2023-01-31-accounts - First Choice Housing

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Objec	t	i	v	e	s and	Acti	viti	es
								SORP reference
Summary			of		the purposes		of	Para 1.17	The objects ofthe organisation are for the
the charity			as set out			in its			benefit ofthe public: the relief ofpoverty,
governing			document						hardship and distress among homeless
									persons, people with mental illness and/or
									asylum seekers in particular but not
									exclusively those living in the Swindon
									borough, by provision of, or assistance with
									the provision ofaccommodation, support
									and advice.
Summary ofthe main activities in relation to those								Para 1.17and 1.19	First Choice Housing has continued to work with Swindon Borough Council and other
purposes			for		the public				stakeholders to find short term
benefit,		in	particular,			the			accommodation for the homeless and to
activities,			projects or			services			support with their individual needs for
identified			in	the accounts.					example reference to organisations for
									support with substance abuse, mental health
									support services, other medical needs,
									managing appointments, communication
									with job centre, and managing utility bills.
									We support our clients in managing and
									resolving conflicts that emerge between
									them in a shared accommodation as well	as
									with neighbours. We work with the police
									and probation services to support the needs
									ofclients.
									First Choice housing has sourced 6houses
									accommodating up to 18individual male
									adults at an one time.
Statement				confirming				Para 1.18	All funds received are used to facilitate
whether		the			trustees	have			housing for the homeless. That includes
had regard				to the guidance					renting houses from private landlords	and
issued	by		the Charity						bringing them to the required HMO
Commission					on public				standards. Fully furnishing the house	and
benefit									maintenance of the properties including
									repairs to damages caused by clients, some
									ofwhom have complex needs.
									To ensure the guidance on public service is
									adhered to, trustees met 4 times to discuss

								Swindon Borough Council to discuss	Swindon Borough Council to discuss		the	the
								services that we provide.
								Trustees ensured that the relevant Laws			are
								adhered to for example working with			the
								vulnerable, data protection, health		and
								safety, tax and employment.
								Trustees have carried out and reviewed				a
								risk assessment to ensure that risks	to		the
								service users, the employees, and the	public
								have been identified and weighted.
								Mitigation is in place to minimise risk of		harm
								and to make sure any harm that might		arise
								is a minor consequence of carrying out			the
								ur ose.
Additio	na	l	information			(optional)
You ma		choose			to include further statements			where relevant about:
							SORP reference
Polic	on		rant makin				Para 1.38	See trust deed
Policy	on	social investment					Para 1.38	See trust deed
including		program			related
investment
Contribution				made by			Para 1.38	During the financial year our volunteers		did
volunteers								office admin duties for example one-to-one
								meetings with clients to review support
								plans, minor repairs of properties, cleaning
								ofcommon areas, gardening and clearing			of
								waste.
Other
Achievements and Performance
							SORP reference
Summary		of		the main			Para 120	6 houses rented and brought to the required
achievements				of	the charity,			HMO standards to provide short term
identifying			the difference			the		accommodation to the homeless and to
charity's		work has made				to		support individuals in integrating back	to		life
the circumstances					of its			in the community.
beneficiaries				and	any wider			All requirements around landlord certification
benefits to			society as a					met to ensure safety ofclients in the
whole.								accommodation.
								Business plan discussed and reviewed		for
								sustainability ofthe charity's work.
								Professional input sought on accounting			for
								management offinances.
								Systems put in place for finance accounting
								purposes.
								Meetings with potential funders to discuss
								requirements and options for grant
								application.
								Collaboration with other housing providers				to
								discuss client needs and for referrals.
								Collaboration with organisations supporting
								individuals to get back to work. Clients		can
								get accommodation from First Choice
								Housing, a requirement by employers	and

VCSE strenghtchecker used and findings
used to complete risk assessment for the
chadty, review ofpolicies, developments	ofa
detailed business plan. All these have been
done to ensure sustainability of our work,
safety and protection ofthe rights ofboth
clients and employees.
Impact deduced from client surveys
including information on:
%ofclients who have indicated that they	are
settled in a secure and suitable place to live
in a fit condition
%ofclients who indicate that they have
skills needed to manage and keep a place to
live in
%ofclients who indicate that they are
motivated and can live as independently	as
possible
%ofclients who have reported an
improvement in social involvement with the
local community
%ofclients who have undertaken skills
training
%ofclients who have improved their ability
to look ahead, plan and stick to goals
%ofclients referred to other agencies
%ofclients who can manage their finances
and to keep up with paying rent and service
charge.
Im act also measured from testimonials.

