AVOW Cyngor Gwirfoddol SiroL Wrexham Wrexham's County Voluntary Council Trustee Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31st March 2024 Including Strategic Report Charity number: 1043989 Company number: 2993429 Important Notice This report is a combined Directors Report and Trustees Annual report. This report also contains the Annual Strategic Report as required by law. Contents Important Notice................................................................................................................. ...................................... Contents........................................................................................ .. . Objectives and Activities,.... Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW).................................................. .... . Strategie Report..................................................................... Achievements and perfonnance...................................................................... ....... ....... ... ... AVOW 2023-24 Core Highlights....................................................................................................................... Development Activities and Achievements: Core Services.......................................................................... Development Activities and Achievements: Health and Wellbeing Team............................................... 10 Development Activities and Achievements: Special Projects ... .12 Development Activities and Achievements: Local Projects ................ .12 Financial Review................................................................................................. . 14 Principal Funding Sowces................................................................................................................................ 15 Reserves Policy.................................................................................................................................................. 16 Investment Policy.................................................................... .... .16 Future Plans for AVOW.......................................................... ... .17 Reference and administrative details............................................................................................ ........................ 18 Directors and Trustees......................................................................................................................................... 18 Structure. Governance and Management.............................. ....... .20 Governing Document ,.... .20 Organisational Structure........................................................................ ... .20 Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees.......................................................................................................20 Trustee induction and training........................................................................................ .. .. .20 Related Parties......................................................... .21 Pay Policy for Senior Staff............................................................................................................................ .21 Risk Tnanagement.......................................................................................................................................... . .22 Vision Statement.......... .22 Mission Statement........................................................................................................................................... .22 Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees ..........................................................................................................23 Members of the Board of Trustees....................................................................................................... .............23 Independent Auditors Report........................ .25-28 Ststement of Financial Activities..............................,.................................................................,................................ 29 Balance SheeL.............................................................................................................................................................. . ..30 Statement of Cash Flow..................................................................................................................................................31 Note to the Financial Statements...........................................................................................................................3247 Objectives and Activities The objects of the charity as stated in the Memorandum and Articles of Association as amended are: To promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the area of Wrexham County Borough and in particular the advancement of education, the furtherance of health, the relief of poverty, distress and sickness. Each year the Trustees review these objectives and activities to ensure they continue to reflect the aims of the organisation. In carrying out this review the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. The strategies and activities employed to achieve the charity's objectives are: To provide and promote an accessible and relevant range of locally available support services to enhance development and effectiveness of voluntary/community action. To identify the views of local community groups and represent these views to decision makers e.g., Welsh Government (WG), Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and local ststutory bodies, and in ways which lead to effective outcornes and partnerships. To assist the development of locally determined and a￿eed initiatives, which meet the needs of the voluntary sector and enhance community participation. To develop and sustain an effective volunteering service. To encourage recruitment into charitable, voluntary and cornrnunity services. To provide and promote accurate, current and relevant infonnation. To provide and promote a funding advice service for voluntary organisations. To provide and promote a range of training courses to the local voluntary sector. To assist organisations to operate legally and efficiently. To facilitate/support the establishment of effective structured partnerships with the local authority and other agencies for the benefit of voluntary and community organisations. To identify issues of concern to voluntary and community organisations. To identify gaps in provision that can be met by new or existing voluntary organisations working in collaboration with statutory bodies. To promote the interests of the Third Sector in planning service development including community regeneration projects. To establish links with the cory)orate sector. and To prornote the sectorfs role in Health and Social Care. Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW) AVOW is the County Voluntary Council (CVC) for Wrexham and is part of Third Sector Support Wales (TSSWI. TSSW consists of the 19 CVCS in Wales as well as Wales Council for Voluntary Action {WCVA). The shared goal is to enable the Third Sector and volunteers across Wales to contribute fully to individual and community wellbeing, now and for the future. The focus of work concentrates on four pillars of activty". Volunteering Good Governance Sustainable Funding Engagement and Infiuencing Strategic Report Introduction This report includes the combined reports of the Trustees Annual Report and the Directors Report. This section. the Strategic Report, brings together the contents for 'Achievements and Performance,, inancial Review and 'Plans for Future Periods, {herein called 'Future Plans For AVOW,). It contains the information required by the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors, Report) Regulations 2013. Achievements and performance AVOW 2023-24 Core High]ights AVOW records all interactions, funding support. grants distiibution, training and events on a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Our statistics are shared with Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW) who in turn reports the overall finds to Welsh Government. AVOW'S key perfonnance indicators for 2023-24 are as follows: Funding obtained following support from AVOW Funding awarded by AVOW Organisations supported with direct advice Organisations SUPPOTted with specialist advice Training participants Partnership Events Parthership event attendees Volunteers supported to enter volunteering Individuals placed into volunteering Total membership ofAVOW AGM Attendance £2,448,460 £465,716 365 241 235 26 522 233 211 149 83 Development Activities and Achievements: Core Services AVOW'S commitment to Welsh Government as the County Voluntary Council for Wrexham is to provide free advice and signposting around the four core pillars of. Good Governance, Sustainable Funding, Volunteering, and Engagement and Influencing. Governance AVOW provides guidance and signposting to expert organisations for community groups of all sizes on the appropriate governing stn]ctures. For example, in Autumn 2023. AVOW supported the development of the Wrexham Community