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2024-03-31-accounts

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited (A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Company Number: 03466492 Charity Registered in England and Wales Number: 1065916

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Contents For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 2
Trustee Directors’ Report 3 – 11
Independent Examiners’ Report 12
Statement of Financial Activities 13
Balance Sheet 14
Statement of Cashflows 15
Notes to the Financial Statements 16 – 30

Page 1

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Reference and Administrative Details For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Charity Name Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited
Trustee Directors L Bowen
D Lloyd-Evans
N Salter
S Shillabeer
L Sweeney
L Wormald-Kelly
Chief Executive M Gardner
Registered Office Weston Court
Oldmixon Crescent
Weston-Super-Mare
North Somerset
BS24 9AU
Independent Examiner Michelle Ferris FCA
Albert Goodman LLP
Goodwood House
Blackbrook Park Avenue
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 2PX
Bankers CAF Bank
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ

Page 2

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s memorandum and articles of association, the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS 102- implemented 1 January 2019) and are in accordance with the special provision relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, dated 17th November 1997 and amended on the 21[st] June 2017, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. In the event of the company being wound up, members’ liability is restricted to £10. The charity, commonly known as VANS, is a registered charity number 1065916 and a company limited by guarantee number 03466492.

Recruitment and appointment of new Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) Trustees

The Directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law. The following trustees served during the year and since the year end:

D Lloyd-Evans N Salter S Shillabeer L Wormald Kelly (Resigned 4[th] April 2024) M Harriott (Resigned 30th August 2023) L Sweeney (Appointed at AGM 25th Sept. 2023) L Bowen (Appointed at AGM 25th Sept. 2023)

Trustees are normally appointed for a three-year term which is renewable. Processes for the election of the VANS Trustees are covered by the Articles and there is a policy and procedures for the co-option of the trustees.

VANS seeks to appoint a Board of Trustees which has a good understanding of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE), is representative of its diverse membership and with relevant business experience to ensure compliance with fiduciary responsibilities. Trustees can be co-opted or elected at the AGM. No external body has the right to appoint trustees.

Induction and training of new VANS Trustees

Trustees have a planned and bespoke induction to understand their roles and responsibilities and opportunities for ongoing training and development. The Chair conducts an annual conversation with each VANS Trustee and encourages open dialogue and discussions during the year. Trustees are encouraged to keep themselves up to date with Charity legislation, through relevant third-party websites and through attending training when required.

Page 3

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Organisational structure

Voluntary Action North Somerset is overseen by the Board of Trustees. As VANS Trustees, they are responsible for complying with all relevant legislation applicable to charities. This includes keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The VANS Board meets a minimum of four times a year to review performance and key risks. There are Board seminars and briefings covering relevant issues and two Trustee Away Days. Additional Board meetings are held if required to meet the needs of the charity.

Day-to-day responsibility for the running of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the team of paid employees.

Wider network

Whilst maintaining its independence, VANS works together with many other organisations - local, regional, and national - to achieve its objectives. These include but are not exclusive to non-profit-making organisations, North Somerset Leaders Forum, BNSSG Integrated Care Partnership, North Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board, town and parish councils in North Somerset, Sirona Care, Avon and Somerset Police and North Somerset Wellbeing Collective. VANS as an organisation is viewed as a champion for meaningful collaborative partnership working.

Related parties

The charity is a member of The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) and the National Association of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), incorporating Volunteer England.

As agreed by the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive holds the position of Director of the North Somerset Wellbeing Collective.

Risk Management

VANS Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate mitigations are in place to provide reasonable assurance against malpractice and error. The Board of Trustees has identified the major risks to which they believe the organisation may be exposed. These are reviewed on at least a quarterly basis and dependent on need and systems implemented to mitigate against them.

The main areas of risk that have been identified are:

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Objectives and Activities

The non-profit-making landscape has changed greatly since COVID-19 and the ensuing cost-of-living crisis. VANS’ key stakeholders have faced financial constraints and reorganisations, including changes to key personnel. This has created challenges and opportunities for Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS).

This financial year VANS has consolidated its work and refined its vision and values. The Board of Trustees and the VANS Team have worked together to ensure sustainability and drive the organisation forward with four key objectives. These objectives will allow VANS to continue to serve its stakeholders and the wider non-profit-making organisations that VANS champions.

