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2023-06-30-accounts

Company registration number: 07529286 Charity registration number: 1141411

Bestwood Advice Centre

(A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

Community Accounting Plus Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL

Bestwood Advice Centre

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Report 2 to 5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7 to 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 17

Bestwood Advice Centre

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees Brian Grocock Christopher Hooper Sophie Jennings Jay Hayes Ben Allen Senior Management Team Susan Foster, Manager Charity Registration Number 1141411 Company Registration Number 07529286 Registered Office 21 Gainsford Crescent Bestwood Estates Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 5FH Independent Examiner John O'Brien, employee of Community Accounting Plus Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL

Page 1

Bestwood Advice Centre

Trustees' Report

The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 30 June 2023.

Trustees and officers

The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

Trustees: Brian Grocock Christopher Hooper Sophie Jennings Jay Hayes Ben Allen Christopher Easton (resigned 22 July 2022)

Structure, governance and management

Nature of governing document

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and registered charity. It is operated under the rules of its memorandum and articles of association dated 14/2/11. It has no share capital and the liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £10.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association or through advertising, application form, observational visit and interview.

Major risks and management of those risks

Funding cuts.

Objectives and activities

Objects and aims

• To manage the Advice Centre efficiently and effectively in order to meet the growing and diverse needs of the communities we serve;

• To provide a confidential and safe environment, which supports and responds to individual needs without discrimination;

• To provide clients with sufficient impartial advice and information to enable them to make informed decisions; • To develop the Advice Centre as an independent advice agency by promoting effective use of its resources and ensuring all information displayed is accessible and responsive to local and individual needs; • To ensure the management group, staff and volunteers receive training and support to enable them to realise the aims of the centre;

• To develop and review policies to promote equal opportunities at the Advice Centre ensuring fair and non-discriminatory practices;

• To liaise with local private, public and voluntary bodies to ensure effective and efficient delivery of a professional service.

Page 2

Bestwood Advice Centre

Trustees' Report

Objectives, strategies and activities

During the period July 2022 - June 2023 Bestwood Advice Centre (BAC) has continued to be a key provider of welfare rights and debt advice to residents from Bestwood and surrounding wards of Nottingham City. Being a key source of support and information for the most vulnerable we have adapted our services and developed new ways in working to increase service delivery.

We have taken on extra staff to meet the increased demand, 2213 new cases were opened for the period of 01 July 2022 – 30 June 2023.

We have seen an increased amount of complex cases with the majority being impacted by the increased cost of living crisis. Our advisers are trained in both debt support and welfare rights, however the demand for the service outstrips our resources.

Our approach to all our clients is to offer a holistic service; dealing not only with the issues they present to us but also any surrounding problems.

The intention is to try to prevent future problems and empower Citizens to cope better in the future whether with technology, information, or other barriers.

We are a growing charity and have developed more partnership working with organisations including the Trussell Trust, British Gas and the local PCN.

Due to the current financial climate we don’t want to be too dependent on any one funder and are constantly looking for new partnership opportunities. We have started working with Nottingham Law School to develop volunteer opportunities through an adviser training program. We have roles available in advice, admin and trustee opportunities.

BAC continues to achieve high levels of outcomes for citizens.

In the financial year 2022-2023, achieved welfare benefits gains and charity support of over £1.7 million and managed debts of over £680,000. Most of the advice given is in the field of welfare rights, closely followed by debt advice and other categories such as energy issues.

Bestwood Advice Centre is a long - term, successful local charity which is now in its 39th year. It meets a wide range of needs for citizens and the staff teams' reputation as trusted, helpful, approachable, and effective in welfare rights and associated provision continues to be central to its situation on Bestwood Estate. This provision is supported through its committed trustees working alongside the paid employees to continue this provision continues.

Financial review

Bestwood Advice Centre is continuing to thrive, even under challenging circumstances.

Page 3

Bestwood Advice Centre

Trustees' Report

Policy on reserves

This Policy should be seen as part of the financial management of Bestwood Advice Centre. It forms one of the bases for the budget process. It is not sufficient to leave the level of Reserves to chance. Bestwood Advice Centre needs to clarify its needs with regard to Reserves and have a clear policy to ensure those needs are met.

Bestwood Advice Centre needs to have Reserves:

The system for receipt of Grant income differs for each funder. Funding which is in arrears or simply late, must be covered from reserves.

While the expenditure of Bestwood Advice Centre is fairly steady, fluctuations in expenditure may not coincide with fluctuations in income.

Bestwood Advice Centre is particularly vulnerable to cuts in statutory funding. Obviously sudden cuts will leave Bestwood Advice Centre with commitments to honour – not least contracts of employment, leases and agreements for services.

