COMMUNrtY ACTION SUThON (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660> REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 fiASSO QUALITY MARK level 2 COMMUNITY ACTION SUThON (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) Contents Page Adminislrative Infonnation Report of the Trustees 2-17 Independent Auditorfs Report 18-20 Statement of Financial Activities 21 Balance Sheet 22 Cash Flow Statement 23 Notes forniing part of the financial statements 24-31 COMMUNITY ACTION surroN (Registered Charity No: 1063129) {Company No: 3336660) PRESIDENT The Worshipful Ihe Mayor {For their term of office) VICE PRESIDENT Joy Ross MBE TRUSTEES AND DIRECTORS Chairman Jenny Sims Vice-chairnian Nick Walsh LaurenTr Imtie (Resigned December 2023) (Appointed March 2024) Treasurer Amie Stace Trustees: Vanessa Mccain Bob Harrison Dave Hobday Polly Pereschino Louise Kelly LONDON BOROUGH OF su￿ON REPRESENTATIVES Councillor Moira Butt Counullor Patrick Ogbonna Senior Management Team Chief Exe¢utlve Company Secretsry Simon Breeze Dunstanette Kuti Registered Office Address: Granfers Community Centre 73-79 Oakhill Road Sutton Surrey. SM13AA Bankers: Barclays Bank PLC 43 High Streel Sutton Surrey SM1 1 DR CCLA Investment Management Ltd COIF Charity Funds 80 Cheapside London EC2V 6DZ CAF Bank Ltd POBox289 West Malling Kent ME19 4TA Solicitors: Ouvry Goodman & Co Soliciiors 12 High Street Sutton SU￿ey. SM1 1HP Auditor: Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd 308 Ewell Road Surbiton Surtey. KT6 7AL COMMUNITY ACTION surroN (Registered Charity No: 1063129) {Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Community Action Sutton {CAS) is a Chaiity Company govemed by a Memorandum & Articles of Association. It is a membership organisation made up of voluntarylcommunity organisations (VCOs} in Sutton and it currently has 299 members. The Chaiity Company is njn by a team of 20 paid staff, under the management of volunteers who are both Directors of the Company and Trustees of the Charity. Al trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits froFn the charity- Organisation Structure Trustees are proposed and elected by the rnembership at the Annual General Meeling (AGM) for an initial term of three years and may then stand for a further two terms. During this reporting year the number of trustees has been nine. HorForary Officers (Chair. Vice£hair and Treasurer) are elected annually at the AGM. There are recruitment, induction and training policies in place for trustees. A regular trustee skills audit is Ca￿led OLrt which identifies training needs and fomis the basis of the recruitment of new trustees. The Community Action Sutton Board of Trustees meets quarterfy and receives reports from the Chief Executive on all strategic and other important matters that require a decision by the truslees. A full financial report is also provided by the Head of Finance at each board meeting, and the progress of the other projects delivered by the organisation is reF)Orted at least once a year. There is an agreed rolling pri)gramme for the Board to review all the policies and procedures of the organisation. The Board of Trustee Meetings are also attended by iwo local Councillors as observers. During this year. the Board has delivered its annual operational plan based on its Strateg￿ plan. The risk management framework continues to be embedded within the organisations govemance framework and is reviewed regularly by the Board. The Board and staff contribute to the development of the annual risk register at a staff and board development day. The Chair meets regularly with the Chief Executive to review the progress of the organisation and to identtfy challenges and opportunities and to develop appropriate and responsive strategies for action. The organisation is a member of London Plus. the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA). all of which are bodies that provide infomiation, guidan￿ and other support services to voluntary organisations. Quality Standards Community Action Sutton has Mindfvl Employer status, Disabilty Confident Employer and is a London Living Wage Employer. Trading Activity Creative Payroll Solutions (CPS) Ltd, (established in April 2010} provides payroll services to the local voluntary sector and has a Board made up of Community Action Sutton trustees, the Chief Execulive and Head of Finance. As well as this, Community Action Sutton offers a Communtty Accountancy Service and Organisational Devebpment sen11￿ which generales income for the organisation. OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES Charitable Objectives CAS'S main charitable obiedives as set out in the goveming dowmenl are to develop and support Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCO) in the London Borough of Sutton (LBS) and surrounding areas. CAS is a 'second tierf or infrastructure organisation because it does nol provide direct services to individual members of the public but supports front line voluntary organisations to be effective and sustainable. The trustees of the Charity have taken due regard of the guidan￿ on public benefit published by the Commission when exercising Iheir powers and duties and have complied with the duty. COMMUNITY ACTION surroN (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660} ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Activities CAS is a membership organisation currently supporting 299 1(Trl VCOS in Sutton. VCOS are established because people care about a cause or a group of individuals. not because they want to write a business plan, manage finances. deal with staff. write poli(ies or negoliate with fvnders or the local authority. However, they need to do all these things lo run successful organisations which promote their cause or support their beneficiaries. The role of CAS is to provide the experlise and support in these areas to enable these VCOS to be as effective as possible in meeting iheir aims (this is capacity building). A business plan for 2024-2026 is currently under developmenl. Vision To promote equality and diversty and positive Change for communtlies in the London Borough of Sutton. Mission To lead and act as a catalyst in the advancement of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise IVCSE) as a strategic partner and deliverer of services in Sutton. Strateglc Aims and Acttvitles To enable CAS to achieve its vision aTKI rnission, it has agreed to deliver the fdlowing strategic aims: Community members, VCSE organisations and the VSCE Sector understand. infiuence and are resilienl to the changing circumstances and are therefore better able to respond to geographical communitses and communities of identity. Elevate the voices of