Company giStratIon number.. 02982252 Charity registration number: 1045782 READING VOLUNTARY ACTION TRUSTEES. REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Holy Brook Associates Ltd D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Contents Page Reference and Administrative Details Trustees, Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) io Balance Sheet li Notes to the Financial Statements 12-21 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Reference and Administrative Details For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Trustees Ms Julie Roberts Ms Sarah Stevens Chair Ms Gillian Thomas Ms Simone Illger Mr Stephen Leitch - Treasurer Ms Kathryn Forster Mr Peter Brierley Chief Executive Officer Mrs R L Spencer Charity Number 1045782 Company Number 02982252 Principal Address 35-39 London Street Reading Berkshire RGI 4PS Registered Office Risc 35-39 London Street Reading RGI 4PS Independent Examiner Rachel Eden FCMA Holy Brook Associates Ltd Curious Lounge Reading Berkshire RGIINH Page I D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Company No. 02982252 Trustees. Report For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Objectives and Activities Aims and Objectives The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law. present the annual report together with the financial statements and auditors, report of the charitable coinpany for the year ended 31 March 2025. Charitable objects and aims Reading Voluntary Artion exists to promote and sUPPOrt a diverse voluntary and community sector to flourish locally, enhancing the quality of life for people living in Reading Statement of Values The way we work: l. Empowerment- RVA recognises that empowering people leads to sustainable change for communities and individuals, and we seek to work in ways that increase the capability of local organisations. 2. Inclusiveness - RVA embraces the diversity of the local community. We believe that all people have the right to be heard in decision-making forums and to have equal access to the public services they need. We support organisations that promote these rights. 3. Accountability - RVA supports organisations to manage their affairs in an open and transparent wayi and we seek to manage our own activities and decision-making in ways that enable external scrutiny and accountability. 4. Independence - RVA is an independent organisation and we support organisations in their right to independence of thought and action in pursuit of their aims. RVA Charitable Aims The Charity's object is to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community within the area of benefit without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions and in particular by- The advancement of education The protection of health and the relief of poverty. distress and sickness. To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation in the interest of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said community. The NAVCA (National Association of Voluntary and Community Associations) Four Functions of Infrastructure RVA is a member of NAVCA and our services align with the Infrastrurture model delivered by similar CVS {Council for Voluntary Service) across the UK. Every place is different with a shared aim to support local charities, voluntsry groups and volunteers to work together on what matters to them with a common goal of helping communities to thrive. In February 2024 NAVCA published the Four Funttions of Infrastrutture providing a framework to illustrate the purpose and ambition of our work.. l. Leadership and Advocacy Mobilising and encouraging community action, strengthening our sectors voice and influence on key decision-makers and funders. 2. Partnership and Collaboration Creating opportunities and driving effective joint working by building networks of local organisations and strategic partners. 3. Capacity Building Providing practical support and development for local people and organisations, to nurture skills and build community resilience. 4. Volunteering Development Building an environment in which volunteers and their communities thrive by encouraging and nurturing volunteering opportunities. Page 2 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Trustees. Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Significant Activities An overview of our activities and achievements during the year. l. Leadership and Advocacy RVA held 18 VCS Forums across the year with a diversity of theme, providing opportunities for consultation, as well as hearing from and speaking to policy makers and other stakeholders. Reading VCS Leaders - open to anyone with a leadership role in a VCS oryanisation and providing a steering group for representation and advocacy for the VCS in Reading. Reading VCS Assemblies - whole VCS engagement events providing opportunities to hear from peers sharing best practice and thought provoking speakers addressing some of the key issues and emerging needs for the VCS and wider community. Small Groups Forum - RVA introduced the small groups forums this year to provide opportunities for volunteer groups to participate, share their experience and ensure their voice is heard. Other RVA forums - RVA provides a number of other forum5. listed further below in this report. We take these opportunities to update the VCS on opportunities