			Im act also measure
Additional information	(optional)
You ma choose to include		further statements	where relevant about:
Achievements against		1 ara 1.41
objectives set
Performance offundraising		Para 1.41
activities against objectives
set
Investment performance		Para 1.41
a ainst ob'ectives
Other

Financial Review	Financial Review
Review ofthe charity's			Para 1.21
financial position at the end
ofthe ediod
Statement explaining	the		Para 1.22	To hold reserves	in	case ofdrop in income				and
policy for holding reserves				for scheduled expenses.
stating why they are	held			The reserves can	be used;
				Rent, utility bills	and staff			wages
				expansion offor	services as per our charity
				objects.
				Part ofmoney in	reserves			are	committed	funds
				towards taxes.
Amount ofreserves	held		Para 1.22	L2551
Reasons for holding	zero		Para 1.22	NA
reserves
Details offund matedially		in	Para 1.24	NA
deficit
Explanation ofany			Para 1.23	NA
uncertainties about	the
charity continuing as a going
concern
Additional information		(opaional)
You ma choose to	include further statements			where relevant about
The chadity's principal				Contract with Swindon				Borough Council to
sources offunds (including				provide supported		living for the homeless					is
any fundraising)			Para 1.47	the charity's principal source offunds. The resources are used to source, fund, maintain
				the accommodation,			to	cater for all bills
				including staffing		to cater for the complex
				needs and su	ort ofour clients.
Investment policy and			Para 1.46	See trust deed.
objectives including	any
social investment policy
ado ted
A descdiption ofthe	principal		Para 1.4e	Lack offunding.		This	continues to hinder our
risks facing the charity				ability to recruit	permanent				employees	who
				are highly skilled		in working			with the
				vulnerable with	diverse			needs. We therefore
				rel on volunteers		to	car		out some roles.
Other

Structur	Structur	e,	e,	Governa	Governa	nce	and Manag	ement
Description		of		charity's
trusts:
Type of	governing				document		Para 1.25	Trust deed
trust deed,			royai charter
How is the		charity					Para 1.25	Trust
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association,			CIO)
Trustee	selection				methods		Para 1.25	Trustees must be appointed by a resolution
including	details of any							passed by a simple majority at a meeting.
constitutional				provisions		e.g.
election	to	post or			name	of
any person			or	body entitled
to appoint		one or more
trustees
Additional			information			(optional)
You ma	choose to include further statements							where relevant about
Policies	and		procedures				Para 1.51	Charity commission guidance for charity
adopted	for		the induction			and		trustees is used as a guide for trustees			in
training	of	trustees						performing their duties.
								Resources and training by Voluntary	Action
								Swindon on managing a charity used	to
								guide in managing the day-to-day
								management ofthe charity.
								First Choice Housing policies have been
								created and reviewed using guidance		by
								Charity commission, NCVO, the homeless
								link among other organisations.
								Examples of policies include;
								Equal opportunities policy
								Safeguarding policy
								Workplace risk assessment policy
								Client support documents e.g., support			plan,
								incident report forms, licence and support
								agreements are used to support our	work.
								First choice housing has policies around
								staff recruitment and induction. This	is aimed
								at recruiting the most suitable staff who			are
								well e ui d to serve our clients.
The charity's				organisational			Para 1.51	The Charity has at least three trustees			at
structure and network with				any wider which the				any given time. The chair oftrustees leads all meetings. The day-to-day activities ofthe
charity	works							charity are managed by the director	ofclient
								services and the director ofstrategy	and
								o rations.
Relationship				with	any related		Para 1.51
arties
Other

First	Choice	Housing
Suite	9-10,	Focal Point
Fleet	Street	Swindon
SN1	1RQ

	Trustee name	Office (ifany)	Dates acted ifnot forwhole ear'	Dates acted ifnot forwhole ear'	Dates acted ifnot forwhole ear'
	Winfred Oluoch	Office and finance	Whole year
		management
	Ruth Deacon	The Chair	Trustee meetings		and
			meetings	with
			stakeholders
	Stacey Adams		Trustee meetings
			AGM —finance review
	Nicole Orioro		Trustee meetings
			AGM- Marketing		and
			fundraising
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6
7
8
9
10
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20


Trustees'	annual report
Independent examiners		report to the trustees
Receipts	and payments	account
Statement	ofassets and	liabilities

The trustees 2023.	present their repo	present their repo	rt and the	unaudited financial statements of the cha
Reference	and administrative		details
Registered	charity	name		First Choice Housing
Charity registration		number		1139863
Principal office				Suit 2-03, Focal Point
				27-35 Fleet Street
				Swindon
				SN11RQ
The trustees				Stacey Adams
				Nicole Onoro
				Ruth Deacon
				Winfred Oluoch
Independent	examiner			L Hobbs FCCA of UHY Ross Brooke
				16Dorcan Business Village
				Murdock Road, Dorcan
				Swindon
				Wiltshire
				SN35HY

