COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 04723825 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1100551 Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 30 March 2024 cc TEDF RLI Chartered accountants Unt 2 Riverbridge Business Centre Rhymney River Bridge Road Cardiff CF23 9FP
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmlted by Guarantee Financial Statements Year ended 30 March 2024 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directorfs report) Independent examiner's report to the trustees Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position Notes to the financial statements 19 21 22 23
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Roportl Year ended 30 March 2024 The Iruslees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of thè charity for the year ended 30 March 2024. Refèrence and administratlve detalls Reglstered charity name Riverside Advlce Limited Charity rogl8tratlon number 1100557 Company reg15tratlon number 04723825 Prlncipal offlc8 and reglstered 41 a Lower Cathedral Road office Riverside Cardiff CF116LW Thè trustees Mrs F.L Freeman M¥ l.A Campbell Ms J.E Williams Ms J.R Lewis Mr M.J Gower IResigned 14 December 20231 (Appointed 14 December 2023) Independent examlnBr Leanne Euslace Unt 2 Riverbridge Business Centre Rhymney River Bridge Road Cardiff CF23 9FP
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustoes, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conllnuedj Year ended 30 March 2024 Structure. governance and management Riverside Advice Ltd Ilhe charity), formerly a prolect of the South Riverside Community Development Cenlre, was established as an independent charity in 2003. The charity is a company limited by guarantee con7prising members who undertake lo contrSbule £1 in the event of a winding up. Members meet annually lo elect a general man8gement committee IGMCI and a board of clireclors Ilhe Board) in whom the functions of management are vested save for those reserved by law to a general meeting. The GMC has power lo co-opt to itself provided that Ihe number of those co-opted does not exceed hall the GMC less one up lo a maximum of 8 al any given lime. The Board is elected by the general meeting ffom members elected to the GMC. The Board does not noimally meet separately, silting as parl ol the GMC, save in respect of mallers relating lo employment, remuneration, grievances and discipline when Ihe Board sils alone. Currently the GMC and Board are co*xlensive. although as noted above it 1$ recognised that the current conslitulional documents require review as Ihey have led to diffi¢ullie$ in the decision-making functions of the charily's personnel. The Company Chair is elected by the GMC and in extreme circumstances lald out by the GMC or thé Board may lake executive decisions which mltsl be subsequently ralilied by the GMC or Board. No external person oi body is enlilled lo appoint a trustee. Riverside Advice aims lo recruit Iruslees I general management commillee members who have some expertise in the specific, narrow and specialised area in which 11 PTovides sefvices, i,e. the provision of leg81 advloe in particular welfare rights, debt and housing, alongside expertise in accounting and rinanclal management and employment law and good practice. The charity has slruggled lo obtain a quorum of Ihe GMC in recent limes. Steps have been taken and ils number has been successfully increased. The challty is commiited to following Ihe regulalory requifemenls and good piaclice speciff ed by the Chaiily Commission in ils wrillen guidance 'Finding New Trustees" In particular the charity is ommilled to veloing potential Iruslees to: al check Ihal the candidates have not been dlsqualifled from acting as trustees.. candidales are asked lo confirm in wriiing that this is the case., bl identify any existing or potential conllicls of interest. Candidates are asked lo considei and de¢lare these-, cl as the charity works with vulnerable adults, wheTe appropriate undertake checks with Ihe Disclosure and Barring Service., an dl only make formal trustee appoinlments in the light of these checks and declaralions. Day-lo-day operations are under the dlrecllon and management of the Chief Executive Officer, and the GMC at7d Board of Directors make the ¢harills policy. As a small charity, all signilicanl decision- making requires the approv81 of the GMC/Board, that Is lo say. policy formul&lion, significant expendilule, entering into substantial new contracts and their renewal. taking on staff and terms and conditions of employment including pensions and pay. appellate lunclions in relation to grievances and disciplinary issues. The chief offiGerfs pay is sel by the Board of Directors. The charity is a member of AdviceUK which is the UK'S largest support neOrk for free, independent advice cenlres. As 8 UK-wide org8nlsation AdviceUK is a key member of the Advice Seryices Alliance.
Riverside Advlce Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnue(l) Year ended 30 March 2024 The charity gains certain advantages from its membership. AdviceUK has been designated by the Secretary of Slate as a Compelenl Authority under Regulation 3, Debt Relief Orders ID6signalion of Compelenl Aulhoriliesl Regulations 2009. This means Ihal advisers working for Membe ol the AdviceUK neOrk can apply lo AdviceUK lo become an Approved Intermediary under the scheme. AdviceUK also provKles a variety of infom)ation and communication services as part of the membership in¢luding e-newsletlers, information and resources on the latest products, events and developments and updates on grant funding. Going concern The world changed after Covid19, the lockdowa impacted on bolh Riverside Advice and our clients, particularly as such a high porcentage have mental health illnesses and rely on support workers. Furlher lo this our clients are continued lo be impacted significantly by the Cosl ol livlng and fuel crisis which is affecting the more vulnerable the most. Our funding remains slrong with good relalionshlps with funders who support our service to the most vulnerable. This Includes.. Our current Health Board Conliact, funded since 2000 for people wilh Mental Heallh Difficulties and has been successfully re-lendered for until 2027 Waterloo Foundalion have funded slnce 2015 for services for Carers. On 3 year re-application for funding, the due to their pleasure with our services to carers Waterloo Foundation increased their annual funding lor us by a day a week from July 2023. This also. on our request now includes Debt as well as Welfare Benefits casework services. Holistic service funded by BGET lo delivei services acfOSS Wales since 2011. W8 now have a secor¢d contract lo work specifically in the Counties of Newport and Caerphilly. In 2023 BGET awarded additional funding for a Post Office Pop Up project In July 2023 we weTe awarded a fv40-year Access lo Juslice Foundation project on Improving outcomes. We are working with the University College London on our outcomes lo enhance their work on how Law can improve Health. We largel this seNi¢e lo people with mental health difficulties and delivering seNice in health settings such as Hospitals We conlinue lo move forwaid with the fundraising plan In relallon lo expanding dedicated seNices, particularly oulreach seNices lo meet the needs ol the mo$1 vulnerable, pailicularly those with mental heallh illnesses. As a resull, Ihe Iruslees consider Ihe organisalion continues remain strong. and with a healthy reserve for developments there are no going concern issues.
