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2022-03-31-accounts

Embracing disability, empowering lives.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22

Emerging from a Pandemic

Social Life Opportunities (SoLO)

38 Walnut Close Chelmsley Wood Birmingham

B37 7PU 0121 779 3865 info@sololifeopportunities.org www. sociallifeopportunities.org

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Charity No 1102297 Company Limited by Guarantee No 05025939

Contents

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SoLO’s Charitable Objectives 3
Our Vision 3
Chair’s Report 4
Chief Executive Officer’s Report 4
Our Values 5
Pandemic - Covid 19 6-7
SoLO Strategy 2022-24 8
Adult Services 9-11
Children’s Services 12
Supported Living Service 13
Funding and Fundraising 14
Trustee Board 15
Financial Review 16-18
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 19
Independent Auditors Report 20-23
Statement of Financial Activities for year ended 31.03.22 24
Balance Sheet as at 31.03.22 25
Statement of Cash Flow as at 31.03.22 26
Notes to the Financial Statements 27-38
Company Information 39
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Our Objectives & Vision

SoLO’s Charitable Objectives “To help empower children, young people and adults with learning disabilities to achieve their full potential, to encourage their integration in society and improve their conditions of life in particular by the Service, or assistance in the Service, of facilities for them, their families and carers” Within SoLO we see people with learning disabilities spending time in an environment that is comfortable, safe and secure enabling them to be stretched, challenged and take risks. We are happy with what we see, but we want more. In the future, we want to ensure that our members are not excluded from society in institutional settings but are provided with an environment that equips them for the future. We want to give them the skills and experience they need to be able to make choices and take control of their lives. We want to see the lives of our children with a learning disability enhanced as they become adults. For adults with a learning disability, we want to provide them the chance to experience all that life has to offer, have fun and be happy.

Our Vision

Enable our members to realise their full potential with the support and encouragement of a skilled and dedicated team, through the development of high quality opportunities. 3

Chair’s Report

The Board’s strategic focus at the height of the Pandemic was to ensure appropriate cash flow and maintain stability to support ongoing delivery of services. The financial support of furlough and workforce retention monies have been significant to achieve this strategy in a world where Social Care has faced unprecedented challenges especially with recruitment and when charity’s fundraising opportunities have been curtailed. Determination to continue supporting SoLO’s members has been a key driver in navigating through challenges but that determination has shone through to deliver our interim strategy.

The Board has taken the opportunity of review and refresh to strengthen systems and processes by investing in online platforms to manage care planning and compliance and will continue to aim support SoLO with the most effective tools it can have to deliver its services.

SoLO’s best resource to empower its members and service users are undoubtedly people and the Board acknowledge the commitment and the need for staff/trustees to go above and beyond during the Pandemic and it’s a credit to the whole team that SoLO continues to be a leading and respected provider for people with Learning Disabilities in Solihull and surrounding areas. On behalf of the Board, I thank everyone for their contribution to SoLO 2021/22. Jan Prior

CEO Report

Having been Acting CEO for a year, I am very proud that we have been able to continue successful delivery of services safely throughout the pandemic, negotiating the challenges and restrictions of COVID along the way.

Although some challenges have created their own highs and lows, it is a testament to our staff that there has been relatively little impact on the running of services from COVID positive cases and we were acknowledged by Public Health England as one of the more pro-active organisations in the management of COVID – which was no small feat.

I would like to thank all the staff teams for their vigilant stance in managing these risks whilst running a successful programme of activity for our members. We hope to continue on this positive path – even with the new variants coming along. It is a privilege to be able to offer a safe environment both for our staff and our members.

We acknowledge that there is still work to do on the extended social activities such as the Drop Ins which are still somewhat negatively impacted, but which we are continuing to work on and develop so that we can bring more and more on board. The recent monthly disco activities have been much enjoyed.

We would like to extend a thank you too to all those involved in supporting SoLO. We acknowledge that the volunteer programme has been derailed but is starting up again slowly, within safe guidelines, as we look to 2022/23 to be able to offer more opportunities to our 4 current and new supporters . Lesley Beer

Our Values - STAR

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Safe Trusted
Adaptable Resilient
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SoLO’s STAR Quality values - Safe, Trusted, Adaptable, Resilient - have continued to underpin everything that happens within SoLO and sustains the positive energy that has continued to focus on the “can” rather than the “can’t” – even in the face of challenge.

