Charity Number 1087319 People First Tameside Annual Report and Accounts Year Ended 31 March 2025
Peoplo Flrnt Tamesld• Contents Page Legal and Administrative Details Report of the Twstees Independent Examinerfs Rert Statement of Financial Activitses 10 Balan Sheet 11 Notes to ts Accounts 12-15
PpIe Firnt Tam•8ld• Legal and Adminlstrallv• D•talls Name.. People First Tameside Status: Unincorporated associalion established 21x11. Registered as a charity. Chaiity number 1087319 Principal Address: SL Michael's Court St. Michael's Square Stsmford Street Ashton-under-Lyne Tameside OL6 6XN Charity Objects.. To promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of persons who have a learning disabilty in Tameside or the surrounding areas. Charity Trustees: Andrew Barbour Jennifer Threadgold Eleanor Woosey Jean Quinn Jim Battle Mark Whitehead Neil Fttgerald Liam Wray Bethany Hammond Ashley Connor Leighton Ejemhem Agbareth Hannah Sloan Chair Appointed 11 December 2024 Appointed 11 December 2024 Appointed 11 December 2024 Appointed 11 December 2024 Appointed 11 December 2024 Appointed 11 December 2024 Appointed 11 December 2024 Accountants.. J A Simpson & Co Ltd. 48 Bredbury Green Romiley Stockport SK6 3DN Bankers: Unit Trust Bank Nine Brindley Place Bimiingham B12HB
People First Tameside Annual Report and Accounts Fortho Year Ended 31 March 2025 Activities Report forAccounts 01.04.24-31.03.2025 Report of the Trustees The Trust888 of People First Tameside submit the Annual Report and Accounts forthe year ended 31 March 2025. Purpose of the Charlty The purposes of the charity are to: Provide a place to talk about concems and issues affectingthe lives of people labelled as having a °learning disabiliw in Tameside. Uphold the rights of people with learning disabilities. Inform services and the public that people with Learning disabilities have thoughts, feeling8, and ideas. and have a right to be heard and to influence the seNices they use. Raise awareness and educate the general public about the issues faced by people with learning disabilities. Provide training opportunities for people with leaming disabilities. Network with other People First groups and advocacy organisations throughout the UK and Europe.
Activities of the Year 2024/25 Health and Employment Focus Health and Employment have been the focus of this yearfs activities. Employment Initiatives Our employment course, funded by the WEA. provided a cohort of ten people with learning disabilities with the opportunity to engage in a bespoke program supporting individuals furthest from employment. Participants were able to learn and develop skills that promote independence. create new opportunities, reduce social isoE8tion, and fosterfriendships. Women's Health Projects Women's health remained a top priority this year. In partnership with Manchester University researchers. Christy Hospital, and Pennine Care, we produced 8 series of short videos promotingwomen's health and providingguidance for professionals around cervical smear procedures. This work will continue into 2025126. People First worked collaboratively with the Greater Manchester Learning Disabilities and Health Inequalities Team on a research project about menopause, aimed at raising awareness of how best to support women with learning disabilities. This was a unique and imp8Ctful piece of work. Communlty and Outdoor Activlties People First continues to work in partnership with Friends of W8terloo, producing excellent crops of vegetables. harvesting apples from the orchard, and creating nutritious SOUPS and salads. Fresh and inexpensive meals encourage good health while providing opportunities to 80cialize. The allotment group was once again recognized with an award from Tameside in Bloom. Outdoor activities included tennis. sponsored by PrioryTennis Club, cycling with adapted bicycles, health walks. yoga. and nature events. We recognize the strong link between physical activity and mindfulness as a gateway to better mental health. People First . continue to advocate for preventative services that promote independence. reduce social isolation, and support an active lifestyle.
Day Opportunities and Individualised Services People Firstwork in partnership with Tameside Council and other partners to offer bespoke day opportunities and individual 1.1 services. Our services are popularwith those who wish to be in control of their budgets and choices. The number of available places has increased through new referrals from socialworkers and personal recommendations. We pride ourselves on offering a bespoke. individualised seNice. Family members and friends are always welcome at events, includingcoffee momings, BBQS. and fundraising activities. and we thank everyone for their ongoing support. Advocacy and Representation The Manchester Mayoral Panel has continued to meet, alongwith the second Easy Use Board, which enables adults with learning disabilities to participate fully in accessible meetings. Five of our members now sit on this board. which includes Greater Manchester representatives from each borough. including Stockport. Trafford, Wigan. and Bolton. The b08rd discusses and reviews strategies 8nd plans covering public transport. health, 8nd social care services. People First has been commissioned annually since 2001 to facilitate the Shadow Partnership Board. This board feeds into the Learning Disabilities Partnership B08rd bi- monthly and invites guest speakers from Adult Social Care, Transport, and Employment. Meetings continue each month, with the boroughs, goal of making a difference in advocacy, belongin& and good health. People First also attend other meetings, including the Equality and Diversity Reference Group within Tameside, Confirm and Challenge in partnership with Pathways. and the Autism Strategy Group, among others. Staff and Volunteers Over this period, People First employed an average of 20 stsff members. Policies and procedures are in place for all staff and are continually reviewed and updated. Staff are supeNised by senior personnel and participate in weeklyteam meetings. People First 18 incrediblygrateful to our dedicated staff and volunteers. whose flexibility and commitment make our work possible. We thank everyone for their enthusiasm and hard work.
