action on disability Life beyond barriers A Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 4237604 Charlty No. 1091518 Report and financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025
Action on Disability Report and financlal statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Contents Page Reference and administrative infonnation Trustees, Annual Report 2-22 Achievements and perfomiance Financial review Structure, govemance and management ststement of responsibilities of the Trustees statement as to disclosure to our auditors Independent Auditors. Report 23-26 Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) 27 Balance Sheet 28 Statement of Cashflows 29 Notes to the Financial Statements 30-38
Action on Disability Report and flnancial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Reference and administrative information Trustees: Sharon Holder (Chair) Kate Betteridge Thomas Butler Donna Fenner Mike Gannon Jack Hill Mustsfa Karim Naomi Key-Field Greg Patton Jenny Parker Ash ley Pearce Cowopted Adviser: Patrick Mcveigh Company Secretary: David Buxton OBE Chief Executive: David Buxton OBE Company number: 4237604 Charty number: 1091518 Registered office: Centre for Independent Living, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Atlee Court, London SW6 7BF Audltors: Goldwins Limited 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG Bankers Lloyds Bank 417 Noth End Road Fulham London, SW6 1NS Page11
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Trustees Annual Report 2024-25 The Trustees are pleased to present the Annual Report and Accounts for the year 1st April 2024 to 31 st March 2025. Our Vislon To achieve an inclusive and accessible society, free from disabling barriers. Our Mission To ensure that Deaf and Disabled Londoners have independence, choice, and control over our own lives, and can influence and change the disabling barriers we experience. Our Values and what makes us unique We have been progressing towards our vision since 1979. We began as a small group of Disabled residents campaigning for access to local swimming pools and public toilets. As we have broadened our seniices, activities and influence, the values that guide us and give Action on Disability its unique character are: Human Rlghts: We believe every Deaf and Disabled person's life shou Id be defined by h uman rights ratherthan by charity We follow the principles of the UN Convention of the Rights of Disabled People and 12 Pillars of Independent Living We actively promote everyone getting fair, equitable and accessible opportunities which enable independence Social Model of Disabilty: We work within the Social Model of disability This model recognises that people are Disabled by barriers in society, not by their impaimients or differences Lived Experience Leadershlp and Co-production: We stand for 'Nothing about us. without us.. That means Deaf and Disabled people should be fully involved in leading change We lead by example in this as an organisation govemed and run by Deaf and Disabled people. We do this well because we have lived experience of Deaf and Disabled people's issues We believe in coproduction. That means local Deaf and Disabled people should be involved in local decision making, and actively part of designing solutions to local problems and issues Partnership and Collaboratlon: 1 UNCRPD 2 In ualit humanri hts.co RPD Vi in Disabilit Ri hts UK and H&F Inde endent Ltvin uit Divetsi and In I sion-makin sense of the a on 81 f Disabilit Video and The Social l Human Ri hts Mode rsion uas8nse 4So Page12
Action on Disability Trustees. Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 We work closely with the local community of Deaf and Disabled people; peer support groups; families; local communities; and groups working with other marginalised people We collaborate with other Deaf and Disabled people led organisation s (DDPOS) around London and beyond We believe we are stronger together. This is a more effective way of influencing change getting closer to our vision Inclusion, Diversity and understanding trauma: We actively embrace justice, dign ity and respect within our organisation and wider community We value the diversity of our commu nity. We work sensitively, knowing people will experience trauma because of interseclional5 forms of discrimination such as ableism, racism, sexism, and homophobia We believe in empowering Deaf and Disabled people and grou ps who are less visible and under-represented inside and outside of Action on Disability Action on Disabilty stands for: Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Access- this is our IDEA for the futu 1 Strategic Objective 1 Engage Deaf and Disabled People in our community through a range of high quality and accessible services and su pport. Strategic Objective 2 Enable Deaf and Disabled people to thrive and use their strengths through opportu nities to bu ild knowledge and skills and gain experience and confidence in accessing rights and opportunities. Grow Deaf and Disabled leaders of social change: challenging systemic barriers, promoting the rights of Deaf and Disabled people, and influencing local an d national policy and practice. Lead by example.. providing evidence of Deaf and Disabled people's strengths and ability to lead change as an effective Deaf and Disabled people led organisation. Achievements and performance 2024.25111 5 What is Intersectionali Vide Page13
Action on Disability Trustees. Annual Report Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 Employment SeNice This year is our 12th anniversary since we launched a new small employment project to support 12 young Disabled people and also to providejob club to support Disabled residents to look forwork. Looking back over the past 12 years, as a resu It of this, AOD have supported a total of 642 Disabled people finding paid employment, 21 % of them furthering their career progression and promotion, 790/0 of them currently wothing. This year, AOD Employment Service continues to provide three different projects: Supported Internships. 133 hou rs a week to provide job coaching and employer engagement for 17 Disabled young people at 2 different sites Follow on Support Service; and 30 hours a week to support ex-graduates Disabled people to look for paid employment In Work Support Service. 216 hours a week job support and coaching to Disabled workers at different work locations across Greater London 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 consultstion and train ing. 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: Building 245 Hammersmith Holiday Inn Imperial College London, Charing Cross Imperial College London University London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Nandos National Theatre NHS Pret Primark Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea London Borough of Ealing Our 2024-25 Highlights: 13 graduate intems supported by our Supported Employment Coordinators are now in paid employment 39 ex-graduate intems are being supported by our Follow up Coordinator in finding paid employment 31 Disabled people in paid employment are being supported by AOD'S In Work Support Serrfice Page14
