CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1164119
About With Friends Financial statements
31 March 2023
About With Friends
Financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' annual report | 1 |
| Independent auditor's report to the trustees | 14 |
| Statement of financial activities | 18 |
| Balance sheet | 19 |
| Statement of cash flows | 20 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 21 |
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report
Year ended 31 March 2023
The trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 published in October 2019.
Reference and administrative details
| Registered charity name | About With Friends |
|---|---|
| Charity registration number | 1164119 |
| Principal office | Unit 22D |
| Holt Road | |
| Cromer | |
| NR27 9JW | |
| Norfolk |
The trustees
The trustees who served during the year and at the date of approval were as follows:
| A Davies (Chair, retired 20 September 2022) | |
|---|---|
| J Claxton (Chair from 20 September 2022) | |
| A Mackway (Treasurer, retired 15 November 2022) | |
| S Savory (Treasurer from 15 November 2022) | |
| B Lloyd-Smith | |
| T Edwards | |
| T Johnson (Appointed 14 March 2023) | |
| J Bower (Appointed 19 July 2023) | |
| G Pegg (Member trustee, appointed 30 May 2022) | |
| D Goss (Member trustee, appointed 30 May 2022) | |
| Chief executive | Helen Dalton-Hare BEM (to 31 March 2023) |
| Sam Harwood (from 1 April 2023) | |
| Key management personnel | Sam Harwood (Deputy CEO to 31 March 2023) |
| Jamie Moses (Operations Director) | |
| David Register (Finance Manager) | |
| Auditor | Lovewell Blake LLP |
| Chartered accountants & statutory auditor | |
| Bankside 300 | |
| Peachman Way | |
| Broadland Business Park | |
| Norwich | |
| NR7 0LB | |
| Bankers | Co-operative Bank Plc |
| P O Box 250 | |
| Delf House | |
| Skelmersdale | |
| WN8 6WT |
- 1 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities
The Aims of About with Friends are as follows:
-
Support members in making real friendships
-
Provide real work opportunities for our members
-
Provide members with real choice to the skills they develop
-
Support people to live independently in their own homes
-
Provide a range of fun planned activities which allow families/carers respite
-
Listen to feedback from members and families and respond
-
Integrate individuals with complex needs into the About with Friends family
-
Value our staff, trustees and volunteers
The Objectives of About with Friends are as follows:
-
Support and encourage every member to grow in knowledge, ability and skill
-
Encourage independence and individual accountability for every member
-
Ensure all members have fun, gain satisfaction from their activities and enjoy life
-
Ensure every member can achieve, feels valued and is part of the team
-
Widen members experiences, expectations and horizons
-
Respond to members' needs by actively listening and avoiding assumptions
-
Be realistic to potential possibilities and achievement
-
Develop opportunities for members to build and sustain strong friendships and good working relationships
-
Provide real work opportunities for all members wishing to learn and participate
-
Support freedom of choice and equal opportunities for everyone at AWF
-
Fully involve members in the choices made and the running of their activities
-
Work within the community and alongside other agencies
-
Ensure that all staff, volunteers and trustees are sufficiently trained and knowledgeable to meet the needs of both members and the organisation as a whole
- 2 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities (continued)
Activities for achieving objectives
The Charity creates opportunities and support for people with learning disabilities to live the life they choose.
As we entered 2022 Covid regulations were gradually lifting and all services seemed to be getting back to their pre Covid routines. This was welcomed from all staff and also our members who could again enjoy their services and activities planned without disruption. Although we updated risk assessments regularly and monitored infection control throughout all services, everywhere started to feel safer again.
2022/23 was an exciting year celebrating the 20th anniversary of About with Friends with members, staff and families. Amongst many other fun times we had a couple of events including a Grand Fete held at our main base, and beach themed 20 year celebration party over at North Walsham Community centre where members, staff and parents/carers joined in to celebrate the success of the Charity.
Workskills Programme
The Workskills programme supports members to develop a range of skills in real working environments as well as developing an understanding of the responsibilities, culture and ethos of work. Members are supported by a team of cooks, gardeners, community workers, carpenters, retail and production staff. Work activity includes working in the community café and charity shop, catering for corporate and private events, upcycling furniture, making fabulous craft items, linking with local business, garden maintenance, production/woodwork, IT and media, hair and beauty projects, new life skills service and other work that benefits the community. We are constantly looking for new opportunities to meet members' wishes.
We were given a trial contract with NNDC to set up and run the staff restaurant back in 2021. After a very successful first year at NNDC we were invited to tender for a three year contract to run the staff restaurant five days weekly. Due to the hard work and dedication of both members and staff we were successfully granted the contract for three years and we have successfully completed our first year with amazingly positive feedback from the council and their staffing team. This is a huge achievement and the members are extremely proud to be working in partnership with the local council and thrive within the setting. It has aided us in teaching members a high level of customer service alongside working within a real work environment that has been awarded due to their fantastic efforts.
The Workskills service continued to grow in numbers and the range of skills on offer:
-
Hair and beauty salon with PPE measures in place - giving members a chance to learn about hygiene and looking after themselves. Lots of new skills are developed
-
We have hugely enlarged our IT and media room - making it more soundproof and more self-contained.
-
AQA accredited member training programme continues and we have appointed a new AQA formal accreditation coordinator who takes control of the scheme and works with all services ensuring the best possible outcomes for our members - enabling members to gain a recognised qualification in a chosen area of work
-
New life skills unit opened in April 2022 based where the old offices were - this has been set up as a real home environment enabling our members to learn real life skills to promote their independence in the future relevant to their ability and needs. Our members will learn household chores/money management/cooking/budgeting and more.