comrnunity members in strategic decision making and operational development and delivery. Maximise the contribution of the corporate and s(￿181 enterprise sector in delivering positive outcomes for Sutton's communities. VCSE sector organisational capability, govemance and service delivery is enhanced and the evidence of impact is demonstrated and communicated. The diversification and growth of CAS income. That CAS is a key part of an effective and efficient infrastrudure offer in Sutton that meets VCSE Sector and communtty needs. The organisalion, in delivering the above strategic objectives. defines its work under the following 5 Pillars. which also serve as our values: We Promots equality, diversity and positive change for communities in Sutton We Inspire partnershipslcollaboration across the Voluntary and Communty Sector We Represent the voice of the Voluntary and Community Sector We Support growing and established organisations lo reach their full potenb.al We Develop a diverse arKI vibrant Voluntary and Community Sector COMMUNrrf ACTION SUThON (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Our main focus during 202312024 was the following. Anti-Poverty Forum. Representing the VCS in key strategic meetings with public sector leaders particularly around how commissioning and contracting are done. nking in wlh the South West London VCSE Alliance Delivering Together for Sutton Delivering South West London NHS Health Inequaltties projects. Sutton Community Fund. Race Equality Continuation of projects at Hi15 House Working in partnership with both voluntary sector organisations, local authority. health partners and other agencies. Continue to run a weekly group to address inequalities in the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic {BAME) Communities. Keeping Women Safe Nehyork in¢ludirKJ SUPPOrting the White Ribbon campaign. Continued to work with local organisations to support them. Promoted funding opportunities and ccFfunded and promoted the Grantfinder system. Continued rep￿sentation (in some settings) arKI advocacy for the voluntary sector across a variety of fora. Community Action Sutton has delNered the foltowing activtties in relation to its 5 pillars as follows.. Promoting equality, diversity and positive change for u)mmunities in Suiton Communications and keeplng our members informed One of the ways we support our members and the wider sector is by sending out cofflmunications containing useful information. resources. changes to legislation and poliaes and funding opportunities. During 202312024 we continued to send out our weekly e-bulletins which includes a monthly funding e- bulletin which has fvnding news and details of local and national funding opportunities. We also send out an e-bulletin with information and updates about the work we do to support charities and community groups. Between April 2023 and March 2024 we sent 187 e-bulletins whilst this is less than last year, we have tried to reduce the number of additional e-bulletins and ensure more relevant information is contained within the regular weekly communications. We are pleased to maintsin a higher than industry average open and click rate (see below). As the number of e-bulletins has reduced the open rate has reduced by 1% from the previous year. The click rate has increased. and we believe that this is likely to be from the monthly e-bullelins which are very well received. 2023-24 Open Rate 42•A average (industry average 20°￿} Click Rate 4.50/0 average (industry average 2.4%) 2022-23 Open Rate 43% average (industry average 20°A) Click Rate 4.1 % average (industry average 2.4%) Soclal Media We continue to share news and inf0m￿tiOn via ciur social media channels Facebwk and X (formally known as Twitter). Our presence and reach continues to grow, and in this past year we have 2.451 Followers for X and 1.2K Followers on Facebook COMMUNITY ACTION SUThON (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 We are pleased to see this has also increased from the previous year. We no longer record the number of posts as some social media platfomis are starting to charge for analytical infom)ation and we believe our time and resources can be better spent elsewhere. 2023-24 1.2K Followers on Facebook land 928 Likes) 2,451 Followers on X (fomially Twitter) 2022-23 1.033 followers on Facebook 2,200 followers on X Raislng wNareness and supportlng good causes We continue to promote and take part in raising avmreness around different themes each year. This ranges from working with partners to share information and resources. lo working in partnership with local charities and community groups to create timetables of events and activities for I￿al communiti8s. Some key awareness daylweeks we have been involved with includes", International Women's Day National Hate Crime Awareness Week Mentsl Health Awareness Week White Ribbon campaign Small Charity Week 2023 In June 2023 we held a Funding event bringing together different funders to share information about their funding opportunities. Over 30 organisations attended the event and many groups went on to apply for funding as a result of hearing more about the different funding opportunities. At the funding event, a local charity signed up to attend another fundraising event called Sutton Soup where they pitched their idea for a project and won the most votes. This group were pleased to receive £1125 in community funding from the Sutton Soup fundraising initiativo. We also completed 10 Funding searches for groups that attended this event, so they went away with information about fvnding opportunities relevant to them. Trustees, Week 2023 In November 2023 we held an event focusing on strengthening charities board and helping to demystify charity finances. while the event did not have a high number of attendees those that did attend felt they learnt a lot and one group in particular went on to receive further support around setting up as a registered charity. We guided this Gommunity group through the process to become a registered charity and advised them about opening a bank account. Inter Faith Week 2023 We endeavour to raise awareness and promote local events and activities throughout Inler Faith Week in November each year. In 2023 we hosted an event. bringing faith leaders and Communities representatives together to share information about the work they ware doing locally. We aim to further develop this work. Community Action Sutton has led or been a key partner in a number of programmes and initiatives with a defined aim to promote equality and diversity and this includes: The Falrness Commlssion l RaGe Equality In 202312024 w6 continued the Racial Equality work by having regular Friday meètings