D&lS CFt&IN Awism & Neurodiver Annual Report 1stApril 2023- 31st March 2024
OPEN PASSIONATE INNOVATIVE INCLUSIVE AMBITIOUS EMPOWERING D&lSg CFt&IN
CONTENTS View from Chair of Trustees Page 4-5 CEO Report Page 6-7 Presenting Daisy Chain Page 8 Hitting the Headlines Page 9 Children Services Page10-13 Adult Services Page14-15 Family Services Page16-17 Training Page18 Retail & Social Enterprise Page19-20 Volunteering Page 21 Fundraising & Events Page 22 Policy & Campaign Work Page 23 Structure, Governance & Management Page 24-25 Finance Review Page 26-28 Statement of Trustees. Responsibilities Page 29 D6I1Sg CFt&IN
, VIEW FROM CHAIROF TRUSTEES What a year for Daisy Chainl We celebraied our 20ih Anniversary, a greai achievemeni, wilh Ihousands of auiisiic and neurodiverse benef iciaries being supported and many new services introduced over Ihe years. I'm proud to say that we were also awarded the North East Charity of Ihe Year award ai Ihe North Easi Chariry Awards 2023, a prestigious title. A massive thanks go to our CEO Neeraj Sharma and his staff for their efforts in achieving Ihis recogniiion Ihe Board was Ehrilled. This year has also seen our rebrand. I remember working hard with my laie wife Lesley, our founder, 10 make Ihe original logo over twenty years ago! Time moves on and Daisy Chain has broadened lis work and a rebrand was much needed. I was pleased, alongside other Trustees, to be involved in the process and l am really happy with the result. As an addiEion 10 our exisiing reiail Supersiore in Siockion (big Ihanks 10 Ihe ieam Ehere!), we opened a new retail Megastore in Gateshead. This was a massive commitment f rom the Board members but with positive resulis coming in already, in particular building relations wilh Gaieshead Council, local businesses, and Ihe Tyneside communiiy, we are delighEed with its progress. I would like 10 Ihank all our Trusiees for Iheir expertise and commiimenr Ihroughour Ihis fantastic year. Thanks also to Trustees who have resigned this year - Katy Wilburn (served Iwo years) and a special thank you 10 David Norris who has served f ive years as Chair of the f inance commirEee, who sieps down f rom Ihe Board ai Ihe end of f inancial year . In keeping WiEh acEive governance, our Trusiees have received re-lraining on safeguarding, autism awareness and governance. All Trustees are involved in strategic business planning and take an active role in the development and governance of Daisy Chain. This year in line wilh coniinued criiical governance, all our main policies and procedures have been externally reviewed and amended. Our Finance and Operaiions Committees coniinue 10 run wiih a mixiure of Trusiees and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to delve deeper into the running of Daisy Chain and advise Ihe Board where necessary. [continued] D6I1Sg CFt&IN
, VIEW FROM CHAIROF TRUSTEES A big Ihank you goes 10 our CEO, Neeraj Sharma who is dedicaied 10 the charity and is consisienily diligeni in improving all aspecis of Daisy Chain. The SLT Ihai he manages deserve recognition for being highly professional and consistently supportive of all of their staff. The success of Daisy Chain is down 10 excellence all Ihe way f rom Ihe Board and lis decisions through to the CEO, SLT, staff and volunteers. I would personally like to thank them all for their dedicarion and hard work. Lastly, a huge thanks go 10 all our supporters, individuals, groups, corporates as well as our grant funders. In particular a huge Ihank you 10 players of People's Posicode Lottery, our biggesi f under, who have continued to help us provide essential support services for our benef iciaries. Duane Hanson BE BOLD BE DIFFERENT Chair of Trustees
CEO REPORT l am immensely proud of everything Daisy Chain has achieved this year. From a grassroots community iniiiaiive 10 an award-winning chariry having an impaci on a regional and naiional level, we continue to grow and expand in line with beneficiary need. The scale of our support is something that has broadened signif icanily this year, shown visually in the below heat maps. We ve iniroduced services in Gareshead and Sunderland, in addiiion 10 delivering Autism Central across North East and Yorkshire. Oct-Dec 2022 Oct-Dec 2023 This continued development would not be possible without our core funder, People's Postcode Lottery, allowing us to continue providing opportunities for all, ensuring being person-centred and bespoke services are prioriised ai every siep. Going for growth As part of lasi year's siraiegy, we commirted 10 developing more communiry-based services, and the launch of My Life, My Communiry thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. Based in all 5 of Ihe Tees Valley iowns, Ihis service plays a key part in increasing conf idence among autistic and neurodivergent adults through supported community engagement. We plan to introduce support for Ihose with lower perceived support needs and people experiencing co- occuring challenges, posiiively impaciing menial healih and reducing raies of loneliness and isoltation. Opportunities for all kinds of mind We teamed up with Daisy Chain Ambassador Anna Kennedy OBE to showcase the talents of auiisiic people by bringing Auiism s Goi Taleni Roadshow 10 Ihe North EasE of England. This included performances from a non-speaking adult who loves to sing, and a12-year-old dancer who was wheelchair bound uniil she was 9 and has battled 10 be accepted into a dance school. The impaci and inspirarion of Ihis eveni was indescribable and a few performers have gone on 10 sing at our charity balls and events for other organisations. D6I1Sg CFt&IN [continued]
, CEO REPORT Enterprise goes from strength to strength Er)terprise and retail have continued to go from strength to strength this year following the opening of one of the largest charity megasiores in the couniry in Gaieshead on 1st April 2023. The siore plays an iniegral parE in communicaiing Ihe chariry mission, promoiing awareness and inclusion, and creating local jobs and volunteering opportunities. An additional outcome of the store launch was the ideniificaiion of need for auiism services, leading to an expansion into Gaieshead and Sunderland. One of our major achievemenis Ihis year was being inviied by Ihe British Fashion Council 10 showcase our neurodiversity and eco-clothing brand, Neuihread, on a main runway at London Fashion Week. This event amplified Ihe charity on a naiional and international level, showcasing and celebraiing neurodivergeni ialenr ar every part of Ihe crearive process. l am OPEimisiic aboui the brand's f uture and hope that we can secure the funding we need to grow it f urther. What challenges have we faced? As we continue to grow we are increasingly locked out of funding, and with beneficiary need conEinuing 10 increase, li is esseniial Ihai we secure larger pois of funding of which we meet the criteria and continue to innovate and develop our offering. The economic climare coniinues 10 be a challenging one for Ihe chariry secror, wiih rhe pressure to continue providing services, including building on crisis intervention support, weighed up with the increasing cosis in running sires, paying experienced ieams and ensuring faciliiies are affordable and accessible. In Ihe nexi 12 monihs, we'll be coniinuing 10 be ambirious wilh our funding bids, utilising the skills of ourfull team to enable us to win contracts and grow services. What's next? Continue to develop opportuniiies in performing arts, increasing not jusi confidence but building friendships and developing speech and language skills. Further strengthen our complex needs support by securing funding for specific suicide prevention/self-harm support. Develop services in Gaieshead and Sunderland wilh further f unding 10 ensure IhaE Ihose Ihai are locked out of support, including individuals and families, are able to access it. As we move inio Ihe 2024/25 financial year, l exiend my graiirude 10 our dedicared ieam and volunteers, our supporters, our Board and our stakeholders. Your unwavering commitment is the cornersione of our success. With passion and determinarion, Neeraj Sharma CEO D6I1Sg CFt&IN
PRESENTING DAISY CHAIN The Irusiees present Iheir annual report iogeiher wilh Ihe audiied f inancial SEaEemenES of Ehe chariry for the period1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The annual report serves the purposes of both a trustees, report and a directors report under company law. The Irusiees confirm Ihat the annual report and f inancial siaiemenES of Ihe chariiable company comply wiih Ihe curreni siaiuiory requiremenis, Ihe requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Praciice (SORP) applicable 10 chariiies preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Siandard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effeciive 1 January 2019). Since rhe chariiy qualifies as small under seciion 382 of Ihe Companies Aci 2006, Ihe siraiegic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Direciors, Report) Regulaiions 2013 has been omirted. Our shared vision is for every person we support to live a life they enjoy and is meaningful to them at every stage. Our mission isto support and empower autistic and neurodivergent individuals through the provision of holistic person-centred services, whilst promoting training, wellbeing, inclusion and acceptance regionally and nationwide. 6,656 8,031 families positively supported by our serrfices a193 unique beneficiary individuals supported during the year families supported through Autism Central 3,507 1£150K people supported via our Family Support Service i the Tees Valley unclaimed benefits raised for neurodivergent adults this year D6I1S CFt&IN
HITTING THE HEADLINES & EXTERNAL RECOGNITION fGOT TALENT I.UXE SHINING A LIGHT ON THETALENTS OF AUTISTIC PEOPLE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF DAISY CHAIN COMMUNITY TACKLING LONELINESS AND ISOLATION THROUGH COMMUNITY SUPPORT ADDRESSING CLIMATECHANGE ON THEC02 RUNWAY IO#DOX FASIIION kRS Teesside AWARD WINNING CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2023 NEUTHREAD HITS THE LONDON FASHION WEEK RUNWAY D6I1S CFt&IN Read our latest news SCAN ME
