REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03523907 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1069086
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
FOR
SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Accura Accountants Ltd (Statutory Auditor) Langley House 53 Theobald Street Borehamwood WD6 4RT
SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Chairman's Report | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2 to 9 |
| Report of the Independent Auditors | 10 to 13 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 14 |
| Balance Sheet | 15 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 16 |
| Notes to the Cash Flow Statement | 17 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 18 to 26 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 27 to 28 |
SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
On behalf of the Trustees, I am pleased to present the Chairman’s Report for Slough CVS. This year has seen continued growth, innovation and strengthened partnerships, reflecting our commitment to supporting the voluntary sector and improving community health and wellbeing across Slough and the surrounding areas.
Despite challenges such as the cost of living crisis and rising demand for services, Slough CVS has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Through the #OneSlough partnership model, we have strengthened collaboration between voluntary organisations, statutory partners and local communities, enabling community-led solutions. Key initiatives include the #OneSlough Community Fund, Community Connectors supporting Adult and Hospital Social Care teams, health programmes addressing wider inequalities and VCSE training, which has helped to strengthen organisational capacity, enhance volunteer engagement and improve residents’ access to support. Our Community Hub at 27/29 Church Street, together with our community networks, continues to provide vital spaces for collaboration and innovation.
I extend my sincere thanks to our staff, volunteers, trustees and partners for their dedication and support throughout the financial year.
Looking ahead, we remain confident in the strength of our partnerships and will continue to champion community voice, tackle inequalities and support a thriving voluntary sector, working towards a healthier, more connected and resilient future.
Jamie Green Chairman
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Summary
We are pleased to present the Annual Report and Financial Statements for Slough CVS for the period ending 30th September 2025. The financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011 and 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).
This report outlines Slough CVS's activities, services, achievements, and challenges during the 2024-2025 financial year. It highlights the organisation's growth, strategic priorities, partnerships, and outcomes across various initiatives.
We continue to support and strengthen Slough and the surrounding area's voluntary and community sector, expanding services, addressing health inequalities, and working collaboratively through the #OneSlough model to meet the community's changing needs.
Public benefit
The Directors of the Trustee have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, have considered their obligations under charity law, and believe that they comply with those requirements.
Highlights
During the financial period, Slough CVS has focused on three key priorities:
Capacity Building and Volunteering
We hosted multiple engagement events to engage with voluntary sector groups on key issues and celebrate their work, recruited and connected individuals with local voluntary groups, delivered an expanded training programme and supported many groups to secure income.
Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
Our efforts to tackle health inequalities were complemented by a series of community-led initiatives. The Wellbeing Friends service continued to provide essential befriending support for isolated and vulnerable residents.
Tackling Health Inequalities
We expanded our community health initiatives and worked to reduce barriers to healthcare access.
Overview of Key Services and Initiatives
2024-2025 has been a remarkable year of growth and positive change for Slough CVS. Despite shifting challenges, our community has continued to flourish through strong collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
#OneSlough Partnership
In response to changing community needs, the #OneSlough model has grown, evolving from an emergency response initiative to a robust volunteer-driven partnership model. During the financial period, we maintained a central volunteer database of over 1,000 individuals and continued to strengthen collaborations with the NHS, local businesses, and Slough Borough Council (SBC) to serve the community's needs.
#OneSlough Community Fund
In 2024-2025, the #OneSlough Community Fund played a vital role in supporting grassroots organisations, awarding grants to 48 community groups funding 60 projects providing over 12,588 interventions to residents. The Fund supported projects that aligned with key local priorities, including health, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, community cohesion, Children, Young People and their Parents/Carers. In partnership with the local NHS, public health representatives, and businesses, we hosted a series of funding workshops, and provided expert advice to applicants, ensuring the effective use of available resources.
Capacity Building and Training
Our commitment to capacity building was evident through the delivery of 56 training sessions attended by approximately 872 individuals. The courses covered a range of topics, such as Understanding and Supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Writing Impact Stories, Understanding AI, First Aid and Safeguarding, Managing Volunteers and Conflict Resolution.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
These sessions, delivered both online and in person, equipped local voluntary organisations with essential knowledge and skills to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.
Volunteer Passport training was also delivered to WAM groups, covering five core areas: safeguarding, adults and children, confidentiality and boundaries, communication, and equality and diversity.
Quarterly networking meetings took place to inform and consult with voluntary sector organisations including a session with the Community Safety Team from Slough Borough Council who gave groups an insight into their work and hosted a Hotspot Mapping workshop.
In February 2025, we hosted a successful Funding Fair, funded by an Awards for All grant from the National Lottery, with over 1,170 participants. The Fair featured expert-led presentations, a vibrant marketplace, and an afternoon programme packed with interactive workshops. These sessions focused on key areas such as diversifying funding streams, utilising AI to support successful bid writing, and strengthening monitoring, evaluation, and overall funding strategy.
Slough Quality Protects (SQP)
SQP is a comprehensive quality assurance programme designed for local community and voluntary organisations. It provides these organisations with a structured framework to demonstrate the quality of their services to a wide range of stakeholders, including service users, staff, volunteers, sponsors, statutory organisations, and other influential entities.
As part of the application process for the #OneSlough Community Fund, applicants are required to complete the SQP accreditation to ensure they meet high standards of service delivery and operational effectiveness. This year, SCVS supported a total of 37 organisations in working towards achieving their SQP accreditation, providing guidance and resources to help them navigate the process and improve their service quality.
Funding Support
Slough CVS helped secure more than £1.3 million in external funding for local organisations. Through our funding advice services, we assisted groups in identifying suitable grants and navigating the complexities of bid writing. We also maintained and shared a comprehensive, weekly updated list of funding opportunities for local charities.
Volunteering
Our volunteer recruitment system was developed to support organisations in recruiting, managing, and monitoring volunteer activity across Slough.
In June, during Volunteers Week, we hosted a Volunteering Fair featuring over 40 stands. The event provided an opportunity for local residents to explore volunteering options while allowing organisations to showcase their work and connect with potential volunteers.
We also continued to strengthen our collaborative work with local partners, including Ways into Work, by providing tailored volunteering opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities and additional needs. This partnership led to successful placements in administrative roles and environmental projects, helping individuals build confidence and develop valuable skills.
Health Inequality Initiatives
During 2024-25, Slough CVS strengthened its role in improving access to health information and supporting residents to make informed decisions about their wellbeing through targeted, culturally aware engagement. The UCC Wellness Signpost Pilot placed trained volunteers within Slough's Urgent Care Centre to guide patients toward appropriate same day care pathways, promote the Healthier Together app, and signpost to voluntary sector support. Across 78 conversations, the pilot highlighted low awareness of digital health tools, barriers related to language and digital literacy, and the challenges of engaging families within a clinical environment, informing recommendations for more suitable community based outreach.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Alongside this, the Autumn/Winter Community Health Project delivered more than 2,000 engagement conversations across diverse settings-including faith centres, community groups, colleges, Eastern European and Roma communities-focusing on improving immunisation confidence, addressing cultural barriers, and sharing holistic health messages. With over 35,000 social media reach and partnerships spanning 15 sites, the campaign strengthened trust, increased awareness of key vaccinations, and showcased the impact of culturally sensitive, relationship based engagement. Case studies demonstrated meaningful outcomes, from reducing isolation to overcoming misinformation and supporting families with no prior engagement in immunisation programmes.
In addition, Slough CVS continued supporting smoking cessation within the Polish community, recognising higher smoking prevalence and the need for accessible, language appropriate support. Through targeted outreach, and collaborations with local health partners, the organisation helped raise awareness of stop smoking services and encouraged residents to engage with culturally relevant cessation pathways, contributing to healthier lifestyles across this community.
Community Connectors
Our Community Connectors service played a vital role in easing pressure on adult social care services. By providing a direct link to community-based support, the Connectors helped 861 clients address challenges related to housing, food insecurity, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Through outreach initiatives and strong partnerships with local statutory and community organisations, the team enhanced service delivery and strengthened networks across Slough.
In addition, the service supported a further 286 clients, continuing to reduce demand on adult social care provision.
Wellbeing for Slough Directory
Launched in 2023, the Wellbeing for Slough Community Directory is a comprehensive online resource designed to help residents find activities and services that support their wellbeing. Developed through collaboration between Slough CVS, the voluntary sector, and statutory organisations, the directory has continued to grow and now features over 170 organisations. It enables both professionals and residents to access social prescribing options that support long-term health and wellbeing.
Wellbeing Friends
The Wellbeing Friends service was established during the 2020 COVID -19 pandemic to address rising levels of isolation and loneliness among vulnerable adults. As a volunteer-led telephone befriending programme, it provides regular wellbeing calls offering emotional support, social connection, and signposting to local services. Through this personalised and compassionate approach, the service continues to play an essential role in supporting residents' mental and emotional wellbeing. The Wellbeing Friends befriending service has supported vulnerable residents with over 1,000 hours of volunteer help.
Slough CVS Communications
The Slough CVS Communications team supports all Slough CVS activities. This includes producing a weekly e-newsletter to support and inform voluntary sector groups, reviewing all external documents and support with organisation and promotion of Slough CVS events and projects.
The team maintains the Slough CVS, #OneSlough and Wellbeing for Slough Directory and ensure that the voluntary sector in Slough is well-informed, supported, and celebrated for their contributions, most notably through the #OneSlough Awards. They collaborate with Slough SBC, Public Health and NHS to disseminate health information into the community.
