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2025-03-31-accounts

Communication Unlimited Annual Report 2024- 2025

Our Mission Statement

To provide high quality, deaf communication services to empower individuals and groups to actively participate in society equally, primarily in the county of Derbyshire

Our Vision

To constantly strive for improving effective communication for all the diverse needs of deaf people

Our Values

Message from the Chair

I am pleased to be here once again to present the 35[th] Annual Report for Communication Unlimited, showing our work for 2024-2025 and this is my last Chair’s report as I will be stepping down in this AGM.

During our 35[th] year we have worked hard to continue to provide a high quality interpreting service in Derbyshire. We have delivered approx 5,300 interpreting assignments which reflects the hard work done by the interpreters.

We were sad to say goodbye to Jess Squire and Fraser Holmes then welcomed Jakki Leader and Sebastian Probert to our team.

We continue to experience the challenge of the interpreter shortage which is affecting the whole of the UK and it has also impacted Communication Unlimited with our recruitment.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff at Communication Unlimited and the freelance interpreters who have worked with CU doing the interpreting jobs for their continued dedication to provide a quality communication service for Deaf people.

We were a co-partner in a research project in partnership with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and Royal School for the Deaf and gathered 297 different experiences from 67 participants. This has been a valuable piece of work and will assist the NHS to consider what they need to do to improve deaf people’s experiences accessing health services.

Please take a look at the following pages of the annual report which shows all the different work we do during the year.

I thank you all for continuing to use our services and your support towards the staff and the charity.

Your feedback on our services is very important to us and helps us to improve service delivery.

Rachell

Management Committee 2023 - 2024

Rachell Bastikar Chair

John Lenton Vice Chair

Siobhan Shaw Karen Adams Secretary Co Opted Treasurer

Mhairi Simpson

Rowena Johnson

Agnes Latif

David Leader

Robert Foulkes

Hamza Shaikh

Communication Unlimited Staff

Sign Language Interpreters

Helen Blunden

Emma Walker

Jacinta Bowen-Byrne

Jess Squire Left June 24

Fraser Holmes Left June 24

Sam Waters

Maria BradleyNicholson

Sebastian Probert Joined October 24

Jakki Leader Joined July 24

Lynn Patton Business Coordinator

Cheryl Herbert Admin Assistant

Niki Johnson Project Worker

Alison Jones CEO

Case study 1

We were contacted by a deaf family whose elderly mother / grandmother was unwell and having difficulties accessing the health services. The son contacted us for help and we organised a sign language interpreter and a GP appointment which has then led to cancer diagnosis. We continue to support this lady with her treatment appointments

Outcome – the Deaf mother along with her family understood what was happening and was able to participate in the discussions and make decisions about her treatment options.

Case study 2

A deaf lady was struggling to obtain her prescription medication as her GP had ordered them but the pharmacy was unable to supply due to an error in the prescription. She contacted Communication Unlimited who made a few phone calls to resolve the issue

Outcome – The deaf lady was able to obtain her medication

Case study 3

A deaf man was unwell and was causing concern for the deaf family who called us to ask for help from the GP surgery. We phoned and spoke to the surgery, organised a home visit from the doctor and booked an interpreter to meet the GP at the home. The interpreter interpreted the conversations between the GP, man and his family.

Outcome – the deaf man was admitted into hospital for emergency treatment and now has recovered

Activities during 2024 - 2025

During Sign Language week

Deaf Childrens Christmas Party with British Deaf Association (BDA) and Derby Deaf club. Catherine Atkinson our MP made an unannounced appearance.

Deaf Mental Health Forum visits the new Hospital at Kingsway and shared feedback from the Deaf perspective. CU is the chair for the forum

3 laptops received from Erewash Voluntary Action Mental Health funding

Deaf Mental Health Day where we had deaf speakers along with Mark Powell, DHCS

Research Partnership

The study, which follows an award of over £100,000 from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), was led by Dr Anna Selby, research and postgraduate manager at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre, and brought together UHDB, the University of Leeds and University of Sheffield, and two Derbybased charities – Communication Unlimited and the Royal School for the Deaf Derby.