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) (contlnuedj Year ènded 30 March 2024 ObJecllve8 and actlvilles Organisalional and services overview Riverside Advice delivers specialist and bespoke services which make a significant financial difference, and consequently improve the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable people. those with disabllilies, particularly Mental Health Illnesses and for Carers. Feedback from clients over the years on saving lives and the long-lerm dlfferences made for people demonslrale this.. l owe my lile lo Riverside Advice I cannot thank you enough Riverside Advlce for saving my life Successfully gol me a DRO. Will help with my depression and anxi8ty and look better lo a beller future They have Teduced my anxiety and depression du8 lo my debts am very grateful for all their dedication to their clients Has given me a future I can live for. 2 years ago I had very bad Depression l Couldn't cope any mor8. Wilh your help I don't need the antidepressants and look forwaid lo each day and not dread working up, I was Suicidal over my debts before Ihe DRO il was quick, easy, and I can sleep agaln thank you all much and so very easy lo talk lo staff Darkness has turned lo light Used lo have sleepless nights, I suffer wlh depression and anxiety. I was often, tired moody and snappy. l am now more conlenl and positive, huge impact for my son, happy mum, happy house. You have given me a life line. Thank you for helping us, other individuals and families who may be mentally and physically ill lo light for their cases. We know il's hard and demanding work lo deal with all the paperwork according lo the law. Your work delinilely conlribules towards less anxiety and stress for the people involved which means less illness, less arguments between the family members. This helps lo keep families logelher in a tough atmosphere. We hope you will continue to offer your services for a long lime. I suffered a hard lime with no money, was not able lo do for my fami5y. Now l am feeling no pressure about money and we can all look lo a worthwhile future. I could not have completed the appliGalion fomis for DWP & PIP wilhoul you. Your help has been essential in giving me hope that I might be able lo create a life {newl) going forward. Riveyside Advice deliver holistic. a¢¢esslble and bespoke Welfare Rights services lo reduce poverty, maximise income. reduce debt and empower people.. all cruclal lo positively impact and Improve vulnerable people's health and wellbeing. Unique work with vulnerable client groups and partnership working wilh their SUPPOTI workers and organisations, alongside the expertise and ski118 of staff al Riverside Advice which provide bespoke
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantse Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) {conrfnuedJ Year ended 30 March 2024 and accessible services lo reduce barriers for vulnerable people. During Ihls year.. 2474 vulnerable people received Specialist oomplex and Legal casewowk services in either Wellare Benefits, Debt or Housing. Tol81 people advised 5360 £5,216,290 raised in increased income for vuln6Table peop18 from Welfare Benefit $pe¢iali$l casework projects 16 cSienls reIved over £20,000, wilh 5 of these receiving over £25.000 from our Specialist Welfare Benefit casewofk Equivalent to £37 raised for every £1 of funding for Specialist Welfare Benefils casework ' £1,115,570 wrillen off for clients with 34 DRO'S and 7 Bankruptcies from Debt projects ' £2,125, 697 Debt managed and ie.negotia16d 97Yo of clients for casework service5 had a disability ' 92% of clients for casework seNices had a mental health illness 680A of clienls had a severe physioal disability illness ' 21% had a language and literacy problem 35% were non-white British ' 28Yo Carers 820/0 of people were referred from a partner support organisalion or service The charity was established with a role of promoting any charitable purposes for the benefit of Welsh communities achievable by the relief of poverty through Ihe provision of lil free legal advice and assistance lo people unable lo obtain il through poverty and lill goodslservi¢es which they could not otherwise affoid through lack of means. The Iruslees confirm that they have had due regard lo the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when Teviewing Riverside Advice Ltd's aims and objèctives 2nd in planning future aclivilies. The charity achieve5 ils aims through delivering Advice Services fiom offices based in one of Cardiffs and Wales's poorest local authority wards. The Advice services, through parlnership working, are, in Ihe majority delivered lo the most vulnerable people in the Cardill area, although service delivery for some services extends throughout Wales. The majority of clients Bie seen by face-lo-face appoinlmenls, and often wilh support workeis in allendance. 82 % of Ihe clients advised are by referrals from support organisalions in all sectors to ensure setViGes are largeted lo th6 rnosl vulnerable. Main aims..
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrector's Report) (¢onllnued) Year ended 30 March 2024 Enhancing quality of life, health and well-being by reducing poverty, deprivation and social exclusion. Achieved by.. il Delivering free. independent, impartial, ronfidenlial, holistic. expert and Irusled Welfare Rights Advice Services (Welfare Benefits, Debt, Housing, Fuel Debt, Energy Efficiency, Financial Sileracy). lil DesSgnlng person-cenlred. bespoke, Injsled, accessible services tailored lo individuals, needs, with pailner or9anisaliDns and support services identifying and referiing those in need ulilising earty intervention and prevention prinoiple. iiil Targeting hard-lo-reach. vulnerable and disabled people by Working in parlReiship with non-advic8 organisalions for referr81$ reducing 'barrieTS' and enhancing access. iv) Advising, educating 8nd empowering people lo move forward independenlly vl Services underpinned by mulli-fundin9 facilitating holistic services which deliver best outcomes. The offices are rented from a local housing association with an Advice office where reception opens for enquiries and to make 2ppoinlments, and Advice rooms for delivery of the welfare benefits. debl. fuel debt. energy effi'cièncy and housing services. In the main. work consists of making represenlalions on behalf of vulnerable people. in particular those ill and disabled wilh mental ill health, with specialist supported services through our consortium partners 4Winds vulnerable lo suicide and self-harm, 81so Caters and those with Dementia. Our work involves pulling a case on a person's behalf which brings them within either lal rules of enlillemenl or Ibl criteria for the exercise of beneficial discretion, or both. The charivs resouice5 do not currently stretch to representing clients in in person al Iribtsnals save in wholly exceptional cases. bul supporl workers are often able lo fulfil this role of supporl allei we submil a comprehensive submission on behalf of the client. In the year, 990/0 of Welfare Benefil Appeal Tribunal cases where we submilled a submission were successful. The charity employed 14 people.. 9 caseworkers, one of whom is a solicitor with a praclising certlficale and a debt relief order intermediary aulhorised by Ihe Insolvency Service, 3 adminislralive support workers, an OpeFalional Manager and a Chief Executive Officer. In addilion, we employ Cardlff Law Students on a flexible basis to assist wilh service delivery. The charity benelils from long-standing volunteers. in pailicular assisting with financial record-keeping, IT and data reports for funders, lo whom the IrLfStees are very grateful. Due lo growth these services are now transferring lo either out-sourcing or delivered by paid staff. The Charity raises funds by securing graT)Is and conlribulions lo ils work and laking on Contracts with slalutory and voluntary agencies including the Legal Aid Agency ILAAI. The charity holds the LM sponsored Specialist Quality Mark {SQMI. (Either SQM or Lexcel accredilalion is essential for organisalions that wish lo tendei foi legal aid conlracls.) The work of the ¢harity is highly beneficial and client feedback demonslrale5 our work gains improvement in the client's health and well-being and quality of lile. This is through holistic serviGes including income maximisalion of income, exlinclion or reduction of crippling indebledne3s or assistance in managing debts, especially fuel poverty. 11 will include a551slance in obtaining or replacing essential household while goods Olholse not available lo the client because of poverty.11