and Cultural Trust, with specific guidance on the structure of the governing document, po]icies and procedures. The Tn￿t was developed through feedback from WCBC'S unsuccessful bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. The event judges felt while Wrexham had a strong bid and placed in the top four cities in the county. they were edged out by Bradford due to a lack of a fonnalised organisation to manage the events. AVOW holds a seat on the interim board to offer guidance and support as they navigated first setting up a Cornpany Limited by Guarantee - Non-Profit and then through the Registered Charity application with the Charities Commission. Funding AVOW supported 155 organisations with filliding advice and increased interactions by 71 % over the previous year. Meet the Funder, online events, were offered to improve knowledge around The National Heritage Lottery Fund, Postcode Lottery and Arts Council for Wales. The AVOW Funding Facebook page provides funding news/updates has 324 followers. AVOW partnered with Cadwyn Clwyd to apply for funding from WCBC'S Shared ProspeTity Funds to offer a Key Fund to community and voluntary organisations whose projects did not meet the £250.000 threshold for the oiiginal funding stream. This fund was established to create a small and a large grant (£ 10,000/£50,000 respectively) for Wrexham based community organisations. To date, funding of £446,629 has been allocated to support 23 organisations throughout the borough of Wrexham. AVOW'S Funding Officer was seconded to this project the equivalent of two days per week for the duration of the funding. AVOW rebranded the WCVA Youth Led Grants Initiative as the Wrexham Young Influencers. Local youth aged 13 to 25 partiapated in the WYI which is a grant making body for young people by young people. A total of £7,660 was awarded to nine youth-led initiatives. Projects included establishment of a new youth club in a rural location, equipment for silent discos, a biodiverse accessible hotspot and holiday care packages for young people at risk of homelessness who were facing their first ho]iday season on their own. Volunteering This year a new Volunteering in Wales website was fornially launched by TSSW and WCVA. AVOW played a key rol¢ in the development of this website and supported numerous organisations and volunteers through the registration process. AVOW added 72 organisations with active volunteering opportunities in WTexham to the www.volunteerin -wales.net website. AVOW assisted an additional 79 individual volunteers with the online registration process. A VOW, s in person volunteer opportunities team recorded an additional 85 placements in the year. Volunteer Manager Network Meetings are in person events to support local organisations with all aspects of volunteering from recruittnent and retention to policies and procedures. A quarterly joint network meeting has been developed combining all AVOW networks (Volunteering, Health and Wellbeing, Social Justice) to encourage cross networking and sharing of best practices throughout the Voluntary and Community Sector organisations of Wrexham. This new fonnat was very popular, reaching more than 100 registered participants. Statistics show that more than 400 individuals read the Volunteer Network newsletters which became bi-lingual in 2023. To celebrate the annual Volunteers Week { 1° to the 7th of June). AVOW arranged two volunteer recognition events; one for adult and one for youth volunteers, More than 100 people attended the two events at Ial Restaurant Coleg Cambria. WCBC Lord Mayor Andy WilliaJns and High Sheriff Kate Hill Trevor present certificates to more than 75 volunteers assisted by the AVOW Chair Peter Howell. The event provided an opportunity for AVOW to thank volunteers for their valued contribution to the Wrexham Community with a special musical perforniance by local community group; Dynamic Signing Sensations. Engagement AVOW is responsible for ensuring the Third Sector is appropriately represented on county and regional decision-making bodies, To this end. AVOW actively engages with Public Service organisations ensuring that the voice and views of the Third Sector are presented to strategic partnerships and considered within consultations. The Third Sector should always play a major part in the way that strategies and services can be developed as the champion of the community. AVOW'S Third Sector representation is widely varied. A sample of regularly attended boards and steering groups is listed below. Most meetings during 2023124 continued on digital plarforn]s that have often resulted in higher attendance rates ensuring the Third Sector is heard by the widest possible audience: Wrexham Shared Prosperity Fund Steering Board Wrexham Town Board Wrexham and Flintshire Public Service Board Regional Parts]ership Board Wrexham Civic Leaders Board Wrexham Youth Justice Fonlln Regional Integration Fund Regional Management Group. AVOW enjoys a strong relationship with our local authority, Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC). The Chief Officer has regular meetings with the WVBC Senior Leadership Team to discuss issues facing the sector as well as find synergies between Council and community led initiatives. Marketing and Social Media In October 2023. AVOW recruited a Marketing and Media Manager to improve the organisations reach into the local community with special regard to Welsh language standards. AVOW has focused on creating a strategy to maximise relevant connection with our information. as well as ensuring AVOW has a PTesence on new and emerging social media platfornis (Mastodon and Bluesky, for eL8mple} as the landscape continues to evolve. Facebook remains the primary focus. which also includes tnstsgram as the platforms are now connected. Accessible Wrexham Facebook page and given it a new lease of ]ife. In FY 23124 AVOW launched a new bilingual website with improved accessibility and more relevant information for users, with an updated news page that is able to hold both press-releases and current articles. Work has been done on improved branding and brand recognition, with improved logos for Shopmobility and the Community Hubs, as well as refreshing the colours on the main AVOW logo to match the new, vibrant colours of the website. AVOW produced new marketing materials and created a Team Unifonn for Events and Activities. Website: Avow.ory {re-launched November 2023) Users: 12K Average Engagement: Im User Origin: Organic search (6999). or following a direct link (3435) Facebook: AVOW Main Page (FY 23/24) Reach: 97.3K Content Interactions: 4.6K Visits: 13.IK Followers: 3.8K Development Activities and Achievements.. Health and Wellbeing Team Health and Wellbeing Officer The Third Sector Health and Wellbeing Development Officer (Health & Wellbeing Officer) is responsible for ]inking health and wellbeing organisations providing services in Wrexham with statutory services to ensure complete care for our citizens. The Health & Wellbeing Network (run jointly with FLVC} facilitates these organisations to network throughout the year. AVOW created a Joint Network which included representatives from; the LGBTQI+ Network, the Children's and Young People Network (Wrexham specific), and Covid Food Poverty and Inequality Network Forum, linking poor health vrith poverty and inequalities in the Wrexham population (inverse care). This Joint Network meeting proved popular as it reduced the number of meetings on the calendar and increased co-production among the varied groups who may not normally come into contact with one another. The Health and Wellbeing Officers from all six North Wales CVCS held two joint events in 2023/24. The fjrst event was a Christmas end of the year Network attracting local aThd regional organisations. The second was held on the the 14th March at the Rhyl Rugby Club in Flintshire. Centre. The theme of the event was social prescribing best practices and highlighted the many innovations at work in North Wales. Over 80 participants attended. This conference was so popular that a waiting list had to be opened for guests. The AVOW. WCBC. and BCUHB partnership makes up the Wrexham Wellbeing Hub Steering Group. The Steering Group has overseen the further development of the Wrexham Wellbeing Hub and the feasibility Study into creating a Health and Wellbeing Hub in Cefn Mawr. Wellbeing Hub Development Officer In 2022 AVOW, with seed fimding from WCBC, developed a Community Hub Development Officer role to reinvigorate underutilized community buildings to bring rneaningful services to local citizens in their own communities. Due to the success of the pilot project at the Gwersyllt Resource Centre, AVOW continues to solely fund this role in 23 /24. AVOW is actively seeking ￿ndIng to continue this vital project. 