s.c.v.o.
Annual Report and Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
Charity number. 1071514
Company number: 03570517
Feltons
Chartered Accountants
Birmingham
B13JR

s.c.v.o.
(A company Limited by Guarantee)
Report and financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
Contents
Page
Reference and administrative details
Report of the trustees
Independent auditor's report on the financial statements
16
Statement of financial activities
incorporating income & expenditure account
20
Balance sheet
21
Cash flow statement
22
Notes forming part of the financial statements, incorporating
ststement of accounting policies
23
Other notes to the financial statements
26

s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Laura Nott (appointed as chair 16.11.2023)
Geoffrey Foster (resigned as chair 16.11.2023)
Jatinder Basi (resigned 03.04.2024)
Claire Dale
Jon Grant
Mohammed Loan
Jacques Matensi-Kubanza
Rachel McFee
Khatija Patel
Luke Tyler
Andrew Watson
Amy Allan (resigned 09.11.2023)
Key management personnel
Mark Davis - Chief Executive Officer
Stuart Ashmore - Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Sajida Carr- Director of Operations and Development
Parminder Dosanjh - Creative Director
Principal office and Solicitors
1$1 Floor
Landchard House
West Bromwich
Birmingham
B70 8ER
Charity number
1071514
Company registration number
03570517
Independent auditor
Feltons
8 Sovereign Court
8 Graham Street
Birmingham
B13JR
Bankers
Lloyds Bank PIC.
65 Capehill
Smethwick
B66 4SF
CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Ave
Kent
ME19 4JQ
Page 1