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarant88 Trustees, Annual Report {Incorporating tha Director's Report) {eontlnu8dJ Year end8d 30 March 2024 can also include prevention of homelessness or improving housing tenure oi the conditions of accommodation. In the field of housing, the charity's LAA contra¢l will on occasion cover the c051 of limited representation al Court. In the main the accompanying accounts show how this work is funded by grant aid, some of which is reslricled, and income earned from the chaiilable aclivilies, which is unreslricled. The charity's main item of expenditure is the salaries of ils employees undertaking and underpinning this work. The trustees also draw attention lo the modest bul nevertheless much appreciated donations made by clients who wish lo express their Ihanks for the chaiily's work and contribute lo the conlinualion of its seNices. The charity employs a pro-active stralegy of reaching out lo the community by working with organl$alion5 which provide support 8nd have direct day-lo-day contact with ils potential clients, thebY making contact with vulner8ble people in Cardiff and across Wales, such as Swansea lo the wesl and. where possible, people in other aTeas of Wales. Much of this work outside Ihe wider Cardiff area 15 enabled by working in partnership with organisalions and support workers who can assist their service users through the casework process. These support agencies make referrals which form 82U/o of the casework of the charity. Cllenls like the down-lo-earlh informality of the charity's all-encompassing approach in which other problems are uncovered and tackled. The charities sewices are accessible, redLFcing barriers ft)r vulnerable people. and ensuring they do not feel "processed" and the triage system 8dopteoS in other agencie5 15 avoided. with appointments being made directly with Specialist Advisors. Through ils work the charity seeks lo relieve poverty, promoting belier mental health and wellbeing by lifting slress and worry. Financial outcomes of our work not only reduce individual and family poverty bul in 8ddilioTr injeGling significant purchasing power into the local economy which, can benefit the wider community. A subslanlial amount of debt was wrillen-oll completely through DRO and Bankrupl¢y and a substantial amount also'managed, through negolialion of affordable payment. In this way, the chawity directly and indirectly meets ils legal purpose. The charity does not make gfanls. 11 does not hold any investments except ils savings bank accounl. It banks wilh CAF Bank which is a subsidiary of Ihe Charities Aid Foundation, a registered charily dedicated lo creating a social impact. Subslanlial cuts in Advice funding streams have been faced. This Included the UK government taking most of social welfaie Legal Aid out of scope in 2013. Al this lime Riveiside Advice had the largest Legal Aid Social Welfare Contact in Wales wilh 1500 Legal Aid cases annually in Welfare Benefits and Debt. There has also been a loss of Local Authority funding slfeams, applying across the advice sector, as all Advice services became funded through a single entity Tenderl Conlra¢l. This was awarded lo CA8, and the Welsh Government Advice-funding designated only lo Advice organisalions that were 'Nalional' {all.Wales based), led lo instability and many closures ol oiggnisalions and services within the Advice sector in Cardiff and Wales. Riverside Advice 'wealhered this storm., slabilised with a re-structure and strategic re-alignment, Tesulling in a smaller organisalion, bul mainlainlng its mulli-funding, enabling conlintjed delivery of holistic and bespoke Advice services in Welfare Benefits, Debt, Housing. Fuel Debt and Energy efficiency and targeting the most vulnerable people. A stable base from which the organisation has it has now regrown subslanlially. In this era of ongoing cuts to funding stale agencies have tuined lo competitive procurement in the search for what is demonstrably best value. This has had ils downside for organisalions and services, which would be beller working in collaboration, bul have been forced in many instances lo compete in
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conllnu8(lJ Year ended 30 March 2024 large contracts. The trustees regret this new environmenl bul are delermined lo act with inlegiily, adopting values and creating a culture which commands publio confidence and trust in charities and making Sltre the charity operates responsibly and ethically, in line with these values. Riverside Advice has achreved this in recenl limes with increased funding sources leasing lo much needed growth of service5 to the mosl vulneiable. A¢hlevem¢nts and performanco Achievements The Charity retains the Cardirr & the Vale University Health Board IUHBI Contract in Welfare Rights casework service for people with mental health illnesses. The conlinualion Contract was successfully won under a compelilive open lender process in 2022. This is from 2022 10 2027. This piojecl has been funded by He811h Board since 2000. ' A second UHB Contract was added in 2033 to SUPPDrl the UHB Reward and Recovery Scheme ' BGET $eNices had been delivered since 2011. The Charity SUGGe5sfully rebid for lis main British Gas Energy Trust Conlra¢l, Iscaip1} from 2024 to 2026. In OGlober 2022 additional BGET EDA funds were secuied for the September to Mar¢h period to address the additional demand due lo energy and cost of living crisis. The second BGET ISCARP21 project was successfully re-bid for Borough Councils of Newport and Caeiphilly for 2024-26 BGET Pop-up project was doliveTed for 6 Months working with Post Office as delivery p8rlners Waterloo Foundation continues to fund the Welfare Benefits Carers project since 2015 the basis of excellent oulcomes for carers. A further 3-year Grant was successfully fe-bid for from 2024 with Increased funding to increase the Advisor houis to provide more cases. The charity continues with Legal Aid Contract funding, (Since 19971,, LAA Welfare Benefit Upper Tribunal contract for Wales and South Wesl of England Housing Contract for Cardiff Vale and Bridgend. A further Grant lo support Riverslde Advice as a Spec131isl Welfare Rlghls organisalion was successfully bid for from Access lo Juslice Foundation. Grant covers two year focusing on reducing barriers and increasing access lo those wllh Mental Health Illness. such as those who are hospilalised. Riverside Advice remained a multi.funded organisalion. IOOYO of clients for casework services have a vulnerability The Legal Aid Annual Audit was undertaken and passed in Apyil 2024 wlh no issues and the charity satisfied all requirements in th& LAA Finan¢ial Slewardship audit undertaken in February 2020 Feedback from clients demonslrales clearly the dedicated services provided lo the most vulnerable and impact on health and 'qualily of life, for our Service Users..
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) fconffnued) Year onded 30 March 2024 A¢hl¢v6ments and performance f¢onMnuedJ Heallh and Wellbeing.. Riverside Advire gave me everything. They gol me a life again. I had no life lell until you helped me gel through. You made the whole experience easier lo cope with as I have very complex physical and menlal health problems. It's helped me know how to go about things for the future loo. Eased my linanci21 worries and helps people who are under a lot of stress. Treated with respect and very well advised. You listened to what I had lo say and Ihen made the whole process less stressful. Peace of mind and for my family too. l am able lo sleep at night now. So much less stress. AyS fantastic and friendly I had excellent advice wtth my debt problem. I was not able to sleep and depressed. I fell much relieved after my visit to Riverslde Advice. Thank you lo all the staff. My case was really affecting my life mentally. Now I can slarl my life again with fresh starl. Thank you lo everyone involved in my case. 11 has given me release. l am hoplng that it will give me new lease of life. Thank you. ' Yes. I have peace and I can sleep peacefully and I now have a satisfied family l am very grateful Ihal you opened up a good life for me. I was very unhappy and thank you, you look care of me, that you listened lo me. Thank you for opening up a benefit and life and help for me. l am so grateful and would never be able lo say Ihank you enough. It has improved my health mentally and physically. I found your help was al the highest level. 11 has helped me with my ability lo sleep at night which has massively impacted on my health for the beller. I have peace and I can sleep peacefully and l am very happy Ihat I now have a salislied family. Superb, Superb. They are the best. Extremely helpful staff. They go right above and beyond lo help publi¢ solve all problems.