Governance and Finance Management Committea and Trustees A new committee was elected in December 2024. with some changes to trustees. Accounting and Fln8nclal Management SISBRO Accountants were appointed in February 2024 and h8ve now completed a fulL year of accounts. People First would like to thankjohn Simpson for his years of seNice overseeingthe work of our bookkeeper. Rick Seccombe. Rocrultment andAppolntment of Management Committoe Members held an AGM on 11th December 2024. Full membership of the charity is open to any person over the age of 18 who has a learning disability and is interested in furthering the objects of the charity. Governance Document The charity's governing document is a constitution adopted on 26th September 2000. This sets out the charity's objects and how it should be run. The constitution has been 8d8Pted to be more 8ccessible. without changing any of its provisions. Publlc Beneflt The charity raises public awareness of issues concerning people with learning disabilities. Its activities are open to all people with learning disabilities in T8meside. with no membership fee, ensuring inclusion forthose on low incomes. Honorary Officers At the AGM, full members elect a chair. secretary, and treasurer, who hold office from the conclusion of the meeting.
Reserves Policy The organisation carries sufficient reseNes to enable restructuring in the event of cessation of grant funding. An accessible reserves policy is in place for members. Committee The Committee consists of no fewerthan three members and no more than twelve members. Inductlon of Trustaes People First provides an induction pack for newtrustees. Confllcts of Interest An accessible conflict of interest policy is in place fortrustees. Trustee 88neffts No trustee receives payment from the charity: however. trustees may use the services provided. COVID-19 and Risk Management A new risk assessment was developed and shared, supportingthe protection of members, volunteers, staff, and the general public. Policies available to members include health and safety, compliments, comments and complaints. fire safety, confidentiality, rules and code of practice, risk assessment, and computer. internet, and e-mail use. Risk assessments have been carried out on the office and surrounding areas, alongside COSHH assessments, a health and safety policy. and 8 Business Continuity Ptsn outlining procedures in the event of disruption. An updated financial risk assessment of procedures has also been developed.
Financial Statements and Trustee Responsibilities The charlS financial statements are prepared by SISBRO Accountants, appointed in February 2024. The accounts are then sent to John Simpson for an independent examination. SISBRO assists the committee and Chief Executive Manager in managing accounts, preparing budgets. and financial reports. Under the Charities Act 2011. trustees are responsible for preparing accounts that give a true and fair view of the charitvs state of affairs and the incoming and outgoing resources. Trustees must.. Select suitable accounting po(icies and apply them consistently Make reasonable and prudent judgments and estimates Follow applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice Prepare financial statements on a going concern basis unless inappropriate Trustees are also responsibl8 for keeping proper accounting records to ensure compliance with regulations. Approved by the trustees at their meeting on l O 2S and signed on their behalf by: Andrew Barbour (Trustee)
dent Examin•r to Flrnt Tameslde I report on the accounts of the charity for the year erKled 31 March 2025. vknich are set out on pages 10 to 15. Respectlve re8ponsibllltle8 of the trustees and examinor The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accx)unts. The charills trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under sedion 144{2) of the Charities Act 2011 {the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibilty to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Art follow the proureS laKI down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under seth'on 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act; and stats whether particular matters have come to my attention. Ba818 of Independ•nt examlnerfs rwlrt My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Chartty Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items for disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees conceming such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audi( and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'tnR and fa'r VI and the report ts limited to those matters set out in the statement beb. Indopondont examIne statement In connectK)n 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 record in accordance with the 2011 Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to compty with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 2. to whlch, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached John A Slmpson Chartored Accountant A S+'- 48 Bredbury Green, Romiley, Stockport. SK6 3DN