s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31
March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice
(SORP)"Accounting and Reporting by Charities" in preparing the annual report and financial statements
of the charity.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in
notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, 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 published in October 2019.
Our purposes and activities
The purposes of the charity are..
For SCVO and the voluntary sector to have a major influence on the development and
implementation of key local strategies.
To strengthen SCVO'S role in existing strategic partnerships and to be proactive in developing
new ones.
To provide an effective voice for the voluntary and community sector at local, regional and
national levels.
To support and provide high quality, accessible organisational development ServI￿S to
Sandwell's voluntary and community sector through appropriate mechanisms.
To develop the appropriate mechanisms to create an effective funding facility for the sector.
To diversify SCVO'S funding arrangements through an effective funding strategy.
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the
Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit.. running a
charity (PB2)'.
The strategies employed to achieve the charity's aims and objectives are to-.
bring together local voluntary and community groups to promote and develop the
effectiveness of local voluntary action.
raise the quality of, and provide a wicle range of services, information, advice and support to
the voluntary and community sector.
act as a channel for local groups to voice their opinions on local, regional and national issues
and policy.
raise the quality of and provide a wide range of services, information, advice and support to
the voluntary and community sector.
identify real needs and develop servicesl initiatives to meet these needs.
actively support the development of new and emerging groups and organisations.
contribute to bringing about positive change in Sandwell to achieve sustainable economi
regeneration.
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s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
SCVO'S core activities can be broadly classified as Capacity Building: the provision of management
and development support for voluntary organisations, committees and groups,. and Strategic
Engagement activities which facilitate engagement between local groups and various statutory
bodies. Putting the above strategies into action we have 5 major areas of activity which are outlined
below:
1- Strate
icRe
resentation & Network Develo
ment
Representation and Partnership Working:
SCVO brings together networks of organisations with common interests and represents their views on
strategic partnerships. During 2023124 this work included activities across the whole spectrum of
strategic for a including numerous meetings held with elected members, Cabinet Members and local
senior officers, as well as formal partnership boards such as the Safer Sandwell Partnership, the
Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board, the Sandwell Health and Care Partnership Board and the
Sandwell Health and Wellbeing Board. SCVO also undertook to facilitate intra-sector meetings which
built bonds and developed partnership links between local groups.
VCS Forums".
Funding received from Sandwell MBC for the period 2023124 enabled SCVO to maintain and develop
strategic forums in key thematic areas where the voluntary sector have important strategic and delivery
contributions to make. The funding also made provision for the development of closer working ties
be￿een Sector organisations and commissioners, including conversations on service design.
There were two distinct elements to this funding:_
1. VCS Health and Social Care Forum
A bi-monthly Forum which brings together voluntary sector providers of health and social care
services with key partners in strategic dialogue
2. VCS Children and Young Peoples, Forum
A bi-monthly Forum which brings together voluntary sector providers of support to children,
young people and families with key partners in strategic dialogue
VCS Briefings
Provision of engagement events bringing together voluntary sector providers and relevant
commissioners, statutory and health partners focusing on significant changes and developments in
Sandwell.
Sandwell Early Help Partnership:
SCVO continued to build and co-ordinate the Sandwell Early Help Partnership, bringing together
universal providers to deliver early interventions to children, young people and families. Partners are
drawn from a range of organisations and sectors including schools, health settings, voluntary and
community organisations, Sandwell Police, Sandwell Council Children's serVi￿S, and Sandwell
Children's Trust. The Partnership creates opportunities to build relationships, confidence and
strengthen ne￿orkS between support providers through members, events, conferences and local
meetings.
The Partnership also facilitates the promotion of local services and activities to the general public
through face-to-face activity and the Sandwell Family Life website. During this year development and
promotion of the Sandwell Early Help website, launched in early 2022, continued. This website
provides practitioners and volunteers with information, resources, training opportunities and access to
a portal listing targeted support services for children and families.
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s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
2 - Sector Develo
ment
General Development Support:
This work includes providing organisations with information on Charity and Company Law and
Governance, supporting the start-up of community groups, helping with the development of policies
and procedures, facilitating project and business planning processes, and assisting with work towards
quality assurance.
Fundraising Support".
se￿ices include one-to-one support helping voluntary sector organisations to identify funders, trusts
and grant-making bodies, supporting in the preparation of funding applications, assisting in
development of fundraising strategies and with long-term sustainability. The team also produces a bi-
weekly Funding Digest as well as providing a range of funding workshops and training events
including regular 'Meet the Funder, events. SCVO continues to proactively engage a number of
important grant funders with a view to growing knowledge of funding opportunities and increasing the
amount of external funding secured by Sandwell organisations.
Volunteering and Community Participation:
SCVO continued to develop a broad offer of support around volunteering for local organisations during
2023124, entailing a number of distinct activities. These included.. promotion and growth of the 'Let's
Go...
website. advertising more than 300 local volunteering opportunities during this year,. convening
of the quarterly Volunteer Co-ordinators, Forum for building partnerships, offering peer support and
sharing experiences,. provision of information, guidance and training for organisations on volunteering
best practice., and regular social media campaigns which helped to advocate and promote to local
residents the value of getting involved in their community. In June 2023 around 30 organisations joined
our'roadshow, to each of the six towns during National Volunteers, Week, promoting the value ofgetting
involved to approximately 250 visiting residents.
SCVO+
During 2023124 SCVO continued to deliver ad hoc services for local organisations requiring more
intensive and bespoke support on a chargeable basis. The principal areas of support were chargeable
consultancy services, the convening of briefing and training events, and utilisation of SCVO meeting
rooms and website on a paid-for basis.
3 - Information and Communication
Information Services:
SCVO'S regular email bulletins are vitsl tools through which the sector can be kept abreast of news,
information, legislative changes, strategic and policy developments and capacity-building
opportunities in the local, regional and national arenas. SCVO has five websites'.-
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s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
SCVO'S corporate website - www.scvo.info - this provides information on SCVO news and
services.
The Route2wellbeing portal - www.route2wellbein
. info - this estsblished website, delivered
through a long-term partnership with local health commissioners, provides health
professionals, local community and voluntary groups and the general public with information
about support services in proximity to their own location.
The Sandwell Family Life portal - www.sandwellfamil life.info - is a website providing
information to children, young people and family practitioners as well as the general public
on activities and support near where they live or work. This website is a key tool to support
the work of the Sandwell Early Help Partnership.
The Sandwell Early Help portal- www.sandwellearl hel
.info- was launched in March
2022 as an information and resource hub for practitioners and all those working to support
children, young people and families in Sandwell. It includes a searchable directory of
referral-only targeted support services available in Sandwell, complementing the range of
universal activities open to all families which are found on the Sandwell Family Life website.
The Let's Go website- www.letsaosandwell.info - provides a borough-wide platform for
local voluntary organisations and other public service bodies to showcase and advertise
their opportunities by which residents and volunteer their time and play a more active role
within the community.
4- Grant-
ivin
Vision 2030 Grant Programme:
During 2023124 SCVO received funding from Sandwell Council to deliver a small grants programme for
the voluntary sector, which aimed to fund community activity contributing to the ambitions contained
within the borough's 'Vision 2030,.
The programme had three priorities- Building Social Connections (focusing on tackling loneliness),
Youth Activities (tackling isolationlloneliness amongst young people) and Healthy Lifestyles
(promotinglsupporting healthy living). Grants were made up to a total of £5,000 with this funding
available to organisations over a 2-year period.
Additional to the main grant priorities, extra funds were secured andl or distributed during this year to
expand the Vision 2030 programme through new focused strands of activity.'_
Food Pantry Development Grants - small grants to enable VCS organisations to support the
Sandwell Food Pantry Development Plan
Climate change- small grants to support the community response to climate change in
Sandwell
Community Mental Health - small grants that focus on the area of promoting positive
community mental health.
Welcoming Spaces- small grants to support the provision of a ne￿Ork of community
'welcoming spaces, during colder weather, accessible to all members of the community
Sports Activities- small grants to create new opportunities supporting residents to take part in
sport in a community setting, enabling a transition from 'healthy lives, activities into 'sporting'
lifestyles
LGBTQ+ Health Challenge Fund- small grants to promote and explore ways to improve
access to healthcare, particularly in general practice for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as
to mental health and wellbeing initiatives tailored to the LGBTQ+ population. This funding
also aimed to support Sandwell LGBTQ+ community groups and peer ne￿orkS for different
age groups, including older people and young people
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s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
Sandwell Emotional Wellbeing Grant Programme:
In recognition of the adverse impact that the Covid pandemic had on children and young people in the
borough, in early 2021 Sandwell Council invited SCVO to lead on a grant programme to resource
local youth charities to provide emotional wellbeing support to affected young people. Utilising
£1million of Covid Recovery funds, SCVO launched this grant programme in May 2021. Through
