DEAFCONNEcr (A company limited by guarantee) REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Company No: 06423466 Charlty No: 1124196
DEAFCONNECT (A company limited by guarantee) Contents Page Legal and administrative information Report of the Directors and Trustees Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activities {Includlng Income and Expense Account) Statement of financial position Notes to the financlal statements 9-14
DEAFCONNEcr (A company limited by guarantee) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Charity Name Deafconnect Charity Reglstratlon Number 1124196 Company Registratlon Number 06423466 Reglstered Office Spencer Dallington Community Centre Tintern Avenue Northampton NN5 7BZ Board of Trustees The directors who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: Claire Gogerty {Chair} Mark Symmonds Jack Knowles Julie White-Fasulo- (Resigned 23/04120241 Anthony Williams Christine Gallagher Rhiannon Beswick Chlef Executlve Officer Jenni Dawkins Independent Examlner Lorraine Scullion MAAT 17 Peregrine Place East Hunsbury Northampton NN4 OSL Bankers National Westminster 83nk plc The Drapery Branch, 41 The Drapery Northampton, NNI 2EY
DEAFCONNEcr (A company limited by guarantee) REPORT OF THE DIREcfoRS AND TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 The directors, who are also trustees for the purposes of charitable law, present their report along with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governlng document Deafconnect is registered with the Charity Commission under number 1124196. The charity was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 9 November 2007. The charitable company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Appolntment, Inductlon. and tralnlng of new trustees The board of Deafconnect comprises not less than four and not more than ten directors. At each AGM one thlrd of the trustees lor if there is not a multiple of three the number nearest to one third) retire by rotation. At thls yeaff s AGM, Jack Knowles and Mark Symmonds will retlre and hopefully both will offer themselves for reappointment. Directors are appointed to the board based on an assessment of skills required to provide the strategic direction of the charitable company. As well as a general induction to the charitable company, newly appointed directors receive an induction in line with thelr individual requirements. Organlsatlonal strurture The directors delegate operational responsibllity for the organisation to the Chief Executlve Offlcer through an agreed work plan. Rlsk management revlew The Directors monitor risks to which the organisation is exposed, and mitigation is part of the organisation's work plan. OBJEcfivES AND ACTIVITIES In shaping the charitable company's objectives for the period and planning its actlvities the D1ctOrS have considered the Charity Commission's 8uidance on public benefit. The object of the charity is to support and empower Deaf and hearing impaired in the counties of England together with their Carers, dependents, and families. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commisslon's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the directors consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
DEAFCONNECT (A company limited by guarantee) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Deafconnect services continue to be stretched beyond capacity most of the time. We continue to feel the effect5 of the pandemic plus the subsequent cost of living crisis. This in turn has had a knock-on effect with regards to applications for funding, but this is the same for many small charities currently. We secured a Children In Need grant for a specific project around making the NHS more Deaf Aware and accessible for Deaf people which ends 31, March 2024. In 2022 Northampton North and Northampton West councils granted us a two-year contract for seNices until the end of March 2024. The children's trust granted a year long contract for service5 until March 2023 which was extended to October 2024. Deafconnect continues to be the only Charity in Northamptonshire to offer support to Deaf and Hard of Hearin8 people of all ages. We continue to offer Children's Services which we are in the process of seeking funding for. The Trustees remain committed to providing servlces to deaf and hard of hearin8 people and recognise the needs to balance sensible investment to allow the organisation to function efficiently, whilst preserving sufficient funds to allow the charity to meet its charitable aims in the future. The strategy of self-sustainability remains, with the organisation seekin8 appropriate development opportunities, but realistically this strate8y will time take to implement. Prlnclpal fundlng sources Deafconnect would like to thank the following for their financlal support by means of grants or donations throughout this fiscal year: The national lottery community fund, Awards for all, Queens Institute, Northamptonshire Sport, Northamptonshire Children's trust, Compton fund, and Northamptonshire councils. Organisations who supported us in other ways include Denton Vlllage Hall Committee, V.l.N.,Sense, Mowers Ark, neighbourly (Lidl, Aldi and marks and Spencer) Foodiverse (Tescol and all our other volunteers. Principal funding sources are shown at note 5, 6 and 7. Investment policy The investment policy is to ensure that long term capital appreciation exceeds inflation by placing funds in low to medium risk investments. The equity losses for restricted and unrestricted funds suffered in the previous year have been partly reversed in the current year.