Resource Centre and Community Hub
Slough CVS's Resource Centre at 27 & 29 Church Street has been a vital space for community organisations, hosting over 916 hours of activities and providing a venue for meetings, training, and events. Both 27 and 29 Church Street premises served as central hubs for various initiatives, offering a collaborative space for statutory and voluntary sectors to work together for the benefit of the community.
WAM Get Involved
Slough CVS has successfully delivered WAM Get Involved services, offering vital support and guidance to a network of over 300 charities, voluntary groups, and community organisations made possible through external funding. These services include training sessions, online workshops, network forums, and news alerts featuring funding opportunities.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
In 2024, the Voluntary and Community Partnership was formalised, bringing together partners such as RBWM, Windsor Ascot and Maidenhead Community Forum, Adult and Community Learning, I Love Windsor/Maidenhead and Berkshire Community Foundation.
This collaborative effort established a dedicated forum to strengthen the voluntary sector through partnership working.
The forum serves as a safe space for dialogue between voluntary and statutory stakeholders, while also facilitating the exchange of best practices, resources, and discussions on key challenges such as funding, volunteer recruitment, raising awareness, and ensuring diverse community representation.
Looking Ahead: Building for the Future
As we move forward, Slough CVS will continue to strengthen partnerships with statutory, voluntary, and business sectors to ensure a collaborative approach to tackling the challenges of the future. The #OneSlough model will remain central to our work, helping us navigate ongoing issues such as food and fuel poverty, inflation, and health inequalities.
Accolades & Recognition
Slough CVS passed the Local Infrastructure Quality Assurance (LIQA) assessment with NAVCA. This follows our Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) awarded in April 2023, which recognises excellence in delivering local Volunteer Centre functions. Passing LIQA confirms that Slough CVS continues to meet high standards across Leadership and Advocacy, Partnerships and Collaborations, Capacity Building, and Volunteering, providing a trusted and effective service to the community.
Conclusion
The year 2024 -2025 has been one of resilience, growth, and positive change for Slough CVS. Despite the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis and health disparities, we have continued to strengthen our services, expand our reach, and build meaningful partnerships. We look forward to the coming years with optimism, confident in our ability to meet the evolving needs of the Slough and RBWM community and contribute to a healthier, more connected town.
Sustainability and Environmental Commitment
Slough CVS is committed to reducing its environmental impact. We use 100% renewable electricity at our premises and have implemented energy-efficient measures, including insulation and energy-efficient boilers. Our digital-first approach minimises paper use, and we have an active recycling programme. Slough CVS remains committed to sustainability, using renewable energy for our premises and reducing our carbon footprint through digital communications and efficient operations. We aim to increase our focus on sustainable practices and continue reducing our environmental impact.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Slough CVS's primary sources of income continue to be grants and contracts with local authorities, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the National Health Service (NHS). We remain committed to diversifying our funding base, including encouraging donations through platforms such as Local Giving and applying for grants from a wide range of funders. During the year, we also received rental income from our two properties at 27 and 29 Church Street. While the majority of our funding is derived from statutory sources, we aim to increase income from donations and fundraising initiatives in the coming years.
Slough Borough Council remains our largest contractual partner, providing essential funding for infrastructure and adult care support services. In addition, we delivered projects addressing health inequalities.The operating results for the year were in line with previous periods, with total funds at at year-end of £1,465,736 (2024: £1,493,357).
Fundraising Statement
Slough CVS primarily generates income through grants and contracts with statutory bodies, including the local authority and the NHS. We are continuing to develop our fundraising activities, promoting donations through our website and local giving platforms. We do not engage third-party fundraising agencies and received no complaints in relation to fundraising activities during the year. The majority of our income supports core services, with additional statutory and trust funding allocated to specific projects. A small proportion of income is generated through property rental.
No complaints were received during the year. Our website clearly explains how members of the public can raise concerns or submit complaints should the need arise.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Investment policy and objectives
Slough CVS operates three bank accounts: a current account, an instant access deposit account, and a term deposit account. Surplus funds are held in the term deposit account, which earned interest at a rate of 0.3% per annum during the year.
Reserves policy
Slough CVS maintains two unrestricted funds:
General Fund : Covers day-to-day operations, including project management for Slough Borough Council and managing our Church Street premises.
Pension Reserve Fund : Reflects our share of the Local Government Pension Scheme deficit.
We also have two restricted funds:
Youth Participation Fund : Supports youth activities in Slough. Capital Fund: Set aside for future capital projects.
In addition, three designated funds are maintained for property-related expenses, including the Leasehold Property Fund, Leasehold Additions Fund, and Sinking Fund for major property repairs.
The Directors are committed to maintaining a General Fund equivalent to at least 6 months of operating expenses, excluding property-related costs covered by rental income. The reserve level for the General Fund and Sinking Fund are adequate for the charity's needs.
Going concern
The Directors consider that sufficient funds are in place, having secured a three-year contract for the delivery of services from the Local Authority (with a further two years’ funding subject to performance), and that there are no material uncertainties regarding the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern
FUTURE PLANS
Slough Borough Council continues to experience financial challenges with continued intervention from central commissioners following the 2021 issue of a Section 114 Notice, impacting non-essential spending. However, Slough CVS secured a 3+1+1-year contract from Slough Borough Council for infrastructure support services in 2023. While the charity is well-positioned with current funding and reserves, we are actively exploring new income streams to diversify funding sources, including a successful application to The National Lottery for three years core funding.
There are no immediate plans for major capital expenditure.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
Slough CVS is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1069086. It is also registered at Companies House as a private charitable company limited by guarantee under company number 03523907
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Slough CVS has 185 members who each contribute £1 in the event of winding up the company. The Board of Directors is elected every two years by the members to oversee the charity's affairs.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The members elect a Board (which for historic reasons are referred to as the Council of Management) every two years to oversee the affairs of the charitable company.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Organisational structure
The day to day management of SCVS is undertaken by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who reports to the Chairman and Board. The CEO has written delegated approved by the Board sufficient to manage day-to-day operations. The Board meets approximately 6 times a year to consider major strategic and operational matters, including management accounts, the annual budget and the statutory accounts. There is also a subgroup of the Board (The Finance and General Purpose Committee) that meets on an ad hoc and more frequent basis when circumstances require. Volunteers have contributed greatly to the effectiveness of SCVS. Their expertise in the fields of financial and general administration has been particularly helpful.
Induction and training of new trustees
Potential Directors undergo induction with the CEO and Chair. The induction comprises structure and function of SCVS' organisational roles and responsibilities and legal roles and responsibilities. Potential Directors are then introduced to staff and other board members. They are encouraged to spend time getting to know staff and members and are encouraged to attend a program me of both internal and external Governance training.
Key management remuneration
The Directors consider that the Board and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel responsible for controlling and operating the Charity. All the Directors give their time freely and are unpaid.
All staff salaries are reviewed annually, although they are not necessarily increased each year. Salary increases depend on market rates for similar positions in the voluntary sector and the financial position of the Charity at the time.
Related parties
No Director receives a salary or any other benefit from their work with the Charity. Some Directors are employees of charities or voluntary organisations that may have a direct or indirect interest in Slough CVS projects, and as such would be considered a related party. These circumstances are disclosed in the Register of Directors' Interests. Where appropriate, the Director would absent him or herself from relevant decisions or meetings.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
An annual risk review helps identify and prioritise risks and appropriate mitigation actions are taken. The charity has policies and procedures to manage identified risks.
A review of the risks to which the charity is exposed is conducted annually. The review looks at risks affecting the administration and staff of the charity. The risks identified were various e.g. operational, strategic and financial. Each identified risk was prioritised by allocating a judgement score on the level of the risk and the likelihood of each risk item. Actions as necessary were then identified and allocated to various staff or board members to mitigate those risks.
Also, the charity has a series of robust policies and procedures in place to identify clearly the appropriate work practices, all of which are reviewed regularly.
One risk the directors have considered in particular is the risk associated with our membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (the Scheme), which is a defined benefit scheme. The final cessation deficit has been set to £215k, following the retirement of SCVS's last active member on 30 June 2025. The Directors have been in communication with the Royal Berkshire LGPS Office to agree and effect repayment. The directors continue to monitor and manage this risk carefully as part of the charity's overall financial planning.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity Number: 1069086 Company Number : 03523907 Registered Office: 27 Church Street, Slough, Berkshire SL1 1PL Auditors: Accura Accountants Limited, Langley House, 53 Theobald Street, Borehamwood, WD6 4RT Bankers : Bank of Scotland, 3rd Floor, 8 Lochside Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 9DJ. Solicitors : Aston Bond, Windsor Crown House, 7 Windsor Rd, Slough SL1 2DX Insurers : Howden, Horizon House, Eclipse Park, Maidstone, ME14 3EN
Director / Trustees
Jamie Green (Chairman) Craig Brewin (Treasurer) appointed 30th June 2025 Thomas Conlin (Interim Treasurer) Dr Ambily Banerjee (resigned 30th June 2025) Dr Priya Kumar - appointed 24th September 2025 Richard Doidge - appointed 30th June 2025 Kavita Iyer - appointed 30th July 2025 Gautam Saraogi Kameljeet Bhatti
Key Management Personnel
CEO: Asma Aziz (Acting CEO from 1st November 2024- 30th April 2025) Head of Operations: Vicki Atherton (until June 2025)
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also the directors of Slough CVS for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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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 which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
- there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and - the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
AUDITORS
The auditors, Accura Accountants Ltd (Statutory Auditor), will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24 March 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
J F Green - Trustee
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Slough Council for Voluntary Service (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 30 September 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, 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 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 30 September 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'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 trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
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.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 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 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.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the 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 Report of the Trustees.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
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the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, 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 satisfied 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.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Our 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 a Report of the Independent Auditors 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 expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
To identify risks of material misstatement due to irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we performed a risk assessment considering factors that could lead to such irregularities. Our procedures included:
- Enquiries of the Trustees and management regarding the Charity’s policies for preventing and detecting irregularities, and any known or suspected instances of fraud or breaches of relevant laws and regulations.
