April 2022 to March 2023
Supporting unpaid carers in Solihull for over 20 years
Solihull Carers Centre is a company limited by guarantee and a Registered Charity operating as Carers Trust Solihull. Registered Company in England No. 04378042. Registered Charity No. 1092613.
## COMPANY INFORMATION
The Directors and Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.
## The Organisation
Solihull Carers Centre (SCC) is a company limited by guarantee and a Registered Charity operating as Carers Trust Solihull (CTS). The Directors of the charitable company (‘the charity’) are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and within this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.
## Company Information
Registered Company in England No. 04378042 Registered Charity No. 1092613
## Directors and Trustees 2022-2023
## Registered Office & Operational Address
The Carers Centre Solihull Fire Station Annexe 620 Streetsbrook Road Solihull B91 1QY
David Heaselgrave Chair Debbie E Taylor Deputy Chair Graham Thompson Treasurer David Brown (resigned 28 November 2022) Christine Grace Sue Jeynes Elaine McPherson (resigned 16 February 2023) Janice Price Carol Shiel Melanie Stewart Selina Westwood
## Directors and Trustees Changes Since Year End
## Independent Examiner
Hannah Justice ACA FCCA BSN Associates Limited Chartered Accountants 3B Swallowfield Courtyard Wolverhampton Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2JG
Selina Westwood (from 24 April 2023) Deputy Chair Debbie E Taylor (resigned 24 April 2023) Anthony Illingsworth (appointed 24 April 2023)
PAGE 2 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
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Rebecca wall
receives Young Carer
of the Year David
Henry Award 2022
sponsored by Rotary
Club of Solihull
St Alphege at our
Charity Ball and Carer
Friendly Awards.
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## CONTENTS
2. Company information
8. Our work
5. Our work at a glance
16. Thank you to our donors and funders
6. Introduction from our Chair
17. Thank you to our volunteers
7. Working for carers: our CEO
18. Directors’ and Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 3
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PAGE 4 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
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## OUR WORK AT A GLANCE 2022-23
From the 2021 Census, we can estimate there are 19,940 unpaid carers of all ages in Solihull
58 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:
37 YC EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
4,455 CARERS REGISTERED WITH CARERS TRUST SOLIHULL (CTS) AT END OF 31 MARCH 2023
137 PARENT CARER REVIEWS & ASSESSMENTS:
69 *SEND carers assessments
68 carers reviews
## CARERS REGISTERED WITH CTS:
3,350 CARERS AGED 26+ INCLUDING
818 PARENT CARERS
748 YOUNG CARERS (YC) 357 YOUNG ADULT CARERS (YAC)
56 YOUNG CARERS CLUBS
32 ADULT CARER MEET UPS
21 ADULT EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
188 ADULT CARER ASSESSMENTS, REVIEWS & PLANS:
39 contingency plans 75 assessments and reviews
74 support plans
204 ADULT CARERS RECEIVED SUPPORT SESSIONS
164 YC & YAC ASSESSMENTS:
125 young carer assessments
117 YOUNG CARERS AND YOUNG ADULT CARERS ENGAGED IN ONE-TO-ONE SESSIONS
39 YAC assessments
128,579 FACEBOOK REACH
1,398 VOLUNTEER HOURS
42 adult volunteers 5 peer mentors (YC) 9 new volunteers
2,138 FACEBOOK PAGE VIEWS 40 BLOG POSTS
## NOTE:
Young carers are 5-16 years old; young adult carers are 17-25 years old; and adult carers are 26 years and over. *Special educational needs and disability.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 5
## INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CHAIR
This year we have experienced a unique and testing environment. A combination of Covid and the various lockdowns, hybrid working, inflation and the cost of living crisis have brought new challenges for our carers, staff, volunteers and sponsors. I am proud to say that we not only weathered the storm but continued to grow and develop our services to carers of all ages.
On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Brandon Scott-Omenka our CEO, the management team, our staff and volunteers for providing a seamless and high-quality support service. The level of enthusiasm, focus and professionalism in performing and developing programmes to improve the quality of life for our carers has kept CTS in the fore of services provided to a largely undervalued and unrecognised section of our society.
Funding is always a challenge to a charity and we are extremely grateful to all of our primary funders, corporate sponsors and volunteers who have supported us through a range of events and partnerships. One such event involved a young man from BDO who made us his charity of choice completing an arduous climb to base camp on Everest, ultimately raising £2,000.
The Trustees, all of whom are volunteers, annually review our strategy ensuring that our services are fit for purpose being both relevant and appropriate in providing a comprehensive range of services to unpaid carers. This year we have updated our business plan enhancing both our existing services and piloting new ones including expanding our digital communication with carers and the local community.
Special thanks go to Debbie Taylor, Elaine McPherson and David Brown who after many years of loyal service have stepped down from the Board. We are always looking to recruit new Trustees and I welcome anyone interested to apply for what is a rewarding and often stimulating role.
The level of enthusiasm, focus and professionalism in performing and developing tasks to improve the quality of life for our carers has kept CTS in the fore of services provided to a largely undervalued and unrecognised section of our society.
One of our key aims is to reach out to as many carers as possible. As outlined in Brandon’s report the numbers of carers registered with us has been increasing year on year. This year has seen an increase of over 7% which is proof we are becoming visible to a wider audience. It is likely that all of us either have been or are a carer, or knows someone who is and by raising our profile we have been able to reach out and support more people than ever.
It has been a real pleasure to lead the Trustee Board and watch as our charity has grown and adapted to the new challenges faced. All of us, staff and Trustees remain focused on our remit and are confident that we will continue to provide excellent support and services to unpaid carers in Solihull.
David Heaselgrave Chair of Trustees
PAGE 6 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## WORKING FOR CARERS OUR CEO
2022-23 was a demanding year for Carers Trust Solihull. We began on a high, having secured an extension of our Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) Carers of All-Ages support contract to September 2024, leaving us in a secure position coming out of the Covid lockdown.
We started the previous three-year contract in April 2019 with 3,039 active registered carers. During 2022-23 the numbers rose from 4,148 to 4,455 as we finally put the last Covid lockdown arrangements behind us (not that we knew this then).
