South Shropshire Youth Forum Annual Report 2023-24
Who are South Shropshire Youth Forum?
Set up as an independent registered Youth based charity in 1997, South Shropshire Youth Forum (SSYF) have been aiming to support young people in their transition to adulthood. It offers a variety of projects, themes and activities that are delivered to help address and support the needs of young people within this sparsely populated area.
YOUTH WORK
We offer weekly sessions Bishop’s Castle, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms and Ludlow. We work with Schools, more recently in Bishop's Castle Community College, Bishop's Castle Primary School, Stokesay Primary, Church Stretton Secondary and Cleobury Primary School.
HERITAGE PROJECTS BASED ACTIVITIES
Activities based in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscape) including Young Rangers and Young Rangers Outreach projects in Secondary Schools. We have delivered over 10 years of activity including woodland restoration, bushcraft, practical conservation, outdoor adventure, and rural skills training.
COMMUNITY WORK & DIVERSIONARY PROJECTS
We help represent the views of young people both at partnership meetings and on a local strategic planning level. We feel that the views of young people should be heard, especially as they often feel they are unrepresented and not part of their community. More recently we have delivered and hosted Youth Conferences in south Shropshire and this has been an effective way of communicating the needs of young people.
Diversionary projects are delivered to engage young people in their own free time (usually holiday periods). Young people have developed their own ideas and so projects such as the Ludlow Garden Help Scheme has become established.
INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT
SSYF provide a South Shropshire Youth Network for any organisations that work or aspire to work with young people. The network officially ran until May 2024.
GENERAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
The Youth Forum provides opportunities for supported placements within the community or within the youth projects so people can apply their skills.
Our ethos
South Shropshire Youth Forum (SSYF) are an established and trusted youth based charity with a strong track record of delivering quality, value for money programmes for socially and economically disadvantaged rural young people.
South Shropshire Youth Forum aims to meet young people’s diverse needs through creating individual and group opportunities for participation, education and celebration. Its core services are based on delivering youth clubs & play schemes, diversionary projects and helping to give young people a voice.
SSYF have different strategies and offer bespoke services depending on each market town area we work in (currently Bishop’s Castle, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms and Ludlow). More importantly young people refer themselves and so in effect they volunteer to get involved.
We have also been developing work for rural areas within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Activities are carried out through the normal channels of youth engagement but more significantly through less traditional approaches such as diversionary activities and youth participation schemes. These are shaped around new research carried out by the young people themselves through peer led consultations. We have established Youth Forums in the market towns, which have helped to improve local youth facilities, brought in specific activities and have given the young people a direct link to local decision making processes.
Our work 2023-24
Young Rangers
During 2023/24 SSYF continued to deliver Young Rangers in the Clee Hills and Church Stretton/Craven Arms areas, in partnership with Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty Partnership (Now National Landscapes). The Lottery funded programme finished at the end of 2023, so there was no delivery beyond that.
In the two and a half years we helped to deliver a programme with 153 young people
registering onto Young Rangers and activities were hosted at a range of countryside and heritage sites in the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. Most of these were publicly accessible sites and/or those owned by countryside service providers including National Trust, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Shropshire Council. 38 young people also achieved a John Muir Award.
Between April 2023 and March 2024 SSYF delivered 18 full day sessions; and a summer holiday
residential in the Peak District. A total of 27 individuals participated on the 18 sessions.
Sessions included farm visits, bushcraft, foraging, boardwalk construction, discovery walks, path clearance and footpath repairs. The residential included 3 days of climbing, scrambling, kayaking and team building challenges.
SSYF also piloted a Young Rangers Outreach course at Church Stretton School. The project is designed to help pupils raise their self-esteem and confidence, develops individual negotiation and communication skills, and provides opportunities to work as part of a team. There is also a strong focus on getting pupils to be reflective and to develop coping mechanisms into their lives. Pupils will be referred because they are not achieving their potential because of feelings of social anxiety and low self-esteem, and bullying or other emotional issues. Many, if not all the pupils
will have anxiety issues. 10 females, aged 13-14 were referred onto the project
Craven Arms Youth provision
Weekly sessions were delivered in Craven Arms (Tuesday evenings). Access to the local Community centre is still not feasible due to ongoing issues so we delivered detached sessions throughout the year. Activities including regular football sessions, cricket sessions, night walks, and marshalling for community events, such as the Community Bonfire. In total 34 sessions were
delivered from April 2023 to end March 2024. 425 contacts were made with young people with approximately 50 individual young people aged 9-17 participating on the various activities. The Tuesday night provision has the catalyst to start other project work and activities. Young
people were recruited to join the Young Rangers programme, and also young people were recruited to volunteer at the community bonfire event and assisted the Santa Sleigh. Some of the Moldovan children living in Craven Arms have participated in our Ukrainian Refugee project in Ludlow.
Ludlow Youth provision
Friday night detached sessions have continued to be delivered in Ludlow. We also delivered 21 drop-in cafe sessions at Hands Together between March to April 2023 and also from October 2023 to April 2024.
We don't record individual’s details but estimate approximately 100 individual young people accessing our service over the time but not all of these attend every week. The average age attending are mid-teens (13-16 year olds), which rose to make up 82% of contacts made (last year it was 75%). The majority of contacts made were new to us and the project. This is significantly up from previous years. There was also a significant increase in the numbers of females visible socialising in and around the town.
680 contacts made with young people in total over 41 sessions.
Other activities
At the request of a local partner we have delivered some pilot football sessions for Ukrainian young people. 4 sessions have been delivered at Ludlow Football club. We may offer more sessions as and when the facilities become available at Ludlow FC
Drop-in sessions/Garden Help Scheme
We were offered a cafe space at Hands Together who are located in the town. However, the times the space was available was quite limited 4.30-6pm. In total we delivered 21 sessions over the winter. Despite various approaches we had very little uptake but for a short time we did have a small core of about 5 young people attending regularly. As a result of this core group
meeting we managed to relaunch our Garden Help scheme. 8 young volunteers helped deliver the project over the School summer Holiday. The Garden Help Scheme was awarded a High Sherriff Award in 2024.
