OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

Vincentian Care Plus

Annual Report and Financial Statements

31 March 2023

Company Limited by Guarantee Registration Number 05321333 (England and Wales) Charity Registration Number 1112473

Contents

Reports

Reports
Reference and administrative details of
the charitable company, its Trustees and
advisers 1
Trustees’ report 2
Independent auditor’s report 15
Financial statements
Statement of financial activities 19
Balance sheet 20
Statement of cash flows 21
Principal accounting policies 22
Notes to the financial statements 26

Vincentian Care Plus

Reference and administrative details of the charitable company, its Trustees and advisers

Trustees Mr Glen Von Malachowski (Chair) Mr Mark Hibberd Mr Damian Dowling Sister Bernadette Ryder Sister Marie Raw Mr Nigel Turner Registered Manager Ms Cathy Naigow Registered Office 14 Buckingham Palace Road London SW1W 0QP Company Registration Number 05321333 (England and Wales) Charity Registration Number 1112473 Auditor Buzzacott LLP 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill West Mailing Kent ME19 4JQ Solicitors Womble Bond Dickinson LLP 4 More London Riverside London SE1 2AU

Vincentian Care Plus 1

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

The Trustees present their statutory report together with the financial statements of Vincentian Care Plus (VCP) for the year ended 31 March 2023. The report has been prepared in accordance with Part 8 of the Charities Act 2011 and constitutes a directors’ report for the purposes of company legislation.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 22 to 25 and comply with the charitable company’s memorandum and articles of association, applicable laws and 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Constitution

Vincentian Care Plus is a company limited by guarantee (Company Registration No. 05321333 (England and Wales)) and a registered charity (Charity Registration No. 1112473). The charitable company is governed by its memorandum and articles of association.

DCSVP Services is the sole member of the charitable company and thus its parent entity. DCSVP Services is a registered charity (Charity Registration Number 1149326) and a company limited by guarantee (Company Registration Number 07638065 (England and Wales)), set up by the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, to safeguard the Vincentian ethos in various projects such as Vincentian Care Plus.

Liability of members

The charitable company is constituted as a company limited by guarantee. In the event of the charitable company being wound up, the member is required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

Principal aim and activities

The principal aim of the charitable company in the year under review was to assist those in need of home care by the provision of a home care visiting service.

Vincentian Care Plus is a home care agency committed to delivering quality care, support, and befriending to people in their own homes. It is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The values, spirit, and ethos of VCP are taken from the teachings, example and legacy of St Vincent de Paul and St Louise De Marillac, Christian and social reformers who together founded the religious congregation known as the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul. They believed practical action balanced with gentle kindness and attentiveness to the little details would make the lives of poor and vulnerable people a little easier. Over the years they have inspired many ordinary people to volunteer their time and their talents to support and befriend lonely and isolated people.

Vincentian Care Plus 2

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Our Vision

Our Vision is that people matter!

Here at Vincentian Care Plus we believe in the uniqueness, contribution, and value of older people in our society today.

In order to achieve this vision, we provide personal care and support in a safe, effective, compassionate, and respectful way.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to:

Our Mission Statement

Vincentian Care Plus provides a domiciliary care service for people who by reason of age, infirmity, disability, or illness are unable to provide it for themselves thus enabling older people to live independently in their own homes.

Achievements and performance

Executive summary

Despite the going-on unprecedented challenges posed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the economic climate, VCP has successfully operated a safe service. We have continued to provide services in a prudent manner whilst adhering to all UK Government guidance on COVID-19, the regulatory expectations of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the local authority. As we seek to expand our services, VCP is currently tendering in a neighbouring borough for accommodation-based care and support.

After the successful implementation of improvements following the publication of an inspection report by the Care Quality Commission in February 2019, VCP is currently committed to sustainability by implementing a robust IT system and executing the new CQC approach. In addition, VCP seeks to expand its services by moving into accommodationbased/supported living care & support, Non-Regulated Service Provision, having successfully won an Enhanced Home Care Service at Edward Alsop Court (EAC) in the City of Westminster. Thus, it is seeking to increase the weekly hours of care delivered for Westminster Social Services, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) and self-funded service users.

Vincentian Care Plus 3

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Achievements and performance (continued)

Process

The process of making improvements to the Well Led CQC rating has included the implementation of One Touch systems to support the delivery of care. One Touch System Care is a homecare management solution designed to give better visibility over the care and support aspect of vulnerable adult client groups to live happily at home. This system illustrates VCP’s clear vision and credible strategy to deliver high-quality care and support, promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive, empowering and to evaluate and learn from mistakes. It is a way to continuously learn, improve, innovate, and ensure sustainability, and enable the service to work in partnership with next of kin, friends, relatives, health professionals and other agencies.

