## **Trustee’s Annual Report** **Charity Name:** People First Bridgend **CIO Number:** 1166485 **Period Start/End:** 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024 ## 1. Objectives and Activities **Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document.** **SORP Reference:** Para 1.17 People First Bridgend’s charity objectives are: **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.** from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those primary beneficiaries who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society. **3.** 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 SORP Reference: for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or** Para 1.17, 1.19 ## **Main Activities** People First Bridgend advocates for adults with learning disabilities and neurodiversity living in Bridgend County, Wales. We support these people to: - Speak-up about important issues aOecting their lives, - Have a voice in decisions about their care and support, Be equal, active citizens in their community, - Teach others about what it means to have learning disabilities and neurodiversity. Page 1 of 11 We do this through several core activities, including: - Self-Advocacy groups - Independent Professional Advocacy - Easy Read - Awareness Training - Steering Groups / Away Days - Consultation work People First Bridgend does this work under two local authority contracts: ## **1) Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** Advocacy under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014. This is independent advocacy for people entering or accessing social services provided by Bridgend County Borough Council. Clients typically need advocacy to have an equal voice or alleviate a conflict of interest when they are subject to social services functions. ## **2) Non-Statutory Advocacy (previously Peer-support and Skills for Independence)** Advocacy not constrained to those using statutory services. This includes several diOerent types of activities: - Independent advocacy for those not in receipt of or awaiting assessment for social services, - Advisory Team self-advocacy group for adults with learning disabilities, - support, - Training for professionals and public around learning disability and neurodiversity issues, - Accessible information translation, - Participation and representation of learning disability and neurodiversity in a range of networks, forums, steering groups and workstreams at a local and national level. **SORP Reference: to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public** Para 1.18 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. Page 2 of 11 ## 2. Achievements and Performance **Summary of the main achievements of the charity, SORP Reference: identifying the diMerence the charity’s work has made to the** Para 1.20 **circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.** ## **Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA)** We continued to provide advocacy under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and for non-statutory issues. This is independent advocacy for adults with learning disabilities or autism accessing health and social services provided by Bridgend County Borough Council, or who live in Bridgend County. IPA makes sure people with care and support needs: - Have a voice in what care and support they get, - Have an equal relationship with their care provider, - Have someone who is working in their interests only, - Can understand what is going on or have help to understand if they can’t, - Can put their views and wishes across or have help to if they can’t. During the reporting period, our IPA service achieved the following: - Took **31** New Referrals - Worked with **32** clients - Worked on **123** statutory advocacy issues - Worked on **27** preventive service related issues - Closed **17** clients - Made **17** signposting referrals to other organisations ## **Advisory Team Self-Advocacy Group (A-Team)** Our A-Team is made up of adults with learning disabilities from around Bridgend County. They use their self-advocacy voices to speak up about important issues on behalf of Bridgend’s learning disability community. They do this for local, regional and national issues. Stats: - 21 Unique Members - 22 Meetings Held - 55 New Enquiries The A-Team consistently met bi-monthly in-person. We facilitated sessions around several topical issues for our members to give self-advocacy input, including: - Meet and greet with our local MP, Chris Elmore - Meet and greets with our local MS’, Huw Iranca Davies and Sarah Murphy Page 3 of 11 - Meeting BCBC’s health team to discuss roles - Consultation with Learning Disability Wales’ Gig Buddies project - Meetings with Swansea University to explore lived experience training - Developing a jargon roleplay for BCBC’s service development plan - Linking in with the Regional Partnership Board, exploring membership and chairing roles Additionally, we supported our members to attend the following meetings: - All Wales People First’s National Council Meeting - All Wales People First’s Advocacy Festival (AdFest) - Focus Group with BCBC’s Social Services Director - Regional Partnership Board’s Community Workstream, including a Chair role - Regional Partnership Board’s Driving Change Forward event, including facilitating and chairing it - BCBC’s Away Day for learning disability services Two of our members now have a chairing role for the following groups: - BCBC’s Better Together Bridgend (formally, the Service Development Plan) - Regional Partnership Board’s Community Workstream ## **Bridgend Spectrum Support Group (BSSG)** The BSSG is a peer-support group for adults higher-functioning autism. Practice-based sessions are run in partnership with the Assisted Recovery in the Community centre (ARC). They give members a safe space to be autistic and learn coping skills. A counterpart social session is arranged where members arrange to meet somewhere in the community to put their skills into practice. This year, the group continued to co-deliver Art Therapy Sessions with the National Autistic Society. They were able to obtain grant funding from ARC to do several away days, including to St. Fagan’s and Big Pit, and gained membership onto the Regional Neurodiversity Steering Group. Stats: - 57 Unique Members - 28 Meetings Held ## **Accessible Information** We translate information into Easy Read. We produced the following: - Regional Partnership Board’s