2023-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1024546

Company Registration No. 02832920 (England and Wales)

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees	Mr D Roscoe
	Mrs E Barnett (Chair)
	Mr P P Cummins
	Dr M Homfrey
	Ms P Lappin
	Mr D McGregor
	Mr M Sonne (Treasurer & Vice Chair)
	Ms V Elson
	Venerable P Spiers
	Mr B Thomas
	Ms N Speed
	Mr R Mathew
Chair of the Board of	Mrs E Barnett
Trustees
Vice Chair of the Board of	Mr M Sonne
Trustees
Treasurer to the Board of	Mr M Sonne
Trustees
Advisors to the board from	Councillor J Pugh
Sefton MBC	Councillor J Grace
	Councillor D Robinson
Patrons	The Worshipful Mayor of Sefton
	Colonel Martin Amlôt OBE OStJ DL FRSA
President	Mr M Blundell, the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside
Chief Executive	Mrs A Carter (née White) OBE FRSA
Secretary	Mrs A Carter (née White) OBE FRSA
Charity number	1024546
Company number	02832920
Registered office	3rd Floor, North Wing
	Burlington House
	Crosby Road North
	Waterloo
	Liverpool
	L22 0LG
Auditor	BWM
	Tempest
	Suite 5.1
	12 Tithebarn Street
	Liverpool
	L2 2DT

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Bankers HSBC Bank PLC 197 Stanley Road Bootle Merseyside L20 3DX Solicitors Brabners LLP Horton House Exchange Flags Liverpool L2 3YL Principal Insurers Edwards Insurance Brokers 1 Rotten Row Barns 1957 Warwick Road Knowle Solihull B93 0DX Investment advisors Rathbones Port of Liverpool Building Pier Head L3 1BW

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE CONTENTS

	Page
Trustees' report	1 - 23
Statement of trustees' responsibilities	24
Independent auditor's report	25 - 27
Statement of financial activities	28 - 29
Balance sheet	30
Statement of cash flows	31
Notes to the financial statements	32 - 60

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Charity

Sefton Council for Voluntary Service is constituted as a Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital. The company is registered in England and Wales, No 2832920. The principal governing document is the company Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charity is registered with the Charity Commissioners, No 1025456. Sefton CVS was founded in 1974 as an unincorporated charity and became a charitable company in 1993.

The principal address and registered office of the company is the Suite 3B, 3rd Floor, Burlington House Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool, Merseyside L22 0LG.

The Trustees report for 2022/23 has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act, 2016 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice and the charity’s governing document.

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 governing document, 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)".

Objectives and activities

The charity’s objects, as described in the CVS Memorandum and Articles of Association, are:

To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the community in the Borough of Sefton and in such other areas as the Trustees determine from time to time and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing):

• The advancement of education;

• The advancement of health;

• The prevention and relief of poverty;

• The relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

To promote and organise cooperation in the achievement of the above purposes and to that end to bring together representatives of the statutory authorities and voluntary organisations engaged in the furtherance of the above purposes within the Borough of Sefton and in such other areas as the Trustees determine from time to time.

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

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

To promote and assist voluntary, community and faith sector activity.

Vision

A vibrant voluntary, community and faith sector that encourages and supports independent resilience and sustainable communities.

Values

The CVS guiding principles:

• Put Sefton people, places and organisations at the heart of what we do.

• Be open and fair in our transactions.

• Take responsibility and be accountable for our actions.

• Promote equality, diversity and cohesion through our activities.

• Support the most vulnerable people in our communities.

• Seek solutions, not problems.

• Be prepared to listen and learn.

• Operating ethically, honestly and with the highest standards of integrity.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Sefton CVS has six overarching activities:

• Providing support services to the voluntary, community and faith (VCF) sector.

• Promoting partnerships within the sector and between the voluntary sector and other sectors.

• Providing a channel through which the sector is represented.

• Developing new ideas, strategies and organisations.

• Supporting and developing volunteering opportunities.

• Promoting equality of opportunity and access and promoting the value of diversity

Governance and Management

The Board of Directors as Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction and over-seeing the financial sustainability of the organisation; establishing policy, priorities and forward planning through the governance structures of the charity. The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. An annual board programme to track progress is produced.

Board meetings and sub-committees have operated face to face and digitally. The sub committees of CVS, which includes the Corporate Management Group, Information Governance Group and Finance Group, met on a regular cycle with actions reported back to each Board meeting.

Key activities include:

• The Information Governance framework IG Toolkit was updated in June 2022

• Undertook an annual equality and diversity survey of Trustees, staff and volunteers

• The Board continued its commitment to work towards the Sefton Climate Change Strategy with regular reports against an action plan from CVS Climate Change Group plan supported by the Climate Change Board Champion

• Continued to work to the principles contained with the Liverpool City Region Race Equality Combined Authority statement adopted in 21/22. This work was taken forward by the staff Equality and Diversity Task Group reporting into the Board.

• Rathbones Investment Managers reported on the performance of CVS investments to the May 2022 Board

• The Board commenced a review of its practice using the Charity Governance Code modules for larger charities.

• Brabners LLP were asked to review the CVS governance document and proposed changes were being put for consideration by the Charity Commission at the end of the financial year.

EBS Law act as CVS’s external Human Resource advisers. WRM are CVS’s external Health and Safety advisers. Brabners LLP Liverpool continued as our specialist advisers on charity governance and law.

Sefton CVS AGM 2022

The 29[th] Annual General Meeting as a charitable company was held electronically on 12[th] October 2022, where the accounts and annual report were adopted. BWM were appointed as Auditors for the following year. Two Trustees were reappointed: Elizabeth Barnett and Dave Roscoe.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Appointment of Officers

At the Board meeting in November 2022, Elizabeth Barnett was re-elected as Chair officers and Mark Sonne as Treasurer and Vice Chair.

President and Patrons

Mr Mark Blundell, the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, continued to act as President. Colonel Martin Amlôt OBE FRSA DL and the office of the Mayor of Sefton continued as Patrons. President and Patrons provided unstinting support to the organisation during the year.

Use of Buildings

CVS has a 6-year lease with Bruntwood Properties, now Tracey Investment Ltd at Burlington House, from which the charity headquarters operate, which was renewed in December 2018.

CVS manage Southport Community Centre in a partnership with the Parochial Church Council of St Simon and St Jude’s. CVS and Brighter Living Partnership hold a joint lease until 2039 with the Diocesan Board of Finance.

CVS has a licence to operate a community health shop in the Bootle Strand. The licence is currently held over as the Strand has since transferred to Sefton Council.

Reserves

The Trustees have determined the reserve levels of the charity giving consideration to the income and expenditure streams, the need to match variable income with fixed commitments and the nature of the reserves. The Trustees have concluded that, to allow the charity to be managed efficiently and to provide a buffer for uninterrupted services, a general reserve equivalent to approximately 3 months of all core expenditure should be maintained.

Therefore, the General Reserve has been set as £219,013

There has been a review of designated funds in the light of forecast activity for the year ahead, and these are included in note 26

Sefton CVS Investment Policy

Rathbones act as Investment Managers and manage a portfolio investment of £500,000 in line with the ethical investment intentions of Sefton CVS. This portfolio performance is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a satisfactory return that can contribute to the furtherance of the objectives of the Charity. Some funds are still held on a short-term investment basis with HSBC, which enables the charity to have access to the funds to ensure liquidity.

The Trustees regularly review the performance of these funds with consideration to the investment of the organisation’s reserves and an investment strategy in line with the organisations ethical and environmental values. The impact of the pandemic on the world-wide economy and the war in Ukraine has affected the short-term performance of CVS portfolio investments which has been considered by the Trustees on a regular basis.

Quality Assurance

Sefton CVS hold the following quality assurance marks and training accreditations:

• NAVCA Quality Award

• Volunteer Centre Quality Assurance.

• Navajo (LGBTIQ friendly) Charter Mark (renewed in the year)

• Workplace Wellbeing Charter

• Disability Confident Employer

• Open Awards Approved Centre

• Recognised Centre Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH)

• Social Value Quality Mark Level 1 (achieved in the year)

• Living Wage Employer (achieved in the year)

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

CVS as a Strategic Partner

Sefton CVS is involved as a key agency in strategic partnerships and interventions addressing local priorities through the work of the key partnership Boards, Health and Wellbeing Board and Children’s Board. CVS is also recognised as a key non-statutory partner with Sefton Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and Sefton Safeguarding Adults Board which was established during the year.

CVS works closely with Sefton Council and its Departments, the developing Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) now Sefton Partnership Board, the Primary Care Networks (PCN’s), and thematic planning groups supporting local commissioning priorities. Sefton CVS is also a partner in developing initiatives and sector engagement in the City Region with VS6 engaging with the Combined Authority, Metro Mayor’s Office and the Local Enterprise Board (LEP) and within the North West working with Voluntary Sector North West.

During 22/23 CVS continued to engage with the Council and NHS partners to support a variety of workstreams and programmes.

• Continued our involvement in the ongoing workstreams relating to community resourcefulness, NHS transformation, integration and advocating the vital role that both the funded and unfunded sector undertakes in providing services and support to Sefton residents in addressing the priorities of statutory partners and the newly established Sefton Partnership.

• Facilitated sector networks and forums, involving both groups and individuals, as a consultation and engagement conduit, participating in public policy and developing and shaping local services.

• Participated in a range of Sefton Council work programmes including the Health and Wellbeing Board and Sefton Partnership Board.

• CVS is also engaged in the work of the Consultation and Engagement Panel, Community Safety Partnership, Sefton Leadership Collaborative Multi-Agency Group, Sefton Adult Forum and Sefton Domestic Abuse Partnership.

• In relation to children, young people and families, representation was maintained at the Corporate Parenting Board, SEND Improvement Board, Children and Young Peoples Partnership Board, Youth Offending Service Management Board, Early Help Partnership Board, Emotional Health and Well-Being Board, and Sexual Health Partnership.

• CVS is engaged in the Local Safeguarding Children’s and Sefton Safeguarding Adults Board, representation is provided at the appropriate sub-groups.

• Continued involvement as Chair in the multi-agency Welfare Reform and Anti-Poverty Partnership (WRAP) and significant contribution to a new Child Poverty Strategy for Sefton.

• Continued engagement in the process to establish a new ICP Place Based Partnership for Sefton, the Sefton Partnership, and provided VCF sector input into the draft Sefton Place Plan and associated priorities.

• Delivery of MECC (Making Every Contact Count) training to the wider workforce, inclusive of Elected Members, Council staff, GP’s, DWP and the VCF sector.

• Facilitated participation and engagement mechanisms with equalities groups, Young Advisers, SYMBOL and the Youth Cabinet as conduits to our public sector partners.

• Supported VCF sector organisations and enterprises to manage change, reshape services to meet need and demand through business and financial planning support and customised interventions to individual groups.

• Facilitated the New Realities Steering Group and supported key areas of work which demonstrate innovative working across public and voluntary sector agencies.

• Provided VCF representation and advice to the NHS Shaping Care Together programme.

• Responded to requests to support multi-agency work in response to the humanitarian crisis emerging in the Ukraine. CVS supported VCF sector provision to establish a welcome centre and our online fundraising platform was used to accept financial donations from members of the public.