Our staff team has continued to be adaptable and resilient, enabling us to manage a variety of need and respond to changing situations.

Members and their families have trusted SoLO that they will be kept safe whilst enjoying a fun and sociable experience independently from their families. As restrictions have eased, SoLO has been able to adapt its delivery to bring back more services and start easing into the evening services that have been on hold. We have been testing the water with the discos which are themed and are monthly rather than weekly. We hope that they will gain momentum as time goes on.

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SoLO Positive+

SoLO Positive+

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SoLO Positive +

Hands face space

Although not in the grip of the pandemic as reported last year, it has not gone away, and we have been very mindful that we are not out of the woods yet. With local spikes in the numbers, we are reminded that some of our members are particularly vulnerable and we have continued to utilise the PPE equipment at our disposal to keep everyone safe – so that our members can have the best experiences.

Our Daylight North premises have benefitted from the creativity of the team there to become a vibrant space, along with new signage to proclaim our presence. This has meant that our members benefit from an amazing space which houses different areas, including a sensory area which has been made possible by support from Solihull Lions for sensory equipment.

Daylight South continues to be based at the Fire Station Annexe, with members enjoying a variety of activities out and about in the community.

Evolve members continue at the Walnut Close premises and we look forward to 2022/23 and the exciting possibility of developing a second bathroom and facilities so that we can accommodate more members with complex and physical needs.

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SoLO’s Strategy 2022-24

SoLO Short-Term Strategy – Emerging from Pandemic 2022-24

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Compliance

Volunteers/Staff

How does SoLO Adults with empower Learning Disabilities?

Service delivery has continued to grow during 2021/22

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How does SoLO Adults with empower Learning Disabilities?

Service delivery has continued to grow during 2021/22

Daytime Opportunities

We have three day time services offering safe, fun and meaningful activities. We meet a variety of support needs in these growing services.

This year we have adapted and maintained safe service provision during post-Covid restrictions. Naturally, there was some apprehension from our members about Covid and getting back out into the community and using public transport etc but staff were able to support these anxieties and have been able to safely access regular services and amenities as well as new experiences.

Drop In Services

Due to the impact of Covid we were unable to run our pre-Covid evening and weekend projects as the nature these sessions related to social gatherings from across the borough and beyond which have been restricted.

We therefore introduced a ‘pop-up’ version of our Waterloo Disco for a Halloween Disco in October which was hugely successful. Unfortunately the planned Christmas disco had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions at the time.

However, the ‘Jolly January’, ‘Valentine’s’ and ‘St Patrick’s Day’ Discos were able to run and this was the start of regular monthly themed discos.

Overnight Breaks

These were in great demand this year and we hosted these on a monthly basis. Places were snapped up for each session and these breaks gave our members an exciting social weekend where they spent time with friends, had the opportunity to make new ones, developed their independence skills away from home and, most importantly, had much fun! This opportunity also gave parents and carers a brief respite from their 24/7 caring responsibilities.

PA Services

We continue to run Personal Assistant provision for adults who require extra support in the form of 1:1 person to enable them to access leisure and daytime opportunities. 10

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How does SoLO Children with empower Learning Disabilities?

Service delivery has continued to grow during 2021/22

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How does SoLO Children with empower Learning Disabilities?

Service delivery has continued to grow during 2021/22

Children’s Services

We maintained our contracted Children’s Services despite greatly reduced resources because of Covid restrictions. Whilst we were unable to run as many projects as in pre-Covid times, we were able to meet our obligations and provide fun social activities for children which gave their parents/carers a much-needed break, albeit for a couple of hours a week.

We ran many of our usual evening, weekend and school holiday services involving inhouse activities and day trips.

Highlights included trips out to Alton Towers, Ackers Activity Centre, The Wave, Go Ape and Winter Wonderland at the NEC.

PA Services

We continue to run Personal Assistant provision for children who require extra support in the form of a 1:1 person to enable them to access leisure and daytime opportunities.

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How does SoLO empower Adults and Young People with Learning Disabilities?