Carers Rights Day focused on joint work with national Carers Trust, SMBC and thirdsector partners to support carers during the winter. General inflation and utility bills rose dramatically, hitting most carers, particularly those that had given up employment to care for a loved one.
In the year, we extended our pre-bereavement offer to young carers with terminally ill parents. Despite difficulties in recruiting volunteers, we continued our carers Sitting Service pilot, extended our training and carers films online, and provided training to long Covid NHS clinicians.
Funding from BBC Children in Need to support our Peer Mentoring and Befriending project came to an end, but a new grant from The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund was secured in its place, guaranteeing a further two years for the project. We are pleased to continue our awardwinning work with young carers of all ages and for Cranfield Trust’s assistance in developing a marketing plan to reach out to more carers as part of the support package.
In our work with our partners, CTS contributed to the final SMBC Solihull Carers Strategy, which the SMBC scrutiny panel reviewed before becoming SMBC policy.
The main challenge of 2022-23 was capacity and the impact of difficulties in recruitment and
retention on our staff and volunteers, which meant the key initiatives often had to progress against a headwind of unfilled key vacancies. The biggest reward was finally seeing the Adult Carers Team fully staffed and go on to achieve record performance figures supporting carers.
Being able to support carers during this challenging year has been its own reward. Let us hope there will be another twenty years of growth and service to Solihull’s carers.
Whereas 2022 was CTS’s twentieth birthday, since the day in 2002 when the organisation registered as a Charity, the highlight of Carers Week, and my highlight of the year, was the first CTS Charity Ball and Carer Friendly Award, which topped off a great Carers Week. As the evening came to an end, I was stopped by a young adult carer in her early twenties and told that “CTS had saved her life.” It left me with a feeling of humility and a renewed passion for the impact of our staff and volunteers.
Being able to support carers during this challenging year has been its own reward. Let us hope there will be another twenty years of growth and service to Solihull’s carers. There are many that could be singled out for praise, including those that have provided excellent service over many years before moving on to new pastures, but the list would be too long and would have to include everyone who has worked so hard in 2022-23. A big thank you again to our staff, trustees, volunteers, stakeholders, and donors, one and all.
Brandon Scott-Omenka CEO Carers Trust Solihull
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 7
## OUR WORK CARERS WEEK
We organised a spectacular array of events and activities to ‘Make Caring Visible, Valued and Supported’ during Carers Week in 2022.
Adult carers enjoyed a meet up at Lily’s Tea Parlour, a meal at the Olton Tavern Pub Inn and we partnered with Solihull Library for afternoon tea to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, where carers could explore the photo archives of Solihull from 1950. Young carers were delighted by a magic show – lots of fun was had learning to spin plates! Carers and their families enjoyed a much-deserved break at the seaside on our annual beach trip to Weston-super-Mare.
Some of our awareness raising activity included the wide distribution of information and resource packs to several local organisations and businesses to help people recognise and support carers at work and in the community.
We held our first Charity Ball and Carer Friendly Awards ceremony at the Village Hotel in Solihull; a fantastic night celebrating carers was hosted by the BBC’s Phil Upton. Our Carer Friendly Awards not only recognised carers but also those in the community who go the extra mile to support unpaid carers in Solihull.
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Young carers helping to raise awareness.
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Carers relaxing on a day trip to Weston.
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Melanie Stewart, CTS Trustee with Debbie Allen, winner of the Adult Carer award and our CEO, Brandon Scott-Omenka.
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Phil Upton hosting our Charity Ball and Awards.
Award winning carers celebrate at our Charity Ball.
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Magic Show for young carers.
Carers celebrating the week with a meal.
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Carers with Michelle, Events Coordinator at Lily’s Tea Parlour.
Staff at Aldi receve a pack to help support carers at work.
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PAGE 8 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
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Audience and stall holders exchanging information.
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## OUR WORK CARERS RI ~~GH~~ TS DAY
Activities for young carers led by YC’s staff.
Audience of carers and others.
Carers Rights Day panel.
## 80% of respondents found the event very useful and 75% said they had received new information and support.
Our Cost of Living Information Event for Carers Rights Day in 2022 was hosted at Solihull Council’s Civic Suite. We responded to the growing concern around energy prices and the cost of living crisis and had a special focus on ‘keeping warm this winter’.
Healthcare), Kerry Turner (CAB), Teresa Baxter (Community Advice Hub) and Melinda Tomkins (Act On Energy), who spoke on the current projects running to support residents of Solihull through the cost of living crisis and answered questions. This was recorded and distributed on our social media channels and website for those who could not attend. Young Carers also attended the event and got creative by designing t-shirts and hats expressing their rights as young carers.
Representatives from several local organisations made themselves available throughout the event, to offer carers the advice and information that they need. A panel of professionals including, Angie Pretty (Solihull MBC), Hannah Nurrish (GPS
## I thought I knew a lot but there are so many new services.
A CARER
## Fantastic event!
## I am so pleased I came.
HEALTH WATCH
A CARER
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 9
Until I had the assessment I wasn’t aware of the amount of things available for myself to access. A PARENT CARER
## HIGHLIGHTS PARENT CARERS
With a dedicated worker allocated two hours per week to raise awareness the demand significantly increased for Parent Carer Assessments. We saw an increase in referrals soar to 266% by the end of the year.
THIS RESULTED IN 44 COMPLETED POSTASSESSMENT 9-WEEK REVIEWS
The results from the reviews showed that:
- 98% were happy with the assessment process.
## TOM* A PARENT CARER
Tom cares for his two sons with additional needs and his wife with mental health needs. He reported giving up his career due to caring for his family. He wanted another focus to maintain his skills for when he could work again and needed to manage the family finances more efficiently, but his laptop had broken. We sourced a reconditioned laptop for Tom through our Connecting Carers Project which he uses to access online courses to maintain his professional training and utilises software applications to handle money matters. The assessment helped to meet his needs around finances and work and education.
- 90% found it helpful.
- 87% would recommend it to others.
- 98% reported that the support plan gave them information to make changes.
Following the reviews, parent carers received a restaurant voucher giving them the opportunity to take time for themselves.
