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← Disability Solutions West Midlands

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1143929

Company Registration No. 07478199 (England and Wales)

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mrs A E Dair (Chair)
Ms D Dunkley (Vice Chair)
Mrs S Ivan-Duke
Mrs S Hemming
Mr G Bell
Chief Executive Officer Miss M Rollins
Charity number 1143929
Company number 07478199
Registered office North Staffordshire Medical Institute
Hartshill Road
Hartshill
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST4 7NY
Independent examiner K V Staley FCA BSc
Graphic House
124 City Road
Stoke on Trent
ST4 2PH
Bankers Unity Trust Bank plc
4 Brindley Place
Birmingham
B1 2JB

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 12
Independent examiner's report 13
Statement of financial activities 14 - 15
Balance sheet 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 - 30

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 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 UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities

To promote the support and relief of disabled persons of all ages by any charitable means, in particular by providing education, advice and information services and practical assistance to facilitate choice and independence in daily living activities and full participation in society.

1.2 Main activities undertaken to fulfil those purposes

Our principal activity is enshrined in our mission statement which is:

The aims of the organisation are:

1.3 How our main activities further charity’s purposes for the public benefit

Our main activities are in line with the charitable purposes of Disability Solutions West Midlands, by contributing to the support and relief of disabled persons.

1.4 Trustees and regard for public benefit

The Trustees have complied with their duty under Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charities Commission, in deciding what activities the charity should undertake with a view to providing public benefit.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1.5 Issues our charity aims to tackle and the differences we aim to make

Disability Solutions West Midlands is a pan-disability organisation with no restriction regarding age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion. Some of our services are geographically restricted by contract, whilst others can accept requests for support from any geographical location. We recognise that we are often not able to offer in-depth assistance when a client is geographically remote, but in this case, we will strive to signpost the client to their nearest source of help.

People with disabilities often experience disadvantage, discrimination and consequently have a poor quality of life. They are more likely to experience material deprivation, poverty and fuel poverty. A household which includes a person with disability has basic living expenses of around £975 more than a household with no disabled person. Low income, high living costs, high emotional costs of living with disability, lack of knowledge about services and activities that could provide support, and practical issues can impact on the ability of people with disabilities, to maintain their independence and live safely and well.

Our blend of services have been developed in consultation with our beneficiaries, to ensure that we can meet identified needs within our community. We aim, through advice, information and education to enable people with disabilities to develop the skills and knowledge which will improve their choice and independence and contribute to our beneficiaries attaining the highest possible quality of life.

1.6 Our projects, activities and services � Stoke-on-Trent Welfare Benefits Service

Kindly funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the service supports people with disabilities to claim disability-related welfare benefits and to appeal adverse eligibility decisions, to maximise their income and reduce financial hardship.

� Staffordshire Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service

The service funded by Macmillan Cancer Support assists people newly diagnosed with cancer or within a 6-month cancer treatment window, to access welfare benefits and other financial support which can help mitigate the financial impacts of living with cancer.

� Support and Advice Service and Advice Line

Advisory service which provides advice, information, signposting, support and guidance on issues such as independent living, reablement, independent living aids, blue badges, disability welfare benefits, care services, bereavement and loss, overpayments, housing, carers support etc.

� DisAbility Connect

Funded by National Lottery Community Fund, the project offers supportive social prescribing+ and active linking of clients to community assets, for those who have disabilities or lifeaffecting health conditions. The project aims to support people living challenging and complex lives to explore options to tackle issues and problems they face.

� Support to Work

In partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and UK Government, the project combines holistic one-to-one support with the development of work-related skills, improvement of participants’ health and wellbeing, mentoring and supported work placements. The project team also collaborate with local employers to encourage them to employ more people with disabilities or life-affecting health conditions.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

We have continued with our agile working approach to ensure we safeguard our workforce and our beneficiaries, which in turn has enabled us to continue to deliver against our contracts and agreements. With sincere thanks to our staff and volunteers for all their hard work, loyalty, integrity, and support.

