EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th MARCH 2024 Company Number: 04946069 Charity Number: 1101876
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. CHARITY NAME Equality and Employment Law Centre Ltd. COMPANY NUMBER 04946069 CHARITY NUMBER 1101876 TRUSTEESIDIRECTORS J Keegan J Mannouch SAII J Finnegan (resigned 151 April 2023) L Thomas (resigned 1s1 April 2023) S Branch (appointed 31st August 2023 as trustee) (28" March 2023 as director) A Urbanik (appointed 29th June 2023) H Kendrick {appointed 1st August 2023, resigned 31S1 October 2023) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER J Ehlen REGISTERED OFFICE 151 Dale Street, Liverpool, England, L2 2AH BANKERS Co-operative Bank PLC PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6wr INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Matthew Brown, CPFA Adding Value Consultancy Ltd studio 6, Bluecoat Chambers School Lane Liverpool L13BX
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. CONTENTS Page Trustees Report 4-8 Statement of Trustees responsibilities Independent Examiners Report 10 Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 12 Notes to the Financial Statements 13-20
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT Introduction The Trustees present their report and financial stalements for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024. Equality and Employment Law Centre {EAELCI. an independent nonprofit organizalion based in Liverpool, was established in 2003 as Merseyside Employment Law. Our mission is to address deep-seated inequalities in Britain by providing legal advice in discrimlnation and amploymenl law. We are commilted to offering essential legal services to vulnerable individuals, specializing in these complex areas of law. Addilionally, we provide HR support and legal advice to nonprofit organizalions in the Liverpool City Region. Despite the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisls. we have achieved significant milestones this year and have continued to run our vital seNices. EAELC has direclly supported over 3500 people in various ways, in doing so we have secured over £1m in damages for clienls. Our impact extends béyond tinancial compensation, we have prevented homelessness, dismissals. and enabled clients to move forward with their lives, having been vindicated. Clients report thal experiencing discrimination has severe consequences, including a loss of dignity, confidence, and idenlity. Early legal advice empowers people, helping them take control of their lives and mitigaling ihe costs of lengthy litigation or clients being passed around different public services. Thro(Jgh the hard work of our dedScated staff, incredible volunteers (who contributed an amazing 4000 hours of their time), and the funders who have invested resources, trust, and money, we have been able to resolve over 6500 indlvidual problems for our clients. We have also continued to identify emerging issues faced by cllents, giving them a voice lo influence decisions affecling their lives and fuelling participalion and engagement in communities and civic life. Our services clearly highlight Early legal advice empowers people, helping them to lake control of their lives as well as mitigating Gosls of the economy through lengthy litigatlon or clienls being passed around different public services desperate for advice and direction We are proud to report that over the past year we have made a meaningful difference in Ihe Ilves of clients from acros5 England and Wal88 who use our unique services. We extended an invitation lo the Shadow Employment Minister to visit our law centre and witness the vilal work we do. This invitation was particularly timely following the publication of the Employment Righls Green Paper. As an organizalion commltted to enhancing employment rights and vrforking conditions, we wholeheartedly welcomed the opportunity to showcase our offorts and conlribute to the ongoing dialogue around improving workplace fairness and enhancing employmenl rights which aligns wilh our mission, Discrimination law is complex. and there are no olher specialist charities or commerGial practitioners in the Liverpool Clty Region and the wider North-wesl Region working solely on employment and discriminatlon which makes demand for our service relentless. This report highlights the great work being carried out by EAELC and serves as a thank-you to our Trustees, slaff, funders, and volunleers. With a long and proud hislory of supporting people facing uncertainly, we remain committed lo being there for everyone who needs us. We actively explore ways to make the charity even more sustainable and our services even more resilient 8nd holistic, so we can help even more people next year. There is always more thal we can all do-we will continue lo create and seize Opportunities to do what we do best.
