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2025-03-31-accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 05438407 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1184112

PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

David Allen

Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor Dalmar House Barras Lane Estate Dalston Carlisle CA5 7NY

PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

CONTENTS

Reference and administrative details 1
Trustees' report incorporating directors' report 2 to 7
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 8
Independent auditor's report 9 to 13
Statement of financial activities 14 to 15
Balance sheet 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 to 38

PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees Mr S Corlett (resigned 31 May 2024)
Mr J M Mills (resigned 9 May 2024)
Miss L Townson (resigned 18 March 2025)
Ms K Ward
Miss I G Weekes
Mr M J D Pannone
Mrs N Murray (appointed 28 May 2024)
Mrs E Chambers (appointed 28 May 2024)
Mr M G Deans
Charity Registration Number 1184112
Company Registration Number 05438407
Registered Office People First Conference Centre
Milbourne Street
Carlisle
CA2 5XB
Principal Office People First Conference Centre
Milbourne Street
Carlisle
CA2 5XB
Auditor David Allen
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor
Dalmar House
Barras Lane Estate
Dalston
Carlisle
CA5 7NY
Bankers Unity Trust Bank plc
Four Brindley Place
Birmingham
B1 2JB

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT

The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements and auditor's report of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025. The annual report serves the purposes of a trustees' report and a directors' report under company law.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objectives of the charity are:

Our trustees have developed a Business Strategy in consultation with our staff and following engagement with our customers. This strategy is delivered by our Chief Executive and supported by our department Directors. A Business Development plan guides each team’s activities to support the achievement of our goals.

People First has continued to deliver a wide range of support services to those in need, these service are delivered under six main departments:

Business and Finance

This department provides support to all areas of our business, including IT, Human Resources, Legal, Governance, Risk Management, Health and Safety, Policy, Compliance and Finance.

Advocacy

We deliver a range of advocacy services in Cumbria, Lancashire and the North East, including: Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Care Act Advocacy, NHS Complaints Advocacy, Generic Advocacy, and Maternity and Neonatal Advocacy all supported by a central Advocacy Hub managing incoming advocacy referrals.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

Healthwatch

We deliver Healthwatch in Cumberland, Westmorland and Furness and Lancashire, ensuring local people can share their experiences of using health and care services and that those experiences are used to help shape and improve services.

Inclusion

Working with people who use health and care services to ensure that they are included, listened to and respected, delivered via a range of inclusive projects such as, Self Advocacy Groups, work with universities, education for people with learning disabilities, youth work, as well as projects aimed at helping people who use services to be involved in decision making and quality assurance.

Direct Payments

Our Direct Payments service provides support to children and adults to employ their own care staff, safely, ensuring that people are in control of their lives, support and homes.

All of the services provided by People First are aimed at helping people to live their best life, we listen to, engage and empower people to be involved, be heard and included in their lives, communities, and the services that they use.

The Well Communities C.I.C.

During this period, we have developed a partnership with The Well Communities C.I.C., a Community Interest Company that supports people to recover from addiction to drugs and / or alcohol. We provide leadership support and share back office functions, such as HR, finance and business services.

From 15 April 2025 People First Independent Advocacy has become the sole corporate member of The Well Communities.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

We fundamentally believe that volunteers enhance our capacity across communities by bringing additional skills to our teams. Our volunteer coordinators seek to recruit, train and support volunteers across the whole organisation, supported by each department.

All volunteers are recruited through a safer recruitment process and are provided with extensive support from induction and through participation in events which include those also attended by staff.

We aim to maximise the benefits of working with volunteers by matching skills and experience to roles and tasks.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

People First continues to be a vibrant organisation that’s increasing the number of people that we support year on year. More and more people need our help and we are rising to the challenge.

The last 12 months has seen us invest in leadership and management development, ensuring our managers have the skills and qualifications they need to support our sustained growth and development.

We continue to strengthen our core business services in a bid to help sustain our vital project and services.

We have further invested in our development team with dedicated staff who support us to tender and bid for new work.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year income amounted to £5,485,286 (2024: £4,807,819) and total expenditure was £4,911,487 (2024: £4,806,092). This resulted in a net surplus of £573,799 (2024: £1,727).