Disability Solutions West Midlands are members of CPAG, Disability Rights UK, Support Staffordshire, VAST, RADAR, National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers, Rightsnet, and we are affiliated with Lasa and registered with the ICO. We continue to use the Advice Service Alliance Advice Quality Standard (AQS) as our main quality monitoring and accreditation tool and continue to hold specialist accreditation on the areas of Welfare Benefits Casework and Disability. We continue to work hard in retaining our high-quality standards and ability to conform to the best practice AQS guidelines. We hold the Bronze Award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme and are a registered Disability Confident Employer. We hold Cyber Essentials Certification and are registered with the National Cyber Security Centre.

  1. Short, medium and long-term strategies for achieving aims and objectives Disability Solutions West Midlands has taken a robust approach to strategic planning to enable us to achieve our aims and objectives:

  2. Business Planning and Business Plan Action Plan

  3. Business Continuity Planning

  4. Sustainability Planning

  5. Income and Funding Strategy

  6. Marketing and Engagement Strategy

  7. Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy

  8. 3 -

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements and performance

2.1 Summary of our main achievements

2.2 Volunteer contribution to our work

Our dedicated and hardworking volunteers have generously donated over 8,198 volunteering hours to support our work in assisting people with disabilities and their families, to achieve positive changes to their lives.

Volunteers at Disability Solutions work within all the teams and projects within the charity and enrich our work with their knowledge, insight, and lived experience.

2.3 Difference our work has made to our beneficiaries

Positive outcomes reported by our beneficiaries include:

2.4 Wider social impacts / benefits of our work

The social return on investment analysis of our work demonstrates that our work not only benefits the individuals and families we support, but also has a positive impact and wider benefit on our community.

For example:

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2.5 How we measure success

Our Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy outlines outcomes and milestones for each of our service areas, targets, data collection requirements and methods. Each service is reviewed every six months to check progress.

We are thrilled to have had our dedication and quality acknowledged through awards we have received:

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Financial review

The financial position of Disability Solutions West Midlands is detailed in the attached accounts which comply with statutory requirements.

3.1 Review of charity’s financial position at the end of the reporting period

The yearend position shows the effect on unrestricted funds of including an element of overhead recovery in all funding bids, review of external costs, and adopting lean administrative function. As an organisation we have continued to strive to retain high quality service provision, whilst ensuring that we make the very best use of every penny at our disposal.

3.2 Financial effects of significant events

This has been another particularly challenging year due to the impacts of cost-of-living pressures, rising costs, the legacy of austerity, and economic downturn.

We have continued to diversify our income streams where possible against the background of hard competition from other organisations competing for funding and commissions.

3.3 Principal risks and strategy for managing risks

The principal risks to the charity’s ability to continue to sustain its charitable activities are:

The management of risk, which could materially impact upon the business, features in all reports to the Board from the CEO. The CEO maintains an ongoing organisational Risk Register to ensure the organisation remains aware of significant risks to the charity and works towards mitigating their effects, with the Risk Register being presented to the Board on a six-weekly cycle. The organisation has a Business Continuity Plan and Disaster Recovery Plan in place.

3.4 Principal funding sources and how they support our key objectives

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3.5 Pension liabilities

Auto enrolment compliant with Peoples’ Pension.

3.6 Total amount of funds held

At the period end the figure was £406,318 (2024: £372,589)

3.7 Restricted funds

At the period end the figure was £295,142 (2024: £305,708)

3.8 Reserves Policy – amounts and why we hold reserves

Disability Solutions West Midlands has a reserves policy, its purpose is to ensure that Disability Solutions West Midlands can maintain adequate free reserves to enable the charity to manage any reasonably foreseeable eventuality and comply with Charity Commission guidance.

