## **Healthwatch Camden Annual Report & Accounts 2022/23** Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Report and Unaudited Financial Statements – year ended 31[st] March 2023 ## **Here to make care better** Healthwatch Camden exists to make care better for residents of the London Borough of Camden. This reports documents how the organisation used its resources in 2022/23 to pursue its objectives. ## **Reference and administrative detail** **Status** : Charitable Incorporated Organisation **Charity Registration No** : 1152552 **Chief Executive Officer** : Stephen Heard **Registered Office** : 85-87 Bayham Street, Camden, London, NW1 0AG The Charity's governing document is its constitution dated 21 June 2013 **Trustees** : Louise Jones (chair), Robert Sumerling (resigned June 2023), Philippa Robinson (vice chair), Paul Webley, Keith Morgan, John Hoar, Shahnaz Ahmed (resigned December 2022) Jiten Raval, (Appointed April 2022). **Independent examiner** : Shruti Soni Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants, 117a St John’s Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 3PE The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 This Trustees Report and the associated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with guidance for preparing Charity Accounts and Reports presented in “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice” and are therefore in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP FRS 102). 1 ## **Charitable objects** The advancement of health and the relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability or financial hardship by: a) providing information and advice to the general public about local health and social care services b) making the views and experiences of members of the general public known to health and social care providers and commissioners c) enabling local people to have a voice in the development, delivery, improvement and equality of access to local health and care services and facilities and d) providing training and the development of skills for volunteers and the wider community in understanding scrutinizing, reviewing and monitoring local health and care services and facilities. ## **Our role and remit** Run by and for local people, our role is to ensure that Camden people have a strong **VOICE** in local health and social care services; that they know about the **CHOICES** they can make in these services; and that local people’s views lead to positive **CHANGE** in services. **Our remit** derives from the key functions and powers of a local Healthwatch organisation, as set out in the 2012 Health and Social Care Act. These are: - to provide information and advice to the public about local health and care services; - to make the views and experiences of members of the general public known to health and social care providers and commissioners; - to enable local people to have a voice in the development, delivery, improvement and equality of access to local health and social care services and facilities; - to provide support for our volunteers and the wider community in understanding and monitoring local health and social care services and facilities. ## **Activities, achievements and performance** See Appendix: Annual report on activity for information about the charities activities this year. ## **Structure, governance and management** Healthwatch Camden is a small organisation with 3.3 staff (3.3 full time equivalent) led by Chief Executive, Stephen Heard. Staff have expertise in gathering and reporting people’s experiences and views. They reach out to different communities of interest and work with local voluntary organisations to make sure we are hearing from as wide a group of people as possible. Staff have skills in influencing local service providers, and in making alliances to achieve change. Staff are also able to gather information about services and share it via our website and social media, as well as responding to queries by telephone or email. We benefit from additional expertise by working with community organisations who, for example, assist with interviews in a variety of languages. Some expertise is gained through the use of associates - freelance workers - who contribute to specific projects. 2 ## **Structure, governance and management (cont.)** We also have a number of active volunteers. Volunteers help us to gather and to disseminate information. Some are trained for specific roles such as ‘PLACE’ assessments (patient led assessment of the care environment, which takes place in hospitals annually) or to do formal visits to local care services using Healthwatch ‘enter and view’ powers. We are grateful for the volunteer support organisations in Camden that help us to find suitable volunteers. The organisation is governed by a board of trustees. This year one trustee was recruited. There are currently seven trustees. Trustees are appointed for a term of three years and may serve two terms consecutively. Trustees are recruited through a mix of open advertising and personal recommendation and all are interviewed. The board reflects a range of skills and experience. All trustees must have a connection with Camden as residents, service users, workers or students. New trustees are provided with an induction briefing. All trustees receive a regular update from the Chief Executive on current issues. Trustees met formally four times this year. Two of our meetings are held in public each year. In addition, trustees and staff hold an annual ‘away-day’ to review progress and plan future work. Trustees have also met virtually as required. There are no standing committees, however the board sets up ad hoc task groups from time to time, and different trustees provide oversight and expertise to specific areas of work. This includes oversight of financial management, review of operating policies, staff issues and strategic planning. ## **Maintaining independence** It is essential to our role that we are independent, so that we may provide unbiased insight and recommendations. Trustees are mindful of their role as representatives of the public interest and both trustees and staff follow the ‘Nolan Principles’ of conduct in public life. Our role requires us to be well connected with local stakeholders, and to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the health and social care system. So we always strive to keep a balance between maintaining close and constructive relationships and being demonstrably independent. ## **Financial review** The total income for 2022/23 was £208,239 as compared to £234,892 in 2021/22 of which £206,500 (2022: £225,896) was restricted. Total expenditure for 2022/23 was £189,633 as compared to £192,165 in 2021/22 of which £184,305 (2022: £190,078) was restricted. As a result the net income in 2022/23 decreased to £18,606 from £42,727 in 2021/22. Unrestricted funds as at 31 March 2023 stood at £119,464 (2022: £112,708) of which general funds were £37,464 (2022: £55,708) and the remaining £82,000 (2022: £57,000) were designated. The CEO and Board of Trustees are reviewing the organisation’s activities to find a way of delivering the service within budget. A new sustainability strategy will also be developed. Trustees regularly review our spending plans, to make sure we are making the best of our Resources.” 