Charity Registration No. 1145255
Company Registration No. 07544943 (England and Wales)
ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
92 Station Road Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 1SG
ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Company information | 1 |
| Trustee's report | 2 - 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 - 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 15 |
ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees H Baird K Chard B Ellis S Hammond S Kerins R W Smith Charity number 1145255 Company number 07544943 Registered office Imperial House 20-22 Rosemary Road Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 1NZ Independent examiner TC Group 92 Station Road Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 1SG
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.
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 [governing document], 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
Objectives and activities
To relieve physical, mental and material distress amongst carers of people who are in need of care and who live in Essex by providing flexible support, advocacy and information to carers in need. The charity aims to improve the quality of life for carers by:
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enabling carers to achieve increased choice and control in their lives;
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reducing carers feelings of isolation;
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improving carers general health and well being.
Achievements and performance
The impact of the Covid pandemic reduced significantly through 2022/23.
As for all, Essex Carers Support has had to adapt to a new way of post-pandemic working. Some of our staff are now home-based and others combine home and office working. Much more of our work is carried out online, particularly meetings.
We continue to be delighted with the success and impact of our ‘Time 4 You’ project. This project came out of the lived-experiences of carers and has been incredibly well received. The project is funded by the local authority and is available across the county. Demand for the project far exceeded our expectations in 2022/23; we were challenged in dealing with the higher than anticipated number of referrals received. Our staff worked tirelessly to ensure a great service was provided and that every carer was engaged with.
Our work within Essex communities and across the health and social care system has seen an improvement in the awareness of carer-related issues and an increase in their prominence and representation in some parts. Much work still remains for us to get to a place where the roles of family carers are better understood, their impact appropriately recognised and their contribution to society sufficiently addressed.
The current cost-of-living crisis is having a disproportionate impact on family carers and at Essex Carers Support we strive to highlight this impact whenever possible and are seeking new ways to support carers at this difficult time.
As trustees of Essex Carers Support we feel our organisation is best placed to be able to provide support services to carers living within our communities and strive at all times to ensure we provide an efficient and effective service, delivered in the most cost-effective way but with a strong value base and keeping the needs of carers at the heart of all we do.
Essex Carers Support will continue to seek to influence the delivery of public services and remain involved in the design of policy and service delivery strategies.
Through our activity, we provide a stronger voice for carers and reach out to those not currently in receipt of support; we develop effective ways to ensure carers views are heard, their opinions considered and their expertise acknowledged.
We provide strong governance; continuing to plan and develop a future strategy to ensure that Essex Carers Support is able to respond to carers' needs and the challenges and opportunities of the changing landscape; particularly in light of on-going pandemic recovery.
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Essex Carers Support will continue to seek to influence the delivery of public services and remain involved in the design of policy and service delivery strategies.
We provide a stronger voice for carers and reach out to those not currently in receipt of support; we develop effective ways to ensure carers views are heard, their opinions considered and their expertise acknowledged.
We provide strong governance; continuing to plan and develop a future strategy to ensure that Essex Carers Support is able to respond to carers' needs and the challenges and opportunities of the changing landscape; particularly in light of pandemic recovery.
Financial review
The trading deficit on the Income and Expenditure account for the year amounted to £32,228 (2022: £4,326 surplus). The total funds of the company as at 31 March 2023 were £155,370 (2022: £187,598).
The trustees remain conscious of the need to keep costs to a minimum and provide an efficient and professional service dedicated to the clients of the charity.
The Executive Committee intends that:
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Reserves be maintained at a level which ensures that Essex Carers Support core activity could continue for a minimum of twelve months during a period of unforeseen difficulty;
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Such reserves will include allowances for redundancy payments and building maintenance;
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The board will ensure that the calculation of the required level of reserves forms an integral part of the planning, budgeting and forecast cycle;
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An amount equal to at least 50% of the reserves required will be maintained in a readily realisable form;
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When budgeting and forecasting, the following points will be taken into account;
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Risks associated with each stream of income and expenditure being different from that budgeted;
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Planned activity levels;
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Organisational commitments
At the balance sheet date the value of unrestricted reserves amounted to £155,370. Of this amount £3,578 is tied up in fixed assets, which are not readily convertible to cash.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes a charitable company limited by guarantee. The company was incorporated on 28 February 2011 and registered as a charity on 3 January 2012.
The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its articles of association. The articles stipulate that at the first Annual General Meeting after incorporation (10 July 2012) all the trustees shall retire from office before the appointment of a new Board of Directors. The Board includes staff representation at their meetings where appropriate to do so.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
H Baird
K Chard
B Ellis S Hammond S Kerins R W Smith
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
TRUSTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Appointment and induction of trustees
New trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision making processes, the business plan and the recent financial performance of the charity. When considering co-opting trustees, the Executive Committee has regard to the requirement for any specialist skills needed. The organisation has a full induction pack for any new trustees and also arranges relevant training.
Risk management
The Executive Committee has instigated a review of the major risks to which the charity may be exposed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. Internal risks have been minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions to ensure consistent quality for all operational aspects of the charitable company. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity.
Public benefit
The trustees have referred to the guidance contained within the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives of the charity and in planning future activities. The main activities and who the charity has tried to help are described below. All of the charitable activities focus on the well-being of carers and are undertaken to further charitable purposes for the public benefit.
The trustee's report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
..............................
H Baird
Trustee Dated: .........................
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Essex Carers Support (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.
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 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity 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 the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable 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:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements 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
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4 the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
Simon Garner FCA Independent Examiner 92 Station Road Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 1SG
Dated: .........................