to participate in sector advocacy activities. Representstion on cross sector Boards and forums- RVA represented the VCS on 47 cross sector partnership and Board meetings including- Health and Wellbeing Board, Reading Integration Board, Berkshire West Safeguarding Adults Board, Reading Climate Change Board, One Reading Children & Young People Partnership, Mental Health Group, Suicide Prevention Group. Voluntary Sertor Intelligence Network. Community Safety Partnership. Reading Prevent Partnership. BOB VCSE Alliance - RVA is a member of the BOB VCSE Alliance steering group building partnerships with Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Integrated Care Board. Key outcomes for our leadership and advocacy work include: The Reading Compact: Following an independent review of the working relationship between the Council and the voluntary and community sertor. a new Compact document was a specific request from the sector. The Compart was co- produced with the Council and the Reading VCS. The aim of the Compact is to create and embed mechanisms that ensure our work to improve the lives of our residents and communities is effectively joined up, that our complementary efforts are targeted where they can add most value and that each partner supports the other as much as it can. The State of the sertor Survey 2025.. RVA opened a state of the sector survey in 2024. 68 VCS organisations completed the written survey and a further 23 participated in focus groups. The needs and issues identified have informed our own plans for the future delivery of infrastructure support and that of funders and commissioners. RVA will revisit and publish the findings every 2 years. Safety and fegualing. RVA has given significant focus on safety and safeguarding following the publication in May 2024 of the Forbury Inquest Report into the deaths of Jarnes Furlong, Joseph Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails in Forbury Gardens in June 2020. This has led to closer working between the VCS and Safeguarding teams and an increased wareness of a cross sector Escalation Process to be used when safeguarding and safety concerns raised by the VCS, and other sectors. are ignored or rejected. 2. Partnerships and collaborations We continue to deliver a number of services and projects that enable the VCS to work with cross sector partners to improve the lives of disadvantaged residents and in particular to overcome health inequalities. Community Wellness Outreach The Community Wellness Outreach (CWO) project in Reading is funded by the Integrated Care Board {ICB) to pilot outreach ctivities which reduce health inequalities for our most vulnerable communities. The programme focuses on people who are not accessing main stream services and are at risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. The pilot is illustrating the vital role the VCS can play in enabling services to reach. engage and sUPPOrt people who may not otherwise receive services. Core voluntary sector delivery partners include Reading Community Learning Centre, Alliance for Community and Racial Equality. Whitley Community Development Association and The Forgotten Britlsh Gurkhas. The partners are running health and wellbeing outreach hubs in community settings across Reading, providing NHS Health Checks and holistic support to enable people to take action to improve their health. RVA provides a co-ordinating role for the community engagement and small grants for participating community groups. The priority residents for the programme include: unpaid carers, people with disabilities, people from minority ethnic heritage. ex-military, previous offenders, people experiencing financial difficulty or who are isolated. Key CWO numbers for the year 320 outreach events 2,631 residents received an NHS Health Check and appropriate follow on 5UPPOrt .CONTINUED Page 3 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Trustees. Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Significant Activities - continued 2,145 of participants were within the priority groups £60,000 distributed in small grants to community groups Social Prescribing services and infrastructure support The aim of the Social Prescribing service is to link people aged 16 and over to the activities and support offered by Reading's voluntary and community groups, empowering people to improve their health and wellbeing. RVA'S Social Prescribing team works within Primary Care Networks (PCNS) across Reading, taking referrals from GPS and healthcare prartitioners, as well as Reading Borough Council Adult Social Care, Royal Berkshire Hospital Occupational Therapists and Talking Therapies. Key Social Prescribing numbers for the year. 773 ferra1$ accepted and people supported with the main reasons for referral: 17.510h Loneliness and isolation 13.350/0 For support with mental health 10.240/0 Managing long term conditions 8.51Vo Struggling ffinancially With 50¥0 of referrals for other reasons reflecting the complexity of people's lives. Ready Friends Forum The Quarterly Befriending Forums attrdcted staff and volunteers from local VCOS as well as RBC and NHS trusts, addressing subjects such as the Voice of the Volunteer, Loneliness and Mental Health, Using Technology to Reduce Loneliness. Social Prescribing Forum - SP Forums brought together Reading's Social Prescribers