CHILDREN'S SERVICES In the 2023/24 financial year our services have been accessed by 881 auiisEiC or neurodivergeni children and young people. In addition. we have positively impacted the lives of over 5,000 families from across the North-East and Yorkshire. Social opportunities for children and young people We're delighied children and young people access our varied aciiviry programme, which has included residentials, sports clubs, community connect sessions and specialist wildlife sessions and forestry schools. Alongside providing our children and young people wiih social opporiuniEies Ihese clubs and activities play a crucial role in promoting independence and increasing confidence. "My son absolutely loved [the session] and hasn't stopped talking aboul it. When he reiurned home he kept saying he had a funny feeling in his tummy as all he wanted to do wLis go back to Daisy Chain. You all do such a fab job and knowing he was loving every minuie, while we had a break 100 was invaluable. First respite day trips for those with higher needs Thanks for funding received from Openworks Foundaiion we have, for Ihe f irsi lime ever, been able 10 iniroduce day Irips our in Ihe communiry for our higher needs children and young people. children and young people through dubs and activitie The funding enabled us 10 provide 20 children and young people with the 1.1 support they require to access the communiry safely and Irips on offer have included a local role play village and a harnessed climbing experience at Go Climb. We have been really moved by Ihe number of parenrs who have wriiien to us since 10 iell us how graieful Ihey are 10 us for giving their children the opportunity to experience what so many OEhers lake for granied and 10 give Ihem much needed respite and the opportunity to spend quality time with their oiher children. 3,851 1:1's provided by Family Support 6( "You have played a big parr in helping my daughrers confidence grow and given her opportunities that she wouldn'i gei anywhere else - I will be forever graieful for this. D6I1S CFt&IN 10
CHILDREN'S SERVICES Continuing to offer opportunities in performing arts After the success of our f irst ever full service user musical which was performed 10 a live audience of over 400 people, we were absolutely delighted to receive funding f rom Scottish Power to be able to continue our fantastic performing arts programme, Rising Srars. This funding has enabled us to creaie an inclusive plarform where auiisiic and neurodivergeni individuals can shine brighily on and off stage. Sessions on offer have included musical theatre, film & video, improv and a brand-new club which focuses on cosiume design and make-up. Twenry-six of our young people also look part in a local talent show and are now working hard in order to prepare to perform Andrew Lloyd Webber s School of Rock ai Ihe presiigious Princess Alexandra Audiiorium in Yarm. "School of Rock isn'tjust a musical,. its a celebration of diversiry, talenr, and the boundless potential wiihin each of us. Through Ihis producrion, we are noi only showcasing Iheir remarkable abiliries bui also breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and inspiring audiences to embrace Ihe beauiy of differences." "My firsi experience of whar li was like 10 aci was wirh Daisy Chain. Since being here I have developed a love of acting and I m now going fo study it at college and am confident enough lo go for lead roles." Supporting the whole family Our family activity days have been accessed by 372 families who between them have attended over 1,563 sessions. Thanks to funding received from Country Durham Community Foundation we have been able ro provide f ree day Irips for Ihe whole family during Ihe school holidays. These are a greai way for a family to spend time together with all their children safe in the knowledge that our trained staff are on hand should they require any addirional support. We have re-introduced our Sibz group which is designed to allow the siblings of autistic and neurodivergent children and young people 10 spend lime togeiher, have fun and learn more about auiism and neurodiversity. li has already been accessed by15 children and young people. "ljust have lo soy massive thank you for running this trip. The love and support you gave my children is out of Ihis world." D6I1S CFt&IN 11
CHILDREN'S SERVICES Tackling food poverty Thanks to funding received through Stockton Borough Council's Holiday Activity Fund. 53 primary school aged children have enjoyed activities including sports, cooking, arts and crafts, animal therapy and sensory play, as well as provided with a nutritious meal and food to take home. I n addition to this, we have also been able to provide our financially vulnerable teens with f ree trips out into the community to participate in activities like paddle boarding and kayaking, alongside vouchers for food outlets such as Greggs and Costa. The parents of the children and young people accessing these activities have also been supported through our peer education support programme, Autism Central. "It was the perfect, the best time. My favourite part of the session was making new friends 1¢ The therapeutic benefits of animals Research shows Ihai Ihe companionship, emotional support and opportuniiies for sensory siimulaiion and social inieraction that are provided by inieraciing wiih animals is of huge therapeutic benef li to auiisiic and neurodivergent individuals. Our Iherapeuiic farm and petting barn remains at the very heart of our services offer, which is why we have coniinued 10 focus on Iransforming our animal offer by introducing a new repiile club, creaiing a sensory space for animal therapy sessions, and rolling oui Iraining programme for our animals 10 reach them new skills which can be used 10 promoie communicaiion and inieraciion wilh our service users. 'Seeing my son inreraci wirh Ihe animals has been noching shorc of magical. They provide a sense of calm and undersianding Ihai is hard ro pui inro words." D6I1S CFt&IN 12
CHILDREN'S SERVICES Personal development and therapeutic packages to support education At Daisy Chain, we offer a variery of bespoke personal development and therapeutic packages for school aged auiisiic and neurodivergeni children and young people. This is a specific approach 10 enhance engagement and communication and is most benef icial to students who struggle to access full-time education. These sessions are planned to allow students to develop through physical activity/movement, exploring and engaging within the natural environment. Through Ihese placements we support the developmeni of lif e skills, inierveniions and specialisi support needed 10 help wilh Ihe young person's education pathway, and work in partnership with schools to implement strategies within the classroom and school seEting. Each individual package is bespoke and based around Ehe individual needs of Ihe student. Many students also access our barn, gardens and allotments, wetlands and the local community ro work on esseniial life skills, including budgeiing and Iravel Iraining. In ioial we have provided over10,000 hours of1:1 or small group support to 85 school aged autistic and neurodivergeni studenis. 66 "My son is a happier boy since his sessions. He s more aware of his emotions and has been given the support he needed 10 process Ihe faci Ihac he will be leaving primary school soon. During the sessions he was supported to understand what he s been feeling, and also compleied a Iransiiion booklei which has been shared wilh his primary school and can be iaken with him 10 secondaryschool. He is no longer worried about changing schools and is sleeping better. We have ourson back again and lis so lovely lo hear and see how happy he is. 10,000 hours of1:1 or $mall group SUPF>Ort to 85 school •ged young people. Support navigating the education system Neurodivergent children and young people often face addiiional pressures and challenges as Ihey navigaie Iheir way through the education system. Our new outreach team can go into schools and support neurodivergeni pupils wiihin rhe school environmeni whilsi working closely wilh Iheir SENCO to evaluate practice, and assist in planning appropriate inierveniions. ,Av:' D6I1S CFt&IN
ADULT SERVICES Inclusive support in a digital age 646 In today's digital age. it is crucial for individuals to have the necessary knowledge and skills 10 navigaie the online world safely and confidenily. In response ro Ihis, we launched a new service designed to empower autistic and neurodivergent young people and adulis wiih Ihe digiial skills needed to become more independeni and slay safe online. The service, which is funded by Santander, has been accessed by 59 individuals who have aiiended a wide range of bespoke courses and workshops on iopics such as online shopping. banking and Ihe safe use of social media. The service also provides I:1 support and a jobs club aimed ai supporting auiisiic and neurodivergeni people 10 search for and applyforjobs. autistic or neurodivergent adults a¢¢es$ed our seniices "I have improved my knowledge of using iechnology in a variery of ways, ond I feel more confident with using tools such as Google Maps, online shopping and budgeiing websites. I think this will help me in Ihe fuiure and keep me safe from online and also real-life scam& 59 Specialist benefits support people received bespoke digital skills support Providing specialisi. accessible. and person-cenrred advice and guidance for neurodivergent individuals and their families, this service prides iiself on being needs-based, flexible, and person- centred. These enhanced f inancial resources have the potential to be life-changing, enabling greater independence, community engagemeni, and improved overall wellbeing. We sirive ro eliminaie barriers and promote inclusion by offering empowermeni-focused support and guidance. Thanks 10 f unding received from Santander, we have been able to expand our support to young people aged 15-18 transitioning to Personal Independence Paymenis. We have provided bespoke advice and guidance to 95 individuals, and in the past year alone, have raised £149,860.74 in unclaimed benef iis. "Moving oui was one of Ihe biggest hurdles in my life but the ieam made li an easier process. l am now doing chings I never Ihoughi I'd achieve, having the confidence 10 leave the house by myself, learning to drive and Ihinking about working in Ihe future." Dthls CFI&IN 14
