s.c.v.o. Annual Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025 Charity number: 1071514 Company number: 03570517 Feltons Chartered Accountsnts Birmingham B13JR
s.c.v.o. (A company Limited by Guarantee) Report and financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025 Contents Page Reference and administrative details Report of the trustees Independent auditor's report on the financial ststements 14 Statement of financial activities incorporating income & expenditure account 18 Balance sheet 19 Statement of cash flows 20 Notes forming part of the financial statements, incorporating.. ststement of accounting policies 21 Other notes to the financial statements 24
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Year ended 31 March 2025 Reference and Administrative Details Trustees Claire Dale (Chair) Andrew Watson Geoffrey Foster (resigned 16th June 2025) Jacques Matensi-Kubanza Jatinder Singh Basi (resigned 3rd April 2024) Jon Grant Khatija Patel Laura Nott (resigned 17th July 2025) Luke Tyler (resigned 27th March 2025) Mohammed Loan Paulette Suban (appointed 26th September 2024) Rachel McFee (resigned 30th July 2025} Victoria Breakwell (appointed 26th September 2024) 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 109S Castlemill Burnt Tree Tipton West Midlands DY4 7UF Charity number 1071514 Company registration number 03570517 Independent auditor Feltons 8 Sovereign Court 8 Graham Street Birmingham 813JR Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc. 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 2025 The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)"Accounting and Reporting by Charities" in preparing the annual reportand 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 services 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 guidan 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 wide 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, inft)rmation, 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 economic regeneration. Page 2
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 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 2024125, this work included activities across the whole spectrum of strategic fora 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 belween local groups. VCS Forums.. Funding received from Sandwell MBC for the period 2024125 enabled SCVO to maintain and develop strategic forums in key thematic areas where the voluntary sector has important strategic and delivery contributions to make. The funding also made provision for the development of closer working ties between sector organisations and commissioners, including conversations on service design. There were fwo 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 Services, and Sandwell Children's Trust. The Partnership creates opportunities to build relationships, confidence and strengthen neOrkS 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 ofthe 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. Page 3
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 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: Services 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 offunding opportunities and increasing the amount ofexternal funding secured by Sandwell organisations. Volunteering and Community Participation: SCVO continued to develop a broad offer of support around volunteering for local organisations during 2024125, 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 Sandwell Volunteer Managers, Network 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 coverage to advocate and promote to local residents and businesses the value of getting involved in their community. During Volunteers, Week in June we linked with the national Big Help Out theme and organised a 'Bring A Tin, event, collecting a total of1105 items which we distributed to local foodbanks. We also facilitated public litter picks in parks, and initiated a Christmas Day event, run by volunteers in conjunction with the new Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital, for people spending the festive season alone. Get-IT Together: A 2-year project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, to support community organisations to better develop their digital skills and embed digital practices into their day-to4ay delivery, plans and projects to enable their local communities (and individuals therein) to thrive. Two key thematic areas focus on building a peer-led support network for Sandwell VCSE organisations to share knowledge and skills, and providing guidance on digital services to enhance service delivery and visibility through app and sofvare recommendations and digital profile reviews. SCVO+: During 2024125. 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. Page 4
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 3 - Information and Communication Information Services: SCVO'S regular email bulletins are vital 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.. SCVO'S corporate website - www.scvo.info this provides information on SCVO news and services. The Route2wellbeing portal www.route2wellbein . info this established 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- is 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.lels osandwell.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 2024125, 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 priorities.. Building Social Connections (focusing on tackling loneliness) and Healthy Lives (promotinglsupporting healthy living). Grants were made up to a total of £5,000 with this funding available to organisations for up to 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 further focused strands of activity.. Food Pantry Development Grants - small grants to enable VCS organisations to support the Sandwell Food Pantry Development Plan. 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 neOrk of Community 'welcoming spaces,, accessible to all members of the community all year round. Sports Activities small grants to create new community-based sports opportunities for Sandwell residents, support their transition from healthy lifestyle activities to regular sports, increase volunteer involvement in sports delivery, and provide pathways for volunteers to become qualified coaches. Page 5