with voluntary and community organisations, extemal partners and interested parties. The Friday meetings have given ndividuals the chance to tslk about Race Equality, share experiences and information in a safe space. The group also work collaboratively together. promoting Black History Month. The group was key in getting representation onto the Pdice Encounter Panels and the Stop Search Monitoring groups. COMMUNITY ACTION SUThON (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Race Equality work in Sutton has been shared across the region. We are also working with NAVCA on their equality and diversity agenda. In October 2023 we hosted an Equalities Event which brough together equalities groups and local partners. The aim of this session was to hear about equaltties work in the Borough and discuss how the sector can work together. In August 2023 we facilitsted an event held in partnership Trmth the Metropolltan Police around the New Met for London two year plan to irnprove trust and policing standards. This was held io raise awareness of the plan and to give local residents a chance to ask questions and share concems. A second event was held in Decèmber 2023 which we again supported. As part of thls work CAS has been insltumentdl in bringing communities together to discuss crime and community safety concerns. In October 2023 we hosted two listening events with Sutton Council in the Roundshaw area. The aim of these sessions was to listen and get feedback from the local community on issues suth as crime and safety. Youth Partlcipation During 202312024 we supported a local organisation to tske over the Youth Information and Advisory Group (IAG). We continue to actively promote and signpost groups working wtth younger people to this organisation. We also continue to feed any issues or common themes into the main Race Equality Group. Inspire partnershipslcollaboration across the Voluntary and Communty Sector As an infrastructure organisation one of the key functions of CAS is to promote. facilitate and support partnerships and collaborative working. Examples of this WO￿ during 202312024 include: Sutton Together Sutton Together is an informal provider consortium. GAS supports the consortium to identify and work togelher on potential commercial opportunilies. Although it has not met during this period the consortium has been nottFied of tendering opportunities and sessions held regarding available funds eg Q&A Session on the SWL Priorities and Health Inequalities funds Together for Sutton The Together for Sutton fffs) partners continue to work together as one branded 'Front Door, and provide independent, imparlial, free and confidential information and advi￿ services to support residents and professionals in Sutton. Tfs. second year saw a total of £3,654,185 income being brought in across the partnership, directly for local residents. This money is in Ihe form of unGlaimed benefits and grants that residents are entitled to but not currently daiming. Within this period. over 31,000 contacts were supported by the service. This not {￿lY shows the level of demand seen in the Borough, but also highlights the value of the Tfs partnership and it's collaborative approach throughout a worsening climate. Further funding wa5 awarded in July 2023 by the GLA to support residents affected directly by the cost of living crisis. Three new roles were created and belween July and March 2024, a ftjrther £78,000+ was raised through income with just under £22.250 worth of resident's debt written off. A further total of 481 households were supwrted through this project. wtth 425 of these being unique individuals. COMMUNITY ACTION su￿ON (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Together for Sutton Infomiatlon Neiworks The Tfs Information Ne￿orkS have gone from strength to strength. wrth just under 100 Sutton professionals attending a net￿ork sessÉon themed around Housing in December 2023. The session opened up discussions around housing in the Borough. exploring homelessness and gaps that could be addressed. The Tfs parthers have been seen to lead the way in (x)Ilaborative working, not only as a partnership, but together with wider services and providers. A further three Tfs Infomiation Networks took place during 2023-2024 covering the following topics: Ripple Effects from the Cost of Living Crisi5 - Hidden pressures on families wilh children. Focussing on how we Gan integrate Sutton servic%s and Heatth Care services Employment, Education & Training Sutton Safer Neighbourhood Board Set up by MOPAC {the Mayor of London's office for Policing) in every London borough - to establish local policing and crime pr￿ritieS and monitor police perfornance arKJ confidence. CAS administrates and chairs this Board which comprises of relevant partners from the public sedor and Ward Panel Chairs. The Ward Panel Chairs Network continues to meet 2 weeks prior to the Sutton Safer Neighbourhood Board with the Inspector of the Safer Neighbourh{x￿S Team in attendance. These rnaetings continue to work and provide an opportunity for the Ward Panel Chairs to give detailed feedback on their Wards activity and raise concerns. As a resutt of the work Communty Action Sutton has carried out and the introduction of a new Police Data system the Poli￿/Data Performan￿ Packs are clearer and contsin the information broken down on a ward level. Meetings have been held throughout Ihe year providing updates from Sutton Women's Centre on the White Ribbon Campaign, Street Pastors on their work, detailed reports from the Police about operations that have taken pla￿ across the Borough, feedback from the New Met for London Launch Event which CAS helped to facilitate and regular updates on the work of the Independent Adwsory Group and the Youth Independent Advisory Group. The Tenns of Reference for this meeting were also reviewed and revised. Once again Sutton received funding from MOPAC to support a range of projects and this was processed by CAS. Representing the voice of the Voluntary and Community Sector CAS represents and strengthens the voice of local voluntary sector organisations in Sutton. We facilitate a number of meetings. forums and networks that provides groups with the opportunty to share information. receive updates, and give feedback on local plans and policies. We also help groups to connect and develop strong partnerships. Information aLKlUt some of the meetings. forums and networks can be found below: Voluntary Sector Forum We held 2 meetings during this perrod. The main topics were the Council consulting with the Voluntary and Community Sector on the regeneration of the St Nicholas Centre, Ciwc Centre, Secombe Theatre and Gibson Road Car Park Sites. It provided