3 ## **Reserves policy** Trustees reviewed our reserves policy in December 2022. Current policy is to maintain a reserve of not less than six months’ running costs. This is being achieved; our current designated reserve is £82,000. Trustees also aim to create a reserve for development costs, from surplus unrestricted funds. All other funds are available to be used in-year to further the objectives of the charity. ## **Risk statement** Healthwatch Camden has a risk register, reviewed at least annually. Its biggest risks remain financial. We have legal functions as a local Healthwatch organisation and trustees are mindful that we may not be able to fulfil these if our core income drops any further. We have the ability to refer funding concerns to Healthwatch England, who may intervene on our behalf with our main funders, the London Borough of Camden. As a small charity with limited technical financial knowledge we had identified a general risk of loss due to fraud; our move to appoint a qualified independent financial service has helped to minimise this risk by creating a further layer of oversight. Trustees consider that all general operational risks are being well managed and present a low risk overall. Trustees are satisfied that risk management in use is proportionate and sufficient. ## **Public benefit statement** Public benefit statement The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set. 4 ## **Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities** The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; b) observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; c) make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; d) state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; e) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Trust will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Trust's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities This report was approved by the Trustees on 24/11/23 and signed on their behalf by: Signed: ___________________________________ Trustee: Name: ____Louise Jones__________________ Date: 24/11/23 5 **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Healthwatch Camden** I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023 as set out on pages 8 to 20. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or - the accounts do not accord with those records; or - the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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 I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed ___________________________________ Date: 30 November 2023 Shruti Soni FCCA FCIE Shruti Soni Ltd ●Chartered Certified Accountants 117a St. John's Hill Sevenoaks TN13 3PE 6 Annual Accounts HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN ststement of flnan¢lal actlvltles Iln¢orkx)ratlng an Inco￿ and expenthture a¢ctsunti For the ye¥ ended 31 M•r¢h 2023 ￿n￿strICted Restrtcted Total Unrestrl¢ted Restrl¢ted Total Note Income from: Donation5 and legacies Charitable activitles Health ad￿Ce, Informatlon and research Investments 187,000 187.ty)0 1,980 203,556 205.536 1,500 239 19,500 21,000 239 7,016 22,340 29,356 Total Income 1,739 206,500 208,Z39 8,996 225,896 234,892 Expendlture on: Ralslng funds Charltable actlvltles Health ad￿Ce, Informatlon and research 1,780 1,780 1,894 1,894 5,328 182,525 187,853 2,087 188,184 190,271 Total expendltur• 5,328 184,305 189.633 2,087 190,078 192,165 Net Income l {expendlturel befor• net qalns I1105gesl on 13,5891 22,195 18,606 6,909 35,818 42,727 Net Income l {expendlturel for the y•ar 13,5891 22,195 18,606 6,909 35,818 42,727 Transfers between funth 10,345 110,3451 Net movement In funds 6,756 11,850 18.606 6,909 35,818 42,727 Recondllatlon of funds: Total funds brought fO￿ard 112,708 35,818 148,526 105,799 105,799 Total funds carrled forward 16 119,464 47,668 167,132 112,708 35,818 148,526 All of the above results are derlveé from contlnulng attl￿tIes. There were no other recognlsed galns or losses Ot￿r I￿n those stated above. Movements In funds are dlstlosed In Note 16 to the flnanclal $￿teMents. HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Balance sheet As at 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Note Flxed assets: Tangible assets 11 1,498 1,498 Current assets: Debtors Cash at bank and In hand 12 7,596 184.212 18,996 150,282 191,808 169,278 Llabllltles: Credltors.. amounts falllng due ￿thIft one year 25,224 22,250 N•t current assets I Illablllt1•51 166,584 147,028 Total assets l•ss curr•nt Ilabllltles 167,132 148,526 Total net assets l {Ilttbllltl•sl 167,132 148,526 The fund5 of the charlty: Restrlcted Income funds Unrestrlcted Income funds: Desl8na¢ed furyjs General funds 15 47,668 35,818 82,IXIO 37,464 57,OQ) 55,708 Total unrestrfjcted funds 119.464 112.708 Totsl charfty funds 167,132 148,526 24/11/23 These fln•n¢lal statements were approved by the board on ............................................and $18ne Income Income15 recogn15ed when the charlty ha5 entltlement to the funds, any performance conditlons attached to the Income have been met, It Ss probable that the Income ￿11 be received and that the amcrtjnt can be measured rellably. Income from government and other grants, whether 'capltal' grants or 'revenue' grants, Is recognlsed when the chadty has entltlement to the funds, any performance condltlons attached to the grants have been met, It Is probable that the Income will be rece5ved and the amount can be measured rellably and Is not deferred. IncLYne received in advance of the prov051on of a speclfled servlce Is deferred untll the crlterla for Income recognition are met. e> Interest re¢elYable Interest on funds held on dep051t 15 Included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity. this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. 