COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 08436073 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1153773 Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited financial statements 31 March 2024
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Financial statements Year ended 31 March 2024 Pages Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors, report> 1to19 Independent examinerfs report to the trustees 20 statement of flnan¢ial activit18s {including income and expenditure a¢¢ount) 21 Balance sheet Slatement of cash flows 23 Notes to the financial statements 24to31
Ace {Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) Year ended 31 March 2024 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, presenl their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements hav8 b8en prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notès to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charit18s praparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland published in October 2019. Reference and adminislrative details Registered charity name Ace (Anglial Limited Charity règistration nufftber 1153773 Company registration number 08436073 Princlpal offlce and reglstered office Red Gables Ipswich Road Stowmarket Suffolk IP14 1BE The trustees The trustees who served during the year and at th8 dat8 of approval w8r8 as follows: K Chate J Evan5 S Horsfield P Robbins
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (continuèd) Year ended 31 March 2024 Ace Anglia Advisory Group H Tumer- President M Conquer (Resigned Apr 23) J Edwards E Eno-Daynes (Appointed May 231 S Largent {Resigned Apr 231 A Lennon M Rolfe Staff Team A Clark- CEO D Ainsley- Self Advocacy and Coproduction Co-ordinator (Resignad Dec 23) l Akers - Digital Content Designer A Berrington - Managing Advocate N Betts - Health Project Co-ordinator S Burton - Health Project Co-ordinator (Resigned Dec 23) J Ch8w - Co-production Project Leadl Advocate C Couchman - Advocate D Driver- Health Project Lead E Edwards-Hill - Health Project Worker D Hill - Accessible Information Design Lead A Irons - Advocate K Irons - H88llh Project Worker K Murray- HR and Operations Director C Sparkman - Advocate T Slevens - Accounts and Office Administrator B Warren - Advocate Experts with experiencelPeer Educators S Angell G Belling8r (Appointed Dec 23. Resigned Feb 241 S Bull (Resigned Dec 23) M Conquer M Chittenden J Debenham l Dunslan E Eno-Daynes (Appointed May 231 S Largent H Lucas J Mayo R Saunders N Smith (Appointed D8c 23> O Terence-smith Bankgrs CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue King Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Scottish Widows PLC PO Box 883 Leeds LS19TY
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (conflnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Ind8pendent examiner L Thurston FCCA Lovewell Blake LLP Charted accountants First Floor Suite 2 Hillside Business Park Bury St Edmunds IP32 7EA
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (eontlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and activltles The charitys objects are to provide assistance, advice, representation and services which will directly relieve the need or disability of vulnerable people and to promote, organise and facilitate the cooperation and partnership working be188n third sector. statutory and other relevanl bDdies in th8 achievement of tha purposes within Ihe area of benefit including Cambridgeshire. Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. In shaping our objectives for the future and planning our activitiès. the tntst88s have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The trustees also carefully consider the accessibility of its seNices for those on low incomes. AcelAnglia) Limited receives money mainly from grants. Ace will charge an organisation a fee to cover the costs of some of the work we do, such as our easy-to-read translation seNiCe. All advocacy servicgs at Ace Anglia Limited are free at the point of contact, and people with learning disabllitiès are not charged.
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors, report) (¢ontinue Year ended 31 March 2024 Achievèments and performance The Charltys Vislon Our vision is for a world where everyone has their voice heard so that p8ople live good lives as part of their community with th8 right support at the right lime from the right people. The charity's aims during the year have continued to ba.. To support people to have a powerful and effective voice. To support people to be in control of their lives and in control of the support they get. Providing an independent forum for people to get their views heard and to be involved in the local authority, health and oth8r agency planning processes affecting their lives. To support people to speak up and make decisions in all areas of their life. Suffolk is a rural county, and travelling less cuts our organisation's carbon footprint. The whol8 team continues to adjust and find alternative ways of working with people with leaming disabilities and autism. This year we continued to work on the implementation of the Suffolk Joint learning Disability Strategy. Andrea Clark (CEO) and Kathryn Murray (HR and Op8rations Director) continue to work to implement and update the Paradigm recommendations. The following list outlines some of these achievements alongside new ideas from our staff and management team. Recruitment and Staff Retention We continue to review our current sysl8ms in co-production with the staff team and self-advocates. We use an accessib18 application pack that supports P80ple in sustainabla employment. Host two staff away days per year and an Annual salary review. The Wesffield Health cashbackl beneflt5 5Gheme is offered to all staff. An improved and updated online document thal 8xplains who does what at Ace. Sharè internal documents on our intemal proj8Ct managemènt platform (basecamp) and our online HR plafform. (breathe HR) Training and performance management Staff have regular meetings with team leaders. Team leaders report to HFUCEO at management team meetings. All staff have a training log so that training is r8corded. Staff consulted on their personal strenglhs and weaknesses. Staff complete quarterly appraisals online. All staff have an end-of-year 1-1 meeting.