an opportunity to put fO￿ard suggestions and comment on the presentation given by the Council. The newly appointed Leader of Council set out the key priorities for the Council and to find OLrt what issues the voluntary and community sector are facing. There were also opportunitÈes for the people to exchange news and nalwork. There was an average attendance of 20 people. Keeping Women Safe Network The main focus last year has been y￿rking with the police to build better relationships. work with partners on the White Ribbon Campaign and addressing issues on how women are kept safe in Sutton through the work vmth the poli￿. COMMUNITY ACTION surroN (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Anti-Poverty Forum 3 meetings were held during this period. The main topics W￿re presentation from SES Water Vulnerable Customer Team, Council Data Insights around Cost of Living. Sutton Community Fund. Local Housing Allowance. presentation from Children England, Afft)rdability of private rented accommodation In Sutton, new projects and initiatives, Upraling of Local Housing Allowance Rates and Responselresults from open letter signed by over 50 organisations to candidates of Mayorfs election to tackle povety and pledge to put al the heart of their manifesto. We also shared infomiation from Sutton Council's Cultural se￿ices on 2 new schemes - Databank and Dewcebank. CAS also provides representation on a range of boards, committees and partnerships both locally and nationally. Staff attend various meetings and we continue to act as a condutt be￿e￿n the VCS and the local authority- Bélow is a list of forums, groups and boards that staff have attended throughout 2023-2024.. Borough Resilience Forum Sutton Allan￿ Board Sutton Health and Care Executive Sutton Systems Leaders Group Local Safeguarding Children's Board Local Safeguarding Children's Board Qualty Sub Group Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board Sutton Adult Safeguarding Executive Board Safeguarding Adults Engagement Subgroup (Chair) Health inequalities Board Health and Wellbeing Board Domestic Abuse Transformation Board Safer Sutton Partnership Board Redu￿ng Reoffending Board Sutton Local Place Parlnership Board) Safer Neighbourhood Board (Chair) Local Area Committees Local Authority Designated Officer steering group YoLrth Offending Management Board Reducing Reoffending Board Sutton Local Place Partnership Board) Safer Neighbourhood Board (Chair) L0¢81 Area Committees Local Authority Designated Officer steering group Youth Offending Management Board BCU Independent Advisory Group SN BCU Death Scrutiny Panel Gold Case me6lings Integrdted Neighbourhood Teams (1￿) meetings The list below highlights some of the different areas and key themes of discussion at the meetings above. Community Safety Equalities and Diversty Domestic Violence Anti-Povety Health and Social Care Integration Sutton Plan and overall partnership working Adults Safeguarding Health Inequalities The future of the VCSE Sector COMMUNITY ACTION surroN (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Supporting growing and establlshed organisations to reach their full potential On6 of our Core functions is to support charities and community groups, we do this in many different ways for example helping groups to access fvnding. Below is information about some of funding streams we support andlor administer.. Sutton Community Fund The Sutton Community Fund is a grant fvnding programme financed by Sutton Counul and administered by CAS. Two rounds were run during this period - September 2023 and March 2024. In the September 2023 round 16 appiicats'ons were considered by the Panel totalllng £80,259.28 and 9 were successful totalling £37,890.28. In March 2024 22 applications were considered by the Panel totalling £100,851.42 and 11 were successful totalling £38,216AO. Before eath round the Council and CAS review the prkorities to ensure that they are current and in line with those of the Council. To support the Sutton Comrnunity Fund we run workshops prior to the closing date of each round. The aim is to infonn participants about the Sutton Community Fund and its guidelines and offer advice and support on the application process. Workshops were held in August 2023 and January 2024 with an average of 20 attendees. One to one adwce is offered following the workshops. Innovation Fund During 202312024 the Innovation fund went through some charvJes and therefore no funding rounds took place during this past year. Changes were made to the crileria and the next round of funding will be launched along with a new name in September 2024. Physical Activities Grant The Physical Activity Grant Programme was a one-off pr(￿raMMe fInan￿d by Sutton Council and admir)istered by CAS. In October 2023 13 groups were successfvl in their applications with a total of £50,529.28 was awarded. One to one Supportlcapacity Buildlng Our one to one support and capacity buikjing service is another key area of work for us. We provide development support covering every aspect of running a charty or community group. As with previous years, we found that funding and govèmance have been most sought after areas of support. During 202312024 we supported 112 organisalions. We provided the following support to groups: one to one advice sessions on tOPiGS including" setting up a group, writing a constitution, advising on governan￿ structures, working with trustees boards, partnership working. managing risk and fundraising, funding searches. Funding and Fundraislng Support As well as administering funding streams we also support charities and community groups by providing a funding search Servi￿ using the Grant Finder database. This datsbase is regulady updated with funding opportunities from many fvnders, both large and small including funders such as. Awards for All. Lloyds TSB foundation, and the Henry Smith Charity. Civtl Society Rrx)ts Programme. We continue to support organisations with their fvndraising efforts by sending out a monthly funding e- bulletin. and this past year we have sent 12. These continue to be a valuable resource to local organisations. During the past year these have been opened 3833 times and recipients have clicked the links 1192 times. We also endeavour lo share these funding opportunities via our social media channels. During 202312024 a total of £155K was brought into the Borough. Over the past year we have supported 47 organisations with fundraising (including fvnding searches). We are pleased Ihat 8 organisations applied for funding and were successful. COMMUNITY ACTION su￿ON {Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 EasyFundraising During 202312024 we worked with easyFundraising to help