action on
disability
Life beyond barriers
A Company Limited by Guarantee
Company No. 4237604
Charity No. 1091518
Report and financial statements
For the year ended
31 March 2024

Action on Disability
Report and financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Contents
Page
Reference and administrative inforniation
Trustees, annual report
2-30
Achievements and perfonnance
Financial review
Structure, governance and management
Statement of responsibilities of the Trustees
Statement as to disclosure to our auditors
Independent auditors. report
31-34
Statement of financial activities
(incorporating an income and expenditure account)
35
Balance Sheet
36
Statement of cashflows
37
Notes to the financial statements
38-47

Action on Disability
Report and financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Reference and administrative information
Trustees:
Sharon Holder, Co-chair (up to November 2023) and Chair (from
December 2023)
Victoria Brignell, Co-chair (9-year term ended on 14th November
2023)
Peter Harden. Treasurer {9-year tenn ended on 14th November
2023)
Kate Betteridge
Juliana Dubuisson
Donna Fenner
Mike Gannon
Mustafa Karim
Naomi Key-Field (elected on 14th November 2023)
Greg Patton (elected on 14th November 2023)
Amy Rait
Angeleca Silversides
Gabriella Zahzouh {9 year tenn ended on 14th November 2023)
Co-opted Adviser:
Patrick Mcveigh
Company Secretary:
David Buxton OBE
Chief Executlve:
David Buxton OBE
Company number:
4237604
Charity number:
1091518
Registered office:
Centre for Independent Living, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Atlee
Court, London SW6 7BF
Auditors:
Goldwins Limited
75 Maygrove Road
West Hampstead
London NW6 2EG
Bankers
Lloyds Bank
417 North End Road
Fulham
London, SW6 1NS
Page11

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Trustees Annual Report 2023-24
The Trustees are pleased to present the annual report and accounts for the year 1 st April 2023
to 31 st March 2024.
Vision
To be part of, and promote, an inclusive society free of disabling barriers, where all individuals
are equal.
Mission
As a user-led organisation, managed and controlled by Disabled people, our mission is to:
Deliver high quality, professional. ac￿Ssible activities which promote Independent Living.
Give Disabled people the knowledge and confidence about their rights, enabling them to
access opportunity. make choices and live independently.
Campaign for the rights of Disabled people and influence local and national policy and
practice.
ion on
sability
Disabled people
Above photo." AOD International Day of Disabled People Event December 2023
Page12

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Achievements and performance 2023-24
Centre for Independent Living
Action on Disability has been settling into the new Centre for Independent Living well and seeing
lots of exciting events; there has been an increase in drop-ins from local residents who are now
more familiarwith us and where we are based, and more room bookings from local organisations
and partners.
laction on
disability
Centre for
Independent Living
Llfe beyond barrlers
%*•r•0P¢
Our 2023-24 Hlghllghts:
The Grand Opening which was held on the 7th June 2023. The Centre was officially opened
by the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham Mayor (Councillor Patricia Quigley) and there
were several speeches during the event, including one from Cllr Stephen Cowan. The event
was well attended by local partners and funders such as Earls Court Development Fund.
GLA and local councillors, as well as many Disabled members and residents.
The hosting of the Our Place Coproduction & Disability Equalty sessions for Family Hubs.
The sessions were held at AOD in partnership with Parentsactive, Young Hammersmith &
Fulham Foundation, AOD and local H&F families to discuss what services theywanted from
LBHF. Family Hubs launched in February 2024.
A group of Ukrainian Govemment officials and members met AOD, national government
and VCSO organisation representatives. The visit focused on social care reforms and in
particular what this looks like for Disabled people. AOD was so delighted to host this study
event and welcome the delegates.
A taste of what Action on Disability has hosted:
Page13

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
2-3 Degrees (Ready, Steady, Connect workshops)
NHS Back on Track Workshops
Parentsactive away day and resident meetings
Disabled Peoples Housing Strategy Implementation group
Let Me Play workshop
Coproduction and Disability Equality Training Course
Fire Safety, Lone working, First Aid and Mental Health First Aid training courses
Feedback:
'We've previously booked with yourselves and "loooovvveeedd" the facilities"
The space is very light and bright. It is much more accessible and welcoming"
Our Future Plans:
Increase revenue for AOD by increasing room bookings
Increase awareness of AOD and its accessible and affordable space along with its services
Decrease disabled people's isolation and loneliness by visiting the centre
Page14

Action on Disability
Trusteas, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Employment Service
This year, AOD Employment servi￿ has continued to provide four different projects:
Supported Internships;
150 hours a week to providejob coaching and employer engagementfor17 Disabled young
people at 2 different sites
Job Coaching Provision at Falrshot Café (until August 2023);
84 hours a week to support Disabled young trainees
Follow on Support Servlce; and
20 hours a week to support ex-graduate Disabled people to look for paid employment
In Work Support Service.
231 hours a week job support and coaching to Disabled workers at different work locations
across Greater London
action on
disability
Centre for
Independent Living
ife beyond barriers
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Above photo.. Supported Internship graduates attending weekly Job Club sessions at AOD
All projects are aimed at promoting accessible recruitment and jobs for Disabled people, whilst
supporting employers in the development of a diverse work force through consultation and
training. We are proud to be working with several employers and partners who are committed to
change. Here are some of the employers with whom we have worked this year:
Page15

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Building 245 Hammersmith
Nandos
Holland Parl(
London Borough of Hammersmith and
Fulham Council - Youth Voice
RBKC Library
Spotify
Bright Horizons Nursery
Bellrock
Musicmark
Chelsea Open Air Nursery
Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea
The Works
Wendell Park Primary School
Hammersmith Gym
Tri-Borough Music Hub
Shephard Bush Library and Many More
Supported Internship
The Supported Internship (Sl) programmes have been running for several years in partnership
with West London College, Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea. Two sites are used as bases with two Supported Employment Co-
ordinators (SECS) placed on each site.
Reflecting on the initial recruitment day and outcomes the young Intems have achieved, AOD
has helped 500/0 of the young people to gain paid employment. These successes have been
secured through their experiences on their placements.
Yi**
Above photo.. Hammersmith & Fulham Supported Intemship Graduation cohort 2023-2024
One of the Supported Internship Programme key aims is to promote accessible recruitment and
jobs for Disabled people, whilst supporting employers in the development of a diverse work force,
by providing training and showing them how reasonable adjustment could be applied within a
role.
Page16