ADULT SERVICES Building self-awareness and resilience Our wellbeing service and counselling provision offers a range of 1.1 and small group sessions aimed at supporting the individuals who access it to better understand themselves, develop a sense of self-awareness and build resilience. Our unique approach makes use of holistic srraiegies such as mindfulness, mediiarion, aromoiherapy, animals and naiure and coniinues ro be a crucial and highly sought after service. "Daisy Chain has been one of che besr rhings 10 happen 10 me since my auiism diagnosis. I was diagnosed nearly 10 years ago and have since gone through my life fighiing my diagnosis thinking (hoping) it was wrong. I siruggled so much and spenr every minure of the day masking. I did noi wani 10 attend Daisy Chain because I did noi wani ro accepi my diagnosis and feel disabled,. however, after my firsf visit I realised thal Daisy Chain is a safe place where you can be yourself, you can lake your mask down, and relax. "Daisy Chain has since given me the abiliry to begin accepting my autism diagnosis, whilsi also giving me Che iools co cope much better in daily life. l am learning 10 undersiand myself and accepi myself. Although it is a slow process, I know one day I will be proud to be aullslic, ond Daisy Chain has been Ihe caralysi for Ihis change. Reducing loneliness and isolation We strive to reduce loneliness and isolation and improve Ihe wellbeing of neuro- divergent adults by providing a range of social opportunities, which in rhe pasi year have expanded ro include performing arts and our new community empowerment project, 'My Life My Communiry. This service provides a range of local and accessible social groups designed exclusively f or auiisEiC and neurodivergeni adults, living in the Tees Valley. Sessions take place at local venues in each of Ihe Tees Valley iowns and give neurodivergeni adults the opportunity to connect with others, engage in peer support, be empowered 10 access Iheir communiry. and most importantly, have funl 60 Adults have accessed My Life My Community D6I1S CFt&IN 15
FAMILY SERVICES Leading the way in Good Autism Practice We are delighted that Daisy Chain s Family Support Service has been identified by the Association of Direciors of Aduli Social Services (ADASS) as being an example of besi praciice as pari of a naEional review of the government's strategy for autistic children, young people and adults. As part of this the service, Daisy Chain will be showcased in the main ouicomes document, so Ihai oiher localities can learn from our praciice. In Ihe lasi year, Ihe service provided support 10 nearly 4,000 families, who between them accessed 3,2411:1 appointments and170 drop in sessions. Expansion of Family Support to Sunderland 3241 In Septernber 2023, we expanded our family support offer into Sunderland. The service mirrors our offer in Ihe Tees Valley, which means the parents and carers of autistic and neurodivergent children and young people can access1:1 appointmenis and multi agency drop in sessions alongside pareni supporE groups and child and young person sessions. To date the team have supported 230 families from the region and provided 2191.1 appoinimenis and 23 drop in sessions. 1.1 appointments delivered to families in Tees Valley 66 "I've ordered my daughter the resources you suggested and have come away from our conversaiion wiih a fresh mindsei. Thank you fo you all for being a listening ear, and for your excelleni suppori and advice." Extension of complex needs support into adulthood In a response 10 need, we have expanded Ihe criieria of our Keyworker service to up to 25 years old. As one of a series of pilot and early adopier siies around Ihe couniry iesiing a new way of working with young people and their families, the aim of the service is 10 improve life and menial health, reducing the need for school exclusions and inpaiieni admission. Working across Tees Valley and Durham, the team ensures that the voice of the young person and Iheir family is at Ihe heart of any decision making and Ihai parenis are supported 10 make well informed choices. 230 families supported in Sunderland in less than a year 66 'We wouldn'i be where we are now wiihouc our Keyworker. She has gone above and beyond and been outstanding during our darkesi days. If she can help orhers like she has helped us the world will be a better place.- D6I1S CFt&IN 16
FAMILY SERVICES Providing peersupportand creating jobs Autism Central The 2023/2024 f inancial year saw Ihe launch of our new peer support programme for which we are Ihe regional lead for Ihe Norih Easi & Yorkshire. Autism Central has been commissioned by NHS England s Workforce, Training and Educaiion Team and employs peer educaiors; who are auiisiic people, and parenrs and carers of auiisiic people, who have been trained to support other families. Since the launch, we have supported nearly 2,000 families f rom across Ihe North Easi & Yorkshire. The faniasiic Ihing about Ihis programme is Ihat it not only allows us to support parenis and carers, bur also ro provide flexible employmenr opportunities to people who, due to their own needs or the needs of their loved ones, have been locked out of the job market. To date, we have provided employmeni and Iraining 10 30 individuals, and will continue to recruit throughout the second year of the project. 66 "After raising rwo children wilh addiiional needs l am passionaie and committed to empowering parent carers through education and guidance in navigaiing Ihe SEN sysiem. My role in Auiism Cenrral allows me 10 provide much-needed iargered supporr 10 families across the region. Gateshead Autism Hubs FAMI .Y A Gatesh8ad Hb'BS W CnCil Our expansion inio Gaieshea(J sees Ihe ieam provi(Je muiii agency drop ins which are delivered across Gateshead, as well as face to face and virtual pareni support groups. Face 10 face learning opportuniiies are also provided for parents, and training in good autism practice is available for professionals. NH5 Helping Teesside Sleep 4&" The Tees Valley Sleep Service coniinues 10 help families across Teesside through telephone support and resources, sleep workshops and 1.1 sleep assessmenis; which can include Ihe creaiion of a bespoke sleep plan. The service is delivered in collaboration with the local authority 0-19 ieams, and we have been approached by a number of oiher local auihoriiies keen 10 replicaie whai we are doing in Iheir areas. We are currently in the process of rolling out a similar offer in Sunderland. D6I1Sg CFt&IN 17
TRAINING Making education work for autistic children As Ihe regional lead for Ihe Auiism Educaiion Trusi (AED, we are committed 10 promoiing good auiism praciice in schools and early years/posi 16 settings Ihrough Iraining and development opportunities. As well as delivering the AET professional development programme in Stockton and Darlingion, we have also worked wilh the A 10 produce a new resource aimed at inspiring educaiors 10 adopi a flexible approach 10 good auiism praciice by sharing real siories of Irue collaboration between parents and schools. This research has been shared nationally by the Auiism Education Trusr and Naiional Network of Pareni Carer Forums. Supporting transitions to secondary school Thanks to funding received from NHS England. we have been able to adapt our Understanding Myself package so that li can also be used with pupils in years 5 and 6, in order 10 support wilh Ihe diff iculi Iransiiion 10 secondary school. Undersianding Myself is aimed ai pupils who are displaying Iraiis associaied wiih, or have a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition, and aims to increase self-awareness, help others understand Ihe needs of Ihe young people and their unique experiences of rhe world, improve self-confidence, and raise self-esieem. Training has been provided 10 school SENCO'S, specialist teaching assistants, keyworkers and mental health in schools teams across the Tees Valley and we have also recenily been commissioned by Sunderland to roll oui Ihe Iraining across Iheir region as well. Inclusivity in the workplace It's thought Ihat up 10 20 /0 of the populaiion are neurodivergent, but wilh only a f raction of Ihese in full-iime employmeni, inclusiviry in Ihe workplace is hugely imporEani 10 us. li is esseniial IhaE Ehe eniire company undersiands and embraces neurodiversity as part of its culture. Our corporate offer is aimed at supporting employers 10 position Ihemselves as leaders in inclusion. The Iraining has been accessed by a variery of differeni local and national organisations including People's Postcode Lottery, MIN D and Teesside University. 66- "We trained over 90 of our leaders and have since implemented a number of rhe siraiegies suggesied. I look fon4ard to conrinuing Ihe good work already siarted in such a key area. Your rraining is so valuable. D6I1Sg CFt&IN 18