• Reading Board minutes and inspecting relevant policy and legal documentation.
• Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Charity through discussion with management and Trustees, drawing on our sector experience. This included laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial statements, such as those relating to financial reporting and taxation, as well as those that may not directly impact the statements but are fundamental to the Charity’s operations—such as employment and health and safety legislation.
As required by auditing standards, we limited our procedures for indirect laws and regulations to inquiries of management and review of regulatory correspondence. Where such matters are not disclosed or evident, an audit cannot be relied upon to detect non-compliance.
We communicated relevant risks to the audit team and remained alert to potential indications of fraud or non-compliance throughout the engagement. Based on our risk assessment, we designed audit procedures accordingly, including:
• Incorporating an element of unpredictability into the nature, timing, and extent of our procedures;
- Identifying and testing journal entries based on risk criteria;
• Reviewing accounting for significant income streams against the Charities SORP;
- Obtaining independent bank confirmations;
• Assessing the design and effectiveness of key controls, including those over procurement and cash.
In addressing the risk of fraud, we considered management’s ability to override controls and the potential for revenue recognition issues. Our procedures included testing journal entries, reviewing significant accounting estimates for potential bias, and evaluating the rationale behind unusual transactions. We discussed potential fraud risks and areas susceptible to misstatement with the engagement team.
While we conducted our work in accordance with auditing standards, we note that there are inherent limitations in any audit. The further removed non-compliance is from transactions captured in the financial statements, the less likely it is to be detected. Additionally, fraud carries a greater risk of undetected material misstatement due to its potential for concealment through collusion, forgery, or deliberate misrepresentation.
Responsibility for preventing and detecting fraud and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations rests with the Charity’s management and those charged with governance. Our procedures are designed to obtain reasonable assurance, but not to identify all irregularities that may exist.
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 Report of the Independent Auditors.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
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 auditors' 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 the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Mr Brian Melville Leighton FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Accura Accountants Ltd (Statutory Auditor) Langley House 53 Theobald Street Borehamwood WD6 4RT
24 March 2026
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 602,060 Investment income 3 107,083 Other income 4 112,062 Total 821,205 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 5 Charitable activities 600,285 Movement on Pension Reserve 159,000 Total 759,285 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 61,920 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1,073,290 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,135,210 |
Year Ended 30.9.25 Restricted Total fund funds £ £ - 602,060 - 107,083 - 112,062 - 821,205 89,541 689,826 - 159,000 89,541 848,826 (89,541) (27,621) 420,067 1,493,357 330,526 1,465,736 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 Total funds as restated £ 823,404 177 195,963 1,019,544 953,417 (61,000) 892,417 127,127 1,366,230 1,493,357 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
BALANCE SHEET 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 13 243,453 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 14 176,288 Cash at bank 1,248,025 1,424,313 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 15 (317,556) NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,106,757 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,350,210 PENSION LIABILITY (215,000) NET ASSETS 1,135,210 FUNDS 16 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted fund £ - - 330,526 330,526 - 330,526 330,526 - 330,526 |
30.9.25 Total funds £ 243,453 176,288 1,578,551 1,754,839 (317,556) 1,437,283 1,680,736 (215,000) 1,465,736 1,135,210 330,526 1,465,736 |
30.9.24 Total funds as restated £ 248,733 110,177 1,376,097 1,486,274 (185,650) 1,300,624 1,549,357 (56,000) 1,493,357 1,073,290 420,067 1,493,357 |
|---|---|---|---|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24 March 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
J F Green - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Year Ended 30.9.25 Notes £ Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 1 202,454 Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 202,454 Cash flows from investing activities Interest received - Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities - Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period 202,454 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 1,376,097 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 1,578,551 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 as restated £ (140,257) (140,257) (177) (177) (140,434) 1,516,531 1,376,097 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
| Year Ended 30.9.25 a £ Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) (27,621) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges 5,280 Interest received - Increase in debtors (66,111) Increase/(decrease) in creditors 131,906 Difference between pension charge and cash contributions 159,000 Net cash provided by/(used in) operations 202,454 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 s restated £ 127,127 7,920 177 (27,172) (187,309) (61,000) (140,257) |
|---|---|
2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
| Net cash Cash at bank Total |
At 1.10.24 £ 1,376,097 1,376,097 1,376,097 |
Cash flow £ 202,454 202,454 202,454 |
At 30.9.25 £ 1,578,551 1,578,551 1,578,551 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The Slough Council for Voluntary Service (Slough CVS - the Charity) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.
Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The Directors consider that sufficient funds are in place, having secured a three-year contract for the delivery of services from the Local Authority (with a further two years’ funding subject to performance), and that there are no material uncertainties regarding the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income from government contracts and performance-related grants is recognised as the charity earns the right to consideration through the delivery of the specific service or activity.
Grants received for specific projects or expenditure are treated as restricted funds until the conditions of the grant are met.
Expenditure
All resources expended are recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis for all funds and are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Where expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities it is allocated to those activities. Where costs relate to more than one activity, they are apportioned between charitable activities, support costs and governance costs on a basis consistent with the use of resources, in accordance with the Basis of Accounting described in detail above.
Charitable expenditure comprises costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. These costs primarily represent expenditure directly attributable to charitable programmes.
Support costs comprise costs incurred centrally in support of the charity’s activities and include functions such as general management, administration and finance.
Governance costs comprise all costs relating to the public accountability of Slough CVS and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include those associated with trustee meetings, professional fees and the statutory audit.
Tangible fixed assets
Assets are capitalised if their cost exceeds £1,500.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Tangible fixed assets
In November 2012, Slough CVS acquired a 99-year lease on 27 and 29 Church Street from Slough Borough Council at a peppercorn rent. The capitalised amount for Leasehold Property in these accounts represents the acquisition cost of the lease and any associated fees. The total cost of the lease is being amortised over the term of the lease. In the financial year ended 31 March 2014, an extension was completed at 29 Church Street. The cost of this work has been capitalised and is being amortised over 20 years.
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:
Building - 1% straight-line on cost
Leasehold improvements - 5% straight-line on cost
Taxation
The Charitable Company is a charitable institution with exemption from UK taxation under section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds consist of donations, grants and other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the Charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of Slough CVS.
Designated funds are amounts agreed to be set aside of unrestricted funds by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the respective funds, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs, taking into account the budgets for each of the Restricted Funds as approved by the respective donors.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pensions
Slough CVS participates in the Local Government Pension Scheme, a defined benefit scheme providing pensions based on pay and length of service rather than contributions. Both the Charity and its employees contribute to the scheme on a defined scale. Contributions made by the Charity to the defined benefit scheme are recognised as an expense. The Charity closed the scheme to new employees some years ago. New employees of Slough CVS now participate in personal pension plans, which are defined contribution schemes. The Charity makes contributions to these plans, while employees may choose their own contribution rates. Further details of both schemes are provided in note 20 to these accounts.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| DONATIONS AND LEGACIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Period | ||
| 1.4.23 | ||
| Year Ended | to | |
| 30.9.25 | 30.9.24 | |
| as restated | ||
| £ | £ | |
| Grants | 602,060 | 823,404 |
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - continued
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
| Year Ended 30.9.25 a £ SBC - One Slough / Slough Adult Social Care / SPACE (Slough Prevention Alliance Community Engagement) 455,823 NHS Trusts 31,470 Due to other stakeholders (Oneslough) (174,316) ACE - The Arts Council - re Home Slough - Slough Public Health -Community Champion Welbeing / Vaccination Project 88,483 Cadent 53,094 The National Lottery 43,177 Other grants 104,329 602,060 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 s restated £ 771,103 118,000 (171,311) 28,113 15,000 62,500 - (1) 823,404 |
|---|---|
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Year Ended 30.9.25 a £ Investment income 107,083 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 s restated £ 177 |
|---|---|
All the investment income is bank deposit account interest.
4. OTHER INCOME
| OTHER INCOME | |
|---|---|
| Year Ended 30.9.25 a £ Other charitable activities 23,058 Rental income 89,004 112,062 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 s restated £ 67,278 128,685 |
| 195,963 |
Rental income arises from the offices and meeting rooms at our properties at 27 & 29 Church Street, which are let to a variety of voluntary organisations at below market rents. The item Other charitable activities includes income from support activities supplementary to our main contracts with Slough Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
6.
| Support Direct costs (see Costs note 6) £ £ Charitable activities 463,915 225,911 Movement on Pension Reserve 159,000 - 622,915 225,911 SUPPORT COSTS Governance Management costs £ £ Charitable activities 214,765 11,146 |
Totals £ 689,826 159,000 |
|---|---|
| 848,826 | |
| Totals £ 225,911 |
7. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| Period | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1.4.23 | ||
| Year Ended | to | |
| 30.9.25 | 30.9.24 | |
| as restated | ||
| £ | £ | |
| Auditors' remuneration | 6,972 | 6,850 |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 5,280 | 7,920 |
| Hire of plant and machinery | 540 | - |
8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 September 2025 nor for the period ended 30 September 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 September 2025 nor for the period ended 30 September 2024.