2021122 a wide range of support was delivered by local youth-focused voluntary organisations,
including one-to-one mentoring, drop-in sessions, school-based support and counselling. The aims of
the programme were as follows'.-
To make available to all school aged children in Sandwell support that enables them to
address ch211enges with their emotional well-being and mental health, and to develop
personal strategies that build confidence and resilience.
To target those children and young people who are identified as requiring additional support
or access to specialist ServI￿S where such support is currently not provided.
To provide support for children and young people identified as being impacted by domestic
abuse, including family support where possible.
To deliver immediate support in light of an expected surge in demand from May 2021 and to
scale up, develop, test and refine the model during.
This programme continued to be delivered through 2022123, and was then extended with the
investment of a further £490,000 of funding enabling a 'Phase 2, of the programme to begin in
January 2023. At the beginning of 2024 a final 'Phase 3. of the programme began, with additional
funds of £450,000 available for an activity period up to June 2025. By the end of Phase 2 in January
2024, Covid Recovery funds had enabled over 3,050 Sandwell young people to be supported with
their emotional wellbeing by 26 projects delivered by 14 charities and community organisations in
Sandwell.
Additional to the Covid funding, SCVO were also able to secure funding from the Black Country health
system to fund local activity aimed at specific groups of young people in need. This extra funding
stream was delivered in parallel to the main Emotional Wellbeing programme, to enable local VCS
providers delivering this support to benefit from the networks and connectivity of the main programme.
stsrting in early summer 2023, £120,000 of health system funding was invested in 5 local
organisations offering expert support to young people to meet the following priorities'.-
Supporting young black boys in Youth Justice System
Support for families in understanding emotional wellbeing and mental health
Emotional wellbeing Support for 16-25-year-olds
Providing 1-1 trauma support for new arrivalsl unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and
young people
In total, 136 children and young people and 70 parents benefited from this support.
Sandwell VCS Anticipatory Care Grant Programme:
Anticipatory Care is proactive healthcare and support, targeted at people of all ages living with frailty,
multiple long-term conditions andlor complex needs to help them stay independent and healthy for as
long as possible at home, in the place they call home or in their local community. It focuses on
providing the support based on what is important to the individual, improving health inequalities and
health outcomes for our local population.
Anticipatory Care redu￿$ the risk of long-term health conditions worsening that would result in an
individual needing a hospital stay or visit.
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s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
Be￿een May 2023 and February 2024 SCVO managed a grant programme utilising £130,000 of
health system 'Health Inequalities, resources which grant funded local VCS organisations in Sandwell
to deliver Anticipatory Care pilot projects that would test new approaches and help to reduce the need
for people to use health care services.
This programme focused on areas of activity:"
Wellness projects - focusing on activities to increase understand of and access to good
nutrition, alongside promotion of regular exercise
Respite care and caregiver support- supporting local unpaid adult caregivers, who may
experience significant stress and burnout, with activities to help them manage their
responsibilities and maintain their own health and well-being
6 local providers delivered activities during this year, supporting over 270 residents to improved health
outcomes.
Sandwell Digital Survey Micro-Grants:
Digital Inclusion is a significant challenge for many Sandwell residents, particularly as the move
towards online services and information continues to gather pace. In 2023124 SCVO were funded by
Sandwell Council to undertake an engagement survey with Sandwell residents to enable the Council
and partners to better understand residents, digital needs and the barriers they face in accessing
digital services. Subsequently a grant programme was developed and 19 local VCS organisations
were funded with 'microgrants' in order to resour￿ completion of digital questionnaires with residents
who were digitally inactive.
A total of 750 residents completed the suNey and SCVO drew the findings into a report on Sandwell's
digital inclusion challenge which included recommendations for how this can be tackled
collaboratively across the public and voluntary sectors.
Building Community Resilience in Sandwell:
During 2023124 SCVO continued to work with national funder the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to deliver
a programme of support for Sandwell's communities. This entailed a range of resident engagement
activities delivered through local community anchor organisations, most of which were delivered online
due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. This activity worked alongside a devolved grants programme
for Sandwell which focused on new ways of building capability and confidence amongst the most
vulnerable and marginalised in our local communities and on growing community resilience.
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s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
S - Pro'ect Hostin
Creative People and Places".
The Arts Council's Creative People and Places (CPP) programme aims to help more people to
experience and be inspired by the arts, irrespective of where they live or their social. educational or
financial circumstances.
This funding focuses investment in parts of the country where people's involvement in the arts is
significantly below the national average, with the aim of increasing the likelihood of participation. This
investment will encourage long-term collaborations between local communities and arts organisations,
museums, libraries and other partners such as local authorities and the private sector. It aims to
empower them to experiment with new and radically different approaches and to develop inspiring,
sustainable arts programmes that will engage audiences in those communities. In May 2014, Black
Country Together CIC was successful in securing £2M of Creative People and Places funding to deliver
the programme across the areas of Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. SCVO were asked by Black
Country Together CIC to lead this work, and since September 2014 have hosted a team to work across
the three boroughs, as well as supporting engagement with local communities, through our core staff,
to develop new arts and cultural initiatives in Sandwell.
The initial funding was followed by successful bids for a second and then third phase of funding, plus
expansion of Creative Black Country activity into Dudley, delivery of which began in November 2019.
Following a strategic review and re-focusing of the shape and priorities of the Creative Black Country
team in early 2021, Black Country Together CIC were successful in securing National Portfolio
Organisation CPP funding in December 2021. This funding will ensure Creative Black Country
continues to deliver and develop its community-based activities for a further three years from April 2022.
Volunteering Futures
Culture Central, in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust, scvo through it's Creative Black
Country programme, Stoke Creates and Open Theatre worked together during this year to deliver a
regional and pla￿-based, volunteering and development programme. This focused on areas of low
engagement and with those who experience barriers, prioritising social interaction, purpose, skills, well-
being and building social capital to create change. The programme also worked across the region to
support volunteers and organisations to make the most of volunteering opportunities, including working
with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to build on their inclusive volunteering programme.
The Volunteering Futures Fund was launched in 2022 and was distributed by Arts Council England. It
aimed to break down barriers to volunteering and enable organisations across the arts, culture, sport,
civil society, youth and heritage sectors to continue their valuable work within local communities whilst
volunteers enjoyed the personal benefits of making a difference.
Those benefitting most from the funding included young people and people with disabilities. Colleges,
local councils, schools, health and wellbeing organisations were also among the recipients of the Fund.
Arts Council England made awards to these organisations in order to respond to demand from a wide
range of beneficiaries, such as from those who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation, to
young people in the LGBTQ community, people with learning difficulties and complex needs.
Within the Black Country the focus was on the following
Increasing the number and range of quality volunteering opportunities in arts and cultural
organisations, and making more people aware of them
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(A company limited by guarantee
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
Opening the doors to people who may face barriers to volunteering and making it possible for them
to get involved. This included three key groups in the Black Country.. 18-24-year-olds, Dldeaflhearing
impaired communities, and those who were isolated
Giving Arts and Cultural organisations the knowledge, skills, and resources to manage a quality and
engaging volunteer experience now and in the future.
Big Local Grace Mary to Lion Farm:
The Grace Mary to Lion Farm (GM2LF) Big Local area is within the borough of Sandwell in the West
Midlands. It covers 5 separate natural neighbourhoods, crossing the boundary of three council wards
and two parliamentary constituencies. Within this area, the'Big Local, lottery fund, in dialogue with local
VCS organisations and residents, has committed a £1 million investment in the area. The area's 'Big
Plan, reflects the needs and aspirations of local residents in using the funding to bring about lasting
change within the community over a 10-year period (which is due to 'spend out, by March 2026).
Since 2014115, SCVO has taken on the role of accountable body for the GM2LF partnership as the
'Local Trusted Organisation,, which it continues to perform as the activities within the Big Local Plan are
delivered. This role entails liaison with Local Trust (the funding awarding body) on behalf of GM2LF,
financial management of funds and support of the Partnership Board.
Active Black Country- Commonwealth Active Communities
Active Black Country and partners were successful in gaining funding from Sport England's
Commonwealth Active Communities Fund (CAC}, using the 2022 Commonwealth Games to act as a
catalyst to drive transformational change. The funding assists the Black Country to increase activity
levels across the least active, support good mental and physical health and reduce inequalities in
activity levels.
SCVO continued its partnership working with Active Black Country by hosting (on behalf of Black
Country Together CIC} a Community Connector to focus CAC delivery in target wards across
Sandwell, and with the (former Commonwealth Games) Aquatics Centre at the heart of activities.
Achievements and Performance
SCVO produced 50 e-bulletins to keep the VCS informed of local, regional and national policy, events
and information of relevance to their development and activities.
SCVO ran a number of workshops and training events, including a programme of sessions on aspects
of volunteering support through a 'Fours for Good. collaboration with our three local Black Country