RETAIL AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE 2,000 bags of donated goods received per week Our reiail and social enierprise provides viral income for our chariry and froniline support services. This year, Daisy Chain's reiail and social enierprise aciiviiies had a subsianiial growih in income, primarily due 10 Ihe successful launch of Ihe Daisy Chain Megasiore, which opened lis doors on 1s[ April 2023 ai Team Valley Reiail Park, Gaieshead. Ai 22,000 square feel, li proudly siands as Ihe largesi siore of lis kind in Ihe U K. Social enterprise advancements for lasting impact Our social enterprises in Stockton and Gateshead have progressed significanily in the following ways- Modernised POS till system investment: Future-proof ing the charity with enhanced efficiency and improved reporting capabiliiies. Supersiore rebranding: Aligning wilh Ihe Megasiore for a cohesive brand identity. Affordable while goods scheme expansion: Caiering 10 cusiomer needs and expanding access to essential goods. Launch of an appreniiceship scheme: We offered 2 reiail apprentices 10 local young people Ihus developing chariry reiail as a viable career option. Grown our corporate volunieering support by working wiih new and exisiing businesses 10 enhance our reiail performance. Retail newsletter relaunched with over 500 signups in the first three months. U niversiry parcnerships developmeni by forging collaboraiions wilh Teesside, Newcastle, Sunderland, and London College of Art and Design Universiiies 10 enhance our enierprise aciiviiies in areas of business, partnership working and fashion. Quality amidst crisis Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, Daisy Chain has mainiained lis commitmeni 10 quality donations. Strategic engagement with corporaie businesses has resulted in a diverse produci offering, including noiable donaiions: Over 500 iEems of luxury furniiure 150 boxes of designer T-shirES (Nike) Over 300 boxes of soft furnishings. including bedding and curtains 30 rails of maierniry cloihing Shrubs & planis,. Hair Exiensions; Brand new books; Garden paini (Rusioleum) and more... 632K. items diverted from landfill D6I1Sg CFt&IN 19
RETAIL AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Striving towards environmental responsibility Daisy Chain hosted it's C02 Runway event. showcasing sustainable fashion and transforming the Megastore into a catwalk show. Highlights included: Influential Business Women styling. Neuihread Aurumn/Winter 23 collection exhibiiion. Emerging ialent runway by universiry siudents wiih ethical designs. Neuthread: Pioneering Neurodiverse inclusion in Slow Fashion Neuthread is a cutting edge new venture, blending innovation with social purpose, paving the way for slow fashion whilst championing meaningful inclusion. Ai ils forefroni are neurodiverse designers, volunieers and models. We recognise Ihat neurodiverse people face exclusion and barriers, especially non-verbal individuals and we are committed to ensuring that all views and opinions are soughi. considered and acied upon. including upon issues such as climate change. Neuihread projeci is a testameni to how neurodiverse design ideas have precursored the creation of couture clothing made from iexiile wasie, producing groundbreaking resulis. and ensured inclusion ai every siage of rhe fashion process, including a hisroric momeni of neurodiverse models showcasing at 2024 London Fasion Week. This was a milestone achievement. This year we have: Launched a dedicated Neuihread websiie and logo li£b Included a concession area within Daisy Chain Megastore, Gateshead. Represenied climaie awareness ai indusiry and chariry evenis. Pioneered a parinership wilh Jaguar Land Rover, iniegraiing wasie leather off cuts into avant-garde designs. Showcased at a scheduled show at London Fashion Week. featuring neurodiverse designers, models and coniribuiors. UINDON FASHIOM WEEK The Road Ahead: navigating challenges with resilience Despiie a challenging poliiical, financial, and social climaie, we will be: Navigating external pressures to provide eihical and affordable shopping. Embedding our stores as the go-to charity shopping outlet in the North East region Progressing Neuihread f rom a piloi scheme 10 full-scale projeci. Developing C02 Runway into an esiablished eveni promoiing sustainable fashion. I mproving donations and shopping options through development activities, inclusive of corporaie engagemeni and exploring Local Auihority lenders. Developing a dynamic social media conieni siraiegy 10 increase foorfall and engagemeni and reach potential new cusiomers. D6I1Sg CFt&IN 20
VOLUNTEERING We are extremely lucky and thankful to have over 100 volunteers who work across Daisy Chain, from Ihe day cenEre gardens and farm, to our retail stores, e-commerce. remote working family support volunieers and volunteers who help out ai our many fundraising evenis. THANK You ted by ourvaluable volunteers Volunteers are extremely valuable 10 us ai Daisy Chain. They become an iniegral part of Ihe ieam, allowing us 10 raise more awareness, provide more services and raise more f unds. Volunieers are coniinually undersianding and adapiable ro Ihe changing needs of the organisation. The value they bring is excepEional. We re pleased 10 have reiained many long-sianding volunteers, and welcomed new ones to the team. THANK You We're also very graieful 10 Ihe corporaie organisaiions, boih locally and nationally, who come back to Daisy Chain time and time again, using their volunieering days 10 make a posiiive impact on our services and siies, and meeiing Iheir own Corporaie Social Responsibility (CSR) targets in the process. organisationsfor ur volunteerda Our colleagues enjoy volunreering opporruniiies ranging from helping ai Iheir farm and rercjil siores, or taking part in fundraising challenges. Ourpartnership is part of our commiimeni to being part of and actively supporiing and engaging with our local and regional communiry. D6I1Sg CFt&IN 21
FUNDRAISING & EVENTS As we reflect on the 23/24 financial year, we look back on the range of dynamic fundraising evenis, communiEy engagemeni, and Ihe development of initiatives that continue to shape the future of Daisy Chain. We re pleased 10 have had our best yearyeil Scaling new heights with sporting events More Ihan 35 individuals joined forces for Ihe Cleveland 4 Peaks Challenge, raising over £5,000 collectively. In addition, 36 dedicated runners, including boih Trusiees and SEaff, look 10 Ihe sireeis of Newcastle for the Great North Run. Their efforts raised over £10,0001 Sporting evenis noi only challenge participants physically bui also igniie a sense of uniry and purpose wiihin our communiiy. Both broke previous internal records for our sporting events. A night of celebration and talent In a departure from Iradiiion, we Iransformed our winier ball inio a spectacular summer fundraising ball with a Mardi Gras theme to celebraie our 20ih year. The event was attended by 380 people, including local businesses. The highlighi of the evening was the performances from our amazing Auiism's Goi Taleni participanis, leaving noi a dry eye in Ihe house. This event not only raised almost £60,000, but also showcased Ihe incredible ialenis of individuals we are privileged 10 support. Unveiling new traditions Our annual open day, Daisy Fesi, raised an incredible £16,000 and Ihis year. we reimagined our Chrisimas Fair 10 launch WinEer Wonderland - designed to be a festive version of our open day. This innovative approach saw the pariicipation of 36 local businesses, attraciing over 5,000 visiiors and raising an impressive £7,800. What next? As we go inio the 24/25 financial year, we look forward to re- launching our corporaie partnerships offer, and coniinuing 10 sirive to be different, attracting support f rom a wider variety of audiences Ihan ever before. D6I1Sg CFt&IN 22
POLICY&CAMPAIGN WORK Our policy and campaign work has coniinued 10 go from sirengih 10 SErengih Ehis year, including features in National press. Some of the highlighis from this year were: Attending the Party conference with People's Postcode Lottery Every Auiumn People's Posicode Lottery Public Affairs ieam attends poliiical party conferences across the couniry, and this year we were invited 10 join them ai the Parry conference. As part of our ongoing commiimeni 10 making sure thai we meet our annual funding objeciives we re always open to getting involved with their work wherever possible. Opportunities like this allow us to make new conneciions and coniacis ourselves. 10 raise awareness and be a voice for auiisiic people 10 help influence benef icial policy changes in fuiure. Sharing lived neurodivergent experiences With our charity mission being centered around empowerment, it's important to us to share lived experience stories wherever possible. As part of this, we ran a 3-month social media campaign this year which was an aduli version of lasi year's Walk in My Shoes. The conieni shone a lighi on Ihe self-reporEed SErengihs and challenges of neurodivergeni adulis, and all conieni was collecied f rom our benef iciaries. Award-winning charity of the year This year, we won North East Charity of the Year at North East Charity Awards 2023. This was a massively proud momeni for Ihe ream and has solidified our passion for ensuring we shoul more aboui our achievemenrs and have Ihem recognised in a public setting. Applying for Ihese awards is something we plan 10 do regularly going fondard, when we have evidence for appropriate categories. Rollout of new branding Following Ihe hard work on Ihe new branding and launch last financial year, we were pleased to receive very POSiEive feedback as li coniinued 10 be rolled out: "I saw Ihe new branding launch and ljusi wanied 10 say WOW. It is so refreshing 10 see.- Owner of o training company. 141,:1 "Amazing workl The re-brand is so fitring for your chariry and looks so much more modern and fresh.- D6I1Sg CFt&IN
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT Trustees Andrew David Kindness Andrew Gilmore (appoinied 03.09.2024) David Spencer (appointed 03.09.2024) Duane Hanson Jessica Faye Lenham Lesley Clode Martin John Poui Maiihew Harris (appoinied 03.09.2024) Nathan Dominic Kirby Sherratt Nicholas Stuart Waites Samantha Eason (appointed 03.09.2024) Sean Peier Philip Lawless Catherine Jane Wilburn (resigned17.10.2023) David Matthew Norris (resigned19.04.2024) Chief Executive Off icer Neeraj Sharma Independent auditors Walions Business Advisers Limiied Mariiime House Harbour Walk Hartlepool TS24 OUX Bankers Barclays Bank plc 19-23 Wellington Square Stockton-on-Tees TS181NA Saniander UK plc 43-44 H igh Street Stockton-on-Tees TS181SD Investment advisors Redmayne Bentley LLP Church House College Square Stokesley Middlesbrough TS9 5DN D6I1Sg CFt&IN 24
