REGisfERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03390138 REGisfERED CHARrrY NUMBER: 1063319 Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial ststements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 For Oswestry Community Action Mike Grtfflths & Partners Ltd The Yew Tree Inn High Street Gresford Wrexham LL12 8RF a4L(1¥4
Oswestry Community Action Contents of the Flnancial Statements forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 Pa8e Chairman's Report Report of the Trustees 4t014 Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Flnancial ActMtSes 16 Balan Sheet 17to18 Cash flow ststement 19 Notes to the Financial Statements 20to25 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 26to27
Oswestry Community Action Chairman's Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Report from the Chair of Trustees 2023124 has been a busy and often challenglng year for Qube as we contlnued to consolldate the organisations activities. Under Kim Wootton's management the team has developed significantly and we are In a much better postion to work smarter as we progress. A lot of work has been done around improved governan and in trying to secure our postion through a phase of continued financial restraints. In addition Kim has been attending some fully fvnded training delivered by Herltage Compass Strategy Support and It Is expected that thls wlll help us slgnlficantly In definlng and developing our longer term strategy and fundraisingjourney. We have held several strategy days during the yearto agree our annual busSness plan and work Is underway to finallse our three year strategy. Our risk reglster and Finance Commlttee have benefitted from rigorous and extensive expertise and input from my fellow trustee Charles Brotherton who continues to scrutinise and monitor risk and hightli8ht these to the rest of the Board. We are very grateful for hls contrlbutlon. A lot of ourtlme has been focused on the need for new premlses pendlng the end of our current lease in 2026 and we have been and will continue to explore options to not only secure our future but adapt to the needs of our community and the future financial climate. Partnershlp worklng contlnues to be a slgnlficant prlorlty and we have bullt and continue to bulld strong relationships With other organisations across the county and into Wale5. We have also seen the resignation of two of our valuableTrustees. Len Graham who had been with us for a slgnlfcant perlod of tlme and Sylvla Dyke who was my V5ce Chalr for a number of years. We contlnue to promote Qube and to seek Suitable Trustees wtth the ski115 and experience we need to take the charity forward. 2024125 wlll see us focuslng on the future of Qube, findlng a new premlses and consldering how we need to adapt our services to be both efficient, relevant and sustainable ensuring we remain as the much needed resource within our cornmunity. Heather Noble, Chair Oswestry Community Action, Qube
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees, who are also Directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companles Act 2006, present their report with the financial ststements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the Statement of Recommended Practice 2019 appllcable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Registered Company number 03390138 Registered Charity number 1063319 Registered offi Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestryp Shropshire. SYII IRB Trustees Heather Noble- Chair Sylvia Dyke- Wice Chalr {resSgned March 2024) Janet Byatt Leonard Graham (resigned December 2023) Rlchard Amos Charles Brotherton John Duffus Uoined July 2024) Company Secretsry and Chlef Officer Klm Wootton Independent Examiner Mike Griffiths & Partners The Yew Tree Inn High Street Gresford Wrexham LL12 8RF Bankers The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Delf House Southway. Skelmersdale, WN8 6wr STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENr Governlng document The company is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by Memorandum of Association on 20th June 1997, and amended on 12th March 2002.
Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees Trustees are recruited by personal approach from another Trustee or staff member, or by athiertising. Those interested in becomlng a Trustee are then asked to apply In writingi matching their skills and experience against a job dexription. The applicants are assessed by the Trustees and those sultable are invited to an Inter4tiew with the Chair. The successful applicants are nomlnated to the Board and given a full Induction to the organisation which includes ensuring they are aware of the responsibilities of being a Trustee and all the role entails. The recruited Trustees then participate in service attivities across the organisation to learn first-hand how they operate, meet our users and experience what it Is like to be a customer of Qube. They are introduced to staff and volunteers to learn their roles and given past Board papers to read including forecast budgets. cash flow and annual accounts to help them understand the current issues and financial position of the organisation. The Board holds an StrateEiC review meeting each year in order to discuss the strategic objectives, policles and procedures of Qube and to ensure they contlnue to meet our charitsble objects and are operating within the scope and eth05 of the Memorandum and Article5. Rlsk management The Trustees have a duty to identify and revlew the risks to which the Charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provlde reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The or8anisation has a risk register which is revlewed at each Flnance and Risk Committee meeting and key elements drawn to the Trustee Board. The risk register Is subjert to an annual Board review. Objectlves and aims of Oswestry Community Artlon Durlng the year, the Board of Trustees has reviewed its strategic objectives and aims, wlth a business plan for 2024125 being approved. Work is now underwayto extend thls to a three year strategic plan which will provide a focus for the charity. As part of these discussions the Qube vision has been updated to- Empowering local and rural communltles to live their best INes. All activities align with Qube's vision namely CommunityTran5POrt, Wellbeing and Independence, Volunteering and Community Development, Arts and Creative Health, Social Pre5cribin& Shopmobilty and Learning. Sl8nKlcant actlvities The Trustees have consldered the Charity Commission's guldance on public benefit and consider public beneflt to be at the heart of the artivities of the Charity. A summary of the significant activities of the charity Is glven below under the headings. The detail of the activities for 2023124 follows the summary. CommunltyTransport and Shopmobllhy- accessible doorto doortransport and 5COOter and wheelchair hire;
Volunteer Centre - supportive volunteer brokerage service and infrastructure support for voluntsry community Sector {VCSI or8anisations,' Arts-A contemporary gallery with a full arts programme of exhibitions, workshops and Wellbelng and Independence - provides friendship opportunities and sUPPOrt to people who are socially isolated. Soclal Prescribing Communlty Development- county wide project includes Community Connectors Networks, Voluntary Community Sector (VCS) Dlre¢cory of seNlces and signing up VCS services as Social Prescribing Interventions: Room Hlre for the communlty-two rooms available for external hire; and Learning-digital skills programme to help people in our community get online. QUBE'S ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable actlvities 2023-2024 In Qube's over 30-year history it has achieved many milestones, including- Arts: Qube has showcased the work of thousands of artists from the around the world. Over 350 exhlbltlons have been held over Qube's Ilfetlme. Approximately 200,000 people have visited Qubds gallery. Dial a Rlde: Dlal a Rlde has had over 10,000 members. 2,500 people have generously volunteered with Dial a Ride, helping us maintain this service. A combined total of over l.000.(MJ) miles have been travelled over the hlstory of Dlal Ride's service. Volunteerfn8: Around 6,000 volunteering roles have been posted to organisations. Care: Over 1,000 people have visited and taken part in Qube's Social groups.
Qube 2023124 Services Activities QUBE TRANSPORT Dlal A Rode At Qube we provide community transport (cn services to reduce loneliness, isolation, prevent exclusion and address the needs of our rural communities. Our members do not have access to a vehicle (often due to affordability issues). 'traditional' bus services are reducing with servi frequency falling by 50.2% since 2010 and many pa55enger5 do not have friend5 or family to rely on. provides a safety net for those that fall through the gaps. We operate demand responsive. door to door. transport serVIS for individuals from Monday to Friday. Journeys enable aCsS to health appointments including hospital and GP appointments. dentists. opticians etc. that without wouldn't be possible. We also run trips to supermarkets, hairdressers, local Social and activity groups. During 2023. the Shropshire CommunityTransport Consortium commissioned an Impact Report to raise awareness of cr and its social value. Qube is one of seven partners that make up the Consortlum. The report draws on analysls of a number of data sources including consultation with key stakeholders. data captured, online surveys with stakeholder organisations and passengers and use of a bespoke tool for calculating social value to illustrate the impact CT services have on those using them and the wider community. It Is clear from the report that CT in Shropshire generates a wlde range of benefits for those faclng moblllty problems In the county, includlng many who are vulnerable and/or socially or geographically isolated. Use of the social value tool has enabled many of these benefits to be quantified and valued. Collectlvely, thls demonstrates a beneflt cost ratlo for CT across Shropshlre In 2022/23 of at least 5.09".1. Thls is equlvalent to the CT servlces generating beneffts worth £5.09p for every £1 spent on delivering them, indicating very high value for money (as defined bythe UK Department for Transport in their WebTAG transport appraisal guidance). Dial A Ride has a membership of over 718 and it continues to increase. QubeTransFX)rt has undertaken 5.731 joumeys- 19.7% of these were for health. 26.3% for shopping and 30.2% for social visits. The hot rneal delivery service has continued in partnership with Osnosh. Osnosh cook up to 45 meals per week and provide grocery bags. The meals are then delivered to those who need them by Dial A Ride volunteers. The current fleet remains at four minibuses and two smaller specialist car5 (owned by Qubel and ten cars (owned by Volunteer drivers)- all the vehicles are fully aCs[ble. Dial A Ride ha5 27 volunteers, 7 new volunteers have joined during the year and 2 have left us. Community Cars Communlty Cars are used for longerjourneys and pmvide an entIal service to our member5. In partlcular, we transport Indlvlduals to medScal appolntments that otherwlse theywould find difficult to attend.
