Dorset Parent Carer Council Annual General Meeting
Chair’s Report 2025
Welcome and thank you for giving your time to attend today, the purpose of this meeting is to reflect on our activities this year. Also, I would like to introduce our new trustee Dawn Tattersall, who will be formally added to our trustee list for the Charity Commission. She brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the SEND world through her work in Children Services and as a specialist consultant we are so pleased to welcome her.
Last year we welcomed two participation workers, regretfully Tamsin has since left us for full time paid employment. However Rowan and I are working successfully to fulfil attendance at all the boards and groups we are committed to alongside Tracey and Nic with their areas of knowledge for their groups and boards. Also the upsetting news was shared that we had one of our Beach Huts stolen just before it was sited for the Easter and Summer period it was probably stolen to order and now, we are in the tricky situation of trying to get insurance if we want to replace it, ongoing conversations are happening.
Following the commencement of the Birth to Settled Adulthood Service mentioned last year, we are part of the many subgroups to keep the challenge ongoing as the service beds in. For example, an action from cabinet members via a scrutiny committee - we took that action for the cabinet members to have an better understanding of the Education, Health and Care Plan process. A welcomed meeting with the three councillors of the scrutiny board and a group of parent carers, with children or young people each at different education stages, different localities and different needs of their child / young person was organised. This opportunity and good conversations and learning was valued by all that day. My thanks go to those parents who shared their stories. However, as I mentioned last year we have new political leadership which is starting to” bed in “but doing so there is a still a warning of financial risk impacting possibly on children's services. Plus, all the National challenges that are coming very soon across
Local Authorities and Health is very unsettling for Parent Carers. We do have representation through the National Network of Parent Carer Forums at Parliamentary level and wait firstly the new paper on Education and Wellbeing Bill followed by the SEND white paper, both of which keep being delayed to the angst of everyone waiting to see the impact in their area of working.
We have also been making sure that letters, documents and surveys that go out to families must and do come to us for proofreading and usually plenty of suggestions for tweaks on our part. My thanks to those parents who help with this.
You will hear a report from Rowan our participation worker, but I would like to share that the Let's Talk termly webinars also the Let’s Talk Live, and Let’s Talk Local events are still a brilliant means of listening and capturing the views and concerns of our members and the wider community. This approach has been recognised across the Southwest Local Authorities Association as being innovative and good practice. I attend quarterly face to face meetings and it’s so helpful to hear what Councils on our borders are doing.
The Let's Talk Live information event at Kingston Maurward was funded by DPCC but delivered and organised in partnership with DPCC, by Children’s Services my thanks to Max Simmons, it is a massive planning and coordination headache. We will be funding another event in 2026 with a different emphasis on inviting the wider voluntary sector groups to be there as in this time of uncertainty nationally we all have to work together on sharing information and supporting/learning from families.
As chair of the DPCC because of my knowledge and understanding of the challenges being a parent carer and from talking directly to parents whilst successfully working with Children Services and Health, I have been presenting at some national conferences and parliamentary groups this year. This has been such an opportunity to share the experiences faced daily by parents whilst it gives me terrible butterflies. I had over 600 delegates from Local Authorities across the country this week listening to me after I’d finished, calmed down, I was so chuffed that we, through my voice on behalf of Dorset families are being listened to.
Once again, I thank all those involved with Dorset Parent Carer Council and the families who contribute their time and views to help us in our work. I am the Chair, but they are the leaders.
Lesley Mellor
Chair
Registered Charity Number: 1191487
Trustees and Finance Report 2024/2025
for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Reference and administraton details
The charity’s principal address:
Unit 12 Herringston Barn Dorchester DT2 9PU
Names of the charity trustees:
Lesley Mellor (Chair) Tracey Richards Julie Parham Nicola Smith Annmarie Carter
Structure, governance and management
Type of governing document: Constitution How the charity is constituted: Unincorporated association Trustee selection method: Appointed by Members
Staff and volunteers:
During the year to 31 March 2025, DPCC had a total of four employees as follows:
Part Time Admin – (12hrs) 06/09/2023 - ongoing Part Time Participation Coordinator (15hrs) 03/06/2024 - 21/02/2025 PT Parent Participation Coordinator (15hrs) 03/06/2024 – ongoing Finance Officer 28/08/2024 - ongoing
Dorset Parent Carer Council
Business Support (Finance) for the Autism in Schools project was provided on a selfemployed basis (from June 2023), and there were also volunteers in the following roles:
-
DPCC membership co-ordinator
-
Beach hut co-ordinator
-
Parent Representatives
-
Steering Group members
-
Trustees
-
Treasurer
Objectives and activities
Summary of the objective outlined in Dorset Parent Carer Council’s governing document: To relieve the needs of parent carers of children aged 0-25 years who are disabled or have additional needs in Dorset through the provision of (in particular, but not exclusively) events where parents and carers will have an opportunity to share views and gain information, advice and support.
