Registered number: 02918492 Charity number: 1067193 Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) CONTENTS Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers Trustees' report Trustees' responsibilities statement Independent auditor's report on the financial statements Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Statement of cash flows Notes to the financial statements Page 1 2-7 8 9-11 12 13 14 15 - 30
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Trustees Company registered number Charity registered number Registered office Company secretary Key management personnel Independent auditor Bankers Mrs T Sullivan, Chair Ms S Gourlay, Vice Chair Mr D H Brindley Mr S Fussell (resigned 25 July 2025) Mr R Shaw, Treasurer Mr M Starzec Mr A Thompson (resigned 24 March 2025) MrJ C Wood Mrs C Sadler (resigned 11 May 2024) Mr W Land (appointed 11 March 2025) Mr D W Lee (appointed 19 June 2025) Mr D Spacey (appointed 19 June 2025) Mr J Brierley (appointed 19 June 2025) 02918492 1067193 16 Eagle Parade Buxton Derbyshire SK17 6EQ Ms G L Geddes G Geddes - Chief Executive (resigning as at 31 December 2025) Julia Jackson-Clarke - Chief Executive Officer (appointed 27 October 2025) A Knirsch - Chief Operating Officer K Shenton - Registered Manager and Chief Officer of Care & Support H Eskriett - Accounts Manager J Brooks - HR Officer (resigning as at 30 November 2025) Bates Weston Audit Ltd Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ Santander Bootle L30 4GB Page 1
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to th financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 an "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). Objectives and activities Charitable objects The objects of the charity, as stated in its governing document are as follows: To broker, promote and support voluntary work in local organisations (ii) To offer direct services to assist vulnerable people To champion and promote volunteering in the wider community Aims of the charity The overall aim of Connex Community Support is to encourage voluntary activity to support stronger and more cohesive communities, and to provide services that enable vulnerable people to live more independent and fulfilled lives. Our charitable objects have two main beneficiaries: individuals who use our direct services; and voluntary and community groups (and indirectly, their beneficiaries). Through the services we provide directly to individual beneficiaries, we enable vulnerable people to live more independent and fulfilled lives. Working with individuals, voluntary and community groups, our volunteer brokerage and volunteering development activities encourage voluntary activity to support stronger and more cohesive communities. The public benefits identified above are evidenced through: • Reports on performance/levels of service which measure the number of beneficiaries supported and number and nature of interventions provided • Feedback from individual service users, including evaluation of personal outcomes/benefits, impact and quality of service. • Feedback from local voluntary and community organisations including outcomes of our interventions/support/services, impact on their work, and quality of service. The trustees have paid due regard to the general guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake, and when reviewing our aims and objectives in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set. Connex Community Support delivers the following activities to meet these aims: • Volunteer brokerage - supporting people to find a volunteering role • Volunteering development - supporting voluntary organisations in the management and support of their volunteers • Domiciliary care and support for older people • Personal care and support in the community for children and adults with a disability and/or additional support needs Transport to medical and hospital appointments and socially therapeutic activities • Patient transport & settle on discharge from hospital • Home from Hospital support, to assist people after a stay in hospital Page 2
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Befriending, social contact and group activities to help reduce isolation and support independent living Tea, Talk & Tech - digital inclusion support and social contact Wheelchair loans and hearing aid battery distribution Home maintenance and property clearance services Hoarding clearance service, supporting people with a hoarding disorder The Breadline - short-term financial hardship assistance Payroll services for small organisations ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Overview Connex continues to strengthen its reputation as a dependable and compassionate organisation, known for its proactive approach and its 'can do' attitude. Demand for our services remains consistently high—particularly for those that ease the burden on statutory health and social care systems within the community. Many individuals we support fall below the eligibility threshold for formal social care, yet without Connex's intervention, they would face a significantly increased risk of crisis or social isolation. Connex again supported over 3100 people in 2024-2025, and whilst it has been a very rewarding year, it has not been without its challenges. Our CQC-registered Care & Support service remains busy and continues to be highly regarded by health and social care professionals—and most importantly, by the people we support. Despite