Community Workstream minutes - Regional Partnership Board’s Driving Change Forward agenda and invite Page 4 of 11 - BCBC’s Feedback and Complaints policy - BCBC’s Engagement and Participation Strategy - BCBC’s Strategic Equality Plan - Public Services Board’s Well-being Plan - BCBC’s Better Together Bridgend invite, agenda and minutes Stats: - 14 Requests Received - 182 Pages Produced - 15 Documents Completed ## **Training** We ran “What is Advocacy? What is People First?” sessions for: - BAVO’s Community Navigators - Swansea University’s Social Work students - BCBC’s Supported Living services - Regional Partnership Board’s Health workstream We ran Learning Disability Awareness Training for Swansea University and South Wales Police and took part in a mock Registered Intermediary session with the police. Stats: - 8 Requests Received - 4 Sessions Delivered - 20 Attendees ## **Additional Activities:** - We interviewed tenants of a BCBC commissioned supported living home for adults with complex needs. From these interviews we created two “Pen Portraits” of the tenants to be used during re-commissioning of the placement. - We undertook 100 interviews with adults accessing Daytime Opportunities services. This was turned into a report for BCBC as part of their Learning Disability Transformation Programme to overhaul day services. ## 3. Financial Review **SORP Reference: period.** Para 1.21 **Income** Page 5 of 11 contracts with Bridgend County Borough Council: ## **+ Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** £32,400 **+ Non-Statutory Advocacy:** £81,600 We received grant restricted funding from ARC: ## **+ BSSG Socialisation Funding:** £1,500 And a donation from: **+ Swansea University:** £1,000 ## **Expenditure** People First Bridgend's expenditure on its advocacy contracts is as follows: ## **- Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** £26,982 **- Non-Statutory Advocacy:** £73,432 We were once again underspent in both contracts. As in the previous year, we faced challenges in recruiting new staO, which is the main reason for our underspend. We recruited an Advocacy Coordinator and an Independent Professional Advocate in Q2, but one post remained vacant at the year end. With agreement from BCBC, we were able to repurpose our underspend to take on diOerent activities outside of our business-as-usual. These activities included the Pen Portraits and Daytime Opportunities interviewing requested by BCBC, which we hired expert consultants to carry out. ways which benefit the advocacy services. Our expenditure on the ARC grant funding is as follows: ## **- BSSG Socialisation Funding:** £923 This was used in-line with our funding agreement to do away-days with our Bridgend Spectrum Social Group. We did not spend the full grant but planned additional away-days for the following year. **Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating SORP Reference: why they are held.** Para 1.22 People First Bridgend has a risk management policy which supports the Board to assess and manage the charity's exposure to risks, such as the loss core funding. It also has a reserves policy that supports the Board to calculate how much reserves are needed to maintain the charity, should it be exposed to these risks. Page 6 of 11 The charity's policies state that reserves are funds held which are not subject to commitments, planned expenditure or other restrictions. It aims to keep a minimum of 3- months operating costs in reserves to allow for the Board to deal with: 1. loss of core funding, 2. maintaining staO salaries whilst attempting to secure additional funding, 3. sourcing alternative services or activities for service users, 4. meeting redundancy costs, 5. unplanned but essential expenditure, 6. covering operating costs whilst awaiting receipt of committed funding. The charity will match reserves to these requirements and no more. **Amount of reserves held. SORP Reference:** Para 1.22 £15,123 **Reasons for holding zero reserves. SORP Reference:** Para 1.22 N/A **SORP Reference: Details of fund materially in deficit.** Para 1.24 N/A **Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity SORP Reference: continuing as a going concern.** Para 1.23 **The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any SORP Reference: fundraising)** Para 1.47 People First Bridgend’s primary source of income is through two contracts with Bridgend County Borough Council: **1.** Specialist Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy for people with learning disabilities and autism **2.** Specialist Non-Statutory Advocacy for people with learning disabilities and autism **A description of the principal risks facing the charity. SORP Reference:** Para 1.46 Page 7 of 11 See explanation of uncertainties. ## Structure, Governance and Management **Type of governing document. SORP Reference:** Para 1.25 Constitution **How is the charity constituted? SORP Reference:** Para 1.25 Foundation model Charitable Incorporated Organisation (or CIO) **Trustee selection methods including details of any SORP Reference: constitutional provisions.** Para 1.25 Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years, after the initial trustees appointed to setup the CIO, by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. Trustees are recruited in line with Section 9 and 10 of the constitution: - Are over 18 years old, - have appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to administrate the charity, - are invited to attend a meeting, - are approved by the trustees at a board meeting. **Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and SORP Reference: training of trustees.** Para 1.51 When being inducted on the Board, trustees receive: - a copy of the charity’s constitution, - a meeting with the Operational Manager to introduce the work of the charity, - a copy of the charity’s latest annual accounts, - copies of policies and procedures, - copies of the standards which the charity works to, including the Advocacy QPM Code of Practice and the Charity Governance Code for small charities. 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 Page 8 of 11 - Values Statement - - Training and Development Policy **The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network SORP Reference: with which the charity works.** Para 1.51 As a foundation CIO, the Board are solely responsible for People First Bridgend. They ensure that decisions relating to its funding and activities are in line with its charitable objectives and support its primary beneficiaries. In addition to the Board, People First Bridgend has an Advisory Team made up of 14 adults with learning disabilities. Whilst the Advisory Team have no say on the governance of the charity, they steer the direction of its activities through their bi-monthly self-advocacy group meetings. staO member is the Operational Manager who provides the day-to-day leadership and management of the charity. People First Bridgend is part of the wider People First self-advocacy movement, with which it maintains networking links. Particularly All Wales People First, who advocate for people with learning disabilities at a Welsh Government level. However, all People First groups are independent and are not aOiliated with a higher organisation. **----- Start of picture text -----**
People First Bridgend Structure