- 3 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities (continued)
The Hollies - Respite House
The Hollies is a family feel five-bedroomed house where we offer respite breaks providing the highest quality venue, personalised care, a person centred experience supported by our experienced, committed team. Staying true to our ethos, when not being used for respite, the Hollies is managed by our members to also be a successful Airbnb, welcoming guests from across the country and beyond. A grant from NNDC allowed us to install a fully accessible downstairs bedroom with wet room and hoisting throughout. This is the only accessible respite or holiday rental in North Norfolk, and we are confident that as we build this area of work members will be employed within this venture. Respite has grown in numbers over the last year, we have provided both leisure respite for our members and parental respite for our members.
Adult Social and Leisure Respite Programme for members aged 19 - 80 (oldest member currently)
A wide-ranging programme of activities, sports, arts, music, wellbeing sessions and outings, held mainly on evenings and weekends, enables members to make lasting friendships and undertake leisure activities with their peers. Members are consulted regarding what activities should be included and a two monthly programme is sent out detailing costs and dates allowing families to plan in advance for their own respite breaks.
Highlights usually include:
-
Bowling, live music, swimming, a range of sports, boating, festivals, pub nights, and the zoo
-
Residential/respite/holidays delivered
-
Early delivery of the residential/respite/holiday brochure allowing families/carers the maximum time to plan their respite breaks and take advantage of cheap deals
“Just wanted to say thank you for all who support our young people doing their activities. It was so lovely to watch them tonight enjoying each other's company and sharing some banter with the support staff. Things are starting to feel more normal again and to see them all together laughing and smiling and doing their thing is a total joy”.
Respite holidays - for transition and adult social members
We provide a wide range of respite breaks - from weekends, to midweek and longer residentials. Members are fully involved in choosing the menu of breaks and enjoy holidays away with their peers. We seek accommodation to meet the needs of our members and their differing interests. These breaks are crucially important to our members and their families and allow real respite and planned time away. We have successfully accommodated nine respite holidays from April 2022 - March 2023. We have worked in in co-production with The Horstead Centre and provided activity holidays at their centre along with other holiday destinations relevant for our members' needs and wishes.
- 4 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities (continued)
Children Service for children and young people with disabilities ages 9 to 18th birthday
Fun with Young Friends
Numbers of children enjoying our Children's service remain low with changes in the ways that families access respite. Families now have budgets, but the most usual amount we come across is £500 per year, a very small amount when purchasing services for a child with additional and often complex needs. The threshold had changed, with more able children often receiving no budget, and some high need children choosing to have their respite in their specialist schools.
The new service is managed alongside Adult leisure services. We deliver a person centred FUN Social Programme - including planning, directing and delivering activities as agreed with our members. These include Saturday provision, excursions and other community-based activities. We ensure that the activities are stimulating, structured, enjoyable, inclusive, and age appropriate. The health, safety and welfare of members are paramount and that they are empowered to exert choice. Following a successful grant application we were able to invite our young members for a two night/three day respite break at The Horstead Centre; for a couple of our members this was their first break away from home and they thoroughly enjoyed being away with their friends and the activities on offer. The feedback from families was excellent.
We are now on the tender for Short Breaks so we are awaiting referrals, we have offered the same programme as we do with our direct payment youth members who hold their own budget - Saturdays and Holiday schemes throughout all school holidays. We have also offered a respite break for later in 2023.
“I wanted to let you know that B really enjoyed his day out last week as he always does with About with Friends. It really helps to have a day in the holidays just to break things up a bit at home. The day was good for me too, getting a few hours on my own to explore beautiful Norfolk. Thanks as always for your support.”
Bespoke Service
The programme provides tailored support and development for members with complex needs and learning disabilities who are not in education, employment and/or training of any sort. The programme is person centred and inclusive, developed with positive input from families and professionals. Each individual has their own aims and targets and a well-trained and enthusiastic staff team who form great relationships with those they are working with. Individual timetables are carefully managed, allowing each member to develop at their own pace, listening and responding to their needs at all times and encouraging them to be part of planning their own services. During the last year the Bespoke Service has again shown growth offering services to 13 members and welcoming a new member with complex needs. Each member has their own bespoke package of activity and the aim for many of these members is to move on to our Workskills programme. Bespoke has two units allowing our members further space and room for growth, and this has made all the difference. Bespoke service, along with other services, holds a waiting list.
Highlights centre on the achievements of members including;
-
Several members moving into the Workskills programme having built skills and confidence in Bespoke
-
Others spending parts of their day in the Workskills area with increased confidence and tolerance of others
-
Working in partnership with other professionals to support members in their needs, physical and mental health
“I applaud the work that your organisation does for all its members; it provides a holistic and personal service that encompasses the needs of all individuals. It fully embraces the principles of person centred provision when many other organisations fail to do so. Thank you for all the support that your organisation provides, A is truly a valued individual member and, as her family, we celebrate that”
- 5 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities (continued)
Supported Living and Outreach
During the last year we have we have appointed a new Registered Manager/Outreach Manager; and extended our work offering a variety of services to 23 people. This service has also built up a very skilled and enthusiastic team who deliver this work. The Supported Living and Outreach Service enables members to live as independently as possible and to be part of the local community. Members are supported in their own homes with domestic tasks, budgeting, banking, medical and other appointments and healthy living. Community Outreach is delivered from people's own homes and helps individuals get out to do a range of chosen tasks and activities. In our first CQC inspection we achieved 'good' across all areas.
Highlights include:
-
Ongoing working person-centred support plans and risk-assessments
-
Members growing in confidence and aspirations
-
Members getting voluntary placements, being confident in their community and using its resources
-
Members developing skills so that their service hours can be reduced
-
Measurable outcomes for each individual including cooking, maintaining hygiene and health, healthy eating, budgeting, independence skills, maintaining the home and accessing the community
“I just wanted to say a big thank you for all of your hard work during Covid. I think your communication with families was spot on and don't feel you could have done anymore. You have kept C safe. So one big thank you to all of the staff you are all amazing”
- 6 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities (continued)
Public Benefit
The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance regarding public benefit when planning activities for the year.