At the year end the total reserves had increased to £2,418,692 (2024: £1,844,893) these being made up of unrestricted reserves of £1,957,347 (2024: £1,641,689) and restricted reserves of £461,345 (£203,204).

Reserves are held to ensure the stability and deliverability of our mission and vision over all our activities and to ensure the employment and retention of our staff resources. This is equivalent to the greater of five months’ budgeted costs or the potential close down costs.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

People First Independent Advocacy was incorporated on 28 April 2005 as a company limited by guarantee with company registration number 05438407, and was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission on 26 June 2019 under charity registration number 1184112. The charitable company is governed by its memorandum and articles.

The registered company address is People First Conference Centre, Milbourne Street, Carlisle, CA2 5XB.

Trustees have a clear process in place for the recruitment of new trustees and the appointment to key roles such as chair. This year our board has increased in size, adding additional skills and talents to the organisation.

In order to protect the charity, the trustees may implement pre-election procedures for assessing potential candidates for election and ensuring their suitability. Only persons approved by the trustees through such procedures may be candidates in the election.

All trustees attend the same induction training as staff and volunteers. This covers the overall vision and mission of the charity as well as information on the individual departments and services. Trustees also receive safeguarding and data protection training.

The board of trustees set the remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who in turn sets remuneration for all other members of staff in collaboration with the finance committee.

The board of trustees set the overall five year business strategy, which informs the annual business development plan. There is also a series of committees supporting the board, these include: Finance, Quality and Performance, Our People. The CEO reports to the trustees at every board meeting and directors report annually to the board on their area of responsibility. The board of trustees delegate day to day operational management to the CEO supported by directors.

From 1 April 2023, the trustees of the charitable company took the decision to merge with a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), People First Services (charity number 1184467). The CIO ceased on 31 March 2023 and the charities merged from 1 April 2023. This transaction has been accounted for as a charity merger.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

People First strongly believes in working in partnership in order to advance our objectives. We have a wide network of relationships and partnerships with other organisations in the public, private and third sectors. These relationships help us to deliver our services by providing information, support, funding, collaboration, ideas and challenges.

We have a Risk Management Policy and Risk Matrix which are kept under regular review. Risks are identified, scored using our agreed tolerance and appetite levels and placed on our Risk Matrix. Management of risk is firmly placed in our governance framework with mitigation being kept under review at the assigned level.

Our current main risks are around failure to resecure current contracts.

The charitable company has purchased indemnity insurance during the year on behalf of the trustees.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The charity's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risk and cash flow risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the charity’s policies approved by the board of trustees, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

The charity’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of interest rates. Interest bearing assets and liabilities are held at fixed rate to ensure certainty of cash flows.

The charity’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, and trade and other receivables.

The charity’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. An allowance for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITOR

Each trustee has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The trustees confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware.

REAPPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

In accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of David Allen as auditors of the charity is to be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

SMALL COMPANIES PROVISION STATEMENT

This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.

The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 4 November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

.........................................

Mr M J D Pannone Trustee

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of People First Independent Advocacy for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report (incorporating the directors' report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the trustees of the charity on 4 November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... Mr M J D Pannone Trustee

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

OPINION

We have audited the financial statements of People First Independent Advocacy (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025, which comprise the Statement of financial activities, Balance sheet, Statement of cash flows, and Notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

BASIS FOR OPINION

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the original financial statements were authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

OTHER INFORMATION

The trustees are responsible for the other information continued within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, including the trustees' report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY (CONTINUED)

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

OPINION ON OTHER MATTER PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' report incorporating the Directors' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES

As explained more fully in the Statement of trustees' responsibilities [set out on page 8], the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY (CONTINUED)

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

AUDITOR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to those identified risks, including non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) and fraud that are material to the financial statements. Our audit procedures included but were not limited to:

• Discussing with the Trustees and Management their policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations;

• Communicating identified laws and regulations throughout our engagement team and remaining alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout our audit; and

• Considering the risk of acts by the charity which were contrary to the applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.

Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to:

• Making enquiries of the Trustees and Management on whether they had knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

• Addressing the risks of fraud through management override of controls by performing journal entry testing.

We are not responsible for detecting fraud and preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and non-compliance with all laws and regulations. The primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities including fraud rests with both the Trustees and Management. As with any audit, there remained a risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal controls.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY (CONTINUED)

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

USE OF OUR REPORT

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY (CONTINUED)

...................................... ALISON WELTON (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of David Allen Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor

Dalmar House Barras Lane Estate Dalston Carlisle CA5 7NY

Date: 4 November 2025

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES)

Total Total
Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024
Note £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations, legacies and
grants receivable 3 13,913 385,375 399,288 427,445
Charitable activities 4 4,563,391 421,378 4,984,769 4,341,337
Investment income 5 101,229 - 101,229 39,037
Total income 4,678,533 806,753 5,485,286 4,807,819
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 6 (4,344,317) (567,170) (4,911,487) (4,806,092)
Total expenditure (4,344,317) (567,170) (4,911,487) (4,806,092)
Net income 334,216 239,583 573,799 1,727
Transfers between funds (18,558) 18,558 - -
Net movement in funds 315,658 258,141 573,799 1,727
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 1,641,689 203,204 1,844,893 1,843,166
Total funds carried forward 17 1,957,347 461,345 2,418,692 1,844,893

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED) (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES)

Total
Unrestricted Restricted 2024
Note £ £ £
Income from:
Donations, legacies and grants receivable 3 11,971 415,474 427,445
Charitable activities 4 4,279,335 62,002 4,341,337
Investment income 5 39,037 - 39,037
Total income 4,330,343 477,476 4,807,819
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 6 (4,378,661) (427,431) (4,806,092)
Total expenditure (4,378,661) (427,431) (4,806,092)
Net (expenditure)/income (48,318) 50,045 1,727
Net movement in funds (48,318) 50,045 1,727
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 1,690,007 153,159 1,843,166
Total funds carried forward 17 1,641,689 203,204 1,844,893

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2025 and 2024 are shown in note 17.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 139,110 127,878
Current assets
Debtors 13 817,425 740,364
Cash at bank and in hand 4,929,543 3,801,769
5,746,968 4,542,133
Creditors: Amounts
falling due within one
year 14 (3,467,386) (2,825,118)
Net current assets 2,279,582 1,717,015
Net assets 2,418,692 1,844,893
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income
funds
Restricted funds 461,345 203,204
Unrestricted income
funds
Unrestricted funds 1,957,347 1,641,689
Total funds 17 2,418,692 1,844,893
----- End of picture text -----

The financial statements on pages 14 to 38 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 4 November 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

......................................... Mr M J D Pannone Trustee

Registration number: 05438407

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash income 573,799 1,727
Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items
Depreciation 43,425 46,946
Investment income 5 (101,229) (39,037)
515,995 9,636
Working capital adjustments
Increase in debtors 13 (77,061) (160,997)
Increase in creditors 14 642,268 2,321,892
Net cash flows from operating activities 1,081,202 2,170,531
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest receivable and similar income 5 101,229 39,037
Purchase of tangible fixed assets 12 (54,657) (49,364)
Net cash flows from investing activities 46,572 (10,327)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,127,774 2,160,204
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 3,801,769 1,641,565
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 4,929,543 3,801,769

All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 CHARITY STATUS

The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

The address of its registered office is: People First Conference Centre Milbourne Street Carlisle CA2 5XB

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 4 November 2025.

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.