The charity’s activities are outlined in the Chair and Participation Co-Ordinator reports.
Dorset Parent Carer Council Registered charity number: 1191487
Principal address: Unit 12, Herringston Barn, Dorchester, DT2 9PU Registered offices: 10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth, DT3 6SZ
Dorset Parent Carer Council
Financial review
For the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, receipts and payments were as follows:
£ Total receipts 67,799 Total payments 65,950
For the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the balance at bank and gift vouchers were as follows:
£ Reconciled bank balance at 31/03/25 138,546.25 Cash in hand at 31/3/25 5
We are grateful for the financial support of the Department for Education, Dorset Council, NHS Dorset ICB and other local partners via grants and project funding. This has enabled Dorset Parent Carer Council to offer opportunities for co-production participation, training, and peer support, as well as to work collaboratively with partners to produce information and resources for parent carers and families.
The charity ended the financial year with funds allocated as follows:
£ Reserves 35,000 Unrestricted funds 55,865 Restricted funds 47,686 Total 138,551
Reserves
Dorset Parent Carer Council aims to maintain reserves at a level necessary to function effectively for a period of 12 months, should financial difficulties occur beyond the control of the charity. This equates to our core costs relating to staffing, administrative expenses, information and digital resources, and parent carer support. If required, additional funding streams would be sourced to facilitate a seamless continuation of service to our members.
Amounts held in reserve have been allocated with due consideration of the following:
-
An analysis of existing funds
-
The reliability of current income sources and new income opportunities
-
Expenditure on planned activities
-
Future needs, contingencies, and risks
-
Consequences of being unable to meet forecasted need.
There are no uncertainties about the charity as a going concern. There are sufficient funds in reserves to ensure continuity for twelve months after year end.
There are no funds in deficit at the year end.
Statement of fnancial actvites
Dorset Parent Carer Council Registered charity number: 1191487
Principal address: Unit 12, Herringston Barn, Dorchester, DT2 9PU Registered offices: 10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth, DT3 6SZ
Dorset Parent Carer Council
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| A1 Receipts | ||
| Dept. for Education | 17,499 | 17,457 |
| Somerset PC Forum | - | 428 |
| Dorset Council | 22,500 | 20,000 |
| Magdalen Farm | 2,500 | - |
| PINS | 25,000 | - |
| Other Income | 300 | - |
| Total receipts | 67,799 | 37,885 |
| A3 Payments | ||
| Staffing costs | 22,152 | 16,474 |
| Training | 6 | - |
| Meeting costs | 253 | 7 |
| Infrastructure costs | 5,551 | 2,673 |
| Development info & resources | 24 | 1,560 |
| Website charges/ licences | - | 1,099 |
| Parent Carer remuneration | - | 120 |
| Other (events) | 24,409 | - |
| Parent Carer expenses | 2,659 | 1,708 |
| Autism in Schools project | 10,896 | 43,418 |
| Total payments | 65,950 | 67,059 |
| Net receipts/payments | 1,849 | -29,174 |
| A6 Cash funds last year end | 136,702 | 165,876 |
| Cash funds this year | 138,551 | 136,702 |
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the report above.
Dorset Parent Carer Council Registered charity number: 1191487
Principal address: Unit 12, Herringston Barn, Dorchester, DT2 9PU Registered offices: 10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth, DT3 6SZ
Dorset Parent Carer Council
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signature Full name Position Date
Dorset Parent Carer Council Registered charity number: 1191487
Principal address: Unit 12, Herringston Barn, Dorchester, DT2 9PU Registered offices: 10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth, DT3 6SZ
Registered Charity Number: 1191487
Trustees and Finance Report 2024/2025
for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Reference and administraton details
The charity’s principal address:
Unit 12 Herringston Barn Dorchester DT2 9PU
Names of the charity trustees:
Lesley Mellor (Chair) Tracey Richards Julie Parham Nicola Smith Annmarie Carter
Structure, governance and management
Type of governing document: Constitution How the charity is constituted: Unincorporated association Trustee selection method: Appointed by Members
Staff and volunteers:
During the year to 31 March 2025, DPCC had a total of four employees as follows:
Part Time Admin – (12hrs) 06/09/2023 - ongoing Part Time Participation Coordinator (15hrs) 03/06/2024 - 21/02/2025 PT Parent Participation Coordinator (15hrs) 03/06/2024 – ongoing Finance Officer 28/08/2024 - ongoing
Dorset Parent Carer Council
Business Support (Finance) for the Autism in Schools project was provided on a selfemployed basis (from June 2023), and there were also volunteers in the following roles:
-
DPCC membership co-ordinator
-
Beach hut co-ordinator
-
Parent Representatives
-
Steering Group members
-
Trustees
-
Treasurer
Objectives and activities
Summary of the objective outlined in Dorset Parent Carer Council’s governing document: To relieve the needs of parent carers of children aged 0-25 years who are disabled or have additional needs in Dorset through the provision of (in particular, but not exclusively) events where parents and carers will have an opportunity to share views and gain information, advice and support.