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT All Irusiees are direciors of Ihe company and direciorship ceases upon ierminaiion of Irusieeship. At the AGM in October 2023, Duane Hanson (Daisy Chain co-founder) was re-appointed as Chair of Trustees, and Katy Wilburn reiired f rom Ihe board. At 31st March 2024, the total number of trustees was nine. Recruitment of trustees is in line with skills gaps identified from our annual board appraisal and analysis. Trusiees meet formally for full Board meeiings ai leasi quarterly, in addiiion 10 a monihly Finance Sub-committee and a quarterly Operations Committee. The charity is administered by the trustees who delegate its day-to-day operaiions 10 Ehe CEO. Trustees ensure that Safeguarding is a governance prioriry and Daisy Chain s policies for both children and aduli safeguarding are reviewed annually. Daia Proieciion regisiraiion for our Daia Controller is renewed with ICO annually. We have had one serious incident to report to the Charity Commission this year. Key agenda items include Governance, Risk Review, Operaiional Updates, Policy and Finance. Our annual Healih and Safery Audii and Financial Audii of our processes provided a clean bill of health, which enables Daisy Chain to function efficiently and further enhance our governance and business readiness for Ihe fuiure. We received one inspection f rom OFSTED, of which the outcome was very positive feedback and no aciions. Remuneration for the CEO is set and deiermined by Ihe Daisy Chain Irustee board with regard to Ihe performance and appraisal sysiem. Remuneraiion of Daisy Chain siaff is sei by Daisy Chain Finance Committee in accordance with internal pay scales. Delegation and Committees The Board mainiains a written schedule of matters reserved for Ihe Irusiee board and committees which clearly defines specific areas for delegaiion. Committees report 10 Ihe Board on a regular basis. Finance Committee Primarily responsible for all aspecrs of the charity s financial straregy, performance and risk management ensuring its resources are being properly and appropriarely applied 10 irs key objectives. The committee has a responsibility for safeguarding the charity s assets and ensuring sufficieni reserves 10 fund our delivery. Operations Committee Primarily responsible for overseeing all mauers concerned wilh Ihe effecrive governance of E)aisy Chain, supporting rhe CEO in building and susraining an effecrive leadership ream. and guiding and modelling rhe effectiveness of key human resources, risk management and policy for the organisarion. D6I1Sg CFt&IN 25
FINANCIAL REVIEW Report of the trustees for the year ended 31st March 2024 The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the f inancial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31si March 2024, which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a direciors, report and accounis for Companies Aci purposes. The financial statements comply with Ihe Chariiies Aci 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and ArEicles of Associaiion. and Accouniing and Reporting by Chariiies.. Siaiemeni of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effecEive1si January 2019). Financial Commentary Review of Accounting Period The Irusiees are pleased to report Ihai Ihe chariry reiurned 10 making a surplus in Ehe year, albeii a relatively modest amount, as the charity continues to grow dramatically as demand for services increases. This surplus was achieved through continued success in tendering for new contracts, attracting other sources of f unding, growth in commercial aciiviiies and careful control over expendiiure. As a result total income increased from £2,537,253 in the previous year to £3,994,904 while expenditure rose f rom £2,723,084 ro £3,739,268. A significant portion of this surplus is related to restricted funds, with approximately £150,000 of Ihose funds being received during Ehe year for which Ihe corresponding expendiiure will be incurred in the year ending 31 March 2025, to deliver the services for which the funds were allocated. The financial statements show an increase in restricted funds in the year of £225,299 with unrestricted f unds increasing by £37,536. Review of Financial Position Despite the challenging environment for chariiies and Ihe UK economy as a whole, the charity had ioial funds of £2,071,359 ai Ihe year end of which £1.691,711 were unresiricied. D6I1Sg CFt&IN 26
FINANCIAL REVIEW The charity's bank balances saw little change over the year (£472,122 compared to £472,566) as did irs invesimenis (£222,048 compared 10 £211,216). The trustees recognise thai as rhe charity continues 10 grow, managing cash flow becomes increasingly importan[, and ongoing efforts are being made 10 build reserves 10 support Ihis. Future Period In February 2024, the trustees approved Ihe budgei for year ending the 31si of March 2025, projeciing f urEher expansion and a small forecasied surplus. The charity is currenily on Irack 10 meet this budget and is already in the process of preparing the budget for the year ending 31 March 2026. Reserves The chariry s reserves policy aims to maintain sufficient f ree reserves to cover the essential staff cosis and overheads for ai leasi Ihree monihs. These cosis are currenily esiimaied ai £268,000 (up f rom £220,000 in 2023). Ai Ihe balance sheei dale Ihe charity had free reserves (ioial reserves less iangible f ixed asseis and less restricted f unds) of £480,239 (£375,433 for 2023). The chariiy is currenily exploring a number of exciiing opportuniiies, some of which may require the designation of f ree reserves. However, the trustees remain mindful of the need to ensure all requirements are met. Investments The trustees delegate the management of the charity s investments to Redmayne Bentley, who operate under Ihe specif ic criteria sei by Ihe Irusiees, including risk of iolerance, investment types, and long-ierm growth objeciives. Risk Management The Irusiees conducE consiani reviews of Ihe major risks 10 which Ihe chariry is exposed, WlEh a view to establishing systems and procedures aimed at mitigating those risks. Signif icant external risks to funding have led to Ihe developmeni of a siraiegic plan which allows for the diversification of fundraising and oiher aciiviiies of Ihe chariry. Iniernal risks are minimised by auihorisaiion procedures for projects and transactions, to ensure consistency and high quality service delivery. D6I1Sg CFt&IN 27
FINANCIAL REVIEW Significani risks ideniified include; Service Provision; proieciion and moniioring of children and vulnerable adulis. Financial; income generation, business planning, budgeting and insurances. Personnel; staff, volunteers and placements. Properry,. securiiy and managemeni of premises and risk of fire. IT & Communications; security and privacy of data. The Irusiees are aware of Ihe importance of developing a risk awareness culiure wiihin Ihe chariiy and continue to work towards embedding this within the day to day working methods and thinking of Daisy Chain's siaff and volunieers. Approval The Trustee s Report and Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 15 Ociober 2024 On behalf of the Board IS ocLtsbc* zoz NS Waiies FCA Chair of the Finance Committee D6I1Sg CFt&IN 28
STATEMENT OFTRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES Statement of disclosure to auditors The charity Irusiees (who are also direciors of Daisy Chain Projeci Teesside for Ihe purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees annual report and financial statements in accordance wilh applicable law and Uniied Kingdom Accouniing Siandards (Uniied Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the chariiable company and Ihe group and of Ihe incoming resources and applicaEion of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing the f inancial statemenis, rhe trusiees are required 10: Seleci suiiable accouniing policies and Ihen apply Ihem consisienily. Observe Ihe meihods and principles in Ihe Chariiies SORP. Makejudgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Siaie wheEher applicable U K accouniing srandards have been followed, subjeci to any maierial departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. Prepare the financial siaiemenis on Ihe going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume Ihai Ihe chariry will coniinue in business. The Irusiees are responsible for keeping adequaie accouniing records Ihai are suff icieni 10 show and explain the charitable company and the group's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy ai any lime Ihe financial posiiion of Ihe chariiable group and enable Ehem 10 ensure Ihai the finar)cial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding Ihe assets of Ihe chariiable company and Ihe group and hence for iaking reasonable sieps for rhe preveniion and deieciion of f raud and oiher irregulariiies. Disclosure of information to auditors Each of Ihe persons who are Irusiees ai Ihe lime when Ihis Irusiees, report is approved has conf irmed that: So far as that trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable group's auditors are unaware. The Irusiee has iaken all Ihe sieps Ihai oughi 10 have been iaken as a Irusiee in order ro be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable group's auditors are aware of that information. The Irusiees are responsible for Ihe mainienance and iniegriry of Ihe chariiy and financial information included on the charity s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparaiion and dissemination of f inancial siatemenis. Signed: D Hanson, Chair of Trustees Dated. 15 Ociober 2024 D6I1Sg CFt&IN 29
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
UNQUALIFIED OPINION
We have audited the financial statements of Daisy Chain Project Teesside (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the related notes, 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:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
BASIS FOR 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 Auditors' 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 United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 for 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.