9. STAFF COSTS
| Staff costs and numbers Salaries and wages Employers’ National Insurance contributions Pension costs Adjustment: prior year pension short-term provision |
2025 £ 397,471 41,041 20,895 459,407 |
2024 £ 564,598 46,260 30,980 (11,930) 629,908 |
|---|---|---|
No employee received benefits in excess of £60,000. No directors were paid, nor were any reimbursed for expenses during the year (2024: £nil). Directors did not receive any payments for professional or other services provided to the Charity (2024: £nil). The key management personnel of the Charity, excluding the directors, comprise the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Operations. Total employee benefits for key management personnel amounted to £81,425 (2024: £119,848).
continued...
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
9. STAFF COSTS - continued
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Year Ended 30.9.25 as Average monthly head count 17 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 restated 15 |
|---|---|
10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AS OF 31 MARCH 2023
| Unrestricted funds £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 775,697 Investment income 177 Other income 195,963 Total 971,837 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Charitable activities 899,832 Movement on Pension Reserve (61,000) Total 838,832 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 133,005 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 940,285 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,073,290 |
Restricted fund £ 47,707 - - 47,707 53,585 - 53,585 (5,878) 425,945 420,067 |
Total funds as restated £ 823,404 177 195,963 1,019,544 953,417 (61,000) 892,417 127,127 1,366,230 1,493,357 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
11. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT
Certain prior year expenditure has been reclassified between governance costs, support costs and charitable activities to better reflect the nature of the underlying costs. This reclassification has no impact on total expenditure or net movement in funds. Comparative figures have been restated accordingly.
12. CONNECTED CHARITIES
The Charity is affiliated to the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Long Improvements leasehold to property £ £ COST At 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025 256,860 52,593 DEPRECIATION At 1 October 2024 30,475 30,245 Charge for year 2,650 2,630 At 30 September 2025 33,125 32,875 NET BOOK VALUE At 30 September 2025 223,735 19,718 At 30 September 2024 226,385 22,348 14. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 30.9.25 a £ Other debtors 176,288 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 30.9.25 a £ Trade creditors 67,195 Other creditors - Holiday pay 16,054 Payments due to partners in SPACE consortium - Pension liability - Net wages control 21,892 Deferred income 201,316 Accrued expenses 11,099 317,556 |
Totals £ 309,453 60,720 5,280 66,000 243,453 248,733 30.9.24 s restated £ 110,177 30.9.24 s restated £ 59,273 1,352 9,490 7,314 26,244 - 69,517 12,460 185,650 |
|---|---|
Deferred revenue represents grants received in advance from Slough Borough Council.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.10.24 £ 824,557 248,733 1,073,290 420,067 1,493,357 Incoming resources £ 821,205 - 821,205 - 821,205 At 1.4.23 £ 333,632 606,653 940,285 425,945 1,366,230 |
Net movement in funds £ 67,200 (5,280) 61,920 (89,541) (27,621) Resources expended £ (754,005) (5,280) (759,285) (89,541) (848,826) Net movement in funds £ 140,925 (7,920) 133,005 (5,878) 127,127 |
At 30.9.25 £ 891,757 243,453 1,135,210 330,526 1,465,736 Movement in funds £ 67,200 (5,280) 61,920 (89,541) (27,621) At 30.9.24 £ 474,557 598,733 1,073,290 420,067 1,493,357 |
|---|---|---|---|
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 971,837 - 971,837 47,707 1,019,544 |
Resources expended £ (830,912) (7,920) (838,832) (53,585) (892,417) |
Movement in funds £ 140,925 (7,920) 133,005 (5,878) 127,127 |
|---|---|---|---|
17. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
At 30th September 2025 there were no contingent liabilities known to the directors (2024: £Nil)
18. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
At 30th September 2025 there were no capital commitments (2024: £Nil)
19. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Salaries to key management personnel which comprise of the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Operations were the only related party transactions during the year ended 30th September 2025 £81,425 (period ended 30th September 2024:£119,848).
20. PENSIONS
Slough CVS participates in a Local Government Pension Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme is a multi employer defined benefit scheme and is contracted out of the Second State Pension. The administering authority for the Scheme is the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and it is administered in accordance with the Local Government Scheme Regulations 2013.
Members of the Scheme accrue an index linked pension and receive other benefits including a lump sum on retirement according to salary and length of service. The Charity contributed an amount of 5.9% of the gross salary of the member of staff in the Scheme in the year. The employee in the Scheme contributed 5.5% (2024:2.4%) of gross salary in the year. The total Slough CVS contribution to the Scheme in the year was £4,817 (2024: £46,961).
A formal valuation of the Scheme was performed as at 30 June 2025 by the Scheme’s actuaries using the Projected Unit Method. This valuation sets contribution rates and is used to estimate the pension liability under FRS 102. There are no minimum funding requirements in the Scheme, but contributions are generally set to target a funding level of 100% over time.
Based on this valuation, the Scheme is in deficit and the element attributable to the Charity under FRS 102 is £215,000 (2024: £56,000). This represents the accounting estimate of future pension obligations at the year-end and indicative measure of the likely exit cost (given the expected withdrawal from the Scheme in the immediate future). Financial reporting standards require recognition of the most current and reliable estimate at the balance sheet date. Accordingly, the updated valuation as has been used in these financial statements, in line with FRS 102 requirements.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
20. PENSIONS - continued
Employees with personal pension plans (money purchase schemes) contract directly with the relevant insurance company. The Charity makes a contribution of 5% of gross salary to these plans.
21. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES
| Reconciliation of Defined benefit obligation | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Net defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year | 56,000 | 117,000 |
| Changes in net defined benefit obligation | 159,000 | (61,000) |
| Net defined benefit obligation at the end of the year | 215,000 | 56,000 |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Present value of defined benefit obligation | 960,000 | 794,000 |
| Fair value of the Fund asset | 745,000 | 741,000 |
| Deficit/(Surplus) | 215,000 | 53,000 |
Represents the deficit allocated to Slough CVS on the Local Government Pension Scheme
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Grants Investment income Investment income Other income Other charitable activities Rental income Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Staff costs Premises Telephone Postage and stationery Advertising Other expenditure Training Computer expenses Professional fees Movement in pension reserve Travel and subsistence Provision for doubtful debts Long leasehold Improvements to property Support costs Management Staff costs Travel & subsistence Premises Insurance Professional fees Telephone Repairs & Maintenance Carried forward |
Year Ended 30.9.25 £ 602,060 107,083 23,058 89,004 112,062 821,205 390,254 2,100 126 3,544 770 32,323 6,176 - 1,860 159,000 1,858 19,624 2,630 2,650 622,915 85,207 540 53,497 8,315 12,668 8,588 27,028 195,843 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 as restated £ 823,404 177 67,278 128,685 195,963 1,019,544 629,908 - - 9,342 3,216 65,580 7,465 849 13,005 (61,000) 2,322 5,000 3,975 3,945 683,607 42,033 - 52,352 7,307 - 20,078 27,796 149,566 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Management Brought forward Advertising Other Expenditure Computer expenses Finance Bank charges Governance costs Auditors' remuneration Legal & professional fees Total resources expended Net (expenditure)/income |
Year Ended 30.9.25 £ 195,843 192 1,611 17,119 214,765 - 6,972 4,174 11,146 848,826 (27,621) |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 as restated £ 149,566 - 9,681 42,587 201,834 126 6,850 - 6,850 892,417 127,127 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03523907 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1069086
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
FOR
SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Accura Accountants Ltd (Statutory Auditor) Langley House 53 Theobald Street Borehamwood WD6 4RT
SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Chairman's Report | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2 to 9 |
| Report of the Independent Auditors | 10 to 13 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 14 |
| Balance Sheet | 15 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 16 |
| Notes to the Cash Flow Statement | 17 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 18 to 26 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 27 to 28 |
SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
On behalf of the Trustees, I am pleased to present the Chairman’s Report for Slough CVS. This year has seen continued growth, innovation and strengthened partnerships, reflecting our commitment to supporting the voluntary sector and improving community health and wellbeing across Slough and the surrounding areas.
Despite challenges such as the cost of living crisis and rising demand for services, Slough CVS has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Through the #OneSlough partnership model, we have strengthened collaboration between voluntary organisations, statutory partners and local communities, enabling community-led solutions. Key initiatives include the #OneSlough Community Fund, Community Connectors supporting Adult and Hospital Social Care teams, health programmes addressing wider inequalities and VCSE training, which has helped to strengthen organisational capacity, enhance volunteer engagement and improve residents’ access to support. Our Community Hub at 27/29 Church Street, together with our community networks, continues to provide vital spaces for collaboration and innovation.
I extend my sincere thanks to our staff, volunteers, trustees and partners for their dedication and support throughout the financial year.
Looking ahead, we remain confident in the strength of our partnerships and will continue to champion community voice, tackle inequalities and support a thriving voluntary sector, working towards a healthier, more connected and resilient future.
Jamie Green Chairman
Page 1
SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Summary
We are pleased to present the Annual Report and Financial Statements for Slough CVS for the period ending 30th September 2025. The financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011 and 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).
This report outlines Slough CVS's activities, services, achievements, and challenges during the 2024-2025 financial year. It highlights the organisation's growth, strategic priorities, partnerships, and outcomes across various initiatives.
We continue to support and strengthen Slough and the surrounding area's voluntary and community sector, expanding services, addressing health inequalities, and working collaboratively through the #OneSlough model to meet the community's changing needs.
Public benefit
The Directors of the Trustee have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, have considered their obligations under charity law, and believe that they comply with those requirements.
