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← Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire

2024-03-31-accounts

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

Registered Company No. 08399922 (England and Wales) Registered Charity No. 1154627

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

FOR

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

Russells Accountants 20 Riverview Way Kempston Bedford MK42 7BB

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31st March 2024

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 4
Independent Examiners Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 11

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

for the year ended 31st March 2024

TRUSTEES

Mrs L Grant Mrs G Hiscox Mrs C A Carter Mrs L Cole (appointed 01/11/2022) Mrs V Filmer (appointed 01/06/2023) Mrs E Warwick (appointed 01/06/2023 & resigned 07/11/2023)

COMPANY SECRETARY

Ms D Blackmun

REGISTERED OFFICE

Capability House Wrest Park Silsoe Beds MK45 4HR

COMPANY NUMBER 08399922 (England and Wales) CHARITY NUMBER 1154627

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Ian Russell FCCA Russells Accountants Limited 20 Riverview Way Kempston, Bedford MK42 7BB

Page 1

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31st March 2024

The Trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purpose of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Significant activities

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire 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 values are:

10,911 people have shared their experiences of health and social care services with us, helping to raise awareness of issues and improve care.

14,150 people came to us for clear advice and information about topics such as mental health and the cost of living cr

We published nine reports about the improvements people would like to see in health and social care services.

We’re lucky to have 53 outstanding volunteers who gave up 272 days to make care better for our community.

We currently employ seven staff who help us carry out our work.

We collaborate with other Healthwatch to ensure the experiences of people in Central Bedfordshire influence decisions made about services at Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (BLMK ICS) level. This year we’ve helped people by:

To help us carry out our work we receive funding from our local authority under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Public Benefit

The Trustees have referred to guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire is one of a few local Healthwatch who host a Young Healthwatch. Eliciting the views, feelings and aspirations of young people can be challenging and we have worked hard over the past year to encourage more young people to join our Young Healthwatch group, to give them the opportunity to share their views and experiences, to improve outcomes for children and young people, and help develop services that are ‘fit for purpose’.

By joining young Healthwatch our volunteers have been able to learn new skills, build their confidence and become active members of their local community. They have listened to other young people and worked on projects like improving hospital experiences for children and young people, by visiting hospital wards including Paediatric A & E, observing the service and talking to patients and staff, with action taken based on their recommendations.

Page 2

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31st March 2024

Charitable activities - cont'd

Other projects that Young Healthwatch have worked on include being involved in research to help improve the mental health of young people by supporting the development of ‘Time Out’ cards for students to use in schools, and by working with colleagues at Central Bedfordshire Council to give valuable feedback on a ‘Mindful Mentor Badge’.

A major event this year was to organise and facilitate a Health and Wellbeing Conference for Young People, an interactive event that addressed the challenges and highlighted the struggles young people experienced during the pandemic, and how to access help and support for their mental health. Young Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire are proud to hold the Investing in Children Membership Award which gives organisations national recognition for actively including children and young people in dialogue that results in change. It involves hearing directly from children and young people.

Our Healthwatch Board consists of five 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 2023/24 the Board met six times and made decisions on matters such as budget setting, future engagement and activities, governance and recruitment of additional Board members.

We wish to thank the following people and organisations for helping us to deliver the local Healthwatch service: Thank you to everyone that is helping us put people at the heart of health and social care, including:

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

Income has seen an increase of 12% this year, and expenses have seen an increase of 8%. Interest received has seen an increase of 3.75%, and other income 1.5%. Overall, expenses have remained fairly stable with an increase in events expenses. Rent and rates have seen a drop in the year due to the council amending how they calculate tax paid, resulting in a refund backdated to when business rates tax began being paid.

Reserves policy

The Trustees have agreed a level of reserves that is sufficient to manage end of contract closure and transition costs whilst also providing adequate funding to develop new income streams to help build the longer-term sustainability of the charity.

The Trustees aim to maintain reserves to a minimum of £40,000, approximately equivalent to three months' expenditure.

Grant Funder

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire acknowledges Central Bedfordshire Council for the provision of the grant to provide a local Healthwatch service.

Page 3

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31st March 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNENCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, its memorandum and articles of association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by Companies Act 2006

Recruitment and appointemnt of new trustees

New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees. All trustees are required to resign from office at the end of their three year term, but may be re-elected according to the rules and procedures set out in the charity's governing documents.

