COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 04723825 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER.. 1100551 Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 31 March 2025 NTED F R LIMITED Chartered accountants Unt 2 Riverbridge Business Centre Rhymney River Bridge Road Cardiff CF23 9FP
Rlverside Advice Limited Company Llmlted by Guarantee Flnancial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the director's report} Independent examiner's report to the trustees Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position 22 24 25 Noles lo the financial statements 26
Riverslde Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 March 2025 The Iruslees, who are also the directors for the purposes ol company law, present their report and the unaudited financial slalen7enls ol Ihe charity lor th& year ended 31 MarGh 2025. Reference and adminlstratlva detalls Reglstered charlty name Riverside Advice Limited Charlty rogistralion number 1100551 Company registrailon number 04723825 Prlncipol offlce and reglstered 41 a Lower Cathedral Road olflce Riverside Cardill CF11 6LW The trustees Mr l.A Campbell Ms J.E Williams Ms J.R Lewis Mr M.J Gower Indèpendent examiner Leanne Eustace Unl 2 Riverbridge Business Centre Rhymn8y River Bridge Road Cardill CF23 9FP
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limlted by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Director's Report) {contlfvtted) Year ended 31 March 2025 structure. governance and management Riversid8 Advice Ltd Ilhe charilyl, formerly a project ol the South Riverside Community Development Cenlre, was 6slablished as an independent charity in 2003. The charity is a company limited by guarantee comprising members who undertake lo contribute £1 in the event ol a winding up. Members meet annually lo elect a general management committee IGMCI ancj a board ol directors Ilhe Board) in whom the functions ol management are vested save lor Ihc>se reserved by law lo a general meeting. The GMC has power lo co-opl to itsell provlded Ihal the numb&r ol those co-opted does not exceed hall the GMC less one up lo a maximum of 8 al any given lime. The Board Is el&cled by the g8n8ral meoling from members elected lo tha GMC. The Board does not normally meet separately, silting as parl ol the GMC, save in respect ol mallers relating to employment, remuneration, grievances and discipline when the Board sils alone. Curr8nlly the GMC and Board are co-extensive, although as noted above il is recognised that the current conslilulional documents require review as they have led lo dillicullies in the decision-making lun¢lions ol the charitys personnel. The Company Chair is elected by the GMC and in extreme circumstances laid out by the GMC or the Board may lake executive decisions which musl be subsequently ratified by the GMC or Board. No external person or body is enlilled lo appoint a Iruslee. Riverside Advice aims lo recruit trustees I general management committee members who have some expertlse in the specific. narrow and specialised area in which il provides services, i.e. the provision ol legal advice in particular welfare rights, debt and housing, alongside expertise in accounting and financial management and employm6nl law and good practice. The charity has struggled lo obtain a quorum ol the GMC in recent limes. Steps have be8n taken and ils number has been successfully increased. The charity is commilled lo following the regulatory requirements and good praclice specified by Ihe Gharity Commission in ils wrillen guidance "Finding New Trustees.. In particular the charity is committed lo veloing potential Iruslees ID.. al check that the candidales have not been disqualified from acting as Iruslees., candidates are asked lo confirm in writing that this is the case., bl identify any existing or potential ¢onllicls ol interest. Candidates are asked to consider and declare these., cl as the charity works with vulnerable adults, where appropriate undertake checks with the Disclosure and Barring SgNice,' arKJ dl only make formal Iruslee appointments in the light ol these checks and declarations. Day-lo-day operations are under the direction and managem6nl ol the Chief Execulwe OIIic8r, and the GMC and Board ol Directors make the charity's policy. As a small charity, all significant decision- making requires Ihe approval ol the GMCIBoard, that is to say, policy lormulalion, sigllilicanl expenditure, entering into subslanlial new contracts and their renewal, laking on stall and terms and conditions ol etnploymenl including pensions and pay, appellate functions in relation lo grievances and disciplinary issues. The chiel officer's pay is s&1 by the Board ol Directors. The charity is a member ol Advic8UK which is the UK'S largest support network lor free, independent advice centres. As a UK-wide organisalion AdviceUK is a key member ol the Advice S8rvices Alliance. The charily gains certain advantages from ils mgmbership. AdviceUK has been designa18d by the Secretary ol Slate as a Compelenl Authority under Regulation 3, Debl Relief Orders (Designation ol Compelenl Aulhoriliesl Regulations 2009. This means that advisers working lor rrernbers of Ihe AdviceUK nork Can apply lo AdviceUK lo become an Approv8d Intermediary under the scheme.
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limiled by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {GonllnuedJ Year ended 31 March 2025 AdviceUK also provK18s a variety ol inlormalion and cotnmunication services as part ol Iho embership including e-newsletlers, information and resources on th8 lalesl products, events and developments and updates on grant funding. Going concern The world changed after Covidl 9, the lockdown impacted on both Riverside Advice and our clients, particularly as such a high percentage have mental health illnesses and rely on support workers. Further to this our clients are continued lo be impacted signilicanlly by the GDSI ol living and fuel ¢risis which is allecting the mtsre vulnerable the mosl and this continues Our funding remains strong with good relalionships with lunders who support our service lo Ihe most vulnerable. This includes-. Our current Health Board Contract, funded since 2000 lor people with Mental Healh Dillicullies and has been SUCGesslully re-lendered lor until 2027 Waterloo Foundalion have funded since 2015 for services lor Garers. On 3-y8ar re-application lor funding, the due lo Ih6ir pleasure with our services lo 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 deliver seNices across Wales since 2011. We now have a second contract to work specifically in the Counties ol Newport and Caerphilty- In 2024 BGET awarded additional funding lor an annual Post Office Pop Up project In July 2023 w& were awarded a Iwo-year Access lo Justice Foundation project on Improving outcomes. We are working with the University College London on our outcomes lo enhance their work on how Law can imprtsve Health. We largel this service to people with mental health dillicullies and delivering service in health sellings such as Hospitals We continue lo move forward with the fundraising plan in relation to expanding dedicated services. particularly outreach services to meet th6 needs of th8 most vulnerable, parllcularly those with mental health illnesses. As a lesull, the Iruslees consider tha organisalion continues remain strong, and with a healthy reserve lor developments Ihere are no going concern issues.
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Truslees, Annual Report (Incorporallng the Direclor's Report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Objectlves and activities Organisational and servlces overvlew Riverside Advice delivers specialist and bespoke services which make a significant linancial dillerence, and consequently improve the health and wellbeing ol the most vulnerable people, those Tth disabilities, parlicularly Mental Health Illnesses and lor Carers. Feedback from cllenls over the years on saving lives and the long-lerm dif18rences made lor people demtsnslrate this.. l owe my life lo Riverside Advice I cannot thank you enough Riverside Advice lor saving my life Successfully gol Me a DRO. Will help with my depression and anxiety and look beller lo a beller lulure You have given me breathing space until my life Comes back They have reduced my anxiety and deprossion due lo tny debls am very grateful lor all their dedication lo their ¢lients Has given me a future I can live for, 2 years ago I had very bad Depression I couldn't cope any more. With your help I don't need the anlidepressanls and look lorward lo each day and nol dread waking up I was Suicidal over my debts belor8 the DRO il was quick, easy, and I can sleep again thank you all much and so very easy lo talk lo stall Darkness has turned lo lighl Used lo have sleepless nlghls, I suller with depresslon and anxiety. I was often. Ilred moody and snappy. l am now more conlenl and positive, huge impaLI lor my son. happy mum, happy house. You have given me a life lin8. Thank you lor helping us. other individuals and families who may be mentally and physically ill lo light lor their Cases. We know il's hard and demanding work lo deal with all tha paperwork according lo the law. Your work definitely conlribules lowards18ss anxiety and stress lor th& people involved which means less illness, less arguments between the family members. This helps lo keep families together in a tough atmosphere. We hope you will CDnlinue lo oller you¥ services lor a long lime. I sullered a hard time with no money, was not able lo do lor my family. Now l am f8eling no pressure about money and we can all look lo a worthwhile future. I could noi have COMpted the application forms lor DWP & PIP without you. Your help has been essential in gThiing me hopè Ihal I might be able to create a life Inewll goino forward. Riversid8 Advice deliver holistic. accessibl& and bespoke Welfare Rights services lo reduce poverty, maximise income, reduce debt and empower people.. all cruGial lo posllively impact and improve vulnerable people's health and wellbeing.