the ongoing national shortage of care staff, which remains a significant challenge, our team continues to deliver outstanding care. Many of our care staff have been with Connex for years, and their passion for the people they support is evident in everything they do. However, to enable us to reach more clients and extend our impact, we urgently need to grow our care staff team. One of the organisation's ongoing challenges is sustaining and expanding our volunteer teams-not only for Connex's own services, but also to support the wide range of voluntary organisations, initiatives, and causes throughout the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales. The demand for volunteers has never been greater. As reliance on community-led initiatives grows to supplement and enhance statutory services, we are also witnessing a shift in responsibility for vital community assets—such as libraries—being transferred from statutory bodies to local communities. This makes the role of volunteers more essential than ever in ensuring these services and spaces continue to thrive. In April 2024, the future of our Readycall service in the Derbyshire Dales was uncertain. Readycall provides vital social, befriending, and practical support to older people who have little or no social contact. So, it was with great relief that, in August, we learned we had secured three years of funding from both the National Lottery and the St James's Place Charitable Foundation. This funding not only ensures the continuation of the service but also enables its growth—with the St James's Place grant specifically supporting older people affected by cancer. Since receiving this support, the staff team has worked to re-energise Readycall: rebuilding our client and volunteer base, and raising awareness of the service and its impact. The staff and volunteer team supported 175 service users during the year. Continuing on a similar theme, we were thrilled to collaborate with our partners at The Bureau in Glossop and New Mills & District Volunteer Centre on a joint funding application to the National Lottery. The bid aimed to strengthen and expand our well-established Befriending services across the High Peak. All three services facec funding crises and were at risk of closure. Page 3
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Led by The Bureau, the application was successful, and in November 2024 we were awarded a three-year grant. This funding will enable befriending to become a core component of the support services available to health and social care professionals for their patients—embedding it as a vital resource within the wider care ecosystem. Connex's Befriending service, based in Buxton supported 49 people in 2024/25, and alongside its befriending offer, provided a range of social activities to bring people together. Our Transport services in the Derbyshire Dales and in the High Peak have been busy too. Our volunteer drivers have been extraordinary, covering a distance equivalent to nearly four laps around the world—ensuring people reach vital medical appointments and therapeutic activities. Thanks to a generous private donation, our transport service for older people affected by cancer in the Dales has been able to continue offering subsidised travel to chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions. In this largely rural area, where public transport is limited or non-existent, our volunteers are more than just drivers—they're a lifeline, offering not only mobility but meaningful social connection along the way. Our short-notice hospital discharge Transport and Settle service in the High Peak has supported approximately 570 individuals, and is highly regarded by the hospitals serving the area. Working in close partnership with hospital discharge teams, the service ensures patients are promptly and safely transported either home or to a care or reablement facility, helping to prevent unnecessary delays. In addition to transport. our drivers carry out 'safe and well' checks, which play a vital role in reducing the risk of hospital readmission. The service is well integrated with our Home from Hospital coordinators and is currently funded through to March 2026. Our Home from Hospital service supported 290 individuals over the past year, helping to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and providing vital assistance following discharge. The service offers practical support companionship, and guidance to additional sources of help. Many clients often move on to benefit from Connex's wider range of services, including befriending, transport, and long-term community support. Our Wellbeing Service Coordinator at the Thomas Fields housing facility in Buxton has been actively curating a diverse programme of social events, informative talks, and practical guidance for residents on a wide range of topics. Her efforts have significantly enhanced social interaction among residents and fostered a stronger sense of connection to the wider community. Despite facing funding cuts and reduced staff hours, our Tea, Talk & Tech project in the Derbyshire Dales has continued to thrive-supporting over 200 service users this year. Focused on empowering older adults who feel less confident with digital technology, the project offers friendly, hands-on guidance to help them make the most of their mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. In addition, we've partnered with several medical centres to deliver tailored