CVS partners and four 'meet the funder, sessions benefitting 175 participants in total.
A range of fa￿-to-faCe and virtual nelwork meetings brought people together around key issues and
themes'.-
VCS Children and Young People Forum meetings
VCS Health and Social Care Forum meetings
Volunteer Co-ordinators Forum
Briefing events and workshops focused on a range of topics including 'County Lines, Child
Exploitation and Serious Organised Crime, (collaborating with our Sandwell Community
Safety Partnership), the 'UK Shared Prosperity Fund, {helping to address worklessness),
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s.c.v.o.
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Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
an overview and update on the Sandwell Family Hubs, and an introduction to an emerging
local insight project the 'Sandwell Heath Determinants Research Collaboration..
In addition to this SCVO..
Supported over 164 groupslorganisations with general development support
including
fundraising, governance, planning, financial management, ne￿OrkIng and quality standards-
Helped secure over £2.6 million worth of external funding for Sandwell voluntary organisations-
Delivered the 'Vision 2030, grants programme encouraging local community organisations to
deliver activities that offer improved wellbeing and social connections for residents. Activity
spanned the themes of mental health support, investment in food pantries, activities to address
climate change at a local level, financial support for sports clubs and groups, investment in local
community LGBTQ+ groups to improve health outcomes and access to services, and
'welcoming spaces, for those residents who were impacted significantly by the cost of living
crisis in autumnl winter 2023.
Delivered a number of one-off programmes including the "Anticipatory Care" project focusing
on healthy living, and Digital Inclusion microgrants that enables SCVO and partners gain a rich
insight into how the digital inclusion challenges in Sandwell might be addressed.
Continued delivery of our partnership with the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation focusing on
improving community resilience in Sandwell through the 'BOUNCE' community engagement
programme and the 'EPIC' community grants initiative.
Continued to develop the Emotional Wellbeing Grant Programme to fund support which helps
young people manage their emotional and mental health following the Covid pandernic
Distributed a total of over £1.1 million locally to the voluntary sector through over 200 grant
awards
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s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
Financial review
The financial results of S.C.V.O are detailed in the following pages. It is considered that the finances
are sound and well established. The principal funding source is from grants. All expenditure of this
income is planned to fulfil the objectives and strategies of the charity. During the year ended 31
March 2024 total resources expended were £1,883,109 (2023.. £1,852,777) and the surplus of income
over expenditure was £35,008 (2023.. £35,072) which included depreciation of £656 (2023- £866).
Investment powers and policy
The trustees having regard to liquidity requirements of the charity and to the reserves policy as
described in the trustees report have operated a policy of keeping available funds in an interest-
bearing deposit account with CAF, a 95 day notice account with Redwood Bank and high interest
accounts with Cambridge and Counties Bank and United Trust Bank.
Reserves policy and going concern
The Board of Directors have reviewed the Charity's needs for reserves in line with the guidance
issued by the Charity Commission. The Board believes that the Charity should hold financial reserves
because it is entirely dependent for its income upon short and medium-term grants from a limited
number of funding bodies. These grants are inevitably subject to fluctuation and delay. The Charity
requires protection against these uncertainties, and the ability to continue operating despite gaps in
funding income. An Emergency Operating Reserve" provides a safeguard for the Charity's service
commitment.
It is the intention of SCVO Board to maintain the long-term sustainability of SCVO by holding sufficient
financial reserves to ensure that'.-
The organisation can demonstrate resilience during periods of unforeseen difficulty, for
example, due to unexpected demands on its funds.
Unforeseen day-to-day operational costs such as employing staff to cover long-term sickness
absence can be met.
Funds are available to maintain staff during a gap belween the end of one funding stream and
the beginning of another.
Planned commitments that cannot be met by future income alone, for example major asset
purchase or match-funding requirements, can be met.
Cash flow forthe organisation can be maintained where funding regimes fail to provide cash in advance
of expenditure. This policy operates under the assumption that the requirements of SCVO'S Finance
Policy are fully adhered to and that a proportion of reserves be maintained in a readily realisable form.
The calculation ofthe required level of reserves is an integral part of the organisation's planning, budget
and forecast cycle and the reserve figure is recognised as a dynamic function of a set of changing
financial commitments. Accordingly, the reseNe level is maintained using the following formula:_
Staffing costs- 6 months salaries plus redundancy costs for staff within the senior management
team., 3 months salaries plus redundancy costs for all other staff.
Premises and Business Support- 6 months of budgeted overheads of indirect costs (excluding
stsffing).
Contracted Expenditure
contractual commitments.
Contingencies- to cover depreciation and renewal of key assets, and operational contingencies
such as staff cover, eg for maternity or long-term sickness.
full provision to be made for the remaining value of existing
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s.c.v.o.
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Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
The Board of Directors continue to work hard to ensure the business plan for the organisation drives
the organisation forward in terms of fulfilling its aims and objectives. The Board hold the belief that it is
vital to meet the outcomes proposed in the business plan and therefore recognises the need for some
of the remaining reserves to be used to meet any shortfalls arising from this process. The prudent
investment of some of the organisation's reserves in future years will ensure that SCVO is a dynamic
and vibrant organisation empowered to support its diverse membership in Sandwell, providing greater
capacity for strategic engagement activity that is not currently funded.
Plans for future
eriods
Strategy Statement
As a local charity committed to the best deal for Sandwell residents, SCVO works across our voluntary
and community sector {VCS) to help charitable organisations develop support that makes people's lives
better, offers practical help for those in times of greatest need, and enhances people's prospects for
the future.
SCVO brings a local VCS membership together and works with our strategic partners and our Sector
to create an environment where residents and communities have the confidence, capability and support
to respond as local needs emerge.
SCVO promotes ways of accessing this support for all, including how organisations can work better
together, and champions the potential of our Sector to develop effective home%rown responses to
some of Sandwell's local challenges.
Strategic Aims
1. A strong and responsive Voluntary and Community Sector Working with VCS providers to
develop a sector offer which is as inclusive, effective and environmentally sustsinable as
possible
2. Enabling access to support for all Sandwell residents
activities which help residents to make the best of life
Increasing access to services and
3. Making the most of what Sandwell has Transforming the quality of life and wellbeing of
Sandwell communities by supporting them to use their strengths and assets including people,
places. skills and knowledge, resources and diversity
4. A Clear vol￿ - Grounding partner engagement and strategic decision-making in everyday
reality
5. SCVO Fit for the Future - Building a robust, financially sustainable and stable SCVO
structure Governance and Mana
ement
Governing document
S.C.V.O. is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association
dated 14th July 2009 and is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.
There are currently 470 members, each of whom agrees to contribute £1.00 in the event of the charity
winding up. Membership is open to community groups and not-for-profit organisations active within the
borough of Sandwell, and individuals who support SCVO'S mission and aims.
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Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
Appointment of trustees
As set out in the Articles of Association the Chair of the Trustees is elected annually by the Trustees of
the charitable organisation following the Annual General Meeting. There are up to 16 Trustees, 10 of
whom are elected by the AGM. The existing Trustees have the power to co-opt up to 6 additional
trustees to fill vacancies. Co-opted Trustees may serve for a period as determined by the Board up to
three years.
All Members are circulated with invitations to nominate trustees prior to the AGM advising them of the
retiring Trustees and requesting nominations for the AGM. Vvhen considering co-opting trustees, the
Board has regard to the requirement for any specialist skills needed.
Trustee induction and training
New trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law and the Charity
Commission guidance on public benefit, and are informed of the content of the Memorandum and
Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and the recent
financial performance ofthe charity. During the induction they meet key employees and other Trustees.
Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the
undertaking of their role.
Organisation
The Board of Trustees administers the Charity. The Board meetings are held bi-monthly and there are
sub-committees which meet either bi-monthly or as and when required to cover governance matters in
greater detail.
A Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the
charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority, within terms of
delegation approved by the Trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment and other
related activities.
Related parties and co-operation with other organisations
None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefits from their work with the charity. Any
connection between a trustee or senior manager ofthe charity with a client or supplier must be disclosed
to the full Board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party.
The Charity has a close relationship with sub-regional and regional CVSS through joint collaboration
estsblishing strategies and long term aims for the benefit ofthe voluntary and community sectors within
the Borough. Funding is provided by various sources for the capacity building of the VCS and to aid
sector sustainability- SCVO is affiliated to the following.. National Association for Voluntary and
Community Action (NAVCA), the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the
Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO). On 31st January 2013 SCVO
became one of four members managing Black Country Together CIC, an associated company which is
joint-owned with Dudley Council for Voluntary Services, One Walsall and Wolverhampton Voluntary
and Community Action. Black Country Together CIC is a company established to enable the Voluntary
and Community Sector in the sub-region to access funding opportunities across borough boundaries
that might otherwise be out of reach for them.
Pay policy for senior staff
The board of directors, who are the Charity's trustees, and the senior management team together
comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and operating the
Page 13

