## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period**
**From** 1[st] April 2020 **To** 31[st] March 2021
**Charity name:** People First Bridgend
**Charity registration number:** 1166485
## **Objectives and Activities**
|**Objectives and Activities**|||
|---|---|---|
||SORP reference||
|Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document|Para 1.17|**1. **To relieve and support people who have a
learning disability and/or with autistic
spectrum disorder (hereafter known as
“primary beneficiaries”) in the County
Borough of Bridgend and any other region
with which the Borough works
collaboratively (hereafter known as “the
geographical area”), through services
which can enable them to obtain their full
rights and privileges as citizens.
**2. **To promote social inclusion for the public
benefit by preventing primary beneficiaries
from becoming socially excluded, relieving
the needs of those primary beneficiaries
who are socially excluded and assisting
them to integrate into society.
**3. **To advance and promote education of
primary beneficiaries through training
workshops and other opportunities for
learning.
**4. **To advance the education of the general
public about the educational, physical,
emotional and psychological needs of
primary beneficiaries.|
|Summary of the main activities
in relation to those purposes
for the public benefit, in
particular, the activities,
projects or services identified
in the accounts.|Para 1.17 and 1.19|People First Bridgend (PFB) is an independent
advocacy provider that supports people with a
learning disability and/or with autism to
express their voice and choices in relation to
social services, to engage in their local
community and to maintain their own
independence as far as possible.
Its main activities are divided between
statutory and non-statutory advocacy services.
PFB provides statutory advocacy through a
contract with Bridgend County Borough Council
(BCBC)toprovide learningdisability-specialist|
Independent Professional Advocacy, as required by the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. This service supports people with learning disabilities to understand and make choices about their care and support whilst in receipt of statutory services or processes, such as social services assessments. PFB provide non-statutory advocacy through a separate service level agreement with BCBC. Under this, it provides a range of services, such as self-advocacy and peer-support groups, disability awareness training for public and professionals, translation of documents into Easy Read, and other ad-hoc activities that promote self-advocacy skills, participation and representation and co-production. The service level agreement also funds the core costs of the organisation, such as management, administration, and office facilities Statement confirming whether Para 1.18 Trustees ensure that all decisions regarding the the trustees have had regard use of funds and operations are in line solely to the guidance issued by the with the objects of the charity and its Charity Commission on public operations benefit its primary beneficiaries. benefit
## **Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference **N/A** Para 1.38 Policy on grant making **N/A** Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment **N/A** Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers
## **Achievements and Performance**
||SORP
reference||
|---|---|---|
|Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to the
circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a whole.|Para 1.20|Throughout the year, People First Bridgend ran two
on-going services commissioned by Bridgend County
Borough Council.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that all face-to-face
activities had to stop due to emergency lockdown
conditions. The organisation struggled to continue at
first, but made adaptions throughout the year that
allowed its beneficiaries to remain supported.
People First Bridgend acquired money through the
Integrated Care Fund to buy tablet PCs for some of its
group members. This was to enable them to continue
participation in virtual self-advocacy activities, keep
in contact with friends and families and access any
other activities which helped them maintain positive
well-being whilst isolating.
Below is a breakdown of how the services performed
throughout the year.
**Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy –**
**BCBC**
The service received**16**new referrals during the
year. They came from the following sources:
-
BCBC Social Services LD Team
-
BCBC Social Services LAC Team
-
Mirus
-
Parc Prison
-
Public Service Ombudsman for Wales
-
Bridgend Voice and Choice Advocacy Hub
In total, the service supported**55**unique
beneficiaries with**103**advocacy issues.
Throughout the year, the service supported people
with following advocacy issues:
-
Assessment, care and support planning and
reviews
-
Safeguarding
-
Accessing information, advice and assistance
-
Accommodation issues
-
Concern, dissatisfaction and complaints
-
Change of service type or preparing to leave
hospital and return to the community
-
Preparing to leave prison
-
Legal
-
Court of Protection Investigation
-
Familyconflicts of interest|
- Prison Transgender Case Board Review **17** beneficiaries and **22** advocacy issues were closed. The service made a total of **9** signpostings to the following organisations:
- Tros Gynnol Plant
- - Mental Health Matters Wales - Advocacy Support Cymru
- - Advocacy Matters Wales
- - PFB Non-statutory Advocacy Service
- - Cardiff and Vale Advocacy Gateway
- - BAVO Community Navigators
- - Christians Against Poverty
- **Peer-support and Skills for Independence SLA – BCBC**
The Non-statutory Independent Advocacy Service received **11** new referrals.