Vision, Aims and Objectives

VANS work towards the “Vision” of:

‘A world where individuals and organisations are empowered, and everyone feels connected and engaged.’

VANS mission is:

“To inspire, lead, support, advocate and influence people to take positive action in creating a more connected, inclusive, and thriving community for everyone.”

Public benefit

VANS as an organisation meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of citizenship and community development headings. All projects delivered by VANS are designed by funders to deliver specific public benefit.

The trustees state that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Commission’s public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which guidance is relevant. The trustees also confirm that they have complied with section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Achievement and Performance

Charitable objectives

As the champion of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) or non-profit-making sector, VANS plays a crucial role in supporting charitable, community interest, and unconstituted groups to address the needs of people in its communities. VANS has four key purposes:

Key achievements

This year VANS has worked hard to diversify its funding streams and seek longer-term funding opportunities. VANS received funding from 13 different sources to enable the delivery of services to communities and nonprofit-making organisations. VANS is a non-specific cause-driven charity and gets little financial support from public fundraising.

The cost-of-living crisis and cuts to statutory funding through the local authority, the police and health in 2023-24 have created a difficult funding climate for charities. VANS has maintained the support of its key stakeholders. However, due to the cessation of the Mass Vaccination Volunteers Programme to South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset (BNSSG) VANS have lost a major revenue stream.

The VANS team is currently at 15 (12.4 FTE). VANS is extremely proud of its ability to attract and retain skilled and committed individuals who believe in the power of communities. These key roles enable VANS to provide support to the non-profit-making organisations for example, providing fundraising workshops and running the on-line Volunteer Centre etc. The team works hard to make lives better for the organisations that deliver directly to its communities,

The impact that VANS has had this year against its four key objectives is outlined below and the Impact Report 2023-2024 provides more examples and details

To advocate and develop leadership within non-profit-making organisations.

Providing a collective voice for the non-profit-making sector entails championing the sector's role in addressing societal challenges. VANS has continued to influence key local and regional decisions and policies, ensuring that the contributions of the sector are recognised and valued. This involves representing the collective interests of non-profit-making organisations through co-producing policy with statutory organisations, influencing policy decisions, and building partnerships with government, businesses, and other stakeholders.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

VANS plans and initiatives are aligned with the non-profit-making sector's priorities. Through VANS State of the Sector Report, it has identified key issues, challenges, and opportunities, and has worked with stakeholders to develop policies and initiatives that align with the non-profit-making sector's priorities. VANS has worked with St Monica’s Trust to develop its new funding strategy focussed on reducing loneliness and isolation. VANS, through the strategic guidance of its Senior Leaders Forum, has successfully pivoted its focus towards shaping the trajectory of future policy.

This year, through VANS’ role on the Integrated Care Partnership and as Locality Lead within Weston, Worle and villages, VANS, with its non-profit-making partners, has been active in helping to shape the relationship between health and the voluntary sector. VANS has worked with the VCSE Alliance to bring organisations together to access Integrated Care Board funding. VANS has run three online workshops to provide key updates to the sector on developments within the Alliance and Health.

VANS plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing critical gaps in service provision within the community. VANS manages the Reclaim Project, providing free counselling to survivors of Domestic Abuse. VANS identified a need for additional support for Domestic Abuse (DA) survivors experiencing disability and chronic pain. VANS has worked closely with North Somerset Council to develop a programme of traumainformed support for DA survivors with Disability and Chronic Pain and a training programme for medical and support staff. This work has been recognised nationally by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner provides public leadership on domestic abuse issues and plays a key role in overseeing and monitoring the provision of domestic abuse services in England and Wales.

To encourage and develop partnerships and collaborations.

By working together, pooling resources and expertise, the sector can create a greater positive impact. VANS has continued to foster collaborations between non-profit-making organisations. These collaborations foster innovation, shared learning, and increased efficiency, helping the sector to tackle complex societal issues and build stronger communities. VANS has worked with other infrastructure organisations across the West of England, academic institutions, local and regional government and health, to explore how collectively we can demonstrate the impact and range of non-profit-making organisations operating across the region.

VANS has worked closely with its local partners to write a State of Ageing Report for North Somerset. This will be published in September 2024. The report will provide a comprehensive snapshot of the experiences and challenges faced by its ageing population. By analysing demographic trends, health outcomes, economic security, social participation, and living environments, this report will serve as an essential tool for policymakers, service providers, and communities to develop an age-friendly North Somerset.