I have been so lost and very lonely for many years, I just wish I’d found Carers Trust a long time ago. My problems are far from over and I still have a long way to go but my assessment has really helped me work on a few areas at a time and I have started my healing journey. I’m starting to gain more confidence in my caring role and I’m confident that by receiving support from Carers Trust other areas of my life will change too. A PARENT CARER
*Not real name.
PAGE 10 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## Carers Trust Solihull has been:
An absolute life saver. DIANE*
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*Not real name.
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## OUR WORK WITH ADULT CARERS
Alongside completing Carer Assessments and Reviews on behalf of SMBC, our team supports carers in all aspects of their caring roles. We work closely with carers to help them to manage their role and plan for the futurewhich can give them peace of mind, reduce stress and anxiety which is a crucial aid to their health and well-being.
We continue to work in partnership with organisations across the borough and nationally. During Dementia Week, we teamed up with Dementia Carers Count to deliver three workshops and one group session for our carers who were at different stages of their caring role. We also secured extra funds to give carers much needed short breaks, hardship grants plus bereavement and befriending support.
- Of carers that received an assessment or review, 52% also received a contingency plan.
- 65% of newly registered carers requested information on how to put a plan in place.
- There was a 27% increase in carers receiving emotional and intense support from our team.
- Events and activities for carers saw an increase of 123% in attendance levels.
- Training opportunities for carers had an increase of 33% in attendance levels.
## DIANE* AN ADULT CARER
Diane was struggling to physically manage her caring role and her own health conditions were impacting on her emotional well-being. Neither Diane nor her husband, who she cares for, were receiving any formal support. By registering as a carer with us, Diane first made use of our Telephone Befriending Service gaining emotional support from an experienced befriender. Diane’s Carer’s Assessment was then escalated due to staff concerns around her well-being.
The assessment took place in the home where our support practitioner was able to see that the house was cold and that both Diane and her husband have limited mobility. We immediately applied for a hardship grant to purchase a heated throw; Diane was pleased with the difference this made, allowing them to sit together in warmth whilst watching TV.
Diane was reluctant to use the heating due to a fear of accruing debt from the rising cost of energy. We encouraged her to take a meter reading and contact her utilities provider; the account was in credit and this allayed her fears.
From the assessment we identified that the couple were eligible for further support due to their limited mobility. We applied for assisted bin collections and registered Diane for the OutsideClinic service to access eye and hearing tests at home.
With the statutory care needs assessment for Diane’s husband, we included details of disability funding available for a bathroom refit. Occupational Therapy performed their own assessment leading to a visit from the Falls Team.
The couple now have a cleaner who visits weekly which helps with the difficult physical tasks. Diane’s husband is also receiving support from professional carers following a hip operation. Our service has made a significant difference to Diane’s caring role, health and well-being and the couple look forward to attending our activities.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 11
## HIGHLIGHTS YOUNG ADULT CARERS
We made an extra difference to young adult carers in education by taking advantage of surplus funds generated by Covid restrictions. On completion of our peer mentoring and befriending project, we used the surplus funds to equip young adult carers with laptops so that they could access essential online education resources to keep up with their college studies.
We continue to strengthen our partnership working with colleges in Solihull equipping them to identify, support and refer young adult carers in the borough. We delivered Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Awareness Training to frontline staff at Solihull College and the entire staff team at Solihull Sixth Form College. Young adult carers recognise that support exists and know who to approach to seek the help they need to manage their studies alongside leading their own lives and caring.
*Not real name.
...thank you all for your kindness and generosity in gifting me my laptop, it’s been a godsend and, thanks to you I’ve managed to pass all my current assignments. The work you all do as a team is impeccable and it changes so many lives, especially in the current cost of living crisis you’re still making a massive impact on those you work with! You really are unsung heroes and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, not just for the support this year but every year I’ve been with the service! A YOUNG ADULT CARER
## JAY* YOUNG ADULT CARER
With four years experience of volunteering on our peer mentoring and befriending project (PMBF), Jay represented CTS and Shirley Lions Club as the nominated Young Ambassador in the Lions Club International competition this year. Jay entered the district final after several months of preparing his application and presentation with the support of the PMBF project coordinator and the Shirley Lions Club. In a close contest, he was runner-up and praised for being a remarkable young individual and a credit to society. At this time, he also turned 18; becoming a young adult meant he was no longer eligible to benefit from the PMBF project, however, to continue his commitment to a project that has supported and developed him, he chose to volunteer as an adult befriender. He had previously engaged with our one-to-one befriending service and gained part-time employment as he began his A-level studies. As a befriender, Jay is giving young carers the chance to benefit from one-to-one and group mentoring plus monthly young carers clubs. Jay’s role as a facilitator of these sessions alongside our staff team, is vital.
PAGE 12 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## OUR WORK WITH YOUNG CARERS
Supported by the7stars foundation, we launched a muchneeded bereavement project this year. We now offer pre- and post-bereavement support for young carers and young adult carers who have or, who expect to experience the death of the person they care for.
A two year funding grant from the Triangle Trust 1949 Fund has secured the continuation of our Peer Mentoring project. To be refreshed in 2023 it will focus on supporting young carers to overcome barriers to education.
Young Carers in Schools training has been delivered to two multi-academy trusts, reaching several educational settings with one presentation. This maximises our efforts to raise awareness of the needs of young carers in schools while encouraging collaborative working across trusts.
My son doesn’t have the opportunity to attend social events, I am really grateful for Solihull Young Carers.
## BENJI* IS A YOUNG CARER
Benji is struggling at school and the school has concerns about his attendance. His mum felt the school did not understand Benji’s intense caring role. So we wrote to the school explaining Benji’s caring responsibilities and their impact, and spoke to the SENCO** to outline appropriate support e.g. providng homework when Benji is unable to attend school, and nominating a designated person within the school for him to approach when he is struggling. The school and the family are now working together to maintain support for Benji. Mum felt that the letter was helpful and hopes that Benji will be able to attend school more often because his caring role is now recognised and supported.