In total, the service supported **25** beneficiaries with **41** advocacy issues, which included: The service supported people with the following advocacy issues:
|-|Assessment, Care and Support Planning,|
|---|---|
||Reviews|
|-|Accessing Information, Advice and Assistance|
|-|Accommodation|
|-|Concern, Dissatisfaction, Complaints|
|-|Benefits Application, Challenges, Tribunal|
||Process|
|-|Care and Legal Proceedings|
|-|Social Isolation and promoting well-being|
|-|Contacting officialdom and related statutory|
||organisations|
|-|Safeguarding|
|-|Accessing healthcare|
|-|Securing financial entitlements|
|-|Care proceedings|
|-|Integrated Autism Service referrals|
|-|PAM assessments|
|-|Production of Easy Read minutes for|
||meetings|
|The Skills for Independence Self-advocacy group||
|could|not run, due to COVID-19 restrictions and staff|
|capacity. Instead, the organisation developed activity||
|packs|that were sent to keep people informed and|
|occupied during lockdown.||
|**15**activity packs were developed and sent monthly|
|---|
|to**47**unique beneficiaries. In total,**740**activity packs|
|were sent.|
|Activity packs included the following content:|
|-
Arts and Crafts Activities|
|-
BCBC Budget Consultation|
|-
COVID-19 Lockdown Rules/Guidance|
|-
Crosswords/Colouring/Puzzles|
|-
Emergency Numbers/information|
|-
Hate Crime Consultation|
|-
Health and Safety/PPE Guidance|
|-
Health Eating Recipes|
|-
Hospital Traffic Light System Forms|
|-
Keep Safe Cymru Registration Forms|
|-
Learning Disability Wales Research|
|Questionnaire|
|Mindfulness Exercises|
|-
SBUHB Report on LD Services|
|At the beginning of the pandemic, Advisory Team|
|members were given phone support, but eventually|
|people started to access equipment that allowed|
|them to meet virtually.|
|In total, there were**18**virtual Advisory Team|
|meetings with**16**unique beneficiaries.|
|The following topics were covered during meetings:|
|-
Zoom tutorial and practical activities|
|-
Coronavirus FAQ|
|-
Pandemic Rules and Quiz|
|-
BCBC Budget Consultation|
|-
Remembrance Day Event|
|-
History of Learning Disability and Self-|
|advocacy|
|-
SBUHB Service-user Consultation|
|-
All Wales People First Hate Crime|
|Consultation|
|-
Memorial Service for Advisory Team Member|
|-
Memorial Service for All Wales People First|
|Representative|
|Members of the Bridgend Spectrum Social Support|
|Group struggled to adapt to virtual meetings, but the|
|BSSG facilitator setup weekly virtual support groups|
|and gave additional support through social media|
|and ad-hoc phone calls.|
|In total,**56**virtual meetings were run for**10**unique|
|beneficiaries.|
Virtual Learning Disability and Autism awareness training for public and professions was run **6** times with a total attendance of **170** beneficiaries. Topics covered included: - Autism Awareness Training for BAVO - Virtual Women's Health Training in partnership with Public Health Wales - Virtual Medical Student Training for Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB BCBC tasked People First Bridgend with converting all written materials distributed by the community learning disability team into Easy Read format. These documents included: - Direct Payments information - Feedback and Complaints information - Fair Charging information People First Bridgend continued the BCBC commissioned Supported Living Accommodation consultation work virtually. In total, **95** tenants were interviewed, with **85** stories being written up. The consultation covers **7** areas, which include **49** housing units with **113** tenants. This work is still a going concern. People First Bridgend participated in the following collaboration and representation events:
- BCBC — TEC Supported Living Pilot Project group
- - All Wales People First — Regional Council Meetings
- - All Wales People First — National Council Meetings
- - All Wales People First — Support Worker Advisory Networks
- - BCBC — Bridgend Community Cohesion and Equality Forum
- - BCBC — Disability Confident Employer Scheme Consultation
- - Diverse Cymru – Draft Equality Objectives
- - Age Cymru — Cwm Taf Advocacy Network Meeting Age Cymru — National Advocacy Network Meeting
- - Cwm Taf People First — Annual General Meeting
Throughout the year, People First Bridgend worked in partnership with the following organisations: - Cwm Taf People First — The future of Daytime Opportunities planning - Cwm Taf People First — My Day My Way Project - Cwm Taf People First — Service-user friendships workshop - Cwm Taf Regional Partnership Board – Branding Workshop - Cwm Taf Regional Partnership Board – Communication and Engagement Research Diverse Cymru – Draft Equality Objectives - University College of London and Mencap — “Standing Up For Myself” Anti-Discrimination Research Project.
## **Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
|Achievements against
objectives set|Para 1.41|See above.|
|---|---|---|
|Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives set|Para 1.41|**N/A**|
|Investment performance
against objectives|Para 1.41|**N/A**|
|Other||In addition to our virtual activities, through the
pandemic, all staff made themselves available
to beneficiaries for ad-hoc support. This is not
represented in the above performance
information as it was too difficult to record or
quantify.
People First Bridgend were contacted by
University College of London, who, in
partnership with MENCAP, successfully piloted
Project STORM on People First’s Advisory
Team. This project was designed to increase
people with learning disabilities awareness
around discrimination and how to deal with it.
People First Bridgend also worked in
partnership with Cwm Taf People First on a
project called My Day My Way, which looked to
find out what people with learning disabilities
wanted their life to look like after lockdown.|
## **Financial Review**
|**Financial Review**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end of
the period|Para 1.21||The Trustees has sufficient resources through
its current funding to continue in the
immediate future.|
|Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held|Para 1.22||"Reserves" are that part of the People First
Bridgend's funds not subject to commitments,
planned expenditure or other restrictions.
People First Bridgend will match reserves to its
requirements and no more.
The Trustees aim to maintain reserves at a level
that is at least equivalent to three months'
operational expenditure.|
|Amount of reserves held|Para 1.22||**£_____**|
|Reasons for holding zero
reserves|Para 1.22||**N/A**|
|Details of fund materially in
deficit|Para 1.24||**N/A**|
|Explanation of any
uncertainties about the charity
continuing as a going concern|Para 1.23||People First Bridgend currently receives its
funds solely from its local authority—this
includes core funding. Therefore, any risks and
subsequent changes to the budgets of the local
authority have the potential to affect the
charity’s funding and its ability to operate.
**COVID-19**
During the report period, a pandemic lockdown
was put in place by the Welsh Government to
deal with the COVID-19 virus.
This affected the charity’s ability to carry out its
service because of restrictions around face-to-
face work and staff illness related to the
pandemic lockdown.
Restrictions have started to ease, and a
vaccination programme is well underway.
People First Bridgend are now doing face-to-
face independent advocacy, but its group
activities remain remote, with infrequent face-
to-face gatherings only on special occasions.
During 2021-22, the organisation plans to move
to a virtual office arrangement, with all staff
working remotely.
It continues to maintain its usual funding with
the local authority. The charity does not expect
its funding to be cut during the period 2021-22.|
## **Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
|The charity’s principal sources
of funds (including any
fundraising)|Para 1.47|People First Bridgend has held a Service Level
Agreement with Bridgend County Borough
Council for the past 25 years which provides
core funding.
