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Registered number:
Charity number:
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
CONTENTS
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees of London Ability are pleased to present their annual report together with financial statements for the year ending 31st March 2025. Under section 383 of The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors Report) Regulations 2013, London Ability qualifies as small and as a result a strategic report is not required.
Trustees are pleased to report that the last financial year to 31st March 2025 has been one of growth and success both in service provision, delivery and organisational development. At the start of the year, the organisation undertook a significant change programme to develop a new name and brand to further enhance its position, visibility and reputation. The Board of Trustees formally approved the name change from Ellingham Employment Services to London Ability by special resolution in September 2024.
Our Purpose and Activities
London Ability is a long standing and firmly established community organisation that has developed a reputation for innovation and excellence.
Throughout its history it has consistently provided high quality support, training and employment opportunities for hundreds of adults with learning and associated physical and sensory disabilities, and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND) across the London boroughs of Waltham Forest, Hackney, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Islington, and Barking and Dagenham.
The organisation changes lives by empowering people with disabilities to fulfil their potential with a unique, bespoke approach and range of services including:
•Specialist employment programmes for young people aged 18–25 with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities.
•Day opportunities, delivering work related skills, independence and structured activities for adults with learning disabilities.
•Supported work programmes to help disabled people find and sustain paid roles.
In addition, to further our aims, increase our impact and breakdown barriers, the team has been supporting local employers by providing neurodiversity training to raise awareness and create sustainable opportunities for our clients.
Our Values
We are proud to be a values-led organisation. Our values guide us in everything we do.
At London Ability we are:
Invested - We will do what it takes to help our clients succeed and achieve their goals. We are dedicated. Our clients are our priority.
Inclusive - We reflect and represent our community. We are passionate about everyone having the same opportunities and feeling valued.
Empowering - We nurture potential. We give people the support that is right for them, so they feel more confident and achieve their goals.
Achievements and performance
The Trustees are pleased to report that the last financial year has been a positive and productive one for the organisation and its clients.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
We have successfully achieved our agreed objectives by:
•Expanding day opportunities services for clients with more complex needs to grow the service and enhance provision.
•Expanding our range of supported internships across other boroughs and referral agencies.
•Delivering high performance in our contract with Hackney Education
•Maintaining prudent financial management in 2024/25 to secure our reserve levels.
•Reviewing the Senior Management Team (SMT) and Chief Executive Officer’s roles and responsibilities to future proof the organisation and maintain high quality leadership and management across the organisation.
•Continuing to embed the organisation’s values across all teams and all areas of work.
•Undertaking an Investors in People re-assessment in early 2024 and implementing the findings of the staff survey and review. The result of this led to London Ability being identified as one of the Top 5 Investors in People accredited employers in the UK!
•Committing to undertake a refurbishment of the front of the building in line with the access audit undertaken during 2023/24 drawing on our reserves, alongside funding secured from charitable trusts and other funding bodies
•Fully implementing the re-branding of Ellingham Employment Services to London Ability whilst maintaining high quality services to our clients.
Partnership Working
The Trustees are proud of the newly developed and longstanding partnerships that have underpinned our work this year. The Board recognise that working with other organisations and individuals that share our values is key to our development, longevity and ability to source and create valuable opportunities for all London Ability clients. Staff from London Ability continue to work in partnership with:
•East London Business Alliance on corporate volunteer projects including the Digital Compass project and work with a distinguished construction management professional who has been invaluable in advising on the Head Office refurbishment.
•The London Boroughs of Waltham Forest and Newham, Learning Disability Provider Forums.
•Waltham Forest College Social Care Workforce Development Forum to extend opportunities for young people to work in social care and give employers a voice in developing the training on offer to students. London Ability continue to host work placements for these students.
•Hackney Supported Internship Employment Forum where a London Ability senior manager holds the Chair.
•National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI) on their ‘Pathfinder Preparing for Adulthood’ project, transforming SEND employment pathways for young people with additional needs.
•Local SMEs and other employers who support our clients with work placements and training opportunities.
•Local authority social work teams, allied health professionals, education and college staff and local SEND teams.
Senior Managers hosted visits throughout the year from stakeholder organisations, social work teams, referral partners, voluntary organisations, service providers, advocacy groups and grant makers. These partnerships enrich the work of the organisation, raise awareness, and create opportunities for broadening our scope, reach and development.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Key highlights and activities throughout the year
May 2024
Investors in People re-accreditation was achieved with outstanding results.