DEAFCONNEcr (A company limited by guarantee) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Reserves policv The policy calls for unrestricted funds to equal or exceed 6 months budgeted expenditure. The policy is currently being adhered to. The charity has a number of restricted funds. These are analysed in detail in note 16. These are donations where the donor has specified the purpose for which the money can be spent. At the 31 March 2024 restricted funds were £128,708. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS The strategy. of self-sustainability continues and income from Interpretlng, Room hires income at Spencer Dallin8ton Community Centre, BSL classes and Deaf Awareness Training continues to support our seniices. The current economic climate is not easy for charities, but we continue to look at different and innovative ways to bring in Income. We are doing the background work ready to launch a Legacy Campaign and have plans to update and relaunch our publicity material with a less clinical look to appeal to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. This will include updates to our Spencer Dallington Room Hire publicity too. The relaunch is predicted for January 2025.
DEAFCONNECT (A company Ilmited by guarantee) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES (contlnued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Com an ecial rovislon The report of the Directors has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Company law requires the member5 of the Board of Director5 to prepare financial statements for each financial year. which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the Company and of the income and expenditure of the Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements the members of the board are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently Make adjustments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue its activitie5 The members of the board are responsible for maintaining proper accountlng records that dlsclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, They have a general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irre8ulariLies. The Report was approved on 25 November 2024 by the Board of Directors land Trustees) and signed on their behalf. Claire Gogerty Chair
Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustees of: DEAFCONNECT Registered Charlty Number: 1124196 I report on the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on the attached pages 7 to 14 Page 6 Respective responsibllitles of trustees and examiner The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 {21 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examinatlon, it is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act: Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 14515){b} of the 2011 Act. State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examinerfs statement My examination was carried out in accordance wlth general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also Includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures of the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concernin8 any such matters. The procedure5 undertaken do not provlde all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion Is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and falr vieW' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examlnerfs Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: l. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements: To keep accountin8 records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Att 2006; and To prepare accounts whlch accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirement5 of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting bv Charities. have not been met; or 2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Lorraine Scullion MAAT 12, December 2024
DEAF CONNECT (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Page 7 STA TEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024 Notes Unrestricted Restrlcted 2024 2024 Total JnrestrictecRgStricted 2024 2023 2023 Income from.. Donations and legacies Investment income Charitable aGtivitl8S Other Total Income 1,613 106, 722 211,297 141,860 1,613 106,722 353, 157 13,991 6, 724 784, 799 725 77.990 379,632 747,860 461,492 205,574 78,715 Expandlture on.. Raising Funds Charitable aGtivities Other Total Expendlture 284,033 74, 137 358,170 250,029 68, 532 284,033 74,737 358, 170 250, 029 68, 532 Not Income/(expenditure) Transfer between funds Other recognised gains/(losses).' Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets Net Gains/(Ioss88) on investments 35,599 67,723 73,850 (13.850) 103,322 (44,515) 70,183 70,675 (10,675) (79,826) (79,826) (8,373) Net Movement In funds 30,377 53,873 23,496 42,273 492 ReGonciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Isl April 2023 231,065 74,835 305,900 273,278 75,327 Total funds carrled fornard 31 March 2024 200.688 128, 708 329,396 231,065 74, 835 All income and expenditure derived from Gontinuing activities. The statement of financial activities includes all gains and loss&s recognised during the year.