Supported Living

For those who wish to branch out and live independently, SoLO’s three properties offer young people with a variety of need the opportunity to live independently and socialise in a fun-filled environment.

A team of dedicated, well-trained staff ensures the right level of 24/7 support, with a person-centred support plan tailored for each individual to give choice and control over all aspects of their lives.

We have been delighted to welcome a new tenant to our Supported Living service and she is settling in very well with her housemates.

It has been a delight to see the growing independence of these young people, each with their own individuality, as they negotiate their particular journey and have fun together.

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SoLO’s Funding and Fundraising

With no professional fundraisers involved, SoLO is guided by the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 and CC20 Charity Fundraising: a guide to trustee duties. No complaints have been received in this reporting period and no direct marketing takes place. A fundraising log is kept, and funding bids are managed and monitored for spend so that reports can be made to funders.

Direct fundraising efforts, understandably, have been more difficult to achieve during this period but, with the easing of restrictions, we have been able to consider possibilities again. It is a great boost to have event dates in the diary once more and we are grateful for the efforts of our funders and supporters.

Thanks to them, we benefitted from a Christmas charity bike ride and auction at Dynamic Rides (Hockley Heath), a Santa Sleigh run organised by Shirley Lions and we went to the panto, courtesy of Harlequinade! Our community partners have stood by us as well and we are grateful to National Grid Metering and Coventry Building Society who have been able to raise funds for us and offer hands-on support with volunteering to support our activities. Local businesses including Touchwood, Tesco and Co-op also donated edible gifts such as Easter eggs, selection boxes and the like which all helped us to provide hampers for our older members and our children and young people a treat. In addition, we were able to support a local food bank supporting local families.

The future looks bright for partnerships as we re-engage with our community Knowle Fun Run in May 2022; Solihull Chamber of Commerce Charity of the Year leading to increased engagement and support from Chamber businesses and connections.. A partnership with Vinci UK bodes well and we are grateful for funding and in-kind support as they join us on our SoLO journey to improve our buildings and gardens.

A total of £20,696 was raised overall to help SoLO empower people to lead independent lives.

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Trustee Board

Activities

The organisation is constituted under its Memorandum & Articles of Association, amended in 2014. SoLO’s Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the charity and to ensure that the provision offered by SoLO benefits the public, with learning and other associated disabilities, who receive those services. It aims to ensure that SoLO adheres to its objectives and values and is compliant as required by statutory regulatory bodies. To achieve this, the Board receives and reviews the Financial Accounts, Risk Register and Quality Assurance ~~.~~ At its monthly Board meeting, it is updated on all areas of SoLO’s operation through report mechanism and the CEO is responsible for sharing areas of concern with the Board from incidents or complaints, highlighting areas of good practice through compliments. The Board is not risk averse in its approach to considering new opportunities to support its members. It considers the risks carefully and requires risks to be managed appropriately. SoLO’s trustees are all volunteers.

Trustees

SoLO’s Memorandum & Articles allow for up to 12 trustees and the aim is to ensure a diversity of skills, experience and people, using an audit tool to achieve this balance. New trustees are elected on to the Board by existing Trustees. The current Board skills include finance, health, care, carer experience, strategic management, risk management and IT. The Trustee Board uses its networks to bring in pro-bono support. The CEO is responsible for operational delivery of the Board’s strategic objectives. The CEO meets with the Chair regularly as required and key staff attend Board meetings as required to contribute and report specifically on their areas of work. To ensure delivery and compliance to the Board’s duties and regulatory requirements a workplan is in place and operational work is reviewed and audited.

Induction and Training

Trustees take part in the SoLO induction process and join appropriate SoLO training. They are equipped with information about their role and responsibilities and encouraged to visit projects to meet with staff and members to see at first-hand SoLO’s operational delivery.

Remuneration

The Board is responsible for reviewing remuneration for all staff on an annual basis. A review matrix is used to scan the environment, benchmarking salaries against the market and financial position of the organisation.

Public Benefit

In developing and undertaking the charity’s activities, Trustees have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit.

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Financial Review

Going concern

Due to the global pandemic of the novel Coronavirus disease called COVID-19, the British Government imposed a nationwide lockdown from 23 March 2020 to help slow the spread of the virus. As a result, economic uncertainties have arisen throughout the British economy and beyond. Having reviewed the financial forecast through to August 2023, the Board is satisfied that the charity can continue to provide its services during this uncertain period.