s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
organisation on a day to day basis. No director received remuneration in the year and details of
directors, expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in note 17 to the accounts.
Risk management
The trustees have a risk management policy which comprises..
periodic review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces.
the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the review.,
and
the implementation of procedures designed to mitigate or manage any potential impact on the
charity should those risks materialise.
Internal control risk is the risk of financial mismanagement and possible fraudulent activity. These risks
are minimised in SCVO with the operation of robust financial controls, policies and procedures to
safeguard the charity's assets and this is supplemented with an effective credit control system to
preserve cash flow. The major external financial risk to SCVO continues to be financial sustainability
particularly in the prevailing economic climate. A key element in the management of short-term funding
risk in the charity is a reviewed Reserves Policy with a designated operating reserve in SCVO.
Continued development of the Strategic Plan allows for the diversification of funding and activities.
Banking arrangements with Lloyds Bank Plc, CAF Bank and a Nationwide account continue to be
reviewed to ensure the safe management of funds and levels of service. There is a 5-year fixed rate
bond account with Cambridge and Counties Bank. Hard core funds are deposited in a CAF Gold Bank
Account, United Trust Bank 180 Day Account, Redwood Bank 95 Day Account and in a 30 Day Platinum
Account.
Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks in terms of adopting procedures to ensure
legislative compliance with health and safety of staff, clients and visitors, employment law and equal
opportunities. In common with other organisations SCVO has a high level of dependency on the
specialism of key staff and there is a risk of replacing those key members should they decide to leave
or through illness. Skills development in terms of shared knowledge throughout the workforce and
SCVO'S links with external consultants mitigate some degree of this risk.
Trustees. res
onsibilities in relation to the financial statements
The charity trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company
law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial ststements for each financial year which give
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and
application of resources, including its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these
financial statements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.,
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 {FRS 102).,
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed. subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
Page 14