DEAF CONNECT Page 8 (A Company Limited by Guarantee) BALANCE SHEET AS A T 31st March 2024 Com an Number.. 05396874 Notes Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2024 Total JnrestrictecRestricted 2024 2023 2023 Fixed Assets Tangible assets Investments 2, 782 759,442 2, 782 759,442 5, 562 239,268 Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 63, 256 20,622 128, 708 42.634 128,708 63,256 108,086 171,342 37,652 47,727 (10,069) 77,184 77,184 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 4,170 (4, 170) 4,170 (4, 170) 3,696 2,349 (3, 696) (2,349) Net Gurrent Assets 38.464 128,708 167,172 73,765 74,835 Net assèts1(Ilabllltles) 200,688 128, 708 329,396 231,065 74,835 Charlty Funds Unrnstrlctod Rostrlcteo Total Unrostrlcte Rgstrlcted Unrestricted funds Restricted 200,688 200,688 231, 065 t28,708 329,396 qo 128, 708 200,688 128,708 74,835 74.8,1,5 2,3 i. n6,5 For the year &ndlng 31st March 2024, the company was onli118d Io 8xempllon from audll under $8clion 477 of the Comp8ni8s Acl 2006, The dlrectors acknowledge their r&sponslbllili6s for.. fi) the members havé not required the company to obtaln &n 8udil of ils 8ccounls for th8 year in question in acGordance wlth secllon 476. (ii) the directors acknowledge their r8sponsibililies for complying with rgquir&menls ol tho AGI with respgct to acGounting r8cords and the pr8par8lion of 8cGounls. (iii) these accounts hav8 been pr8p8red in accordanco with the provlsions applicable 10 ompanies subject lo the small companies'regim8. The 8ccounls have been prepar8d in accordance with the special provisions relating lo small companies within the Companies Act 2006. Approved by the trustees at a committee meeting held on 25th November 2024 and signed on their behalf by.. Claire Gogerty Chair rhe notes on Pages 9 to Page 14 form part of these financial statements.
DEAF CONNECT (A Company Lin7ited by Guarantee) Page 9 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st March 2024 Accounting Policies The financial slalements have been prepared under the hislorical cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accorclance with the Statement of Recommended Praclice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities" and SORP (FRS 702) issued in January 2019, and applicable UK Accounting Standards and the Charities Act 2011 Fom7at The company has taken advantage of the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and presented an income and expenditure account in the form of a Statement of Financial Activities on the grounds that it enables the financial statements lo show a true and fair view of the result for the year. Fund accounting General funds are unrestrlcl&d funds which are availablg for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity which have not been designated for olher purposes. Designated funds comprise unr8Stricted funds that have been sel aside by the trustges for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated funds is set out in the notes to the financial statem6nts. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with spocific restrictions imposed by the donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes, Incomlng resource$ All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when tha charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantifi8d with reasonable acGuracy. Grants ar& brought into account on a recelvable basis. Doferred incorne rgpresents amounts received for fulurg periods and Is released to incoming resources in the period for which it has been rac8ived. Resources expended All expenditure is accounled for on an accruals basls and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs relat8d to the category, Expenditure is stated inclusive of value added tax. Tangible fixed assets and depreclatlon All assets over £500 are capitalised. The cost less the estimated residual value of furniture and equipment is written off on a straight line basis. Intanglble Income Intangible incorne, in the form of donated facilities and voluntary help etc., is not included in the financial stalements since it is not oonsidered practicable to quantify such income. Resernes The current reserve policy is to maintain sufficient cash flow for known commitments, and the replacement of certain assets. Not all gr&nls/cours& income are received at the beginning of the financial others are received in arrears. Risk The direclors/trustees do not believe the organisation is subject to any substantial risk beyond those disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts. The organisalion has employer and public liability insurance to protect il in the case of a claim.
