Charity registration number 1123359
Company registration number 06418743 (England and Wales)
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mr P G Estep
Mr A Beasley
Ms N Jeffery
Mr N T Young
Ms A K Fox
Mr D M Gayler
Mr R Mansfield
Mr I Wilkins
(Appointed 24 October 2024)
Ms J Lodge
(Appointed 5 December 2024)
Charity number
1123359
Company number
06418743
Registered office
CSWS C/O Messrs Carpenter Box
Amelia House
Crescent Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1RL
Auditor
Sumer Audit
Amelia House
Crescent Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1RL
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 12
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
13
Independent auditor's report
14 - 16
Statement of financial activities
17 - 18
Balance sheet
19
Statement of cash flows
20
Notes to the financial statements
21 - 35
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 1 -

The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. Included within this report is the trustees’ report and directors’ report as required by company law.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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).

 

Carers Support West Sussex was incorporated as Company Limited by Guarantee on 06 November 2007 (registered number 06418743) and registered as a Charity on 28 March 2008 (registered number 1123359). It registered address is CSWS C/O Messrs Carpenter Box Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom, BN11 1RL.

Objectives and activities

The Charity’s objects are:

 

To relieve poverty, sickness and mental suffering of people who are carers, whether on a full or part-time basis living in West Sussex and its environs for people who are elderly, disabled, ill or frail for any reason whatsoever and the relief of such elderly, disabled, ill or frail people by the provision of practical help and assistance, advocacy, and information for those responsible for their care.

 

To advance the education amongst carers and the general public concerning caring and the support and treatment of those requiring support from carers.

 

Our Values

Our organisations guiding principles, or values, reflect our commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and fostering a strong sense of community among all those involved with Carers Support West Sussex.

 

Public benefit

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Grant making policy

The Charity has a clear procedure for Payment Making and for offering equipment and other assistance. The goal is to ensure that carers in West Sussex are provided with the support to ensure they can fulfil their role and, to facilitate this, offer grant payments and the provision of equipment to individual Carers. Criteria for accessing these grant funds are clearly defined with the aim of these funds being to support carers to maintain their health and wellbeing or to prevent carer breakdown.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 2 -
Achievements and performance

Carers Support West Sussex (CSWS) is an independent charity in West Sussex dedicated to improving the support provided to unpaid carers, to enable them to have a good quality of life, access to information, guidance, and encourage independence, to give carers a choice of a life alongside their caring role. There are around 93 members of staff and 42 volunteers. The Charity team also benefits from a highly dedicated Board of Trustees.

 

The charity employs a highly motivated and skilled staff team, with high level s of engagement and the Employee Engagement survey results, showing 92% Employee Satisfaction in Oct'24. These overall results are as good as any top 10 Sunday Times Best Company to Work For.

With more than 32,000 carers registered with the Charity (as of 31 March 2025), the team provide carers with information and advice, runs Support Groups, operates a Carer Help Line, undertakes Statutory Carer Assessments, supports carers to access equipment to assist them in their caring role or allocate funds so that carers can do something for themselves. The Charity team can also help carers access, coaching, wellbeing support and have staff who work in all the of the major hospitals in West Sussex, as well as East Surrey Hospital in Redhill.

 

Achievements and performance against charity objectives

The ‘Impact Report Infographic’ for 2024/​25 Impact Report for 2024-25 gives a flavour of CSWS team activity during Year One of our Carer Information, Support and Assessment contract with West Sussex County Council. Carers are at the heart of everything we do and as such their voices have been a key part of our Strategy Aims and Objectives 2021-26 (carerssupport.org.uk) which was published during July 2021 and will be reviewed in 2026.

 

We believe the six strategic aims and objectives and the associated delivery intentions best address the challenges facing carers and our organisation.

 

2024/25 was the first year of a five year contract (plus a potential further two years) which delivered 10% savings on the previous contracts and had some additional requirements within it, namely a change in the processes around reporting of carer assessments and allocating carer funds, a reduction in the size of the hospital team, a removal of the requirement to provide counselling and the inclusion of the welfare benefits service within the main contract. This change to the contract requirement led to a reduction in staffing for CSWS and an expected 20% reduction in activity.

 

The past twelve months have been marked by profound challenges for carers. The cost-of-living crisis has continued to bite, with many carers telling us they are cutting back on food, heating, and even essential respite. Our own engagement survey revealed that 60% of carers said their mental health had been negatively affected by financial pressures, and 40% were experiencing greater financial insecurity than before the pandemic.

1. What carers in West Sussex tell us

Carers are at the heart of everything we do and as such their voices have been a key part of our CSWS Strategy Aims and Objectives 2021-26.

 

To ensure our services are meeting the demands of unpaid family and friend carers in our county, we conducted a carer consultation in 2023 to help us better understand the issues and challenges carers are facing in this current climate. 841 carers were involved in this engagement, which included a survey (online and postal) and focus groups.

 

Top three challenges and barriers for Carers:

 

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 3 -

In 2024/25, we directly supported 8,049 carers. That’s 8,049 individuals who were heard, helped, and held through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We welcomed 4,066 new carers to our service, each one a reminder of the growing need for support, and the importance of being there when it matters most.

 

We’ve also taken bold steps to evolve our services. Following a successful contract retender, we restructured our teams to work more locally and more collaboratively. We launched new Carer Hubs across the county, expanded our coaching offer, and deepened our partnerships with health, social care, and community organisations. We’ve invested in digital tools, strengthened our communications, and continued to champion carers’ voices at every level.