10 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Notes to the flnan¢lal statements For the ear ended 31 March 2023 1 Accountln8 pollcle5 Icontlnued) fl Fund accountlnl Restrlcted funds are to be used for speclflc purF4)ses as laid down by the donor. Expenditure whlch meets these crlterla is charged to the fund. Unrestricted fund5 are donations and other Incoming reswrces received or generated for the charftable purposes. Designated fund5 are unre5tTiCted fund5 earmarked by the trustees for partlcuiar PUTP05e5. %) Expendlture Expenditure Is re¢ognlse(l once there Is a legal or constnJ¢tlve obllgation to make a payment to a thlrd party, It Is probable that settlement wlll be requlred and the amount of the obli8atlon can be measured rellably. Expendlture Is classlfled under the follo%￿n8 activlty headlngs: Cost5 of ralsln8 funds relate to the costs Incurred by the charltable company In Induclng thlrd partles to make voluntary contrlbutlons to It, as well as the cost of any )ctlvltles wlth a fundralsln8 purpose Expenditure on charitable activitie5 include5 the costs of performances and choral singing actlvtle5 undertaken to further the wrp05es of the charlty and thelr a550ciated support ¢05ts Other exFendlture represents those Items rn)t falllng Into any other headln8 h) Allocatlon of support C￿t5 Resources expended are allocated to the particular activity Whe￿ the cost relates directly to that activity. However, support C05t5, beln8 C05t of overall dlrection and admln15tratlon of each actlvity, comprlslng the salary and overhead costs of the central functlon, Is apportloned on the basls of estlmated staff tlme attdbutable to each actlvlty. Cost of ralslnv funds Health advice, Informatlon and research Governance costs 1% 97% 2% 11 Operatlnq leases Rental charges are charged on a straight Ilne basls over the term ol the lease. Jl Tanglble flx•d ass•ts Items of equlpment are capltallsed where the purchase exceeds £5CQ. Depreclatlon costs are allocate(I to activlties on the basis of the use of the related assets in those actlvities. Assets are reviewed for impairment if circumstances indicate iheir carrying value may exceed their net realisable value and value in use. Where flxed assets have been reyalued, any excess between the revalued amount and the hlstorlc cost of the asset wfll be shown as a revaluatlon reserye In the balance sheet. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its e5tlmated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows.. Offlce Eqylpment 2 years kl Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognlsed at the settlement arnount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayment5 are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 11 HEALThWATCH CAMDEN Notes to the flnanclal ststements For the ear ended 31 hlarch 2023 1 Accountlng pollcles Icontlnuedl 11 Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and cash in hand Includes cash and short term highly Ilquld Investments with a short fflaturtty of three months or les5 from the date of acquisltion or openlng of the deposit or 51fflllar accwnt. Cash balance5 exclude any funds held on behalf of service users. m) Credltors and provlslons Creditors and provlslons are recognised where the charity ha5 a present obligatlon resultlng from a past event that wlll probably result In the transfer of funds to a thlrd party and the amount due to settle the obllgatlon can be measured or estlmated reliably. Credltors an¢J provlslons are normally recognlsed at thelr settlement amount after allowlng for any trade dlscounts due. The chadty only has flnanclal assets and flnanclal 1Sabllltles of a klnd that quallfy os baslc flnanclal Instruments. Baslc flnanclal Instruments are Inltlally reco8nlsed at transactlon value and subsequently measured at thelr settlement value with the exceptlon of bank loans whlch are subsequently measured at amort15ed c05t uslng the effectlve Interest method. n) Tax The chatlty Is an exempt charlty ￿thIn the meanln8 of Schedule 3 of the Charttles Act 2011 and Is consIde￿￿ to pass the tests set out In Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Flnance Act 2010 and therefore It meets the deflnitlon of a charftable company for UK corporatlon tax purposes. 2 Incom• from donatlons and l•ycl•s 2023 total Total 2022 Total Unre5trfcted Re5trlcted London Borough of Camden Camden Glvln8 Vetve Communlcatlons 187,000 187,000 187,1 16,556 1,980 187,000 187,000 205,536 01 the total Income from donatlons of £205,536 In 2022, £1,980 was unrestrlcted and £203.556 was restrlcted. 12 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Notes to the flnanclal statements For the ear ended 31 March 2023 3 Income from charltable actlvttles 2023 2022 Unrestrlcted Restricted Total Total Health •dvl¢e. Informatlon and research NCL CCG Voluntary Actlon Camden Healthwatch England - Als Healthwatch Islington London Ambulance Setvtce Clare Mont NHS CQC NCL CCG . Post COVID Other 14,5C(J 14,500 2,376 1,250 1,250 5,OCQ 140 13,70) 250 250 Total Incorr* from charttable actlvltle5 1,5CO 19,5CQ 21,000 29,356 Of the total Income from charitable actlvltles of £29,356 In 2022, £7,016 was unrestricted ar¥J £22,340 was re5tdcted. 4 Income from Investment5 2013 Total 2022 Total Unrestrlcted Restrfcted Bank Interest 239 239 239 239 13 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Note5 to the financial statements For thè year ended 31 March 2023 5 Analysls of expenthture For thls year Charitable activity Cost of Health ad￿Ce, raising information Governance funds and research osts Support Costs 2023 Total 2022 Total Staff cost5 (Note 71 Recnjitrnent Consultants and engagement Board Expenses Accountancy and payTcII fees Independent examination Marketlng and deslgn A4Eetlnqs and events Offlce equiprnent and consurnables Other staff costs Rent and Insurance Research General offlce expenses & depreclatlon 1,328 122,176 2,656 132.8(10 751 9.489 895 7.510 1.890 3,034 725 2.727 8,511 2.726 J.332 10,243 139,685 7,630 9,309 1.867 7,655 1,860 347 50 10,540 4,178 2,335 3,540 3,169 751 9,489 895 7,510 1,890 3,034 n5 z,n7 8,511 2,n6 8,332 10,243 1.328 316 136 143,756 30,650 13,447 12,951 632 113,5831 31,598 131,5981 189,633 192,165 Support costs Governance costs Total •xp•ndltur• 2023 1,780 