10 The AVOW led Gwersyllt Community Support Hub continues to grow and offers beneficiaries support and infonnation on a range of services, learning opportunities. activities and groups to support health and wellbeing. Over 3300 interactions have taken place in FY23/24' including exercise classes, cooking, digital inclusion. training and coffee mornings. Complimentary to the daily activities. AVOW organized two health and wellbeing events featuring the local services provided by more than 30 partner agencies. These additional events brought over 180 community members to the Gwersyllt Hub to learn about the services. Robust partnership working has been fundamental to the success of the Hub so far with the hub Officer proactively tying to engage new organisations and beneficiaries to the Hub so that more people can access services and improve health and wellbeing. Another essential part of the Hub's success has been through the growing number of Hub volunteers. increasing from l Hub volunteer in May 2023 to 8 volunteers. The voluntsers have contributed enthusiasm, friendliness, support and dedication to the Hub which has seen them flourish within their role and as individuals which has been a pleasure to witness. Shopmobility & Accessibility In FY23/24 AVOW merged the roles of Accessibility Development Officer and Shopmobility Manager to create a more cohesive accessibility offering in Wrexham. The AVOW Wrexham Shopmobility service operates from Wrexham bus station hiring out scooters and wheelchairs to enable people with mobility issues the freedom to access shops and services. Accessible Wrexham is a SI￿pOSting forum to encourage people with any physical or hidden disability to have access to Wrexham and all it has to offer. Shopmobility service has grown from opening only two days (Monday & Thursday l 0:00 - 16.00) to a full five days {Monday - Friday l 0:00 - 16.00). Shopmobility is also introducing one Saturday opening per month and bespoke extended opening hours for special events such as St. David's Day and Holiday Markets. AVOW received grant funding from The National Lottery, Tesco and the Ann Dutchess of Westminster Foundation. Through this funding AVOW has replaced the ageing and unreliable fleet of scooters with eight Pride ZTIO mobility Scooters. one Kymco Maxi XLS and four Pride Aluma lite boot scooters. We have also introduced four Excel Elise disability pushchairs designed for older chlldren with additional needs; opening our service to a whole new demographic of members. Shopmobility has improved its social media & digital reach as well as producing traditional advertisement material which has led to a 11 huge increase in both new membership and both short- & long-term scooter rentals. WCBC has also partnered with AVOW to purchase mobility scooters that suit the needs of our growing clientele. To create a truly Accessible Wrexham, AVOW is working to create a network of community gTOUPS, service providers. and well-being hubs within Wrexham. with the support of local businesses, to gain a working knowledge and understanding of the many different accessibility needs and requirements of the wide and varying demographics of Wrexham. February 2024 saw the launch of the Accessibility & Shopmobility roadshow. The road shows offer the opportunity to learn about the services available in Shopmobility while reducing, or even removing, hidden barriers such as language, location, and anxiety, that might prevent people accessing the service. It also provides a platform to meet new demographics from across Wrexham, to learn and understand their accessibility concerns and needs, form relationships, and offer help and support. Development Activities and Achievements.. Special Projects Wrexham Community Lottery AVOW, in eonjunction with Gatherwell. created and launched the lottery with over 40 local good causes on board in 2021. Ticket holders can win up to £25.000 as well as support a local cause who keep 500/0 of ticket sales. 2023/ 2024 was the full financial year of the project and AVOW, from their own ticket sales and a small 0/0 of overall ticket sales. have raised £2.708 in the reporting period. Local causes have raised £16,227 since the project stsrted. Development Activities and Achievements: Local Projects Little Sunflowers Childcare Centre, Plas Madoc AVOW Board of Trustees oversee the Little Sunflowers Childcare Centre (LSCC). The Centre offers childcare provision from age 2 to 4years of age through.. Flying Start Rising 3,8 and 4's Early Education 12 30-hour childcare offer Funded Early Education provided a grant of £250 through the Recruit, Recover, Raise Standards programme for raising standards in emotional, learning, and physical needs. LSCC purchased loose parts to enhance creative learning and develop the indoorloutdoor environment in line with the new curriculum. Little Sunflowers have this year been successful in received £15,000 from Neumark Foundation to a breakfast club and a fun club to provide additional support to children and parents. Breakfast club: This daily programme ensures all children have access to breakfast before starting the nursery lessons. The ftmding allows children with special dietary requirements to eat safely with their friends. Along with the food provided by the Neumark Foundation this programme also receives regular donations of cereal and cereal bars from Kellogg's in Wrexham. Family Fun club: This drop-in group runs Monday. Wednesday and Friday and offers infomation and support on a range of parenting challenges while the participants enjoy arts and craft, and other fun activities. This group has been very popular TOrith 25-30 attending every session. Thursday afternoons are reserved for private sessions for families who may require additional support. Play and Community Development Team, Plas Madoc The AVOW Play and Community Development Team is funded through Invest Local, Children in Need and Families First to work in Plas Madoc providing a service for children, parents and adults of the community. The team continued to use National Lottery Community Funds to develop a new model of integrated Play and Community Development work which building on existing high-quality Play and Youth provision and extending our reach into the wider community. The Land, our junk playground, also offers volunteering opportunities for young people and adults within the Community - this scheme aims to increase levels of aspiration and improve the life chances of adults and also young people not in employment, education or training. We aim to work towards offering more forn￿1 access locally to dedicated programmes of support linked to training and education which can equip young people/adults who would otherNise be caught up in cycles of joblessness or se]f-lirniting behaviour. Other services for youth, families, and the wider community: Youth Activities., Playschemes/ Street Schemes, Street Football, Youth Club I: I work support for children with additional needs 13 parent￿ Support Kettle Club, Breakfast & Brews. Crafty Brew The Panty provides access to affordable food. Weekly drop-in meetings open to all community members. Over 50's: Social support and activities for older residents. Environmental Projects: Garden Gang and Plants Madoc Volunteer scheme AVOW are fundholders for Plas Madoc Invest Local which funds WAPM who Cu￿entlY contribute towards the Play/Community Development Manager and a Cornmunity Development Officer for We are Plas Madoc. Financial Review AVOW started the financial year with a predicted surplus of £26k, due to additional funds received and strategic changes in year this has increased to a £45k surplus on unrestricted funds as shown in the accounts. We are currently midway through multiple 5-year grants from The National Lottery, Community Funds for The Land, Little Sunfiowers and Flying start with WCBC and are financially secure. We received additional funds in year from The Lottery Community Fund, Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund and we were one of the first charities in Wales to benefit from the Charity Cornmission Revita]ising Trusts scheme. We will continue to look to the future and plan financially to apply for additional funding sources in order to support the core function of AVOW but also to seek continuation funding for those projects that may be coming to the end of their funding period. We will continue to monitor our finances monthly with the help of detailed management reports, and also through quarterly Trustee Finance rneetings. These meetings are a chance to debate, challenge and question any figures that are presented. The AVOW building continues to be well occupied and brings in additional funds to support AVOWS core functions. The building continues to need additional works as highlighted in the 2022 building survey and the unrestricted funds SU￿luS noted in year has been designated to support the building works in future years. This investment into the building will ensure we have a healthy Working environment for staff, volunteers and Trustees but also a vibrant environment for tenants and possibly increase occupancy. AVOW continues to be a Real Living Wage (RLW) employer and increased staff to a rninimum of £12 per hour from 1st January 2024, with all other staff receiving an uplift of the larger of 50/0 or £2,350 (pro rats). 