Net Income

In line with the reduced income and regular reviewing of expenditure, this has resulted in an operational surplus of £31,324

Incoming resources

Income from Fundraising events has fallen by 35%

Incoming resources from charitable activities include income from local authority grants and service level agreements, together with the JRS grant funding. Income also include payments made by members in respect of certain services, these payments being funded from individual personal budgets.

Resources expended

Charitable activities cost of £1,995,155 relate principally to the cost of running our 34 activities and increased provision of Supported Living for the benefit of our members. They also included the depreciation, rent and other costs associated with our buildings.

Assets

The netbook value of fixed assets has decreased by £24,275 due to depreciation. There has been no new investment during the year.

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Funds and reserves

Restricted funds consist of income received which can be used only for the purposes stated by the donor. At year-end, the balances on restricted funds amounted to £32,621 al of which relate to expenditure on fixed assets and equals the net book value of these assets.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds which Trustees have set aside for particular purposes. At year end, the balances on these funds were £1,623 which relate to expenditure on fixed assets financed by reserves. The balance equals the net book value of these assets.

General funds or reserves amount to £584,963. Trustees reviewed the reserves policy during the year and hold reserves to fund:

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Investment policy

The prime objective of Trustees is to safeguard the value of the charity’s assets and a secondary objective is to earn best interest on cash deposits.

All material funds of the charity, except for reserves, are expendable within twelve months of receipt. The policy for investment is to retain funds as cash and place them on deposit, with a number of financial institutions, on notice terms of up to 120 days.

Risks

Trustees have identified, through the risk management process, the following key risks and have identified corresponding mitigating actions to address. These and other risks are reviewed quarterly and mitigating actions considered to determine proportionality and effectiveness. Risks are monitored regularly and new risks added when they arise. The corporate risk register is the vehicle used to ensure risks are managed and trustees assured.

Risk Mitigating actions
We may not be able to increase our reserves in
the financial year which will impact on the
future development of the organisation.		 this remains a static risk as withdrawal of social care funding whilst not in
budget will have an overall negative impact on the general reserves position.
Mitigating actions will include seeking new funding sources to increase
sustainability.
Services may not bring in predicted income. Some services still adversely affected by COVID-19 with some still paused or
reduced. Budgeted for re-growth within affected services to reflect gradual
return to service post COVID-19.
Minimum wage increase will impact on project
costs and recruitment for 2022/23		 Budgets prepared with all viable options for staffing costs as well as increase
of subscriptions to counter this increase.
Coronavirus implications will continue to
disrupt services, staff absences, fundraising
activities and opportunities and affect income.		 Reduced staffing structure, COVID risk assessment and protocols in place.
Service delivery gradually returned in keeping with COVID restrictions and
guidelines.

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Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

Trustees as Directors of Social Life Opportunities (SoLO) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure o the company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, Trustees are required to:

Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Insofar as Trustees are aware:

Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

In preparing this report, Trustees have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by Section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved and signed on behalf of the Trustees by:

Jan Prior (Chair) Date 24/08/2022

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Independent Auditors Report

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF

SOCIAL LIFE OPPORTUNITIES (SOLO)

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Social Life Opportunities (SOLO) (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2022 which comprise Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis of opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis of our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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Independent Auditors Report

Other information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

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Independent Auditors Report

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intent to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

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Independent Auditors Report

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinion we have formed.

Helen Blundell LLB, FCA, FCIE, DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Statutory Auditor) Birmingham, United Kingdom

Date: 2 September 2022

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Statement of Financial Activities for year ended 31 March 2022

Note
Income from:
Donations
2
Charitable Activities
3
Other Trading Activities
4
Investment
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
5
Charitable Activities
6
Total Expenditure
Net Income / (expenditure) and net movement
of funds
Reconciliation of Funds:
Total funds Brought Forward - at 1st April 2021
Total Funds Carried Forward - at 31st March 2022		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2022
2022
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
20,696
20,696
31,768
1,927,582
61,694
1,989,276
2,144,617
19,963
-
19,963
13,400
2,409
-
2,409
1,202
1,970,650
61,694
2,032,344
2,190,987
5,865
-
5,865
5,689
1,917,305
77,850
1,995,155
2,176,808
1,923,170
77,850
2,001,020
2,182,497
47,480
(16,156)
31,324
8,490
539,106
48,777
587,883
579,393
586,586
32,621
619,207
587,883