VANS runs the Senior Leaders Forum for leaders of non-profit-making organisations in North Somerset. This provides the sector with a platform for strategic thinking, collaboration, and advocacy. By bringing together key decision-makers, the forum helps to foster a shared vision for the sector's future facilitating knowledge exchange, identifying emerging challenges and opportunities, and strengthening relationships. By supporting leaders, VANS ensures a robust pipeline of skilled individuals dedicated to driving positive change in North Somerset.

VANS’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead works closely with community groups to understand and respect the unique experiences, perspectives, and needs of different groups within a community. This knowledge is used to bring community groups together with statutory services to involve them directly in decision-making processes and help to tailor services to meet their specific needs.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

To create, develop, and strengthen a dynamic non-profit-making sector.

Creating, developing, and strengthening a dynamic non-profit-making sector remains core to VANS work. This involves cultivating an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and demonstrating impact. By empowering non-profit organisations to thrive, VANS can harness the non-profit-making organisations’ potential to address complex societal challenges, strengthen communities, and drive positive change.

Funding remains a core concern for non-profit-making organisations. VANS has organised six grant writing for UKSPF funding and Meet the Funder workshops. These events provide a platform for non-profit-making organisations to learn about funders’ priorities, application processes, and eligibility criteria. Grant funders have been able to share insights into what kinds of projects they support, while grant-seekers could ask questions and build relationships.

Training empowers individuals and organisations to achieve their full potential by developing essential skills and knowledge. In June 2023 during Volunteer Week VANS held five events across North Somerset. Free sessions were offered covering: environmental issues, young people volunteering, racism, and inclusion to thirty-seven individuals.

Supporting an organisation's ability to achieve its mission by developing its resources, skills, and knowledge is one of VANS most important roles. VANS offers advice and support to over 30 individual non-profit-making organisations, whether this is support with writing funding applications, bringing like-minded organisations together, mentoring or business support.

To develop and grow volunteering.

In September 2023 VANS was very proud to be awarded the Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) awarded by NAVCA. The VCQA is designed for organisations providing Volunteer Centre services in their local communities. The award assesses how VANS leads the strategic development of volunteering, including good practice development, developing volunteer opportunities, brokerage and the voice of volunteering. VANS is one of only 26 accredited centres nationally.

Volunteering remains at the heart of VANS' work. VANS continues to work to connect volunteers with opportunities with 658 enthusiastic volunteers and 201 non-profit-making organisations registered on its Online Volunteer Centre. VANS secured funding to continue with the Step Forward Programme which is designed for individuals experiencing barriers to employment and offers support into volunteering as a step towards longer-term employment. From January to March 2024, Step Forward supported 15 individuals into volunteering.

Non-profit-making organisations in North Somerset have highlighted the need to attract more volunteers. This year VANS has developed a Volunteer Strategy and Action Plan for North Somerset, highlighting the power of volunteering to address local needs and a plan to recruit volunteers from diverse communities. VANS organised a Volunteer Strategy Workshop in November with 30 participants, key concerns and goals for volunteering were discussed and a working group was established to drive the strategy forward.

Page 8

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Financial Review

VANS has actively worked to bring more diverse funding into the organisation this year. This has meant working with new grant funders like the Medlock Foundation and bidding from national funders. With the support of VANS key funders the financial position of the organisation remained in a stable position. As expected, the reduction in funding for COVID-19 volunteering has meant that VANS had less overall income this year. Overall, the funding landscape has been difficult for all charities this year and whilst VANS has been successful in attracting new grant funding this is often short-term and existing contracts have not reflected the rise in organisational costs. VANS continues to work with existing stakeholders and develop new relationships to attract new long-term funding streams.

The VANS team has continued to work with its key stakeholders and partners to demonstrate its impact on non-profit-making organisations and its communities. This has been critical in ensuring that VANS is seen as an organisation that is innovative and delivers, when funding opportunities become available.

A full breakdown of the charity’s income streams, and expenditure is set out with the accounts.

Reserves policy

In line with the VANS Reserve Policy, the VANS Trustees annually reviews the amount of reserves that VANS holds and continue to plan to hold reserves to protect the organisation and delivery of its charitable objectives by providing time to adjust to changing financial circumstances.

Unrestricted general reserves are needed to deal with expenditures which could arise, and which is not provided for either in the annual budgeting process or as a result of a significant loss of revenue income.

