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2024-03-31-accounts

Reg. Charity No. 1151456 Company Number 8376060 oO === Report of the Trustees and Examined Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 for Kingston Carers’ Network

1

Kingston Carers’ Network Reg. Charity No. 1151456 Company Number 8376060

Kingston Carers’ Network is a registered charity, established in 1994, providing independent information, support and advocacy to people who care for someone living in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

A carer is someone who looks after a family member, friend or partner who could not manage without their support. This might be due to a physical or mental health condition, addiction, or substance misuse. Carers are of all ages, and their caring responsibilities can put them under physical, emotional, and because they are unpaid, financial pressure. In the case of children caring for a parent or sibling, this can have significant negative effects on their lives and future opportunities. It impacts their learning and the social activities that their peers get to experience and enjoy.

At Kingston Carers’ Network we aim to:

2

Kingston Carers’ Network

Reg. Charity No. 1151456 Company Number 8376060

3

Kingston Carers’ Network

Reg. Charity No. 1151456 Company Number 8376060

Annual General Meeting – 11[th] October 2024: 2:00pm to 4:00pm Searchlight Community Centre, New Malden KT3 3RX AGENDA

  1. Welcome – Tony Woods, Chairman

  2. Apologies for absence

  3. Young Carers’ Conference: Liz Grimwood, Manager Young Carers Project

  4. Adult Carers’ Service: Lily Bath, Manager Adult Carers Team

  5. Heart of Care - Presentation

  6. Report by the Chair/Highlights of the Year: Tony Woods

  7. Introduction to new Chief Executive: Rachael Stokes

  8. Minutes of the 2023 AGM: Tony Woods

  9. Presentation & Adoption of the Annual Accounts for Financial Year 2023-24

  10. Appointment of the Independent Examiner

  11. Election of Directors of the Board 2024-2025

  12. Any Other Business

  13. Closing remarks from the Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Cllr Liz Green

The AGM will be followed by a light lunch .

Current Staff

4

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The Trustees (who are also directors of the company limited by guarantee for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006) are pleased to present their annual Trustee Report, together with the examined financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024, which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a D irectors’ Report and Accounts for Companies Act purposes.

Structure, Governance and Management

Kingston Carers’ Network is a charity registered in England and Wales with the Registered Number 1151456. The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on 25 January 2013 and operates in accordance with its written Memorandum and Articles of Association. New Trustees are appointed in accordance with its Articles of Association.

Address 418 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 7HF.

Directors

Directors who served as members of the Management Committee during the year from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024, for the full year (unless stated otherwise) were:

Proposal for re-election of Directors

Under Article 23 the following longest serving directors, comprising one-third of the Board, are required to retire but available for re-election:

Simon Post Peter Whatnall Wydeeswaran Thayalan

Under Article 24 there were no new directors, appointed by a resolution of the Board since the last AGM.

5

Officers

Officers are appointed by the Board. There have been no new appointments since the last AGM.

Bankers

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Kingston upon Thames branch and Virgin Money, Kingston upon Thames branch, Shawbrook Bank CAF Account

Accountants:

Kamp Accountants, New Malden, Surrey.

6

Objectives and Activities

Purpose

The purpose of Kingston Carers’ Network is to provide information, support, and advice to carers of people living in the Royal Borough of Kingston who could not manage without their support. This might be due to a physical or mental health condition, addiction, or substance misuse. As such, the charity is a public benefit entity, and the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance of public benefit.

Target Group – Definition

A carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend or partner who could not otherwise manage. This might be due to a physical or mental health condition, addiction, or substance misuse. A carer may also be juggling paid work with their unpaid caring responsibilities at home.

Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age, including children.

The 2021 Census indicated that there are 12,101 adult carers supporting someone in the borough of Kingston.

Activities

The charity provides a comprehensive and holistic range of services, and this has developed in consultation with carers and other stakeholders. We have adopted the five outcomes pledged by the Government in the National Carers’ Strategy:

Our current services include:

7

Achievements and Performance

Adult Carers

This year we have supported over 4,701 carers across all our services. We saw a total of 1,223 adult carer referrals to our Advice Service, which is an increase of 16% on the previous year. A key outcome of our advice service is to reduce the financial hardship of carers. This year we secured an additional £377,632 of new income for Kingston’s carers and families.

Other key outcomes for adult carers included:

Feedback from carers provides evidence that we are achieving our key objectives. This year:

79% of carers said they had an improved understanding of their rights. 74% of carers are now recognised as expert care partners. 82% of carers are now enjoying a life outside of caring. 84% of carers have improved mental and physical health.