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our 2023-24 Highlights:
50 % of the Graduates have secured paid employment through their pla￿MentS and 300/0
of Graduates are attending interviews.
We have a data base of 100+ employers, with 20 additional employers added this year.
We have delivered ongoing mentor training to all employers.
We have attended numerous SEND events to promote the Supported Intemship
Programme.
Case Story- Lola's Supported Internship Joumey
Lola joined the High Street Supported Internship
programme because .1 would like to get a Job In
Admin,.
Lola was keen to pursue an admin role and was firm with
her decision. During herfirst placement- Lola worked in
SEN & Environmental department in Kensington and
Chelsea council, where she was completing admin work,
make Newsletters for SEN department and completing
data entry work. Lola enjoyed her placement and
developed a lot of skills but also stated data entry wasn't
best suited for her.
Lola then highlighted she wanted to go into the
Hospitality industry, The Job coach arrange a placement
with her working in the canteen at Kensington & Chelsea
council. Lola was working part of a team. helping serving customers and replenishing the stocks
and tidying up. One reasonable adjustment that was added for her during her placement agreed
by all partners during regular meeting tsken pla￿. They implemented having a schedule list of
what to next to help Lola refocus. Lola then worked in Nandos as a Host, where Lola flourished
used all her skills she let from her other pla￿ment and was able to pick up the tasks very quickly
and follow instructions.
Once Lola has completed the supported intemship programme. Lola has secured paid
employment with one of our long-lasting partners Nandos after completing a placement with
them as her final placement and with the help of the Job Coach. Lola would be receiving
mentoring from the follow-on coordinator and the Job Coaches.
Below is the feedback received from the team.
"She is friendly and supportive. We have received couple ofpositive customers feedback
regards to her service,: Ronny & Team, High Street Kensington Nandos
Our Future Plans:
Forge a new working partnership with Morley College who will be the new education
provider for the Kensington and Chelsea Intemship
Page17

Action on Disability
Trustees. Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
To be more actively involved in forums relating to employment opportunities. This is in
progress and the Project Lead is attending a range of relevant meetings promoting the
Internship.
To hold an event for existing employer hosts and new potential hosts to grow the pool of
placements available for work experience and future jobs.
To establish an In Contact group, to be held in AOD'S Our Place venue. This will be
progressed with the Project Lead for Our Place.
To improve our outreach work we have been promoting the Supported Internship by
having meetings with key personnel from the council. Many of these contacts have had
positive results. The Council is requesting to be involved in the
Employer Engagement for the Council contacts.
Leaflets have been created to be circulated to companies, secondary schools, colleges
and sixth forms to 'sell' the Supported Intemships.
To further develop additional Internship offers. Discussions are undeNiay between AOD
and West London College to seek further industry-based Intemships.
To host a SENCO networking event in AOD to share information of opportunities.
Develop a training programme for the SECS to enhance their knowledge in key areas.
It is 11th years since we launched the small new employment project to support 12 young
Disabled people and to provide a Job Club to for Disabled residents to look for work. Looking
back at what's happened during these 11 years. AOD has supported a total of 537 Disabled
people finding paid employment, 24 % of them furthering their career progression and promotion.
with 82 % of them currently working.
Page18

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our 2023-24 Highlights:
18 graduate intems, supported by our Supported Employment Coordinators, are now in
paid employment
21 ex-graduate interns are being supported by our Follow up Coordinator in finding paid
employment
38 Disabled people in paid employment are being supported by AOD'S In Work Support
Service
Testimony from English National Opera
We have been collaborating with Action on Disability Sin￿ 2022 to employ staff to join our
Front of House team at the London Coliseum. We work closely with their employment team to
ensure that the candidates are supported from application stage, interviewing and through to
their development in the roles. Some of our staff have been with us since 2022, and the team
of staff employed through Action on Disability is continually growing. We are very proud to
work closely with them."
Our Future Plans:
Seek new key partnerfs) to expand and create new Supported Intemship partnerships.
Continue to recruit more job coach I support worker to meet the growing demand of our In
Work Support Service
Achieve new funding to develop new partnerships and continue projects, especially to
continue to fvnd a Follow Up and Support Project.
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Page19

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Independent Living SeNice
Independent Living Service has been gradually grown from strength to strength over the last 8
years, starting from the dedicated Peer Support project to a wide range of Independent Living
projects now..
Direct Payments Support Service
Assisting local Disabled residents to manage their Direct Payments
Our Place Project
New 3-year Lottery fund starting from February 2023
Peer Support Project
Providing and facilitating a number of Peer Support led groups run by Disabled people
Our Voice Project - Co-production and Disability Equality
Providing training and support to local Disabled residents to become co-producers
Dlrect Payments Support Service
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham contracted AOD to provide the Direct Payment
Support Service (DPSS) to assist local Disabled residents to manage their Direct Payments.
We work closely with the Direct Payment Peer Support Group and Disabled residents to ensure
that the service is co-produced and that we are working together in an active way to co-plan, co-
deliver and co-review the service.
We believe that a good Direct Payment Support Service should promDte choice, control, and
independence for Disabled residents. and that their views should inform our service delivery
every step of the way.
The Direct Payment Support Service assists Disabled residents to:
Set up their Direct Payments.
Recruit and employ their own support staff.
Find a suitable payroll service and manage their staff or identify a suitable care agency or
provider.
Manage their Direct Payment budget.
Be signposted to other organisations for different support where applicable.
Use their Direct Payments flexibly and creatively (e.g., pooling budgets)
Be introduced to meet other Disabled people who use a Direct Payment through the Peer
Support Group.
Our Project Outcomes:
Disabled residents are enabled to optimise the opportunities available to them through
increased choice and control.
Through an ethos of self-help, Disabled residents feel empowered and have the ability and
confidence to manage their own Direct Payments.
Disabled residents feel safe, secure, and supported to achieve greater independence with
minimal support.
Disabled residents have improved quality of life.
Page110

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our 2023-24 Highlights:
We re￿iVed 131 referrals, the majority of which were from LBHF (Circa 90 % ) the other
10 % a largely made up of self-referrals.
There were 1775 individual contacts made to the service which amounts to 511 hours of
advice, information, guidance and support on the phone and face-to-face.
On average and throughout the year the DPSS team were supporting 68 clients at any one
time at different stages of the Direct Payment process.
The most common request for support from the DPSS was focused on "Employerf,
At the end of 22123, and since the commencement of this contract a total of 200 LBHF
Disabled residents had accessed support from the DPSS. At the end of 23124 that number
rose to 350.
We delivered and supported access to 13 training and infomiation sessions for Disabled
residents across the year, focused on self-directed support, at both a local and regional
level, which had 260 attendances in total.
We facilitated 26 peer group sessions with a total 113 attendances, with an average
attendance of 33 Disabled residents each quarter.
We delivered 7 training sessions to LBHF Social Workers with a total of 54 in attendan￿.
We supported the introduction of a Direct Payment operational group between LBHF &
AOD which is aimed at identifying challenges and solutions.
We completed a focused exploration exercise of the barriers to PA recruitment.
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Page111

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our Challenges:
AOD, guided by the Direct Payment Peer Support Group, ceased its licensed access the
Find A PA Platform, hosted by Ruils. PA recruitment continues to present a challenge for
many local self-directed employers.
Recruiting an independent facilitator for the Peer Support group remains a challenge.
Recruitment of more local Disabled self-directed residents to the Peer Support group, and
onto the Steering group.
The safety of ILA'S Garrying out home visits was challenged when one of our ILA'S was
threatened and subjected to abusive behaviour and language.
How we have overcome these:
One of the Independent Living Advisors (ILA) Conducted a stakeholder engagement
research exercise which explored the barriers that exist to recruiting and retaining PA'S.
This concluded with a report presented to the Steering group. It is hope that the
recommendations will be further considered so that Disabled residents have access to the
best employees.
AOD DPSS has acted on the recommendations reported and has moved to Commen￿ a
recruitment drive through access to job fairs, job centres and through the use of effective
recruitment platforms.
We have explored several network forums to identify an appropriate independent facilitator
for the DP Peer Group.
We have produced a short film and reviewed and produced new publicity materials to
increase the numbers of self-directed residents accessing the Peer support group and the
Steering group.
Feedback:
"I now understand how to confidently use my direct payment account.
"I would like to know more about what AOD can offer me especially if it helps me to manage my
care and support plan"
'The information session delivered at the Irish Centr8 was really helpful. Its a shame more
people weren't there"
'The Team at AOD are lovely"
Our Future Plans:
AOD will work to implement a service action plan to ensure the work we do aligns with the
needs of Disabled residents.
AOD will review the staffing structure within the DPSS to ensure the service is delivering
the best serrfice possible for local Disabled residents.
Continue to work closely with Local Authority Senior officers, social work managers and
teams to improve the streamlining of referrals to the DPSS.
Review and enhance the delivery of training to social work teams with support from senior
LBHF staff and through initiatives including Direct Payments Operational Group and Direct
Payments Champions.
Continue to work with Ruils to secure skills for care funding to ensure local Disabled people,
as employers, and PA'S have access to meaningful training.
AOD will recruit an independent peer group facilitator and increase engagement from
Disabled residents.
Page | 12