 

But numbers only tell part of the story. What matters most is the difference we’ve made. The carer who told us, “I cried with joy and relief at actually having some time for myself.” The young adult carer who said, “I no longer feel suicidal and I’m optimistic about the future.” The hospital carer who shared, “You helped me feel heard and supported when I was completely overwhelmed.”

 

During 2024/25 there have been several national changes that may impact on local carer services and CSWS has been involved in activity to raise awareness of the impacts of these:

 

2. The Impact of Our Services

At the heart of everything we do is a simple but powerful commitment: to be there for carers when they need us most.

 

First Contact: A Lifeline When It’s Needed Most

Our Helpline continues to be the gateway to support thousands of carers, and in addition carers can receive direct support from our community, hospitals and carer assessment teams. This year, across our teams, we handled:

 

Carer Assessments: Listening, Understanding, Empowering

Our Carer Assessment Team delivered 1,192 carer assessments this year, with 99% completed within 42 days. These conversations are more than a statutory requirement, they are a chance to listen deeply, understand fully, and respond meaningfully.

Carers told us that these conversations helped them feel heard, validated, and more hopeful about the future.

“It was amazing the difference that just having the conversation made. The assessor was very astute… I absolutely felt understood.”

3. Tackling the Cost-of-Living Crisis

The cost-of-living crisis has been one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing carers this year. From heating homes to putting food on the table, carers across West Sussex have told us they are struggling to make ends meet—often at the expense of their own health and wellbeing.

“Caring for someone is already stressful. Worrying about how you’re going to pay the bills, buy the shopping and afford the petrol to get around is a massive load of extra pressure.” — Carer, Cost of Living Survey

These are not just statistics, they are stories of self-neglect, isolation, and quiet crisis.

 

Household Support Fund

We administered £465k in Household Support Fund grants in 2024/25. These grants helped carers pay for essentials such as fuel, food, white goods, and transport.

“Your help has been truly invaluable. I honestly don’t know where I would be without you and Carers Support.”

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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Carer Health & Wellbeing Grants: Investing in Resilience

Through our Carer Health & Wellbeing Grant, we supported 688 carers with £125k in funding. This flexible support enabled carers to invest in their own wellbeing - whether through a short break, a creative activity, or a moment of self-care.

The most common uses have been holidays, leisure activities, counselling, health therapies.

 

Financial Wellbeing: Easing the pressure

The cost-of-living crisis has placed enormous strain on carers. Many are choosing between heating and eating, cutting back on essentials, and facing mounting anxiety. Our Welfare Benefits Service has been a lifeline:

You made me feel like I was doing a good job when I was really low. It’s taken away the stress and anxiety. An absolute lifesaver.”

Appointments were available within 2–10 days, and our advisors also delivered internal training and outreach to ensure carers and professionals understood what support was available.

 

Direct Payments: Giving Carers Back Some Control

We awarded £53,456 in Direct Payments to 167 carers this year, enabling them to access the support that mattered most to them, whether that was counselling, a short break, or help with garden maintenance.

90%+ said the funding helped them continue in their caring role

85% said it helped them achieve their initial goal

“Thank you again for your empathy and understanding. It made me feel quite different all day… the news of a possible route out of this rut is better than I can say.”

 

4. Community, Connection and Carer Voice

At Carers Support West Sussex, we know that caring can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. This year, we’ve invested in creating spaces where carers can connect with others who understand, share their experiences, and feel part of a wider community. Whether through local groups, learning activities, coaching, or co-production, we’ve seen the power of connection transform lives.

 

Carer Groups and Hubs: Building Belonging

In 2024/25, we delivered: 497 groups and events; 3,110 attendances by 988 unique carers; 238 carers attended specialist groups – e.g. dementia, mental health and 12 new Carer Hubs launched across the county

These included regular carer groups, drop-ins, learning and wellbeing sessions, and specialist groups for carers of people with dementia, autism, mental health conditions, and more. We also introduced evening and weekend sessions to better support working carers.

“Carer's group helps to relieve the stress and isolation one feels when being a carer for many years. The weight you carry seems to be removed when talking to these people.”

 

Carer Coaching: Reclaiming Identity and Hope

This year marked the launch of our National Lottery-funded Carer Coaching program. Designed to help carers prioritise their own wellbeing, the program offers both 1:1 and group coaching with 86 carers enrolled; 8 five-week coaching groups have been delivered; 76 carers attended taster sessions and 52 carers started 1:1 coaching sessions.

The outcomes have been powerful; increased self-worth, improved resilience, greater hope for the future and a stronger ability to manage the caring role.

“I’ve started to value myself again. Just being able to make time out of work to attend the course was a positive outcome in itself.”

 

Measuring Outcome for carers

The Carers StarTM is a framework which helps carers to explore how their caring role might be impacting on certain areas, such as health, work, or how they are feeling.

A personal plan is created with the carer to focus on the area they want to improve.

1,579 carers completed the carers star. 80% saw an improvement in one or more areas of the carers star and 53% saw an improvement in two or more areas

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 5 -

Young and Young Adult Carers: Creating Space for Joy

We supported young carers aged 8–15 and young adult carers aged 16–21 through a range of activities designed to offer respite, build confidence, and foster connection.

 

Activities included theatre trips, slime-making, laser tag, and mindfulness workshops.

The impact was clear: “My daughter so looks forward to these days. She can truly be herself because everyone there understands how she feels.”

 

Carer Voice and Co-production: Shaping the Future

Our Carer Voice Network (CVN) ensures that carers are not just recipients of support, they are co-creators of it. We have 66 active CVN members, with 26 carers engaged in the CQC assurance visit, 9 carers contributed to strategy development of Carers Support West Sussex and a number of carers involved in recruitment panels, national campaigns, and service design.