• The CEO participated as a member of the Sefton Lieutenancy Panel with the Deputy Lieutenant’s of Merseyside covering Sefton providing advice and updates on the local VCF sector

• Supported the development of the Merseyside Charity Mentoring Service as a pilot with x mentoring placements working with Financial and Professional Services Advisory Board of the Local Enterprise Partnership, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and CVS’s in the Liverpool City Region

• Implementation and coordination of VCF sector services delivering under ‘Living Well Sefton’, an integrated wellness service commissioned by Public Health, including additional activities delivered by Strand By Me – a local community and health services shop.

• In partnership with VOLA, CVS continued to deliver a programme of digital inclusion interventions through a Liverpool City Region collaborative of RSL’s and VCFSE organisations funded through the National Lottery Community Fund “Building Better Opportunities programme” and the LCR ESF Investment Priority 1.4: Active inclusion.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

• The Sefton CVS Annual Conference 2022 “Responding to the Cost of Living Crisis”, took place on November 29th at the Lake House, Crosby Coastal Park and was attended by 80 delegates. The focus of the event was to consider the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis, both on Sefton’s VCF sector and the communities we serve. Speakers included Councilor Hardy, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Margaret Jones, Director of Public Health, Gareth Duffield Area Manager, Trussell Trust and Maddy Desfoges, Chief Executive NAVCA. Delegates participated in a variety of workshops which focused on; practical help for residents, building resilient organisations, food insecurity and how the Sefton Partnership can consider the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on local residents. Details of the conference and workshop materials are shown here: https:// seftoncvs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sefton-CVS-Annual-Conference-2022-Resources.pdf

• An active member of the Greater Merseyside VS6, which is a focal point for Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) infrastructure / support providers to debate, influence and shape policy at the Liverpool City Region (LCR) level. VS6 provides public and private sector partners working at the City Region spatial level, a formal point of contact to engage with the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, through the infrastructure / support providers. The CEO of Sefton CVS acts as the Third Sector Representative on the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Board (LEP).

• Provided support to Sefton’s multi-agency Ukraine resettlement programme as well as support the work of a voluntary, community and faith sector hub, a collaboration of organisations who were supporting settlement. We were also successful in securing funding from Merseyside Community Foundation to deliver an initiative which promoted digital inclusion and volunteering opportunities for Ukrainian Refugees.

• Continued to develop an NHS Transformation work programme aligned to the work of the Sefton Partnership Board. 14 voluntary, community and faith sector organisations were supported to commence work to achieve the Social Value Level 1 Charter Mark, research scoping the possibility of introducing a Community Levy in Sefton was undertaken, and, a VCF Social Impact Tool has been developed.

• Participated in the work plans initiated by VS6 which included; participating in digital inclusion mapping work to inform the delivery of LCR digital connectivity programmes, participating in preparatory work to progress Shared Prosperity Funding by engaging with the sector to support LCR priorities, work alongside Voluntary Sector North West to ensure the sector is engaged in developing partnership with the NHS ICB for the Cheshire and Merseyside region, and, provided representation on the Mental Health Transformation Oversight Group and the Marmot Community Advisory Board.

• Supported the delivery of activities for the Liverpool City Region Dementia Friendly Advisory Group, to raise awareness of dementia and services and support available to people it affects.

• Delivered supporting to the National Academy of Social Prescribing for the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership.

• Sefton CVS is affiliated to the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), National Association of Community and Voluntary Action, (NAVCA) Social Value UK, Children England, Charity Finance Group, Institute of Certified Book keepers.

• CVS works in partnership with the other 4 district CVS’s in Merseyside as part of a sub-regional network. This year we coordinated VCF engagement in the development of regional NHS structures to ensure appropriate representation and involvement of the VCF sector and local communities.

• Sefton CVS, through the CEO engages with Merseyside Resilience Forum and the VCS Emergencies Partnerships national monthly network.

Locality Working

Sefton CVS is aligned to Sefton Council’s locality based working model strategically and adopts a locality approach when working with Sefton’s communities.

Community Development Interventions

Organisation Development and Capacity Building

CVS deliver comprehensive organisation development and capacity building services in localities to support people and organisations to initiate, strengthen and renew social action and community led service delivery by:

• Supporting local people to set up and develop robust, sustainable and high impact groups, associations, organisations and social enterprises.

• By supporting established local community organisations and social enterprises to improve their effectiveness, reach and social impact.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

• By bringing people together to network, share knowledge, operate creatively and collaborate more effectively and extensively.

• Supporting organisations to realign their services and access funding during the pandemic.

Groups can access support in charity or social/community enterprise start up; acquiring/managing community assets; governance and leadership; achieving quality standards; social impact; project development and organisational growth; identifying and applying for funding; business planning; developing policies; skills development; accountancy services and payroll, disclosure and barring umbrella service, volunteering having a voice in local decision making.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• 1,023 intensive cases of capacity building and customised support were provided to 386 groups and 56 individuals. 36% of the groups worked with had an annual income between £10K and £100K and 32% had an annual income under £10K.

• The majority of support provided by CVS has been for services that have a focus on the following themes of work: Children, Young People & Families (23%). Adult Health and Wellbeing (15.%), Faith/ Place of Worship (11%), and Sports/Recreation/Arts and Culture (15%) and Community Safety/ Vulnerable People (11.%).

• Groups who deliver services across the full geographical area of the borough accessed support from CVS, however the service demand is consistently greatest amongst those delivering services in the south of the borough (23%).

• Hosted five ‘Meet the Funder’ events, connecting 79 attendees with local, regional and national

• funders.

• Held a ‘Better Bid Writing Workshop’ which sought to improve the bid writing skills of 12 attendees.

• Hosted a workshop to provide information and advice to local making applications to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Fund.

Funding Advice and Information

The Funding Advice and Information function provides bespoke information and interventions to enable VCFSE sector organisations to access funding opportunities and support them to become more financial sustainable and build organisations’ capacity to prepare strong proposals to charitable trusts, funders and commissioners.

The Group Development Team work closely with local and national charitable trusts and grant makers to ensure that their criteria are widely understood and available to potential applicants through one to one advice sessions, Meet the Funder surgeries, the MFIP portal and customised mailings. CVS also brief local funders and Charitable Trusts as to local demands and impacts, which assists them having an increased understanding of needs on the ground.

The service provides detailed support in developing proposals to bid status, assistance in compiling evidence and data, final submission and bespoke advice in monitoring and managing the grants once awarded. It also provides a bid review service, which improves the quality of applications and the ability of the applicant for future submissions. CVS also provides a bespoke bid reading service on request.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

Identifying funds and resources to support responses to the Cost of Living Crisis and supported the local VCFSE sector to submit just over £3,094,000 worth of funding applications, whilst securing just over £1,686,800 in known funding applications through bespoke advice and support.

• A further £1,408,146 worth of bids were awaiting funding decisions at the end of March 2023.

• Sefton CVS also administer Merseyside Funding Information Portal (MFIP) website on behalf of the VCF infrastructure bodies in the Liverpool City Region. During 2022/23 MFIP has attracted 104,000+ views from over 25,000 unique visitors to the website.

• Sefton CVS provides a bespoke service to organisations making submissions to the Big Lottery Programmes, specifically Reaching Communities and Awards for All. Throughout the year, we supported groups to secure £624,994 from the Reaching Communities Fund. Bespoke support was also provided to groups applying to The Henry Smith Charity which awarded a total of £197,496 to local VCF organisations.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

• Remote funding surgeries were facilitated for National Lottery Community Fund, Heritage Fund, Sefton Platinum Jubilee Fund, PH Holt Community Foundation, Burbo Bank Community Fund, DWF Foundation, PH Holt Foundation. Connecting 79 attendees with local, regional and national funders.

• Participated in the work of the Merseyside Charitable Trusts Group and the Merseyside Funders Advice Network.

Grants

Throughout the year, we secured and administered a range of grants from a variety of funders, which resulted in £3,740,902 worth of grant funding being awarded to local community, voluntary and faith sector organisations.

• Sefton In Mind (SIM) Small Grants, supported by Public Health Sefton through Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health System (CHAMPS) Mental Health Funding, we awarded £36,000 to nine organisations working to support good mental health in Sefton.

• Living Well Sefton awarded, £83,182 via Community Resilience Grants, £57,045 via Locality Grants and £15,432 via Workplace Wellbeing Grants, meaning LWS awarded a total of £155,659 was awarded in grants to the sector.

• Working in partnership with Sefton Council, grant funding totalling £73,000 was awarded to 24 organisations to deliver Warm Space sessions across 32 sites in Sefton.

• Winter Clothing, in partnership with Sefton Council, £57,000 was administered via 12 VCF sector organisations to reach 716 recipients to provide winter clothing and essentials.

• The Queens Platinum Jubilee Fund (developed in partnership with The Duchy of Lancaster’s Benevolent Fund, local fundraising platform Sefton 4 Good and Living Well Sefton) awarded 55 grants totalling £28,743 to local community groups to deliver social and community activities as part of Jubilee celebrations

• Administered £9,500 on behalf of NAVCA’s Community Pantry Fund and £15,000 from the Duchy of Lancaster to support Community Pantries.

The funds we supported organisations to secure, alongside the grants we administered and our grant allocation carried out by VOLA, means we facilitated £2,767,770 worth of investment into the VCF sector.

Community Accountancy

The Community Accountancy Service provides a range of services including payroll management, bookkeeping, preparing annual accounts, budgets and forecasts, as well as offering advice and guidance in areas such as VAT and Gift Aid. The Team provide training to staff and trustees either on a one-to-one basis or in group sessions and offer support to VCF sector groups in financial crisis.

Key Activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Provided accountancy services to 98 groups; 55% of groups had incomes under £100k.

• Annual accounts prepared for 86 groups.

• Independent Examinations carried out for 40 groups.

• Provided Payroll Bureau Service to 25 groups and Pensions Service to 15 groups.

• Contracted to undertake bookkeeping for 46 groups.

• 1 group was supported with VAT return.

SEFTON4GOOD

Sefton4Good supports philanthropy and local giving, primarily through an online presence. The project encourages local people and organisations to donate their time, skills, money or resources to support Sefton-based good causes. There are a range of options through which donors can donate (payroll giving, Just Giving through Virgin Money and text giving). Local good causes also have the opportunity to maximise their fundraising by channelling it through Sefton 4 Good, who can claim gift aid on their behalf. Sefton 4 Good works with the Private Sector, the Public Sector, the VCF sector and the general public to empower them to support the good causes on their doorstep.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Fundraising activity involved; an Easter raffle, Jumpers 4 Good Day and a silent auction.

• There have been three Citizens 4 Good awards held, during which the Mayor of Sefton thanked and gave certificates to 44 local people who have gone above and beyond for their local community.

• Raised the profile of Sefton 4 Good by attending events and holding promotional stands, for example we were interviewed on BBC Radio Merseyside and Maghull Radio.

• Part funded grants through the Sefton Platinum Jubilee Fund

• Issued £3885 of grants to support community-based activities, including in response to Sefton’s Afghan Appeal.

Training and Skills

The Training and Skills Programme builds the skills and knowledge of individuals from the VCF sector workforce, thereby strengthening the capability and competence of organisations to sustain and grow by:

• Providing capacity building to community-based organisations to ensure they are legally compliant and working to good practice.

• Ensuring a professional and up-to-date workforce within the VCF sector.

• Ensuring organisations are fit for purpose / tender / commission ready.

• Developing opportunities and supporting health and wellbeing.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• A total of 664 individuals benefitted from formal training opportunities provided via Sefton CVS.