People First Bridgend also has a separate
contract with BCBC to provide Statutory
Independent Professional Advocacy.|
|---|---|---|
|Investment policy and
objectives including any social
investment policy adopted|Para 1.46|N/A|
|A description of the principal
risks facingthe charity|Para 1.46|See explanation of uncertainties.|
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
|Description of charity’s trusts:||**N/A**|
|---|---|---|
|Type of governing document
(trust deed,royal charter)|Para 1.25|Constitution|
|How is the charity constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association,CIO)|Para 1.25|Charity Incorporated Organisation|
|Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled to
appoint one or more trustees|Para 1.25|**Trustees are selected in line with the Section 9**
**and 10 of the constitution:**
-
Are over 18
-
Have the skills, knowledge and
experience needed for the effective
administration of the CIO
-
Are invited to attend a meeting
-
Are approved by the trustees at an
executive meeting|
## **Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
||Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees|Para 1.51|People First Bridgend has policies in place for
inducting new trustees and ensuring that
trustee’s knowledge and skills are fit for their
roles. These include:
-
Trustee Code of Conduct
-
Values Statement
-
Conflict of Interests Policy
-
Training and Development Policy
Trustees are also issued with a portfolio of
information including the constitution, annual
report, management accounts, charity
commission guidance.|
|---|---|---|---|
|The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the charity
works|Para 1.51|**Organisational Structure**
**Executive Committee:**
-
7 Trustees
**Staff Team:**
-
Operational Manager
-
Independent Professional Advocate
-
Non-statutory Independent Advocate
-
Training and Development Worker
-
BSSG Facilitator
People First Bridgend also has an Advisory
Team made up of 10 beneficiaries which are
consulted in matters of change and direction.
This allows the organisation to be user-led
without its potentially vulnerable beneficiary
group being exposed to the legal
responsibilities of being a trustee.
People First Bridgend is part of the wider
People First movement, with which it maintains
networking links. In particular, its national
counterpart All Wales People First who act as a
conduit between local, regional and national
matters.|
|---|---|---|
|Relationship with any related
parties|Para 1.51|**N/A**|
|Other||**N/A**|
## **Reference and Administrative details**
|Charityname|People First Bridgend|
|---|---|
|Other name the charityuses|Previouslyknown as Bridgend People First|
|Registered charitynumber|11-66-485|
|Charity’s principal address|Office 28 and 32
Apollo Business Village
Heol Persondy
Aberkenfig
Bridgend CF32 9RF|
**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**
|1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20|**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for whole year**|**Name of person (or body) entitled to**
**appoint trustee(if any)**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Judith Pickard|||Executive Committee|
||Jean Gregson|Acting Chairperson||Executive Committee|
||Heather Williams|||Executive Committee|
||Elaine Williams|||Executive Committee|
||Alun Matthews|||Executive Committee|
||Mike Harris||21/01/2021 – Present|Executive Committee|
||Alys Jenkins||21/01/2021 – Present|Executive Committee|
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved
**Director name**
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
**Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year**
## **Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others**
Description of the assets held N/A in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
## **Additional information (optional)**
## **Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)**
|**Type of**|**Name**|**Address**|
|---|---|---|
|**adviser**|||
## **Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)**
Operational Manager – Adam Kurowski Wakeford
## **Exemptions from disclosure**
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
## **Other optional information**
## **Declarations**
**The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.**
**Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees**
|**Signature(s)**
**Full name(s)**
**Position (eg Secretary, Chair,**
**etc)**
**Date**|||
|---|---|---|
||Jean Gregson|Judith Pickard|
||
Acting Chairperson|Trustee|
||
24/09/2021||
||
24/09/2021||
**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1166485**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND**
**UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **FOR**
## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
Graham Paul Limited Court House Court Road Bridgend CF31 1BE
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 8
Independent Examiner's Report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Balance Sheet 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12 to 18
**----- End of picture text -----**
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Objectives and aims**
1. To relieve and support people who have a learning disability and/or with autism spectrum condition (hereafter known as "primary beneficiaries") in the County Borough of Bridgend and any other region with which the Borough works collaboratively (hereafter known as "the geographical area"), through services which can enable them to obtain their full rights and privileges as citizens.
2. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing primary beneficiaries from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those primary beneficiaries who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.
3. To advance and promote education of primary beneficiaries through training workshops and other opportunities for learning.
4. To advance the education of the general public about the educational, physical, emotional and psychological needs of primary beneficiaries.
## **Activities**
People First Bridgend (PFB) is an independent advocacy provider that supports people with a learning disability and/or with autism to express their voice and choices in relation to social services, to engage in their local community and to maintain their own independence as far as possible.
Its main activities are divided between statutory and non-statutory advocacy services.
PFB provides statutory advocacy through a contract with Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) to provide learning disability-specialist Independent Professional Advocacy, as required by the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. This service supports people with learning disabilities to understand and make choices about their care and support whilst in receipt of statutory services or processes, such as social services assessments.
PFB provide non-statutory advocacy through a separate service level agreement with BCBC. Under this, it provides a range of services, such as self-advocacy and peer-support groups, disability awareness training for public and professionals, translation of documents into Easy Read, and other ad-hoc activities that promote self-advocacy skills, participation and representation and co-production.
The service level agreement also funds the core costs of the organisation, such as management, administration, and office facilities.
## **Public benefit**
Trustees ensure that all decisions regarding the use of funds and operations are in line solely with the objects of the charity and its operations benefit its primary beneficiaries.
-1-
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
Throughout the year, People First Bridgend ran two on-going services commissioned by Bridgend County Borough Council.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that all face-to-face activities had to stop due to emergency lockdown conditions. The organisation struggled to continue at first, but made adaptions throughout the year that allowed its beneficiaries to remain supported.
People First Bridgend acquired money through the Integrated Care Fund to buy tablet PCs for some of its group members. This was to enable them to continue participation in virtual self-advocacy activities, keep in contact with friends and families and access any other activities which helped them maintain positive well-being whilst isolating.
Below is a breakdown of how the services performed throughout the year.
## **Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy - BCBC**
The service received 16 new referrals during the year. They came from the following sources:
- BCBC Social Services Learning Disability Team
- BCBC Social Services Looked After Children Team
- Mirus
- Parc Prison
- Public Service Ombudsman for Wales
- Bridgend Voice and Choice Advocacy Hub
In total, the service supported 55 unique beneficiaries with 103 advocacy issues.
Throughout the year, the service supported people with following advocacy issues:
- Assessment, care and support planning and reviews
- Safeguarding
- Accessing information, advice and assistance
- Accommodation issues
- Concern, dissatisfaction and complaints
- Change of service type or preparing to leave hospital and return to the community
- Preparing to leave prison
- Legal
- Court of Protection Investigation
- Family conflicts of interest
- Prison Transgender Case Board Review
17 beneficiaries and 22 advocacy issues were closed.