Key operational and process-focused improvements have included:

Sub-contractor relationship

VCP continues to work closely with the sub-contractor, Verilife, to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth partnership and communication flow. The weekly meetings continue to establish and foster improved dialogue on strategic as well as operational issues.

Recruitment and training

We are proud of our diverse workforce from all walks of life (ethnicity, religions, age, socioeconomic backgrounds), all of whom have a passion for looking after others and with the ability to provide customer care and an understanding of our service users’ needs, how to meet them and how to apply these skills actively in their roles.

We have sourced specialist training from reputable training provider Norman Mark, which not only accommodates the bespoke culture of the charity but is cost effective and accommodates more attendees. Training courses include:

Vincentian Care Plus 4

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Achievements and performance (continued)

Recruitment and training (continued)

VCP has a mandatory induction training programme in place which lasts for five days, and it covers the 15 standards of care for new staff. All VCP care workers have completed the care certificate.

Annual refresher training is given for the key standards and principles of care, including safeguarding, medication and moving and handling.

In addressing improvements needed in the “well led” domain of the 2019 CQC report, VCP recognised the need to address care staff actions in the field immediately, in addition to establishing a more comprehensive and regularly audited database of all staff training. A comprehensive training matrix has been established and implemented which both identifies which training has been completed and alerts when it is due, in order to ensure that staff are operating in accordance with the latest guidance and best practice.

There is vigorous management in place for supervision and training to identify areas for development: for example, two key office staff have been trained to be Dementia Champions; care staff have been upskilled to undertake risk assessments and spot checks (senior care workers); there are opportunities to undertake short courses; and enrolment onto the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) is encouraged.

Each new employee needs to shadow an existing senior or upskilled carer in the field for a minimum of three days.

Staff competency is under constant review through one-to-one medication competency assessments with a field care supervisor.

There are reactive workshops to assess staff competency: e.g. case studies regarding medication errors and lessons learned and open floor discussion of current events regarding social care in the media.

Vincentian Care Plus 5

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Future developments

VCP is seeking to expand its services by moving into accommodation-based/supported living care and support, Non-Regulated Service Provision, having successfully won an Enhanced Home Care Service at Edward Alsop Court (EAC) in the City of Westminster. In addition, VCP is also seeking to change the job title of care worker to support worker, only for care staff who work in EAC. Simplifying the recruitment process to recognise new recruits with valuable skills and experience gained outside the care industry is also being considered.

Some care service providers or self-employed personal assistants (PAs) are not regulated by the CQC. There can be several reasons why this may be. For example, if a care provider only offers services such as household tasks, shopping, and cleaning - the CQC would not need to regulate such providers. More often than not, these companies often act as personal assistants and do not carry out any 'hands-on' care services. These services can be removed from care workers and offered to PA activity staff who prefer to provide domestic services as opposed to personal care.

Despite the recent introduction of migrant sponsorship in domiciliary care, the pressures on the industry have not changed significantly, and it is not wise to rely on it as a solution to the workforce crisis.

Migrant sponsorship is a finite resource similar to furlough, and the industry is facing an overwhelming message that the workforce is the most significant issue currently and for the foreseeable future. There is a crisis in attracting, recruiting, and retaining essential workers which poses a significant challenge to the industry, and this challenge is likely to persist in the future.

Vincentian Care Plus 6

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Future developments (continued)

Feedback from various joint provider meetings indicates that the industry must address the workforce issue as a priority. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, and the wages are often low, leading to a high turnover of staff. The lack of available funding for providers also creates a significant barrier for businesses to grow and expand.

Steps for Business Growth:

Invest in Staff Development: VCP continues to provide staff with training and development opportunities to improve their skills and job satisfaction, which impacts staff retention.

Increase Wages: VCP has recently increased the Care Worker hourly rate from £11.05 to £12.10 Monday-Friday, and from £11.15 to £12.15 per hour Saturday and Sunday. The increase in wages will ideally attract and retain staff, improve morale, and enhance the quality of services provided.

Implement Technology: We have recently implemented a new rostering system and, based on our experience, the use of technology streamlines processes, reduces paperwork, and improves communication between staff and service users.