local organisations to access unrestrictad funding. Organisations were invited to attend an information session which was planned for 2024. Community Accountancy Service Our community 8ttountancy setvice continues to provide a low cost. easily accessible account8ncy service for small businesses, social enterprises, charities and voluntary groups to maKe them more stable and sustainable. We continue to empower trustees, finance workers, treasurers. and other committee members on how to cope with the financial management of their organisation and changes in legislation. We strive lo enable voluntary organisations develop and implement effective accounting and financial management systems which better facilitate the pursuit of their airns and objectives. We have built up an excellent track record for ensurirKJ Ihat these organisations have proper financial procedures in place. suitable for the organisation, and complying with legal requiremenls- supporting and reviewing any aspect of their financial system, and making recommendations for changes where necessary" help with setting up and maintaining manual or compuierised accounting systems: assisting in preparing year-end accounts and conducting independent examinations. and training in financial matters to meet the needs of staff and trustees with financial responsibility- Cr8ative Payroll Solutions (CPS) CPS Payroll provides a complete payroll service which is run by friendly. helpful and experienced people and is both professional and sympathetic to the needs of the voluntary sector and beyond. Over 160 organisations. businesses and individuals employing a PA use the payroll Servi￿ with employee numbers ranging from just a single employee to organisations with 80 plus employees. The payroll service produce an average of 1340 payslips per month and submit pension contributions on behalf of 70 clients. Develop a diverse and vibrant Voluntary and Community Sector In 202312024, CAS worked closely with key partners and local groups to ensure a cohesive approach across the VCS. Our focus was on developing innovative methods to align our efforts with the communitws evolving needs, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Community development was at the forefront of our initiatives, including: Pmjects Operating Out of Hlll House Our Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach has successfully fostered new projects and strengthened community engagement. contributing to securing South West London NHS Health Inequalities Funding. Hill House has continued to serve as a hub for communtty activities, increasing visibility and supporting various ongoing initiatives- Active Me In collaboration with Sutton Housing Partnership, we delivered 49 engagement-focused sessions tailored for older adults with limtted exerase experience. These sessions improved physical fitness and social connections among participants. 23 sessions were held al Hill House, actively engaging residents from the St. Heller area. 10 COMMUNITY ACTION surroN (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Community Garden Each Friday throughout 202312024. we hekl social gardening sessions for individuals wff(hout access to garden space, focusing on improving physical and mental well-being through the benefits of gardening. Throughout the year, we welcomed new participants and held a special wreath-making workshop. alongside a storytelling workshop for dedicated garden volunteers to celebrate their contribuiions to the community- Sutton Men in Sheds Sutton Men in Sheds provides a dedicated Spa￿ for men to connect and engage in meaningfijl conversations. During 2023124, we dellverecl 27 sesslons, engaging 150 [ner￿OUblIng participation from the previous year. The increase in participation reflects the project's growing reach and positive impact. Adivilies included welkbeing workshops in partnership Sutton Uplift. Physical and recreational activities including tai thi. yoga, creative writsng and workshops on stress and anxiety. Community Learnlng Project The Community Leaming Project successfully equipped learners wtlh essential job-search skills, resulting in over one-third of participants securing employment. The positive feedback indicated that the course was instrumental in helping new immigrants, particularly those eager to retum to work, thereby making a signrficant iTnpacl on their lives. Sutton Bike Project The aim of the project is to transfonn unwanted bikes into valued possessions. This initiative promotes sustsinability and fosters a sense of ownership among parlicipants. St Heller Comrnunity Food Shop In partnership with Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP). we hosted 52 open days at the St. Heller Community Food Shop. The food shop provides vital support to residents through afftjrdable food and targeted assistanGe. Building New Connections with Sutton Hong Kongers We are committed lo working with the Sutton Hong Kong community to assist new immigrants in adapting and building a cohesive communty, ensuring our services are accessible and well-known. Key events included: Big Help Out Event: This brought together over 60 vdunteers from the Hong Kong community to support Coronation celebrations. Sutton Spring Festival Party: In Febwary 2024 300 communrty members celebrated this festNal. Mid-Autumn Festlval: In partnership with Volunleer Centre Sutton, this festival was held in September 2023. engaging 300 participants and over 50 volunteers in a celebralion of culture. Lunar New Year Event: This attracted 2,000 attendees and 70 volunteers. showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hong Kong community. st Heller Music Festival In July 2023, we attended this event to promote the various seNices and activities at Hill House to mernbers of Ihe local community and key partners. New Volunteer Opportunities at Hill House As a result of attending the Sutton Volunteer Showcase. we had 80 volunteers help to transform the grounds of Hill House. 