REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1164092
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
for
South Essex Advocacy Services
Butlers Chartered Accountants Suite 6 Burley House 15 High Street Rayleigh Essex SS6 7EW
South Essex Advocacy Services
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 | ||
| Report of the Trustees | 2 | to | 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 7 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 | to | 15 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 16 | to | 17 |
South Essex Advocacy Services
Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
TRUSTEES C Cormack Chairman (deceased 3.10.2021) N Gupta MBE J Clinkscales D Russell Ms P Whittle PRINCIPAL ADDRESS 225-235 West Road Westcliff on Sea Essex SS0 9DE REGISTERED CHARITY 1164092 NUMBER INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Butlers Chartered Accountants Suite 6 Burley House 15 High Street Rayleigh Essex SS6 7EW
Page 1
South Essex Advocacy Services
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021. 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 main object is to promote the relief of people in need, including the elderly, within the South East Essex area by the provision of an advocacy service, goods or services.
Significant activities
Formal Advocacy Service
The formal advocacy service offers a wide range of advocacy in relation to a range of issues such as finance, benefit advice, debt, debt management, financial abuse, housing, dementia and mental health..
The advocacy service receives funds for separable parts of the service from providers such as Southend Borough Council, National Lottery Fund, People's Postcode Lottery, Rosca Trust & Independent Age.
Public benefit
The trustees have referred to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives, and in planning the charities' future activities.
In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set, and to meeting the core charitable object enshrined in the organisation's governing documents.
As a result of their review, the trustees are confident that the activities carried out by the charity in the year under review have been undertaken for the public benefit of all persons served by the charity, in delivering a wide range of services to those in need.
Social investments
The charity takes great pride in the social investment made by our team of volunteers. Each year volunteers provide hundreds of hours of work to older people in our community.
We are especially proud that our work ensures that over £2m of entitled benefits are claimed by people who previously were unaware they were eligible for this support to assist them to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.
Grantmaking
The charity does not make grants of any kind to any person or organisation either connected or otherwise.
Volunteers
The charity is heavily reliant upon the contribution of volunteers to perform advocacy visits for beneficiaries. The volunteers provide support of between 3 to 4 hours for each person helping to complete benefit claim forms and other assistance. In addition, our volunteers provide befriending and other welfare support for vulnerable people, particularly during the pandemic
Review of statistics held by the charity show that should the charity need to employ persons to cover this role it would cost in excess of 2021: £43,000 (2020: £43,000) in wages and associated employment costs.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal funding sources
During the year the principle funding sources of the charity were restricted grant project funding from private trusts. The charity also developed it's income stream from payment by other local organisations for its advocacy services.
The provision of these services increased the charities resilience to develop income streams to continue future continuation.
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The charity has an adopted reserves policy stating that the charity aims to hold cash reserves equivalent to 6 months unrestricted expenditure.
At the year end the charity is working towards this policy.
Funds in deficit
The charity generated a deficit in the year. The deficit arose due to continued investment by the charity in new computer software and management systems as well as a management review and increased staffing ready for capacity building in the future.
The deficit in the year has also arose due to Covid-19 and the additional costs brought on by staff working from home i.e. mobile phones, laptops etc.
The trustees are aware of the deficit and are working to ensure that the charity returns to a surplus position for the next accounting year.
FUTURE PLANS
During the year and post balance sheet the charity has performed work to ensure that systems are controlled to monitor the reserves level of the charity to ensure continuation.
The charity has many funding bids currently out for consideration as well as currently being in contract negotiations with a view to signing a service level agreement to increase services.
The charity will continue to establish new income streams over the next 12 months and careful management will ensure continuation for the future.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by it's governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an Charitable Incorporated Organisation under a foundation structure.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The charity undertakes continuous efforts into the development of the trustee board, sourcing new trustees from the local community, either by recommendation from existing trustees, or by direct approaches by interested members of the public.
Such interested persons are interviewed to ensure suitability before progressing with appointment to the board.
Organisational structure
The trustees form a management committee, and are elected at the charity's annual general
meeting. The management committee meet as and when business demands but not less frequently than one in three months.
Day to day operational decisions of the charity are made by the Chief Executive Paula Blundell upon the direction and delegation of the trustees.
Induction and training of new trustees
New trustees undergo an induction day to brief them on their legal obligations under charity law, the content of the Constitution, the committee and decision making process, the business plan and the recent financial performance of the charity. During the induction day, they meet other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Related parties
The charity maintains a register of business interests for trustees. The register is maintained regularly and any interactions of the charity with related parties are disclosed within the financial statements.