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporaling the Dlreclor's Report) (conllnuedj Year ended 31 March 2025 Unique work with vulnerabla client groups and partnership working wlh their support workers and organisalions, alongside the expertise and skills ol stall al Riverside Advice which provide bespok8 and accessible services lo reduce barriers for vulnerable people. During this year.. 2659 vulnerable people received Speciallsl complex and Legal caswork services In either Welfare Benefits, Debt or Housing. Total people advised 4360 £5,854.036.86 raised in increased income loy vulnerable people from Welfare Benefit specialist casework projecls 19 clients received over £20,000, wllh 4 01 these receiving over £30,000 from our Specialist Welfare Benefit casework Equivalent lo £37 raised lor every £1 01 funding for Specialist Welfare Benefits caséwork £906.746 wrillen oll lor Clients with 42 DRO'S and 6 Bankruptcie5 from Debt casework 98Yo ol clients lor casework services had a disabilily 93°/0 of cli8nls lor casework servlces had a mental health illness 69Vo of clients had a severe physical disability illness 22Q/. had a language and literacy problem 36¥0 were non-white British 28"/ty Garers 82¥ts ol people were Idenlilled and referred from a partner support organisalion or service The charity was aslablished with a role ol promoting any charllabl8 purposes lor th8 ben61il ol Welsh communities achievable by the relief ol poverty through the provision ol lil free legal advice and assistance lo people unable lo obtain il through poverty and lill goodsls8Nices which they could nol otherwise alford through lack ol means. The trustees confirm that they have had du8 regard lo the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public ben81il when reviewing Riverside Advice Ltd's aims and objectives and in planning lulure a¢livilies. The charity achieves ils aims through (J81ivoring Advice Servic85 from offices bas8d in one ol Cardiff's and Wales's poorest local authority wards. The Advice services, through partnership working, are, in the majority delivered lo the most vulnerable people in the Gardill area, alihough service delivery for some services extends throughout Wales. The majority ol clients are seen by lace-lo-lace appointments, and ollen with support workers in allendance. 82Vo ol the clients advised are by referrals from support organisalions in all sectors lo ensure services are targeted lo the rnost vulnerable.
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmited by Guaranlee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporaling the Director's Report) {conllnued} Year ended 31 March 2025 Main airlls.. Enhancing quality ol life, health and well-being by reducing Pciverty. deprivation and social exclusion. Achieved by.. il Delivering free, independent. impartial, conlidenlial, holistic. expert and trusted Welfare Rights Advice Servic8s Iwellare Benefits, Debt, Housing, Fu81 Debt, Energy Elliciency, Financial lileracyl. ill Designing person-cenlred, bespoke, trusted, accessible services tailored lo individuals, nB8ds, with partner organisalions and support services idenli15fjng and Y8lerring thos8 in need ulillsing early inlervenlion and prevention principle. iiil Targeting hard-to-reach, vulnerable and éisabled people by working in partnership with non-aclvice organlsalions lor referrals reducing 'barriers' and enhancing access. iv) Advising, Sducaling and empowering people lo move forward independently vl Services underplnned by mulli-funding lacililating holistic setvices which deliver best outcomes. The offices are rented Irom a local housing associalion with an Advice ollice where reception opens lor enquiries and lo make appoinlmenls, and Advice rooms lor delivery ol the welfare benelils. debt, fuel debt, energy efficiency and housing senjices. In the main, work consists ol making represenlalions on behalf ol vulnerable people, in particular those ill and disabled with mental ill health, with specialist supported services through our consortium partners 4Winds vulnerable lo suicide and sell-harm, also Carers 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 {bl crileria lor the exercise ol beneficial discretion, or both. The charily's resources do not currently stretch lo representing clients in in person al tribunals save in wholly &xceplional cases, bul support workers are Dflen ablo lo lullil this role ol support aller we submit a comprehensive submission on behalf ol the client. In the year, 99°/# ol Wellare Benefit Appeal Tribunal cases where we submitted a submlsslon were successful. The charity employed 14 people.. 9 cas6workers, one ol whom is a solicitor with a praclising Certilicalo and a d$bt relief ordtsr intermediary aulhorised by the Insolvency Service, 3 adminislralive support workers, an Operational Manager and a Chief Executive Officer. In addition, we employ Cardill Law Students on a 118xible basis lo assist with servica delivery. The charity benefits from long-standing volunteers. in particular assisting with financial record-keeping, IT and data report5 lor lunders. lo whom the Iruslees are very grateful. Due lo growth these services are now transferring lo either out-sourcing or delivered by paid stall. The Gharity raise5 funds by securing grants and contributions to ils wo¥k and taking on Contracts with stalulory and voluntary agancies including the Legal Aid Agency ILAAI. The charity holds the LAA sponsored Specialist Quality Mark ISQMI. (Either SQM or Lexcel accredilalion is ess8nlial lor organisalions Ihal wish lo lender lor legal aid contracls.I The work ol the charity is highly beneficial and client feedback demonslrales our work gains improvement in the client's health and well-being and quality ol life. This is Ihrough holistic services including income maximisalion ol income, exlin¢liDn or reduction ol crippling indebtedness or
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limlted by Guarantee Truslees, Annual Report (Incorporallng the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 assistance in managing debts, 8sp6cially fuel poverty. 11 rill include assistance in obtaining or repla¢ing essential housahold while goods olhenNise not available lo the client because ol poverty. It can also include prevention ol homelessness or improving housing tenure or the ¢ondilions ol accommodation. In the field of housing, the charity's LAA contract will on occasion cover the cost ol limited representation al Court. In the main the acco>mpanying accounts show how this work is funded by grant aid, some of which is reslricled, and income earnecl from the charitable activities. which is unreslriclecs. The charity's main item ol expendilure is the salaries ol ils employees underlaklno and underpinnlng this work. The Iruslees also draw attention lo tho modesl bul nevertheless much appreciated donations made by clients who wish lo express their thanks for the charily's work and contribu18 to the continuation ol ils setvices. The charity employs a pro-active strategy ol reaching out lo the community by working with organisalions which provide support and have direcl day-lo-day contact wilh ils potential clients, thereby making contact with vulnerable people in Cardill and across Wales, such as Swansea lo the wesl and, where possible, people in other areas ol Wales. Much ol this work outside the wider Cardill a¥ea is enabled by working in partnership with organisalions and support Workers who can assist their service users Ihrouah our casework proGess. These support agencies make referrals whi¢h form 82Vo ol the casewoik ol the ¢harily. Clients like Ihe down-to-earlh inlormalily ol the charllls all-en¢ompassing approach in which other problems are uncovered and tackled. The charities services are accessible, reducing barriers lor vulnerable people, and ensuring they do not feel 'processed and the triage system adopted in Dther agencies is avolded, with appointments being made direclly with Specialist Advisors. Through ils work the charity seeks lo relieve poverty, promoting better rnenlal health and wellbeing by Illling stress and worry. Financial oulcom8s ol our work nol only reduce individual and family poverly bul in addition injecting significant purchasing power into the local economy which, can benefit the wider community. A subslanlial amount ol d6bl was wrillen-oll completely through DRO and Bankruptcy and a subslanlial amount also 'managed' through negotiation ol allordable payment. In this way. the charity directly and indirectly meets its legal purpose. Th& charity does not make grants. 11 cloes not hold any inveslmtrnls except ils savings bank account. 11 banks with GAF Bank which is a subsidiary ol the Charities Aid Foundation, a registered charity dedicated lo creating a social impact. Substantial culs in Advice funding streams have been laced. This included Ihe UK government taking most ol social welfare Legal Aid out ol scope in 2013. Al this lime Riverside Advice had the largest Legal Aid Social Welfare Contact in Wales wlh 1500 Legal Ald cases annually1n Welfare Benelils and Debt. There has also been a loss ol Local Aulhorily funding streams, applying across the advic8 sector, as all Advice services became funded through a single enlily Tenderl Contract. This was awarded lo CAB, and the Welsh Govsrnmenl Advice-lunding designated only lo Advice organisations that were 'Nalional' lall-wales based). led lo instability and many closures ol organisalions and servlces within the Advice sector in Cardill and Wales. Riverside Advice 'weathered this slorm,, stabilised with a re-slruclu¥e and strategic re-alignment. resuliing in a smaller organisalion, bul maintaining ils mulii-lunding, enabling continued delivery ol holistic and besptske Advice services in Welfare Benefits, Debt, Houslng, Fuel Debt and Energy elliciency and largeling the most vulnerable people. A stable base from which th& organisalion has il has now regrown substantially. In Ihis era ol ongoing cuts lo funding slate agencies hav8 turned to comp81ilive procurement in the
Riverside Advice Llmited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrector's Report) IGontlnuèd) Year ended 31 March 2025 search lor what is d8monslrably best value. This has had ils downside lor organisalions and services, which would b& beller working in collaboration, bul have been forced in many instances lo compete in large conlracls. The trustees regrel this new environment bul are determined lo act with iE)l$grily, adopting values and creating a culture which commands public confidence and trust in charities and making sure the charity operates responsibly and ethically, in lin6 with these values. Fliverside Advice has achieved this in recent limes wlh increased funding sources leasing lo much needed growth ol services to the most VLJlnerable.
