2025-03-31-accounts - Voluntary Action North Somerset

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

Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Contents For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

	Page
Reference and Administrative Details	2
Trustee Directors’ Report	3 – 9
Independent Examiners’ Report	10
Statement of Financial Activities	11
Balance Sheet	12
Statement of Cashflows	13
Notes to the Financial Statements	14 – 28

Page 1

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Reference and Administrative Details For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Charity Name	Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited
Trustee Directors	K Beecham
	A Costes
	D Lloyd-Evans
	S Quigg
	N Salter
	S Shillabeer
Chief Executive	M Gardner
Registered Office	Weston Court
	Oldmixon Crescent
	Weston-Super-Mare
	North Somerset
	BS24 9AU
Independent Examiner	Michelle Ferris FCA DChA
	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 2025

Introduction

The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, present their annual report and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The charity (hereinafter referred to by its commonly known name as ‘VANS’) is controlled by its governing document, dated 17 November 1997 and amended on 21 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, member’ liability is restricted to £10. VANS is a registered charity number 1065916 and a company limited by guarantee number 03466492.

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.

Trustees

The names of trustees who served during the financial year are:

D Lloyd Evans N Salter

S Shillabeer

L Sweeney (Resigned 9[th] June 2025)

L Bowen (Resigned 14[th] April 2025)

K Beecham (Appointed 31st September 2024) S Quigg (Appointed 31st September 2024)

A. Costes (Co-opted 30th October 2024)

E Wormald-Kelly (Resigned 4th April 2024)

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 commissions 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.

Strategic Report

Strategic Aims

Our central mission is to champion, support and strengthen the role of the non-profit sector, including volunteer, community, faith and social enterprise organisations, in addressing the needs of people in our communities.

We achieve this mission pursuing four key objectives:

To advocate and develop leadership that empowers non-profits to lead and thrive
To encourage and develop partnerships and collaborations
To create, develop, and strengthen a dynamic non-profit-making sector
To develop and grow volunteering

We know that our work is more crucial than ever, and at the heart of what we do is building strong partnerships, that are truly making a difference in our community.

Page 3

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Achieving the Key Objectives

To advocate and develop leadership that empowers non-profits to lead and thrive

VANS works to amplify the non-profit-making sector’s voice and influence key decision-makers and funders to deliver policies that promote social justice, equality, and community impact. For example:

VANS commissioned ‘The State of Ageing Report in North Somerset’. This report provides evidence and data to support advocacy efforts focused on the needs of older people.
Sitting on strategic boards provides VANS with direct access to decision-making processes and enables VANS to promote the work of the sector and its leaders.
VANS has been involved with the development of The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector Alliance. The Alliance is a direct mechanism for collective advocacy and influencing decision-making in health.

2. To encourage and develop partnerships and collaborations

VANS brings together networks of local organisations with a shared purpose to drive effective and impactful joint working. For example:

VANS facilitates the Children and Young People Network which unites providers, the voluntary sector, statutory partners, and funders to collaboratively develop and influence the commissioning of services for children and young people. Through building trusted relationships, the Network works together to understand the issues affecting young people, identify service gaps, and develop action plans.
VANS leads the Senior Leaders Forum. This provides a space for senior leaders from various organisations to connect and share insights.
VANS leads the Ageing Well Forum which specifically focuses on bringing together service providers and decision-makers to address the challenges and opportunities of ageing well in North Somerset.
To create, develop, and strengthen a dynamic non-profit-making sector

VANS works to create a diverse, thriving and sustainable sector, through providing training, guidance, and supporting capacity-building initiatives. For example:

VANS has supported non-profit making organisations with grant applications and bid writing. This has enhanced the financial capacity of voluntary organisations by improving their ability to secure funding.
VANS has developed policy developments with organisations to strengthen their internal governance, operational efficiency, and strategic planning, contributing to a more robust organisational capacity.
VANS has delivered training sessions on co-production and engaging with communities to build the capacity of organisations to develop more relevant, effective, and sustainable services by ensuring they are rooted in community needs and have strong local support.