Trips During the perlod we have used our Dial a Ride seNice to transport to various locations, including Lake Vyrnwy. Powys Castle, Barmouth, Heulwen Trust Canal Boat and Exotic Zoo, Telford. School contracts and B82 The B82 bus mlrte from Lake Vyrnwy to Oswestry funded through Powys Council cortinues to be provided. The Shropshire Council ZS2030 Shrewsbury to Oswestry scTrK)ol route started during the period. Qube Shopmobility Qube has two scooters, which have been hired 98 times and slx wheelchairs. three self-propelled and three pushed. They were hired 30 times. mostly for weeks during this period. They are an essential service to improve accessibility for individuals that would otheThYise find it difficult to visit the town. QUBE VOLuNfEER CEKfRE Qube Volunteer Centre (VC) continues to gain funding from Shropshire Council to provide infrastructure support and volunteer brokerage. This is a partnershlp project delivered wlth Communlty Resource and Is a recognltion of the importance of the VCS In supporting our communities. Shropshlre Councll recognlsed the need for a stron& sustalnable and supported VCS sertor and that provision of infrastructure support is crucial for this to be maintained. The funding from Shropshire Council was part of a much larBer package of support for the sector commissloned through the Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership. The Infrastructure Project has also been working dosely wlth Social Prescribing Communlty Development, which 15 led by Qube. This provides the opportunity for cross referral to both servi$ and provides a much more comprehensive service of support for the VCS Sector. In addition. a Volunteer Coordinator role was added to the Qube team structure in July 2023. The purpose being to specifically recruit and support voluntsers into Qube. These volunteer roles indude driving and passenger support in transport servi5. wellbeing social groups• befriending and Nordic walking, and digital skills delNery. Roles have been advertised on Qube's volunteer ntre web page. social media. community connectors networK in local outlets in the town such as Library, Town Hall. Council noti boards. supemiarkets and surrounding village5. As well as Qube's own notice boards, vehicles and word of mouth. The registratlon process Is conducted in a robust manner and matching the volunteer to a suitable role is carefully COldered. Once placed. reviews are conducted after the first six months in the role and then annually. In the period, 14 volunteers have been recrulted to Joln Qube.
SOCIAL PRESCRIBING AND HEALTH INEQUALITIES Soclal prescrfblng Qube has continued to deliver community development for Social Prescrlblng acr055 the county. Working in partnership with Community Resource. ft>ur Communfty Development Officers (CDOS) have worked with each of the Shropshire Primary Care Networks. Since then the service has developed effectlve partnerships between the Healthy Lives Advisors, who see those with a social prescription. and refer to local service5, GP practices and other areas of health. The Shropshire Directory of servIs has been a particular focus Wlth over 600 or8anisation5 signed up as new interventions using the quality assurance framework. The CD05 also identify gaps in provision and work with partners to find a solution. including securing funding. The Community connector network is a key part of the role and this peer support network continues to build and goes from strength to strength. Meetings are held both in person and virtually in each area across the county and thi5 blended approach means that larger organisations such as SATH and the Mental Health Team can attend. The virtual Community Connector Infomiation bulletins have continued to develop with over 600 members now receiving fortnightly updates from organisations around the county. Small groups see these updates as a useful way to raise awareness of their work too. This project creates links with community organisations which grow stronger each year with consistency, regular meetings and chances to discuss gaps In provision in increasing detail. WELLBEING AND INDEPENDENCE SERVICES Funded through the Shropshlre Wellbeing and Independence Partnership and the National Community Lottery Fund, our wellbeing and befriending services aim to reduce isolation wlthln the local community and promote independence. Tuesday & Thursday Social Groups Members sign up to join the weekly social groups. which are held every Tuesday and Thursday. These sessions continue to be well-attended by our regular group members and for some of the people we support, this is the only time they are able to get out of the house and socialise with others. Due to issues with accessible tTan5POrt in the surrounding areas. we work closely with our Dial a Ride colleagues to support the running of these groups. Some of the rent activities have included- Day trip to the Heritage Railway Summer Party with John the Music Man The Orthopaedic Male Voice Choir Arthritis Awareness- information talk from Community Resource Happiness Coach-talk about mindfulness and guided meditation Tai Chi - movement sesslon wlth local Tai Chi Master Green Day Celebration with Oswestry in Bloom Drummlng with Rick Wilson Belly Dancing-talk and demor¥stration Derwen College - gardenlng presentation and planting demonstratlon Shropshire Fire and Rescue- infomiatlve talk from the local Prevention Officer