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our Place Project
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (Reaching Communities) and Propel London
managed by the City Bridge Foundation, 'Our Place, is a community space for Disabled people
in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Welcome to Our Place
action on
disability
Our
Ploce
By Action on Disability
A peer led communlty resource and actlvlty space
by local Deaf and Dlsabled people. for lo¢al Deal
and Dlsablod p￿p1a.
Peer Groups
Adviee
Co-production
Soelal Opportunitié8
Actlvltles
Informatlon and Guldance
Il•t In to4eh
owplx•e•o4ov9.uk l 0207 386 2098
Fund•d hy
Pr•pel
Working with local Disabled residents to create a community space and resource hub, we
launched the 'Our Place, project refurbished site located at Lillie Road, across the road from the
newly built AOD Centre for Independent Living. This reflects AOD'S continued growth and
commitment to giving more choices and control to Disabled residents in Hammersmith & Fulham,
and across West London.
Our Place offers an inclusive and accessible space where Disabled people can socialise, learn
skills, pursue interests, and build relationships. Key to this initiative is ensuring Disabled people
have significant ownership of 'Our Place,, from participating in peer support groups and activities
to being involved in operational delivery.
By focuslng on four key outcomes, Dlsabled people can achieve their full potential:
A fully refurbished accessible space, designed with Disabled residents in mind. to create a
space inclusive to all, and equipped purpose designed rooms e.g. Music Studio, Dance
Studio, Art Room, Sensory Room & Lounge Space
A home away from home, a safe space to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and a spa
to meeting place to socialise and meet new people.
Page | 13

Action on Disability
Trustees. Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
To create new and exciting opportunities that Disabled residents can lead on, empowering
the community to be involved in the running of the Our Pla￿ Project
To create a long-lasting effect for the wider community of Disabled residents across West
London.
Iiiiiirl
Above photo.. Deputy Mayor ofHammersmith and Fulham officially opened 'Our Place,
Our 2023-24 Highlights:
AOD suc￿SsfullY added to the 3 years fvnding from NLRC by securing Propel London for
years. We also secured funding from the Kings Coronation Fund, John Lyons Charity and
from The Earls Court International Film Festival to equip the Our Place Spa￿. We also
received a generous donation from Lucy Mcveigh towards costs of the arts materials, in
honour of Sue Clive MBE.
We recruited a full-time project lead, who went on to set up an Our Place steering group to
direct and coproduce the service and its delivery.
AOD has linked with partner agencies and specialist providers to support the delivery of a
broad range of group activities, including lived experience peer led sessions.
We ComMen￿d work on creating the Our Place spa￿ which we aim to open in July 2024.
This activity centre will include a music studio space with film and video production. An
exercise studio for yoga and dance etc. A sensory/quitelbreakouUprayer space. A lounge
space with an art room. This represents an Our Place space that local Disabled people can
call their own.
In its first months Our Place has delivered over 360hrs of activty session delivery. across
180 days, with over 300 attendances.
We supported access to coproduction training for residents.
We supported the prO￿sS that led to the creation of the new family hubs model in LBHF.
Page114

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our Challenges:
As is the case with all new services, engaging the community has taken a significant effort
Aligning the Our Pla￿ identity with AOD'S identity and branding has been a leaming
process.
Having such a vast community. where there may be a variety of intersectional needs can
be difficult to support and prioritise to better senie the wider community.
Staff ill-health and wellbeing has impacted on proposed delivery and the timetable of
delivery
With a significant absence from staff due to ill health, development on delivery was
impacted and resulted in a service underspend.
How we have overcome these:
AOD has accessed support from a vast network of partners to ensure knowledge of the Our
Place offer is reaching the wider Disabled community.
Concerted efforts to engage the Deaf and hearing impaired, and the Blind and visually
impaired communities has been implemented with success and access to our place will
commence in 24125.
The New Our Place Space is designed with intersectional needs in mind, and it is hoped it
will attract wider community engagement.
CEO and Senior management will deliver a staff session on publicity and AOD branding.
Guided by HR and Occ Health, staff have been supported to return to work from a spell of
ill health and are now delivering with great success.
In order to achieve a successful return to work, and with agreement from funder. AOD used
the underspend to recruit part time support to the project lead, which has proven to be
productive.
W}
Above photo. Our Pla￿, Project- Music and Video Production Studio
Page | 15

Action on Disabillty
Trustees. Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Feedback:
.1 am my Uncle's Garer/support and he gave me your contact details as he has been coming
along to your coffee mornings which has really helped his mental health so thank you for
your support"
.1 didn t realise how many opportunities there were out there, until this project started
bringing them to us.:
°Our Place helped me realise the importance of utilising my skills, the importance of co-
production, and no matter how big or small, there is always something to contribute and
give back to the community .
Our Future Plans:
AOD will open the Our Place Space in July 2024.
We will increase the offer of peer led activities and opportunities
We aim to have an open-door policy from September for the Our Place Space so that the
Disabled Community have aC￿sS to a community Spa￿ all day, with access to a choice
of activities.
A publicity drive during the summer will increase knowledge of Our Place and
engagement from the West London Disabled Community.
The Steering board will be supported to understand their responsibility in sustaining the
space and the delivery of activities and opportunities.
Support to prepare a fiancé strategy for when NLRC and Propel London funding comes
to an end.
Above photo. Our Place, Project- Our Space Lounge
Page | 16

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our Voice Project - C¢>production and Disability Equality
Funded by the Trust for London, this project aims to make the 'voice' of local Disabled people
stronger, by building on the Independent Living and Coproduction training sessions run by AOD,
where 20 Disabled residents were trained to become co-producers, 35 % of whom were people
of colour. The impact of this project will result in an increased number of Disabled residents
becoming tomorrow's active co-producers, leaders, activists, influen￿rS and participators. fully
politically sensitive, engaging and working with local decision makers, commissioners,
councillors and community leaders across the Borough, achieving together for a better, inclusive
and accessible place to live, work, leam and participate by boosting the number of active
Disabled residents driving the spread of the Independent Living and the Social Model of Disability
both across all the seNices and in the community.
Our Project Outcomes:
Visibility and Support:
Aim for AOD to support 125 Disabled residents with at least 4 new user-led Coproduced
or Peer Support Groups.
Effective Campaigns:
Bring together effective campaigners, InflUen￿r5, and facilitators to join local resident-
led coproduction groups, with a target of 50 Disabled co-producers.
Training and Leadership:
Support trained co-producers to train other Disabled co-producers.
Increase the number of local Disabled leaders to step forward and work together in the
borough, with a target of 6 new Disabled Trustees, including 2 young adults, and 10
leaders representing specific impairment groups.
Above photo.. Co-production and Disability Equalify Training Session
Page117