About with Friends addresses some of the barriers people with a learning disability face to be included as full members of the community by providing a range of high-quality services that enable members to access and engage in the wider community. Volunteers come from the local community and support AWF in a variety of ways.
Members are fully integrated into community life, and as well as being service users, actually become supported to give service to others in need. Members are provided with opportunities to take part in various interests and activities. Members make friends; develop relationships and new skills and each service is designed to maximise opportunities for members to have a fulfilling life as a valued and equal member of the community.
Our partnership working with local schools continues and has offered placements, work experience, and regular days to children and young people, whilst young adults on long college holidays have been able to purchase work experience days on our Workskills programme.
AWF successfully held last year's AGM face to face, hosted by the trustees and the CEO; over 100 members, families, friends and professionals attended along with the local MP Duncan Baker.
The charity works hard to provide real working opportunities for members and other planned events for the year were a 20th anniversary party, tea with the CEO, a fete held at our main base and our Christmas party which is always a firm favourite.
Gardening Team have been able to deliver gardening to our usual customers which has built up throughout the years, we have also completed a garden renovation at a care home which was well planned and delivered successfully. The allotment continues to work well, with raised beds for those with physical mobility problems. Our shed has seating for inclement weather, and a good range of veggies were grown for our kitchens, the café and for sale. We enjoy a good relationship with other allotment owners and it is a great community. Members from our Bespoke Service have particularly enjoyed the allotment.
The community café remains popular. Members love working in there, and it gives a great service to the local community including lots of people with learning disabilities, mental health difficulties and older people. This in addition to local people and holiday makers all meld into this happy little pot with good reviews on Tripadvisor. Remaining busy has its own challenges with many cafés in town. The café is a 'safe place' under the safe place scheme, and also dementia friendly. Through the winter months we provided a 'warm space' offering soup and a hot drink to those who wanted to come along, this was due to a successful grant application.
Production continues to make a wide range of garden and craft items and upcycling of donated furniture and small items. We make a lot of seasonal goods, and the production line is always busy. We have fantastic items being sold in our shop and café with new ranges developed by members and their interests coming up all the time.
AWF Community Shop is always a popular choice with our members and now sells upcycled furniture, homemade candles from our production and even T-shirts/tea towels printed by our members. Our members will make various items whilst in the shop when welcoming in the local community.
- 7 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Achievements and performance
Our Deputy CEO continued to make all necessary changes to keep our risk assessments updated. All changes met current Government guidelines.
Sanitisation of every area was rigorously followed with procedures - we purchased a fogging machine which allowed us to fog all areas of services following any rise in covid cases. All cases throughout the year have continued to be reported to DOH.
Members remain involved at every possible stage in the running of About with Friends. Their views are important and are listened to, and ongoing development of the Charity is to meet their needs and wishes.
During 2022/2023 the Charity successfully fulfilled all its commitments both financially and to members in order to deliver the best possible outcomes. Some of our work was done in different ways to offer the best possible service whilst keeping Covid safe. Covid relaxation continued through the year allowing all services to resume pre-Covid activities. We worked to best value and by sharing of resources between our various services to make every penny count.
Staff training is important in ensuring the charity meets the needs of its members, and a rolling training programme for staff to develop the skills required to meet the ever-changing needs of members is in place. Staff enjoy their training and as an organisation we are committed to it, even providing some delicious refreshments when staff stay on late. New staff on our Outreach service continue to complete the Care Certificate (a set of standards that focus on working in a person-centred way). Our Deputy CEO and HR Manager are trained to deliver Adult Safeguarding and Manual Handling which saves delay for new staff being trained. We also now have two further staff members trained in Manual Handling and two managers trained in PBS which will become mandatory for NCC contracts.
Our Operations Director completed NEBOSH as suggested by Health and Safety - and leads on everything Health and Safety wise with a named trustee for Health and Safety also. .
As an organisation building a reputation for high quality services we are delighted to have achieved 'GOOD' right through all standards on our first CQC inspection in 2017. Although we haven't been inspected since, we have spoken regularly to CQC and made all the necessary submissions. We embrace CQC standards right through all our services to ensure that we set and adhere to a high standard.
Policies are regularly reviewed by the team and trustees, and updated as needed to meet changing regulation or governance. We currently have 72 Policies within AWF. We continue with 'Safer Recruitment' processes for the application and selection of staff and volunteers, ensuring that AWF members' safety and welfare are central at every stage of the recruitment process. We also welcome our members to be part of the interview panel.
Our regular 'open days' for recruitment of new staff and volunteers remain very popular. These happen in the daytime when our services are active. Participants are shown around our various activities and get a chance to talk to members, see our resources and ask lots of questions from the staff accompanying them. This method of recruitment has enabled us to meet our staffing needs and also build up a good bank of staff who want to work 'as and when'.
- 8 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Financial review
Income for the year amounted to £1,991,339 (2022: £1,696,142) and after deducting expenditure of £1,912,786 (2022: £1,540,647) the net income for the year amounted to £78,553 (2022: £155,495).
Reserves policy
Due to the unpredictable nature of charitable income, it is the Trustees' intention to hold an unrestricted reserve of a minimum of six months projected running costs. This currently amounts to £956,000.
Total reserves as at 31 March 2023 were £809,061, including £8,870 of restricted funds. Free reserves, represented by net current assets within the unrestricted fund, amounted to £370,367 at 31 March 2023 which covers approximately just over two months of running costs.
It will therefore be the trustees' aim to continue to build reserves to the required level over a reasonable period of time.
Principal funding sources
The majority of the charity's income comes from local authorities in the form of service payments.
- 9 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Plans for future periods
The charity's business plan identifies the potential for the continual development in service provision over the next twelve months for all service areas.