14 Inflation was high during the year and Trustees want to ensure we retain staff and reduce the burden of fjnancial difficulties as best we can. We have been fortunate during the year to manage our cash flow wisely and invest in multiple long tenn fixed investsnents through Flagstone. Due to the continuous high interest rates in year, we have generated £9,441 in bank interest between our Flagstone accounts and our current accounts. We continue to aim to deposit 4/5 deposits under the FSCS level of £85,000 at one time, and which mature equally throughout the year. Restricted reserves have increased in year to a value of £384,084. Unrestricted fiu]ds have also increased during the year due to the additional projects and grants undertaken in the year. AVOW now have a very robust unrestricted balance of £538,455 at the 3 1st March 2024. These funds are broken down into designated building costs £ 177,930, Redundancy/Other costs £167,354, Leaving our general reserves at £193,170 and free reserves at £69,609. We will appty for match funding and/or capital grants to part fund building upgrades, however. we have assigned the additional restricted funding to ensure Ty Avow receives the necessary repairs and maintains its value as an asset. The Trustees have reviewed all finances for 2024/2025 and accepted a budget to 3 IBt March 2025 that shows a small surplus of £1,635. This sU￿lUS has derived from the wise planning decisions. changes in the stsffing structure. and additional project funding secured. We will continue to build on this pattern of decision making and actively seek new project opportunities to ensure the longevity of the organisation. Principal Funding Sources The principal funding sources for AVOW remains the Infrastructure Core Grant from the Welsh Government - administered by Wales Council for Voluntary Action. There are other various grants and Service Level Agreements with Wrexham County Borough Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board WCBC Adventure Play Project - Holiday Funds WCBC Flying Start WCBC Early Education WCBC City of Culture Grant WCBC Warm Spa￿s WCBC Shopmobility Funds WCBC RRRS WCBC EYDCP WCBC Winter ofwellness WCBC Food Poverty Grants WCBC Sustainability & Isolation Grant 15 WCBC Community Cohesion Grant WCBC Capital & Digital Inclusion Grant BCUHB Health Facilitator Other substantia] funders are detailed below: BCT Invest Local for Plas Madoc Children in Need The National Lottery Community Fund Cadwyn Clwyd We Are Plas Madoc Moondance Neumark Foundation Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund Tesco Grants Charity Commission Revitalising Trusts Reserves Policy During the year the Trustees agreed to AVOW'S policy of having at least 3-6 months annual rLU]ning costs, together with a cash flow provision and a redundancy contingency in reserve. Trustees have assigned £38K to contribute towards the ftmding to support Volunteering and Community posts (remains at 4-year level). En practice this mean £137,354, representing 3-6 months running costs, designated funds and redundancy contingency. Trustees have also designated £207,93 1 for building works on the Ty AVOW building. Total designated reserves are £345,285 which is covered by the unrestricted reserve of £538,455 at 31$t March 2024. Free reserves on 3 1st March 2023 amounted to £69.609 (3 1st March 2023 £63.765. The Trustees noted that the free reserves level at the year-end is an improvement again on last year's figures due to adapting and utilising our assets to create additional unrestricted reserves. Investment Policy AVOW'S Memorandum and Articles of Association authorises the investment of monies of the Association not immediately required for its pu￿OSe, in or upon such investsnents. securities, or property as may be thought fit subject nevertheless to such conditions if any as rnay for the time being, be imposed or required by law. In practice this has led to AVOW investing ftu]ding from its reserves with several banks to ensure that we do not exceed our lirnit of compensation cover to secure the funds within a single Bank Licence cover of £85,000. This investment decision has been reviewed regularly during the year and has been found to be the best available option for AVOW to ensure the level of risk in investing in a single source is reduced. 16 Future Plans for AVOW AVOW is actively working to improve our reach to local comrnunity organisations throughout Wrexham. We have adopted the phrase, AVOW, your County Voluntary Council to highlight that our services are available to all. AVOW will use social media to not onty highlight the good work being done by the organisation in Wrexham but also to highlight the work of the multitude of voluntary and community organisations which make Wrexham a great place to live. We now have the capability to create video content as well as podcasts to reach a wider audience. We will utilize moder technology to track and report on our social media reach. AVOW is coming to the end of an internal reorganisation which has rightsized the team and created the conditions for improved support offerings to our member organisations and community c]ients. A joint Governance initiative with our CoUnte￿artS at FLVC (Flintshire Local Voluntary Council), means that AVOW now has access to a governance expert for support on complicated matters. In May 2024, AVOW won the tender to manage the WCBC South Consortia of Cornmunity Agents. AVOW will have a team of eÉght Community Agents providing support to 18 Community Councils. Community Agents support anyone aged 50+ to improve their health and wellbeing through meaningfi]I engagement and signposting. The Community Agents will work together with our current Health and Wellbeing Team and Core Team to improve the reach of community and voluntary services throughout Wrexham County and encourage collaboration with our statutory services. AVOW recognises the success of the Community Hub Developrnent Officer role in reinvigorating community assets through connecting third sector and statutory services with local communities. The Community Hubs Officer has begun to work with Acton Community Council to bring more services to their cornmunity. We hope to offer support to more of Wrexham's Community Councils in reaching these vital services for their residents. We are actively seeking funding to continue this role, however, the challenges of funding sources for all third sector organisations are great at this time. 17 Reference and administrative details Charty number: Company number: Prlnclpal Offlce: 1043989 2993429 Ty Avow, 21 Egerton Street. Wrexham, LLI I IND Auditors: WR Partners LLP, l Edison Court, Ellice Way, Wrexham Technology ParL Wrexham, LL13 7Yr Bankers: Nat West Bank Ltd, 33 Lord Street, Wrexham, LLI I ILS Directors and Trustees The Directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively refe￿ed to as the Trustees. The Trustees serving during the year and since the year end were as follows: ointed Rea ointed Peter Howell Chair 2021 Barbara Roxburgh 2002 Retired 2023 Mervyn Dean 2015 2021 Wanjiku Mbugua 2015 2023 David Thompson 2016 2021 Howard Davies 2017 2023 Margaret Heaton 2019 18 Helen Davies 2020 Scot Owen Co-vice Chair 2020 John Swarbrick 2020 Resigned 2023 Kevin Forbes CO-V1￿ Chair 2021 Natasha Borton Shanone Towers 2023 2023 Kevin Roberts 2023 Chief Officer: Dawn Roberts-mccabe 19 Structure, Governance and Management Governing Document AVOW is a Company Limited by Guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 7th November 1994 (as arnended in 2022). AVOW is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. Membership is open to all voluntary and community organisations collectively known as the Third Sector and individuals acting for the benefit of the community either as volunteers or ernployees. The Governing Document is reviewed annually. OrganisationaI Structure The Board of Trustees, which can have no more than 20 and not less than 6 members, sets the strategic direction of the charity. The Board of Trustees meet quarterly and there is a standing Finance Committee. A Chief Officer is appointed by the TrLLStees to rnanage the day-to-day operations of the charity within a framework of delegated powers along with a team of managers. Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees The AVOW Board consists of no fewer than six and up to 20 volunteer Trustees who are also Directors of the Company serving for a three-year period. All trustees resign by rotation on a three yearly cycle. The Trustees may at any time co-opt any individual who is qualified to be appointed as a Truste to fill a vacancy in their number or as an additional Trustee, but such a co-opted Trustee holds office only until the next election of Trustees or until removed by the Trustees (whichever is earlier) or insert other restrictions. The Chair and Vice-chair of the Trustees are appointed by the Trustees annually. The Trustees have the power to appoint or co-opt fvrther Trustees to fill vacancies following a thorough skills audit of existing Trustees. Trustee induction and training New Trustees undergo an induction to brief them on legal obligations under charity and company law. the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the con]mittee and decision-making processes as well as 20 an overview of the recent financial perfonnance of the charity. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate in house and external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role. All Trustees are required to undertake online training in Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Dats Protection, PREVENT, Whisdeblowing and Infonnation Security. All Trustees have undergone a DBS check in line with the requirements of Care Inspectorate Wales as AVOW undertake regulated activity at Little Sunflowers Child Care in Plas Madoc. Related Parties AVOW collaborates with a wide range of partners at local. regional, and national levels. These include public bodies and other third sector organisations. The pU￿Ose of the collaboration indudes development of new projects and services, to secure additional resowces. or to represent the interests of the third sector. AVOW receives core funding from the Welsh Government (administered by Wales Council for Voluntary Action, WCVA), through the National Infrastructure Agreement. The charity builds on this core funding by attracting support from a range of sources including Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC), Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board {BCUHB) and Cadwyn Clwyd. Where trustees have any links with related parties these are declared on a register and trnstees are required to declare any potential conllict of interest at the start of each meeting where the Chair will take appropriate action. The Trustees consider the Board of Trustees, Chief Officer and Development Manager (Volunteer. Community, and Finance) as comprising the key management personnel of the charity. All the Trustees give their time freely and no Trustee remuneration was paid in the year. Trustees are required to declare all relevant interests and withdraw from decisions where a confiict of interest arises. Pay Policy for Senior Staff The Finance Conmiittee meet annually to review the pay and remuneration of the senior management team. The review of all senior staff pay is referenced to the NJC negotiated pay scales but not fully adopted. Any proposed adjustments to the pay of the senior managernent team are confirnied by the Finance Committee. 21 Risk management An organisational Risk Register has been produced and is reviewed by Trustees annually. This identifies organisational risks and the risk management strategies in place to mitigate those risks. Specialist advisors are contracted to oversee all Health and Safety matters by assessing and advising on risk assessrnents to ensure the safety of staff. volunteers, visitors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders and the Trustees consider the charity to be well positioned to manage. AVOW contracts with external professional advisors on matters such as: Employment (renewed May 2022) Health & Safety (2024 foT three years) Insurance (June 2023 for three years) Financial Auditing (next review January 2025) Vision Statement The AVOW Vision is the voluntary and community sectors achieving their missions for the benefit of the comrnunity within the County Borough of Wrexham. Mission Statement To enable the voluntary and community sectors to achieve their missions for the benefit of the cornmunity within the County Borough of Wrexham, AVOW will". Support the development of individuals and organisations within the voluntary and community sectors. Establish and sustain good practice. Undertake the provision of services appropriate to the voluntary and community sectors. Consult, represent and champion the voluntary and community sectors locally and nationally. 22 Annual Trustee and Staff Awaydays are held to focus on key issues and identify challenges and OPPOTtunities' to ensure that Core functions are in line with the aims and objectives. Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which glve a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. tn preparing such financial statements, the Board of Trustees follows best practice and; selects suttable accounting policies and applies them consistently. observes the methods and principles in the charities SORP. makes jlld￿ents and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and prepares the financial statements on the "going concern" basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis. The Board of Trustees is responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable companYs transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. Members of the Board of Trustees Members of the Board of Trustees, who are Directors for the purpose of company law and Trnstees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 3. In accordance with company law, as the company's directors, we ￿rtify that: so far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit infonnation of which the company's auditors are unaware; and we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit infonnation and to establish that the charitys auditors are aware of that infonnatio 23 Auditors WR Partners LLP, l Edison Court, Ellice Way. Wrexharn Technology Park, Wrexham, LL13 7Yr were appointed, following a tender process in December 2014, as the charitable company's auditors and have continued in that capacity until the end of the 2021 /22 financial year. The tender process was completed in January 2022 and WR Partners were instructed to continue as Audit provider for a further 3 years. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2015 and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102. Approval This Trustees, Annual Report and Strategic Report was approved by the Board of Tntstees on 3rd September 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Peter Howell (Chair) 24 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM Oplnlon We have audited the financial statements of the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (the 'charitsble company,) for the year ended 31 March 2024 whlch comprlse the Statement of Financlal Actlvltles. the Balance Sheet. the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accountlng pollcles. The financial reportlng framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UnSted Kingdom Accountlng Standards. Includln8 Flnanclal Reportln8 Standard 102 The Financial Reportlng Stsndard 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 charitsble cornpany's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incomin8 resources and application of resources, including its income and expendlture for the year then ended; have been properly preparecl in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basls for oplnlon We conducted our audit in accordance wlth International Standards on Auditin8 (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and appllcable law. Our responsibilitles under those standards are further descrlbed In the Audltors, responslbllitles for the audit of the flnanclal statements sectlon of our report. We are Independent of the charitable company in accordance wlth the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, Including the Flnancial Reportlng Councll's Ethlcal Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibil itles In accordance wlth these requlrements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained 15 Sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relatlng to golng concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees, use of the golng concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed. we have not Identlfled any material uncertalnties relatlng to events or conditions that individually or collectlvely, may cast Significant doubt on the charitable company's abllltyto continue as a going concern for a period of at leasttwelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for Issue. Our responsibllities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respett to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 25 Other Informatlon The other information comprises the Informatlon Included In the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors, 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 ststed in our report, we do not express anyform 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 financia1 statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identty such material inconslstencies 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 nothin8 to report in this regard. Oplnlon on other rnatters prescrlbed by the Companies Act 2(K16 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: the information glven in the Tru5tees' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the flnancial statement5. the Trustees, Report has been prepared Sn accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are requlred to report by exceptlon In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the Charitable Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees, Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companles Act 2006 requires us to reporttoyou If, In our opinion: adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not VlSlted by us- or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accountlng records and returns,. or certain disclosures of