We also supported carers speaking at national events, including a cross-parliamentary session on carer poverty, and to contribute to research on welfare benefits for carers from diverse backgrounds.

 

5. Hospital and Health Support

Improving carer friendly practice in Primary Care

Continuing the Primary Care Project, we worked with Primary Care to support them to better understand and identify carers. Excellent engagement from GPs and tangible improvements in Primary Care practice were clear outcomes of this project. Over 50% of the GPs in West Sussex show improvements and a 168% increase in referrals from Primary Care.

 

Supporting Carers in Hospital Settings

Hospital stays, whether planned or sudden, can be a time of immense stress for carers. Navigating discharge processes, understanding care plans, and managing the transition back home often falls on the shoulders of unpaid carers. This year, our Health Team has been a vital bridge between hospital and home, ensuring carers are informed, supported, and not alone.

In 2024/25, our Hospital Team supported 1,220 carers across the year through hospital admission and discharge. As we transitioned into new ways of working for the hospital team, the onsite hours have gradually been built up across the year, with 2,064 hours provided on-site across West Sussex hospitals

We worked across acute and community hospitals including Worthing, St Richard’s, Princess Royal, East Surrey, and Crawley. Our presence on wards, in discharge planning meetings, and through bedside conversations ensured that carers were not left out of critical decisions.

“Having someone explain the discharge process made all the difference. I felt heard, informed, and able to speak up.”

 

Working in partnership with the NHS

During this year we have worked together with NHS colleagues to improve the awareness of carers and the services jointly commissioned to support them. We contributed to the development of the new Transfer of Care Hub (ToCH) system, advocating for carers to be included in discharge dashboards and communications. Our “Think Carer” training and hospital discharge toolkit are helping embed carer awareness into everyday NHS practice.

“The main theme continues to be poor communication around discharge. Carers are often given little or no notice, which causes immense stress.”

Support at Home After Hospital (SaHaH)

We are subcontracted by Age UK to deliver a six-week support service for carers following hospital discharge. This year 384 referrals were received; 84 carers received Support at Home after Hospital payments when volunteers were unavailable and £13,800 awarded for sitting services, cleaning, and transport.

The service provides practical help, emotional support, and signposting to other services. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

“Looking for advice was daunting and stressful. I was helped by lovely, caring staff. I honestly don’t know where I would be without you.”

 

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 6 -

Outcomes and Impact

Our 91-day hospital follow-up survey showed:

 

Staff Training and Safeguarding

We trained all frontline staff to recognise signs of self-neglect and financial hardship. We also ran webinars on professional curiosity and safeguarding, ensuring our teams could have sensitive, supportive conversations with carers at risk.

 

6. Reaching Underserved Communities

At Carers Support West Sussex, we believe that every carer deserves to be recognised and supported. But we also know that some carers face additional barriers—language, culture, discrimination, digital exclusion, or simply not knowing that help exists. This year, we’ve taken deliberate steps to reach carers from communities who are too often overlooked.

 

Carers from Ethnically Diverse Backgrounds

In 2024/25, 9% of newly registered carers were from non-White British backgrounds. While this is a positive step, we know there is more to do to ensure our services are truly inclusive and accessible.

We’ve worked closely with local partners to build trust and raise awareness, including:

“Thanks to Carers Support making me aware of my rights, I’ve been able to register as an unpaid carer with my GP, get a free flu jab and request flexible working hours.”

We’ve also supported carers with digital exclusion, helping them access services, complete forms, and understand their rights.

 

7. Website and social media:

With the commencement of a new carers contract in April, we updated our website to ensure that the information and advice regarding our service was current and reflective of the changes.

CSWS actively uses Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn to provide timely information to our audiences. By the end of the year, we had over 9,000 followers across all platforms, marking a 7% increase from the previous year.

Carers Week June 2024: Carers Week is an annual event where we join Carers UK and other partners to celebrate the contributions of carers to our communities. This year's theme was "putting carers on the map." During this week, we hosted several face-to-face and online events in addition to our regular carer groups.

Statement regarding fundraising

The Charity raises funds primarily through Grants and Trust fundraising. Fundraising activity is reported to the Finance and Risk Committee which is a subcommittee of the Board, and the Fundraising Policy is monitored annually. The Charity is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, has a Fundraising Policy, and has not received any complaints relating to fundraising during the year.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 7 -

Remuneration policy

The Charity ensures that its remuneration remains competitive, fair and appropriate via the use of an external salary benchmarking exercise for key roles, last completed in January 2025. The Trustee Remuneration Panel then reviews the findings from such benchmarking exercises, along with other aspects in accordance with the Charities Pay Policy. The Charity endeavours to ensure that salary levels, excluding new starters, are always above the 25th percentile of a pay range.

 

The key principles for deciding the pay and reward of the employees of the Charity is:

 

The Charity seeks to be fair in remunerating at both the higher and lower ends of the pay scale, and the appropriateness of pay will be considered in the context of achieving the aims of our Charity and the efficient delivery of services to meet the needs of our beneficiaries. In this regard, the Charity undertook a salary benchmarking exercise for key roles in January 2025 with the aim of ensuring that the principles underlying the organisation’s pay and rewards were honoured.

Contribution made by volunteers

Our volunteering program has gone through a period of change. We have updated our volunteer training and role descriptions and increased the engagement and support to our volunteers whilst recruiting new volunteers for our services.

 

In 2024/25, our volunteers contributed: 1,000+ hours of support across services; 8,322 minutes of Check-In & Chat calls; 52 active volunteers, many in multiple roles; 80 hours supporting carer groups; 13 volunteers delivering regular wellbeing calls.