Communication Unlimited helped to interview 67 Deaf people about their medical experiences and their contributions to decide the priorities for NHS to focus on

Derby Book Festival

At Derby Cathedral

Interpreters out and about

With GB Football Captain Jamie Clarke

35th £ir4lk

We received 50 tickets from Circus Starr which we were able to distribute to deaf children and their families

We are working with SEND Dynamics to run a Deaf parents support group to get information and support about EHCP and the legal process for their SEND children.

In 2024-2025 Communication Unlimited was funded (grants and contracts) as follows

Derby and Derbyshire ICB

GP Extra Support

The provision of GP Extra support has continued enabling deaf people to get the most of their GP appointments. It has given Deaf people extra access to health information and NHS choices. This has enabled us to make appointments on behalf of Deaf people

We handle the BSL bookings for University hospitals of Derby and Burton, we handle an average of 100 bookings a month. We have delivered several Deaf Awareness training sessions to various sections of the hospitals.

Mental Health funding from Erewash Voluntary Action enabled us to purchase 3 new laptops. It helped us to work to improve mental wellbeing for many Deaf people

We work with a wide range of organisations and settings including schools, personal bookings, legal, workplaces, councils, etc

Flat 1 Perth House

Athlone Close Chaddesden Derby DE21 4BP

Tel 01332 369920 Email bookings@cu-bsl.co.uk SMS / Glide 07812300280

Out of Hours Emergency 07432891697 Text Only

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1188251

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Communication Unlimited

Communication Unlimited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Cash Flow Statement 8
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 15

Communication Unlimited

Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

TRUSTEES R Bastikar J Lenton K Adams S Shaw M Simpson D Leader T Broskom (resigned 13.11.2024) R Foulkes H Shaikh A Latif (appointed 13.11.2024) R Johnson (appointed 13.11.2024) PRINCIPAL ADDRESS Flat 1, Perth House Athlone Close Derby Derbyshire DE21 4BP REGISTERED CHARITY 1188251 NUMBER

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Bates Weston LLP Chartered Accountants The Mills Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ BANKERS Unity trust Bank Plc Nine Brindley Place Oozells Square Birmingham B1 2HB

Page 1

Communication Unlimited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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

Our Mission Statement

To provide high quality, deaf communication services to empower individuals and groups to actively participate in society, primarily in the county of Derbyshire.

Our Vision

To constantly strive for improving effective communication for the diverse needs of deaf people.

Our Values

Public benefit

The main aim of Communication Unlimited is to provide quality communication services for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind in Derby and Derbyshire.

The charitable activities focus on working in partnership with individuals and groups to overcome communication barriers therefore allowing Deaf people's access and full participation in society.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary of the year

We proudly celebrated our 35th Anniversary this year-a significant milestone that reflects our longstanding commitment and impact. The celebration brought together staff, supporters, partners, and community members to honour our history, achievements, and ongoing mission.

We have maintained a strong presence in delivering British Sign Language Interpreting services in Derby and Derbyshire which has included working mainly in the health sector under various contracts for example University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and Derby & Derbyshire ICB. We worked together to ensure that Deaf people were able to access their appointments and to be able to speak to their health professionals effectively.

In partnership with Self Help UK, Deaf Cancer support group, we conducted a small-scale research project focusing on the experiences and needs of Deaf patients in accessing palliative and end-of-life care. The study aimed to identify barriers, gaps in communication, and areas for improvement in service provision. Insights gathered will inform future advocacy, staff training, and the development of more accessible and culturally appropriate care pathways.

In partnership with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and the Royal School for the Deaf, we are conducting an 18 month Deaf Health Inequalities Research Project aimed at identifying and addressing disparities in healthcare access, outcomes, and communication for Deaf individuals.

We had stalls at various events to promote our work, engage with the public, and share information about our services. These events provided valuable opportunities for outreach, networking, and gathering feedback from the community.

Our Interpreters have worked very hard to deliver many difficult assignments. This has included a lot of evenings and weekend work. Without the dedication of our interpreters we would have had difficulty meeting these demands.

Page 2

Communication Unlimited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary of the year (continued)

We have continued to develop strong relationships with freelance interpreters who have helped us to deliver on many medical appointments so the deaf community are able to understand information at their appointments.