•To enable the Management Committee to meet their legal obligations

The lack of sufficient Reserves would indicate the failure of the Management Committee to honour their duty under charity law to manage 'prudently' the finances of the charity.

The level of Reserves required by Bestwood Advice Centre:

•Uncommitted (General) Reserves

In the long term Bestwood Advice Centre aims to have uncommitted Reserves equivalent to between three and four months current expenditure.

In addition, other 'restricted' or 'designated ' reserves may be set aside and identified on the balance sheet, but will not form part of the general reserves.

The aim is to keep the total reserves between £85000-£90000

Reviewed: May 2022

Next Review Date: May 2023

Public benefit

In line with the aims of Bestwood Advice Centre we provide Social Welfare Rights and Debt advice, guidance, negotiation and representation in a confidential and safe environment, which supports and responds to individual needs without discrimination. We also give advice on housing, education, employment and consumer issues with referrals, where necessary, to specialist advice agencies.

We work to the Advice Quality Standard for ‘General Advice with Casework’ in the areas of Welfare Rights, Benefits and Debt.

By providing sufficient advice and guidance increased knowledge and understanding enables informed decisions to be made; by improving financial capability the individual and the community benefit. The activities contribute towards a reduction in poverty and maximising income.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Page 4

Bestwood Advice Centre

Trustees' Report

The trustees (who are also the directors of Bestwood Advice Centre for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland". The report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can 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.

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

Approved by the trustees of the charity on .................... and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... Sophie Jennings Trustee

Small companies provision statement

This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.

Page 5

Bestwood Advice Centre

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Bestwood Advice Centre ('the Company')

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Bestwood Advice Centre ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 30 June 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

......................................

John O'Brien MSc, FAIA, FCCA, FCIE, employee of Community Accounting Plus Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners

Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL

Date:.............................

Page 6

Bestwood Advice Centre

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 June 2023 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Note
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
Total Expenditure
Net (expenditure)/income
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
9
Unrestricted
£
23,954
-
23,954
(26,241)
(26,241)
(2,287)
(2,287)
22,336
20,049
Restricted
£
-
108,604
108,604
(145,888)
(145,888)
(37,284)
(37,284)
64,083
26,799
Total
2023
£
23,954
108,604
132,558
(172,129)
(172,129)
(39,571)
(39,571)
86,419
46,848
Total
2022
£
12,933
123,253
136,186
(121,040)
(121,040)
15,146
15,146
71,273
86,419

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for the period is shown in note 9.

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7

Bestwood Advice Centre

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 June 2023 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

These are the figures for the previous accounting period and are included for comparative purposes

Note
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net income
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
9
Unrestricted
funds
£
12,933
193
13,126
(8,489)
(8,489)
4,637
1,591
6,228
16,108
22,336
Restricted
funds
£
-
123,060
123,060
(112,551)
(112,551)
10,509
(1,591)
8,918
55,165
64,083
Total
2022
£
12,933
123,253
136,186
(121,040)
(121,040)
15,146
-
15,146
71,273
86,419

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8

Bestwood Advice Centre

(Registration number: 07529286) Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2023

Note
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
7
Net assets
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Restricted funds
9
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
9
2023
£
48,788
(1,940)
46,848
26,799
20,049
46,848
2022
£
87,932
(1,513)
86,419
64,083
22,336
86,419

For the financial year ending 30 June 2023 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

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

The financial statements on pages 7 to 17 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on .................... and signed on their behalf by:

......................................... Sophie Jennings Trustee

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9

Bestwood Advice Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

1 Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

Bestwood Advice Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.

Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement

The charity opted to early adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements.

Income and endowments

Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Donations and legacies

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity 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 these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Grants receivable

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

Page 10

Bestwood Advice Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Asset class Depreciation method and rate Computer equipment 33.3% straight line

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Page 11

Bestwood Advice Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted income funds are those grants for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Pensions and other post retirement obligations

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity. Pension costs charges in the Statement of Financial Activities represent the contributions payable by the charity during the year.

2 Income from donations and legacies

Donations and legacies;
Donations from individuals
Grants, including capital grants;
Government grants
Grants from other charities
Grants from companies
3
Income from charitable activities
Grants and donations
Sundry receipts
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
1,184
15,980
6,790
-
23,954
Restricted
funds
£
108,604
-
108,604
Total
2023
£
1,184
15,980
6,790
-
23,954
Total
2023
£
108,604
-
108,604
Total
2022
£
481
-
10,280
2,172
12,933
Total
2022
£
123,060
193
123,253