Basis of preparation

People First Independent Advocacy meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Departures from the SORP

As noted in the trustees' report, organisational structure section, the charitable company merged with a CIO, People First Services with effect from 1 April 2023. This transaction has been accounted for as a charity merger, which accurately reflects the substance of the transactions. This is a departure from SORP FRS 102 paragraph 27.4A which specifies that a charitable company cannot apply merger accounting to such combinations. The departure from the provisions of the SORP is required in order to give a true and fair view.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Income

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

Interest on funds held on deposit are included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charitable company, this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Income from charitable activities is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Governance costs

Governance costs are costs incurred on the charity's operations, including suport costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

The cost of tangible assets includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and installation.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Asset class

Asset class Depreciation method and rate
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 25% straight line, 20% straight line
and 15% reducing balance
Plant and machinery 20% reducing balance
Property improvements - Bistro straight line over remaining life of
leasehold lease
Equipment 20% straight line
Motor vehicles 20% reducing balance

Debtors

Trade debtors and other debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts. Prepayments are calculated as amounts paid during the financial year, but which relate to a future financial period. Accrued income is recognised where the entity is entitled to the income in the financial year, but the receipt does not occur until a future financial year.

Cash and cash equivalents

Includes all cash held and in bank current and deposit accounts.

Creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Accruals are calculated as amounts relating to the financial year, but which are paid for after the year end. Deferred income includes amounts received in the financial year for income relating to future financial periods.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Operating leases

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Pensions and other post retirement obligations

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Outstanding pension contributions at the balance sheet date are included within other creditors.

Employee benefits

Termination benefits are recognised as an expense in the Statement of Financial Activities immediately. Termination benefits are recognised as a liability and expense only when the charitable company is demonstrably committed either to terminate the employment of an employee or group of employees before the normal retirement date or to provide termination benefits as a result of an offer made in order to encourage voluntary redundancy.

Termination benefits are measured at the best estimate of the expenditure that would be required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. In the case of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy, measurement is based on the number of employees expected to accept the offer. When termination benefits are due more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period, they shall be measure at their discounted present value.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction.

Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

3 INCOME FROM DONATIONS, LEGACIES AND GRANTS RECEIVABLE

Unrestricted
Restricted Total Total
General funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Donations and legacies;
Donations from companies,
trusts and similar proceeds 13,913 - 13,913 11,971
Grants, including capital grants;
NHS North East & North
Cumbria ICB - LeDeR project - 43,750 43,750 -
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Hospitals NHS Foundation - 18,176 18,176 24,236
VONNE - Research
Engagement Network
Development - 708 708 15,500
Cumbria Youth Alliance - 17,108 17,108 11,406
Cumbria Community
Foundation - 9,852 9,852 24,649
National Lottery Community
Fund - 148,333 148,333 148,333
National Lottery - Awards for
All - 20,000 20,000 -
Manchester Metropolitan
University - 2,000 2,000 -
Cumbria Education Trust - 1,400 1,400 -
Children in Need - Journies - - - 20,000
Centre for learning - 20,000 20,000 -
Maternity Voices Partnership - - - 143,160
Skills For People - 4,800 4,800 -
Safeguarding Voices - - - 24,690
Cumbria Tourism - 16,812 16,812 -
Francis Scott Charitable Trust - 10,000 10,000 -
Poverty Reduction Action - - - 3,500
Motability Foundation - Your
Voice Counts - 72,436 72,436 -
13,913 385,375 399,288 427,445

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

4 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
funds
Total Total
General Restricted 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Income receivable 4,563,391 421,378 4,984,769 4,341,337

5 INVESTMENT INCOME

Unrestricted
funds
Total Total
General 2025 2024
£ £ £
Interest on cash deposits 101,229 101,229 39,037

6 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Activity Activity
undertaken support Total Total
directly costs 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Charitable activities 4,633,699 277,788 4,911,487 4,806,092

7 ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE AND SUPPORT COSTS

SUPPORT COSTS ALLOCATED TO CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Other
Governance
Finance		 Information
Staff		 support Total Total
costs costs technology costs costs 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Support costs 14,640 6,278 121,933 34,350 100,587 277,788 304,260

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

7 ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE AND SUPPORT COSTS (CONTINUED)

SUPPORT COSTS ALLOCATED TO CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Other
Governance Finance Information Staff support Total
costs costs technology costs costs funds
£ £ £ £ £ £
**Total ** for 2024 23,812 4,165 127,371 19,564 129,348 304,260

GOVERNANCE COSTS

Unrestricted
funds Total
General 2025
£ £
Auditor's fees 14,640 14,640
14,640 14,640
Unrestricted
funds Total
General 2024
£ £
Accountancy fees 8,812 8,812
Auditor's fees 15,000 15,000
23,812 23,812
8 NET INCOMING/OUTGOING RESOURCES
Net incoming resources for the year include:
2025 2024
£ £
Operating leases - other assets 78,427 84,594
Audit fees 14,640 15,000
Other non-audit services - 8,812
Depreciation of fixed assets 43,425 46,946

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

9 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

During the year the charity made the following transactions with trustees:

Miss L Townson

Miss L Townson received remuneration of £780 (2024: £866) during the year.