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (Continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Supported employmenl Ace employs people with learning disabilities andlor autistic people on pemianent contracts. Wher8 possible. all our employment documents are translated into easy-to-r6ad documents. WE 6mploy two part- time people to support the peer educators during their employment. These roles have been critical to the scheme's success. We currently employ 14 peer educators and one expert with experience as a project worker in our supported employment schema. They are employed to deliver a mixture of Annual Health Check workshops. Oliver MGGowan and other health-related projects. However, the scheme aims to offer people the opportunity to gain valuable and transferrable skills that will. ultimately. enable them to leave Ace and gain further employment elsewhere. Therefore, in addition to delivering project work, they are supported each month to develop and l&arn new skills, such as teamwork, Gonfidence building, organisation, independent trav81. and pres8ntation skills. Business development Regular meetings with trustees and accounlants to monitor our reserves. Inv8St in IT and new systems to support our t8ams. such as Ac8 Websit8, laptops and mobile phones Invest in new equipment for the design department, including software, video, and cameras. Promote ACE as an advocacy leader. Share good practices with partner organisations locally, regionally, and nationally. Dev8loped films and 8ccessible documents that promote the organisation and give people high-quality information. Increase our social media presence. SelfAdvocaey - Achievements and performance Ace self-advocacy groups provide an opportunity for self-advocates to meet either in person or online to share and have their voices heard, Our new Self-Advocacy back-to-basic sessions with Word boards have been very Sucssful. Filming self- advocale5 feedback has been empowering, and we can provide evidence of how far people have come from session to session. Using all the features of Basecamp has boosted efficiency and streamlined project communication. Self-advoGates travel from all over Suffolk and are encouraged to be independent travellers, using public transport where possible. Evants Ace Anglia facilitate and hosts the Suffolk Leaming disability partnership Board meetings.. we develop content and presentations and support self-advocates to attend: 4 Ace Anglia facilitat8 and hosts The Suffolk Joint Learning Disability Str8tegy Focus groups.. 13
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (continuedl Year ended 31 March 2024 Events and workshops Suffolk People First conferences: 4 Self-Advocacy groups=54 Ace Advisory groups'.3 Talk Tech Conference My Voice focus group family carer session extemal Delivered Physical Activity and Mental Well-being workshops-.23 Coproduction meetings to design accassible information and make a film with the National Trust: 4 Support self-advocates to take part in ten films for Suffolk People Flrst and Learnlng Disablllty Strategy Focus Groups External Mid Suffolk Disability Fowms'.4 Headway Conference Care Group Disability forum W8bsite T8Sting Groups with Babergh and Mid Suffolk Council.. 2 Mè8ting wlth CQC at Suffolk County Council Regional NHS conference - health inequalities Addas East Learning Disabilities Network Event Feedback from people we work with: SelfAdvocate "I think it is fun,. I love the ACE Anglia Meetings. The Suffolk People's first meeting in Ipswich. It is very nice to socialise wrth all the people who are in the group,- l always have a great time, and it is good to learn from organisations about dlfferent things that are happenlng in Suffolk. Wendy Scott, Deputy Director of Nursing SNEE ICB "The ICB values working with ACE. They support the ICB in engaging with people our communities to coproduce services or to hear experiences. ACE is inlagral in the SNEE ICB for improving the health outcomes of people in our communities, either through the My Health Focus Group, the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training or the peer educators. to name a few. Théy aré a partner in every sense and a joy to work alongside" Lucy Humphrey, Managing Director, Leading Lives "Leading Lives and Ace have a great working relationship; Ace's work is integral to providers hearing the voice of p80ple who us8 services as w811 as enabling self-advocates to be confident to share their views. At the recent Suffolk Learning Disability Strategy Meeting it was greal to see Ace creating a safe environment for people to share their experiences of social care support and for p60ple to be confident to offer ideas and solutions to thg local authority.
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the dlrectors, report) (¢ontinued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Health Dopartment Workshops meetings and events. Annual health check workshops: 41 East of England NHS Co-production meetings: 4 Health Focus Group meetings.. 4 Health and wellbeing events: 28 Health and wellbeing meetings: 8 Oliver McGowan Webinars: 51 Tier-2 Oliver McGowan Training sèssions.. 14 Social Prescriber training sessions.. 4 Health Focus Groups: 6 Projècts ovarview Social Prescrlber Project The Suffolk and North-East Ess&x Integrated Care Board (ICBJ funded this project. It was developed in collaboration with Social Prescribers, individuals with lived experience of 8 leaming disability andlor Autism. and health professionals. The projecvs main goal was to provide Social Prescribers with the knowledge and skills to support individuals with leaming disabilities and Autism. 147 social prescribers and some care oordinators from GP practices participated in the project. and the training was led and delivered by peer educators who brought their expertise and p8rsonal experienc8S to the sessions. Screen your way to good health". This y&ar. we worked in ctrprodu¢tion with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Primary Care Learnlng Disability Liaison Nurse5, Suffolk and North-East Essex ICB, Suffolk GP Federation, 8nd people with lived experience of leaming disabilities andlor autistic people. We co-produced five Easy Read and plain English documents to help people understand the five main areas of screening and where to go for support.. Abdominal Aortic Screening, Cervical Screening, Bowel Screening, Diabetic Eye Screening and Br8ast Scre8nirsg. We h8ve worked with the film departm&nt at Ace Anglia and health professionals to film people talking about their personal experiences. Menopause film co-production with Suffolk Librarles Peer educators worked with the film department at Ace and Suffolk Libraries to make and f&ature in a film about menopause. LD Frièndly GP Practices This project aims to support GP practices in Suffolk in improving the actsss lo and quality of leaming disability annual health checks and highlighting areas for improvement. Peer Educators and Primary Care L8aming Disability Liaison Nurses visited the GP surgeries acr0$5 Suffolk to aG¢ess their service for people with learning disabilities. The successful Learning Disability-Ftiendly practices will receive a Kilemark award.
