In the UK today, around 1.4-million people have a learning disability. This means they have reduced intellectual ability and difficulties with everyday activities that will affect them for their whole lives. But with the right support, most of these people can live independently.
Mencap is the UK’s largest charity for people with a learning disability. The Personal Support Services division is the charity’s largest programme, accounting for 84% of the organisation’s £191 million turnover. It employs 7,000 staff members, supporting 5,000 people across 600 sites.
“We want as many people as possible to benefit from the support we can offer them to live the independent lives of their choice. We want to care more.”
Mencap’s vision
Matthew Hobbs, BA Hons, ACMA, CGMA, is the Finance Business Partner for the South region of the Personal Support Services division, responsible for managing an income of around £50 million across some 200 sites. Matt joined Mencap following a varied career including five years at Fujitsu Services, two years in the NHS and ten years at AgustaWestland Helicopters and United Technologies Corporation as Project Accountant and Financial Controller. Matt says: “I have always looked for roles that I can learn in and AgustaWestland gave me many opportunities. However, moving into the charity sector with Mencap just felt right at the time, and exposes me to new and different challenges. I find having an opportunity to work in an organisation that has social good as the essence of everything it does very motivational, inspiring me to do my bit and contribute to its good causes.”
He finds the challenge fascinating. “Good cost accounting is absolutely critical in charities because they don’t exist to make a profit,” he adds. ”Rather, they aim to increase their reach and make a positive impact on people’s lives. “They cannot sustain themselves if they’re not generating enough income to cover their costs. It’s a very fine balance, which is why it’s important to have a good understanding of full-cost accounting principles and to use this understanding in establishing and implementing cost-competitive strategies.”