Page 4

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

4. To develop and grow volunteering

VANS recognises the significant contributions of volunteers who play a critical role in creating positive change within the community.

Being an accredited volunteering centre establishes VANS as a trusted and recognised hub for volunteering. This accreditation provides credibility, assures potential volunteers of quality opportunities and support, and signals to organisations that VANS adheres to best practices in volunteer management, thereby encouraging more people and organisations to engage with volunteering through VANS.
VANS has designed a toolkit for Children and Young People (CYP) volunteering. The toolkit helps to break down barriers and provides resources tailored to engaging CYP in volunteering. This targeted approach makes volunteering more accessible and appealing to younger individuals, fostering a pipeline of future volunteers.
VANS runs the Step Forward programme which is designed to encourage individuals to take the first step into volunteering. By lowering the initial barriers to entry and showcasing the benefits, Step Forward aims to attract individuals who may not have considered volunteering before.
VANS also manages its own groups of volunteers. VANS utilises volunteers in many different roles which include: delivering supplies to new families, the Good Neighbour Scheme and Community Resilience Volunteers. These volunteer roles directly demonstrate the impact of volunteering and offer diverse opportunities for people to get involved with their communities.

Financial Review

With the support of our key funders, VANS remains in a financially stable position. Overall, the funding landscape remains difficult for all charities and whilst VANS has been successful in attracting new grant funding, this is often short-term. During the year, VANS moved premises and whilst this is already yielding significant benefits to the organisation, in working processes and efficiency, and some opportunity to generate income from meeting rooms, nevertheless it is a more expensive location and, along with other rises in costs, existing contracts are still not reflecting the rise in organisational costs.

A breakdown of the charity’s income streams and expenditure is set out within these accounts, together with the Independent Examiner’s positive report.

Fundraising

The VANS team has continued to work with our key stakeholders and partners to demonstrate our impact on non-profit-making organisations and our communities. VANS is seen as an innovative, ‘can do’ organisation that delivers results, when funding opportunities become available.

VANS has not utilised the services of professional fundraisers during this financial year. VANS runs the North Somerset Lottery in conjunction with Gatherwell; VANS holds the Licence with North Somerset Council and complies with all Lottery regulations. There have been no complaints about VANS fundraising activities this year.

Page 5

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Reserves Policy

The Trustees annually review the reserves policy with the aim of ensuring VANS’ sustainability and to protect the organisation and delivery of its charitable programmes, thus providing time to adjust to changing financial circumstances.

Unrestricted general reserves are needed to deal with unexpected short-falls or expenditures, arising because of a significant loss of income or not provided for in the annual budgeting process. Whilst VANS trustees consider that the organisation is on a firm financial footing, the trustees are conscious that pressures on funders, political changes, or an economic crisis, could lead to financial pressure for the organisation in the coming years. Therefore, it is considered a prudent objective to hold Contingency reserves at the level of 12 months of charitable expenditure to cover VANS non-project costs and 6 months of project funding as set out in the budget for the forthcoming year.

Investment Policy

VANS does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Organisation has 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 interest-bearing deposit account with our bankers, Charities Aid Foundation Bank.

Future Plans

In an increasingly uncertain environment VANS continues to look to the future to find new ways to champion, support and strengthen the non-profit sector and serve our community.

Strategy & Plans

VANS responded well and made a major contribution to the community through the Covid epidemic and its aftermath. The organisation had to grow to successfully meet the new demands being placed upon it. Over the last two years, VANS has faced significant challenges to meet new and changing demands while sustaining this larger, more broadly-based, organisation. It has done so, achieving modest surpluses while delivering in many exciting areas, and is now looking ahead. In a period of political change and economic uncertainty, with funders facing financing challenges, we have embarked on a comprehensive strategic review to ensure we have a clear focus and direction that will enable us to continue meet ever more of the emerging priorities and needs of the non-profit community.