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrèctor's Report) (¢ontlnueflJ Year ended 30 March 2024 A¢hlovements and p¢rformance {COlIned) Standard of Service.. Riverside Advice represented me extremely well. Being represented by a well experienced Advisor has had an enormous positive impact on my mental and physical health. I hope Riverside Advice continues and keep lighting for the service5 they provide these vital and very important services ID people who're In my situation. I hope Riverside Advice continues in recruiling excellent experts who cale about their assisting me wilh the DLA form. Amazing, could not have done wilhoul your expertlse They always do cases on priority basis. Whenever I conl8¢1 them, they look action frequently. I think everyone in your organisalion is doing Ihe best effort. I really appreciate the inlormalive knowledge. Thank you so much for your lime and help. Realty appreciate your time and help. I felt reassured with your experlise that my daughter would gel the help lo get the Benefits she was enlilled to clients. they are experts ffom Advisors lo receplloni$t Reduced my slress levels as I have been trying for monlhs to apply for early retirement due to ill health. Excellent knowledge by staff and advlce given. l am now receiving payments on a regular basis thanks lo you. Thank you Thank you for helping me with my PIP which l am now gelling again after you made an Appeal. You are brilliant. You are very effictenl. You worked very hard. the government needs to increase their support your funding I had excellent advice with my debl problem, I was not able to sleep and depressed. I fell mLtch relieved after my visil to Riverside Advice. Thank you lo all the slafl service and outcome superb, Level of service absolutety excellent Thls has helped so much financially and also helped me mentally. I not only had my benefit reinslaled, 3nd they gave me more Could not have managed wlhoul the help and expeilise of YOUT stall My son was in a very bad way and I found you helped me cope with the situation as I was finding il very difficull lo cope with caring lor him. Level of service excellent. Excellent in many ways, Know my rights and family's rights now. Ment811y and for my overall health il really helped. The way you responded was when I called was spot on inlormalive and professional. Makes a hug6 difference, don't know how else I could have dealt with it. Your service is invaluable lo the communily you serve- many thanks. Helped in so many ways. No stress. gained knowledge. know my rights and family's rights, I found youi help was al the highest level. l am so grateful and would never be able lo say thank you enough. It has improved my health mentally and physically. Easy people lo gel on wilh. Back then before I came to Riverside Advice life was complete hell for me and my 6-year old girl. 11 was great for me as l just handed over all my letters and you sorted il all for me. I want thank so much your advisor, and adminislralor who have been so helpful to mè and I want thank $0 much Riverside for helping me wilh every legal issue. Taken the burden away from me. Very helpful and understanding a 10 out of 10. Whatever your need as s(n as phone answers you will immediately feel al ease. l am very pleased with 'brillianl service.. your service is excellent. Once we explained the situation Riverside did everything. Very efficient and slress-free seNice. ' Before I was referred lo Riverside Advice we were concerned how to proceed. We are very pleased 10
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report1Sncorporating the Director's Report) (ctHDllnutrd) Year ended 30 March 2024 Achlevements and performance (contlnued) and salislied with the expell help we received, and thank you very much for the peace of mind il has given us. 11
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report Ilncorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 30 March 2024 Achievements and performancè (¢ontlnued) Access and Outcome.. l owe my life lo Riverside Advic8 I have been struggling with debt for years. This has resulled or has h8d huge impact on my mental health and physical heallh, The help I received from staff has helped me massively with my life. I cannot thank you enough Riverside Advice for saving my life. Thank you very much. I no longer eat out of supermarkets bins. l can pay off outstanding bills. l even have a special lile. Living, not just surviving. I will always have an unceftain future bul I know I'm not alone and thanks to great peopl8 who really cope with my illness and have hope. I was not able to manage my finances, very hard lo buy something. Now I can buy my needs, al least. I suffered a hard lime with no money, was not abl8 lo do for my family. l am feeling now is no pressuie of less money. My case was really affecting my lile mentally. Now I can slarl my life again with fresh start. Thank you lo everyone involved in my case. Very helpful and a great lo get help with debt I could nol have completed the applicaliort forms for DWP & PIP wilhoul Riverside Advice Their help has been essenllal In giving me hope that I might be able to create a life Inewll going fotward. I was really worrying how I would manage. you really helped me and were on my side Incleed, you have given me a good slarl and helped manage my finances. No more stressful letter and phone calls. I can just say thank you I got peace of mind The importance of Advice Centre like yours cannot be underestimated. Wilhout your help I would have ended up homeless and deslilul8. ' You made my life so much easier now I have a bil more money coming in. I can't thank you enough. Perle¢l as you are. I have been suffering from ch¥onic post-lraumalic slress disorder for years lover 30 years). Going lo Riverside Advice and meeting 51aff there who helped me enormously and succeed in resolving all my issues i.e. debt, benefits. They have helped. me in reducing financial pressure on me. Inciedlble place and incredible people. Resolving the issues for good. I have PIP enhanced rate so l am very happy with Riverside Advlce. I'm now managing lo pay off my debts and slay in credit, also I have help with healthcare. Took a lol ol pressure ol me and am very thankful for your lime, advice and help You have lo experience, expertise and knowledge and solved everything for me, Th& allowance you have been assisting us has helped us greatly. Being given peace of mind reassurance lo us. I'm so really am grateful. The strain on my mother's mental health was so unnecessary.11 was appalling and the length of lime by DWP from when she applied during lockdown, meant over 2 years in poverty. I feared for my Mother's slate of mind and life. Then we were referted lo Riverside Advice and you turned everything arour*d. made the DWP listen and win case aftei il was refused. The slalf al the Centre are excellent and I must thank them very much, they are superb in what they do. Many thanks once again. 12
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limitsd by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢ontinuedJ Year ended 30 March 2024 Achlevements and pgrformance (contlnued) Perfomiance on main funding in the year In the year. the charity ha$ delivered the following projects where targets were mel.'- Welfare Ri9hls for People with Mental Health Illnesses in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamoigan funded by Cardiff & the Valè UH8, A core project delivering Speclallsl Welfarè Benefits and Debt 8dvice for people with mental health diificullies.. Advised 728 Glienls 0 87Vo of clients were referred from Support organisalions. 0 240for one-off advice 0 310 Specialist Welfare Benefits complex casework. 0 990/0 success rate on 48 cases Appealed lo Welfare Benelil lo First Tier Tribunal 0 78 people Specialist Debt casework including DRO and Bankruptcy 0 64Y• of cases were for new clients and 36V/o lor clients who had used our servlces before. Financial outcomes 0 £1892,650 increased income from Welfare Benefits casework, o This represents £38 being gained for every £1 of UHB funding, which is an excellent outcome lor Welfare Benefits casework. This is a high ratio for Welf8re 8enefils casework compared lo £10 lor every £1 spent which is the normal ratio. 