Highlights
During the financial period, Slough CVS has focused on three key priorities:
Capacity Building and Volunteering
We hosted multiple engagement events to engage with voluntary sector groups on key issues and celebrate their work, recruited and connected individuals with local voluntary groups, delivered an expanded training programme and supported many groups to secure income.
Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
Our efforts to tackle health inequalities were complemented by a series of community-led initiatives. The Wellbeing Friends service continued to provide essential befriending support for isolated and vulnerable residents.
Tackling Health Inequalities
We expanded our community health initiatives and worked to reduce barriers to healthcare access.
Overview of Key Services and Initiatives
2024-2025 has been a remarkable year of growth and positive change for Slough CVS. Despite shifting challenges, our community has continued to flourish through strong collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
#OneSlough Partnership
In response to changing community needs, the #OneSlough model has grown, evolving from an emergency response initiative to a robust volunteer-driven partnership model. During the financial period, we maintained a central volunteer database of over 1,000 individuals and continued to strengthen collaborations with the NHS, local businesses, and Slough Borough Council (SBC) to serve the community's needs.
#OneSlough Community Fund
In 2024-2025, the #OneSlough Community Fund played a vital role in supporting grassroots organisations, awarding grants to 48 community groups funding 60 projects providing over 12,588 interventions to residents. The Fund supported projects that aligned with key local priorities, including health, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, community cohesion, Children, Young People and their Parents/Carers. In partnership with the local NHS, public health representatives, and businesses, we hosted a series of funding workshops, and provided expert advice to applicants, ensuring the effective use of available resources.
Capacity Building and Training
Our commitment to capacity building was evident through the delivery of 56 training sessions attended by approximately 872 individuals. The courses covered a range of topics, such as Understanding and Supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Writing Impact Stories, Understanding AI, First Aid and Safeguarding, Managing Volunteers and Conflict Resolution.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
These sessions, delivered both online and in person, equipped local voluntary organisations with essential knowledge and skills to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.
Volunteer Passport training was also delivered to WAM groups, covering five core areas: safeguarding, adults and children, confidentiality and boundaries, communication, and equality and diversity.
Quarterly networking meetings took place to inform and consult with voluntary sector organisations including a session with the Community Safety Team from Slough Borough Council who gave groups an insight into their work and hosted a Hotspot Mapping workshop.
In February 2025, we hosted a successful Funding Fair, funded by an Awards for All grant from the National Lottery, with over 1,170 participants. The Fair featured expert-led presentations, a vibrant marketplace, and an afternoon programme packed with interactive workshops. These sessions focused on key areas such as diversifying funding streams, utilising AI to support successful bid writing, and strengthening monitoring, evaluation, and overall funding strategy.
Slough Quality Protects (SQP)
SQP is a comprehensive quality assurance programme designed for local community and voluntary organisations. It provides these organisations with a structured framework to demonstrate the quality of their services to a wide range of stakeholders, including service users, staff, volunteers, sponsors, statutory organisations, and other influential entities.
As part of the application process for the #OneSlough Community Fund, applicants are required to complete the SQP accreditation to ensure they meet high standards of service delivery and operational effectiveness. This year, SCVS supported a total of 37 organisations in working towards achieving their SQP accreditation, providing guidance and resources to help them navigate the process and improve their service quality.
Funding Support
Slough CVS helped secure more than £1.3 million in external funding for local organisations. Through our funding advice services, we assisted groups in identifying suitable grants and navigating the complexities of bid writing. We also maintained and shared a comprehensive, weekly updated list of funding opportunities for local charities.
Volunteering
Our volunteer recruitment system was developed to support organisations in recruiting, managing, and monitoring volunteer activity across Slough.
In June, during Volunteers Week, we hosted a Volunteering Fair featuring over 40 stands. The event provided an opportunity for local residents to explore volunteering options while allowing organisations to showcase their work and connect with potential volunteers.
We also continued to strengthen our collaborative work with local partners, including Ways into Work, by providing tailored volunteering opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities and additional needs. This partnership led to successful placements in administrative roles and environmental projects, helping individuals build confidence and develop valuable skills.
Health Inequality Initiatives
During 2024-25, Slough CVS strengthened its role in improving access to health information and supporting residents to make informed decisions about their wellbeing through targeted, culturally aware engagement. The UCC Wellness Signpost Pilot placed trained volunteers within Slough's Urgent Care Centre to guide patients toward appropriate same day care pathways, promote the Healthier Together app, and signpost to voluntary sector support. Across 78 conversations, the pilot highlighted low awareness of digital health tools, barriers related to language and digital literacy, and the challenges of engaging families within a clinical environment, informing recommendations for more suitable community based outreach.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Alongside this, the Autumn/Winter Community Health Project delivered more than 2,000 engagement conversations across diverse settings-including faith centres, community groups, colleges, Eastern European and Roma communities-focusing on improving immunisation confidence, addressing cultural barriers, and sharing holistic health messages. With over 35,000 social media reach and partnerships spanning 15 sites, the campaign strengthened trust, increased awareness of key vaccinations, and showcased the impact of culturally sensitive, relationship based engagement. Case studies demonstrated meaningful outcomes, from reducing isolation to overcoming misinformation and supporting families with no prior engagement in immunisation programmes.
In addition, Slough CVS continued supporting smoking cessation within the Polish community, recognising higher smoking prevalence and the need for accessible, language appropriate support. Through targeted outreach, and collaborations with local health partners, the organisation helped raise awareness of stop smoking services and encouraged residents to engage with culturally relevant cessation pathways, contributing to healthier lifestyles across this community.
Community Connectors
Our Community Connectors service played a vital role in easing pressure on adult social care services. By providing a direct link to community-based support, the Connectors helped 861 clients address challenges related to housing, food insecurity, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Through outreach initiatives and strong partnerships with local statutory and community organisations, the team enhanced service delivery and strengthened networks across Slough.
In addition, the service supported a further 286 clients, continuing to reduce demand on adult social care provision.
Wellbeing for Slough Directory
Launched in 2023, the Wellbeing for Slough Community Directory is a comprehensive online resource designed to help residents find activities and services that support their wellbeing. Developed through collaboration between Slough CVS, the voluntary sector, and statutory organisations, the directory has continued to grow and now features over 170 organisations. It enables both professionals and residents to access social prescribing options that support long-term health and wellbeing.
Wellbeing Friends
The Wellbeing Friends service was established during the 2020 COVID -19 pandemic to address rising levels of isolation and loneliness among vulnerable adults. As a volunteer-led telephone befriending programme, it provides regular wellbeing calls offering emotional support, social connection, and signposting to local services. Through this personalised and compassionate approach, the service continues to play an essential role in supporting residents' mental and emotional wellbeing. The Wellbeing Friends befriending service has supported vulnerable residents with over 1,000 hours of volunteer help.
Slough CVS Communications
The Slough CVS Communications team supports all Slough CVS activities. This includes producing a weekly e-newsletter to support and inform voluntary sector groups, reviewing all external documents and support with organisation and promotion of Slough CVS events and projects.
The team maintains the Slough CVS, #OneSlough and Wellbeing for Slough Directory and ensure that the voluntary sector in Slough is well-informed, supported, and celebrated for their contributions, most notably through the #OneSlough Awards. They collaborate with Slough SBC, Public Health and NHS to disseminate health information into the community.
Resource Centre and Community Hub
Slough CVS's Resource Centre at 27 & 29 Church Street has been a vital space for community organisations, hosting over 916 hours of activities and providing a venue for meetings, training, and events. Both 27 and 29 Church Street premises served as central hubs for various initiatives, offering a collaborative space for statutory and voluntary sectors to work together for the benefit of the community.
WAM Get Involved
Slough CVS has successfully delivered WAM Get Involved services, offering vital support and guidance to a network of over 300 charities, voluntary groups, and community organisations made possible through external funding. These services include training sessions, online workshops, network forums, and news alerts featuring funding opportunities.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
In 2024, the Voluntary and Community Partnership was formalised, bringing together partners such as RBWM, Windsor Ascot and Maidenhead Community Forum, Adult and Community Learning, I Love Windsor/Maidenhead and Berkshire Community Foundation.
This collaborative effort established a dedicated forum to strengthen the voluntary sector through partnership working.
The forum serves as a safe space for dialogue between voluntary and statutory stakeholders, while also facilitating the exchange of best practices, resources, and discussions on key challenges such as funding, volunteer recruitment, raising awareness, and ensuring diverse community representation.
Looking Ahead: Building for the Future
As we move forward, Slough CVS will continue to strengthen partnerships with statutory, voluntary, and business sectors to ensure a collaborative approach to tackling the challenges of the future. The #OneSlough model will remain central to our work, helping us navigate ongoing issues such as food and fuel poverty, inflation, and health inequalities.
Accolades & Recognition
Slough CVS passed the Local Infrastructure Quality Assurance (LIQA) assessment with NAVCA. This follows our Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) awarded in April 2023, which recognises excellence in delivering local Volunteer Centre functions. Passing LIQA confirms that Slough CVS continues to meet high standards across Leadership and Advocacy, Partnerships and Collaborations, Capacity Building, and Volunteering, providing a trusted and effective service to the community.
Conclusion
The year 2024 -2025 has been one of resilience, growth, and positive change for Slough CVS. Despite the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis and health disparities, we have continued to strengthen our services, expand our reach, and build meaningful partnerships. We look forward to the coming years with optimism, confident in our ability to meet the evolving needs of the Slough and RBWM community and contribute to a healthier, more connected town.