For the coming year, Vans’ priorities will include:

Completing our governance review with our new objects and updated documentation.
Launching our updated website and communications strategy
Refreshing the Senior Leaders Forum to make it a place for strategic discussions and future planning.
Building stronger links with local businesses, with a focus on pro bono support and corporate volunteering.
Continuing to develop links and joint work with Weston College

Page 6

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Specific plans will include:

Installing an accessible toilet in Grove House
Setting up a Fundraising Forum to support local organisations to access more funding to enable them to deliver their services to the community.
Delivering Technology and AI workshops to the sector
VANS Domestic Abuse Recovery Service launching new pattern changing courses to support survivors of domestic abuse.
Increasing VANS support for Children and Young People with the development of the Children and Young Person Network of organisations and North Somerset Council.
Working with Citizen’s Panel in the Arts – a forum made up of local people who are working together to support community art projects in North Somerset.

Structure, Governance, and Management

Organisation and Decision-making

Voluntary Action North Somerset is overseen by the Board of Trustees. As charity trustees, they are responsible for complying with all relevant legislation applicable to charities. This includes registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The Board meets a minimum of four times a year to review performance and key risks, plus two Trustee ‘Away Days’ for in-depth consideration of key matters, with additional ad-hoc meetings being held if required. In addition, we have Trustee-led Task & Finish Groups (often limited in time to address a specific issue), e.g. in Finance, Governance, Brand, Premises.

Day-to-day responsibility for the running of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer and the team of paid employees. Rewards and renumerations of the team are discussed and agreed at a Board Meeting in line with VANS Rewards Policy.

Trustee Recruitment, Selection & Induction

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

VANS aims to have a board of trustees which has a good understanding of the non-profit making sector and a broad range of relevant business experience to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the sector, managing the organisation effectively, and compliant with our fiduciary responsibilities. Trustee positions are advertised externally. Trustees can be co-opted and elected at the AGM. No external body has the right to appoint trustees.

To help Trustees understand their role and responsibilities an induction pack has been developed that supports trustees new to the role. The Chair conducts an annual review with each trustee and holds trustee briefings covering relevant issues. Trustees are encouraged to keep themselves up to date with Charity legislation, through relevant third-party websites and through attending training when required.

Page 7

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Risk Management

The Board of Trustees has identified the major risks to which they believe the organisation may be exposed. These are reviewed dependent on need, and procedures implemented to mitigate against them. A Risk Register is held by VANS and key risks are reviewed at each quarterly Board meeting.

The main areas of risk that have been identified are:

Failure to achieve long-term financial sustainability – mitigated by the continuation of ongoing contracts, a pipeline of projects aligning to the charity’s strategic ambitions, regularly monitored by trustees; and by establishing a Contingency reserve.
Inability to meet the changing needs and expectations of funders, clients, and the public – mitigated by regular CEO reviews and through monitoring individual and team performance. Relationship management and regular feedback from relevant stakeholders enables the charity to monitor quality and visibility of its services.
Financial mismanagement, inaccuracies, or non-compliance with regulatory standards, which could lead to financial losses, legal penalties, and damage to the company's reputation – mitigated by employing a specialist bookkeeping company to prepare complete & accurate records, having a Finance Trustee Lead to oversee internal financial management, and appointing an independent examiner from Albert Goodman to review the Annual Report and Financial Statements.
Reputational risk, arising from negative publicity, misconduct, or financial irregularities, leading to decreased confidence of key stakeholders and the VCFSE sector – mitigated by strong governance processes around financial management. A local Media organisation has been employed to develop our external messaging; website and social media to ensure that stakeholders are confident in working with VANS. A Task and Finish Group, including Trustees has been established to develop our team’s use of digital media and communications. VANS’ reputation is built on trust and is our most valuable asset.
Non-compliance with legal frameworks – mitigated by an in-year internal evaluation of all systems, processes, and policies to ensure adherence.
Inadequate and non-compliant governance and policies – mitigated by maintaining an effective Board and a regular flow of additional trustees or associate advisors with the skills and experience to support the strategic direction of the charity. Alongside this, we ensure that governance and policy reviews ensure that the charity demonstrates best practice in all VANS does.
Technological risk, arising from increasing reliance on digital systems exposes VANS to cyberattacks, data breaches, and system failures, leading to the loss of sensitive information, financial data, or critical operational systems, disrupting services, damaging trust, and incurring substantial financial costs – mitigated by employing RTIM to manage our IT systems and support VANS with cybersecurity measures and system updates. VANS is also utilising a new CRM system and undergoing staff training to mitigate these risks.