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. Public Benefit The Trustees contirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission's genei'al guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity's Aims and Objectives. All our charitable 8Ctivities focus on the provision of legal advice and representation, helping paople understand and exercise their legal rights. and are undertaken to further our Gharilable purposes for the public benefit. Our seNices are open lo the public and free to our clienls. We provide legal advice and representation across a wide range of legal areas thal impact on people. s everyday lives in signifiGanl ways. This work is not only of benefit lo our individLAal clients but also to the wider communily given the economic and social impact of our work. We also support charitable organisalions thal requlre employment or equality advice or training, helping to create fairer and more inclusive workplaces. Our objectives and actlvities We are proud members of the Law Centre Network We are a value led organisalion, and our Vision and mission are underpinned and characlerized by strong and clearly communicaled Values. These will h8lp us achieve our Vision and drive the work of EAEL by bringing us together to inspire leadership and customer excellence. They will empower us to understand th8l il is not just what we do but how we do it that is a critical enabler to organisational success. Vlslon Our vision is to be recognised as the preferred national specialist provider of Employment Law and Discrimlnation advice, HR, and Training & Development to individuals, non-profit, CIC, social enterprises and charitable organisations promoting a fairer and more equal society. We believe that everybody should be treated equally an(J with dignity and respect bolh in the workp18ce and sociely at large. Mlssion EAEL exists lo actlvely lackle poverty, injustice. and discrimination through tha provision of speclalisl legal advice, casework and advocacy in the areas of employmenl and discriminalion law to individuals and organisations. We also deliv8r advice and training to charitable or voluntary sector organisations to improv6 their efficiency and effeclivenÈss and understandlng of employment and discrimination law. Furthermore. to advance the knowledge and understanding of eTnployment law and discrimination law among Merseyside residents, businesses, and employees to creale a fairer and more equal society. Objects As proud members ofthe Law Centre Network and a value-led organisalion, our vision and mission are driven by strong values that inspire leadership and customer excellence. These values are not just about whal we do, but how we do it, serving as a critical enabler to our organisalional success. The objects of the Charily are the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the communily in Merseyside and to.. Relieve poverty by the provision of advice and advocacy in employment and discrimination law lo Ihose persons othemise unable lo access such advice and advocacy Promote Ihe efficiency and effectiveness of chaiilies by the provision of advice and training in employment and discrimination law and Advance education by improving knowledge of employmenl and discrimination law and its operation of persons resident or employed in Merseyside Challenges The year has not been wllhout its challenges. We have faced: Unrelenting demand: The demand for our services remains high, reffecting the critical need for legal assistance and highlights the legal deserts across England and Wales 2. Cost of Ilving crÈsis.' The rising Gosts have affocted both our operations and the lives of those we serve and our leam some of whom have left to go to higher paid jobs in Ihe private sector. 3. Labour Turnover: The fluctuation in staff has presented continuity issues recruitment. and retontion difficulties have tested our resilience.
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. 4. Recruitment and Retention: Atlracting and keeping talent has been difficult due to competitive pay and conditions from the private seclor for skilled slaff. we've lost valuable staff niembers who cannot afford to work in Ihe low-paid third sector and we have become an incubator for eimploymenl solicilors for the private sector. 5. Operational complexities. The ongoing bureauGracy and low rates for Legal Aid work have addÈd lo our operational cliallenges. 6. Underfunded Legal Aid Services: Despite our vital role. there have been no improvemants to our underfunded legal aid services with rates not increasing prior to LASPO in 2013 despite ongoing and numerous reviews of Legal Aid 7. Grant funding: reduced granl funding and increased competition for these grants from other third sector organisations 8. Cash Flow Challenges: Delays in Legal Aid payments due to court backlogs have strained our finances. Cases cannot be invoiced until closed. 9. Vicarious Trauma: Our staff, dealing with some of the most vulnerable and complex Glienls in our society, are at risk of vicarious trauma. Inveslmenl in training lo support staff is ongoing. Weekly we have a suicidal client which is highly stressful for all concerned 10. Face to face Legal Aid services. The failure of underfunded face lo face leg81 aid ¢onlra¢ts to provide Much needed legal advice Io Glients pulling additional strain on clients and our service. 