Miss L Townson completes work as an independent expert by experience to help in delivering independent reviews externally.

Total expenses of £692 were reimbursed to four trustees in respect of travel and subsistence (2024: £514 reimbursed to two trustees).

No trustees have received any other benefits from the charity during the year.

10STAFF COSTS

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Staff costs during the year were:
Wages and salaries 2,767,052 2,783,089
Social security costs 229,272 220,739
Pension costs 134,222 129,146
3,130,546 3,132,974

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

Average number of staff

2025 2024
No No
129 104

99 (2024 - 92) of the above employees participated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes. Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £134,222 (2024 - £129,146).

During the year, the charity committed to redundancy and/or termination payments which totalled £Nil (2024 - £7,814).

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

10STAFF COSTS (CONTINUED)

The number of employees whose emoluments fell within the following bands was:

2025 2024
No No
£90,001 - £100,000 1 -
£110,001 - £120,000 - 1

In the previous year the actual salary of the individual concerned in this band was considerably lower. The total included special reimbursements related to additional cover provided in the absence of a Finance Director.

The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £408,828 (2024 - £523,668).

11TAXATION

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

12TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures,
Property Plant fittings
improvements and and Motor
- Bistro machinery equipment Equipment vehicles Total
£ £ £ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2024 38,225 15,990 450,114 109,945 - 614,274
Additions - - 6,006 42,291 6,360 54,657
At 31 March 2025 38,225 15,990 456,120 152,236 6,360 668,931
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024 22,485 5,812 403,887 54,212 - 486,396
Charge for the
year 4,498 2,035 21,114 14,824 954 43,425
At 31 March 2025 26,983 7,847 425,001 69,036 954 529,821
Net book value
At 31 March 2025 11,242 8,143 31,119 83,200 5,406 139,110
At 31 March 2024 15,740 10,178 46,227 55,733 - 127,878
13DEBTORS
2025 2024
£ £
Trade debtors 411,110 455,494
Prepayments and accrued income 406,315 284,870
817,425 740,364

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

14CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

14CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
£ £
Trade creditors 81,028 167,635
Other taxation and social security 79,793 48,624
Other creditors 2,917,894 2,416,712
Accruals and deferred income 388,671 192,147
3,467,386 2,825,118

Included in other creditors is £2,900,000 (£2,400,000) of funds held not belonging to the charity.

Deferred income

Deferred income
2025 2024
£ £
Deferred income at 1 April 2024 150,097 95,135
Resources deferred in the period 212,534 150,097
Amounts released from previous periods (150,097) (95,135)
Deferred income at year end 212,534 150,097

At the balance sheet date, the charity held grants and funds received in advance relating to the next financial year which amounted to £212,534 (£150,097).

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

15OBLIGATIONS UNDER LEASES AND HIRE PURCHASE CONTRACTS

OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2025 2024
£ £
Land and buildings
Within one year 67,413 60,072
Between one and five years 108,350 151,250
175,763 211,322
Other
Within one year 5,224 8,155
Between one and five years 6,342 11,566
11,566 19,721

The amount paid in respect of operating lease payments during the year was £78,427 (2024: £84,594).

16PENSION

Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to £134,222 (2024 - £129,146).