Bishop’s Castle Youth provision
Funding for the Youth programme at Bishop’s Castle was extended due to money from the Town Council and Shropshire Council. A part time worker has been employed to deliver the project with sessional staff and volunteers.
After School club
After School Club at Bishop’s Castle Primary School runs weekly in term time. From April 23 up until the end of the Summer term 123 children took part in the cooking activities that SSYF ran. From October 23, creative writing session were delivered with 76 young people attending these sessions.
Youth Drop in
From April 23 through to March 24, there has been a huge increase in young people attending.
Young people registered for activities at the drop-in totalled 29. Total contacts throughout the
period were 327
The activities at the Drop in are the same weekly – the team normally have a cooking session every two weeks, games, indoor hockey and pool/table tennis are available. Hot drinks and toasties are also on offer. Craft sessions happen weekly.
Outside of term time sessions included climbing, and day trips. A two day camp in the Shropshire Hills was also delivered.
Cleobury Mortimer Youth provision
SSYF was commissioned to do a youth consultation in 2021 and as a direct result of this outreach sessions started in January 2022.
The project now aims to engage directly with young people initially through sport-based sessions, providing them with a place to spend at least an evening a week with trusted adults they can speak to and work with. The programme also includes the delivery of sports based sessions at Cleobury Mortimer Primary School.
The project will be specifically signposted to pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding in Upper Key Stage 2 at Cleobury Mortimer Primary School and Lacon Childe School. We aim to encourage pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to recognise the importance of keeping healthy and leading an active lifestyle.
The project is specifically signposted to pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding in Upper Key Stage 2 at Cleobury Mortimer Primary School and Lacon Childe School. We aim to encourage pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to recognise the importance of keeping healthy and leading an active lifestyle.
From April 2023 to end March 2024 we engaged with 26 young people aged 10-13 with 28
sessions being delivered. Totals of young people attending over those sessions was 413. In addition we delivered sessions at Cleobury Primary school, increasing the numbers worked
with to 56.
Ongoing consultation with young people
We continue to listen to young people and try to respond to their changing needs. As part of our Infrastructure Support we have been able to bring together organisations and together we have pooled resources to continue structured consultation with young people.
Following on from last year’s residential, where we trained 9 young people in campaigning techniques we worked on a series of workshops that would help enable young people to design their own ‘realistic’ services. In Spring 2023 we organised another residential and young people designed a game called ‘Youth Chance’ that others could use to design their own ideas. A prototype is currently being designed and has been tested, and was played at the Youth Conference in July 2023.
South Shropshire Youth Network
South Shropshire Youth Network is a peer network of individuals (paid/unpaid), community and voluntary organisations working with young people aged 8-25 in that area. The aim of the network is to exchange good practice, collaborate, put in joint funding bids, and for organisations to become stronger and more sustainable. The network is essentially a Youth Partnership for the south of Shropshire. The SLA with Shropshire was extended until March 2024. Rural Media agreed to help manage the service and meetings and newsletters were sent out to network members. Attempts to keep the network going beyond May have proved to be problematic. We still aim to continue in some capacity but, may need specific funding to enable us to do this.
By the end of March 2024 we 38 network members.
Chair’s report 2023/24
This year we have consolidated our trustee group to 6 and have continued to hold regular Officers Meetings with the Chief Officer, Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer, complementing our full trustee meetings. This year we have focused on reviewing and updating policies and procedures. We are always looking for new trustees however, with new skills and ideas, to cover the whole of South Shropshire, so please do get in touch if you are interested in supporting the youth forum and making a difference to young people across the region.
As a small charity with only 1 permanent staff member, The Chief Officer, now working 4 days a week and several part time and sessional youth workers, the range of activities, film projects, events, residentials, networks and consultations outlined in this report , is remarkable, with youth provision offered across South Shropshire in Cleobury, Bishops Castle, Craven Arms and Ludlow. The success of our established projects, such as the garden help scheme , film projects, young rangers, football and cricket sessions, as well as residentials and conferences, is testament to the dedication, hard work and flexibility of everyone involved. We are proud to have been awarded the High Sheriff’s Outstanding young citizen award this year, for the garden help scheme, an intergenerational project involving young people helping to support older people to tidy their gardens. The new film produced with Shropshire Hills National Landscape and the young people involved with SSYF is a fabulous collaboration, creating diverse opportunities for young people to learn new skills, be creative, have fun, meet new people and improve their confidence. It is a strength of the voluntary sector that we can adapt, respond to need and demand and be creative, succeeding even in times of financial pressure and funding challenges.
I will close by thanking our Chief officer for all his hard work, along with all part time staff, all our trustees, partners and funders and of course the young people, who have enabled all these projects and activities to develop and who keep the youth forum flourishing, moving forwards and making a difference to young people’s lives across South Shropshire.
Mandy Furniss
Youth Forum income expenditure over the last 5 financial years (April – March)
Income 2019/20: £51,461 2020/21: £53,065 2021/22: £67,236 2022/23 £81,706 2023/24 £87,621
Expenditure £48,225 £42,112 £66,669 £76,313 £68,313
Partners
Funders & contributors
Arthog Outreach Bishop’s Castle Town Council Caring for God’s Acre Church Stretton School Cleobury Mortimer Primary School Cleobury Mortimer Social Club Craven Arms Mosque Craven Arms Town Council Craven Arms Youth Partnership Hands Together Hereford Diocese Ludlow Town Council National Trust - Cardingmill Valley Rural Media Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership Shropshire Council Shropshire Hills Discovery centre (Grow, Cook, Learn) Shropshire Wildlife Trust Teme Leisure - Cleobury Wild About Westhope
Anonymous Bishop’s Castle Town Council Cleobury Mortimer Town Council Craven Arms Town Council Craven Arms Youth Area Partnership Euro Quality Trust Hereford Community Foundation (Teme
Valley Youth Fund) Heritage Lottery Fund Ludlow Town Council Old Downton Lodge Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership Shropshire County Council Tesco’s Stronger Starts Fund
YOUNG PEOPLE!