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlreclor's Report) IGOntinued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achievements and perlormance Achlevements The Gharity retains the Cardill & the Vale University Health Board IUHBI Contract in Welfare Rights casework service lor people with mental health illnesse8. The continuation Contract was successfully won under a competitive open lender process In 2022. This is from 2022 10 2027. This project has been funded by Health Board since 2000. A second UHB Contract was added in 2033 to SUPPDrt th8 UHB Mental Health Reward and Recognition Scheme lor patients representatives BGET servi08s had been delivered since 2011. The Charity successfully rebid lor ils main British Gas Energy Trust Contract, ISCARP11 from 2024 to 2026. In October 2022 additional BGET EDA funds were secured lor the September to March period lo address th8 additional demand due lo energy and cos101 living crisis. The second BGET ISCARP21 project was successfully re-bid lor Borough Councils of Newport and Caerphilly lor 2024-26 BGET Pop-up project was delivered lor 6 Months working with Post Ollice as delivery partners Waterloo Foundation continues lo fund the Welfare Benefits Carers project since 2015 the basis ol excellent outcomes tor carers. A further 3-y8ar Grant was successfully re-bid lor from 2024 with incr&ased funding to incr&as8 the Advisor hour5 to provide more cases including some Debt cases. The charity continues wllh Legal Aid Contract ILtnding, Isinoe 19971.. LAA Welfare Benefit Upper Tribunal contract lor Wales and South Wesl ol England Housing Contract lor Cardill Vale and Bridgend. A further Grant lo support Riverside Advice as a Speclalisl Welfare Rlghls organisalion was successfully bid lor from Access lo Justice Foundation. Grant covers two year focusing on reducing barriers and increasing access lo those with Mental Health Illness, such as those who are hospilalised. Riverside Advice r&mained a mulli-lunded organisation. IOO¥o ol clients for casework services have a vuln6rabilily The Legal Aid Annual Audit was undertaken and passed in April 2024 with no issues and the charity satislied all requirements in the LAA Financial Stewardship audit undertaken in February 2020 Feedback from clients demonslrales clearly the dedicated services provided to the mosl vulnerable and impact on health and 'qualily ol life, lor our Servi08 Users..
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Truslees, Annual Report (Incorporaling the Direclor's Report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achlevgments and performance (eonllnued) Health and Wellbeing: A life saver. I was so overwhelmed and depressed. Having someone lake the burden and explain in a way lo make il controllable allowed me to recover my healih Riverside Advice gave me everything. They got me a li18 again. I had no life lell until you helped me gel through. You made Ihe whole experien¢8 easier lo cope with as I have very complex physical and mental health problems. Il's helped me know how lo go about things for the lulur& loo. Eased my financial worries and helps people who are under a lol ol stress. Treated with respect and very well advised. You listened lo what I had lo say and then made the whole process less slresslul. Peace ol ind and lor my family loo. l am able lo sleep al night now. So much less stress. Always fantastic ancl friendly I was al the edge ol desperation, your help sorted my situation Thank youl I had excell8nl advice with my d8bl problem. I was not abl& lo sleep and d8pressed. I fell mu¢h relieved aller my visit lo Riverside Advice. Thank you lo all the stall. My case was really allecling my life mentally. Now I can start my li18 again wlh fresh start. Thank you lo everyone involved in rlly case. 11 has given me release. l am hoping that il will give me new l&ase ol life. Thank you. Yes, I have peace and I can sleep peacefully and I now have a sallslied family l am very gra181LJI that you opened up a gc>od life lor me. I was very unhappy and thank you, you look care ol me, that you listened to me. Thank you lor opening up a benefit and life and help lor me. I suller with high an%iely and depression wilhoul the help ol Riverside I don't know hDw I would cope. The pressure is lilled knowing they Can help me and I'm free lo ask any questions I dL)n'l understand. Advisor is exceptional, consistent in her support. I'm severely disabled and Riverside Advice helped me so mu¢h, with clairning what I' enlllled lo. I was so worried about transition lo UC from ESA bul Riversid8 Advi¢e helped and Ihank you. You people al Riverside Advice have boen lab. You've given me lime and space lo breath. You look the weight completely away from me. I could nev&r ever have been able lo do il mysell. I have hope and still know [e a lol lo give. I haven't been able lo relax lor years. Thank you. Hello. l am jusl sending you a message ol thanks lor all you do and have don8 lor me. I didn't expect such a result. I cannot thank you ènough. l just couldnl lind any words. So here they ara. I can breathe. I hope the winds falls gently upon your back and your amazing project ¢onlinues to help many others. You are very muGh appr$ciated. Thank you, thank you your team. Omg omg omg Omg. I can't thank you enough xxxx Taken the burden oll me. I can sle&p better knowing I've had this fresh start. Thank you. Advisor really helped me as DWP had deducted £475 out ol my wages in April. Debt advisor managed lo reduce the payment lo £15 a month and gol the DWP to refund me the £475.1 am so thankful. Riverside Advice took everything and made il understandable. explained my rights, made me le81 sal& and supported. The bullying laclics ol various banksl debl collectors are major stressors lor my mental health illness. I was lell overwhelmed, terrified ol going outside. the Ironl door, Ihe post and tho 10
Rlverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achlevemenls and performance {conllfvvedJ phone. They gol everyone lo acknowledge slalule barred and really saved me from unwise decisions, sell-harm and gave m& a chance al beller recovery outcomes. The adviser was amazing. l am so grateful and would never be able lo say thank you enough. 11 has improved my health mentally and physically. I found your help was al the highest level. 11 has helped me with my ability to sleep al night which has massively impacled on my health lor the beller. I have psace and I can sleep peacefully and l am very happy that I now have a satisfied family. Superb. superb. They are the besl. Extremely helpful stall. They go right above and beyond lo help public solve all problems. Standard ot Servlce: Riverside Advice represented m$ extremely well. Being represented by a well experienced Advisor has had an enormous positive irnpacl on my mental and physical heallh. I hope Fliverside Advice nlinues and keep lighting lor the services they provide these vital and very important services lo people who're in my situation. I hope Riversicle Adiace continues In recruiting excellent experts who care about their assisting me wilh the DLA form. Amazing, could not have don8 wilhoul your expertise They aayS do cases on priority basis. Wh&nover I contact them. they look action Irequenlty. I think everyone in your organisalion is doing the best ellort. I really appreciate the inlormalive knowledge. Thank you so much lor your lime and help. Really appreciate your limo and help. I tell reassured with your expertise that my daughter would gel the help to gel the Benefits she was enlilled lo clien15, Ih8y are experts from Advisors lo receplionisl Reduced my stress levels as I have been trying lor months lo apply lor early retirement due to ill health. Excellent knowledge by stall and advice given. l am now receiving payments on a regular basis thanks lo you. Thank you Thank you lor helping me with my PIP which l am now getting again aller you made an Appeal. You are brilliant. You are very ellicienl. You worked very hard. the governrnenl needs lo increase their support your funding I had excellent advice wlh my debi PrObM, I was not able lo sle8p and d8pr8ssed. I fell much relieved allew my visit lo Riverside Advice. Thank you lo all the stall service and outcome superb. Level ol service absolutely excellent This has helped so much financially and also helped me mentally. I not only had my benefit reinstated, and they gave me more Could not have managed wilhoul the help and expertise ol your staff My son was in a very bad way and I found you h&lped me cope with the situation as I was finding it Very dillicull to cop8 with caring for him. Level ol service excellenl. Excell8nl in many ways, Know my rights and lamills rights now. Adwsoi's advice, guidance and support made so much dillerence to me and our situation. Advisor was v8ry inlormalive, very professional, prompt, and c56ar with h&r advice. It gave us pgace ol mind, very much needed financial support, and ease the financial slress that w& were under. Advisor advised me clearly on the papenNork and clairn needed to ensure the best outcome ol appealing the cancellallon of child lax credits. This saved me lime and removed the stress ol readlng through much paperwork. Her help also gav8 mo the support and confidence lo complete the necessary phone calls. Very good Riverside Advice has helped me hugely in what otherwise would be a very stressful task resulting in my anxiety being unbearable and I would have gol very depressed. The SLJPPOrt Riverside 11