VANS trustees consider that the organisation is on a firm financial footing. However, the trustees are conscious that pressures on funders, both contracts and grant givers, along with key risks such as an economic crisis or global pandemic could lead to financial pressure for the organisation in the coming years.

The current level of reserves meets the Contingency Reserve Fund level that has been agreed by the Board of Trustees and the aim will be to maintain the Contingency Reserve Fund to the agreed level. The Contingency Reserve Fund is funded with surplus unrestricted operating funds. To maintain the Contingency Reserve Fund at the agreed level, the organisation will seek to maintain investment from project delivery, as well as undertake fundraising campaigns, increasing earned income through the development of internal revenue streams and ensuring that expenditure is kept to a reasonable level. The VANS Trustees consider it a prudent objective to hold Contingency reserves at the current level of 12 months of charitable expenditure to cover VANS operating costs and 6 months of project funding as set out in the budget for the forthcoming year - circa £290k.

Investment Policy

VANS Income and Expenditure is small and as a consequence, the organisation does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Organisation has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies. Reserves and funding received in advance for projects are held in an interestbearing deposit account with its bankers, Charities Aid Foundation Bank.

Principle Funding Sources

The principal funding sources for the charity were commissions from North Somerset Council, Sirona Care, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Integrated Care System. The funding from these bodies was for the delivery of services. Additional income was generated from the range of projects undertaken by the charity throughout the year.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

There are no related party transactions and all principal funding sources are shown in the notes of the financial activities.

Plans for future periods

VANS Strategic Plan for 2024-25 is focussed on delivering its mission, maintaining a pipeline of projects to meet the charity’s overall objectives and addressing demand where need is identified. VANS’ underlying principle is to work in partnership and source investment to build a thriving non-profit-making sector for North Somerset.

VANS’ team is its main asset, and VANS will continue to develop its people, trustees and volunteers to achieve positive outcomes for the individuals and organisations that it represents.

VANS strategic focus for the coming year will be to:

VANS continues to play a critical strategic role in fostering a thriving and resilient non-profit-making sector and a compassionate community. By serving as a crucial link between volunteers, community groups, and statutory organisations, VANS ensures that vital services and support are delivered to those in need. VANS’ work strengthens the non-profit-making sector, enabling it to address local challenges and enhance the quality of life for residents. VANS works to grow and sustain the non-profit-making sector in North Somerset, empowering individuals and groups to make a positive impact.

Page 10

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of Voluntary Action North Somerset for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report (incorporating the directors’ report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This report has been prepared in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Approved by order of the board on 09 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

D Lloyd-Evans Trustee

N Salter Trustee

Page 11

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Independent Examiners' Report to the Members and Trustees For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Independent examiners report to the Trustees of Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited (“the Company”) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors 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 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with these records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair view” which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA

Albert Goodman LLP Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX Date: 30 October 2024

Page 12

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Statement of Financial Activities (including an Income and Expenditure account) For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrest- Rest- Unrest- Rest-
ricted ricted Total ricted ricted Total
Notes Funds Funds 2024 Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and general grants 2 14,302 6,654 20,956 10,025 8,088 18,113
Charitable activities 3 27,465 549,887 577,352 207,596 564,546 772,142
Investment income 4 7,876 - 7,876 1,146 - 1,146
Total income 49,643 556,541 606,184 218,767 572,634 791,401
Expenditure on:
Charitable expenditure 5 83,162 519,988 603,150 87,828 536,158 623,986
Total expenditure 83,162 519,988 603,150 87,828 536,158 623,986
Net income/(expenditure) before
(33,519) 36,553 3,034 130,939 36,476 167,415
transfers
Transfer between funds 11 26,205 (26,205) - 76,953 (76,953) -
Net movement in funds (7,314) 10,348 3,034 207,892 (40,477) 167,415
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances at 01 April 2023 359,452 233,160 592,612 151,560 273,637 425,197
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 11 352,138 243,508 595,646 359,452 233,160 592,612
----- End of picture text -----

The results for the year derive from continuing activities and there are no gains or losses other than those shown above.

The statement of financial activities incorporates the income and expenditure account.