with allied 'connertor' roles and showcasing local VC05 by focussing on themes such as mental health, co-production, outcomes & impact, life skills and confidence-building. Social Prescribing Community Wellbeing Training Programme delivered 18 sessions on 12 subjetts of interest to frontline VCS staff and volunteers, including learning disability. neurodiversity. menopause, managing healthy boundaries, time management and Mental Health First Aid. RVA continues to showcase the work of the VCS through social prescribing and make the case for continued and further investment. Improving access to voluntary sector services Access to hard copy information for the public and professiona15.' RVA'S extensive hard copy leaflet display Ic 560 unique leaflets) reduces digital exclusion for our wellbeing clients who are not online. RVA'S social prescribing patients are supported by a comprehensive and equalities-driven information resource that is bespoke and sensitive to their physical, learning, cultural and lifestyle needs. The JOY Platform and Digital Market Place.. RVA has supported the development and rollout of the Joy case management system used by social prescribers and PCNS. and the Joy Marketplace which aims to be Reading's key health and wellbeing directory and referral tool for local people to access and engage with the local support services they need. RVA Get Online volunteer outreach programme: A partnership project coordinating volunteers to provide informal support in community settings to enable people to get online. 87 sessions were delivered across the year providing 1005 one to one support opportunities. 3. Capacity Building The RVA Advice Service provides free of charge advice to local voluntary and community {VCS) sector groups under the infrastructure function of 'Capacity Building,. Confidential advice is given in relation to the legalities and technicalities of running a group, with experienced and legally qualified staff running the service. Advice is available in-person, via Zoom, telephone or email. The aim is to empower local groups to gain skills and knowledge to improve their effectiveness and sustainability, so that the sector thrives and meets the needs of local residents. We are grateful to The Earley Charity for their continued support for the RVA Advice Service enabling us to provide a holistic and diverse offer for the benefit of the VCS and the residents they support. The subject areas of advice given are broad and include: Community buildings support. Charity and Company law including charity registration and reviewing governing documents- Contfficts and service level agreements- Data protection law,. Employment law and HR: Equality, diversity and inclusion resources- .CONTINUED Page 4 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Trustees. Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Significant Activities - continued Funding strategies and holistic support with business plans. budgeting. organisational management, needs analysis, impact monitoring. Health and Safety law Governance, roles and responsibilities of trustees. an effective board. organisational risk management, and trustee recruitment and retention. Policies and procedures Safeguarding law and practice to protect everyone within the organisation- Through a developmental approach we offer groups the opportunity to review and enhance their organisational impact and good governance through- First Steps towards Safe and Sound (introductory level) Safe and Sound (full accreditation) Our bespoke training and events programme is designed specifically for local groups and includes: Introduction to the role and responsibilities of a Trustee- Treasurer Training- Understanding Charity Finances. Safeguarding training. Small Groups Forum- Community Buildings Forum- opportunities to connect with Funders- Volunteering and the law and more. Key stats for: 2024-2025 Number of Advice Sessions- 473 Number of groups supported- 111 Number of training and events: 28 Number of attendees: 214 4. Volunteering Development The RVA Volunteering Service aims to ensure that Reading is a place where the difference made by volunteering and social action is recognised, valued and celebrated. We want everybody to have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the goal of making Reading a thriving community. improving and enriching the lives of all. To help achieve this, we work with organisations that involve volunteers to ensure they have the support and resources they need to do so effectively. We do this by: Providing a volunteer matching platform allowing organisations to connect with members of the public looking to help. Sharing expertlse on developing volunteering role5. managing and working with volunteers. Arranging or signposts relevant training opportunities for Volunteer Involving Organisations and their existing volunteers. Facilitating the Reading Volunteer Coordinators. Network. which provides information and peer support for those in volunteer management roles. Providing strategic leadership and help to ensure the value of volunteering in Reading is recognised, and volunteer activity is flourishing. Our public focused work aims to ensure that people from across our diverse communities are able to identify and access opportunities to make a difference that fit with their motivations and