11. Vulnerabl8 Clients= Social and economic issues conlinue to affecl our clients. making th8m mor8 vulnerable and highlight Ihe breakdown of public seNices in housing. mental health, community care across England and Wales severely impacting our clienl's ability lo get legal advice or relevant support. Achievements and Performance Over the past year. the Equalily and Employmenl Law Centre (EAELC) has remained steadfasl it its mission lo combat deep seated injustice and inequalities in Brilain. We have made significant strides in supporting individuals facing discrimination and employment issues. Despite the cosl-ol-living crisis and other external challenges, we have directly supported over 3500 people, securing over £1 million in damages for our clients. Our commitment lo providing accessible, professional, and qualily-assured advice has led to Iransformalional outcomes, enabling our Clients to regain control of their lives and get justice Our services have been a beacon of hope, providing advice. advocacy, and legal represent81ion that have been transformational for our clients. The dignity and confidence restored lo those who have fad discrimination are immeasurable, and we are proud to have made a meaningful difference in their lives Fundlng and Tralnlng Our training inilialives have flourished, Ihanks to the John Moores Foundation, which funded our specialist master class in equallly and employmenl law. delivered by Pam Kenworthy OBE. The AB Charitable Trust has also recognized Ihe importance of our work, and their contributions have been invaluable. The Steve Morgan Foundation has generously funded our solicitor apprentice program. helping us nurlure fulLJre talent. Despite a challenging funding landscape, we remain dedicated to our long-lerm goal of financial self- sustainability through our social enterprise efforts. In 2023 our first graduate solicitor apprenllce qualified, part of our grow our own talent programme. In 2024 we have another graduate solicitor apprentice due to qualify. We will continue lo develop the future generalion of social justice solicitors through the solicilor apprenliceship programmes. We also secured apprenticeship levy transfer from QVC with the support and guidance of Liverpool City Region's Skills Brokerage team We will continue to work closely with Ihe Law Departments of the local universities to attract law students as volunteers.
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. In summary Legal Professionals.. In 2023, we successfully qualified another solicitor through the graduale solicitor apprentice scheme. This mai'ks the third solicitor who has qualified al EAEL. Addilionally. we have another apprentice scheduled lo qualify in 2024. We Attracted two experienced solicitors from the privale sector lo join EAEL Legal Advice: We handled 890 new legal aid cases. Provided 360 instances of free employment advice nol covered by Legal Aid Referred 190 clients to Legal Aid SeNices that Ihey were unaware of Supported 10 third sector organisations with HRI Legal Advice Financlal Milestones: Repaid Ouf historic HMRC debt in full. Secured £80,000 in funding. Client Support: Prevented clients from losing their jobs Received 6,963 Calls from clients seeking assistance. Maintained our free employment advice line Our team secured over £1. million in damages for clients Secured18nancy rights for di8nts preventing homelessness Learnlng and carer dèvelopment Legal Master classes delivered to slaff by16ading expert Created volunteer opportunilies for law graduates and 6th form studenls Supporting staff to qualify under the Graduale solicilor apprentlceship Plans for tho Future Looking ahead, our goals remain clear we aim lo.. Enhance Durability and Sustainability: We will explore avenues to make EAEL more durable and sustainable and our seNices more resilient. and a diversified fundinglincome base. Expand Impact: We will continue to identify emerging issues. give a voice to the voiceless, and influence societal change. Strengthen Community Engagement and volunteering: By inviling influenlial figures like the employment minister and engaging with regional businesses. we aim to fuel participation and support for our c8use. strengthenlng Servlces= We aim to merge with a suilable partner lo enhance our legal client services Addressing multiple legal needs will be a priority. Creating A slronger. more resilient organization with a broader reach and increased capacity to serve clients holistic needs. Partnership I merger A combined talent pool thal enriches the organizalion's expertise and serviGe offerings and career advancement for our team. Social enterprlselunique Position As the only specialist charity in the Liverpool City Region and the wider North-west Region focusing solely on discrimination and employment law, EELC holds a unlque position. We encourage local businesses and third-sector organisalions to use our services. thereby contributing to societal change and supporting our mission. Innovatlon - In the era where technology is rapidly transforming Ihe legal landscape. we aim to investigate how Al can enhance our efficiency and effectiveness
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. Financial review The overall total income in the year was £405,813 (2023: £551,625 restaled) of which £36,274 {2023: £48,119), related lo funding for projects upon which restrictions are placed. Total expenditure in the year was £447,31312022'. £540,368) leaving a deficit for the year of £41,500 {2023 surplus.. £11,257) As of 301h March 2024, the charitable company's reserves stood al a balance of£157,607 <2023.. £199.107 restated) of which £825 {2023'. £825) represented restricted funds. Risk Management The Board of Trustees conducts regular reviews of risks to which the charity is exposed. There is a risk register that is updated and reviewed by the Board regularly. Syslems and procedures which are in the Offica Manual sels out all our policies and procedures in relation to risk management. Sionificanl external risks have led to the development of a fundraising strategy and plans to diversity income generation activities. There are policies in place to ensure legal compliance. health and safety compliance, cyber security. We successfully maintained our 3-year Specialist Quallty mark in 2021. The risk management strategy includes: A risk register. An annual review of risks Ongoing monitortng of risks Office Manual with policies and procedures A business continuily plan Reserves Policy 11 is the policy of the charitable company to malnlaln unrestricted funds, which