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Clee Hill Rec Rooms 22 High Street Clee Hill, Ludlow Shropshire SY8 3LZ
www.ssyf.net
Registered Charity number: 1068321 Company number: 3476766
00°90”
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Company registration number: 03476766 Charity registration number: 1068321
South Shropshire Youth Forum
(A company limited by guarantee)
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
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South Shropshire Youth Forum
Contents
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 to 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12 to 16 |
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South Shropshire Youth Forum
Reference and Administrative Details
Chairman
Mandy Furniss Robert Bluett Secretary
Richard Morley
Charity Registration Number
1068321
Company Registration Number
03476766 Registered Office
c/o Clee Hill Recreation Rooms 22a High Street Clee Hill Ludlow Shropshire SY8 3LZ
Independent Examiner
Ms Kaye Nicola Richardson 31 Woodbury Close Callow Hill Redditch Worcestershire B97 5YQ
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South Shropshire Youth Forum
Trustees' Report
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The Charity's objectives are to assist and educate young people in South Shropshire and the surrounding area (the area of benefit) in particular but not exclusively by the provision of vocational training, an information and advice centre and other such services calculated to develop their physical and mental capacities in order that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society and that their conditions of life may be improved.
SSYF aims to support young people through the transition to adulthood. It offers a variety of projects, activities and themes that are delivered to help address and support the needs of young people in the district.
Objectives, strategies and activities
The following paid staff carried out SSYF activities in the period 2023/24:
3 Sessional Youth Workers, self-employed occasional staff, a Part-time Finance and Administration Officer, a Part-time Infrastructure Support Officer, a part time youth leader, and a Full-time Chief Officer.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Use of volunteers
SSYF also relies on a committed group of volunteers, working alongside paid staff, to fulfil its aims and objectives.
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Trustees' Report
Achievements and performance
Activities in the year up to 31st March 2023 and further into 2024 have included:
YOUTH WORK
Weekly youth sessions at Bishop's Castle, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms and Ludlow. We work with schools, more recently in Bishop's Castle Community College, Bishop's Castle Primary School, Stokesay Primary, Church Stretton Secondary and Cleobury Primary School.
COMMUNITY AND DIVERSIONARY PROJECTS
We help represent the views of young people at partnership meetings and on a local strategic planning level. We feel that the views of young people should be heard, especially as they often feel they are unrepresented and not part of their community. More recently we have delivered and hosted Youth Conferences in South Shropshire and this has been an effective way of communicating the needs of young people.
Diversionary projects are delivered to engage young people in their own free time (usually holiday periods). Young people have developed their own ideas and so projects such as the Ludlow Garden Help Scheme has become established.
HERITAGE BASED ACTIVITIES
Activities based in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscape) including Young Rangers and Young Rangers Outreach projects in Secondary Schools. We have delivered over 10 years of activity including woodland restoration, bush craft, practical conservation, outdoor adventure, and rural skills training.
INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT
SSYF provide a South Shropshire Youth Network for any organisations that work or aspire to work with young people. The network officially ran until May 2024.
GENERAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
The Youth Forum provides opportunities for supported placements within the community or within the youth projects so people can apply their skills.
Financial review
Policy on reserves
SSYF has a policy to hold in reserve an amount to cover winding up costs if the charity were to close. This would include amounts to cover staff redundancy, rent in lieu of notice, amounts that would be due on contracts for the hire of office equipment, and for legal and professional fees.
Principal funding sources
Income sources have diversified and now includes money from grant applications, fundraising activities, donations, partnership agreements and service level agreements with other local organisations.
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Trustees' Report
Plans for future periods
Aims and key objectives for future periods
Our unofficial 'strategic' business plan has been developed by staff and Trustees over recent years. This includes the following strategic goals:
Maintaining existing services despite a challenging funding environment - SSYF needs to continue to develop diverse funding streams and through its partnerships, in recent years, has had other organisations buy in the youth services that we can provide. The Youth Forum needs to continue to raise its profile through publicity and marketing. It's website and social media sites need to be updated on a regular basis.
Expand our services, projects and activities offer for young people in South Shropshire - The Youth Forum needs to build capacity to achieve this. It has found a new registered office base and has been actively recruiting new trustees who can help fill the skills gap. Funding for additional staffing is a priority so the Youth Forum can build its capacity to deliver more activities and have the necessary admin support to monitor finances and evidence for grant applications. Securing significant funding will enable the Youth Forum to buy in resources it needs to expand the services it delivers. SSYF needs to target specific national and local funders through partnership working and to identify other funders who would support the work we do.
Expand collaborative partnership working - The Youth Forum needs to continue to look for opportunities for partnership working. This will enable us to develop schemes and projects that will benefit our clientele. It has been the strength of the organisation to see gaps in provision and look at where opportunities can be created. Focus should remain (although not exclusively) on the 'hard to reach' young people.
Develop a mixed economy approach to funding - SSYF, has, until recent years; been existing hand to mouth. It has been developing other means to get the necessary resources it requires to operate and to be less reliant on grants. Fundraising activities, for example, has increased in recent years and has given the Youth Forum much needed 'unrestricted' funds. These 'unrestricted' funds enable the Youth Forum to get match funding for bid applications and to projects where they are most needed. This situation has improved recently with SSYF being Ludlow Mayor's charity. This has enabled us to build our 'unrestricted' funds.