Reserves definition:

“Reserves are that part of a charity’s unrestricted funds that is freely available to spend on any of the charity’s purposes.” (Charity Commission guidance document CC19)

Free reserves exclude:

Why Disability Solutions West Midlands holds reserves:

  1. Contingency: unexpected expenditure in the event of an emergency,

  2. Cash-flow: Situations where a bill has to be paid before the money to cover it has been received by the charity,

  3. Commitment: a commitment to occasional significant expenditure which cannot be covered by annual income,

  4. Conservation: funds which trustees cannot spend immediately without compromising their legal responsibilities to ensure that their charity’s resources are used necessarily, reasonably and incidentally in the fulfilment of their charitable objects,

  5. Closure: the charity becomes financially unsustainable and must be wound up.

Factors considered by CEO and Trustees to determine reserves:

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Disability Solutions West Midlands will hold a minimum of 3 months operating costs to fulfil its legal and moral obligations. Surplus cash reserves will be directed towards fulfilling the charity’s aims and objectives. Disability Solutions West Midlands will also hold a Contingency Fund of £10,000 in addition to any reserves held. Disability Solutions West Midlands reserves will be reviewed twice in each financial year. This policy is reviewed at least annually.

Disability Solutions West Midlands currently holds free reserves of £99,088.

3.9 Any uncertainties re charity viability

The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

3.10 Any funds / subsidiary undertakings in deficit

No funds in deficit.

Plans for future periods

Plans for future and how future plans have been developed

As a user-led organisation, the charity’s future plans are very much in response to the needs of our current and potential beneficiaries. For this reason, we place high value on consulting with our community and taking feedback from the people we serve about issues that are affecting their lives, how we could better support them, and whether our services are meeting their needs and expectations.

Due to ongoing pressures experienced by all charities in the current economic climate, events planned for the coming year are focused on fundraising for core activities and are regularly reviewed. Additional staffing will be secured as required/appropriate, to ensure that the high quality and punctual provision of information is maintained, as awareness of Disability Solutions West Midlands and the requirement for our services increase.

We shall also continue to provide focused opportunities to seek and explore further sustainable growth and enhance the skills already present within the organisation. Our Business Planning has more details of future planning.

Structure, governance and management

4.1 Nature of governing document

Governing Document is Memorandum and Articles December 2010.

4.2 How charity is constituted

Disability Solutions West Midlands is a charitable organisation and was registered 24 April 1992. The charity is constituted and was governed during the year by its Memorandum and Articles December 2010. The organisation was registered as Disability Solutions West Midlands, a Charitable Company limited by guarantee on 23 December 2010.

4.3 Recruiting and appointing new Trustees

The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees, in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles. The Board meets a minimum of 6 times per calendar year. The Board has appointed sub-committees for Finance and Business development, which report each meeting back to the Board. 100% of our Board members have lived experience of disability and/or long-term health condition.

Trustees are recruited on an on-going basis, and we are currently looking to increase our Board’s capacity and skill set by recruiting new trustees. Prospective trustees must fill in an application form outlining what they can offer to support the charity and are interviewed by current trustees before being presented to members at the Annual General Meeting for election. Board members must retire on rotation, but may stand for re-election.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees who served during the year were: Mrs A E Dair (Chair) Ms D Dunkley (Vice Chair) Mr N Adams (Treasurer) (Resigned 30 August 2024) Mrs S Ivan-Duke Mrs S Hemming Mr G Bell

Ms M Rollins (Chief Executive Officer)

5.1 Policies and procedures for induction and training of Trustees

New Trustees are provided with access to all current information regarding services provided, copies of current appropriate policies, and relevant Charity Commission publications on the role and responsibilities of Trustees. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides updates to Trustees regarding local developments that may impact on the organisation.

5.2 Organisational structure

The Charity is governed by a Board of Trustees in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board meets a minimum of six times per calendar year. The Board has appointed subcommittees for Finance, Employment, and Business Development, which report to the Board at each meeting.

Whilst the Charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, daily business management, staff management and strategic planning of the charity is undertaken by the Chief Executive Officer. Full organisational structure for the organisation and its services is available upon request.