Page 8

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Trustee Directors’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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, and of the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

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 13 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

D Lloyd-Evans Trustee

N Salter Trustee

Page 9

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Independent Examiners' Report to the Members and Trustees For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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 2025.

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:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not comply with these records; or
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
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: 22 October 2025

Page 10

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Statement of Financial Activities (including an Income and Expenditure account) For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrest- ricted Notes Funds £ Income from: Donations and general grants 2 10,229 Charitable activities 3 32,494 Investment income 4 13,575 Total income 56,298 Expenditure on: Charitable expenditure 5 16,045 Total expenditure 16,045 Net income/(expenditure) before transfers 40,253 Transfer between funds 11 (3,656) Net movement in funds 36,597 Reconciliation of funds Fund balances at 01 April 2024 352,138 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 11 388,735	Rest- ricted Funds £ 7,718 621,935 -	Total 2025 £ 17,947 654,429 13,575	Unrest- ricted Funds £ 14,302 27,465 7,876	Rest- ricted Total Funds 2024 £ £ 6,654 20,956 549,887 577,352 - 7,876
56,298	629,653 576,022	685,951	49,643	556,541 606,184
16,045		592,067	83,162	519,988 603,150
16,045	576,022 53,631 3,656	592,067	83,162	519,988 603,150
40,253 (3,656)		93,884 -	(33,519) 26,205	36,553 3,034 (26,205) -
36,597	57,287	93,884	(7,314)	10,348 3,034
352,138	243,508	595,646	359,452	233,160 592,612
388,735	300,795	689,530	352,138	243,508 595,646

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 11

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited - Company Registration Number: 03466492 Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2025

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2025
Notes Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 7 Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand 9 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 10 Net current assets	9,845 762,519 772,364 (82,834)	2025 2024 £ £ - - 139,079 543,377 682,456 (86,810) 689,530 595,646
Net assets		689,530 595,646
Funds Unrestricted funds General funds 11 Designated funds 11 Restricted funds 11 Net assets		59,305 15,990 329,430 336,148 388,735 352,138 300,795 243,508 689,530 595,646

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 13 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

D Lloyd-Evans Trustee

N Salter Trustee

Page 12

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Statement of Cashflows For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Net movements in funds for the year
Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items
Finance income
4
Working capital adjustments
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
8
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
10
Net cash flow from operations
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
4
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Reconciliation of net debt
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the reporting period
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period

Total
Total
2025
2024
£
£
93,884
3,034
(13,575)
(7,876)
80,309
(4,842)
129,234
132,843
(3,976)
18,835
205,567
146,836
13,575
7,876
219,142
154,712
543,377
388,665
219,142
154,712
762,519
543,377

Page 13

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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 3-9.

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.

Page 14

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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.

Page 15

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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 16

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2 Donations and general grants

Unre- stricted funds 10,229	Rest- ricted funds 7,718	Total 2025 17,947	Unre- stricted funds 14,302
10,229 10,229 -	7,718	17,947	14,302
	7,718 -	17,947 -	14,302 -
10,229	7,718	17,947	14,302