Page 30
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE (CONTINUED)
OTHER INFORMATION
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditors' report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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.
MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
the information given in the trustees' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
-
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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 intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Page 31
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE (CONTINUED)
AUDITORS' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
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 auditors' 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:
We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Charity and the area in which it operates and considered the risk of acts by the Charity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud. We designed audit procedures to respond to the risk, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
We identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas: existence and timing of recognition of income and management override of controls (especially in the posting of journals). We discussed these risks with management and designed audit procedures as follows:
-
to test the timing and existence of revenue
-
to review journals posted to key control accounts or posted around the year end, to look for potential "window dressing" as well as looking at a sample throughout the year.
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 auditors' report.
Page 32
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE (CONTINUED)
USE OF OUR REPORT
This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Waltons Business Advisers Limited Maritime House Harbour Walk The Marina Hartlepool TS24 0UX
2 December 2024
Waltons Business Advisers Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 33
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Note INCOME FROM: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Other income 7 TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 8 Charitable activities 9 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) BEFORE NET GAINS/(LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS Net gains/(losses) on investments NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 705,129 552,562 1,476,405 8,476 166,847 2,909,419 1,599,369 1,279,713 2,879,082 30,337 7,199 37,536 1,654,175 1,691,711 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 228,236 857,249 - - - 1,085,485 81,926 778,260 860,186 225,299 - 225,299 154,349 379,648 |
Total funds 2024 £ 933,365 1,409,811 1,476,405 8,476 166,847 3,994,904 1,681,295 2,057,973 3,739,268 255,636 7,199 262,835 1,808,524 2,071,359 |
Total funds 2023 £ 792,398 936,472 799,658 8,725 - 2,537,253 894,202 1,828,882 2,723,084 (185,831) (10,343) (196,174) 2,004,698 1,808,524 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 34
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 04763989
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 15 Investments 16 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 17 Debtors 18 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 19 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL NET ASSETS CHARITY FUNDS Restricted funds 20 Unrestricted funds 20 TOTAL FUNDS |
6,799 397,775 472,122 876,696 (238,857) |
2024 £ 1,211,472 222,048 1,433,520 637,839 2,071,359 379,648 1,691,711 2,071,359 |
2,656 122,708 472,566 597,930 (279,364) |
2023 £ 1,278,742 211,216 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,489,958 318,566 |
||||
| 1,808,524 | ||||
| 154,349 1,654,175 |
||||
| 1,808,524 |
Page 35
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 04763989
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
The entity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the entity to obtain an audit for the period in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
However, an audit is required in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
NS Waites FCA Chair of the Finance Committee Date: 15 October 2024
The notes on pages 38 to 62 form part of these financial statements.
Page 36
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Note CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net cash used in operating activities 22 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Dividends and interest Purchase of tangible fixed assets Proceeds from sale of investments Purchase of investments Investment management fees NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN THE PERIOD Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD 23 |
2024 £ 71,216 8,476 (75,260) 11,905 (14,627) (1,243) (70,749) 467 497,930 498,397 |
2023 £ 30,448 8,725 (112,142) 80,799 (79,398) (970) (102,986) (72,538) 570,468 497,930 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 38 to 62 form part of these financial statements
Page 37
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 1. 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 address of the Charity is:
Calf Fallow Farm Calf Fallow Lane Norton Stockton - on - Tees TS20 1PF
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Daisy Chain Project Teesside meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Going concern
The trustees, having made due and careful enquiry and preparing forecasts, are of the opinion that the Charity has adequate working capital to execute its operations over the next 12 months. The trustees, therefore, have made an informed judgement at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. As a result the trustees have continued to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.
Page 38
(A company limited by guarantee)
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Legacies are accounted for as incoming resources either upon receipt or where the receipt of the legacy is probable in that confirmation has been received from the personal representatives of the estate that payment will be made.
Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. The trustees acknowledge that they are assets of the Charity as soon as received but due to the fact that a very large number of small value items are received the time and cost of valuing donated goods at receipt would outweigh any benefit to the users of the financial statements of having them so valued.
Where goods are donated under the gift aid scheme the Charity is not entitled to the income until the goods are sold and the donor has confirmed that they are gifting the proceeds. In this case the income is included as a a donation rather than as a sale.
Donated facilities are included at the value to the Charity where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Page 39
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
- Freehold property 2% straight line - Improvements to long-term straight line over the remaining term of the leasehold property lease - Plant and machinery 25% reducing balance Motor vehicles - 20% straight line - Fixtures and fittings 25% reducing balance - Computer equipment 33.33% straight line
2.6 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. The net gains and losses on revaluations and disposals are included in the consolidated statement of financial activities.
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.
2.7 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.
2.8 Operating leases
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.
2.9 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
2.10 Pensions
The Charity contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the period.
Page 40
(A company limited by guarantee)
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.11 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
3. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Donations 160,129 Legacies - Grants 545,000 705,129 Total 2023 575,217 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - 228,236 228,236 217,181 |
Total funds 2024 £ 160,129 - 773,236 933,365 792,398 |
Total funds 2023 £ 105,217 70,000 617,181 792,398 |
|---|---|---|---|
Included in unrestricted grants above is £525,000 (2023: £400,000) from People's Postcode Lottery.
Page 41
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Family support 74,153 Educational placements 256,732 Training services 186,070 Adult services 35,607 552,562 Total 2023 401,897 5. FUNDRAISING INCOME |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 757,719 - - 99,530 857,249 534,575 |
Total funds 2024 £ 831,872 256,732 186,070 135,137 1,409,811 936,472 |
Total funds 2023 £ 635,005 236,327 46,886 18,254 936,472 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Retail 1,341,345 Merchandise retail 2,424 Fundraising events 131,561 Other income 1,075 1,476,405 Total 2023 799,658 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,341,345 2,424 131,561 1,075 1,476,405 799,658 |
Total funds 2023 £ 660,560 3,810 126,171 9,117 799,658 |
|---|---|---|
Page 42
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
6. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Deposit account interest 3,600 Dividends and interest on investments 4,876 8,476 Total 2023 8,725 |
Total funds 2024 £ 3,600 4,876 8,476 8,725 |
Total funds 2023 £ 2,027 6,698 8,725 |
|---|---|---|
7. OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| VAT recoverable | 166,847 | 166,847 | - |
After the year end the Charity registered for VAT with £166,847 repayable in respect of expenditure incurred before the year end.