The GP Extra Support contract continues, which has enabled us to support many clients to obtain appointments with their GP or community Health services. We liaise with the surgeries to organise repeat prescriptions, something which was vital this year as many surgeries moved to a telephone-based service and also organise their referrals to alternative services via the 'Choose and book' system.

We received restricted funding of £3,420 to purchase 3 laptops from Erewash Voluntary Action Mental Health Small Grants Scheme 2024.

Foundation Derbyshire has given us funding of £1,328 for our befriending project where we are recruiting and training volunteers to run projects and in 2025 this will be further expanded to include befriending work.

The current financial climate and rising cost of living continues to impact upon every aspect of service delivery but we are carefully managing resources and costs to ensure the best provision for the community.

We have welcomed Agnieszka Latif and Rowena Johnson to the board of trustees. David Leader was re-elected to the board on 13 November 2024 following the end of his three year term.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting policies.

Total incoming resources for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £511,966 (2024: £477,460).

Unrestricted funds amounted to £198,610, which is all allocated as designated funds.

It is the policy of the trustees to always designate 50% of the remaining undesignated unrestricted reserves to cover any unexpected events. This Contingency reserve is intended to cover any unforeseen redundancy payments, and also provide reserves for six months running costs, should funding be late or withheld. This designated fund is therefore not available for use in the general running of the organisation.

After accounting for all the above designated funds, there were no free general reserves held by the charity at 31 March 2025.

INVESTMENT POWERS, POLICY AND PERFORMANCE

The trustee's investment powers are governed by the constitution, which permits the charity's funds to be invested in, or on such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit.

Risk management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Page 3

Communication Unlimited

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

We will expand the provision of our Interpreting services to include Intra-lingual interpreters, Translators and Interpreters for Deafblind people as the new registration qualifications come in.

Communication Unlimited will promote and advertise for individuals to register with the agency on a freelance basis. Whilst also looking for some existing staff / current volunteers to upskill into these roles.

We are developing a pool of volunteers to work with us on some projects including offering a befriending service for Deaf people who are in hospital, supporting events we run. We are doing this to develop future interpreters by working with them on their development.

Communication Unlimited will continue to advertise and recruit volunteers into the roles within the service and support their development.

Long term we wish to move to larger premises which suits our needs. Communication Unlimited has began to engage with different agencies to explore current availability within the area.

The Trustees support all of these plans as they feel that this will address the needs of the community. Many services struggle to provide appropriately accessible options and by increasing the skilled professionals available, it will meet the demand.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation.

Charity constitution

The Charity was constituted in 2020, at which point all assets were transferred from the Charity with registered number 1006643, and is registered with the Charity Commissioners under charity number 1188251. The charity is also known as CU.

The trustees who served during the period can be found on the reference and administrative details of the charity page.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The selection procedure begins prior to the AGM. Notification and information is sent to all full members and trustees, giving names of people who have served on the board in the past year and outlining who is to retire at the forthcoming AGM. A nomination form is also sent inviting nominees for the vacant positions. These are returned to the office, the results collated, which are then presented to the AGM. Nominations are proposed, seconded and approved by the members at the meeting. If more nominations are received than places available then a voting process takes place at the AGM by the members.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 13 November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

R Bastikar - Trustee

Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Communication Unlimited

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Communication Unlimited

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Communication Unlimited (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. 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.

Sean Douglass FCA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Bates Weston LLP Chartered Accountants The Mills Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ

21 November 2025

Page 5

Communication Unlimited

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Charitable activities
3
Communication services
477,521
Investment income
2
3,560
Total
481,081
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
4
Communication services
492,517
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(11,436)
Transfers between funds
12
3,420
Net movement in funds
(8,016)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
206,626
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
198,610
Restricted
funds
£
30,885
-
30,885
26,801
4,084
(3,420)
664
-
664
2025
Total
funds
£
508,406
3,560
511,966
519,318
(7,352)
-
(7,352)
206,626
199,274
2024
Total
funds
£
474,237
3,223
477,460
492,074
(14,614)
-
(14,614)
221,240
206,626

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

Communication Unlimited

Balance Sheet

31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
3,846
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
50,599
Cash at bank
160,972
211,571
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
(16,807)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
194,764
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
198,610
NET ASSETS
198,610
FUNDS
12
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
664
664
-
664
664
664
2025
Total
funds
£
3,846
50,599
161,636
212,235
(16,807)
195,428
199,274
199,274
198,610
664
199,274
2024
Total
funds
£
3,844
60,879
150,518
211,397
(8,615)
202,782
206,626
206,626
206,626
-
206,626