June - July
The Senior Management Team worked with various contractors and the Centre for Accessible Environments to deliver a fully costed refurbishment plan for our Head Office building that fully implemented the findings of the 2023 access audit. Funding applications for this refurbishment were the submitted to capital funding charitable trusts.
A soft launch of the new brand was carried out.
September
In September the whole organisation celebrated the official launch of “London Ability”.
The leadership team also joined a corporate volunteering project that matched organisations with volunteers interested in supporting digital initiatives in charities. This led to the development of a social media strategy, linked to the rebrand and an outline on how to effectively build the organisation’s online presence.
November - January 2025
The Senior Management Team focussed their efforts on implementing the new brand along with developing bids to raise funds to support the refurbishment.
In November, the organisation was shortlisted for UK small employer of the year at the Investors in People Awards 2024.
February 2025
Senior managers began to implement the new social media strategy with support from a communications professional.
Recognition and acknowledgement
The Board of Trustees extends its overwhelming gratitude to:
•The entire staff team for their efforts throughout the year, during which they all showed their outstanding commitment to London Ability, its clients, and each other. Their dedication to providing a high-quality service for all is hugely appreciated.
•The Senior Management Team, Donna Darrell, Rosemary Clark, and Miles Leonard, under the leadership of Helen Gore, for their unwavering commitment to the organisation and its clients.
•The organisations extended network of supporters, including parents, carers, donors and fundraisers.
•Our trusted collaborators and partner organisations, who have provided invaluable professional support.
•The organisation’s invaluable volunteers, including corporate supporters, without whom much of our work would not be possible. Special thanks go to Gary Tompkins from M3, Harrison Smith and the team at Tidyworks, and Kelly Sun, Caiqing Yang and Julian Hallam from SMBC.
•Our charitable trust funders, City Bridge Trust, the Screwfix Foundation, and the National Lottery Community Fund.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Rebranding for the future
Following a soft launch in July 2024, the organisation formally moved away from its long serving identity as “Ellingham Employment Services” on 9 September 2024, re-launching as London Ability. This rebrand followed an extensive values exercise in 2022 and consultation with key stakeholders, clients and staff throughout 2023-24. The rebrand and change programme supports our aim of developing a modern identity that fully represents our work-ethos, excellence and values. A comprehensive project plan, approved by Trustees and led by the Senior Management Team was carried out from January 2024.
Trustees are pleased to report that the rebranding has been a resounding success, with universally positive feedback received from clients, stakeholders, staff and referral partners. The rebranding project is scheduled to be concluded in 2025-26.
London Ability Day Opportunities
This year has seen strong growth in the service overall, with increased numbers of clients attending and staff employed. Trustees are incredibly pleased to note the significant increase in catering provision income, which is due to the quality of meals now prepared in house.
There are more clients than ever taking lunches and other catering services. Our new catering strategy has produced more opportunities for clients to undertake catering activities, both in lunch service and cooking sessions run as an activity. Clients with learning disabilities are supported to undertake food hygiene training, learn skills for work and independent living in a supportive and safe environment. Client feedback has been universally positive, and our expectation is to see further development and growth in the next year.
The Day Opportunities Team have run several well organised, effectively delivered and well attended events for our community over the year, with greater than ever numbers regularly attending to support our activities.
Trustees were pleased to receive the feedback gathered in the Parent/Carer survey for 2024, which demonstrated record levels of client satisfaction and highlighted many areas of good practice and positive impact.
Trustees extend their thanks to our parent/carer community for their feedback and support.
London Ability Supported Internships
Supported internships moved into the final year of the current contract with Hackney Education with over 90% of all participants reaching the outcomes identified. Trustees are pleased to note that 100% of completers moved into a positive destination such as employment, further training, regular volunteering and/or other projects. The transformational effect of this project on young people’s lives continues to grow. By empowering young people with SEND to achieve their goals, build their skills and resilience, providing a space for confidence to flourish, our clients are achieving outcomes well.
The project has expanded its partnership working, London Ability is now a key delivery partner for Hackney Education with a sound reputation for delivering person-centred, individually tailored support for local young people with SEND.
Feedback on the service is captured throughout the intern’s time on the project, which is fed into annual reviews.