Diversify Service Offerings: Diversifying service offerings can create new revenue streams, provide more comprehensive care options, and reduce reliance on a single funding source.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the pressures facing the business have not changed significantly, and the aforementioned highlights the proactive steps management is taking to address them. Investing in staff development, increasing wages, improving technology, diversifying service offerings, and advocating for funding are all important strategies for VCP to grow and move forward in the industry.

Financial review

Results for the year

A summary of the charity’s income and expenditure can be found on page 19 of the attached financial statements.

For the year ended 31 March 2023 the total income for the year amounted to £2,417,545 (2022 - £2,355,728) and included donations, grants, and legacies of £28,014 (2022 - £263,107) and fees receivable of £2,386,064 (2022 - £2,092,572).

During the year, total expenditure amounted to £2,285,351 (2022 - £2,151,274) including £2,010,004 (2022 - £1,903,807) in relation to staff costs.

Vincentian Care Plus 7

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Financial review (continued)

Reserves and financial position

The Trustees have examined the requirement for free reserves i.e. those unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets, or otherwise committed. The Trustees consider that, given the nature of the work undertaken at Vincentian Care Plus, the level of free reserves should be approximately equal to between three- and six-months’ recurring expenditure. The Trustees are of the opinion that this level of reserves should provide sufficient flexibility to cover temporary shortfalls in income due, for example, to falls in service levels.

General funds at 31 March 2023 were £687,517 (2022 – £542,460). The Trustees accept that the financial position of the charity needs improving, and the amount of general funds is at the lower end of the reserves policy, but it has improved on 2022 and is now equivalent to approximately 3.3 months. The Trustees know that the next few years will be challenging. There is a need to ensure that the charity continues to improve its processes and controls with a view to fulfilling the requirements of the Care Quality Commission, thereby retaining the confidence of Westminster City Council, and demonstrating that it can continue to deliver a quality domiciliary care service. This will need to be done alongside the requirement for VCP to continue to implement robust and careful budgeting and monitoring of cash flow.

The financial performance of the charity is dependent on it being able to meet consistently the targets set out within its contractual agreement with Westminster City Council and on the funding climate for care services generally. In particular, the charity’s finances are impacted directly by the number of service users referred or transferred to it by Westminster City Council and on the contract price paid. These aspects may be a challenge in the forthcoming year given the residual impact of Covid-19. However, if VCP can continue to retain its “Good” CQC rating, the Trustees remain cautiously optimistic that the charity can meet the challenges presented and slowly build up its level of free reserves over time.

Governance, structure, and management

Trustees

The Trustees constitute directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company legislation.

The following Trustees served during the year:

Trustee
G Von Malachowski
M Hibberd
D Dowling Appointed 17 May 2022
Sister B Ryder Appointed 28 June 2022
Sister M Raw
N Turner

No Trustee received any remuneration from the charitable company during the year. No out of pocket travelling expenses were reimbursed to Trustees during the year. No Trustee had any beneficial interest in any contract with the charitable company during the year.

Vincentian Care Plus 8

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Governance, structure, and management (continued)

Trustees (continued)

Brief biographical details of each Trustee serving at 31 March 2023 are given below:

Glen Von Malachowski

Glen Von Malachowski is an experienced Executive Director within the health and social care sector, with extensive experience in the private, public and third sectors. He has a particular passion for growing businesses in line with key strategic opportunities. As a trained Social Worker, Glen worked for many years in education before moving into business management and strategic development within organisations specialising in acquired brain injury and people with learning disabilities and complex health needs.

Glen currently is a Trustee for two charitable organisations, the Chairman of a third and the Non-Executive Director/Chairman of a fourth.

Mark Hibberd

Mark Hibberd was born in London at Westminster Hospital on 15 November 1961. His early schooling was at St Gabriel's Primary School and at Westminster City School. He then did a history degree at the School of Slavonic East European Studies, part of the University of London. Having worked part-time, he joined John Lewis full-time in 1984 and continued to work at the flagship Oxford Street store until the summer of 2011. After leaving John Lewis he acted as full-time carer for his mother Patricia who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, she passed away in 2020. He is currently acting as carer for his father. His interests include travel, skiing, swimming, listening to music and reading. He enjoys watching live football where possible, being a supporter of Chelsea Football Club, and meeting up with friends.

