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2025-03-31-accounts

Digitally Signed Document Document ID: 5EA27ECC728B80

Document Details

Dudley Voices For Choice YE 31-03-2025 Filename: Accounts.PDF Client of: Lewis Smith & Co.

Signature Details

Name: Sarah Offley
Email: dudleyvoicesforchoice@gmail.com
Date & Time: 08/12/2025 12:52:17 PM (GMT)
IP Address: 31.113.58.238
Signing Statement: The directors and trustees approve the financial
statements.

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On behalf of: Lewis Smith & Co.
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Please keep a copy of this document for your records.

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: CE000698 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1155463

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Dudley Voices for Choice

Lewis Smith & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants The Old Doctor's House 74 Grange Road Dudley West Midlands DY1 2AW

Dudley Voices for Choice

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9 to 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 to 16
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 17 to 18

Dudley Voices for Choice

Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

TRUSTEES Mrs A Parkes Ms S A Richardson Ms K Pritchard Mr S Hardy Mr S Terry Ms E Durnall REGISTERED OFFICE C/o Holloway House Martin Hill Street Dudley West Midlands DY2 8RT REGISTERED COMPANY CE000698 (England and Wales) NUMBER REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1155463

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Lewis Smith & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants The Old Doctor's House 74 Grange Road Dudley West Midlands DY1 2AW BANKERS The Co-Operative Bank P/O. Box 250 Skelmersdale Wigan Greater Manchester WN8 6WT

Page 1

Dudley Voices for Choice

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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

Objectives and aims

The objects of the charity are to promote social inclusion among individuals with disabilities and learning disabilities living in England in particular but not exclusively within Dudley Metropolitan Borough who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society by:

  1. Providing a local network group that encourages and enables participation more effectively in the wider community.

  2. Increasing, or co-ordinating, opportunities for people to engage with service providers; to enable those providers to adapt services to better meet their needs.

  3. Raising public awareness of the issues affecting the needs of people with disabilities and learning disabilities.

  4. Providing workshops, forums, advocacy and general support.

Nothing in the constitution shall authorise an application of the property of the charitable incorporated organisation for the purposes which are not charitable in accordance with section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and section 2 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

Public benefit

In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit

The objects of the charity are to promote social inclusion among individuals with disabilities and learning disabilities.

Page 2

Dudley Voices for Choice

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities

Introduction

The period spanning April 2024 to March 2025 has been a remarkable year of transformation, growth, and dynamic action across our organisation. With each new initiative, campaign, and collaboration, we have continued our commitment to empowering people with learning disabilities and autism, promoting inclusion, and giving voice to lived experiences. This annual report details our milestones, key events, capacity-building activities, and the outstanding contributions of our self-advocates, staff, and partners.

Moving Into Our Own Offices

A defining moment for our organisation this year was the transition into our own dedicated offices. This new space has provided us with a sense of permanence, autonomy, and opportunity. It has enabled us to expand our services, host more events, and create a welcoming environment for everyone in our community. The move symbolises our growth and the increasing impact of our work.

Key Events and Conferences

Training and Professional Development

Page 3

Dudley Voices for Choice

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees

Our People: Experts with Lived Experience

We are exceptionally proud to employ 13 expert trainers with lived experience. Their unique perspectives and depth of understanding have enriched every project, training session, and advocacy effort. By centring the voices of those with lived experience, we ensure our work remains grounded, relevant, and impactful.

Research and Project Innovation

Supporting and Empowering Our Community

Page 4

Dudley Voices for Choice

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees

Talent and Leadership

Professional and Personal Development

Strategic Developments

Reflections and Looking Ahead

As we reflect on an extraordinary year, we are filled with pride for all that has been achieved. Our journey has been one of collaboration, courage, and relentless pursuit of justice and inclusion. Every project, event, and act of advocacy has contributed to a stronger, more connected community. The coming year presents new opportunities, and we are poised to continue this important work-amplifying voices, challenging injustices, and building a world where everyone is truly included.