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

Page 17

Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

3 Incoming resources from charitable activities	3 Incoming resources from charitable activities	3 Incoming resources from charitable activities	3 Incoming resources from charitable activities
Grants: Ageing Well Befriending Big Lottery Fund / Reclaim Community Resilience Community Researchers Community Transport Equalities Infrastructure Development IANS C&YP Volunteering NSC Childrens Centre Mental Health Grants DARS DARS C&YP DACP SPF Sequoia Project Step Forward Bristol University Project Wellbeing Collective Volunteer Management NSOD VCFSE Locality Lead Partnership Other grants < £5,000 Other charitable activities:* Consultation, events & training	Unre- stricted funds £ - - - - - - - 32,447 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (244) 291	Rest- ricted funds £ 4,000 - - - - 74,543 22,500 - 134,915 6,500 20,115 - 70,750 40,874 79,395 - - 31,000 - 16,392 20,000 40,000 46,000 14,951 -	Total 2025 £ 4,000 - - - - 74,543 22,500 32,447 134,915 6,500 20,115 - 70,750 40,874 79,395 - - 31,000 - 16,392 20,000 40,000 46,000 14,707 - 291	Unre- stricted funds £ - - - 6,025 - - - 17,398 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,812 1,230	Rest- ricted Total funds 2024 £ £ 95,188 95,188 45,833 45,833 58,605 58,605 - 6,025 3,500 3,500 - - 57,930 57,930 - 17,398 - - 25,000 25,000 19,324 19,324 56,000 56,000 - - - - 83,395 83,395 4,500 4,500 10,200 10,200 11,413 11,413 5,000 5,000 - - 10,200 10,200 - - 60,000 60,000 3,799 6,611 - 1,230 549,887 577,352
	32,494	621,935	654,429	27,465

The income shown above is made up of: Received in year 32,494 Deferred income brought forward - Deferred income carried forward - 32,494		624,035 57,998 (60,098)	656,529 57,998 (60,098) 654,429	27,465 - -	564,788 592,253 43,097 43,097 (57,998) (57,998) 549,887 577,352
		621,935		27,465

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.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

4 Investment income

4 Investment income
Bank interest	Unre- stricted funds £ 13,575	Rest- ricted funds £ -	Total 2025 £ 13,575	Unre- stricted funds £ 7,876	Rest- ricted Total funds 2024 £ £ - 7,876

5 Charitable expenditure
Staff costs Staff salaries Counsellors Consultancy Training Travel HR service Other staff costs Infrastructure costs Insurance Office expenses IT costs Postage, printing and stationery Rent and services charges Telephone Direct project costs Project costs Grants provided Finance and governance costs Accountancy fees Independent Examination fees Bank charges Membership Contributions to core expenditure	Unres- tricted £ 80,458 - (5,075) 1,157 343 5,569 3,729 1,351 16,317 4,742 2,511 3,137 8,368 3,939 - 16,682 1,800 60 1,118	Res- tricted £ 293,067 46,276 31,102 741 4,803 - 3,355 - 833 4,326 1,611 - 541 52,206 1,500 - - - -	Total 2025 £ 373,525 46,276 26,027 1,898 5,146 5,569 7,084 1,351 17,150 9,068 4,122 3,137 8,909 56,145 1,500 16,682 1,800 60 1,118 586,567 5,500 592,067	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 12,845 1,680 60 4,809	Res- tricted Total 2024 £ £ 261,320 357,645 - - 87,888 87,888 818 7,168 5,889 6,466 - 2,350 2,671 4,126 - 867 1,354 7,452 2,268 5,151 1,156 3,945 - 2,457 133 9,438 68,339 72,102 16,289 16,401 - 12,845 - 1,680 - 60 300 5,109 448,425 603,150 71,563 - 519,988 603,150
	146,206 (130,161)	440,361 135,661		154,725 (71,563)
	16,045	576,022		83,162

All grants provided were to institutions (partner organisations) as part of the funding conditions (2024 – all).

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

6 Employees and employment costs
Wages and salaries Employer’s NI Pension contributions	2025 2024 £ £ 351,668 328,846 15,264 22,860 6,593 5,939 373,525 357,645

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 £6,593 (2024: £5,939). Contributions totalling £1,626 (2024: £1,389) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

No individual employee was paid over £60,000 (2024: none).

No remuneration was paid to any Trustees during the year (2024: none). No expenses were reimbursed to the Trustees by the charity during the year (2024: 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 £51,363 (2024: £49,955).