Damian Dowling

After graduating from Trinity College with a Masters in Science, Damian moved from his home city of Dublin to the UK. Initially working as an Environmental Scientist, his background allowed for a diverse energy and sustainability career – from Geophysicist to Sustainability Management - over the next 15 years. Even though that experience was grounded on the technical, Damian naturally progressed to a consultative approach on new and existing developments. Later completing a Masters in Psychology, Damian’s approach to engagements is lived through a sustainable lens, where operational, human centric and commercial pillars are addressed equally. Now leading the Logistics Segment (UK and Ireland) for Schneider Electric, Damian works with stakeholders and partners to develop an energy efficient future. Outside of work, Damian is a keen volunteer – holding Board level positions in educational and social outreach charities over the years. Those years offered a large networking base, key governance experience and a central government and NGO footprint. Positions included the Director of Young Professionals for the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB), Chair of Sustainability for the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) and Head of Business & Resident Liaisons for Pride in London (PiL). During the pandemic, Damian concentrated on community mental and physical health by volunteering as a Crisis Counsellor with SHOUT and as a vaccinator with St John Ambulance.

Vincentian Care Plus 9

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Governance, structure, and management (continued)

Trustees (continued)

Sister Bernadette Ryder

Sister Bernadette Ryder entered the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in March 1963 and has worked in caring for children, adolescents, and the elderly. After being awarded her certificate as a Social Welfare Officer for the blind, Sister was in charge of a unit for multiple handicapped blind adolescents in Christopher Grange, Liverpool for 15 years, during which time Sister also gained her certificate in residential social work. Sister was the Project Leader of a Family Centre in Wales for four years, and Manager of Christopher Grange, Liverpool for four years. After five years working as a Pastoral Worker for the elderly in Manchester, she was appointed Manager of Seton Care for elderly Sisters in Warley, Essex. Sister is currently working in the Province Archives and Heritage Centre of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul.

Sister Marie Raw

Sister Marie Raw joined the Daughters of Charity in 1965. She already had her Teaching Qualification and Diploma to teach deaf children, and spent 30 years in education, including six years as Head Teacher. For a further six years she held the post of Financial Director at the Marillac Nursing Home in Warley, Brentwood and in 2004 completed an Honours Degree in Business Studies. In 2002 she was appointed to the Provincial Council, using her planning and organisational skills for the benefit of the Community in its design and vision for the future. Sister Marie was appointed Provincial in June 2008, a role she held until 2015, when she was elected as a General Councillor of the Daughters of Charity and relocated to Paris. She returned to Britain in 2021.

Nigel Turner

Nigel has led charitable enterprises which provide social care and support for people with learning disabilities, people with long-term mental health support needs, and older people. Most notably, he was Chief Executive of a social care provider for 18 years, taking the charity from an organisation running two care homes to managing a diverse range of services across five London boroughs. Nigel holds a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors and takes a particular interest in charity governance. He has served as Deputy Chair of a local authority trading company providing housing and social care, and as Deputy Chair of a grant-making charity which aims to reduce health inequalities in Great Britain. Currently he chairs a charity which offers training to support people to self-manage their long-term health conditions, and which promotes self-management more generally .

Key management personnel

The key management personnel of the charity during the year were the Trustees and Registered Manager. The Registered Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Service and since 2019 has been executing additional duties of Chief Executive Officer and is accountable to the Trustees.

Vincentian Care Plus 10

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Governance, structure and management (continued)

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

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

Each of the Trustees confirms that:

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of s418 of the Companies Act 2006.

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

Vincentian Care Plus 11

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Governance, structure, and management (continued)

Public benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 17 of the Charities Act to have regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. This report includes a detailed description of the activities undertaken by the charity during the year to further its charitable purpose for the public benefit.

The assistance given to our service users is proportionate to their needs. Trustees complete an annual declaration of conflict of interest. The Trustees have planned VCP activities to avoid the granting of any private benefit other than one that is purely incidental to carrying out VCP objectives. They believe they have followed the Charity Commission’s guidance in this area.

Risk management

In line with the requirement for the Trustees to undertake a risk assessment exercise and report on the same in their report, key management (including the Trustees) look at the risks the charity currently faces and review the measures already in place, or needing to be put in place, to deal with them. Five main areas have been identified where risk may occur:

Governance and management: VCP had faced historical challenges with regards to compliance with the regulatory body CQC. Since overcoming this obstacle, VCP has had to face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the challenges presented during this period and coming out from the worldwide crisis have since shifted. Balancing the organisation’s underpinning values/vision with the reality of high inflation/cost of living, workforce capacity and company-wide morale has become more of a significant priority/risk.

Operational looks at the risks inherent in the charity’s activities including engaging in inappropriate activities and shortcomings in the service provided, difficulties with staff, poor health and safety, etc.

