2024-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1164092

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

for

South Essex Advocacy Services

Butlers Chartered Accountants 1434 London Road Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 2UL

South Essex Advocacy Services

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

		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 2024

TRUSTEES

N Gupta MBE Trustee 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 1434 London Road Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 2UL

Page 1

South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

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

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The primary objective of South Essex Advocacy Services (SEAS) is to support isolated, excluded vulnerable adults who reside within Essex. This is delivered through the provision of an Advocacy and Support Service.

Page 2

South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities

Formal Advocacy Service

The charity delivers a broad range of advocacy services, including Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), Care Act Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), Financial Advocacy (for victims of financial abuse), and Citizen Advocacy. In addition, SEAS offers support services aimed at reducing hospital or care setting re admission, as well as facilitating early discharges.

The charity receives funding from various bodies, including Southend City Council, National Lottery Community Fund, Masonic Charitable Foundation, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Fowler, Smith and Jones and the Essex Community Foundation.

Types of Advocacy / Support Provided

Care Act Advocacy

Advocates support individuals in understanding their rights under the Care Act and ensure full participation in local authority assessments, care reviews, planning, or safeguarding processes.

General Advocacy

This service assists those who need support to be heard, especially in accessing benefits, but do not meet eligibility for statutory services.

Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy

This supports people who lack capacity to make decisions and do not have a family member or friend to represent their interests.

Independent Mental Health Advocacy

Advocates assist individuals dealing with mental health issues, helping them understand their rights under the Mental Health Act

NHS Complaints Advocacy

Provides support to individuals wishing to raise concerns or complaints about their care or treatment within the NHS.

Relevant Persons Representative

These roles support individuals who may be deprived of their liberty, ensuring their rights and wishes are respected

Projects and Additional Support Services:

Hello Life

This project supports individuals aged 60 and above who are socially isolated, helping to reduce loneliness.

Hospital to Home:

This project aids vulnerable individuals in ensuring a safe discharge from hospital, aiming to reduce readmission risks.

A Place Called Home:

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South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

(Launching June 2024) This National Lottery-funded project will provide housing advocacy to residents facing housing-related challenges, helping them access appropriate support.

Public benefit

In line with the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, the trustees confirm that the activities undertaken during the year have been for the public benefit, offering advocacy and support services that reach approximately 1,700 individuals annually. The support delivered by SEAS ensures vulnerable people in Southend can voice their concerns regarding healthcare, accommodation, finances, and welfare, contributing to better safety, reduced abuse risk, and improved overall well-being.

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.

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 charity's main funding stream continues to be the Commissioned Statutory Advocacy Service funded by Southend City Council. Additional funding is received from the National Lottery Community Fund and various project-specific grants from local organisations, enabling the charity to diversify its income and enhance financial resilience.

Reserves policy

SEAS aims to hold sufficient cash reserves to cover six months of unrestricted expenditure. This policy ensures the charity remains financially stable and can continue delivering services during periods of fluctuating funding.

FUTURE PLANS

Looking ahead, SEAS is committed to careful financial management and sustainability. The charity is actively seeking new funding opportunities while maintaining a focus on its core services. The current advocacy contract with Southend City Council is expected to continue until 2025, allowing SEAS to maintain service continuity while exploring opportunities for growth and further impact.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity operates under a governing document-a deed of trust-and is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The trustees are actively recruited from the local community, often via recommendations or direct approaches. New trustees undergo a thorough interview process to ensure they are well-suited for the role.

Organisational structure

The charity is managed by a board of trustees, with day-to-day operations overseen by Chief Executive Paula Blundell, under the guidance of the trustees.

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South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees undergo an induction process that includes training on legal obligations, decision-making processes, and the charity's operations. They are also encouraged to attend external training events.

Wider network

SEAS continues to build strong partnerships with local organisations, including BATIAS, SHIELDS Parliament, Southend Association of Voluntary Services, Southend Carers, and Citizens Advice Southend, allowing the charity to deliver holistic support to those in need. These collaborations ensure that individuals facing additional vulnerabilities can access the appropriate services and support.

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.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT AND VOLUNTEERS

Securing additional grants beyond our statutory commissioned advocacy contract is essential for improving our financial sustainability and reducing operational costs. By obtaining funding from recognised sources, we can invest in targeted initiatives that address the specific needs of our community, rather than reallocating resources from our core advocacy services. Additionally, our housing support enables us to collaborate effectively with local housing authorities, allowing us to provide specialised assistance without incurring extra expenses.]