Young Carers

There were 113 young carers referred to our Young Carers ’ Project, and we provided 2,310 respite breaks for 802 young and carers aged 5-18 at 206 activities.

Some of our key achievements include:

8

Volunteering Project

This year, we were supported by 91 volunteers who contributed their time and skills in a variety of roles. Volunteers gave over 3,113 hours of their time, which represents a saving in staff costs of around £40,943.

The valuable contribution made by our volunteers enables us to expand the service we offer carers, and we could not function effectively without them. Highlights from our volunteering project include:

Financial Review

As with many charities, KCN faces financial challenges in terms of accessing funding and also increasing costs following recently higher inflation levels. Many funders tell us that the requests they receive far outweigh what funding they have available. Despite these pressures we continue to have good success at maintaining our income and also, importantly, maintaining our levels of service to carers. We are grateful to the many individuals and groups who donate to KCN and offer their financial support through a variety of fundraising activities and regular contributions.

We work closely with our donors to ensure that the needs of carers are met and that the terms of grants made are complied with. During the year we have had generous support from RBK, Achieving for Children, City Bridge, the Henry Smith Charity, Trust for London, and the Community Fund. We have received many grants from The Carers' Trust to direct towards individual carer needs. A particular highlight for us has been receiving significant grants from NHS in the shape of the SW London ICB and also St George's Mental Health Trust in partnership with MIND, and we look forward to developing this relationship over the coming years.

We are conscious of the difficult environment we work in and regularly review our position to ensure the continuing financial health of KCN. We manage our Balance Sheet and Reserves to ensure that KCN are able to continue to deliver services through tougher times.

9

Chairman’s Report for the year ended 31 March 2024

Kingston Carers’ Network (A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

Kingston Carers’ Network (KCN) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and, since its incorporation on 25[th] January 2013, the charitable company has been administered by its Board of Trustees, who are also Directors of KCN for the purposes of Company Law. As such, they are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the organisation’s financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare annual financial statements that provide a true and fair view of the charitable company’s state of affairs, its incoming resources, and the application of those resources, including income and expenditure over the period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company, and which 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 maintaining the integrity of the financial statements.

As stated below, KCN continues to seek additional Trustees, especially those who have relevant experience and skills that would benefit the organisation. Trustees are recruited based on their skills and experience. All new Trustees are taken through an induction procedure to ensure they understand their responsibilities and have sound knowledge of KCN’s policies and procedures.

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Overview of 23/24

Another year, another period of upheaval. In April 2023, we looked forward with optimism to a new chapter in the history of KCN. We were in the process of identifying a new CEO as Diane White, our previous CEO, took up her new role as the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames- a proud achievement for her and also for KCN. We made an appointment in May 2023 and the appointee took up the role in July. However, to be very brief, it soon emerged that the new CEO and the Board had different visions for the organisation, so we agreed to part company just after the Christmas break. It was an uncertain and unsettling period for the staff and volunteers, and I thank them for their patience and resilience. Thus, we began the recruitment process again as we welcomed back Diane White, who agreed to step in once more and keep the organisation on track with help from the trusteesparticularly our treasurer Peter Whatnall and Viv Rowlands, whose presence in the office on a daily basis was much appreciated.

Despite the upheaval, we continued our essential work supporting over 4000 adult carers and nearly 800 young carers across the borough. The staff continued to provide our range of services and projects, including independent advice and information, advocacy, and support through various programmes like wellbeing activities, befriending services, and support groups for both adult and young carers. They were also dealing with issues like the rising cost of living and particularly the Carer's Allowance scandal, which brought significant attention to the financial struggles faced by unpaid carers in the UK. Many carers found themselves in debt due to overpayments of Carer's Allowance, which were often triggered by minor infractions, such as earning just a few pounds above the strict earnings limit. This has led to carers having to repay large sums, sometimes amounting to thousands of pounds, despite their income barely increasing. The rigid rules, combined with the very low weekly allowance, have plunged many carers into deep poverty, with 62% of those receiving the benefit living below the poverty line. Advocacy groups and carers have called for urgent reforms, comparing this to other long-standing injustices, and highlighting the need for a system that better supports carers who sacrifice paid employment to care for loved ones. Of course, we echo these calls and fully support the Carers UK in their campaign to right this wrong and thank Sir Ed Davey for raising this issue with the Prime Minister in Parliament. The board is, as ever, in awe of our staff and volunteers who tackle such issue head on and ensure we achieve of mission of helping unpaid carers thrive.