DEAF CONNECT (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Page 10 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 2024 2Q24 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2024 Total 2023 Jnrestricted Restri¢tgd Funds Funds 2023 l Donations and Legacies General Donations Legacies 7,673 1,613 73,997 725 1.613 1,613 13,991 725 2 Charitable Activities Grants.. Children in Need NNC Prevention Grant ESF Job Club 50+ NNC COVID R&li6f Big Lottery HOH NNC - Discretionary Grant Councillor Community Fund Magic Little Grant HMRC Furlough Northamplonshire Sport NCF - Compton Fund NCF - Winter Wellbeing Fund Hans Rausing The Percy Billon Charily NCF - Queens Institute Reli8f Fund NCF - CeGiI Pettit Fund NCF - Nptonshire Federation of Disability Sport 37,242 37,242 37.800 4, 138 37,800 37,800 1,597 7,597 520 103,978 103,978 58,342 4,880 700 700 2,772 500 1.600 4,298 5,000 1,000 7,000 Other.. Interpreting Fees Training Course Fees PA Support SD Room Hire Voiceability Fundraising Other Income 79, 183 8, 744 49,570 27,233 79,183 8,744 49,570 27,233 72,571 10,062 23, 859 28, 023 1,644 5, 526 211,297 141,860 7,644 5,526 353,157 2,122 4,962 184, 799 77,990
DEAF CONNECT (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Page 11 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 2024 2024 Unrestrlcted Restrl¢ted Funds Funds 2024 Total 2023 2023 Jnrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds 3 Charitable activities Employment costs DBS Checks Adult Servics Adult trading, BSL & Int&rprelers Group Childrens Services Fundraising Publicity/Advgrtising Depreci8tion Motor and travel expenses Printing, poslage and stationery Telephone Pr8mises costs Training AcGounting and Professional Fg8S Insurance Independent Examination Interpreter Fees Offlce Costs Other Costs 160,079 303 2,393 2,817 2,569 385 373 2,781 1,859 250 72,443 10,824 465 5,449 3,568 1,150 63,737 7U,YYO 1,818 284,033 63,095 223,174 303 4,041 2,817 4,376 385 1,050 2, 781 1,897 2,250 12,443 11,524 669 5,449 3, 568 1,150 66, 682 ICI,917 2,826 358, 170 140,642 404 1,760 1,385 544 7,189 65 3,040 1,498 7,288 12,952 16,980 1, 720 4,983 3,305 1,316 42,190 73,UbU 2,318 250,029 30,420 1,648 6,564 1,747 6,335 737 7,573 32 2,000 20 280 700 204 12,635 500 2,957 7b 1,008 74,137 70,250 Ib 68,532 2024 2024 Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds 2024 Total 2023 2023 Jnrestrlcted Restricted Funds Funds 4 Trustees and Employment costs Gross salaries Employer N I Employer pension SMP ReGovered 150,483 7,279 3,300 7,043 160,019 60,997 1,631 467 211,480 8,910 3, 767 1,043 223, 114 133,830 4,358 2,454 29,088 953 379 63,095 740,642 30,420 There is no employee being paid in excess of £60, 000 per annum. Th8 average nun7ber of employees during the year was.. 73 (2023.. 13) During the year trustee received £nil in remuneration. (2021.'£nil) The total expenditure reimbursed to Iruslees amounted to £nil. (2023.'£nil) Remuneration paid to K6y fvlanagement Personnel in the year £44, 827
DEAF CONNEGT (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Pagg 12 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Total 2024 Total 2023 5 Flxed Assots Furniture Furniture & Equip & Equip 24,655 16,374 8,347 24,655 Cost Add.. additions during the year 24,655 DepreGlatlon At 7 April 2023 Charge in year At 31 March 2024 19,093 2, 780 27,873 16,053 3,040 19,093 Net Book Value Al 31 March 2024 2, 782 At 37 March 2023 5, 562 6 Flxed Asset Investments Quoted Quoted Unrestricted Restrlcted Total 2024 Market Value as al l April 2023 Disposals Nel loss/gain on revaluation 239,268 (700, 000) 20,174 239,268 (100, 000) 20,774 Market value as at 31 March 2024 159,442 159.442 2024 2024 Unrestrlcted Restrlcted 2024 Total 2023 2023 JnrestrictecRestricted 7 Debtors rrade Debtors Other Debtors Pre-paid 61,558 67,558 36,377 175 1,760 37,652 1,698 63, 256 1,698 63,256 2024 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Total 2023 2023 Jnrestrictec Restricted 8 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year Irade Creditors Others Accruals and deferred income Social security and other taxation (2,689) (99) (1,382) (2, 689) (99) (7, 382) (2,442) (254) (2, 349) (t,oooJ 4,170 4,170 3,696 2,349