Review local needs and refocus SSYF to meet them - consultation with young people is ongoing, the organisation can only respond to the needs of young people if it has a grasp of current trends within the locality and within youth culture as a whole. As the Youth Forum is an advocate of young people maintaining local partnerships are also vital. The new youth consultations and network partnership have been a big help in understanding needs and priorities. Organisations and communities need to be made aware of the changing needs of young people in the area.
As always, the staff and trustees of the SSYF are committed to ensure that the organisation completes its agreed programme, operates within the scope of its business plan, and builds on its financial position during the forthcoming financial year. It still remains though that managing cash flow and the budget on limited resources are an important priority for our organisation.
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South Shropshire Youth Forum
Trustees' Report
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees:
Mandy Furniss Jack Martin Amy Webb
Robert Bluett
Matthew Reeve
Sandra Edwards
Diane Lyle (appointed 20 March 2024 and resigned 6 November 2024)
Chairman:
Mandy Furniss
Robert Bluett
Secretary:
Richard Morley
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Recruitment of new trustees is ongoing. We have recruited (and lost) trustees throughout the year. The process now includes the completion of a written application form, an informal meeting with paid staff and volunteers, and taking part in an interview with the Chief Officer and trustees. The main recruitment drive though is through word of mouth.
Induction and training of trustees
All new trustees undergo induction and training to ensure that they can participate fully in the new role.
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Trustees' Report
Organisational structure
The Board are the governing body of South Shropshire Youth Forum (SSYF) and they retain responsibility for controlling the management and administration for the organisation. The Board have collective responsibility for the charity and ultimate responsibility for directing its affairs, ensuring that it is solvent and well-run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it was set up.
A now part time Chief Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation. A new Infrastructure Support worker is now in post to support the organisation and external voluntary sector groups and organisations.
SSYF paid staff and volunteers carry out SSYF activities in accordance with its charitable aims.
Wider Network
SSYF belongs to a variety of local networks across South Shropshire and with the advent of the Unitary Authority in April 2009 has endeavoured to make links across the wider South Shropshire area. New opportunities have arisen through the new Infrastructure Support programme.
Relationships with related parties
Related Parties
SSYF works alongside a wide range of organisations including Town Councils, Shropshire Council, Hereford Diocese, Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, National Trust, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Grow Cook Learn, Wild About Westhope, Titterstone Clee Heritage Trust, Hands Together and local schools and colleges.
Financial instruments
Objectives and policies
The charity's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risk, cash flow risk and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the charity’s policies approved by the board of trustees, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of South Shropshire Youth Forum 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), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland". The report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its 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 apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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Trustees' Report
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state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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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 keeping proper accounting records that can 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 governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Small companies provision statement
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 27 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... 853B3D8349764C5... Richard Morley Company secretary
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South Shropshire Youth Forum
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of South Shropshire Youth Forum ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of South Shropshire Youth Forum as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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
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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.
[Kichardoon]
| ......................................[Kaye] SignedC228623E5D454FB... by: K N Richardson
31 Woodbury Close Callow Hill Redditch Worcestershire B97 5YQ
27 November 2024
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South Shropshire Youth Forum
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Unrestricted Total |
|
|---|---|
| funds Restricted funds 2024 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ |
| Income and Endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies 3 |
33,424 54,197 87,621 |
| Other income | 75 - 75 |
| Total income | |
| 33,499 54,197 87,696 |
|
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raisingfunds 4 |
(33,243) (35,070) (68,313) |
| Total expenditure | |
| (33,243) (35,070) (68,313) |
|
| Net income | |
| 256 19,127 19,383 |
|
| Net movement in funds | |
| 256 19,127 19,383 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds | |
| Total funds brought forward | |
| 3,353 24,861 28,214 |
|
| Total funds carried forward 11 |
|
| 3,609 43,988 47,597 |
|
| Unrestricted Total |
|
| funds Restricted funds 2023 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ |
| Income and Endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies 3 |
21,497 60,183 81,680 |
| Other income | 27 - 27 |
| Total income | |
| 21,524 60,183 81,707 |
|
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raisingfunds 4 |
(16,980) (59,334) (76,314) |
| Total expenditure | |
| (16,980) (59,334) (76,314) |
|
| Net income | |
| 4,544 849 5,393 |
|
| Net movement in funds | |
| 4,544 849 5,393 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds | |
| Total funds brought forward | |
| 4,874 17,947 22,821 |
|
| Total funds carried forward 11 |
|
| 9,418 18,796 28,214 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 11.
The notes on pages 12 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9
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South Shropshire Youth Forum
(Registration number: 03476766) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 8 | 64,743 | 48,745 |
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within oneyear | 9 | (1,200) | (6,541) |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 63,543 | 42,204 | |
| Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than oneyear | 10 | (15,945) | (13,990) |
| Netassets | 47,598 | 28,214 | |
| Funds of the charity: | |||
| Restricted income funds | |||
| Restricted funds | 19,127 | 849 | |
| Revaluation reserve | 24,861 | 17,947 | |
| Total restricted funds | 43,988 | 18,796 | |
| Unrestricted income funds | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 257 | 4,544 | |
| Revaluation reserve | 3,353 | 4,874 | |
| Total unrestricted funds | 3,609 | 9,418 | |
| Total funds | 11 | 47,598 | 28,214 |
For the financial year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
Directors' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The notes on pages 12 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 10
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
(Registration number: 03476766) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
The financial statements on pages 9 to 16 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 27 November 2024 and signed on their behalf by: ......................................... [ MauSigne d b y : Furns Mandy Furniss Chairman and trustee
Signed by: Robert Dluett ......................................... [tout Blut Robert Bluett Chairman and trustee
The notes on pages 12 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
1 Charity status
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
The address of its registered office is: c/o Clee Hill Recreation Rooms 22a High Street Clee Hill Ludlow Shropshire SY8 3LZ
These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 27 November 2024.