Contributions totalling £17,893 (2024: £15,340) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS

17FUNDS
Balance at Balance at
1 April 31 March
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General Funds 1,341,689 4,678,533 (4,344,317) (18,558) 1,657,347
Property costs 300,000 - - - 300,000
Total unrestricted funds 1,641,689 4,678,533 (4,344,317) (18,558) 1,957,347
Restricted funds
Savoy Educational Trust 83 - (83) - -
National Lottery
Community Fund 148,333 148,333 (137,604) - 159,062
Funding for Bistro 2,322 - (663) - 1,659
Cumbria Police and Crime
Commissioner 988 - (851) - 137
Sanitisation Station 689 - (275) - 414
Defibrilator funding 150 - - - 150
VONNE - Research
Engagement Network
Development - 708 (567) - 141
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Hospitals NHS Foundation - 18,176 (23,692) 5,516 -
Cumbria Youth Alliance - 17,108 (23,726) 6,618 -
Safeguarding Voices 24,690 - (24,690) - -
Cumbria Community
Foundation 24,649 9,852 (28,659) - 5,842
Inclusion North - Oliver
McGowan funding - 145,314 (82,119) - 63,195
Healthwatch Cumbria
dentistry funding 1,040 - (1,040) - -
Healthwatch W&F
dentistry funding 260 - (260) - -
Manchester Metropolitan
University - 2,000 (516) - 1,484
Cumbria Education Trust - 1,400 (3,927) 2,527 -
Francis Scott Charitable
Trust - 10,000 (11,116) 1,116 -

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS (CONTINUED)
Balance at Balance at
1 April 31 March
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2025
£ £ £ £ £
NHS North East and North
Cumbria ICB - LMNS
project - 108,033 (67,492) - 40,541
NHS North East and North
Cumbria ICB - MNVP
project - 188,030 (127,015) - 61,015
NHS North East and North
Cumbria ICB - LeDeR
project - 43,750 (20,221) - 23,529
Skills for People - 4,800 (7,581) 2,781 -
Your Voice Counts - 72,436 (3,108) - 69,328
Cumbria Tourism - 16,813 (1,951) - 14,862
National Lottery - Awards
for All - 20,000 (14) - 19,986
Total restricted funds 203,204 806,753 (567,170) 18,558 461,345
Total funds 1,844,893 5,485,286 (4,911,487) - 2,418,692

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS (CONTINUED)
**Balance ** at
Balance at 1 31 March
April 2023 Income Expenditure 2024
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General Funds 1,390,007 4,330,343 (4,378,661) 1,341,689
Property costs 300,000 - - 300,000
Total unrestricted funds 1,690,007 4,330,343 (4,378,661) 1,641,689
Restricted
Children in Need - Journies (11,763) 20,000 (8,237) -
Cumbria Community
Foundation - Brian and Ann
Clark Fund 668 - (668) -
Savoy Educational Trust 967 - (884) 83
National Lottery Community
Fund 2,432 148,333 (2,432) 148,333
Hedley Foundation 3,000 - (3,000) -
Funding for Bistro 8,308 - (5,986) 2,322
Cumbria Community
Foundation - Virtual groups 4,433 - (4,433) -
Social Enterprise Support Fund 201 - (201) -
Cumbria Police and Crime
Commissioner 1,839 - (851) 988
Sanitisation Station 964 - (275) 689
Persimmon Community
Champions 1,000 - (1,000) -
Defibrilator funding 150 - - 150
Disability Voices Project 67,960 - (67,960) -
Lancashire - Safeguarding
Voices Project 33,000 - (33,000) -
Poverty Reduction Action 40,000 3,500 (43,500) -
VONNE - Research
Engagement Network
Development - 15,500 (15,500) -
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Hospitals NHS Foundation - 24,236 (24,236) -
Cumbria Youth Alliance - 11,406 (11,406) -
Safeguarding Voices - 24,690 - 24,690
Cumbria Community
Foundation - 24,649 - 24,649

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS (CONTINUED)
Balance at
Balance at 1 31 March
April 2023 Income Expenditure 2024
£ £ £ £
Inclusion North - Oliver
McGowan funding - 60,702 (60,702) -
Healthwatch Cumbria dentistry
funding - 1,040 - 1,040
Healthwatch W&F dentistry
funding - 260 - 260
Maternity Voices Partnership - 143,160 (143,160) -
Total restricted funds 153,159 477,476 (427,431) 203,204
Total funds 1,843,166 4,807,819 (4,806,092) 1,844,893

Transfers were made from the unrestricted fund and allocated to the restricted funds of projects that had expenditure exceeding the restricted income and the project was complete.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS (CONTINUED)

The Savoy Educational Trust provided funding for the purchase of a coffee machine for the bistro.