The average monthly head count was 16 staff (2024: 14 staff).

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

7 Tangible fixed assets	Fixtures & Fittings Total £ £ 35,332 35,332 - - - - 35,332 35,332 35,332 35,332 - - - - 35,332 35,332 - - - -	Fixtures & Fittings Total £ £ 35,332 35,332 - - - - 35,332 35,332 35,332 35,332 - - - - 35,332 35,332 - - - -
Cost As at 01 April 2024 Additions Disposals As at 31 March 2025 Depreciation As at 01 April 2024 Elimination on disposal Charge for year As at 31 March 2025 Net book value As at 31 March 2025 As at 31 March 2024






8 Debtors
Trade debtors		2025 2024 £ £ 9,845 139,079 9,845 139,079
9 Cash at bank and in hand
Bank balances		2025 2024 £ £ 762,519 543,377 762,519 543,377

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

10 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals & deferred income Deferred income Deferred income at 01 April 2024 Released from previous years Resources deferred in the year Deferred income at 31 March 2025	2025 2024 £ £ 7,990 10,016 8,745 17,175 66,099 59,619 82,834 86,810 2025 2024 £ £ 57,998 43,097 (25,900) (24,999) 28,000 39,900 60,098 57,998

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

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

11 Statement of funds
Balance 01.04.24 £ Unrestricted funds General unrestricted funds 15,990 Designated funds: Integrated care 22,868 Community Resilience North Somerset (CRNS) 16,613 Community lottery 6,667 Designated contingency reserve 290,000 Total unrestricted funds 352,138 Restricted funds Ageing Well 81,373 Befriending 15,745 Community Researchers 3,500 Community Transport - Children & Young People's Group 27,045 Community Learning 980 Domestic Abuse and Chronic Pain - Domestic Abuse Referral Service (adult) 2,336 Domestic Abuse Referral Service (children and young people) - Physical Activity - Equalities 9,202 Improving Ageing in North Somerset (IANS) -	Balance 01.04.24 £ 15,990 22,868 16,613 6,667 290,000	Income £ 52,209 - - 4,089 -	Expenditure £ (8,106) - (7,939) - -	Balance Transfers 31.03.25 £ £ (788) 59,305 (22,868) - - 8,674 - 10,756 20,000 310,000 (3,656) 388,735 - - 24,000 - - - 2,375 - 35,067 - 19,035 - - - 22,059 - 6,947 - 14,293 2,427 - 4,594 - - 70,420
	352,138	56,298	(16,045)
		4,000 - 6,497 54,543 6,500 - 79,395 70,983 40,874 22,500 11,253 154,915	(61,373) (15,745) (7,622) (19,476) (14,510) (980) (57,336) (66,372) (26,581) (24,927) (25,049) (84,495)
NSC children centre volunteer
co-ordinator - North Somerset Online Directory		20,115	(20,115)	-
(NSOD) -		40,000	(32,814)	- 7,186
Pulse 1,494 Mental Health Grants 56,000 Sequoia Project 10,200 Step Forward / Recovery 15,633 Volunteering in Health (VIH) - Volunteer Management 10,000 VCFSE Locality Lead Partnership 10,000 Wellbeing Collective - Total restricted funds 243,508 Total funds 595,646		- - (10,200) 31,000 9,320 25,500 46,000 16,458	(1,494) (5,520) - (29,498) (5,868) (17,326) (47,635) (11,286)	- - - 50,480 - - - 17,135 - 3,452 - 18,174 (3,365) 5,000 - 5,172 3,656 300,795 - 689,530
	243,508	629,653	(576,022)
	595,646	685,951	(592,067)