The project continued to engage with a range of employers across East London and source placements in a range of sectors in line with the goals of the project participants. London Ability will look to re-tender for this valuable work to continue for the next four years, this exercise is scheduled to conclude by August 2025.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Access to Work Support
London Ability is pleased to continue providing support services for disabled people in work. Trustees note the well-publicised challenges delivering this programme within the Department for Work and Pensions. Trustees continue to be concerned about the lengthy delays in renewing customer awards, approving new support requests, making payments and processing correspondence. Trustees also note the difficulties obtaining awards for supported internship participants. Customers of London Ability report their continued frustration with these operational challenges, which cause worry and distress. Trustees remain concerned that the proposed funding cuts to this vital programme for working and self-employed disabled people will inevitably compound these difficulties.
Investors in People Re-accreditation
London Ability achieved re-accreditation with Investors in People in May 2024. The Trustees were delighted to receive the report which along with areas for development, highlighted many areas of outstanding practice and record levels of satisfaction among staff. Scores were consistently higher compared to the previous assessment, highlights from the report include:
•95.3% of all those surveyed agreed this is a great place to work
•100% of people said our values are clear, they share the same values, and these values guide the way they work and behave
•People believe the values are lived and breathed in the organisation
•100% of people say they trust the leaders of London Ability; we are open and transparent in communication.
•95% of people said we have a positive effect on our local community and society. There is a strong belief that the work we do is delivering results for the clients and making a meaningful difference within the wider community.
•Staff are proud of the organisation’s unique approach to the way it offers its services to adults with l earning disabilities, and they genuinely believe it delivers constructive outcomes.
Trustees were also delighted to learn that the staff survey scores placed London Ability in the top 20 accredited employers in the UK. As a result, the organisation was invited to apply for UK Employer of the Year at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and was subsequently shortlisted in the top five in the category.
London Ability continue to reward and recognise individual employees with the Living Our Values Awards, now in their second year. This peer-to-peer award scheme is hugely popular, the Trustees extend their congratulations to this year’s winners, Ellie Hollis, Jane Russell and Wendy Jackson.
Public benefit statement
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
Financial review
The statement of financial activities shows a net surplus of £152,303 (2023: £147,843) for the year resulting in reserves standing at £710,510. The charity had a highly successful year and benefitted from increased unrestricted charitable income compared to the previous year.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. They continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Reserves policy
It is agreed that London Ability will ring fence and hold reserves that will enable accurate and prudent control of its resources. These reserves will cover the contingencies of:
•Safeguarding against anticipated and unanticipated fluctuations in income and expenditure.
•Redundancy payments to staff.
•Long term sick cover for staff.
•Maternity payments and cover for staff.
•Unclaimed invoices from suppliers.
In addition, the Trustees may decide from time to time to divert reserves to cover capital expenditure to facilitate the start of a new project, or to build up additional funds. These may be used to cover a long-term capital project, such as refurbishment of buildings, any decision regarding the diversion of resources will be decided by the Board of Trustees under the guidance of the Treasurer.
The Board will reserve amounts as it sees necessary in line with the Charity Commission’s recommendations of 3 months to 2 years operating costs as good financial practice. The amounts will vary, as dictated by external influences that decide the levels of income through funders and grant making authorities which are outside the control of the Board of Trustees, although every effort must be made to ensure that levels do not fall below 3 months operating costs at any time.
Based on the level of reserves, we are initiating a rolling programme of updating facilities and equipment at London Ability’s sites to maximise environmental and economic sustainability, whilst ensuring premises provide clients with a welcoming facility appropriate to their needs.
Trustees are also in agreement and further designate the sum of £100,000 towards the refurbishment of Head Office, due to begin in September 2025.
Reserves will be invested to earn the best interest with reasonable access being a prerequisite. Levels of reserves will be reported to the Board of Trustees quarterly as part of the financial report.
These actions will empower the Board of Trustees to exercise its authority to ensure the continuation of the financial security of the organisation, through its Instruments of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Fundraising standards
London Ability is not registered with the Fundraising Regulator, and the charity has not carried out any significant fundraising activities.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Plans for future periods
Day Opportunities
London Ability’s Day Opportunities programme continues to grow and develop as a market leading, high quality service for adults with learning and associated disabilities. We will continue to develop and train staff so that they can meet the changing needs of our client group and offer quality services that build client’s skills for life and work. We are committed to developing our services to maximise the use of our site and buildings at 5-11 Ellingham Road and continue to maintain our premises to a good standard.
A parent/carer lunch club will be offered in 2025; this has been developed in line with feedback gathered from the parent/carer survey.