Page 5

Dudley Voices for Choice

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees

With heartfelt thanks to all our staff, self-advocates, partners, and community members who made 2024-2025 a year of impact and hope.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 shows income for the year of £285,749 (2024 - £347,427) and expenditure for the year of £350,785 (2024 - £345,996). This gave a net deficit of income over expenditure for the year of £65,036 (2024 - surplus of £1,431).

The charity's total funds at the end of the year were £484,641 (2024 - £549,677). This included unrestricted funds of £457,438 (2024 - £473,867) and restricted funds of £27,203 (2024 - £75,810)

Reserves policy

The reserves policy is to retain sufficient funds to meet the ongoing liabilities of the charity together with funds for the development of the charities objectives.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (last amended 24 January 2014).

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

As set out in the charity's constitution, new trustees are appointed by the board of trustees.

Organisational structure

The charity is run by a board of trustees who are responsible for the overall strategic management of the organisation. The body of trustees consists of a minimum of three trustees.

Trustees Information

The names of the trustees are listed on page one within Reference and Administrative Details.

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees receive a full copy of the constitution, a copy of the latest trustees report and accounts and any other information necessary for them to undertake their role within the charity.

Key management

The charity is mainly run by its Chief Officer Mrs S Offley., who is not a trustee of the charity.

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

.......................................................................... Mrs A Parkes - Trustee

Page 6

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Dudley Voices for Choice

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Dudley Voices for Choice ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes 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 examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  3. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

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.

Mr C A Beale

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Lewis Smith & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants The Old Doctor's House 74 Grange Road Dudley West Midlands DY1 2AW

Date: .............................................

Page 7

Dudley Voices for Choice

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
-
Charitable activities
4
Grants receivable
263,058
Other trading activities
3
22,691
Total
285,749
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Direct costs
289,951
Support costs
41,628
Total
331,579
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(45,830)
Transfers between funds
12
29,401
Net movement in funds
(16,429)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
473,867
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
457,438
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
18,731
475
19,206
(19,206)
(29,401)
(48,607)
75,810
27,203
31.3.25
Total
funds
£
-
263,058
22,691
285,749
308,682
42,103
350,785
(65,036)
-
(65,036)
549,677
484,641
31.3.24
Total
funds
£
59
328,209
19,159
347,427
310,950
35,046
345,996
1,431
-
1,431
548,246
549,677

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Dudley Voices for Choice

Balance Sheet

31 March 2025

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
4,849
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
1,265
Cash at bank and in hand
458,402
459,667
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
(7,078)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
452,589
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
457,438
NET ASSETS
457,438
FUNDS
12
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
27,203
27,203
-
27,203
27,203
27,203
31.3.25
Total
funds
£
4,849
1,265
485,605
486,870
(7,078)
479,792
484,641
484,641
457,438
27,203
484,641
31.3.24
Total
funds
£
5,039
1,619
557,589
559,208
(14,570)
544,638
549,677
549,677
473,867
75,810
549,677

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued...

Page 9

Dudley Voices for Choice

Balance Sheet - continued 31 March 2025

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

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

............................................. Mrs A Parkes - Trustee

............................................. Ms S A Richardson - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 10

Dudley Voices for Choice

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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 2019)', 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.

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.

Government grants are recognised at the point that they are receivable and there is reasonable assurance that the company will comply with the conditions attached to them. They are valued at the consideration received or to be received.

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

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

Office equipment - 33% on cost

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.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

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.

continued...

Page 11

Dudley Voices for Choice

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2.
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Donations
3.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Other income
4.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Grants
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Dudley MBC
NHS
Other
5.
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation - owned assets
6.
TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
31.3.25
£
-
31.3.25
£
22,691
31.3.25
Grants
receivable
£
263,058
31.3.25
£
65,468
150,112
47,478
263,058
31.3.25
£
3,700
31.3.24
£
59
31.3.24
£
19,159
31.3.24
Total
activities
£
328,209
31.3.24
£
59
31.3.24
£
19,159
31.3.24
Total
activities
£
328,209
31.3.24
£
38,081
272,646
17,482
328,209
31.3.24
£
3,317

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

continued...