information sessions, enabling patients to access and better understand the growing range of NHS health apps-enhancing their ability to manage their health independently and confidently. Finally, on a sadder note, our Home Maintenance & Hoarding Clearance service faced significant challenges over the past year. Operating in an increasingly competitive market, the service faced rising costs and unpredictable income, making it difficult to remain financially sustainable. The Government's changes to Employer National Insurance contributions proved to be the tipping point, and it was with great reluctance, the Board made the difficult decision to close the service at the end of April 2025. In 2024/25 the service helped 114 clients, and with grant support from Buxton based charity, the Hall Bank Trust. was able to install free key safes to older people in the Buxton area, helping to ensure that carers and family contacts could gain access to their homes when needed. Page 4
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Over the years, our Home Maintenance staff team had built a reputation for delivering a sensitive, supportive and valuable service, frequently tackling jobs that others wouldn't - and in the case of hoarding clearance work, ofter working in very difficult and insanitary conditions. The team, David Mint, Jordan Hodgson and Sue Beard are much missed by everyone at Connex and by all those they helped. Staff, Volunteers and Trustees Connex's greatest strength lies in our exceptional staff and volunteer team. Over the past year, around 230 volunteers have generously supported our services, embodying the very best of human kindness and unwavering commitment. Their contributions have brought friendship and meaningful social connection to those experiencing loneliness and isolation, alongside vital practical assistance that has made a real difference in people's lives. Our staff are equally remarkable—frequently going above and beyond their roles with dedication and compassion. We are privileged to have a number of highly experienced, long-serving employees whose deep local knowledge and insights enable Connex to tailor our services to meet community needs with sensitivity and effectiveness. Our Board of Trustees continue to meet throughout the year, providing valuable support to the organisation and to the Chief Executive and the Chief Operating Officer. The Board saw some changes this year. Carrie Sadler and Simon Fussell stood down as a trustees, and after over 20 years' involvement with the charity, Alan Thompson also decided to move on to give his time to new ventures. Always energetic, hugely supportive and forward thinking, Alan's contributions to Board meetings will be much missed. At the beginning of 2025-26 we happily welcomed four new trustees, all of whom already volunteer with Connex's services, but also bring a wealth of business skills and experience to the Board. Connex is extremely grateful to everyone who supports our work, whether that be as a service user, through financial donations, a legacy gift, pro-bono consultancy, by volunteering with us or by recommending our services to others. We are grateful to the following organisations and donors for their valuable financial support during the year: Ashbourne Methodist Church, The Bingham Trust, Derbyshire County Council, Derby & Derbyshire ICB, Dovedale Dash, Hall Bank Trust, High Peak Borough Council, High Peak Comps, Hognaston Christmas Card National Grid Fuel Poverty Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Platform Housing, St James's Place Charitable Foundation and a number of individual donations from members of the public. FINANCIAL REVIEW The year saw an increase in incoming funds resulting in a surplus of £83,395 This resulted in overall reserves at 31 March 2025 increasing to £692,241 of which £96,923 is allocated to restricted funds, leaving £595,318 retained as unrestricted funds and designated funds. £244,986 of the unrestricted reserves has been designated for specific items of expenditure leaving available reserves at 31 March 2025 of £350,332. It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months' core expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. Page 5
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 As at 31 March 2025, we had free reserves of £340,732 which satisfies the obligations of the current reserves policy. Risk Management The Trustees recognise the importance of Risk Management within the framework of governance and internal ontrol. The Trustees continue to review the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems have bee stablished to mitigate those risks. A risk management policy has been implemented comprisin : Are impent or of procedures dedune to minite se any posedial imp anton re charity should any of these risks materialise. These are found in the Business Continuity Plan. Plans for future periods We will continue to review and modify our longer-term strategies to ensure that Connex is financially resilient, our services continue to be relevant and that the wider public, funders and those that need our help know about us. We will continue to support vulnerable people in our community, and we will modify and adapt our services as needs change, adapting to the changing environment in which we operate. We will continue to work with our colleagues in health and social care to explore opportunities for greater collaboration and innovative approaches to the challenges in health and social care We will continue to promote volunteering, helping to recruit volunteers to sustain Connex's own services as well as those across our geographical area. We will work with our partners in the High Peak and the Derbyshire Dales Alliances, to deliver infrastructure support to the wider voluntary sector and strengthen community activity. Structure, governance and management The charity is a company limited by guarantee which re-registered as Connex Community Support on 13 December 2018, having been previously registered as Voluntary and Community Services Peaks and Dales. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. Recruitment and appointment of trustees Under the company's articles, the trustees are known as members of the Management Committee. The members of the Committee are elected for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next AGM. New trustees are appointed on the basis that they have appropriate skills and knowledge commensurate with the governance of a Charitable Company, and have knowledge and experience relating to the voluntary sector, our service provision, the area of benefit or communities of interest, or have other specific areas of knowledge or experience that have been identified by the Trustees as valuable to the governance of the Charity. The Board of Trustees is periodically subject to a skills audit exercise to identify training needs and gaps on the Board that can be filled through recruitment. None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up. Management The trustees delegate a large amount of the day to day decisions involved in the running of the Charity to the paid staff, and in particular to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive reports directly to the Board. Decisions that will have a significant financial or operational impact, or that will make significant changes to the way the Page 6
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) FOR THE SAR ENDED MAN 2025 charity is governed and administered are referred to the Board. Induction and training of trustees All Trustees are familiar with the work of the organisation as many have been directly involved through their volunteering work and through quarterly project and service reports. Newly recruited Trustees meet the Chair of the organisation and attend a short training session with the Chief Executive and key staff. These sessions • Learning about the organisation and its aims and objective, finding out about the various projects we run and meeting the staff involved in these projects • Being given a Trustee's task description and the last 2 years' annual reports, including finances, future plans and developments. This information is supported by the provision of a Trustee Induction Pack and ongoing information form the Charity Commission, and legal updates relevant to the activities of the charity Staff remuneration In determining staff salaries, the Board consider staff remuneration in similar charities and use these as a benchmark in determining salaries paid within Connex Community Support. Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by: 135 Menar Mrs T Sullivan (Chair of Trustees) Date: 25/11/2025 Page 7
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees (who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, 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 of the Charities SORP (FRS 102); make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Page 8
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CONNEX COMMUNITY SUPPORT Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Connex Community Support (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is 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). In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and • have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance rose sales secon of our report We are mence le with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other information The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial Page 9
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CONNEX COMMUNITY SUPPORT (CONTINUED) statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: • the information given in the Trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. • the Trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: • adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the Trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic report. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satistied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be Page 10
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CONNEX COMMUNITY SUPPORT (CONTINUED) expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: Based on our understanding of the charity and industry in which it operates, we considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included: • Enquiry of management around actual and potential litigation and claims; • Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations; Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias. Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor's report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Sean Douglass FCA (Senior statutory auditor) for and on behalf of Bates Weston Audit Ltd Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ Date: 26/11/2025 Page 11