DEAF CONNECT (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Page 13 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 9 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits Defined contributlon plans The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation lo defined contribution plans was £3, 767 (2023.'£2833) Openlng Movement Movement Transfer Balance Out Between 2023 Funds Closing Balanco 2024 10 Unrestrlcted Resee$ Unrestricted General Reserves Designat8d - Development Fund Designated - IT 81,065 319,632 (363,859) 150, 000 13,850 50, 688 150,000 231,065 319,632 363,859 13,850 200,688 Openlng Movement Movement Transfer BalanGe Out Between 2023 Funds Closlng Balance 2024 11 Restricted Funds Children in Need Big Lottery Councillor Community Fund 1,024 37,242 73,811 703,918 700 74,835 141,860 (37, 996) (2, 070) 4,200 (41, 441) (11, 780) 124, 508 700 74.137 13.850 128, 708 Chlldren in Need - Funds are provided towards providino support to Ghildren and families Big Lottery - fowards Hard of Hearing Support Services Councillor Community Fund - Towards th6 cost of lighting in the Kitchen 12 Comparatlve Funds.. Openlng Movement Movement Transfer Balance In Out Between 2022 Funds Closlng Balance 2023 Comparative Unrestrlcted Reserves Unrestricted Gengral Reserves Dgsignated - Development Fund Designated - IT 120,635 205,514 750, 000 2,643 273,278 205,514 (255, 759) 10,675 81,065 150,000 2,643 258,402 10,675 231,065
DEAF CONNECT (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Page 14 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Opening Movement Movement Transfer Balance In Out Between 2022 Funds Closing Balance 2023 Comparative Restricted Funds Children in Need NCF - Queens Institute Relief Fund NCF - Wellbeing 50+ Big Lottery Arnold Clark A wards 4 All- 50+ NCF - Npton Federation of Disability Councillor Community Fund Magic Little Grant NCF - Compton Fund Northamptonshire Sport NCF - Cecil Pettit Fund The Percy Bilton Charity J.A.M Hglping Out 4,138 5,000 {3, 114) (5, 000) (5, 730) (32,024) (17, 184) fi,000) (7,855) (1,000) (2,112) (500) (3, 350) (2, 824) (5, 000) (4, 298) 725 68,532 7,024 5, 730 58,677 58,342 1,000 73,817 1,346 509 1,000 2,772 500 3, 350 1,224 5,000 1,600 4,298 725 78,715 75,327 10,675 74,835 Children in Need - Funds are provided towards providing support lo children and families NCF - Queens Institute Relief Fund - To provide support for deaf and hard of hearing people who use BSL as thèir main communication NCF - W8llbeing - To provide wellbeing support to 50+ British Sign Language Group Big Lottery - Towards Hard of Hearing Support Services Arnold Clark - fowards Interpreter fees Awards 4 AII 50+ - fowards activit18s for the 50+ Group NCF - Npton F8deration of Disability - Toward the deaf and hard of hearing support group Councillor Community Fund - Towards the cost of Kitchen Refurbishment Magic Little Grant - Towards the cost of Kitchon Refurbishment Neighbourly - Purchase of 8 fridge lo support the community food table and café. NCF - Compton Fund - Childrens Theatre Project Northamplonshire Sport - To support the establishment of a new sports club NCF - Cecil Petlit Fund - Tovvards the cost of a new kitchen for th8 centr8 The Percy Bilton Charity - Towards the cost of Kitchen Refurbishment J.A.M Helping Out - Towards the cost of new blinds 13 Operating lease commitments Financial commitments under no-cancellable operating leases will result in the following payments falling due in the next financial year. 2024 2023 Land and buildings.. Not later than l year Later than l year and not later than 5 years Later than 5 years 240 960 4,320 240 960 4,320 q4 Ultimate Controlling Party The charitable company is under the ullimate control of ils Iruslees, who are also the directors, and whose names are shown at the front of the financial statements.