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Case Story- Kabir's Supported Internship Journey Kabirjoined the Kensington and Chelsea Supported Intemship programme because '1 needed to develop my employability skills to prepare for my future job ... especlally rf you may have been excluded fmm apprenticeships or traineeships ... none would get back to me,. Kabir was keen to pu rsue tech nical and supportive roles where he cou Id assist other deaf people but felt unable to do so due to his own barriers- he had previously sought support for his impaimient. During his first placement- he worked as a Business Support Officer in Kensington and Chelsea councils Children's seNices. Due to the pandemic, this was a remote role. Kabir wished to develop h is data-processing skills during this time and spent most of this placement updating a database of disability-confident employers in the local area. Other aspects of his role involved co-production. Kabir investigated access issues with the local offer's website, gave h is opinion on how deaf people could access th e material on the site, as well as otherfunctionalities he believed the site should consider. Kabir discussed perfomiance pressures with his job coach - where he found regular meetingstiring butwanted to show his hearing colleagues and mentors that he was presenv paying attention during those meetings, alongside other issues such as ergonomic issues (strain signing on screen whilst using a keyboard). Kabirfs job coach worked with him to develop better ergonomics and h is self-advocacy skills to discuss with h is workplace mentors about what reasonable adjustments he would requ ire as a deaf autistic person to do his job remotely. The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on an employer to make reasonable adjustments for Disabled employees. By the second term Kabir negotiated to have bu Ilet-pointed notes of meetings sent to him, a detachable keyboard and a change in his role (titled: SEND Local Offer Officer in Employment Pathways and Participation) to focus primarily on co-produced tasks. Action on Disability staff also negotiated a 'check-in' system and a timetsble with planned in screen-time an d ergonomic breaks to elevate these issues that were causing Kabiranxiety. During this time, Kabir created a 'deaf friendly, video on his experience as a deaf studenl and why he chose to join a su pported internship programme - for the purposes of infoming other deaf students of vocational programmes. Kabir also enrolled on a business enterprise workshop, where he developed a business plan and a website for a deaf studentsupport service wh ich matches students with the appropriate support, they require to complete a chosen course (including BSL). Once Kabir has completed the supported intemship programme, he's considering a paid IT apprenticeship role within the council - developed by his workplace mentors for Kabir to continue developing his IT skills whilst in paid employment. Kabir wou Id prefer to complete functional skills to Level 2 next year, however he has a dependant, and he needs to evidence £18,600 eamings as a home-office requirement. Page15
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Kabir is currently working with Action on Disability staff to find full-time paid employment and assistance to setu p Access to Work arrangements once in-woth. "It was pleasant speaking with Kabir at team meetlngs and we value his positive contributions to the pmject ..- he was very Pmwactive with hls approach to the tssks we were working on togetherf.. Marianna, Kensington and Chelsea Register Office Our Future Plans.. Seek new key partner(s) to expand more Supported Intemship sites with ou r Follow-on Su pport Seniice 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 a great need to fund a Follow-up and Support project Independent Living Service Independent Living Service has gradually grown from strength to strenglh over the last 9 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 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 Co-production and Disability Equallty Project Providing train ing and support to local Disabled residents to become co-producers London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham contracted AOD to provide the Direct Payment Su pport Service <DPSS} to assist local Disabled residents to manage their D1ct 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 w01ng logether in an active way to co- plan, co-deliver and co-review Ihe seDiice. We believe that a good Direct Payment Support Service should promole choice, control, and independence for Disabled residents, and that their views should infom our seNice delivery every step of the way. The Direct Payment Support Service assists Dlsabled resldents to: Page16
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report Forlhe year ended 31 March 2025 Set up their Direct Payments. Recruit and employ their own support stsff. Find a suitable payroll service and manage their stsff or identify a suitable care agency or provider. Manage their Direct Payment budget. Be signposted to other organ isations 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 th rough the Peer Su pport Grou p. Our Project Outcomes: Disabled residents are enabled to optimise Ihe 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 ach ieve greater independence with minimal support. Disabled residents have improved quality of life. Our 2024.25 Highllghts: We received 168 referrals, the majority of which were from LBHF (Circa 92 % ) the other 80/0 were made up of self-referrals. We provided support th rough 389 phone calls, 107 face-to-face meetings and 1,421 emails. On average and throughout the year the DPSS team were su pporting 88 residents at any one time at different stsges of the Direct Payment process. The most common request for support from the DPSS was focused on Employer Support. We delivered and su pported access to 10 training and information sessions for residents or their representatives wh ich had 118 attendances in totsl. We facilitated 28 peer group sessions with a total 196 attendances, with an average attendance of 38 residents or Iheir representstives each quarter. We delivered 6 training sessions to LBHF Social Workers with a total of 70 attendances. By the end of February 2025, AOD had recruiled a full team to deliverthe serrfice. The team are now motivated and committed, and generating excellent testimony from residents wh ich reflects very well on AOD. Through stskeholder operational meetings AOD implemented a service action plan to ensure the work we do aligns with the needs of Disabled residents With the Peer support group, developed a strategy to recruit an independent peer group facilitator and contin ue to increase engagement from Disabled r8sidents. Our Challenges: How we have overcome these: Recruiting an independent peer group facilitstor to increase engagement from Disabled residents, has proven a challenge, however we have now implemented a recruitsnent Page17
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For Ihe year ended 31 March 2025 plan and have secreted interest in the role from 3 Disabled residents, who will go through a competitive recruilment process led by Disabled residents. Recruiting and retaining stsff was challenging this year. but by early 2025 we had built a full, motivated team delivering a highquality seniice. Administrative su pport, which would improve communications to personal assistants and self-directed support residents, support the increased demands from the DP Peer Support Group, and promote training and infomiation-sharing activities will require additional human resou rce. A review of budgets will be required to confim resources to add this role to the service. Feedback: AOD DPSS service received two complaints throughout the year. One focused on a pay issue to a PA and the other relating to the impartiality of an information session organised by the peer support group. "I look forward to another exciting year with directpayments and AOD and look foward fo lots of lovely courses that will help the direct payment users, keep well infonned and trained" Our Futurn Plans: AOD will continue to implement a Servi action plan to ensu the work we do aligns with the needs of Disabled residents. AOD will review the stsffing structure within the DPSS to ensure the service is delivering the best service 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 en hance 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. AOD will recruit an independent peer group facilitator and increase engagement from Disabled residents. AOD will commence the process of being tenderready as we draw towards the end of this current contract. Page18