• Provided TES Development online training package to 229 individuals.

• 256 individuals achieved accreditation through courses facilitated by CVS – This included e-learning packages which offer 26 online accredited courses in total – link to list of training courses included: www.educare.co.uk/news/educare-essentials-training-package-for-businesses.

• 15 Individuals completed Mental Health First Aid Accredited 2-day course.

• 22 different training courses / masterclasses were delivered including courses accredited by organisations such as TES Development online training package, Mental Health First Aid England and RSPH.

• Training courses and Master Classes have been delivered both in person and remotely, which have included: TES Development online training package, MOM’s Volunteer Mentoring Training, Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, Safeguarding Reflective Practice, Mental Health First Aid Training, Debt and Mental Health Training, Better Bid Writing, Recruiting, Retaining and Motivating Volunteers, Equality & Diversity Training, Safeguarding Policy & Procedures, MECC Level 1 and 2, Recruiting and Managing Volunteers with Team Kinetic, Dementia Friends, Hate Crime Awareness Training, Understanding a Personality Disorder training, Racial Cultural Awareness Training, Cyber Security Training, MECC for Mental Health, Royal Society for Public Health Level 2 Understanding Health Improvement, Volunteers and the Law Training, Suicide Prevention Training.

Volunteering and Citizenship

Volunteer Centre Sefton supports volunteers and the organisations that recruit volunteers by providing a brokerage service that matches local people to organisations with volunteering opportunities.

The Centre also provides bespoke support to organisations deploying volunteers including good practice guides, policies and procedures, training and developing new initiatives. The Centre links with national and regional agencies in policy work relating to volunteering and has submitted a new application to renew the Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation from NAVCA.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Key activity undertaken in 2022/2023 included:

• Implementing a new volunteer management system: Team Kinetic and provided training to 55 participants who will be using the new system.

• Registrations of volunteers on Team Kinetic has grown throughout the year from 77 to 551.

• Registrations of organisations in Team Kinetic has grown from 383 to 466, which showcased 493 volunteering opportunities.

• Held nine Volunteer Coordinator’s Forums with 91 attendees. The forums covered a wide range of topics including: Young People and Volunteering, COVID 19 effects on Volunteering, Vision for Volunteering, Engaging diverse volunteers, Student Volunteering Week, Cost of Living and Christmas Volunteering and Volunteer’s Week.

• Refreshed and updated the Volunteer Centre Sefton website.

• Training sessions were attended by 84 people.

• Held a Platinum Jubilee Volunteer Celebration Event with 150 guests, attended by the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr. Claire Carragher and the Lord Lieutenant of Sefton, Mr Mark Blundell.

• Held two Volunteer Open Days, a Befriending Volunteering Event and a bespoke event in Bootle to promote volunteering to local residents.

• Launched two monthly newsletters, one directed at organisations and one for volunteers.

• Provided on-to-one intensive support to 54 individual volunteers, signposting to relevant roles and introducing to organisations.

• Assisted with 115 individual queries from approximately 94 organisations relating to volunteering such as

• volunteer recruitment, policies and procedures and best practice.

• Volunteer certificates were issued to over 120 volunteers during Volunteers Week during June 2022 , bringing the total issued throughout the year to 198. Preparation was also undertaken for a further 267 people’s volunteer contributions, to be recognised during Volunteers Week June 2023 .

Southport Community Centre

Southport Community Centre in Norwood, Southport, works closely with the Brighter Living Partnership to provide access to VCF support across North Sefton. The centre welcomed over 10,000 visitors and users, in 2022/23, after reopening to the public after the Covid pandemic.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• The centre continues to provide activities and groups for the local community based on their need. This included Ukrainian response work and Warm Spaces provision over the Winter period. The Centre is also a hub for local organisations and residents to hire which attracts a high number of users.

• IT Suite available to the public and used for regular training and support sessions ran by local providers.

• On-going safety checks and general maintenance continued to be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the risk schedule.

Information and Communication

Sefton CVS manage the ‘Here For You’ online directory of approximately 3,000 services offered by 1,000 VCF sector organisations, attracting 10,000+ visitors during the year.

• Sefton CVS continued to routinely update and review directory records and add newly-established voluntary, community and faith (VCF) sector organisations as well as the services and support they provide to Sefton residents. Where applicable, the Here For You directory also includes direct links to the organisation’s website, social media pages (Facebook and Twitter), and Companies House and Charity Commission pages. Throughout the year we undertook significant maintenance and updates of our Here For You Directory, carrying out quality checks of all entries.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Shared 170+ separate website articles on seftoncvs.org.uk, including events, activities, job vacancies, policy updates and consultations. This garnered 106,000 views and 78,900 unique visits.

• 75 separate Sefton CVS email Updates, including information about funding opportunities, national/ regional news and policy, training and development opportunities sent to approximately 822 subscribers per update.

• Twitter @SeftonCVS has a total of 5,660 followers on its main account (as of 31st March 2023), which shows an increase in followers of 310 during the 12-month period. The @SeftonCVS account posted 516 Tweets during April 2022 - March 2023, gaining 170,000 impressions and over 130,000 profile views.

• Sefton CVS Facebook Page (facebook.com/SeftonCVS) has a total of 1,500 ‘Likes’ and 1,800 ‘Followers’.

• Sefton CVS currently manages over 23 additional social media accounts (Twitter & Facebook) for various projects and initiatives, which provide a total number of approximately 22,000+ followers.

• The CVS website hosted a dedicated Warm Spaces Network web page, providing information on Warm Space Providers in Sefton. Since launching the web page in November 2022, Sefton CVS have attracted over 30,000 views from visitors accessing the location and opening information for Warm Space Providers across Sefton.

• Sefton CVS acted as a consultation and information conduit on a wide range of strategic and operational consultations, ongoing promotion of stakeholder engagement activities from partners including Sefton Council, Integrated Care Partnerships (ICP) for Cheshire and Merseyside and Cheshire & Merseyside NHS Trust.

• Strengthened our Customer Relationship Management tool, Civi-CRM, to improve our reporting processes and increased the number of teams using the tool.

Sefton Equalities

Sefton Equalities Team works with partners to reduce inequalities in the borough by supporting and enabling partners to meet their requirements under the Equalities Act 2010 legislation. It provides a conduit through which Sefton’s protected groups gain access to and participate in decision making, consultation and engagement.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Adopted the Combined Authorities Race Equality Strategy and initiated development of a subsequent action plan.

• Adopted the Local authority Diverse Ethnic Background terms in how people identify.

• Understanding Personality Disorder Training delivered to NHS and Local Authority staff.

• Debt and Mental Health Training delivered to VCF sector and NHS staff to enable greater support for those suffering financial difficulty due to the Cost of Living Crisis.

• Equalities Steering Group met to ensure implementation of the Navajo Action Plan enabling Sefton CVS to retain the Charter Mark.

• Participated in Sefton Hate Crime Joint Action Group meetings, providing advice and support to progress common areas of work.

• Participation in the Crown Prosecution Service Hate Crime Sub-Group Group.

• Asylum seeker surgeries with NHS GPs at Thornton and Netherton Health Centres and weekly migrant surgeries held in the North of the borough at Parenting 2000 and Holy Trinity school.

• Advocacy at DWP and Employment tribunals with extensive arrears recovered.

• Continued support for the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ anti-racist educational work.

• Developed a new relationship with Mersey Care Long Covid-19 service and Sefton Talking Matters with training delivered on counselling of DEBs communities.

• Unconscious Bias in Recruitment presentation provided to a local advice centre.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

DEBs CDW Project (Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds service)

This project provides intensive one to one support to vulnerable members of Sefton’s DEBs Communities experiencing mental health conditions.

• 2118 interventions have been delivered for 489 people from DEBs / Migrant backgrounds from 41 different nationalities. The three priority presenting issues were mental health, legal issues and safeguarding. This is consistent with the priority issues for 2021 / 2022.

• The service worked with a total of 147 new clients during the year. Most referrals into the service came via NHS organisations.

• The Service provided support to Ukraine and Russian clients in response to conflict. The service translated all the welcome/safeguarding information on behalf of the local authority, Sefton Carers Centre and Compassion Acts.

• Of the 489 clients supported 60 were asylum seekers with complex needs

• Supported clients to claim £199,850 in new benefit/income claims from the Department of Work and Pensions

Criminal Justice Interventions

The aim of this work is to provide strategic leadership within the VCF sector and be a conduit to partners and interpret policy relating to the criminal justice system, community safety and reducing reoffending, working with key partners within Merseyside Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, HM Prison Service and Sefton Council.

Merseyside Offender Mentoring Project

CVS deliver an offender mentoring project working closely with HMP Liverpool and other prisons releasing men back into the Merseyside area. This project provides mentoring support to offender’s pre and post release from HMP Liverpool by enabling offenders to resettle positively back into the community. A comprehensive tailored service is provided and assists offenders in overcoming barriers with the objective to reduce reoffending significantly and its impact on the wider community.

In 2022/23 the project was funded by a range of agencies and charitable trusts including the National Lottery Fund, John Armitage Charitable Trust, Achieve North West and the High Sheriff of Merseyside.

Key activity undertaken during 2022/23 included:

• The project has successfully recovered from the impact of the COVID pandemic and has resumed all activities.

• 269 ex-offenders were matched with a Volunteer Mentor.

• The project recruited and trained 264 Volunteer Mentors.

• The project provided 3,505 volunteer mentoring support hours to mentees with an economic value of * £54,678.

• The Reducing Reoffending Rate for 2022/2023 was just 8% compared to the national average of 33%.

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/proven-reoffending-statistics-july-to-september-2019

* Using the average wage paid by Sefton businesses in 2022. The average wage = £30,585 per annum, this equates to £586.70 per week and (assuming a 35-hour week) an hourly rate of £15.60 Source: ONS Crown Copyright Reserved (From Nomis on 17th March 2022).

Other related activity:

• Throughout the year, the project coordinated Pathway for Assisting Life model (PAL) training to volunteers,

• which encouraged a greater awareness around suicide intervention.

• Attended employability events at Liverpool University, which attracted current Law, Social Science and

• other students attracted to work within the criminal justice system.

• Regularly attend HMP Liverpool Partnership Meetings, Integrated Offender Management meetings and local Resettlement Boards.

• Extended the service into HMP Altcourse in Liverpool.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

HMP Liverpool Liaison Work

Sefton CVS’s Partnership Liaison Officer works within HMP Liverpool to broker relationships with a diverse range of VCF and enterprise sector organisations which provide the foundation for the offender’s resettlement journey. This approach blends a range of creative and innovative VCF sector services with existing statutory support and enables a more holistic and collaborative approach to supporting offenders to move on with their lives when released back into their local community. Sefton CVS also works strategically within the prison with offender pathway leads and key staff to support and develop VCFSE partnership work and local interventions with the aim of reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Continued to support the Prisons Covid-19 Recovery Plan by contributing to risk assessments and adapting activities in step with national and prison specific requirements. Supported the re-introduction of social activities into the establishment, such as football and support groups.

• In partnership with Liverpool City Council, delivered a 10 week ‘Nurturing Programme’ which worked with male prisoners who had children aged between 0-18 years old. The programme consisted of a 10week course, during which attendees reflected on their own upbringing to prevent the reoccurrence of adverse childhood experienced for their children and, more broadly, reduce intergenerational offending.