				2023	2022
			Unrestncted
			Funds	Total	Total
					6
Receipts
Housing Benefit			176,527	176,527	42,612
Donations			1,000	1,000
Other Income
Total Receipts			177,527	177,527	42,612
Payments
Rent &Rates			77,301	77,301	22,968
Light &Heat			5,472	5,472	282
Property HMO Compliance			16,821	16,821	1,558
Property Furnishings Letting Agents Fees		&Maintenance	12,699	12,699	2,850 600
Other Property Costs			652	652	240
Staff Wages			20,739	20,739	2,600
Staff Training					3,710
Cleaning			4,916	4,916	1,300
Trustee Remuneration			7,330	7,330	1,130
Office Rent			5,910	5,910	1,941
Telephone & Internet			1,132	1,132	978
Office &Website Costs			2,018	2,018	296
Professional and accountancy fees			3,648	3,648
Insurance			1,253	1„253	121
General Expenses			775	775	339
Bank Interest and Charges			275	275
			160,941	160,941	40,913
Payments relating to asset and liability movements
Repayment ofLoans		from Trustees	2,500	2,500
Repayment ofOther		Loans	3,100	3,100
Rent Deposits			4,300	4,300	3,056
			9,900	9,900	3,056
Total payments			170041	170011	~43969
Net ofReceipts/(payments)			6 606	~6686	1 35'7
Cash funds brought	forward		2,321	2,321	3,678
Cash funds carried	forward		9007	9007	~2321

					Unrestricted
					Funds
Cash funds
Barclays		Current Account			8,709
Barclays		Deposit Account			2,551
Commercial Credit			Card		-2,253
Total cash funds					9,007
				Fund to which	Current
Assets retained for charity use				asset belongs	Value
Computer		equipment		Unrestricted	1,000
					1,000
				Fund to which
Debtors				asset relates
Housing	Benefit			Unrestricted	19,181
Rent Deposits				Unrestricted	8,316
					27,497
				Fund to which
Liabilities				asset relates
Loan from		BHonsou		Unrestricted	4,987
Suppliers		accounts	not yet paid	Unrestricted	1,409
PAYE				Unrestricted	333
					6,729


Trustees'	annual report
Independent examiners		report to the trustees
Receipts	and payments	account
Statement	ofassets and	liabilities

The trustees 2023.	present their repo	present their repo	rt and the	unaudited financial statements of the cha
Reference	and administrative		details
Registered	charity	name		First Choice Housing
Charity registration		number		1139863
Principal office				Suit 2-03, Focal Point
				27-35 Fleet Street
				Swindon
				SN11RQ
The trustees				Stacey Adams
				Nicole Onoro
				Ruth Deacon
				Winfred Oluoch
Independent	examiner			L Hobbs FCCA of UHY Ross Brooke
				16Dorcan Business Village
				Murdock Road, Dorcan
				Swindon
				Wiltshire
				SN35HY

				2023	2022
			Unrestncted
			Funds	Total	Total
					6
Receipts
Housing Benefit			176,527	176,527	42,612
Donations			1,000	1,000
Other Income
Total Receipts			177,527	177,527	42,612
Payments
Rent &Rates			77,301	77,301	22,968
Light &Heat			5,472	5,472	282
Property HMO Compliance			16,821	16,821	1,558
Property Furnishings Letting Agents Fees		&Maintenance	12,699	12,699	2,850 600
Other Property Costs			652	652	240
Staff Wages			20,739	20,739	2,600
Staff Training					3,710
Cleaning			4,916	4,916	1,300
Trustee Remuneration			7,330	7,330	1,130
Office Rent			5,910	5,910	1,941
Telephone & Internet			1,132	1,132	978
Office &Website Costs			2,018	2,018	296
Professional and accountancy fees			3,648	3,648
Insurance			1,253	1„253	121
General Expenses			775	775	339
Bank Interest and Charges			275	275
			160,941	160,941	40,913
Payments relating to asset and liability movements
Repayment ofLoans		from Trustees	2,500	2,500
Repayment ofOther		Loans	3,100	3,100
Rent Deposits			4,300	4,300	3,056
			9,900	9,900	3,056
Total payments			170041	170011	~43969
Net ofReceipts/(payments)			6 606	~6686	1 35'7
Cash funds brought	forward		2,321	2,321	3,678
Cash funds carried	forward		9007	9007	~2321

					Unrestricted
					Funds
Cash funds
Barclays		Current Account			8,709
Barclays		Deposit Account			2,551
Commercial Credit			Card		-2,253
Total cash funds					9,007
				Fund to which	Current
Assets retained for charity use				asset belongs	Value
Computer		equipment		Unrestricted	1,000
					1,000
				Fund to which
Debtors				asset relates
Housing	Benefit			Unrestricted	19,181
Rent Deposits				Unrestricted	8,316
					27,497
				Fund to which
Liabilities				asset relates
Loan from		BHonsou		Unrestricted	4,987
Suppliers		accounts	not yet paid	Unrestricted	1,409
PAYE				Unrestricted	333
					6,729