0 £274,734 eliminated through Debt casework in DRO'S and Bankfuplcy. ' Welfare Benefits CasewoFk for carers, funded by the Waterloo Foundalion. 200 Carers had been advised in the year, 120 of those being complex specialist wellare benefits cases and 8 Speciali51 Debt cases. Financial outcomes on InCaSed income on closed cases for the Carers project this year amount (0 £779,505. This represents £31 boing gained for every £1 of funding, which is an excellent outcome foi Welfare Benefits Casework. this is a high ratio lor Welfare Benefits casework compared lo £10 for every £1 spent which is the normal ratio. British Gas EneTgy Trust Funded since 2011 BGET SCARP 1 Holistic Welfare Rights sel¢e. This project advised 743 clients. Maximising Income, reducillg Debt, budgeting, Welfare Benefits, Debt, Energy Efficiency and Grant applications writing off fuel debt or providing energy efficient services and while goods. 508 of these clients received services al an 'in-deplh' casework level. With £1.094.556 gained in Welfare Benefits, and £414,732 wrillen off which included 17 DRO'S and 4 Bankruplcie5. Riverside Advice have a specific dedlcaled fund to pay for DRO and Bankruptcy Fees for vulnerable clients within the BGET projects. We also have funds to PUTchase small Energy Efficient goods for clients. This project includes early inlervenlion work to prevent Suicide and Self Harm in Partnership with 13
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 30 March 2024 Achlevements and performan¢e (¢onHnu¢dJ 4Winds, a user led Mental Health Support organisalion who are providing PTactical and for emotion supporl foT people vulnerable to Suicide and Self Harm. Over 100 people were supported by 4Winds during the year. Additional funding IBGET Post Ollice POP-UPI for 6 months,. Oclober to March for demand ¢realed by the cost of living and energy crisis. This enabled Riverside Advice to advise an additsonal 225 peop18 with 75 people for in-depth case work. BGET SCARP 2. Holistic Welfare Rights service Icr Newport and Caerphilly. Service for boroughs of Newpoil and Caerphilly. This project 2dvi8ed 403 Clients. Maximising Income, reducing Debt, budgeting, Welfate Benefits, Debt, Energy Eflicien¢y and Grant applications for writing off fuel debt or providing energy efficient services and while goods. 305 of these people received an 'in-deplh' service. Riverside Advice have a Specific dedicated fund lo pay for DRO and Bankruptcy Fees for vulnerable clients. This project supported lg DRO'S and 3 Bankfuptcies We also have funds lo purchase small Enefgy Efficient good5 for clients. This projèct includes early inlervenlion work lo prevent Suicide and Self Harm in Partnership wlh 4Winds, a user led Mental Health Support org8nis81ion who are providing practical and for emotion support for people vulnerable lo Suicrde and Self Harm. 46 people were supported by 4Winds during the year. ' Access lo Justi Foundation Improving Outcomes Two-yeaT funding through Ministry of Ju81ice lo improve outcomes. 200 people advised in Wellare Benefits, Debt and Housing al all levels through to Court. We are working with the University College London on our outcomes lo enhance their work on how Law can improve Heallh. We largel this service lo people with mental heallh difficulties and delivering service in health sellings such as Hospitals Legal Aid Conlract for Welfare Benefit Upper Tribunal Appeals (Up to 30 new case slarts annually). Upper Tribunal appeals cannot be made wilhoul first obtaining permission lo appeal and il is therefore in the t7alure ol these cases to lake signilicanl lime lo resolve. Legal Aid Housing & Debt Contract (Up to 250 housing new case slarls and 4 new debt case slarlsl. This service deals with debt Cases where loss of the home through mortgage possession proceedings or bankruptcy is al issue, and housing cases where loss of the home through possession proceedings or risk to health or safety in a rented home or homelessness is in issue. Where possession proceedings have been issued the Legal Help and Help al Court scheme enables the charity's solicitor to represent the client al rt for limited purposes. NEST and National Grid Benefit Enlillemenl Checks, funded by the Energy Saving Trust and Western Power Dislribulion. 1. The NEST project operated throughout the pBriod undeT revi8w and involves contacting a variable number of specilièd vulnerable customers from across Wales Teferred by NEST weekly for welfare benefit check lo ascert£in whether Ihsy may be enlilled lo unclaimed benefits. 854 customers were advised through the NEST project. 2. Delivery of the same BEC service funded by National Grid for those people on their vulnerable register in the Cardiff area, with the addttion of a debt advice seryic8 for those people. 268 people 14
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {contlnued) Year ended 30 March 2024 A¢hl¢vom¢nts and performance (conllnuedj were advised through Ihe WPD Project. 3. Delivery of Income Checks for NEST. For people who ale not enlilled lo Welfare Benefits bul are on a low income or have a disability or health Problem. 1739 were advised through the NEST lTrcome Check project. Big Energy Saving Neiwork 2023124, Funrjed through Citizen's Advice The project involves 2 "Champiorls delivering pro-2clive advtce lo 200 vulnerable consumers on energy issues via an 'assisled action. approach. The primary aim is lo help vulnerable consumers $wilch to a cheaper tariff and l or supplier. but additional SUPFlOrt provided can inGlude-.- 1. help with debt owed lo Ihgir supplier- 2. help lo access assistance such as Warm Home Di$counl', 3. help lo access energy efficiency schemes. 15
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {¢Olllinued) Year ended 30 March 2024 Flnanclal review Total Income for the ye8r was £461,98412023 £447.3071. derived from £322,62212023 £243,220) of grants and donations £128,95512Q23 £203.334Iin funds received f(om charitable aclivilies. Investment and other income was £10,407 {2023 £2.7531. The major grants received were from Ihe British Gas Energy Trust {£244.764}, the Walerfoo Foundation {£15,000), the Access to Justice Foundation {£43,941.741, and the Big Energy Saving Nelwork 1£7,0001. The major ongoing conlribulor lo funding the charitable aclivilie5 was the UHB {£I0,0001 and the Energy Savir¢g Trusl1£57,991}. Re-occurring costs are under constant review and are controlled, if possible, to fall below granls and anlicipaled income from charitable aclivilies. Total costs for the year were £478,17512023 £360,512) of which £361.32012023 £268,538) was in staff costs including pensions and National Insurance. Riverside Advice ends the period in strong l¢quid resources with a cash balance of £505,598 {2023 £468,900). Reserves and inveslmenl policies The total reserves at Ihe end of the period are £473,095 {2023 £489.2851- This is made up of reslricled funds relating to the Waterloo foundalion grant of £3.726 (2023 £3,726) Igrant lolal is £45.000 over 3 years with Ihree months remaining of this year's porlionl, a designated resèNes balances of £300,000 12023 £300,0(M)) and unreslricled. undesignated reseNes of £189,368 12023 £182,808). Free reserves, excluding fixed ass8ls. are £160,10812023 £172.1751. The charity does not have an investment policy bul maintains both a curfent and inlerest-bearing deposit bank accounts with CAF Bank. 11 is the intention to review both the inlerest-bearirkg and security of deposit accounts lo ensure maximisalion of interest potential whilst not diminishing security and access lo funds deposited. The charity has maintained a very efficient fixed asset base from leased premises and il is not envisaged that the assets used have any residual sale value over that of Ihe wrillen-down balances. The charity has a reserves policy of maintaining a designated reserve adequate lo fund the continuing charitable a¢liville5 of the organisalion for six months, the estimated lime needed lo close open cases, and cover any foreseen costs of closure. This reserve is reviewed by the Ir(Jslees annually to ensure adequacy and is currently £150,000 reflecting the addilional stsff, longer serviGe and generally incieased running costs. There is a designated reserve for an Operational Manager post which was recruited lo in December 2022. Thi8 is a three year post even if incoming annual fund$ don't support that. A transfer of £100,000 was made from the genefal funds last year lo the designated fund lo cover the costs of the post. Furlher monies have been moved lo lop-up this designated fund, 16