5.3 Decision making

Decisions made by Chief Executive Officer Corporate Governance

Responsible for all matters of organisational structure below the level of CEO.

Able to delegate authority to other staff and will prepare and maintain a comprehensive scheme of delegation for the organisation.

Strategy

Preparation of the organisation’s Strategic Plan for consideration and approval of the Board, ensuring early consultation with the Board.

Recommendations to the Board for formal strategic partnerships with other organisations.

Functions, powers and discretions (Legal and administrative)

Responsible for exercising all of the organisation’s legal and administrative powers and discretions in delivering statutory functions, subject to escalating any high risk/high impact issues in line with the risk management strategy.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Corporate Plans & Budget

Preparation of corporate Business Plan and Annual Budget in line with the organisation’s Strategic Plan, ensuring early consultation with the Board.

Variations to the approved budget where the variation would not have a significant impact on the overall approved levels of income and expenditure. A financial variation shall be treated as significant if it involves incurring one-off expenditure of £1,500 or more, or more than £5,000 for any one operational area per annum.

Annual Report & Accounts

Writing the Annual Report for Board approval. Drawing up accounts for operational review and sub-committee consideration and Board approval.

Performance Management

To keep the Board informed of progress in achieving performance objectives and report any significant variance from the approved annual operating plans and Budget. To keep the Board informed of any significant issues in the operation of the organisation.

Risk Management

As CEO, to maintain systems of internal control and quality assurance within the organisation and to provide the Board and Operational Review / Sub Committees with assurance on its ongoing effectiveness. To advise the Board and/or Operational Review / Sub Committees of any material changes to internal control or quality frameworks. Escalation of issues for consideration by the Board, in accordance with the organisation’s Risk Management Strategy.

Human Resources Issues

The structure of the Senior Team, all appointments and other HR issues.

Significant Publications

Identify significant publications and propose a full programme of reports and other publications. Responsibility for carrying out work relating to significant publications in accordance with the Board’s initial approval.

Operational Review / Sub Committees

It is the Chief Executive’s prerogative to determine and execute any proposals arising from Sub-committees, subject to the authority already delegated to her by the Board / Management Committee.

Communication Issues

Significant issues to be identified and considered by the Board. The CEO and then Chair should sign-off all press releases and other statements where the statement is on a significant matter of public, political or reputational significance.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Board of Trustees Administration

Ensure the Board can function properly through provision of an effective secretariat. To make recommendations for the cycle of Board meetings, and for the composition of agendas for meetings. To oversee the preparation of draft minutes and maintain efficient overall arrangements for the administration of the Board. To provide necessary support and resources for Trustees to maintain and develop their skills and knowledge.

Decisions made by Trustees

Corporate Governance

Consideration and approval of the governing document. Principles of Good Governance, Memorandum of Understanding, Delegated Powers, Standing Orders and Financial Policies.

Strategy

Determining the overall strategic direction of the organisation. Consideration and approval of the organisation’s Strategic Plan.

Consideration and approval of formal strategic partnerships with other organisations.

Functions, powers and discretions (Legal and administrative)

Strategic principles governing operational policy, relating to the exercise of the organisations function, powers and discretions.

Corporate Plans & Budget

Consideration and approval of the organisation’s corporate Business Plan and Annual Budgets. Variations to the approved budget where the variation would have a significant impact on the overall approved levels of income and expenditure.

Annual Report & Accounts

Approval of Annual Report and accounts, in conjunction with the CEO, or other member of staff delegated as Accounting Officer.

Performance Management

Determination and approval of arrangements for performance management and consideration of regular monitoring reports.

Risk Management

Approval of the organisation’s Risk Management Strategy and consideration of reports of the Operational Review Sub Committee, in conjunction with the CEO or delegated Accounting Officer.

Human Resources Issues

Appointment of the CEO. Determining the remuneration of the CEO.

Approval of significant changes to overall HR strategy and policy, including staff terms and conditions of employment. Annual review of pay and conditions.