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 13 November 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

R Bastikar - Trustee

K Adams - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

Communication Unlimited

Cash Flow Statement

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents
in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the reporting period
2025
£
14,458
14,458
(3,340)
(3,340)
11,118
150,518
161,636
2024
£
(24,066)
(24,066)
-
-
(24,066)
174,584
150,518

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES
Net expenditure for the reporting period (as per the Statement
of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by/(used in) operations
2025
£
(7,352)
3,338
10,280
8,192
14,458
2024
£
(14,614)
3,129
(17,576)
4,995
(24,066)

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 150,518 11,118 161,636
150,518 11,118 161,636
Total 150,518 11,118 161,636

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 9

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

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

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:

Tangible fixed assets

All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised.

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings - 15% straight line
Computer equipment - 25% straight line

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.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

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.

Page 10

continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Going concern

At the balance sheet date the charity had a significant cash balance and a strong net current asset position. At the time of signing these accounts, the trustees have considered the effect of the current global conditions and other similar political factors on the going concern position, and consider that this does indicate that the charity will charity will continue to operate for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these accounts.

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

3.

4.

5.

Interest income
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Translation fees
Communication services
Grant income
Communication services
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Communication services
DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Staff costs
Freelance interpreters
Travel costs
IT costs
Postage and stationery
Note taker fees
Sundries
Depreciation
Direct
Costs (see
note 5)
£
479,594
2025
£
3,560
2025
£
477,521
30,885
508,406
Support
costs (see
note 6)
£
39,724
2025
£
359,782
73,644
13,540
21,491
1,849
1,455
4,495
3,338
479,594
2024
£
3,223
2024
£
448,100
26,137
2024
£
3,223
474,237
Totals
£
519,318
2024
£
325,560
85,323
12,959
22,418
1,745
1,144
3,315
3,129
455,593

Page 11

continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

6. SUPPORT COSTS

SUPPORT COSTS
Governance
Finance Other costs Totals
£ £ £ £
Communication services 217 25,593 13,914 39,724

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

8. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
2025
£
316,209
27,804
15,769
359,782
2024
£
288,565
22,478
14,517
325,560
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Employees
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
2025
10
2024
10

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
Charge for year
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Fixtures
and
Computer
fittings
equipment
£
£
1,390
11,681
-
3,340
1,390
15,021
747
8,480
208
3,130
955
11,610
435
3,411
643
3,201
Totals
£
13,071
3,340
16,411
9,227
3,338
12,565
3,846
3,844

Page 12

continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors
11.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
12.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.4.24
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
5,655
(11,436)
Training reserve
12,000
-
Building reserve
47,000
-
Contingency reserve
141,971
-
206,626
(11,436)
Restricted funds
Foundation Derbyshire
-
664
Erewash Voluntary Action
-
3,420
-
4,084
TOTAL FUNDS
206,626
(7,352)
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
481,081
Restricted funds
Foundation Derbyshire
1,328
GP Extra Support Contract
26,137
Erewash Voluntary Action
3,420
30,885
TOTAL FUNDS
511,966
2025
2024
£
£
50,599
60,879
2025
2024
£
£
7,526
4,365
-
200
9,281
4,050
16,807
8,615
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.25
£
£
5,781
-
-
12,000
-
47,000
(2,361)
139,610
3,420
198,610
-
664
(3,420)
-
(3,420)
664
-
199,274
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(492,517)
(11,436)
(664)
664
(26,137)
-
-
3,420
(26,801)
4,084
(519,318)
(7,352)

Page 13

continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Training reserve
Building reserve
Contingency reserve
Restricted funds
Erewash Voluntary Action
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.4.23
£
17,729
12,000
47,000
141,971
218,700
2,540
221,240
Net
movement
in funds
£
(12,074)
-
-
-
(12,074)
(2,540)
(14,614)
At
31.3.24
£
5,655
12,000
47,000
141,971
206,626
-
206,626

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
GP Extra Support Contract
Erewash Voluntary Action
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
451,323
26,137
-
26,137
477,460
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(463,397)
(12,074)
(26,137)
-
(2,540)
(2,540)
(28,677)
(2,540)
(492,074)
(14,614)

Training reserve - this covers the course costs for trainee interpreters to become qualified interpreters and to cover course costs for staff development.

