2022-02-28-accounts - Migrant Workers Sefton Community

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Charity Number: 1155318 Migrant Workers Sefton Community Unaudited Accounts For The Period Ended 28th February 2022

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT To Migrant Workers Sefton Community

_____________

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Migrant Workers Sefton Community for the year ended 28th February 2022.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charities trustees of Migrant Workers Sefton Community accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 am a member of the AAT and I am bound by the code of ethics issued by FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2016.

Accounts preparation services were provided by Sefton CVS, my employer, and I as examiner have applied the ethical standard to my work.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

Accounting records were not kept in respect of Migrant Worker Sefton Community as required by section 130 of the Act; or
The accounts do not accord with those records

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 reached.

Anthony Deegan MAAT, MICB, Pm.Dip Finance Manager Sefton Council for Voluntary Service

3[rd] Floor, Suite 3b, Burlington House, Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 0LG

Signed: …………………………………………….. Date: ………………………………………………..

Receipts
John Moores Foundation
The FPC Foundation
Sefton CVS
High Sheriffs Trust
Barrow Cadbury Grant
Sefton MBC
Workers Education Association
Community Foundation (LCR 1 and LCR3)
Big Lottery Fund
Sefton Carers Centre
Groundwork
Neighbourhood Community Fund
PH Holt Foundation
Refunds
National Lottery Fund 2
National Lottery Fund 4
Total Receipts
Payments
Rent payable
Social care agreements
Sessional fees
Sefton Carers Centre
Salaries
Pension contributions
Covid food vouchers
Training
Travel
Computer expenses
Repairs and maintenance
Furniture
IT software
Accountancy
Payroll processing
Insurance
Cleaning
Postage
Stationery
Telephone and internet
Refreshments
Volunteer gifts
Total Payments
Net Receipts For Period
Net Cash Funds B/F
Net Cash Funds C/F

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
4,000
-
2,500
2,500
-
-
2,499
2,499
-
-
2,500
2,500
-
-
200
200
12,800
-
17,000
17,000
17,289
-
18,125
18,125
9,187
-
-
-
9,436
-
10,000
10,000
-
4,368
-
4,368
12,168
-
-
-
1,000
-
-
-
400
-
13,000
13,000
-
-
-
-
390
-
-
-
8,923
-
-
-
9,152
4,368
65,824
70,192
84,745
-
-
-
4,800
-
-
-
12,168
3,138
69,683
72,821
39,103
3,432
-
3,432
-
-
3,945
3,945
23,833
-
-
-
1,715
300
-
300
856
-
260
260
-
-
397
397
462
330
302
632
469
-
6
6
38
30
183
213
-
-
96
96
96
125
-
125
125
-
-
-
68
202
-
202
202
-
85
85
22
-
33
33
23
15
234
249
140
-
461
461
398
-
148
148
20
-
90
90
-
7,572
75,921
83,493
84,538
(3,204)
(10,097)
(13,301)
207
21,134
18,437
39,571
39,364
17,930
8,340
26,270
39,571

Monetary Assets Cash at Bank Cash in hand	Total Total 2022 2021 £ £ 27,620 39,364 (1,350) - 26,270 39,364

The accounts have been prepared under the Receipts and Payments basis.

These financial statements have been approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Cash in bank is represented by:

Unrestricted funds John Moores Foundation Barrow Cadbury Grant Sefton MBC Workers Education Association Community Foundation (LCR 1 and LCR3) National Lottery Community Fund 4 PH Holt Foundation Community Champions Grant Main Grants High Sheriffs Trust FPC	17,927 43 141 1,435 610 86 122 2,477 29 2,980 220 200 26,270

Chair of Trustees:

Date:

Signed:

Migrant Workers Sefton Community Registered Charity 1155318

Office 5 Shakespeare House 37/39 Shakespeare Street Southport PR8 5AB Telephone 01704 514 159 07970084298 Email mwsc@hotmail.co.uk

Annual General Meeting 5:00 (Zoom) Sunday 1 July 2022 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF

This annual report spans the period Of Incorporated Charitable Organization (Mwsc) February 2021 - 2022

Trustees are appointed or reappointed Bi-annually at the Annual General Meeting

Trustee list

Tony Dawson (Councilor) 103 Forest Road Southport PR8 6HY Eileen Saunders 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Krzysztof Szczecina 69 Tulketh St PR8 1AW Aleksandrs Subotjalo C/O 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF

Public Benefit

The trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to Charity Commission public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant

Objectives Summary

To advise migrant workers of their rights
To relieve financial hardship among migrant workers and their families in Sefton and surrounding area
To preserve and protect the health of migrant workers and their dependents
To advance the education and training of migrant workers

Partnership and Joint Working

The Charity has formal partnership agreements with One Vision Housing Association, Sefton Council, Government departments such as Pension Credit and Child Benefit Agency, 3[rd] Party Hate Crime reporting Centre & Hmrc, OISC Immigration certificate level 1 home office

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 1 of 10

The charity also has good working relations with

Local Authority - Local Health services - Police & Fire Rescue Service

The Charity has productive links with

Reputable Recruitment Agency & Local Employers
The Charity also has productive links with Liverpool Law University and Edge Hill University
The Charity also has productive links with various solicitors for legal signposting

Summary of Activities

Introduction

MWSC was registered in 2009 and converted into a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) 2014. The charities’ main objective is to support international workers and their dependents in Sefton & the surrounding areas. Clients may have been experiencing discrimination, unfair treatment, financial hardship (particularly in the fields of access to employment), housing issues, healthcare issues, welfare entitlements and financial services problems.

Services provided include translators / interpreters in 7 languages, helpline, one to one appointment, drop – In appointments, legal referrals, letters of merit family Law. All off this takes place at an office which is open 5/6 days a week.
Mwsc achieved a ‘OISC’ Level 1 Immigration Limited to EU Settlement Scheme 12 June 2019 regulation number – N201900029 will be applying for level 2 immigration advice home office
Mwsc became a National Partner of Neighborly in the collections/delivery of fresh food to be distributed within the community supermarkets involved Aldi, Liddle, and M & S

Our approach is to understand the client’s problems, agree to a personalized action plan and support them to achieve their goal.

Key outcomes achieved include enabling clients to claim £3.8 extra income, which includes £3.1 benefits to which they were entitled and £649,000 through employment. 6 clients have successfully made home purchases.

Increased client income Benefits £3.1m Employment £649k Extra Income £74 k Debt Written Off £24 k Total £3.8m Volunteer Value £39.120 (min wage)

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 2 of 10

Outcomes frequently achieved

A reduction in physical Improved communication Economically better off health problems skills Improved job search skills Increased ability to Knowledge of benefits and budget & pay bills entitlements A greater feeling of selfAn ability to give Increased self confidence esteem, self-worth, and something back to the value community

Positive Outcomes (Theory of change)

Health behavior; Reduced physical debt, employment stress or sub-standard housing Attitude and Self Reduced debt or domestic violence or inadequate housing, or being taken -perception: advantage of or knowing rules-regulation Knowledge and Skills: Increased self-confidence, Increased knowledge of benefits, local services Circumstance: Increased job-search skills, service users achieve more opportunities, more service users access suitable accommodation, decent employment, in-work benefits, NHS appointments secured

Services Facilities Referrals

----- Start of picture text -----
Office opening 5/6 days a week 4 Desks Refugee women
Translators/Interpreters in 7 4 PC’s Probation office
languages Private interview rooms Talbot family (Early Help)
Helpline Telephone and internet Sefton Council departments
Appointments access CAB
Drop – In – Sessions & Printing facilities Job center
Appointments Helpline Food banks
Letters of merit family Law Various Sefton charities
Assessments for accredited ESOL Local schools & Family
Work certificate center’s
1 Full time, 7 part time staff Light for Life, Sefton
4 Volunteer staff advocacy
Referral system Sefton social care & social
workers
----- End of picture text -----

2021 REPORT Covid-19 Impact continuing from 2020

The situation for migrant workers during 2020 saw 80% of migrant workers on 0% work contracts with 40% of workers laid of work in the first week of lockdown, immediately impacting on finances, clients are unable to meet daily needs, basic foodstuffs, medications, and utilities card/key payments for daily use.

Clients reacted to Covid-19 in a state of panic impacted by poor English skills, poor IT skills, inability to access service providers, lack of knowledge. Clients who are Ill or vulnerable are isolated and have no ability to provide basic needs for themselves or family members day to day.

During 2021 the situation continued to be unpredictable & stressful with the added deadlines for EU migrants to be registered for Pre-Settled or Settled Status to allow the migrants to be legally entitled to live and work in the UK.

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 3 of 10

The main issues clients experienced included - Un-Employment – Benefits – Debt – Housing – Brexit Pre-Settled & Settled Status applications

Our Approach in resolving the Immigration Pre-settled & Settled issues was to achieve a certificate in ‘Immigration Advice OISC Level 1’ enabling Mwsc staff to support clients completing the ‘Pre-Settled & Settled Status certificates online including the facial ID process for Gov.uk, assisting clients to create Gov.uk ‘Profiles’.