are free reserves at a level to Gover r8dundancy provision and allow Ihe charity to conlinue to run ils aclivities for three months should no further funding be received. As at the end of the financial year the unrestdcled funds totalled £156,782. Structure, Governance and Management The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporaled on 23rd October 2003 (company number 04946069) and registered as a charity (charity number 1101876) on 3rd February 2004. The Governing Instruments und8rwhich the charilable company operates comprise the Memorandum and Articles of Association daled 151h October 2003. The Board of Trustees meets quarterly to monitor the charity's activities and performance, to determine strategy and attend to all other matters of governance. Recrultment and appointment of trustees Currenlly there are 3 Board members and there are plans to recruit additional board members. Board members have a range of skills with expertise including legal, marketing. charity Management and governance, business and customer seNice. Trustee vacancies are advertised. and newTruslees are appointed by existing Trustees. All vacancies, including those for new Trustees, are advertised on our website. Members may be elected to Ihe Board at the Annual General Meeting by the Trustees The CEO has delegated aulhorily to manage our overall organisation. including management and staffing. our procedures in financial and other matters, including conduct and discipline, learning and development, marketing, fundraising, and implementing strategy proposals and plans. Reporting to the Board the results of Ihese at the quarterly meelings.
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES Company law requires Ihe trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, inGluding income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the truste8s should follow best practice and.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principle in the Charilies SORP. make judgements and eslimates that are reasonable and prudent. prepare the financial stalements on the going concem basis unless il is inappropriale to presume that the company will continue as a going concern. slate whelher applicable accounting slandards have been followed, subject to any material departure disclosed and explained in the financial slatements. The Truslees are responsible for maintaining proper accounling records which dlsGlose with reasonable accuracy at any tlme the financial position of the charilable company and lo enable them to ensure that the financial stalemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charilable company and hence for laking reasonablo steps for the prevenlion and doteclion of fraud and other irregularitles. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wilh the charity's Irust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Slatement of Recoinmended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published (FRS 102) (effeclive 181 January 20191 APPROVED ON BEHALF OF THEBOARD: J Keegan - Trustee Oate: 5th December2024
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES I report lo the trustees on my examinalion of the aGcounts for the year ended 30 March 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements ofthe Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act'l and the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). The truslees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Act and that an independent ex8mination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the accounls of Ihe Company are nol required lo be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I reporl In respeGI of my examinatlon of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of Ihe Charities Act 2011 ('Ihe 2011 Act')- In carrying out my examination I have followed the Direclions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{51 (b) of the 2011 Acl. Independent examlner's statement Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must bo a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examinalion because l am a member of CIPFA, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examlnation. I can confirm that no materfal matlers hav8 come lo my altenlion In connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act.. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do nol comply with the accounllng requir8ments of sectlon 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not a maller considered as part of an Independ8nt examination., or 4. the accounls have not been prepared in accordance with Ihe methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practlce for accounting and reporting by charities lapplicable to chariti6s preparing Iheir accounts in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102)]. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounls to be reached. Matthew Brown, CPFA Adding Value Consultancy Ltd Accountants and Financial Management Consullants Date: 5th December 2024 10
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivrriES (including Income & Expenditure) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30" MARCH 2024 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2023Total Funds restated 2024 Total Funds Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incomlng Irom: Donations and LeEacles Charitable Actiirities {6,2031 557,828 551,625 369.539 369,539 36,274 36.274 405,813 405,813 Total Income RESOURCES EXPENDED Expenditure on: Charitable Aclivlties 411,039 411,039 36.274 447,313 540.368 Total Expendlture 36.274 447,313 540.368 Net Movement In Funds (41,500.00) 0.00 (41.5001 11.257 FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 198,282 825 199,107 187,850 FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 156,782 825 157,607 199,107 The notes on pages 13 to 20 form part of these accounts. All the above amounts relate to the conlinuing activits'es of the charitable company.