Befrlendlng Befrfendlng Group Qube offers face to fa meetlngs in smaller groups. usually with about 4 or 5 people, where we arrange to meet up for a coffee and chat. The purpose of this group Is to offer people the opportunity to socialise and make some new friends In a more intimate setting. Telephone Befrlending We offer a telephone befriending service for people who may find it difficult to get out and about so they can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, all from the comfort of their home. One of our team will matches the recipient with one of our friendly befriending volunteers to arrange a weekly telephone chat together. Wellbeing Services Newsletter A bi-monthly newsletter with inforniatlon about local events and services and how to keep well, as well as recipes, quizzes and puzzles is posted to the home5 of more than l(MJ people. Wellbeing calls The coordinators aim to make regular contart with members who are unable to attend our other wellbelng servlces and also reach out to family members {where appropriate and wlth consent). In recent months, we have notId more members Jolning wlth memory loss and as a result. these wellbeing calls are becoming a larger part of our wellbeing delivery. In addition to thls, we ensure that we celebrate all members birthdays either by sending a card to their home address or arranging a cake at the weekly groups. We also send cards to any of our members who are unwell or in hospital. Home Visits Our coordinators will organise home vlslts as and when Is approprfate and thls year, we have been supporting several members who have been unwell or suffering a bereavement by making regular vlslts to them at home. As part of the National Community Lottery fundin& we have launched - My Money Matters We have partnered with the local Citizens Advice service to have one of their trained advisor5 offering free. impartial advice to the local community. They hold weekly clinics within the Qube building and people are able to 5elf-refer for financial advice and support. sin launching in January 2024. we have processed 80+ referrdls and we have been encouraging member5 to sign for thi5 service. Our statistics for the last quarter show that the service helped 55 clients with a potential income gain of over £IOOk. Mental Health sUPPOrt The project aims to engage with VCS organlsatlons and source and facSlltate a programme of Mental Health support and tTainin8 across the county that will enable their respective workforces to recognise possible stress and burn-out in themselves and others and to develop as teams and as a professionals. To date 47 organisations have expressed an interest in becoming a partner of the wlder Mental Health Alliance and 85 delegates have attended mental health training courses. Six Trauma Reslllen
Management sesslons have taken place which is used In the early identification of the symptoms of stress. One attendee commented- hankyou agalnAororganlslng the recent tralnlnq. IAound ft very usefvl. Only to let you know that recently I was on the way with myfvmi'fy and l sowa person near the l)rfdge. Manycarspassed hi but l askedmy husband to Stop undpullover. I went to speok wlth hlm. Justbecause I was concerned about hls saftty. l am notsure rfj wouldhave done ft *S weeks ¢igo. Maybe I would have been Just Ilke those people wlw passedhim. But lfrel Ilke that tmlnlng gave me more confidence to reart and not be afrold to stop andspeov. Blood pressure projert The blood pressure project launched officially in August 2023 with a popup at Qube attended by 12 people. The aim was to bring blood pressure testing in the communityto marginalised groups who faced barriers to engaging with primary care services {lan8uage. rurality. economic deprivation among others). Throughout the first six months of the project volunteer blood pressure champions were recruited from various communities around Shropshire. To date 50 people have been trained. At present there are between 20 and 30 regular popups held each month in a range of locations in market towns and small villages in all 5 PCNS around Shropshire. New venues are constantly sought. The popups are staffed by the volunteer blood pressure champion5. Data collerted in June 2024 showed that over 650 blood pressures had been taken. When a member of the public is identified as having a high blood pressure reading (over 1401901 the volunteer signposts them for further monitoring at their GP surgery. Retention of volunteers has been challenging. There are currently 30 volunteers. A bi-monthly newsletter, a WhatsApp group and coffee-catch ups are a means to draw the volunteers toBether as tsam and ald retention. Reasons for leaving the project are largely personal and positive feedback has been given by volunteers who have stepped down. We have had very positive feedback from the public. Volunteers find this rewardin8 and motlvatlng and BBC Radio Shropshire Interviewed one of the volunteers at a popup in Wem. Several people have claimed that the service has really improved their health outcomes by flagging up high blood pressure they were not aware of and would not have brought to the attention of their doctor. Cancer Champions It has been a busy year for the Canr Champions project. There are now 305 Cancer Champion5 in total acr055 Shropshire and Telford with 211 of these in Shropshire. 23 Cancer Champion training sessions have been delivered acr055 the county since last September 2023. People trained include: IUAH Armed Forces Support Volunteers. hairdresser5. nurse5 and student nurses. carers, Carers Support Team Shropshire, disability advisors. Health and Social Care Students at Shrewsbury College, Healthwatch, serving military personnel• people with lived experience of Canr. Cancer Care Coordinators. prison officers. food share staff, Radfield Care Staff, Shrewsbury Ark, Police trainer etc. Furthermore, 17 prisoners who are Health and Wellbeing Champions within HMP Stoke Heath have also been trained. A5 the projert has expanded, supportlng our Cancer Champions has become increasingly important. Coffee catch ups have been organised on a monthly basis across Shropshire in Shrewsbury. Oswestry and Ludlow and they were very well attended. They provide an opportunty to give an update on the projert, share resources. provide peer supporL discuss latest research and any current advances in screening and