 

From supporting peer-led groups to supporting hospital discharge, from coaching to admin support, our volunteers have stepped up in countless ways.

 

94% of our volunteers tell us they would recommend Carers Support West Sussex as a place to volunteer.

 

When asked what is most rewarding about being a volunteer at Carers Support West Sussex, one of our volunteers responded – “Being able to feel you have made a difference to someone’s life in helping them through the difficulties of being a full-time carer” and another responded “Enabling others - Maintains my engagement with the world

 

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI)

The Trustees have an annual review of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, have made a commitment to the ACEVO Leadership principles on diversity and agree an annual DEI plan with carers and the workforce.

 

At the end of March of carers registered during the financial year, 9% of the carers were from ethnic minority communities.

Workforce:

40% of the workforce are over the age of 55, with 27% being 45-54 years, 21% aged 35-44 and 12% being 21-34; 90% identify as female and over 30% of our staff team report that they are in a caring role themselves.

 

CSWS supports flexibility in the workplace and offers part time opportunities. 60% of the employees work part time hours.

 

Trustees monitor activity with the CSWS on all these commitments through quarterly Carer Services and HR Reports.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 8 -
Financial review

The Charity’s main activities arise under a contract with West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to provide universal carer services across West Sussex. The contract, funded from the Better Care Fund was recommissioned in January 2024, with CSWS being awarded a contract to deliver these services for a further five years, with possible extensions for one + one years. The Charity continues to work to grow its own earned income through fundraising, grant applications and income generation activities.

 

Net income for the year 2024/​25 (being the difference between total net income and expenditure across individual funds) totalled £358,851 (2024: net expenditure £332,744) as shown on the Statement of Financial Activities on page 17 of the accounts.

Total unrestricted income decreased by approximately 12% compared to the previous year, mainly due to the reduction in income received in respect of the Charity’s charitable activities. Total expenditure on charitable activities (excluding grant funded expenditure from restricted funds and depreciation and impairment) also decreased by approximately 23%, largely because of the reduction in staff and other operating costs incurred in meeting activity demands. The overall result for the year reflects the work undertaken by the Trustees and Leadership Team to reduce charitable overheads wherever possible.

 

Restricted income has decreased by 4% compared to the previous year and expenditure on restricted funds has also decreased by 22% on the previous year, these decreases are mainly due to the receipt and payment out of the carer hardship and wellbeing grants.

 

During the year, and in line with its strategic priorities, the Charity continued with its on-going investment to support its charitable activities and contract with WSCC. In Spring 2025 the budget was prepared for the new contract with an understanding from Trustees that as the new contract and service delivery was mobilised the Trustees would welcome proposals from the Leadership Team for funding from reserves to enhance our services to carers in West Sussex.

 

The Trustees continue to be aware of the funding pressures facing the charitable sector and local government, noting particularly the increasing financial impact of inflation. It is recognised that the same levels of funding cannot be assumed in the longer term and, accordingly, the Trustees have set strategic priorities for fundraising and income generation activities. The Directors and Charity team keep up to date on government policy in relation to potential cuts to local authority and health funding and other organisational risks.

 

The Charity is holding unrestricted reserves including designated funds totalling £988,733 as at 31 March 2025 (2024: £832,795). This comprises ~4 months of operating costs so is within the policy detailed below.

 

The Finance and Risk Committee and main Board decided to designate £100k of funds to a strategic development fund during the year.

 

The Charity also holds restricted fund balances totalling £586,609 at 31 March 2025 (2024: £383,696) which are held for the purposes of the particular contract service. These funds do not form part of the Charity’s unrestricted reserves.

Principal funding sources

The principal funding sources for the Charity are as follows:

 

CSWS has an Agreement with WSCC to provide a county-wide Carers Information, Advice, Assessment and Support service through a range of methods and settings that work for and with the carer population of the county. The activity, outcomes and expectations are clearly stated within the Agreement.

 

The Charity submits monthly and quarterly reports and a Quarterly dashboard of data against agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and carer outcomes to WSCC.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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The Carer Information Advice, Assessment and Support contract sets out to measure outcomes for carers. There are a number of KPIs however, monthly and quarterly reports highlight key performance measures such as:

The regular reporting also provides both qualitative and quantitative data, case studies and feedback from carers on services received.

Reserves

The Trustees have considered the provisions of the Charity Commission’s guidance ‘Charity Reserves: Building Resilience' (CC19, June 2023) in setting the Reserves’ Policy for the Charity. The Board has determined that there is a need for sufficient reserves to secure the organisation's viability beyond the immediate future to provide reliable services and funding over the longer term and to absorb financial setbacks, while acknowledging the vulnerability of our client group and the nature of the services we offer.

 

The Trustees have used the organisation's Risk Register to inform its Reserves’ Policy and to focus on key financial risks in respect of income, expenditure, any on-going effects from the pandemic, the receipt and use of restricted income, and where funds can only be realised by the disposal of fixed assets.

 

The Charity's Reserves’ Policy is to maintain an adequate level of reserves to enable normal operating activities to

continue over a period of three to six months. The contract with West Sussex County Council is confirmed through to March 2029, however, the council does have the right to terminate the contract with 6 months notice in extreme circumstances. The Reserves Policy of 3-6 months operating costs allows for the Charity to continue to operate whilst it meets all employment obligations in case of the cessation of the WSCC contract or any of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time.

 

The potential contingencies identified by the Board include:

Designated funds

During the year, the Charity reviewed the purposes for which funds had been previously designated. Additional amounts were set aside for:

 

Investment policy

It is the Charity's policy to invest surplus funds into interest bearing deposits. The Finance and Risk Committee's Investment Strategy and Policy includes:

 

CSWS is committed to ensuring prompt payment of staff, suppliers, and grants to carers. Balances on the nominated main bank account should be kept at the minimum required for liabilities to be met as they fall due and to avoid delays in grant making activities.