I am looking forward to meeting other young carers. A YOUNG CARER
## DECISION MAKING GROUPS
Decision Making Groups happen each quarter to bring together YCYACs*** to share thoughts, feelings and opinions about their service – what works well/what doesn’t, generating ideas for the activities, evaluating marketing tools and materials, providing input to shape future services from their perspective as children and young adults who have caring responsibilities. Registered YCYACs are invited to join sessions through the text reminder service with groups facilitated online over Zoom. This engages carers in their homes and routinely attracts between 5-8 YCYACs per session. As a ‘thank you’ to recognise their valuable contributions each person receives a gift voucher.
PARENT OF A YOUNG CARER
*Not real name. **Special Educational Needs Coordinator. ***Young carers and young adult carers.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 13
## OUR WORK REACHING CARERS
To reach carers, we need referrals. To ensure referrals, we need publicity and recognition in the network of health and social care, charity and the business community.
HOW CARERS FIND OUT ABOUT OUR SERVICE
Many who approach the Trust for information, advice or support find out about us via word of mouth. Some are anonymous, reluctant to reveal their circumstances, feeling their way, and reaching out for the very first time. Others have known of us for years, in some cases through their whole carer journey, not infrequently involving more than one cared-for person.
JANUARY-MARCH 2023: SAMPLE SIZE OF 131
The support and information exchange networks, particularly with the charitable sector and Solihull Council, have proven crucial in recent years. We can refer to them when we discover a carer who needs alternative assistance from one of our Community Wellbeing Service (CWS) partners, and vice versa. Checking in with colleagues, discussing the support that we can collectively offer and sharing solutions and an occasional therapeutic moan is what good partnership work is about. Our friends in the CWS and across the voluntary sector, the very big and the very small, are valued by the Trust. Not long ago, those that set up CTS met in a community centre to decide what more could be done (see the CEO summary on page 5) to help unpaid carers in Solihull. From small acorns, all charities are born.
It is noticeable that the grassroots charities of the borough were hardest hit by the Covid lockdowns. Whilst the small and nimble organisations were often to the fore during stay-at-home and winter measures, these measures particularly restricted local fundraising, and it is important that we all try to support the fledgling as well as the established.
It is also noticeable that we are currently struggling with recruitment of volunteers and to fill our staff vacancies. Many of us are discussing this, all of us hope it is transitory, most fear it is here to stay. At least for the immediate future. If you want to support the work for Carers Trust Solihull do not hesitate to contact us by using any method listed on the back page.
PAGE 14 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## OUR WORK BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Since 2019, we have undertaken all design work, digital and print communications inhouse. We design and distribute printed newsletters and events programmes three times per year for young carers and twice per year for adult carers. In the past year, we have distributed 13,000+ direct communications to carers and designed and produced more than 18,000 items including leaflets, booklets, stands, branded promotional items and all the publicity and branded items for our Charity Ball and Carer Friendly Awards.
The Business and Communications Team is the hub at the centre of the service, ensuring that our 4,000 plus registered carers are kept up to date and that we continually improve our methods for communicating with carers unknown to our service, who may be unaware of the support available to them. Alongside this, we ensure that our 29 regular staff members are equipped with IT hardware and software to meet the demands of our service and modern hybrid working while undertaking and supporting essential business functions.
The team is always striving to offer rich media content, via our website and across key social media
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platforms. Our media work is produced and created in-house and occasionally in partnership with local media companies.
We are using our media expertise to improve the training we deliver to carers; an interactive Contingency Planning tool has been developed and created in the last year to be piloted in winter 2023. We were also delighted to launch our first podcast for carers in June 2023; an entire series is planned that will cover topics including Wills and Power of Attorney. Rich media alternatives are designed to give carers who cannot attend our Carers Academy training in person a chance to catch up and learn in their own time.
## Since its launch, the website averaged 154,000 impressions* in a 12 month period.
A creative partnership with Kijo web design resulted in the production and launch of our new website in July 2022. We worked closely with Kijo on mapping different user journeys and provided all the copy and images that are used on the website. A year on, we are conducting a review of the website to improve on the experience for our range of users.
*The number of times any URL from your site appeared in search results viewed by a user, not including paid Google Ads search impressions.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 15
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Our first Charity Ball and Carer Friendly Awards.
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## THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS AND FUNDERS
We would also like to thank the following for their sponsorship of our very first Charity Ball and Carer Friendly Awards in 2022:
- 3Di Midlands
- Barchester - Fountains Care Home
- Copier Maintenance
We are always humbled by those groups, businesses and individuals that decide to donate and support the work of Carers Trust Solihull as donors or with large grants for us to significantly expand our offer in Solihull.
- Lucent Financial Planning
- Marks & Spencer
- National Grid
- Phoenix Group Solihull
- Plastic Investments
We would particularly like to thank Triangle Trust 1949 Fund for their support of our young carers peer mentoring and befriending project and Cranfield Trust, who, as part of the same package, are assisting us with our marketing and therefore getting the message out about the Carers’ contribution and the support we can offer them in the borough.
We are always grateful for the contractual relationship with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) – this partnership is at the core of our work in the borough.
We also appreciate national Carers Trust’s carers grants and Time For Me funding for overnight respite, hobbies, outings, and microbreaks for carers of all ages.
We noted in 2022-23 significant support from:
- Barston Association
- Inner Wheel
- Waitrose
Lastly, we note that considerable resources are channelled through the SMBC, national Carers Trust, and other funding streams from various government departments.
- Rotary Club of Solihull Saint Alphege
- Shirley Round Table
- The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund
- The7Stars Foundation
- Wesleyan Foundation, Heart of England
PAGE 16 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
As the Young Carers Team admin volunteer, Terry Blyth won CTS Volunteer of the Year 2022 Award, celebrating a phenomenal 10 years of service with the Trust.
Melanie Stewart, Trustee, Terry Blyth, CTS Volunteer of the Year, Brandon Scott-Omenka, CEO, CTS.
As I had retired, once Covid lockdown had ended I was looking for somewhere to
## THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
volunteer. The Carers Trust gave me the ideal opportunity as a volunteer for the Sitting Service. It is a great pleasure to meet people and make new friends. I love being able to give carers a short break to enable them to do something for themselves. This I feel is a positive experience for me and I hope, for the carers as well. MEG, SITTING SERVICE VOLUNTEER
2022-23 was a difficult year for our volunteer recruitment, with at least half the year without a volunteer coordinator, despite several attempts to recruit to the post. We needed to increase our volunteer numbers to support key projects including our Sitting Service, Time To Talk (adult bereavement support) and our peer mentoring and befriending programmes.