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limitsd by Guarantee Trustees, Annual R8POrt (Incorporating the Director'8 Reportl (¢on(InuedJ Year ended 30 March 2024 Plans for future porlods The Iruslees wish lo continue lo provide a free, independent, impartial and holistic advice and information service in a manner that is comprehensive and sympalhelic, and empower those in need to obtain infofmalion, advice and assis18nce en8bling them to exercise their rights. The Iiuslees wish lo maintain or increase the funding for existing projects but expand 118 specialisl advice work in the fielrl of welfare benefits, debt and housing for vulneiable, hard-lo-reach people. In particular, Ihe charity would like lo.. continue expand Welfare Righls casework seNioe$ lo meet the referral demand from all partnership support 8gencies working with vulnerable people, Providing bespoke services whlch meet needs among those who come up against bafriers lo access lo mainslfeam drop-in advSce service delivery ' continue to develop more joint service5 with our partners to m8el needs of vulnerable clients extend our services into outreach locations, particularly into hospitals and partneiship oiganisalions lo fuTiher improve acc85s and reduce barriers lo services for th& most vulnerable, particularly Ih05e with Mental Health illnesses. extend wellaTe benelil assistance for more tribunal representation for those wilh mental health difficulties and carers where there is complexity arsd such represenlalion would make a differer¢ce develop a volunteer and training project with Cardiff Law School lo widen and enhance welfare rights work and create social welfare lawyers for the future. The charity Is in discussions with Cardiff Law School's pro bono unil lo develop ils existing pallnership for mutual benefit. This is a shorl-lo-medium term plan which would evolve organically over 5 years continue lo raise funds to SUPPOTI organisalional core costs lo assist in funding core aclivilies, Adminislralion. HR and finances and r4Jnning costs lo largel funding on Advisors and aid development lo maintain and increase services for stability into the future. The charity is reviewing its accommodation. It is engaged in discussions on accommodation and cost- effective ways of consolidating Ihe organisalion's needs into an adapted or an allernalive building. Small company provlslons This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable lo companies enlilled lo the small companies exemption. 17
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {contlnu8dJ Year ended 30 March 2024 The trustees, annual report was approved on 20 December 2024 and signed on behalf of the board ol trustees by.. ++ÉJl Mr l.A Campbell Trustee 18
Riverside Advice Llmited Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustèa8 of Riv8rside Advice Limited Year ended 30 March 2024 I report lo the truslees on my examination of the financial stalemeTrts of Riverside Advice Limited ('Ihe charity) for the year ended 30 March 2024. Respon$lbllltie$ and bas15 of repori As the Iruslees of the company {and also ils directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the financial slalemenls in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Acl 20061'lhe 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required lo be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible lor independent examination. I report in respecl of my examinalion of the charity's accounts as cairied oul under section 145 of the Charitie$ A¢1 2011 I'lhe 2011 Acl'l. In cafrying out my examination I have followed Ihe Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145151(bl of Ihe 2011 Act. Independent examlner'g stat¢ment Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 01 the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified lo undertake the examination because l am a member of the Association of Ch8rtered Ceililied AGcounlanis, which is one of Ihe listed bodies. I have completed my examination. l Confirm that no matters have Come to my allenlion in conneclion with th8 examination giving me cause lo believe.. accounting records were not kept in respe¢l of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act, or the financial slalemenls do not accord with those records., or the financial statements do not comply wilh Ihe 8cGounling requifements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that th8 accounts give a 'lrue and fair. view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination., or the lin8ncial Slalemenl$ have not been prepared in accordan with the methods and principles of the Slalement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable lo charilies preparing their accounls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Slandaid applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). 19
Riverside Advice Llmited Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examinor's Report to tha Trustees of Riverside Advice Limited (contlnuedj Year ended 30 March 2024 I have no concerns and have come acros5 no other mallers in connection with Ihe examinalion lo which allenlion should be drawn in Ihis report in order to enable a pioper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Leanne Euslace Independent Examiner Unl 2 Riverbridge Business Centre Rhymney River Bridge Road Cardiff CF23 9FP 20
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee statement of Financial Activities (including income and exp6ndlture account) Year ended 30 March 2024 2024 Restficted funds Total funds Total funds 2023 Unrestitcted funds Note Income and endowments Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 55,869 128,955 10,4Q7 266.764 322,623 128,955 10,407 243.220 201,334 2,753 447,307 Total Incomo 195,221 266,764 461,985 Expgndlture Expenditure on charitable activities Total expendlture 211,112 267,064 267,064 478,176 478,176 360,512 360,512 211,112 Net lexpenditurelllncome and net movement in funds 115.8911 1300) 116,1911 86.795 Reconclllatlon of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carrled forward 482,808 466,917 6,478 6,178 489,286 473,095 402,491 489,285 The statement of financial aclivilies inoludes all gains and losses recogni$ed in the year. All income and expenditure derive ffom continuing aclivilies. The nolgs on pages 23 to 33 form part of these flnancial statgmBnls, 21
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Flnanclal Positlon 30 March 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 15 9,260 10,633 Current assets Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 16 13,979 505,598 519,577 37,045 468.899 505.944 Creditors: amounts falling due withln on8 year Net current assets q7 55,742 463,835 473.095 473,095 27,291 478,653 489,286 489,286 Total assets le88 current Ilabllltles Not as$ot$ Fund5 of the charlty Reslricled funds Unre51ricled funds 3,726 469,369 6,477 482,808 489,285 Total ¢harlty funds 19 473.095 For the year ending 30 March 2024 the charily was enli118d lo exemption from audil under section 477 of th8 Companies Acl 2006 relating to small companies. Directors, Tesponsibililigs.. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of ils financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476., The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requiremenls of the Act with respect to accounting recor(Is and the preparation of financial slatemenls. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provlsions appllcable to compar¢ies SLFbjecl lo the small companies. regime. These financial statements were approved by the board of IfUSlees and aulhorised for issue on 20 December 2024. and are signed on behalf of the board by.. ++ÉJl Mr l.A Campbell Trustee The notes on pages 23 to 33 form part of these flnanclal 3latemenl8. 22