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments Other income Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward Note Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 € 2 3 43,735 216,710 : - 260,445 4 179,118 179,118 81,327 15,596 81,327 96,923 103,150 1,740,336 21,778 336 1,865,600 1,863,532 1,863,532 2,068 593,250 2,068 595,318 The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements. Total funds 2025 € 146,885 1,957,046 21,778 336 2,126,045 2,042,650 2,042,650 83,395 608,846 83,395 692,241 Total funds 2024 122,074 1,763,068 17,600 1,133 1,903,875 1,893,750 1,893,750 10,125 598,721 10,125 608,846 Page 12
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 02918492 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Note 9 10 2025 € 9,600 9,600 2024 416,938 453,945 870,883 (188,242) 344,339 391,657 735,996 (127,150) Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets 682,641 692,241 692,241 608,846 608,846 608,846 Charity funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds General funds 12 96,923 15,596 12 12 244,986 350,332 301,172 292,078 Total unrestricted funds 12 Total funds 595,318 692,241 593,250 608,846 The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Mrs T Sullivan Chair of Trustees Date: 25/11/2025 Page 13
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interests and rents from investments Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash provided by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements Note 15 50,110 21,778 (9,600) 12,178 62,288 391,657 453,945 2024 (97,899) 17,973 - 17,973 (79,926) 471,583 391,657 Page 14
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies 1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements he financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitie Connex Community Support 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 Company status Connex Community Support is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. 1.3 Going concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 1.4 Income All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Receipt of a legacy is recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the charity, can be reliably measured Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service. Page 15
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (continued) 1.5 Expenditure the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs. All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. 1.6 Taxation The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Sectior 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. 1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably. Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is provided on the following basis: Leasehold improvements - over the length of the lease Motor vehicles 25% straight line Office equipment Computer equipment : 25% straight line 33% straight line Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Statement of financial activities. Page 16
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (continued) 1.8 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. 1.9 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 1.10 Pensions Payments to the defined contributions retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expenses as they fall due. 1.11 Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Page 17
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from donations and legacies Grant funding for core activities High Peak Borough Council Derbyshire County Council (Thomas Fields) Derbyshire County Council (Infrastructure) Hall Bank Trust NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB Digital Inclusion The National Lottery Community Fund Warmer Homes Other Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 € 5,000 23,000 30,236 20,712 Donations and gifts Total 2025 Total 2024 5,351 15,810 22,924 : 44,085 - 43,735 37,015 7,835 86,783 16,017 103,150 85,059 Total funds 2025 5,000 23,000 30,236 5,351 20,712 15,810 22,924 7,835 130,868 16,017 146,885 122,074 Total funds 2024 8,750 10,167 30,236 15,840 23,081 11,292 9,883 - 109,249 12,825 122,074 Page 18
4. Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from charitable activities Transport & Car Scheme Home Maintenance Care (Older People) Care (CYP) Readycall Home from Hospital Other Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 € 79,832 2,000 134,878 : 216,710 202,935 57,876 187,940 1,247,028 43,003 1,554 1,740,336 1,763,068 Total 2024 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Summary by fund type Transport & Car Scheme Home Maintenance Care (Older People) Care (CYP) Readycall Home from Hospital Other Total 2024 Restricted Unrestricted 2025 2025 79,832 1,045 : 67,952 - 30,289 186,326 93,285 220,731 1,149,088 28,642 43,001 142,459 179,118 38,669 1,863,532 1,855,081 Total funds 2025 282,767 57,876 187,940 1,249,028 134,878 43,003 1,554 1,957,046 1,763,068 Total 2025 266,158 94,330 220,731 1,149,088 96,594 43,001 172,748 2,042,650 1,893,750 Total funds 2024 166,607 76,512 194,534 1,093,009 143,666 50,406 38,334 1,763,068 Total 2024 197,313 88,589 217,121 1,029,345 152,876 46,881 161,625 1,893,750 Page 19