 

Liquidity requirements are derived from a 12-month cash flow forecast which determines the level of cash to be held in instant access accounts and notice/term accounts. Notice and term accounts do not exceed 12 months. The cash forecast is reviewed monthly.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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Risk management

The Trustees perform a detailed review of all the major strategic, business, and operational risks that the Charity faces and confirm that necessary steps are taken to lessen the risks identified.

 

The Charity has continued to use the Risk Tool from NCVO throughout 2024/25 to help identify the key risks facing the Charity, and steps to mitigate those risks are reviewed by the Finance and Risk Committee and the Board regularly, at least quarterly. Risks have been considered in five thematic areas:

The key risk identified is dependence on contract income from WSCC. The Charity is taking steps to mitigate this risk by continuing to provide support and assistance to carers while sustaining the Charity’s strong position as a “business critical provider” with and for the local health and social care economy.

Plans for future periods

Strengthening Our Foundations: We’ve laid strong foundations this year through our restructuring, new contract delivery, and expanded services. In 2025/26, we will continue to embed and refine these changes, ensuring consistency, quality, and responsiveness across every touchpoint. We will continue to invest in our Helpline, ensuring carers can reach us quickly and receive the right support at the right time and will obtain re- accreditation of the Helplines Partnership in 2025. We will expand our Carer Hubs, making support more local, visible, and accessible. We will deepen our use of digital tools, including the Carer Smart Search and explainer animations, to empower carers to find the information they need when they need it.

 

Amplifying Carer Voice: Carers have told us what matters: being listened to, being understood, and being included. We will continue to grow our Carer Voice Network, ensuring carers shape our services, strategy, and advocacy. We will co-produce new resources with carers from diverse backgrounds.

We will support carers speaking at local and national events. We will embed carer feedback into every level of our organisation. We will establish a Carers Shadow Board to strengthen the voice of carers in West Sussex.

 

Reaching More Carers: We know that many carers still don’t know they are carers—or that support exists. In 2025, we will launch a new external awareness campaign: “Local Help for Unpaid Carers.”

We will also continue to work with partners in health, social care, and the voluntary sector to identify and refer carers earlier.

 

Prioritising Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

We are proud of the progress we’ve made in reaching underserved communities—but we know there is more to do. In the year ahead, we will: introduce a new outreach role to work with diverse communities. improve accessibility for digitally excluded carers.

 

Investing in Our People

Our staff and volunteers are our greatest assets. In 2025/26, we will continue to invest in their development, wellbeing, and leadership.

Structure, governance and management

 

Governing Document

The charitable company was founded under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. The Board formally adopted revised Articles of Association on 16th June 2025. In the event of the company being wound up members, who are the serving trustees, are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

 

Mr P G Estep
Mr A Beasley
Ms N Jeffery
Ms C M Field
(Resigned 29 May 2025)
Mr N T Young
Ms B Williams
(Resigned 20 August 2024)
Ms A K Fox
Mr D M Gayler
Ms C Maniscalco
(Resigned 27 May 2025)
Mr R Mansfield
Mr I Wilkins
(Appointed 24 October 2024)
Ms J Lodge
(Appointed 5 December 2024)

Recruitment and appointment of board members

The Directors of the Company are also Charity Trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the Company's Articles are known as members of the Board. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the Charity shall have a Board of Directors comprising at least three persons.

 

The Charity's purpose and work is focused on supporting carers across West Sussex and consequently the Board of Directors seek to ensure that the needs of this group are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the Board which is made up of people from across the county, to reflect and represent the rural/urban dynamic of the district.

 

Business and financial skills are well represented on the Board. ln an effort to maintain its broad skill mix, the Board of Directors are requested to provide a list of their skills (and update it each year). In the event of skills being lost due to resignation or retirements, new Board members are sought to plug the skills’ gap.

 

During 2024/25, the Board welcomed 2 new trustees to the Board, who bring fundraising and operational skills.

Board members' induction and training

A comprehensive Induction and Trustee Handbook is provided to new Trustees, and training is available via Carers Trust and NCVO nationally, and locally via the Council for Voluntary Services, as well as regular written and face-to-face updates for and with the Charity team.

 

Organisational structure

The Carers Support West Sussex Board of Trustees/Directors meets at least four times a year and is responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the Charity. This year the Board has been supported by three sub-committees, who also meet quarterly that looked at Finance and Risk, Human Resources and Operational Delivery. The Board members come from a variety of professional backgrounds with a broad mix of skills around Charity and NHS operations, finance, human resource, Information Technology, fundraising, communications and digital marketing.

Qualifying third party indemnity provisions

The charity has third party indemnity insurance cover for its Trustees.

A scheme of delegation is in place and day-to-day responsibility for the Charity's operations rests with the Chief Executive Officer working with the Leadership Team. The average monthly number of staff members employed by the Charity for the year was 93, supported by 42 volunteers.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 12 -
Other matters

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

 

- There is no relevant audit information of which the Charity's auditors are unaware ; and

 

- The Trustees have taken steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of such information.

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Sumer Audit be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr N T Young
Trustee
21 August 2025
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 13 -

The Trustees, who are also the directors of Carers Support West Sussex for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

 

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

 

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
- 14 -

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Carers Support West Sussex (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

-

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;

-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

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 financial statements are 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 other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 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 course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

 

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
- 15 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the Trustees' report.

 

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the Trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose 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. 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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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.