• Facilitated the introduction of THRIVE career hub into HMP Liverpool with a view to providing support to prison leavers with care experience to access finance, education, employment and training pathways.

• Continued to lead and support partnership meetings within HMP Liverpool to ensure continued support for mentees both in custody and on release. In addition to senior Staff from HMP Prison Liverpool, a range of agencies are involved, e.g. CLG, POPs, the Growth Company IAG, Career Connect and Achieve North West, Cells Merseyside etc.

Health and Wellbeing Interventions

From April 2022 to March 2023 there have been a number of significant structural changes in the health and social care landscape, that had implications for the VCF sector. In July 2022 the Integrated Care Partnerships (ICP) for Cheshire and Merseyside was established along with the governing body of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to form the Integrated Care system (ICS). The VCF Sector are integral to the development of the new health and social care system. We continue to coordinate and facilitates the development of the VCF sector in Sefton around local and national health and wellbeing priorities forging links with the ICB, ICS and the local Primary Care Networks (PCN’s).

Key activity undertaken in 2022/2023 included:

• Facilitated six Health and Social Care Forum meetings for it’s membership which stands at 188. Topics considered during meetings included; updates from Sefton’s Health and Wellbeing Board, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, Adult Safeguarding, Shaping Care Together and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Meetings.

• During November 2022 a bespoke event was organised, in Partnership with Healthwatch Sefton, to introduce the newly appointed Independent Chair of Sefton’s Adults Safeguarding Partnership to the diversity of the VCF sector offer, and the opportunity to work more closely to support safeguarding in Sefton.

• Sefton In Mind hosted a World Mental Health Day event at Crosby Library in October 2022 with over 60 people in attendance. The event focussed on the voices of Experts By Learning, Experts By Practice and Experts By Experience.

• CVS supported the work of the Collaborative Research and Engagements Network (CoREN) in Sefton. CoREN is part of ARC North West which aims to strengthen community engagement in research that impacts on health inequalities. An event was hosted at Crosby Library looking at how qualitative research experiences are shared.

• In February 2023 CVS hosted the first in person Sefton Partnership for Older Citizens (SPOC) since the pandemic. The meeting was much appreciated by those in attendance and much of the conversation reflected the impact of the pandemic on the re-engagement of older people within community activities.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

• Researched and captured the activity of 59 VCF organisations working to improve mental health and wellbeing in Sefton to find out the nature of support they offer. Gaps in services were identified were identified alongside positive feedback. The results were shared with the local Mental Health Transformation Task and Finish Group.

• Continued our commitment to supporting Sefton to be a Dementia Friendly Community. All new staff undertake Dementia Friends Training. CVS facilitated an online Dementia Friendly Communities meeting at the beginning of the year and intend to continue this work supporting improvements in diagnosis and support for people living with dementia and their carers.

Living Well Sefton

Sefton CVS has coordinated the Living Well Sefton (LWS) Programme funded through Public Health to contribute towards the reduction of health inequalities experienced by vulnerable groups and those living in our most deprived communities in Sefton. The LWS service is a partnership between Sefton CVS, May Logan Centre, Netherton Feelgood Factory, Brighter Living Partnership, Citizens Advice Sefton, Sefton Carers’ Centre, SmokeFree Sefton and Active Lifestyles, in addition to 20+ Living Well Sefton Neighbourhood Partners.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/2023:

• 5,564 (With Active Sefton/Smoke Free) interacted with the service, 1,489 of these were new clients.

• 86% of clients completed either a Universal Consultation or Brief Intervention.

• 212 clients started/completed a course.

• 94% improved mental wellbeing (measured by The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS)

• 1,916 individual goals completed.

• 9 Making Every Contact Count Training sessions took place, these were offered to a range of organisations throughout Sefton. No’s

• The service continued to run courses such as Think Differently Cope Differently, Weigh Forward, Bereavement and Menopause support.

• Our partners offered ‘Mental Health Drop Ins’ based on need to support clients with their Mental Health (low level).

• The service supported Sefton’s Ukraine’s response by co-ordinating the voluntary sector offer and attending the welcome centres to offer our support.

• We have also provided wraparound support at Sefton’s Warm spaces, helping to engage with those struggling due to the cost of living crisis.

• 64 groups and 6,892 beneficiaries supported with £83,682 of funding from the Community Resilience Grants – rounds 9 (Obesity), 10 (Community Resourcefulness) and 11 (Mental Health).

• 39 SMEs supported through the Workplace Wellbeing grant with a total of £18,382.

Strand By Me

Strand By Me is an in-person addition to the service that Living Well Sefton provides. Located in Bootle Strand Shopping Centre, the service allows residents in Sefton access face-to-face support. Residents can receive advice on Living Well Sefton services, along with services from other organisations within the Sefton community to help improve general health, wellbeing and encourage positive lifestyles.

• Almost 2,500 members of the public visited Strand By Me throughout 2022/23.

• Strand By Me offers support through signposting to services and actively hosts Smoke Free Sefton, Healthwatch Sefton, Life Rooms, Include IT Mersey, May Logan, Sole Survivors and Galloways Support for sight loss on a weekly and monthly basis.

• Provided a face to face service in the ‘new normal’ after COVID restrictions lifted to support those with services that had gone online or over the phone and no longer delivered a face to face service.

• It has continued with COVID 19 support through booking vaccines and helping the public get their COVID passports.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Community Connectors

• 252 people were referred into the Community Connectors service during 2022/2023, who benefitted from signposting information about groups and activities in their local area, carers advice, dementia support services, long-term condition support and mental health services.

• 433 signposting referrals were made during the year to such organisations.

• The Community Connector service funded a trip to the Plaza, a local community cinema, in collaboration with Maghull Town Council for those living with Dementia and their carers to enjoy an afternoon watching ‘Carousel’.

• The service co-ordinated a Marketplace Event in Maghull for clients to find out more about services/groups available to them.

• The service launched a successful Memory Café for those living with Dementia and their carer’s with the support of another local organisation.

• The service has supported numerous local organisations by offering signposting information around funding and development opportunities and advice, volunteer recruitment and linking them in with other relevant professionals. The team have also attended numerous health fayres, promotional events and hubs throughout the year to offer wellbeing information to attendees.

• The service manages a team of Community Champion volunteers who support with the running of groups, Christmas Hamper deliveries to vulnerable local residents and offer ‘buddy’ support to clients who lack in confidence to attend activities for the first time.

Social Prescribing Service:

The Social Prescribing Team has developed into a team of 20 workers across Sefton, consisting of four Senior Social Prescribing Link Workers. The service works closely with local Primary Care Networks to improve the wellbeing of isolated and vulnerable people in the community, by supporting access to targeted and universal provision.

Over the last year, the service has received: 2,384 referrals

• Continued to build excellent communication partnerships with NHS mental health services across the borough, including APPs (Associate Psychological Practitioners), the Community Mental Health team, and ARRS (Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme) mental health practitioners and the ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Programme. Social Prescribers also attend and contribute to the work of the South Mental Health Hub.

• Established a new social group in the north of Southport, to provide social activities and companionship to isolated residents.

• Offered drop-in services in a variety of community venues for people who may wish to be supported by the Social Prescribing service, and an opportunity for staff running services to signpost clients to the service directly.

• Engaged community partners in research with implementation of person-centred community-based support services and lessons for social care providers. This has included inviting people to become involved with research run by UCLAN, interviews by PhD students and hosting social care and mental health students.

• Working in partnership with ‘Hoarders Helping Hoarders’, we have set-up a new local hoarder support group.

• National Social Prescriber day was celebrated across the teams with events at Strand by Me and Brighter Living Partnership, inviting referring agents and past clients. Radio Merseyside also hosted a Social Prescriber to talk about our work as part of the day’s celebrations.

• In partnership with local group, Sole Survivors, six months of funding was secured through LWS, to host a weekly peer support group for people who live with PTSD.

• Launched a new North Sefton Carers Centre Group at Southport Community Centre.

• Teams participated in various training opportunities, including; Domestic Abuse, Personality Disorders, Sight Loss and Agoraphobia.

• Developed promotional videos about Social Prescribing including two case studies from patients who have accessed the service.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Reablement Service

The Reablement service provides person-centred support to service-users with a wide range of health conditions and unmet social concerns, to enable them to regain independence, including interventions for avoiding unnecessary dependence upon more acute, long term services. The services are delivered through South Sefton Health and Wellbeing Trainers, High Intensity User service and Enhanced Care Social Prescribing Link Workers.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Health and Wellbeing Trainers received 677 referrals into their service.

• 10,411 interventions were delivered by the team of Health Trainers.

• The most prevalent areas clients required support with were; finances, health, accommodation, and social inclusion. This was followed by confidence building, family and relationships, and lastly substance misuse.

• Clients have set a total of 890 personal goals were set over the course of the year. 599 (67%) of these goals have been met through the support of Health Trainers.

• Health & Wellbeing Trainers have continued to work with clients to address a wide range of complex issues with support from the Integrated Care Team of professionals.

Enhanced Care at Home Social Prescribing

During April 2023, we hosted a new team of two Social Prescribing Link Workers who work alongside South Sefton Primary Care Network to provide social prescribing support to older, housebound and/or frail individuals who had experienced a recent hospital admission.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• 131 referrals received

• 41 support plans completed.

• 80 cases completed and closed.

• 221 signposting referrals to 46 different services.

High Intensity User Service

This project is an initiative funded by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Sefton Place, which aims to reduce inappropriate A and E attendances and admissions from individuals identified as frequent attenders. Through a strength-based person centred and solution focused approach, working closely with individuals, the project aims to help address the underlying causes for presenting at A and E.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• The service worked intensively with 82 people throughout the year, to reduce A&E attendances and hospital admissions.

• Representation is provided at the national High Intensity Users Support Group, to receive updates on

• relevant strategies and expertise from HIU leads across the country.

• The most common support needs identified by clients are; one-to-one communication, empowering clients to build confidence and self-esteem, support to develop a social network, and, improving overall confidence and self-esteem.

• This year the service worked with relevant stakeholders to set up a weekly alcohol MDT to better support

• those attending A&E due to alcohol misuse.

• Over 95% of patients completing an evaluation of the service rated the service as excellent and felt it met their needs.

• The service was nominated and shortlisted as a finalist at the HSJ Awards, in the category of ‘Best non-forprofit organisation working in partnership with the NHS’.

Crisis Cafés

The service offers out of hours support to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis in Sefton. Drop-in sessions operate between the hours or 5pm – 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to give adults aged 18+ a place of safety as an alternative to attending A&E. One to one support and a social space with refreshments are offered in order to help reduce distress and better manage crisis situations. Support is also provided via phone, zoom or email if needed. During the year we opened our 2[nd] Crisis Cafe provision based in Crosby, which operate alongside the Café based in Southport.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• An additional site in Crosby opened in April 2022. Since opening average attendance was approximately 10 people per evening. The Southport site currently average attendances per evening was eight attendees. A total of 298 people attended the Crisis Café’s since they opened.

• Since April 2022, Southport site had 98 new registrations and 1,449 recorded visits. Out of these visits 179 where crisis attendance, 191 where post crisis attendance and 829 where to maintain wellbeing during a difficult time.

• Crosby has had 83 new registrations and 841 recorded visits. Out of these visits 67 where in crisis, 84 in post crisis and 575 where to maintain wellbeing during a difficult time.

• Across the full year telephone support was provided on 486 occasions, which equates to approximately 1,504 minutes, approx. 25 hrs of phone support in total across both sites.