Process put into place during lockdown continued to work well altered were necessary with very little changes as follows

Covid-19 advice & information dealt with immediately or sign-posting clients to ‘NHS Guidance’, ‘Doctors of the world information in Languages.’

Gov.UK online ‘Profiles’ was an unexpected added process migrants needed to complete to access a legal code. 85% of clients were unaware of the Gov.UK ‘Profile’ required for Employment or interviews for employment. 90% of clients do not have the English or IT skills to complete this legally required code.

Benefits & Settled Status clients proved to be more difficult to deal with by telephone as clients needed to log into Government online services completing facial ID and uploading documentation. 80% of clients struggled to complete applications due to poor English and IT skills.

Employment advice includes HMRC issues - Furlough, Self-Employment applications and SelfAssessment, Employment & CVs. Arranging interviews with required Gov.Uk codes.

Debt issues are resolved by negotiations with creditors process includes authorities from client combined with income and expenditure sheet for creditor agreeing affordable payment plans, creating workable budgets.

Food vouchers and referrals to local food banks provided to clients who are struggling along with food deliveries. Mwsc uses discretion to allocate supermarket vouchers to clients in desperate critical needs.

Legal & police issues are dealt with on the day by referral or reporting.

The following is a brief snapshot of the work completed 2021

----- Start of picture text -----
Benefits advice & 763 including 258 universal credit applications
applications
Legal & Police issues 112 including 70 Legal & Solicitors
Housing issues 276 including 9 homeless & 69 Private Landlords
Debt 164 including 22 Hmrc & 39 benefits negotiated into manageable
payment plans
Surplus food collections- 4.621 tonnes collected/sorted/delivered from local supermarkets
deliveries over 208 pickups since March
Employment issues 259 including finding employment for 36 unemployed citizens
Immigration & Brexit 568 including 215 settled status applications
16 Employment & Road £25,000 being the largest pay-out
accidents
----- End of picture text -----

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 4 of 10

Data 2021

----- Start of picture text -----
Clients 1349 Including 537 new clients
Children 102
Cases 2533
Extra actions 3118
Calls in 1787
Calls out 2782
Volunteer hours 4,940
Referrals from agencies 49
Food pickup – Sorted – Delivered 5 Tons
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Referrals from agencies 49
Food pickup – Sorted – Delivered 5 Tons
Benefits Examples
Healthier Behavior  Reduced physical Debt Employment Stress or sub-standard
housing
 A reduction in physical health problems
Attitude and Self  Reduced Debt or Domestic Violence or inadequate housing, or
-perception being taken advantage of or knowing rules-regulation
 A greater feeling of self-esteem, self-worth, and value
Enhanced Knowledge  Increased Self-Confidence
and Skills  Increased knowledge of benefits, local services
 Increased communication skills
 Increased ability to budget and pay bills
Improved  Economically better off
Circumstances  Increased job-search skills, Service users achieve more
opportunities,
 More service users access suitable accommodation, decent
employment, in-work benefits, NHS appointments
 An ability to give something back to the community
 Increased ability to report crime & hate crime access police
services
----- End of picture text -----

Case Studies

Benefits – Debt – Family Law – Homeless – Student Loans – Education – Employment Mr. K S

Client experiencing family relationship breakdown - homelessness - un-employment - limited employment opportunities, extremely stressed suffering from anxiety. 2021 Mwsc arranged appointment with family solicitor improving client’s anxiety over family breakup assuring clients continuing access to 7 yrs. old child.

Informed benefits office as client had to move from family home. Mwsc Liaised with private landlord secured tenancy agreement with client decorating home as part of the tenancy (client really pleased to be picking his own color scheme). Client allowed to move into property before tenancy started to start to decorate avoiding the homeless situation.

Applied for clients benefits and student loan as client wanted to achieve higher education certificate over 2/3 years with the Aim of eventually securing decent employment enabling client to be able to look after his daughter and purchase his own home.

Mwsc supported client to complete application for higher education and accompanied client to initial interview and explained to interviewing officer client’s history – experience – issues as client had no qualifications but relied on experience. Client was accepted for Science IT degree.