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Truslees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlreclor's Report) {contlnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achievements and perlormance {conllnuedJ Advice has given me has been very much appreciated. thank you all very much. Advisor was amazing through the whole process, took so much stress OLII ol the process, I had so much worry over this 2nd advisor dealt with il lor me. Constant contact and keeping me up lo dale helped my stress and anxiety. Wilhoul the help giv8n I would have given up. I don'l want that to happen lo others. Mentally and lor my overall health11 really helped. The way you responded was when I called was spot on inlormalive and professional. Makes a huge dillerence, don't know how 8lse I could have dealt with it. Your s&rvice is invaluable lo the community you serve- many thanks. Helped in so many ways. No stress, gained knowledge, know my rights and lamills rights. I found your help was al the highest level. l am so grateful ancl would never be able lo say thank you enough.11 has improv8d my health mentally and physically. Easy people lo gel on with. Back then before I came lo Riverside Advice li18 was complete hell lor m8 and my 6-year old girl. 11 was great lor me as l just handed over all my1811ers and you sorted il all lor me. I want thank so much your advisor, and administrator who have been so helpful lo me and I want thank so much Riverside lor helpino me wilh every legal issue. Taken the burden away from me. Very helpful and understanding a 10 oul 0110 Whatever your need as soon as phone answers you will immediately feel al ease. l am very pleased with 'bril1iant service. your service is excellent. on we explained the situation Riverside did everything. Very ellicienl and stress-free servlce. Before I was referred lo Riverside Advice we were concerned how to proceed. We are very pleased and satisfied with th8 expert holp we ¥eoeived, and thank you very much lor the peace ol mind il has given us. 12
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporaling the Director's Reporl) (Gonllnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achievements and performance {conllnuedl Performance on maln fundlng in the year In the year. the charity has delivered the following projects where largels were m81:_ Welfare Righls lor People with Mental Health Illnesses in Cardiff and the Vale ol Glamorgan funded by Cardill & the Vale UHB. Funded since 2000 A Gore project delivering Specialist Welfare Benefits and Debt advice lor people with mental health dillicullies.. Advised 541 clients.. 85% 01 clients were rèferred from Support organisations. 241 for one-oll advice 300 Specialist Welfare Benefits cotnplex casework. 98% success rale on 45 cases Appealed lo Welfare Benefit lo First Tier Tribunal 72 people Speciali51 Debt casework including DRO and Bankruptcy 66°/0 ol cases were lor new clients and 34°/. lor clients who had used our services belore. Financlal outcomos £1,876.515 increased incoma from Wellar8 Benelils casework, This represents £37 being gained lor every £1 ol UHB lunding, which is an exc8llent outcom8 for Welfare Benefits casework. This is a high ratio lor Welfare Benefits casework compared lo £10 for every £1 spent which is the normal ratio. casework in DRO'S and Bankruptcy. Welfare Benefits Casework lor carers, funded by the Waterloo Foundation. Funded since 2015 202 Carers had been advised in the year. 72 lor one-oll Advice. 121 lor complex specialist welfare benolits cases 9 Specialist Debt cases. Financial outcomes on increased income on closed cases lor the Carers project this year amount lo £793,389. This represents £31 being gained lor every £1 01 funding, which is an excellent outcome lor Welfare Benelils casework. this is a high ratio lor Welfare Benefits casework compared lo £10 lor every £1 spent which is the normal ratio. Brillsh Gas Energy Trust Funded since 2011 BGET SGARP 1 Holistic Welfare Rights service. This project advised 793 clients. Maximising Income, reducing Debt, budgeting, Welfare Benefits, Debt, Energy Elliciency and Grant applications writing oll fuel debt or providing energy ellicient setvices and while goods. £40. Flnancial outcomes With £1,192.498 gain8d in Welfare Benefits, and £1.184,439 written oll which included 21 DRO'S and 4 Bankruptcies. We also have funds lo purchase small Energy Ellicienl goods lor clients. This project includas early intervention work lo prevent Suicide and Sell Harm In Partnership with 4Winds, a user 18d Mental Health Supwrt organisation who are providing praclical and lor emotion support lor people Vulnerab lo Suicide and Sell Harm. Ovtsr 100 people were svpported by 4Winds during th8 yfjar. 13
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limlted by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conllnyed) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achlevements and perlormance (tonllnved) BGET SGAFIP 2. Holisti¢ Welfare Rights service lor Newport and Caerphilly. Service lor boroughs ol Newport and Caerphilly. This projecl advised 452 cli8nls. bAaximising Income, reducing Debt, budgeting, Welfare Benefits, Debt, Energy Elliciency and Granl appli¢alions lor wriling oll fuel debt or providing energy elli¢ienl services and while goods. Financial outcomes With £857,070 gained in Welfare Benefits, and £781,055 wrillen oll which included 17 DRO'S and 2 Bankruptcies. Riverside Advice have a fund lo access lor Bankruptcy Fees lor vulnerable clients within Ihg BGET proj&cls. We also have lunds lo purchase small Energy Ellicienl goods lor clients. This project includes early inlorvenlion work lo prevent Suicide and Sell Harm in parlnership with 4Winds, a user led Mental Health Support organisalion who are providing practical and lor emotion support lor people vulnerable lo Suicide and Sell Harm. 46 people were supported by 4Winds during the year. BGET POST OFFICE POP-UP Additional funding lor 6 months.. October lo March lor demand created by the cost ol living and energy crisis. This enabled Riv8rside Advice lo advise an additional 673 people with 43 people lor in-d8plh case work. Access to Justice Foundation Improving IFunding since 2020, various projeclsl Two-year funding through Ministry ol Justice lo improve outcomes. 248 people advlsed in Welfare Benefits. Debt and Housing al all levels through lo Gourt. W@ are worklng with the Un1versily College London on our outcomes lo enhance their work on how Law can improve HoaSlh. We largel this s8Nice lo people with mental health dillicullies ancs delivering service in health sellings such as Hospitals Legal Aid Contract lor Wellaie Benefit Upper Tribunal Appeals (Up lo 30 new case starts annually). (Funding since 19971 Upper Tribunal appeals cannot be rnade wilhoul first obtaining permission lo apped and il is Iherelore in the nalure ol these cases lo lake significanl lime lo resolve. Legal Aid Housing & Debt Gonlracl (Up lo 250 housing new case slarls and 4 new debt case slarlsl. This service deals with debt cases where loss ol the home through morlgage possession proceedings or bankruptcy is at ISSU8. and housing cases where IDSS of the home through possession proceedings or risk to health or safely in a rented home or homelessness Is in issue. Whero possession proceedinos have been issued Ihe Legal Help and Help al Court schetlle enables the charity's solicitor lo represeNI the client al court lor1imiled purF)oses. NEST and National Grid Benefit Enlillement Checks, funded by the Energy Saving Tnjsl and Western Power Dislribulion. (Funded since 2011) 1. The NEST projecl operated Ihrouohoul the period under r8view and involves contacting a variabl number ol specified vulnerable customers from across Wales referred by NEST weekly lor welfare benefit check to ascertain whether they may be enlilled lo unclaimed benefits. 355 ¢LJslomers were advised through the MEST project. 2. Delivery ol the same BEC service funded by National Grid lor those people on their vulnerable register in the Cardill area. with the addition ol a debt advice service lor those people. 108 people were advised through the WPD Project. 14