11 COMMUNITY ACTION SUThON (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Health Inequalities project In January 2023 Community Action Sutton launched its Health InequalFties Projed to employ community development officers to focus work in Shanklin. Roundshaw, St Heller and Benhill known to have long- standing heaEth inequalities. The aim is to work local groups and residents to identify community led responses and shape ideas into projects. The following initiatrves took place between April 2023 and March 2024: Roundshaw Vve worked with the Walllngton Integrated Neighlx)urhoDd Team {fTN) to lun motthly 'Heatthy You. events giving residents the opportunity to find out more about local service5 available to them. We have supported a local organisation to secure funding for a delivery van which is used at the weekly Food Hub on the Roundshaw estste. They also maintain a food cupboard r￿r the community centre. We are working wilh local churches to enable them to look at new and innovative ways to SUPFQrt residents. Benhill Working in pathership with local service providers and organisations the first Benhill Cornmunity Fun Day was held in September 2023. It was a huge success with free food. physical activities for all ages and local health and wellbeing services. Over 200 local residents attended. At the fun day residents expressed concems that they were not always aware of support and local activities. To help address this concern an online and paper based Benhill Community Calendar is currently beirwJ developed. Working in partnership with a local foc#Js bank. we supported a local residents association to install a community food cupboard. Weekly drop-ins were set up at a local HeaFth centre to SUPFQrt patients to access a range of information and support. 12 sessions were held throughout 202>2024 with over 100 patients attending. Shanklin We supported a local Residents Associalion to work in partnership with South West London NHS and the Sutton Primary Care network to provided various health initiatives for example mental health group discussions and cook and eat sessions with social prescribers. We also worked closely with ethnic residents and encouraged them to take a more active role with the Residents Association. A food cupboard has also been installed in this area to help support residents. We supported a group of Muslim ladies to host an EID paty in the communty hall on the housing estate, this was the firsl time there was an EID celebration in the community hall. We worked in partnership with a well-established local mental health chartty as they were keen to engage with local Muslim women. A cake sale for Macmillan Cancer charity was held at the charity and a number of Muslim women attended the event. Following the Suc￿sS of the event younger members of the community expressed an interest in volunteer with the mental health charity and a group of Muslim ladies run exercise classes at the mental health charity. St Heller During 202312024 a number of infomiation session were held for a group of oldèr Tamil residents at Hill House. These sessions inGluded awareness tslks on eye health, diabetes information, NHS App support. winter health and being safe in the community. A group of residents and carers have also come together and hold regular exercise I dance session in the evenings. We have also supported churches in the St Heller area who are keen to increase working in Partne￿hlp. 12 COMMUNITY ACTION surroN (Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No: 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 In November 2023 we supported a Suiton Tamil ScFK)ol with their board of trustee and govemance, this lead to various engagement session around health where we found a high level of diabetes amongst this community. We supported the school to apply for funding from the Physical Activity Fund and they were successful in their application. The funding has been used to run exercise sessions. We supported a local group to work in partnership with the ITN to hold the first health and wellbeing event in st Heller. We worked in partnersnip with a local health centre, which enabled a local organlsalion to provide free blood pressure checks and NHS app SUPPOrt for local residents. As part of health inequalities project il was identified that there was a high level of health conditions amongst Muslim women in the St Heller area. for example obesity, diabetes and heart conditions. To help address this we supported a local organisation to deliver yoga classes. We also supported a local church to apply for fvnding from the Winter Engagement Fund. Following a success application the church were awarded funding to provide a weekly lunch, where residents could attend and have a bowl of soup and play games. This initiative also lead to installing a food cupboard near the church. Healthwatch Sutton Community Action Sutton provides hosting. rnanagement and operational support to Healthwatch Sutton. This year Healthwatch Sutton has: Completed a survey of 9-11 year olds alxiut their mental wellbeing, to push for them to have more support following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveyed residents about their recent use of GP Practices in Sutton. to ensure ongoing changes at Practi¢es improve patient experience. Surveyed people with disabilities to identify whether their Pradices are meeling their communicatio and health infomiation needs under the Accessible Information Standard. Surveyed residents about their recEnt experience of ear wax treatment, to detemiine its local availability and push for this to be extended. Recruited a new Project Officer and three new Trustees, to increase project activity, provide more health and social care expertise and decide which areas of health and social care to investigate in the future. Plans for the future Our key developments for the year ahead indude: Continuing to deliver organic growth in membership wilh targeted growth in non-members. Position ourselves and the sector to understand emerging opportunities and challenges arising from the development of the new South West London Integrated Care System. Advocating for stronger. equitable representation for the sector within the Int￿rated Care Board in South West London Securing additional new fijnding into the sector in Sutton. maintain and maximise current service offer at highest possible capacty, and appropriate reach across all VCSE organisations in Sutton. Developing our voluntary sector forum. Diversify our fundraising in orijer to maintain sufficient resources to operate at our current capacity. Support infrastructure and service delivery wtth review and upgrade of IT systems, ensuring GDPR compliance. Improve efficiency through reviewing administrative systems. such as database and intemal monitoring processes. 