 

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:

 

 

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the trust for fraud. We are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. As a result of performing the above, we identified the following areas as those most likely to have an impact on the financial statements: health & safety, employment law and compliance with the UK Companies Act and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

 

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
- 16 -

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

 

Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK). For instance, the further removed non-compliance is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the auditor is to become aware of it or to recognise the non-compliance.

 

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees 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 charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Robin Evans BA FCA CTA DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Sumer Audit
9 September 2025
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Worthing
Sumer Audit is the trading name of Sumer Auditco Limited

 

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 17 -
Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2025
2025
2025
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
3,837
-
36,705
40,542
52,603
Charitable activities
4
2,549,355
-
1,490,361
4,039,716
4,392,949
Investments
5
67,558
-
-
67,558
64,701
Other income
36,098
-
-
36,098
69,602
Total income
2,656,848
-
1,527,066
4,183,914
4,579,855
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
33,717
-
-
33,717
17,762
Charitable activities
7
2,463,777
-
1,327,569
3,791,346
4,894,837
Total expenditure
2,497,494
-
1,327,569
3,825,063
4,912,599
Net income/(expenditure)
159,354
-
199,497
358,851
(332,744)
Transfers between funds
17,18
(103,416)
100,000
3,416
-
-
Net movement in funds
55,938
100,000
202,913
358,851
(332,744)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
832,795
-
383,696
1,216,491
1,549,235
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
888,733
100,000
586,609
1,575,342
1,216,491

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 18 -
Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
18,738
260
33,605
52,603
Charitable activities
4
2,824,204
-
1,568,745
4,392,949
Investments
5
64,701
-
-
64,701
Other income
66,602
-
3,000
69,602
Total income
2,974,245
260
1,605,350
4,579,855
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
17,762
-
-
17,762
Charitable activities
7
2,997,972
191,151
1,705,714
4,894,837
Total expenditure
3,015,734
191,151
1,705,714
4,912,599
Net income
(41,489)
(190,891)
(100,364)
(332,744)
Transfers between funds
(64,363)
59,556
4,807
-
Net movement in funds
(105,852)
(131,335)
(95,557)
(332,744)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
938,647
131,335
479,253
1,549,235
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
832,795
-
383,696
1,216,491
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
31 March 2025
- 19 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
72,324
70,794
Current assets
Debtors
14
67,367
221,349
Investments
15
1,438,163
1,184,436
Cash at bank and in hand
308,166
370,889
1,813,696
1,776,674
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
16
310,678
630,977
Net current assets
1,503,018
1,145,697
Total assets less current liabilities
1,575,342
1,216,491
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
17
586,609
383,696
Unrestricted funds - general
888,733
832,795
Unrestricted funds - designated
18
100,000
-
1,575,342
1,216,491

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025, although an audit has been carried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 21 August 2025
Mr N T Young
Trustee
Company registration number 06418743 (England and Wales)
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 20 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
22
176,536
(468,775)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(53,090)
-
Purchases of  investments
(253,727)
(1,184,436)
Investment income received
67,558
64,701
Net cash used in investing activities
(239,259)
(1,119,735)
Net cash used in financing activities
-
-
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(62,723)
(1,588,510)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
370,889
1,959,399
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
308,166
370,889
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 21 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Carers Support West Sussex is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is CSWS C/O Messrs Carpenter Box Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1RL.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4
Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

 

Donations and legacies are recognised as incoming resources when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.

 

Income from government and other grants is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

 

Contract income is recognised as the charity becomes entitled to the contract income (i.e. over the term of the contract).

 

Investment income relates to interest receivable on bank deposits and is recognised in the financial statements when receivable.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 22 -
1.5
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

 

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Computer software
10 years straight line
1.7
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Computers and VOIP system
20% straight line
CRM system
20% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

 

The Trustees have set a capitalisation policy of £2,500. Assets purchased below this value are not capitalised unless they are part of a bigger project.

1.8
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 23 -
1.10
Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables, current asset investments and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11
Taxation

The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

1.12
Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense.

 

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 24 -
1.13
Retirement benefits

Retirement benefits to employees of the entity are provided by a defined contribution scheme and a Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is a defined benefit scheme. The assets of both schemes are held separately from those of the entity.

 

The contributions made in relation to the defined contribution scheme are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

 

The LGPS is a funded scheme and the assets are held separately from those of the entity in separate trustee administered funds. Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method and discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liabilities. The actuarial valuations are obtained at least triennially and are updated at each balance sheet date. However, Carers Support West Sussex is counted as a pass through employer for the purpose of their share of benefits in the LGPS and as such it is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme on a consistent and reasonable basis. This is therefore treated as a defined contribution scheme and the contributions are recognised as they are paid each year.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

The main judgement and accounting estimates included in the accounts are:

 

Amortisation of CRM system

Management have estimated that the useful life of the CRM system is 5 years.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 25 -
3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
general
designated
2025
2025
2025
2025
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
3,837
-
36,705
40,542
18,738
260
33,605
52,603
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 26 -
4
Income from charitable activities
Contract income
Contract income
2025
2024
£
£
Services provided under contract
4,039,716
4,392,949
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
2,549,355
2,824,204
Restricted funds
1,490,361
1,568,745
4,039,716
4,392,949
5
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Interest receivable
67,558
64,701
6
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staff costs
33,717
17,762
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 27 -
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
Direct activities
Grant funding of activities
Premises expenditure
Office running costs
Total
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
2,018,063
-
-
-
2,018,063
Depreciation and impairment
-
-
-
51,560
51,560