In spite of all this, our volunteer numbers remained stable, with the new recruits broadly matching those that departed. We ended the year with 47 volunteers including nine new volunteers and five new Sitting Service volunteers.
## KAY IS A WINNER!
Last year we celebrated and thanked Kay for her five years of voluntary service at CTS – since then she has clocked up another year! Recognising the six years of voluntary service Kay has given to the Parent Carers project at CTS, she received the Room to Reward volunteer award which included a hotel break. Kay is a highly valued member of our team and a real credit to her local community and carers in Solihull.
Recruitment difficulties may have been impacted by the demand for volunteers to support the Commonwealth Games, changes in the recruitment market, post-Covid revaluation of personal wellbeing needs or the onset of cost of living inflation leading to many people requiring paid work. And the rise in non-Covid illnesses that started in the summer of 2022 may have taken many people out of the volunteer and labour market.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 17
2022-23
## CONTENTS
During 2022-23 Trustees oversaw staff and volunteers as they transitioned back to normal services post the Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent major stay-at-home orders and lockdowns. The Carers Trust Solihull (CTS) worked with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), other agencies and borough-wide charities to deliver support to Solihull’s unpaid carers.
We are grateful to our CEO, team managers, staff and volunteers who integrated phone, web based, and digital ways of working, developed during the stay-at-home orders and lockdown periods into the pre-Covid face-to-face ways of working, whilst piloting new services.
Reviewing the year, we are particularly grateful to staff that have acted-up into managerial roles during a period of staff leave and difficulty in recruiting staff and volunteers whilst also extending the service to a record number of registered active carers.
We are particularly grateful to the national Carers Trust, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund, and the Cranfield Trust and the innumerable local donors, big and small, that have allowed us to support more carers’ needs.
During the year, Trustees reviewed their strategic role and received regular reports on performance, risk, finances, planned developments and fundraising to maintain high-quality strategic governance and quality assurance.
## OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
## OUR OBJECTIVES REMAIN:
“To support adult and young carers who are, or were, carrying out a caring role for persons who are disabled, elderly or ill, by the provision of practical help, advice, assistance, service, advocacy and support. Also, to advance education concerning caring amongst carers, professionals and the public.”
Our services are restricted to unpaid carers of family members or friends and neighbours who have physical or mental illness, physical or learning disability, long term or terminal illness or addiction. Carers Trust Solihull (CTS) seeks to support carers regardless of disability, race, gender, age, sexuality, beliefs or social background.
We encourage all people with an unpaid caring role to register with us and receive information, advice, and services or to take an active part in our organisation. We provide:
- Face-to-face support – someone to talk to who understands.
- Events and activities – a break from caring and a chance to have fun.
- Information and advice – an opportunity to find out about services and the help available.
- Adults and young carers clubs and drop-in sessions – meeting other carers.
- Training and workshops — gain knowledge and skills as you continue to care.
- Carers assessments – an opportunity for a carer to discuss their role and get help and support.
- Carers card – confirmation that a person is a carer with access to some discounts.
- Exploring the future – supporting carers into education, employment and training.
- Advocate for carers – opportunities to suggest improvement in CTS and other services.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 19
CTS seeks to address the considerable and ongoing needs of carers by the provision of accessible and age-appropriate user-led services. We aim to identify carers as early as possible and support them to prevent their circumstances needlessly deteriorating. We reach out to more carers every year.
CTS provides support for carers across Solihull. We recognise that there is a large number of unidentified and “hidden” carers, including those who may not realise that they are in an unpaid caring role. To enable these carers to continue their caring role effectively and safely they may need access to information, advice and support.
Public Benefit Statement: The Trustees consider they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
## ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE STRATEGY
In 2022-23 Carers Trust Solihull reviewed its Strategic Business Plan and amended its Strategic Objectives and continues to deliver on its targets:
## CUSTOMER CARE
WE WILL ENSURE THE PROVISION OF CONSISTENTLY HIGH QUALITY SERVICES TO CARERS
- CTS will empower Solihull’s diverse carers to advance their well-being and influence local and national strategy, policies and services.
- CTS will work with education and employers to assist carers in achieving their academic, training or employment goals.
- CTS will grow its Carers Academy training options to support carers in achieving their goals.
- CTS will continue to develop Carer Interactive, a comprehensive web-based service offer.
## LEARNING AND GROWTH
WE WILL WORK WITH HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE AND ENABLE OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO RAISE CARER AWARENESS
- CTS will develop its staff and volunteers’ skills and expertise to best support our services to carers.
- CTS will work with Solihull Safeguarding Boards and carers to raise awareness and safeguard children and adults.
- CTS will ensure staff and volunteer oversight, supervision, training and professional development.
- CTS will work with GP’s and hospitals to jointly support carers in their dealings with health and care services.
## INTERNAL BUSINESS
WE WILL IMPROVE, DEVELOP AND REDESIGN OUR SERVICE’S EFFICIENCY & EFFECTIVENESS
- CTS will grow its national and local collaborations with other agencies to improve our reach and effectiveness.
- CTS will ensure data security, health and safety, and general procedures to minimise risks in all our functions.
- CTS will grow staff and volunteer capacity and thereby increase and improve our range of services.
- CTS will increase fundraising and publicity to expand services that promote carer recognition.
PAGE 20 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## PROGRESS IN 2022-23
The Trustees, Staff and Volunteers reviewed and refreshed key CTS Partnership goals when working with others to promote Carer Recognition:
- Raising community awareness of unpaid caring and the available support services.
- Highlighting the health, well-being, and cost of living challenges for unpaid carers.
- Increasing the recognition of unpaid carers in the health and social care economy.
- Leading on unpaid carer issues within the care and support sector.
- Maintaining and extending trusted CTS services for carers.
- Encouraging other organisations to ensure their services are carer friendly.
- Promoting carers’ opinions in decision-making at national and local levels.
- Ensuring carers’ representations translate into specific and measurable outcomes.
- Campaigning to improve the legal and economic support for carers.
- Strengthening relationships within the Carers Trust regional and national network.