Moreover, our strong commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is a fundamental principle that enhances the effectiveness of these funding opportunities. EDI enriches our service delivery by ensuring we remain responsive to the diverse needs of those we serve, thereby amplifying our overall organisational impact. Unlike national services that may lack local insight into community-specific challenges, SEAS is uniquely positioned to offer tailored, culturally sensitive advocacy. This localised approach fosters deeper connections with our clients, leading to improved outcomes and greater trust and engagement. As a result, our model not only reduces costs but also maximises the positive impact of our services within the community.

Volunteers are instrumental to SEAS's service delivery, contributing hundreds of hours each year. This effort not only saves the charity approximately £45,000 in staffing costs but also ensures that vulnerable community members can access over £1 million in entitled benefits and financial abuse remediation annually. The charity's social return on investment is substantial, with every £1 spent on advocacy services generating £1.57 back into the community.

At South Essex Advocacy Services, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is woven into the fabric of our advocacy and support services. We recognise that the individuals we serve come from diverse backgrounds and face unique challenges that require tailored approaches. Our advocacy efforts not only focus on amplifying the voices of marginalised and underrepresented groups but also actively seek to dismantle barriers that perpetuate inequality. Through targeted outreach and culturally sensitive practices, we ensure that all community members, regardless of their race, gender, age, disability, or socio-economic status, have equal access to our services.

Furthermore, our recruitment practices prioritise diversity within our workforce, enhancing our ability to relate to and advocate effectively for those we serve. By fostering an inclusive environment, we empower vulnerable individuals to fully engage in their own care and support, thereby promoting equity and social justice within the community of Southend.

The Board of Trustees supports this commitment by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and equality matters.

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South Essex Advocacy Services

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. 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 2024.

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 1434 London Road Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 2UL

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

Page 7

South Essex Advocacy Services

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 68,661 Charitable activities General Advocacy Services 280,600 Investment income 2 836 Total 350,097 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 1,643 Charitable activities General Advocacy Services 333,213 Total 334,856 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 15,241 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 182,846 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 198,087	Designated £ - - - - - - - - 15,000 15,000	Restricted funds £ - 17,310 - 17,310 - 22,310 22,310 (5,000) 5,000 -	31.3.24 Total funds £ 68,661 297,910 836 367,407 1,643 355,523 357,166 10,241 202,846 213,087	31.3.23 Total funds £ 24,816 364,234 12
				389,062
				1,414 342,947
				344,361
				44,701 158,145
				202,846

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

South Essex Advocacy Services

Balance Sheet 31 March 2024

Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 7 2,700 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 63,448 Cash at bank and in hand 148,066 211,514 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (16,127) NET CURRENT ASSETS 195,387 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 198,087 NET ASSETS 198,087 FUNDS 11 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	Designated £ - - 15,000 15,000 - 15,000 15,000 15,000	Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - -	31.3.24 Total funds £ 2,700 63,448 163,066 226,514 (16,127) 210,387 213,087 213,087 213,087 - 213,087	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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. 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 2024

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.

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...

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South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

INVESTMENT INCOME
	31.3.24	31.3.23
	£	£
Deposit account interest	836	12

3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

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

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

4. STAFF COSTS

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

Management Administration Delivery	31.3.24 1 1 8 10	31.3.23 1 1 8 10

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 24,816 - Charitable activities General Advocacy Services 302,424 - Investment income 12 - Total 327,252 - EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 1,414 - Charitable activities General Advocacy Services 278,289 - Total 279,703 -	Restricted funds £ - 61,810 - 61,810 - 64,658 64,658	Total funds £ 24,816 364,234 12
		389,062
		1,414 342,947
		344,361

continued...

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South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued Unrestricted Restricted funds Designated funds £ £ £ NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 47,549 - (2,848) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 135,297 15,000 7,848 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 182,846 15,000 5,000 6. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Development Computer costs software £ £ COST At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 3,306 5,949 AMORTISATION At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 3,306 5,949 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 - - At 31 March 2023 - - 7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures and Computer fittings equipment £ £ COST At 1 April 2023 6,416 15,281 Additions - 1,323 At 31 March 2024 6,416 16,604 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2023 6,163 12,828 Charge for year 83 1,246 At 31 March 2024 6,246 14,074 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 170 2,530 At 31 March 2023 253 2,453	Total funds £ 44,701 158,145
	202,846
	Totals £ 9,255 9,255 - - Totals £ 21,697 1,323 23,020 18,991 1,329 20,320 2,700 2,706

continued...