Page 13

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited - Company Registration Number: 03466492 Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Notes 2024 2023
£ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 7 - -
Current assets
Debtors 8 139,079 271,922
Cash at bank and in hand 9 543,377 388,665
682,456 660,587
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year 10 (86,810) (67,975)
Net current assets 595,646 592,612
Net assets 595,646 592,612
Funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds 11 15,990 336,584
Designated funds 11 336,148 22,868
352,138 359,452
Restricted funds 11 243,508 233,160
Net assets 595,646 592,612
----- End of picture text -----

These accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

For the year in question, the charitable company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act.

The trustees/directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

Approved by the Board of Trustees for issue on 09 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

D Lloyd-Evans Trustee

N Salter Trustee

Page 14

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Statement of Cashflows For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Total Total
2024 2023
£ £
Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Net movements in funds for the year 3,034 167,415
Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items
Depreciation and amortisation 7 - -
Finance income 4 (7,876) (1,146)
(4,842) 166,269
Working capital adjustments
(Increase)/decrease in debtors 8 132,843 (45,844)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 10 18,835 (24,571)
Net cash flow from operations 146,836 95,854
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 4 7,876 1,146
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 154,712 97,000
Reconciliation of net debt
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of 388,665 291,665
the reporting period
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 154,712 97,000
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the 543,377 388,665
reporting period
----- End of picture text -----

Page 15

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting Policies

1.1 General information and basis of accounting

Voluntary Action North Somerset is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act. The maximum liability of each member is limited to £10. The address of the registered office is given on page 2. The nature of the charity’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Trustees report on pages 3-11.

The financial statements have been prepared in £ sterling on the historical cost basis and in accordance with accounting and reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)- (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

1.2 Going concern

The trustees assess whether the use of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting when preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income. The valuation of donated services is not quantified within the Statement of Financial Activities.

Donation income is received by way of general grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Income from grants, relating to specifically the provision of goods or services as part of charitable activities or services to clients are included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable and in the period in which they relate to. Grants are deferred when the monies have been received in advance of the period in which they relate to.

Other trading activities income includes income relating to fundraising and is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.

Investment income is included when receivable.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1.4 Government grants

Government grants are accounted for when unconditionally due and reasonable assurance can be gained that it will be received. Where funds are received in advance, for a specified period, these funds are deferred and recognised in the period to which they relate. Where funds have not been received in a specified period, these funds will be accrued in debtors and recognised in the period to which they relate. Not all grants received have conditions and performance indicators attached, where this is the case, the income is included within donations. Performance related grants are included within Charitable Activities income.

1.5 Donated services

In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), unpaid volunteer time is not recognised in the financial statements. Where services have been donated to the charity, these are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity, with a corresponding entry in both donations income and the relevant expenditure line.

1.6 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. All expenditure is gross of VAT which cannot be recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services to its clients. Direct costs are allocated to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them are shown as contributions to core expenditure.

Other support costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity.

1.7 Fixed assets

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets over their estimated useful lives at the following rate:-

Fixtures and fittings – 20% per annum straight line basis

Fixed assets are valued at cost less depreciation.

1.8 Debtors

Accrued income is recognised at the settlement amount due and prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.

1.9 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

1.10 Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at their settlement amount.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1.11 Taxation

The organisation is a registered charity and is therefore not liable to corporation tax to the extent that income and gains are applied to the charitable objectives of the charity.

1.12 Pension contributions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The scheme and its assets are held by independent managers. Contributions are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

1.13 Allocation of costs

A pre-determined amount of overhead expenditure on each project is calculated and transferred from the project to overheads as a contribution.

1.14 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds assigned for specific purposes by the trustees.

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets this criterion is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.

1.15 Operating leases

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred over the term of the lease.

1.16 VAT

The charity is not VAT registered and therefore all costs are inclusive of VAT.

1.17 Financial instruments

The charity only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and liabilities of the charity and their measurement are as follows:

Financial assets – trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost. Prepayments are not financial instruments.

Cash at bank and deposit accounts – these are classified as basic financial instruments and are measured at face value.

Financial liabilities – trade creditors, accruals and other creditors are basic financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost. Taxation and social security creditors are not included in the financial instruments disclosure definition. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver services rather than cash or another financial instrument.