The charity received a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund for the Work in Progress project which aims to support people with learning disabilities and autistic people into paid permanent work.

A grant from The National Lottery Community Fund was received in earlier years for capital items in the refurbishment of the kitchen for learners. The balance remaining is the net book value of these items.

Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner provided funding to help deliver the HERE - All Age Counselling Service to respond to the mental health crisis caused by Covid-19 in previous years. The project also supported the purchase of capital items and the balance remaining is the net book value of these items.

Funding was received for a defibrilator.

Other funding was received for the purchase of a sanitisation station.

The VONNE funding received during the year was to support the Research Engagement Network Development project carried out last year to provide additional funding for vouchers.

Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation - A 3 year grant was provided to fund the People First Cafe at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Cumberland Infirmary.

The Cumbria Youth Alliance towards the costs of the Youth Partnership project.

Lancashire County Council provided funding for a Safeguarding Voices Project which will will review the involvement of people within the safeguarding process who fall under Blackpool, Blackburn (with Darwen Borough) and Lancashire County Councils. The project's aim is to involve people as fully as possible so that the quality of life, wellbeing and safety of the individual can be improved.

Francis Scott foundation, Awards for All and the Cumberland Building Society all provided capital funding for the bistro and equipment for the bistro.

The Cumbria Community Foundation provided funding through their shared prosperity fund for help towards the Work in Progress project (primarily funded by the National Lottery Community Fund grant).

Inclusion North provided funding for the Oliver McGowan training fund which delivers training on recommended practices for health and social care staff.

Healthwatch Cumbria provided funding for engagement with the public on dentist services in the area.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

17FUNDS (CONTINUED)

Healthwatch W&F provided funding for engagement with the public on dentist services in the area. Manchester Metropolitan University provided a grant to fund the Research for WT Project 507935: Mental Health Medications In The Lives Of People With Learning Disabilities.

Cumbria Education Trust provided funding for the workshops as part of the Family Connector project.

A two year grant was provided by The Francis Scott Charitable Trust towards the costs of the Inclusion Insights project.

NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB provided funding for the Local Maternity and Neonatal System partnership.

NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB provided funding for the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership.

Cumbria ICB - LeDeR - provided a grant to support the project Learning from lives and deaths - people with a learning disability and autistic people.

Skills for People provided a grant to fund the hospital prevention work.

The Motability Foundation provided a 2 year partnership grant to fund the Your Voice Counts project to provide accredited training for adults with learning disabilities in the North of England and to support people with learning disabilities to form a regional Travel Champions Network to tackle travel barriers at a strategic level.

Cumbria Tourism provided a grant towards the Helping Hands Training program.

The National Lottery provided an Awards for All grant towards the Youth group.

18ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Total funds
at 31 March
General Designated Restricted 2025
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 137,397 - 1,713 139,110
Current assets 4,987,336 300,000 459,632 5,746,968
Current liabilities (3,467,386) - - (3,467,386)
Total net assets 1,657,347 300,000 461,345 2,418,692

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

18ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS (CONTINUED)

Total funds
at 31 March
General Designated Restricted 2024
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 126,698 - 1,180 127,878
Current assets 4,040,109 300,000 202,024 4,542,133
Current liabilities (2,825,118) - - (2,825,118)
Total net assets 1,341,689 300,000 203,204 1,844,893

19ANALYSIS OF NET FUNDS

19ANALYSIS OF NET FUNDS
At 1 April Financing At 31 March
2024 cash flows 2025
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 3,801,769 1,127,774 4,929,543
Net debt 3,801,769 1,127,774 4,929,543
At 1 April Financing At 31 March
2023 cash flows 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 1,641,565 2,160,204 3,801,769
Net debt 1,641,565 2,160,204 3,801,769

20RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions in the year.

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