All Income and expenditure derives from continuing activities

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Balance Sheet as at 31
March 2022
Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and on hand
13
Total Current Assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds
15
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds - Designated funds
Unrestricted funds - General funds
Total funds		 Registered Number 5025939
£
£
£
£
270,343
294,618
225,542
173,974
323,305
379,535
548,847
553,509
(199,983)
(260,244)
348,864
293,265
619,207
587,883
32,621
48,777
1,623
9,742
584,963
529,364
619,207
587,883
2022
2021
548,847
(199,983)

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Jan Prior Chair

Jonathan Prior Treasurer

Date 24/08/2022

The notes on pages 27 to 38 form part of these financial statements

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Statement of Cash Flow as at 31 March 2022

Statement of Cash Flows 2022 2021
£ £
Cash flow from operating activities (58,639) 140,975
Net cash flow from operating activities (58,639) 140,975
Cash flow from investing activities
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets
Interest Received 2,409 1,202
Net Cash flow from investing activities 2,409 1,202
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equival (56,230) 142,177
Cash and cash equivalents at 1st April 2021 379,535 237,358
Cash and cash equivalents at 31st March 2022 323,305 379,535
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
Cash at bank and in hand 152,414 150,138
Short term deposits 170,891 229,397
Cash and cash equivalents at 31st March 2022 323,305 379,535

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Notes to the Financial Statements

1.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements and general information

Social Life Opportunities is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated and is also a registered charity in England and Wales. The registered office is 38 Walnut Close, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, B37 7PU. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The registered office and details of the charity’s operations are included in the trustees’ report.

The charity constitutes a public benefit as defined by FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard application in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice. The functional currency of the charity is sterling and the figures have been rounded to the nearest pound sign.

1.2 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the charitable objectives of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds which the Trustees have designated for a particular project or purpose. The policy for determining each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are funds subject to specific restrictions imposed by donors or funds which have been raised by the charity for specific purposes. The purpose and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

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1.3 Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and that amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. The following policies are applied to specific categories of income.

(a)Voluntary income received by way of donations is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable

(b)Interest is included when receivable

(c)Incoming resources from grants and contracts which are related to performance and specific deliverables are included in the Statement of Financial Activities as the charity earns the right to the income by its performance. Grant income received during the year that relates to a subsequent financial period is carried forward as a creditor in the balance sheet and shown as deferred grant income

(d)Donated services or equipment are included in the Statement of Financial Activities at their fair value where the economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably, and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is the price the charity estimates it would pay in the open market for such services or equipment. The equivalent amount is recognised as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities or is capitalised as a fixed asset

(e)The value of services provided by volunteers, including trustees, has not been included in line with the SORP (FRS102)

1.4 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual’s basis. Resources expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Charitable expenditure comprises these costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs which can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature required to support them. Support costs include office costs, governance costs and administrative payroll costs. Supports costs have been allocated to activities in the ratio of direct salaries.

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1.5 Pension Contributions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension’s scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independent administered fund. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.

1.6 Fixed assets and depreciation

Asset additions costing less than £1,000 are not capitalised.

Tangible fixed assets are held at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated:

IT equipment over the period of 3 years Freehold Purchase over the period of 50

years Leasehold improvements over the period of the lease Fixtures and fittings over periods between 3

and 5 years Motor vehicles over 7 years

1.7 Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

1.8 Concessionary loans

Concessionary loans include receivables / payable to a third party which are interest free or below the market interest rates and are made to advance charitable purposes. The loan is measured at a cost less impairment.

1.9 Operating leases

Payments under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

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1.10 Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist.

The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements.

The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

This consideration has taken into accounts the continued expected impact of Covid19 on the Charity, as far as it can be determined, and the Trustees remain satisfied that the going concern principle remains appropriate.

1.11 Judgement and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The following judgements have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies that have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.

– Donations in kind a judgement has been made as to the fair value of donations in kind, based on an understanding of the local market for these items/s.