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Healthy Hèarts Together Th& Heallhy Hearts Together collaboration project aims to improve lipid management for people with 18aming disabilities and those living with severe mental health illn95ses who are at a high risk of ardiovascular disease. No Barriers Here Pllot Proje¢t We worked with Sl. Elizabeth Hospice to facilitste three No Barriers Hère sessions, which were piloted with a group of six people. The sessions aim to help people think about their advanced care lan and address health inequalities in the care and choic&s that different groups receive. The workshops use art to facilltate discussion of difficult subjects. My Health Focus Group The My Health Focus Groups are for anyone interested in the Suffolk Joint Learning Disability Strategy. This could inclLFde people with learning disabilities, autistic people, families and carers, provider organisations, members of the public, key organisations. and businesses. The health team has presented agenda items at four sessions this year. NHS East of England Regional Co-Produ¢tlon Group The group brings together six areas of the East of England, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex. Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. This has enabled the sharing of information and ideas and discussing topics across the region. The meeting's stories, comments and exp8rtenc8s were fed to the Health and Inequalities Improvement Board. This group is for people with a leaming disability, autistiG people, parent Carers, self-advocacy groups, and parent carer groups. It supports good co-produGlion and working together. Women's Hoalth Survey Suffolk and North-East Essex Integrated Care board ask8d for input to ensure their local women's health care offer is accessible and improves the health of all who use women's selv1$ in Suffolk and north-east Essex. The infomation gathered will help design the local women's healthcar8 off8r. Ace Anglia's design team created an easy-read v8rsion of the survey in March 2024. The health team promoted the suNeys at annual health check workshops and events and supported people In completing and sending their surveys. Health and Wellboing maetings: These meetings are held fac&to-fa¢e or online via Zoom, and they directly speak to people with learning disabilities and autistic people and their support. They offer a unique Ghance to ask a Primary Care Learning Disabllity Liaison nurse questions on health and wellbeing whilst being able to leam from and listen to their peers. 8xp8riences. Annual health chèck work6hops: Our learning disability annual health check workshops continue to provide people with important and useful information aboul preparing for and attending and what happens after the annual health check. This year. we arran9ed to visit caref and family groups 8round Suffolk. We travelled on Ihe Be Well Bus with a Peer Educator, and it has baen benefi¢ial to reach people with learning disabllities who may live more rurally and speak to many people in the main town5.
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (contlnugd) Year ended 31 March 2024 Oliver McGowan Training This year, A¢e Anglia employed and trained 5 new trios to b8com8 approved tralners and deliver Oliver McGowan Learning Disabllity and Autism training. They delivèr Tier l and Tier 2 training. We have received exceptionally good feedback from the w8binars that have been delivered. Th? whole team meets monthly to share best practices. discuss what is working well and what is not, and keep everyone updated about ¢hanges. Partnership working This year, SUMMIT, whi¢h provides a voice for vulnerable people across the county of Essex, visited us at our office. We supported them on various aspects of the Oliver McGowan training, and the Experts wlth Lived Exp8ri8nce from both organisations Gould ask questions and share what was working well and ways of working that oould make it even better for both organisations. What people say about the health team at Ace Anglla. Peer educators: "For thè last six years, I have been working as a Primary Leaming Disabilities Liaison Nurse in East Suffolk, and I've been in the privileged position to work very closely with the Peer Educators and Ace Anglia. The Peer Educators have led countless workshops for people with Leaming Disabilities and AutismlFamily memberslsupport Stsff in a wide variety of settings about the importance of attending Annual Health Checks and this has played a huge part in exceeding national targets and the feedback they provide to us following these Workshops help shape the training we provide in Primary Care. The Peer Educators are heavily involved in many other projects, notably "Screen Your Way To Good Health" a local initiative that we are confidenl will increase the uptake of screening for p8DpI8 With Learning Disabilities and Autism in Suffolk and I particularsy value the aocessible informationlbitasize videos they regularly produce regarding Health. The Peer Educators are an amazing team that are making a big difference in reducing health inequalities for people with Learning Disabilit18s and Autism". Primary Care Learnlng Disability Liaison Nursè (February 2024) 'The Suffolk and North East Essex Integralad ca Board have commissioned ACE Anglia for a number