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnanclal Statements Year ended 30 March 2024 Genoral InfoTmallon The charity is a public benefit enlily and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a re9islered charity in England and Wales. The 8ddress of the registered office is 41a Lower Calhedfal Road, Riverside, C8rdiff, CF116LW. Statement of compllanoe These financial stalemenls have been prepafed in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,. the Slatemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 IChaFilies SORP {FRS 702)) and the Companies Act 2006. Accountlng pollcle8 Basls of preparatlon The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabili118s and investment Pfoperties measured al fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling. which is the functional currency of the entity. Golng ¢on¢ern There are no material uncertainties about the charitls abilily lo continue. Dlsclosurè exemptlons The entity satisfies the criteria of being a qualifying enlily as defined in FRS 102. As such. advantage has been taken of the following disclosure exemptions available under paragraph 1.12 of FRS 102-. No cash flow slalemenl has been presented for the company Disclosures in respect of financial instruments have not been presented Judgpments and kgy sourcos of estimation uncertainty The prep8ralion ol the financial slalements requires management to make judgements, eslimales and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These eslimales and judgements are continually reviewed and 8re based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events Ihal are believed lo be reasonable under the circumstances. The only estimate used in these accounts is depreciation, as noted below. 23
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guaranteo Notes to the Financial Statements (conllnued) Year ended 30 March 2024 Accounting pollcles {contlnuedJ Fund a¢¢ountlng Unrestricted funds are available for use al the discretion of the Iruslees lo further any of the charity's purposes. Designated funds are unreslricled funds earmarked by the truslees for particular future project or commitment. Resllicled funds are subjected to reslficlions on their expenditure dec18red by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-cl2sses.' feslficled income fijnds or endowment funds. Incomlng resources All incoming resources are included in the slalement of financial activities when enlillemenl has passed lo the charity., il is probable that the economic benefits associated wilh the transaction will flow lo the charity and the amounl can be reliab measured. The following specific policies are applied lo particular categories of income.. income from donations or grants is recognised when Ihere is evldence of entitlement to the gill, receipt is probable and ils amount can be measured reliably. legacy Income Is recognlsed when receipt 4$ probable and enllllemenl Is estsbll$hed. ncome from donated goods is measured al the fair value of the goods unless this is impracli¢al lo measure reliably, in which case the value is defived from the cost to the donor or the eslimaled resale value. Donated facililies and setvice5 afe recognised in the accounts when reGeived if the value Gan be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunle8rs. income fiom contracts for the supply of 5etvices is recognised with the delivery of the conltaoled seNice. Thi5 is classified as unieslricled fund5 unless there is a conlfaclual requiiemenl for il lo be spenl on a particulai puiw)se and returned if unspent, in which case il may be regarded as reslricled. 24
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 30 March 2024 Accountlng pollcles {contlnuedJ Resources expended Expenditure is recogni5ed on an accruals basis as 8 liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, 8nd is classified under h&adings of the slalemenl of financial activities to which it relates.. expenditure on raisirsg funds includes the costs of all fundraising aclivilies, events, non- charitable trading aclivilies, and the salè of donated goods. expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a chaiity in undertaking activities that furlher ils charitable aims for the benefil of ils beneficiaries, including Ihose support costs and costs lelaling lo the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable aclivilies. other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor parl of ils expenditure on ¢harilable aGlivilies. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs allribulable lo a single activity are allocated directly lo that aclivily. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they oontribule lo on a reasonable. justifiable and consislenl basis. Tangible assets Tangible assets are initially recorded al cost. and subsequently slated al cost less any accumulated depreciation and impaiwment losses. Any tangible assets carried al revalued amounts are recorded al Ihe fair value at the dale of fevalualion less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairmenl10sses. An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revalualion, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless il reverses a charge foi impairment thal has previously been recognised as expenditure within the slalemenl of financial aclivilies. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except lo which il offsets any previous revalualiDn gain, in which case the loss is showft within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial aclivilies. Depreclation Depreciation is calculated so as lo write off the Cost or valuation of an assel, less ils residual value. over the useful economic life of that a$sel as follows.. Fixtures and fillings Equipment 250/0 straight line 25¥0 slraighl line Impalrment of flxed a$set$ A review for indicators of impairment is carried out al each reporting dale. with the recoverable amount being eslimaled where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting dale. 25
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to th8 Financial Statements (¢ontsnu8d) Year ended 30 March 2024 Accountlng pollclos (contlnu•d) Impalrmgnt of fixed assets (contlnuetlj For the purposes of impairmenl testing, when il is not possible lo eslimale the recoverable amount of an indtvidual asset, at) eslimale is made of the recoverable amount of the cash- generating unil lo which the asset belongs. The cash-generaling unil is the smallest idenliliable group of assets that includes Ihe asset and generates cash inflows thal largely independent of the Cash inllows from other assets or groups of assels, For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwlll acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisilion dale, allocated to each of the cash-generaling units that are expected lo benefit from the synergies ol Ihe Combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned lo those units. Flnan¢lal Instruments A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the conlraclual provisions of the inslfument. Basic financial instruments are inilialty Tecognised al the amount receivable or payable including any related Iran5aclion costs. Current assets and curienl liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected lo be paid or received and not discounted. D9bl instruments are subsequently measltred al amorli8ed cost. Where investments in shares are publicly tiaded or their fair value can olherwise be measured reliably, the inveslmenl is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other stjch investments are subsequently measured al cost less impairment. Other financi81 inslrumenls, including derivatives, are initially recognised al fair value. unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed al a rale of interest Ihal is not a market rate, in which case Ihe 8sset is mèasured al the present value of the fuluie payments discounted at a m8rkel rale of interest for a similar debt inslrumenl. Other financial inslrumenls are subsequently measured al faif value, wilh any changes recognised in the statement of financial aclivilies, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship. Financial assets that are measured al cost or amoflised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment al the end of each reporting dale. If there is objective evidence ol impaifmenl. an impairment loss is recognised under Ihe appropfiale heading in the slalement of linancial activities in which the initial gain was recognised. For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually signilicanl, these are assessed individually for impairmenl. Other financial 8ssels are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit iisk chafaclerislics. 26