Board of
Advisory Team
Trustees
Operational
Manager
Independent Independent
Self-Advocacy Advocacy
BSSG Facilitator Professional Professional
Facilitator Coordinator
Advocate Advocate
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 9 of 11 ## Reference and Administrative details |**Charity Name:**|People First Bridgend| |---|---| |**Other name the charity uses:**|Bridgend People First (formerly)| |**Registered charity number:**|1166485| |**Charity’s principal address:**|People First Bridgend
OOice 32
Apollo Business Village
Heol Persondy
Aberkenfg
Bridgend
CF32 9RF| **Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity** |**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**|**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**|**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**|**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**| |---|---|---|---| |**Trustee Name**|**OMice (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for**
**whole year**|**Name of person (or**
**body) entitled to**
**appoint trustee (if any)**| |Jean Gregson|Chair||Board of Trustees| |Heather Williams|Trustee||Board of Trustees| |Alun Phillips|Trustee||Board of Trustees| |Mike Harris|Trustee||Board of Trustees| |Ritchie Wood|Trustee|Appointed 25/04/2025|Board of Trustees| |Dave Roberts|Trustee|Appointed 11/07/2025|Board of Trustees| |Jan Rees|Trustee||Board of Trustees| |**Name of CEO/most senior staM:**||Adam Kurowski Wakeford – Operational Manager|| Page 10 of 11 ## **Other information:** • No corporate trustees/directors. • No trustees hold title to property belonging to the charity. • No funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others. • No advisors. • No exemptions from disclosure. ## Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. ## **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:** |**Signed on behalf**|**of the charity’s trustees:**| |---|---| ||| |**Signature:**|| |**Full names:**|Jean Gregson| |**Position:**|Chair of the Board of Trustees| |**Date:**|23/01/2025| Page 11 of 11 **REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1166485** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND** **UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **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 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 7
Independent Examiner's Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 to 16
**----- End of picture text -----**
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Objectives and aims** 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. -1- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Activities** People First Bridgend advocates for adults with learning disabilities and neurodiversity living in Bridgend County, Wales. We support these people to: - Speak-up about important issues affecting their lives, - Have a voice in decisions about their care and support, - Be equal, active citizens in their community, - Teach others about what it means to have learning disabilities and neurodiversity. We do this through several core activities, including: - Self-Advocacy groups - Independent Professional Advocacy - Easy Read - Awareness Training - Steering Groups/Away Days - Consultation work People First Bridgend does this work under two local authority contracts: ## **1) Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** Advocacy under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014. This is independent advocacy for people entering or accessing social services provided by Bridgend County Borough Council. Clients typically need advocacy to have an equal voice or alleviate a conflict of interest when they are subject to social services functions. ## **2) Non-statutory Advocacy (previously Peer-support and Skills for Independence)** Advocacy not constrained to those using statutory services. This includes several different types of activities: - Independent advocacy for those not in receipt of or awaiting assessment for social services, - Advisory Team self-advocacy group for adults with learning disabilities, - Bridgend Spectrum Support Group for neurodiverse adults who benefit from peer-support, - Training for professionals and public around learning disability and neurodiversity issues, - Accessible information translation, - Participation and representation of learning disability and neurodiversity in a range of networks, forums, steering groups and workstreams at a local and national level. ## **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. -2- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** ## **Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA)** We continued to provide advocacy under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and for non-statutory issues. This is independent advocacy for adults with learning disabilities or autism accessing health and social services provided by Bridgend County Borough Council, or who live in Bridgend County. IPA makes sure people with care and support needs: - Have a voice in what care and support they get, - Have an equal relationship with their care provider, - Have someone who is working in their interests only, - Can understand what is going on or have help to understand if they can't, - Can put their views and wishes across or have help to if they can't. During the reporting period, our IPA service achieved the following: - Took **31** New Referrals - Worked with **32** clients - Worked on **123** statutory advocacy issues - Worked on **27** preventive service related issues - Closed **17** clients - Made **17** signposting referrals to other organisations ## **Advisory Team Self-Advocacy Group (A-Team)** Our A-Team is made up of adults with learning disabilities from around Bridgend County. They use their self-advocacy voices to speak up about important issues on behalf of Bridgend's learning disability community. They do this for local, regional and national issues. ## Stats: - 21 Unique Members - 22 Meetings Held - 55 New Enquiries The A-Team consistently met bi-monthly in-person. We facilitated sessions around several topical issues for our members to give self-advocacy input, including: - Meet and greet with our local MP, Chris Elmore - Meet and greets with our local MS', Huw Iranca Davies and Sarah Murphy - Meeting BCBC's health team to discuss roles - Consultation with Learning Disability Wales' Gig Buddies project - Meetings with Swansea University to explore lived experience training - Developing a jargon roleplay for BCBC's service development plan - Linking in with the Regional Partnership Board, exploring membership and chairing roles Additionally, we supported our members to attend the following meetings: - All Wales People First's National Council Meeting - All Wales People First's Advocacy Festival (AdFest) - Focus Group with BCBC's Social Services Director - Regional Partnership Board's Community Workstream, including a Chair role - Regional Partnership Board's Driving Change Forward event, including facilitating and chairing it - BCBC's Away Day for learning disability services Two of our members now have a chairing role for the following groups: - BCBC's Better Together Bridgend (formally, the Service Development Plan) - Regional Partnership Board's Community Workstream -3- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **Bridgend Spectrum Support Group (BSSG)** The BSSG is a peer-support group for adults with higher-functioning autism. Practice-based sessions are run in partnership with the Assisted Recovery in the Community centre (ARC). They give members a safe space to be autistic and learn coping skills. A counterpart social session is arranged where members arrange to meet somewhere in the community to put their skills into practice. This year, the group continued to co-deliver Art Therapy Sessions with the National Autistic Society. They were able to obtain grant funding from ARC to do several away days, including to St. Fagan's and Big Pit, and gained membership onto the Regional Neurodiversity Steering Group. ## Stats: - 57 Unique Members - 28 Meetings Held ## **Accessible Information** We translate information into Easy Read. We produced the following: - Regional Partnership Board's Community Workstream minutes - Regional Partnership Board's Driving Change Forward agenda and invite - BCBC's Feedback and Complaints policy - BCBC's Engagement and Participation Strategy - BCBC's Strategic Equality Plan - Public Services Board's Well-being Plan - BCBC's Better Together Bridgend invite, agenda and minutes ## Stats: - 14 Requests Received - 182 Pages Produced - 15 Documents Completed ## **Training** We ran "What is Advocacy? What is People First?" sessions for: - BAVO's Community Navigators - Swansea University's Social Work students - BCBC's Supported Living services - Regional Partnership Board's Health workstream We ran Learning Disability Awareness Training for Swansea University and South Wales Police and took part in a mock Registered Intermediary session with the police. ## Stats: - 8 Requests Received - 4 Sessions Delivered - 20 Attendees ## **Additional Activities:** - We interviewed tenants of a BCBC commissioned supported living home for adults with complex needs. From these interviews we created two "Pen Portraits" of the tenants to be used during re-commissioning of the placement. - We undertook 100 interviews with adults accessing Daytime Opportunities services. This was turned into a report for BCBC as part of their Learning Disability Transformation Programme to overhaul day services. -4- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Financial position** ## **Income** Over the financial year, People First Bridgend secured the following income from its advocacy contracts with Bridgend County Borough Council: **+ Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** £32,400 - **+ Non-Statutory Advocacy:** £81,600 We received grant restricted funding from ARC: **+ BSSG Socialisation Funding:** £1,500 And a donation from: **+ Swansea University:** £1,000 ## **Expenditure** People First Bridgend's expenditure on its advocacy contracts is as follows: **- Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** £26,982 - **Non-Statutory Advocacy:** £73,432 We were once again underspent in both contracts. As in the previous year, we faced challenges in recruiting new staff, which is the main reason for our underspend. We recruited an Advocacy Coordinator and an Independent Professional Advocate in Q2, but one post remained vacant at the year end. With agreement from BCBC, we were able to repurpose our underspend to take on different activities outside of our business-as-usual. These activities included the Pen Portraits and Daytime Opportunities interviewing requested by BCBC, which we hired expert consultants to carry out. We plan to continue repurposing the underspend from this financial year and the previous in ways which benefit the advocacy services. Our expenditure on the ARC grant funding is as follows: **- BSSG Socialisation Funding:** £923 This was used in-line with our funding agreement to do away-days with our Bridgend Spectrum Social Group. We did not spend the full grant but planned additional away-days for the following year. We did not use any of our reserves this financial year. ## **Reserves policy** People First Bridgend has a risk management policy which supports the Board to assess and manage the charity's exposure to risks, such as the loss core funding. It also has a reserves policy that supports the Board to calculate how much reserves are needed to maintain the charity, should it be exposed to these risks. The charity's policies state that reserves are funds held which are not subject to commitments, planned expenditure or other restrictions. It aims to keep a minimum of 3-months operating costs in reserves to allow for the Board to deal with: - loss of core funding, - maintaining staff salaries whilst attempting to secure additional funding, - sourcing alternative services or activities for service users, - meeting redundancy costs, - unplanned but essential expenditure, - covering operating costs whilst awaiting receipt of committed funding. The charity will match reserves to these requirements and no more. -5- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **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. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** The Charity is controlled by its governing document, a constitution, and constitutes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) as defined by the Charities Act 2011. ## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees** Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years, after the initial trustees appointed to setup the CIO, by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. Trustees are recruited in line with Section 9 and 10 of the constitution: - Are over 18 years old, - Have appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to administrate the charity, - 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 - Supplementary guidance (Charity Commission, Governance Code, Advocacy QPM) ## **Organisational structure** As a foundation CIO, the Board are solely responsible for People First Bridgend. They ensure that decisions relating to its funding and activities are in line with its charitable objectives and support its primary beneficiaries. In addition to the Board, People First Bridgend has an Advisory Team made up of 14 adults with learning disabilities. Whilst the Advisory Team have no say on the governance of the charity, they steer the direction of its activities through their bi-monthly self-advocacy group meetings. The Board delegates the practical work of the charity to a staff team of five. The most senior staff member is the Operational Manager who provides the day-to-day leadership and management of the charity. People First Bridgend is part of the wider People First self-advocacy movement, with which it maintains networking links. Particularly All Wales People First, who advocate for people with learning disabilities at a Welsh Government level. However, all People First groups are independent and are not affiliated with a higher organisation. -6- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Number** 1166485 **Principal Address** Office 32 Apollo Business Village Heol Persondy Aberkenfig CF32 9RF **Operational Manager** Adam Kurowski Wakeford **Trustees** Jean Gregson Heather Williams Alun Phillips Michael John Harris Ritchie Wood Dave Roberts Jan Rees **Independent Examiner** Graham Paul Limited Court House Court Road Bridgend CF31 1BE 16/01/2025 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by: ................................................................. Jean Gregson - Trustee -7- **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 2024. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** 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 Date: ............................................. -8- ## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** |Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
fund
Notes
£
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
1,000
-
**Charitable activities**
2
Supporting people with learning disability
-
115,500
**Total**
1,000
115,500
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
3
Supporting people with learning disability
-
101,635
**NET INCOME**
1,000
13,865
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
14,123
22,314
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
15,123
36,179|31.3.24
Total
funds
£
1,000
115,500
116,500
101,635
14,865
36,437
51,302|31.3.23
Total
funds
£
1,850
76,000
77,850
69,127
8,723
27,714
36,437| |---|---|---| The notes form part of these financial statements -9- ## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024** |Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
fund
Notes
£
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
8
-
2,664
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
9
-
316
Cash at bank
15,123
41,063
15,123
41,379
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
10
-
(7,864)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
15,123
33,515
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
15,123
36,179
**NET ASSETS**
15,123
36,179
**FUNDS**
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|31.3.24
Total
funds
£
2,664
316
56,186
56,502
(7,864)
48,638
51,302
51,302
15,123
36,179
51,302|31.3.23
Total
funds
£
3,547
303
35,241
35,544
(2,654)
32,890
36,437
36,437
14,123
22,314
36,437| |---|---|---| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 16/01/2025 ............................................. Jean Gregson - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements -10- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 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. -11- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES** The breakdown of grant income received during the year is as follows: |BCBC NSA Grant
BCBC SIPA Contract
BCBC ARC
**3.**
**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**
Direct
Support
Costs
costs
£
£
Supporting people with learning
disability
96,671
4,964|**£**
81,600
32,400
1,500
115,500| |---|---| ||Totals
£
101,635| ## **4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. ## **Trustees' expenses** There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. |**5.**
**STAFF COSTS**
Wages and salaries
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Direct Charitable Activities
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.|31.3.24
£
65,051
1,251
66,302
31.3.24
4|31.3.23
£
46,519
891
47,410
31.3.23
3| |---|---|---| The total amount paid to key management personnel in the financial year was £33,605. -12- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Restricted Total
fund fund funds
£ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
-
Donations and legacies 1,850 1,850
Charitable activities
-
Supporting people with learning disability 76,000 76,000
Total 1,850 76,000 77,850
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
-
Supporting people with learning disability 69,127 69,127
NET INCOME 1,850 6,873 8,723
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 12,273 15,441 27,714
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 14,123 22,314 36,437
7. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS FEES
Included in charitable activities costs are fees payable for Independent Examination of £2,044.