13 COMMUNITY ACTION SUThON {Registered Charity No: 1063129) (Company No." 3336660) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Financial Review The financial statements have been presented in a format to comply with both Gompany and charity law. Significant figures during the year can be summarised from Ihe Staternent of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet as follows: Incoming Resources: Community Action Sutton re￿iVed the Infrastructure and Capacity Building Fund Strategic Partner from Sutton Council which conskn'tuteij 12.10 of the total Income. Addlllonal grants or contraG15 (53,532) (4,703) (17,310) (24,478) (378,852) 329,007 (9,354) (4.225) Net cash provlded by l (used tn) operating activities (143,863) (96,973) Cash flows from investing activities Interest received Distribution received 53,532 4,703 17.310 24.478 Net cash provided byl(used in) investing activities 58.235 41,788 Change in cash and cash equivalents In the year (85.628) (55.185) Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 1,735.335 1,790.520 Cash and cash equivalents carried forward £1,649,707 £1.735,335 2024 2023 Analysis of cash and cash equfvalents Cash at bank and in hand £1,649,707 £1,735,335 23 COMMUNrrY ACTION SUThON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accountlng policies General infomiation and basis of accounting Community Action Sutton (CAS) is a registered charity (no. 1063129) and private company limited by guarantee (no. 3336660) registered in England and Wales. In the event of the charitable company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member. The registered office is given in the Administrative Information on page 1. Tho charity constitutes a public benefft Ènlty as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Attounting 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102). the Charities Act 2011. the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The financial statements are prepared on a going concem basis and under the historical cost convention. The financial stalements are presented in steding which is the functional curr8ncy of the charity and rounded to the nearest pound. The signrficant aC￿Unting policies applied in the preparation of these financial ststements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. Income recognition Items of income are recognised in the financial statemenls when all of the following criteria are met: The charity has entiuemenl to the funds- any performance conditions have been met or are fvlly within the control of the charty" there is sufficient certainty that rewpt of the income is rL)nsidered probable: and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure recognitlon Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third party, it is probable that setuement will be required and the amount can be measured reliably. Costs of raising funds comprises the Costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Expenditure on charitable activFties comprises those costs incurr8d in the delivery of the charity's activities and services for its beneficiaries. Expenditure is allocated to each activity where the (￿sts relate directly to that activity. Support costs, including governan￿ costs. that do not ￿late directly to any activty are apportioned on the basis of staff time. Fund accounting Unrestricted general funds are Ihose funds vthich are freety available for use in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Designated funds are unrestrtcted fijnds set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are those funds which can only be used in accordance with the wishes of the donor or which have been raised for a particular purpose. CAS makes an administrative charge for the operation of some restricted funds and this is induded as unrestricted income. An equal amount is also recognised as restricted fund ex￿ndIture. 24 COMMUNrrY ACTION SUThON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd..- Accountlng policieslcontd... Tangible fixed assets Tangible assets costing more than £500 are capitalised. Depreciation is provided so as lo write off the cost of each asset over tts estimated usefijl life at the following annual rates- Office furniture and equipment CompLtter equipment Leasehold propety improvements 20% straight line 330/0 Straight line 33% straighl line All assets acquired as part of restricted fund projects are treated as revenue expenditure and written off in the year of purchase. Debtors and creditors receivablelpayable withln one year Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price Any losses arisirvJ Irom impainnents are recognised in expenditure. Leases Operating lease rentsls are charged to the Ststement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Pension costs The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable under the scheme are charged the Statement of Financial Activities in the year to which they relate. Donatlons Unrestricted Unrestricted general designated funds funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Totsl 2023 Donations £733 £Nil £Nil £733 £1,145 Income from charitable aclivities Unrestricted Unrestricted general designated funds funds Restrided funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Grants Contracts Management charges Fees 223,578 270,000 25.980 46.419 1,513,596 1,737,174 270.000 25,980 46.419 1.411,563 285.000 24,148 37,803 £565,977 £Nil £1,513,596 £2,079.573 £1,758,514 Of the £1,758.514 recognised in 2023. £675,315 was unrestricted general funds and £1,083,199 was restricted funds. £1,945,032 {2023: £1.400,823} of government grant was received from London Borough of Sutton. 25 COMMUNrrY ACTION s￿￿oN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... Income from other trading activitios Unrestricted Unrestricted general designated Restrlcted funds funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Rent and other charges £131.676 £Nil £Nil £131,676 £107.222 All of the £107,222 recognised in 2023 was unrestricted general funds. Invoslrnent income Unrestricted Unrestrictod general d•signated funds funds R8Strided funds Total 2024 Totsl 2023 Dividends Bank interest 4.703 53,532 4,703 53,532 24,478 17,310 £58,235 £Nil £Nil £58.235 £41.788 All of the £41,788 recognised in 2023 was unrestricted general funds. Cost of raising funds Grant funding of Activities Direct costs Support costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Fundraising activities £Nil £Nil £12,501 £12,501 £13.201 All of the £13.201 recognised in 2023 was unrestricted general fijnds Cost of charitable activities Grant funding of activities Direct costs Support cosls Total 2024 Total 2023 Volunlary sector support and development £1.658,648 £531,098 £103.753 £2,293,499 £1,937.074 Of the £1,937,074 expenditure recognised in 2023, £802.759 was charged to unrestricted general funds and £1,134.315 was charged to restricted funds. Analysis of grant funding Raising funds Charltable activities Totsl 2024 Total 2023 Grants to institutions Sutton Community Fund Health and Wellbeing Fund Ukraine Response Fund Hill House LBS - Physlcal Acllvlty FurKI Sutton CCG Charitable Fund Cost of Living Response Warm Homes Project MIC- Together for Sutton Infrastructure Support and Capacity Building 49.736 49,736 51.245 10.090 64.783 241,348 965 241,348 965 50.529 