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our 2023-24 Highlights:
The third Coproduction & Disability Equality training was a success with high attendance
and engagement.
Strengthened collaborations with various organizations, contributing to broader diversity
and inclusion efforts.
Our Challenges:
Recruitment and networking remain challenging.
Budget constraints and remuneration issues affect resource allocation.
How we have overcome these:
Enhanced our training resources and accessibility features to attract more participants.
Built stronger networks and partnerships to support our recruitment efforts.
Feedback:
Positive responses from trainees and participants highlight the value and impact of our
training sessions and collaborative projects:
'Profound gratitude to you all for the opportunity to join this iterative journey and learn so
much. The course material and resources are simply incredible. I had the joy of
experiencing moments of magic in each of the 7 sessions, moments to remember for long.
The mostimportantpart of this was the amazing sauce offolks who attended it- no intention
to minimise your hard work or contributions - that togetherness and sharing touched me
deeply on a level that cannot be put into words.
I felt I was treated as the best version of myself and this motivates me to become that kind
of person. Being nurtured in the nest for the past weeks, l am like a baby birdready to open
my wings and try to fly. Limits is the sky.,
Above photo.. Co-production and Disability Equality Training - Group Discussion
Page118

Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our Future Plans:
Continue to recruit participants for upcoming training sessions.
Expand our network and partnerships to increase community engagement and project
impact.
Welfare Benefits Advice Service
AOD Welfare Benefits Service (WBS) offers free benefits advice and assistance to Disabled
adults and children of all ages- including parents and carers of Disabled children - living in the
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The help given is hands-on casework up to First-
Tier Tribunal level, and, in some cases, Upper Tribunal level.
Our 2023-24 Highlights:
We supported 391 residents over the course of the year.
This resulted in backdated lump sum payments for residents of £354.663.48.
This represents Increased weekly payments for residents of £29.026.10.
With the expectation that welfare benefits are awarded for at least 52 weeks, the total figure
for weekly income is £1,509,356.96.
Our Challenges:
Having access to the appropriate resources to match the demands for the service has
proven difficult. The Advice contract awarded to AOD by LBHF seven years ago stills carries
the same annual value, without any uplift.
This means that the team, and the demands on them, are not matched with competitive
remuneration.
This, and the pressures from the demands on the service has led to low morale and there
have been several occasions where staff within the service considered their positions within
AOD.
The Advice contract is a partnership contract which is also delivered by CAHF and H&F
Law Centre. Although there have been requests to LBHF to facilitste adequate support
through partnership forums, this has not been backed.
Access to the service is directed by numerous routes. some of which may have access to
their own resources to provide advice. These include Adult Mental Health Services and
Health Services. Health do not contribute to the cost of this contractwhich we believe needs
to be addressed by LBHF.
The recruitment of volunteers has slowed down. and we need more volunteers to support
with the essentials of form filling.
Securing trust funding to meet the shortfall in the services annual budget is incredibly
challenging.
How we have overcome these:
We have met with LBHF Commissioners and service managers to highlight the lack of
support to deliver on the demands of this contract.
We have highlighted that the value of the contract is still as set seven years ago and that it
is not sustainable to maintain service delivery.
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Feedback:
-Fabulous serviGe. It's so refreshing to see the same adviser every time and not having to
re*xplain my situation on every visit.-
"Clear explanations eased my mind, very friendly advisors. Very happy with the service and
will definitely use it againl"
°ltre used the serw'ce for severalyears. The adwsers have an amazing knO￿dge ofDisability
benefits. EVerypi8￿ ofadvI￿ theyhave evergiven me has been spot on. IVe recommended
the service to several people over the years - none of whom have been dIsapp￿.nted-
Our Future Plans:
As part of our service delivery plan for 2024-25, we explored ways in which we could extend
our WBS across the borough and through outreach support. We commenced delivery of
outreach drop-in sessions at the 3 new LBH&F Family Hubs. They are Stephen Wiltshire
Centre (SWC), Tudor Rose centre and Old Oak community centre. Although in its infancy,
this outreach option for local Disabled residents adds to our existing outreach work with
organisations like parents Active and Queensmill School.
At a minimum. continue to explore the potential to generate SLrfficient income to cover the
deficit in annual delivery through trust fundraising.
Request increased support through the advice contract partnership, facilitated by LBHF.
Review the staffing structure and delivery model to best match the value associated with
this contract.
Recruit a skilled team of volunteers who can contribute to easing the demands on the team
within the service
artlon on
dtsabiit.
-12
aLtlon on
dlsabilfity
Above photo." AOD Youth Board presented Youth Inclusion Charter signed by H&F Council,
H&F Youth Council, Young H&F Foundation andAoD
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Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Youth Service
AOD Youth Service provides opportunities for young Disabled people aged 11-25 to participate
in positive activities, and. through partnerships, supports the development of inclusion across
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. young Disabled people have access to fun.
informal learning where they can gain new skills and challenge themselves through a varied
curriculum programme of activities, accreditation, and volunteering.
AOD Youth Service delivered 4 holiday projects (Easter, Summer, October half term Feb half
term). We also delivered 4 youth projects each term time week.
Holiday delivery amounted to 32 days with a total of 64 sessions (AM & PM) which amounts to
384 hours of activity. Our term time offers included Soundz. a 6hrs weekly music project
delivered at Lyric Hammersmith. Acting Up with AOD. a 2hrs weekly performing arts project also
delivered at Lyric Hammersmith. A weekly Youth club that ran for 3hrs every tenn time Thursday
at the Masbro Centre {Urban Partnership Group) and a 3hrs weekly Junior club delivered every
Friday at Nomand Croft School. This amounts to 120 term time sessions amounting to 420hrs
of delivery. in total, AOD Youth service delivered 184 sessions amounting to 804hrs of direct
delivery. 127 unique individual young Disabled people accessed our delivery on a regular basis.
Above photo.'AoD Youth members showcase theirdrama piece aspart of our'Acting up, Drama
project with the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith
Our 2023-24 Highlights:
AOD Youth Board accessing Coproduction training and creating a Youth Inclusion Charter.
The launch of our youth board's Youth Inclusion Charter which was signed up to by LBHF
(Cabinet Member for Children and Education, Alex Sanderson), Young Hammersmith and
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Trustees. Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Fulham Foundation (CEO, Gareth Dixon) Action on Disability (Chair, Cllr Sharon Holder)
and LBHF Youth Voice.
Securing a working parentship with West Youth Zone to ensure that any development with
the delivery of youth worf( would ensure young Disabled people have access to
opportunities as equals.
We protected several young people from harm with our multi agency approach to
safeguarding.
we provided all young people with a meal every day that they attended our holiday projects.
13 young people worked through the DofE awards scheme and 7 of those young people
achieved Gold and received their awards at 2 ceremonies held in the gardens of
Buckingham Pala￿.
We successfully delivered a one year Acting Up (Performing Arts Project) in partnership
with Lyric Hammersmith.
We delivered two tenns of a Youth club in partnership with the Urban Partnership Group at
the Masbro Centre.
We cornmen￿d and successfully delivered an LBHF sub-contract through Let Me Play to
deliver Universal, Targeted and Specialist Youth Provision.
Alx>ve photo.. AOD Youth members received the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award at
Buckingham Palace
Our Challenges:
Our Youth Service team leader went on matemity leave. which impacted on the way in
which we staff and manage project delivery.
The new sub-contract model for Youth Service delivery meant a loss of short breaks
funding, which represents a circa £30k loss per year.
Transport presented challenges due to availability of drivers with our transport provider.
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Throughout the course of 2023-24, there were 7 significant safeguarding concems raised.
In line with AOD policy and procedures, all incidents were managed accordingly.
While the Youth Inclusion Charter was a welcome initiative to measure the work that AOD
Youth Service do, and while there is a commitment from the Youth board to ensure other
partner organisations sign up to the charter, some partner organisations continue to deliver
a segregated model of inclusion.
Our Impact:
Through the delivery of our project's, young Disabled people have been thriving as equal
members of their communities and continue to aspire to their full potential.
Young Disabled people have greater interpersonal skills, increased awareness of healthy
life choices and well-being, acquired practical life skills, improved employability skills,
increased creativity, and accredited leaming outcomes.
Young Disabled people have a positive perspective of Disability, confidence to access their
communities and their wider communities, a greater understanding of social and
professional responsibility, increased self-esteem, and emotional resilience, can make
informed decisions, and have enhanced self-awareness and an awareness of others.
Young Disabled people have increased independence and economic well-being, have
gained peer support and friendships, have a greater sense of belonging and contribution,
and have improved well-being.
Case Story
Situation:
K.B. is a 14-year-old male who is on the autistic spectrum and has been ac￿SsIng our
services for the last two years. When he first began accessing our services he was withdrawn
and did not engage much in activities with his peers. However, through the various projects
he was accessing both in tenn time and during the holidays, it was observed that he was
beginning to engage in activities and fom new friendships with peers.
During the Summer holiday programme and ALrtumn term in 2023, staff began to observe
that KB was beginning to become withdrawn again and wasn't participating in activities,
choosing instead to spend more time on his phone.
Upon speaking with his mum, she did infomi staff that she was also noticing a change in his
behaviours and demeanour. She stated that there were a few weeks earlier in the yearwhere
KB did not stay at home, but instead chose to stay with other family members There was a
incident previously where KB mentioned issues at home in which social services were made
aware.
Very recently as well, in the last term, KB mother has indicated that he is no longer as