Page 43
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
8. COSTS OF RAISING FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Total funds |
Total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fundraising costs of grants and donations | 14,223 | 11,054 | 25,277 | 48,253 |
| Cost of fundraising events | 74,466 | - | 74,466 | 50,701 |
| Retail costs | 691,733 | 25,919 | 717,652 | 222,525 |
| Wages and salaries | 776,113 | 44,953 | 821,066 | 548,039 |
| Depreciation | 41,591 | - | 41,591 | 10,802 |
| Investment management fees | 1,243 | - | 1,243 | 970 |
| Impairment of investment | - | - | - | 12,912 |
| Total 2024 | 1,599,369 | 81,926 | 1,681,295 | 894,202 |
| Total 2023 | 821,959 | 72,243 | 894,202 |
9. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Children's services 313,614 Family support 51,109 Educational placements 434,239 Training services 111,363 Adult services 369,388 1,279,713 Total 2023 1,014,279 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 102,805 615,270 - - 60,185 778,260 814,603 |
Total 2024 £ 416,419 666,379 434,239 111,363 429,573 2,057,973 1,828,882 |
Total 2023 £ 596,780 455,191 346,337 118,203 312,371 1,828,882 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 44
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES
| Children's services Family support Educational placements Training services Adult services Total 2023 |
Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 275,200 433,373 278,901 76,059 288,358 1,351,891 1,195,216 |
Support costs 2024 £ 141,219 233,006 155,338 35,304 141,215 706,082 633,666 |
Total funds 2024 £ 416,419 666,379 434,239 111,363 429,573 2,057,973 1,828,882 |
Total funds 2023 £ 596,780 455,191 346,337 118,203 312,371 1,828,882 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 45
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS
| Children's Services |
Family Support |
Educational placements |
Training and other services |
Adult services |
Total funds |
Total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 51,766 | 85,414 | 56,943 | 12,942 | 51,766 | 258,831 | 266,298 |
| Depreciation | 20,187 | 33,310 | 22,207 | 5,047 | 20,188 | 100,939 | 118,879 |
| Staff travel | 120 | 197 | 131 | 30 | 119 | 597 | - |
| Premises | 25,934 | 42,790 | 28,527 | 6,483 | 25,934 | 129,668 | 97,723 |
| Administration | 16,874 | 27,843 | 18,562 | 4,219 | 16,874 | 84,372 | 55,315 |
| Sundries | 1,549 | 2,552 | 1,702 | 387 | 1,547 | 7,737 | 333 |
| Subscriptions | 1,239 | 2,045 | 1,363 | 310 | 1,239 | 6,196 | 10,320 |
| Resources | 1,077 | 1,776 | 1,184 | 269 | 1,076 | 5,382 | 2,808 |
| Staff costs | 5,215 | 8,606 | 5,737 | 1,304 | 5,216 | 26,078 | 13,525 |
| Governance costs | 17,257 | 28,474 | 18,981 | 4,314 | 17,256 | 86,282 | 68,465 |
| Total 2024 | 141,218 | 233,007 | 155,337 | 35,305 | 141,215 | 706,082 | 633,666 |
| Total 2023 | 171,089 | 164,754 | 158,418 | 31,683 | 107,722 | 633,666 |
Support costs are split between activities in line with staff time spent.
Page 46
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ANALYSIS OF DIRECT COSTS
| Children's Services |
Family Support |
Educational Placements |
Training and other services |
Adult Services |
Total funds |
Total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 238,905 | 398,140 | 262,629 | 58,487 | 243,061 | 1,201,222 | 1,059,524 |
| Staff costs | 2,049 | 329 | 2,201 | - | 1,736 | 6,315 | 7,171 |
| Staff travel | 292 | 15,097 | 69 | 678 | 3,923 | 20,059 | 11,650 |
| Volunteer costs | 573 | 6 | 546 | - | 72 | 1,197 | 1,622 |
| Premises | 6,416 | 374 | 5,901 | 905 | 382 | 13,978 | 8,039 |
| Administration | 5,251 | 6,701 | 319 | 396 | 6,632 | 19,299 | 25,649 |
| Advertising | - | 600 | - | - | 316 | 916 | 2,455 |
| Resources | 21,714 | 12,126 | 7,236 | 15,593 | 32,236 | 88,905 | 79,106 |
| Total 2024 | 275,200 | 433,373 | 278,901 | 76,059 | 288,358 | 1,351,891 | 1,195,216 |
| Total 2023 | 375,712 | 308,238 | 205,035 | 89,943 | 216,288 | 1,195,216 |
Page 47
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
11. GOVERNANCE COSTS
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Auditors' remuneration 7,500 Auditors' non audit costs 2,267 Consultancy, legal & professional fees 3,895 Wages and salaries 72,620 86,282 Total 2023 68,465 |
Total funds 2024 £ 7,500 2,267 3,895 72,620 86,282 68,465 |
Total funds 2023 £ 8,040 1,464 - 58,961 68,465 |
|---|---|---|
12. AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
- The auditors' remuneration amounts to an auditor fee of £7,500 (2023 £6,700), and other services of £1,925 (2023 - £1,220).
Page 48
(A company limited by guarantee)
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
13. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension scheme |
2024 £ 2,166,398 149,760 37,581 2,353,739 |
2023 £ 1,766,743 132,193 33,886 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,932,822 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the period was as follows:
| Management and administration Fundraising Charitable activities - service delivery Retail |
2024 No. 18 2 73 40 133 |
2023 No. 18 2 63 30 |
|---|---|---|
| 113 |
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | ||
| In the band £60,001 | - £70,000 | - | 1 |
| In the band £70,001 | - £80,000 | 1 | - |
The total employment benefits, including employer pension contributions, of key management personnel were £223,422 (2023: £249,928). Key management personnel include the CEO, Director of Services, Director of Income Generation, Head of Finance, Head of Family Services and Head of HR.
The Charity benefits from the involvement and support of its many volunteers, further details of which are provided in the Trustees Report. In accordance with accounting standards, the economic contribution of volunteers is not measured in the financial statements.
14. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
During the period, no trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL).
During the period ended 31 March 2024, no trustee expenses have been incurred (2023 - £NIL).
Page 49
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
15. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the period At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 |
Freehold property £ 1,337,095 - 1,337,095 409,901 25,745 435,646 901,449 927,194 |
Improveme nts to long- term leasehold property £ 193,896 61,952 255,848 58,823 41,591 100,414 155,434 135,073 |
Plant and machinery £ 98,154 - 98,154 67,415 7,687 75,102 23,052 30,739 |
Motor vehicles £ 31,330 - 31,330 12,532 6,266 18,798 12,532 18,798 |
Fixtures, fittings and computer equipment £ 547,390 13,308 560,698 380,452 61,241 441,693 119,005 166,938 |
Total £ 2,207,865 75,260 2,283,125 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 929,123 142,530 1,071,653 |
||||||
| 1,211,472 | ||||||
| 1,278,742 |
Page 50
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
16. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2023 Additions Disposals Revaluations Investment manager fees Dividends receivable AT 31 MARCH 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 Investments at market value Equities Cash within investment portfolio Investment in trading subsidiary |
Investments in subsidiary companies £ 1 - - - - - 1 1 1 |
Listed investments £ 185,851 14,627 (11,905) 7,199 - - 195,772 195,772 185,851 |
Unlisted investments £ 25,364 11,905 (14,627) - (1,243) 4,876 26,275 26,275 25,364 2024 £ 195,772 26,275 1 222,048 |
Total £ 211,216 26,532 (26,532) 7,199 (1,243) 4,876 222,048 222,048 211,216 2023 £ 185,851 25,364 1 211,216 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 51
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
16. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES
The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Charity:
Name Company Registered office or principal Class of number place of business shares Daisy Chain Trading (Teesside) Limited 05209370 Calf Fallow Farm, Calf Fallow Ordinary Lane, Norton, Stockton On Tees, Holding TS20 1PF 100%
Daisy Chain Trading (Teesside) Limited was dormant throughout the year.