Trustees, rernuneration specified by law are not made; or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. Responslbillties of trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees, Responsibilities StatemenL the Trustees (who are also the dlrectors of the charitable company for the purposes 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 15 necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from materlal misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements. the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable companys ability to continue as a going concern, disclosin& as applicable, matters related to going concern and uslng the going concern 26 basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operatlons, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditors. responsibilltles for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financlal statements as a whole are free from material misstatement,whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs reportthat includes our oplnlon. Reasonable assurance Is a hlgh level of assurance, but 15 not a guarantee that an audlt conducted In accordance wlth ISAS (UK} wlll always detect a material misstatement when It exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if. Indivldually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users tsken on the basls of these flnancial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instsnces of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilitie5, Outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respett of Irregulartties, includlng fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularltles. including fraud is detailed below: The auditteam obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatoryframeworks that are applicable to the charitable company and determined that the most significant are those which relate to the reporting framework ￿ he CharitysoRP 2019), the relevanttax compliance regulations and the General Data Protectlon Re8ulation (GDPR). We understood how the charltable company complles wlth these frameworks by maklng enquiries of management and those responsible for legal and compllance procedures. We also revlewed board minutes to identify any recorded instsnces of irregularity or non-compliance that might have a material impact on the financSal statements. We assessed the susceptibility of the charitable compan￿5 financial statements to material misstatement including how fraud may occur by meeting with key management to understand where they considered there was a susceptibly to fraud. Based on our understanding our procedures involved enquiries of management and those charged with governance, manual Journal entry testlng, cashbook reviews for large and unusual items and the challenge of significant estimates used in preparlng the financial statements. Because of the Inherent Ilmltatlons of an audiL there Is a rlsk that we will not detect all irregularities, Including those leadlng to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increasesthe more thatcompliance with a law or re8ulation is removed from the event5 and transattions reflected in the financial statements. as we will be less Ilkely to become aware of instances of non- compliance. The risk Is also greater regardlng Irregularltles occurrlng due to fraud rather than error. as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omlsslon or mSsrepresentation. 27 The engagement team consisted of a team that the en8a8ement partner believes Is equlpped wlth the relevant level of technlcal and society awareness to carry out ourwork to the required standard. A further description of ou r responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's webslte at: Thls descriptlon forms part of our auditor's report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable compan515 members, a5 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 compan￿5 members th05e matters we are required to state to them in an Auditorfs 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 ivs members as a body, for our audit work, for this repor¢ or for the opinions we have formed. WR Partners Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor5 1Edison Court Ellice Way Wrexham Technology Park Wrexham LL137 Date: /1 WR Partners are eligible to act as auditors In terms of sectlon 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. 28 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) Unrestrlcted Funds Rostrlcted Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2024 2023 INCOME Incoming resources from generated funds Donations and legacies Investment Income-interesl receivable Income from charltable activities 1.797 9,441 354,953 201 1,998 9,441 978,541 2,227 2,296 934,443 623,588 Total in¢ome 366.191 623.789 989,980 938,966 EXPENDITURE Charitable activities 428,693 446,g03 875,596 949,293 Total expenditure 428,693 446,903 875,596 949,293 Net (expendltur•yln¢ome for the year b•for• transfers (62,502) 176,886 114.383 {10,327} Gross transfers between funds 107,787 (107,787) Net movement In funds 45,285 69,099 114,383 (10,327) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 493,170 314.985 808,155 818,482 Total funds carried forward 14 538,455 384,084 922,539 808,155 The Statement of Flnanclal Activities Includes all galns and losses in the year. All Income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 29 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Tangible Ass8ts 11 219,469 228,789 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at Bank and In Hand 12 84.965 776.644 861,609 34.022 665,785 699,807 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 13 158,358 120,441 NEf CURRENT ASSETS 703.070 579,366 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 922,539 808,155 Credltors: Amounts falllng due aft•r more than one year 13 NET ASSETS 922,539 808.155 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY: Restricted funds Unrestricted funds General reserves Designated funds 14 384,084 314.985 14 14 193,170 345,285 193.170 300,000 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 922,539 808.155 The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for comptying with the r8quirements of tha Act with respect to accounting records and their preparation of financial ststemenls. The financial ststemenls were approved by the Board of Directors 3rd September 2024 and signed on its behalf by.. Potor Howell (Chairnian) 30 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Cash flows from operatlng actlvltles Net movements in funds Adjustments for.. Depreciation of tangible fixed assets (Increaseydecrease in debtors Increasel(decrease) in creditors 115.732 (10,327) 31.867 (67,167) 52,975 35.225 187,504 (75.040) Net Gash generated from operating activiiies 133.407 137,362 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of Fixed Assets (22.549) {6,252) Net Cash used in investing activities 22,549 6,252 Nel increasel(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and (ash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 110.858 665.785 776.643 131,110 534,675 665,785 Cash and cash equivalents at the yearend comprise: Cash at bank and in hand 776.643 776,643 665,785 665,785 31 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES: . The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the financial statements: (a) Basis of preparatlon of accounts The financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (October 201￿ (Charities SORP (FRS102)), The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham {AVOW) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. (b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis The Trustees have reviewed the current position for 202412025 and anticipate that they will fulfil the sarne service delivery in 202312024. Any cuts in income will have the appropriate decrease in expenses to safeguard the current level of unrestricted reserrfes. (c) Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with r8a8onable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statements of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Donated services and facilities are included atthe value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of service provided by the volunteers has not been included in these accounts. Investment income is included when re￿1Vable. Incoming resources from charitable trading aclivity are accounted for when earned. Incoming resources from grants, when related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance. (d) Donated services and facilities Donated professional ServI￿S and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over them, any condition associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the chaTity of the item is probable and the economic benefit can be rneasured reliably. In accordan￿ with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) general volunteer time is not recognised, On re￿ipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in the expenditure in the period of receipt. 