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South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

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 1.4.23 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 182,846 Designated Fund - Redundancy 15,000 197,846 Restricted funds Essex Community Foundation 5,000 TOTAL FUNDS 202,846	31.3.24 £ 300 63,148 63,448 31.3.24 £ 1,345 3,438 11,344 16,127 31.3.24 £ - Net movement in funds £ 15,241 - 15,241 (5,000) 10,241	31.3.23 £ 3,388 60,290 63,678 31.3.23 £ 2,944 - 2,235 5,179 31.3.23 £ 14,250 At 31.3.24 £ 198,087 15,000
		213,087 -
		213,087

continued...

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South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Essex Community Foundation Police and Fire Crime Commissioner TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds	Incoming resources £ 350,097 5,000 12,310 17,310 367,407	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (334,856) 15,241 (10,000) (5,000) (12,310) - (22,310) (5,000) (357,166) 10,241	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (334,856) 15,241 (10,000) (5,000) (12,310) - (22,310) (5,000) (357,166) 10,241
			(5,000)
			10,241

Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund - Redundancy Restricted funds Big Lottery Grant Essex Community Foundation SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund TOTAL FUNDS	At 1.4.22 £ 135,297 15,000 150,297 2,848 - 5,000 7,848 158,145	Net movement in funds £ 47,549 - 47,549 (2,848) 5,000 (5,000) (2,848) 44,701	At 31.3.23 £ 182,846 15,000
			197,846 - 5,000 -
			5,000
			202,846

continued...

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South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

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 Rosca Trust The Edward Gostling Trust Southend Association of Voluntary Services SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund TOTAL FUNDS	Incoming resources £ 327,252 - 39,310 2,500 10,000 10,000 - 61,810 389,062	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	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
			(2,848)
			44,701

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

Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund - Redundancy Restricted funds Big Lottery Grant SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund TOTAL FUNDS	At 1.4.22 £ 135,297 15,000 150,297 2,848 5,000 7,848 158,145	Net movement in funds £ 62,790 - 62,790 (2,848) (5,000) (7,848) 54,942	At 31.3.24 £ 198,087 15,000
			213,087 - -
			-
			213,087

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continued...

South Essex Advocacy Services

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

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 Rosca Trust The Edward Gostling Trust Southend Association of Voluntary Services SAVS - Southend Emergency Fund Police and Fire Crime Commissioner TOTAL FUNDS	Incoming resources £ 677,349 - 44,310 2,500 10,000 10,000 - 12,310 79,120 756,469	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (614,559) 62,790 (2,848) (2,848) (44,310) - (2,500) - (10,000) - (10,000) - (5,000) (5,000) (12,310) - (86,968) (7,848) (701,527) 54,942

12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.

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South Essex Advocacy Services

	Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
	for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
		31.3.24	31.3.23
		£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations		1,508	24,816
Legacies		67,153	-
		68,661	24,816
Investment income
Deposit account interest		836	12
Charitable activities
Grants		17,310	61,810
Advocacy Services		280,600	302,424
		297,910	364,234
Total incoming resources		367,407	389,062
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Fundraising staffing costs		1,643	1,414
Charitable activities
Wages		242,089	233,373
Social security		19,263	16,093
Pensions		5,406	4,823
Rent		14,274	13,877
Rates and water		1,310	99
Insurance		2,824	1,766
Telephone and internet		5,219	5,180
Cleaning		1,134	1,246
Travel Expenses		6,062	5,115
Refreshments		399	269
Postage and stationery		950	928
Light and heat		2,501	3,751
Subscriptions		348	504
Training		1,668	2,165
Sundries		777	140
Repairs and renewals		1,140	651
Computer costs		4,176	7,094
Project costs		30,348	37,495
Gifts & Entertainment costs		1,657	1,752
Bookkeeping		7,279	2,866
Quality assurance		3,003	-
Fixtures and fittings		84	125
Computer equipment		1,246	1,208
		353,157	340,520

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 2024
	31.3.24	31.3.23
	£	£
Support costs
Finance
Bank charges	150	157
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration for non audit work	2,100	2,100
Legal and professional fees	116	170
	2,216	2,270
Total resources expended	357,166	344,361
Net income	10,241	44,701

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

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