of years to support people to be employed as peer educators in order to help the delivery of specific health projects. This has enabled the peer educators to develop their skills and knowledge to live more independent lives and be in control of their own health. The peer eduGators have grown in confidence and tslk direcuy to peop18 With learning disabilities, their families. carers and professionals. The SNEE ICB are very proud of the peer educators and what they have achieved., Allson Sadler, Learning Disabilities and Autism Transfom)ation Programme Manager and LeDeR Local Area Contsct at Suffolk and North East Essex ICB (February 20241 Annual health check work5hop"We wanted to thank Daisy and Jemma for their amazing annual health check presentation and question and answer section afterwards. As always, our drop-in 15 very relaxed, but everyone enjoyed this. We had 0 new carers in that again did not know what their young person should be receiving during their Annual Health Check. ACE will always be welcome to give more presentations to us. I will forward on our new dales for 2024 once I have them. Please thank Daisy and Gemma again. Thank you to all the ACE team for helplng Lfs SUPPQrt carers and cared for." Wots Up Group Carerfs Drop- In (October 2023) Oliver McGowan Tralnlng hank you for a really interesting and infomiative session. It's very useful to understand how you feel and why it is important to recognise everyone's needs. I would definilely recommend your training" "It was really helpful thank you for delivering a very powerful and infomative session." 'Thanks so much for today's Webinar. You, Nick and Matt were great. 11 was great to be able to listen to P80pI8's own experiences instead of the usual just reading., Oliver McGowan Webinars (March 2024) 10-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (condnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 Suffolk Advocacy Service Pohwer is the lead provid8r of the service. Ace is the sole118ad provider for the children's advoca¢y component within th8 contract. Ace is a member of the Suffolk Information Partnership. In addition to children's advocacy, A delivered IMCA, IMHA, Care Act, Community Advocacy, and NHS complaints. advocacy for adults. Ace specialises in advocacy for people with a learning disability. so a large percentsge of our cases are working with adults with a leaming disability whose child ha5 been placed on a child protection plan. The Advocate's role is to support them through a complex process with social services and ensure their voice is heard. Aca has three full-time Advocates, two who work four days and one part-time Advocate. The majority of case activity time for children has been face-to-face. C&YP Child Protection meetings have return8d to venues, although Child in Care and Core group meetings remain hybrid. We are currently supporting C&YP in.. Child in Care reviews- Child protection Challenging school placementsliack of school placement EHCP meetings Understsnding the transition post education (care leavers) Complaints about Transition. Complaints about lack of funding from ACS One-to-one advocacy for youngst8rs in children's homes Independent Visitor. issues with contactleducation, referrals for an The advocates made bimonthly visits to 8ach of th8 six local authority Children's homes in Suffolk. Care leavers going through child protection with their children. Looked after Children. Coproduction Consulted with children and young people on the draft advocacy feedback form. Involved in making th8 children's advocacy film to promote the Suffolk Advocacy service. We regularly attend each of the online CYP co-production neIOrk meetings. 11
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Additional Activltyl promotion of the service Foster Carer Support Groups Wellbeing Roadshows 2023 Regular Ace advocates meetings with guest presenters. Promoting the Suffolk Advocacy Service:34 events Tralnlng Nineteen training sessions, including peer advocacy with other advocates from different organisations. The number of people reached: The advocates have achi8V8d the oontracted advocacy delivery hours for the year. The taam has exceeded the benchmark average of total advocacy cases. Positive feedback Advocacy partner. 'They have been great and patient and explained things in a way I could understsnd. They listened to me moaning, shouting and crying and didn't give any judgment towards me11 hope you can understand what I'm saying, haha). I would d8finit8ly use and recommend you lo anyone who needs help." Advocacy partner. Without such input, in what is frequently a challenging system I really don't know where I'd be. It's so refreshing that my advocate takes such pride in the work when many don't. My advocate is an asset to you, and I thank God this advocate got allocated to my case. A real blessing." Advocacy partner. 'Thank you so much. your kindness has me in tears a lot. I have never had many people kind to me, and it takes some getting used to. You are so kind and patient.. Looking forward The CLEAR 2 recording aystem will change in May. and the advocat8s will be using tha new CLEAR 3 system. We are confident that this will be an improvement. as it includes new acGe55ibility settings. Advocates are attending The Demenlia Marketplace 8V8nt. 12.