Page 18

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

2 Donations and general grants

----- Start of picture text -----
Unre- Rest- Unre- Rest-
stricted ricted Total stricted ricted Total
funds funds 2024 funds funds 2023
Donations
Donations & gifts 14,302 6,654 20,956 10,025 8,088 18,113
14,302 6,654 20,956 10,025 8,088 18,113
The income above is made up of:
Received in year 14,302 6,654 20,956 10,025 8,088 18,113
Deferred income carried forward - - - - - -
14,302 6,654 20,956 10,025 8,088 18,113
----- End of picture text -----

Where grants are received in advance, for a specified period, these funds are deferred and recognised in the period to which they relate.

Page 19

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

3 Incoming resources from charitable activities

Grants:
Ageing Well
Befriending
Big Lottery Fund / Reclaim
Capacity Builders
Care Homes
Community Hubs
Community Resilience
Community Researchers
Equalities
Infrastructure Development
C&YP Volunteering
North Somerset Community Directory
NSC Childrens Centre
Mass Vaccination Centre
Mental Health Grants
DACP
Sirona Care
SPF
Sequoia Project
Step Forward
Bristol University Project
Ukraine Relief
Volunteer Management
Flax Bourton Hub
VCFSE Locality Lead Partnership
Other grants < £5,000
Other charitable activities:*
Advertising services
Consultation, events & training		 Unre-stricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,025
-
-
17,398
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,812
-
1,230
27,465		 Rest-
ricted
funds
£
95,188
45,833
58,605
-
-
-
-
3,500
57,930
-
25,000
-
19,324
-
56,000
83,395
-
4,500
10,200
11,413
5,000
-
10,200
-
60,000
3,799
-
-		 Total
2024
£
95,188
45,833
58,605
-
-
-
6,025
3,500
57,930
17,398
25,000
-
19,324
-
56,000
83,395
-
4,500
10,200
11,413
5,000
-
10,200
-
60,000
6,611
-
1,230
577,352		 Unre-
stricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
21,694
-
-
27,598
-
10,000
-
134,360
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
200
-
6,220
1,150
6,374
Rest-
ricted
funds
£
76,800
29,167
133,116
7,000
29,300
41,417
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
19,324
-
-
-
30,860
6,000
-
56,900
-
48,122
-
-
60,000
16,479
-
61		 Total
2023
£
76,800
29,167
133,116
7,000
29,300
41,417
21,694
-
10,000
27,598
-
10,000
19,324
134,360
-
-
30,860
6,000
-
56,900
-
48,122
-
200
60,000
22,699
1,150
6,435
549,887 207,596 564,546 772,142

Page 20

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
The income shown above is made up of:
Received in year 27,465 564,788 592,253 204,596 534,800 739,396
Deferred income brought forward - 43,097 43,097 3,000 72,843 75,843
Deferred income carried forward - (57,998) (57,998) - (43,097) (43,097)
27,465 549,887 577,352 207,596 564,546 772,142
----- End of picture text -----

Where grants are received in advance, for a specified period, these funds are deferred and recognised in the period to which they relate. * denotes amounts received from government. See note 14 for more information.

4 Investment income

----- Start of picture text -----
Unre- Rest- Unre- Rest-
stricted ricted Total stricted ricted Total
funds funds 2024 funds funds 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Bank interest 7,876 - 7,876 1,146 - 1,146
----- End of picture text -----

Page 21

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

5
Charitable expenditure
Staff costs
Staff salaries
Consultancy
Training
Travel
HR service
Other staff costs
Infrastructure costs
Insurance
Office expenses
IT costs
Postage, printing and stationery
Rent and services charges
Telephone
Subscriptions
Direct project costs
Project costs
Grants provided
Finance and governance costs
Accountancy fees
Independent Examination fees
Legal and professional fees
Bank charges
Membership
Other costs
Advertising & recruitment
Sundry expenses
Contributions to core
expenditure		 Unres-
tricted
£
96,325
-
6,350
577
2,350
1,455
867
6,098
2,883
2,789
2,457
9,305
-
3,763
112
14,525
-
60
4,809
-
-
154,725
(71,563)
83,162		 Res-
tricted
£
261,320
87,888
818
5,889
-
2,671
-
1,354
2,268
1,156
-
133
-
68,339
16,289
-
-
-
-
300
-
-		 Total 2024
£
357,645
87,888
7,168
6,466
2,350
4,126
867
7,452
5,151
3,945
2,457
9,438
-
72,102
16,401
14,525
-
-
60
5,109
-
-
603,150
-
603,150		 Unres-
tricted
£
65,468
-
739
983
2,727
5,917
827
-
10,472
2,884
2,376
6,951
257
4,580
1,580
11,667
-
35
72
1,174
1,416
373		 Res-
tricted
£
280,280
10,000
560
6,406
-
5,389
-
-
25,096
13
-
-
-
125,323
50,401
-
-
-
-
-
-
20		 Total
2023
£
345,748
10,000
1,299
7,389
2,727
11,306
827
-
35,568
2,897
2,376
6,951
257
129,903
51,981
-
11,667
-
35
72
1,174
-
1,416
393
448,425
71,563		 120,498
(32,670)		 503,488
32,670		 623,986
-
519,988 87,828 536,158 623,986