independent as he was, where he was not allowed to travel by himself at certain times due
to concerns around where he was going and who he was interacting with.
Tasks:
Youth Workers to continue to encourage KB engage in activities he enjoys.
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Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
KB to be signposted by Project Coordinator to extemal organisations to engage in
additional activities he enjoys (i.e. digital media, CFC, etc.).
Youth Workers to engage in conversations with KB both in group settings and
independently to check in with him.
Staff to encourage KB to come off his phone for periods of time and engage with peers
in activities
Outcomes:
K.B has begun to engage in new activities offered during the holidays and tem time,
including a variety of sports and cooking sessions (these are new activities he has not
participated in previously).
K.B has engaged in positive conversations with staff and peers around topics he
enjoys.
K.B has begun to regularly join in activities with little to no prompting from staff or
peers.
K.B has begun expressing how he feeling to friends and staff and has on several
occasions asked for advice on how to handle stressful situations he has encountered
(i.e. bullying at school).
KB has made new positive friendships with peers at both the holiday programme and
term time projects.
KB has won the Jack Petchey award after being nominated by peers for being a
positive role model, a good friend and someone who has participated in new activities.
K.B has improved his communication and verbal skills.
K.B has improved his social skills.
K.B has made positive relationships with peers.
K.B has begun to participate in both activities he enjoys and new activities he hasn't
done in the past.
K.B has begun to express how he is feeling positively and seeks advice from peers
and staff when he is unsure of what to do.
KB has begun to spend less time on his phone during programmes with little
encouragement from staff.
Summa
KB has attended AOD Youth Service Programmes for 2 years. At the start of that time, he
was extremely disengaged and did not want to take part in activities with peers, despite
encouragement from friends and staff. As he settled in, KB became more open and started
to engage in activities, form friendships and engage in conversations with peers. Recently in
the last several months, staff and mum have obseNed that he has begun to become more
withdrawn, instead choosing to be on his phone for most of the time. Mum has also
expressed concerns around where he was going when he was travelling independently and
who he may be interacting with during these times.
As a result, she had requested our transport service to pick him up and drop him off at home
at the start and end of programmes. With support from staff and peers, KB has begun to re-
engage in activities he enjoys and has even begun to participate in activities he has not done
in the past such as sports and cooking. He has also been making positive relationships with
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Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
new members to the youth Ser￿l¢e as well as re-engaging in friendships with peers from
before.
KB has recently been a recipient of the Jack Petchey awards, nominated by his peers for
being a positive role model, good friend and as someone who has done new activities. While
he does engage less with the phone during sessions. the phone does continue to be a main
distraction for him during programmes, as well as noted by mum at home. He does still
require some prompting from staff to participate in activities, but when encouraged he will
come off his phone for a duration of time. Staff will continue to support him in the coming
year to ensure he continues to maintain positive engagement with our services.
KB has also been signposted to outside activities from AOD for things he enjoys such as
Chelsea Football Club and digital media with the Octavia Foundation. He will also be
encouraged to participate in workshops and discussions with SASH around being safe
online, self-esteem and other topics that may benefit him.
Our Future Plans:
Deliver on all sub-contracted obligations for 2024-25. (Lead contractor- Let Me Play)
In line with strategic plans for the Youth Service for 2025 - 2028, identify and secure core
funds to deliver a comprehensive, partnership-based youth service.
Review partnership with Lyric Hammersmith and identify areas requiring improvement. This
should include securing Arts Council funding for an inclusive performing arts Project.
Secure funding for Music project delivery.
Approach Sports England for Physical activity offer for young Disabled people.
Commence delivery at West Youth Zone (Onside), review delivery partnership and
implement changes as appropriate, all with the aim of ensuring young Disabled people
have equal access.
Continue to promote young Disabled people's Youth Inclusion Charter to partner
organisations and request that they adapt delivery to ensure equal access.
Financial review
A suc￿Ssful year which ended with a surplus.
During this financial year there has not been one significant event that has contributed to
AOD'S financial performance. We have been responsive to situations as they have arisen
and have been careful to work within agreed budgets. control costs and new full cost
recovery models.
The principal sources of funding for the charity are derived from a number of different
contracts, grant awards and eamed income.
There are no pension liabilities arising from obligations to a defined benefit pension scheme
or pension asset on the financial position of the charity.
The charity holds no material financial investments, other than our reserves account held
with Lloyds Bank.
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Action on Disability
Trustses, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Reserves policy
Our unrestricted funds, as at 1st April 2024. were £324,648 in general funds. The current
reserves policy. as agreed by the Trustees, is a minimum of 25 % of annual expenditure, or 3
months running costs in the current financial year, to preserve AOD'S cash flow and to meet any
unexpected contingencies. For the year a 25 % target would require a reserve of £358,804 in
unrestricted general fvnds. The present level of free reserves of £324,648, available to the
charity, is just below this target level.
In the short tenn. the Board has also considered the extent to which existing activities and
expenditure could be curtailed, should this be necessary, and have agreed to set a balanced
year.
Going concem
There are no concems about the Charity's ability to meet all its financial and contractual
obligations in the year ahead. The charty is a going COn￿M.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Board of Trustees has conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed.
We have a Risk Register which is updated every six months. Where appropriate, systems or
procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Significant extemal
risks to funding have led to the development of a strategic plan, which will allow for the
diversrfication of funding and activities. Intemal control risks are minimised by the implementation
of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects.
Cash flow remains the greatest risk. With a number of grantslcontract funds being released in
arrears, careful planning is required. Cash flow projections enable the Chief Executive to give
advance notice to the Board of Trustees of any periods when temporary support is required from
reserves.
Regular supervision for staff and volunteers ensures Complian￿ with employment laws.
Improved intemal communication with staff and volunteers ensures everyone feels part of one
organisation. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff,
volunteers. service users and visitors to the centre.
Structure, Governance and Management
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in June 2001 and
registered as a charity in April 2002. The company was established under a Memorandum of
Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is
governed under its Articles ofAssociation. In the event ofthe company being wound up members
are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity. The Board
members have no beneficial interest in the charity.
The objects of the charity are:
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Action on Disability
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a. To prornote equality of opportunity, choice and independence by removing physical, social
and attitudinal barriers to integration within the community for people who have a physical
or sensory impairment or leaming difficulty, or who experien￿ mental health difficulties,
through the encouragement and development of education, training. facilities for recreation,
employment based on the ethos of independent living and who reside. work or are
undergoing educational or vocational training in. but not exclusively, Greater London.
b. To fulfil any other object which is deemed wholly and exclusively charitable by the laws of
England and Wales.
The issues that AOD seeks to tackle cover every part of a person's life and can affect any person
from any culture and any walk of lrfe. It covers the following. though this is by no means an
exhaustive list:
Povety
Discrimination
Lack of access, exclusion and segregation
Health inequalities and lower life expectancy
Internalised oppression
The Trustees have agreed the following strategies to ensure the charity meets both its objects
and the public benefit.
Inclusion
where possible delivering ser￿iceS inclusively in mainstream settings and
influencing other organisations (public, private and voluntary) to do the same.
Specialist services - where necessary providing tailored, specialist services for Disabled
people only.
Campaigning for equality- arguing for equality of outcome over opportunity and supporting
organisations to identify whether inclusion or specialist provision is required to achieve
equality of outcome.
The charity fulfils its objects and the public benefit requirement through the following activities:
Information, signposting and referrals - ensuring people have accurate information and are
connected with appropriate services is an essential first step to tackle the issues above.
Advice and guidance - supporting people through the complex maze of public services is
essential.
Advocacy - ensuring that people have their Vol￿ heard when they have been denied, or
are not happy with, a service.
One to one support and person-centred planning - providing direct support to tsckle
individual issues.
Employment and volunteering opportunities - providing and supporting people to access
opportunities that can lift them out of poverty and to give them a purpose.
Campaigning and influencing - working with politicians and officers in the public sector,
and directors and managers in the private and voluntary sectors, to change attitudes and
remove barriers to inclusion.
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At the first meeting after each Annual General Meeting, the Trustees will review how the charity
meets the public benefit, and the Chief Executive also takes them through their specific
responsibilities as charity Trustees. Each Trustee is provided with the location of all Charity
Commission guidance online and specific toolkits are printed and given to them.
Recruitrnent and appointment of Trustees
The directors of the company are also charity Trustees for the purposes of charity law and. under
the company's Articles, are known as members of the Board of Trustees. Under the requirements
of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the members of the Board are elected to serve
for a period of three years, after which they must be re-elected at the next AGM. Each year those