Carers grants

-
687,687
-
-
687,687

Other staff related costs

146,381
-
-
-
146,381

Rent

-
-
16,425
-
16,425

Communication costs

-
-
-
44,615
44,615

Project costs

-
25,709
-
109,347
135,056

Office costs

-
-
-
89,652
89,652

Marketing & communication

20,835
-
-
-
20,835

Partnership fees

153,000
-
-
-
153,000
2,338,279
713,396
16,425
295,174
3,363,274
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support
-
-
-
394,916
394,916
Governance
-
-
-
33,156
33,156
2,338,279
713,396
16,425
723,246
3,791,346
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
1,729,717
1,758
16,425
715,877
2,463,777
Restricted funds
608,562
711,638
-
7,369
1,327,569
2,338,279
713,396
16,425
723,246
3,791,346
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
(Continued)
- 28 -
Previous year:
Direct activities
Grant funding of activities
Premises expenditure
Office running costs
Total
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
2,932,186
-
-
-
2,932,186
Depreciation and impairment
-
-
-
65,928
65,928

Carers grants

-
747,010
-
-
747,010

Other staff related costs

259,342
-
-
-
259,342

Rent

-
-
35,197
-
35,197

Communication costs

-
-
-
40,306
40,306

Project costs

-
80,462
-
83,230
163,692

Office costs

-
-
-
99,300
99,300

Marketing & communication

61,085
-
-
-
61,085

Partnership fees

220,336
-
-
-
220,336
3,472,949
827,472
35,197
288,764
4,624,382
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support
-
-
-
223,189
223,189
Governance
-
-
-
47,266
47,266
3,472,949
827,472
35,197
559,219
4,894,837
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
2,460,303
1,542
39,830
496,297
2,997,972
Unrestricted funds - designated
135,717
38
8,837
46,559
191,151
Restricted funds
876,929
825,892
(13,470)
16,363
1,705,714
3,472,949
827,472
35,197
559,219
4,894,837
8
Support costs allocated to activities
2025
2024
£
£
Basis of allocation
Staff costs
Time spent
391,969
217,722
Bank charges
Direct
2,947
5,467
Governance costs
Direct
33,156
47,266
428,072
270,455
Analysed between:
Office running costs
428,072
270,455
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 29 -
9
Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration. During the year, expenses of £16 (2024: £nil) were reimbursed to a trustee relating to printing and postage.

10
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025
2024
Number
Number
Part time
56
73
Full time
37
48
Total
93
121
Employment costs
2025
2024
£
£
Wages and salaries
2,181,220
2,851,029
Social security costs
189,712
230,425
Other pension costs
72,817
86,216
2,443,749
3,167,670
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:
2025
2024
Number
Number
£60,001 - £70,000
-
1
£70,001 - £80,000
1
1
Remuneration of key management personnel

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Chief Executive, Head of Finance and the Heads of Service. The total employee benefits of key management personnel of the charity were £274,363 (2024: £400,202). Of this amount £243,738 (2024: £308,042) was paid via payroll and £30,625 (2024: £92,160) was provided on a subcontract basis.

11
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 30 -
12
Intangible fixed assets
Computer software
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
46,581
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
46,581
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
-
At 31 March 2024
-
13
Tangible fixed assets
Computers and VOIP system
CRM system
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
82,199
241,231
323,430
Additions
-
53,090
53,090
At 31 March 2025
82,199
294,321
376,520
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
82,199
170,437
252,636
Depreciation charged in the year
-
51,560
51,560
At 31 March 2025
82,199
221,997
304,196
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
-
72,324
72,324
At 31 March 2024
-
70,794
70,794
14
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
15,240
158,940
Prepayments and accrued income
52,127
62,409
67,367
221,349
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 31 -
15
Current asset investments
2025
2024
£
£
Short-term deposits
1,438,163
1,184,436
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
£
£
Other taxation and social security
215,233
152,084
Trade creditors
49,350
41,364
Other creditors
12,357
13,751
Accruals and deferred income
33,738
423,778
310,678
630,977
17
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
£
Additional core contract activity
86
-
(86)
-
-
Core contract variation
37,405
-
-
(37,405)
-
Direct grants for carers
115,389
943,537
(758,574)
(177,023)
123,329
Grant funded carer activity
136,190
26,977
(98,209)
177,256
242,214
NHS funded activity
41,398
222,200
(243,109)
-
20,489
Subcontracts for carer support activity
53,228
224,581
(131,822)
40,588
186,575
National Lottery Fund activity
-
109,771
(95,769)
-
14,002
383,696
1,527,066
(1,327,569)
3,416
586,609
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
17
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 32 -
Previous year:
At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
Additional core contract activity
1,444
2,613
(3,971)
-
86
Core contract variation
32,598
121,867
(113,865)
(3,195)
37,405
Direct grants for carers
156,067
805,532
(821,320)
(24,890)
115,389
Grant funded carer activity
157,392
248,609
(274,260)
4,449
136,190
NHS funded activity
28,177
326,648
(313,427)
-
41,398
Premises
4,130
-
13,470
(17,600)
-
Subcontracts for carer support activity
99,445
100,081
(192,341)
46,043
53,228
479,253
1,605,350
(1,705,714)
4,807
383,696

Additional core contract activity: Additional work provided by CSWS around engagement and consultations with Carers around changes to WSCC services

 

Core contract variation: To support the Carer Benefits service and the Young Carers Partnership. As of 1st April 2024, these services are part of the Main Contract

 

Direct grants for Carers: Household Support Fund, Hardship Fund, Carers Trust Grants and SaHaH Grants paid directly to carers to support

them in their caring role and prevent carers going into financial crisis.

 

Grant funded carer activity: CSWS seeks additional funding to improve services to carers and some applications lead to projects from several sources that enable CSWS to deliver new services to Carers. Projects such as the Male Carers Project funded by Mid Sussex during this financial year.