Trustees confirm that overall, CTS has made considerable progress on meeting our priorities for 2022-23. In addition, our development goals progressed:
- Collaborate in ensuring winter and cost of living support for carers facing exceptional hardship.
- Developing pre-bereavement counselling for carers (including young carers with a terminally ill parent).
- Securing The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund support for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers peer mentoring and befriending project.
- Producing a range of carer online training films and modules.
- Developing a new long Covid carer referral pathway.
- Growing joint work with schools to reduce carers’ education inequalities.
- Launching our new website.
- Started work on a CTS whole-service marketing plan with Cranfield Trust.
Due to staff and volunteers’ recruitment challenges, the following will be extended into 2023-24:
- Developing the “Time to Talk” adult carer bereavement project.
- Developing carer well-being, i.e. health, self-care, nutrition, and self-protection.
- Piloting the Volunteer Carer Sitting Service.
- Relaunching GP surgeries outreach and contact.
We will also raise CTS and unpaid carers’ profiles by:
- Developing Carers Week, Carers Rights Day, and Young Carers Action Day.
- Promoting employer carer pledges via Chamber of Commerce events.
- Advocating for carers in vital safeguarding processes.
- Planning a follow-up Charity Ball and Carer Friendly Awards event in 2024.
Lastly, we will not lose sight of our core business. We will:
- Ensure staff well-being, development, and retention.
- Embed our Volunteer Long Service Award and Monthly Recognition.
- Confirm a vital new long-term office lease.
- Scope the Carers Trust’s Quality Assurance and Impact.
- Establish a new fundraising team.
We continue to source funds to adapt support services and meet the needs of carers.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 21
## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Solihull Carers Centre operating as Carers Trust Solihull, (CTS), is a company limited by guarantee and a registered Charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Directors of the charitable company (“the charity”) are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law and within this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees. The Trustees are listed on page 2.
The Board of Trustees has actively sought to recruit new Trustees with appropriate skills and knowledge. The Articles of Association require that at least 50% of Trustees must be current or past carers. During 2022-23 the Trustee board was stable with the recent recruits to the board fully integrating into its work and participating in joint events with the staff team as appropriate. Various aspects of the Trustee role have been reviewed including:
- Responsibilities of Trustees.
- Trustee / Staff liaison and communication.
- Governance, strategy, management and policymaking.
- Future horizon plans, risk assessments and strategic objectives.
The Trustees have agreed policies and procedures for the recruitment of trustees, and these are followed for every new appointment which includes taking up references. Checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are no longer required for trustees of charities. However, we have decided that all CTS’s Trustees are DBS checked. Trustees have job descriptions and operate within an agreed Code of Conduct. The Trustees completed a review of its Board performance with an external consultant in June 2023 and will implement changes to improve its effectiveness on an agreed work programme.
The Trustees meet at least six times each year and receive a data-rich, “balanced scorecard” of performance as well as supplementary reports covering progress against the overall business strategy, key performance indicators and action plans, detailed fundraising progress, financial reports, risk register audits and an overarching Chief Executive Officer summary.
After an independent annual assessment of CTS’s Quality Management System, CTS retained its ISO 9001 certification with a consecutive highest score.
## STAFFING
At the time of writing, we have a full-time Chief Executive Officer, 10 other full-time posts, 18 part-time staff and 7 sessional staff. No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 during the year or previous year.
At the time of writing, there are 10 Trustees. With three Trustees stepping down after long and respected service. (D. Taylor, D. Brown, and E. McPherson) The Trustees give freely of their time and expertise and do not receive any emoluments or other benefits. In 2022-23 Trustees met four times for a short Executive Meeting, four times for a full Executive Meeting and convened an Annual General Meeting. A joint workshop with staff, two Trustee Board strategic away days, and various supplementary sub-meetings have taken place.
Many volunteers support the charity. At the close of 2022-23, the number of volunteers stood at 42 adult volunteers and five young peer mentors. The number of volunteer hours in 2022-23 was 1,398. These valued volunteers enable us to support more carers
PAGE 22 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## NETWORKING
During the year, we strengthened our links to the national Carers Trust, with the Time For Me grant being secured to fund micro respite for our carers.
We remain members of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) that connect, represent and support UK charities with consultancy, training, advice, and support on governance issues, toolkits, a support line and more.
We are active in the voluntary and community networks; during the Covid lockdown and postCovid arrangements, participating in regular weekly and fortnightly Zoom meetings with SMBC and a full range of our voluntary sector colleagues. This enhanced joint working remains a positive feature of the year. We are active members of various local partnerships, including the Carers Partnership Board, Adult Safeguarding and Children Safeguarding Boards.
We have been key members of weekly or fortnightly video conferencing, conference calls and other liaisons on vaccination rollout, carers GP registration, and long Covid concerns with SMBC, Public Health and the principal third sector organisations.
## FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial year ended with a small increase in overall income reflecting a significant reduction in grant income which was more than offset by increased funding from our service level agreement with SMBC. Much of the restricted funding received in the previous year was spent and expenditure on carer support and activities which had more than doubled in the previous year was further increased significantly. The difficult recruitment situation continued to thwart attempts to bring staff numbers up to the budgeted level though towards the end of the year recruitment efforts began to show better results. Staff costs, our most significant element of expenditure, increased by 9% as a result. With staff costs running below budget and an increase in total income, we ended the year with an unexpected surplus of a little over £35,000.
Looking ahead, with the increase in staff numbers now, we expect to make significant inroads into the surplus brought forward.
## YEAR END FINANCIAL POSITION
We finished the year with total reserves of £410,020 up from £374,654 at the start of the year. An element of the reserves is restricted, deriving from income received to be spent on specific projects with the balance unrestricted, available to be spent as necessary to support the work of the charity.
## Restricted Funds
The proportion of restricted income was significantly lower than in the previous year resulting in a sizeable reduction in the level of restricted funds.
Restricted income funds amounted to £31,390 (2022: £90,486). Details of restricted fund balances are shown in Note 11.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 23
## Unrestricted Funds
During the year unrestricted funds increased from £284,168 to £378,630 which equates to approximately 6 months of ongoing expenditure. The policy of the Trustees is to maintain sufficient unrestricted funds to provide financial stability and ensure that the work of the charity is not affected by unexpected events, delayed receipts or a short-term lack of incoming funds. Also, to ensure that in the event of a significant and permanent reduction in income, sufficient funds are available to meet all liabilities and provide an acceptable winding down of operations.