People Flrst Tamesld• statsm•nt of Financlal Actlvltles for th6 yoar ended 31 March 2025 Year Ended Ymr Ended 31 Illar 2025 31 Mar 2024 Incomlng Ro8ourc•s Incomlng Rmources from charitable actlvttl68: Grants Donations Fees Other Income Bank Interest 24,285 610 293,268 13.229 7.270 39,823 64,108 610 293,268 13,229 7,270 29,051 8,086 213,378 12,370 6,018 Total Incomlng Resources 338,662 39,823 378,485 268,903 Resou Exp•ndod Charltablo actlvltlas 292,199 39,823 332,022 288,930 Governan costs 850 850 Total mource8 expend•d 293,049 39,823 332,872 289,780 Not Income for the Year 45,613 45.613 (20,877) Funds at 1st Aprll 2024 11 416.352 416.352 437,229 Fund8 at 31st Mareh 2025 11 461,965 461,965 416,352 10
P•ople Flrst Tamesld• Balance Sheet 2025 Total 2024 Notes Current Assets Debtors Cash at Bank 73,518 429,277 73,518 429,2TI 70,303 378,893 502,795 502,795 449.196 Creditors 40,830 40.830 32,844 Net Current Assets 461, 461.965 416,352 Net Assets 461,965 461,965 416,352 Funds UnrestrÈcted Funds 461.965 461,965 416,352 Restn'ctsd Funds 11 461,965 461,965 416.352 Approved by the Trustees at their meebng on o.Ix.zs. Signed on behaff of the Tnistees by Andrew Barbour
Pooplo Flrnt Tamesldo Notss to the Accounts 1 Accountlng Pollcles a) The financial statements have been prepared in accordance vAth applicable accounting standards and follow recommendations in FRS 102. b) Voluntary income Is received by way of donatrons and gifts and is included in fvll in the Statement of Financial Acts'vities when received. c) Grants are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activitses in the year in which they are receivable. d) Unrestricted funds are dortionS and other income received or ganerated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds e) Deswjnated funds are unrestricted funds which have been designated for particular purposes by the Trustees. fj Restricted fvnds are funds received for 8peCrf purposes. They are held on tsust until they have been expended. g) Office equipment purchases have not been capilalised and have been charged as resources expended in their period of purchase. 2 Grants Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 2024 TamesKle MBC NHS Tameside CCG Mayoral Panel WEA Income Menopause Project CeNical Smear 22.685 22.685 20,623 1.600 1.600 31.994 31,994 6,000 2,428 7,829 7,829 Total 24,285 39,823 64.108 29,051 12
Poopl• Flr8t Trnld• Nota8 to th• A¢Unts 3 Total Resources Expended I l {Iili Costs dlrecty allocatod to actlvltles Salaries Dirnct Trav61 Diroct Training Direct Recruitment Direct Produping Infomiation Dlroct ProAect costs Direcl Equlpm¢nt Direct Mlscellar*ous Direct 233.808 25.080 7.829 1,737 2,311 286.517 2.537 2.311 227.865 6.198 528 3.897 5,325 5,325 9,222 3,282 234 1,433 503 Support allocatod to a¢tlvltlo8 General Running Expen Fundl A¢urrtanCY FufKling Promi8e8 Funding 22,103 5,518 20,243 22.103 18.838 4.395 20.810 20.243 292,199 31,994 7,829 39.823 850 332.872 289,780 4 Not Inc<NThlng RMour¢M for tho y• stated aft•r charylng 25 21r24 Independont Examlnor8' romun8ralion S Debtorn and Pr•payment• Prepayrnnts 1.025 73.518 70.)3 8 Crgdttorn 2025 21r24 Sundry Crodliors 32.844 13
Peoph First Tameside 7 Staff Costs and Numbers Staff costs were as follows: 2025 2024 Salaries and wages Social security costs Total 235,399 213,801 16,193 14,065 251.592 227.866 One employee was paid a salary in the band £60.000 to £70,000. The average number of employees during the year was as follo.. 202S 2024 Number Nurnr Direct charity actlvit Administration 17 17 20 20 The charity does not oper* any pension scheme for S empbyees but does administer contrtbuts'ons to a stakeholder pension scheme for 8 (2025 - 8) staff. The charity makes a contribution of 5% of the wage of the staff member into the SCI. 8 Trustse Remunerntion & R•lat•d Party Transactlo No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year {2025 - Nil) 9 Taxatlon As a charity. People First TaMeSe is exempt from tax on irKome and gains. No tax charges have arisen within the charity during the year. 10 Anaty818 of Net Assets Between Funds General Restrlctod Total Funds Funds Funds Current Assets Current Liabilities Net Assets at 31 March 2025 502,795 40,830 461.965 0 502,795 40,830 0 461,965 14
Pwplo Flrnt Tam081d• 11 Movement of Funds At 1 Aprfl Incomlng Outgoing At 31 March 2024 Resourc Re8ourc•s 2025 Cervical Smear WEA Income 7,829 (7,829) 31,994 {31,994) Unmtrfctsd General Fund 416,352 338.662 (293.049) 461,965 416,352 378.485 332,872 461.965 12 Contlngent Ilablllty It has been estimated that in the event of closure the charity Wld incur approximatety £60,000 in redundancy and other costs. Additsonally the reserves licY. in common with many similar charitses is to maintain reserves to cover six months of operating costs, this amounting to approximatety £166,000 15