deaf
connexions
Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Registered Charity Number 1188715
ANNUAL REPORT AND
ACCOUNTS
1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

i* Aprti-
31° Marth
2024.25
rustee Annual Report from
1" April 2024 to 31" March 2025
Trustees, partners and staff
Trustees
Laura Hawksworth Chairperson
Howard Jones
Hon Treasurer
Robin Amos
Trustee
Hannah Butcher
Trustee
Verity Gibson
Tnjstee
Claire Parker
Trustee {resigned April 20251
Paul Scott
Trustee (resigned September 20251
Tony Sutton
Trustee
Note.. other than those shown as resigned, all trustees listed above a￿ in post at the date of this
report
Rotary House Representatives
Andy De Ath & Mark Templeman
Chief Executive
Matthew Talbot

i. Aprfl-
31° Marth
202*25
tion
Bank Charities Aid Foundation CAF Bank Limited.
Independent Examiner
Andrew Parker F.C.C.A, Andrew Parker Associates Ltd, Unil 7, Beech Avenue Business Park, Beech
Avenue, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6HW
Formation
Deaf Connexions Charitable Incorporated Organisation ICIO) {"Deaf Connexions.) was
incorporated on 23rd March 2020, with Charty number 1188715.
Governance
Trustees are recruited through the organisation's close links with the deaf community and links
with other organisations dedicated lo improving the lives of Deaf people. Trustees are
appointed for tems of 3 years in accordance with the charty's constitution.
For decisions which can only be made by members of Deaf Connexions, all trustees are
members and vice versa. All trustees afe on the Management Committee which provides
oversight and direction to the organisation. From time lo time the trustees will delegate specffic
functions to a sub-group, and from time•to-time non-voting representatives of partner
organisations will be invited to Management Committee meetings to provide knowledge and
support.
Management and activities
Deaf Connexions is managed on a day-to-day basis by its Chief Executive, guided by decisions
made by the Trustees.
The charity provides the following services to the deaf community under contracts or framework
agreements with third paty organisations..
Advocacy and Open Door
Operation and management of a Deaf Centre, Norwich
Enhanced NHS funded services for Deaf People
Rotary House for the Deaf management and tenant support
Subject to grant funding, Deaf Connexions delivers specific projects such as BSL training and
support.

I" Aprll-
31° Marth
2024-25
unlties
The main risks facing the charty relate to its relatively small size and relian￿ on core funding
from a small number of conlracls. The Trustees have considered this risk and consider that due
to the nature of the service, the proven ability to meet commitments. renew contracts, and
attract grant funding, the charity continues to look forward to a successful future.
The retirement of our highly experienced Chief Executive in early 2024 presented a potential
risk to the management of our services, However, through the Suc￿$$fUl appointment of a new
Chief Executive and the work of dedicated staff the trustees have ensured that Deaf
Connexions has maintained and developed its serVI￿S for deaf people.
The financial risk around contracts has been dea￿ with by managing staff numbers and
resources within resources available. A health level of reseNes has enabled necessary
changes to be made lo minimise the impact on service users.
Volunteers
Deaf Connexions uses volunteers to assist wrth its administrative and other functions. It is
grateful for their efforts.
Employee involvement and employment of disabled people
Employees are consulted on issues of con￿rn to them by means of open (Jay-to-day
management, and regular staff meetings.
The charity has implemented a number of detailed policies in relation lo all aspects of personnel
matters including Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Policies relating io the disclosure
and baring Service - recruitment of ex-offenders. In accordance with the charity's equal
opportunrties policy, the charity has fair employment practices in the recruitment, selection,
retention and training of disabled slaff.

ai. March
202ty25
Chair's Report
Despite progress. significant barriers remain for Deaf people when accessing essential
services.
Our Information, Advi￿, and Advocacy Service continues to deliver vital daily support lo
the Deaf community and is operaling effectively under the new contract arrangements.
l am pleased to confirm that these developments have strengthened Deaf Connexions,
financial position, ensuring stability and security for the future. This allows us to focus
on sustaining and expanding our services.
The Deaf Community Centre remains vibrant and well-attended. We have seen
increased participation. driven by Deaf-led workshops and an enhan￿d social media
presence, which has helped our service groups grow.
We continue to work in partnership with Rotary House for the Deaf, and we extend our
sincere thanks for Iheir generosity in donating the office rent back to support the Deaf
community.
I would like to express my gratitude to all our funders, staff, and volunteers for their
unwavering support. This year, we welcomed Matthew Talbot as our new CEO. His
lived experience and strong Deaf leadership have opened new funding streams,
enabling the development of additional servi￿$ and the expansion of Deaf Connexions.
Laura Hawksworth
Chairperson