collate feedback for the NHS. Cancer Champions within Stoke Heath prison have also been supported wlth regular coffee catch ups organlsed within the prfson. QUBEARTS Qube is a diverse and contemporary art venue in our communlty. Our goal is to provide a warm and nurturlng creatFve space whlch can be enjoyed by everyone. The maln ways that we do this are: offering gallery space with regularly changing ethibitions, tourses and workshops led by talented artlsts, art events. and community projects. Our exhibition programme showcases work from some of the best local artists, as well as offering a space for emerging artists. We provide opportunities to artists and encourage their development- through exhibitions. selling in our cabinets, or sharing their skills in workshop5. We also Work with other institutions in the community to provide projects - a particular focus has been engaging young people to ensure the future of Qube and art in the local area. Exhibitlons The programme of exhibitions at Qube showcase work from local and national artists. both established and emerging. as well as community exhibitions arKI the results of project work. The aim for our exhlbitlon space15 to show high quality, contemporary work in our rural town. allowing local people acce55 to the types of art that they might not typically see. It Is part of our ongoing arts strategy that we introduce different materials and media to the gallery• beyond the historical trend for 2d painting and photography. Our Process exhibition in 2023 featured twenty different artlsts, and included textlles, metalwork ceramics, prlntmakln& jewellery, sculpture and glass. We had several school groups visiting the exhibition, allowing the young people to see the optlons avallable for a future in art. We are also actlvety supportlng women artlsts, people of colour, members of the LGBTQ+ communlty and people wSth disabilities as a way for groups who are generally underrepresented in the arts to be seen more widety. In total there were seven exhibitions in 2023124, with work by over 130 artists. We had two 5010 exhibitions, whith were from past People's Choice Open wlnners, and five Eroup exhibitions, including the 2023 Arts Open and the Chrfstmas glft exhlbltlon. We trialled a new exhibltlon Idea in October 2023, called "One Gallery, Three Exhibitions-. where the gallery space was split between two solo artists and a collettive of five MA student ramIc1sts from wxhaM University. Each artist could effectively rent a wall in the gallery. perfect for up- coming artists to share their work. or established artists to show new collections. The exhibition was very successful and will be part of the annual programme in the future. Artists are encouraged to sell their work during exhibitions, or use the available cabinet spa/browser rack5. Cabinets and sales Qube continues to have a dedicated space used all year round by local artists and craft-makers to sell their work. The work in the cabinets is carefully chosen. prioritising quality but also considering price. The commission rates for exhlbitlon sales remalned at 25% (plus VAT on that commission). over the yearthere have been £9,686 worth of gallery and cabinet sales, and commission. Workshops, Coue$ and Projects Over the year there were approxlmately 40 indivldual courses/workshops at Qube.
Thls included our two regular Art History blocks (eight sessions each) plus a single art history session on textiles and a special three-part course on Women in the Arts, all completely sold out, as well as our ongoing Paintsble group. Qube has a solid core of partlcipants in Art History and Paintable, with approxlmately 60 per week for Art History and 20 per week to Palntable. In line wlth our evolving strategry for exhibitions we have also varled the offering of workshops to include more textSles, ceramics and glass art, which has proved popular. Durlng the year the focus has mainly been on one-off workshops, as attempts at longer courses have generally been unsuccessful- feedback has been that the cost of living prevents up-front booking fees. We worked with the Cultural Consortium ART-efact project In summer 2023 to host two artists in residence. running free workshops which were well attended, thls wlll continue in 2024. Qube started worklng with Shropshire Council and SYA to provide free school holiday workshops for young people aged 11-16, which were well attended. We had feedback from the mother of a twelve- year-old boy t was lovefyondhe Is so proudof hls workl Ilove that he I$ o thlnffj aploce where heftels saft. I realfy love howyou ond the Qube nourfsh hlm and his love oAarL Thank youforaminqlng h we are ljoth In5plred to enteryour Open exhibltlon LEARNING Dl8ital skills programme In conjunction with Shropshire Council, Qube has helped 25 learners complete the Learn My Way programme set up by the Good Thing's Foundatlon. The learner demographic ran8es from people In their 50's to those who are 80+, all of which are at various stages of dlgital Isolation. One of the first learners to complete the course within a total of 8 hours, was an older gentleman. He has been retlred for many years and Is now a full tlme carer for his wlfe. who has various health conditions, and his son who has complex leaming difflculties and lives in assisted living accommodations. He had retlred before technology became common in the workplace, and so was never properly taught how to use it. However. in recent years with both his wife and son's failing health and his own worries conceming his age- he wanted to find ways to make lrfe easier. He was very skeptical when it came to the internet, especially using it on a smart phone but also realised that it could be used to help wlth many different tasks- specifically ordering the weekly shop. In the tlme I spent wrth him we set up a new smartphone, helped him choose a suitable tariff, helped him with everyday smartphone use, link hls new phone to his laptop and smart TV and install various useful apps such as one for tlme keeping- which helped him keep track of medications and the Tesco app. Both of whlch he now confidently uses to help both himself and his family. He was able to set up a weekly shopping for himself and his son to be sent directly to their Indivldual homes. "8efvre coming to the Qube Ihadlost touch and confidence wlth oll thlnqs dlgftal. l am now able to Shop on linefor myfvmily, e5peclallymy stepson who Is dlsabled andllves on hls own. l slncerety hope this course contlnues to help elde andpeople needlng digital skllls Ilke myser.