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. company No 04946069 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30" MARCH 2024 2024 2023 restated Notes FIXEDASSETS Tangible Assets CURRENT ASSETS Work in progress Debtors 146,099 74,124 64,282 284,505 176,541 89,252 72,751 338,544 Cashat8ankand in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year io 1108.8981 1130,9311 NETCURRENT ASSETS 175,607 207,613 CREDITORS Amounls falllng due after more one year TOTAL NET ASSETS li (18,0001 157,607 18.5061 199,107 FUNDS Unrestrlcted Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 14 15 156,782 825 157,607 198,282 825 199,107 These financial stalemenls have been prepared in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). These accounts have been prepared in accordance with Ihe provisions applicable lo smal5 companies subje¢l tothe small companies, regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP. For the period covered by these accounts Ihe company was enlilled lo exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small ¢ompanies. No members have required the company to oblain an audit of its accounts for the year in questlon in accordance with seclion 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustccs, who are the directors of Ihe company. acknowledge Iheir responsibility for complying with the requirements of Ihe Act with respect lo accounting records and the preparation of financial stateentS. The notes on pages 13-20 form part of these financial statements APPROVED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: J Keegan - Trustee Date.. 5th December 2024. 12
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEfoiENTS Ih FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2024 Limlted Liability The organisation is a private cornpany limited by guarantee wilhoul share capital. Each member's liabllily is limited to £5. Accounting Policies Basis of accountlng Th8 accounts have been prepared under the histori¢31 cost convention with items recognised at Cost or transaction value unless otherwise slated in the relevanl nole(s) to these accounls. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charily's trust deed, th8 Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published (FRS 102) effeclive 1S1 January 2019. The accounts are prepared in sterling, whlch is the functional currency of Ihe charilable company. Monetary amounts in these financi81 statements are rounded to the nearest £. Golng concern At Ihe time of approvlng the accounts the Truslees have a reasonable expectation, for the r8asons outlined in the Anniial Report, that the Gharilable company will be able lo access adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable fulure. Thus, Ihe Trustees Gontinue Io adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts. Fund accounllng Unrestricted funds are the charitable company's free reseNes 8vailable for the Trustees lo apply in accordance wilh the charitable company's charilable objectives. Restricted funds are subject lo specific restrictive conditions imposed by Ihe donor. All reslricled funds are accounted for as reslricted income and expenditure for the purposes is charged to the fund. Income recognition All income is recognised once Ihe charitable company has entitlemenl to the income. Ihere is sufficlenl certainty of receipt and so il is probable that the incnme wlll be reived, and the amount of income receivable can be m&asured reliably. Donations and legacies comprise of donations and general grants which are recognised in the accounts when received, with the exceplion of known legacies which are accounted for when their receipt is certain. Income from charitable activities is recognised on an accriJal'% basis except for grants receivable. which are recognised on the date on which their unconditional payment is confirmed by the donor. Expenditure recognition Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligalion committing the charitable company lo that expenditure, il is probable Ihat seluement will be required, and the amount ofthe obligation can be measured reliably. 13