21,250 21,250 70.858 50,000 13,200 777,766 255,896 1.131,184 163.636 1.131,184 163.636 £Nil £1,658,648 £1.658,648 £1.293.838 26 COMMUNITY ACTION siJfTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... Analysls of direct Costs Raising funds Charitable activities Total 2024 Total 2023 Staff costs Staff and volunteer expenses Consultancy Training courses and subsidies Group activitias 487,863 11.216 6,779 487,863 11,216 6,779 1.544 23.696 413,T17 5,490 5.375 47.063 £Nil £531,098 £531,098 £471,705 10. Analysis of support Costs Raising funds Charitable activities Total 2024 Total 2023 Staff costs Office expenses Premises costs Other support costs Govemance costs {see Note 11} 5.938 5.938 17.132 70.728 6.953 15,503 6.000 21,442 69.195 74.818 13.277 17.132 67,192 3,926 15,503 3.536 3.027 £12,501 £103.753 £116,254 £184,732 11. Governance costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Staff costs Audit fee Legal and professional fees Annual general meeting Trusteelfidelity insurance 7,574 4.000 3,229 7,732 3,800 450 595 700 700 £15,503 £13,277 12. Net in¢omel{expenditure) 2024 2023 This is stated after charging-. Deprecrdtion Operating lease r8ntals £Nil £19,742 £Nil £19,700 27 COMMUNITY ACTION SUThON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... 13. Staff Costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Employerfs National Insuran￿ Costs Employer's Pension Costs 439,662 41.131 20.582 376,255 35.822 15,432 £501.375 £427,509 The total employee benefits received by Key Managemenl Personnel amounted to £144,744 (2023 '. £144,145). Under FRS 102, employee benefils includes gross salary, benefits in kind. employef s national insurance and employer's pension costs. 2024 Number 2023 Number The average number of employees 16 14 The average number of employees based on full-time equivalents 11 12 The number of employees vthose employee benefits (induding employerfs national Insuran￿ contributions and employerfs pension costs) exceeded £60.000 was.. 2024 2023 £80.001- £90.000 14. Tanglble fixed assets Office and Computer Equipmont Leasohold Improvemonts Total Cost At 1 April 2023 and at 31 March 2024 14.547 5.473 20,020 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 and at 31 March 2024 14.547 5,473 20,020 Net Book Value At 31 March 2024 £Nil £Nil £Nil At 31 March 2023 £Nil £Nil £Nil 15. Investments Cost As at 31 March 2022 and 31 Marth 2023 £1 Subsidiary Undertaking The company s investment in its subsidiary company represents the cost of acquisition of the whole of the ordinary share capital of Creative Payroll Solutions Limtted. which provides payroll ServI￿S previously provided by Community Action Sutton Charity Company. The aggregate capilal and reseNes at 31 March 2024 was £31.495 (2023: £2,906). The company reported a profit for the year of £28,599 (2023: £2,905). 28 COMMUNtrY ACTION su￿ON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... 16. Debtors 2024 2023 Trade deblors Other debtors Prepayments Arnounts owed by group undertakings 382,620 24,486 1.200 86,661 40,054 2,584 1,017 72,460 £494,967 £116.115 2024 2023 17. Creditors.. Amounts falling due within one year Accruals Other credilors 31.983 301,875 4,851 £333,858 £4,851 18. Obligations undor leases The total minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating lease agreements are as follows: 2024 Land and Buildings 2023 Land and Buildlngs Other Olher Less than one year £9,850 £Nil £9.850 £Nil 19. Analysis of net assets betwéen funds Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Nel assets 2024 Restricted Funds Designated Funds Unrestricted Funds 1,370,285 272,840 501,549 1,370.285 272,840 167,692 {333.858) As at 31 March 2024 £1 £2,144,674 £{333,858) £1.810,817 Comparative information for the anatysis of net assets beiween funds is as follows: Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Net assets 2023 Restricted Funds Designated FLinds Unrestricted Funds 1,413,127 272.840 165,483 1.413,127 272,840 160,633 {4,8511 As at 31 March 2023 £1 £1.851,450 £(4,8511 £1,846,600 29 COMMUNrrY ACTION SUThON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... 20. Related Party Disclosures A summary of the account movements with Creative Payroll Solutions Limited {subsidiary of Communty Action Sutton) is sh¢)wn below: Debtor as at 1 April 2023 Recharged costs Receipt 72,460 124.388 {110,187) Debtor as at 31 March 2024 £86.661 No Irustees received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses during either year. 21. Movement in unrestricted funds Balance at 1 Aprll 2023 Balance at 31 March 2024 Income Exponditure Transfors 2024 Unrestricted Funds.. General 160.633 756,621 725.941 (23.621) 167.692 Designated Property Dilapidation Staff Infraslructure Development Fund Sector Research 30.000 135,000 86.428 21.412 30,000 135,000 86,428 21.412 272.840 272,840 £433,473 £756.621 £725.941 £{23,621) £440.532 Comparative infomiation for the movement in unr8stricted funds is as follows: 21. Movement in unrestrictgd funds Balance at 1 April 2022 Balance at 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023 Unrestricted Funds: General 151,961 825,470 815,960 {838) 160,633 Designated Property Dilapidation Stsff Infrastructure Development FurKI Sector Research 30,000 135,000 86.428 21.412 135.000 86.428 21.412 272,840 272.840 £424.801 £825.470 £815.960 £(838) £433,473 Transfers have been made to return restricted funds no longer required. 30 COMMUNrrY ACTION s￿￿oN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... 22. Movement in restricted funds Balance at Balance at 31 March 2024 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024 Sutton Communty Fund LBS Ukraine Response Fund Making Informed Choices (MIC) Sutton CCG Charitable Fund Physical Athvity 50.559 65,777 80.000 189,493 1,193.574 49,736 241,349 1.217,195 21,250 50,529 80.823 13,921 23,621 1.296.791 1,275,541 50,529 £1.413.127 £1,513.596 £1,580.059 £23.621 £1.370,285 Comparattve information for the movement in restricted fvnds is as follows: 22. Movement in restri¢ted funds Balance at 1 April 2022 Balanco at 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023 LBS Safer Sutton Partnership Service Sutton Community Fund LBS Ukraine Response Fund TransfonTtation - PQASSO Social Care Delivery Grant Making Informed Choices {MlC) Sutton CCG Charitable Fund Cost of Living Response Warm Homes Project Access to Work 2.731 80,356 2,731 51,274 67,283 1.365 6,814 867.500 70,858 50,000 13.200 3.290 80.000 133.060 (58,523) 50,559 65,777 1.365 11.304 (4,490} 867,500 1,367.649 1,296,791 50.000 13,200 651 2.639 £1,463.405 £1,083,199 £1.134.315 £838 £1,413,127 A deSCriptic￿ of the purpose for eath of these restricted funds Can be found in the Trustees, Annual Report. 31