goals. We offer one-to-one appointments, both in- person and remotely, that allow potential volunteers to chat through their reasons for volunteering, the kinds of opportunities they are looking for and any questions they have with an experienced member of our team. They will then be guided through the opportunities available on our matching platform. and beyond, to help them find the opportunity that is right for them. We engage in a range of outreach activities to help promote volunteering to different groups. This includes regular sessions at the University of Reading and with those attending employability courses at the Earley Crescent Resource Centre. Working in collaboration with our Social Prescribing and Community Wellness Outreach Projects, we have a particular focus on promoting the ways in which the right volunteering role can have a positive impact on an individual's health and wellbeing. In the coming year we intend to further develop our Inclusive Volunteering offer. Collaborating with oryanisations across the sector. we will explore ways to ensure equitable acce5S to the health and wellbeing boost that the right volunteering role can bring. Key Stats 2024-25 71 organisations posted volunteering roles of the Reading Volunteer Connect platform promoting 172 unique opportunitie5. 452 potential volunteers registered with our Reading Volunteer Connect platform 606 expressions of interest received through the Reading Volunteer Connect plattorm 114 1.. l Advice appointments conducted Public Benefit The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Art 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Financial Review Page 5 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Trustees. Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Reserves Policy The trustees have recognised that the organisation may incur potential liabilities for maternity pay, redundancy pay and other statutorv amounts and have therefore resolved a) to try to retain its existing investments to go towards settling these if necessary and bl to try to build up further reserves to meet their full obligation and other unforeseen needs. A designated Pension Liability Reserve has also been put in place to manage reserves. targeted at covering the pension deficit. The investment policy of the Trustee Board is to maintain the bulk of reserves in cash in order to provide safe and liquid reserves. Funds Materially in Deficit The financial statements show an overall operating surplus for the year of £17,421 before gains and total funds of £149,452. After charges and the gain on the fund the pension scheme deficit fund is £14,000. To give assurances to RVA for the future a change was made in 2021 in respect of the status of the fund itself. Consequently, there will no longer be a significant impact on the fund and organisations due to the possible lack of working members within RVA. To cover any possible deficits on the fund. the Local Government Pension Scheme administrators have formally agreed to continue accepting monies solely from RVA itself beyond the period when there may be no RVA employed members. This removes worry of the causative demise of RVA. Going Concern The charity has improved its financial position and had overall net assets at 31 March 2025 of £275.829, of which £186,709 were unrestricted. This included a deficit on the pension reserve of 14,000. The pension liability represents the best estimate of the current value of pension benefits that will have to be funded by RVA. The liability relates to benefits earned by existing or previous employees up to 31 March 2025. These benefits are expressed in current value terms rather than the cash amount that will actually be paid out. RVA is able to meet the agreed pension contributions as they fall due. The trustees have accordingly considered it appropriate to adopt a going concern basis for the preparation of these financial statements. structure. Governance and Management Governing Document The organisation was registered as a charity on 12th April 1985, incorporated as a charitable company limited by guarantee on 24th 1994 and amended by special resolutions in October 2008 and October 2011. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. Trustee Selection Methods Trustees are appointed based on nomination from member organisations or co-option by the Board. The members of the Trustee Board are listed above. All members of the Board are directors of the company and trustees of the charity. Reading Voluntary Action indemnifies members against liability in relation to the company. In accordance with the Memorandum of Association each present director has undertaken to contribute to it a sum not exceeding £ 10 in the event of it being wound up while they are members and within one year if they cease to be members. One third of Board members retire each year but can offer themselves for re election at the Annual General Meeting. Induction and training of trustees New Board members are inducted by the Chair and Chief Executive and are given opportunities to meet members of the management and staff teams. New trustees are given guidance on the obligations of Board members and the current financial position contained in the latest published accounts. All Board members are able to attend RVA training at no cost Page 6 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Trustees. Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Organisational Structure The Trustee Board is supported by the Chief Executive and the Company Secretary (currently the CEO). The Trustee Board establishes sub-groups as required to effectively manage areas of work these presently cover finance, risk and accomtnodation. Subgroups are led by members of the Board with executive support from RVA managernent and staff. Major risks and management of those risks Risk management The Trustee Board has conducted a review of the major risks to which the Charity is exposed. Where appropriate, systems and procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. This has led to the development of a strategic plan which will enable the charity to secure the resources necessary to deliver its strategic aims. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for auth0ri5ation of expenditure and new projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety for staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the charity. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity. The Board will continue to carry out periodic reviews of risks and mitigation measures. Along with rnany other charities, RVA has experienced significant changes in funding arrangements in recent years. This includes a change from grant funding to contracts. The RVA trustees continue to review the use of the available reserves to chieve best possible outcomes for the beneficiaries and to generate future income. Statement of Trustees. Responsibilities The trustees (who are also the directors of Reading Voluntary Attion for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prartice)- Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statement unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources. including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP; make judgments and accounting estirnates that are reasonable and prudent,. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the financial position of the charitable cornpany and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detertion of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial inforniation included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Each trustee has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to Make themselves aware of any relevant independent examination information and to establish that the charity's independent examiner is aware of that information. The trustees confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the independent examiner is unaware. Small Company Rules This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Art 2006. The trustees, report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by: Stephen Leitch Mr Stephen Leitch Trustee 26/0112026 Page 7 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Reading Voluntary Action For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and Basis of Report As the charity trustees of the Company land also its director5 for the purposes of company lawl, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ["the 2006 Act"). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respert of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent Examiner's Statement Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in sertion 145 of the 2011 Art. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe= l. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records- or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination,. or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102). have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Rachel Eden FCMA 26/0112026 Curious Lounge Reading Berkshire RGIINH Page 8 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total funds Total funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Charitable activities 4.466 1.465 2,452 6,324 80,912 627,078 85,378 628,543 2,452 6,324 137,619 553,779 Other trading activities Investments 5,563 14,707 707,990 722,697 696,961 EXPENDThURE ON: Charitable activities (12.133) (726,790) 1738,923) (694,469) NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME BEFORE INVESTMENT (LOSSES)/GAINS Net (losses)Igains on investments 2.573 (18,799) { 16,226) 2,492 (1.295) (1,295) 2,337 NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME 1.278 (18,7991 (17,521) 4,829 Other gains 144,000 144,000 73,001 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 145,278 (18,799) 126,479 77,830 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward 41,431 107,919 149,350 71,522 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 17 186,709 89,120 275,829 149,352 The notes on pages 12 to 21 form part of these financial statements. Page 9 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Charitable activities 299 137,320 549,644 137,619 553,779 5,563 4,135 5,563 Investments 9,997 686,964 696,961 EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities (4,825) 1689,644) (694,469) NET INCOME BEFORE INVEMENT GAINS 5,172 2,337 (2,680) 2,492 2,337 Net gains on investments NET INCOME 7,509 (2,680) 4,829 Transfers between funds 17 {32,215) 73,001 32,215 Other gains 73,001 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: 48,295 29,535 77,830 Total funds brought forward (6,863) 78,385 71,522 