• The most commonly reported reason stated for interacting with the service is to maintain wellbeing during a difficult time, although crisis, and post crisis attendances steadily rose throughout the year.

• Worked in partnership with Parenting 2000 who provide a full time Peer Support Worker assigned to the Crisis Café project, one in Crosby and one in Southport. These provide additional support to service users who may require it.

• In conjunction with Sefton Partnership, created six case study videos which received various local press coverage and a television interview with Mairead Smyth for BBC North West Politics Show, which aired on 13.01.23.

Community Cancer Navigators

Community Cancer Navigators offer support to identify needs or concerns through a holistic needs assessment and navigation for people living with or affected by cancer across all settings.

The Navigators help people living with cancer identify physical, practical, financial and emotional concerns and assist them to contact the most appropriate person or service to help meet those needs. I.e. If physical concerns are identified, the Navigator will support the person to contact the appropriate service such as a GP or Clinical Nurse Specialist. In other cases, with consent, the Navigator may provide onward referral on the patient’s behalf, to the relevant service or professional such as with Adult Social Care, Occupational Therapy or Clinical Phycology. The Navigators provide emotional support and as an accessible community service to ensure that people living with or affected by cancer get the right support at the right time.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• 381 cases were referred to the project between April 2022 and March 2023.

• Referrals were predominantly received from Aintree Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS’s), Primary Care professionals such as District Nurses and GPs and Self-Referral.

• During this reporting period Navigators were successful in supporting individuals to access £34,785 in Macmillan grants and with the completion of 378 applications for benefits and other grants. In Attendance Allowance alone, this is an annual financial gain for people in Sefton living with cancer of £262,909.40.

• The Navigators now have allocated GP Practices which have posters and leaflets promoting the service.

• During this reporting period the Navigators have developed plans to pilot of a new patient led cancer support group for people with any type of cancer in South Sefton. The pilot of the “Navigating cancer Together” support group was scheduled to begin on during April 2023.

Hospital Discharge Service

The service accepts referrals from health and social care professionals as well as self-referral for any resident of Sefton aged 18+ who have little or no support at home. The Hospital Discharge Service aims to provide free practical common-sense support for up to six weeks for Sefton residents after discharge from a hospital or similar health setting.

The service provides a range of support including ensuring patients have basic provisions in their home such as shopping, heating, support to access assistive technology and basic risk assessments to ensure accommodation is appropriate and suitable to meet needs. The HDS Team also provide support to maximise income through signposting and ensuring benefits and specialist debt management is available and provide onward signposting and referral where needed.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• 366 cases were referred to the project between April 2022 and March 2023.

• Supported clients to achieve 1,540 goals/tasks.

• Support has been wide and varied including - providing essential shopping, emotional support, assistance to complete benefit applications, referral to Adult Social Care, Occupational Therapy and Continence Teams, referral for urgent safeguarding and empowering patients to build their confidence and self-esteem.

• Signposted 902 times to over 30 services including - housing, care providers, shopping delivery services, Adult Social Care, cleaners, home care and Welfare Rights Advisors.

• The team provided 569 home visits and 1267 welfare telephone calls

• The team completed Trusted Assessor Level 3 training and will be able to provide assessment for low level equipment and aids in the coming year.

• The team now provide both an additional hospital admission avoidance service.

• The team supported with the completion of 98 applications for grants and benefits. In Attendance Allowance alone this is an annual financial gain for people in Sefton of £218,233.60.

Healthwatch

Sefton CVS employs the management teams to deliver both Sefton and Knowsley Healthwatch reporting to their boards. Each produces public annual reports. Healthwatch functions operate in each borough in England and were established to act as a consumer champion for health and social care.

Children, Young People and Family Interventions

The Children, Young People and Family Lead facilitates the development of a coordinated, strategic approach to local services, seeking to embed best practice to deliver quality outcomes for children, young people and families with a focus on multi-agency working and the incorporation of integrated processes.

Every Child Matters Forum facilitates VCF representation enabling the sector to provide service solutions to the needs and priorities identified locally and nationally. 430 members participate in forums, policy briefing and receive information bulletins. There are additional sub groups including the Thrive Network, The Education and Mental Health Network and Perinatal Community of Practice enable members to focus on these priority areas of work and develop partnership approaches where possible.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Facilitated 4 meetings of Every Child Matters Forum and supported the VCF sector’s engagement in a range of themes which included: Participation and Engagement, Families, Safeguarding.

• The ECM Forum had 931 Twitter followers at the end of March 2023.

• The THRIVE Network brings together organisations in Sefton who are keen to support children and young people using the THRIVE model, which was featured in Sefton’s Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The meeting is chaired by Sefton CVS Children, Young People and Families Lead and has good attendance from a range of partners, including;: Sefton Early Help, Acting Angels, SWAN, Sefton SEN & Inclusion, Samaritans, Parenting 2000, Sefton Young Advisors, Place 2 Be, RASA Merseyside, Forefield Infants School, Sefton Carers Centre, We are with you, Merseycare, Larkfield Primary School, Sefton Local Offer, Mental Health Support Teams in Schools (MHST), Deyes High School, Sefton Children's Social Care, Roy Evans Foundation, Sefton Parent Carer Forum, Linaker Primary School, Active Sefton, KOOTH.

• Education and Mental Health Network provides an opportunity for local schools to share good practice, partner agencies to share information about their offer, and an update from Mental Health Support Teams in Schools. Guests speakers for 22/23 have included: Savio High School, Crosby High School, Meols Cop High School, Springwell School, Christ the King School, SEAS, Roberts Music, KOOTH, Samaritans, Thrive Network, Advanced Solutions, MYA SPACE, and Sefton Carer's Centre.

• Perinatal Community of Practice m eetings take place quarterly and provide partners across Sefton working with families with children age 0 – 2 years an opportunity to share good practice and what is on offer in Sefton.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

• First Five Festival Co-ordinated by Sefton CVS, in partnership with The Foundation Years Trust we held a festival event in Sefton as part of a Liverpool City Region Festival. Five family events took place in Sefton in June hosted by Homestart, Parenting 2000, Feelgood Factory and Venus, during which research was undertaken and a report produced and shared with the Foundation Years Trust.

• Sefton Youth Voice Strategic Steering Group this is a new group established this year following an action from the Children and Young People’s Partnership Board. Partners include; Sefton CVS, Sefton MBC (Engagement, Youth Justice, Early Help, Social Care, SEND, Inclusion, Public Health) Mersey Care, Education, Career Connect. Bringing together youth voice and engagement in Sefton.

• Coordinated referrals for Southport and Birkdale Provident Society Trust grants for vulnerable families with 187 referrals being actioned through the year.

• Provided DBS checks for local VCF sector staff and volunteers processing 181 disclosures for 29 separate organisations.

• Coordination of the Sefton Emotional Achievement Service (SEAS), a partnership of charities working collaboratively to deliver bespoke emotional wellbeing support to children, young people, families and schools.

• Coordination of Buddy Up, a mentoring and befriending project for young people (13-18) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities; reducing their social isolation, increasing their confidence and preparing them for a more independent adulthood. 64 young people accessed 2157 hours of activities.

• Coordination of Buddy Up+@Alchemy is a social club for young adults aged 18 to 25 who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities; reducing their social isolation, improving emotional health and wellbeing and increasing independence. 44 young adults’ access 3,050 hours’ worth of social opportunities.

Sefton Young Advisors

11 Sefton Young Advisors aged 15 – 22 are employed to show community leaders and decision makers how to engage young people in community life. They help organisations ‘youth proof’ their practices, policies, strategies and commissioning. They engage directly with other young people to get them involved. Sefton Young Advisors have gained national and local recognition through awards and commendations for their work.

Sefton Young Advisors have representation at Healthwatch Sefton Steering Group, Sefton’s Children and Young People’s Board, Sefton’s Education and Mental Health Network, Every Child Matters Forum, The Public Engagement and Consultation Panel, The Youth Providers Network, The Thrive Network and the former Experience and Patient Engagement Group.

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Provided feedback on Sefton’s Climate Change Strategy.

• Supported the production of Covid-19 Vaccine promotion videos.

• Contributed to Sefton’s Economic Strategy Consultation.

• Attended the Health Watch Patient Participation Group and offered views from a young person’s perspective.

• Met with Edge Hill University to help with design and language on a leaflet for children and young people.

• Consultation with the Happy ‘n’ Healthy hub to help decide a name and logo for the service.

• Attended the Sefton Parent Carer Forum event – Local Offer Live at Aintree Race Course.

• Designed, delivered and provided feedback on consultation work for Sefton’s drug and alcohol service and fed this back to the 0-19 service.

• Created a Young People’s Mental Health Survey for the Sefton Emotional Health Partnership.

• Met with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to discuss their ‘Future of Work’ consultation.

• Attended the Climate Change Conference at Salford University.

• Worked on the Merseyside Hope Hack and attended the event at Liverpool University.

• SYMBOL (Sefton Youth Making Better Opportunities with Leaders) Meetings planned and facilitated by Sefton Young Advisors took place in July and October. Themes were: Climate Change, Mental and Physical Wellbeing, Poverty and Inequality, Community Safety, Racism and Division.

Unemployment Interventions

Building Better Opportunities Include-IT Mersey Digital Inclusion Project

Sefton CVS, in collaboration with VOLA Consortium deliver the Include-IT Mersey Digital Inclusion Project across the Liverpool City Region. It is part of the Building Better Opportunities programme, co-financed by the National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund, which funds projects that tackle poverty and promote social inclusion.

• 19 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Key activity undertaken in 2022/23 included:

• Delivery of the ESF/ Lottery funded phase of the project concluded in March 2023. Continued delivery will seamlessly evolve to UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding for an extended two-year period, from 1[st] April 2023, for which the delivery partnership has secured a further £879,000. A three-month transition period, April to June 2023, will allow for completion of final ESF/ Lottery contract closure processes, with the new UKSPF-funded phase mobilised alongside.

• By 31[st] March 2023, over its six-year duration, the project supported 2,109 digitally excluded, adult learners to develop basic digital skills and get online, exceeding contractual recruitment targets by 3%. The majority of those engaged were older learners, aged 50+, with high proportions of people with recognised barriers to inclusion and progression in learning and work, for example, people with learning difficulties, disabilities or long-term health conditions, workless households and those with low levels of basic skills and/or educational attainment.

• In terms of onward progression, 53% of learners progressed to a positive destination of work, further training, or active job-search. Contractual progression targets for the city region as a whole were exceeded by 15% (137 individuals) cumulatively. In addition, a further 55 training progression outcomes were also achieved that couldn’t be formally counted as an ESF result due to funding technicalities/ rules.

• 225 Digital Champion volunteers also supported delivery of the project, the majority of whom were involved in running digital drop-ins across the city region, with some supporting tutors to deliver courses. 26 of these are known to have moved into employment whilst volunteering.

• The project hosted a memorable showcase event on 10[th] March at Liverpool’s historic Maritime Museum. The event invited learners, volunteer Digital Champions, local dignitaries – including Sefton CVS President, Mark Blundell, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside and Patron, Colonel Martin, the LCR Combined Authority and other local stakeholders, who all joined in celebrating the many successes of the project over the last six years.

• A comprehensive, independent evaluation of the project is complete and the final report will be published on the project website in June 2023.