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

11 Statement of funds- prior year	11 Statement of funds- prior year
Unrestricted funds General unrestricted funds Designated funds: Integrated care Community Resilience North Somerset 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 NHS BNSSG Pulse Refugees Mental Health Grants Sequoia Project Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Step Forward / Recovery Bristol University Project Ukraine Relief VCFSE Locality Lead Partnership Volunteer Management Wellbeing Collective Total restricted funds Total funds	Balance 01.04.23 £ 336,584 22,868 - - -	Income £ 49,643 - - - -	Expenditure £ (83,162) - - - -	Balance Transfers 31.03.24 £ £ (287,075) 15,990 - 22,868 16,613 16,613 6,667 6,667 290,000 290,000 26,205 352,138 168 2,336 (12,567) 81,373 630 - (14,822) 15,745 (18,100) - - 3,500 - 27,045 - 980 2,881 - 7,860 - 11,000 3,897 (1,991) - - 1,494 - - 4,418 5,305 - 56,000 - 10,200 (2,543) - (684) 15,633 (2,592) - (10,245) - (13,144) 10,000 12,595 10,000 10,931 - (26,205) 243,508 - 595,646
	359,452	49,643	(83,162)
	53,829 54,800 29,300 18,667 18,100 - 2,692 980 - - 1,100 - 1,494 5,000 3,080 - - 138 33,631 - 10,245 104 - -	58,788 95,213 - 45,833 - 3,500 25,000 - 83,395 56,500 6,155 19,324 - - 5,197 56,000 10,200 4,500 11,413 5,000 - 60,000 10,200 323	(110,449) (56,073) (29,930) (33,933) - - (647) - (86,276) (64,360) (14,358) (17,333) - (5,000) (7,390) - - (2,095) (28,727) (2,408) - (36,960) (12,795) (11,254)
	233,160	556,541	(519,988)
	592,612	606,184	(603,150)

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted funds

The General Unrestricted fund represents the unrestricted funds of the charity at the year end.
The Integrated Care Fund was designated to develop and support volunteering across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. The Trustees have agreed to undesignate this fund and move it to general unrestricted funds, enabling it to be used to support current VANS projects.
Community Resilience North Somerset (CRNS) is a designated fund that has been set up to support the development of the Community Resilience Volunteer Network.
The Community Lottery Fund has been designated as a fund to be used to benefit North Somerset community. There are plans to start to distribute these funds in 2025-2026.
The Designated Contingency Reserve Fund level has been agreed by the Board of Trustees to be funded with surplus unrestricted operating funds. To maintain the 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.

Restricted funds

Ageing Well is a restricted fund from Weston, Worle and Villages Locality to provide an Ageing Well Lead to champion the work of and support the growth of the non-profit making sector providing services and support to older people.
The Befriending Alliance is a restricted fund, funded through Health and North Somerset Council to establish a single point of access for Befriending referrals and to raise the profile of befriending with service providers.
The Community Researchers Project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The project trains young people at Weston College to engage their peers in Health Research.
Community Transport is a restricted grant from Westlocal and North Somerset Council to support new bus routes in the Nailsea and Weston super Mare areas. There is an additional grant to support VANS to commission a report to explore the current community transport provision in the rural areas of North Somerset.
The Children and Young People’s Group is a restricted fund to address key challenges being faced by children and young people and to provide mental health events and a non-profit sector Children and Young Person’s Network to support this work.
Community Learning is a consultancy project working directly with a community organisation to provide 1:1 support with their Constitution and policies.
Domestic Abuse and Chronic Pain is a restricted fund, funded by North Somerset Council. This is a specialist trauma service for survivors of domestic abuse with disabilities and chronic conditions. The service also offers training to statutory services.
Domestic Abuse Referral Service (adult) provides free courses and counselling sessions to survivors of domestic abuse. Note: this was previously the Reclaim Project that has been renamed the Domestic Abuse Referral Service in 2025 with funds transferred.
Domestic Abuse Referral Service (children and young people) provides free courses and counselling sessions to children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
Physical Activity is a North Somerset Council funded restricted fund to provide free physical activity sessions to those who are not currently engaged in physical activity.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Restricted funds (cont…)