QUBE'S sfRATEGIC WORK Qube In its role as a community anchor organlsation continues to be a bridge between the voluntsry sector and the public sector and during 2023124 represented the sector at the Shropshire Voluntsry Sector Assembly• the Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership, The Communty Transport Consortium, Social Prescribing and the Shropshire Cultural Consortium. Qube considers it important that we are able to use our experlence of working With our communities to represent them at a strategic level and influence policy for future development. FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy The Trustees are aware of their responsibilities to the beneficiaries of the services and needs of the community and. therefore. aim for unrestricted reserves which equate to six months of core operating expenditure to enable the maintenance of Servi when grants are difficult to obtain. This requires £50,000 of unrestritted reserves. At the 31 March 2024 the unrestricted undesignated reserves totalled £124. 329 {excluding fixed assets). therefore, Trustees are able to desSgnate c£74,000 for other purposes. The Trustees have sought to estsblish a reserve to allow for the replacement of equlpment and vehicles in line wlth the Replacement Vehicle Policy. The vehlcles are largely funded from Restricted Reserves but not exclusively and, therefore, £50,(M)O is transferred to a designated Vehicle Rep1arnent Reserve. A further £24.(KKI is transferred to a Development Reserve to enable the Charlty to explore new opportunftles ahead of receiving grant fundln& FINANCIAL REVIEW Significant events Pressure on budgets have presented challenges for Qube during the year. The services provlded by Qube are essential. however. operational costs have increased with little or no rise in funding and grants are more competitive to Secure. This has introduced greater financial demands and in re5F)onse Qube has focused on effettively managing expenditu whitst maximising opportunities to generate income. Looking to the Future Qube is determined to ensure that it continues to support those most in need and make a positive difference to people's lives. The Trustee5, staff and volunteers are all committed to helping Qube thrive and evolve. This report ha5 been prepared having taken advantage of the small Companies exemption In the Companles Act 2006. Signed on behalf of the Board Mrs H Noble, Chair 15 October 2024
Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustees of Oswestry Communlty Actlon I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company forthe year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages sixteen to twenty-six. Responsibllltles and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its the dirertors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts In accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (The 2006 ACY). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are ellglble for independent examination, I report In respett of my examinatlon of your Companvs accounts as carr*d out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 ACV). In carrying out my examinatlon I have followed the directions given by the Charlty Commission under sectlon 145{5)(bl of the 2011 Act. Independent examlnerfs Statement Since the CompanVs gross income exeded £250,000 your examlner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am quallfied to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Attountants, which Is one of the Ilsted bodies. I have completed my examination; I confirm that no matters have come to my attention In connection with the examlnation giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: l. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Art. or 2.The accounts do not accord with those records. or 3.The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of sectlon 396 of the 2006 Act other than any qUIrements that the accounts give a true and fair vieW which is not a matter consldered 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 Pract1 2019 for accounting arKI reportSng by charities [applicable to charlties preparing thelr accounts in accordance wlth the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)] I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examlnation to which attention should be drawn In this report to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. James Denton The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants MSke Griffiths & Partners Ltd The Yew Tree Inn, High Street, Gresford,Wrexham, LL12 8RF
Oswestry Communlty Actlon Statement of Flnancial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expendlture Account) For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 31.03.24 31.03.23 Total Total funds funds Unrestrlcted Restricted Funds Funds Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incomlng resources from generated funds Voluntary Income Investment income 3.508 4,969 25,609 29,117 4.969 6,958 3,053 Incomlng resources from tharitable activities Art Wellbeing Servlces (Formerly Care) Transport & Shopmobility Volunteering Shopmbility (Now with Transport) Core Qube Big Local Qube Learnlng 29,960 5,400 35,360 38,711 495.666 495,666 244,265 SI,605 134,491 164.063 34.662 34,662 61,332 11,585 42,139 240,921 7,394 82.886 7,179 10,487 17,666 5,305 5,305 125.330 597,820 723,150 810,410 Total incomln8 resources 133A07 623N29 757.236 820A21 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charltable activltles Art Wellbelng Services (Formerly Carel Transport & Shopmobility 39.628 63 3,160 42,788 72,534 317.809 317,872 233.887 152,318 152,318 170,688 Volunteering Shopmobility {now with Transport) Core Qube 37.525 37525 82,869 5.213 78,539 11,459 82,941 94,400 BS8 Local Qube Learnlng 240,921 5.805 4.875 4,875 56,025 593,753 649.778 890,456 Govemance costs 13.644 13.644 8,905 Total resources expended 56,025 607.397 663N22 899.361 NEf INCOMING/(oufGOING) RESOURCES 77,782 16.032 93,814 (78.940) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 46,547 289,449 335,996 414,936 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 124,329 305,481 429,810 335.996
