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2023-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1164092

Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

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 2023

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
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 16
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 17 to 18

South Essex Advocacy Services

Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

TRUSTEES

TRUSTEES N Gupta MBE Trustee J Clinkscales Trustee (deceased 31.3.2023) D Russell Trustee (resigned 6.10.2022) P Whittle Chairman K Davidson Treasurer M Carr Trustee 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 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. 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 primary objective is to alleviate the plight of individuals in need, particularly the elderly, within the Essex area through the provision of advocacy services and necessary goods or services.

Page 2

South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities

Formal Advocacy Service

The formal advocacy service offers a wide range of advocacy such as Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Paid Representative services, Care Act Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Financial Advocacy (for victims of financial abuse) and Citizen Advocacy.

Additionally, the charity offers support services, aiding early discharge and reducing hospital or care setting readmissions.

Funding for distinct service components is received from entities including Southend City Council, National Lottery Community Fund, Essex Community Foundation, the ROSCA Trust, The Edward Gostling Foundation, Fowler Smith and Jones Trust, Augustine Courtauld Trust, and Independent Age.

Types of Advocacy/Support Provided

The Charity maintains a register of business interests for trustees, ensuring transparency in financial statements regarding interactions with related parties.

This report outlines the charity's dedication to its objectives, the positive impact of its services, and its commitment to sound financial management and governance.

Types of Advocacy / Support Provided

Care Act Advocacy

Care Act advocates support people to understand their rights under the Care Act and to be fully involved in a local authority assessment, care review, care and support planning or safeguarding process.

General Advocacy

General Advocates provide advocacy, including supporting people to access entitled benefits, and for people who need support to be heard, but do not fall into the eligibility criteria for other types of advocacy.

Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy

Independent mental health advocates support people when they are assessed to lack capacity to make a best interest decision and do not have appropriate family or friend to consult.

Independent Mental Health Advocacy

Independent mental health advocates support people with issues

relating to their mental health care and treatment. They also help people understand their rights under the Mental Health Act

NHS Complaints Advocacy

NHS complaints advocates support people to complain about the treatment or care that they or a friend or family member have received from an NHS Service

Relevant Persons Representative

Page 3

South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards aim to protect people who might be restrained or restricted in a way that amounts to depriving them of their liberty. This law says the affected person must have a 'representative' - someone to help make sure their views, wishes and rights are respected.

Rule 1.2 Representative

A Rule 1.2 representative speaks up for a person who lacks capacity to consent to restrictions on their freedom, when they are or may be deprived of their liberty in a community or domestic setting

Hello Life

Support for lonely/isolated persons aged 60 and over with the aim to reduce social isolation

Hospital to Home

Support for vulnerable isolated individuals to enable safe discharge from hospital and to reduce risk of re-admission

Public benefit

In adherence to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, the trustees confirm that the activities undertaken in the reviewed year have been for the public benefit, delivering a diverse range of services to those in need. The Charity accepted 1711 referrals during the year 2022/23

Type of Advocacy / Support Number of Referrals
Care Act - Care Review 104
Care Act - Carer Assessment 26
Care Act - Change of Accommodation 25
Care Act - Safeguarding 39
Non Statutory - General Advocacy 772
IMCA - 39A 56
IMCA - 39D 15
IMCA - Care Review 31
IMCA - Change of Accommodation 65
IMCA - Safeguarding 12
IMCA - Serious Medical Treatment 24
IMHA - Community Treatment 6
IMHA - Section 2 51
IMHA - Section 3 56
IMHA - Section 37/41 2
NHS Complaints 49
Relevant Persons Representative 162
Hello Life - Social Inclusion 92
Hospital to Home 123

Social investments

The charity is proud of the social investment delivered by its volunteer team. Volunteers contribute hundreds of hours every year, resulting in vulnerable community members accessing over £1,000,000 in entitled benefits and/or remuneration from financial abuse annually.

The return on investment into the charity stands at an impressive 157%, demonstrating a substantial positive impact for every £1 spent delivering the Advocacy service, £1.57 is invested back into the community.

Page 4

South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Volunteers

Volunteers play a crucial role in providing advocacy assistance, contributing 3 to 4 hours per person in completing benefit claim forms and offering other essential assistance.

The charity's reliance on volunteers is cost-effective, as evidenced by the potential annual cost of £45,000 if the charity were to employ individuals for the hours gifted by volunteers.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The primary funding source is the Commissioned Statutory Advocacy Service by Southend City Council, supplemented by legacy payments and restricted grant project funding.

The charity's diversification into income streams from local organizations further enhances its financial resilience.

Reserves policy

The charity aims to maintain cash reserves equivalent to 6 months of unrestricted expenditure, aligning with its adopted reserves policy.

FUTURE PLANS

The charity has undertaken measures to monitor reserves systematically and has funding bids under consideration.

The current Commissioned Advocacy Contract is anticipated to continue until the end of the financial year 2025.