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 17 41,432 107,920 149,352 The notes on pages 12 to 21 form part of these financial statements. Page 10 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Balance Sheet As At 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total funds Total funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Investments 12 26,494 26,494 27,788 26,494 26,494 27,788 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 2,923 196,399 76,331 18,104 79,254 197,417 21,691 332,372 199,322 94,435 276,671 354,063 Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 14 (25, 107) {5,315) { 13,336) (84,499) NET CURRENT ASSETS {LIABILITIES) 174,215 89,120 263,335 269,564 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 200.709 89,120 289,829 297,352 Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year 15 (14,000) { 14,000) (148,000) NET ASSETS 186,709 89,120 275,829 149,352 FUNDS OF THE CHARrrY Restricted Funds 89,120 186,709 107,920 41,432 Unrestricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 17 275,829 149,352 For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. On behalf of the board Stephen Leitch Mr Stephen Leitch Trustee 26/0112026 The notes on pages 12 to 21 form part of these financial statements. Page 11 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 l. General Information Reading Voluntary Action is a company limited by guarantee, incorpordted in England & Wales. registered number 02982252 and registered charity number 1045782. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £ 10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation. The registered office is Risc. 35-39 London Street. Reading. RGI 4PS. 2. Statement of Compliance The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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 I lanuary 2019)" Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006. 3. Accounting Policies 3.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. 3.2. Incoming Resources All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably. Donations and legacies Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. 3.3. Resources Expended All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Ivhere costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. Charitable artivities Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incuned by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses. 3.4. Intangible Fixed Assets and Amortisation - Other Intangible Fixed asset investments, other than programme related investments, are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their market value at the start of the year, or their subsequent cost, and are charged or credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period of disposal. Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activities based on the market value at the year end. Page 12 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 3.5. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases: 3.6. Investments 3.7. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value. and bank overdrafts. 3.8. Taxation The charity is exempt from tax as all its income is charitable and applied for charitable purposes. The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the defmition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordinglyi the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part I l of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. 3.9. Pensions The charitable company operates a defined pension contribution scheme. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for servi. the excess is recognised as a prepayment. 3.10. Trade Debtors Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services perfonned in the ordinary course ofbusiness. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collert all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Trade creditors Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at the trdnsaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Fund structure Unrestricted incorne funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. 4. Income from Donations and Legacies Page 13 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restrirted Total Total funds funds funds funds Donations and gifts Grants loo loo 299 4,466 80,812 85,278 137,320 4.466 80,912 85,378 137,619 5. Income from Charitable Activities 2025 2024 Unrestricted funds Restrirted funds Total funds Totsl funds Charitable Activities.. Projert Fees Management fee Contract Income 2,668 16,945 532,699 555 14,200 612.678 14,200 612,678 429 Training Rental income Other Income from charitable activities 429 909 127 909 327 882 30 200 1.465 627,078 628,543 553,779 6. Investment Income 2025 2024 Unrestricted Total funds funds Bank interest receivable Dividends from investments 5,568 756 4,822 741 6,324 5,563 Net Income/(Expenditure) The net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting): 2025 2024 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned 1,463 Page 14 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 8. Independent Examiner's Remuneration 2025 2024 Independent examination of the financial statements other assurance services 4,594 4,881 Tax advisory services other financial services 4.594 4,881 The Independent Examiner changed during the financial year. The new examiner also provides training services to members of Reading Voluntary Artion. THese are not financial services and in the financial year totalled £160 including VAT. The figures above include VAT 9. Staff Costs Staff costs were as follows.. 