At the board level, we have also experienced recent change. I would like to place on record my and the Board’s thanks to Pat Stanley who stood down as a Trustee last – autumn. Pat was a highly valued Trustee her knowledge of the care sector was unrivalled, and she is sorely missed. We extend our very best wishes to Pat and her husband. As 24-25 started, two other trustees stood down; Julia Linney and Viv Rowlands. Again, I would like to extend our thanks to both for their outstanding contributions to KCN and wish them all the best for the future.

11

And so we look forward to 2024-25 - our 30[th] anniversary year. We have a new CEO in place, Ms Rachael Stokes and we welcome her most warmly. Of course, we continue to face the familiar challenge of obtaining the funding for our projects and services but ‘ twas ever thus. So finally, our thanks again to Diane White for stepping into the breach once more in 23-24. I think she can have a rest now!

Dr Tony Woods Chair, Board of Trustees 17 September 2024 For the financial year 2023-24

12

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Kingston Carers ’ Network (Company limited by guarantee)

Year ended 31[st] March 2024

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31[st] March 2024 which are set out on pages 14 to 23

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission and Companies Act 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Masood Shahid ACA FCCA KAMP Accountants Independent Examiner Chartered Accountant Falcon House 257 Burlington Road New Malden Surrey KT3 4NE

Date 30.09.2024

Charities, Section C

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KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
4
Investment Income
4
Charitable Activities
4
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities
5
Raising Funds
Other Costs
5
Total
Net Resources before transfers
Transfers between Funds
12
Net before other gains/losses
Other gains/losses
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward
Total Funds Carried Forward		 2024
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
116,036
0
116,036
5,479
0
5,479
0
666,644
666,644
121,515
666,644
788,159
207,374
558,879
766,253
0
0
12,474
0
12,474
219,848
558,879
778,727
(98,333)
107,765
9,432
105,857
(105,857)
0
7,524
1,909
9,432
0
0
0
7,524
1,909
9,432
198,695
41,407
240,102
206,219
43,316
249,534
2024		 2023
Total
Funds
£
134,477
1,708
604,220
740,405
698,249
28,260
12,503
739,013
1,393
0
1,393
0
1,393
238,709
240,102

The Balance Sheet continues on the following page.

14

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK
BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024 31 MARCH 2024 31 MARCH 2024
Notes 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible Fixed Assets 6 30,148 40,361
30,148 40,361
Current Assets
Debtors 7 28,853 12,125
Cash at Bank and in Hand 383,782 324,238
412,635 336,363
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts due within one year 8 193,249 136,622
Net Assets 249,534 240,102
Reserves and Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted Income Reserves 13 176,071 158,334
Designated Reserves 13 30,148 40,361
206,219 198,695
Restricted Income Funds 12 43,316 41,407
Total Funds 249,534 240,102
On Behalf of the Management Committee
Signed (Peter Whatnall, Treasurer) PetarUatrale Uatrale Dated 30.09.2024

Notes 1 to 15 on the following pages form part of these accounts

15

Balance sheet (continued)

Trustee’s statements required by the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024

In approving these financial statements as Trustees of the company we hereby confirm:

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).

The financial statements were approved by the board on 18[th] September 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Dr Anthony Woods Chairman

16

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2024

1 Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland': - Preparation of a cash flow statement

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Income received prior to the period the funding covers is deferred until the period starts.

Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.

Gifts donated for resale are included as incoming resources within activities for generating funds when they are sold.

Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are receivable.

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

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

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.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management. They are split using the number of staff hours spent on the main projects.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at their historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Improvements to the buildings are capitalised. Depreciation is provided over the expected useful lives and the term of the leases, as applicable, under the straight-line method. Depreciation is provided from the date an asset comes into use.

17

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts Continued

3 Accounting Policies (continued)

The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contribution payable by the charity during the year.