 

NHS Funded activity: Contracts direct with Sussex NHS to provide the Sussex wide Carer Health Project which aims to identify and support carers in both Primary care and hospitals. Contracts were for Pan Sussex projects and funds were passed onto Carer for the Carers and Carers Centre Brighton & Hove to deliver the project in their areas.

 

National Lottery Fund activity: from the funding programme Reaching Communities London and Southeast Region to enhance our carer coaching project

 

Premises: Funds allocated in 2023/24 by the Trustees to review the charity premises and do works to ensure that the offices are fit for purpose.

 

Subcontracts for carer support activity: In 2024/25 Income received for staffing resource from subcontract with Age UK to deliver the Support at Home after Hospital service and a subcontract with WSCC to allocate Household Support Funds to Carers.

 

During the year the Directors are grateful to the following Trusts and Foundations funders for supporting unpaid Carers in West Sussex:

 

The National Lottery Community Fund: for our Carer Coaching project (RC London & South East Region)

 

Sussex NHS: for its funding of the Health Project which supported our work with Primary Care

 

Carers Trust: towards Direct grant payments for our Carers.

CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
17
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 33 -

West Sussex High Society, Crawley Community Shop, The Grace Trust, Chichester City Council and The East Grinstead Common Good Trust: for donations towards Carer activities

 

Littlehampton Quakers, Sainsbury's Charity of the year and West Sussex Travel: towards core costs providing much needed support for unpaid carers

 

Horsham District Council: for our Check in & Chat Service

 

Shanly Foundation, The Three Oaks Trust, Crawley Borough Council, Longley Trust and Gatwick Airport Community Trust: for our Bilingual Memory Navigator Project

 

Crucible Foundation and The Grace Trust: for the Online Mindfulness service

 

Nando's: for providing free meals and drinks to My future groups bimonthly in Chichester and Crawley

 

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens: for donating 40 free tickets and garden tour during carers week

 

Goodwood Education Trust: for donating free multi activity day for young carers.

 

Chichester Festival theatre: for donating 60 free tickets for young carers

 

Petworth House: for donating 40 free tickets and parking carers week

 

Pallant House Art Gallery: for donating 12 free entry tickets, tour and refreshments.

18
Unrestricted funds - designated

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.

At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
£
Strategic development fund
-
-
-
100,000
100,000
Previous year:
At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
Website
26,932
-
(23,699)
(3,233)
-
Finance development
9,143
-
(38,654)
29,511
-
Communications
22,947
-
(26,706)
3,759
-
New learning and development
11,318
-
(23,740)
12,422
-
Development fund
55,603
260
(54,591)
(1,272)
-
Premises working group
-
-
(10,820)
10,820
-
Strategic development fund
5,352
-
-
(5,352)
-
Volunteering
-
-
(300)
300
-
CRM consultant
-
-
(12,602)
12,602
-
Dementia - Young onset weekends
40
-
(39)
(1)
-
131,335
260
(191,151)
59,556
-
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
18
Unrestricted funds - designated
(Continued)
- 34 -

Strategic development fund - Investment in digital enhancement and to allow charity to meet the costs related to the aims of the new strategy in development during 25-26 and to be launched in 2026.

 

Website - an investment in a new website and exploration of self-serve options, including auto-population of our CRM links with Sussex wide carer activity.

 

Finance development fund - an investment for the finance team support to enable us to resource our finance plan and create effective finance information to support the charity going forward.

 

Communications - funds set aside for a one-year locality/communications officer to support the work of our locality managers as they implement their new programmes of work close to where people live.

 

New learning and development fund - funds towards a training and HR administrator role to support the recording and reporting of learning and development. Continuation of management development training focussing on management behaviours.

 

Development fund (Income generation) - represents monies set aside by the Board to sustain charity resources over the course of the three to five years. This is necessary to ensure that the core universal contract service offer can be delivered and that CSWS can provide other directly funded frontline charity support to designated areas of known highest priority need.

 

Premises working group - represents monies that the charity has set aside to allow it to access professional advice and support in the development and implementation of its premises strategy.

 

Strategic development fund (2024) - has been set up to allow the charity to meet the costs of advice and assistance that may be necessary in the development of its strategy for the next 5 years.

 

Volunteering - funds towards an external standard ‘Investing in Volunteers’, which aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience and to ensure that CSWS acknowledges the contribution of its volunteers.

 

CRM consultant - funds set aside for the CRM Audit of the Cloud9 Database.

Dementia - Young onset weekends – Funds available for Carers towards the cost of the Young Onset Dementia Weekend and for Carer Equipment for displays at our dementia events.

19
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2025
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by:
Tangible assets
72,324
-
-
72,324
Current assets/(liabilities)
816,409
100,000
586,609
1,503,018
888,733
100,000
586,609
1,575,342
CARERS SUPPORT WEST SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
19
Analysis of net assets between funds
(Continued)
- 35 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets
70,794
-
-
70,794
Current assets/(liabilities)
762,001
-
383,696
1,145,697
832,795
-
383,696
1,216,491
20
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

Prior to the year-end the charity was notified of a claim being raised against them by a former employee. At the reporting date, the likely outcome of the claim is uncertain, in terms of timing, potential value and probability of any liability arising. On this basis no provision has been included in the financial statements.

21
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2025
2024
£
£
Within one year
4,149
3,982
22
Cash generated from operations
2025
2024
£
£
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
358,851
(332,744)
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(67,558)
(64,701)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
51,560
65,928
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
153,982
(144,237)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(320,299)
6,979
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
176,536
(468,775)
23
Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

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