Financial risks include those arising as a result of poor budgetary control, inappropriate spending, poor accounting, inappropriate investment policies etc.

Reputation looks at possible damage to the charity’s reputation.

Laws, regulations, external and environment look at the effects of government policies and the consequences of non-compliance with laws and regulations.

Vincentian Care Plus 12

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Governance, structure, and management (continued)

Risk management (continued)

The Trustees regularly assess the major risks to which the charity is exposed. The systems established to mitigate those risks are periodically reviewed to ensure that they have established effective systems to manage those risks. The Trustees have identified the following risks as those which have caused most concern in this financial year:

As part of its business planning, the board estimates, and sets as a minimum target, the number of hours of care and support per week which VCP needs to deliver in order at least to break even financially. At times during the year, we have struggled to meet this target through a combination of factors, including various impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in recruiting sufficient staff. Service user numbers, weekly hours and overhead costs are closely monitored in order to maintain financial sustainability.

The main financial risk, as in previous years, is uncertainty over current and future funding. Financially, the next couple of years will be difficult and there will be a real need for careful budgeting and the monitoring of cash flow. The trustees of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Charitable Trust (Charity Registration Number: 236803) have indicated that they will continue to provide cash flow support to the charity in the short term to enable it to remain a going concern.

Care staff are the front line of VCP, and they build and maintain VCP’s reputation. The Registered Manager has devised a strategy for recruitment and has invested a great deal of time by offering short courses, induction, NVQ level - 2 & 3, specialist training and refresher training to ensure a quality service. VCP now requires more care staff to keep up with the current challenges facing the Social Care recruitment environment.

Without sufficient care staff VCP may not be able to deliver services, causing distress to service users and their loved ones. A lack of care staff may also result in a default notice being issued against the charity by Westminster City Council if it can be argued that VCP cannot meet the demands of service users in Westminster.

VCP has a policy on the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children. The charity takes responsibility for identifying, preventing, investigating, and responding to all allegations or incidents of abuse. If service users believe that they are subject to abuse of any kind, they are encouraged to speak to a member of staff or volunteer at VCP or to an external advocate. Risk assessments, needs assessments and support plans are implemented and agreed with service users.

All VCP staff and volunteers must undergo a full DBS check. However, at present there are some minor delays in obtaining DBS clearances and the Trustees hope that this situation can be resolved quickly as VCP is unable to employ care staff unless they have a clear DBS check.

Vincentian Care Plus 13

Trustees’ report 31 March 2023

Governance, structure, and management (continued)

Risk management (continued)

Since inception, VCP has worked hard at developing a reputable service, but this always demands constant attention from every member of the charity. Reputation can be lost very easily and be well-nigh impossible to rebuild.

Fundraising policy

The charity aims to achieve best practices in the way in which it communicates with donors and other supporters. It takes care with both the tone of its communication and the accuracy of its data to minimise the pressures on supporters. It applies best practices to protect supporters’ data and never sells data, it never swaps data and ensures that communication preferences can be changed at any time. The charity does not employ the services of professional fundraisers. The charity undertakes to react to and investigate any complaints regarding its fundraising activities and to learn from them and improve its service. During the year, the charity received no complaints about its fundraising activities.

Concern for the environment

We continue to recycle waste and reduce energy consumption by being careful to switch off equipment and lights.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Glen Von Malachowski

Trustee

Approved by the Trustees on: 10/10/2023

Vincentian Care Plus 14

Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2023

Independent auditor’s report to the member of Vincentian Care Plus

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Vincentian Care Plus (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies, and the notes to the financial statements. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis 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 auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 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.

Other information

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

Vincentian Care Plus 15

Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2023

Other information (continued)

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.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees’ responsibilities, 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.

Vincentian Care Plus 16

Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2023

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

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

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the charitable company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

Vincentian Care Plus 17

Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2023

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements (continued)

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

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

Use of our report

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

Amanda Francis (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Buzzacott LLP, Statutory Auditor 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

19 December 2023

Vincentian Care Plus 18

Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) Year to 31 March 2023

Notes
Un-
restricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2023
Total
funds
£		 Un-
restricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2022
Total
funds
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
1
Bank interest
Fees receivable for home
care visiting service
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
. Provision of a home care
visiting service
2
Total expenditure
Net income (expenditure)
and net movement in funds
6
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances brought
forward at 1 April 2022
Fund balances carried
forward at 31 March 2023
—
3,467
2,386,064		 28,014
—
—		 28,014
3,467
2,386,064		 —
49
2,092,572		 263,107
—
—		 263,107
49
2,092,572
2,389,531 28,014 2,417,545 2,092,621 263,107 2,355,728

2,244,474		 40,877 2,285,351 1,907,692 243,582 2,151,274
2,244,474 40,877 2,285,351 1,907,692 243,582 2,151,274

145,057
542,460		 (12,863)
19,525		 132,194
561,985		 184,929
357,531		 19,525
—		 204,454
357,531
687,517 6,662 694,179 542,460 19,525 561,985

All of the charity’s activities derived from continuing operations during the above two financial years.