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 3 December 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
J Clinkscales - Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of South Essex Advocacy Services
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of South Essex Advocacy Services
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of South Essex Advocacy Services (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2021.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 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 registered member of ICAEW 9130081 which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Hayley Meagher ICAEW 9130081 Butlers Chartered Accountants Suite 6 Burley House 15 High Street Rayleigh Essex SS6 7EW
3 December 2021
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 24,846 Charitable activities General Advocacy Services 231,993 Investment income 2 16 Other income 735 Total 257,590 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 2,488 Charitable activities General Advocacy Services 256,407 Total 258,895 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (1,305) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 64,495 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 63,190 |
Designated £ - - - - - - - - - 15,000 15,000 |
Restricted funds £ - 74,985 - - 74,985 - 92,299 92,299 (17,314) 27,443 10,129 |
31.3.21 Total funds £ 24,846 306,978 16 735 332,575 2,488 348,706 351,194 (18,619) 106,938 88,319 |
31.3.20 Total funds £ 29,660 297,771 46 - 327,477 7,345 347,701 355,046 (27,569) 134,507 106,938 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Balance Sheet 31 March 2021
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Intangible assets 6 3,085 Tangible assets 7 4,879 7,964 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 4,447 Cash at bank and in hand 60,319 64,766 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (9,541) NET CURRENT ASSETS 55,225 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 63,189 NET ASSETS 63,189 FUNDS 11 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Designated £ - - - - 15,000 15,000 - 15,000 15,000 15,000 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - 10,130 10,130 - 10,130 10,130 10,130 |
31.3.21 Total funds £ 3,085 4,879 7,964 4,447 85,449 89,896 (9,541) 80,355 88,319 88,319 78,189 10,130 88,319 |
31.3.20 Total funds £ 6,170 4,335 10,505 8,973 95,117 104,090 (7,657) 96,433 106,938 106,938 79,495 27,443 106,938 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 3 December 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:
J Clinkscales - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 7
South Essex Advocacy Services
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, 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 Charities Act 2011. 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.
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.
Computer equipment - 33% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from 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.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
continued...
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deposit account interest | 16 | 46 |
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2021 nor for the year ended 31 March 2020.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2021 nor for the year ended 31 March 2020.
4. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
5.
| Management Administration Delivery No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted funds Designated £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 29,660 - Charitable activities General Advocacy Services 185,740 - Investment income 46 - Total 215,446 - EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 7,345 - Charitable activities General Advocacy Services 230,871 - Total 238,216 - |
31.3.21 1 1 8 10 Restricted funds £ - 112,031 - 112,031 - 116,830 116,830 |
31.3.20 1 1 8 10 Total funds £ 29,660 297,771 46 |
|---|---|---|
| 327,477 7,345 347,701 |
||
| 355,046 |
continued...
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
| 5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued Unrestricted Restricted funds Designated funds £ £ £ NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (22,770) - (4,799) Transfers between funds 11,520 - (11,520) Net movement in funds (11,250) - (16,319) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 75,745 15,000 43,762 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 64,495 15,000 27,443 6. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Development Computer costs software £ £ COST At 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021 3,306 5,949 AMORTISATION At 1 April 2020 1,102 1,983 Charge for year 1,102 1,983 At 31 March 2021 2,204 3,966 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2021 1,102 1,983 At 31 March 2020 2,204 3,966 |
Total funds £ (27,569) - (27,569) 134,507 106,938 Totals £ 9,255 3,085 3,085 6,170 3,085 6,170 |
|---|---|
continued...
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| 7. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| Fixtures | |||||
| and | Computer | ||||
| fittings | equipment | Totals | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| COST | |||||
| At 1 April 2020 | 6,416 | 10,858 | 17,274 | ||
| Additions | - | 2,948 | 2,948 | ||
| At 31 March 2021 | 6,416 | 13,806 | 20,222 | ||
| DEPRECIATION | |||||
| At 1 April 2020 | 5,574 | 7,365 | 12,939 | ||
| Charge for year | 278 | 2,126 | 2,404 | ||
| At 31 March 2021 | 5,852 | 9,491 | 15,343 | ||
| NET BOOK VALUE | |||||
| At 31 March 2021 | 564 | 4,315 | 4,879 | ||
| At 31 March 2020 | 842 | 3,493 | 4,335 | ||
| 8. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 4,447 | 8,973 | |||
| 9. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Trade creditors | 2,100 | - | |||
| Taxation and social security | 4,994 | 5,319 | |||
| Other creditors | 2,447 | 2,338 | |||
| 9,541 | 7,657 | ||||
| 10. | LEASING AGREEMENTS | ||||
| Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall | due as follows: | ||||
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Between one and five years | 13,000 | 13,000 |
continued...