Building reserve - in the near future larger premises will be required as services develop thus this reserve will help fund this.

Contingency reserve - this covers any potential difficulties in the future and is a requirement to have at least 6 months running costs in reserve.

Page 14

continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The remuneration of key management personnel who comprise of certain members of the senior management team is as follows.

2025 2024
£ £
Aggregate remuneration 33,926 32,615

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Page 15

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1188251

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Communication Unlimited

Communication Unlimited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Cash Flow Statement 8
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 15

Communication Unlimited

Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

TRUSTEES R Bastikar J Lenton K Adams S Shaw M Simpson D Leader T Broskom (resigned 13.11.2024) R Foulkes H Shaikh A Latif (appointed 13.11.2024) R Johnson (appointed 13.11.2024) PRINCIPAL ADDRESS Flat 1, Perth House Athlone Close Derby Derbyshire DE21 4BP REGISTERED CHARITY 1188251 NUMBER

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Bates Weston LLP Chartered Accountants The Mills Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ BANKERS Unity trust Bank Plc Nine Brindley Place Oozells Square Birmingham B1 2HB

Page 1

Communication Unlimited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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

Our Mission Statement

To provide high quality, deaf communication services to empower individuals and groups to actively participate in society, primarily in the county of Derbyshire.

Our Vision

To constantly strive for improving effective communication for the diverse needs of deaf people.

Our Values

Public benefit

The main aim of Communication Unlimited is to provide quality communication services for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind in Derby and Derbyshire.

The charitable activities focus on working in partnership with individuals and groups to overcome communication barriers therefore allowing Deaf people's access and full participation in society.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary of the year

We proudly celebrated our 35th Anniversary this year-a significant milestone that reflects our longstanding commitment and impact. The celebration brought together staff, supporters, partners, and community members to honour our history, achievements, and ongoing mission.

We have maintained a strong presence in delivering British Sign Language Interpreting services in Derby and Derbyshire which has included working mainly in the health sector under various contracts for example University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and Derby & Derbyshire ICB. We worked together to ensure that Deaf people were able to access their appointments and to be able to speak to their health professionals effectively.

In partnership with Self Help UK, Deaf Cancer support group, we conducted a small-scale research project focusing on the experiences and needs of Deaf patients in accessing palliative and end-of-life care. The study aimed to identify barriers, gaps in communication, and areas for improvement in service provision. Insights gathered will inform future advocacy, staff training, and the development of more accessible and culturally appropriate care pathways.

In partnership with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and the Royal School for the Deaf, we are conducting an 18 month Deaf Health Inequalities Research Project aimed at identifying and addressing disparities in healthcare access, outcomes, and communication for Deaf individuals.

We had stalls at various events to promote our work, engage with the public, and share information about our services. These events provided valuable opportunities for outreach, networking, and gathering feedback from the community.

Our Interpreters have worked very hard to deliver many difficult assignments. This has included a lot of evenings and weekend work. Without the dedication of our interpreters we would have had difficulty meeting these demands.

Page 2

Communication Unlimited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary of the year (continued)

We have continued to develop strong relationships with freelance interpreters who have helped us to deliver on many medical appointments so the deaf community are able to understand information at their appointments.

The GP Extra Support contract continues, which has enabled us to support many clients to obtain appointments with their GP or community Health services. We liaise with the surgeries to organise repeat prescriptions, something which was vital this year as many surgeries moved to a telephone-based service and also organise their referrals to alternative services via the 'Choose and book' system.

We received restricted funding of £3,420 to purchase 3 laptops from Erewash Voluntary Action Mental Health Small Grants Scheme 2024.

Foundation Derbyshire has given us funding of £1,328 for our befriending project where we are recruiting and training volunteers to run projects and in 2025 this will be further expanded to include befriending work.

The current financial climate and rising cost of living continues to impact upon every aspect of service delivery but we are carefully managing resources and costs to ensure the best provision for the community.