Oswe5try Communlty Actlon Balance Sheet At 31 March 2024 31.3.24 Total funds 31.3.23 Total Funds Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 2.617 49,681 52,298 99,665 CURREMf ASSErs Stocks Debtors Cash at Bank 300 300 127,152 294,217 421,669 300 85,140 336,795 422.235 127.152 194,139 321,291 l(K).078 100,378 CREDrroRS Amounts falllng due wlthin one year (44,157} (44,157) {185.904) NET CURRENT SErs IIXl,378 277,134 377.512 236,331 TOTAL ASSEfs LESS CURRENT LIABIUTIES 102,995 326,815 429,810 335,996 NET ASSETS 102,995 326,815 429,810 335.996 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 124,329 305,481 46,547 289.449 TOTAL FUNDS 429,810 335,996
Oswestry Communlty Artlon Balance Sheet - contlnued At 31 March 2024 For the year ending 31 March 2024 the Company was entltled to exemptlon from audit under sectlon 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors. responsibilitie5: l. The members have not requlred the Company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with Sectlon 476 of the Companies Act 2006; 2. The dlrectors acknowledge their responsibilltles for complying wlth the requirements of the Act with re5pert to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 7 October 2024 and were slgned on Its behalf by: Mrs H Noble- Chair Date: 15 October 2024 Registered Company Number: 03390138
Oswestry Comrnunlty Actlon Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Recondllatlon of net movement In funds to net cash flow from operating activitles Net movements in funds Add back net depreciation charge 93,814 47,367 (78,940) 29,119 Loss on sale of Assets Deduct Investment income shown in investing activities Decrease (increase) in debtors Increase (decrease) in creditors (4.969) 142,0121 (141,747) 18,580) 30,473 (110,017) Cash used in operatlng activltles 147,5471 (137,945) Cash flows from Investln8 activltles Investment income 4.969 8,580 Purchase of tangible fixed assets Dlsposals of tsngible fixed assets Cash provided by (used in) Investing artlvlties (4,283) 4,304 8.601 increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalerrts in the year {42,578) {129.344) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 336,795 466,139 Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 294,217 336,795 Cash flows 01-Apr-23 Analysis of changes In Net Debt 31-Mar-24 Cash and cash equivalents 336.795 {42.578) 294,217
Oswestry Communlty Actlon Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 ACCOUNTING POUCIES Basls of Accountlng The financial statements have been prepared In accordance with the Charitvs governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Prattice 2019 applicable to charities preparing thelr accounts in accordance with the Flnancial Reportlng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS1021" (as amended for accounting periods commenclng from l January 2019). The charity is a Publlc Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functlonal currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these fEnancial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The accounts have been prepared under the historlcal cost convention, modified to Include certaln financial instruments at falr value. The princlpal accountlng pollcies adopted are set out below. Incomlng resources All Incoming resources are Included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charlty is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantlfied with reasonable accuracy. ReSoUe$ expended Expendlture is accounted for on accruals basss and has been classified under headlngs that have aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be dlrettly attributed to particular headlngs they have been allocated to activities on a basis conslstent with the use of resources. Allocatlon and apportlonment of c05ts Wages not directly allocated to an artivity are apportioned pro rata between unrestrirted and restricted funds based on fund income; this method of allocation also applies to unallocated vehicle running expenses and volunteer expenses. Tan8lble fixed assets Depreciatlon Is provided at the followin8 annual rates In order to write off each asset over Its estimated useful Ilfe. Land and building5 Plant and machinery, etc - 4% on cost - 25% on cost and 25% on reducing balance Stocks Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving Items. Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation tax on Its charitable activities. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable abjectlves at the discretion of the trustees. Restrlcted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charfty. Restrictions arise when speclfled by the donor or when funds are raised for partlcular restrlcted pury)oses. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund Is Included In the notes to the financial ststements. Hlre purchase and leasing commltments Rentals pald under operations leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a stralght line basis overthe period of the lease.
Pemlon costs and other post-retirement beneflts Oswestry Community Action operates a defined contributlon pension scheme for Its staff. The pension charge in the accounts represents the amounts payable bythe company to the fund in respect of the year. 2. INVESTMEKf INCOME 31.3.24 31.3.23 Deposit account interest 4,969 4,969 3,053 3,053 3. NEf INCOMINGI(OUTGOING) RESOURCES Net resources are stated after charging/{crediting): 31.3.24 31.3.23 Depreciation- owned assets Governance- A55urance serrfices Governance- Independent examination 27,036 11.744 1.900 40,680 29,119 7,155 1,750 38,024 TRusfEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There We no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. Trustees Expenses Trustees, expenses totalling £34.40 were paid forthe yearended 31 March 2024 and no expenses forthe year ended 31 March 2023. 5. STAFF COSTS 31.3.24 31.3.23 Wages and salaries Ilncl. Employers N.1) Social Security costs Other penslon costs 324,154 17,072 5,567 346,793 309,128 16.104 5,978 331.210 The average monthly number of full tlme employees durfng the year was as follows Qube Art Qube Wellbeing Qube Volunteering Qube Transport Qube Admlnlstration Big Local Qube Learnlng 31.3.24 31.3.23 13.0 15 No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. Key personnel remuneration in the year amounted to £42,472.