-
Critical ongoing financial cuts from central Government to NCC and thus budgets of our members, and the cutting of service to our members has been an issue, but we believe we have offered service to more individuals, and our income streams have held up
-
More grants pursued to support our Children's service - we have had some success with grants for Children's services in the last year, and want to promote more respite breaks for the youth
-
Members are losing additional money as their Minimum Income Guarantee drops (MIG), and they have to pay money from their benefits for their services. This was a real issue for families and they have been pro-active in complaining about this loss of income. There is concern that members will take less service when it is personally costing them, but they will still need the service on offer. The parents had a strong action group, but were unable to influence NCC
-
The community shop and café continue to embed into the community and look for ways to increase usage and partnerships
-
More co-production work - involving members. Working with specialists and developing a five-year plan for AWF to be more informed and to reduce our carbon footprint, working towards becoming carbon neutral and mitigating many effects of global change
-
Retail and customer service opportunities will continue to develop as our production lines become more commercially robust and varied. We are always on the lookout for good craft material that can be recycled and upcycled
-
Backroom systems remain robust; GDPR processes are working well. The NHS toolkit was completed. During this period Outreach Service had become paperless, and all Management and outreach staff have been issued smartphones. We have an HR database "Cascade" being used by all staff which has enabled all HR to be paperless keeping in line with GDPR
-
Pro forms database is now being utilised by the management and staff team which leads us to all services becoming paper free by the end of 2023
-
Phone system is working well and linking all services and buildings. We have linked all our phones and internet systems with Premier Links who are our external IT; they are a local company which enables any problems to be dealt with hands on
-
Server recently upgraded - has more capacity and working well. Has good encryption and has remained secure. This now gives greater capability for remote working which will be useful for any further lockdowns
Structure, governance and management
Governing document
About with Friends was founded in 2002 and constituted as a registered charity in 2003. On 1 April 2016, after a successful application, About with Friends became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
- 10 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The trustees of About with Friends have the overall responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the Charity. Trustees are elected to the board at the AGM and stand for three years. If a trustee leaves before the end of their term, a replacement trustee is co-opted. The current trustee board consists of three officers, (Chair, Deputy Chair and Treasurer) and three other trustees. Trustees meet every eight weeks to review strategy and set implementation plans and budgets. Sub-groups may be called prior to meetings if needed and make recommendations to the trustee board. The Chair, Treasurer and CEO meet prior to trustees' meetings to set the agenda and review financial information. The trustees hold an Annual General Meeting to which membership, their families, and professionals are invited.
Trustee Induction and training
New trustees are recruited based on the skills and expertise needed by the Charity. All are given a welcome pack with everything from the constitution, consent forms, codes of conduct, trustee guidelines, charity organogram and meeting dates for the year.
Risk management
The trustee board is responsible for the management of the risks faced by the Charity. A risk management strategy is in place and has been ratified by the trustees. All areas of potential risk are fully discussed at trustees' meetings and systems and procedures are established to manage those risks. Systems, controls and procedures include strategic planning, budgeting, governance structure and lines of reporting, formal written policies (regularly reviewed and added to), hierarchical authorisation and approval levels, and formal agendas and minute taking for trustees' meetings.
Organisational structure
The Charity is managed by the Chief Executive Officer who has the overall responsibility for informing strategy and the general operational management including human and financial resources, service delivery and quality control.
During 2022/23 the CEO was supported by an experienced Senior Management Team including a Deputy CEO and Operations Director - duties were delegated by the CEO as appropriate to ensure the smooth and effective running of the organisation. The charity's Deputy CEO was appointed as CEO in April 2023. A clear Scheme of Delegation is in place to provide clarity of decision making and levels of accountability.
- 11 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Senior management pay policy
The salary of the CEO and Operations Director is set by trustees, whilst the Deputy CEO and other posts are set by the CEO with input from others as needed. Independent review of salaries and local salary levels is sought where appropriate. The pay of all staff including Senior Management is reviewed annually and any pay increase/or up-rise in increment made.
There is a clearly laid out and transparent salary banding document which dictates which band staff are in, and the increments that can be attained. Staff may be paid additional increments or bonuses for particular skills, qualifications, changes in legislation or service achievement. Salaries are benchmarked against the local staff market.
Employees and volunteers
An enthusiastic and well-trained growing staff team and fantastic volunteers underpin the charity. At the end of March 2023, the charity employed 32 full time and 33 part time staff. A small team of four bank workers is slowly increasing. Our 12 active volunteers are a vital and much valued part of the charity that help to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services this period. The charity has adopted 'Safer Recruitment' processes for the application and selection of staff and volunteers, ensuring that AWF members' safety and welfare are central at every stage of the recruitment process. Our policies and procedures have been updated regularly since this was adopted.
Fundraising standards
The charity carries out limited fundraising activities in connection with its activities. No professional fundraisers or third-party commercial participators are used. There have been no complaints about the charity's fundraising this year. Fundraising is monitored by way of the charity recording all donations and events where income is received. No direct contact is made with the public regarding fundraising activities.
Trustees' responsibilities statement
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS102);
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
- 12 -
About With Friends
Trustees' annual report (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
True and Fair override
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a "true and fair" view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a "true and fair view". This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by charities by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Auditor
Lovewell Blake LLP have indicated their willingness to continue in office for the ensuing year.