We have welcomed Agnieszka Latif and Rowena Johnson to the board of trustees. David Leader was re-elected to the board on 13 November 2024 following the end of his three year term.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting policies.

Total incoming resources for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £511,966 (2024: £477,460).

Unrestricted funds amounted to £198,610, which is all allocated as designated funds.

It is the policy of the trustees to always designate 50% of the remaining undesignated unrestricted reserves to cover any unexpected events. This Contingency reserve is intended to cover any unforeseen redundancy payments, and also provide reserves for six months running costs, should funding be late or withheld. This designated fund is therefore not available for use in the general running of the organisation.

After accounting for all the above designated funds, there were no free general reserves held by the charity at 31 March 2025.

INVESTMENT POWERS, POLICY AND PERFORMANCE

The trustee's investment powers are governed by the constitution, which permits the charity's funds to be invested in, or on such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit.

Risk management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Page 3

Communication Unlimited

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

We will expand the provision of our Interpreting services to include Intra-lingual interpreters, Translators and Interpreters for Deafblind people as the new registration qualifications come in.

Communication Unlimited will promote and advertise for individuals to register with the agency on a freelance basis. Whilst also looking for some existing staff / current volunteers to upskill into these roles.

We are developing a pool of volunteers to work with us on some projects including offering a befriending service for Deaf people who are in hospital, supporting events we run. We are doing this to develop future interpreters by working with them on their development.

Communication Unlimited will continue to advertise and recruit volunteers into the roles within the service and support their development.

Long term we wish to move to larger premises which suits our needs. Communication Unlimited has began to engage with different agencies to explore current availability within the area.

The Trustees support all of these plans as they feel that this will address the needs of the community. Many services struggle to provide appropriately accessible options and by increasing the skilled professionals available, it will meet the demand.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation.

Charity constitution

The Charity was constituted in 2020, at which point all assets were transferred from the Charity with registered number 1006643, and is registered with the Charity Commissioners under charity number 1188251. The charity is also known as CU.

The trustees who served during the period can be found on the reference and administrative details of the charity page.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The selection procedure begins prior to the AGM. Notification and information is sent to all full members and trustees, giving names of people who have served on the board in the past year and outlining who is to retire at the forthcoming AGM. A nomination form is also sent inviting nominees for the vacant positions. These are returned to the office, the results collated, which are then presented to the AGM. Nominations are proposed, seconded and approved by the members at the meeting. If more nominations are received than places available then a voting process takes place at the AGM by the members.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 13 November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

R Bastikar - Trustee

Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Communication Unlimited

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Communication Unlimited

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Communication Unlimited (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. 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.

Sean Douglass FCA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Bates Weston LLP Chartered Accountants The Mills Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ

21 November 2025

Page 5

Communication Unlimited

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Charitable activities
3
Communication services
477,521
Investment income
2
3,560
Total
481,081
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
4
Communication services
492,517
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(11,436)
Transfers between funds
12
3,420
Net movement in funds
(8,016)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
206,626
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
198,610
Restricted
funds
£
30,885
-
30,885
26,801
4,084
(3,420)
664
-
664
2025
Total
funds
£
508,406
3,560
511,966
519,318
(7,352)
-
(7,352)
206,626
199,274
2024
Total
funds
£
474,237
3,223
477,460
492,074
(14,614)
-
(14,614)
221,240
206,626

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

Communication Unlimited

Balance Sheet

31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
3,846
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
50,599
Cash at bank
160,972
211,571
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
(16,807)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
194,764
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
198,610
NET ASSETS
198,610
FUNDS
12
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
664
664
-
664
664
664
2025
Total
funds
£
3,846
50,599
161,636
212,235
(16,807)
195,428
199,274
199,274
198,610
664
199,274
2024
Total
funds
£
3,844
60,879
150,518
211,397
(8,615)
202,782
206,626
206,626
206,626
-
206,626

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 13 November 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

R Bastikar - Trustee

K Adams - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

Communication Unlimited

Cash Flow Statement

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents
in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the reporting period
2025
£
14,458
14,458
(3,340)
(3,340)
11,118
150,518
161,636
2024
£
(24,066)
(24,066)
-
-
(24,066)
174,584
150,518

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES
Net expenditure for the reporting period (as per the Statement
of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by/(used in) operations
2025
£
(7,352)
3,338
10,280
8,192
14,458
2024
£
(14,614)
3,129
(17,576)
4,995
(24,066)

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 150,518 11,118 161,636
150,518 11,118 161,636
Total 150,518 11,118 161,636

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 9

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

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

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:

Tangible fixed assets

All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised.