2 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared 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)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
South Shropshire Youth Forum 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 notes.
Income and endowments
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 the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Page 12
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
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 Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Depreciation and amortisation
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Fixtures & fittings 20% Reducing balance
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents 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.
Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Page 13
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
- 3 Income from donations and legacies
| 3 Income from donations and legacies |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | |||
| funds | Restricted | Total | |
| General | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations and legacies; | |||
| Donations from individuals | 33,424 | 54,197 | 87,621 |
| Total for 2024 | 33,424 | 54,197 | 87,621 |
| Total for 2023 | 21,497 | 60,183 | 81,680 |
4 Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of generating donations and legacies
a)
| a) Costs of generating donations and legacies |
a) Costs of generating donations and legacies |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds Restricted Total |
|
| General funds 2024 |
|
| Note £ £ £ |
|
| Allocated support costs 33,243 35,070 68,313 |
|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds Restricted Total |
|
| General funds 2023 |
|
| Note £ £ £ |
|
| Allocated support costs 16,980 59,334 76,314 |
|
| Allocated support Total |
|
| costs 2024 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Costs ofgeneratingdonations and legacies | 68,312 68,312 |
| Allocated support Total |
|
| costs 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Costs of generating donations and legacies | 76,314 76,314 |
Page 14
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
5 Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net incoming resources for the year include:
| 5 Net incoming/outgoing resources Net incoming resources for the year include: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| General | 257 | (1,521) | |
| Restricted | 18,517 | 6,914 |
6 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses from the charity during the year.
7 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
8 Cash and cash equivalents
| 8 Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|---|---|
| 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Cash at bank | 64,743 48,745 |
| 9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
|
| 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Trade creditors | - 1,113 |
| Other creditors | 1,200 5,428 |
| 1,200 6,541 |
|
| 10 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year |
|
| 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Other creditors | 15,945 13,990 |
Page 15
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
| 11 Funds |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | Incoming | Resources | Balance at 31 | ||
| April 2023 | resources | expended | March | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General | 3,353 | 33,499 | (33,243) | 3,609 | |
| Restricted funds | 24,861 | 54,197 | (35,070) | 43,988 | |
| Total funds | 28,214 | 87,696 | (68,313) | 47,597 | |
| Balance at 1 | Incoming | Resources | Balance at 31 | ||
| April 2022 | resources | expended | March | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General | 4,874 | 21,524 | (16,980) | 9,418 | |
| Restricted funds | 17,947 | 60,183 | (59,334) | 18,796 | |
| Total funds | 22,821 | 81,707 | (76,314) | 28,214 | |
| 12 Analysis of net funds |
|||||
| Financing cash | At 31 March | ||||
| At 1 April 2023 | flows | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 48,745 | 15,998 | 64,743 | ||
| Debt due within one year | (6,541) | 5,341 | (1,200) | ||
| Debt due after more than oneyear | (13,990) | (2,566) | (16,556) | ||
| Net debt | 28,214 | 18,773 | 46,987 | ||
| Financing cash | At 31 March | ||||
| At 1 April 2022 | flows | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 35,374 | 13,371 | 48,745 | ||
| Debt due within one year | 1,054 | (7,596) | (6,542) | ||
| Debt due after more than oneyear | (13,608) | (381) | (13,989) | ||
| Net debt | 22,820 | 5,394 | 28,214 |
13 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the year.
Page 16
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788 Subject: Complete with Docusign: SSYF - Accounts for signature 31.03.2024.pdf Source Envelope: Document Pages: 18 Signatures: 4 Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 0 AutoNav: Enabled EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled Time Zone: (UTC) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Status: Completed
Envelope Originator: Lucy Smith Perrigo Consultants Limited Anglo House, Worcester Road Stourport-On-Severn, Worcs DY13 9AW lucy@perrigoconsultants.co.uk IP Address: 86.148.110.198
Record Tracking
Status: Original Holder: Lucy Smith 12/6/2024 3:09:11 PM lucy@perrigoconsultants.co.uk Signer Events Signature Mandy Furniss Signed by: mandy.furniss@gmail.com Security Level: Email, Account Authentication Mandy7706020AB0F248E.Fuss (None) Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Using IP Address: 2.99.47.112
Location: DocuSign
Timestamp
Sent: 12/6/2024 3:49:53 PM Viewed: 12/7/2024 9:16:00 AM Signed: 12/7/2024 9:16:43 AM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
Kaye Richardson kaye@perrigoconsultants.co.uk Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None)
Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Using IP Address: 86.135.37.252
Sent: 12/7/2024 9:16:45 AM Resent: 12/11/2024 3:20:48 PM Viewed: 12/11/2024 3:48:01 PM Signed: 12/11/2024 3:49:54 PM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
Richard Morley richssyf@yahoo.com Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None)
Sent: 12/11/2024 3:49:56 PM Viewed: 12/11/2024 3:51:14 PM Signed: 12/11/2024 3:52:25 PM
Signature Adoption: Uploaded Signature Image Using IP Address: 31.125.11.158
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
Robert Bluett ra.su@mac.com Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None)
Sent: 12/11/2024 3:52:28 PM Viewed: 12/11/2024 6:40:27 PM Signed: 12/11/2024 6:41:59 PM
Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Using IP Address: 86.163.101.210
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
In Person Signer Events
Signature
Timestamp
| Editor Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
|---|---|---|
| Agent Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Intermediary Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Certified Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Carbon Copy Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Witness Events | Signature | Timestamp |
| Notary Events | Signature | Timestamp |
| Envelope Summary Events | Status | Timestamps |
| Envelope Sent | Hashed/Encrypted | 12/6/2024 3:49:53 PM |
| Certified Delivered | Security Checked | 12/11/2024 6:40:27 PM |
| Signing Complete | Security Checked | 12/11/2024 6:41:59 PM |
| Completed | Security Checked | 12/11/2024 6:41:59 PM |
| Payment Events | Status | Timestamps |
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
Company registration number: 03476766 Charity registration number: 1068321
South Shropshire Youth Forum
(A company limited by guarantee)
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Contents
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 to 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12 to 16 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Reference and Administrative Details
Chairman
Mandy Furniss Robert Bluett Secretary
Richard Morley
Charity Registration Number
1068321
Company Registration Number
03476766 Registered Office
c/o Clee Hill Recreation Rooms 22a High Street Clee Hill Ludlow Shropshire SY8 3LZ
Independent Examiner
Ms Kaye Nicola Richardson 31 Woodbury Close Callow Hill Redditch Worcestershire B97 5YQ
Page 1
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Trustees' Report
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The Charity's objectives are to assist and educate young people in South Shropshire and the surrounding area (the area of benefit) in particular but not exclusively by the provision of vocational training, an information and advice centre and other such services calculated to develop their physical and mental capacities in order that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society and that their conditions of life may be improved.