187.853 189,633 192,165 14 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Notes to the flnarlclal statements For the year ended 31 March 2023 S Analysls of expendlture {contlnuedl For prior year 2022 Charitable activity Cost of Health advlce. ralslng Information Governance funds and research costs Supwjrt costs 2022 Total Staff costs INote 71 Recrultment Consultants and en8age￿tht Board Expenses Accountancy and payrcll fees Independent examlnatlon hlarketing and design l•£etlngs and events Offlce equipment and con5umable5 Other staff costs Rent and Insurance Research General offlce expenses & depreclatlon 1,397 128,510 2.794 6,984 7,630 139,685 7,630 9,309 1.867 7,655 1,860 347 50 10,540 4,178 2,335 3,540 3, 169 9,309 1,867 7,655 1,860 347 10,540 4,178 2,335 3,540 3,169 1,397 141,756 14,176 34,836 192,165 Support costs Governan¢e Costs 33.791 14,724 697 134,8361 149 114,8731 Total expendlture 2022 1,894 190,271 192,165 Of the total expendItU￿ durtng the year, £184,305 was restrlcted12022.' £190,078) and £5,328 was unrestrfcted 12022'.£2,0871. 15 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Notes to the flnancial statèments For the ear ended 31 March 2023 Net Incomlnq resource5 for the year Thi5 15 Stated after charging I crediting: 2023 2022 Depreclatlon Operating lease rentals: Property 2,046 1,586 2,335 Staff cost, Trust•e remun•ratlon and •xpens St)ff costs were as follows.. 2023 2022 Salarte5 and wages Social security costs Employer's contrtbution to deflned contrlbutlon penslon schemes 122,132 8,343 2,325 128,114 8,799 2,772 132,800 139,685 No employee eamed more than £60,IK#J durfn8 the year12022.' nlll. The total employee beneflts Includln8 penslon contrlbutlons of the key mana8ement personnel were £60,530.3512022'. £57,954.08I. The Charlty conslders Its key management personnel comprfse the Executlve Dlreclor and Trustees. The charlty tTU5tee5 were nol pald or recelved any other beneflt5 frorn employment with the charfty In the year12022'. £nlll. No charlty trustee recelved payment for professlonal or other Se￿￿$ supplled to the chartty12022'. £nlll. No trustees. expenses representln8 any payment or relmbursement of travel and subslstence Costs were pald durfn8 the year12022'. nlll. No trustees were relmbursed any expenses Incurred In relatlon to thelr dutles as trustees. Staff numbers The average number of empltyees (head count based on number of Staff employed) dudng the year was as follows.. 2023 No. 2022 No. Health advice, informatlon and research 16 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Notes to the flnanclal statements For the ear ended 31 March 2023 Related party transactlons There a￿ no related party transactlons to d15¢1ose for 202312022.. none). There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of bvsine55 and no restrirted donation5 frorn related partie5. 10 Taxatlon The charltable company Is exempt from corporatlon tax as all Its Income Is charftable and Is applled for charitable purposes. 11 T￿n￿ble flx•d assets IT Equlpment Total Cost or valu4tlon At the stari of the year Additions in year 9,796 1,097 9,796 1,097 At the en¢J of the year 10,893 10.893 Depreclatlon At the starl of the year Charge for the year 8,298 2,047 8,298 2,047 Ai the end of the year Net book value At the end of the y•ar 10,345 10,345 548 548 At the start of the year 1,498 1,498 All of the at4)ve assets are used for charltable purposes. 12 Debtors 2023 2022 Other debtors Prepayments 5,946 1,650 18,996 7,596 18,996 17 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Notes to the financial statements For the e•r ended 31 March 2023 13 Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one ye•r 2023 2022 Trade creditors Taxation and social secur6ty Other credltors A¢crua15 Deferred I￿Orne 4.665 2,832 617 1.860 15.250 2,991 2,929 1,830 14,5C 25,224 22,250 14 Deferred Income Deferred income comprises 8rant from North Central London CCG1£11,2501 and Cancer Alliance1£4,OCQI to be used for the next financial year 2023-24. 20Z3 2022 Balance at the beglnning of the year Amount released to Income In the year Amount deferred In the year 14,500 114,5001 15.250 14,500 Balance at the end of the year 15.250 14,500 15 Analysls of net assets between funds General unre5trlcted Desl8nated Restrtcted Total funds Tanglble flxed assets Net current assets 548 36,916 548 166,584 82,000 47,668 Net jssets as at 31 March 2023 37.464 82.000 47.668 167.132 General unrestrlcted Designated Restrlcted Total funds Tanglble flxed assets Net current assets 1,498 54,210 1.498 147,028 57,000 35,818 Net assets as at 31 l+larch Z022 55.708 57,000 35,818 148.526 18 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Notè5 to thè financial statements For the ear ended 31 Alarch 2023 16 Movements In funds Incomlng Outgolng resources & resources & yaln5 1055*5 At 1 Aprfl 2022 At 31 March 2023 Tran5fèr5 Restrlcted funds: London Borough of Camden camde￿ Glvlng Healthwatch England AIS - A&E project NCL CCG - Post COVIO research NCL CCG - Communlty Connectors London Ambulance Servlce$ 30,358 2,662 1,5C 1,298 187,C 1159,3451 12,6621 11,5(M)I 11,2981 114,5(M)I 15,OL)JI 110.3451 47.668 14,5C¥) Total restrlcted funds 35,818 206,50) 1184,3051 110,3451 47,668 Unrestrlcted funds.. De51Bnaied fund5: Contingency reserve 57,C 25,000 82,000 Total designated funds 57,C4XI 25,000 82,000 G•n•ral funds 55,708 1,739 15,3281 114,6551 37,464 Total unre5trlcted funds 112,708 1,739 15,3281 10,345 119,464 Total funds 148,526 208,239 1189,6331 167,132 Incomlng OutgolnR resources & resources & galns losses Al 1 Aprll 2021 At 31 March 2022 Transfers Restrlcted fund5: London Borough of Camden Camden Glvlng Healthwatch England AIS A&E project NCL CCG - Post COVID research 187,C 16,556 8,640 13,7 1156,6421 113,8941 17,1401 112,4021 30,358 2,662 1,500 1,298 Total r•strlct•d funds 225,896 1190,0781 35,818 Unrestrkted fund5: Designated funds: Contingency reserve 57,CO) 57,000 Total designated funds 57,(KQ 57,000 Genèral funds 48,799 8,996 12,0871 55,708 Total unre5trlcted funds 105,799 8,996 12,0871 112,708 Total funds 105,799 234,892 1192,1651 148,526 19 HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Note5 to the financial statements For the ear •nd•d 31 March 2023 16 lknements In funds Icontlnuedl Purp05e5 Of re5trl¢ted fund5 Grant from London Borough of Camden Is to cover costs of core servlces provlded by the charity whlch are: Inforrnation, Policy and insight and Cornmunity engagement. Carnden GTving was designed