I" April-
31" March
2024-25
ices and Projects
Advocacy and Open Door
This service is provided under a contract with Norfolk County Council through our lead provider
Equal Lives. Now that so many services are online or phone only, il is increasingly difficult for
some of our Deaf Community to gain access and the majority of the queries we receive are
connected with access lo statutory and other services. During 202425 we worked on 645
enquiries,
NHS enhanced
Deaf Connexions provides this service under a contract with Language Empire. Our role is lo
help Deaf patients to enable them to book appointments with primary care providers, and to
request and confirm sign language interpreter services booked through Language Empire. In
the year to March 2025 Deaf Connexions supported 195 Service users.
The Deaf Centre
Managed under a contract with Norfolk County Council the Norwich Deaf Centre has been busy
with regular groups and activities each week throLtghout the year BSL Art group take place
every weeks and are always popular, as are the regular Sign Zone and numerous groups
that attend the Centre. During 2024-25 6,617 service users used the Deal Cenlre.
Due lo building conditions, Deaf Centre operations have re￿ntlY moved to Carrow House in
Norwich.
Rotsry House
Work with 16 tenants at Rotary House for the Deaf is provided by Deaf Connexions through a
contract Rotary House for the Deaf Ltd. Tenants are supported face to face and via textlemail
Monday to Thursday with set office hours Times" We operate 2417 mobile phone support for
emergencies outside office hours.

I" AprS1-
31* March
2￿25
ancial results
Introduction
This is the fifth year of trading for Deaf Connexions Charitable Incorporated Organisation {ClOI,
which, on 1 April 2020, look over the trade and assets of the predecessor Deaf Connexions
charity.
Income and expenditure
The financial year lo 31 March 2025 saw a continualion of services provided by Deaf
Connexions. After allocating salary and overheads in proportion to time spent by staff, all
Se￿1￿5 have shown a loss. However this loss has been largely offset by a generous donation
from Rotary House for the Deaf Ltd in the form of rent-free Offi￿ space, resuming in a small net
increase general reserves of £2,520 to £136,449.
Deaf Connexions started the year wrth two designated funds formed as a result of a legacy
received in 2023-24. One of these funds has been fully spent on updating outdated IT and
improving connectivity I*￿een our main operational sites al Rotary House and the Norwich
Deaf Cenlre. The other fund was designated as Care at Home project seed funding, and due
to limrted resources and a change of key staff during the year this project is still in progress.
A major financial Suc￿sS during the year has been approach to grant funders, with six grants
received lotaling £70,104, including £40,000 for a Deaf Childrens project (Norfolk and Waveney
Integrated Care System), £12,500 for a BSL translator project (Norwich Charrtable Trust i
No¥wich Consolidated Charities) and £10,000 for BSL Home support {Norfolk Communrty
Foundation). Due to the timing of receipts, and the resource needed to initiate projects, the
majority of ihis funding has been carried forward into 2025-26.
Reserves policy
As a result of the charity's exposure lo a relatively small number of conlracls, in December 2022
trustees agreed a revised target for reserves of between 50% and 1000/0 of forecast annual
general fund Income. After adjusting for Access to Work grant support, the general resetve sits
al 112% of income, slightly higher than target. This provides a buffer when services are re-
defined and re-tendered, means that we don't need to plan to make a profit, and allows Deaf
Connexions to undetwrite and provide funding for smaller projects designed to help the Deaf
community where external funding is not available.
Approved by the Trustees
Chairperson Laura Hawksworth