• 20 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The input of volunteers and donations in kind

14 volunteers have supported the Trustee Board and role of Patron this year. A further 261 volunteers have engaged through Sefton CVS projects and initiatives.

Disclosure of Trustees Remunerations Notes to the accounts

None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from employment with the charity or related entity.

Disclosure of Trustees Expenses

Trustees were reimbursed travel costs to attend meetings on behalf of the charity totalling £nil

Review of Finances

Use of assets

The Trustees consider the value of assets to be fairly stated.

Balance sheet in the light of future plans

The Trustees consider that the balance sheet is strong enough to fulfil the short-term plans of the core activities and that of the managed projects.

The extent of dependence of particular donors

Sefton CVS has, wherever possible, diversified its funding sources for the development of specific projects. The core services are highly dependent upon the continued support of Sefton MBC with their contribution of £478,315 (2022: £478,315).

Availability of assets

The current assets are available for the general purposes of Sefton CVS although some of its funding is restricted to specific core services and deferred income for services to be delivered in discrete and managed projects.

Fixed assets

The fixed assets of the company and major changes therein during the period are recorded in the notes to the accounts.

• 21 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Structure, governance and management

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 D Roscoe Mrs E Barnett (Chair) Mr S J Sharman (Resigned 14 October 2022) Mr P P Cummins Dr M Homfrey Ms P Lappin Mr D McGregor Mr M Sonne (Treasurer & Vice Chair) Ms V Elson Venerable P Spiers Mr B Thomas Ms N Speed Mr R Mathew

Sefton MBC Representatives non-voting:

Councillor John Pugh Sefton MBC Councillor Janet Grace (resigned October 2022) Sefton MBC Councillor Judy Hardman (from November 2022) Sefton MBC Councillor Dave Robinson Sefton MBC

Patrons The Worshipful the Mayor of Sefton Colonel Martin G C Amlôt OBE, OStJ DL FRSA

President The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Mr Mark Blundell

Company Secretary and Chief Executive Angela White (Carter) OBE FRSA

Chair of the Board of Directors Elizabeth Barnett

Auditor

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

Small company provisions

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

• 22 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORTI (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Disclosure of infomiation to auditor Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information ol which they are aware which is relevant to the audil, but ol vthich the auditor is Ljnaware. They have further confiimÈd that they have taken appropriate steps lo identtfy such relevant information and to establish that the aLsditor is aware of such information. The twste report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Mr M Sonne (Treasurer & Vice Chairl te? Mrs A White Icarterl, OBE FRSA Company Secretary to the Board of Trustees Date.. 20th September 2023 23-

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees, who are also the directors of Sefton Council for Voluntary Service 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;

• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 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.

• 24 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, 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).

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 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, 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, 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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

• the information given in the Trustees' Report, which includes the directors’ report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the directors' report included within the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

• 25 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

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.

• We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

• the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic 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

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.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

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.

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including

fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

• the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

• we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management

• we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation and data protection, anti-bribery, employment and health and safety legislation;

• we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence

• identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

• 26 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

• making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and

• considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

• performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;

• tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; and

• assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and

• investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

• agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;

• reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; and

• enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

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 charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members 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 the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Louise Casey ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of BWM

16 October 2023

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor

Tempest Suite 5.1 12 Tithebarn Street Liverpool L2 2DT

• 27 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Current financial year Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 Notes £ £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 548,477 3,523 Charitable activities 4 88,471 3,816,687 Investment income 5 13,334 - Other incoming resources 6 - 23,951 Total income 650,282 3,844,161 Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 7,033 - Charitable activities 8 632,326 4,079,016 Total resources expended 639,359 4,079,016 Net gains/(losses) on investments 16 (49,474) - Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before transfers (38,551) (234,855) Gross transfers between funds 34,694 (34,694) Net movement in funds (3,857) (269,549) Fund balances at 1 April 2022 764,927 1,320,057 Fund balances at 31 March 2023 761,070 1,050,508	Total 2023 £ 552,000 3,905,158 13,334 23,951 4,494,443 7,033 4,711,342 4,718,375 (49,474) (273,406) - (273,406) 2,084,984 1,811,578	Total 2022 £ 579,272 4,098,795 8,195 -
		4,686,262
		11,049
		4,210,582
		4,221,631
		17,570
		482,201 -
		482,201 1,602,783
		2,084,984

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

• 28 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Prior financial year Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2022 2022 Notes £ £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 579,272 - Charitable activities 4 102,949 3,995,846 Investment income 5 8,195 - Total income 690,416 3,995,846 Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 11,049 - Charitable activities 8 664,694 3,545,888 Total resources expended 675,743 3,545,888 Net gains/(losses) on investments 16 17,570 - Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before transfers 32,243 449,958 Gross transfers between funds (5,236) 5,236 Net movement in funds 27,007 455,194 Fund balances at 1 April 2021 737,920 864,863 Fund balances at 31 March 2022 764,927 1,320,057	Total 2022 £ 579,272 4,098,795 8,195
	4,686,262
	11,049
	4,210,582
	4,221,631
	17,570
	482,201 -
	482,201 1,602,783
	2,084,984

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

• 29 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE BALANCE SHEET ASAT31 MARCH 2023 2023 2022 Notes Fixed assets Tangible asset5 Investments 14 15 14,555 561,877 17,555 609.324 576.432 26,879 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 19 473,261 969,438 539,657 1,098,655 1,442.699 1.638,312 Creditors.. amounts falling due wlthln one year 20 1207,5531 1180,207) Net current 88sets 1,235,146 1.458,105 Total assets less current liabilities 1,811,578 2.084,984 Incomè funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Design8ted funds General unrestThded funds 25 1,050,508 1.320,057 26 542,058 219,012 487,690 277,237 761,070 764,927 1.811,578 2.084,984 These finanaal statements have been prepared in accordance wtth th& provisions applicabl8 to companies subject to the small companies regime. The ffinancial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on . on ils b8h fby= 20th Sepiember 2023 and are signed Mr M Sonne (Treasurer & Vice Chairl Trustee Company reglstratlon number 02832920 -30-

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations 28 Investing activities Cash movement on investment portfolio Investment income received Net cash generated from investing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2023 £ £ (140,524) (2,027) 13,334 11,307 - (129,217) 1,098,655 969,438	2022 £ £ 205,344 589 8,195 8,784 - 214,128 884,527 1,098,655	2022 £ £ 205,344 589 8,195 8,784 - 214,128 884,527 1,098,655
			214,128 884,527
			1,098,655

• 31 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

Company information

Sefton Council for Voluntary Service is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 3rd Floor, North Wing, Burlington House, Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 0LG.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity'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 charity 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 £.

The accounts 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 accounts, 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 accounts.

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 funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the Trustees' Annual Report.

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.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid is recognised at the time of the donation.

• 32 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity has entitlement to the funds, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, and contract income is included in income when these are receivable, except as follows:

• When donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.

• When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in income until the preconditions for use have been met.

• When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants, are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to preconditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in restricted funds when receivable.

Voluntary income includes discretionary grants for projects, goods and services where no service agreement or contract exists.

Other grants, which have particular service requirements and which are provided in accordance with a contract or service level agreement are included in the Statement of Financial Activities under the heading Charitable Activities.

1.5 Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Management and governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

1.6 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.

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and included at cost, including any incidental costs of acquisition.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Leasehold improvements over the period of the lease Office equipment 33.3% per annum on a straight line basis

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.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

• 33 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 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.

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 debtors 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 Employee benefits

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.

• 34 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.12 Retirement benefits

The company operates a defined contribution scheme for employees. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

1.13 Transfers between funds

Transfers between funds are restricted to agreed transfers to cover restricted fund deficits, or where other transfers have been agreed by the trustees or with donor organisations.

1.14 Group accounts

The charity has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Healthwatch Sefton Limited and Communities are People Limited.

Healthwatch Sefton Limited is commissioned by the local authority, Sefton MBC and operates under the control of its independent board. Consolidated accounts are not produced as these would not be materially different from the single entity financial statements and the control of the subsidiary is through its independent Board.

Communities are People Limited is currently dormant and consolidated accounts are not produced as these would not be materially different from the single entity financial statements.

1.15 Taxation

The charity benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions. Recovery is made of tax deducted from income and from receipts under Gift Aid.

The charity is not able to recover Value Added Tax and expenditure is recorded in the accounts inclusive of VAT.

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.

Support costs are allocated against the projects of the charity on a percentage basis reflecting time spent in the appropriate areas.

• 35 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 £ £ Donations and gifts - 3,523 Grants receivable for core activities 548,477 - 548,477 3,523 Grants receivable for core activities Sefton MBC 478,315 - NHS South Sefton CCG 28,422 - NHS Southport & Ormskirk CCG 22,390 - Sefton MBC - Health and Social Co-ordinator 14,850 - Sefton MBC - VRP funding for Early Help pilot - - Sefton MBC - Youth Voice Worker 4,500 - Sefton 4 Good - Ukranian Fund - 1,844 Sefton 4 Good - 1,535 Other - 144 548,477 3,523	Total Unrestricted funds 2023 2022 £ £ 3,523 6,539 548,477 572,733 552,000 579,272 478,315 478,315 28,422 27,978 22,390 22,090 14,850 14,850 - 25,000 4,500 4,500 1,844 - 1,535 - 144 - 552,000 572,733	Total Unrestricted funds 2023 2022 £ £ 3,523 6,539 548,477 572,733 552,000 579,272 478,315 478,315 28,422 27,978 22,390 22,090 14,850 14,850 - 25,000 4,500 4,500 1,844 - 1,535 - 144 - 552,000 572,733
		579,272
		478,315 27,978 22,090 14,850 25,000 4,500 - - -
		572,733

• 36 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

Grant income Grant monies to be redistributed Other income Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds	Health and Wellbeing Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ 1,599,407 48,000 383,612 726,162 - 128,500 88,471 - - 2,414,040 48,000 512,112 88,471 - - 2,325,569 48,000 512,112 2,414,040 48,000 512,112	Digital Inclusion 2023 £ 706,060 - - 706,060 - 706,060 706,060	Criminal Justice Programs 2023 £ 224,946 - - 224,946 - 224,946 224,946	Total 2023 £ 2,962,025 854,662 88,471 3,905,158 88,471 3,816,687 3,905,158	Total 2022 £ 2,742,417 1,253,429 102,949
					4,098,795
					102,949 3,995,846
					4,098,795

• 37 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

(Continued)

Grant income

Sefton MBC NHS South Sefton CCG NHS Southport & Formby CCG The Big Lottery HM Prison Service John Armitage Charitable Trust BBC Children in Need Southport & Formby PCN South Sefton PCN Mersey Care NHS Foundation Other	Health and Wellbeing Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ 254,308 - 90,273 215,370 27,000 38,607 65,115 21,000 140,415 - - 10,000 - - - - - - - - - 223,219 - - 562,391 - - 277,104 - - 1,900 - 104,317 1,599,407 48,000 383,612	Digital Inclusion 2023 £ - - - 706,060 - - - - - - - 706,060	Criminal Justice Programs 2023 £ - - - 93,692 16,575 40,000 - - - - 74,679 224,946	Total 2023 £ 344,581 280,977 226,530 809,752 16,575 40,000 - 223,219 562,391 277,104 180,896 2,962,025	Total 2022 £ 436,401 622,791 244,121 795,535 39,000 80,000 29,883 22,000 - - 472,686
					2,742,417