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Analysis of expenditure by activities Transport & Car Scheme Home Maintenance Care (Older People) Care (CYP) Readycall Home from Hospital Other Activities undertaken directly 2025 € 228.217 88,905 201,487 1,043,654 70,274 37,576 33,443 1,703,556 1,585,704 Support costs 2025 37,941 5,425 19,244 105,434 26,320 5,425 139,305 339,094 308,046 Total 2024 Analysis of direct costs Staff costs Depreciation Direct project costs Travelling Motor Expenses Training and recruitment Total 2024 Transport & Home Care (Older Car Scheme Maintenance People) 2025 2025 2025 96,406 - 118,339 13,472 - 71,782 10,212 1,383 5,528 - 185,937 - 2,740 12,064 746 228,217 165,117 88,905 76,162 201,487 197,948 Total funds 2025 266,158 94,330 220,731 1,149,088 96,594 43,001 172,748 2,042,650 1,893,750 Care (CYP) 2025 986,677 10,545 31,514 14,918 1,043,654 933,551 Total funds 2024 197,313 88,589 217,121 1,029,345 152,876 46,881 161,625 1,893,750 Readycall 2025 € 67,056 1,145 1,520 553 70,274 134,592 Page 20
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) IOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT OR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued) Analysis of direct costs (continued) Staff costs Depreciation Direct project costs Travelling Motor Expenses Training and recruitment Home from Hospital 2025 36,618 : 958 : 37,576 36,288 Other 2025 € 26,548 4,060 1,905 - 930 33,443 42,046 Total 2024 Analysis of support costs Staff costs Depreciation Premises costs Equipment leasing Administration costs Subscriptions Bank Charges Bad debts Professional fees Governance costs Total funds 2025 1,471,024 - 28,702 167,683 19,000 17,147 1,703,556 1,585,704 Total funds 2025 € 182,736 4.727 - 133,369 2,887 947 347 4,693 9,388 339,094 Total funds 2024 1,382,132 4,773 20,357 145,413 16,259 16,770 1,585,704 Total funds 2024 172,549 6,699 24,513 4,140 70,508 12,986 1,339 759 4,953 9,600 308,046 Page 21
6. 7. 8. Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Auditor's remuneration Audit fees Fees payable to the charity's auditor in respect of: Accountancy 2025 7,500 2,700 2024 7,200 2,400 Staff costs 2025 Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes 1,501,041 115,690 37,029 1,653,760 During the year, the charity made statutory redundancy payments totaling £12,657 (2024 - £9,037). The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows: 2025 No. 81 2024 1,410,925 106,029 37,727 1,554,681 2024 No. 80 Employees No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year. Total employee benefits of the key management personnel per page 1 was £179,317 (2024 - £269,960 which also included the roles of Dales Services Manager, Head of Care & Support CYP, Head of Care & Support OA and Head of Transport). Trustees' remuneration and expenses During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL). During the year ended 31 March 2025, £1,409 of travel expenses were reimbursed to Trustees (2024 - £ NIL). Page 22
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 9. Tangible fixed assets Office equipment Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 On disposals At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 10. Debtors Leasehold improvements 19,583 19550) 19,583 (19,583) - Motor vehicles 40,855 9,600 (4,950) 45,505 40,855 (4,950) 35,905 1,200 1,200 1,200 - 1,200 9,600 - Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments Computer equipment 33,861 - (18,302) 15,559 33,861 (18,302) 15,559 - 2025 212,142 184,168 20,628 416,938 Total 95,499 9,600 (42,835) 62,264 95,499 (42,835) 52,664 9,600 - 2024 195,052 140,030 9,257 344,339 Page 23
11. Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 12. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year Unrestricted funds Designated funds Donations allocated to be spent next year Contingency fund Unfunded hours DCC - Young Connections DCC - Thomas Fields General funds General funds Total Unrestricted funds Balance at 1 April 2024 € 70,863 214,216 8,500 5,226 2,367 301,172 Balance at 1 April 2024 € 292,078 593,250 Income Expenditure 1,614 : : 1,614 (51,423) (11,820) (5,500) (1,226) (367) (70,336) Income Expenditure 1,863,986 1,865,600 (1,793,196) (1,863,532) 2025 25,586 9,140 153,516 188,242 Transfers in/out - 12,536 : 12,536 Transfers in/out (12,536) - 2024 23,421 5,823 97,906 127,150 Balance at 31 March 2025 € 21,054 214,932 3,000 4,000 2,000 244,986 Balance at 31 March 2025 € 350,332 595,318 Page 24
- Statement of funds (continued) Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Balance at 1 April 2024 Income Expenditure Restricted funds Digital Inclusion, TTT funding DCC Buxton Transport NHS Derby Hospital Discharge Hall Bank Trust Warmer Homes Lottery Readycall St James' Place Readycall Lottery Befriending DCC Mental Health DCC Public Health 3,590 - - 7,492 4,514 : 15,596 16,210 16,306 63,526 - - 112,975 21,903 22,924 4,601 2,000 260,445 (15,258) (16,306) (63,526) (5,042) (270) (57,864) (10,088) (6,163) (4,601) (179,118) Total of funds Balance at 1 April 2024 € 608,846 Income Expenditure 2,126,045 (2,042,650) Transfers in/out € : - Transfers infout - Balance at 31 March ‹2025 4,542 2,450 4,244 55,111 11,815 16,761 - 2,000 96,923 Balance at 31 March 2025 692,241 Page 25