Significant Publications

Approve the programme of Significant Publications.

Approval, in good time before publication, in the case of Significant Publications, of the executive summary including the report’s key messages, and the plan for the report’s communication and implementation.

Operational Review / Sub Committees

To regularly review the operational performance of the organisation. To monitor the financial outcomes of operations, actual and proposed, together with the on-going solvency of the organisation. To support the Chief Executive Officer through advice and direction as necessary and requested.

Communication Issues

Approval of communication plans in relation to matters of public, political or reputational significance.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Board of Trustees Administration

The cycle of Board meetings, the composition of Board agendas and approval of minutes of Board meetings.

5.4 Partners who help us to meet our charitable aims

Include:

6.0 Exemptions from disclosure

7.0 Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

7.1 No funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others.

The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to all staff and volunteers for their outstanding efforts, and to our funders, supporters, and investors for their continued confidence, partnership, and support.

Detailed Annual Report

A more detailed account of the organisation’s activities and an abridged version of these accounts can be found in the Disability Solutions West Midlands Annual Report, which will be distributed to members. A full version of these accounts will be provided upon request. Non-members can obtain a copy by contacting the registered office.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs A E Dair (Chair)

Trustee

21 November 2025

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Disability Solutions West Midlands (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

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

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales ( ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

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 financial statements to be reached.

K V Staley FCA Bsc

bk plus Limited Graphic House 124 City Road Stoke on Trent ST4 2PH

Dated: 21 November 2025

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
2025
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
58,066
-
495,902
Charitable activities
4
600
-
-
Total income
58,666
-
495,902
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
9,476
-
-
Charitable activities
6
4,895
-
506,468
Total expenditure
14,371
-
506,468
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
44,295
-
(10,566)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
56,881
10,000
305,708
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
101,176
10,000
295,142		 Total
2025
£
553,968
600
554,568
9,476
511,363
520,839
33,729
372,589
406,318		 Total
2024
£
572,978
1,995
574,973
8,984
545,900
554,884
20,089
352,500
372,589

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
57,351
-
515,627
Charitable activities
4
1,995
-
-
Total income
59,346
-
515,627
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
8,984
-
-
Charitable activities
6
78,414
-
467,486
Total expenditure
87,398
-
467,486
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
(28,052)
-
48,141
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
84,933
10,000
257,567
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
56,881
10,000
305,708		 Total
2024
£
572,978
1,995
574,973
8,984
545,900
554,884
20,089
352,500
372,589

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
15
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - Designated
16		 2025
£
65,282
366,613
431,895
(27,665)		 £
2,088
404,230
406,318
406,318
295,142
101,176
10,000
406,318		 2024
£
65,732
317,796
383,528
(15,579)		 £
4,640
367,949
372,589
372,589
305,708
56,881
10,000
372,589

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

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

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 21 November 2025

Mrs A E Dair (Chair) Trustee

Company registration number 07478199 (England and Wales)

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025
Notes
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
21
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£
£
48,817
-
-
48,817
317,796
366,613		 £
72,793
-
-
72,793
245,003
317,796

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Disability Solutions West Midlands is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is North Staffordshire Medical Institute, Hartshill Road, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 7NY.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees' continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise funds that have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

For legacies, entitlement is taken at the earlier of the charity being aware that probate has been granted, where the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when the 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.

Income from investments is included in the year in which it is receivable.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended where there is a legal and constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. Expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Expenditure on raising funds include costs of generating voluntary income. The costs of generating voluntary income do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of charitable activities.