Page 12

Bestwood Advice Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

4
Grants & donations
Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank
Coalfields Regeneration Trust
St Anns Advice Group
Nottingham & District CAB
Nottingham City Council
Bestwood Directions
Sundry
Unrestricted
funds
£
-
-
-
2,040
15,980
4,750
1,184
23,954
Restricted
funds
£
20,579
1,955
14,126
71,944
-
-
-
108,604
Total
£
20,579
1,955
14,126
73,984
15,980
4,750
1,184
132,558

5 Expenditure on charitable activities

Building costs
Business costs
Education expenses
Salaries, NI & Pensions
Volunteer expenses
Training
Staff expenses
Sundry expenses
Depreciation
Service users
Overheads
Publicity
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
282
16,955
103
16,754
-
-
260
54
-
-
(8,338)
171
26,241
Restricted
funds
£
-
1,929
-
135,453
29
100
-
-
-
-
8,338
39
145,888
Total
2023
£
282
18,884
103
152,207
29
100
260
54
-
-
-
210
172,129
Total
2022
£
632
16,947
252
98,002
10
526
134
830
690
3,017
-
-
121,040

Page 13

Bestwood Advice Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

6 Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

Staff costs during the year were:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
2023
£
143,357
4,817
4,033
152,207
2022
£
94,427
1,089
2,486
98,002

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

Average number of employees 2023
No
11
2022
No
8

5 (2022 - 3) of the above employees participated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes.

Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £4,033 (2022 - £2,486).

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.

The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £38,601 (2022 - £39,286).

7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

7
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
2023
£
130
1,810
1,940
2022
£
-
1,513
1,513

8 Charity status

The charity is a charity limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

Page 14

Bestwood Advice Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

9
Funds
Unrestricted funds
General
General
Restricted funds
Welfare Rights (NCAB)
Fuel Poverty
Salaries
Covid isolation recovery
Foodbank
Interns
Total restricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds
General
General
Restricted
Welfare Rights (NCAB)
Fuel Poverty
Covid 19
Salaries
Nottingham Jobs Fund
Covid isolation recovery
Foodbank
Nottinghamshire advice
support
Interns
Total restricted funds
Total funds
Balance at 1
July 2022
£
Incoming
resources
£
Resources
expended
£
Balance at 30
June 2023
£
22,336
23,954
(26,241)
20,049
28,676
71,945
(78,863)
21,758
14,354
14,126
(23,439)
5,041
4,474
1,955
(6,429)
-
9,149
-
(9,149)
-
5,928
20,578
(26,506)
-
1,502
-
(1,502)
-
64,083
108,604
(145,888)
26,799
86,419
132,558
(172,129)
46,848
Balance at 1
July 2021
£
Incoming
resources
£
Resources
expended
£
Transfers
£
Balance at
30 June
2022
£
16,108
13,126
(8,489)
1,591
22,336
30,913
58,809
(61,046)
-
28,676
13,227
24,919
(23,792)
-
14,354
6,551
-
(4,960)
(1,591)
-
4,474
-
-
-
4,474
-
2,269
(2,269)
-
-
-
13,346
(4,197)
-
9,149
-
10,217
(4,289)
-
5,928
-
11,000
(11,000)
-
-
-
2,500
(998)
-
1,502
55,165
123,060
(112,551)
(1,591)
64,083
71,273
136,186
(121,040)
-
86,419
Balance at 30
June 2023
£
20,049
21,758
5,041
-
-
-
-
Balance at 30
June 2023
£
20,049
21,758
5,041
-
-
-
-
26,799
46,848
Balance at
30 June
2022
£
22,336
28,676
14,354
-
4,474
-
9,149
5,928
-
1,502
64,083
86,419

Page 15

Bestwood Advice Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:

Welfare Rights (NCAB)

Provides advice and support to local residents around their welfare rights. This is the main source of income. Fuel Poverty Supporting families and the community through training. Salaries A contribution towards additional advice workers. Foodbank To provide food parcels to local residents in need. Covid Isolation Recovery To support those who were vulnerable during Covid to regain confidence and access local facilities. Interns Support students on placement.

Page 16

Bestwood Advice Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

10 Analysis of net assets between funds

Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
£
20,049
-
20,049
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
22,336
-
22,336
Restricted
funds
£
28,739
(1,940)
26,799
Restricted
funds
£
65,596
(1,513)
64,083
Total funds at
30 June
2023
£
48,788
(1,940)
46,848
Total funds at
30 June
2022
£
87,932
(1,513)
86,419

11 Fees payable to independent examiner

During the period, the fees payable (excluding VAT) to the charity’s independent examiner Community Accounting Plus are analysed as follows:

Independent examination
Other financial services
2023
£
770
1,387
2,157
2022
£
840
720
1,560

12 Taxation

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

13 Trustees remuneration and expenses

Travel expenses of £29 were paid to a trustee (2022:£10).

No trustees have received any other benefits from the charity during the year.

14 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year.

Page 17