All recognised gains and losses are included in the above financial activities.

Vincentian Care Plus 19

Balance sheet 31 March 2023

Notes 2023
£		 2022
£
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets
8
Current assets:
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Current liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
10
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors:amounts falling due after one year
11
Total net assets
Represented by:
The funds of the charity
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
. General funds		 4,738 5,132
295,146
531,507		 229,239
502,380
826,653
(137,212)		 731,619
(124,766)
689,441 606,853
694,179
—		 611,985
(50,000)
694,179 561,985
6,662
687,517		 19,525
542,460
694,179 561,985

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Glen Von Malachowski

Trustee

Approved on: 10/10/2023

Vincentian Care Plus

Registered Company Number: 05321333 (England and Wales)

Vincentian Care Plus 20

Statement of cash flows Year to 31 March 2023

Notes
2023
£


82,257


(3,130)
(3,130)


(50,000)
(50,000)

29,127

502,380


531,507		 2022
£
234,186
(2,778)
(2,778)
(20,000)
(20,000)
211,408
290,972
502,380
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities
A
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of loan
Net cash used in financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2022
B
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2023
B

Notes to the statement of cash flows for the year to 31 March 2023.

A Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash provided by operating activities

B
C		 2023
£		 2022
£
Net movement in funds (as per the statement of financial activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge
(Increase) decrease in debtors
Increase (decrease) in creditors
Net cashprovided by operating activities		 132,194
3,524
(65,907)
12,446		 204,454
2,742
28,132
(1,142)
82,257 234,186
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2023
£
531,507
Cash flows
£
29,127
50,000
79,127		 2022
£
502,380
2023
£
531,507
—
531,507
Total cash and cash equivalents:
Cash at bank and in hand
Analysis of change in net debt 2022
£
502,380
(50,000)
452,380
Cash at bank and in hand
Loans falling due after more than one year
Balance at 31 March

Vincentian Care Plus 21

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2023

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are laid out below.

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared for the year to 31 March 2023 with comparative information given in respect to the year to 31 March 2022.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the principles set out in Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.

Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Preparation of the financial statements requires the trustees and management to make significant judgements and estimates.

The main judgements and estimates applied in these financial statements relate to:

Assessment of going concern

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these financial statements. The Trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these financial statements.

Vincentian Care Plus 22

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2023

Assessment of going concern (continued)

The Trustees accept that the financial position of the charity needs improving and the amount of general funds is at the lower end of the reserves policy, but it has improved on 2022 and free reserves are now equivalent to approximately 3.3 months’ expenditure. The Trustees know that the next few years will be challenging. There is a need to ensure that the charity continues to improve its processes and controls with a view to fulfilling the requirements of the Care Quality Commission, thereby retaining the confidence of Westminster City Council, and demonstrating that it is able to continue to deliver a quality domiciliary care service. This will need to be done alongside the requirement for VCP to continue to implement robust and careful budgeting and monitoring of cash flow.

The financial performance of the charity is dependent on it being able to meet consistently the targets set out within its contractual agreement with Westminster City Council and on the funding climate for care services generally. In particular, the charity’s finances are impacted directly by the number of service users referred or transferred to it by Westminster City Council and on the contract price paid. These aspects may be a challenge in the forthcoming year given the residual impact of COVID-19. However, assuming that VCP can continue to retain its “Good” CQC rating, the Trustees remain cautiously optimistic that the charity can meet the challenges presented and slowly build up its level of free reserves over time.

The Trustees are of the opinion that VCP will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due, and that the charity is a going concern.

Income recognition

Income is recognised in the year in which the charitable company is entitled to receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty and it is probable that the income will be received. Income comprises donations, legacies and fees receivable for home care visiting services.

Donations and grants are recognised when the charity has confirmation of both the amount and settlement date. In the event of donations and/or grants pledged but not received, the amount is accrued for where the receipt is considered probable. In the event that a donation or grant is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity, and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting year.