ijt Aprll-
31. March
2024-25
Indapè
miner's Rgportfor tho yearendgd 31 March 2025
To the Trustees of Deaf Connexions..
I report on the financial stslements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Rt8pac￿Ve re8pon8lbllities of Truste•$ and Indop•ndent Examiner
The charity's Iruslees are fesponsible for the preparation of the financial st8tements. The charity's
trustees con51der that an audr( is not a requirement for this year under section 144121 of the CharilEs Act
2011 Ilhe 2011 Acll, and that an independent examination Is needed.
It is my responsibility to..
examine the accounts under section 145 of th8 2011 Act.,
to follow the procedures laid down In the General Directions gwen by the Charty Commission
under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act,. and
to slate whether particular matters have come tr) my attention.
Basi8 of Ind•pend8nt ExamineV8 report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions gwen by the Charity
Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and
cKJmparison of the financial statements presented with those records 11 also includes consideration of
any unusual items or disclosures in the financial slalemenls, and seeking explanations from you as
trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that
would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is given as lo whether the financial
ststemenls present a 'lrue and fair view, and the reF)0rt 1s limited lo those matters sel out in the statement
below
Indapendent Examiner's $tat8m•nt
In connectson with my examination no matter has come lo my attention..
which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect the Iruslees have not mel
the reqU1￿MentS lo ensure Ihal..
proper accounting records are kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 kl,. and
financial statements are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the
accounting requirements of the 2011 Act", or
2. to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the
financial slalemenls lo be reached.
Andrew Parker F.C.C.A
Andrew Parter Assctiales Ltd
Unil 7, Beech Avenue Business Park
Beech Avenue. Taverham
Norwich NR8 6HW
Dale..

J" Aprfl-
31X March
2024-25
Deaf Connexions
Accounts Year to 31 March 2025
Balance sheet
31-Mar-2025
31-Mar-2024
Current 18sets
Debtors
32,085
5,476
Cash al bank and in hand
195,380
156.393
Total current assets
227,465
161,869
Short tem) creditors
Accruals
8.771
2,941
N•t assets
218,694
158,928
Unrestrict•d incomg fund8
Restricted funds
62,877
Designated ftjnds
19,369
25,000
General reserve
136.449
133,928
218,694
158.928
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
H Jones, Treasurer
Dale 21 January 2026

1° Aprll-
31" M3rch
202+25
Deaf Connexions
Accounts Year to 31 March 2025
Statement of financial activities
including income and expenditure account
31-Mar-2025
Total Funds
Unro$trlcted Designatod Restricted
Funds
Fund8
Funds
314lar-2024
Incoming rnsources
In￿me from charitable trading
Communication services
AdV￿acY and Open Door
Deaf Centre
NHS Enhanced
Rotary House
Other projects
2,760
52,470
9.764
10,200
29,247
9.440
113,881
1,6S5
42,126
24.501
8,775
29,642
42,126
24,501
8,775
29.642
70,104
70,104
105.D45
2.126
51,492
10,377
169,040
Interest received
Access lo Work IA2WJ grant
Other incoming resources
Total incoming r¢sourco8
175,149
2,126
51,492
34,045
149,581
70.104
ExpendFture
Charitable oxpendlture
Deaf Centre
Rotary House
NHS Enhanced
Advocacy and Open Door
Communication support IA2WI
Other proj&ls
26.085
31,862
10.793
43.300
51.492
26,085
31,862
10,793
43,300
51,492
12,858
176,391
2,987
179,378
11,577
26,861
8,609
47,956
2,818
9,413
107,234
1,422
108,655
5,632
5,632
7,227
7.227
163,533
2.987
166,520
Governance c06ts
Total expendFtur•
5,632
7,227
Not movemènt in funds
2,520
-5,632
62,877
59,766
40,926
Funds balan￿ brought forward
Funds balance carrled forward
133.928
136,449
25,000
158,928
218.694
118.002
158.928
62,877
io

1st Aprfl-
31X March
202ty25
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March2025
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 IFRS 1021 leffective l January 20151- Icharities SORP IFRS 10211, the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity has opted to adopt Bulletin I published on 2 February 2016 and has therefore not
included a cash flow statement in these financial statements.
Apart from a small number of additional disclosures, no changes have been made to the
content or format of these accounts, and no prior year adjustments have been made.
Basis of preparation
Deaf Connexions meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
l. Accounting policies
Fund accounting
The general fund is an unrestricted fund which is available for use at the discretion of the
trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for
particular purpose funds and restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance
with specific restrictions imposed by donors.
Incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities {SOFAI when the
charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable
accuracv.
Our Core income relates to our Contract Agreements with (directly or indirectly Norfolk County
Council:"Deaf Community Centre"
"Language Aide" and"Open Door& Advocacy.
In addition Deaf Connexions services a management contract for the management of Rotary
House for the Deaf Ltd, and works to enhance services under a contract with the NHS.
li