Efforts to establish new income streams and careful financial management aim to ensure continued operations.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity operates under a governing document-a deed of trust-and constitutes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation under a foundation structure.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Continuous efforts are made to develop the trustee board, involving recruitment from the local community through recommendations or direct approaches.

Interested individuals undergo interviews to ensure suitability before appointment to the board.

Organisational structure

The trustees form a management committee. Day-to-day operational decisions rest with Chief Executive Paula Blundell under the guidance of the trustees.

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees undergo induction to acquaint them with legal obligations, the constitution, decision-making processes, business plans, and recent financial performance.

External training events are encouraged to enhance their role performance.

Related parties

The Charity maintains a register of business interests for trustees, ensuring transparency in financial statements regarding interactions with related parties.

This report outlines the charity's dedication to its objectives, the positive impact of its services, and its commitment to sound financial management and governance.

Page 5

South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 19 January 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

K Davidson - Trustee

Page 6

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 2023.

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 member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. 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 ACA

Butlers Chartered Accountants Suite 6 Burley House 15 High Street Rayleigh Essex SS6 7EW

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

Page 7

South Essex Advocacy Services

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Unrestricted
funds

Notes
£
INCOME AND
ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
24,816
Charitable activities
General Advocacy Services
302,424
Investment income
2
12
Total
327,252
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
1,414
Charitable activities
General Advocacy Services
278,289
Total
279,703
NET
INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
47,549
RECONCILIATION OF
FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
135,297
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD
182,846
Designated
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,000
15,000
Restricted
funds
£
-
61,810
-
61,810
-
64,658
64,658
(2,848)
7,848
5,000
31.3.23
Total
funds
£
24,816
364,234
12
389,062
1,414
342,947
344,361
44,701
158,145
202,846
31.3.22
Total
funds
£
100,809
321,225
17
422,051
2,137
350,088
352,225
69,826
88,319
158,145

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

South Essex Advocacy Services

Balance Sheet 31 March 2023

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
2,706
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
63,678
Cash at bank and in hand
121,641
185,319
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one
year
9
(5,179)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
180,140
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
182,846
NET ASSETS
182,846
FUNDS
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Designated
£
-
-
15,000
15,000
-
15,000
15,000
15,000
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
5,000
5,000
5,000
31.3.23
Total
funds
£
2,706
63,678
141,641
205,319
(5,179)
200,140
202,846
202,846
197,846
5,000
202,846
31.3.22
Total
funds
£
4,040
16,622
144,392
161,014
(6,909)
154,105
158,145
158,145
150,297
7,848
158,145

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 19 January 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

K Davidson - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 9

South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

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

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.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

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

continued...

Page 10

South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

INVESTMENT INCOME
31.3.23 31.3.22
£ £
Deposit account interest 12 17

3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

4. STAFF COSTS

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

Management
Administration
Delivery
31.3.23

1
1
8
10
31.3.22
1
1
10
12

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

5.

COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
100,809
-
Charitable activities
General Advocacy Services
219,489
-
Investment income
17
-
Total
320,315
-
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
2,137
-
Charitable activities
General Advocacy Services
246,070
-
Total
248,207
-
Restricted
funds
£
-
101,736
-
101,736
-
104,018
104,018
Total
funds
£
100,809
321,225
17
422,051
2,137
350,088
352,225

continued...

Page 11

South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

5.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
Designated
funds
£
£
£
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
72,108
-
(2,282)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
63,189
15,000
10,130
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
135,297
15,000
7,848
6.
INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Development
Computer
costs
software
£
£
COST
At 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023
3,306
5,949
AMORTISATION
At 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023
3,306
5,949
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2023
-
-
At 31 March 2022
-
-
7.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and
Computer
fittings
equipment
£
£
COST
At 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023
6,416
15,281
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2022
6,038
11,619
Charge for year
125
1,209
At 31 March 2023
6,163
12,828
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2023
253
2,453
At 31 March 2022
378
3,662
Total
funds
£
69,826
88,319
158,145
Totals
£
9,255
9,255
-
-
Totals
£
21,697
17,657
1,334
18,991
2,706
4,040

continued...

Page 12

South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

8.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
9.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
10.
LEASING AGREEMENTS
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
Between one and five years
11.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1.4.22
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
135,297
Designated Fund - Redundancy
15,000
150,297
Restricted funds
Big Lottery Grant
2,848
Essex Community Foundation
-
SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund
5,000
7,848
TOTAL FUNDS
158,145
31.3.23
£
3,388
60,290
63,678
31.3.23
£
2,944
-
2,235
5,179
31.3.23
£
14,250
Net
movement
in funds
£
47,549
-
47,549
(2,848)
5,000
(5,000)
(2,848)
44,701
31.3.22
£
11,915
4,707
16,622
31.3.22
£
27
4,328
2,554
6,909
31.3.22
£
13,000
At
31.3.23
£
182,846
15,000
197,846
-
5,000
-
5,000
202,846

continued...