to make organisation more accessible and reachable to people, specifically with di5abilitie5 and accessibility requirements Healthwatch England AIS involved interviewini health care providers and patients on their experience of provldlng Or recelylng translatlon and Interpretatlon seNl¢es. NCL CCG - P051 COVID - thls was In place Io Speak to residents around thelr exL)erlence5 wlth lon4 covld, from symptoms to access to recoveryltherapy setvlces as well as drawlnq out key themes. Thls fed into a wider report whlch was complled across 5 local healthwatch. NCL CCG . Communlty Connectors Thls Is a heart health project funded by the ICB whl¢h we are to recrult Yolunteer5 and community groups to ralse awareness of healthy blood pressure practlces and Ilfestyle adjustments to Incorporate healthy living and preventing cardiovascular diseases. London Ambulance Serwces . a short review of patlent experlence5 of the London ambulance se￿ce whth wa5 fed back to the LAS themselves for formal reportlng. Transfers between funds Transfer frorn restricted to unrestrfcted funds ￿presents the accurnulated depreclatlon to be char8ed to restrfcted funds Purpos•s of deslinat•d funds Current pollcy Is to malntaln a reserve of not less than 4 ff￿nths of the charltys runnlng cost. 17 L•8al status of th• charlty The chartty Is a Charftable Incorporaled Organlsatlon and has no share capltal. 20 **Together we’re making health and social care better** **Annual Report 2022–23** ## Contents Message from our Chair 3 About us 4 Highlights from our year 5 Listening to your experiences 8 Advice and information 14 Volunteers 16 Finances and future priorities 18 Statutory statements 19 "In the last ten years, the health and social care landscape has changed dramatically, but the dedication of local Healthwatch hasn't. Your local Healthwatch has worked tirelessly to make sure the views of local people are heard, and NHS and social care leaders use your feedback to make care better." Louise Ansari, Healthwatch National Director22 Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## Message from our Chair “This year has seen vast changes in how our health and social care is organised with the formation of Integrated Care Systems, requiring collaboration across the board. Healthwatch Camden works diligently with colleagues within these systems and with other Healthwatch leaders across North Central London to ensure the needs of patients remain at the heart of planning and delivery of care. Collaborative working is key in most areas of life and Healthwatch Camden aims to act as an imaginative and fruitful partner across our networks. **Dr Louise Jones Healthwatch Camden Chair** In the aftermath of the pandemic there are many ongoing and emergent challenges, not least amongst these is the cost of living pressures. Even though it affects us in different ways, it still affects us all, and has been shown to impact our health. Challenges also highlighted by the industrial action taken by many healthcare workers in recent weeks must be addressed effectively in the coming months through further understanding and collaboration. In the coming year, we shall work hard on both preventive and reactive healthcare strategies. We are grateful for the cooperation of the public in helping us to collect data to support our policy initiatives. We look forward to presenting our findings to local decision makers to ensure that the patient voice remains heard both loudly and clearly.” 23 Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## About us ## Healthwatch Camden is your local health and social care champion. We make sure NHS leaders and decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care. We can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy information and advice. ## **Our vision** **To connect residents, care providers, and the local authority to make health and care services in Camden the most people-focused in the country** . ## **Our mission** To reduce health inequalities by gathering community insights, empowering residents, identifying gaps in services, and influencing evidence-based change. ## **Our values are:** - **Listening** to people and making sure their voices are heard. - **Including** everyone in the conversation – especially those who don’t always have their voice heard. - **Analysing** different people’s experiences to learn how to improve care. - **Collaborating** with the community and healthcare leaders to achieve the best possible impact on patient experiences. - **Empowering** residents to have a strong voice, by giving them the tools they need to access better care. ## Healthwatch 24 Camden Annual Report 2022-23 Year in review ## **Reaching out** ## **322 people** shared their experiences of health and social care services with us, helping to raise awareness of issues and improve care. ## **1600 people** came to us for clear advice and information about topics such as mental health and the cost of living crisis. ## **Making a difference to care** We published ## **four reports** about the improvements people would like to see to health and social care services. Our most popular report was **‘Birth Stories’** which highlighted the struggles people face when accessing local maternity services. ## **Health and care that works for you** We’re lucky to have ## **seventeen** outstanding volunteers who gave up 37 days to make care better for our community. We’re funded by our local authority. In 2022-23 we received ## **£187,000** which is the same as the previous year. We currently employ ## **four staff** 25 who help us carry out our work. ## Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 How we’ve made a difference this year We launched a report into Long Covid in collaboration with the other North Central London Healthwatch. We encouraged local residents and groups to help improve information on vaccines through our Community Champions initiative. We started our Vaccine Roadshow, which connected GPs and communities together to discuss vaccine misinformation. We published our 4-year Strategic Plan, setting out our ambition from now until 2026. We urged the local ICS to improve local maternity services with the launch of our report, ‘Birth Stories’ We started a community engagement project on Hypertension, including measuring the public’s blood pressure. We restarted a community engagement project for greater awareness on cervical and bowel cancer screenings, to increase uptake in Camden. 