1° April-
31st March
2024-25
ded
All expen
ure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings
that aggregate all costs related to the category.
Staff costs and other costs leg rent and rates) which cannot be attributed to a particular
heading have been allocated based on an analysis of the proportion of time spent by each staff
member.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets costing more than £2,500 and not funded directly through contract or
grant are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expense of acquisition. The
charity currently has no tangible fixed assets. When it does, depreciation will be provided.
Pension costs
The charity contribute5 to a pension scheme which is available to all staff and provides a 3%
contribution to The People's Pension.
2. Income
Incoming resources- Income from charitable trading
2025
2024
Communication services
Advocacy and Open Door
Deaf Centre
2,760
52.470
9,764
42,126
24.501
8,775
29.642
105,045
NHS Enhanced
Rotary House
29,247
104,441
Note: Deaf Connexions has contrarts and service agreements with a number of organisation5
ncluding Norfolk County Council and Rotary House for the Deaf.
12

I. April-
31° Marth
2024-25
eratlon
Fees totaling £44 were paid to one trustee for cleaning services.
Certain trustees may benefit indirectly through availability of externally funded services for deaf
people on the same basis as any service user.
4. Staff costs
As at 31 March 2024 employees totaled I full- time and 2 part-time. No member of staff received
a salary of more than £60,000 in the year to 31, March 2024. All staff have been enrolled in an
approved auto-enrolment pension scheme.
2025
2024
W3ges/salaries
Social security costs
Pensions
Total
76.562
7.467
2,450
86,479
63,468
4,625
2,586
70.680
5. Financial commitments
At 31st Marth 2025, Deaf Connexions had no long-term commitments.
13

IX Aprll-
31° March
2024-25
6. Analysis of movement on reserves
1-Apr-2024
31-Mar-2025
Income Expenditure
¢Trid
Restrictod funds
Deaf Youth Project for18-25s
BSL translator projert
Love Norfolk project
Deaf Children's project
BSL Home Support
Nature project
500
5.936
s,000
40,604
10,000
1,500
70.104
170
6,564
1,000
120
330
6,459
4,000
40.484
10,000
1,500
62.877
7,227
Dèsignated funds
Care home project seed funding
Update and improve IT connectivity
20,000
5,000
25.000
632
5.000
5,632
19,369
19,369
General fund
133.928
169.040
166.520
136,449
Total funds
158,928
239.144
179,378
218,694
7. Support Costs
2025
2024
Payroll
Stationary
Travel
Equipment
Training
Photocopier
Rent/Rates
Telephone
Insurance
AGMICharity inc independent examination
Office exp inc web.main
2,072
1,225
1,206
729
66
3,396
171
1,460
11,616
2,882
1,225
3,675
341
256
1,406
11.738
2,553
1,078
822
686
28,063
20,540
Support costs have been allocated across services on the basis of staff costs for each service.
14

i¥1 Aprti-
31 March
2024-25
8. Analysis of resources expended by expenditure type
Staff
FraèL4rre &
Cost5 equipment cos
2025
2025
OtPEr
Cost$
2025
Total
2025
Total
2024
Deaf C8ntre
Roiary marAgerngrt
NHS Enharud
Admxacy aT%l Open Door
Cornmwication SLpfA)rt IA2
Otr£r projects
G0￿ma￿a costs
17.975
24.056
8,149
32,692
2,278
5,833
7,8L
26.085
31,862
10,793
43,300
51,492
12,858
2.987
179,378
11,577
26,861
8,609
47.958
2.818
9,413
1,422
108,655
10,608
51,492
10.469
1,804
1.804
86.479
585
585
28.063
64,837
Note- in the second column equipment costs relate to "other projects" Otherwise the costs
refer to freelance Communications support.
Deaf Connexions
Rotary House
King Street Norwich NRI 2BL
Text phone 01603 661113
www.deafconnexions.org.uk
mail@deafconnexions.org.uk
deaf
connexions
15