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 5 of 10

Client suffers from Dyslexia and has poor written English skills, Mwsc continues to support client with practical skills writing up reports for client, client top of his class as of December 2021. Supported client to find part time work around studies and childcare. Client considering continuing study securing master’s degree. Universal credit ‘Mandatory Reconsideration’ January & went into payment February 2022 unfortunately it is the wrong lesser award, Mwsc put in another appeal awaiting outcome. “I had nowhere to turn during my breakup, Mwsc supported me helping me to make my dreams come true, I can turn to them with every new issue, it is a good feeling Thank You”. (Mr. K S, 2022).

Settled status – Brexit- Home office issues

Italian male client 70s lived in UK for 40 years, experiencing issues when applying for Settled Status due to Brexit. Client does not have a mobile – laptop – IT skills – or email. Firstly, client did not believe this law applied to him as he had lived here for so long when he eventually realized the law applied to him he had no idea how to access the information on application. Client eventually came to Mwsc office, after seeking help from other service providers unsuccessfully. Complication started as client had no mobile – no email as both is needed to complete the application. Mwsc overcame the problem by staff using personal mobile number, created a new email care of the Mwsc office, client’s application was completed, and client now has his ‘Settled Status’, positive result. “Became impossible issue for me to sort out, thank you” (Mr. J C. 2021).

British Citizen late 80s no IT or Laptop skills, did not believe that the new rules/law related to his German wife. Eventually clients came to Mwsc office to apply for ‘Settled Status’. This case became complicated as ‘German passport’ had expired years previously as clients no longer traveled abroad. An online application was not possible as passport ID was unavailable. Mwsc overcame the problems by downloading the ‘Settled Status’ application hard copy (75 pages) staff completed the application by handwriting all pages, providing documentation with expired passport and a covering letter to explain the situation. Clients are awaiting ‘Settled Status’ Certificates. “We were clueless as to the new rules – regulations -law we were completely lost and very stressed over the situation, thank you Mwsc for all of your help you are very kind and make time for clients making a stressful situation manageable”. (Mr. Mrs. A J 2021).

Referral from Social Services – Early Help Team

Bulgarian family of 4, limited English. Father arrived 3 years ago works part time in a car wash as and when. Family arrived Jan 2021 father applied for Universal Credit & Settled Status Certificate 4 times unsuccessfully. Social services became involved when family were about to become evicted as huge rent arrears had accumulated. Referral came to Mwsc 2022 within 1 week of consultation with clients’ applications completed for Settled Status – Universal Credit – Child Benefit clients now registered for Council Tax unfortunate when the bill arrives a payment plan will need to be agreed. Universal Credit was rejected due to ‘Habitual Residency test’ Mwsc completed a ‘Mandatory Reconsideration’ immediately Universal Credit is now in payment. Awaiting outcomes of Child Benefit & Settled Status. Liaised with landlord clients allowed to remain in their home while we are applying for the benefits. “No matter how hard I tried to look after my family, I could not protect them, I became further and further into debt even on the point of becoming homeless, Thank You Mwsc for supporting us” (Mr. A A M. 2022)

Conclusion

It is difficult for people who have no English or IT skills to be able to access service providers for basic help that is needed day to day, especially in times of Covid-19. However, with the help and support that we can offer to our clients through translation, interpretation, completing applications or applying to service providers on their behalf. They know that they have a safe place to turn to for all the help that they need.

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 6 of 10

Mwsc signpost, make appointments and accompany clients to other professional bodies when needed, including, family law solicitors Moorcroft’s’, Accidents in work & employment law solicitors, Service providers.

Overview Southport Migrants

There is a large population of Migrant workers in Sefton. The charity has seen an explosion of growth, today there are around 8,000-10,000 Nationals alone, in Southport.

Many migrants struggle to communicate in English, they do not know about UK laws on overcrowding, disrepair, or harassment.

In some cases, the employer also provides their accommodation or has links with the landlord, migrants are at risk from exploitative or unscrupulous landlords and employers.

Transience in employment and housing makes finding out about rights and options difficult. Migrants may fail to comply with the law, accidentally due to cultural differences. Many are afraid of contact with anyone they see as representing ‘the authorities’ due to cultural difference.

Migrants may also rely for information and guidance on people who have an interest in keeping them uninformed about their rights and options in the UK or on people who simply do not know.

Migrants may be subject to discrimination in many areas of their lives, including exploitation, racial harassment, and attacks.

While there are currently Statutory service providers for advice, migrants find it hard to engage with these agencies as 80% have little or no command of English. Translators/Interpreters are not always available to service providers mainly due to the costs involved.

Mwsc is staffed by both English and migrant sessional/volunteer workers, who have used the service, a mix which has proved very effective as it allows the case worker to speak with the client in their native language.

The charity secured premises in 2015 paying a yearly rent.