The trustees' annual report was approved on 21 September 2023 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
J Claxton Trustee
- 13 -
About With Friends
Independent auditor's report to the trustees of About With Friends
Year ended 31 March 2023
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of About With Friends (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet, statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;
-
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
- 14 -
About With Friends
Independent auditor's report to the trustees of About With Friends (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' report; or
-
the charity has not kept adequate accounting records; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
- 15 -
About With Friends
Independent auditor's report to the trustees of About With Friends (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
-
Enquiry of management and those charged with governance;
-
Enquiry of entity staff compliance functions to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
-
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
-
Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluation the business rational of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
- 16 -
About With Friends
Independent auditor's report to the trustees of About With Friends (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Bankside 300 Peachman Way Broadland Business Park Norwich NR7 0LB
6 November 2023
- 17 -
About With Friends
Statement of financial activities
Year ended 31 March 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | ||||
| funds | funds | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 4 | 21,957 | 36,392 | 58,349 | 177,453 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 1,904,524 | – | 1,904,524 | 1,492,377 |
| Other trading activities | 6 | 27,970 | – | 27,970 | 25,069 |
| Investment income | 7 | 496 | – | 496 | 57 |
| Other income | 8 | – | – | – | 1,186 |
| --------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ||
| Total income | 1,954,947 | 36,392 | 1,991,339 | 1,696,142 | |
| ======================================= | ========================== | ======================================= | ======================================= | ||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Costs of raising funds: | |||||
| Costs of raising funds | 10 | (6,650) | – | (6,650) | (7,151) |
| Charitable activities | 11 | (1,881,264) | (24,872) | (1,906,136) | (1,533,496) |
| --------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ||
| Total expenditure | (1,887,914) | (24,872) | (1,912,786) | (1,540,647) | |
| ======================================= | ========================== | ======================================= | ======================================= | ||
| Net income before transfer of funds | 67,033 | 11,520 | 78,553 | 155,495 | |
| Transfers between funds | 3,650 | (3,650) | – | – | |
| --------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ||
| Net movement in funds | 70,683 | 7,870 | 78,553 | 155,495 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 729,508 | 1,000 | 730,508 | 575,013 | |
| --------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 800,191 | 8,870 | 809,061 | 730,508 | |
| ======================================= | ========================== | ======================================= | ======================================= |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 21 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
- 18 -
About With Friends
Balance sheet
31 March 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible fixed assets | 16 | 516,598 | 528,501 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Stocks | 17 | 400 | 400 | ||
| Debtors | 18 | 141,759 | 67,408 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 476,376 | 732,338 | |||
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ||||
| 618,535 | 800,146 | ||||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 19 | (238,061) | (500,366) | ||
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ||||
| Net current assets | 380,474 | 299,780 | |||
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 897,072 | 828,281 | |||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due after | |||||
| more than one year | 20 | (88,011) | (97,773) | ||
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ||||
| Net assets | 809,061 | 730,508 | |||
| =============================== | =============================== | ||||
| Funds of the charity | |||||
| Restricted funds | 8,870 | 1,000 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 800,191 | 729,508 | |||
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ||||
| Total charity funds | 22 | 809,061 | 730,508 | ||
| =============================== | =============================== |
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 21 September 2023 and are signed on behalf of the board by:
J Claxton Trustee
The notes on pages 21 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
- 19 -
About With Friends
Statement of cash flows
Year ended 31 March 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||
| Net income | 78,553 | 155,495 |
| Adjustments for: | ||
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets | 44,669 | 36,390 |
| Other interest receivable and similar income | (496) | (57) |
| Interest payable and similar charges | 7,623 | 3,726 |
| Gains on disposal of tangible fixed assets | (800) | (5,329) |
| Accrued expenses | 1,292 | 6,087 |
| Changes in: | ||
| Trade and other debtors | (74,351) | 41,365 |
| Trade and other creditors | (23,984) | (19,012) |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| Cash generated from operations | 32,506 | 218,665 |
| Interest paid | (7,623) | (3,726) |
| Interest received | 496 | 57 |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| Net cash from operating activities | 25,379 | 214,996 |
| ========================== | =============================== | |
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||
| Purchase of tangible assets | (32,766) | (158,458) |
| Proceeds from sale of tangible assets | 800 | 6,494 |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (31,966) | (151,964) |
| ========================== | =============================== | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||
| Proceeds from borrowings | – | 240,000 |
| Repayments of borrowings | (249,375) | (9,382) |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| Net cash (used in)/from financing activities | (249,375) | 230,618 |
| =============================== | =============================== | |
| Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | (255,962) | 293,650 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 732,338 | 438,688 |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 476,376 | 732,338 |
| =============================== | =============================== |
The notes on pages 21 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
- 20 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2023
1. General information
The charity is a registered CIO in England and Wales. The address of the principal office is Unit 22D, Holt Road, Cromer, NR27 9JW, Norfolk
2. Statement of compliance
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following the 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
- 21 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Income
All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
-
For donations and gifts to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
-
Income from investments is included when receivable.
-
Income from grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probably that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.
-
Clothing and other items donated for resale through the charity's shop are included as income within charitable activities when they are sold.
Government grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the company will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.
Where the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the performance-related conditions have been met. Where grants received are prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability.
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probably that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
-
Expenditure on raising funds comprises the costs associated with attracting voluntary income.
-
Expenditure on charitable activities comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Redundancy payments
Where an obligation to make a redundancy or termination payment exists, the costs incurred by the charity are accounted for on an accruals basis and included within employee benefits.
- 22 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Operating leases
Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SoFA on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
| Freehold property | - | 5 - 50 years straight line |
|---|---|---|
| Leasehold property | - | 5 years straight line |
| Motor vehicles | - | 20% - 33% straight line |
| Plant and machinery | - | 15% - 50% straight line |
Stocks
Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.
The fair value of donated stock has not been included in these accounts on the basis that it is impractical to obtain a fair value due to the volume of low-value items received and the absence of detailed stock control systems and records.
Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Employee benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.