s.c.v.o.
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the trustees
Year ended 31 March 2024
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity ofthe corporate and financial information
included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies
Act 2006 relating to small companies.
By order of the board of trustees
Laura Nott
Chair
19 September 2024
Page 15

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of S.C.V.O. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) for the year ended 31
March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows
and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework
that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including
Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland"
(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements
give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024, and of its
incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then
ended",
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Pra¢lits-,
and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and applicable
law. Qur responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditorfs 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 ￿e1ve months from when the financial statements are authorised for
issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect lo going concern are described in the
relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report. other than the financial
statement5 and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within
the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the
extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Page 16

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
(continued)
Other inforniation (continued)
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is
materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material
misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial
statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we Conclude that there is a material misstatement
of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the ¢ourse of the audit:
the information given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial statements are
prepared is consistent with the financial statements., and
the trustees, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the
¢ourse of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees, report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires
us to report to you if, in our opinion..
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the a¢counting records and retums., or
certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made.. or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies
regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the Irustees, report and from
the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees. Responsibilities statement {set out on pages 14 and 151. the trustees (who
are also the directors of the charitable Gompany 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 ne¢essary 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 ¢onGern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going Concern and using the going
oncern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the ¢haritable company or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Page 17

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
s.c.v.o.
{A Company Limited by Guarantee)
(continued)
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance
with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error
and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in
line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including
fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting
irregularities, including fraud is detailed below..
We reviewed the Company's control and risk management procedures and planned our work based on our
assessment of those controls and procedures.,
This review included an assessment of the risk of material misstatement due to errors, fraud and
management override of controls for all material areas in the financial statements.,
We made enquiries of management and the company's lawyers regarding any actual or potential litigation
andlor claims.,
Financial statements disclosures were reviewed and checked for compliance with applicable laws;
Detailed testing was conducted on balances and transactions including unusual items and those of individual
significance to the financial statements-
Data analytics were used in order to identify unusual or significant trends.,
Communications with management and those charged with governance regarding relevant matters was
undertaken throughout the audit and on completion.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those
leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases
the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the
financial statements. as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk 15 also
greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment,
forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial
Reporting Council's website at www.frG.org.uklauditorsresponsibilites. This description forms part of our auditols
report.
Page 18

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
(continued)
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
ofthe Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable
company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose.
To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable
company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we
have formed.
David W Farnsworth FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Feltons, Statutory Auditor
8 Sovereign Court
8 Graham Street
Birmingham B1 3JR
7 October 2024
Page 19

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Company number . 03570517
Charity number . 1071514
Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account)
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
funds
fund
funds
Totsl
2024
Total
2023
Notes
Income
Incon7e from chan'table activities..
Income from charitable activities
Income from trading activities..
Commercial operations
Rental income and room hire
320.051
1,558,200 1.878,251
1,873,019
1,575
499
499
Donations
Investment income
39,367
39,367
12,655
Total income
359,917
1,558,200 1.918.117
1,887.249
Expenditure
Chan-table activities..
Operational and support costs
275.430
1,607,679 1,883,109
1.852,177
Total expenditure
275.430
1.607,679 1,883,109
1,852,177
Net incomel(expenditure) before
transfers
84,487
(49.479)
35,008
35.072
Gross transfers between funds
12
{66,417)
16.938
49,479
Net movement in funds
18.070
16,938
35,008
35,072
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought fotward
12
384,992
75.699
460,691
425.619
Total funds carried forward
403,062
92,637
495,699
460.691
All ofthe charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above th financial periods.
Page 20

s.c.v.o.
{A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Company number . 03570517
Charity number ". 1071514
Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
591
1,247
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
110.222
1,802,719
1,912,941
264,951
1.738,363
2,003,314
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
10
1,417,833
1.543.870
Net current assets
495.108
459,444
Net assets
495.699
460.691
Funds of the charity .
Restricted funds
General fund
12
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated funds
12
12
403.062
92,637
384.992
75.699
495.699
460,691
Total funds
495.699
460,691
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act
2006 relating to small companies.
The notes on pages 23 to 31 form part of these accounts.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 19 September 2024 and
signed on their behalf by
Laura Nott (Chair)
Page 21

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Notes
2024
2023
Cash flow from operating activities
15
24,989
{242,477)
Cash flow from investing activities
Interest received
39,367
12,655
Net cash flow from investing activities
39,367
12,655
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
64,356
(229,822)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2023
1,738,363
1,968,185
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2024
1.802.719
1,738,363
Page 22