– Depreciation rates a judgement has been made as to the estimated useful life of assets and, therefore, the rate of depreciation. The estimate is made based on best practice and knowledge of the usage of such assets in the charity.

There are no key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing material adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the new financial year.

30

1.12 Financial Instruments

The Charity holds only basic Financial Instruments. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the Charity are as follows:

– Debtors trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 12. Prepaid expenses are not financial instruments.

Liabilities – concessionary loans, trade creditors, accruals and other creditors will be classified as financial instruments and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 14.

Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments’ disclosure.

Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as in the cash settlement has already taken place and there is simply an obligation to deliver charitable s rather than cash or another financial instrument.

1.13 Government Grants Accounts policy

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis.

The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet.

Where income is received in advance of meeting any performance related conditions there is not unconditional entitlement to the income and its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income until the performancerelated conditions are met.

Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

31

Other Donations and Legacies 2022
2021
£
£
20,696
31,768
20,696
31,768

The charity also benefited from a donation in kind by way of temporary waiver of our rental obligations for our supported living throughout the year equating to £ 12,886 (2021: £37,661)

3 Income from charitable activities
Grants and service level agreements
Solihull MBC Children's Services
Solihull MBC Covid Support
Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group
Children In Need
Eveson Trust
YIF/YAS Funding
JRS Grant
Screwfix
Total grants and service level agreements
Service User Income
Total Income from Charitable Activities		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2022
2022
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
266,490
-
266,490
280,912
84,051
-
84,051
35,589
15,000
-
15,000
15,000
-
41,873
41,873
22,815
-
-
-
8,762
-
-
-
177,522
-
19,821
19,821
358,338
-
-
-
5,000
365,541
61,694
427,235
903,938
1,562,041
-
1,562,041
1,240,679
1,927,582
61,694
1,989,276
2,144,617

Income related to restricted charitable activities £61,694 (2021: £563,675) and income relating to unrestricted charitable activities £ 1,927,582 (2021: £1,580,942).

4 Other Trading Activities - Unrestricted

During the year The Charity received funds from Fundraising Events £1,982 (2021: £NIL) as well as funds generated from Letting of Premises £14,075 (2021: £13,400) and refunds/compensation in the year for £3,906 (2021 : £NIL)

32

5 Cost of raising funds - Unrestricted
Salary Costs
Other Direct Costs
Support Costs (note 7)
6 Cost of charitable activities
Salaries
Sessional Staff		 Adult's
Services
Children's
Services
Independent
Living
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
90,357
84,187
62,996
521,422
87,321
553,419		 2022
2021
£
£
4,486
4,287
17
183
1,362
1,219
5,865
5,689

Total
Total
2022
2021
£
£
237,540
305,807
1,162,162
1,210,672
Premises
Member Activities
Transport of Members
Volunteer Expenses
Bad Debt
Depreciation
Support Costs (note 7)		 41,476
16,654
59,715
27,805
13,128
5,967
1,170
2,162
526
4
104
-
2,480
276
-
8,921
2,974
-
180,116
50,494
181,481		 117,845
44,215
46,900
179,032
3,858
2,136
108
552
2,756
-
11,895
13,890
412,091
420,504
873,751
257,300
864,104		 1,995,155
2,176,808

Cost of restricted charitable activities £77,850 (2021: £580,931) and cost of unrestricted charitable activities £ 1,917,305 (2021: £1,595,877).

7 Support Costs


£1,917,305(2021: £1,595,877).
Support Costs
Salaries
Legal Fees
Premises Costs
Insurance
Staff Costs
Communication Costs
Computer Costs
Publicity Costs
Depreciation
Training Costs
Auditor's remuneration - Governance Cost
Other Office Costs
Cost of generating funds
Cost of generating funds (note 5)
Cost of charitable activities - Adults (note 6)
- Children's (note 6)
- Independent Living (note 6)
Support costs have been allocated to activities
in the ratio of direct salaries as follows		 2022
2021
£
£
206,884
196,024
-
13,800
51,315
46,559
8,942
8,305
31,680
27,127
10,260
16,725
32,539
21,880
9,500
10,695
12,380
14,457
16,700
5,944
10,174
14,120
21,717
44,868
1,362
1,219
413,453
421,723
2022
2021
1,362
1,219
180,116
161,673
50,494
103,683
181,481
155,148
413,453
421,723