26 We published a snapshot report on people’s experiences using Camden’s Emergency Departments at the two hospitals. Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## 10 years of improving care This year marks a special milestone for Healthwatch. Over the last ten years, people have shared their experiences, good and bad, to help improve health and social care. A big thank you to all our Healthwatch Heroes that have stepped up and inspired change. Here are a few of our highlights: ## **How have we made care better, together?** ## **Childrens’ Hospital services** In response to our 2014 report, Great Ormond Street Hospital reviewed its food service and implemented positive changes for children.. ## **Communications access** ## **NHS Dentistry** Over the pandemic we echoed public concern over the waits for NHS dentists, creating a transparent resource for residents on wait times. ## **London Ambulance Services** After sending the LAS a letter of recommendation based on resident feedback, they have committed to two of our proposals: mandatory ‘bedside manner’ training and a target of faster return calls for patients with urgent clinical needs. 27 In 2016 we brought recommendations from D/deaf, visually impaired, and those with learning disabilities to local GPs and the CCG, creating a “quick wins list” in implementing the Accessible Information Standard. ## **Domestic abuse support** After our 2021 report on services available for survivors, the Council announced £400k more funding for DVA services, as well as a relaunch of the IRIS referral service as a direct result of our recommendations. ## Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## Listening to your experiences Services can’t make improvements without hearing your views. That’s why over the last year we have made listening to feedback from all areas of the community a priority. This allows us to understand the full picture, and feed this back to services and help them improve. Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 Breaking down barriers for life saving screenings Cervical cancer screenings save around 2,000 lives a year in the UK. But uptake in Camden is lower than the national average, particularly among the Chinese community, for cultural and accessibility reasons as well as a lack of knowledge. With the help of local groups and clinicians, Healthwatch Camden hosted sessions in the community to break down the barriers the community might face around cervical and bowel cancer screenings. We invited the local Chinese community to join us for information events where they could ask any questions they had about the screening process and were given advice to help feel more empowered at their next screening. With the help of a local nurse and speakers from UCLH’s Bowel Cancer Prevention Team, we were able to tackle rumours and misconceptions about the screening process, and encourage screening uptake. - 80 people joined our in-person events and we distributed 100s of resources. - All our resources were translated and we had translators on hand at the events - Feedback suggests a large increase in confidence in the screening processes. ## **What difference will this make?** Holding accessible and informative events like these have been proven to increase confidence and uptake of cancer screenings. Our work was presented at a share and learn event at UCLH with the North Central London Cancer Alliance and we have been in talks with the West London Cancer Alliance and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust to develop meaningful strategies for creating better pathways across London for Chinese people to attend life-saving screenings. “Many of the ladies commented that the talk was very informative and helpful. They now understand the importance of Cervical screening and the information on the HPV was also very useful. We hope there will be another opportunity for Healthwatch to come back in future.” 29 ## **Local community organiser** Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 Advocating for local mothers and families As of 2022, data showed that access to specific maternity services in Camden, such as perinatal mental health services, was well below the NHS Long-Term Plan ambition. The ‘Better Births Strategy’ also confirmed the quality of care every pregnant woman should receive. Our research aimed to identify gaps and put forward recommendations to support the wellbeing of women giving birth in Camden. We interviewed local mothers as well as local midwives to understand their experiences throughout their pregnancy, their labour, and their post-natal experiences. ## **Our recommendations:** 1. Every woman should be given a birth plan during her pregnancy, and plans must be completed before average premature dates. 2. Staff should work towards better communication with patients as many feel as there is a gap in communication. 3. Robust and mandatory training should be given to all staff, giving clear standards and ran at least annually. 4. Echoing the NHS CORE20PLUS5 initiative, 75% of patients by 2024 should have one point of contact, such as one midwife, throughout the care cycle. ## **What difference will this make?** We understand that the NHS works tirelessly to provide maternity care services, however feedback from local mothers show that there is still room for improvement. These recommendations also address health inequalities in Camden, especially inequalities based on language and race. We have been lobbying various bodies, including the North Central London ICS by presenting our recommendations to: - The local CPPEG group, which is chaired by the ICB - The ‘Start Well’ team in the ICB. - Relevant local hospital Trusts. - Director of Integration in the ICS. - Camden Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee. - Local MPs Sir Kier Starmer and Tulip Siddiq. “I didn't have a written birth plan. The midwife asked me if I wanted to have my baby at home. They did not have a plan for me to go into hospital. I can't even remember them asking me about choices, they just told me. I was 5 months pregnant before I even got to see a GP.” 30 - **A local mother who gave birth in Camden** ## Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 Three ways we have made a difference for the community Throughout our work we gather information about health inequalities by speaking to people whose experiences aren’t often heard. ## **Creating empathy by bringing experiences to