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
1. A¢¢ounting policies
a) Basis of preparation
S.C.V.O. is a Charitable company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. In the event of the charity
being wound up. the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The company's
registered number and registered office can be found on Ihe reference and administrative details page.
The charity constitutes a publi¢ benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financral statements have been prepared in
accordan￿ wlh Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to ¢harities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland issued in October 2019. the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of
Ireland {FRS 102), the Charllies Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally AC￿pIed Accounting Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going con￿r￿ basis under the historical cost convention. The financial
slalemenls are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity. The significant accounting policies
applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently
applied to all years presented unless othetwise staled.
b) Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material
uncertainties exist. The tnjstees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and
expenditure for a period of 72 months from the dale of authorising these financial stalemenls. The budgeted income
and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concem.
cl Income recognition
All incorning reSoUr￿S are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled
to the income after any performance conditions have been met. the amount can be measured reliably and it is
probable that the income will be received.
Grants receivable
Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income
received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the
balance sheet. Where income is received in advan￿ of entitlement of receipt it5 recognition is deferred and
included in creditors as deferred income. Where enlillement occurs before in¢orne is re￿Ived. the income is
accrued.
Income from grants are recognised at fair value when the Charity has entitlement after any performan
condition have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured
reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.
Donations
Donations are recognised on a re￿1vable basis where there is ￿rtaintY of ￿CeIpt and the amount Can be
reliably measured. If there are conditions attached lo the donation and this requires a level of performance
before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the
fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fvlfilled.
Donated servlces and gifts in kind
Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income al their fair value when their
economic benefit is probable, il can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value
is determined on the basis of the value of the gift lo the charity. For example the amount the charity would be
willing lo pay in the open market for such facilities and servitss. A corresponding amount is recognised in
expendituft.
Page 23

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the financial ststements for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
1. Accounting policies Icontlnuedl
cl Income recognition {continuedl
Gifts in kind
Fixed asset gifts in kind are recognised when receivable and are included at fair value. They are not deferred
over the life of the asset.
Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and Ihe amount can be measured reliably by
the charity., this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
Other Income
Other income. including the hire of facilities, is recognised in the period il is re￿1vable and to the extent the
goods have been provided or on completion of the servi￿.
dl Expenditure recognition
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs
related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments
lo third parties. it is probable that the selllement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured
reliably. It is calegorised under the following headings".
Costs of generating funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise
funds.
Charitable activities
These are costs incurred in activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated
support costs.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the trust's compliance with conslilutional and statutory requirements.
including independent examination, strategic management and trustees. meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
e) Fund accountin9
Unrestricted funds are available lo spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated
funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have deGided at their discretion to set aside to use for a
specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular
areas of the trust's work or for specific artistic projects being undertaken by the trust.
fl Allocation of support co$t$
Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do r¢ot directly represent charitable activities and
include office costs. governance costs and administrative payroll costs. Where support costs cannot be directly
attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable
activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 4.
Page 24

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued}
1. Accountlng policies (continued)
gl Tangible flxed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated al cost lor deemed costl or valuation less accumulated depreciation and
accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to makin9 the asset capable of operating as
intended.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off Ihe cost. less estimated residual
value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows..
Fixtures and fillings
250/0 per annum on a slraighl line basis
Office equipment
25 /c per annum on a straight line basis
h) Debtors
Operational and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid nel of any trade discounts due.
11 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash al bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three
months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
j) Llabilities
Liabilities are ￿CogniSed when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is
probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be
estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to sellle the debt or
the amount it has received as adVan￿d payments for the goods or ServI￿S il must provide.
k) Operatin9 leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the SOFA on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
l) Taxation
The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered lo pass
Ihe tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finan￿ Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable
company for UK corporation tax purposes.
m) Penslon benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of ils employees. Contributions are expensed as they
become payable.
n) Crltlcal accountlng e$limates and a￿85 of judgement
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experien￿ and other factors.
including expectations of fvture events that a￿ believed to be reasonable under the Circumstan￿S.
There are no critical accounting eslimales or areas ofjudgemenl.
Page 25

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the financlal statements forthe year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
2. Investment income
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
Deposit account interest
39,367
39.367
12,655
39.367
39,367
12.655
3. Expenditure on charitable activities
Strategic
representation
Development Commercial
services
activities
Total
2024
Total
2023
Operational and support costs
Staff costs
Project costs
Support costs (see note 41
Governance costs (see note 4}
343,431
55.321
1,358,464
46.400
31.378
430,130
1.358,464
87,225
7.290
419,911
1,345.984
78.679
7,603
37.478
7,290
3,347
388.199
1,460.185
34.725
1,883,109
1.852,177
Totsl expenditure on charitable activities was £1,883,109 12023 - £1,852,177) of which £275,430 {2023
£78.7061 was unrestricted and £1,607,67912023- £1.773,471) was restricted.
4. Analysis of support and governance costs
General
support
Governance
function
Total
2024
Total
2023
Training and reeruilment
Insurance
General office costs
Audilorfs remuneration
Accountancy services
Legal and other professional
Bank charges
Other support costs
1.491
2,746
57,346
1,491
2,746
57.346
4.920
12.888
8,527
102
6.495
983
2,705
55,216
4.950
12.832
3,927
114
5.555
4.920
12.888
8,527
102
4.125
2,370
87,225
7.290
94,515
86.282
The allocation of general support costs is based upon Slralegic. Development and Commercial income as a
percentage of lolal income received. Governano wsts are specific ¢osls attributable lo the Charity.
Page 26

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limlted by Guarantee)
Notes to the financlal statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
5. Net incomellexpenditure) for the year
Nel income I lexpendilurel is slated after charging..
Total
2024
Total
2023
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Operating lease rentals
Premises
Office equipment
AudiloVs remuneration
656
866
28,000
28,000
579
4.950
4.920
6. Trustees and key management personnel remuneration and expenses
The trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year {2023 - £nill neither were they
reimbursed expenses during the year12023- £nill.
The Trust considers ils key management personnel comprise Chief Executive Offitsr, Deputy Chief Executive
Offieer, Director of Operations & Development and Creative Director. The lolal amount of employee benefits
received by key management personnel was £207.07412023 - £195.8741.
7. Analysis of stsff costs and numbers
staff costs .
Total
2024
Total
2023
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
375.868
32,135
22.127
430.130
367.130
32,424
20,357
419,911
No employees received total employee benefits of more than £60,000.
Staff numbers .
The average monthly number of employees and
full time equivalents during the year was as
follows..
2024
Number
2024
FTE
2023
Number
2023
FTE
Charitable activities
Management
13
10
14
12
17
14
18
16
Page 27