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Digital content videography I photography Actlvlty Newsletter for events and posts Refresh the Suffolk ordinary lives website Conneclions with new organisations such as National Trust and Sl Elizabeth Hospice More reach on social media Nelworking and connecting with professionals from other organisations for example comms teams. Focus groups digital content. Certificate in Accessible infomation Videos: My menopause video Ickworth House Children and Young P8ople advocacy video Ten health videos of the year: Top tips for making a GP appointment Managing weight What is an expert with experience Learning disability annual health check questionnaire x 3 Learning dlsability annual health check workshop promotional film Hospital passports Flu vaccination Hilda's hospitsl experience The number of people reached on Social media.. 13-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors, report) {contlnu8dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Facebook: Reach 27.6K- 40.5Yo Facebook visits: 9.6K_ 52.2 % Followers.. Facebook follow5 156 - 83.50/. Content interactions 3.1 K - 22.30/0 Followers Lrfetirne 980 Link clicks 415 - 11.61/Jo Instagram". Reach 928 - 103.5Y. Vislts 297_ 11.20/ Inslagram follows 61 Ace website: Us8rs 7.5K, New users 11K Suffolk Ordinary Liv88 website: Views 27K, Event count 63K Positive foedback Positive feedback 'Oh my goodness. thafs incredible. It brought tears to my eyes. Thanks again, ACE Anglia., you are definttely ACE!. Wendy Burt, Essex Carers Network .1 loved that this had SUGh an uplifting end. It left me feeling positive. I've watched it lce already., Nicole Smith. Suffolk Libraries "Worknng with ACE Anglia was an ab501LJte pleasure and has made a substantial difference to our inclusive practices at Ickworth Estatè, National Trust. Rarely have I worked with a group of people so genuine, invested and flexible. Thanks to their insight and skills, we now have a Superb easy read guide and accompanying video but Ihe impact ofACE Anglia's thoughts and reflections will be felt in many other areas for a long while to come. IYS been a pleasure lo work with you all,- if there's ever anything I can do for Ace at all, please let me know." Adrian Shepherd, National Trust 14-
Ace {Anglla) Llmtted Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors, report) (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Accesslble Infornialion Department Activity Ace Anglia Project work Accessible Infomation Design Services Booklet So¢ial Prescribers Training Presentations Easy Read Leaflets Annual Health Check resources= Posters Awards and certificates Accessible presentations for conferen5 and meetings: Acc8ssible recruitment and emp5oymènt pack External projects: Ickworth House Easy Read Health Maternity Banner Housing Guide with Leaming Disability England NHS Demographic Monitoring Fomi Suffolk Library Consultation Suffolk Cost of Living Disabllity Action Plan Consultstion Presentation North East London LeDeR Report Suffolk and North East Ess8x L8DeR Report Queen Elizabeth's Hospital Annual Reports NHS England Patient and Public Vol$ Surveys N3tion81 Voices Primary Car8 Communications Report 2023 Norfolk and Waven8y Mantal Health Survey Travel Training leaflets NHS England.. Looking after yourself 81 home- heart failure Suffolk Devolution Survey Positive feedback x3'. 15-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (Continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 'The Ace Anglia team were wonderful to work with to design the easy read version of our recent report on how primary care seNices can better support people with diverse communication needs. They were brilliant in consolidating and refining the k8y information in our report, and were a slick and professional team to work alongside. We would recommend them to others. Sarah Sween8y, National Voices .1 would like to lake this opportunity to say'a huge THANK YOU to you and your team, for all the good work! Again. thanks to you for your good leadership skills and timely responses- we are within the set timefrarne- Well done!" Beatrice Kivengea, NHS North East London ICB 'Learning Disability England worked with the team on an online guide that required thoughtful Easy Read and plain English Accessible Infomiation. The team were thorough, responsive and patient with us as plans changed. The quality of the work is great.. Sam Clark, L8arnlng Disability England. Financial review The statement of financi81 activities reflects operational activity for the year ended 31 March 2024. Income from donations and legacies decreased in the year to £347.084 (2023: £288,191 } however th6re was an overall increase in total income which amountèd lo £560,458 (2023: £511,824). Expenditure on charitable activities during the year totalled £698,224 (2023- £584,653). The net rnovement on unrestricled funds amounted to a deficit of £137,766 {2023: £72,829) as at the year end date. Principal funding sources The principal funding source for th8 charity for the year was the grants received from Suffolk County Council and income from Powher-SLrffolk Advocacy service. We were also funded by various health bodies, IESCCG, WSCCG, NHS England and we have had DPPOrtunities for project work with LO England and Public Health Suffolk. We have increased our dasign révenue by included digital content and film and audio whilst continuing to develop Accessible Information resources for local and national agencies. Reserrfes policy The trustees, policy is to maintain adequate reseNes for the following purposes.. To enable the charity to fulfill statutory and legal obligations to employees and others-, TO provide a contingency fund to meet unfor8s8èn falls in income or increases in expenditure. To allow for the ord8rty wind up of the charity rf requirèd. Based on this policy, the trustees aim to maintsin reserves equivalent to three to six months, expenditure, which would amount to between £174,556 to £349,112 (2023.. £292,327 when the policy was to hold al least 6 months r6serv8s1. Against a background of considerable change in the provision and funding of care the trustees have released resources Frrjm reserves to fulfil our objects while maintaining reserves above this level, and on 31 March 2024. the charity's free reserves amount to £191,52612023.' £328,302). The trustees plan to utilise reserv8S to support the charity's sustsinability. invest in project development 8nd o-production capacity, increase staff resilience, and update its IT resources.