The service made a total of 9 signpostings to the following organisations:
- Tros Gynnol Plant
- Mental Health Matters Wales
- Advocacy Support Cymru
- Advocacy Matters Wales
- PFB Non-statutory Advocacy Service
- Cardiff and Vale Advocacy Gateway
- BAVO Community Navigators
- Christians Against Poverty
-2-
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **Peer Support and Skills for Independence SLA - BCBC**
The Non-statutory Independent Advocacy Service received 11 new referrals.
In total, the service supported 25 beneficiaries with 41 advocacy issues, which included:
The service supported people with the following advocacy issues:
- Assessment, Care and Support Planning, Reviews
- Accessing Information, Advice and Assistance
- Accommodation
- Concern, Dissatisfaction, Complaints
- Benefits Application, Challenges, Tribunal Process
- Care and Legal Proceedings
- Social Isolation and promoting well-being
- Contacting officialdom and related statutory organisations
- Safeguarding
- Accessing healthcare
- Securing financial entitlements
- Care proceedings
- Integrated Autism Service referrals
- PAM assessments
- Production of Easy Read minutes for meetings
The Skills for Independence Self-advocacy group could not run, due to COVID-19 restrictions and staff capacity. Instead, the organisation developed activity packs that were sent to keep people informed and occupied during lockdown.
15 activity packs were developed and sent monthly to 47 unique beneficiaries. In total, 740 activity packs were sent.
Activity packs included the following content:
- Arts and Crafts Activities
- BCBC Budget Consultation
- COVID-19 Lockdown Rules/Guidance
- Crosswords/Colouring/Puzzles
- Emergency Numbers/information
- Hate Crime Consultation
- Health and Safety/PPE Guidance
- Health Eating Recipes
- Hospital Traffic Light System Forms
- Keep Safe Cymru Registration Forms
- Learning Disability Wales Research Questionnaire
- Mindfulness Exercises
- SBUHB Report on LD Services
At the beginning of the pandemic, Advisory Team members were given phone support, but eventually people started to access equipment that allowed them to meet virtually.
In total, there were 18 virtual Advisory Team meetings with 16 unique beneficiaries.
The following topics were covered during meetings: - Zoom tutorial and practical activities
- Coronavirus FAQ
-3-
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
- Pandemic Rules and Quiz
- BCBC Budget Consultation
- Remembrance Day Event
- History of Learning Disability and Self-advocacy
- SBUHB Service-user Consultation
- All Wales People First Bridgend Hate Crime Consultation
- Memorial Service for Advisory Team Member
- Memorial Service for All Wales People First Bridgend Representative
Members of the Bridgend Spectrum Social Support Group struggled to adapt to virtual meetings, but the BSSG facilitator setup weekly virtual support groups and gave additional support through social media and ad-hoc phone calls.
In total, 56 virtual meetings were run for 10 unique beneficiaries.
Virtual Learning Disability and Autism awareness training for public and professionals was run 6 times with a total attendance of 170 beneficiaries.
Topics covered included:
- Autism Awareness Training for BAVO
- Virtual Women's Health Training in partnership with Public Health Wales
- Virtual Medical Student Training for Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB
BCBC tasked People First Bridgend with converting all written materials distributed by the Community Learning Disability Team into Easy Read format. These documents included:
- Direct Payments information
- Feedback and Complaints information
- Fair Charging information
People First Bridgend continued the BCBC commissioned Supported Living Accommodation consultation work virtually.
In total, 95 tenants were interviewed, with 85 stories being written up.
The consultation covers 7 areas, which include 49 housing units with 113 tenants. This work is still a going concern.
People First Bridgend participated in the following collaboration and representation events:
- BCBC - TEC Supported Living Pilot Project group
- All Wales People First Bridgend - Regional Council Meetings
- All Wales People First Bridgend - National Council Meetings
- All Wales People First Bridgend - Support Worker Advisory Networks
- BCBC - Bridgend Community Cohesion and Equality Forum
- BCBC - Disability Confident Employer Scheme Consultation
- Diverse Cymru - Draft Equality Objectives
- Age Cymru - Cwm Taf Advocacy Network Meeting
- Age Cymru - National Advocacy Network Meeting
- Cwm Taf People First Bridgend - Annual General Meeting
Throughout the year, People First Bridgend worked in partnership with the following organisations:
- Cwm Taf People First Bridgend - The future of Daytime Opportunities planning
- Cwm Taf People First Bridgend - My Day My Way Project
- Cwm Taf People First Bridgend - Service-user friendships workshop
-4-
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
- Cwm Taf Regional Partnership Board - Branding Workshop
- Cwm Taf Regional Partnership Board - Communication and Engagement Research
- Diverse Cymru - Draft Equality Objectives
- University College of London and Mencap
- "Standing Up For Myself" Anti-Discrimination Research Project
In addition to our virtual activities, through the pandemic, all staff made themselves available to beneficiaries for ad-hoc support. This is not represented in the above performance information as it was too difficult to record or quantify.
People First Bridgend were contacted by University College of London, who, in partnership with MENCAP, successfully piloted Project STORM on People First Bridgend's Advisory Team. This project was designed to increase people with learning disabilities awareness around discrimination and how to deal with it.
People First Bridgend also worked in partnership with Cwm Taf People First Bridgend on a project called My Day My Way, which looked to find out what people with learning disabilities wanted their life to look like after lockdown.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Financial position**
The Trustees believe the charity has sufficient resources through its current funding to continue into the immediate future.
## **Principal funding sources**
People First Bridgend has held a Service Level Agreement with Bridgend County Borough Council for the past 25 years which provides core funding.
People First Bridgend also has a separate contract with BCBC to provide Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy.
## **Reserves policy**
"Reserves" are that part of the People First Bridgend's funds not subject to commitments, planned expenditure or other restrictions.
People First Bridgend will match reserves to its requirements and no more.
The Trustees aim to maintain reserves at a level that is at least equivalent to three months' operational expenditure.
-5-
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Going concern**
People First Bridgend currently receives its funds solely from its local authority including core funding. Therefore, any risks and subsequent changes to the budgets of the local authority have the potential to affect the charity's funding and its ability to operate.