Supported Internships
Services to provide Supported Internships for young people (18-25) with SEND will continue, building on the previous year’s success. Young People will be supported to move from education to employment via a combination of in-house learning and a supported work placement in line with their individual goals. This project will benefit from the planned refurbishment of the Head Office building with the improvements to the learning environment and general facilities available to all users of the building.
A parent carer forum will be established from September 2025. Plans to expand the existing provision will be included in the expected re-tender exercise for the contract from Hackney Education.
Access to Work
London Ability will continue to provide this support in employment programme for customers with disabilities.
Refurbishment of Head Office
A refurbishment of the Head Office Building at 5 Ellingham Road will provide improved accessibility at the front entrance, new bathroom and tea point facilities that are fully accessible in line with current regulations, improved lighting and shared facilities. These improvements have been planned to meet the findings of the 2023 Access Audit.
Organisational Development
Staff training and development will continue to be a priority, with opportunities for formal and informal learning and development. We will continue to deliver our communications and social media strategy, growing online engagement, marketing the organisation and its services to potential clients and new members of staff, and building on the rebrand.
Trustees will consider implementing a full annual report and financial statement, to be published alongside the Trustees annual report, with an in-depth analysis of the organisation’s impact, for the year 2025-26.
Structure, governance and management
All Trustees have designated roles and will be working with senior staff in these roles for the future development of services and structure of London Ability. Trustee meetings continued both online and face to face during 2024/25, working closely with the Chief Executive and members of the Senior Management Team who have day-to-day management of the organisation.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Board Changes
Trustees are pleased to announce that the Board remained unchanged throughout the year. Meetings continue to be held via a combination of face to face at London Ability Head Office and online.
Constitution
The company is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Trust deed.
The company is constituted under a Trust deed and is a registered charity number 1010796.
The principal object of the charitable company is to relieve the need of people with learning and/or physical disabilities but not exclusively by the provision of accredited and/or vocational training, sheltered and supported work placements in the Greater London area.
In the event of the Company being wound up Members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the company is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association.
Under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the Trustees are elected to serve on an annual basis after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
Due to the work undertaken at London Ability, its function is to support people who have a range of learning and associated physical and sensory disabilities into employment. The Trustees are recruited on their direct understanding of people with learning disabilities, and ability to demonstrate alignment with our values. On the Board, are representatives from parents/carers to fulfil this role, in addition to those with professional experience in this field.
Organisational structure and decision-making policies
All Trustees carried out their duties well, working with the senior staff to implement statutory requirements to ensure a quality service to our clients.
Day-to-day responsibility for the provision of the charity's services rests with the Chief Executive and members of the Senior Management Team, who also have responsibility for ensuring their departments operate in accordance with our objectives and goals. This continues to work exceedingly well. Staff are supported to develop their skills and working practices through team and individual supervision and appraisal.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
The Board of Trustees are extremely delighted that Helen Gore continues as Chief Executive with full responsibility for the management of London Ability and oversight & management of the Senior Management Team. She leads by example in her dedication and commitment to the Organisation and its clients. In what has been an exemplary year, Helen has, amongst many other things, led the SMT & staff team to achieving such excellent results in the Investors in People Awards, in the rebranding of the organisation bringing it to the modern market and the fundraising and leadership of the works surrounding the refurbishment of the building, coordinating and liaising with all parties to ensure the needs identified in the Access Audit will be met for the benefit of all clients using London Ability’s services. In addition she has ensured that by working with Trustees that London Ability remains compliant with all statutory requirements.
The Chief Executive remains an intermediary between the Trustees and the Senior staff in the organisation. Members of the Senior teams attend Trustees' meetings submitting written reports to discuss specific aspects of work or projects where Trustees may need further information.
Induction and training of Trustees
All new recruits to the Board attend a full induction which introduces them to their roles. This includes meeting with the senior staff team to gain a better understanding of the work of London Ability. As part of the Induction package new trustees will be given the latest edition of London Ability’s Trustees Annual Report, Code of Practice of Trusteeship, and the latest guidance from the Charity Commission in the appropriate areas of trusteeship.
Pay policy for senior staff
Currently London Ability’s Board of Trustees have responsibility of ratifying all salary increases across the organisation, ensuring that we continue to be an accredited London Living Wage employer. Trustees working with the CEO and Finance Manager around budgets, were able to award a pay increase to all staff in 2024/25 of 3%, ensuring that the requirements of London Living Wage are met.