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {conNnu6d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achlevements and performance (conllnuedl Big Energy Saving Network 2024125. Funded through Ciliz8n's Advice (Funded since 20141 The project invo&S 2 "Champions" delivering pro-active advice to 200 vulnerable consumers on enorgy issues via an 'assisled action, approach. The primary aim is lo help vulnerable consumers switch lo a cheaper larifl and l oy supplier, bul additional SUPPDrl provided can include:_ 1. help with debl owed lo their supplier,. 2. help to access assislance such as Warm Home Discount., 3. help to access energy efficiency schem8S. Glasspool.. Flexible Frontline Fund (Funded since 20241 A new capital fund lo fund essential while goods, household goods and seNicg lor vulnerable people. Overall outcomes lor year in the year Clients. income was increased by £5,854.036.86 through Specialist Welfare Benefit casework. This is a very high lev810l income generation with.. £37 01 income generated Icjr clients from every £1 01 Income lor Specialist Welfare Benefrt Gasework services. The usual level ol incom& generated by Advice services is £10 lor every £1 01 funding. 19 clients received over £20,000, with 4 01 these receivino over £30,000 from our Spe¢iallsl Welfare Benelil casework. The charity administered 42 DROS and 6 bankruptcy petitions and a lolal of £906,746 01 debt was wrillen oll. A subslanlial amounl ol debt was also 'managed' through negoliation ol allordable paym&nl. The oroanisalion advised 4360 in total, from all projects and services people in the year with the majority ol Ihe work and lime being spent on the 2659 SpeclalSsl complex casework in Welfare Ben61ils, Housing and Debt. 15
Rlverside Advice Limited Company Llmlted by Guarantee Truslees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlreclor's Report) {contlnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achlevemenls and performance (ttontlnued) Access and Outcome.. l owe my life to Riverside Advice I have been struggling with d&bl for years. This has resulted or has had huge impact on my mental health and physical health. The help I recelved from stall has helped me massively with my life. I cannot thank you enough Riverside Advice fc>r saving my life. Thank you very much. I no longer eal out ol supermarkets bins. I can pay oll outstanding bills. l even have a special life. Living, nol just suNiving. I will always have an uncertain lulure bul I know I'm not dtsn8 and thanks lo great people who really cope with my illness and have hopé. I was not able ID manage my finances. very hard lo buy something. Now l Gan buy my needs, al least. I sullered a hard lime with no money, was not able lo do for my family. l am feeling now is no pressure ol less money. My case was really allecting my life mentally. Now I can slarl my life agaln wilh fresh start. Thank YOU lo everyone involved In my case. Very helpful and a great lo gel help with debt I could nol have completed the application forms lor DWP & PIP without Riverside Advice Their help has been essential in giving me hope that I mlghl be able to Greate a life Inewll golng loNard. I was really worrwng how I would manage, you really helped me and were on my side Indeed. you have given me a good start and helped manage my finances. No more stressful leller and phone calls. I can just say thank you I got peace ol mind The importance ol Advice Centre like yours cannot be underestimated. Wilhoul your halp I Would have ended up homeless and destitute. You made my life so much easier now I have a bil more money coming in. I can't thank you enough. Perfect as you are. I have been sullering from chronic post-traumalic stress disorder lor years lover 30 years). Going lo Riversid8 Advice and meeting stall 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. Incredible place and incredible people. Flesolving the issues lor good. I have PIP enhanced rale so l am very happy wlh Riverside Advice. I'm now managing to pay oll my debts and slay in credit, alsc> I have help with healthcare. Took a lol ol pressure ol me and am very thankful lor your lime. advice and help You have lo experience, expertise and knowledge and solved ever5rthing lor me. The allowance you have been asslsling us has helped us greatly. Being given peace ol mind reassurance lo us. I'm SD really am grateful. Th8 strain on my mother's mental h&allh was so unnecessary. 11 was appalling and the length ol lime by DWP from when she applied during lockdown, meant over 2 years in poverty. I feared for my Mother's slate ol mind and life. Then we were referred lo Rwerside Advice and you turned everything around, made the DWP listen and win case after il was refused. The slafl at the Centre are excellent and I musl thank them very much, they are superb In what they do. Many thanks once again. 16
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporaling Ihe Director's Report) {contlnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achievements and performance (Conllnued) Access and Outcome.. l owe my life ID Riverside Advice I have been struggling with debt lor years. This has resulted or has had huge impact on my mental health and physical health. The help I received from slalf has helped me massively with my Ille. I cannot thank you enough Riverside Advice lor saving my lite. Thank you very much. I no longer eat out ol sup8rrnarkels bins. I can pay oll oulslanding bills. l even have a special life. Living, nol just surviving. I will always have an uncertain lulure bul I know I'm not alone and thanks to great people who really cope with my illness and have hope. SeNice and Advisor are excellent service. Provided reassurance and advice and convinced me to proceed with rny appeal when I cancelled the process through anxiety. I'm exlrernely grateful. Appeal was re-insla18d, and won the appeal. I rec¢ived 2 years back payment lor PIP Definitely helped me gel through an anxious period. I now have peace ol mind and financial security for the next l O years. Advisor simplified all questions and really explained the information to m8. My purpose was lor th& DLA renewal, bL)l advisor went beyond lo see il I would be &ligible lor other support. To have someone take the stress ol the DLA renewal when I had so much else going on was hug8ly helpful. I think advisor could s&e that I was stressed and going oll topic Inol answering the questions with relevance) and she really SUPFX)rled me with additional questioning lo ascertain my child's dilliculties. I fgel advisor really knew the process and was able lo explain and guide me through il with a simple manner. She saw me twice to complete the form properly. Thank you All stalled with support worker who listened to my issues and referred me to Riversido Advice lor help and advice. They then provided major support- lor having pali8nc8 and time lo hear my story, and he chased il up lor any information. Also (another advisorl also is a legend, he would email me il any inlormalion needed lor him lo complete my application. I really appreciate all the crew who made il possible. The main difference is how advisor explained what I was enlilled lo claim. She helped me slep by step lo make my claim. Advisor was always there to reassure me and explained clearly il I didn't understand anything. Knowing I was stressed about doing this mysoll. Advisor was so patient and made me al ease especially with the interview with DPW. She helped lo gel my daily living needs award changed lo enhanced. Advisor explained I can apply lor help with Mobilily Aids as well. I would like lo thank you Riverside Advice lor gelling me through. Given financial s8curily. Just keep doing what you are doing. Thank you I was not able lo manage my finances, very hard lo buy something. Now I can buy my needs, al least. I sullored a hard lime with no money, was not able lo do lor my family. l am feeling now is no pressure ol less money. My case was really allecling my life mentally. Now I can start my life again with fresh starl. Thank you to everyone involved in my case. Very helpful and a great lo got help with debt I could nol have completed the application forms lor DWP & PIP wilhoul Riverside Advice Their help has been ess8nlial in giving me hope that I might be able lo create a life Inewll going forward. I was really worrwng how I would manage, you really helped me and were on my side 17
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Truslees, Annual Report (Incorporaling the Director's Report) (ttonllnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achlevements and performance {coTrtlnued) Ind6ed, you have given me a good start and helped manage my linances. No more stressful leller and phone calls. ol mind The importance ol Advice Centre like yours cannot be undereslimaled. Wllhoul your help I would have ended up homeless and deslilule. You made my life so much 6asier now I have a bil more money coming in. I can't thank you enough. Perleol as you ar8. I have been sullering from chronic posl-traumalic stress disorder lor years lover 30 years). Going lo Riverside Advice and meeting stall there who helped me 6normously and succeed in resolving all my issues i.e. debt, benefits. They have helped. m8 in reducing financial pr8ssur8 on me. Incredible place and incredible people. Resolving the issues for good. I have PIP enhanced rale so l am very happy with Fliverside Advice. I'm now managing lo pay off my debts and slay in cr8dit, also I have help with healthcare. Took a lol ol prgssure ol me and am very thankful for your lime, advice and help You hav8 10 8xperien¢e, expertise and knowledge and solved everything lor me. The allowance you have been assisting us has helped us greatly. Being given peace ol mind reassurance lo us. I'm so really am grateful. The strain on my m(Jlher's mental health was so unnecessary. 11 was appalliny and the length ol lime by DWP, meant over 2 years in poverty. I feared lor my NAolher's slate ol mind and life. Then we were referred lo Riverside Advice and you turned everything around. mad6 the DWP listen and win case aller il was refused. The stall al the Centre are excellent and I musl thank Ihern very much, they are superb in what they do. Many thanks once again. 18