The charity’s activities are outlined in the Chair and Participation Co-Ordinator reports.
Dorset Parent Carer Council Registered charity number: 1191487
Principal address: Unit 12, Herringston Barn, Dorchester, DT2 9PU Registered offices: 10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth, DT3 6SZ
Dorset Parent Carer Council
Financial review
For the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, receipts and payments were as follows:
£ Total receipts 67,799 Total payments 65,950
For the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the balance at bank and gift vouchers were as follows:
£ Reconciled bank balance at 31/03/25 138,546.25 Cash in hand at 31/3/25 5
We are grateful for the financial support of the Department for Education, Dorset Council, NHS Dorset ICB and other local partners via grants and project funding. This has enabled Dorset Parent Carer Council to offer opportunities for co-production participation, training, and peer support, as well as to work collaboratively with partners to produce information and resources for parent carers and families.
The charity ended the financial year with funds allocated as follows:
£ Reserves 35,000 Unrestricted funds 55,865 Restricted funds 47,686 Total 138,551
Reserves
Dorset Parent Carer Council aims to maintain reserves at a level necessary to function effectively for a period of 12 months, should financial difficulties occur beyond the control of the charity. This equates to our core costs relating to staffing, administrative expenses, information and digital resources, and parent carer support. If required, additional funding streams would be sourced to facilitate a seamless continuation of service to our members.
Amounts held in reserve have been allocated with due consideration of the following:
-
An analysis of existing funds
-
The reliability of current income sources and new income opportunities
-
Expenditure on planned activities
-
Future needs, contingencies, and risks
-
Consequences of being unable to meet forecasted need.
There are no uncertainties about the charity as a going concern. There are sufficient funds in reserves to ensure continuity for twelve months after year end.
There are no funds in deficit at the year end.
Statement of fnancial actvites
Dorset Parent Carer Council Registered charity number: 1191487
Principal address: Unit 12, Herringston Barn, Dorchester, DT2 9PU Registered offices: 10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth, DT3 6SZ
Dorset Parent Carer Council
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| A1 Receipts | ||
| Dept. for Education | 17,499 | 17,457 |
| Somerset PC Forum | - | 428 |
| Dorset Council | 22,500 | 20,000 |
| Magdalen Farm | 2,500 | - |
| PINS | 25,000 | - |
| Other Income | 300 | - |
| Total receipts | 67,799 | 37,885 |
| A3 Payments | ||
| Staffing costs | 22,152 | 16,474 |
| Training | 6 | - |
| Meeting costs | 253 | 7 |
| Infrastructure costs | 5,551 | 2,673 |
| Development info & resources | 24 | 1,560 |
| Website charges/ licences | - | 1,099 |
| Parent Carer remuneration | - | 120 |
| Other (events) | 24,409 | - |
| Parent Carer expenses | 2,659 | 1,708 |
| Autism in Schools project | 10,896 | 43,418 |
| Total payments | 65,950 | 67,059 |
| Net receipts/payments | 1,849 | -29,174 |
| A6 Cash funds last year end | 136,702 | 165,876 |
| Cash funds this year | 138,551 | 136,702 |
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the report above.
Dorset Parent Carer Council Registered charity number: 1191487
Principal address: Unit 12, Herringston Barn, Dorchester, DT2 9PU Registered offices: 10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth, DT3 6SZ
Dorset Parent Carer Council
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signature Full name Position Date
Dorset Parent Carer Council Registered charity number: 1191487
Principal address: Unit 12, Herringston Barn, Dorchester, DT2 9PU Registered offices: 10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth, DT3 6SZ