Sustainability and Environmental Commitment
Slough CVS is committed to reducing its environmental impact. We use 100% renewable electricity at our premises and have implemented energy-efficient measures, including insulation and energy-efficient boilers. Our digital-first approach minimises paper use, and we have an active recycling programme. Slough CVS remains committed to sustainability, using renewable energy for our premises and reducing our carbon footprint through digital communications and efficient operations. We aim to increase our focus on sustainable practices and continue reducing our environmental impact.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Slough CVS's primary sources of income continue to be grants and contracts with local authorities, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the National Health Service (NHS). We remain committed to diversifying our funding base, including encouraging donations through platforms such as Local Giving and applying for grants from a wide range of funders. During the year, we also received rental income from our two properties at 27 and 29 Church Street. While the majority of our funding is derived from statutory sources, we aim to increase income from donations and fundraising initiatives in the coming years.
Slough Borough Council remains our largest contractual partner, providing essential funding for infrastructure and adult care support services. In addition, we delivered projects addressing health inequalities.The operating results for the year were in line with previous periods, with total funds at at year-end of £1,465,736 (2024: £1,493,357).
Fundraising Statement
Slough CVS primarily generates income through grants and contracts with statutory bodies, including the local authority and the NHS. We are continuing to develop our fundraising activities, promoting donations through our website and local giving platforms. We do not engage third-party fundraising agencies and received no complaints in relation to fundraising activities during the year. The majority of our income supports core services, with additional statutory and trust funding allocated to specific projects. A small proportion of income is generated through property rental.
No complaints were received during the year. Our website clearly explains how members of the public can raise concerns or submit complaints should the need arise.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Investment policy and objectives
Slough CVS operates three bank accounts: a current account, an instant access deposit account, and a term deposit account. Surplus funds are held in the term deposit account, which earned interest at a rate of 0.3% per annum during the year.
Reserves policy
Slough CVS maintains two unrestricted funds:
General Fund : Covers day-to-day operations, including project management for Slough Borough Council and managing our Church Street premises.
Pension Reserve Fund : Reflects our share of the Local Government Pension Scheme deficit.
We also have two restricted funds:
Youth Participation Fund : Supports youth activities in Slough. Capital Fund: Set aside for future capital projects.
In addition, three designated funds are maintained for property-related expenses, including the Leasehold Property Fund, Leasehold Additions Fund, and Sinking Fund for major property repairs.
The Directors are committed to maintaining a General Fund equivalent to at least 6 months of operating expenses, excluding property-related costs covered by rental income. The reserve level for the General Fund and Sinking Fund are adequate for the charity's needs.
Going concern
The Directors consider that sufficient funds are in place, having secured a three-year contract for the delivery of services from the Local Authority (with a further two years’ funding subject to performance), and that there are no material uncertainties regarding the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern
FUTURE PLANS
Slough Borough Council continues to experience financial challenges with continued intervention from central commissioners following the 2021 issue of a Section 114 Notice, impacting non-essential spending. However, Slough CVS secured a 3+1+1-year contract from Slough Borough Council for infrastructure support services in 2023. While the charity is well-positioned with current funding and reserves, we are actively exploring new income streams to diversify funding sources, including a successful application to The National Lottery for three years core funding.
There are no immediate plans for major capital expenditure.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
Slough CVS is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1069086. It is also registered at Companies House as a private charitable company limited by guarantee under company number 03523907
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Slough CVS has 185 members who each contribute £1 in the event of winding up the company. The Board of Directors is elected every two years by the members to oversee the charity's affairs.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The members elect a Board (which for historic reasons are referred to as the Council of Management) every two years to oversee the affairs of the charitable company.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Organisational structure
The day to day management of SCVS is undertaken by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who reports to the Chairman and Board. The CEO has written delegated approved by the Board sufficient to manage day-to-day operations. The Board meets approximately 6 times a year to consider major strategic and operational matters, including management accounts, the annual budget and the statutory accounts. There is also a subgroup of the Board (The Finance and General Purpose Committee) that meets on an ad hoc and more frequent basis when circumstances require. Volunteers have contributed greatly to the effectiveness of SCVS. Their expertise in the fields of financial and general administration has been particularly helpful.
Induction and training of new trustees
Potential Directors undergo induction with the CEO and Chair. The induction comprises structure and function of SCVS' organisational roles and responsibilities and legal roles and responsibilities. Potential Directors are then introduced to staff and other board members. They are encouraged to spend time getting to know staff and members and are encouraged to attend a program me of both internal and external Governance training.
Key management remuneration
The Directors consider that the Board and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel responsible for controlling and operating the Charity. All the Directors give their time freely and are unpaid.
All staff salaries are reviewed annually, although they are not necessarily increased each year. Salary increases depend on market rates for similar positions in the voluntary sector and the financial position of the Charity at the time.
Related parties
No Director receives a salary or any other benefit from their work with the Charity. Some Directors are employees of charities or voluntary organisations that may have a direct or indirect interest in Slough CVS projects, and as such would be considered a related party. These circumstances are disclosed in the Register of Directors' Interests. Where appropriate, the Director would absent him or herself from relevant decisions or meetings.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
An annual risk review helps identify and prioritise risks and appropriate mitigation actions are taken. The charity has policies and procedures to manage identified risks.
A review of the risks to which the charity is exposed is conducted annually. The review looks at risks affecting the administration and staff of the charity. The risks identified were various e.g. operational, strategic and financial. Each identified risk was prioritised by allocating a judgement score on the level of the risk and the likelihood of each risk item. Actions as necessary were then identified and allocated to various staff or board members to mitigate those risks.
Also, the charity has a series of robust policies and procedures in place to identify clearly the appropriate work practices, all of which are reviewed regularly.
One risk the directors have considered in particular is the risk associated with our membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (the Scheme), which is a defined benefit scheme. The final cessation deficit has been set to £215k, following the retirement of SCVS's last active member on 30 June 2025. The Directors have been in communication with the Royal Berkshire LGPS Office to agree and effect repayment. The directors continue to monitor and manage this risk carefully as part of the charity's overall financial planning.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity Number: 1069086 Company Number : 03523907 Registered Office: 27 Church Street, Slough, Berkshire SL1 1PL Auditors: Accura Accountants Limited, Langley House, 53 Theobald Street, Borehamwood, WD6 4RT Bankers : Bank of Scotland, 3rd Floor, 8 Lochside Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 9DJ. Solicitors : Aston Bond, Windsor Crown House, 7 Windsor Rd, Slough SL1 2DX Insurers : Howden, Horizon House, Eclipse Park, Maidstone, ME14 3EN
Director / Trustees
Jamie Green (Chairman) Craig Brewin (Treasurer) appointed 30th June 2025 Thomas Conlin (Interim Treasurer) Dr Ambily Banerjee (resigned 30th June 2025) Dr Priya Kumar - appointed 24th September 2025 Richard Doidge - appointed 30th June 2025 Kavita Iyer - appointed 30th July 2025 Gautam Saraogi Kameljeet Bhatti
Key Management Personnel
CEO: Asma Aziz (Acting CEO from 1st November 2024- 30th April 2025) Head of Operations: Vicki Atherton (until June 2025)
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also the directors of Slough CVS for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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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 which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
- there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and - the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
AUDITORS
The auditors, Accura Accountants Ltd (Statutory Auditor), will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24 March 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
J F Green - Trustee
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Slough Council for Voluntary Service (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 30 September 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, 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 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 30 September 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'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 trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
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.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 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 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.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the 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 Report of the Trustees.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
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the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, 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 satisfied 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.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Our 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 a Report of the Independent Auditors 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 expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
To identify risks of material misstatement due to irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we performed a risk assessment considering factors that could lead to such irregularities. Our procedures included:
- Enquiries of the Trustees and management regarding the Charity’s policies for preventing and detecting irregularities, and any known or suspected instances of fraud or breaches of relevant laws and regulations.
• Reading Board minutes and inspecting relevant policy and legal documentation.
• Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Charity through discussion with management and Trustees, drawing on our sector experience. This included laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial statements, such as those relating to financial reporting and taxation, as well as those that may not directly impact the statements but are fundamental to the Charity’s operations—such as employment and health and safety legislation.
As required by auditing standards, we limited our procedures for indirect laws and regulations to inquiries of management and review of regulatory correspondence. Where such matters are not disclosed or evident, an audit cannot be relied upon to detect non-compliance.
We communicated relevant risks to the audit team and remained alert to potential indications of fraud or non-compliance throughout the engagement. Based on our risk assessment, we designed audit procedures accordingly, including:
• Incorporating an element of unpredictability into the nature, timing, and extent of our procedures;
- Identifying and testing journal entries based on risk criteria;
• Reviewing accounting for significant income streams against the Charities SORP;
- Obtaining independent bank confirmations;
• Assessing the design and effectiveness of key controls, including those over procurement and cash.
In addressing the risk of fraud, we considered management’s ability to override controls and the potential for revenue recognition issues. Our procedures included testing journal entries, reviewing significant accounting estimates for potential bias, and evaluating the rationale behind unusual transactions. We discussed potential fraud risks and areas susceptible to misstatement with the engagement team.
While we conducted our work in accordance with auditing standards, we note that there are inherent limitations in any audit. The further removed non-compliance is from transactions captured in the financial statements, the less likely it is to be detected. Additionally, fraud carries a greater risk of undetected material misstatement due to its potential for concealment through collusion, forgery, or deliberate misrepresentation.
Responsibility for preventing and detecting fraud and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations rests with the Charity’s management and those charged with governance. Our procedures are designed to obtain reasonable assurance, but not to identify all irregularities that may exist.