All grants provided were to institutions (partner organisations) as part of the funding conditions (2023 – none).

Page 22

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
6 Employees and employment costs
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 328,846 313,069
Employer’s NI 22,860 27,715
Pension contributions 5,939 4,964
357,645 345,748
----- End of picture text -----

Defined contribution pension scheme.

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the company to the scheme and amounted to £5,939 (2023: £4,964). Contributions totalling £1,389 (2023: £1,096) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

No individual employee was paid over £60,000 (2023: none).

No remuneration was paid to any Trustees during the year (2023: none). No expenses were reimbursed to the Trustees by the charity during the year (2023: none).

The key management personnel of the charity is considered to be the Chief Executive. The total costs to the charity of employee benefits (including employers national insurance but not employer pension contributions) for the key management personnel were £49,955 (2023: £59,754). This varied due to the handover period to a new CEO.

The average monthly head count was 14 staff (2023: 14 staff).

Page 23

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

7
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
As at 01 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
As at 31 March 2024
Depreciation
As at 01 April 2023
Elimination on disposal
Charge for year
As at 31 March 2024
Net book value
As at 31 March 2024
As at 31 March 2023
8
Debtors
Trade debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand		 Fixtures &
Fittings
£
35,332
-
-
35,332
35,332
-
-
35,332
-
-
2024
£
139,079
139,079		 Fixtures &
Fittings
£
35,332
-
-
35,332
35,332
-
-
35,332
-
-
2024
£
139,079
139,079		 Total
£
35,332
-
-
35,332
35,332
-
-
35,332
-
-
2023
£
271,922
271,922
Bank balances 2024
£
543,377
543,377		 2023
£
388,665
388,665

Page 24

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
10 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 10,016 1,802
Other creditors 17,175 16,056
Accruals & deferred income 59,619 50,117
86,810 67,975
Deferred income
2024 2023
£ £
Deferred income at 01 April 2023 43,097 75,843
Released from previous years (24,999) (57,745)
Resources deferred in the year 39,900 24,999
Deferred income at 31 March 2024 57,998 43,097
----- End of picture text -----

Where grants are received in advance, for a specified period, these funds are deferred and recognised in the period to which they relate.

Page 25

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

11
Statement of funds
Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
Integrated care
CRNS
Community lottery
Designated contingency reserve
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Reclaim Project
Ageing Well
Ageing Well - Care Homes
Befriending
Capacity Builders
Community Researchers
Children & Young People's Group
Community Learning
Domestic Abuse and Chronic Pain
Physical Activity
Equalities
NSC children centre volunteer
co-ordinator		 Balance
01.04.23
£
336,584
22,868
-
-
-		 Income
£
49,643
-
-
-
-
49,643
58,788
95,213
-
45,833
-
3,500
25,000
-
83,395
56,500
6,155
19,324		 Expenditure
£
(83,162)
-
-
-
-		 Transfers
£
(287,075)
-
16,613
6,667
290,000		 Balance
31.03.24
£
15,990
22,868
16,613
6,667
290,000
359,452 (83,162) 26,205 352,138
53,829
54,800
29,300
18,667
18,100
-
2,692
980
-
-
1,100
-		 (110,449)
(56,073)
(29,930)
(33,933)
-
-
(647)
-
(86,276)
(64,360)
(14,358)
(17,333)		 168
(12,567)
630
(14,822)
(18,100)
-
-
-
2,881
7,860
11,000
(1,991)		 2,336
81,373
-
15,745
-
3,500
27,045
980
-
-
3,897
-
NHS BNSSG 1,494 -
-
5,197
56,000
10,200
4,500		 - -
-
4,418
-
-
(2,543)		 1,494
Pulse
Refugees
Mental Health Grants
Sequoia Project
Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF)		 5,000
3,080
-
-
138		 (5,000)
(7,390)
-
-
(2,095)
(28,727)		 -
5,305
56,000
10,200
-