## **COVID-19**
During the report period, a pandemic lockdown was put in place by the Welsh Government to deal with the COVID-19 virus.
This affected the charity's ability to carry out its service because of restrictions around face-to-face work and staff illness related to the pandemic lockdown.
Restrictions have started to ease, and a vaccination programme is well underway. People First Bridgend are now doing face-to-face independent advocacy, but its group activities remain remote, with infrequent face-to-face gatherings only on special occasions.
During 2021-22, the organisation plans to move to a virtual office arrangement, with all staff working remotely.
It continues to maintain its usual funding with the local authority. The charity does not expect its funding to be cut during the period 2021-22.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Governing document**
People First Bridgend is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees**
Appointed for a term of 3 years, after the initial trustees appointed to set up the CIO, by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
## **Trustees are selected in line with the Section 9 and 10 of the constitution:**
- Are over 18
- Have the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO
- Are invited to attend a meeting
- Are approved by the trustees at an executive meeting
People First Bridgend has policies in place for inducting new trustees and ensuring that trustee's knowledge and skills are fit for their roles. These include:
- Trustee Code of Conduct
- Values Statement
- Conflict of Interests Policy
- Training and Development Policy
Trustees are also issued with a portfolio of information including the constitution, annual report, management accounts, charity commission guidance.
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Organisational structure Executive Committee:**
- 7 Trustees
## **Staff Team:**
- Operational Manager
- Independent Professional Advocate
- Non-statutory Independent Advocate
- Training and Development Worker
- BSSG Facilitator
People First Bridgend also has an Advisory Team made up of 10 beneficiaries which are consulted in matters of change and direction. This allows the organisation to be user-led without its potentially vulnerable beneficiary group being exposed to the legal responsibilities of being a trustee.
People First Bridgend is part of the wider People First movement, with which it maintains networking links. In particular, its national counterpart All Wales People First who act as a conduit between local, regional and national matters.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Number**
1166485
## **Principal Address**
Office 28 and 32 Apollo Business Village Heol Persondy Aberkenfig CF32 9RF
## **Operational Manager**
Adam Kurowski Wakeford
## **Trustees**
Judith Pickard Jean Gregson Heather Williams Alun Phillips Elaine Williams
## **Independent Examiner**
Graham Paul Limited Court House Court Road Bridgend CF31 1BE
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24 September 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
Miss J A Pickard - Trustee
-8-
**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of People First Bridgend**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of People First Bridgend (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2021.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
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.
J Payne ACA Graham Paul Limited Court House Court Road Bridgend CF31 1BE
24 September 2021
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
|Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
-
**Charitable activities**
2
Supporting people with learning disability
5,251
**Total**
5,251
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
3
Supporting people with learning disability
8,455
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
(3,204)
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
**Total funds brought forward**
19,781
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
16,577|Restricted
fund
£
-
96,883
96,883
92,805
4,078
833
4,911|2021
Total
funds
£
-
102,134
102,134
101,260
874
20,614
21,488|2020
Total
funds
£
693
96,332
97,025
105,838
(8,813)
29,427
20,614|
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2021**
|Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
fund
Notes
£
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
8
-
4,064
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
9
-
238
Cash at bank and in hand
17,637
2,638
17,637
2,876
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
10
(1,060)
(2,029)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
16,577
847
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
16,577
4,911
**NET ASSETS**
16,577
4,911
**FUNDS**
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|2021
Total
funds
£
4,064
238
20,275
20,513
(3,089)
17,424
21,488
21,488
16,577
4,911
21,488|2020
Total
funds
£
4,808
386
21,911
22,297
(6,491)
15,806
20,614
20,614
19,781
833
20,614|
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24 September 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:
J A Pickard - Trustee
J Gregson - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **Basis of preparing the financial statements**
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', 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.
Improvements to property - 25% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on reducing balance
## **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.
## **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.
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**
The BCBC Peer-support and Skills for Independence SLA grant was used to provide preventative advocacy-related services to people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum condition.
The BCBC Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy contract funds were used to provide crisis/intervention advocacy services to people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum condition.
The breakdown of grant income received during the year is as follows:
|BCBC SLA Grant
BCBC SIPA Contract
Intergrated Care Fund
**3.**
**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**
Direct
Support
Costs
costs
£
£
Supporting people with learning
disability
83,162
18,098|**£**
68,000
27,000
1,883
96,883|
|---|---|
||Totals
£
101,260|
## **4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS**
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2021 nor for the year ended 31 March 2020.
## **Trustees' expenses**
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2021 nor for the year ended 31 March 2020.
## **5. STAFF COSTS**
|Wages and salaries
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Direct Charitable Activities|2021
£
63,232
2,431
65,663
2021
5|2020
£
69,625
-
69,625
2020
6|
|---|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **5. STAFF COSTS - continued**
The total amount paid to key management personnel in the financial year was £27,934.
|**6.**
**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
Unrestricted
fund
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
693
**Charitable activities**
Supporting people with learning disability
1,332
**Total**
2,025
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
Supporting people with learning disability
-
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
2,025
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
**Total funds brought forward**
17,756
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
19,781|Restricted
fund
£
-
95,000
95,000
105,838
(10,838)
11,671
833|Total
funds
£
693
96,332
97,025
105,838
(8,813)
29,427
20,614|
|---|---|---|
## **7. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS FEES**
Included in charitable activities costs are fees payable for Independent Examination of £1,730.