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Plans for future perlods Going forbvard Ace will continue to implement and updat8 the paradigm recommendations. Strengthen its supported employment offer. Support the Leaming Disability Strategy for Sufft)Ik Develop and strengthen the Learning Disability Strat8gy Focus Groups Look for sustainable funding options for Ace. Support people have a voice. Work in ¢o-produ¢tion. Produce high-quality accessible infomation. Produce high quality film and m8dia. Employ more people with leaming disabilities. SLJPPOrt and strengthen the stsff team Strengthen its trustee board and Advisory group Explore opportunilFes for Ace to work in partnership locally. regionally and nationally Continue to explore new digital opportunities. including Al. Work in coproduction with Powher and its partner organisalions to secure ongoing formal advocacy ¢ontracts. 17
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (contlnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Structure, governance and management Governing document and prlncipal activities ACE {Anglia) Limited is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The charFtable company was incorporated on 8 March 2013 (number 084360731 and b8came a registèred charity number (number 11537731 on 12 Septèmber 2013. The company was 8Stablished under a Mèmorandum of Association, which sets out its objects and powers and is govèrned under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contrtbute an amount not exceeding £10. The charitable company took over tha activities of the previous unlncorporated charity, registered numb8r 1021800, which had been operatlonal as a registered charity since 1993. Recruitment and appointm8nt to the board of trustees The company's directors are also charity trustees for charity law. Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association. members may appoint a trustee at any general meeting. The trustees may also appoinl a person willing to act as a trustee, but they must be re-appointed by the members at the next annual general meeting. One-third of the trust88s retire in rotation but are eligible for re-election. The current trustees are shown in these account5, reference and administrative details. Trustees are inwted to serve for at least four years. and new Irustees fflay be COwOPted. Further trustees may be appointed at any time. at their discretion, in accordance with the charity's recruilmenl policy. Trustee induction and training The current tru5tee5 are familiar with thè ch8rity'S work. Nèw trustees meet with the Chair and CEO to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context wilhin which it operates. Each trustee is given a specrfi¢ oversight responsibility to an area of the charily's work. The meeting would cover.. The obligations of being a trustee. An overview of the services which the charity provides. The main documents that set out the operational framework for the charity include the constitution. The financial position as set out the latest published accounts. Future plans and objectivas. 18-
Ace (Anglla) Llmlted Company Llmlted by Guarantse Trustees. annual rEport (incorporating thff dlrectors. report) Year ended 31 March 2024 The charlty Is govemed by the lJusto8s, vtho at Ist four Ilmes a yw and we responsilh its strategic dlreclion and pdicy. T atfvlJ(ry grwp is made up ot eypthts ty exp0rt•ne•. Tth$ strcmg tsam L l¢)oks Ot pwIB wlth t8aming di8abilbt1 are telllng us In OLf qroups, eonfw•nett ond consullations. They feed Ihl$ infornalim to Ihe board of InJst•o8 d work vAth thom and tr staff twn to ytsjuce a fty the xganisAlion's fthure wtyk Th¢ charity employs a Chiet Execuiive re¥pon%ble for the dtyttrday wovision of spAvi¢u, ensuiing that workw5. advoces, adminlstralive staff. and volunteers. Ths Is athieved the sUppt of the HR and The trusts81 h8vo r•viwMI th• finClaI opernUng risk5 Fwialnlng to tho (afity identified key risks to tho chty. Pdicios and procedffts ar• In se0 to mitigth th• risks Idenllfied. The board and rfrapys•s risk on an oTrgoin9 b.8. A resolution to aFvoint L TrTstan crf Lovffwe4 ake LLP as indewdt •x•ninar wrll be at th• Small ¢omp•ny provlslon Thls rwt has prepwed taklng adv&*e of the small ¢pmwN•s' eX•M of secllon 415A of the Th8 bustses. rewt was apFmv8d ¢)n .. tru8tee$ by. . and signed On bthall ot th• board ot P Robbins Trust0• 19-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Ace (Anglia) Limited Year ended 31 March 2024 I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial ststemenls of the company for the year ended 31 March2024 which comprise the stalement of financial aclivities (including income and 8XP8nditur& account), balance sheet, statement of cash flows and the relaled notes. Responsiblllties and basis of report As the charity trustees of the company land also ils director5 for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordanc& with th8 raquiramènts of the Companies Act 20061'the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the company are nat required to be audited und8r Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligibl8 for ind8p&ndent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company's financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 I'the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Direct¢ons given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5J(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examlnerfs statement Since the charlty's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed In section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of th& Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. I have compleled my examination. I confinn that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving m8 cause to believ8 that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act., or the financial statements do not accord with thos8 records; or the financial ststements do not comply wtth the accounting requirements of se¢tion 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requiremenl that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independenl examination- or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statem8nt of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicab18 in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no conc8ms and have come across no other matters in connection with the exarnination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper und8rstanding of the accounts to be reached. f/Lf ,,l-l.. L Thurston FCCA Independent Examiner Lovew811 Blake LLP Chartered accountants First Floor Suite 2 Hillside Business Park Bury St Edmunds IP32 7EA -20-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2024 2024 Unrestricted funds Total funds 2023 Total funds Note Income and endowments Donations and18gacies Charitable activiti8S Investment income 347,084 212.266 1,108 347.084 212,266 1,108 288,191 223,102 531 Total income 560,458 560,458 511,824 Expenditure Charitsble activities 698.224 698,224 584,653 Totsl expenditure 698,224 698,224 584,653 Net expenditure and net movament in funds {137,766) {137,766> (72.829) R8conclliatlon of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 438,717 438,717 300,951 511,546 438,717 300,951 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. Ail income and expenditure derive from continijing activities. The notes on pages 24 to 31 form part of these financial statements. 21