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 465,267 35,457 41,275 466,754 541,999 466,754 No employees received employee benefits {excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000. 10. Average Number of Employees Average number of employees during the year was- 19 (2024- 20) 11. Tangible Assets Fixtures & Fittings Cost or Valuation As at l April 2024 Disposals 29,907 (29,907) As at 31 March 2025 Depreciation As at l April 2024 Provided during the period 29,907 129,907) As at 31 March 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2025 As at l April 2024 Page 15 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 12. Investments Listed Cost or Valuation As at l April 2024 Revaluations 27,788 (1,294) As at 31 March 2025 26,494 Provision As at l April 2024 As at 31 March 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2025 26,494 As at l April 2024 27,788 13. Debtors 2025 2024 Due within one year Trade debtors 15,442 63,812 14,962 6,729 Other debtors 79,254 21,691 14. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 2025 2024 Trade creditors other creditors 7,663 22,737 57,262 4,500 Accruals and deferred income 5,673 13,336 84,499 15. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year 2025 2024 Other creditors 14,000 148,000 16. Pension Commitments The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a defmed benefit statutory scheme administered in accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 and currently provides benefits based on career average revalued earnings. Full details of the benefits being valued are as set out in the Regulations as amended and summarised on the LGPS website. The administering authority for the Fund is the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The Pension Fund Committee oversees the management of the Fund whilst the day to day fund administration is undertaken by a team within the administering authority. Where appropriate some functions are delegated to the Fund's professional advisers. As administering authority to the Fund, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, after consultation with the Fund Actuary and other relevant parties, is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the Funding Strategy Statement and the Investment Strategy Statement. These should be amended when appropriate based on the Fund's performance and funding. .CONTINUED Page 16 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 16. Pension Commitments- continued Contributions are set every three years as a result of the actuarial valuation of the Fund required by the Regulations. The next actuarial valuation of the Fund will be carried out as at 31 March 2028 and will set contributions for the period from l April 2028 to 31 March 2031. There are no rninimum funding requirements in the LGPS but the contributions are generally set to target a funding level of IOODkn using the actuarial valuation assumptions. The date of the most recent comprehensive actuarial valuation was 31 March 2025. In completing the calculations for pension accounting purposes the following items of data from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have been used.. The results of the latest funding valuation as at 31 March 2025 which was carried out for funding purposes and the results of the 31 March 2024 1AS19 report which was prepared for accounting purposes: Fund asset statement at 31 March 2025- Fund income and expenditure items for the period to 31 March 2025; Employer income and expenditure items for the period to 31 March 2025: Details of any new early retirements for the period to 31 March 2025 that have been paid out on an unreduced basis, which are not anticipated in the normal employer service cost. and Details of any settlements tolfrom the Employer for the period to 31 March 2025. Reconciliation of scheme assets and liabilities to assets and liabilities recognised The amounts recognised in the statement offmancial position are as follows: 2025 2024 Fair value of scheme assets 1,247,000 (1,261,000} 1,290,000 { 1,438,000) Defined benefit pension scheme obligation Designed benefit pension scheme deficit (14,000) (140,000) Defined benefit obligation Changes in the defined benefit obligation are as follows= 2025 Present value at start of the year Current service cost 1,438,000 10,000 68,000 (166,000) (3,000) {85,000) 3,000 (4,000) Interest cost Change in financial assumptions Change in demographic assumptions Benefits paid Contributions by scheme participants Experience loss/(gain) on defined benefit obligation Present value at end of year 1,261,000 Fair value of scheme assets Changes in the fair value of scheme assets are as follows- 2025 Fair value at start of year Interest on assets 1,290,000 62,000 .CONTtNUED Page 17 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Return on assets less interest {35,000) 13,000 3,000 {85,000) Contributions by employer Contributions by scheme participants Benefits paid Administration expenses Fair Value at end of year 1,247,000 The pension scheme has not invested in any of the charity's own financial instruments or in properties or other assets used by the charity. Principal artuarial assumptions The principal actuarial assumptions at the Statement of financial posltion date are as follows.. 