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## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Improvements Fixtures
to and
property fittings Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 1 April 2020 1,405 31,893 33,298
Additions - 564 564
At 31 March 2021 1,405 32,457 33,862
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2020 1,405 27,085 28,490
-
Charge for year 1,308 1,308
At 31 March 2021 1,405 28,393 29,798
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2021 - 4,064 4,064
At 31 March 2020 - 4,808 4,808
9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2021 2020
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 238 386
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2021 2020
£ £
Trade creditors - 2,700
Other creditors 3,089 3,791
3,089 6,491
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement At
At 1.4.20 in funds 31.3.21
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 19,781 (3,204) 16,577
Restricted funds
Advocacy 833 4,078 4,911
TOTAL FUNDS 20,614 874 21,488
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
**TOTAL FUNDS**
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
5,251
96,883
102,134
At 1.4.19
£
17,756
11,671
29,427
as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
2,025
95,000
97,025|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(8,455)
(3,204)
(92,805)
4,078
(101,260)
874
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.20
£
£
2,025
19,781
(10,838)
833
(8,813)
20,614
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
-
2,025
(105,838)
(10,838)
(105,838)
(8,813)|
|---|---|---|
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
|At 1.4.19
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
17,756
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
11,671|Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.21
£
£
(1,179)
16,577
(6,760)
4,911|
|---|---|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**
29,427|(7,939)
21,488|
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**
Advocacy
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
7,276
191,883
199,159|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(8,455)
(1,179)
(198,643)
(6,760)
(207,098)
(7,939)|
|---|---|---|
## **Main Projects**
Bridgend County Borough Council funding is to:
- Provide an independent advocacy service
- Promote person centred working
- Consult with beneficiaries and provide representation of beneficiaries
- Provide information or signpost beneficiaries to other agencies
- Provide education and training
- Collaborate with other agencies where this will benefit beneficiaries
- Translate information into accessible formats
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES**
In the financial year, £1,548 (2020: £3,200) was paid to former manager and trustee of People First Bridgend, Katrina Kurowski. The full amount was in relation to consultancy work on a project for Bridgend County Council carried out on behalf of People First Bridgend. In addition, the £2,700 owed at the end of the last accounting year was paid, and there was no remaining balance to be paid at the year end.
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**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1166485**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND**
**UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **FOR**
## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
Graham Paul Limited Court House Court Road Bridgend CF31 1BE
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 8
Independent Examiner's Report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Balance Sheet 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12 to 18
**----- End of picture text -----**
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Objectives and aims**
1. To relieve and support people who have a learning disability and/or with autism spectrum condition (hereafter known as "primary beneficiaries") in the County Borough of Bridgend and any other region with which the Borough works collaboratively (hereafter known as "the geographical area"), through services which can enable them to obtain their full rights and privileges as citizens.
2. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing primary beneficiaries from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those primary beneficiaries who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.
3. To advance and promote education of primary beneficiaries through training workshops and other opportunities for learning.
4. To advance the education of the general public about the educational, physical, emotional and psychological needs of primary beneficiaries.
## **Activities**
People First Bridgend (PFB) is an independent advocacy provider that supports people with a learning disability and/or with autism to express their voice and choices in relation to social services, to engage in their local community and to maintain their own independence as far as possible.
Its main activities are divided between statutory and non-statutory advocacy services.
PFB provides statutory advocacy through a contract with Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) to provide learning disability-specialist Independent Professional Advocacy, as required by the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. This service supports people with learning disabilities to understand and make choices about their care and support whilst in receipt of statutory services or processes, such as social services assessments.
PFB provide non-statutory advocacy through a separate service level agreement with BCBC. Under this, it provides a range of services, such as self-advocacy and peer-support groups, disability awareness training for public and professionals, translation of documents into Easy Read, and other ad-hoc activities that promote self-advocacy skills, participation and representation and co-production.
The service level agreement also funds the core costs of the organisation, such as management, administration, and office facilities.
## **Public benefit**
Trustees ensure that all decisions regarding the use of funds and operations are in line solely with the objects of the charity and its operations benefit its primary beneficiaries.
-1-
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
Throughout the year, People First Bridgend ran two on-going services commissioned by Bridgend County Borough Council.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that all face-to-face activities had to stop due to emergency lockdown conditions. The organisation struggled to continue at first, but made adaptions throughout the year that allowed its beneficiaries to remain supported.
People First Bridgend acquired money through the Integrated Care Fund to buy tablet PCs for some of its group members. This was to enable them to continue participation in virtual self-advocacy activities, keep in contact with friends and families and access any other activities which helped them maintain positive well-being whilst isolating.
Below is a breakdown of how the services performed throughout the year.
## **Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy - BCBC**
The service received 16 new referrals during the year. They came from the following sources:
- BCBC Social Services Learning Disability Team
- BCBC Social Services Looked After Children Team
- Mirus
- Parc Prison
- Public Service Ombudsman for Wales
- Bridgend Voice and Choice Advocacy Hub
In total, the service supported 55 unique beneficiaries with 103 advocacy issues.
Throughout the year, the service supported people with following advocacy issues:
- Assessment, care and support planning and reviews
- Safeguarding
- Accessing information, advice and assistance
- Accommodation issues
- Concern, dissatisfaction and complaints
- Change of service type or preparing to leave hospital and return to the community
- Preparing to leave prison
- Legal
- Court of Protection Investigation
- Family conflicts of interest
- Prison Transgender Case Board Review
17 beneficiaries and 22 advocacy issues were closed.
The service made a total of 9 signpostings to the following organisations:
- Tros Gynnol Plant
- Mental Health Matters Wales
- Advocacy Support Cymru
- Advocacy Matters Wales
- PFB Non-statutory Advocacy Service
- Cardiff and Vale Advocacy Gateway
- BAVO Community Navigators
- Christians Against Poverty
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **Peer Support and Skills for Independence SLA - BCBC**
The Non-statutory Independent Advocacy Service received 11 new referrals.
In total, the service supported 25 beneficiaries with 41 advocacy issues, which included:
The service supported people with the following advocacy issues:
- Assessment, Care and Support Planning, Reviews
- Accessing Information, Advice and Assistance
- Accommodation
- Concern, Dissatisfaction, Complaints
- Benefits Application, Challenges, Tribunal Process
- Care and Legal Proceedings
- Social Isolation and promoting well-being
- Contacting officialdom and related statutory organisations
- Safeguarding
- Accessing healthcare
- Securing financial entitlements
- Care proceedings
- Integrated Autism Service referrals
- PAM assessments
- Production of Easy Read minutes for meetings
The Skills for Independence Self-advocacy group could not run, due to COVID-19 restrictions and staff capacity. Instead, the organisation developed activity packs that were sent to keep people informed and occupied during lockdown.
15 activity packs were developed and sent monthly to 47 unique beneficiaries. In total, 740 activity packs were sent.