Trustees who have served their 3-year tenn must step down but may be re-elected for another
three-year terTn up to a maximum of 9 years of seniice. Temporary vacancies are filled by the
Board until the following AGM when they can be re-elected. The Board appoints its honorary
officers at its first meeting after the AGM.
The Board of Trustees represent the voice of local Disabled people and, constitutionally, 75 % of
its members must have a disability. This is an important part of our structure and one that
ensures Action on Disability remains 'user-led'.
Trustee induction and training
Most Trustees have personal experience of disability, and all subscribe to the 'Social Model of
Disability, which is the guiding principle of the organisation. However, as part of induction, all
Trustees will attend our internal Disability Equality training course.
We encourage new Trustees to participate in short training sessions to familiarise themselves
with the charity and the context within which it operates. These sessions cover:
The obligations of the Trustees.
The main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the
Memorandum and Articles.
Basic charity law.
Resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts.
Future plans and objectives for the charity.
Disability Equality Training & Social Model understanding.
The induction programme gives new Trustees an understanding of the work of individual
projects, funding of the organisation and various Chartty Commission publications. The Chair
and senior managers deliver a brief induction shortly after the AGM. Trustees are encouraged
to take an interest in a specific area of Action on Disability covering both operations and a
strategic interest in the organisation's future developments.
All Trustees serve on the Board of Trustees, which meets quarterly, to review performance and
long-term strategies for Action on Disability {AoD). The Officers Group meets at least four times
a year to ensure that the policies of AOD are implemented and that the work is properly managed.
The Trustees delegate the day to day running of the charity to the Chief Executive. He is
responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified and that key performance
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Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
indicators are met. The Chief Executive leads a team of 24 full and 3 part-time staff, 72 sessional
staff and around 15 volunteers. The leadership team ensures the effective and efficient operation
of AOD services to Disabled people with the primary focus being Hammersmith and Fulham.
Volunteers
AOD relies on volunteers to staff its reception function. They are the frontline and first contact for
people visiting, calling or emailing the charity. Individuals benefit from the role, increasing their
social contact, improving their skills and their chance of paid employment. However, the charity
could not be run effectively without these volunteers, many of whom work several shifts a week
and stay with us for years.
Like all charities, our Trustees give unpaid time to run the charity. They take the legal
responsibility for the organisation, set strategy. monitor the finances and ensure that we comply
with all regulations. Trustees take an active role in fvndraising and are each encouraged to get
involved in an area of activity.
Across the organisation our volunteers contributed well over 4,862 hours this year. If this was
calculated just at the living wage level it would equate to £63,935 per year. Many of the roles
volunteers cary out would attract salaries above the living wage.
Related parties and relationships with other organisations
The charity has a formal agreement with partner organisations Young Hammersmith & Fulham
Foundation (YHFF) and Parentsactive for Family Hub project. YHFF is the lead partner and is
responsible for all monitoring, evaluation and performance reporting to the funder. There are
agreements with all colleges that are part of our supported employment internship activities, and
outline roleslresponsibilities and funding agreements.
Statement of responsibilities of the Trustees
The Trustees confinm that the financial statements comply with current statutory requirements,
the memorandum and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice -
Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in
accordance with FRS 102.
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial yearwhich
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming
resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable
company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP,
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,
State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards and statements of recommended
practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in
the financial statements,
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the charity will continue in operation.
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Action on Disability
Trustees, Annual Report
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The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial
information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom
goveming the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation
in otherjurisdictions.
Statement as to disclosure to our audltors
Insofar as the Trustees are aware:
The￿ is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are
unaware" and
The Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to make themselves aware of any
relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
Goldwins Limited were re-appointed as the auditors of the charitable company during the year
and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.
The Trustees, Annual Report has been approved by the Trustees on 29th July 2024 and signed
on their behalf by"
Sharon Holder
Chair
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Action on Disability
Independent Auditors, Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Action on Disability (the 'Charity') forthe year ended
31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet,
statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant
accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation
is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting
Standard 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 Charity's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its
income and expenditure for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice.
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Intemational Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK))
and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the
Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are
independent of the Charity in accordan￿ 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 obtsined is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our
opinion.
Conclusions relating to golng concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees, use of the going
concem 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 concem for a period of at least twelve months from when the
financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concem are
described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other Infonnatlon
The Trustees are responsible for the other infonnation. The other information comprises the
information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditorfs
report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not coverthe other information and,
except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our rewrt, we do not express any form of
assurance conclusion thereon.
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Action on Disability
Independent Auditors, Report
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In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherNise appears to be
materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the
financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work
we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other infomation,
we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescrlbed by the Companles Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
the information given in the Trustees, report (incorporating the directors, report) for the
financial year forwhich the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial
statements; and
the Trustees, report (incorporating the directors, report) have 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 Trustees, Annual
Report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies
Act 2006 requires us to report to you rf. in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have
not been received from branches not visited by us;
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns;
certain disclosures of Trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of
our audit.
Responsibilities of the Trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees, responsibilities statement, the Trustees are responsible
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and
fair view, and for such intemal control as they detemiine 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 Charity'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 Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
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Action on Disability
Independent Auditors, Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financlal statements
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
auditorfs 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
Irregularities, including fraud. are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We
design prO￿dureS in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material
misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures
are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are set out below.
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities. including
fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. our procedures included the following:
We enquired of management, which included obtaining and reviewing supporting
documentation, concerning the charity's policies and procedures relating to:
The intemal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with
laws and regulations.
We inspected the minutes of meetings of those charged with govemance.
We reviewed the financial statement disclosures and tested these to supporting
documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls. we tested the
appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments, assessed whether the
judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias and
tested significant transactions that are unusual or those outside the normal course of
business.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all
irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or
non-compliance with regulation. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to
fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery. collusion. omission or
misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on
the Financial Reporting Council's website at: [￿VW.frc.Org.UkIaudlt0rsreSponSlb1lltleS]. This
description fonTlS part of our auditorfs report.
This report is made solely to the Charity's members. as a body, in accordan￿ with Chapter 3 of
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit wort( has been undertaken so that we might state
to the Charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditorfs report
and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent penmitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the Charity's members as a body, for our audit work. for this
report, or for the opinions we have fomed.
Page | 33