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings - 15% straight line
Computer equipment - 25% straight line

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.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

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continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Going concern

At the balance sheet date the charity had a significant cash balance and a strong net current asset position. At the time of signing these accounts, the trustees have considered the effect of the current global conditions and other similar political factors on the going concern position, and consider that this does indicate that the charity will charity will continue to operate for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these accounts.

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

3.

4.

5.

Interest income
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Translation fees
Communication services
Grant income
Communication services
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Communication services
DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Staff costs
Freelance interpreters
Travel costs
IT costs
Postage and stationery
Note taker fees
Sundries
Depreciation
Direct
Costs (see
note 5)
£
479,594
2025
£
3,560
2025
£
477,521
30,885
508,406
Support
costs (see
note 6)
£
39,724
2025
£
359,782
73,644
13,540
21,491
1,849
1,455
4,495
3,338
479,594
2024
£
3,223
2024
£
448,100
26,137
2024
£
3,223
474,237
Totals
£
519,318
2024
£
325,560
85,323
12,959
22,418
1,745
1,144
3,315
3,129
455,593

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continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

6. SUPPORT COSTS

SUPPORT COSTS
Governance
Finance Other costs Totals
£ £ £ £
Communication services 217 25,593 13,914 39,724

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

8. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
2025
£
316,209
27,804
15,769
359,782
2024
£
288,565
22,478
14,517
325,560
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Employees
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
2025
10
2024
10

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
Charge for year
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Fixtures
and
Computer
fittings
equipment
£
£
1,390
11,681
-
3,340
1,390
15,021
747
8,480
208
3,130
955
11,610
435
3,411
643
3,201
Totals
£
13,071
3,340
16,411
9,227
3,338
12,565
3,846
3,844

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continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors
11.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
12.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.4.24
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
5,655
(11,436)
Training reserve
12,000
-
Building reserve
47,000
-
Contingency reserve
141,971
-
206,626
(11,436)
Restricted funds
Foundation Derbyshire
-
664
Erewash Voluntary Action
-
3,420
-
4,084
TOTAL FUNDS
206,626
(7,352)
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
481,081
Restricted funds
Foundation Derbyshire
1,328
GP Extra Support Contract
26,137
Erewash Voluntary Action
3,420
30,885
TOTAL FUNDS
511,966
2025
2024
£
£
50,599
60,879
2025
2024
£
£
7,526
4,365
-
200
9,281
4,050
16,807
8,615
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.25
£
£
5,781
-
-
12,000
-
47,000
(2,361)
139,610
3,420
198,610
-
664
(3,420)
-
(3,420)
664
-
199,274
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(492,517)
(11,436)
(664)
664
(26,137)
-
-
3,420
(26,801)
4,084
(519,318)
(7,352)

Page 13

continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Training reserve
Building reserve
Contingency reserve
Restricted funds
Erewash Voluntary Action
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.4.23
£
17,729
12,000
47,000
141,971
218,700
2,540
221,240
Net
movement
in funds
£
(12,074)
-
-
-
(12,074)
(2,540)
(14,614)
At
31.3.24
£
5,655
12,000
47,000
141,971
206,626
-
206,626

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
GP Extra Support Contract
Erewash Voluntary Action
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
451,323
26,137
-
26,137
477,460
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(463,397)
(12,074)
(26,137)
-
(2,540)
(2,540)
(28,677)
(2,540)
(492,074)
(14,614)

Training reserve - this covers the course costs for trainee interpreters to become qualified interpreters and to cover course costs for staff development.

Building reserve - in the near future larger premises will be required as services develop thus this reserve will help fund this.

Contingency reserve - this covers any potential difficulties in the future and is a requirement to have at least 6 months running costs in reserve.

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continued...

Communication Unlimited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The remuneration of key management personnel who comprise of certain members of the senior management team is as follows.

2025 2024
£ £
Aggregate remuneration 33,926 32,615

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Page 15