SSYF aims to support young people through the transition to adulthood. It offers a variety of projects, activities and themes that are delivered to help address and support the needs of young people in the district.
Objectives, strategies and activities
The following paid staff carried out SSYF activities in the period 2023/24:
3 Sessional Youth Workers, self-employed occasional staff, a Part-time Finance and Administration Officer, a Part-time Infrastructure Support Officer, a part time youth leader, and a Full-time Chief Officer.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Use of volunteers
SSYF also relies on a committed group of volunteers, working alongside paid staff, to fulfil its aims and objectives.
Page 2
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Trustees' Report
Achievements and performance
Activities in the year up to 31st March 2023 and further into 2024 have included:
YOUTH WORK
Weekly youth sessions at Bishop's Castle, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms and Ludlow. We work with schools, more recently in Bishop's Castle Community College, Bishop's Castle Primary School, Stokesay Primary, Church Stretton Secondary and Cleobury Primary School.
COMMUNITY AND DIVERSIONARY PROJECTS
We help represent the views of young people at partnership meetings and on a local strategic planning level. We feel that the views of young people should be heard, especially as they often feel they are unrepresented and not part of their community. More recently we have delivered and hosted Youth Conferences in South Shropshire and this has been an effective way of communicating the needs of young people.
Diversionary projects are delivered to engage young people in their own free time (usually holiday periods). Young people have developed their own ideas and so projects such as the Ludlow Garden Help Scheme has become established.
HERITAGE BASED ACTIVITIES
Activities based in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscape) including Young Rangers and Young Rangers Outreach projects in Secondary Schools. We have delivered over 10 years of activity including woodland restoration, bush craft, practical conservation, outdoor adventure, and rural skills training.
INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT
SSYF provide a South Shropshire Youth Network for any organisations that work or aspire to work with young people. The network officially ran until May 2024.
GENERAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
The Youth Forum provides opportunities for supported placements within the community or within the youth projects so people can apply their skills.
Financial review
Policy on reserves
SSYF has a policy to hold in reserve an amount to cover winding up costs if the charity were to close. This would include amounts to cover staff redundancy, rent in lieu of notice, amounts that would be due on contracts for the hire of office equipment, and for legal and professional fees.
Principal funding sources
Income sources have diversified and now includes money from grant applications, fundraising activities, donations, partnership agreements and service level agreements with other local organisations.
Page 3
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Trustees' Report
Plans for future periods
Aims and key objectives for future periods
Our unofficial 'strategic' business plan has been developed by staff and Trustees over recent years. This includes the following strategic goals:
Maintaining existing services despite a challenging funding environment - SSYF needs to continue to develop diverse funding streams and through its partnerships, in recent years, has had other organisations buy in the youth services that we can provide. The Youth Forum needs to continue to raise its profile through publicity and marketing. It's website and social media sites need to be updated on a regular basis.
Expand our services, projects and activities offer for young people in South Shropshire - The Youth Forum needs to build capacity to achieve this. It has found a new registered office base and has been actively recruiting new trustees who can help fill the skills gap. Funding for additional staffing is a priority so the Youth Forum can build its capacity to deliver more activities and have the necessary admin support to monitor finances and evidence for grant applications. Securing significant funding will enable the Youth Forum to buy in resources it needs to expand the services it delivers. SSYF needs to target specific national and local funders through partnership working and to identify other funders who would support the work we do.
Expand collaborative partnership working - The Youth Forum needs to continue to look for opportunities for partnership working. This will enable us to develop schemes and projects that will benefit our clientele. It has been the strength of the organisation to see gaps in provision and look at where opportunities can be created. Focus should remain (although not exclusively) on the 'hard to reach' young people.
Develop a mixed economy approach to funding - SSYF, has, until recent years; been existing hand to mouth. It has been developing other means to get the necessary resources it requires to operate and to be less reliant on grants. Fundraising activities, for example, has increased in recent years and has given the Youth Forum much needed 'unrestricted' funds. These 'unrestricted' funds enable the Youth Forum to get match funding for bid applications and to projects where they are most needed. This situation has improved recently with SSYF being Ludlow Mayor's charity. This has enabled us to build our 'unrestricted' funds.
Review local needs and refocus SSYF to meet them - consultation with young people is ongoing, the organisation can only respond to the needs of young people if it has a grasp of current trends within the locality and within youth culture as a whole. As the Youth Forum is an advocate of young people maintaining local partnerships are also vital. The new youth consultations and network partnership have been a big help in understanding needs and priorities. Organisations and communities need to be made aware of the changing needs of young people in the area.