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund - Redundancy Restricted funds Essex Community Foundation Southend on Sea Partnership for older people National Lottery Community Fund People's Postcode Lottery TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Essex Community Foundation Southend on Sea Partnership for older people Rosca Trust National Lottery Community Fund People's Postcode Lottery Independent Age TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.20 £ 64,495 15,000 79,495 6,810 3,427 17,206 - 27,443 106,938 Incoming resources £ 257,590 - 15,000 4,000 33,371 14,976 7,638 74,985 332,575 |
Net movement At in funds 31.3.21 £ £ (1,306) 63,189 - 15,000 (1,306) 78,189 (6,810) - 2,659 6,086 (17,206) - 4,044 4,044 (17,313) 10,130 (18,619) 88,319 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (258,896) (1,306) (6,810) (6,810) (12,341) 2,659 (4,000) - (50,577) (17,206) (10,932) 4,044 (7,638) - (92,298) (17,313) (351,194) (18,619) |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund - Redundancy Restricted funds Essex Community Foundation Southend on Sea Partnership for older people Comic Relief National Lottery Community Fund Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Veolia Trust TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.19 £ 75,745 15,000 90,745 - - 12,669 15,773 3,800 11,520 43,762 134,507 |
Net movement in funds £ (22,770) - (22,770) 6,810 3,427 (12,669) 1,433 (3,800) - (4,799) (27,569) |
Transfers between funds £ 11,520 - 11,520 - - - - - (11,520) (11,520) - |
At 31.3.20 £ 64,495 15,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79,495 6,810 3,427 - 17,206 - - |
||||
| 27,443 | ||||
| 106,938 |
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Essex Community Foundation Southend on Sea Partnership for older people Comic Relief National Lottery Community Fund Essex Police and Crime Commissioner TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 215,446 14,081 14,999 5,500 68,621 8,830 112,031 327,477 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (238,216) (22,770) (7,271) 6,810 (11,572) 3,427 (18,169) (12,669) (67,188) 1,433 (12,630) (3,800) (116,830) (4,799) (355,046) (27,569) |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (238,216) (22,770) (7,271) 6,810 (11,572) 3,427 (18,169) (12,669) (67,188) 1,433 (12,630) (3,800) (116,830) (4,799) (355,046) (27,569) |
|---|---|---|---|
| (4,799) | |||
| (27,569) |
continued...
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund - Redundancy Restricted funds Southend on Sea Partnership for older people Comic Relief National Lottery Community Fund Essex Police and Crime Commissioner People's Postcode Lottery Veolia Trust TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.19 £ 75,745 15,000 90,745 - 12,669 15,773 3,800 - 11,520 43,762 134,507 |
Net movement in funds £ (24,076) - (24,076) 6,086 (12,669) (15,773) (3,800) 4,044 - (22,112) (46,188) |
Transfers between funds £ 11,520 - 11,520 - - - - - (11,520) (11,520) - |
At 31.3.21 £ 63,189 15,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78,189 6,086 - - - 4,044 - |
||||
| 10,130 | ||||
| 88,319 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Essex Community Foundation Southend on Sea Partnership for older people Comic Relief Rosca Trust National Lottery Community Fund Essex Police and Crime Commissioner People's Postcode Lottery Independent Age TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 473,036 14,081 29,999 5,500 4,000 101,992 8,830 14,976 7,638 187,016 660,052 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (497,112) (24,076) (14,081) - (23,913) 6,086 (18,169) (12,669) (4,000) - (117,765) (15,773) (12,630) (3,800) (10,932) 4,044 (7,638) - (209,128) (22,112) (706,240) (46,188) |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (497,112) (24,076) (14,081) - (23,913) 6,086 (18,169) (12,669) (4,000) - (117,765) (15,773) (12,630) (3,800) (10,932) 4,044 (7,638) - (209,128) (22,112) (706,240) (46,188) |
|---|---|---|---|
| (22,112) | |||
| (46,188) |
continued...
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2021.
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South Essex Advocacy Services
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Donations | 6,018 | 6,660 |
| Legacies | 18,828 | 23,000 |
| 24,846 | 29,660 | |
| Investment income | ||
| Deposit account interest | 16 | 46 |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Grants | 84,375 | 125,091 |
| Advocacy Services | 222,603 | 172,680 |
| 306,978 | 297,771 | |
| Other income | ||
| Other income | 735 | - |
| Total incoming resources | 332,575 | 327,477 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
| Fundraising staffing costs | 2,488 | 7,345 |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Wages | 243,265 | 252,259 |
| Social security | 15,787 | 7,984 |
| Rent | 13,000 | 10,555 |
| Insurance | 1,211 | 1,535 |
| Telephone and internet | 3,782 | 5,536 |
| Sundries | 53 | - |
| Cleaning | 1,261 | 1,299 |
| Travel Expenses | 3,879 | 5,253 |
| Refreshments | 430 | 1,285 |
| Postage and stationery | 1,116 | 2,996 |
| Light and heat | 2,426 | 2,183 |
| Training | 2,472 | 3,525 |
| Sundries | 127 | 236 |
| Repairs and renewals | 346 | 940 |
| HR support | 1,433 | 1,994 |
| Computer costs | 7,081 | 2,457 |
| Project costs | 43,000 | 38,000 |
| Development costs | 1,102 | 1,102 |
| Computer software | 1,983 | 1,983 |
| Fixtures and fittings | 278 | 415 |
| Carried forward | 344,032 | 341,537 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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South Essex Advocacy Services
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| for the Year Ended 31 March 2021 | ||
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Brought forward | 344,032 | 341,537 |
| Computer equipment | 2,125 | 1,720 |
| 346,157 | 343,257 | |
| Support costs | ||
| Finance | ||
| Bank charges | 203 | 429 |
| Governance costs | ||
| Auditors' remuneration for non audit work | 2,100 | 2,100 |
| Legal and professional fees | 246 | 1,915 |
| 2,346 | 4,015 | |
| Total resources expended | 351,194 | 355,046 |
| Net expenditure | (18,619) | (27,569) |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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