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 r Place Project Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (Reaching Communities) and Propel London managed by the City Bridge Foundation, 'Our Place, is a commu n ity space for Disabled people in Hammersmith and Fulham. The 'Our Place, project is located at Normand Croft Commun ity School, Lillie Road, across the road from the newly built AOD Centre for Independent Living. This reflects AOD'S continued growth and commiknent 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. Keyto this initiative is ensuring Disabled people have significant ownership of 'Ou r Place., from participating in peer support groups and activilies to being involved in operational delivery. By focuslng on four key outcomes, Disabled people can achieve their full potential: To facilitate a space inclusive to all, and equ ipped with purpose designed rooms e.g. Music Studio, Dance Studio, Art Room, Sensory Room & Lounge Spa A home away from home, a safe space to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and a space for meeting and gathering to socialise and meet new people. To facilitate exciting opportu nities that Disabled residents can lead on, empowering the community to be involved In the running of Ihe Our Place Project To create a long-lasting effectfor the wider community of Disabled residents across West London. Our 2024-25 Highlights: Focused activity and peer led sessions delivered: 335 All attendances (accumulative): 2,075 by 180 regu lar unique individuals The official open ing was carried out in July and was conducted by the Deputy Mayor for LBHF, with all stakeholders present and represented. We completed a full refurbishment of the kitchen Spa thanks to a donation from Screw Fix. We have and continue to be led by Disabled residents to create peer led activity opportunities at Our Place, with a significant increase in the nu mbers of Disabled people leading on project activity. We have created a fully trained access audit group who will complete audits to generate essential income for the Ou r Place costs, to ensure sustainability. 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. The National Lottery Commu nity Fund provided an uplift to our grant to support with access needs for particular peer led projects. Page19
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Our Challenges: staffing had an impact on the wider organisation and on consistent seNice delivery, however, the AOD stsff team provided great flexibility to ensure residents were not impacted upon. We also had a great deal of support wh ich we remain grateful for, from ou r funders. The process to secure volunteers to support with the practical operations of Our Place has lacked a consistent approach as wider initiatives across AOD continue to be implemented Supporting the project lead proved difficult at times due to competing priorilies across AOD, but we have used this as an opportunity to review and strengthen our approach. Providing agreeable support and resources to activity grou ps has led to inconsistency and interru ption to activity delivery (Writing Group and West London Deaf Club). How we have overcome these: AOD has provided the West London Deaf Club with its own budget to allow it to be autonomous, with guidance from AOD. The participants of Ihe writing group have agreed to take responsibility for meeting the costs of delivery. The National Lottery Community Fund provided an uplift to our grant to support access needs for peer led projects AOD service leads who recruit volu nteers have been working together to create a centralised volunteer recruitment process which should address the needs of all volunteering opportunities at AOD, including a filtering process to meet the needs of Our Pla The project leader decided to leave AOD which has provided us with an opportunity to reflect on and improve recruitment, to ensure a more consistent reliable project delivery. AOD continues to access its vast network of partners to ensure a wide reach to the Disabled Feedback: "l am so happy to find a music studio that prioritises Disabled music artists" "I love that I have the place and time to socialize with my new friends.. ur Place really does get me out of the house. I love IY. Our Future Plans: Identify funding for the long-term futur8 of Our Place. Generate revenue stream from rental of the Our Place spaces and building. Access Audit Group operational to generate income lo cover costs of Our Implement a structured regular program of activitiès which has a wide reach to engage more Disabled residents. Continue to aspire to a 74ay activity and resource hub. Increase engagement of Disabled volunleer residents. Implement a comms strategy that raises the profile of Our Place, which will include online platforms, videos and leaflets. • increase our nebNorking with other DPO'S & and community hubs. Page | 10
Action on Disability Trustees. Annual Report Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 Implement an open4oor approach for Our Place Space so it reflects the hours of opening for the commu n ity who access the project. Welfare Benefits Advice Service AOD Welfare Ben efits Service (WBS) offers free benefits advice and assistance to Disabled adults and children of all ages- including pants and carers of Disabled children - living in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The help given is hands-on casework up to First-rier Tribunal level, and, in some cases, Upper Tribunal level. Our 202445 Highlights: We supported 416 residents overthe course of the year. This resulted in backdated lump sum payments for residents of £247,614.51. This represents Increased w8ekly payments for residents of £27.718.03. With the expectation that welfare benefits are awarded for at least 52 weeks, the total figure for weekly income is £1,441,337.56. Our Challenges: Having access to the appropriate resources to match the demands for th e service has proven difficult. The Advice contract awarded to AOD by LBHF has remained at the same annual value for eight years, which has presented challenges in meeting increasing demand. This means that the team, and the demands on them, are not matched with competitive remuneration. The pressure of increasing demand and limited resources were challenging, and one member of the team moved on during the year. We responded by recruiting a new advisor who has made a positive impact. 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 wh ich 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 contract wh ich we believe needs to be addressed by LBHF. We did not crUIt any volunteers, who can supportwith the essentials of fonn filling. Securing trustfunding to meetthe shortfall in the services annual budget is incredibly challenging. In partnersh ip with LBHF family hubs, we 8Stablished that the drop-in sessions delivered at Old Oak and Tudor Rsoe were not proving impactfu I for Disabled residents, so we collectively agreed to focus ou r drop-ins at Stephen Wiltshire only twice a month. We submitted a 3SIF funding application to invest in further outreach work by the awarding of new 3SIF work was withdrawn by LBHF. Page | 11