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12. Statement of funds (continued) Restricted Funds Robert Bowmer Trust has granted funds for the delivery of Connex's Buxton based Befriending service, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst older people. Bingham Trust Befriending Grant was received to support transport costs to enable participation in social activities delivered by the Buxton based Befriending service. Hall Bank Trust has granted funds to support key safe installation services, the befriending service and the development of a guide for older people services in Buxton. The National Grid has granted funds for the delivery of the Warmer Homes project which helps people living in fuel poverty save money by installing energy efficient solutions. Digitial Inclusion, TTT Funding is funding for the delivery of digital inclusion project in the Derbyshire Dales, supporting people to build confidence and social connections in use of digital technology The National Lottery Fund has provided funding for social and practical support for older people in the Derbyshire Dales with reference Readycall fund. The National Lottery Fund has provided funding social support for older people in the High Peak with reference to the befriending fund. DCC has provided funding for activities and facilities to support emotional wellbeing with reference to the mental health fund DCC has provided funding for for a pilot project for sibling support with reference to the public health fund. DCC has provided funding for the delivery and management of a volunteer transport service with reference to the Buxton transport fund. NHS Derby discharge fund has been provided for the delivery and management of a Patient transport service on discharge from hospital. Designated Funds Contingency fund is unrestricted funds that have been set aside to cover the cost of staff redundancy if the charity was unable to gain the funding required to continue as a going concern. Unfunded hours fund comprises funds set aside to cover the costs of any staff hours that are not covered by specific grants/service contract agreements. Donations allocated to be spent next year are donations from the current year that the charity has designated to spend on certain projects during the next financial year. DCC Young Connections and WRRF Tameside are restricted fund underspends where funders have permitted their repurposing. DCC Thomas Fields comprises funds to support its residents to maximise their independence and wellbeing. Page 26
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12. Statement of funds (continued) Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 April 2023 Incomo Expenditure Unrestricted funds Designated funds Donations allocated to be spent next year Contingency fund Unfunded hours Tameside WRRF DCC - Young Connections DCC - Thomas Fields 72,410 190,755 8,500 7,312 5,888 284,865 18,227 : 10,167 28,394 (19,774) : (7,312) (662) (7,800) (35,548) General funds General funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Digital Inclusion, TTT funding Robert Bowmer Trust Bingham Trust Befriending Hall Bank Trust Warmer Homes 296,606 581,471 Balance at 1 April 2028 9,250 7,500 500 - 17,250 1,838,466 1,866,860 (1,819,533) (1,855,081) Income Expenditure 11,292 - - 15,840 9,883 37,015 (16,952) (7,500) (500) (8,348) (5,369) (38,669) Transfers in/out 23,461 23,461 (23,461) - Transfers in/out £ ... Balance at 31 March 2024 70,863 214,216 8,500 - 5,226 2,367 301,172 292,078 593,250 Balance at 31 March 2024 3,590 7,492 4,514 15,596 Page 27
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12. Statement of funds (continued) Balance at 1 April 2023 598,721 Income Expenditure 1,903,875 (1,893, 750) Total of funds 13. Summary of funds Summary of funds - current year Designated funds General funds Restricted funds Balance at 1 April 2024 € 301,172 292,078 15,596 608,846 Income Expenditure 1,614 1,863,986 260,445 2,126,045 (70,336) (1,793,196) (179,118) (2,042,650) Summary of funds - prior year Designated funds General funds Restricted funds Balance at 1 April 2028 284,865 296,606 17,250 598,721 Income Expenditure 28,394 (35,548) 1,838,466 (1,819,533) 37,015 (38,669) 1,903,875 (1,893,750) Transfers infout - Transfers in/out 12,536 (12,536) - Transfers 23,461 (23,461) Balance at 31 March 2024 608,846 Balance at 31 March 2025 f 244,986 350,332 96,923 692,241 Balance at 31 March 2024 301,172 292,078 15,596 608,846 Page 28
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 96.923 9,600 773,960 (188,242) 96,923 595,318 Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2024 Current assets Creditors due within one year 15,596 - 720,400 (127,150) Total 15,596 593,250 15. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2025 83,395 Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Dividends, interests and rents from investments Increase in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 121,778) (72,599) 61,092 50,110 Total funds 2025 9,600 870,883 (188,242) 692,241 Total funds 2024 735,996 (127,150) 608,846 2024 10,125 11,472 (17,973) (115,261) 13,738 (97,899) Page 29
Connex Community Support (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents Cash in hand Total cash and cash equivalents 2025 453,945 453,945 2024 391,657 391,657 17. Analysis of changes in net debt Cash at bank and in hand At 1 April 2024 391,657 391,657 Cash flows 62,288 62,288 At 31 March 2025 € 453,945 453,945 18. Pension commitments The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are helo separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund. The charge to the profit and loss in respect of the defined contribution scheme was £37,029 (2024 - £37,727). At 31 March 2025 the charity's pension contributions payable were £6,208 (2024: £5,707), which were paid over after the reporting date. 19. Related party transactions During the year, no related party transactions took place with the charity (2024: £2,400 was received from Derbyshire Dales Council for Voluntary Service, a charity in which Ms G L Geddes is a trustee) Page 30