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnanclal Statemen18 {contlnued} Year ended 30 March 2024 Accountlng pollcles (contlnu8d) Flnanclal Instruments (conllnuedj Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, lo the exlenl that the Teversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceed5 what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. Deflned ¢ontrlbullon plans Contributions lo defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid conlribulions are recognised as an a5sel to Ihe exlenl that Ihe prepayment will lead lo a reduction in future payments or a cash refund. When contributions are not expected to be sellled wholly within 12 months of the end of ltte reporting dale in which the employees render the related seNice, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of Ihe discount is recognised as an expense In the period in which il arises. Llmlted by guarantee Every member of the company undertakes to contribute lo the assets of the company, in the event of the $8me belng wound up while slhe is 8 member, or within one year after slhe ceases lo be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before slhe ceases lo be a. member, and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up. and for th8 adjuslmenl of the rights of the ¢onlribulor$ among themselves, such amount as may be required no exceeding £1. Donatlons and legacles Unre$lri¢led Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Donatlons Donations 1,958 1.958 Grants C3SC Access lo Justice Foundation Waterloo Foundation GVS-RIFCAP British Gas Energy Trust Big Energy Saving Network 43,942 43,942 15,000 9,959 244.764 7,000 322,623 15.000 9.959 244,764 7,000 266,764 55,859 Unreslricled Funds Reslrioled Total Funds Funds 2023 Donations Donations 1,605 1,605 27
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Ststgments (¢onUnued) Year ended 30 March 2024 Donation5 and legacigs (¢ontlnuedJ Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Grant8 C3SC Access to Ju$lice Foundation Waterloo Foundation GVS-RIFCAP Brilish Gas Energy Trust Big Energy Saving NeOrk 3,000 3,000 12,196 15,000 12,196 15,000 750 203,669 7,000 228,669 204,419 7,000 243,220 14.557 Charltable actlvltle$ Unreslricled Totsl Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Other income from charitable activities Local Health Board Mental Health UHB R&R Energy Saving Trust 10,484 50,480 10,000 57,991 128.955 10,484 50,480 10,000 57,991 65,480 65,480 135,854 135,854 201.334 128,955 201.334 Inv¢stm¢nt Income Unreslricled Total Funds Unreslricled Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Bank inleresl receivable 10.407 10,407 2,753 2,753 28
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnuedj Year ended 30 March 2024 Expenditure on charitable activitles by fund lypg Unrestricted Funds Resliicled Total Funds Funds 2024 Provision of advice services Supporl costs 75,256 135,856 211,112 265,765 1,299 341,019 137,157 478,176 267,064 Un¥eslricted Funds Reslricled Total Funds Funds 2023 Provision of advice services Support costs 8,837 116,915 125,752 230,294 4,467 234,761 239,131 121.381 360,512 Expenditure on charltabl8 actlvitles by actlvlty type Activities undertaken dire¢lly Support costs Total funds 2024 Total fund 2023 Provision of advice $eNice$ Governance costs 341,019 132,064 5,093 137,157 473,083 5,093 478,176 356,746 3,766 360,512 341,019 10. Analysls of support costs Analysis of support Costs a¢livily l Total 2024 Total 2023 Slalf c051s General office Governance costs 120.137 11.927 5.091 137.155 120,137 11,927 5,091 137,155 107,856 9,760 3,765 121,381 11. Netlgxpendlturolllncomo Nel lexpendilurellincome is staled after chargingllcredilingl.. 2024 2023 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 6,789 4,963 29
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmlted by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (conllnuedj Year ended 30 March 2024 12. Independent examlnatlon fee8 2024 2023 Fees payable lo the independent examiner for.. Independent examination of the financial slalements 3,500 3,765 13. Staff costs The lolal staff Costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows-. 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Employer CDnl¥ibulions lo pension plans 307,648 21,441 32,230 361,319 246.568 16.469 5,500 268,637 The average head count of employees during the year was 13 {2023.. 131. The average number of full-lime equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows.. 2024 No. 2023 No. Number of advisory staff Number of adminlstrative slaff 13 13 No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year12023.' NIII. 14. Trustee remuneratlon and expenses no remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related enlity weie received by the Irustee512023-.NILI No Iruslees claimed expenses during the year12023'.NIL) 30
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guaranteè Notes to the Financial Statement8 (¢onflnueLIJ Year ended 30 March 2024 15. Tangible fixed assets Fixlufes and fillings Equipmenl Total Cost Al l April 2023 Additions 7,395 1,289 8,684 18,545 4,127 22.672 25,940 5,416 31,356 At 30 March 2024 Deprèciatlon Al 1 April 2023 Charge for the yéar At 30 March 2024 4,391 1,795 6,186 10,916 4,994 15.307 6,789 22.096 15,910 Carrying amount At 30 March 2024 2,498 3,004 6,762 7,629 9,260 10,633 At 31 March 2023 16. Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 652 13,327 13,979 21,372 15,673 37,045 17. Credltor8: amounts falling due wlthln one y9ar 2024 2023 Trade credilors Accruals and deferred income Social security and other laxes Other creditors Netwages 213 18,717 13,548 21,029 2,235 55,742 5,611 3,500 17,722 458 27,291 18. Pen$lons and other post retlrement benefits D¢flned ¢ontrlbutSon plans The amount recognised in income or expenditure a5 an expense in relation to defined conlribulion plans was £32,230 (2023.. £5.500). 31
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Not8S to the Financial Statements (contlnuedj Year ended 30 March 2024 19. Analysls of charitable funds Unrestricted funds At 30 March 202 At 1 April 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers General funds Designated FEiniJ- Windup & Redundnacy Designated Fund - Office manager 182,808 195,221 1176.209) 132,4511 169,369 150,000 150,000 150,000 482,808 {34,903) {211,1121 34,903 150,000 469.369 195,221 2,452 Al 31 March 202 Al 1 April 2022 Income Expenditure Transfers General funds Designated Fund - Windup & Redundna¢y Design8led Fund ~ Ollice manager 190,828 218,638 {125,7521 {100.906 182,808 100,000 50.000 150,000 1 DO,OOD 390,828 50,000 150,000 218,638 1125,752) 1906) 482,8Q8 32
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmlted by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Ststements (¢ontlnueilJ Year ended 30 March 2024 19. Analysls of ¢harltabl¢ funds (eonllnued) Restrlcted funds At 30 March 202 Al 1 April 2023 Income ExpendiluT8 Transfers Waterloo Foundation Big Enelgy Saving Nelwork C3SC Ealon BGET 3,727 15,000 (15.0011 3,728 7,00 17,0001 {1.5001 1,SOO 1,251 6.478 244,764 266,764 (243,5631 (267,0641 12.4521 12,4521 3,726 At 31 March 202 Al 1 April 2022 Income Expendilure Transfers W?lefloo Foundation Big Energy Saving Nelwork C3SC Ealon BGET 3,727 15.000 115,001} 3,726 7,000 3,000 17,0001 11,5001 12001 {211,0601 1234,7611 1,500 200 7,736 203,669 228,669 906 1,251 6,477 11,663 906 20. Analysis of ngt as59ts botwegn funds Unre$tricled Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net asset8 9,258 502,033 141,923) 469.368 9,258 519,578 155,7411 473.095 17,545 113,8181 3,727 UnFeslricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Tangible f1xed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net a888ts 10,633 499,146 126,9711 482,808 10,633 505,945 127,2921 489,286 6,799 13211 6.478 33