The Trustees have reviewed both the reserves policy and the level of reserves as of 31 March 2023 and are satisfied that the reserves are adequate.
## INVESTMENT POWERS
The Charity has the power to make any investment which the Directors see fit. Our funds are only invested in deposit facilities protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and within the limits of the Scheme. We aim to maximise interest income using both fixed and variable-rate deposits.
## RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board regularly considers risks to the organisation and agrees on measures to mitigate the identified risks. The Trustees periodically review their Risk Management and Opportunity Register, which enables the service to plan for and reduce threats to the service we provide to the public.
During 2022-23 the Trustee Board and CEO also established subgroups to:
- Complete a CTS Business Plan 2022-24.
- Refresh the Fundraising Strategy and Goals.
- Review the development of new income streams.
These tasks were discussed on a Trustee Away day session in March 2023 when the Board received confirmation of the likelihood of a tender process for its All Age Carer Contract in 2024 or 2025.
Reserves had routinely been held to mitigate this risk.
## FUNDING
Our funding mainly relies on the secured service level agreement with Solihull MBC. The current agreement expires in September 2024 with a potential 1.5-year extension available thereafter. During the year, there were grants from Solihull MBC, Carers Trust national, The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund and other local funders. We are also very grateful to those, including staff, who have raised money for the charity, organised special events, sponsored walks and corporate activities.
PAGE 24 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees (who are the Directors of Solihull Carers Centre/Carers Trust Solihull for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and 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 judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards 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 charitable company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions and 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.
## Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ regime.
On behalf of the Board
David Heaselgrave Chair of Trustees
## 2 October 2023
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 25
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOLIHULL CARERS CENTRE
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Solihull Carers Centre (‘the charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2023.
## Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
## Independent examiner’s statement
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
3. the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
4. the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Hannah Justice ACA FCCA Independent Examiner On behalf of BSN Associates Limited
3B Swallowfield Courtyard Wolverhampton Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2JG
## Date: 2 October 2023
PAGE 26 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
(incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account)
|||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Notes|Funds|Funds|2023|2022|
|||£|£|£|£|
|Income from:||||||
|Grants, activities and donations||8,621|3,994|12,615|1,898|
|Investments: Bank interest||5,244|-|5,244|1,427|
|Charitable activities: Grants|2|677,540|51,927|729,467|730,134|
|Total income||691,405|55,921|747,326|733,459|
|Expenditure on:||||||
|Charitable activities|3|596,943|115,017|711,960|663,280|
|Total expenditure||596,943|115,017|711,960|663,280|
|Net income/(expenditure)||||||
|for the year||94,462|(59,096)|35,366|70,179|
|Net movement in funds||94,462|(59,096)|35,366|70,179|
|Reconciliation of funds:||||||
|Total funds brought forward||284,168|90,486|374,654|304,475|
|Total funds carried forward||378,630|31,390|410,020|£374,654|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 27
## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 MARCH 2023
|31 MARCH 2023||||
|---|---|---|---|
||Notes|2023|2022|
|||£|£|
|Fixed assets|6|1,975|6,855|
|Current assets||||
|Debtors and prepayments|8|523|2,192|
|Investments|7|419,635|344,391|
|Bank current account||64,385|88,875|
|Cash balances||-|687|
|||484,543|436,145|
|Creditors: amounts falling due within one year|9|76,498|68,346|
|Net current assets||408,045|367,799|
|Net assets|10|410,020|374,654|
|Unrestricted funds||378,630|284,168|
|Restricted income funds|11|31,390|90,486|
|Total funds||410,020|374,654|
For the year ending 31 March 2023 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Trustees’ responsibilities:
- The shareholders have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
- The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Directors on 2 October 2023 and were signed on their behalf by:
## David Heaselgrave Chair of Trustees
PAGE 28 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
|STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023|||
|---|---|---|
||2023|2022|
||£|£|
|Net cash provided by operating activities|50,067|69,311|
|Cash flows from investing activities|-|-|
|Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period|433,953|364,642|
|Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period|484,020|433,953|
|RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM|OPERATING ACTIVITIES||
||2023|2022|
||£|£|
|Net income for the reporting period|35,366|70,179|
|Adjustments for:|||
|Depreciation of fixed assets|4,880|5,980|
|(Increase)/decrease in debtors|1,669|(1,435)|
|(Decrease)/increase in creditors|8,152|(5,413)|
|Net cash provided by operating activities|50,067|69,311|
|ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS|||
||2023|2022|
||£|£|
|Cash in hand|64,385|89,562|
|Notice deposits (less than 3 months)|419,635|344,391|
|Total cash and cash equivalents|484,020|433,953|
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 29
## NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
## 1. Accounting policies
## Status
The Charity is a company registered in England and Wales that is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The liability of members is limited to £1. The registered office is shown on page 2. The charity constitutes a public entity as defined by FRS 102.
Statement of compliance, basis of preparation and assessment of going concern The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (SORP FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value.
In common with many charities the organisation is heavily dependent on grant income. Founded over 20 years ago we are a service-led organisation considered as the lead agency supporting carers in the area. The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis in expectation that there will not be a significant decrease in support from funding bodies.
## Income recognition
Income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured accurately.
Voluntary income is recognised as above except where the income is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, when the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the Charity and it is probable those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Grants specifically for the provision of services to be provided as part of the charitable activities or services to beneficiaries are accounted for on the basis of amounts receivable for the year.
Interest arising on cash balances is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity. This is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
## Expenditure recognition
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement is required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on the accruals basis, inclusive of any value added tax which cannot be recovered.
## Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life, being three years for computers and other equipment and five years for motor vehicles. Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £2,500.
## Taxation
The Charity is exempt from taxation on its charitable activities.
PAGE 30 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## Fund accounting
In order to differentiate the availability of funds they are categorised according to the following definitions:
Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific 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.
## Pension costs
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for many of its employees. The pension charge represents the amount payable by the Charity to the scheme during the year.