4

Analysis of Income
Donations and legacies
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Edward Gosling Foundation
Donations
Investment Income
Bank Interest
Incoming Resources re Charitable Activities
R.B. Kingston
Achieving for Children
Discretionary Payments - Carers grants
Male Carers Group
Carers Trust - Carers Activities
Wellbeing & Inclusion Donations
City Bridge
GLA Young Londoner
Young Carers' Activities
Awards for All (Youth Group)
Jack Petchey Foundation
Wellcome Curiosity
St George's MHT
The Henry Smith Charity
Trust for London
Inspiring Change YACs
SWL NHS
Big Lottery Community Fund
Trust for London Adults
Garfield Weston
Fitness and Wellbeing
YC Conference
Other Restricted Donations
Zero check post-population		 2024
£
85,000
31,036
116,036
5,479
179,800
40,000
40,000
10,132
14,013
892
57,539
7,990
9,577
5,300
-
21,218
85,290
33,336
250
39,045
98,776
-
9,995
1,870
11,621
666,644
-		 2023
£
101,031
25,000
8,446
134,477
1,708
154,880
40,000
-
6,455
9,443
1,932
60,500
7,500
7,655
2,500
10,900
35,194
-
78,350
48,300
1,448
-
85,451
8,167
18,750
9,276
11,570
5,950
604,220

18

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts Continued

5

Analysis of Expenditure
Charitable Activities - Unrestricted Funds
Salaries including NI contributions & pensions
Recruitment, Training & Expenses
Premises and Office Costs
Events & Activities
Legal & Professional Fees
Charitable Activities - Restricted Funds
Supporting Adult carers
Supporting Male Carers
Supporting Achieving for Children
Supporting Lloyds
Supporting Carers Trust Carers' Activities
Supporting City Bridge Adult Carers
Supporting GLA Young Carers
Supporting Young Carers' Activities
Supporting Awards for All (Youth Group)
Supporting Jack Petchey Foundation
Supporting Wellcome Curiosity
Supporting Inspiring Change YACs
Supporting St George's MHT
Supporting The Henry Smith Charity
Supporting Trust for London
Supporting Trust for London Young Carers
Supporting Garfield Weston
Supporting Big Lottery Community Fund
Supporting RBK Carers
Supporting Fitness and Wellbeing
Supporting YC Conference
Supporting SWL Health
Supporting Other Small Projects
Other Costs (unrestricted)
Depreciation
Governance costs:
Independent Examiner's Fee
AGM Costs
Data Protection Registration
DBS checks		 2024
£
168,243
5,708
21,559
8,500
3,362
207,374
146,927
6,295
33,924
0
6,793
51,680
-
19,528
8,562
3,836
300
17,328
94,611
30,094
-
-
68,015
36,000
6,619
909
20,434
7,023
558,879
10,213
1,068
160
35
998
12,474		 2023
£
138,705
4,715
26,385
2,638
116
172,559
142,709
1,250
41,708
1,761
6,302
49,764
3,914
8,003
2,127
11,931
25,297
1,012
65,720
24,192
8,000
18,015
84,761
-
14,288
6,570
4,183
4,186
525,691
10,213
1,068
134
35
1,053
12,503

19

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts Continued

Support costs included in Expenditure
Unrestricted Funds
Supporting Adult carers
Supporting Achieving for Children
Supporting City Bridge Adult Carers
Supporting Young Carers
Supporting St George's MHT
Supporting Trust for London
Supporting SWL NHS
Supporting The Henry Smith Charity
Supporting Big Lottery Community Fund
Total		 Support
Costs
£
28,118
15,481
4,449
8,747
5,481
2,014
3,072
8,500
5,324
7,999
89,185

Support costs are split using the number of staff hours spent on the main projects.

6 Fixed Assets

The movements in tangible fixed assets are comprised as follows:
Carrying value
Balance as at 1 April 2023
Additions in the year
Balance as at 31 March 2024
Depreciation as at 1 April 2023
Depreciation in the year
Accumulated depreciation as at 31 March 2024
Net book value at 31 March 2024
7
Debtors & Prepayments
Amounts falling due within one year
Other Debtors
Accrued Income
Prepayments
8
Creditors & Accruals
Amounts falling due within one year
Deferred Income
Trade creditors
Payroll liabilities
Accrued Expenditure		 Leasehold
improvements
96,338
-
96,338
(55,977)
(10,213)
(66,190)
30,148
2024
2023
£
£
5,875
5,875
11,350
11,628
6,250
28,853
12,125
2024
2023
£
£
153,020
94,964
69
-
10,845
15,133
20,369
25,165
10,445
193,249
136,622		 Leasehold
improvements
96,338
-
96,338
(55,977)
(10,213)
(66,190)
30,148
2024
2023
£
£
5,875
5,875
11,350
11,628
6,250
28,853
12,125
2024
2023
£
£
153,020
94,964
69
-
10,845
15,133
20,369
25,165
10,445
193,249
136,622
96,338
(55,977)
(10,213)
(66,190)
30,148
2023
£
5,875
6,250
12,125
2023
£
94,964
10,845
20,369
10,445
136,622