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {contlnu&d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Flnancial revlew Total Income lor the year was £538,57712024 £461,985), derived Irom £462,36912024 £322,622101 grants and donations £64,02912024 £128,9551in funds received from charitable aclivilies. Investment and other income was £12,17912024 £10,407). The major grants reiVed were from the British Gas Energy Trust 1£290,8001, the Waterloo Foundation 1£25,5951, the Access lo Justice Foundation 1£60,6721, and the Big Energy Saving Network 1£8,7501. The major ongoing contributor lo funding the charitable activities was the UHB 1£50.4801. Re-occurrino costs are under constant review and are controlled, il possible, lo fall below grants and anlicipaled income from charitable aclivilies. Total costs lor the year were £564,35412024 £478,175) ol which £384,43212024 £361.3201 was in slall costs including pensions and National Insurance. Riverside Advice ends the period in strong liquid resources with a cash balance ol £460,303 12024 £505,598). Reserves and investment policies The total reseNes al the end ol the p8riod are £447,318 12024 £473,095). This is mad8 up of reslricled funds relating lo the Waterloo loundatlDn grant of £8,532 12024 £3,726) Igranl lolal is £76,785 ovèr 3 years with three months remaining ol this year's porlionl, a dèsignal&d reserv88 balances of £300,000 12024 £30O,0001 arKI unreslricled, undesignated reserves of £136,24912024 £169.3691- Free reserves, excluding fixed assets. are £134,66512023 £160,108). The charity does not have an investment policy bul maintains both a current and inleresl-bå deposit bank accounts with CAF Bank. 11 is the inlenllon lo review both the in18r8st-bearing and security ol the d$pcisiI accounls lo ensur8 maximisalion ol interest polenlial whilst not diminishing security and access lo lunds deposited. The charity has maintained a very ellicienl fixed asset base from leased premises and il is not envisaged that Ihe assets used have any residual sale value over that ol ihe wrillen-down balances. Th8 charity has a reseNes pollcy ol mainlainlng a designated reserve adequate lo fund the conlinuing harilable aolivilies ol the organisalion lor six months, the eslimalBd lime needed lo close open ¢ases, and cover any foreseen Costs ol closure. This reserve is reviewed by the Iruslees annually Its ensure adequacy and is currently £150.000 rellecling the additional stall, lonaer service and generally increased running costs. There is a designated reserve for an Operational Manager post of £150.000.
Riverslde Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Truslees, Annual Report (Incorporaling the Director's Report) (tontlnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Plans for future periods The trustees wish lo continue lo provKle a free, independ8nl, impartial and holistic advice and inlormalion service in a manner Ihat is comprehensive and syrllpalhetic, and empower those in need lo obtain information, advic8 and assislan¢e enabling Ih6m lo exercise their rights. The Iruslees wish lo maintain or increase the funding lor existing projects bul expand ils speclalisl advice work in the field ol welfare benefits, d6bl and housing lor vulnerable, hard-lo-reach people. In particular. th& charity would like to.. conlinLJe expand Welfare Rights casework Services lo meet the referral demand from all partnership support agencies working with vulnerable people. Providing bespoke services which meet needs among those who come up against barri8rs lo access lo tnainslroam drop-in advic8 service delivery continue lo develop more joint services wilh our partners lo meet needs of vulnerable clients extend our services into outreach localions, particularly into hospitals ar partnership organisaliDns lo further improve access and reduce barriers lo seNc8s lor the most vulnerable, parlicularly those with Mental Heallh illness8s. exlend welfare benefit assistanc8 lor more tribunal representation for those with mental health dilliGullies ar carers where there is complexity and such representation would make a difference develop a vtslunleer and training project wllh Cardill Law School lo widen and enhance welfare rlghls work and crea18 social w8llare lawyers lor th8 lulure. The charity is in discLJssions with Cardill Law School's pro bono unil lo develop ils exisling partnership lor mutual benefit. This is a shorl-lo- medium term plan which WOU evolve organically over 5 years continue lo raiso funds lo support organisalional core costs lo assist in funding core aclivilies, Adminislralion, HR and finances and running ctssls lo largel funding on Advisors and aid development lo maintain and increase seNices lor stability into the lulure. The charity is r&viewing ils accommodation. 11 is engaged in discussions on accommodation and cost- elleclive ways ol consolidating the organisalion's needs into an adapted or an alternative building. Small company provlslons This report has be@n prepared in aOrdanCe with the provisions applicable lo companies enlilled lo the small Companies exemption. 20
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmlted by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) Iconllmued) Year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees, annual report was approved Dn 5 December 2025 and signed on behalf c>1 the board ol Iruslees by.. e•kJl Mr l.A Campbell Trustee 21
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmiled by Guaranlee Independent Examiner's Reporl lo the Trustees of Riverside Advice Llmlted Year ended 31 March 2025 I reFXJrt lo the Iwslees on my examination ol the financial slalem8nls ol Riverside Advice Limited I'lhe charilll lor the year ended 31 March 2025. Responslbllltles and basls of report As the Iruslees ol the company land also ils directors for the purposes ol company lawl you are responsible lor the preparation ol the financial slalem8nts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061.lhe 2006 Acl'l. Havlng satisfied fflysell that the accounts ol the company are not required to be audfled under Parl 16 ol the 2006 A¢1 and are 81igible lor independent examination, I report in respect ol my examination ol the charity's accounts as carried oul under section 145 01 the Charities Act 2011 I'lhe 2011 Acl'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Comtnission under section 14515llbl DI the 2011 Act. Independent examlner's statement Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner musl be a member of a body listed in section 145 01 the 2011 Act. l Confirm that l am qualified lo undertake th8 examination because l am a member ol the Association ol Chartered Certified Accounlanls, which is one ol Ihe listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no mallers have come lo my allenlion in connection with the examlnalion giving me cause to believe.. accounting records were not kept in respect ol the charity as reqLJlred by section 386 01 the 2006 Act., or the financial statements do not accord with those records- or the financial slalerllenls do not comply with the accounling requirements ol section 396 01 the 2006 Act other than any requiremenl that the accounts give a 'lrue and lair. view which is not a matter considered as parl ol an independent examination., or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles ol the Statement ol Recommended Practice lor accounting and repoiling by charities applicable lo charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporling Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021. 22
Riverside Advice Limiled Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examiner's Report lo Ihe Trustees of Riverslde Advice Llmited (conlinued) Year ended 31 March 2025 I have no concerns and have come across no other mallers in connection with the examination lo which allenlion should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding ol the accounts lo be reached. Leanne Euslace Independ&nt Examiner Unl 2 Riverbridge Business Centre Rhymnay River Bridge RcFad Cardill CF23 9FP 23