Page 12

Dudley Voices for Choice

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

7.
STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Number of employees
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
8.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
59
Charitable activities
Grants receivable
328,209
Other trading activities
19,159
Total
347,427
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Direct costs
277,324
Support costs
32,836
Total
310,160
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
37,267
Transfers between funds
39,513
Net movement in funds
76,780
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
397,087
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
473,867
31.3.25
£
215,905
7,865
3,573
227,343
31.3.25
13
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
33,626
2,210
35,836
(35,836)
(39,513)
(75,349)
151,159
75,810
31.3.24
£
215,600
9,236
2,775
227,611
31.3.24
16
Total
funds
£
59
328,209
19,159
347,427
310,950
35,046
345,996
1,431
-
1,431
548,246
549,677
31.3.24
£
215,600
9,236
2,775
227,611
31.3.24
16
Total
funds
£
59
328,209
19,159
347,427
310,950
35,046
345,996
1,431
-
1,431
548,246
549,677
347,427
310,950
35,046
345,996
1,431
-
1,431
548,246
549,677

continued...

Page 13

Dudley Voices for Choice

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Office
equipment
£
COST
At 1 April 2024 12,997
Additions 3,510
Disposals (3,810)
At 31 March 2025 12,697
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024 7,958
Charge for year 3,700
Eliminated on disposal (3,810)
At 31 March 2025 7,848
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025 4,849
At 31 March 2024 5,039
10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Prepayments 1,265 1,619
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Social security and other taxes 3,560 4,921
Pension creditor 1,209 5,328
Accruals and deferred income 2,309 4,321
7,078 14,570

continued...

Page 14

Dudley Voices for Choice

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

12.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1.4.24
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
473,867
Restricted funds
National Lottery Community Fund
75,810
TOTAL FUNDS
549,677
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
National Lottery Community Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
At 1.4.23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
397,087
Restricted funds
National Lottery Community Fund
151,159
TOTAL FUNDS
548,246
Net
movement
in funds
£
(45,830)
(19,206)
(65,036)
Incoming
resources
£
285,749
-
285,749
Net
movement
in funds
£
37,267
(35,836)
1,431
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.25
£
£
29,401
457,438
(29,401)
27,203
-
484,641
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(331,579)
(45,830)
(19,206)
(19,206)
(350,785)
(65,036)
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.24
£
£
39,513
473,867
(39,513)
75,810
-
549,677

Page 15

continued...

Dudley Voices for Choice

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
National Lottery Community Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Purpose of Funds
Incoming
resources
£
347,427
-
347,427
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(310,160)
37,267
(35,836)
(35,836)
(345,996)
1,431

Unrestricted General Fund

This fund represents the free funds of the charity that are not designated for particular purposes.

Restricted Funds

National Lottery Community Fund

This money is to be used for West Midlands regional self advocacy work. The grant was paid half yearly until July 2022 and the charity is currently using the remaining surplus if the fund.

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.

14. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

The charity is controlled by the trustees as listed in the Report of the Trustees.

Page 16

Dudley Voices for Choice
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations - 59
Other trading activities
Other income 22,691 19,159
Charitable activities
Grants 263,058 328,209
Total incoming resources 285,749 347,427
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Wages 215,905 215,600
Social security 7,865 9,236
Pensions 3,573 2,775
Rent 9,878 9,270
Autism Cafe 5,800 15,400
Training 34,381 35,455
Room hire and storage 3,433 1,966
App and website 1,597 2,347
Event costs and services 26,250 18,901
308,682 310,950
Support costs
Other
Insurance 385 372
Telephone 2,879 2,372
Printing, postage, stationery and advertising 2,045 978
Sundry expenses 36 195
Resources, repairs & renewals 4,807 3,877
Travelling and expenses 11,803 9,939
Internet and IT costs 886 1,082
Meeting refreshments 3,056 3,735
Subscriptions 6,579 6,408
DBS checks 100 148
Legal fees 1,618 -
Accountancy 3,162 2,160
Gifts, cards and flowers 1,047 463
Carried forward 38,403 31,729

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 17

Dudley Voices for Choice

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Other
Brought forward 38,403 31,729
Depreciation of office equipment 3,700 3,317
42,103 35,046
Total resources expended 350,785 345,996
Net (expenditure)/income (65,036) 1,431

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 18