Deferred income is income received in the current financial year for services to be provided in the next financial year. Hence, grants received from funders where the services will be provided to them in the next financial year have been recorded as deferred income, and are analysed as follows: £

Balance brought forward at 1 April 2023
Released in year
Income received in year deferred to following year
Balance carried forward at 31 March 2024		 94,964
(94,964)
153,020
153,020

20

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts Continued

9
Fee for Independent Examination of the Accounts
Kamp Accountants
10
Staff Costs
Gross Salaries
Employer's NI contributions
Pension contributions		 2024
£
1,068
2024
£
493,181
41,997
17,011
552,189		 2023
£
1,068
2023
£
449,675
35,439
24,520
509,634

The average monthly numbers of employees during the year calculated on the basis of full time equivalents was as follows:

Charitable Activities 13
Administration 4

There were no employees who received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 during the year.

Termination payments totalling £9214 are included in year end creditor balances.

10.1 Trustees' emoluments

No remuneration was paid to any trustee

11 Related Party Transactions

No loans made to or received from any trustee. No trustees' expenses were reimbursed. Payments totalling £9675 were made to Carole Whatnall, the wife of Peter Whatnall,

in respect of sessional work supporting the Adults Carers team.

21

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts continued

12 Restricted Funds Held

Grants to support:

a Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Support to Adult carers b Achieving for Children Young carers c Discretionary Payments Support grants to adult carers d Inspiring Change YACs Young adult carers peer support e Carers Trust Carers activities f Male Carers Group Adult male carers g The Henry Smith Charity Young carers 5-18 h Trust for London Adult carers benefits and tribunals i Big Lottery Community Fund Young carers 5-18 and volunteer support j Young Carers conference Young carers 5-18 k SWL Health Adult carers resilience support l St George's MHT Mental Health support m City Bridge Trust Carers over 65 n Young Carers Activities Peer support activities o Awards for All (Youth Group) Young carers p Children in Need Fitness and Wellbeing Young carers 5-18 q Jack Petchey Foundation Young carers

Restricted Fund Values and Movements

a Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
b Achieving for Children
c RBK Discretionary Payments
d Inspiring Change YACs
e Carers Trust
f Male Carers Group
g The Henry Smith Charity
h Trust for London
i Big Lottery Community Fund
j Young Carers Conf
k SWL Health
l St George's MHT
m City Bridge Trust
n Young Carers Activities
o Awards for All (Youth Group)
p Children in Need Fitness and Wellbeing
q Jack Petchey Foundation
Other funds		 Balance brought
Incoming
Transfers
Outgoing
Balance carried
forward
Resources
Resources
forward
£
£
£
£
£
(8,139)
179,800
(24,598)
(146,927)
136
(13,825)
40,000
6,909
(33,924)
(840)
40,000
(36,000)
4,000
2,672
250
(2,622)
(300)
0
14,134
14,013
(10,993)
(6,793)
10,360
5,206
10,132
(1,253)
(6,295)
7,790
14,337
85,290
(6,954)
(94,611)
(1,939)
8,225
33,336
(2,848)
(30,094)
8,619
(13,147)
98,776
(15,500)
(68,015)
2,113
5,000
1,870
(909)
5,961
(4,183)
39,045
(12,500)
(20,434)
1,928
21,218
(2,256)
(17,328)
1,635
20,778
57,539
(8,000)
(51,680)
18,637
(17,177)
7,990
0
(19,528)
(28,715)
12,079
9,577
(7,846)
(8,562)
5,248
(10,774)
9,995
7,397
(6,619)
(0)
1,428
5,300
0
(3,836)
2,892
24,793
12,514
(24,793)
(7,023)
5,490
41,407
666,644
(105,857)
(558,879)
43,316

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KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts continued

13 Unrestricted Reserves Movement

Unrestricted Reserves Movement
General Reserves
Designated Reserves		 At 1 April 2023
Incoming
Transfers
Outgoing
At 31 March 2024
resources
resources
£
£
£
£
£
158,334
121,515
105,857
(209,635)
176,071
40,361
-
(10,213)
30,148
198,695
121,515
105,857
(219,848)
206,219

The General Reserve is utilized for the ongoing Core activities of the charity rather than the charitable activities. In accordance with the Reserves Policy of the Charity the General Reserves are intended to meet all necessary costs in the event of the Charity being forced to be wound up. Transfers between Unrestricted and Restricted Funds represent the charge of management supervision time to each project.