As always, the staff and trustees of the SSYF are committed to ensure that the organisation completes its agreed programme, operates within the scope of its business plan, and builds on its financial position during the forthcoming financial year. It still remains though that managing cash flow and the budget on limited resources are an important priority for our organisation.
Page 4
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Trustees' Report
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees:
Mandy Furniss Jack Martin Amy Webb
Robert Bluett
Matthew Reeve
Sandra Edwards
Diane Lyle (appointed 20 March 2024 and resigned 6 November 2024)
Chairman:
Mandy Furniss
Robert Bluett
Secretary:
Richard Morley
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Recruitment of new trustees is ongoing. We have recruited (and lost) trustees throughout the year. The process now includes the completion of a written application form, an informal meeting with paid staff and volunteers, and taking part in an interview with the Chief Officer and trustees. The main recruitment drive though is through word of mouth.
Induction and training of trustees
All new trustees undergo induction and training to ensure that they can participate fully in the new role.
Page 5
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Trustees' Report
Organisational structure
The Board are the governing body of South Shropshire Youth Forum (SSYF) and they retain responsibility for controlling the management and administration for the organisation. The Board have collective responsibility for the charity and ultimate responsibility for directing its affairs, ensuring that it is solvent and well-run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it was set up.
A now part time Chief Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation. A new Infrastructure Support worker is now in post to support the organisation and external voluntary sector groups and organisations.
SSYF paid staff and volunteers carry out SSYF activities in accordance with its charitable aims.
Wider Network
SSYF belongs to a variety of local networks across South Shropshire and with the advent of the Unitary Authority in April 2009 has endeavoured to make links across the wider South Shropshire area. New opportunities have arisen through the new Infrastructure Support programme.
Relationships with related parties
Related Parties
SSYF works alongside a wide range of organisations including Town Councils, Shropshire Council, Hereford Diocese, Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, National Trust, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Grow Cook Learn, Wild About Westhope, Titterstone Clee Heritage Trust, Hands Together and local schools and colleges.
Financial instruments
Objectives and policies
The charity's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risk, cash flow risk and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the charity’s policies approved by the board of trustees, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of South Shropshire Youth Forum 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), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland". The report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its 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 apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
Page 6
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Trustees' Report
-
state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 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 keeping proper accounting records that can 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 governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Small companies provision statement
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 27 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... 853B3D8349764C5... Richard Morley Company secretary
Page 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of South Shropshire Youth Forum ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of South Shropshire Youth Forum as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those 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.
[Kichardoon]
| ......................................[Kaye] SignedC228623E5D454FB... by: K N Richardson
31 Woodbury Close Callow Hill Redditch Worcestershire B97 5YQ
27 November 2024
Page 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Unrestricted Total |
|
|---|---|
| funds Restricted funds 2024 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ |
| Income and Endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies 3 |
33,424 54,197 87,621 |
| Other income | 75 - 75 |
| Total income | |
| 33,499 54,197 87,696 |
|
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raisingfunds 4 |
(33,243) (35,070) (68,313) |
| Total expenditure | |
| (33,243) (35,070) (68,313) |
|
| Net income | |
| 256 19,127 19,383 |
|
| Net movement in funds | |
| 256 19,127 19,383 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds | |
| Total funds brought forward | |
| 3,353 24,861 28,214 |
|
| Total funds carried forward 11 |
|
| 3,609 43,988 47,597 |
|
| Unrestricted Total |
|
| funds Restricted funds 2023 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ |
| Income and Endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies 3 |
21,497 60,183 81,680 |
| Other income | 27 - 27 |
| Total income | |
| 21,524 60,183 81,707 |
|
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raisingfunds 4 |
(16,980) (59,334) (76,314) |
| Total expenditure | |
| (16,980) (59,334) (76,314) |
|
| Net income | |
| 4,544 849 5,393 |
|
| Net movement in funds | |
| 4,544 849 5,393 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds | |
| Total funds brought forward | |
| 4,874 17,947 22,821 |
|
| Total funds carried forward 11 |
|
| 9,418 18,796 28,214 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 11.
The notes on pages 12 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
(Registration number: 03476766) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 8 | 64,743 | 48,745 |
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within oneyear | 9 | (1,200) | (6,541) |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 63,543 | 42,204 | |
| Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than oneyear | 10 | (15,945) | (13,990) |
| Netassets | 47,598 | 28,214 | |
| Funds of the charity: | |||
| Restricted income funds | |||
| Restricted funds | 19,127 | 849 | |
| Revaluation reserve | 24,861 | 17,947 | |
| Total restricted funds | 43,988 | 18,796 | |
| Unrestricted income funds | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 257 | 4,544 | |
| Revaluation reserve | 3,353 | 4,874 | |
| Total unrestricted funds | 3,609 | 9,418 | |
| Total funds | 11 | 47,598 | 28,214 |
For the financial year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
Directors' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The notes on pages 12 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 10
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
(Registration number: 03476766) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
The financial statements on pages 9 to 16 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 27 November 2024 and signed on their behalf by: ......................................... [ MauSigne d b y : Furns Mandy Furniss Chairman and trustee
Signed by: Robert Dluett ......................................... [tout Blut Robert Bluett Chairman and trustee
The notes on pages 12 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
1 Charity status
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
The address of its registered office is: c/o Clee Hill Recreation Rooms 22a High Street Clee Hill Ludlow Shropshire SY8 3LZ
These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 27 November 2024.
2 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared 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)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
South Shropshire Youth Forum 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 notes.
Income and endowments
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 the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Page 12
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
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 Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Depreciation and amortisation
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Fixtures & fittings 20% Reducing balance
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents 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.
Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Page 13
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
- 3 Income from donations and legacies
| 3 Income from donations and legacies |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | |||
| funds | Restricted | Total | |
| General | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations and legacies; | |||
| Donations from individuals | 33,424 | 54,197 | 87,621 |
| Total for 2024 | 33,424 | 54,197 | 87,621 |
| Total for 2023 | 21,497 | 60,183 | 81,680 |
4 Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of generating donations and legacies
a)
| a) Costs of generating donations and legacies |
a) Costs of generating donations and legacies |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds Restricted Total |
|
| General funds 2024 |
|
| Note £ £ £ |
|
| Allocated support costs 33,243 35,070 68,313 |
|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds Restricted Total |
|
| General funds 2023 |
|
| Note £ £ £ |
|
| Allocated support costs 16,980 59,334 76,314 |
|
| Allocated support Total |
|
| costs 2024 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Costs ofgeneratingdonations and legacies | 68,312 68,312 |
| Allocated support Total |
|
| costs 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Costs of generating donations and legacies | 76,314 76,314 |
Page 14
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
5 Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net incoming resources for the year include:
| 5 Net incoming/outgoing resources Net incoming resources for the year include: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| General | 257 | (1,521) | |
| Restricted | 18,517 | 6,914 |
6 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses from the charity during the year.
7 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
8 Cash and cash equivalents
| 8 Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|---|---|
| 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Cash at bank | 64,743 48,745 |
| 9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
|
| 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Trade creditors | - 1,113 |
| Other creditors | 1,200 5,428 |
| 1,200 6,541 |
|
| 10 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year |
|
| 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Other creditors | 15,945 13,990 |
Page 15
Docusign Envelope ID: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788
South Shropshire Youth Forum
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
| 11 Funds |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | Incoming | Resources | Balance at 31 | ||
| April 2023 | resources | expended | March | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General | 3,353 | 33,499 | (33,243) | 3,609 | |
| Restricted funds | 24,861 | 54,197 | (35,070) | 43,988 | |
| Total funds | 28,214 | 87,696 | (68,313) | 47,597 | |
| Balance at 1 | Incoming | Resources | Balance at 31 | ||
| April 2022 | resources | expended | March | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General | 4,874 | 21,524 | (16,980) | 9,418 | |
| Restricted funds | 17,947 | 60,183 | (59,334) | 18,796 | |
| Total funds | 22,821 | 81,707 | (76,314) | 28,214 | |
| 12 Analysis of net funds |
|||||
| Financing cash | At 31 March | ||||
| At 1 April 2023 | flows | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 48,745 | 15,998 | 64,743 | ||
| Debt due within one year | (6,541) | 5,341 | (1,200) | ||
| Debt due after more than oneyear | (13,990) | (2,566) | (16,556) | ||
| Net debt | 28,214 | 18,773 | 46,987 | ||
| Financing cash | At 31 March | ||||
| At 1 April 2022 | flows | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 35,374 | 13,371 | 48,745 | ||
| Debt due within one year | 1,054 | (7,596) | (6,542) | ||
| Debt due after more than oneyear | (13,608) | (381) | (13,989) | ||
| Net debt | 22,820 | 5,394 | 28,214 |
13 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the year.
Page 16
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 6AE9BE2F-5A57-4BA1-9448-E498B2EA6788 Subject: Complete with Docusign: SSYF - Accounts for signature 31.03.2024.pdf Source Envelope: Document Pages: 18 Signatures: 4 Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 0 AutoNav: Enabled EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled Time Zone: (UTC) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Status: Completed
Envelope Originator: Lucy Smith Perrigo Consultants Limited Anglo House, Worcester Road Stourport-On-Severn, Worcs DY13 9AW lucy@perrigoconsultants.co.uk IP Address: 86.148.110.198
Record Tracking
Status: Original Holder: Lucy Smith 12/6/2024 3:09:11 PM lucy@perrigoconsultants.co.uk Signer Events Signature Mandy Furniss Signed by: mandy.furniss@gmail.com Security Level: Email, Account Authentication Mandy7706020AB0F248E.Fuss (None) Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Using IP Address: 2.99.47.112
Location: DocuSign
Timestamp
Sent: 12/6/2024 3:49:53 PM Viewed: 12/7/2024 9:16:00 AM Signed: 12/7/2024 9:16:43 AM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
Kaye Richardson kaye@perrigoconsultants.co.uk Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None)
Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Using IP Address: 86.135.37.252
Sent: 12/7/2024 9:16:45 AM Resent: 12/11/2024 3:20:48 PM Viewed: 12/11/2024 3:48:01 PM Signed: 12/11/2024 3:49:54 PM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
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Richard Morley richssyf@yahoo.com Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None)
Sent: 12/11/2024 3:49:56 PM Viewed: 12/11/2024 3:51:14 PM Signed: 12/11/2024 3:52:25 PM
Signature Adoption: Uploaded Signature Image Using IP Address: 31.125.11.158
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
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Robert Bluett ra.su@mac.com Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None)
Sent: 12/11/2024 3:52:28 PM Viewed: 12/11/2024 6:40:27 PM Signed: 12/11/2024 6:41:59 PM
Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Using IP Address: 86.163.101.210
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
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In Person Signer Events
Signature
Timestamp
| Editor Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
|---|---|---|
| Agent Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Intermediary Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Certified Delivery Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Carbon Copy Events | Status | Timestamp |
| Witness Events | Signature | Timestamp |
| Notary Events | Signature | Timestamp |
| Envelope Summary Events | Status | Timestamps |
| Envelope Sent | Hashed/Encrypted | 12/6/2024 3:49:53 PM |
| Certified Delivered | Security Checked | 12/11/2024 6:40:27 PM |
| Signing Complete | Security Checked | 12/11/2024 6:41:59 PM |
| Completed | Security Checked | 12/11/2024 6:41:59 PM |
| Payment Events | Status | Timestamps |