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 Report of the Independent Auditors.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
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 auditors' 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 the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Mr Brian Melville Leighton FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Accura Accountants Ltd (Statutory Auditor) Langley House 53 Theobald Street Borehamwood WD6 4RT
24 March 2026
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 602,060 Investment income 3 107,083 Other income 4 112,062 Total 821,205 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 5 Charitable activities 600,285 Movement on Pension Reserve 159,000 Total 759,285 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 61,920 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1,073,290 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,135,210 |
Year Ended 30.9.25 Restricted Total fund funds £ £ - 602,060 - 107,083 - 112,062 - 821,205 89,541 689,826 - 159,000 89,541 848,826 (89,541) (27,621) 420,067 1,493,357 330,526 1,465,736 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 Total funds as restated £ 823,404 177 195,963 1,019,544 953,417 (61,000) 892,417 127,127 1,366,230 1,493,357 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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BALANCE SHEET 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 13 243,453 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 14 176,288 Cash at bank 1,248,025 1,424,313 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 15 (317,556) NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,106,757 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,350,210 PENSION LIABILITY (215,000) NET ASSETS 1,135,210 FUNDS 16 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted fund £ - - 330,526 330,526 - 330,526 330,526 - 330,526 |
30.9.25 Total funds £ 243,453 176,288 1,578,551 1,754,839 (317,556) 1,437,283 1,680,736 (215,000) 1,465,736 1,135,210 330,526 1,465,736 |
30.9.24 Total funds as restated £ 248,733 110,177 1,376,097 1,486,274 (185,650) 1,300,624 1,549,357 (56,000) 1,493,357 1,073,290 420,067 1,493,357 |
|---|---|---|---|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24 March 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
J F Green - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Year Ended 30.9.25 Notes £ Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 1 202,454 Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 202,454 Cash flows from investing activities Interest received - Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities - Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period 202,454 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 1,376,097 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 1,578,551 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 as restated £ (140,257) (140,257) (177) (177) (140,434) 1,516,531 1,376,097 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
| Year Ended 30.9.25 a £ Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) (27,621) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges 5,280 Interest received - Increase in debtors (66,111) Increase/(decrease) in creditors 131,906 Difference between pension charge and cash contributions 159,000 Net cash provided by/(used in) operations 202,454 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 s restated £ 127,127 7,920 177 (27,172) (187,309) (61,000) (140,257) |
|---|---|
2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
| Net cash Cash at bank Total |
At 1.10.24 £ 1,376,097 1,376,097 1,376,097 |
Cash flow £ 202,454 202,454 202,454 |
At 30.9.25 £ 1,578,551 1,578,551 1,578,551 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The Slough Council for Voluntary Service (Slough CVS - the Charity) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.
Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The Directors consider that sufficient funds are in place, having secured a three-year contract for the delivery of services from the Local Authority (with a further two years’ funding subject to performance), and that there are no material uncertainties regarding the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income from government contracts and performance-related grants is recognised as the charity earns the right to consideration through the delivery of the specific service or activity.
Grants received for specific projects or expenditure are treated as restricted funds until the conditions of the grant are met.
Expenditure
All resources expended are recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis for all funds and are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Where expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities it is allocated to those activities. Where costs relate to more than one activity, they are apportioned between charitable activities, support costs and governance costs on a basis consistent with the use of resources, in accordance with the Basis of Accounting described in detail above.
Charitable expenditure comprises costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. These costs primarily represent expenditure directly attributable to charitable programmes.
Support costs comprise costs incurred centrally in support of the charity’s activities and include functions such as general management, administration and finance.
Governance costs comprise all costs relating to the public accountability of Slough CVS and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include those associated with trustee meetings, professional fees and the statutory audit.
Tangible fixed assets
Assets are capitalised if their cost exceeds £1,500.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Tangible fixed assets
In November 2012, Slough CVS acquired a 99-year lease on 27 and 29 Church Street from Slough Borough Council at a peppercorn rent. The capitalised amount for Leasehold Property in these accounts represents the acquisition cost of the lease and any associated fees. The total cost of the lease is being amortised over the term of the lease. In the financial year ended 31 March 2014, an extension was completed at 29 Church Street. The cost of this work has been capitalised and is being amortised over 20 years.
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:
Building - 1% straight-line on cost
Leasehold improvements - 5% straight-line on cost
Taxation
The Charitable Company is a charitable institution with exemption from UK taxation under section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds consist of donations, grants and other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the Charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of Slough CVS.
Designated funds are amounts agreed to be set aside of unrestricted funds by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the respective funds, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs, taking into account the budgets for each of the Restricted Funds as approved by the respective donors.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pensions
Slough CVS participates in the Local Government Pension Scheme, a defined benefit scheme providing pensions based on pay and length of service rather than contributions. Both the Charity and its employees contribute to the scheme on a defined scale. Contributions made by the Charity to the defined benefit scheme are recognised as an expense. The Charity closed the scheme to new employees some years ago. New employees of Slough CVS now participate in personal pension plans, which are defined contribution schemes. The Charity makes contributions to these plans, while employees may choose their own contribution rates. Further details of both schemes are provided in note 20 to these accounts.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| DONATIONS AND LEGACIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Period | ||
| 1.4.23 | ||
| Year Ended | to | |
| 30.9.25 | 30.9.24 | |
| as restated | ||
| £ | £ | |
| Grants | 602,060 | 823,404 |
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - continued
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
| Year Ended 30.9.25 a £ SBC - One Slough / Slough Adult Social Care / SPACE (Slough Prevention Alliance Community Engagement) 455,823 NHS Trusts 31,470 Due to other stakeholders (Oneslough) (174,316) ACE - The Arts Council - re Home Slough - Slough Public Health -Community Champion Welbeing / Vaccination Project 88,483 Cadent 53,094 The National Lottery 43,177 Other grants 104,329 602,060 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 s restated £ 771,103 118,000 (171,311) 28,113 15,000 62,500 - (1) 823,404 |
|---|---|
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Year Ended 30.9.25 a £ Investment income 107,083 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 s restated £ 177 |
|---|---|
All the investment income is bank deposit account interest.
4. OTHER INCOME
| OTHER INCOME | |
|---|---|
| Year Ended 30.9.25 a £ Other charitable activities 23,058 Rental income 89,004 112,062 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 s restated £ 67,278 128,685 |
| 195,963 |
Rental income arises from the offices and meeting rooms at our properties at 27 & 29 Church Street, which are let to a variety of voluntary organisations at below market rents. The item Other charitable activities includes income from support activities supplementary to our main contracts with Slough Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
6.
| Support Direct costs (see Costs note 6) £ £ Charitable activities 463,915 225,911 Movement on Pension Reserve 159,000 - 622,915 225,911 SUPPORT COSTS Governance Management costs £ £ Charitable activities 214,765 11,146 |
Totals £ 689,826 159,000 |
|---|---|
| 848,826 | |
| Totals £ 225,911 |
7. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| Period | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1.4.23 | ||
| Year Ended | to | |
| 30.9.25 | 30.9.24 | |
| as restated | ||
| £ | £ | |
| Auditors' remuneration | 6,972 | 6,850 |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 5,280 | 7,920 |
| Hire of plant and machinery | 540 | - |
8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 September 2025 nor for the period ended 30 September 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 September 2025 nor for the period ended 30 September 2024.
9. STAFF COSTS
| Staff costs and numbers Salaries and wages Employers’ National Insurance contributions Pension costs Adjustment: prior year pension short-term provision |
2025 £ 397,471 41,041 20,895 459,407 |
2024 £ 564,598 46,260 30,980 (11,930) 629,908 |
|---|---|---|
No employee received benefits in excess of £60,000. No directors were paid, nor were any reimbursed for expenses during the year (2024: £nil). Directors did not receive any payments for professional or other services provided to the Charity (2024: £nil). The key management personnel of the Charity, excluding the directors, comprise the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Operations. Total employee benefits for key management personnel amounted to £81,425 (2024: £119,848).
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
9. STAFF COSTS - continued
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Year Ended 30.9.25 as Average monthly head count 17 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 restated 15 |
|---|---|
10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AS OF 31 MARCH 2023
| Unrestricted funds £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 775,697 Investment income 177 Other income 195,963 Total 971,837 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Charitable activities 899,832 Movement on Pension Reserve (61,000) Total 838,832 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 133,005 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 940,285 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,073,290 |
Restricted fund £ 47,707 - - 47,707 53,585 - 53,585 (5,878) 425,945 420,067 |
Total funds as restated £ 823,404 177 195,963 1,019,544 953,417 (61,000) 892,417 127,127 1,366,230 1,493,357 |
|---|---|---|
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
11. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT
Certain prior year expenditure has been reclassified between governance costs, support costs and charitable activities to better reflect the nature of the underlying costs. This reclassification has no impact on total expenditure or net movement in funds. Comparative figures have been restated accordingly.