17. STOCKS
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Goods for resale | 6,799 | 2,656 |
18. DEBTORS
| Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2024 £ 97,935 175,053 124,787 397,775 |
2023 £ 83,503 3,493 35,712 |
|---|---|---|
| 122,708 |
Page 52
(A company limited by guarantee)
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Deferred income at 1 April 2023 Resources deferred during the period Amounts released from previous periods Deferred income at 31 March 2024 |
2024 £ 60,459 32,824 8,849 136,725 238,857 2024 £ 102,839 44,831 (102,839) 44,831 |
2023 £ 57,153 30,808 7,859 183,544 279,364 2023 £ 37,915 102,839 (37,915) 102,839 |
|---|---|---|
Deferred income comprises money received in advance for sessions/clubs, care contracts and training courses which will take place in the next financial year.
Page 53
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
20. STATEMENT OF FUNDS
STATEMENT OF FUNDS - CURRENT PERIOD
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds General funds Total unrestricted funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 135,000 1,519,175 1,654,175 |
Income £ - 2,909,419 2,909,419 |
Expenditure £ (50,000) (2,829,082) (2,879,082) |
Transfers in/out £ (85,000) 85,000 - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - 7,199 7,199 |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,691,711 | ||||||
| 1,691,711 |
Page 54
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
20. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
| Restricted funds Gateshead Family Hubs Together for Children - Sunderland Sembcorp Santander Foundation National Lottery - Community Fund Catalyst - Stockton on Tees Sport England - Teesside University Scottish Power Foundation Amazon - Charitable Giving North East Cumbria ICB - Family Support North East Cumbria ICB - Main Contract North East Cumbria ICB - Variations Climate Action Fund Other grants Total restricted funds Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ - - - 33,280 - - - - - - 93,709 10,000 - 17,360 154,349 1,808,524 |
Income £ 37,500 100,000 43,200 49,973 99,529 5,445 2,011 40,182 5,000 239,174 381,046 - 81,925 500 1,085,485 3,994,904 |
Expenditure £ (37,500) (75,000) (7,200) (32,111) (60,185) (5,445) (2,011) (33,485) - (200,135) (302,635) (6,666) (81,925) (15,888) (860,186) (3,739,268) |
Transfers in/out £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7,199 |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ - 25,000 36,000 51,142 39,344 - - 6,697 5,000 39,039 172,120 3,334 - 1,972 379,648 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,071,359 |
Page 55
(A company limited by guarantee)
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
20. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED) STATEMENT OF FUNDS - PRIOR PERIOD
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds General funds Total unrestricted funds |
Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 245,000 1,470,259 1,715,259 |
Income £ - 1,785,497 1,785,497 |
Expenditure £ - (1,836,238) (1,836,238) |
Transfers in/out £ (110,000) 110,000 - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - (10,343) (10,343) |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ 135,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,519,175 | ||||||
| 1,654,175 |
Page 56
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
20. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
| Restricted funds Children In Need - Holiday Club People's Postcode Lottery - General People's Postcode Lottery - Innovation Trust Santander Foundation Children In Need - First Steps Performing Arts Masonic Charitable Foundation North East Cumbria ICB - Main Contract North East Cumbria ICB - Variations Climate Action Fund Other grants Total restricted funds Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 6,281 203,344 7,175 - 16,912 19,609 - 36,118 - - 289,439 2,004,698 |
Income £ 31,724 - - 65,054 - - 534,575 10,000 72,243 38,160 751,756 2,537,253 |
Expenditure £ (38,005) (203,344) (7,175) (31,774) (16,912) (19,609) (440,866) (36,118) (72,243) (20,800) (886,846) (2,723,084) |
Transfers in/out £ - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - - - - - - - - - - - (10,343) |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ - - - 33,280 - - 93,709 10,000 - 17,360 154,349 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,808,524 |
Page 57
(A company limited by guarantee)
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED) Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds are freely available for the use of the Charity.
Designated funds
In the prior year the trustees set aside £135,000 of unrestricted funds with £85,000 of this in respect of a potential permanent diminution in value of an investment and £50,000 in respect of set up costs for a new retail store. The potential diminution in value of the investment will not now arise and the retail store costs have been incurred in the year and therefore the designated funds have been released.
Restricted funds
Gateshead Family Hubs
This funding has been used to deliver autism hubs in Gateshead.
Together for Children - Sunderland
This funding is for family support services in Sunderland for children and young people with a neurodevelopment needs. The project had an end date of June 2024.
Sembcorp
This funding is for the installation of solar panels with an initial deposit paid in advance of works being carried out in the year ending 31 March 2025.
Santander Foundation
This funding is from the digital empowerment fund and is used to address barriers and consequences of financial, digital, and social exclusion. The project has an end date of March 2026.
National Lottery Community Fund - My Life, My Community
This funding is for the provision of accessible adult community hubs across the Tees Valley, tackling high rates of loneliness and isolation among autistic and neurodivergent adults. The project had an end date of July 2024.
Catalyst - Stockton on Tees
This funding was used to provide a holiday club and trips and outings for children and young people.
Sport England - Teesside University
This funding was used for the together fund project delivery which aimed to engage key target groups that have been adversely affected by Coronavirus with the aim of increased participation in sport and physical activity.
Scottish Power Foundation - Rising Stars
This funding is from the rising stars fund and is aimed at enriching the lives of autistic individuals through performing arts and encouraging beneficiaries to express themselves in non-judgemental settings. The project had an end date of May 2024.
Amazon - Charitable Giving
This funding is to be used to cover the costs of running trips/away days for vulnerable families. Expenditure will be incurred in the summer of 2024.
Page 58
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
North East Cumbria Integrated Care Board – Main Contract/Family Support
This funding is for the family support service for children and young people with a neurodevelopmental need for and on behalf of NHS Tees Valley CCG, Darlington Borough Council, Hartlepool Borough Council, Middlesbrough Council, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. The main contract had an end date of June 2024 whilst the family support contract had an end date of September 2024.
North East Cumbria Integrated Care Board - Variations
This funding is for a variety of activities, including trips for families, a sleep service and training for staff on the keyworker project. The carried forward funds will be spent in the year ending 31 March 2025.
Climate Action Fund
This funding is from The National Lottery Community Fund to recycle and upcycle clothing donated that was not fit for resale in its donated state. The fund provided a production lead and garment manufacturers as well as the necessary equipment.
21. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Tangible fixed assets 1,211,472 Fixed asset investments 222,048 Current assets 497,048 Creditors due within one year (238,857) Total 1,691,711 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - 379,648 - 379,648 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,211,472 222,048 876,696 (238,857) 2,071,359 |
|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 1,278,742 211,216 443,581 (279,364) 1,654,175 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - - 154,349 - 154,349 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,278,742 211,216 597,930 (279,364) 1,808,524 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 59
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
21. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS (CONTINUED)
RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING 22. ACTIVITIES
| Net income/expenditure for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges (Gains)/losses on investments Dividends, interests and rents from investments Increase in stocks Decrease/(increase) in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Investment management fees Net cash provided by operating activities 23. ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash in hand Cash within investment portfolio Total cash and cash equivalents |
2024 £ 262,835 142,530 (7,199) (8,476) (4,143) (275,067) (40,507) 1,243 71,216 2024 £ 472,122 26,275 498,397 |
2023 £ (196,174) 129,681 23,255 (8,725) (2,656) 14,026 70,071 970 30,448 2023 £ 472,566 25,364 497,930 |
|---|---|---|
Page 60
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
24. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT
| Cash at bank and in hand | At 1 April 2023 £ 472,566 472,566 |
Cash flows £ (444) (444) |
At 31 March 2024 £ 472,122 472,122 |
|---|---|---|---|
25. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Contracted for but not provided in these financial statements | ||
| Acquisition of tangible fixed assets | 28,800 | - |
26. PENSION COMMITMENTS
The Charity contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £37,581 (2023: £33,886). Contributions totalling £8,793 (2023: £7,859) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors. This creditor figure includes both employee and employer contributions.
27. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
At 31 March 2024 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:
| Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years Later than 5 years |
2024 £ 345,515 497,580 - 843,095 |
2023 £ 343,142 813,595 29,500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,186,237 |
Page 61
DAISY CHAIN PROJECT TEESSIDE (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
28. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Charity has not entered into any related party transactions that required disclosure during the period, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 31 March 2024 that require disclosure.
Page 62