## Operating leases
Lease payments are recognised as an expense over the lease term on a straight-line basis. The aggregate benefit of lease incentives is recognised as a reduction to expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
## Functional currency
The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the entity.
## 2. Income from charitable activities
|2. Income from charitable activities|||
|---|---|---|
||2023|2022|
||£|£|
|Unrestricted funds - grants|||
|Solihull MBC|670,790|511,252|
|Other grants|6,750|-|
||677,540|511,252|
|Restricted funds - grants|||
|Solihull MBC – Adult carers|5,000|40,000|
|Carers Trust – Young carers|1,650|1,680|
|Carers Trust – Adult carers|10,250|-|
|Children in Need – Young carers|28,236|23,673|
|Other grants – Young carers|6,791|49,198|
|Other grants – Adult carers|-|12,927|
|Covid relief grants|-|91,404|
||51,927|218,882|
Incoming resources include amounts receivable after the year end in respect of expenditure incurred by the year end.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 31
## NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
## 3. Expenditure on charitable activities
## Direct and support
|Direct and support|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
||Funds|Funds|2023|2022|
||£|£|£|£|
|Carer support and activities|30,434|43,128|73,562|58,093|
|Staff costs|480,239|67,134|547,373|503,179|
|Recruitment|10,428|582|11,010|5,945|
|Premises*|(5,649)|-|(5,649)|15,255|
|Communications and office costs|41,986|528|42,514|38,463|
|Motor and travel expenses|6,680|-|6,680|7,256|
|Training and consultancy|7,231|-|7,231|7,664|
|Publicity/information|8,195|2,893|11,088|14,696|
|Insurance|3,246|-|3,246|1,876|
|Professional fees and subscriptions|4,962|-|4,962|2,420|
|Other|3,168|752|3,920|2,133|
||590,920|115,017|705,937|656,980|
|Governance costs|||||
||||2023|2022|
||||£|£|
|Independent examination|1,920|-|1,920|1,800|
|Professional fees|3,563|-|3,563|3,550|
|Other|540|-|540|950|
||6,023|-|6,023|6,300|
|Total expenditure on charitable|||||
|activities|596,943|115,017|711,960|663,280|
|2022|488,098|175,182|-|663,280|
* Premises costs include a credit of £20,600 relating to prior years.
PAGE 32 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## 4. Staff costs
The total staff costs for the year amounted to £547,373 (2022:£503,179). The costs for 2023 figures to include employer national insurance contributions amounting to £35,078 (2022:£32,249) and pension costs of £20,751 (2022:£20,060).
The charity during the year had on average 9 full time employees (2022: 9) and 17 part time employees (2022: 15).
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 during the year or the previous year.
In addition, at the year-end there were 9 directors (2022: 11). The directors all give freely of their time and expertise and did not receive any emoluments or other benefits.
## 5. Operating lease commitments
The charity has commitments under an operating lease for land and buildings expiring in 2033 amounting to £150,000 (2022: £14,000).
||||2023|2022|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||£|£|
|Amounts falling due within|1|year|15,000|14,000|
|Amounts falling due within|2|to 5 years|60,000|-|
## 6. Fixed assets
||Motor Cars|Computer||
|---|---|---|---|
|||Equipment|Total|
||£|£|£|
|COST||||
|At beginning of year|17,650|13,200|30,850|
|Disposals|9,750|-|9,750|
|At end of year|7,900|13,200|21,100|
|ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION||||
|Opening balance|14,095|9,900|23,995|
|Disposals|9,750|-|9,750|
|Charge for the year|1,580|3,300|4,880|
|Closing balance|5,925|13,200|19,125|
|NET BOOK VALUE|1,975|-|1,975|
There were no capital commitments at the year-end (2022: none).
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 33
## NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
## 7. Investments
At cost and valuation
|At cost and valuation||||
|---|---|---|---|
|||2023|2022|
|||£|£|
|Short term deposits held at UK banks||419,635|344,391|
|8. Debtors||||
|||2023|2022|
|||£|£|
|Debtors||-|1,499|
|Prepayments||523|693|
|||523|2,192|
|9. Creditors:amounts falling due within one year||||
|||2023|2022|
|||£|£|
|Creditors and accruals||30,878|53,134|
|Deferred income||34,254|7,301|
|Tax & pension contributions||11,366|7,911|
|||76,498|68,346|
|10. Analysis of net assets by funds||||
||Unrestricted funds|Restricted funds|Total funds|
||£|£|£|
|Net assets|378,630|31,390|410,020|
## 8. Debtors
## 9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
10. Analysis of net assets by funds
PAGE 34 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23
## 11. Restricted income funds
The restricted income funds comprise the following unexpired balances of donations and grants to be applied for the following purposes:
||Opening|Incoming|Outgoing|Closing|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||balances|resources|resources|balances|
||£|£|£|£|
|Children in Need project|-|28,236|28,236|-|
|Young carers projects|38,251|12,435|25,262|25,424|
|Adult projects|21,527|15,250|30,811|5,966|
|Covid relief funds|20,504|-|20,504|-|
|Other funds|10,204|-|10,204|-|
||90,486|55,921|115,017|31,390|
## 12. Trustees expenses
Trustees received no expense payments during the year or the prior year. The charity provided indemnity cover for Trustees costing £677 (2022: £694).
## 13. Related party transactions
No Trustee or other person connected with the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year. The Trustees are not aware of any related party transactions requiring disclosure.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 PAGE 35
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Supporting unpaid carers in Solihull for over 20 years
Carers Trust Solihull Solihull Carers Centre Solihull Fire Station Annexe 620 Streetsbrook Road Solihull B91 1QY
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Solihull Carers Centre (SCC) is a company limited by guarantee and a Registered Charity operating as Carers Trust Solihull (CTS). Registered Company in England No. 04378042. Registered Charity No. 1092613.
Registered Office: The Carers Centre Solihull Fire Station Annexe 620 Streetsbrook Road Solihull B91 1QY
© Carers Trust Solihull 2023. This document uses a combination of photos copyrighted to Carers Trust Solihull and stock images copyrighted to the orginators. Some small graphic illustrations are copyrighted to the national Carers Trust.