In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102 volunteer time is not recognised.

Vincentian Care Plus 23

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2023

Income recognition (continued)

Legacies are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the legacy, the executors have established that there are sufficient surplus assets in the estate to pay the legacy, and any conditions attached to the legacy are within the control of the charity. Entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably, and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, but the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash, or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title of the asset having being transferred to the charity.

Fees receivable for home care visiting services are accounted for on an accruals basis. Income is recognised at fair value when the charity becomes entitled to the funds under its contractual agreements.

Expenditure recognition

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to make a payment 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.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and relates to furthering the charitable purposes of the charity through the provision of a home care visiting service.

Governance costs are associated with the governance arrangements of the charitable company and include audit costs and the necessary legal procedures for compliance with the statutory requirements.

All expenditure is stated inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Tangible fixed assets

All assets with an expected useful life exceeding one year are capitalised.

Computer equipment

Expenditure on the purchase of computer equipment is capitalised and depreciated on a straight-line basis over a four-year period.

Furniture and fittings

Expenditure on the purchase and replacement of furniture and fittings is capitalised and depreciated on a straight-line basis over a four-year period.

Vincentian Care Plus 24

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2023

Debtors

Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition. Deposits for more than three months but less than one year have been disclosed as short-term deposits. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investment.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash payment where such discounting is material.

Fund structure

General funds represent those monies which are freely available for application towards achieving any charitable purpose that falls within the charitable company’s charitable objects.

Restricted funds comprise monies received for, or their use restricted to, a specific purpose, or contributions subject to donor/funder imposed conditions.

Leased assets

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Pension contributions

Contributions in respect to the defined contribution pension scheme are charged to the statement of financial activities when they are payable to the scheme. Contributions are restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 4. There were £6,547 outstanding contributions at the year-end (2022 – £6,876). The charity has no liability beyond making its contributions and paying across the deductions for the employees’ contributions.

Vincentian Care Plus 25

Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2023

1 Income from: Donations, grants, and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2023
Total
funds
£		 Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2022
Total
funds
£
Donations
. Westminster Foundation
. Other
Grants
. Westminster City Council
Total funds		 —
—
—
10,684
11,500
5,830
10,684
11,500
5,830
—
—
—
10,684
—
252,423
10,684
—
252,423
— 28,014
28,014
—
263,107
263,107

2 Expenditure on: Provision of a home care visiting service

Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2023
Total
funds
£		 Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2022
Total
funds
£
Staff costs (note 4)
Other staff related costs
Premises costs
Welfare costs
Management and support
systems
Governance costs (note 3)
Office and other costs
Total funds		 1,992,674
36,453
63,694
39,746
57,562
6,120
48,225		 17,330
12,863
10,684
—
—
—
—		 2,010,004

49,316
74,378
39,746
57,562
6,120
48,225
1,706,952

20,254
54,183
8,195
61,300
4,454
52,354
196,855

10,799
10,684
25,244
—
—
—		 1,903,807

31,053
64,867
33,439
61,300
4,454
52,354
2,244,474 40,877 2,285,351
1,907,692
243,582		 2,151,274

3 Governance

Unrestricted
2023
Total
funds
£
2022
Total
funds
£
6,120
4,454
2023
Total
funds
£
Auditor’s remuneration 6,120

4 Staff costs and remuneration of key management personnel

Staff costs and remuneration of key management personnel
2023
Total
funds
£
1,822,892
153,371
33,741
2,010,004		 2022
Total
funds
£
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 1,739,062
133,401
31,344
1,903,807

The average number of employees during the year was 92 (2022 – 102).

No employees earned £60,000 per annum or more (including taxable benefits but excluding employer’s pension contributions) during the year to 31 March 2023 (2022 – none).

Vincentian Care Plus 26

Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2023

4 Staff costs and remuneration of key management personnel (continued)

During the year, the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running, and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis comprised the Trustees, and the Registered Manager. The total remuneration (including taxable benefits and employer’s pension contributions) of key management personnel for the year was £56,949 (2022 - £58,521).

5 Trustees’ remuneration

None of the Trustees received remuneration in respect of their services during the year (2022 - £nil). No Trustee received reimbursement of expenses during the year (2022 – £nil).

6 Net income (expenditure) and net movement in funds

Net income (expenditure) and net movement in funds
2023
Total
funds
£		 2022
Total
funds
£
This is stated after charging:
Staff costs (note 4)
Depreciation (note 8)
Operating lease charges
Auditor’s remuneration
. Statutoryaudit		 2,010,004
3,524
15,178
6,120		 1,903,807
2,742
23,086
6,000

7 Taxation

Vincentian Care Plus is a registered charitable company and, therefore, is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.