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with the administration of the charitable company and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Fixed assets are only capitalised if the cost price is in excess of £1,000.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Office furniture and equipment 25% - 50% p.a. straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no critical accounting estimates or judgements that have been made in these financial statements.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
10,452
-
Grants
47,614
495,902
58,066
495,902		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
10,452
30,079
-
543,516
27,272
515,627
553,968
57,351
515,627		 Total
2024
£
30,079
542,899
572,978

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
Donations and gifts
10,452
-
10,452
-
Grants
Clothmakers Foundation
-
-
Severn Trent Water
-
2,929
Staffordshire County
Council
41,584
-
Stoke City Council
-
195,295
National Energy Action
-
-
Macmillan Cancer
Support
-
163,792
Awards 4 All
-
20,000
Disablity Connect
-
113,886
Other
6,030
-
47,614
495,902		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
(Continued)
10,452
30,079
-
30,079
10,452
30,079
-
30,079
-
-
10,000
10,000
2,929
-
29,298
29,298
41,584
-
-
-
195,295
26,242
124,373
150,615
-
-
19,200
19,200
163,792
-
203,577
203,577
20,000
-
-
-
113,886
-
124,399
124,399
6,030
1,030
4,780
5,810
543,516
27,272
515,627
542,899		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
(Continued)
10,452
30,079
-
30,079
10,452
30,079
-
30,079
-
-
10,000
10,000
2,929
-
29,298
29,298
41,584
-
-
-
195,295
26,242
124,373
150,615
-
-
19,200
19,200
163,792
-
203,577
203,577
20,000
-
-
-
113,886
-
124,399
124,399
6,030
1,030
4,780
5,810
543,516
27,272
515,627
542,899
30,079
10,000
29,298
-
150,615
19,200
203,577
-
124,399
5,810
542,899

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Charitable activities
Sale of goods 600 1,995

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Costs of generating voluntary income
Other fundraising costs 495 314
Staff costs 8,981 8,670
9,476 8,984

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
Activities Activities
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 391,147 391,780
Depreciation and impairment 2,552 2,801
Rent and service charges 39,122 47,259
Repairs and maintenance 415 1,919
Staff travel and training 3,260 1,937
Telephone 15,514 8,540
Printing, postage, stationery and publicity 6,623 3,736
Other professional charges 4,645 25,877
General expenses 3,045 9,279
Insurance 7,923 3,315
Information technology 13,680 23,680
Subscriptions 5,379 2,993
Volunteer travel and training 1,629 3,102
Bookkeeping and payroll 3,209 2,105
Other costs 5,172 9,716
503,315 538,039
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Governance 8,048 7,861
511,363 545,900
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general 4,895 78,414
Restricted funds 506,468 467,486
511,363 545,900

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Support costs allocated to activities

Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable Activities
Governance costs comprise:
Staff costs
Other costs
Accountancy		 2025
£
8,048
8,048
2025
£
4,490
138
3,420
8,048		 2024
£
7,861
7,861
2024
£
4,335
226
3,300
7,861

Governance costs include payments of £3,420 (2024 £3,300) to the independent examiner for the examination of the charitable company's financial statements.

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year (2024: None), and 1 (2024: 3) of them were reimbursed a total of £1,561 (2024: £2,234) travelling expenses incurred in attending meetings and other events on behalf of the charity and also in performing duties as volunteers.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Direct Charitable services
Governance
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2025
Number
18
1
19
2025
£
365,641
29,534
9,443
404,618		 2024
Number
19
1
20
2024
£
370,989
24,188
9,608
404,785

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9 Employees

(Continued)

The trustees and Chief Executive Officer are regarded as key management personnel and their total remuneration during the year was £50,425 (2024 - £48,720).

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

11 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2024
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 March 2025
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
12
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Office
furniture and
equipment
£
37,554
37,554
32,914
2,552
35,466
2,088
4,640
2025
2024
£
£
-
24,100
5,290
5,290
59,992
36,342
65,282
65,732		 Office
furniture and
equipment
£
37,554
37,554
32,914
2,552
35,466
2,088
4,640
2025
2024
£
£
-
24,100
5,290
5,290
59,992
36,342
65,282
65,732
37,554
32,914
2,552
35,466
2,088
4,640
2024
£
24,100
5,290
36,342
65,732