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 How we have overcome these: AOD recruited a new Welfare Benefits Advisor for Adults who has settled into the service, the team and AOD very well and has had a significant positive impact on Ihose adult residents seeking high quality, responsive and knowledgeable advice. 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 eight years ago and that it is not sustainable to maintain service delivery. AOD secured a grant from DEBK to the value of £8k to meel some of the annual shortfall in the WBS budget. We have meet with HF Law Centre and HF Citizens advice to reinvigorate a strong partnership that is responding to the needs of residents. Feedback: he seThiGe helped me get all the help I can get with both boys. This service they provide is life changing. "I received help wth completing fonns th supporting evidence. Plus, guidance on the process and the likelihood of the appeals prOS$' "l use AOD Welfare Benefit SeNice formy PIP forms. We had to do a Mandatory Reconsideration on my case, which was handled so professionally. The staff were a delightl Competent, professional, understanding and caring towards myself and mum, also especially, our task ahead. And we wonl Got my original award reinstated, we were so relievedl Ever so reassured to have AOD available to help us, such a valuable & much appreciated service. Thank you" Our Future Plans: We will continue to engage with the advice pathership to ensure we are tender ready, when the 3SIF Advice contract comes to an end in 2028. In pathership with H&F Law Centre, we will provide a one day a week placement for a trainee solicitor to work with our WBS and Disabled residents. Continue to explore the potential to generate sufficient income to cover any forecast deficit in annual delivery through trust fundraising. Requesl 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 with in the service AOD Youth servi provides opportunities for Disabled young people aged 11-25 to participate in positive activities, and, through partnerships, supports the development of inclusion across London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Disabled young people have access to fun, informal leaming where they can gain new skills and challenge themselves through a varied Page112
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 curriculum programme of activities, and progression through accreditation schemes like the DofE. AOD Youth SeNice delivered 4 holiday projects (Easter, Summer, October half term Feb half temi). 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. Ou r term time offers included Soundz, a 4h rs weekly music project delivered at Our Place Music Space. Acting Up with AOD, a 2h rs weekly performing arts project delivered at Lyric Hammersmith. A weekly Youth club that ran for 3hrs every term time Thursday at the Masbro Centre (Urban Pathership Group) and a 3hrs weekly Junior club delivered every Friday at Normand Croft School. This amou nts to 120 temi time sessions amounting to 420hrs of delivery. In lotsl, AOD Youth serrficedelivered 184 sessions amounting to 804 hours of direct delivery. 148 unique individual young Disabled people accessed our delivery on a regular basis. Our 2024.25 Highlights: On the back of the youth Inclusion Charter, ouryouth Board commenced work to develop a film highlighting how they wanted to change the world to include them and their peers as equals. The film was premiered at an event in the Irish Centre to mark National Coproduction week. Continued to work with a verity of partners including West Youth Zone, Lyric Hammersmith, Masbro Centre, and YHFF to ensure Ihat any development with the delivery of youth work would ensure young Disabled people have access to opportunities as equals. We protected several you ng people from harm with our multi agency approach to safeguarding. We provided all young people with a meal every day that they attended ou r holiday projects. 14 you ng people worked through the DofE awards scheme and 5 of those young people achieved Gold and received their awards at a ceremony held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. We successfully delivered a one year Acting Up (Performing Arts Project) in partnership with Lyric Hammersmith. We delivered a weekly Youlh club in partnershipwith the Urban Partnership Group atthe Masbro Centre. We delivered a weekly music production project called Sou ndz and Our Place Music Space. We delivered a weekly Junior club atthe Our Place Youth Space. We delivered four holiday projects at critical times for families in partnership with West Youth Zone. We delivered an LBH F su b-contract through Let Me Play to deliver Universal. Targeted and Specialist Youth Provision. We delivered a weekly Music production project called Soundz, funded by Earls Cout Community Fund. We secu red £250k from John Lyons Charity towards the core costs of the youth serrfice over 5 years. Page113
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 We secured a grant from Addison Youth to continue delivery of our Soundz Music Project. 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. You ng 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*steem, 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. Our Challenges: Ou r Youth Service team leader went on matemity leave, which impacted on the way in which we staff and manage project delivery. Throughoutthe course of 2024-25, there were 6 significantsafeguarding 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 thatAoD Youth Service do, and while there is a commitment from the Youth board to ensu re other partner organisations sign u p to the charter, some partner organisations continue to deliver a segregated model of inclusion. The 5-year core fu nding from City Bridge Foundation will come to an end in July 2025. To ensure consistent delivery, we approached for funding to a number of the charitable trusts and foundations, all of which were unsucSsfU l. Our Future Plans: Deliver on all sub-contracted obligations for 2025-26. In line with strategic plans for the Youth Service, identify and secure core funds to deliver a comprehensive, partnership-based youth service. (This includes potential approaches to Henry Smith and National Lottery Reaching Communities, amongst others). Explore partnership arrangements with all partners and identify areas requiring improvement. This should include partnership funding opporlunities. Develop and implement a term time youth offer with Young Harrow Foundation, London and Borough of Harrow, supported by John Lyons Charity. Continue to promote young Disabled people's Youth Inclusion Charter to pather organisations and request that triey adapt delivery to ensure equal access. Page | 14
Action on Disability Trustees. Annual Report Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 Our Voice Ourvoice is the heartbeat of Action on Disability - without it, AOD wou Id lose the energy and direction that comes from our Disabled members, su pporters, and residents. Ou r Voice drives confidence, skills, and leadership among Disabled residents in Hammersmith & Fulham and beyond. It brings together a range of projects, campaigns, and opportun ities for local representation, co-production, collaborative working. and meaningful participation. Ou r Voice ensu res that local Disabled people can actively influence decisions, policies, and sericeS that affect their lives. Co*roduction & Dlsabllty Equality Training In 2024-25, we delivered full Co-produclion and Disability Equality training cours8S: Course 4 supported 21 Disabled residents across 7 sessions, totalling 147 attendances Course 5 supported 20 Disabled residents across 6 sessions, totalling 110 attendances The training introduces participants to the Social Model of Disability, the 12 Pillars of Independent Living, and practical approaches to embedding coproduction. Sessions are cofacilitated by Disabled trainers and guest speakers from local authorities and NHS partners. Feedback shows participants gained confidence, developed a stronger understanding of their rights, and felt motivated to get involved in decision making. Many graduates have joined the Co-production Peer Support Group and contributed to live projects with the Council and NHS partners. The Co-production Peer Su pport Group continues to grow as a vibrant community of local coproducers. The group now has more than 80 members and holds regular sessions to share opportunities, su pport one another, and collaborate on projects with H&F Council and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. In 2024-25, the grou p held 10 sessions with 201 attendances. Alongside training and peer support, we delivered a series of engagement projects, including: Accessibility evaluation at Charing Cross Hospital Intemational Women's Day celebration: Empowered Women Contributions to the H&F Coproduction Survey Engagement in the Equality Delivery System (EDS2) review for NHS partners Across all Our Voice activities this year, 94 local Disabled residents took part in 20 sessions, generating 306 attendances. Our 2024-25 Hlghllghts Page | 15