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limiled by Guarantee Statement of Financial Acllvities (including income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2025 2025 Reslricled funds Total funds 2024 Unreslricled funds Total funds Note ncomo and endowments Donations and legacies Charitable activities Inveslmenl income 61,212 64,029 12,179 401,157 462,369 64,029 12,179 322,623 128.955 10,407 461,985 Total Income 137,420 4D1,157 538,577 Expendlture Exp8ndilure on charitable aclivilies Tolal exp8ndlture 175,957 175,957 388,398 564,354 564,354 478.176 388,398 478,178 Nel axpendlture and net movement In lunds 138,5371 12,759 125,7771 116,1911 R8conclllatlon of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried foNard 469.369 3.726 16,485 473,095 447,317 489,286 430,832 473,095 The statement of financial a¢livities includes all gains and Ioss85 recognised in Ihe year. All income and expenditure derive IroFn continuing aclivilies. The notes on pages 26 to 37 form parl of these Ilnancl¥l statemenls. 24
Riverslde Advice Limited Company Limiled by Guarantee Slatement of Financial Posltlon 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Note Flxed assets Tangible fixed assets 15 1,584 9,260 Current assets Debtors Gash al bank and in hand 16 21,403 460,303 481.706 13,979 505,598 519,577 Creditors: amounts falllng due within one year Net current assets 17 35,972 55,742 463,835 445,734 Total assets less current liabililies 447,318 473,095 473,095 Net assets 447,318 Funds of the charlty Reslricled funds Unr8slricled funds 11,068 436,249 3,726 469.369 Totsl charity funds 19 447,317 473,095 For the year 8nding 31 March 2025 the charity was enlilled lo exemption from audit under s8clion 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating lo small companies. Directors. responsibilities.. The members have not r&quired the corllpany lo obtain an audit ol ils financial slalements lor the year in question in accordance with section 476., The directors acknowdge their responsibilities lor complying with the requirements ol the Act ith respecl lo accounting records and the preparation ol financial slalemenls. These financial slalernenls have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable lo companies subjecl to the small companies. regime. These financial slal8menls were approv6d by the board ol Iruslees and aulhorised lor issue on 5 D&cember 2025, and are signed on beha51 ol the board by.. a*ii hAr l.A Campbell Trustee The noles on pages 26 to 37 lorm pait of these Ilnan¢lal statements. 25
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limiled by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025 General informatlon The charity is a public benefit enlily and a private Gompany limited by guaranlee. registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address ol the registered ollice is 41 a Lower Cathedral Road, Riversid8, Cardill, CF116LW. Slalement of compllance These financial staternents hav8 been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic ol Ireland,, the Statement ol Recommended Praclice applicable lo charities preparing their acGounls in accordanc6 Wlth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021 (Charities SORP IFRS 10211 and the Companios Acl 2006. Accounting policies Basis of preparallon The financial slalemenls have b&&n prepared on the historical cost basls, as modified by the revaluation ol certain linancial ass81s and liabilities and investment proper116s measured al lair value through income or expenditure. The financial slalemenls are prepared in sterling. which is the lunclional currency ol the entity- Golng concern There are no material uncerlainlies about the ¢haril¥s ability lo conlinue. Disclosure exemptlons The enlily salislies the crilerla ol being a qualifying enlily as defined in FRS 102. As such, advantage has b88n laken of the following disclosure ex&mplions available undar paragraph 1.12 of FRS 102.. No cash flow statement has b6an presented lor the company Disclosures in respect ol financial instruments have not been pres8nled Judgemenls and key sources of estimation uncerlalnty The preparation ol the financial statements requires managemenl lo make judgements, eslimales and assumptions that allecl the amounts reported. These eslimales and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other la¢lors, including expectations ol future events that are believed lo be reasonable under the circumstances. The on5y 8slimale used in Ih8S8 accounts is depreciation, as noted below. 26
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limlted by Guarantee Notes to Ihe Financial Statements (Gonllnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Accountlng pollcles (coiJlAnu8d) Fund accounling Unreslricled lunds are available lor use al Ihe discretion ol the Iruslees lo further any ol the charitys purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Iruslees lor particular future project or commitment. Reslricled funds are subjected to reslriclions on th8ir expenditure declared by Ihe donor or through the terms ol an appeal, and fall into one ol two sub-classes,, reslricled income funds or endowment funds. Incoming resources All incoming resources are Included in the slalement ol financial activities when enlillemenl has passed to the charily., it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transa¢lion will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The lollowlng specifi¢ policies are applied lo particular categories ol income.. incom& from donations or grants is recognised when there is 8vidence ol enlillement to the gift, rec61pI is probable and ils amount can be measured reliably. legacy income is recognised when receipt is probabl8 and entilletnenl is established. income from donated goods is measured al the lair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measLJre reliably, in which case the value is derived Irorn the cost lo the dc>nor or the estimated resale value. Donated facili118s and services are recognised in the accounts wh8n received il the value can b8 reliably m8asured. No amounts are included lor lh& contribution ol general volunteers. income from contracts lor the supply Of services is re¢Dgnised with the delivery ol th8 contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a conlraclual requirement lor il lo be spent on a particular purpose and returned il unspent, in which case il may be regarded as restricted. 27
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnancial Statements {¢orJllnuedl Year ended 31 March 2025 Accountlng pollcles {GOnllnued) Resources expended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liabilily is incurred. Expendilure includes any VAT which ¢annol be lully recovered, and is classified under headings ol the stalÈmenl ol linanclal activities lo which11 relates.. expenditure on raising funds includes the costs ol all fundraising aclivilies, events, non- charitable trading activities, and the sale ot donated goods. expenditure on charilable activities includes 811 costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further ils charitable aims lor the benefit ol ils beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating lo the governance of the charity apportioned lo charitable activities. other expenditure includes all axpenditure that is neither related to raising funds lor the charity nor parl ol ils expenditure on charitable aclivilios. All cc)sls are allocated lo expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs allribulable lo a single aclivily are allocated directly lo Ihat aclivily. Shared costs ar& apporlioned between the activities they conlribula lo on a reasonable, jusliliable and ¢onsislenl basis. Tangible assets Tangible assets are initially recorded al cost, and subsequenlly slated al cost less any accumulated depreciatlDn and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried al revalued amounts are rocorded at the lair value al th8 dale ol revalualion less any subsequ8nl accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. An increasg in the carrying amount ol an asset as a result ol a revaluation, is re¢ognis8d in other recognised gains and losses, unless il reverses a ¢harge lor impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the slalemenl ol financial aclivilies. A decrease in the carrying amount ol an asset as a result ol revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except lo which 11 ollsels any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other racognised gains and losses on the slalement ol financial aolivities. Depreclalion DeprecialiDn Is calcukaled so as lo w¥ile oll the cost or valuation ol an asset, less ils residual value, over the useful economic life ol that asset as follows.. Fixtures and fillings Equipment 25°A slraighl line 25Q/a Straight line Impairment of flxed assets A review lor indicators ol impairment is carried out at each reporting dale, with the recoverable amount being eslimaled where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds th& recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed lor possible reversal al 8ach reporting dale.