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 397 - Charitable activities 4 24,950 74,496 Investments 5 1,206 - Total income 26,553 74,496 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 44,716 88,561 Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before transfers (18,163) (14,065) Gross transfers between funds 7,000 (7,000) Net (expenditure)/income for the year/ Net movement in funds (11,163) (21,065) Fund balances at 1 April 2022 166,533 21,065 Fund balances at 31 March 2023 155,370 - |
Total 2023 £ 397 99,446 1,206 101,049 133,277 (32,228) - (32,228) 187,598 155,370 |
Total 2022 £ 362 135,402 8 |
|---|---|---|
| 135,772 | ||
| 131,446 | ||
| 4,326 - |
||
| 4,326 183,271 |
||
| 187,597 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds 13 Unrestricted funds |
2023 £ 834 155,586 156,420 (4,628) |
£ 3,578 151,792 155,370 - 155,370 155,370 |
2022 £ 2,150 264,699 266,849 (82,659) |
£ 3,407 184,190 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 187,597 | ||||
| 21,065 166,532 |
||||
| 187,597 |
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
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 2023.
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 .........................
..............................
R W Smith
Trustee
Company Registration No. 07544943
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Essex Carers Support is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Imperial House, 20-22 Rosemary Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO15 1NZ.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles incorporated 28 February 2011, 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
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 £.
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.
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 Incoming resources
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.
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 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.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
| Fixtures and fittings | 25% reducing balance |
|---|---|
| Computers | 25% reducing balance |
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 net income/(expenditure) for the year.
1.6 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.
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.
During the year, there were no accounting estimates.
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 397 | 362 |
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| 4 Charitable activities Provision of carer support Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 5 Investments Interest receivable |
Total 2023 £ 99,446 24,950 74,496 99,446 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 1,206 |
Total 2022 £ 135,402 |
|---|---|---|
| 20,400 115,002 |
||
| 135,402 | ||
| Total 2022 £ 8 |
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
6 Charitable activities
| Charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs Depreciation and impairment Rent Insurance Motor and travel costs Telephone Other office costs Subscriptions Training Staff welfare Bank charges Legal and professional fees Share of governance costs (see note 7) Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
Total Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ 111,448 28,667 82,781 1,193 1,193 - 3,919 3,919 - 1,374 1,374 - 194 194 - 1,938 1,938 - 1,891 1,891 - 179 179 - 383 383 - 240 240 - 305 305 - 8,293 2,513 5,780 131,357 42,796 88,561 1,920 1,920 - 133,277 44,716 88,561 44,716 - - 88,561 - - 133,277 - - |
Total 2022 £ 111,774 1,136 3,995 1,311 90 1,872 1,791 354 180 386 335 6,632 |
| 129,856 1,590 |
||
| 131,446 | ||
| 15,458 115,988 |
||
| 131,446 |
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
7 Support costs
| Governance costs £ Independent examiner fees 1,920 1,920 Analysed between Charitable activities 1,920 |
2023 £ 1,920 1,920 1,920 |
2022 £ 1,590 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,590 | ||
| 1,590 |
8 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
9 Employees
Number of employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs |
2023 Number 7 2023 £ 105,970 3,351 2,127 111,448 |
2022 Number 6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 £ 105,409 4,596 1,769 |
||
| 111,774 |
No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2021: Nil).
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ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| 10 Tangible fixed assets Fixtures and fittings Computers £ £ Cost At 1 April 2022 2,380 16,106 Additions - 1,364 At 31 March 2023 2,380 17,470 Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2022 2,189 12,890 Depreciation charged in the year 48 1,145 At 31 March 2023 2,237 14,035 Carrying amount At 31 March 2023 143 3,435 At 31 March 2022 191 3,216 11 Debtors 2023 Amounts falling due within one year: £ Other debtors 834 Prepayments and accrued income - 834 12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2023 £ Other taxation and social security 2,072 Other creditors 818 Accruals and deferred income 1,738 4,628 |
Total £ 18,486 1,364 |
|---|---|
| 19,850 | |
| 15,079 1,193 |
|
| 16,272 | |
| 3,578 | |
| 3,407 | |
| 2022 £ - 2,150 |
|
| 2,150 | |
| 2022 £ 1,683 79,440 1,536 |
|
| 82,659 |
Other creditors relate to funds received for the Time4U project, which are held on behalf of carers. These funds do not belong to the charity and are to be paid to third parties.
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
ESSEX CARERS SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
13 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
| Balance at 1 April 2022 £ Time4U Project 14,065 2Can Project 7,000 21,065 |
Movement in funds Incoming resources Resources expended £ £ 74,496 (88,561) - - 74,496 88,561 |
Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £ £ - - (7,000) - (7,000) - |
Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £ £ - - (7,000) - (7,000) - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - |
The Time4U project relates to grant income received from the North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance Transformation Fund. The project aims to work with adult carers on a one to one basis to help them identify, source and resource innovative, creative and personalised carer breaks. The impact of these breaks on carer health and wellbeing is measured against the savings created in other parts of the health economy.
The 2Can partnership project is delivered by Essex Carers Support and Summit. The project aims to support the health and emotional wellbeing of vulnerable people and their carers who may be at risk of harm and self-neglect. All outcomes to 31 March 2022 were achieved in the year and the funding provider has agreed that surplus funds may be retained by Essex Carers Support.
14 Related party transactions
During the year the charity purchased bookkeeping services from Jaygate Management Limited at a cost of £2,160 (2022: £2,160). Jaygate Management Limited is controlled by R Smith, a trustee of the charity.
15 Limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee of £10 per member. There were six members at the balance sheet date.
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