6.TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Land and Bulldlngs Plant and Machlnery Indudlng Vehlcles Retylcted Unreslrlcted Totsls Unrestrkted Restrlrted Unre5trirted I cosr At l April 2023 Additions Disposals 508.424 233.947 57,262 742,371 57,262 At 31 March 2024 508,424 233.947 57,262 742.371 57,262 DEPRECIATION At l April 2023 Charge for year on diswsals 435.111 40,674 211,218 | 5,687 53.639 1.006 646,329 46,361 53,639 1.006 At 31 March 2024 475.785 216.)5 54,645 692.690 54,645 NEf BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 32,639 17.042 2,617 49.681 1 2,617 At 31 March 2023 73,313 22,729 3,623 3,623 Land and Bulldlngs. The lease on the current building ends August 2026. The depreciation charge will reduce the NBVto nil at this point
Oswestry CommunltyAction Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 7. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trade Debtors Other Debtors 112,102 15.050 127,152 79.526 5.614 85,140 The Increase Sn Debtors relates to grant income we are expectlng to receive. 8. CREDrroRS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE wmiiN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trade creditors Taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income 42,688 15,452 1,469 44.157 170,452 185,904 See Section 11 regarding deferred income changes 9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 1.4.23 Net movement In funds At 31.3.24 Unrestricted funds Undesignated funds 46,547 77,782 124,329 46,547 77,782 124,329 Restrlcted funds Restricted 289.449 16,032 305,481 TOTAL FUNDS 335.996 93,814 429,810
oswestry Communlty Actlon Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued Incomlng Resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestrlcted funds Undesignated fund 133.807 56.025 77,782 Restrfrted funds Restricted 623,429 607,397 16,032 TOTAL FUNDS 757.236 663.422 93.814 The undesignated fund represents various types of income received and expended in accordance with the charitable objectives of the charity. The detai15 of the various service areas are given in the Report of the Trustses attached to these accounts. The fund balance is for replacement of Information technology equipment and to enable the charity to have a structured shutdown period should Oswestry Community Artion need to cease operatin8. The Restricted funds are mainly represented by the leasehold property granted to the charity, value at year end was £32,fJ40 and the motor vehicles & Equlpment, net book value at year end was £17,041. The balance of restricted funds represents the residue of the various grants and donations that enable the charity to continue and that remained unspent as at the year end. 10. RELATED PARTY TRAN5AcfioNS Klm Wootton. Chlef Officer is a Dlrector of the Shropshire Community Transport Consortium which is made up of seven likeminded partners. The Trustees are satisfied there is no conflict of interest. 11. DEFERRED INCOME 2024 2023 Total deferred income at stsrt of year 154,363 234.792 Amounts received in year Amounts credited to ststement of financial actlvities 258.470 (338,8991 (154,2851 Total deferred Income at end of year 78 154,363 The deferred income shown in 2023 has been deferred at the yearond In order to reflect the expected future costs to complete the relevant projects. All income received in the year to 31 March 2024 was credited to the 2024 Accounts in line with the Accounting requirements of the Charities SORP.
- GOING CONCERN The Trustees assess the rlsks identlfied as presenting the greatest challenges to the charity. These include, but are not limited to increased competitlon to secure fundin& reduod availability of grants, contracts not offered with annual upllfts and the contlnued Snflationary growth across the UK leading to addltlonal costs. A detailed analysis of income and expenditure is revlewed by the Board as part of thls exercise. The Board receive the annual Budget for revlew in January and for approval in March. In support, the Board detennine resilience and mltigation plans for the strateglc risks. These measures provide the assuran that the Board can confidently consider the charity a going concern in the medium term. The Board confirms that the charfty is vlable as a going concern.
Oswestry Community Artlon Detalled Statement of Flnancial Actlvftles for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 31.3.24 31.3.23 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluirtary Income Donations 29,117 6,958 Investment Income Deposlt account interest 4,969 4,969 3,053 3,053 Incoming resources from charitable actlvltles Rents received Sale of exhlblts Fares Other Income Grants 3,634 31.888 69,146 4,380 614,102 723.150 5,527 33,026 65,009 20,347 686,501 810.410 Total Incomlng resources 757,236 820.421
RESOURCE5 EXPENDED Charltable actfvlties Wages Pensions Advertislng and promotion Exhibitions and events Projert costs Subscriptions Volunteer expenses staff expenses Refreshments Vehicle runnlng costs Big Grant Scheme Wednesday shopplng servlce Professional fees Consultancy Rent. rates and water Insurance Light and heat Telephone Printlng postage and statlonery Repairs and renewals Bank charges Sundry expenses Computer and website Other expenditure Partner payments Depreciation of long leasehold Depreciatlon of fixtures and flttings Depreciation of motor vehicles Bad debt (Profit)/Loss on disposal 341,226 5,567 2,570 12,048 30,671 5,309 1,603 7,219 1,305 40,534 325,232 5,978 2.749 12591 78.617 5,306 4,477 19.215 622 53,786 155,983 10,684 30 5,669 2,910 9.698 3,501 3,386 12.977 839 4.954 7,455 29,930 4,716 4.700 2,533 11,859 5.498 4,631 16,815 855 2.886 12,026 13,674 86,658 20.337 1,160 7,622 90,415 40,674 999 5,700 1.836 649,778 890,456 Govemance Costs Assurance ServIS 11,744 7,155 Independent Examlnation 1,900 1,750 13.644 8,905 Totsl resources expended 663.422 899.361