32 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 (e) Interest receivable Interest on funds held on deposit Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is nomially upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. (fj Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charty which the Trustees have decided at their discretion lo set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charities work or for specific projects being undertaken. Internal Iransfers between funds relate to management costs, support and administration Gharges applied to the projects and recharged back to unrestricted costs. These are a contribution towards management, support and administration cost8 of the chaiity as a whole. (g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT Expendilure is recognised On￿ there is a legal or constructive obligalion to make a payment to a third party. il is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. (h) Allocation of support costs Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not direclly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and govemance costs which supports AVOW and its activities. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation Purchases of furniture and equipment are capitalised where they can be used for more than one year and cost over £500. Depreciation on fixed assets is calculated to write down their costs or valuation to their estimated residual value over the period of their economic lives at the following rates: _ Freehold propety Furniture and Fixtures Computers and Equipment Motor Vehicles 20A straight line basis 200/0 Straight line basis 33 % straight line basis 20 % straight line basis ti) Debtors Trade and oth8r debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discount due. (k) Cash at bank and In hand 33 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Cash at bank and Gash in hand includes cash and short-term investments. (l) Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are nonnally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. (m) Flnancial instruments The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which a subsequently measured at the amortised cost using the effective interest method. (n) Pensions All employees are invited to join AVOWS workplace pension provided by The Peoples Pension with a non-contributory 7 % contribution on gross salary. The pension is auto enrolment compliant and all those who had not joined the pension scheme as of November 2015 were automatically enrolled when necessary. The contributions made for the accounting period are treated as an expense and were £35,147 (2023: £34,605) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement Estirnates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expeGtations of future events that are believed to be r88sonable under the circumstances. Critical accounting estlmated and assumptlons: The charity makes estimates and assumptions con￿MIng the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related aclual results. In the opinion of the Trustees there a￿ no estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. 34 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2 LEGAL STATUSES OF THE CHARITY AVOW is a company limited by guarantee and has no share Gapital. Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrestricted Restrl¢ted 3 INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Membershlp Fees Donations and Legacios (including Gift Aid) 1,408 1,408 1,105 389 1.122 1.797 201 £1.998 2,227 Income from membership fees, donation and legacies was £1,998 (2023: £2.227) of which £1,797 was unrestricted (2023: £1,140) and £201 was restricted (2023: £1,087). Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrestricted Restricted INCOMING FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Grants and Other Sorvico Contract Income Wrexham Counly Borough Councll Plas Madoc Flying Start Early Education Shopmobility Adventure Play Grant Families First RRRS Communlty Coheslon Grant Ageing Well Capital Digital Inclusion Food Poverty Grants WCBC LSCC Childcare Funding WCBC EYDCP WCBC City of Culture Grant WCBC Wami Spaces 88,455 8,750 88,455 8.750 81.762 15.150 10,000 27.000 29.343 2,367 16,290 33.060 250 2.250 22,727 72,449 18,290 33,060 250 2,250 22,727 72,449 72.000 20,000 470 1.500 12.500 1.950 (Continued on next pag&) 35 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrestricted Restricted 4a. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BCUHB Health Facilitator Wales Council for Voluntary Action Local Voluntary Scheme Child Povety Youth Led Grants (Xher Funders Anne Duchess of Westminster Lottery Lottery Community Fund Children In Need Charity Commission Moondance Plas Madoc Invest Local Cadwyn Clwyd We Are Plas Madoc Tesco Neumark Foundation Wrexham University Gwersyllt Community Council Barclaycard Community Football Neighbourly Fund AVOW Loneliness & Isolation Fund Asset Lock Match Funding 42.452 42,452 42,452 200.754 200,754 188,404 2.000 6.650 6,650 6,650 10,000 92,646 10,000 18.838 30.000 10,000 92,646 10,000 18,838 30,000 90.287 22,511 35.000 78,174 26.289 1.888 78,174 50,895 78,174 50,895 990 2,500 990 2.500 3.000 500 500 1.000 5.000 555 4,660 16,211 13,231 555 4,660 16,211 13,231 11,360 Totsl Grants Recelvable 622.033 822,787 789 015 36 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrnstrict¢d R•8trlcted 4b. INCOME EARNED FROM OTHER ACTMTIES Rents and services Photocopying and postage Payroll serwlces Training courses Community Lottery LSCC Income Shopmobllity Other income 45.513 200 78,304 5.529 2,025 9,531 5,982 7,115 45,513 157 78.304 5,529 2,923 9,531 5,982 7,816 28,467 73 76,629 4,065 3,708 20,519 5,727 6.240 (43) 898 700 354,953 623,288 978,541 934,443 Income from charitable activities was £978,541 (2023: £934,443) of which £354,953 related to unrestricted reserves (2023: £341.124) and £623,288 restricted reserves (2023: £593,319). 37 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrestrlctod Restricted 5 ANALYSES OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARrrABLE ACTIVITIES: Grants Payable Youth Led Grants MAD Grant WG Food Poverty Glyndwr UnNersity WCBC City of Culture WCBC loneliness & Isolation WCBC Food Poverty Other Costs of Charitable Activity Volunteer Match Staff salaries & pensions Staff travel Stsff tralning Other staff costs DBS Charges Volunteer expenses & Training Depreciation Telephone Computer maintenance and expenses Insurance Heat and light Water rates Repairs and maintenance Printing. postage & stationery Projects and events Project publicity and promotion costs Sundry expenses Bank charges Subscriptions, books and publications Research Project Shopmobility Van Expenses 7.659 7,659 8.150 5,292 3,000 3,000 9.250 33.000 20,000 16.500 {1,543) 16.5(XJ {1,543) 13.231 274,336 798 5,818 1.892 437 13.231 624,928 1,264 6.142 1,892 14,061 622,305 891 808 6,764 641 91 35,227 1.671 19,812 9,309 5,994 432 21.696 1.716 61,593 3.069 732 3.521 1.532 5,000 3,881 561 350,592 466 324 45 26,025 971 23.019 8,421 6,341 498 23,106 2,264 3.582 1.176 231 3,954 1.009 5,844 210 20 2,127 31,869 1.181 23,039 10,548 6,341 498 24,385 2.279 46.495 9.119 231 3.954 1.009 1,279 15 42,913 7.943 1.993 1,993 2.062 2.062 Governan￿ Costs Audit fees Accountancy Fees Legal and professional fees AGM Expenses Health & Safety 9.866 9,866 1,770 12.401 3,575 10,356 1,770 .12.401 3,575 18.926 1,075 201 428,693 201 875,596 446,903 949,293 Expenditure on charitable activities was £875,596 (2003: £949,293) of which £428,6g3 was unrestrlcted (2023: £464.489) and £446.903 and restricted (2023.. £484.804) 38 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Total Total Costs of Activities Support C08ts 2024 2023 6 ANALYSES OF OTHER COSTS Volunteer Match Staff salaries & pensions Staff travel Staff training Other staff costs DBS Charges Volunteer expenses & Training 13,231 157,007 617 5,708 1,857 437 219 13,231 624,928 1,265 6,142 1,892 14,061 622,305 891 467,921 647 434 35 45 225 6,764 641 91 445 Other training costs Depreciation Telephone Computer maintenance and expenses Insurance Heat and light Water rates Repairs and maintenance Printing, postage & stationery Projects and events Project publicity and promotion costs Sundry expenses Bank charges Subscriptions. books and publications Research Project Shopmobility Van Expenses Legal and professional fees AGM Expenses Health & Safety 8.730 5.844 210 1,350 2,127 50 26,025 971 21.689 8,421 6,341 498 22,976 2,129 1,610 8.780 31,869 1,181 23,039 10.548 6,341 498 24.385 2.279 46,495 9.120 231 3,954 1,009 20,816 35,227 1,671 19,812 9,309 5,994 432 21,696 1,716 61.593 3,069 732 3.521 1,532 5,000 3,881 561 18,926 1,075 56 872,494 1,408 150 44,885 8.131 31 543 198 3,412 523 1,993 2,062 1,993 2,062 12.401 3.575 201 849,978 12.401 3.575 201 300,951 549,027 Expenditure on other costs was £849.978 (2023: £872.494) of which £549,027 was cost of activities (2023: £524.153) and £300,951 was support costs (2023: £330,341). 