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Analysis of Net Assets between Funds
Unrestricted Reserves
Restricted Funds		 Fixed
Current
Current
Assets
Assets
Liabilities
Total
£
£
£
£
30,148
331,165
155,094
206,219
-
81,470
38,155
43,315
30,148
412,635
193,249
249,534

15 Company limited by guarantee

Kingston Carers' Network was incorporated on 25 January 2013 and the assets and liabilities were transferred as of 1 April 2013 for "Nil" Consideration.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of its being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Minutes of the 32[nd] Annual General Meeting held at 1.00pm on Friday 6[th] October 2023 at Searchlight Community Centre, Kingston Road, New Malden KT3 3RX.

Present Members

Tony Woods Peter Whatnall Jo Cocup

Bob Humphries Julia Linney Simon Post Pat Stanley Viv Rowlands Thay Thayalan Dawn Whitcombe Tony Bennett Joanne Maye

Chair

Treasurer Company Secretary Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee CEO Staff Member

Rita Ferro Volunteer Ramon Selvakumaran Volunteer Georgette Bellino Carer Susanna Bellino Carer Carole Blackman Carer Driskoll Adelaide BoakyeCarer Yiadom Fatima Channa Carer Martina Howley Carer Ann Mason Carer Prabha Shetty Carer Nicola Tyler Carer

Invited

Sir Ed Davey MP Mayor Diane White Aisha Wazir Anna Whitcombe Liz Grimwood Lily Bath Klaire Osuji David Still Carole Whatnall Meera Winder Steph Bader

Guest Speaker Guest Speaker Speaker/Carer Speaker/YC Speaker/Staff Staff Member Staff Member Staff Member Staff Member Staff Member Sessional Work

Susan Adie Volunteer Wendy Blake Volunteer Emily Forey Volunteer Caroline Tidman Volunteer Marilynne Epstein Carer Gloria Lewis Carer Brian Maskell Carer Patricia Maskell Carer Ishverlal Modi Carer Puhpa Modi Carer David Stanley Carer

Apologies:

John Mays Sushila Abraham Thom Braun Mike Wilkinson Marilyn Fry Christine Goddard

Vice Chair Kathryn Ingham Carer Former Trustee Ava Mintz Carer Former Trustee Howard Mintz Carer Former Trustee Margaret Walsh Carer Carer Maureen Wright Carer Carer Charles Yule Carer

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Welcome and AGM Introduction

Tony Woods, Chair of Kingston Carers’ Network introduced himself and welcomed everyone to the AGM. Particular welcome was given to The Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, Councillor Diane White.

The Chair thanked the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames for their continued support over the last year.

Guest speaker Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey MP will arrive at 1:30pm as he has a prior engagement and is unable to attend the entire meeting.

The Chair introduced KCN’s new CEO Tony Bennett, who will be saying a few words later.

The business of the AGM will be carried out towards the end of the meeting. – Housekeeping Searchlight is a shared space with several other organisations, so would everyone kindly walk around to the front of the building to use the toilets there to avoid disturbing other service users.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were tendered by the Trustees and KCN members listed as above. The Chair introduced Liz Grimwood, Manager of the Young Carers’ Project.

The Young Carers’ Conference – Liz Grimwood, YCP Manager

In February 2023, YCP held their first ever Young Carers Inspiring Change Party Conference. It was attended by over 200 guests at the Safari Hotel in Chessington. Young carers were able to enjoy meeting the animals, a balloonist, a magician, and many other activities. Young carers wrote their life aspirations onto leaves, and the trees have been planted all around the borough for all to see and be inspired. It was a very successful first event, and Liz gave thanks to all the staff, volunteers, and sessional workers that worked hard to make it happen. YCP has big plans for next year’s event as it will be KCN’s 30[th] birthday. Liz read the following poem written by a young carer, who won an Xbox 360 in the poetry competition:

My Daddy cannot see So he can easily be stung by a bee I like to help him do small things, like stopping the bus and reading him the book Fing. Even though being blind is not fair, it makes me happy to show him that I care . (Cayden Age 5)

Liz introduced Anna, a young carer.

A Young Carer’s view by Anna

Anna is a young carer who has been with the Young Carers’ Project for around 10 years. Anna has been greatly supported over the years by YCP on many activities and through her mentor. Anna spoke about all the amazing experiences she has had with YCP, but her greatest memory is of the trip to Disneyland Paris. Anna recently did some work experience with YCP in the office, and said she was blown away with how hard – everyone works to plan activities the staff never stop working.