8 Tangible assets

Tangible assets
Computer
equipment
£		 Furniture
and
fittings
£		 Total
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022
Additions
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2023
Net book values
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022		 9,834
2,898		 1,132
232		 10,966
3,130
12,732 1,364 14,096
5,551
3,183		 283
341		 5,834
3,524
8,734 624 9,358
3,998 740 4,738
4,283 849 5,132

Vincentian Care Plus 27

Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2023

9 Debtors

Debtors
2023
£		 2022
£
Fees receivable
Other debtors		 294,400
746		 229,239
—
295,146 229,239

10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
£		 2022
£
Wages, social security and other taxes
Sundry creditors and accruals		 126,698
10,514		 106,333
18,433
137,212 124,766

11 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2023
£		 2022
£
Loans repayable — 50,000

In November and December 2016 and January 2017, bridging loans totalling £90,000 were advanced to Vincentian Care Plus from the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Charitable Trust. The outstanding balance on these loans was fully repaid during the year.

12 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include the following restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust to be applied for specific purposes:

At 1
April
2022
£		 Income
£		 Expenditure
£
At 31
March
2023
£
Rent fund
Infection control fund
Staff costs fund
Migrant sponsorship fund		 —
—
—
19,525		 10,684
5,830
11,500
—		 (10,684)
(5,830)
(11,500)
(12,863)		 —
—
—
6,662
19,525 28,014 (40,877) 6,662
At 1
April
2021
£		 Income
£		 Expenditure
£
At 31
March
2022
£
Rent fund
Infection control fund
Workforce retention fund
Migrant sponsorship fund		 —
—
—
—		 10,684
42,929
189,969
19,525		 (10,684)
(42,929)
(189,969)
—		 —
—
—
19,525
— 263,107 (243,582) 19,525

Vincentian Care Plus 28

Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2023

12 Restricted Funds (continued)

13 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2023
Total
funds
£
Fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year		 4,738
819,991
(137,212)		 —
6,662
—		 4,738
826,653
(137,212)
687,517 6,662 694,179
Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2022
Total
funds
£
Fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year		 5,132
712,094
(124,766)
(50,000)		 —
19,525

—
—		 5,132
731,619
(124,766)
(50,000)
542,460 19,525 561,985

14 Liability of member

The charitable company is constituted as a company limited by guarantee. In the event of the charitable company being wound up the company’s member would be required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

15 Operating lease commitments

At 31 March 2023, the charity had the following future minimum commitments under noncancellable operating leases in respect to land and buildings:

2023
£
66,654
66,654
99,981
233,289		 2022
£
49,995
49,995
49,995
149,985
Amounts payable:
. Within one year
. Within one to two years
. Within two to five years

Vincentian Care Plus 29

Notes to the financial statements 31 March 2023

15 Operating lease commitments (continued)

At 31 March 2023, the charity had the following future minimum commitments under noncancellable operating leases in respect to office equipment:

cancellable operating leases in respect to office equipment:
2023
£		 2022
£
Amounts payable:
. Within one year
. Within one to two years
. Within two to five years
Total		 —
14,352
17,940		 14,032
14,032
17,620
32,292 45,684

15 Parent entity and connected charity

Control of Vincentian Care Plus lies with its member and parent entity, the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Services, a registered charity (Charity Registration Number 1149326) and a company limited by guarantee (Company Registration Number 07638065 (England and Wales)). The registered office of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Services is Provincial House, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1RE.

The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Services (the charitable company) is controlled by the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, by virtue of the fact that members of the Congregation are also members of the charitable company.

The charitable company is connected to the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Charitable Trust (the Charitable Trust) (Charity Registration Number 236803) by virtue of the fact that certain of its Trustees are also Trustees of the Charitable Trust.

In November and December 2016 and January 2017, bridging loans totalling £90,000 were advanced to Vincentian Care Plus from the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Charitable Trust. The outstanding balance of £50,000 was repaid during the year to 31 March 2023 leaving the balance of £nil (31 March 2022 - £50,000) (see note 11 above).

At 31 March 2023, Vincentian Care Plus owed the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Charitable Trust £nil (2022 – £875) being interest on the outstanding loan balance.

During the year the Charitable Trust gave a donation of £11,500 (2022 - £nil) in response to a crisis request to help with staff costs at Vincentian Care Plus.

Vincentian Care Plus 30