- 23 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
4. Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations | ||||
| Donations | 14,317 | – | 14,317 | |
| Membership fees | 2,640 | – | 2,640 | |
| Grants | ||||
| Grants | 5,000 | 36,392 | 41,392 | |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| 21,957 | 36,392 | 58,349 | ||
| ========================== | ========================== | ========================== | ||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations | ||||
| Donations | 7,227 | – | 7,227 | |
| Membership fees | – | – | – | |
| Grants | ||||
| Grants | 12,181 | 158,045 | 170,226 | |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ||
| 19,408 | 158,045 | 177,453 | ||
| ========================== | =============================== | =============================== | ||
| Charitable activities | ||||
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | 2023 | Funds | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Catering income | 94,630 | 94,630 | 58,734 | 58,734 |
| Work Skills service payments | 761,372 | 761,372 | 630,842 | 630,842 |
| Adult service payments | 116,986 | 116,986 | 91,717 | 91,717 |
| Activities income | 28,838 | 28,838 | 16,807 | 16,807 |
| Work skills - gardening income | 7,090 | 7,090 | 11,396 | 11,396 |
| Members' holiday payments | 106,719 | 106,719 | 58,774 | 58,774 |
| Other Work Skills income | 2,451 | 2,451 | 8,421 | 8,421 |
| Youth service payments | 5,436 | 5,436 | 4,598 | 4,598 |
| Supported Living income | 425,013 | 425,013 | 359,453 | 359,453 |
| Bespoke income | 355,989 | 355,989 | 251,635 | 251,635 |
| --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | |
| 1,904,524 | 1,904,524 | 1,492,377 | 1,492,377 | |
| ======================================= | ======================================= | ======================================= | ======================================= |
5. Charitable activities
6. Other trading activities
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2023 | Funds | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fundraising events | 4,029 | 4,029 | 1,338 | 1,338 |
| Shop income | 5,547 | 5,547 | 3,460 | 3,460 |
| Airbnb | 18,394 | 18,394 | 20,271 | 20,271 |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | |
| 27,970 | 27,970 | 25,069 | 25,069 | |
| ========================== | ========================== | ========================== | ========================== |
- 24 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
7. Investment income
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2023 | Funds | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Bank interest receivable | 496 | 496 | 57 | 57 | |
| ============= | ============= | ============= | ============= | ||
| 8. | Other income | ||||
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | 2023 | Funds | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme | – | – | 1,186 | 1,186 | |
| ============= | ============= | ====================== | ====================== | ||
| 9. | Government grants | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| funds | funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Grants | |||||
| Norfolk County Council - Infection | |||||
| Control Fund | – | – | – | 30,744 | |
| Norfolk County Council - Workforce | |||||
| Grant | – | – | – | 26,353 | |
| Norfolk County Council - Social | |||||
| Infrastructure Fund | – | – | – | 70,000 | |
| North Norfolk District Council - Omicron | |||||
| Hospitality and Leisure Grant | – | – | – | 2,667 | |
| North Norfolk District Council - Additional | |||||
| Restrictions Grant | – | – | – | 16,704 | |
| Other income | |||||
| Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme | – | – | – | 1,186 | |
| ------------- | ------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------- | ||
| – | – | – | 147,654 | ||
| ============= | ============= | ============= | =============================== | ||
| 10. | Costs of raising funds | ||||
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | 2023 | Funds | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Charity shop | 3,479 | 3,479 | 3,027 | 3,027 | |
| Wages and salaries | 3,171 | 3,171 | 4,124 | 4,124 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| 6,650 | 6,650 | 7,151 | 7,151 | ||
| ====================== | ====================== | ====================== | ====================== |
- 25 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
11. Expenditure on charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 1,231,171 | 4,020 | 1,235,191 |
| Social security | 101,584 | – | 101,584 |
| Pensions | 31,093 | – | 31,093 |
| Rent and rates | 102,115 | – | 102,115 |
| Insurance | 5,469 | – | 5,469 |
| Light and heat | 26,039 | 16,800 | 42,839 |
| Telephone | 28,656 | – | 28,656 |
| Postage and stationery | 8,584 | – | 8,584 |
| Advertising | 2,543 | – | 2,543 |
| Sundries | 1,453 | – | 1,453 |
| Travel and subsistence | 48,773 | – | 48,773 |
| General repair and maintenance | 42,679 | 3,152 | 45,831 |
| Equipment and venue hire | 4,105 | – | 4,105 |
| Motor expenses | 32,604 | – | 32,604 |
| Licenses and subscriptions | 7,508 | – | 7,508 |
| Activities and direct costs | 70,300 | 900 | 71,200 |
| Work skills direct costs | 15,521 | – | 15,521 |
| Consultancy fees | 12,028 | – | 12,028 |
| Depreciation | 44,348 | – | 44,348 |
| Bank charges | 9,681 | – | 9,681 |
| Grants to individuals - Amenity funds | 4,015 | – | 4,015 |
| Professional fees | 5,160 | – | 5,160 |
| Training | 10,914 | – | 10,914 |
| Accountancy | 1,860 | – | 1,860 |
| Profit on sale of fixed assets | (800) | – | (800) |
| Other employee benefits | 26,421 | – | 26,421 |
| Governance costs | 7,440 | – | 7,440 |
| --------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | |
| 1,881,264 | 24,872 | 1,906,136 | |
| ======================================= | ========================== | ======================================= |
- 26 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
11. Expenditure on charitable activities (continued)
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Wages and salaries | 947,698 | 88,045 | 1,035,743 | |
| Social security | 73,331 | – | 73,331 | |
| Pensions | 25,621 | – | 25,621 | |
| Rent and rates | 91,712 | – | 91,712 | |
| Insurance | 4,446 | – | 4,446 | |
| Light and heat | (59) | – | (59) | |
| Telephone | 28,646 | – | 28,646 | |
| Postage and stationery | 8,477 | – | 8,477 | |