life** ## It’s important for services to see the bigger picture. Hearing personal experiences and the impact on people’s lives provides them with a better understanding of the problems. Local community groups shared with us and local clinicians their experiences and concerns with vaccines, as part of a ‘Vaccine Roadshow’. This allowed the local Public Health to be better informed about vaccine misinformation, specifically around side effects or how it aligns with pre-existing illnesses such as diabetes or heart conditions. ## **Getting services to involve the public** ## Services need to understand the benefits of involving local people to help improve care for everyone. We went to local African and South Asian communities and listened to their experiences using the London Ambulance Service in order to create a letter of recommendations to the Service. These recommendations included: better communication, improvements to digital infrastructure, and greater mental health training. ## **Improving care over time** ## Change takes time. We often work behind the scenes with services to consistently raise issues and bring about change. Since our 2021 report, _Surviving Domestic Abuse: Improving systems that support victims_ , we have been working closely with the Council, local community groups, and the Metropolitan Police to create safer and better services for victims of domestic abuse. 31 Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## Hearing from all communities Over the past year we have worked hard to make sure we hear from everyone within our local area. We consider it important to reach out to the communities we hear from less frequently, to gather their feedback and make sure their voice is heard and services meet their needs. This year we have reached different communities by: Discussing issues with people who don’t speak English Commissioning groups helping those struggling from socio-economic deprivation Gave local young people the chance to discuss health issues such as vaccines and mental health with a clinician. 32 Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## **Empowering the community to look after their hearts** Over 60,000 Camden residents are thought to have hypertension, yet only around 24,000 are diagnosed. Rates of hypertension are much higher in Black and South Asian communities. We worked with Black and South Asian communities and local clinicians to discuss hypertension, and the ways you can keep it low. We also trained community connectors to take blood pressure readings, going out to the community groups and beyond to help residents look after their hearts. “It was such a useful event because there were a lot of discussion points to be discussed and questions to be asked on this topic. It was helpful to carry out the blood pressure tests. This has prompted me to take my blood pressure medication properly because my blood pressure was so high on that day! ## **Local resident** ## **Addressing vaccine misconceptions with young people** Providing accurate and accessible information on vaccines was a top priority for us at the start of this year with the continued rollout of the COVID vaccine. We noticed that vaccine uptake was low in Camden, especially among non-white communities. We worked with a local youth group to create sessions where they could ask a clinician anything about the science behind vaccines, and the efficacy of the COVID vaccine. Many of these children had never spoke to a GP outside of an appointment, so it became a vital opportunity to create further discussions around mental health and healthy living. We plan to work with this group to do research on young people’s mental health next year. 33 Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## Advice and information If you feel lost and don’t know where to turn, Healthwatch is here for you. In times of worry or stress, we can provide confidential support and free information to help you understand your options and get the help you need. Whether it’s finding an NHS dentist, how to make a complaint or choosing a good care home for a loved one – you can count on us. This year we’ve helped people by: Providing up to date information people can trust Helping people access the services they need Helping people access NHS dentistry34 Supporting people to look after their health during the cost of living crisis Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## **Help to find dental care in Camden** One of the most common questions Healthwatch Camden gets asked is: “Where can I find a dentist?”, with many requiring urgent care as a result of a backlog of appointments and long waiting times. The impact of delayed treatment has resulted in people living with considerable pain, developing medical resistance and dental conditions worsening. “I’m in constant pain and can’t find any help, and I can’t afford to go private.” ## **Camden resident** Healthwatch Camden’s advice and information has meant people who need urgent treatment know their options and have clear information. Healthwatch Camden regularly contact local dentists to find out average wait times for new NHS patients, and provide a signposting service for those who are struggling to find dentists near them. ## **Helping residents with access needs get consistent care from their GP** GP appointments are one of the most sought after services in Camden, and many have told us they have issues seeing a GP, especially if they have access needs. One resident came to us as they were receiving treatment in Camden whilst being registered with a GP outside of London. Because of this treatment they were staying with family in Camden, but still needed to speak to a GP regularly, They tried to register as a temporary resident for a Camden GP surgery, but was denied, so called Healthwatch Camden to find out what their next steps would be. After providing them with the advice and information they needed, they were able to appeal this refusal and could finally register as a temporary resident and get the care they needed. “Thank you for your advice and sympathy. I did go and have a meeting with the practise manager after our conversation and he listened to my case sympathetically and agreed to put me on his register as a temporary patient. 