2025 2024 Discount rate 5.750 4.900/0 Future salary increases 3.90Wo 3.95% Future pension increases 2.900 2.95010 Post retirement mortality assumptions 2025 2024 Years Years Current UK pensioners at retirement age - male Current UK pensioners at retirement age female Future UK pensioners at retirement age - male Future UK pensioners at retirement age female 20.70 20.80 23.60 23.60 22.00 22.00 25.00 25.00 17. Movement in Funds As at l April 2024 Gains and losses Asat31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Unrestricted funds General.. General unrestricted fund Designated.. COIF Investment 21.643 14.707 (2.135) 34,215 27.788 (148,000} 80,000 60,000 (1.294) { 10,000) 26,494 (14,000) 80,000 60,000 Pension reserve 144,000 Pension liability reserve Contingency reserve 19,788 (11,294) 144,000 152,494 Total unrestricted funds 41,431 14,707 { 13,429) 144,000 186,709 Restricted funds Advice Service {Earley Charity Ready Friends {Earley Charity) PCN Link Workers 2,949 1.475 1,441 43,474 15.000 246,912 {43,615) { 16.475) {248,353) 2,808 .CONTINUED Page 18 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Faith Forum 8,974 663 8,974 460 Client Grant5 3.588 (5,818) 133.524 7,481 (8.728) 181.262 (3,791) Volunteering Development CTG3 Infrastructure 5.818 11.267 19.358 8.728 36.426 10.820 {134,698) (5,833) 10,093 21,006 Health Inequalities Research Engagement Network Community Wellness Outreach RIB Wellbeing Training Public Health Management project CTG2 Social Prescribing NHS BOB ICB Partnership Cadbury Foundation {179,876) (6,795) {35,000) {39,824) {11,471) (1,058) 37,812 4,025 35,000 39.824 11.471 5.000 3,942 Total restricted funds 107,919 707,990 (726,789) 89,120 Total funds 149,350 722.697 (740,218) 144,000 275,829 Net movement in fund5 As at l April 2023 Asat31 March 2024 Transfers Unrestricted funds General.. General unrestricted fund 40,687 13,172 (32,215) 21,644 Designated.. COIF Investment 25,450 (213.000) 80,000 60.000 2,338 65.000 27,788 (148,000) 80,000 60,000 Pension reserve Pension liability reserve Contingency reserve (47.550) 67,338 19,788 Total unrestricted funds (6,863) 80,510 (32,215} 41,432 Restricted funds Advice Service {Earley Charity Ready Friends {Earley Charity) PCN Link Workers Faith Forum Client Grants Volunteering Development CTG3 Infrastructure Health Inequalities Research Engagement Network Community Wellness Outreach RIB Wellbeing Training Public Health Management project British Science Association Research 5.786 636 (2.836) 838 2,950 1,474 1,442 8,974 663 1.441 8,974 234 429 13,865 5.725 30,435 (8,047) 5.542 {11,077) 8.728 36,426 10.820 (2,926) (4.866) {32,215) 5,818 11,267 19,358 8,728 36,426 10,820 2,926 4.866 CTG2 Social Prescribing 32,215 .CONTINUED Page 19 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 BSA community researchers BHFT Engagement NHS BOB ICB Partnership ICB Mental Health Grants 3,497 (3,497) Total restricted funds 78,385 (2,680) 32,215 107,920 Total funds 71,522 77,830 149,352 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Net movement in funds Gains and losses Income Expenditure Unrestricted funds General.. General unrestricted fund Designated.. COIF Investment 9.997 5.512 12,337) 13,172 2,338 73,000 2,338 65,000 Pension reserve (8,000) Pension liability reserve Contingency reserve (8,000) 75,338 67,338 Total unrestricted funds 9.997 (2,488) 73,001 80,510 Restricted funds Advice Service {Earley Charity Ready Friends {Earley Charity) PCN Link Workers 42,545 11.650 200,485 {45,381) { 10.812) {200,484) (2,836) 838 Faith Forum Client Grants 2,205 (1,776) (8.047) {152,458) {29.992) {31,272) (43,746) {600) (32,926) {10,501) 429 Volunteering Development CTG3 Infrastructure (8,047) 5,542 111,077) 8,728 36,426 10,820 (2,926) {4,866) (32,215) {3,497) 158,000 18.915 40.000 80.172 11.420 30,000 5.635 Health Inequalities Research Engagement Network Community Wellness Outreach RIB Wellbeing Training Public Health Management project British Science Association Research CTG2 Social Prescribing BSA community researchers BH Engagement Il 30.000 12.508 1,429 {62,215) { 16,005) (1,429) .CONTINUED Page 20 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
Reading Voluntary Action Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 NHS BOB ICB Partnership ICB Mental Health Grants 12.000 30.000 { 12,000) {30,000) Total restricted funds 686,964 (689,644) (2,680) Total funds 696,961 (692, 132) 73,001 77,830 18. Transactions with Trustees None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year. No trustee expenses have been incurred. 19. Related Party Disclosures There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure. 20. Company limited by guarantee The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company. in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £10. Page 21 D(Ument Ref.. VAL3Z_FITXE_F7HSM_24XGT
CERTIFICATE of SIGNATURE REF NUM2ER VAL3Z-FITXE-F7HSM-24XGT DOCUMENT colPLETED B Y 14LL Pl4RTIES ON 29 JAN 2026 14:35:36 TC SIGNER TIMESTAMP SIGNATURE RACHEL EDEN SENT 29 JAN 2026 14:35:36 IMAIL IIACHEL. EDEN@HOLYBRWK. CCtrI IONED 29 JAN 2026 14:35:36 IF .4DDRE- S 82.12.207.190 PEADING. UNITED KINGDCt4 Slgned wfth PandaDoc PAGEIOF1