| Advertising | 2,604 | – | 2,604 | |
| Sundries | 1,651 | – | 1,651 | |
| Travel and subsistence | 30,966 | – | 30,966 | |
| General repair and maintenance | 53,669 | – | 53,669 | |
| Equipment and venue hire | 2,998 | – | 2,998 | |
| Motor expenses | 27,999 | – | 27,999 | |
| Licenses and subscriptions | 7,472 | – | 7,472 | |
| Activities and direct costs | 50,780 | – | 50,780 | |
| Work skills direct costs | 15,504 | – | 15,504 | |
| Consultancy fees | 13,329 | – | 13,329 | |
| Depreciation | 36,390 | – | 36,390 | |
| Bank charges | 5,724 | – | 5,724 | |
| Professional fees | 3,101 | – | 3,101 | |
| Training | 9,893 | – | 9,893 | |
| Accountancy | 1,440 | – | 1,440 | |
| Profit on sale of fixed assets | (5,329) | – | (5,329) | |
| Other employee benefits | – | – | – | |
| Governance costs | 5,760 | – | 5,760 | |
| --------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ||
| 1,445,451 | 88,045 | 1,533,496 | ||
| ======================================= | ========================== | ======================================= | ||
| 12. | Net income | |||
| Net income is stated after charging/(crediting): | ||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets | 44,669 | 36,390 | ||
| Operating lease rentals | 97,163 | 86,890 | ||
| ========================== | ========================== | |||
| 13. | Auditors remuneration | |||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements | 7,440 | 5,760 | ||
| ====================== | ====================== | |||
| Fees payable to the charity's auditor and its associates for other services: | ||||
| Other non-audit services | 1,860 | 1,440 | ||
| ====================== | ====================== |
- 27 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
14. Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 1,239,920 | 1,041,079 |
| Social security costs | 101,686 | 73,387 |
| Employer contributions to pension plans | 31,137 | 25,651 |
| Other employee benefits | 26,457 | – |
| --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | |
| 1,399,200 | 1,140,117 | |
| ======================================= | ======================================= |
No settlement or redundancy payments were made during the current year (2022: settlement payments of £5,000).
Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity, and comprise the members of the Senior Management Team as detailed on page 1. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £192,559 (2022: £194,409).
The average head count of employees during the year was 64 (2022: 57).
No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2022: Nil).
15. Trustee remuneration and expenses
During the year no trustees were reimbursed for expenses (2022: £Nil). No other remuneration or other benefits were paid to trustees in their capacity as trustees.
16. Tangible fixed assets
| Long | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freehold | leasehold | Motor | |||
| property | property | vehicles | Equipment | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | |||||
| At 1 Apr 2022 | 450,120 | 75,661 | 106,295 | 143,613 | 775,689 |
| Additions | – | – | 10,635 | 22,131 | 32,766 |
| Disposals | – | – | (20,000) | (2,890) | (22,890) |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| At 31 Mar 2023 | 450,120 | 75,661 | 96,930 | 162,854 | 785,565 |
| =============================== | ========================== | =============================== | =============================== | =============================== | |
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 1 Apr 2022 | 25,036 | 75,661 | 62,977 | 83,514 | 247,188 |
| Charge for the year | 10,760 | – | 12,736 | 21,173 | 44,669 |
| Disposals | – | – | (20,000) | (2,890) | (22,890) |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| At 31 Mar 2023 | 35,796 | 75,661 | 55,713 | 101,797 | 268,967 |
| =============================== | ========================== | =============================== | =============================== | =============================== | |
| Carrying amount | |||||
| At 31 Mar 2023 | 414,324 | – | 41,217 | 61,057 | 516,598 |
| =============================== | ========================== | =============================== | =============================== | =============================== | |
| At 31 Mar 2022 | 425,084 | – | 43,318 | 60,099 | 528,501 |
| =============================== | ========================== | =============================== | =============================== | =============================== |
- 28 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
17. Stocks
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Raw materials and consumables | 400 | 400 | |
| ============= | ============= | ||
| 18. | Debtors | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade debtors | 126,814 | 48,800 | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 14,945 | 18,608 | |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| 141,759 | 67,408 | ||
| =============================== | ========================== | ||
| 19. | Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 8,138 | 7,751 | |
| Trade creditors | 38,390 | 38,230 | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 14,366 | 29,610 | |
| Social security and other taxes | 22,706 | 18,712 | |
| Other creditors | 154,461 | 406,063 | |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ||
| 238,061 | 500,366 | ||
| =============================== | =============================== |
Other creditors in the previous year included an unsecured loan from a related party, details are included in note 26.
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Deferred income brought forward | 6,087 | 13,127 |
| Released during the year | (6,087) | (13,127) |
| Deferred during the year | 7,379 | 6,087 |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------- | |
| Deferred income carried forward | 7,379 | 6,087 |
| ====================== | ========================== |
Deferred income related to payments received in advance for members' holidays.
20. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 88,011 | 97,773 |
| ========================== | ========================== |
The bank loan is secured on freehold property. The repayment basis is 15 years with a fixed interest rate of 2.7%.
21. Pensions and other post retirement benefits
Defined contribution plans
The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £31,137 (2022: £25,651).