12. CONNECTED CHARITIES
The Charity is affiliated to the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Long Improvements leasehold to property £ £ COST At 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025 256,860 52,593 DEPRECIATION At 1 October 2024 30,475 30,245 Charge for year 2,650 2,630 At 30 September 2025 33,125 32,875 NET BOOK VALUE At 30 September 2025 223,735 19,718 At 30 September 2024 226,385 22,348 14. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 30.9.25 a £ Other debtors 176,288 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 30.9.25 a £ Trade creditors 67,195 Other creditors - Holiday pay 16,054 Payments due to partners in SPACE consortium - Pension liability - Net wages control 21,892 Deferred income 201,316 Accrued expenses 11,099 317,556 |
Totals £ 309,453 60,720 5,280 66,000 243,453 248,733 30.9.24 s restated £ 110,177 30.9.24 s restated £ 59,273 1,352 9,490 7,314 26,244 - 69,517 12,460 185,650 |
|---|---|
Deferred revenue represents grants received in advance from Slough Borough Council.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.10.24 £ 824,557 248,733 1,073,290 420,067 1,493,357 Incoming resources £ 821,205 - 821,205 - 821,205 At 1.4.23 £ 333,632 606,653 940,285 425,945 1,366,230 |
Net movement in funds £ 67,200 (5,280) 61,920 (89,541) (27,621) Resources expended £ (754,005) (5,280) (759,285) (89,541) (848,826) Net movement in funds £ 140,925 (7,920) 133,005 (5,878) 127,127 |
At 30.9.25 £ 891,757 243,453 1,135,210 330,526 1,465,736 Movement in funds £ 67,200 (5,280) 61,920 (89,541) (27,621) At 30.9.24 £ 474,557 598,733 1,073,290 420,067 1,493,357 |
|---|---|---|---|
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 971,837 - 971,837 47,707 1,019,544 |
Resources expended £ (830,912) (7,920) (838,832) (53,585) (892,417) |
Movement in funds £ 140,925 (7,920) 133,005 (5,878) 127,127 |
|---|---|---|---|
17. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
At 30th September 2025 there were no contingent liabilities known to the directors (2024: £Nil)
18. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
At 30th September 2025 there were no capital commitments (2024: £Nil)
19. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Salaries to key management personnel which comprise of the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Operations were the only related party transactions during the year ended 30th September 2025 £81,425 (period ended 30th September 2024:£119,848).
20. PENSIONS
Slough CVS participates in a Local Government Pension Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme is a multi employer defined benefit scheme and is contracted out of the Second State Pension. The administering authority for the Scheme is the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and it is administered in accordance with the Local Government Scheme Regulations 2013.
Members of the Scheme accrue an index linked pension and receive other benefits including a lump sum on retirement according to salary and length of service. The Charity contributed an amount of 5.9% of the gross salary of the member of staff in the Scheme in the year. The employee in the Scheme contributed 5.5% (2024:2.4%) of gross salary in the year. The total Slough CVS contribution to the Scheme in the year was £4,817 (2024: £46,961).
A formal valuation of the Scheme was performed as at 30 June 2025 by the Scheme’s actuaries using the Projected Unit Method. This valuation sets contribution rates and is used to estimate the pension liability under FRS 102. There are no minimum funding requirements in the Scheme, but contributions are generally set to target a funding level of 100% over time.
Based on this valuation, the Scheme is in deficit and the element attributable to the Charity under FRS 102 is £215,000 (2024: £56,000). This represents the accounting estimate of future pension obligations at the year-end and indicative measure of the likely exit cost (given the expected withdrawal from the Scheme in the immediate future). Financial reporting standards require recognition of the most current and reliable estimate at the balance sheet date. Accordingly, the updated valuation as has been used in these financial statements, in line with FRS 102 requirements.
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
20. PENSIONS - continued
Employees with personal pension plans (money purchase schemes) contract directly with the relevant insurance company. The Charity makes a contribution of 5% of gross salary to these plans.
21. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES
| Reconciliation of Defined benefit obligation | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Net defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year | 56,000 | 117,000 |
| Changes in net defined benefit obligation | 159,000 | (61,000) |
| Net defined benefit obligation at the end of the year | 215,000 | 56,000 |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Present value of defined benefit obligation | 960,000 | 794,000 |
| Fair value of the Fund asset | 745,000 | 741,000 |
| Deficit/(Surplus) | 215,000 | 53,000 |
Represents the deficit allocated to Slough CVS on the Local Government Pension Scheme
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Grants Investment income Investment income Other income Other charitable activities Rental income Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Staff costs Premises Telephone Postage and stationery Advertising Other expenditure Training Computer expenses Professional fees Movement in pension reserve Travel and subsistence Provision for doubtful debts Long leasehold Improvements to property Support costs Management Staff costs Travel & subsistence Premises Insurance Professional fees Telephone Repairs & Maintenance Carried forward |
Year Ended 30.9.25 £ 602,060 107,083 23,058 89,004 112,062 821,205 390,254 2,100 126 3,544 770 32,323 6,176 - 1,860 159,000 1,858 19,624 2,630 2,650 622,915 85,207 540 53,497 8,315 12,668 8,588 27,028 195,843 |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 as restated £ 823,404 177 67,278 128,685 195,963 1,019,544 629,908 - - 9,342 3,216 65,580 7,465 849 13,005 (61,000) 2,322 5,000 3,975 3,945 683,607 42,033 - 52,352 7,307 - 20,078 27,796 149,566 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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SLOUGH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Management Brought forward Advertising Other Expenditure Computer expenses Finance Bank charges Governance costs Auditors' remuneration Legal & professional fees Total resources expended Net (expenditure)/income |
Year Ended 30.9.25 £ 195,843 192 1,611 17,119 214,765 - 6,972 4,174 11,146 848,826 (27,621) |
Period 1.4.23 to 30.9.24 as restated £ 149,566 - 9,681 42,587 201,834 126 6,850 - 6,850 892,417 127,127 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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The Trustees Slough Council for Voluntary Service 27 Church Street Slough Berkshire SL1 1PL
ACCURA ACCOUNTANTS LIMITED LANGLEY HOUSE | 53 THEOBALD STREET BOREHAMWOODINFO@ACCURAMAIL.COM+44 (0) 20 8444| WD62000 4RT WWW.ACCURAACCOUNTANTS.COM
24 March 2026
Dear Sirs
We are writing to bring to your attention several issues that emerged during our audit of the company’s financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Expected modifications to the audit report
There are no expected modifications to the audit report.
Changes to the letter of representation
There are no expected modifications to our standard letter of representation.
Unadjusted misstatements
There are no unadjusted misstatements in the financial statements, other than those that we consider to be clearly trifling.
Significant deficiencies in the accounting and internal control systems
- Restricted Funds Not Held in a Separate Bank Account
It was noted that restricted funds were not held in a separate bank account, which can make it less straightforward to distinguish them from unrestricted funds.
Recommendation — While it is acceptable to track restricted funds through detailed accounting records or ledger codes, we recommend that, where practical, restricted funds be maintained in a separate designated bank account. This approach can simplify reconciliation, improve transparency, and provide additional assurance that funds are used in accordance with donor restrictions, aligning with good financial management practice.
Registered as auditors and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Certified Accountants A list of directors is available for inspection at the Registered Office. Accura Accountants Limited is a Limited Company registered in England & Wales under registered number 07644572 whose registered office is at: Langley House, 53 Theobald Street, Borehamwood, WD6 4RT
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Slough Council for Voluntary Service Page 2 of3
24 March 2026
- Provision or Write-Off of Aged Debtors
Several trade debtor balances have remained outstanding for over one year with no indication that payment will be received.
Recommendation- Debtors aged over 90 days should be reviewed periodically. Where recovery is unlikely, balances should be written off. In cases where uncertainty exists, an appropriate provision should be made to reflect the potential non-recoverability.
- Restricted Funds — Future Disclosure and Practical Tracking
In relation to the presentation of restricted funds, while we acknowledge that certain disclosures are currently included within the Trustees’ Report, we recommend that, for future reporting periods, consideration is given to enhancing the level of detail presented within the financial statements, to further align with SORP guidance. This could include a more detailed breakdown of income and expenditure by individual restricted fund, together with a description of the nature of each fund, including the source of the funding and the specific restrictions attached.
Recommendation- From a practical perspective, we suggest maintaining a separate working schedule outside of the accounting system, for example in Excel, where each restricted fund is tracked individually. This schedule should reconcile to the trial balance and final figures in the accounts. For each fund, the schedule should show opening balances, income received, expenditure incurred, and closing balances, along with brief narrative details of the donor and restrictions. While it is possible to use tracking categories within Xero to allocate transactions to specific funds, this can become difficult to manage in practice, therefore, a well-maintained supporting spreadsheet is often a more reliable and transparent approach. This information can then be used to support both the financial statement disclosures and internal monitoring going forward.
Qualitative aspects of the entity’s accounting practices and financial reporting
We have no comments to make concerning these matters and believe the accounting policies to be appropriate and properly applied.
Significant matters discussed, or subject to correspondence with management
There were no significant matters discussed during our audit procedures.
Independence and objectivity
We confirm that there were no threats to our independence. However, we provided non-audit services, including the preparation of accounting journals. To maintain objectivity, these journals were prepared by a separate individual within our firm, independent of the audit team. This segregation of duties serves as a safeguard, ensuring that our independence and professional judgement were not impaired.
We confirm that, in our professional judgement and having regard to the safeguards in place, the firm is independent within the meaning of the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standard and the objectivity of the audit engagement partner and staff is not impaired. Therefore, we are pleased to proceed in accordance with our appointment.
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Slough Council For Voluntary Service Page 3 of3
24 March 2026
Other matters required by auditing standards to be communicated
There are no other matters that we are required by auditing standards to communicate to you.
Other matters relating to the audit
This letter has been prepared for your private use. It should not be disclosed to a third party without our written consent, nor will we accept any responsibility whatsoever in respect of its contents to any other person.
May we take this opportunity of thanking you and your staff for their assistance and co-operation during the conduct of our audit.
Yours faithfully
[Acconntints][HL] ft[][ Coecra]
Accura Accountants Ltd