Anna gave her huge thanks to Liz and all in the Young Carers’ Project and at KCN.

An Adult Carer’s Experience by Aisha Wazir

Before joining KCN, Aisha had walked past the office so many times, not even realising what KCN offer. She first heard about KCN at the Warm Spaces Hub at the Guildhall Kingston. Aisha was amazed at how many things KCN provided for carers. Nobody ever

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thinks about what happens once their parents get old, and how much it affects you, and that you are in fact a carer. Aisha said that KCN has changed her life and given her an opportunity to take a break from caring. Aisha was grateful for all that KCN do and would love to volunteer to give something back. Aisha encouraged all carers to go to KCN for advice, support, and a cup of tea.

– Report by the Chair Tony Woods

This item was moved forward in the agenda due to timing.

The Chair invited everyone to read at leisure the full Chairman’s Report printed on page 10 of the Annual Report

Last year was very focussed on recommissioning the contract with the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, and KCN are forever grateful to them for the funding they have provided. This was enabled by a large team lead by Diane White the CEO, successfully allowing KCN to continue to operate.

However, KCN always needs more money to enable it to fully support carers in the borough. There are over 12,000 unpaid carers in RBK, and KCN currently have over 4,000 registered with them. Over 800 of those are young carers aged between 5 and 18. Last year, over 2,500 respite opportunities were provided for young carers. Adult carers attended over 1,700 social and wellbeing events. The highlight of the year was the first Young Carers’ Party Conference, which was a huge success.

The Chair gave thanks to all the staff who have been tremendous, and to over 80 volunteers, without whom we would not have been able to do so much. Special mention was given to the Board of Trustees, particularly Viv Rowlands for his expertise in policies and procedures. Thanks was also given to Jo Cocup for organising the AGM and annual report.

The Chair introduced Tony Bennett, current CEO of KCN.

Highlights of the Year by Chief Executive Tony Bennett

Tony thanked Diane White, previous CEO of KCN, who was present in her capacity as Mayor.

Tony has been in the post for three months and has had some time to settle in and assess the organisation. KCN is in enormously good state. You can feel the care in the office when you walk into the organisation. Tony gave huge congratulations to Diane for the amazing work she has done with KCN.

Tony has worked in both the commercial and the charity sector over the years. Carers are very different from other types of people that need help. People become carers gradually, there is often no one event that leads to it. People do not see themselves as a carer, they just see themselves as family, and the change is massive. We need to encourage more people to reach out for support and recognise that they are carers. KCN has seen a significant increase in demand for its services. There are also more challenges out there due to the current economic situation.

Diane contributed to the development of the Kingston Carers Strategy, which recognised a huge number of actions that are required. The Carers Board is co-chaired by RBK and Tony Bennett as the CEO of KCN. There are five action groups looking at how we can help carers more than we currently do. KCN has been working more closely with the

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hospital to identify carers, and this has led to a significant increase in referrals. This puts huge pressure on KCN as an organisation. There are challenges due to this surge in demand combined with the difficulty in getting funding for it. We have been reaching out to other organisations such as the Henry Smith Charity, but only one in twenty organisations are successful in their funding bids.

There is great demand, it is very challenging to get funding, but KCN will continue to do all it can to support carers in the borough.

Tony introduced Sir Ed Davey MP.

– Guest Speaker Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey

Sir Ed Davey MP is the member of parliament for the Royal Borough of Kingston and leader of the Liberal Democrat party.

Sir Ed thanked Tony Woods for his introduction and said that he very much looked forward to working with Tony Bennett, KCN’s new CEO.

Sir Ed thanked KCN for doing such a fantastic job supporting thousands of carers in the – borough. He also thanked all the carers for what they do they are the reason that KCN exists. Sir Ed has been to several AGMs now, and gave special mention to last year, where Debbie Hustings gave a great talk about carers, the NHS, and Integrated Care Systems.

Supporting carers is the right thing to do morally, but it also makes overwhelming sense financially. There is a need to compile even more evidence to further support the case.

  1. Supporting patients and their families/carers has a direct benefit in terms of better health outcomes.

  2. There is evidence that the health of carers tends to be worse that the average population. The mental health of a carer is twice as poor as the average person.

  3. Carers save the NHS a huge amount of money, through:

  4. a. Fewer admissions to hospital

  5. b. Fewer re-admissions

  6. c. Saves money in terms of discharge – if a patient has suitable care at home, they can leave hospital more quickly.