Riverside Advlce Limited Company Llmlted by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {conlinued) Year ended 31 March 2025 A¢countlng policies ioohiinued) Impaiyment of flxed assets (conllnued) Ftsr the purpDses ol impairmenl lesling, when il is not possible lo eslimale the recoverable amount ol an individual asset, an estimate Is made ol the recoverable amoLJnl ol the cash- generating unil lo which the asset belongs. The cash-generaling unll is the smallest idenliliable group ol assets that includes the ass81 and generates cash inflows that larggly independent ol Ihe cash inflows from other assets or groups ol assets. For impairment testing ol goodwill, Ihe goodwill acquired in a busin8ss combination is, from the acquisition dale, allocated lo each ol the cash-generaling units that are expected lo benefit from the synergies ol the combination. irrespeclive ol whether other assets or liabilities ol the charity ar& assigned lo those units. Flnancial Instruments A financial assBI or a financial liability is recognised only when Ihe charity becomes a party lo tho contractual provisions ol the inslrumenl. Basic financial instruments are inilialty recognised al Ihe amount r8ceivable or payable including any reLaled transaction costs. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured al the cash or other consideration expected lo be paid or received and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measur8d al amorlised cost. Where inveslm8nts in shares are publicly traded or their lair value can otherwise be measured r81iably, the investment is subsequenlw measured al lair value with changes in lair value recognised in incom8 and expenditure. All other such inv8slm8nls are subsequently measured al cost less impairTnenl. Other financial inslrumenls, including derivatives, are initially recognis6d al lair value, unless payment lor an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rale ol interest that is nDI a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value ol the lulure payments discounted al a market rate ol interest lor a similar debt inslrumenl. Other financial instruments ara subsequently measured al lair value, with any changes recognised in the statement ol financial activities. with the &xceptiDn ol h6dging instruments in a designated hedging relationship. Financial assets that are measured al cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence ol impairment al the end of each reporlinu dale. 11 there is objectiv8 evidence ol Impairment, an impairment loss is recognised und&r th8 appropriate heading in the slalemenl ol Ilnancial aGlivilies in which the initial gain was recogrhised. For all equily instruments regardless ol signili¢anGe, and other linanclal assels Ihat are individually signili¢ant, these ar8 assessed individually lor impairment. other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basls ot similar credit risk characteristics. 29
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnancial Statements (Gontlnuedl Year ended 31 March 2025 Accountlng pollcles (conllnued) Flnanci81 instruments (oonllnued) Any reversals ol impairment are recognised immedia181y, lo the exlenl that th8 r&versal does not result in a carrying amount DI the linancial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the Impairment not previously been recognised. Deflned conlributlon plans CDnlribulions lo defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in th8 period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asgel lo the exlenl Ihal the prepaymenl will lead lo a reduction in luluro payments or a cash refund. When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months ol the end ol Ihe reporting dale in which the employees render the relalcd service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding ol the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which il arisos. Llmlted by guarantee Every member ol the cornpany undertakes lo contribute lo the assets ol the company. in the event ol the sarne being wound up while slhe is a member, or within one year aller slhe ceases lo be a memb&r, lor payment ol the debls and liabilities ol the company contracted before slhe ceases lo be a member, and ol the costs, charges and expenses ol winding up, and lor the adjuslmenl ol the rights ol the conlribulors among themselves. such amount as may be required nD exceeding £1. Donations and legacles Unreslricled Funds Reslricled Total Funds Funds 2025 Donations Donations 540 540 Grants Acc8ss lo Justice Foundation Waterloo Foundation GVS-RIFCAP Glasspool British Gas Energy Trust Blg Energy Saving Network NEST 6C>.672 60,672 36,190 36,190 60,000 290,800 8,750 5,417 401,157 60,000 290,800 8,750 5,417 462,369 61.212 Unreslricled Funds RÈslricled Total Funds Funds 2024 Donatlons Donations 1,958 1,958 30
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnancial Slatements IcoJ7llnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Donations and legacles (continued) Unreslricled Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Grants Access lo Justice Foundation Waterloo Foundalion GVS-RIFCAP Glasspool British Gas Energy Trust Big Energy Saving Nelwork NEST 43,942 43,942 15,000 9,959 15,000 9.959 244,764 7,000 244,764 7,000 55,859 266,764 322,623 Charitable activities Unreslricled Total Funds Unreslricled Total Funds Funds 2025 Funds 2024 Other income from charitable activities Local Health Board Mental Health UHB R&R Energy Saving Trust 1,049 50,480 12,500 1,049 50,480 12,500 10,484 50,480 10,000 57,991 128,955 10,484 50,480 10,000 57,991 128,955 64.029 64,029 Investment income Unreslricled Total Funds Unreslri¢led Total Funds Funds 2025 Funds 2024 Bank interest receivable 12,179 12,179 10,407 10.407 31
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Noles to the Financial Statements {con11nd? Year ended 31 March 2025 Expenditure on charitable aclivities by fund type Unreslricled Funds Reslricted Total Funds Funds 2025 Provision ol advice serwces Support costs 141,131 34,826 175,957 272,671 115,727 388,398 413,8L11 150,553 564,354 Unreslricled Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Provision ol adirice services Support costs 75,256 135,856 211,112 265,765 1,299 267,064 341,019 137,157 478,176 Expandituro on ch3ritabl8 aclivltios by actlvity type Activities undertaken directly Support costs Total lunds 2025 Total fund 2024 Provision ol advlce serwces Governance costs 413,801 139,163 11,390 150,553 552,964 11,390 564,354 473,083 5,fJ93 478.176 418,801 10. Analysls of support costs Analysis ol support costs aclivily 1 Total 2025 Total 2024 Stall costs General ollice Governance cos18 115,727 16.758 11.391 115,727 16,758 11,391 120,137 11,927 5,091 143,876 143,876 137,155 11. Net expendlture Net expenditure 18 slated aller chargingllcredilingl.. 2025 2024 Depreciation ol tangible lixed assels 6,424 6,789 32
Riverside Advice Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financlal Statements (CDnllnuetll Year ended 31 March 2025 12. Independenl examlnalion fees 2025 2024 Fees payable lo the independenl examiner for.. Independent examination ol the financial slalemenls 3,500 3,500 13. Staff costs The lolal stall costs and employ86 benefits for the reporting poriod are anatysed as follows.. 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Employer contributions lo pension plans 345,518 27,250 11.864 384,432 307,648 21,441 32,230 361,319 The average head counl ol employees during the year was 1312024.. 131. The average number ol lull-time equivalent employ8es during the year is analysed as follows.. 2025 2024 No. No. Nurllber ol advisory stall Number ol adminislralive stall 13 No employee received employeo benefits ol more than £60,000 during the year12024.. Nill. 14. Tyustee remuneration and oxpenses no remuneration or other benefits from ernploymenl with the charity or a related enlily were received by the Iruslees12023'.NILI No Iruslees claimed expenses during the year12023=NILI
Riverside Advice Limiled Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 15. Tangible fixed assets Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Al 1 April 2024 Disposals At 31 March 2025 22,672 11,3061 21.366 8,684 31,356 11,3061 30,050 8,684 Depreclation Al 1 April 2024 Charge lor the year Disposals At 31 March 2025 15.910 5,341 1541 21,197 6,186 1,083 22,096 6,424 1541 28,466 7,269 Carrylng amount Al 31 March 2025 169 1,415 1,584 9,260 At 31 March 2024 6.762 2,498 16. Debtors 2025 2024 Trade debtors Prepayrnenls and accrued incorne 814 20,589 652 13,327 21.403 13.979 17. Credltors.. amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors AGGruals and deferred income Social securily and olher taxes Othèr creditors Net wages 145 2.149 11,732 21,302 644 213 18,717 13,548 21,029 2,235 55,742 35,972 18. Penslons and other post retirement benefits Defined contrlbution plans Th8 amount re¢ognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to d&lined contribution plans was £11,66412024.. £32,2301. 34
Riverside Advice Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes lo the Flnancial Statements (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 19. Analysls of charitable funds Unrestricted funds At 31 March 202 Al 1 April 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers General funds Designated Fund - Windup & Redundnacy Designated Fund- Ollice manager 169,369 137,420 1145,9571 124,5831 136,249 150,000 150,000 150,000 469,369 130,0001 1175,9571 30.000 150,000 137,420 5,417 436,249 Al 31 March 202 Al l April 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers General funds Oesignaled Fund- Windup & Redundnacy Designated Fund - Ollice manager 182,808 195,221 1176,2091 132,4511 169,369 150,000 150,000 150,000 134,9031 1211.1121 34,903 150,000 482,808 195,221 2,452 469,369 35
Riverside Advice Llmlted Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financlal Slatemenls icontlnuedj Year ended 31 March 2025 19. Analysis ol charltable funds (cofvtlnuedl Restrlcled funds At 31 Maroh 202 Al 1 April 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Waterloo Foundation Big Energy Saving Network C3SC Glasspool BGET NEST 3,726 36,190 131,3841 8,532 8,750 18.7501 60,000 290,800 5,417 401,157 157,4641 1290,8001 2.536 (5,417) 15,41n 3,726 1388,3981 11,068 Al 31 March 202 Al 1 April 2CJ23 Income Exp8ndilure Transfers Waterloo Foundation Big Eriergy Saving Network C3SC Glasspool BGET NEST 3,727 15,000 115,0011 3,726 7,ClOO 17,0001 11,5001 1.500 1,251 244,764 1243.5631 12,4521 6,478 266,764 1267,0641 {2,4521 3,726 36
Riverside Advice Limiled Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to Ihe Financlal Slatements (conllnuedl Year ended 31 March 2025 20. Analysls of net assets between lunds Unreslricled Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2025 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 1,584 479,518 135,9721 445,130 1,584 481,706 135,9721 447,318 2,188 2,188 Unfeslricled Funds Reslricled Total Funcls Funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Nel assets 9,258 502,033 141,9231 469,368 9,258 519,578 155,7411 473,095 17,545 113,8181 3.727 37