2021 Statistics Graph

----- Start of picture text -----
MWSC STATISTICS 2021 1/3
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Axis Title
New Cases X Actions
Benefit AppealsBenefits AdvicePension CreditS Pay PIP CB ESA U C C/A WTCCWTCHousing benefitMaternityCouncil TaxHMRC AdviceDEBTTax RebateSelf AssesmentSelf EmployedPrivate pensionsNinoDEBT
CLIENTS
----- End of picture text -----

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 7 of 10

----- Start of picture text -----
MWSC STATISTICS 2021 2/3
250
200
150
100
50
0
Axis Title
New Cases X Actions
MWSC STATISTICS 2021 3/3
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Axis Title
New Cases X Actions
Jobs Debt Misc
Bank AdviceFinancial OmbEmployment Advice Agency JobsSolicitors Family LawPolice Accidents in workCar/InsMerit Letters HomelessPrivate landlords Debt UtilitiesFinancial
Food VouchersFoodPantryS Care/S WorkersFurnitureSafe GuardingDeceasedSchool AdmissionsNHSEducationFraudCollege/Uny AdmsStudent LoansNurserytv licenceImmigration adviceDVLAESFEsol Passports UKSettled StatusLeaveTRAVELResidencyVisaImmigration CitizenshipBrexit AdviceBus PassBlue badgeCovid-19 Advice
Clients
Cients
----- End of picture text -----

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 8 of 10

Mwsc Challenges included

completing registration forms for telephone clients
Counting indirect clients and children
When clients have received ‘Settled Status’ certificates they falsely believe that they do not have to take any further actions, which is incorrect. The ‘Settled Status’ certificates must be updated each time the client renews passports or ID. This process involves relogging into Gov.Uk, facial scanning and inserting new information. Failure to do this, will result in clients not being able to renter the UK in the future. Clients need to be informed of this additional process that has been added to the UK systems
Understaffed

Ratio

----- Start of picture text -----
Male 33%
Female 67%
----- End of picture text -----

Achievements Included the engagement of the migrant community

----- Start of picture text -----
A8 EU Other clients includeAsylum Seekers &
 Czech  Lithuania. Refugees
Republic  Poland.  Ukraine
 Estonia  Slovakia.  Russian  Asian
 Hungary  Slovenia.  African  Afghanistan
 Latvia  Iran
----- End of picture text -----

2019 Achieved ‘Immigration Advice OISC Level 1’
World cake integration day event took place on the 29th of April 2017 at the Salvation Army Centre this was attended by 350 attendees (volunteers, migrants, the MP, the Mayor, councilors, and representatives of various organizations). The event was in collaboration with Edgehill Media University department and Sefton Council.
Completion of key words into 5 languages, supporting children Early Years Project Sefton education department
January 2017 The charity achieved the Star Standard, a quality assurance scheme for the voluntary sector on Merseyside.
March 2017 awarded a ‘Highly Commended status’ Illegal money lending team
Mwsc is a 3rd party reporting center for Merseyside police
Members of Sefton operation’s town hall committee
Loan shark video in partnership with Sefton Council https://vimeo.com/161895506
June 2017 Included in the publication ‘Guidance booklet offering support to practitioners about ways to promote their practice’ developed by School Readiness Service in collaboration with other professionals and Ofsted registered Early Years providers Sefton Council>The charity translated ‘Key Words’ needed for this project in 4 languages, the project target was Sefton and will be rolled throughout Merseyside if proved successful

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 9 of 10

Working in collaboration with Merseyside Community Foundation providing clients for the magazine article in Vital Signs 2019-20 Community Foundation for Merseyside invited Year Third Sector Trends Study. Study shows how the structure and dynamics of the third sector responds to political, social, and economic change.

Significant Outcomes

Community cohesion positively impacted upon, as various citizens mixed from a range of cultures
Social support was very evident as clients and volunteers work together in positive ways

The charity does not advertise its service, mostly people hear of the service through word-ofmouth recommendation and referrals from statutory and voluntary agencies.

Where appropriate the charity signposts or refers clients to other agencies, both in the statutory, legal & voluntary sectors.

The charity is extremely grateful to its volunteers without whom it could not carry out its activities.

Funding grants

High Sheriffs Trust
Community Champions Fund
The FPC Foundation
ESF Workers Education
P H. Holts Foundation
Sefton Council

Patron Dr J Pugh Registered as a Charity England & Wales Registered Charity 1155318 Registered office 7 Hawkshead Street Southport PR9 9HF Page 10 of 10