33

8 Net expenditure

Net expenditure
This is stated after charging
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets (note 11)
Auditor's remuneration
Operating Lease Cost
Staff Costs
Staff costs were
Salaries
Social security costs
Pension		 2022
2021
£
£
24,275
28,347

10,174
10,200
33,632
23,955
2022
2021
£
£
1,513,500

1,616,341
97,573
104,245
22,383
23,903
1,633,456
1,744,489

9 Staff Costs

The charity employed on average 189 staff (2021: 234) of whom 87 (2021: 97) were employed on a sessional part time basis.

The charity operates the auto enrolment pension scheme and makes the minimum contribution of 3 % (2021: 3%) to this scheme, there are 63 employees (2021: 101) within the scheme.

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The pensions costs charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £ 22,383 (2021: £23,903) Contributions totalling £ 11,509 (2021: £10,862) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

10 Trustee and Key Management personnel remuneration and expense

No trustee received any remuneration during either year.

During the year 1 trustee (2021: 0) was reimbursed for out of pocket expenses. £ 233 (2021: £NIL).

Related Trustee Party Transactions include: 1 trustee son received support through the choir project a voluntary project with no member contribution required.

The Charity purchased trustee indemnity insurance at a cost of £996 (2021: £996) included in governance costs.

The total amount of employee benefits paid to Key management personnel were £ 107,816 (2021: £206,158) for the year. Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly,

Related Employee Party Transactions include – 2021/2022 : Alison Kaufmann Head of Operations, Sibling Gross Salary £11,042 for working as a Personal Assistant

34

11 Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost
At 1st April 2021
Capital expenditure for the year
At 31st March 2022
Depreciation
At 1st April 2021
Charge for the year
At 31st March 2022
Net Book Value
At 31st March 2022
At 31st March 2021		 IT
Equipment
Freehold
Property
Leasehold
Improvements
Fixtures and
Fittings
Motor Vehicle
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
68,006
335,604
99,085
89,856
42,000
634,551
-
-
-
-
-
-
68,006
335,604
99,085
89,856
42,000
634,551
45,979
66,684
99,085
86,185
42,000
339,933
16,156
6,021
-
2,098
-
24,275
62,135
72,705
99,085
88,283
42,000
364,208
5,871
262,899
-
1,573
-
270,343
22,027
268,920
-
3,671
-
294,618

12 Debtors

Debtors
Trade Debtors
Prepaid expenses
Other Debtors
Cash at bank and on hand
Bank deposit accounts
Bank current accounts
Cash
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Deferred income
Other creditors (charge card/pension)
Accruals
Total current liabilities		 2022
2021
£
£
181,203
131,200
17,804
19,185
26,535
23,589
225,542
173,974
2022
2021
£
£
151,279
148,872
170,891
229,397
1,135
1,266
323,305
379,535
2022
2021
£
£
24,920
15,691
40,454
119,807
33,670
19,611
14,930
13,386
86,009
91,749
199,983
260,244

13 Cash at bank and on hand

14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

During the prior year, a Time to Pay arrangement was reached with HMRC to pay PAYE and NI deductions totalling £ 129,905 over eighteen months. At 31st March 2022 the amount outstanding was £ 9,647 .

Deferred Income
Deferred Income as 1st April 2021
Amount released from previous year
Incoming resources deferred in the year
Deferred Income as 31st March 2022 - which relates to grants which are for 22/23		 2022
2021
£
£
19,611
48,504
(15,423)
(38,112)
29,482
9,219
33,670
19,611

35

15 Statement of fund movements
General Funds
Designated Funds
Restructuring
Fixed Assets
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Fixed Assets*
Children In Need
JRS Grant		 1st April 2021
£
529,364
-
9,742		 Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31st
March 2022
£
£
£
1,970,650
1,915,051
584,963
-
-
-
-
8,119
1,623
539,106 1,970,650
1,923,170
586,586
48,777
-
-		 -
16,156
32,621
41,873
41,873
-
19,821
19,821
-
Total Restricted Funds
Total Funds		 - -
-
-
48,777 61,694
77,850
32,621
587,883 2,032,344
2,001,020
619,207

* The fixed asset fund represents the Net Book Value of assets purchased with restricted funds.

