 113,125 141,575 139.470 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 29,850 114,958 144,808 141,575 The statement of financial activities includes all gain5 and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities io
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 Note 2024 2023 CURRENT ASSETS: Debtors 1,125 229,731 230,856 896 Cash at bank and in hand 197,645 198,541 CREDITORS: 186,0481 159,9661 Amounts fallin8 due within one year io NET CURRENT ASSETS: 144,808 141,575 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 144,808 141,575 NET ASSETS 144.808 141,575 RESERVES: Restricted Funds 114,958 113,125 Unrestricted Funds 29,850 28,450 TOTAL FUNDS li 144,808 141,575 These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on were signed on it5 behalf by.. Mr Zaim Pasic Chair li
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PREPARATION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting & Reporting by Charities revised in 2015. GOING CONCERN There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. INCOME All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received. and the amount can be measured reliably. EXPENDITURE Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably, Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all c05t related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activitie5 on a basis consistent with the use of resources. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Depreciation is provided at the following annual rate in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful Leasehold property Equipment Fixtures and fittin8S 25% reducing balance 25% reducing balance 25% reducin8 balance TAXATION The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activitles. FUND ACCOUNTING Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of a grant. Further explanatior$5 of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which employees render the related seNice, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basi5. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises. 12
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre 2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES Restricted Unrestrirted Funds Total Funds Total Funds Funds 2023 2024 Donations 660 660 332 700 Membership Fees 740 740 1,400 I,ioo 1,032 GRANTS The National Lottery Community Fund - Community Organi5ations Cost of Living Fund National Lottery Awards for All England London Borough of Brent Edward Harvist Trust Henry Smith Charity Arnold Clark Community Fund London Community Foundation Trust for London 33,416 10,000 33,416 10,000 39,977 70,211 5,000 882 40.280 40,280 I,(0 10,000 52,000 145,696 10,000 52,000 147,096 5,000 123,102 1,400 3. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Dlre£t costs (see note 41 Support costs (see note 51 Tot41s 2024 Totals 2023 Charitable activities 130,272 13,591 143,863 120,997 4. DIREcf COSTS OF CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES 2024 2023 Staff Costs Rent Light & Heat Insurance Cleanin8 & Sundry expenses Telephone Charitable activity COSt5 99,757 12,467 1,858 1,441 1,000 2,072 11,677 59,597 11,226 1,920 1,232 712 2,273 38,645 115,606 130,272 5. SUPPORT COSTS 2024 2023 Subscription Other office c05t5 Accountancy fees Bank char8es Payroll charges Or8anisational Development 1.176 993 2.941 230 1,855 6,396 1,376 1,179 750 254 1,832 13,591 5,391 13
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre 6. TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS No remuneration directly or indirectly out of the fund5 of the charity was paid or is payable for the year to any trustee or to any person or persons known to be connected with any of them. TRUSTEES, EXPENSES There were no trustees. Èxpenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2024 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024. 7. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and Salaries Employers Nl Pension costs 87,952 3,519 8,286 99,757 54,509 788 4,300 59,597 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 2024 2023 Staff No employees received emoluments in exces5 of £60,000 during the year12022: Nil) 9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Prepayments 1,125 896 1,125 896 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Social security arsd other taxes Deferred Income:. Henry Smith Trust for London Accrued expenses 2,873 45,000 36,838 1,337 86,048 1,564 54,118 1,284 56,966 14
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre 11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At At 31.3.24 1.4.23 Income Expendlture Transfers Unre5trlrted Funds General Fund 28,450 1.400 29.850 1.4.22 Income Expendlture Transfers 31.3.22 Unrestrlcted Funds General Fund 27,418 1,032 28,450 Restrfcted Funds At 1.4.23 At Income Expendlture Transfers 31.3.24 Person Centred Advocacy Project 99.885 {6,9131 92,972 The National Lottery Community Fund- Community Organisation5 Cost of Livln8 Fund National Lottery Awards for all England Henry Smith Charity Arnold Clark Community Fund London Community Foundation Trust for London 33,416 10.000 40,280 133,4161 120,OLK)I 139,488) (4001 iio,000} {33.6461 1143,8631 10,000 640 400 1,432 lo,0 52,CK)O 145,696 2,200 113,125 20,554 114,958 Restrlcted Funds At 1.4.22 At Income Expendlture Transfers 31.3.23 Advice Fund Resilience Fund Person Centred Advocacy Projert LB Brent 8,081 62,179 30,143 4,545 2,CQO {8,0811 162,1791 15,4721 14,5451 12,CQOI 135.0761 1242) 12.8001 16001 121 75,211 99,885 London Legal Support The National Lottery Community Fund Henry Smith Charity Trust for London Arnold Clark Community Fund Mr5 Smith and Mount Trust 5,099 39,977 882 10,000 640 2,2(XJ 400 5,000 1,000 112,052 122,070 1120,9971 113,125 13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31" March 2024 15
Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Advice Centre Independent Examinerfs Report on the Accounts I report on the accounts for the charity for the year ended 31st March 2024 Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for thi5 year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an Independent Examination is needed It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charities Commission (under section 14515}Ib} of the Charities Act), and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent revlew My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the 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 examinerfs statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (11 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the Trustees have not met the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Charities Act 12) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper under5tandin8 of the accounts to be reached. Name: Dunstanette Kuti FCCA MCSI Position.. Community Accountant Skillspool Training CIC Adiaha Antigha Centre, 24-30 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AZ Date: 16/01/2025 16