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Over 300 attendances from local Disabled residents across all Our Voice projects More than 80 active members regu larly engaged in the Coproduction Peer Support Group Two full training cohorts delivered- over 100 local Disabled coproducerstrained since the project began Strong and growing partnershipswith H&F Council and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Creation of a sustainable, peer led community driving meaningful participation and influence in local decision making Feedback "This course has changed how I see myself - I feel proud to be Disabled and to speak up for our rights." _ Coproduction Course Participant "I neverthought people like me could be part of decision making. Now I know we can and we must."_ Peer Support Group Member 'Being part of Our Voice makes me feel seen, valued, and included. I feel I belong somewhere at last." _ Our Voice Participant Dlsabled People's Housing for Independent Living Campaign Funded by Trustfor London, the Housing for Independent Living Campaign was lau nched in May 2024 in response to the urgent need for improved housing for Disabled people in Hammersmith & Fulham. So far, it has engaged more than 50 Disabled residents - and continues to grow. The campaign aims to secure safe, accessible housing for local Disabled residents by: Campaigning for changes to the way housing services are codesigned and co-delivered Highlighting housing and policy issues that need urgent attention Our 2024-25 Highlights Research Report We were commissioned to produce a research report to support the Housing for Independent Living Campaign. Coproduced byAction on Disability and the campaign, the report shares findings from 12 months of research begin ning in November 2024. It amplifies the voices of local Disabled residents and offers a formative assessment of the Council's Innovative Disabled People's Housing Strategy (2021) from the perspective of those most affected. The report draws on qualilative research, using in depth semi structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of 21 residents in Hammersmith & Fulham's social housing sector. The approach was first piloted with focus groups and a survey in May 2024. before being refined in collaboration wilh the campaign's Steering Committee. Page | 16
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Disabled members of the Steering Committee led and conducted the interviews, ensuring gen u ine coproduction. As a result, the report captures robust, firsthand data about the housing situation in the borough and its impact on local Disabled people. Dlsabled Residents Housing Campaign Steering Group The Steering Group has played a vital role in guiding and shaping the campaign. Made up of local Disabled residents, the group ensures that the campaign remains firmly grounded in lived experience and reflectslhe priorities of Disabled people in the borough. Leadership by Disabled residents - The group has created a space where Disabled people lead decision making, ensuring the campaign reflects theirvoices, needs, and aspiration s. Strategic directlon - Members have identified key housing challenges and shaped the campaign's priorities, helping to influence local policy. ,Bringing tt All Together From co-production training and peer support to engagement projects and the Housing for Independent Living Campaign, this year has shown the power of Disabled residents leading change. Together, these initiatives demonstrate AOD'S commitment to co-production, campaigning, and meaningful participation -ensu ring that local Disabled people have the skills, confidence, and influence to shape the policies and services that affect their lives. Our thanks to the following funders for their sUPPOrt of our work City Bridge Trust Youth SerVi- Core Support Daisy Trust Ou r Place Project - Creative Writing Group Dr Edwards & Bishop King's Fulham Charity Welfare Benefits Service Dr Edwards & Bishop King's Fulham Charity Youth Project- Holiday Activities Earl's Court Community Fund Youth Project-youth Music Jack Petchey Fou ndation Youth Project- You ng People Scheme John Lyon's Charity Youth Service - Core Support London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Independent Living Service - Co-production London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Independent Living Service - Direct Payments London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Welfare Benefits Service London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Youth Service - Youth Contract (via LMP) National Lottery Community Fu nd Our Place Project Propel London (via City Bridge Trust) Our Place Project ScrewFix Fou ndation Our Place Project - Kitchen Refurbishment Trust for London Our Voice- Co-Production Train ing Trust for London Our Voice - Housing Campaign Project And, also to those who made generous donations and rememb8red Action on Disability in their Wills. Financial review A successful year wh ich ended with a small deficit. Page | 17
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 During this financial yearthere 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 Ihe charity are derived from a number of different contracts, grant awards and earned income. There are no pension liabilities arising from obligations to a defined benefit pension scheme or pension asset on Ihe financial position of the charity. The charity holds no material financial investments, other than our reserves accou nt held with Lloyds Bank. Reserves policy Our unrestricted funds, as at 1 st April 2025, were £320,534 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 2025-26 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 £362,450 in unrestricted general funds. The present level of free reseNes of £320,534, available to the charity, is just below this target level. In the short term, 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. Golng concem There are no concerns about the Charity's ability to meet all of its financial and contractual obligations in the yearahead. The charity is a going concem. Principal risks and uncertainties The Board of Trustees has conducted a review of Ihe 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. Signifi(2nt extemal risks to funding have led lo the development of a strategic plan, which will allow forthe diversification of funding and activities. Intemal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transaclions 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 C hief 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 compliance with employment laws. Improved internal 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. Page | 18