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (contlnued) All expenditure is accounted ft)r on an accrual basis. All expenses, including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the Statement of Financial Activities. Support and governance costs are applied to unreslricted funds unless specifically included in the restrlctions. as specified by the donor. Expenditure on charitable activities relates lo the operation of the charil2ble company comprising of direct charitable expendilure lo meel the objectives of the charitable company. Support and gov8rnanc6 costs relato to the management and operation of the organisalion and also compliance with conslitulional and slatulory requirements in producing Ihe annual report. These are dealt with in the statement of Financial Activities when payment has been approved by the charitable company. Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand. deposits held at call with banks, other short-lerm liquid investments with original maturities of three monlhs or less, and bank overdrafts. Flxod Assets Capital expenditure is stated in the balance sheet al cost less accumulaled d8pr8cialion. Depreclallon is provided to write off the cost of each assel over ils expected useful life as bebw: Office Equipment 33% per annum straight line basis Work in progress Work in progress is included in these accounts to reflacl income for chargeable hour5 undertaken on cases which have not reached a conclusion al the year end. These hours are only included to the exlent that they are fully recoverabl8. Financlal Instruments The charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments. and Section 12 '0ther Financial Inslruments Issues, of FRS 102 lo all of its financial Instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charitable companvs balance sheet when the charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offsel, with the nel amounts presented in the financial statemants, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a nèl basis or to realise the asset and sellle the liabilily simultaneously. Baslc flnancial assets Basic financial assots, which include debtors and cash and bank balances. 8re initially measured at Iransaction price including Iransaclion costs and are subsequently carried at amorlised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. where the transaction is measured al the present value of the future receipls discounted at a market rat8 of interest. Financial assels classified as receivab within one year are not amortised. 14
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {continued) Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transactlon price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at 2 market rale of interesl. Financial liabilities Glassified as payable wilhin one year are not amortised. Debl instruments are subsequently carried at amorlised cost. using Ihe effective interest rate method. Derecognition of financial liabllltles Financidl liabilities are d6recognized wh8n the charilable company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. Taxation Income and gains are exempt from laxalion as they are received and applied for charitable purposes only. The charitable company benefits from various exemptions trom taxation afforded by lax legislation and Is not liabla to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions. Critlcal accounting estimates and judgements In the application of the Gharilable company's acGounting policies, the Trust88s are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that ar8 not readily apparent from other sources. The eslimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other faclors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from Ihese estimates. The estlmates and underlying assurnplions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions lo accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which Ihe eslimale is revised where the revision affects only Ihal period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. 3. Income and endowments from: 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds Donations and Glfts 16,203 15
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 4 Income from Charitable activities 2024 Uniestiicted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2023 Total Funds restated 2024 Total Funds Contr2Ct income 351.413 351,413 30,441 8,408 30,000 239.171 Movementin WIP 30,441 8,408 30,000 176,540 75.355 Private sales Income AB Charitable Trust 15,000 3,000 643 Apprentlce Inventice Access toworkgrant ATJ Communityjustice Fund LiverpoolCItyCouncll- CommunityRE National LotteryAwards for ali Steve Morgan Foundation John Moores Foundalion 12 12 14,698 10,147 10,147 10,147 10,000 8,274 5,000 17,274 s,000 14,000 36,274 17,274 5,000 14,000 405,813 Kindred 369,539 557,828 5.. Expèndlture on charitable activities: Dlrect Charltable Expendlture Support and Glvernance Total 2024 Total 2023 costs Provision of advice and advocacy in the area of ernployment law for the Merseyside Community 313,765 133.548 447,313 540,368 Analysed as follows: Total 2024 Total 2023 Direct charitable expenditure.. Staff salary costs & Nl Pension Volunteer expenses Legal and consultancy fees Direct legal expenses Clients, compensation 258,148 4,584 308,317 15,107 39,188 34,421 11.845 71,291 313,765 429,136 16