  7. d. Less spending on residential care homes.

Spending money on carers actually saves the NHS money for the above reasons. – Carers need more support financially, with carers breaks, with training, practically, and emotionally.

At a local level, the carers strategy has involved working with the hospitals, and is a test case for the whole country. With the Carers Clinical Liaison Partnership, carers are recognised as important people regarding the patients care, and they are involved in discharge plans right from the start. The patient’s package of care is built around the needs of the carer, not just the patient. How can we further build on that? This can be rolled out toward secondary and primary care too. If we can make this work at KCN, we can show the benefits of supporting carers across the UK. Sir Ed welcomed any feedback from KCN staff, volunteers, and carers.

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Sir Ed gave huge thanks to KCN for all they do. Sir Ed has also benefitted by “poaching” Heidi from KCN for his staff, and through his daughter attending YCP events, who has a wonderful time.

AGM Business

The Chair Tony Woods presented the business of the AGM.

Minutes of the 2022 AGM

The minutes of the 2022 AGM were agreed as a true record.

Adoption of the Annual Accounts for 2022/23

The annual accounts were not formally presented at this meeting. The Chair invited everyone to read the full record of the Annual Accounts in the Annual Report, and to address any questions to the Treasurer, Peter Whatnall. The Chair thanked the Finance Team and the auditors for the tremendous amount of work put into producing the annual accounts.

Adoption of the accounts was proposed by Peter Whatnall and seconded by Bob Humphries.

The accounts were agreed and adopted by the Board.

Appointment of Independent Examiner

KAMP Accountants are the new Independent Examiners for the coming financial year. (Our previous accountants, Nasir Mahmoud FCA, have entered into a merger with another partnership, and will henceforth be operating under the title of KAMP Accountants.)

Proposed by Tony Woods and seconded by Viv Rowlands. Agreed by all.

Election of Directors to the Board of Trustees and Officers of the Board 2022/23

The following candidates, under Article 23, being the three longest serving directors of the Board were proposed for re-election as Directors:

Agreed by all.

Pat Stanley will not be standing for re-election and has decided to step down as a director of KCN.

Pat has been a Trustee for many years, and previously had a staff role. The Chair thanked Pat for her long service and for all her valuable input to KCN and invited her to keep in touch.

Under Article 24 there was one new director appointed by a resolution of the Board since the last AGM – Thay Thayalan

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Proposed by Jo Cocup Seconded by Joanne Maye Agreed by all.

Officers are appointed by the Board. There have been no new appointments since the last AGM.

Any Other Business

There was no other business.

The chair introduced the Mayor Diane White.

Closing remarks from the Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Diane White

The Mayor welcomed everyone and thanked KCN for being invited to the AGM.

The Mayor gave thanks to all carers. Carers are not ordinary, they are amazing, special people. They are kind and patient and should be recognised and celebrated. Carers in RBK provide £336 million worth of unpaid care per year, and the system could not cope without them. The Mayor thanked Sir Ed for raising awareness of carers across the UK. The Mayor gave thanks to Aisha and to Anna for coming today and speaking at the AGM.

There have been two main points for the past year:

  1. The experience of the RBK tender has been a major one – but it is now over. The Health and Care Act 2022 led to the setting up of Integrated Care Systems, obliging the health sector to work collaboratively with carers. The voice of carers is now louder than ever before. Meera Winder and Joanne Maye have been working closely with Kingston Hospital, and David Still has been working with GPs in the borough. Health services have been in contact with Tony Bennett and relationships are being built across services.

  2. The All-Age Kingston Carers Strategy was launched. So much work has been going into it to ensure it is carried out. It has been designed by and for carers concerned about their own health and wellbeing and to enable them to have a life outside caring.

The Mayor welcomed Tony Benett to KCN and to doing a wonderful, incredible job. The Mayor thanked all carers, volunteers, trustees and the KCN team. The staff and team at KCN are the absolute best in the entire world.

The Chair thanked the Mayor, and said he was incredibly proud of her and of KCN. He also gave thanks to her and to Sir Ed Davey - KCN are very lucky to have them championing our cause.

This brings to a close the 2023 AGM. The AGM will be followed by a light lunch.

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Kingston Carers’ Network 418 Ewell Road Surbiton KT6 7HF

Contact: Enquiries 020 3031 2757 www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

24 HOUR ANSWERPHONE

Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company Limited by Guarantee No. 8376060

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