Action on Disability Trustees. Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 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 Associalion wh ich established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is govemed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amou nt not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity. The Board members have no beneficial interest in the charity. The objects ofthe charity are: a. To promote 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 experience 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 otherobject which is deemed wholly and exclusively charitsble 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 life. It covers the following, though this is by no means an exhaustive list: Poverty Discrimination Lack of access, exclusion and segregation Health inequalities and lower life expectancy Intemalised oppression The Truslees have agreed the following strategies to ensure the charity meets both its objects and the public benefit. Inclusion - where possible delivering services inclusively in mainstream settings and influencing other organisations (public, private and volu ntary) to do the same. Specialist services - where necessary providing tsilored, specialist seNices for Disabled people only. Campaigning for equality - arguing for equality of outcome over opportunity and supporting organisations to identifywhether 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 infonnation and are connected with appropriate services is an essential first step to tackle Ihe issues above. Page | 19
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 Advice and guidance- supporting people through the complex maze of public seThiices is essential. Advocacy- ensuring that people have their voice heard when they have been denied. or are not happy with, a servi. One to one support and person-centred planning - providing direct support to tackle individual issues. Employmenl and volunteering opportunities - providing and supporting people to access opportunities that can lift them out of povety 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. 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 Tfustee is provided with the location of all Charity Commission guidance online and specific toolkits are printed and given to Ihem. Recruitment and appointment of Trustees The directors of the company are also charity Truslees for Ihe 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 temi must step down but may be re-elected for anolher three-year temi up to a maximum of 9 years of service. 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 afterthe AGM. The Board of Trustees represent the voice of local Disabled people and, constitutionally, 750/0 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 intemal Disability Equality training course. We encourage new Trustees to participate in short training sessions to familiarise themselves with the charity and the contextwithin which il operates. These sessions cover. The obligations of the Trustees. The main documents which setout the operational frameworkfor the charity including the Memorandum and Articles. Basic charity law. Resourcing and the currentfinancial position as set out in the latest published accounts. Future plans and objectives for the charity. Disability Equality Training & Social Model u nderstanding. Page | 20
Action on Disability Trustees. Annual Report Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 The induction programme gives new Trustees an u nderstanding of the work of individual projects, funding of the organisation and various Charity Commission publications. The Chair and senior managers deliver a brief induction shortly after the AGM. Trustees are encouraged to tske an interest in a specific area of Action on Disability covering both operalions and a strategic interest in the organisation's futu developments. All Trustees serrfe 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 ru n ning of the charity to the Chief Executive. who is responsible for ensu ring that the organisation delivers the agreed ServIS and meets its key perfomiance indicators. The Chief Executive leads a team of 23 full and 4 part-time staff, 63 sessional workers, and around 17 volunteers. Together with the leadership team, they ensure the effective and efficient delivery of AOD'S services to Disabled people, with a primary focus on Hammersmith and Fu Iham and the surrounding West London Boroughs. Volunteers AOD relies on volunteers to staff its reception fu nction. They are the frontline and first contact for people visiting, calling or emailing the charity. Individuals benefitfrom the role, increasing their social contact, improving their skills and their chance of paid employment. However, the charity could not be run effectivelywithoutthese volunteers, many of whom work several shifts a week and stsy with us for years. Like all charities, our Trustees give unpaid time to run the charity. They take the legal responsibility for the organ isation, set strategy, mon itor the finances and ensure that we comply with all regulations. Trustees tske an active role in fundraising and are each encouraged to get involved in an area of activity. Across the organisation our volunteers contributed well over 3.720 hours this year. If this was calculated just at Ihe living wage level it would equate to £45,770 per year. Many of the roles volunteers cary out would attract salaries above the living wage. Statement of responsibilities of the Trustees The Trustees confimi that the financial statements comply with cuent 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 year which give a true and fair view of the stste of affairs of the charilable company and of the incoming reSoUrS 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. Page121
Action on Disability Trustees, Annual Report For the year en ded 31 March 2025 Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, State whether applicable UK Accounting Stsndards and statements of recommended practi have been followed, subject to any material departu res disclosed and explained in the financial statements, Prepare the finan cial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Truslees 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 ststements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence fortaking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud an d other irregu larities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial infonmation included on the charitsble company's website. Legislation in the Un ited Kingdom gov8ming the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in otherjurisdictions. Statement as to disclosure to our auditors Insofar as the Trustees are aware: There is no relevant audit infonnation 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 Reporthas been approved by the Trustees on 28th July 2025 and signed on their behalf by. 4 Iwcl Sharon Holder Chair Page | 22
Action on Disability Independent Auditors, Report For the year endod 31 March 2025 Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Action on Disability (the 'Charity'} for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a su mmary of significantaccounting 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 2025 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 wilh 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 fu rther described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independentof the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordan with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriale to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees, use of the going 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 COnM for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Ou r 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 information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial ststements and our auditorfs report thereon. Our opinion on the financial ststements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any fonn of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the olher information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent Page123