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Balance sheet 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 10 17,047 18,297 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 11 61,020 236,939 115,344 318,845 297,959 434,189 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 12 {14,0551 (13,7691 Net current assets 283,904 420,420 Total assets less current liabilltles 300,951 438,717 Net assets 300,951 438,717 Fijnds of the charity Unrestricted funds 300,951 438,717 Total ¢harity funds 14 300,951 438,717 For the year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors. responsibilities- The members have not required the company lo obtain an audit of ils financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject lo Ihe small companies, regime. These financial statements were approved by the board of Irustees and authorised for issue on and are signed on behalf of the board by.. P Robbins Trustee Company registration number.. 08436073 The notes on pages 24 to 31 form part of these financial statements. 22-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of cash flows Year ended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Cash flows from oporating activities Net expenditur8 1137,766) {72,829) Adjustments for Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Olher interest reGeivable and similar income Accnjed {In¢ome)lexpenses 7.406 (1,108) {396} 5,771 {531) 804 Changes in.. Trade and other debtors Trade and other creditors 54,324 682 (75.058) 12,866) (144.709) Cash generated from operations 176,858) Interest received 1,108 531 Net cash used in operating a¢tivities 175,750) 1144,178) Cash flows from Investing act5vitles Purchase of tangibl8 assets Net cash used in investing activities {6,156) {6,156} (13,925} 113,925) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beglnning of year Cash and Cash equivalents at end of year {81,906} 318.845 1158,1031 476,948 236.939 318,845 The notos on pages 24 to 31 form part of these flnanclal statements. -23-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2024 General information The charity is a publi¢ benefit entity and a private company lirnited by guarantee, register8d In England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of th8 registered office is Réd Gables. Ipswich Road. Stowmarket. Suffolk, IP14 1 BE. ststement of compliance The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.- Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities prepari1 their accounts in acGordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in Oclober 2019, the Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable in th8 Untted Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Accounting policles Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cosl basis, as modified by Ihe revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. Going concern The financi21 statements have been prepared on a going concem basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and exp8nditure for 12 months from authorising thasa financial ststements. The budgeted income and exp8ndtture is sufficient with the level of reseNes for the charity to be able to continLFe as a going concern. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charivs purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds 8amarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of sub-classes.. restricted income funds or endowmenl funds. Income Income is included in the statement of financial activitias when èntitlemènt has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular catagories of income.. income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. -24-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements (contlnuerl) Year ended 31 March 2024 Ac¢ountSng policies (contirtued) Income (contlnu•d) legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlèment is estsbli5hed. income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the good5 unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from thè cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donat8d facilities and services are rocognised in the accounts when received if the value can be rsllably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers. incom8 from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted Service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractLFal requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and retumed if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted. Expenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered. and is Classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which tt relates= expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising aotivities. events, non- charttable trading actlvilies, and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charitable actiwtie5 includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its b&n&ficiaries, including those support costs and costs r81ating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. other expenditure includes all expendilur& that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its axpenditure on charFtable activtties. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories refleGting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned beeen the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis. Operating leases Lease payments are recognised as an expense over the lease term on a straight-line basis. The aggregate ben8fit of lease incentives is recogniséd as a reduction to expense over the lease term, on a straight-lina basi5. Tangible assats Tangible assets ar8 initially recorded at cost, and subs8qU8ntly stat8d at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impaimient losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at th8 date of revaluation less any subsequent accurnulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation Depreciation is c8Iculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, Over the useful economic lrfe of that asset as follows.. Office equipment 250/0 Straight line -25-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements (contlnuod) Year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policles (eontinued) Flnancial instruments A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognlsed at the amount rec8ivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recogriised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Current