The Equalities Programme is a series of projects which focus on working directly with minoritised groups living within North Somerset to promote inclusion and celebrate diversity. A balance of £5,305 was transferred from the Refugees Project.
Improving Ageing in North Somerset (IANS) is a restricted grant from the National Lottery and the Weston Worle and Villages and Woodspring Health Localities to work with seldom heard groups of older people in North Somerset to promote healthy ageing and age-friendly communities.
NSC Children Centre Volunteer Co-ordinator is a restricted fund from North Somerset Council to manage their Children Centre Volunteer programme.
North Somerset Online Directory (NSOD) – A grant from North Somerset Council to update and populate non-profit sector data for their on-line directory.
The Pulse project is a project which provided research and a measure for the state of the non-profitmaking organisations in North Somerset.
The Mental Health Grants Project is a restricted fund, funded by Woodspring Locality to provide small grants to Peer support groups working in the Woodspring Locality.
Sequoia Project is a restricted grant from AWP to manage community spaces in the Woodspring Locality for Mental Health and Well-being Support groups.
The Step Forward / Recovery Fund is a restricted fund from North Somerset Council Shared Prosperity Fund to support people who have experiences challenges to access volunteering as a route to gaining employment. Shown in 2024 funds as Shared Prosperity Fund.
Volunteering in Health (VIH) – A grant from Quartet to fund volunteers to distribute essential baby products to new families.
The Volunteer Management Project is funded by the Quartet Community Foundation to provide Good Neighbour volunteers to support people living in rural areas of North Somerset.
VCFSE Locality Lead Partnership is funding from Sirona Care, to provide input and leadership for the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) programme as part of the Health and Wellbeing Programme for the NHS.
The Wellbeing Collective is a purposeful collaboration of people from the non-profit-making sector, Local Authority, and Health which aims to improve the wellbeing of everyone in North Somerset.

Restricted funds, prior year completed

Ageing Well - Care Homes was a restricted fund from North Somerset Council. The project provided volunteers to visit residents in Care Homes.
Capacity Builders was a restricted fund to provide additional support to the non-profit sector.
Domestic Abuse and Chronic Pain was a restricted fund, funded by North Somerset Council. This is a specialist trauma service for survivors of domestic abuse with disabilities and chronic conditions. The service also offers training to statutory services. It was commenced again in the current year.
Physical Activity was a North Somerset Council funded restricted fund to provide free physical activity sessions to those who are not currently engaged in physical activity. It was commenced again in the current year.
NSC Children Centre Volunteer Co-ordinator was a restricted fund from North Somerset Council to manage their Children Centre Volunteer programme. It was commenced again in the current year.
The Pulse project was a project which provided research and a measure for the state of the nonprofit-making organisations in North Somerset.

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The Refugees Project provided sporting activities and outings for refugees and asylum seekers in North Somerset. The balance was transferred to the Equalities Programme.
The Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) provided bid writing sessions and webinars to community organisations, funded by North Somerset Council
The University of Bristol Project was a restricted fund to provide additional support to the coastal community’s grief project.
Ukraine Relief was a restricted fund to support Ukrainian families moving to the UK.
The Wellbeing Collective is a purposeful collaboration of people from the non-profitmaking sector, Local Authority, and Health which aims to improve the wellbeing of everyone in North Somerset. It was commenced again in the current year.

Note – transfers have been made where funds have been released to general unrestricted funds. These are either within the terms of the grant agreements/contracts or with the agreement of funders. Funds have been transferred from unrestricted reserves to cover the losses made by two projects: Physical Activities and Equalities.

12 Analysis of net assets between funds

Rest- ricted funds £ - 332,893 (32,098)	Total 2025 £ - 772,364 (82,834)	Unre- stricted funds £ - 255,942 (28,812)
300,795	689,530	352,138

13 Financial commitments

At 31 March 2025 the charity was committed to making the following payments under non-cancellable operating leases:

Less than 1 year 1 – 5 years Greater than 5 years	Land and buildings Other £ £ - - - - - - - - 2025	Land and buildings Other £ £ - 1,512 - 378 - - - 1,890 2024

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Voluntary Action North Somerset Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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 2025 the company had six members and the total amount guaranteed is therefore £60.

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