Action on Disability
Independent Auditors, Report
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Anthony Ep
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of
Goldwins Limitsd
statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
75 Maygrove Road
West Hampstead
London NW6 2EG
DATE:
G tèLLP
Page134

Action on Disability
ststement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Restricted Unrestricted
2024 Restrlctod Unrestricted
Total
2023
Total
Notes
Income from:
Donations and
fundraising
7.582
7.582
532
6,409
6,941
Charitsble activities:
Disability projects
714,544
632,012
1,346,556
552,838
555.195
1.108,033
Total Incom•
714,544
639.594
1,354,138
553,370
561.604
1,114,974
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Disability projects
{460)
(460)
(5,049)
(5,049)
(697,124)
{555,254) (1,252,378) {543,945) (469,610) (1,013,555)
Total expenditure
3 (697.124)
(555,714) (1,252,838) {543,945) (474.659) (1,018,604)
Net income I
(expendlture) for the year
Transfers between funds
17,420
83,880
101,300
9.425
86,945
96.370
136,718
(136,718)
Net movement In
funds
17,420
83.880
101.300
146,143
(49,773)
96,370
Funds at 1 Aprll
263,578
400,181
663,759
117,435
449,954
567.389
Funds at 31 March
280,998
484,061
765,059
263,578
400.181
663,759
All of the above results are derived from continuing aGtivities. There are no other recognised gains and losses
other than those stated above.
Page135

Action on Disability
Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Not¢8
Fixed as8•ts
Tangible fixed assets
192,381
171,068
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
171,392
590.463
219,428
501.453
761,855
720,881
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
(189,177)
(228,190)
Net current assets
572,678
492,691
Net assots
10
765,059
663,759
Funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
11
280,998
263.578
159,413
324,648
82,655
317,526
Total funds
765,059
663,759
Approved by the Board of Trustees on
and signed on its behalf by:
Sharon Holder, Chalr
Company Registration No. 4237604
Page | 36

Action on Disability
Statement of Cashflows
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Note
2024
2024
2023
2023
Not cash provided by l (used in)
op•ratlng activities
13
139,326
90,388
Cash flows from investing activities:
Interesv renu dividends from
investments
Salel (purchase) of fixed assets
Salel (purchase) of investments
1,030
113
(51,346)
(70,131)
Cash provided by l (used in)
investing activities
(50,316)
(70,018)
Cash fiows from financing
activities:
Cash inflows from new borrowing
Receipt of endowment
Cash provided by l (used in)
financing activities
Change In cash and cash equivalents in the
year
89,010
20,370
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the year
501,453
481,083
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the year
14
590.463
501,453
Page | 37

Action on Disability
Notes to the Financlal Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting policies
a) The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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
2015) - {Charities SORP FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The charitable company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities
are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant
accounting policy or note.
b) Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control
over the item or re￿iVed the service. any conditions associated with the donation have been met. the receipt
of economic benefrt from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be
measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), volunteer time is not recognised so
refer to the Truslees. annual report for more information about their contribution.
c} Grants are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the period in which they are received or
re￿1vable whichever is earlier. Grants received which are clearly specified for a future accounting period are
shown as deferred.
d) Grants for the purchase of fixed assets are credited to restricted incoming resources when receivable.
Depreciation of fixed assets purchased with such grants is charged against the restricted fund. Where a fixed
asset is donated to the charity for its own use, it is treated in a similar way to a restricted grant.
Expenses are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. Most expenditures include VAT which
cannot be recovered.
e) Expenses are allocated to the particular activty where the cost relales directly to that activity. However, the
cost of overall direction and administration of each activty. comprising the salary and overhead costs of the
central function, is apportioned on the following basis which are an estimate, based on staff time, of the
amount attributable to each activity.
Disability projects
Fundraising and publicity
98%
Depreciation and amortisation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its
expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows..
Computer equipment
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Intangible assets
2 years 15 years (straight line)
200/0 (straight line)
over 10 years
Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £500. Depreciation costs are allocated
to activities on the basis of the use of the related assets in those activities.
g) Cost of generating funds relate to the costs incurred by the charity in inducing others to make voluntary
contributions to it.
h) Restricted funds are to be used for specrfic purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets
these criteria is charged to the fund together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.
i} Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the
charity.
j) Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Board of Trustees for a particular purpose.
Page138