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the flnancial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 (contlnued)
8. Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures &
fittings
Office
equipment
Total
Cost
Al 1 April 2023
Additions
14.698
74.824
89,522
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
14.698
74.824
89.522
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
14.698
73.577
656
88.275
656
At 31 March 2024
14.698
74,233
88.937
Net book values
At 31 March 2024
591
591
Al 31 March 2023
1,247
1,247
9. Debtors
Total
2024
Total
2023
Debtors from operations
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors
63.972
11.423
34,827
110,222
201.082
9,532
54,337
264,951
10. Creditors - amounts falllng due within one year
Total
2024
Total
2023
Creditors from operations
Accruals and deferred income
GM2LF Big Local
Other creditors
44.495
1.339.630
31.866
1,842
1.417,833
29.458
1.486.135
27.120
1.157
1,543,870
The amoLTnt of £31,86612023.. £27,120) is for funds held on behalf of GM2LF Big Local. The Grats Mary lo Lion
Farm {GM2LF) Big Local is one of 150 communily-led groups throughout England and Wales who have been
granted £1million lo be spent over 10 years. Big Local is being run by Local Trust, which is working with over
£200m from the Big Lottery Fund and a range of partners, providing expert advice and support for residents.
SCVO fulfils the role of'LTO' ILo¢ally Trusted Organisalion) for the GM2LF Big Local Partnership. The amount
held on behalf of GM2LF al 31 March 2024 is shown as part of the reslrided fund in note 13.
Page 28

s.c.v.o.
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
10. Creditors - amounts falling due within one year (continued)
Total
2024
Total
2023
Deferred income
Deferred income al 1 April 2023
Resources deferred in the year
Arnounls released from previous years
Deferred income al 31 March 2024
1.480,398
763,254
915.419
1,328,233
1,679.975
845,454
1.045,031
1,480.398
At the balance sheet dale the eharily was holding funds received in advance for serVI￿S due to be delivered
after the year end.
11. Commitments undgr operating leases
At 31 March 2024 the eharily was commilled to
making the followng payments under non-
Can￿lIable operating leases
Land and buildings
Total
Total
2024
2023
Other
Total
2024
Total
2023
Within one year
28.000
28,000
579
28,000
28.000
579
12. Analysis of funds
Balance at
1 April
2023
Balanee at
31 March
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Restricted funds
General fund
1.558.200
1.607,679
49.479
Unrestrlcted funds
General fund
Designated fund
384.992
75,699
460,691
359.917
1275,430}
166.4171
16,938
49,479
403,062
92.637
495,699
359.917
275.430
Total funds
460.691
1.918,117
1.883,109
495.699
Page 29

s.c.v.o.
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the financial ststements for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
12. Analysis of funds Icontinugd)
Name ot fund
Description. nature and purpose of fund
Restricted general fund
Money given to the charity where the donor requiies that 8 grant or
donation be spent for a specific project.
Unrestricted general fund
The free reserves of the charity which are not designated for particular
purposes. Included within the this fund is an amount of £255.000 that is
allocated to be used for future operating reserves of the charity.
Deslgnated fund
Unrestricted income for which the trustees had fomierly designated to be
used t¢)wards the operating costs of the charity in 2024125.
13. Analysis of net assets between funds
Fund balances al 31 March 2024
are represented by..
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
Total
funds
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
591
1.881.075
1,385,967
495,699
591
1.912,941
1.417.833
495,699
31,866
31.866
14. Capltal commitments
There were no capital commitments al 31 March 2024 nor al 31 March 2023.
15. Reconciliation of net incomel(expenditure) to net cash flow trom operatlng activitigs
Total
2024
Total
2023
Net income for the year
Depreeialion
Interest receivable
Decreasel{increasel in debtors
{Decreasellincrease in creditors
35,008
656
139.3671
154,729
1126,0371
35,072
866
112,655)
50.618
1316.3781
Net cash flow from operating activities
24.989
242.477
16. Pension commitments
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year rep￿sents
contributions payable by the company lo the scheme and amounted to £22.12712023 - £20.3571. There were no
outstanding contributions al the end of the financial year {2023- £nill.
Page 30

s.c.v.o.
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
17. Related party transactions
The following related party transactions look place during the period
Black Country Together CIC
A community interest company in which the
charity owns 25¥0 by way of guarantee
2024
2023
SeNices recharged to related party during the year
Amount due from related party at year end
66.700
46,500
161,233
50.481
Krunch UK
Jon Grant (trustee} is an employee ICEOI of
Krunch UK and Laura Noll (Chair) is also a trustee
2024
2023
Grants paid to related paty during the year
77,667
51.OS8
Afrlcan Speaking French Community Support
Jacques Malensi-Kubanza {Irusleel is a Iruslee
Ichairmanl of African Speaking French Community
Support
2024
2023
Grants paid lo related paty during the year
21.500
5.000
Ideal for All Limited
Khalija Patel Itruslee) is an employee ICEOI of
Ideal for Al Limited
2024
2023
Grants paid to related party during the year
30.874
5.266
Smethwick Church Action Network
Amy Allan (trusteel is an employee {Projeel
Development Manager) of Smethwick Church
Action Network
2024
2023
Grants paid to ielaled party during the year
650
35.559
Black Country YMCA
2024
2023
Luke Tyler ltrusleel is an employee (Head of
Health and Wellbeing SeNicesl of Black Country
YMCA
Grants paid to related party during the year
3,000
Sandwell Young Carers
2024
2023
Geoff Foster (Iruslee) 1$ a trustee of Sandwell
Young Carers
Grants paid lo related party during the year
43,614
Page 31