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
Improvements and
to property fittings Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 1,405 33,690 35,095
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2023 1,405 30,143 31,548
Charge for year - 883 883
At 31 March 2024 1,405 31,026 32,431
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024 - 2,664 2,664
At 31 March 2023 - 3,547 3,547
**----- End of picture text -----**
-13- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 316 303
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Other creditors 7,864 2,654
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.4.23 in funds At 31.3.24
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 14,123 1,000 15,123
Restricted funds
Advocacy 22,314 13,865 36,179
TOTAL FUNDS 36,437 14,865 51,302
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 1,000 - 1,000
Restricted funds
Advocacy 115,500 (101,635) 13,865
TOTAL FUNDS 116,500 (101,635) 14,865
**----- End of picture text -----**
-14- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** ## **Comparatives for movement in funds** |At 1.4.22
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
12,273
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
15,441|Net
movement
in funds
£
1,850
6,873|At 31.3.23
£
14,123
22,314| |---|---|---| |**TOTAL FUNDS**
27,714|8,723|36,437| |Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
1,850
-
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
76,000
(69,127)||Movement
in funds
£
1,850
6,873| |**TOTAL FUNDS**
77,850|(69,127)|8,723| |A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
Net
movement
At 1.4.22
in funds
At
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
12,273
2,850
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
15,441
20,738
**TOTAL FUNDS**
27,714
23,588|31.3.24
£
15,123
36,179
51,302| |---|---| -15- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy|Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
2,850
-
191,500
(170,762)|Movement
in funds
£
2,850
20,738| |---|---|---| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|194,350
(170,762)|23,588| ## **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 ## **12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024. -16- **REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1166485** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND** **UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **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 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 7
Independent Examiner's Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 to 16
**----- End of picture text -----**
**PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Objectives and aims** 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. -1- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Activities** People First Bridgend advocates for adults with learning disabilities and neurodiversity living in Bridgend County, Wales. We support these people to: - Speak-up about important issues affecting their lives, - Have a voice in decisions about their care and support, - Be equal, active citizens in their community, - Teach others about what it means to have learning disabilities and neurodiversity. We do this through several core activities, including: - Self-Advocacy groups - Independent Professional Advocacy - Easy Read - Awareness Training - Steering Groups/Away Days - Consultation work People First Bridgend does this work under two local authority contracts: ## **1) Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** Advocacy under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014. This is independent advocacy for people entering or accessing social services provided by Bridgend County Borough Council. Clients typically need advocacy to have an equal voice or alleviate a conflict of interest when they are subject to social services functions. ## **2) Non-statutory Advocacy (previously Peer-support and Skills for Independence)** Advocacy not constrained to those using statutory services. This includes several different types of activities: - Independent advocacy for those not in receipt of or awaiting assessment for social services, - Advisory Team self-advocacy group for adults with learning disabilities, - Bridgend Spectrum Support Group for neurodiverse adults who benefit from peer-support, - Training for professionals and public around learning disability and neurodiversity issues, - Accessible information translation, - Participation and representation of learning disability and neurodiversity in a range of networks, forums, steering groups and workstreams at a local and national level. ## **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. -2- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** ## **Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA)** We continued to provide advocacy under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and for non-statutory issues. This is independent advocacy for adults with learning disabilities or autism accessing health and social services provided by Bridgend County Borough Council, or who live in Bridgend County. IPA makes sure people with care and support needs: - Have a voice in what care and support they get, - Have an equal relationship with their care provider, - Have someone who is working in their interests only, - Can understand what is going on or have help to understand if they can't, - Can put their views and wishes across or have help to if they can't. During the reporting period, our IPA service achieved the following: - Took **31** New Referrals - Worked with **32** clients - Worked on **123** statutory advocacy issues - Worked on **27** preventive service related issues - Closed **17** clients - Made **17** signposting referrals to other organisations ## **Advisory Team Self-Advocacy Group (A-Team)** Our A-Team is made up of adults with learning disabilities from around Bridgend County. They use their self-advocacy voices to speak up about important issues on behalf of Bridgend's learning disability community. They do this for local, regional and national issues. ## Stats: - 21 Unique Members - 22 Meetings Held - 55 New Enquiries The A-Team consistently met bi-monthly in-person. We facilitated sessions around several topical issues for our members to give self-advocacy input, including: - Meet and greet with our local MP, Chris Elmore - Meet and greets with our local MS', Huw Iranca Davies and Sarah Murphy - Meeting BCBC's health team to discuss roles - Consultation with Learning Disability Wales' Gig Buddies project - Meetings with Swansea University to explore lived experience training - Developing a jargon roleplay for BCBC's service development plan - Linking in with the Regional Partnership Board, exploring membership and chairing roles Additionally, we supported our members to attend the following meetings: - All Wales People First's National Council Meeting - All Wales People First's Advocacy Festival (AdFest) - Focus Group with BCBC's Social Services Director - Regional Partnership Board's Community Workstream, including a Chair role - Regional Partnership Board's Driving Change Forward event, including facilitating and chairing it - BCBC's Away Day for learning disability services Two of our members now have a chairing role for the following groups: - BCBC's Better Together Bridgend (formally, the Service Development Plan) - Regional Partnership Board's Community Workstream -3- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **Bridgend Spectrum Support Group (BSSG)** The BSSG is a peer-support group for adults with higher-functioning autism. Practice-based sessions are run in partnership with the Assisted Recovery in the Community centre (ARC). They give members a safe space to be autistic and learn coping skills. A counterpart social session is arranged where members arrange to meet somewhere in the community to put their skills into practice. This year, the group continued to co-deliver Art Therapy Sessions with the National Autistic Society. They were able to obtain grant funding from ARC to do several away days, including to St. Fagan's and Big Pit, and gained membership onto the Regional Neurodiversity Steering Group. ## Stats: - 57 Unique Members - 28 Meetings Held ## **Accessible Information** We translate information into Easy Read. We produced the following: - Regional Partnership Board's Community Workstream minutes - Regional Partnership Board's Driving Change Forward agenda and invite - BCBC's Feedback and Complaints policy - BCBC's Engagement and Participation Strategy - BCBC's Strategic Equality Plan - Public Services Board's Well-being Plan - BCBC's Better Together Bridgend invite, agenda and minutes ## Stats: - 14 Requests Received - 182 Pages Produced - 15 Documents Completed ## **Training** We ran "What is Advocacy? What is People First?" sessions for: - BAVO's Community Navigators - Swansea University's Social Work students - BCBC's Supported Living services - Regional Partnership Board's Health workstream We ran Learning Disability Awareness Training for Swansea University and South Wales Police and took part in a mock Registered Intermediary session with the police. ## Stats: - 8 Requests Received - 4 Sessions Delivered - 20 Attendees ## **Additional Activities:** - We interviewed tenants of a BCBC commissioned supported living home for adults with complex needs. From these interviews we created two "Pen Portraits" of the tenants to be used during re-commissioning of the placement. - We undertook 100 interviews with adults accessing Daytime Opportunities services. This was turned into a report for BCBC as part of their Learning Disability Transformation Programme to overhaul day services. -4- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Financial position** ## **Income** Over the financial year, People First Bridgend secured the following income from its advocacy contracts with Bridgend County Borough Council: **+ Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** £32,400 - **+ Non-Statutory Advocacy:** £81,600 We received grant restricted funding from ARC: **+ BSSG Socialisation Funding:** £1,500 And a donation from: **+ Swansea University:** £1,000 ## **Expenditure** People First Bridgend's expenditure on its advocacy contracts is as follows: **- Statutory Independent Professional Advocacy:** £26,982 - **Non-Statutory Advocacy:** £73,432 We were once again underspent in both contracts. As in the previous year, we faced challenges in recruiting new staff, which is the main reason for our underspend. We recruited an Advocacy Coordinator and an Independent Professional Advocate in Q2, but one post remained vacant at the year end. With agreement from BCBC, we were able to repurpose our underspend to take on different activities outside of our business-as-usual. These activities included the Pen Portraits and Daytime Opportunities interviewing requested by BCBC, which we hired expert consultants to carry out. We plan to continue repurposing the underspend from this financial year and the previous in ways which benefit the advocacy services. Our expenditure on the ARC grant funding is as follows: **- BSSG Socialisation Funding:** £923 This was used in-line with our funding agreement to do away-days with our Bridgend Spectrum Social Group. We did not spend the full grant but planned additional away-days for the following year. We did not use any of our reserves this financial year. ## **Reserves policy** People First Bridgend has a risk management policy which supports the Board to assess and manage the charity's exposure to risks, such as the loss core funding. It also has a reserves policy that supports the Board to calculate how much reserves are needed to maintain the charity, should it be exposed to these risks. The charity's policies state that reserves are funds held which are not subject to commitments, planned expenditure or other restrictions. It aims to keep a minimum of 3-months operating costs in reserves to allow for the Board to deal with: - loss of core funding, - maintaining staff salaries whilst attempting to secure additional funding, - sourcing alternative services or activities for service users, - meeting redundancy costs, - unplanned but essential expenditure, - covering operating costs whilst awaiting receipt of committed funding. The charity will match reserves to these requirements and no more. -5- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **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. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** The Charity is controlled by its governing document, a constitution, and constitutes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) as defined by the Charities Act 2011. ## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees** Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years, after the initial trustees appointed to setup the CIO, by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. Trustees are recruited in line with Section 9 and 10 of the constitution: - Are over 18 years old, - Have appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to administrate the charity, - 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 - Supplementary guidance (Charity Commission, Governance Code, Advocacy QPM) ## **Organisational structure** As a foundation CIO, the Board are solely responsible for People First Bridgend. They ensure that decisions relating to its funding and activities are in line with its charitable objectives and support its primary beneficiaries. In addition to the Board, People First Bridgend has an Advisory Team made up of 14 adults with learning disabilities. Whilst the Advisory Team have no say on the governance of the charity, they steer the direction of its activities through their bi-monthly self-advocacy group meetings. The Board delegates the practical work of the charity to a staff team of five. The most senior staff member is the Operational Manager who provides the day-to-day leadership and management of the charity. People First Bridgend is part of the wider People First self-advocacy movement, with which it maintains networking links. Particularly All Wales People First, who advocate for people with learning disabilities at a Welsh Government level. However, all People First groups are independent and are not affiliated with a higher organisation. -6- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Number** 1166485 **Principal Address** Office 32 Apollo Business Village Heol Persondy Aberkenfig CF32 9RF **Operational Manager** Adam Kurowski Wakeford **Trustees** Jean Gregson Heather Williams Alun Phillips Michael John Harris Ritchie Wood Dave Roberts Jan Rees **Independent Examiner** Graham Paul Limited Court House Court Road Bridgend CF31 1BE 16/01/2025 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by: ................................................................. Jean Gregson - Trustee -7- **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 2024. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** 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 Date: ............................................. -8- ## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** |Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
fund
Notes
£
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
1,000
-
**Charitable activities**
2
Supporting people with learning disability
-
115,500
**Total**
1,000
115,500
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
3
Supporting people with learning disability
-
101,635
**NET INCOME**
1,000
13,865
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
14,123
22,314
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
15,123
36,179|31.3.24
Total
funds
£
1,000
115,500
116,500
101,635
14,865
36,437
51,302|31.3.23
Total
funds
£
1,850
76,000
77,850
69,127
8,723
27,714
36,437| |---|---|---| The notes form part of these financial statements -9- ## **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** ## **BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024** |Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
fund
Notes
£
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
8
-
2,664
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
9
-
316
Cash at bank
15,123
41,063
15,123
41,379
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
10
-
(7,864)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
15,123
33,515
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
15,123
36,179
**NET ASSETS**
15,123
36,179
**FUNDS**
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|31.3.24
Total
funds
£
2,664
316
56,186
56,502
(7,864)
48,638
51,302
51,302
15,123
36,179
51,302|31.3.23
Total
funds
£
3,547
303
35,241
35,544
(2,654)
32,890
36,437
36,437
14,123
22,314
36,437| |---|---|---| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 16/01/2025 ............................................. Jean Gregson - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements -10- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 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. -11- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES** The breakdown of grant income received during the year is as follows: |BCBC NSA Grant
BCBC SIPA Contract
BCBC ARC
**3.**
**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**
Direct
Support
Costs
costs
£
£
Supporting people with learning
disability
96,671
4,964|**£**
81,600
32,400
1,500
115,500| |---|---| ||Totals
£
101,635| ## **4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. ## **Trustees' expenses** There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. |**5.**
**STAFF COSTS**
Wages and salaries
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Direct Charitable Activities
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.|31.3.24
£
65,051
1,251
66,302
31.3.24
4|31.3.23
£
46,519
891
47,410
31.3.23
3| |---|---|---| The total amount paid to key management personnel in the financial year was £33,605. -12- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Restricted Total
fund fund funds
£ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
-
Donations and legacies 1,850 1,850
Charitable activities
-
Supporting people with learning disability 76,000 76,000
Total 1,850 76,000 77,850
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
-
Supporting people with learning disability 69,127 69,127
NET INCOME 1,850 6,873 8,723
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 12,273 15,441 27,714
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 14,123 22,314 36,437
7. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS FEES
Included in charitable activities costs are fees payable for Independent Examination of £2,044.
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
Improvements and
to property fittings Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 1,405 33,690 35,095
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2023 1,405 30,143 31,548
Charge for year - 883 883
At 31 March 2024 1,405 31,026 32,431
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024 - 2,664 2,664
At 31 March 2023 - 3,547 3,547
**----- End of picture text -----**
-13- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 316 303
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Other creditors 7,864 2,654
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.4.23 in funds At 31.3.24
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 14,123 1,000 15,123
Restricted funds
Advocacy 22,314 13,865 36,179
TOTAL FUNDS 36,437 14,865 51,302
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 1,000 - 1,000
Restricted funds
Advocacy 115,500 (101,635) 13,865
TOTAL FUNDS 116,500 (101,635) 14,865
**----- End of picture text -----**
-14- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** ## **Comparatives for movement in funds** |At 1.4.22
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
12,273
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
15,441|Net
movement
in funds
£
1,850
6,873|At 31.3.23
£
14,123
22,314| |---|---|---| |**TOTAL FUNDS**
27,714|8,723|36,437| |Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
1,850
-
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
76,000
(69,127)||Movement
in funds
£
1,850
6,873| |**TOTAL FUNDS**
77,850|(69,127)|8,723| |A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
Net
movement
At 1.4.22
in funds
At
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
12,273
2,850
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy
15,441
20,738
**TOTAL FUNDS**
27,714
23,588|31.3.24
£
15,123
36,179
51,302| |---|---| -15- **PEOPLE FIRST BRIDGEND** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Advocacy|Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
2,850
-
191,500
(170,762)|Movement
in funds
£
2,850
20,738| |---|---|---| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|194,350
(170,762)|23,588| ## **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 ## **12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024. -16-