assets and current liabilities are Subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently mèasured at amortised cost. Defined contribution plans Contributions to definèd contribution plans are recognised as an expense in th8 period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent Ihat the prepayment will lead to B reduction in fulure payments or a cash refund. Limited by guarantee The charity is a company limited by guarantee and does not hav8 share capital. Every member of the charity undertakes to contribute such amounts, not exceeding £10 as may be required in the event of a wlnding up. Donations and legacies Unrestricted Funds R8Stricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Grants Suffolk County Council NHS Ipswich & East Suffolk CCG other Grants 149,000 192,532 5,5S2 149,000 192,532 5,552 347,084 347,084 Unrestrict8d Funds Restrictsd Total Funds Funds 2023 Gr8nts SuffDlk County Council NHS Ipswich & East Suffolk CCG NHS England & NHS Improvem8nts Essex County Council Other Grants 187,320 68,575 16.175 11,200 4.921 187.320 68,575 16,175 11,200 4,921 288,191 288,191 -26-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements {contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 ChaTitable activities Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Advocacy and other seNices 212,266 212,266 223.102 223.102 Expenditure on charitable activitles Unr6stricted Total Funds Unrestrided Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Staff costs Staff travèl expenses Staff and advocate training Staff recruitment TransF)Ort costs Finance charges Venue hire Professional fees Support costs 587,544 17,611 3,600 4,122 1,713 1,919 3,975 2.060 75.680 587.544 17.611 3,600 4,122 1,713 1,919 3,975 2,060 75,680 468,200 9,334 3,909 3,169 1,646 2,214 3,161 14,213 78,807 468,200 9,334 3,909 3,169 1.646 2,214 3,161 14,213 78,807 698.224 698,224 584,653 584,653 Analysis of support costs 2024 2023 Rent Telephone Postage and stationery 5nsurance Computer costs Sundry expenses Depreciation Independent examination fee Bad debt write off 14,124 9,107 2,935 3,562 29,972 4,772 7,406 2,724 1,078 13,065 6.530 2,472 2,581 37.474 7,536 5,771 3,378 75.680 78.807 -27-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements fcontlnuod) Year ended 31 March 2024 Staff costs The total stsff costs and employe8 benefrts for the reporting period are analysed as follow5: 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Other employee benefrts 529,266 42,355 10,799 5,124 417,245 39,815 9,284 1,856 587,544 468,200 The average head counl of 8rnployees during the year wa5 29 (2023.. 23). No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year12023: Nil). Key management personnel Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation Including employer pansion contributions paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £59.503 {2023. £55.472). Trustee remuneration and expenses No tnjstee r8caived any remLSneration during the year {2023= £Nil). No trustee was reimbursed expenses during the year (2023.- £Nil}. 10. Tangible fixed assets Office equlpment Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions 51,385 6,156 At 31 March 2024 57,541 Depreclation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 33,088 7,406 40,494 Carrying amount A131 Maroh 2024 17,047 At 31 March 2023 18,297 -28-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements (¢ontinued) Year ended 31 March 2024 11. Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 49,754 11,266 105.826 9,518 61,020 115,344 12. Credltors: Amounts falling due wlthin one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Social security and other taxes 917 2.442 10,696 1.314 2,838 9,617 13.769 14.055 13. Definod contrlbution plans The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to the defined contribution plans was £10,799 (2023: £9,284}. -29-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements IntInued) Year ended 31 March 2024 14. Analysls of charitable funds Year ended 31 March 2024 General funds At 1 April 2023 At 31 March 2024 Income Expendilure Transfers General Funds 328,302 561,448 (698,224) 191,526 Designated funds At 1 April 2023 At 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Contingency Fund5 Big Messages AcsSible Information 70,525 9,090 30,800 70.525 9,090 29,810 (990} (990) 560,458 110.415 109,425 Total funds 438,717 {698,224} 300.951 Year ended 31 March 2023 General funds At 1 April 2022 At 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers General Funds 401,261 501,764 1574.723) 328,302 Designated funds At 1 April 2022 At 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Transfe Contingency Funds Big Messages Accessible Information 70.525 9,090 30,670 70,525 9.090 30,800 10,060 (9.930} 19,930} (584,653) 110,285 10,060 110.415 Total funds 511,546 511,824 438,717 Purposes of designated funds." Contingency Funds this fund represents amounts set aside in a separate bank account, adopted as formal designated fund under a previous annual review. The fund aim5 to cover contingency expenses such as redundancy and wages should the charity need to COV8r SLtch costs for closure or winding up. The d8sign8ted fund is reviewed periodically. Big Messages - income designated to promote SCC services for people with learning disabilities. Accessible Information information standards. production of accessible information conforming to the accessible -30-
Ace (Anglia) Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements {contlnu•d) Year ended 31 March 2024 15. Analysis of net assets between funds As at 31 March 2024 Unrèstricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funrss 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets 17,047 283,904 17,047 283,904 Net Assets 300,951 300,951 As at 31 March 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Tangible fixed assets Current assets 18,297 420,420 18,297 420,420 Not Assets 438.717 438,717 16. Analysis of changes In net debt At At 1 Apf 2023 Cash flows 31 Mar 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 318,845 181.906) 236,939 17. Operatlng lease ¢ommitments The total future minimum lease payments under non-canc&llable operating leasos are as follows: 2024 2023 Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not lat8r than 5 years 1,440 1.440 1,440 1,440 2,880 18. Related parties The Charity made payments in respect of relatèd party transactions to Thinklusivè amounting to £Nil {2023= £1,680) which M Clark operates as a sole trader. M Clark is the son of A Clark who is a key management personnel of the Chanty. The Charity also made payments in respect of transactions amounting to £25,24812023: £29.667) to I Akers who is also a close relation to A Clark. These transactions were made on nomal Gommercial terms. The Charity had no other related paty transactions in this or the prior year. 31