Action on Disability
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting pollcles (contlnuod)
k} Rentals payable under operating leases, where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership remain
with the lessor, are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight4ine basis, based on the
length of the lease.
l) The company contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held
separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge
represents contributions payable under the scheme by the charity to the fund The company has no liability
under the scheme other than for the payment of those contributions.
m} The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to
continue as a going concern. No key judgements have been made by the charitable company which have
significant effect on the accounts. The Trustees do not consider that there are sny sources of estimation
uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.
Page | 39

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Action on Disability
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
4 Net incomingl (outgoing) resources for the year
This is stated after charging I crediting..
2024
2023
Depreciation
Auditors, remuneration
30.033
4.800
20,815
4.250
s Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
2024
2023
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension contributions
Sessional and temporary workers
Other people costs
761,436
62,700
16,959
37,314
36,927
915.336
629.739
49.854
16,059
35,945
24.442
756,039
No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year.
The total employee benefrts including pension contributions of the key management personnel were £57,028
(2023: £57,000).
The average number of employees during the period was as follows:
2024
No.
2023
Disability services and projects
Support services
37
33
35
6 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable
purposes.
Page | 42

Action on Disability
Notes to the Flnanclal Ststements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
7 Tangibl• fixèd
assets
Lea9ehold
Improvements
& Office rrt out
Fixturès,
fittlngs &
equipment
Intanglbles
Computer
equlpment
Total
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
13,841
14,591
110,665
39,750
15,723
60,361
21,032
224,617
51,346
28,432
110,665
55,473
81,393
275,963
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the
period
Adjustment
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
1.456
1,508
5,016
5,533
10,129
8,077
36.948
14.915
53,549
30,033
63
(63)
2,964
10,549
18.269
51,800
83,582
Net book value
At 31 March
2024
25,468
100,116
37,204
29,593
192,381
At 31 March
2023
12,385
105,649
29,621
23,413
171,068
8 Debtors
2024
2023
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other debtors
35,225
45,994
90,173
171.392
26,734
40,373
152,321
219,428
9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Taxation and social security
Other taxes
other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
(3,468)
11.334
20,051
2,480
158,780
189,177
(8.913)
8.421
11.473
1,008
214.201
228,190
Page | 43

Action on Disability
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
10 Analysis of net assets between funds
For th• y•ar ended 31 March 2024
Restricted
funds
Designated
funds
General
funds
Total
funds
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at the end of the year
192,381
321,444
(189,177)
324648
192,381
761,855
{189.177)
765,059
280,998
159.413
280.998
159,413
For th• year •nded 31 March 2023
(prior year)
Restricted
funds
Designated
funds
General
funds
Total
funds
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at the end of the year
171,068
374,648
(228,190)
317,526
171,068
720,881
{228,190)
663.759
263.578
82,655
263,578
82,655
11 Movements In funds
Asat1
April
2023
Income
Expenditur•
Transfers
Inl(out)
Asat31
March
2024
Restricted funds:
Fund raising
Support Service
Employment Service
Youth Service
Welfare Benefrts Service
Capital Building
Independent Living Service
Total restrlcted funds
25,000
24,218
10,519
105,000
98,841
441
231,290
94,789
(5,441)
(244,779)
(104.436)
(5.868)
(336.600)
(697,124)
20,000
10,729
872
99,132
150,265
280,998
388,024
714,544
263,578
Page144

Action on Disability
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Deslgnated funds:
Fund raising
Support Service
Employment Service
Youth Service
Welfare Beneflts Service
Independent Living Service
Capital Fund
Total designated funds
7,582
46,645
547.834
35,230
(460)
(4,278)
(513,443)
{35,230)
(7,122)
42,367
71,986
37.595
2.303
(2.303)
45,060
82,655
45,060
159,413
639,594
{555,714)
(7,122)
General funds
317,526
7,122
324,fA8
Total unrestricted funds
400,181
639,594
(555,714)
484,061
Total funds
663,759
1.354,138
(1,252,838)
765,059
Movements In funds
(prior year)
Asat1
April
2022
Income
Expendlture
Transfers
inl(out)
Asat31
March
2023
Restrlcted funds:
Support Service
Employment Service
Youth Service
Welfare Benefits Service
Capital Building
Independent Living Service
Total r￿tricted funds
2.632
34,376
239,285
88,220
(2,632>
(45,320)
(279,530)
(97,444>
10,944
40,245
16,243
25.000
24,218
3,500
105,000
121,000)
(136,718)
25.000
24,218
10,519
105,000
98,841
263,578
50,003
117,435
188,857
553,370
(119.019)
(543,945)
Deslgnated funds:
Fund raising
Support Service
Employment Service
Youth Service
Welfare Benefits Service
Independent Living Service
Capital Fund
Totsl designated funds
(5,049)
(47,9751
(395.717)
(5,651)
4,863
30,867
{25,000)
{15,226)
(3,500}
{10,075)
{105,000)
(123,071)
17.108
458.312
20.877
3.500
10,075
51,546
561,604
37,595
118,781
118,781
(20.267)
(474,659)
45,060
82,655
General funds
331,173
449,954
(13,647)
{136,718)
317.526
Total unrestrlcted funds
561,604
(474,659)
400.181
Total funds
567,389
1.114,974
{1,018,604)
663.759
Page145

Action on Disability
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
12. Purposes of restricted and designated funds
Support S•rvl¢es
To provide management and administration of the organisations and the
provision of welfare rights and information service, trust application and
events fundraising.
Capltal Project
The AOD Centre for Independent Living is a newly built, accessible, ground
floor space (opened in the summer of 2022} which will include supported
community activities. peer support groups, confidential interview rooms, a
conference I training room and a community garden project.
Employment Service
To assist Disabled people towards employment - through internships in
partnership wtth businesses, schools and colleges as a route to paid work.
Youth Service
To provide a range of leisure, social and educational opportunities for young
Disabled people throughout the year in inclusive environments and settings.
Advocacy Servlces
To provide a single point of access to advocacy services for those eligible
for or in receipt of adult social care services in the London Borough of
Hammersmith and Fulham, delivered in partnership with MIND and
MENCAP.
Welfare Benefits Services
To provide welfare benefits advice and support - to tribunal level. DLA. PIP
& AA form filling support for Disabled people. Local authority fijnded children
and families and adult services.
Indep•nd•nt Living
Servlce
To provide a service aimed at bringing Disabled people together to offer
mutual support around all aspects of their lives. while sharing activities
around common interests such as Direct Payments, IT, Knitting and Healthy
Lrfestyles.
13 Reconciliation of nat income l (expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities
2024
2023
Net movement in funds for the reporting perlod
Depreciation
Interest. rent and dividends from investments
{Increasey decrease in debtors
Increase l (decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by l (used in) operating activities
101.300
30.033
{1,030)
48.036
(39,013)
139.326
96,370
20,815
{113)
(121,280)
94,596
90.388
14 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
At1
April
2023
Cash flows
Other
changes
At31
March
2024
Cash at bank and in hand
Overdraft facility (repayable on demand)
Total cash and cash equlvalents
501,453
89.010
590,463
501,453
89,010
590.463
Page | 46

Action on Disability
Notes to the Financial Ststements
Forthe year ended 31 March 2024
15 Operatlng lease commitments
The charty had annual commitments at the year*nd under non-cancellable operating leases expiring as
follows-
Equipment
2024
Equipment
2023
Within 2 to S years
16 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions during the year.
Page | 47