- 29 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
22. Analysis of charitable funds
| 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| At 1 April | At 31 March | ||||
| 2022 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 729,508 | 1,954,947 | (1,887,914) | 3,650 | 800,191 |
| =============================== | ======================================= | ======================================= | ====================== | =============================== | |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| At 1 April | At 31 March | ||||
| 2022 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Big Lottery Fund | 1,000 | – | – | – | 1,000 |
| Norfolk Community | |||||
| Foundation - NHS Norfolk | |||||
| & Waveney CCG | – | 4,920 | (4,920) | – | – |
| Charities Trust | – | 1,650 | – | (1,650) | – |
| Active Norfolk | – | 1,940 | (1,940) | – | – |
| Norfolk Community | |||||
| Foundation - Sheringham | |||||
| Shoal | – | 1,212 | (1,212) | – | – |
| Norfolk Community | |||||
| Foundation - Surviving | |||||
| Winter | – | 2,000 | – | (2,000) | – |
| Norfolk Community | |||||
| Foundation - Sir Norman | |||||
| Lamb Fund | – | 4,920 | – | – | 4,920 |
| Norfolk Community | |||||
| Foundation - Household | |||||
| Support Fund (Round 3) | – | 10,000 | (9,500) | – | 500 |
| Norfolk Community | |||||
| Foundation - Household | |||||
| Support Fund (Round 4) | – | 9,750 | (7,300) | – | 2,450 |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | |
| 1,000 | 36,392 | (24,872) | (3,650) | 8,870 | |
| ====================== | ========================== | ========================== | ====================== | ====================== | |
| 2022 | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| At 1 April | At 31 March | ||||
| 2021 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 574,013 | 1,538,097 | (1,452,602) | 70,000 | 729,508 |
| =============================== | ======================================= | ======================================= | ========================== | =============================== |
- 30 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
22. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)
Restricted funds
| At 1 April | At 31 March | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Big Lottery Fund | 1,000 | – | – | – | 1,000 |
| NCC - infection control | |||||
| funding | – | 30,744 | (30,744) | – | – |
| NCC - Workforce grant | – | 26,353 | (26,353) | – | – |
| NCC - Social | |||||
| Infrastructure Fund | – | 70,000 | – | (70,000) | – |
| Kick Start - Start Up | |||||
| Grant | – | 1,500 | (1,500) | – | – |
| Voluntary Norfolk - | |||||
| COMF | – | 5,080 | (5,080) | – | – |
| Norfolk Community | |||||
| Foundation | – | 5,000 | (5,000) | – | – |
| NNDC OHLG - Grant | – | 2,667 | (2,667) | – | – |
| NNDC - ARG Grant | – | 16,701 | (16,701) | – | – |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ---------------------- | |
| 1,000 | 158,045 | (88,045) | (70,000) | 1,000 | |
| ====================== | =============================== | ========================== | ========================== | ====================== |
The Big Lottery Fund awarded funding of £10,000 for two vehicles and signage for the vehicles for Workskills access. £9,000 was used to purchase two vehicles in the year ended 31 March 2019 and the balance to be spent on signage.
Norfolk Community Foundation: NHS Norfolk & Waveney CCG covers activity costs and staff support for members during respite breaks.
Charities Trust - funded the purchase of kitchen equipment. The relevant equipment has been capitalised as a fixed asset during the year, with a transfer of £1,650 being made to the general fund to reflect the purchase.
Active Norfolk - funded the purchase of activities equipment.
Norfolk Community Foundation: Sheringham Shoal funded the installation of energy efficient lighting in the new management and administration office.
Norfolk Community Foundation: Surviving Winter Fund provided funding towards the café. The corresponding expenditure has been capitalised as a fixed asset during the year, with a transfer of £2,000 being made to the general fund to reflect the purchase.
Norfolk Community Foundation: Sir Norman Lamb Fund covers activity costs and staff support for members during respite breaks.
Norfolk Community Foundation: Household Support Fund (Rounds 3 and 4) - provided funding to support households who are vulnerable to the rising cost of living.
Funding year ended 31 March 2022
The Norfolk County Council Infection Control Fund, provided by the UK government, is restricted to particular measures to aid infection control to aid adult social care providers to reduce the rate of COVID-19 transmission.
Norfolk County Council Workforce Grant - covered various staff related expenses throughout the pandemic.
- 31 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
22. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)
Norfolk County Council Social Infrastucture Fund - this was towards the capital improvements at Bailey Road, and the transfer between funds represents the removal of the restriction on this expenditure being incurred.
North Norfolk District Council Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant - this was for the café and covered costs arising as a result of the Omicron variant.
North Norfolk District Council Additional Restrictions Grant - funds towards the improvements at Bailey Road.
23. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 516,598 | – | 516,598 |
| Current assets | 609,665 | 8,870 | 618,535 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (238,061) | – | (238,061) |
| Creditors greater than 1 year | (88,011) | – | (88,011) |
| ------------------------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| Net assets | 800,191 | 8,870 | 809,061 |
| =============================== | ====================== | =============================== | |
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 528,501 | – | 528,501 |
| Current assets | 799,146 | 1,000 | 800,146 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (500,366) | – | (500,366) |
| Creditors greater than 1 year | (97,773) | – | (97,773) |
| ------------------------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| Net assets | 729,508 | 1,000 | 730,508 |
| =============================== | ====================== | =============================== |
24. Analysis of changes in net debt
| Other | At | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 Apr 2022 | Cash flows | changes | 31 Mar 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 732,338 | (255,962) | – | 476,376 |
| Debt due within one year | (7,751) | 10,612 | (10,999) | (8,138) |
| Debt due after one year | (97,773) | (1,237) | 10,999 | (88,011) |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| 626,814 =============================== |
(246,587) =============================== |
– ========================== |
380,227 =============================== |
25. Operating lease commitments
The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Not later than 1 year | 75,360 | 85,930 |
| Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years | 102,098 | 123,645 |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | |
| 177,458 | 209,575 | |
| =============================== | =============================== |
- 32 -
About With Friends
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
26. Related parties
During the previous year Mrs W Martin, a close family member of Helen Dalton-Hare (the Chief Executive of the charity) loaned the charity £240,000 in connection with a planned purchase of property. The loan was repaid in full during September 2022 (2022: balance of £240,000 outstanding). Interest of £3,000 (2022: £Nil) was paid to Mrs W Martin in respect of the loan.
Unrestricted donations amounting to £340 (2022: £Nil) were received from Trustees.
27. Post balance sheet events
After the year-end the charity entered into an agreement to purchase its premises at Holt Road, Cromer, along with two additional units, for £725,000.
- 33 -