• 38 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

(Continued)

Grant monies to be redistributed

Sefton MBC NHS South Sefton CCG NHS Southport & Formby CCG The Big Lottery HM Prison Service John Armitage Charitable Trust BBC Children in Need Southport & Formby PCN South Sefton PCN Mersey Care NHS Foundation Other	Health and Wellbeing Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ 726,162 - 67,500 - - - - - - - - 36,000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25,000 726,162 - 128,500	Digital Inclusion 2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - - -	Criminal Justice Programs 2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total 2023 £ 793,662 - - 36,000 - - - - - - 25,000 854,662	Total 2022 £ 1,064,896 109,125 34,000 - - - - - - - 45,408
					1,253,429

• 39 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

(Continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2022

Grant income Grant monies to be redistributed Other income Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds	Health and Wellbeing Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs £ £ £ 1,366,367 38,000 274,111 824,396 10,000 419,033 102,949 - - 2,293,712 48,000 693,144 102,949 - - 2,190,763 48,000 693,144 2,293,712 48,000 693,144	Digital Inclusion £ 674,043 - - 674,043 - 674,043 674,043	Criminal Justice Programs £ 289,896 - - 289,896 - 289,896 289,896	Covid 19 £ 100,000 - - 100,000 - 100,000 100,000	Total 2022 £ 2,742,417 1,253,429 102,949
					4,098,795
					102,949 3,995,846
					4,098,795

• 40 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

(Continued)

Grant income

Sefton MBC NHS South Sefton CCG NHS Southport & Formby CCG The Big Lottery HM Prison Service John Armitage Charitable Trust BBC Children in Need Merseyside police Other	Health and Wellbeing Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs 2022 2022 2022 £ £ £ 214,604 - 121,797 562,184 22,000 38,607 194,906 16,000 33,215 - - 27,800 - - - - - - - - 29,883 - - - 394,673 - 22,809 1,366,367 38,000 274,111	Digital Inclusion 2022 £ - - - 674,043 - - - - - 674,043	Criminal Justice Programs 2022 £ - - - 93,692 39,000 80,000 - 22,000 55,204 289,896	Covid 19 2022 £ 100,000 - - - - - - - - 100,000	Total 2022 £ 436,401 622,791 244,121 795,535 39,000 80,000 29,883 22,000 472,686
					2,742,417

• 41 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

(Continued)

Grant monies to be redistributed

Grant monies to be redistributed
Sefton MBC NHS South Sefton CCG NHS Southport & Formby CCG The Big Lottery HM Prison Service John Armitage Charitable Trust BBC Children in Need Southport & Formby PCN South Sefton PCN Mersey Care NHS Foundation Other	Health and Wellbeing Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs 2022 2022 2022 £ £ £ 755,396 - 309,500 40,000 5,000 64,125 29,000 5,000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (45,408) 824,396 10,000 419,033	Digital Inclusion 2022 £ - - - - - - - - - - - -	Criminal Justice Programs 2022 £ - - - - - - - - - - - -	Covid 19 2022 £ - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total 2022 £ 1,064,896 109,125 34,000 - - - - - - - 45,408
					1,253,429

• 42 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

5	Investment income
		**Unrestricted **	Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		2023	2022
		£	£
	Income from listed investments	10,585	7,424
	Interest receivable	2,749	771
		13,334	8,195
6	Other incoming resources
		Restricted	Total
		funds
		2023	2022
		£	£
	Other income	23,951	-
7	Raising funds
		Unrestricted	Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		2023	2022
		£	£
	Investment management	7,033	11,049
		7,033	11,049

• 43 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8 Charitable activities

Health and Wellbeing Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ Staff costs 1,122,658 22,245 314,709 Activities undertaken directly 283,075 28,404 31,313 1,405,733 50,649 346,022 Grant funding of activities (see note 9) 842,825 - 202,346 Share of support costs (see note10) 325,519 11,762 168,453 Share of governance costs (see note 10) 57,445 2,076 29,727 2,631,522 64,487 746,548 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds 245,486 27,259 120,157 Restricted funds 2,386,036 37,228 626,391 2,631,522 64,487 746,548	Digital Inclusion 2023 £ 167,020 521,715 688,735 - 187,348 33,062 909,145 145,585 763,560 909,145	Criminal Justice Programs 2023 £ 200,154 4,713 204,867 - 130,780 23,079 358,726 93,285 265,441 358,726	Covid-19 2023 £ - - - - 777 137 914 554 360 914	Total 2023 £ 1,826,786 869,220 2,696,006 1,045,171 824,639 145,526 4,711,342 632,326 4,079,016 4,711,342	Total 2022 £ 1,540,778 733,908
					2,274,686 1,049,365 753,550 132,981
					4,210,582
					664,694 3,545,888
					4,210,582

• 44 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8 Charitable activities

(Continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2022

Health and Wellbeing Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs £ £ £ Staff costs 840,072 21,855 292,973 Activities undertaken directly 162,538 36,044 34,041 1,002,610 57,899 327,014 Grant funding of activities (see note 9) 734,493 10,000 230,146 Share of support costs (see note10) 350,619 1,930 114,754 Share of governance costs (see note 10) 61,875 341 20,251 2,149,597 70,170 692,165 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds 308,144 17,740 96,957 Restricted funds 1,841,453 52,430 595,208 2,149,597 70,170 692,165	Digital Inclusion £ 168,035 491,371 659,406 - 135,306 23,877 818,589 114,321 704,268 818,589	Criminal Justice Programs £ 210,988 9,118 220,106 - 119,076 21,014 360,196 100,609 259,587 360,196	Covid-19 £ 6,855 796 7,651 74,726 31,865 5,623 119,865 26,923 92,942 119,865	Total 2022 £ 1,540,778 733,908
				2,274,686 1,049,365 753,550 132,981
				4,210,582
				664,694 3,545,888
				4,210,582

• 45 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

9 Grants payable

Grants to institutions: Brighter Living Netherton Feelgood Factory Citizens Advice Sefton Onward Homes St Leonard's Youth & Community Centre Sefton Carers Centre Parenting 2000 Independence Initiative Light for Life Sefton Venus Compassionacts Home - Start Southport & Formby Other grants between £4,000 and £10,000 Other grants less than £4,000	Health and Wellbeing £ 142,983 197,260 167,004 178,171 3,167 38,060 2,356 5,298 - - 2,500 - 45,199 60,827 842,825	Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs £ £ - 3,508 563 550 - - - 500 - 18,500 - 2,000 563 8,500 10,914 - - - - - 27,450 - - 1,124 65,525 (2,750) 64,900 (500) 202,347	Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs £ £ - 3,508 563 550 - - - 500 - 18,500 - 2,000 563 8,500 10,914 - - - - - 27,450 - - 1,124 65,525 (2,750) 64,900 (500) 202,347	Criminal Justice Programs £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Covid-19 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total £ 146,491 198,373 167,004 178,671 21,667 40,060 11,419 16,212 - - 29,950 - 111,848 122,977
			202,347	-		1,044,672

The main grant programme is with Living Well Sefton, Sefton4Good is described in the Trustees' report.

Grants payable are recognised in the accounts when the grant is formally accepted by the receiving organisation. Any undistributed balances at the year end are included in the restricted fund balances for the appropriate theme.

• 46 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

9 Grants payable

Grants payable Prior year Grants to institutions: Brighter Living Netherton Feelgood Factory Citizens Advice Sefton Onward Homes St Leonard's Youth & Community Centre Sefton Carers Centre Parenting 2000 Swan Women's Centre Light for Life Sefton Venus Compassionacts Home - Start Southport & Formby Other grants between £4,000 and £10,000 Other grants less than £4,000	Health and Wellbeing £ 129,099 173,150 167,004 166,976 - 35,460 15,700 12,200 - 7,200 - 9,700 14,529 3,475 734,493	Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs £ £ - 18,510 - - - - - - - 11,200 2,000 - - 16,500 2,000 8,000 - 4,000 - 6,680 - 13,800 - 1,250 4,000 73,178 2,000 77,028 10,000 230,146	Children, Young People and Families Community Development Programs £ £ - 18,510 - - - - - - - 11,200 2,000 - - 16,500 2,000 8,000 - 4,000 - 6,680 - 13,800 - 1,250 4,000 73,178 2,000 77,028 10,000 230,146	Criminal Justice Programs £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	(Continued) Covid-19 Total £ £ 28,226 175,835 - 173,150 - 167,004 - 166,976 32,000 43,200 - 37,460 - 32,200 - 22,200 10,000 14,000 - 13,880 - 13,800 - 10,950 4,500 96,206 - 82,503 74,726 1,049,365	(Continued) Covid-19 Total £ £ 28,226 175,835 - 173,150 - 167,004 - 166,976 32,000 43,200 - 37,460 - 32,200 - 22,200 10,000 14,000 - 13,880 - 13,800 - 10,950 4,500 96,206 - 82,503 74,726 1,049,365
			230,146	-		1,049,365

The main grant programme is with Living Well Sefton, Sefton4Good is described in the Trustees' report.

Grants payable are recognised in the accounts when the grant is formally accepted by the receiving organisation. Any undistributed balances at the year end are included in the restricted fund balances for the appropriate theme.

• 47 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10 Support and governance costs

Management £ Health and Wellbeing 141,697 Children, Young People and Families 5,120 Community Development Program 73,327 Digital Inclusion 81,552 Criminal Justice Program 56,928 Covid-19 Projects 338 358,962 Management £ Health and Wellbeing 152,622 Children, Young People and Families 840 Community Development Program 49,952 Digital Inclusion 51,833 Criminal Justice Program 58,898 Covid-19 Projects 13,871 328,016	Finance £ 88,082 3,183 45,581 50,694 35,388 210 223,138 Finance £ 94,873 522 31,051 32,221 36,612 8,622 203,901	Admin Governance £ £ 95,741 57,445 3,460 2,076 49,545 29,727 55,103 33,062 38,465 23,079 229 137 242,543 145,526 Admin Governance £ £ 103,123 61,875 568 341 33,751 20,251 35,023 21,014 39,796 23,877 9,372 5,623 221,633 132,981	2023 £ 382,965 13,839 198,180 220,411 153,860 914
			970,169
			2022 £ 412,493 2,271 135,005 140,091 159,183 37,488
			886,531

11 Auditor's remuneration

The analysis of auditor's remuneration is as follows:

Fees payable to the charity's auditors: Audit of the charity's annual accounts Non-audit services All other non-audit services	2023 £ 8,415 1,785	2022 £ 8,197
		1,677

• 48 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

12 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023 Number Employees (excluding seconded and Sefton Healthwatch staff) 94 Employment costs 2023 £ Wages and salaries 2,019,592 Social security costs 240,040 Other pension costs 188,251 2,447,883 Included within payroll costs are redundancy and similar payments of £nil (2022: £1,294). The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more were: 2023 Number £60,000 to £69,999 1	2022 Number 94
	2022 £ 1,743,994 200,250 171,192
	2,115,436
	2022 Number 1

Contributions totalling £4,080 (2022: £3,964) were made to defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of employees whose emoluments exceeded £60,000

13 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year and none of the trustees were reimbursed for expenses (2022: None).