3 3 5 Thank goodness for people like you and your Healthwatch organisation. ## **Charlotte, Camden resident** Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## Volunteering We’re supported by a team of amazing volunteers who are at the heart of what we do. Thanks to their efforts in the community, we’re able to understand what is working and what needs improving. This year our volunteers: Visited communities to promote their local Healthwatch and what we have to offer Collected experiences and supported their communities to share their views Went out into the community to take blood pressure readings as part of a wider project Reviewed dentist wait times to improve accessibility for residents. Helped us with our research, by talking to local people about their experiences and working with us to create reports. 36 Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## **Jiten** "My first year as a Trustee has been rewarding and fulfilling. I've thoroughly enjoyed complementing the hard working Healthwatch Camden team, Board and volunteers. Their reports clearly highlight the shortcomings in health and social care provision and the need for both local and central government intervention." ## **Hafsa** “It's been an amazing experience working with Healthwatch Camden over the last few months. It's given me the opportunity to connect with and better understand the experiences of people in my community. Being able to amplify community voices and power to make a real difference is important to me, and Healthwatch Camden has been a fantastic place to work towards doing that. The team's passion and commitment are truly inspiring, and I'm really grateful to be working with them" ## **Do you feel inspired?** We are always on the lookout for new volunteers, so please get in touch today. **www.healthwatchcamden.co.uk/volunteer 020 7383 2402 info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk** 37 ## Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 Finance and future priorities **To help us carry out our work we receive funding from our local authority under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.** ## **Our income and expenditure** |**Income**||**Expenditure**|| |---|---|---|---| |Grant income|£187,000|Staff Salaries, Consultant|£151,551| |||related costs|| |Other income|£21,239|Non-Staff Related costs|£38,082| |**Total income**|**£208,239**|**Total expenditure**|**£189,633**| ## **Next steps** In the ten years since Healthwatch was launched, we’ve demonstrated the power of public feedback in helping the health and care system understand what is working, spot issues and think about how things can be better in the future. Services are currently facing unprecedented challenges and tackling the backlog needs to be a key priority for the NHS to ensure everyone gets the care they need. Over the next year we will continue our role in collecting feedback from everyone in our local community and giving them a voice to help shape improvements to services. We will also continue our work to tackling inequalities that exist and work to reduce the barriers you face when accessing care, regardless whether that is because of where you live, income or race. ## **Top three priorities for 2023-24** 1. Reassure and empower residents, ensuring they feel involved and heard consistently in local transitions, such as post-covid stability and the Integrated Care System. 2. Conduct effective and insightful research into health of young people in Camden, including co-production with schools and youth groups. 3. Continue empowering residents to become more aware of hypertension, and providing blood pressure checks with effective advice. 38 Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 ## Statutory statements Healthwatch Camden, 85-87 Bayham Street, Camden, NW1 0AG. Healthwatch Camden uses the Healthwatch Trademark when undertaking our statutory activities as covered by the licence agreement. 39 Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 The way we work ## **Involvement of volunteers and lay people in our governance and decision-making** Our Healthwatch Board consists of eight members who work on a voluntary basis to provide direction, oversight and scrutiny to our activities. Our Board ensures that decisions about priority areas of work reflect the concerns and interests of our diverse local community. Throughout 2022/23 the Board met six times and made decisions on matters such as our 4-year Strategic Plan, and staffing restructure. ## We ensure wider public involvement in deciding our work priorities. **Methods and systems used across the year to obtain people’s experiences** We use a wide range of approaches to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to provide us with insight about their experience of using services. During 2022/23 we have been available by phone, email, provided a webform on our website and through social media, as well as attending meetings of community groups and forums. We ensure that this annual report is made available to as many members of the public and partner organisations as possible. We will publish it on our website and social media. ## **Taking people’s experiences to decision makers** We ensure that people who can make decisions about services hear about the insight and experiences that have been shared with us. In our local authority area for example we take information to the Health and Wellbeing Board, Violence Against Women and Girls Board, and the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee. We also take insight and experiences to decision makers in the North Central London Integrated Care System. For example, we have input on the Primary Care Commissioning Committee, Quality and Safety Committee, and the Engagement Committee. We also share our data with Healthwatch England to help address health and care issues at a national level. Healthwatch Camden is represented on the Camden Health and Wellbeing Board by Director Stephen Heard. During 2022/23 our representative has effectively carried out this role by presenting our work, our Strategic Plan, representing the views of residents, and providing effective scrutiny and oversight. Healthwatch Camden is represented as part of the North Central London (NCL) Healthwatch Network on selected NCL Integrated Care Board committees by Emma 40 Whitby, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Islington. Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2022-23 Healthwatch Camden 85-87 Bayham Street, Camden, London NW1 0AG www.healthwatch.co.uk t: 020 7383 2402 e: info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk @Healthwatchcam @Healthwatchcam