Page 13

South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Big Lottery Grant
Essex Community Foundation
Rosca Trust
The Edward Gostling Trust
Southend Association of Voluntary
Services
SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated Fund - Redundancy
Restricted funds
Big Lottery Grant
Southend on Sea Partnership for older
people
People's Postcode Lottery
SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
327,252
-
39,310
2,500
10,000
10,000
-
61,810
389,062
At 1.4.21
£
63,189
15,000
78,189
-
6,086
4,044
-
10,130
88,319
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(279,703)
47,549
(2,848)
(2,848)
(34,310)
5,000
(2,500)
-
(10,000)
-
(10,000)
-
(5,000)
(5,000)
(64,658)
(2,848)
(344,361)
44,701
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.22
£
£
72,108
135,297
-
15,000
72,108
150,297
2,848
2,848
(6,086)
-
(4,044)
-
5,000
5,000
(2,282)
7,848
69,826
158,145

continued...

Page 14

South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Big Lottery Grant
Essex Community Foundation
Southend on Sea Partnership for older
people
Age Concern England
Rosca Trust
People's Postcode Lottery
Mid & South Essex Hospital to home
project
The Edward Gostling Trust
Fowler Smith & Jones
Southend Association of Voluntary
Services
SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
320,315
34,524
15,000
-
7,500
2,100
-
30,000
4,912
1,260
1,440
5,000
101,736
422,051
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(248,207)
72,108
(31,676)
2,848
(15,000)
-
(6,086)
(6,086)
(7,500)
-
(2,100)
-
(4,044)
(4,044)
(30,000)
-
(4,912)
-
(1,260)
-
(1,440)
-
-
5,000
(104,018)
(2,282)
(352,225)
69,826
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(248,207)
72,108
(31,676)
2,848
(15,000)
-
(6,086)
(6,086)
(7,500)
-
(2,100)
-
(4,044)
(4,044)
(30,000)
-
(4,912)
-
(1,260)
-
(1,440)
-
-
5,000
(104,018)
(2,282)
(352,225)
69,826
(2,282)
69,826

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated Fund - Redundancy
Restricted funds
Essex Community Foundation
Southend on Sea Partnership for older
people
People's Postcode Lottery
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.4.21
£
63,189
15,000
78,189
-
6,086
4,044
10,130
88,319
Net
movement
in funds
£
119,657
-
119,657
5,000
(6,086)
(4,044)
(5,130)
114,527
At
31.3.23
£
182,846
15,000
197,846
5,000
-
-
5,000
202,846

Page 15

continued...

South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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
Big Lottery Grant
Essex Community Foundation
Southend on Sea Partnership for older
people
Age Concern England
Rosca Trust
People's Postcode Lottery
Mid & South Essex Hospital to home
project
The Edward Gostling Trust
Fowler Smith & Jones
Southend Association of Voluntary
Services
SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
647,567
34,524
54,310
-
7,500
4,600
-
30,000
14,912
1,260
11,440
5,000
163,546
811,113
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(527,910)
119,657
(34,524)
-
(49,310)
5,000
(6,086)
(6,086)
(7,500)
-
(4,600)
-
(4,044)
(4,044)
(30,000)
-
(14,912)
-
(1,260)
-
(11,440)
-
(5,000)
-
(168,676)
(5,130)
(696,586)
114,527

12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Page 16

South Essex Advocacy Services

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
31.3.23 31.3.22
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations 24,816 100,809
Investment income
Deposit account interest 12 17
Charitable activities
Grants 61,810 114,246
Advocacy Services 302,424 206,979
364,234 321,225
Total incoming resources 389,062 422,051
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Fundraising staffing costs 1,414 2,137
Charitable activities
Wages 233,373 246,980
Social security 16,093 16,922
Pensions 4,823 7,132
Rent 13,877 13,000
Rates and water 99 262
Insurance 1,766 1,547
Telephone and internet 5,180 5,161
Cleaning 1,246 847
Travel Expenses 5,115 4,844
Refreshments 269 156
Postage and stationery 928 883
Light and heat 3,751 1,350
Subscriptions 504 60
Training 2,165 2,748
Sundries 140 459
Repairs and renewals 651 946
Computer costs 7,094 4,492
Project costs 37,495 33,000
Gifts & Entertainment costs 1,752 912
Bookkeeping 2,866 -
Development costs - 1,102
Computer software - 1,983
Fixtures and fittings 125 186
Computer equipment 1,208 2,129
340,520 347,101

Support costs

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 17

South Essex Advocacy Services

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
31.3.23 31.3.22
£ £
Support costs
Finance
Bank charges 157 190
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration for non audit work 2,100 2,100
Legal and professional fees 170 697
2,270 2,797
Total resources expended 344,361 352,225
Net income 44,701 69,826

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 18