The Board met their target to review the senior staff teams’ roles, responsibilities and salary structure to ensure long-term continuity of a quality management team within the organisation.
Risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the company is exposed particularly in relation to operations and finances. They are satisfied that there are appropriate systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to major risks, and these have been identified.
A review of the procedures in place to ensure compliance with Health and Safety of the charity's staff, clients and visitors to the charity's facilities has been undertaken this financial year and the Board are pleased to confirm the appointment of Peninsula Business Services (PBS) as the organisation’s new health and safety consultants. On-boarding will continue into the new financial year. Trustees recognise the professional approach and quality of advice provided by PBS. SMT and Trustees will work together to implement the action points of this review.
SMT ensures that all London Ability premises also undergo all statutory checks such as fire risk assessment, annual fire alarm and detection checks, legionella testing, electrical and fixed wire testing, to maintain the health and safety of clients and staff.
Staff are continuously updated with essential training according to our needs assessment. This includes Emergency First Aid at Work, risk assessment awareness, Fire Warden training, manual handling, safeguarding, equalities. This is achieved through regular training sessions either in house or externally run courses.
London Ability continues to retain the services of PBS to assist with human resource and Employment Law Issues.
The Employee Assistance Programme remains available to all staff, offering confidential life management and personal support services to all employees and their families. This is a key part of our wellbeing offer to all staff.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the Directors of the Company for the purposes 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. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
•Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
•Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
•Make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent
•State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
•Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditors
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' Report is approved has confirmed that:
•So far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and
•That Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable company's auditors are aware of that information.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Auditors
The auditors, Haslers, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LONDON ABILITY LTD.
We have audited the financial statements of London Ability LTD. (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of 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).
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 charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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.
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 charitable company'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.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LONDON ABILITY LTD. (CONTINUED)
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, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, 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.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
∙the information given in the Trustees' Report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
∙sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
∙the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
∙we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LONDON ABILITY LTD. (CONTINUED)
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:
Procedures performed to address these were as follows:
• Walkthrough testing was carried out to identify and assess the design effectiveness of controls management
have in place to prevent and detect fraud, including known of suspected instances or non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud,
• Understanding how those charged with governance considered and addressed the potential for override of
controls or other inappropriate influence over the financial reporting process,
• Using analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of
material misstatements due to fraud,
• Assessing the appropriateness of accounting estimates and challenging any significant assumptions or
judgements made by management,
• Incorporating testing of manual journal entries that were posted throughout the year. In particular, we focused
on material journal entries, journals lacking descriptions, transactions with trustees, and journal entries posted outside normal business working hours. These were scrutinised for evidence of unusual entries,
• Evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course
of business,
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor's Report.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LONDON ABILITY LTD. (CONTINUED)
This report is made solely to the charitable company'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 charitable company'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 charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Old Station Road
Loughton Essex IG10 4PL
Haslers are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 01984355
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 01984355
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
The members have not required the entity to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
However, an audit is required in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1.Accounting policies
All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1.Accounting policies (continued)
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
Tangible fixed assets costing £250 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
At each reporting date the Company assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1.Accounting policies (continued)
The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Company to the fund in respect of the year.
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3.Income from charitable activities (continued)
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs (continued)
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs (continued)
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Page 30
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Page 31
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Page 32
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Page 33
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Page 34
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Page 35
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Page 36
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Page 37
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LONDON ABILITY LTD.
Formerly Known as Ellingham Employment Services
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
In 1998 the charity received a restricted grant of £150,000 from National Lottery Charities Board in order to build and set up a training centre. The conditions of the grants stipulated that such assets shall not be disposed of without prior written consent of the National Lottery Charities Board and, that they shall not be used for any other financial purpose. This restriction applies for 80 years from the date of acquisition, and expires in the year 2078. If the charity does not comply with these conditions, the grant received will have to be repaid.
We are aware that there is a potential clawback of funding in relation to the work choice income stream. However, at this stage this amount has not been quantified or accepted by the Charity.
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme whose assets are held independently and administered separately from those of the charity. During the year, the cost was £18,791 (2024: £13,266). Contributions totaling £6,945 (2024: £3,335) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors. The charity has a commitment in respect of the capital repayment of pension contributions being paid by the London Borough of Waltham Forest of £24,450 (2024: £24,450) due as at year-end.
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