15a Prior Year Statement of fund movements- 2020/21
General Funds
Designated Funds
Restructuring
Fixed Assets
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Fixed Assets
Eveson Trust
Children In Need
Solihull CCG - Project B
YIF/YAS Funding
Total Restricted Funds
Total Funds*		 At 1st April
2020
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31st
March 2021
£
£
£
£
484,833
1,627,312
1,582,781
529,364
-
-
-
-
28,527
-
18,785
9,742
513,360
1,627,312
1,601,566
539,106
58,339
-
9,562
48,777
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
22,815
22,815
-
-
358,338
358,338
-
7,694
177,522
185,216
-
66,033
563,675
580,931
48,777
579,393
2,190,987
2,182,497
587,883

36

16 Analysis of net assets between funds
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
Net Assets
16a
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
Net Assets
17 Commitments
Operating Lease Commitments
Total future minimum lease
payments under non-
cancellable operating leases
are as follows:
In less than 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
Over 5 Years
Total annual operating lease commitments
Prior Year Analysis of net assets
between funds 2020/21		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2022
2022
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
237,722
32,621
270,343
294,618
348,864
-
348,864
293,265
586,586
32,621
619,207
587,883
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2021
2021
2021
2020
£
£
£
£
245,841
48,777
294,618
322,965
293,265
-
293,265
256,428
539,106
48,777
587,883
579,393
2022
2021
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
3,696
956
27,100
23,000
6,468
-
342
23,000
-
-
-
-
Office Equipment
Land and Buildings
10,164
956
27,442
46,000

In addition to the leases disclosed above, the charity has three leases for property, which expire between 2028 and 2030 , which provide supported living accommodation for service users. The service user occupants pay a rental to the charity. The terms of the lease provide that the monthly rent payable by the charity to the landlord is the rental received from the occupants less any sums payable for utilities, council tax and upkeep of the property or, in the event that this net income is negative, then £nil.

Capital Commitments

At the year end there were capital commitments contracted for of £ NIL (2021: £NIL).

37

Net (expenditure) / income for 2021-2022
Interest Receivable
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
(Increase)/Decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/ Increase in creditors
Net cash flow from operating activities
18
Reconciliation of net (expenditure) / income to net cash flow from operating
activities		 2022
2021
£
£
31,324
8,490
(2,409)
(1,202)
24,275
28,347
(51,568)
66,532
(60,261)
38,808
(58,639)
140,975

19 Analysis of changes in net debt

19 Analysis of changes in net debt
At Start of Cash Flows Other non- At end of
year Cash changes year
£ £ £ £
Cash 379,535 (56,230) - 323,305
HMRC Time to Pay arrangement falling due within (94,535) 84,888 - (9,647)
Total 285,000 28,658 - 313,658
At Start of Cash Flows Other non- At end of
19a Prior Year Analysis of changes in net debt 2020/21 year Cash changes year
£ £ £ £
Cash 237,358 12,272 129,905 379,535
HMRC Time To Pay arrangement falling due within1 35,370 (129,905) (94,535)
Total 237,358 47,642 - 285,000

38

Company Information

Trustees Jan Prior - Chair Jonathan Prior – Treasurer Paul Beech Andrew Gilyead Henry Griffiths Rehana Begum Company Secretary Lesley Beer Chief Executive Officer Lesley Beer Registered Office and 38 Walnut Close Operational Address Chelmsley Wood Birmingham B37 7PU Telephone 0121 779 3865 Email info@sololifeopportunities.org Website www.sociallifeopportunities.org Bankers Lloyds Bank Solihull B91 3AN Shawbrook Bank Essex CM13 3BE United Trust Bank Ltd London SW1 4TE Virgin Bank Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4PL Nationwide PO Box 3, 5-11 George’s Street, Douglas, Isle of Man Auditor MHA Macintyre Hudson Rutland House, 148 Edmund Street Birmingham B3 2FD

Social Life Opportunities (SoLO) is a Company Limited by Guarantee Number 05025939 and a Registered Charity Number 1102297

The governing documents of the organisation are the Memorandum and Articles of Association

39