• 49 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

14	Tangible fixed assets
		Leasehold		Office	Total
		improvements		equipment
			£	£	£
	Cost
	At 1 April 2022	20,472		16,642	37,114
	At 31 March 2023	20,472		16,642	37,114
	Depreciation and impairment
	At 1 April 2022	5,733		13,826	19,559
	Depreciation charged in the year	819		2,181	3,000
	At 31 March 2023	6,552		16,007	22,559
	Carrying amount
	At 31 March 2023	13,920		635	14,555
	At 31 March 2022	14,739		2,816	17,555
15	Fixed asset investments
		Listed		Cash in	Total
		investments		portfolio
		£		£	£
	Cost or valuation
	At 1 April 2022	605,477		3,847	609,324
	Valuation changes	(49,474)		-	(49,474)
	Cash movement	-		2,027	2,027
	At 31 March 2023	556,003		5,874	561,877
	Carrying amount
	At 31 March 2023	556,003		5,874	561,877
	At 31 March 2022	605,477		3,847	609,324
16	Net gains/(losses) on investments
				Unrestricted Unrestricted
				funds	funds
				2023	2022
				£	£
	Revaluation of investments			(49,474)	17,570

• 50 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

17 Subsidiaries

Market value at 1 April 2021 and at 31 March 2022 is £nil

Historical cost:

At 1 April 2022 and at 31 March 2023 is £nil

Communities are People Limited

The subsidiary, Communities are People Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales, company number 06157031. The registered office is Burlington House, Suite 3B 3rd Floor, Crosby Road North, Merseyside, L22 0LG. The subsidiary is wholly owned by the charity, is currently dormant and has £1 ordinary share capital.

The subsidiary has been valued in the accounts at £nil as the trustees consider the value of the net assets to be immaterial and do not consider there to be any benefit in revaluing the investment.

Consolidated accounts are not produced as these would not be materially different from the single entity financial statements.

Healthwatch Sefton Limited

The subsidiary, Healthwatch Sefton Limited, is a limited company registered in England and Wales, company number 08453782. The registered office is Burlington House, Suite 3B 3rd Floor, Crosby Road North, Merseyside, L22 0LG. The subsidiary is limited by guarantee, the charity is the sole subscriber and the amount guaranteed is £1.

The subsidiary, Healthwatch Sefton Limited, was formed on 20 March 2013 and its objects are to carry on activities which benefit the community and in particular (without limitation) the operation of a Local Healthwatch organisation in Sefton with the aim of gathering people’s views on, and experiences of, the health and social care system and becoming a consumer champion for both publicly funded health and social care.

Healthwatch Sefton Limited is commissioned by the local authority, Sefton MBC and operates under the control of its independent board.

The activities are controlled by and reported in the accounts of Healthwatch Sefton Limited, the subsidiary company.

	2023	2022
	£	£
Funding	170,609	165,392
Expenditure	(153,263)	(150,503)
Movement in year	17,346	14,889
Balance brought forward	14,889	-
Balance carried forward	32,235	14,889

The investment has been valued in the accounts at £nil as the trustees consider the value of the net assets to be immaterial at 31 March 2022 and 31 March 2023 and do not consider there to be any benefit in revaluing the investment.

Consolidated accounts are not produced for 2023 as these would not be materially different from the single entity financial statements and the control of the subsidiary is through its independent Board.

• 51 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

18 Financial instruments Carrying amount of financial assets Debt instruments measured at amortised cost Instruments measured at fair value through SOFA Carrying amount of financial liabilities Measured at amortised cost 19 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 20 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other taxation and social security Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income	2023 £ 1,419,967 556,003 152,198 2023 £ 441,678 2,976 28,607 473,261 2023 £ 55,355 34,195 90,024 27,979 207,553	2022 £ 1,621,987 605,477
		127,982
		2022 £ 518,780 705 20,172
		539,657
		2022 £ 52,225 22,174 84,763 21,045
		180,207

21 Funds held as agent

Sefton CVS holds funds for its subsidiary, Healthwatch Sefton Limited, of £60,055 (2022: £42,709), in a bank account operated by Sefton CVS. The amount payable to its subsidiary, Healthwatch Sefton Limited and an equivalent amount of the bank balance are excluded from these accounts.

22 Retirement benefit schemes

Defined contribution schemes

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

Contributions totalling £21,356 (2022: £17,569) were payable to the fund at the year end and are included in creditors.

The charge to the SoFA in respect of defined contribution schemes was £188,251 (2022: £171,192)

• 52 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

23 Operating lease commitments

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:

Within one year Between two and five years	2023 £ 60,000 45,000 105,000	2022 £ 52,500 105,000
		157,500

24 Related party transactions

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.

	2023	2022
	£	£
Aggregate compensation	252,306	261,597

No remuneration was paid to any trustee during the year (2022: None).

No guarantees were given or received.

There were no other disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

• 53 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

25 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Balance at 1 April 2021 £ Health and Wellbeing 188,294 Children, Young People and Families 51,067 Community Development Programs 237,065 Digital Inclusion 81,789 Criminal Justice Programs 213,732 Covid-19 92,916 864,863	Movement in funds Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 1 April 2022 £ £ £ £ 2,190,763 (1,841,453) 5,768 543,372 48,000 (52,430) (6,000) 40,637 693,145 (595,208) 5,468 340,470 674,043 (704,268) - 51,563 289,896 (259,587) - 244,041 100,000 (92,942) - 99,974 3,995,847 (3,545,888) 5,236 1,320,057	Movement in funds Income Expenditure Transfers 31 £ £ £ 2,325,569 (2,386,036) (9,706) 48,000 (37,228) (500) 515,635 (626,391) 88,034 730,011 (763,560) - 224,946 (265,441) (12,908) - (360) (99,614) 3,844,161 (4,079,016) (34,694)	Balance at March 2023 £ 473,199 50,909 317,748 18,014 190,638 -
			1,050,508

• 54 -

SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

25 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing encompasses a variety of funds that represents the various projects coordinated and facilitated by Sefton CVS which aim to develop the local VCF sector’s response to both local and national health priorities. This covers areas such as Reablement, health promotion and sexual health awareness.

Health and Wellbeing key funders include Sefton MBC, NHS Southport & Formby CCG and NHS South Sefton CCG, Merseyside Care NHS Foundation Trust, Southport and Formby PCN and Bootle, Crosby & Maghull PCN.

Children, Young People and Families

Children, Young People and Families projects centre on the development of a co-ordinated and strategic approach to local services, that seeks to embed best practice and deliver quality outcomes for children, young people and families, with a focus on multi-agency working and integrated processes.

Children, Young People and Families key funders include NHS Southport & Formby CCG and NHS South Sefton CCG.

Community Development Programs

The main aim of Community Development Programs is to support local people and organisations to initiate, strengthen and renew social action and community led service delivery in Sefton. This covers a variety of initiatives from the provision of financial services (via the Community Accountancy Service) to the management and coordination of a shopping service for older people in North Sefton.

Community Development Programs key funders include Sefton MBC, NHS Southport & Formby CCG, NHS South Sefton CCG, Big Lottery Fund and Children in Need.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

25 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Digital Inclusion

Digital Inclusion mainly covers projects managed by the VOLA Learning Consortium. VOLA supports the Merseyside Voluntary and Social Enterprise in relation to learning, skills and employment support.

Digital Inclusion's key funders include Big Lottery Fund.

Criminal Justice programs

Sefton CVS work closely with local prisons including HMP Liverpool and HMP Hindley to promote voluntary, community and faith sector activity and opportunities to offenders and their families. From providing voluntary offender mentoring services to allowing access to information, advice and support for offenders, Sefton CVS is one of the leading organisations in prison and offender engagement.

Criminal Justice programs key funders include Big Lottery Fund, HM Prison Service, John Armitage Foundation, Achieve Northwest and Merseyside Police.

Covid 19

This fund represents a range of projects in response to the global pandemic this included the provision of shopping services, distributing PPE equipment and providing support to Sefton MBC in their co-ordinated response. The key funders include Sefton MBC.

The Trustees' Annual Report includes further detail in respect of these funds.

Information regarding individual funds and grants is shown in note 4.

Transfers

The trustees have reviewed the restrictions on funding, where available, and have concluded that any restrictions have been discharged.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

26 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Balance at 1 April 2021 £ Redundancy Contingency Fund 200,000 Southport Refurbishment Fund - IT Replacement Fund - Fixed Asset Fund 20,555 Business Transition Fund 11,055 HWOP Development Fund 121,883 ECM Development Fund 75,769 Collaboration Development Fund 10,147 Website Development Fund 4,302 Burlington House Accommodation Fund - 443,711	Movement in funds Income Expenditure £ £ - - - - - - - - - - 648 (11,903) 30,630 (27,268) - - - - - - 31,278 (39,171)	Transfers Balance at 1 April 2022 £ £ (1,293) 198,707 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 - 20,555 - 11,055 13,745 124,373 (580) 78,551 - 10,147 - 4,302 20,000 20,000 51,872 487,690	Movement in funds Income Expenditure £ £ - - - - - - - - - - 752 (13,302) 953 (25,902) - (41) - - - - 1,705 (39,245)	Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £ £ 50,000 248,707 - 10,000 10,000 20,000 (6,000) 14,555 - 11,055 5,000 116,823 12,908 66,510 - 10,106 - 4,302 20,000 40,000 91,908 542,058	Transfers Balance at 31 March 2023 £ £ 50,000 248,707 - 10,000 10,000 20,000 (6,000) 14,555 - 11,055 5,000 116,823 12,908 66,510 - 10,106 - 4,302 20,000 40,000 91,908 542,058
					542,058

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

26 Designated funds

(Continued)

The Redundancy Contingency Fund is designated to provide for the employee redundancy costs likely to be incurred should the charity cease to operate.

The Fixed Asset Fund represents the ring fencing of assets which are not available as part of the general liquid reserves of the charity.

The Business Transition Fund represents monies set aside to enable the charity to respond positively to the changing funding landscape.

The following development funds represent monies ring fenced by the Trustees to develop the local VCF sector's response to local and national issues.

• Health Well Being and Older Persons Development Funds

• Every Child Matters Development Funds

• Collaboration Development Funds

The Website Development Fund has been created by SCVS trustees in recognition of the need to maintain the charity website.

The Southport Renovation Fund has been established to undertake a program of renovations at All Souls Community Centre, Southport, Norwood Road, Southport PR8 6HQ.

The IT Replacement fund represents monies set aside to enable the Charity to replace the significant investment made in IT as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, at the end of the current investments life cycle.

The Burlington House Accommodation Fund has been established to meet the terms of the current lease and restore the office at Burlington House back to their original state at the end of the tenure.

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

27 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by: Tangible assets - 14,555 - Investments 34,374 527,503 - Current assets/(liabilities) 184,638 - 1,050,508 219,012 542,058 1,050,508	Total Unrestricted funds Designated funds 2023 2022 2022 £ £ £ 14,555 - 17,555 561,877 139,189 470,135 1,235,146 138,048 - 1,811,578 277,237 487,690	Restricted funds 2022 £ - - 1,320,057 1,320,057	Total 2022 £ 17,555 609,324 1,458,105
			2,084,984

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SEFTON COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

28	Cash generated from operations	2023	2022
		£	£
	(Deficit)/surpus for the year	(273,406)	482,201
	Adjustments for:
	Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities	(13,334)	(8,195)
	Fair value gains and losses on investments	49,474	(17,570)
	Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets	3,000	3,000
	Movements in working capital:
	Decrease/(increase) in debtors	66,396	(274,702)
	Increase in creditors	27,346	20,610
	Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations	(140,524)	205,344

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