Activity packs included the following content:
- Arts and Crafts Activities
- BCBC Budget Consultation
- COVID-19 Lockdown Rules/Guidance
- Crosswords/Colouring/Puzzles
- Emergency Numbers/information
- Hate Crime Consultation
- Health and Safety/PPE Guidance
- Health Eating Recipes
- Hospital Traffic Light System Forms
- Keep Safe Cymru Registration Forms
- Learning Disability Wales Research Questionnaire
- Mindfulness Exercises
- SBUHB Report on LD Services
At the beginning of the pandemic, Advisory Team members were given phone support, but eventually people started to access equipment that allowed them to meet virtually.
In total, there were 18 virtual Advisory Team meetings with 16 unique beneficiaries.
The following topics were covered during meetings: - Zoom tutorial and practical activities
- Coronavirus FAQ
-3-
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
- Pandemic Rules and Quiz
- BCBC Budget Consultation
- Remembrance Day Event
- History of Learning Disability and Self-advocacy
- SBUHB Service-user Consultation
- All Wales People First Bridgend Hate Crime Consultation
- Memorial Service for Advisory Team Member
- Memorial Service for All Wales People First Bridgend Representative
Members of the Bridgend Spectrum Social Support Group struggled to adapt to virtual meetings, but the BSSG facilitator setup weekly virtual support groups and gave additional support through social media and ad-hoc phone calls.
In total, 56 virtual meetings were run for 10 unique beneficiaries.
Virtual Learning Disability and Autism awareness training for public and professionals was run 6 times with a total attendance of 170 beneficiaries.
Topics covered included:
- Autism Awareness Training for BAVO
- Virtual Women's Health Training in partnership with Public Health Wales
- Virtual Medical Student Training for Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB
BCBC tasked People First Bridgend with converting all written materials distributed by the Community Learning Disability Team into Easy Read format. These documents included:
- Direct Payments information
- Feedback and Complaints information
- Fair Charging information
People First Bridgend continued the BCBC commissioned Supported Living Accommodation consultation work virtually.
In total, 95 tenants were interviewed, with 85 stories being written up.
The consultation covers 7 areas, which include 49 housing units with 113 tenants. This work is still a going concern.
People First Bridgend participated in the following collaboration and representation events:
- BCBC - TEC Supported Living Pilot Project group
- All Wales People First Bridgend - Regional Council Meetings
- All Wales People First Bridgend - National Council Meetings
- All Wales People First Bridgend - Support Worker Advisory Networks
- BCBC - Bridgend Community Cohesion and Equality Forum
- BCBC - Disability Confident Employer Scheme Consultation
- Diverse Cymru - Draft Equality Objectives
- Age Cymru - Cwm Taf Advocacy Network Meeting
- Age Cymru - National Advocacy Network Meeting
- Cwm Taf People First Bridgend - Annual General Meeting
Throughout the year, People First Bridgend worked in partnership with the following organisations:
- Cwm Taf People First Bridgend - The future of Daytime Opportunities planning
- Cwm Taf People First Bridgend - My Day My Way Project
- Cwm Taf People First Bridgend - Service-user friendships workshop
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
- Cwm Taf Regional Partnership Board - Branding Workshop
- Cwm Taf Regional Partnership Board - Communication and Engagement Research
- Diverse Cymru - Draft Equality Objectives
- University College of London and Mencap
- "Standing Up For Myself" Anti-Discrimination Research Project
In addition to our virtual activities, through the pandemic, all staff made themselves available to beneficiaries for ad-hoc support. This is not represented in the above performance information as it was too difficult to record or quantify.
People First Bridgend were contacted by University College of London, who, in partnership with MENCAP, successfully piloted Project STORM on People First Bridgend's Advisory Team. This project was designed to increase people with learning disabilities awareness around discrimination and how to deal with it.
People First Bridgend also worked in partnership with Cwm Taf People First Bridgend on a project called My Day My Way, which looked to find out what people with learning disabilities wanted their life to look like after lockdown.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Financial position**
The Trustees believe the charity has sufficient resources through its current funding to continue into the immediate future.
## **Principal funding sources**
People First Bridgend has held a Service Level Agreement with Bridgend County Borough Council for the past 25 years which provides core funding.
People First Bridgend also has a separate contract with BCBC to provide Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy.
## **Reserves policy**
"Reserves" are that part of the People First Bridgend's funds not subject to commitments, planned expenditure or other restrictions.
People First Bridgend will match reserves to its requirements and no more.
The Trustees aim to maintain reserves at a level that is at least equivalent to three months' operational expenditure.
-5-
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Going concern**
People First Bridgend currently receives its funds solely from its local authority including core funding. Therefore, any risks and subsequent changes to the budgets of the local authority have the potential to affect the charity's funding and its ability to operate.
## **COVID-19**
During the report period, a pandemic lockdown was put in place by the Welsh Government to deal with the COVID-19 virus.
This affected the charity's ability to carry out its service because of restrictions around face-to-face work and staff illness related to the pandemic lockdown.
Restrictions have started to ease, and a vaccination programme is well underway. People First Bridgend are now doing face-to-face independent advocacy, but its group activities remain remote, with infrequent face-to-face gatherings only on special occasions.
During 2021-22, the organisation plans to move to a virtual office arrangement, with all staff working remotely.
It continues to maintain its usual funding with the local authority. The charity does not expect its funding to be cut during the period 2021-22.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Governing document**
People First Bridgend is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees**
Appointed for a term of 3 years, after the initial trustees appointed to set up the CIO, by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
## **Trustees are selected in line with the Section 9 and 10 of the constitution:**
- Are over 18
- Have the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO
- Are invited to attend a meeting
- Are approved by the trustees at an executive meeting
People First Bridgend has policies in place for inducting new trustees and ensuring that trustee's knowledge and skills are fit for their roles. These include:
- Trustee Code of Conduct
- Values Statement
- Conflict of Interests Policy
- Training and Development Policy
Trustees are also issued with a portfolio of information including the constitution, annual report, management accounts, charity commission guidance.