Action on Disability Independent Auditors, Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 with the financial statements or our knowledge obtsined in trie audit or other¥vise appears to be materially misststed. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to detemiine 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 infonmation, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the cou rse of the audit: the infomation given in the Trustees, report {incorporating the directors, report) forthe financial yearfor which 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 lightof the knowledgeand understanding of Ihe Charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audi( we have not identified material misststements 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 if, 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 retums. 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 forthe preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a tnje and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial ststements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concem and using the going concem basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic altemative but to do so. Our r8sponslbllltles for the audit of the financial statements Page | 24
Action on Disability Independent Auditors, Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Our objectives are to obtsin reasonable assurance aboutwhetherthe 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 nota guarantee thatan 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 regu lations. We design procedu res in line with ou r responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities. including fraud. The extent to which our prOdureS 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 obtain ing and reviewing supporting docu mentstion, conceming the charity's policies and procedures relating to: The internal controls eslablished to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations. We inspected the minutes of meetings of those charged wilh govemance. We reviewed the financial statement disclosures and tested these lo 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 ofjournal entries and other adjustsnents, 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 misslatemenl in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud ratherthan error, as fraud involves intentional concealment. forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. A furtherdescription of our responsibilities forthe audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. [www.frc.org.uldauditorsresponsibilities]. This description forms part of ou r 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 work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's members those matters we a requ ired to state to them in an auditorfs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pemiitted by law, we do not apt or assu me responsibility to anyone other than the Charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opin ions we have fomied. Page | 25
Action on Disability Independent Auditors, Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Anthony Epton (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Goldwins Limitsd ststutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG DATE: 3Dli175 Page | 26
Action on Disability Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2025 Restricted Unrestricted 2025 Restrlcted Unrestrlcted Total 2024 Totsl Notes Income Income from Donations and f undraising 7,587 7,587 7.582 7,582 Charitable activities: Disability projects 870,260 514.004 1.384,264 714,544 632.012 1,346.556 Totsl income 870,260 521.591 1.391,851 714.544 639.594 1.354.138 Expenditure on Raising funds Charitable activities {2.044) {2,044) {460) {460) Disability projects (900.321) {504,983) (1.405,304) (697.124) (555,254) (1.252,378) Total expenditure 3 (902,365) {504,983) (1,407,348) (697.124) {555,714) (1,252,838) Net income l (expenditure} for the year Transfers between funds 132.105} 16,608 {15.497) 17,420 83.880 101,300 15.838 (15.838) Net movement In funds (16,267} 770 (15.497) 17,420 83,880 101,300 Funds at 1 April 280.998 484,061 765.059 263,578 400,181 663,759 Funds at 31 March 264,731 484,831 749,562 280,998 484,061 765,059 All of the above results are derived from continuing activitles. There are no other recognised gains and losses other than those stated above. Page127
Action on Disability Balance Sheet For the year ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Notes Flxod assels Tangible fixed assets 189,496 192.381 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 150,767 553,693 171,392 590,463 704,460 761,855 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (144.394) (189.177) Net current assets 560,066 572,678 Net assets 10 749,562 765.059 Funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds General funds 11 264,731 280,998 164,297 320.534 159,413 324,648 Total funds 749,562 765.059 Approved by the Board of Trustees on 28th July 2025 and signed on its behalf by.. Sharon Holder Chair Company Registration No. 4237604 Page128
Action on Disability statement ofcashflows For the year ended 31 March 2025 Note 2025 2025 2024 2024 Net cash provlded by I Ius8d In) operating activltles 13 2,929 139,326 Cash flows from investing actlvltles: Interestl renu d ividends f rom investmenls Salel (purchase) of fixed assets Salel (purchase) of investments 3.438 1.030 {43,137) {51,346) Cash provided by l (used In} investing activities {39,699) (50.316) Cash flows from financing activities: Cash inflows f rom new boTrowing Receipt of endowment Cash provlded by I (used in) financing acttvities Change in cash and cash equlvalents In the year (36,770) 89,010 Cash and cash equival8nts at the beginning of the year 590.463 501,453 Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of the year 14 553,693 590,463 Page129
Action on Disability Notes to the Flnanclal Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Accounting policies a) The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wth Accounting and Reporting by Chartties: 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 chatitab le company meets the def inition of a public benef it entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwrse 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 received the seNice, any conditions associated wth the donation have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance wth the Charities SORP (FRS 102). volunteer lime is not recognised so ref8r to Trust88s' annual report foi more information about their contribution. ¢} Grants are recognised in f ull in the statement of f inancial activities in th8 Period in which they are received or receivabl8 whichever is eadier. Grants received which are clearly specified for a futur8 accounting period are shown as deferr8d. d) Grants for the purchase of fixed assets are credited to restricted in¢oming resources when receivable. Depreciation of fix8d assets purchased with such grants is charged against the restricted fund. Where a fixed asset is donated to the chanty f or its own use, it is treated in a similar way to a restricted grant. Expenses ar8 recognis8d in the period in which they are incurred. Most expenditures include VAT which annot be reGovered. e) Expenses are allocated lo the particular activity where the cost relates dire¢lly to that activity. However, the cost of overall direction and administration of each activity. 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/. 2Yo f) Depreciation and amortisation is provided at rates calculated to lte off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows: Computer equipment Fixtures, f ittings and equiprnent Intangible assets 2 years 15 years {straight line) 20 /0 (straight line) over 10 years Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £500. DepcIatIOn costs are allocated lo 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 specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these Griteria is charged to Ihe f und tOgetr with a f air 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 unr8Stricted funds eamiarked by the Board of Trustees for a particular purpose. Accounting policies (continued) Page130