Step Forward / Recovery		 33,631 11,413 (684) 15,633
Bristol University Project
Ukraine Relief
VCFSE Locality Lead Partnership
Volunteer Management
Wellbeing Collective
Total restricted funds
Total funds		 -
10,245
104
-
-		 5,000
-
60,000
10,200
323
556,541
606,184		 (2,408)
-
(36,960)
(12,795)
(11,254)		 (2,592)
(10,245)
(13,144)
12,595
10,931		 -
-
10,000
10,000
-
233,160 (519,988) (26,205) 243,508
592,612 (603,150) - 595,646

Page 26

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
11 Statement of funds- prior year
Balance Balance
01.04.22 Income Expenditure Transfers 31.03.23
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted funds 128,692 218,767 (87,828) 76,953 336,584
Designated fund - integrated care 22,868 - - 22,868
Total unrestricted funds 151,560 218,767 (87,828) 76,953 359,452
Restricted funds
Healing Hearing:
Reclaim Project 14,459 133,575 (78,745) (15,460) 53,829
Bangladeshi Assocation - 2,500 (2,500) - -
Ageing Well - 76,800 (47,227) 25,227 54,800
Befriending - 29,167 (8,386) (2,114) 18,667
Bereavement - Bristol Uni - 5,000 (1,731) (3,269) -
Capacity Builders 113,012 7,000 (40,640) (61,272) 18,100
Community Hubs 33,555 41,417 (70,714) (4,258) -
Children & Young People's Group 2,692 - - - 2,692
Care Homes - 29,300 - - 29,300
Community Learning - 980 - - 980
Equalities - 11,500 (32,480) 22,080 1,100
NAVCA - Cost of Living - 5,000 (5,111) 111 -
NS children centre volunteer - 19,324 (14,997) (4,327) -
co-ordinator - -
NHS BNSSG 1,494 - - - 1,494
Pulse 5,000 - - - 5,000
Refugees - 4,999 (1,744) (175) 3,080
Mental Health Grants 63,181 - (60,001) (3,180) -
Sirona Care - 30,860 (24,595) (6,265) -
Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) - 6,000 (5,352) (510) 138
St Modwens 895 - (486) (409) -
Step Forward / Recovery 26,031 56,900 (40,988) (8,312) 33,631
Ukraine Relief 3,318 52,209 (36,462) (8,820) 10,245
VCFSE Locality Lead Partnership 10,000 60,103 (63,999) (6,000) 104
(LLP)
Total restricted funds 273,637 572,634 (536,158) (76,953) 233,160
Total funds 425,197 791,401 (623,986) - 592,612
----- End of picture text -----

Page 27

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Page 28

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Note – transfers have been made where funds have been released to core. These are either within the terms of the grant agreements/contracts or with the agreement of funders.

12
Analysis of net assets between funds		 12
Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Unre-
stricted
funds
£
-
255,942
(28,812)
352,138		 Rest-
ricted
funds
£
-
426,514
(57,998)		 Total
2024
£
-
682,456
(86,810)
595,646		 Unre-
stricted
funds
£
-
234,073
(24,878)
Rest-
ricted
funds
£
-
426,514
(43,097)		 Total
2023
£
-
660,587
(67,975)
243,508 209,195 383,417 592,612

Page 29

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

13 Financial commitments

At 31 March 2024 the charity was committed to making the following payments under non-cancellable operating leases:

operating leases:
Less than 1 year
1 – 5 years
Greater than 5 years		 Land and
buildings
Other
£
£
-
1,512
-
378
-
-
-
1,890
2024		 Land and
buildings
£
-
-
-
-
2023		 Other
£
1,512
1,890
-
3,402

14 Government grants

Income from government grants comprise grants made by local authorities to fund the principal activities and objectives of the charity via core funding and funding for specific restricted projects. No performance related grants recognised in income have had any unfulfilled conditions or any other contingencies attaching to them. See note 3 for more information.

15 Company limited by guarantee

The company was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The guarantee to the company is £10 per member on the winding up of the company. At 31 March 2024 the company had six members and the total amount guaranteed is therefore £60.

Page 30