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Organisational structure Executive Committee:**
- 7 Trustees
## **Staff Team:**
- Operational Manager
- Independent Professional Advocate
- Non-statutory Independent Advocate
- Training and Development Worker
- BSSG Facilitator
People First Bridgend also has an Advisory Team made up of 10 beneficiaries which are consulted in matters of change and direction. This allows the organisation to be user-led without its potentially vulnerable beneficiary group being exposed to the legal responsibilities of being a trustee.
People First Bridgend is part of the wider People First movement, with which it maintains networking links. In particular, its national counterpart All Wales People First who act as a conduit between local, regional and national matters.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Number**
1166485
## **Principal Address**
Office 28 and 32 Apollo Business Village Heol Persondy Aberkenfig CF32 9RF
## **Operational Manager**
Adam Kurowski Wakeford
## **Trustees**
Judith Pickard Jean Gregson Heather Williams Alun Phillips Elaine Williams
## **Independent Examiner**
Graham Paul Limited Court House Court Road Bridgend CF31 1BE
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24 September 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
Miss J A Pickard - Trustee
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**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of People First Bridgend**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of People First Bridgend (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2021.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
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.
J Payne ACA Graham Paul Limited Court House Court Road Bridgend CF31 1BE
24 September 2021
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
|Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
-
**Charitable activities**
2
Supporting people with learning disability
5,251
**Total**
5,251
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
3
Supporting people with learning disability
8,455
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
(3,204)
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
**Total funds brought forward**
19,781
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
16,577|Restricted
fund
£
-
96,883
96,883
92,805
4,078
833
4,911|2021
Total
funds
£
-
102,134
102,134
101,260
874
20,614
21,488|2020
Total
funds
£
693
96,332
97,025
105,838
(8,813)
29,427
20,614|
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2021**
|Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
fund
Notes
£
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
8
-
4,064
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
9
-
238
Cash at bank and in hand
17,637
2,638
17,637
2,876
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
10
(1,060)
(2,029)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
16,577
847
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
16,577
4,911
**NET ASSETS**
16,577
4,911
**FUNDS**
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|2021
Total
funds
£
4,064
238
20,275
20,513
(3,089)
17,424
21,488
21,488
16,577
4,911
21,488|2020
Total
funds
£
4,808
386
21,911
22,297
(6,491)
15,806
20,614
20,614
19,781
833
20,614|
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24 September 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:
J A Pickard - Trustee
J Gregson - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **Basis of preparing the financial statements**
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', 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.
Improvements to property - 25% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on reducing balance
## **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.
## **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.
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**
The BCBC Peer-support and Skills for Independence SLA grant was used to provide preventative advocacy-related services to people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum condition.
The BCBC Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy contract funds were used to provide crisis/intervention advocacy services to people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum condition.
The breakdown of grant income received during the year is as follows:
|BCBC SLA Grant
BCBC SIPA Contract
Intergrated Care Fund
**3.**
**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**
Direct
Support
Costs
costs
£
£
Supporting people with learning
disability
83,162
18,098|**£**
68,000
27,000
1,883
96,883|
|---|---|
||Totals
£
101,260|
## **4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS**
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2021 nor for the year ended 31 March 2020.
## **Trustees' expenses**
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2021 nor for the year ended 31 March 2020.
## **5. STAFF COSTS**
|Wages and salaries
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Direct Charitable Activities|2021
£
63,232
2,431
65,663
2021
5|2020
£
69,625
-
69,625
2020
6|
|---|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **5. STAFF COSTS - continued**
The total amount paid to key management personnel in the financial year was £27,934.
|**6.**
**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
Unrestricted
fund
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
693
**Charitable activities**
Supporting people with learning disability
1,332
**Total**
2,025
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
Supporting people with learning disability
-
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
2,025
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
**Total funds brought forward**
17,756
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
19,781|Restricted
fund
£
-
95,000
95,000
105,838
(10,838)
11,671
833|Total
funds
£
693
96,332
97,025
105,838
(8,813)
29,427
20,614|
|---|---|---|
## **7. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS FEES**
Included in charitable activities costs are fees payable for Independent Examination of £1,730.
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## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Improvements Fixtures
to and
property fittings Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 1 April 2020 1,405 31,893 33,298
Additions - 564 564
At 31 March 2021 1,405 32,457 33,862
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2020 1,405 27,085 28,490
-
Charge for year 1,308 1,308
At 31 March 2021 1,405 28,393 29,798
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2021 - 4,064 4,064
At 31 March 2020 - 4,808 4,808
9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2021 2020
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 238 386
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2021 2020
£ £
Trade creditors - 2,700
Other creditors 3,089 3,791
3,089 6,491
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement At
At 1.4.20 in funds 31.3.21
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 19,781 (3,204) 16,577
Restricted funds
Advocacy 833 4,078 4,911
TOTAL FUNDS 20,614 874 21,488
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
**TOTAL FUNDS**
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
5,251
96,883
102,134
At 1.4.19
£
17,756
11,671
29,427
as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
2,025
95,000
97,025|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(8,455)
(3,204)
(92,805)
4,078
(101,260)
874
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.20
£
£
2,025
19,781
(10,838)
833
(8,813)
20,614
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
-
2,025
(105,838)
(10,838)
(105,838)
(8,813)|
|---|---|---|
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
|At 1.4.19
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
17,756
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
11,671|Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.21
£
£
(1,179)
16,577
(6,760)
4,911|
|---|---|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**
29,427|(7,939)
21,488|
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**
Advocacy
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
7,276
191,883
199,159|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(8,455)
(1,179)
(198,643)
(6,760)
(207,098)
(7,939)|
|---|---|---|
## **Main Projects**
Bridgend County Borough Council funding is to:
- Provide an independent advocacy service
- Promote person centred working
- Consult with beneficiaries and provide representation of beneficiaries
- Provide information or signpost beneficiaries to other agencies
- Provide education and training
- Collaborate with other agencies where this will benefit beneficiaries
- Translate information into accessible formats
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**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES**
In the financial year, £1,548 (2020: £3,200) was paid to former manager and trustee of People First Bridgend, Katrina Kurowski. The full amount was in relation to consultancy work on a project for Bridgend County Council carried out on behalf of People First Bridgend. In addition, the £2,700 owed at the end of the last accounting year was paid, and there was no remaining balance to be paid at the year end.
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