39 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 7 NEf INCOMEIEXPENDrruRE FOR THE YEAR Thls Is stated after charglng: Depreciation Auditors Remuneration 31.869 9,763 35,225 10,356 8GROSS TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS This figure comprises internal recharges for services provided by AVOW to various restricted fund projects and contributions towards AVOWS management of the restricted projects, net of any overspends on restricted projects which have been covered by general funds. A more detailed breakdown is given under note 14 c). 9TRUSTEES AND EMPLOYEE INFORMATION a) Trustees.. No Trustees received any remuneration during the year (2023- Nil). Travel expenses to the value of Nil (2023: Nil) were paid to O trustees (2023.. Nil) during the year to attend meetings. During the year a number of trustees donated their expenses to AVOW. All the transactions were conducted on an arm's length basis in support of the charity. 2024 2023 b) Employees: Stsff Costs: Salaries and Wages Social Security Costs Pension Costs Redundancy Costs 552,151 37,630 35,147 543,294 35,810 34,065 9,136 622,305 624,928 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2023- nil). The key management personnel of the charity are the Chief Officer and Development Manager for Volunteering, Community & Finance. Their employee benefits total £105,126 (2023: £73,937). 2024 2023 The average number of employees was: 27 The average number employees FTE 18 24.5 40 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 10 CORPORATION TAX The charity is exempl from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitsble objects. 11 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Furnltur• Computer Motor Equipmont Vehicles Bulldlng Fixtur•s Totals COST Opening balance 1 April 2023 Additions Disposals 292,108 151,676 1.641 51.214 96.689 20,908 591,687 22,549 Closing balance 31 March 2024 292.108 153,317 51,214 117,597 614.236 DEPRECIATION Opening Balance 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Di5P05als 141,672 5.842 144,494 4,237 46,461 2.788 30,271 19.000 362.898 31.867 Closing Balance 31 March 2024 147.514 148,731 49,249 49.271 394.765 Net Book Value 31 March 2024 586 219471 Net Book Value 31 March 2023 228 789 The freehold property referred to above is Ty Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, which is included in these financial statements at original cost less depreciation. 2024 2023 12 DEBTORS Trade Debtors Prepayments Accrued income Accwed Gift Aid Tax 64,014 20,233 403 315 84,965 24,527 4,093 5,087 315 34,022 41 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 13 CREDITORS: Amounts falllng due wlthln one year: Trade Creditors Accruals and Deferred Income PAYE & Nl Creditor Payroll Creditor 39,043 17.795 11,555 90,145 27,247 15,195 8.125 69,874 158.538 120,441 The creditor and bank balances include £106,439 in respect of the HMRC creditor for AVOWS payroll clients along with credits held on account. 42 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 14 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS TO 31ST MARCH 2024 a) Summary of funds Unrestricted Funds Re8trfcted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Brought forward Net Movement in Funds 493,170 45.285 314,985 69,099 808,155 114.384 818,482 (10.327) Carrlod forward 384,084 922,539 808,155 b) Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds: Running Costs General Fund Total 2024 Total 2023 Radundancy Contingency Brought fopNard Income & Expendrture Account Transfer from Restricted Funds 193,170 (165,214) 165,214 300.000 45.285 493,170 (119,929) 165,214 466,767 {119,929) 146,332 Carrled forward 193,170 345.285 538,455 493,170 The designated funds ￿present 6 months running costs, redundancy costs and funds to support the upgrade of the Ty Avow building. 43 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Restricted Funds Transfers froml to Unrestrlcte d Funds At 1st April 2023 Intornal Chargesloverh eads At 318t March 2024 Incomlng Outgoing Management Transfer Accessibility Projects Moondance Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund BCT Adv Play & Dev officer Plan 2 BCT DeveloDment officer BCT Plan 2 Broughton Comm Asset Lock Cadwyn 35,000 19.897 2,070 1.595 11,438 10.000 9,846 154 10.548 63,853 54,840 4,171 4,982 10.408 17.406 14.321 11.058 20 20,649 11.982 678 11,304 -8,457 43,856 35,442 43 Cadwyn Shared Pros Charity Commission Community Transport Core Buildin Glyndwr Art Grant Gwersyllt Community Cohesion 20.228 13,578 2.035 4,750 -135 30.000 30.000 4,960 4.960 129.405 6,844 123,561 3,000 3,000 2.250 2,250 Gwer5yIIt Hub Loneliness & Isolation 2,160 1,533 627 H&SC Facilitator & Dev Officer LSCC Lil Stars LSCC Capital Grant LSCC Community Foundation LSCC EYDCP LSCC Flylng stsrt LSCC Neumark 10,730 42.452 30.442 5.195 5,640 11,905 -1,745 8.750 2.753 1.000 3,252 1.953 1,953 1,710 1,710 1,655 1.655 4,506 88,455 75,648 6,552 5,121 4,372 2,212 125 163 44 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 At 1st April 2023 Transfers froml to Unrestrlrted Funds Management Transfer Internal Chargesloverhe ads Al 31st March 2024 Incorning Outgoing LSCC Play innovation 316 316 LSCC RRRS Grant LSCC St8V8 Mor LSCC Summer of Fun LSCC Winter of Wellness 1,091 250 480 861 394 394 170 750 920 579 579 MAD Grant Play Barclaycard Football Fund PM CIN PM Drama Club PM Famllies First PM Families First 2 PM Families First Parent Carers PM Families Flrst Parent Su PM Play Donatlons PM Play Lotte PM Play Neighbourfy PM WCBC Holldaylsum mer of fun PM Play Winter Pressures PM WCBC Clty of Culture PM WCBC hollda PMWG Holiday Pla 641 903 325 325 3.595 18,838 19,356 2,659 2,659 -2.241 405 405 3,601 1,750 1,554 297 12,975 12,975 9.999 9,017 737 737 492 23,060 15,483 591 1.091 5.895 12,09D 2,115 11,315 92.646 78,641 6,340 7,672 1.085 555 785 855 300 117 183 239 239 1,000 3,000 4,000 16,450 8.802 7,648 11,740 12.000 825 22,915 45 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 At 1st Aprll 2023 Intemal Chargesloverhe ads Transfer$ froml to Unrestrlcted Funds At 31st March 2024 Incomlng Outgolng Management Transfer Shopmobillty Loneliness and Isolation Shopmobility Lotte Shopmobility Tesco Blue Tokens Shopmobiliity Warm Space Social Media Training Youth led Granls VSEF WAPM Drama Club WAPM Youth Club WCBC 3rd Sector Hub WBC Ageing Well WCBC City of Culture 2.500 10,000 1.196 8,550 254 1,297 -307 3.653 3.653 4.073 6.650 7.659 650 2.414 37.967 23,289 3,261 5,222 6.291 22,727 16,500 6.227 750 750 WCBC Food Poverty WCBC Funding & advice WCBC Mobility & Digital Indusion WG Winter Pressures Wrexham Business Group Asset Lock Rounding Total -1.543 162 162 72,449 72.449 -273 -273 4.228 4.228 314,985 623,788 446.903 43,383 44,232 20,171 384084 Management chargesllnternal charges totalling £107,787 represent grant monies expended on services provided by AVOW during the year. Management transfers include contribution towards AVOWS administration according to the terms of the grant. Transfers from unrestricted funds represents any overspends which have been covered by general funds. The negative balances at the 31 st of March 2024 are timing issues and will be carried forward to the 202412025 accounts. All the grants listed above are held by AVOW and managed according to their contract restrictions. All restricted funds are used to provide services. assistsnce and advice to our members, service users and members of the public in the Wrexham area and further afield. All expenses are applled agalnst the correlating income. The property grant relates to the grant AVOW received to purchase Ty Avow, depreclatlon is charged against the income on an annual basis. Further details of these projects can be found in the Trustees Annual Report. 46 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 15 ANALYSIS OF NEf ASSEfs BEfwEEN FUNDS unreStri￿ed Funds Restrlcted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Fund Balances on 31 St March 2024 are represented by: Tangible Fixed Assets Net Current Assets 123.561 414.894 538,455 95,910 288,174 384,084 219,471 703,068 922,539 228,789 579,366 808,155 Unrostrl¢ted Funds Restrlcted Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Fund Balances on 315t March 2023 are represented by: Tangible Fixed Assets Net Current Assets 129,405 363,765 493.170 99,384 215,601 314,985 228,789 579,366 808,155 257.762 560.720 818,482 16 OPERATING LEASES At 3181 March 2024, the charity had commitments to make future minimum leases payment under non-cancellable leases as Follow.. 2023 Not later than 1 year 2.623 Later than 1 year and not 8,526 later 5 Years Later than 5 years 11,149 17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Scot Owen is Chair of the Board of Trustees at Treasure Chest, a childcare provlder based at Park CP School. Treasure chests are clients of AVOW payroll sen/ices. Sales Transactions during the year totalled £1,323 (2023: £1,300. Scott also manages Xplore who are potential beneficiaries of AVOW and provlders of services to The Land. Sales transactions £298 (2023: £91). Peter Howell is a Councillor for Wrexham County Borough Council, a Community Councillor for Gwersyllt and a Committee member of Wrexham Alhletics dub who are potential benefi¢larles of AVOW. 47 ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 318T MARCH 2024 Shanone Towers is a Directory of Litegreen who rent premlses at Ty Avow. Rent Charges in 202312024 was £7,125 (£3,375 2023) 48