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

13
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
14
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2025
£
253
27,412
27,665
2025
£
9,443		 2024
£
-
15,579
15,579
2024
£
9,608

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

15 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
Macmillan Cancer Support 141,042 163,792 (168,503) 136,331
Coalfields 1,678 - (1,678) -
SOT Disability Benefit Services 17,630 96,299 (99,906) 14,023
Awards for All 6,902 20,000 (10,678) 16,224
Disability Connect 133,946 113,886 (119,268) 128,564
Severn Trent 3,932 2,929 (6,861) -
UK SPF Support to work 578 98,996 (99,574) -
305,708 495,902 (506,468) 295,142

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15 Restricted funds (Continued)
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
Macmillan Cancer Support 91,677 203,577 (154,212) 141,042
Cash for Kids 3,183 - (3,183) -
Coalfields - 4,780 (3,102) 1,678
Safe and Well 10,000 - (10,000) -
SOT Disability Benefit Services 29,653 96,000 (108,023) 17,630
Awards for All 7,713 - (811) 6,902
Disability Connect 115,341 124,400 (105,795) 133,946
Clothmakers Foundation - 10,000 (10,000) -
National Energy Action - 19,201 (19,201) -
Severn Trent - 29,298 (25,366) 3,932
SOT CC Cost of Living Fund - 2,500 (2,500) -
UK SPF Support to work - 25,871 (25,293) 578
257,567 515,627 (467,486) 305,708

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Macmillan Cancer Support

To enable Disability Solutions West Midlands to operate a county-wide service providing welfare benefits advice.

Coalfields Regeneration Fund - The Be All You can be project

Provision of training, structured volunteering, and opportunities to develop and strengthen essential life skills, build personal capital, increase independence, choice, and employability (Boothen, Oakhill, Springfields and Trent Vale areas only).

Stoke-on-Trent City Council - SOT Disability Benefit Service

Offers support throughout the claims process to customers facing DLA to PIP migration, PIP r-assessment, ESA, CA and UC claims, specialising in appeals and tribunal support.

Awards for All

Reaching volunteers with disabilities.

National Lottery Community Fund - DisAbility Connect

This is a three year project offering social prescribing+, taking an holistic and meaningful approach to helping to link people with disabilities and long-term conditions with opportunities, services, information and support to improve health and social outcomes. The project also offers structured volunteering placements.

Severn Trent – delivery of a Community People Support project to help us to meet the demand for support from our community, leading to improved mental wellbeing, and building community resilience.

SOTCC Cost of Living Funds – a small fund made available to enable Disability Solutions West Midlands to make small grants to households in the city affected by disability and cost-of-living pressures.

UKSPF – funding our Support to Work programme supporting people with disabilities to get closer to the labour market through development of work-related skills, work placements, and improved health and wellbeing.

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16 Unrestricted funds - Designated

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

At 1 April At 1 April At 31 March
2024 2025
£ £
Contingency 10,000 10,000
Previous year: At 1 April At 31 March
2023 2024
£ £
Contingency 10,000 10,000

Contingency - This is a small emergency reserve to cover Disability Solutions West Midlands in the event of unforeseen necessary expenditure.

17 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 56,881 58,666 (14,370) 101,177
General funds - - (1) (1)
56,881 58,666 (14,371) 101,176
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 84,933 59,346 (87,398) 56,881

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets
2,088
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
99,088
10,000
295,142
101,176
10,000
295,142
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets
4,640
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
52,241
10,000
305,708
56,881
10,000
305,708		 Total
2025
£
2,088
404,230
406,318
Total
2024
£
4,640
367,949
372,589

19 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Between two and five years
20
Related party transactions		 2025
£
175,473		 2024
£
214,863

There were no related party transactions during the year (2024: none).

DISABILITY SOLUTIONS WEST MIDLANDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

21
Cash generated from operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Cash generated from operations		 2025
£
33,729
2,552
450
12,086
48,817		 2024
£
20,089
2,801
49,291
612
72,793