Action on Disability Notes to the Financlal Statements Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 k) Rentals payable under operating leases. where substantlally all Ihe rfsks and rew8rds of ownership remain wlth the lessor, are charged to the statement of f inancial activities on a straight-line basis. based on the length of the lease. l) The cornpany 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 forlhe payment of those contributions. ml The Trustees ¢onsid8r that there are no material uncertainties aboLrt the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern. No key judgements have been made by the charitable company which have a significant effect on the accounts. The Trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the r8POrting date that have a signif icant risk of Causing 8 material adjustment to the carying amounts of assets and liabilities wthin th8 n6xt reporting period. Page | 31
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Action on Disability Notes to the Flnanclal Statements Forthe year ended 31 March 2025 4 Net incomingl (outgoing) resources for the year This is stated after charging I cred Stlng: 2025 2024 Depreciation Auditors, remuneration 46,022 4,800 30,033 4.800 5 Staff costs and numbers Staff costs Ware as follows: 2025 2024 Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension contribLrtions Sessional and temporary workers Other people costs 865,620 72,298 16.154 87,673 48.336 1,090,412 761.436 62.700 16.959 37.314 36,927 915,336 No employee eamed more than £60,000 during the year. The total employee b8n8f its including pension contributions of the key management personnel were £60,968 (2024: £57,028). The average number of employees during the period was as follows: 2025 No. 2024 No. Disability seNices and projects Support seDiices 42 37 40 6 Taxation The charity Is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable pUoses. Page134
Action on Disability Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 7 Tangible fixed assets Leasehold Improvements & Offlc• flt out Fixtures. rrttings & equipment Intsngibles Computer equipment Total Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions Dlsposals At 31 March 2025 28,432 8,600 110,665 55,473 25,515 81,393 8,542 275,963 43,137 37,032 111,145 80,988 89,935 319,100 At 1 April 2024 Charge forthe period Disposals At 31 March 2025 2,964 3,202 10.549 5,553 18,269 12,086 51,800 25.181 83,582 46,022 6,166 16.102 30,355 76,981 129,604 Net book value At 31 March 2025 30,866 95.043 50,633 20.240 189,496 At 31 March 2024 25,468 100,116 37,204 29,593 192,381 8 Debtors 2025 2024 Prepayments Accrued income Other debtors 38,667 27,561 84,539 150,767 35,225 45,994 90,173 171,392 9 Credltors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Taxation and social security other taxes Other creditors 400 (3,476) 152 1.236 746 13,468) 11.334 20,051 2,480 158,780 189,177 Accruals Deferred income 145,336 144,394 Page135
Action on Disability Notes to the Financial Ststements For the year ended 31 March 2025 10 Analysis of net assets between funds For the year ended 31 March 2025 Restrlcted funds Deslgnated funds General nds Total funds Tangible f ixed assets Current assets 189.496 275.432 {144,394) 320.534 189.496 704.460 (144.394} 749,562 264,731 164.297 Current liabilities Net assets at the end of the year 264,731 164.297 For the year ended 31 March 2024 (prlor year) Restricted fund5 Designated funds General funds Total funds Tanglble f Ixed assats Current assets Current liabilities Net assets at the end of the year 192,381 321,444 (189,177) 324,648 192,381 761,855 (189,1771 765,059 280,998 159.413 280,998 159,413 11 Movements In funds Asat1 April 2024 Income Exp8ndlture Transfers Inl(out) Asat31 Mar¢h 2025 Restrfcted funds: Support seD/ices Employment seNices Youth services Welfare benefits seNice Disabled People's Housing Campaign Capital building Independent living services Total restricted funds 2,083 59,335 225,296 107.253 57.407 {2,044) (74,484) (233,830) (96,090) (37,624) {39) 15.000 (2.195) 20,000 10,729 872 19,851 12.035 19.758 (25) 99.132 150.265 280,998 (46.022) {412.271) (902.3651 53,110 159,977 264.731 418,886 870,260 3,097 15,838 Unrestrfcted funds: Designated funds: Fund raising Support services Employment services Youth services Welfare benefits seNic8 Disabled Pèople's Housing Campaign Independent living services Capital f ur Totsl designated funds 7.587 17,587) {7,376) (208) 6.518 42,367 71,986 27.353 (472,557) (59.779) 70,688 48,549 449.328 53.261 457 (457) 2,614 (2.614> 45,060 159,413 45.060 164,297 521,591 (504,983) {11,724) Page136
Action on Disability Notes to the Flnanclal Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 General fund5 324,648 {4,114) 320,534 Total unrestricted funds 484.061 521,591 (504.983 15,838) 484,831 Total funds 765,059 1.391,851 {1,407,348> 749,562 Movements In funds (prlor year) Asat1 April 2023 Incomo Expenditure Transfers Inl(out) Asat31 March 2024 Restricted fvnds: Support services Employment seNices Youth seNices 25,000 24,218 10,519 105,000 98,B41 441 (5.441) {244,7791 {104.436) (5,868) {336,600) (697,124} 20.000 10.729 872 99,132 150,265 280,998 231,290 94.789 Welfar8 benefits seNice Capital building Ind8pend8nt living services Total restrlcted funds 388,024 263,578 714.544 Deslgnatsd funds: Fund raising Support services Employment services Youth servlces Welfare beneflts seNice Independent Ilving services Capital fund Totsl d•slgnated 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 317,526 400,181 7,122 324,648 484.061 Total unrestrlcted funds 639,594 (555,714 Total funds 663,759 1.354.138 (1,252,838) 765.059 12. Purposes of restricted and designated funds Support Services To provide management and administration of the organisations and the provision of welfare rights and inforrnation seNice, tnjsl application and events f undraising. Capital Project Th8 AOD Centre for Independent Living is a neY 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 proj8Ct. Employment SeTvi¢e To assist Disabled people tQW8rds employment - through intemships in partnership with businesses, schools and colleges as a route to paid VK•rk. Page137
Action on Disability Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Youth Service To provide a range of leisure. social and educational opportunities for young Disabled people throughoLrt the year in inclusive environments and settings. Welfare Benefits Services To provide welfare benef its advice and support - to tribunal level. DLA. PIP & AAfonn filling support for Disabled people. Local authority funded chIldn and families and adult seNices. Independent Living Servi¢e To provlde a seNi¢e aimed at bringing Disabled people together to offer mutual support 8round all aspects of their lives, while sharing activities around common interests such as Direct Payments. IT, Knitting and Healthy Lif estyles. 13 Reconci liation of net in¢ome l (oxpendlture) to net cash flow from operatlng activities 2025 2024 Net movement in funds for the reporting period 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 (15.497) 46,022 (3,438) 20,625 (44,783) 2,929 101,300 30.033 (1,030) 48,036 (39,013) 139.326 14 Analysls of cash and cash equivalents At1 April 2024 Cash flows Other changes At31 March 2025 Cash at bank and in hand Overdraft facility (repayable on demand) Total cash and cash equlvalents 590,463 (36,770) 553.693 590,463 {36,770) 553,693 15 Operating lease commitmènts The charity had annual commitments at the year*nd under non4ancellable operating leases expiring as follows: Equlpmant 2025 Equipment 2024 Within 2 to S yoars 16 Related party transa¢tlons There were no related party transactions during the year. Page | 38