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {continued) Support & Governance costs." Staff salary costs Pension Premises costs Office costs Travel expenses Insurance Training Recruitment Computer costs Subscriplions Staff welfare Marketing Bank charges Loan interest Payroll Fees Independent examination Other accountancy Total 2024 Total 2023 18.600 504 27,469 8,618 588 18,600 504 21,964 7,972 131 4,693 13,294 4,581 1,547 14,250 40,681 6,368 1,096 816 34,782 1,277 1,343 440 250 1,881 4,017 837 1,380 1,380 4,919 133,548 111,234 Total expendlture on charitable activltles Total 2024 Total 2023 Analysls bylund Unrestricled funds Restlcted funds 411,039 36,274 447,313 474,395 65,973 540,368 6.Staff Costs 2024 2023 Wages and Salaries SoclaLSecurityCosts Pensions 260,626 16,122 5,088 281,836 315,931 21.201 6,792 343.924 The average number offull-lime equivalent employees during Ihe period was as follows: 2024 2023 Charitable Activtties 11.0 No employee received emoluments of more Ihan £60.000 during the year. {2023: none). The trustees are not remun6raled for Iheir services and are not included above. 17
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 7 Tangible Fixed Assets Qfflce Equipment Total Costs At31 March2023 Disposals Addltions At 30 March2024 6.282 6,282 6.282 6,282 Depreclatlon At31 March2023 On Disposals Chargefortheyear At 30 March2024 6,282 6,282 6,282 6,282 Net Bool(Value At 30 March2024 At30 March 2023 8 Work in progress 2024 2023 restated Work In progress 146,099 176,541 9 Debtors: 2024 2023 Trade Debtors Other Debtors Prepayments 65,667 1,566 6,891 74,124 5,287 80,393 3,572 89,252 10 Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Trade Creditors Accruals Taxand Socialsecurity other creditors Loan (see note 121 12,034 11,633 42,291 14,349 28,591 108,898 45,673 18,707 42,518 24.032 130,930 Within tax creditors is an amount of £18.750 Ihat is currently under query with HMRC. 18
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 11 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 2024 2023 Loan (see note 12) 18,000 8,506 12 Loans 2024 2023 Due within oneyear Due between one to 0YearS 28,591 18,000 46,591 24.032 8,506 32,538 13 Analysis of Net Assets between Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2023 Total restated 2024 Total Yearended 30th March 2024 Tanglble flxed assets Current assets Illabllltles) Creditors: due in more than one year Credltors., due in more than one year 174,782 (18,0001 825 175,607 118.000) 369,623 18,5061 156,782 825 157.607 361,117 Uniestrlcted Funds Restrlcted Funds 2023 Tota( restated 2022Total Yearended 30th March 2023 TanElble flxed assets Current assets {liabilities) Creditors: due in more than one year Creditors,. due in more than oneyear 206.788 {8,5061 825 207.613 {8,506} 220,388 132,5381 198,282 825 199,107 187,850 [Type here]
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 14 Unrest¥icted Funds Balate al 31st MaTclI2023 reslaled Ye8r ended 30tlINarch2024 Incomiiig ResouTces Aesources EXpeded Transfers betwèen Funds BaEance at 30111 Miich 2024 Viirestrlcted Furtds I98,? 411,039 156,782 Llnrestrlcled Funds 198,282 369,539 411,039 156,782 15 Restricted Funds Balanuat31st Mirth2023 Incornlng Resource$ Resource5 Expended Tr8nslew$beiween Funds B&l&nee attsolh Mavch2024 Yearended aoth March 2024 Steve Morgan Foundatlon 825 17,274 17.274 825 Klndred 14,1100 14.O¢Ks john Moore5 Founootion 5,tsJO Restilcted Fund5 625 36,274 36.274 825 16: Operating Lease Commitments There is a four- year lease Gommitmenl taken out in November 2018 in respect of a pholocopier. Paymenls f811 due as under-. 2024 2023 Premlses Photocopler Total due withln one year 1,097 345 1,442 730 730 17: Contlngent liabilities There were no contingent liabllilles as at 30th March 2023 (2022: none). 18: Related PartSes There were no material related party transactions during the yearwhich require disclosure (2022.. none). 19: Guarantees As at 30111 March 2024, 5 members had given a guarantee of £5 each in the event of the company winding-up, total: £25 (31st March 2023= 5 members £25). 20. Prior period adjustment An adjustment has been made to the prior period resulting in a decrease in work in progress value by £31,080. a decrease in income from charilable aclivibes and a corresponding decrease in funds brought forward by £31,080 [Type here]
EQUALITY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CENTRE LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 1s1 APRIL 2022 TO 31st MARCH 2023 21