Organisational structure

The company is run by a board of trustees/directors who are required to number at least four but no more than six.

Funds Held As Custodians For Others

During the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 the charity did not hold any funds as a custodian trustee on behalf of any other charitable organisation.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on …………………… and signed on its behalf by:

Mrs G Hiscox - Trustee

Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of the report

As the charity's trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purpose of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

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

Independent examiners statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:

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.

………………………..

Ian Russell FCCA Russells Accountants Limited 20 Riverview Way Kempston, Bedford MK42 7BB

Page 5

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

for the year ended 31st March 2024

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Charitable activities
Other trading income
2
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
NET INCOME
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 2024
Unrestricted
£
172,201
27,865
200,066
189,857
10,209
57,431
67,640		 2023
Unrestricted
£
161,252
17,174
178,426
175,333
3,093
54338
57,431

The notes form part of these finacial statements Page 6

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

BALANCE SHEET 31st March 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
6
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
8
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
FUNDS
9
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 2024
Unrestricted
£
1,909
9,027
111,694
120,721
(54,990)
65,731
67,640
67,640
67,640		 2023
Unrestricted
£
1,120
2,572
61,040
63,612
(7,301)
56,311
57,431
57,431
57,431

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st March 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilties for

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to charitable small companies.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on and were signed on its behalf by;

Mrs G Hiscox - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements Page 7

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The charity meets the definition of a public body under FRS 102.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

The following policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Income received by way of grants and donations is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.

Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.

Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

Incoming resources from charitable trading activity are accounted for when earned.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets held for the company's own use are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Computer equipment - 2 years straight line

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Page 8

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Donated services

In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time is not recognised in the financial statements

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
2024 2023
£ £
Event income 25,643 16,580

3. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income / (expenditure) is stated after charging / (crediting):

Depreciation - owned assets
Independent examiners fee
Independent examiners fee - non assurance services		 2024
2023
£
£
2,789
1,559
600
600
720
710

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

5. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Senior Management
Support Staff		 2024
2023
£
£
1
1
4
4
5
5

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for year
Disposal
At 31 March 2024
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023		 Computer
Equipment
£
9,229
3,818
(1,820)
11,227
8,109
2,789
(1,580)
9,318
1,909
1,120

Page 9

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st March 2024

7. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Pension payable
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilties
MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows;
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows
Unrestricted funds
General fund		 At 1.4.23
£
57,431		 2024
2023
£
£
-
50
492
492
8,535
2,030
9,027
2,572
2024
2023
£
£
1,652
4,481
52,930
2,820
408
-
54,990
7,301
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
2024
2023
£
£
1,909
1,120
120,721
63,612
(54,990)
(7,301)
67,640
57,431
Net movement
in funds
At 31.3.24
£
£
10,209
67,640
57,431 10,209
67,640
Incoming
resources
£
200,066		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(189,857)
10,209
At 1.4.22
£
54,338		 Net movement
in funds
At 31.3.23
£
£
3,093
57,431
54,338 3,093
57,431
Incoming
resources
£
178,426		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(175,333)
3,093

8 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

9 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

10 MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS

Page 10

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st March 2024

11 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st March 2024 (2023, £NIL).

12. OTHER

The company is limited by guarantee and as such has no share capital. The members of the company whose liability is limited to a maximum of £1 each.

Page 11

HEALTHWATCH CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for the year ended 31st March 2024

Income
Charitable activities
Interest receivable
Other trading income
Expenditure
Wages
Rent & rates
Travel expenses
Stationery & office costs
IT & software
Insurance
Accoutancy fees
Professional fees
Marketing & printing
General expenses
Telephone
Young Healthwatch
Older Peoples Festival
Just Ask and local awareness events
Young Peoples Event
Macmillan Event
Other projects and surveys
Depreciation
Bank charges & interest
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Net Surplus		 £
£
172,201
2,222
25,643
200,066
110,919
17,355
3,276
4,664
7,184
817
1,320
3,348
3,362
5,453
1,513
2,626
3,262
887
14,932
2,323
3,526
2,789
61
240
189,857
£
10,209
2024
Unrestricted		 £
£
161,252
594
16,580
178,426
109,757
23,254
3,440
2,729
5,389
791
1,310
2,173
4,210
2,187
1,450
3,211
4,022
1,719
-
-
8,060
1,559
72
-
175,333
£
3,093
2023
Unrestricted

This page does not form part of the financial statements and is for management purposes only