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 LGBTQ+ Health Challenge Fund - small grants to support groups aiming to improve physical and mental health, healthcare access, and social connections leading to better health outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community in Sandwell. Cadent Centres for Warmth: Funded by Cadent Gas, and working with NAVCA (the national membership body for local VCS umbrella organisations), SCVO is offering a package of support including training, some equipment to distribute and a modest amount of grant funding to voluntary and community organisations who are assisting local residents with a range of information and practical offers in respect of cost-of-living challenges and keeping warm during colder weather, for example, being part of the 'Sandwell Welcoming Spaces, campaign andlor the 'Places of Welcome. neork. 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 £1 million 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 challenges 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 services 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. As Phase 3 and the programme as a whole neared its end in March 2025, Covid Recovery funds had enabled over 4,000 Sandwell young people to be supported with their emotional wellbeing by 42 projects delivered by 16 charities and community organisations in Sandwell. Building Community Resllience in Sandwell: During 2024125, 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, working alongside a devolved grants programme for Sandwell that focused on new ways of building capability and confidence amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our local communities and on growing community resilience. Page 6
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 5-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 £2million 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. 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 June 2025). 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 and head towards 'close out,. 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. Sandwell Cultural Compact: In November 2024, SCVO were invited to take on the hosting for an interim manager for the emerging Sandwell Cultural Compact. The Sandwell Cultural Compact is a local partnership initiative that will work strategically to develop cross-sector relationships, support the cultural ecology and create a sustainable infrastructure for arts and culture in the borough of Sandwell. Utilising Arts Council funding, SCVO hosted a Compact Manager to work with local arts and cultural organisations, artists and freelancers, education providers, business leaders and Sandwell Council to scope, bring together, establish and develop a Sandwell Cultural Compact with a clear set of aims and priorities for the coming years. Page 7
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 Achievements and Performance SCVO produced 49 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 numerous workshops and training events, including topics such as Introduction to Fundraising, Volunteers and the Law, Introduction to Business Plans, Diversifying Income and four 'meet the funder, sessions benefitting over 130 participants in total. A range of face-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, forums and workshops focused on a wide range of topics including the SHAPE Forum, the children's services Star Practice Model and the Integrated Front Door, the Sandwell Community Offer for vulnerable adults, partnership working with the Integrated Care Board, engagement with Adult Social Care and CQC, the opening of the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Children's safeguarding and awareness of Working Together 2023, and the review of Sandwell youth service provision. In addition to this. SCVO.. Supported over 220 groupslorganisations with general development support including fundraising, governance, planning, financial management, networking and quality standards. Helped secure over £16million 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, financial support for sports clubs and community 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 continuing cost of living crisis in autumnl winter 2024. Distributed a total of over £800,000 locally to the voluntary sector through grant awards to over 100 organisations. 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 pandemic Financial review The financial results of SCVO 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 2025, total resources expended were £1,561,110 (2024 - £1,883,109) and the surplus of income over expenditure was £647 (2024- £35,008) which included depreciation of £374 (2024- £656) 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 Page 8
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 deposit account with CAF, a 95 day notice account with Redwood Bank and high interest accounts with Cambridge and Counties Bank, Nationwide 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 reseeS 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 forthe charity's service commitment. It is the intention of SCVO'S 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-to4ay operational costs such as employing staff to cover long-term sickness absence can be met. Funds are available to maintain staff during a gap between 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 for the 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 of the 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 reserve 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 staffing). 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 The Board of Trustees continue to work hard to ensure the business plan for the organisation drives the organisation fomard 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 periods 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 Page 9
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 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 a¢ssing this support for all, including how organisations can work better together, and champions the potential ofour sectorto develop effective home-grown responses to some of Sandwell's local challenges. Strategic Aims 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 - Increasing access to services and activities which help residents to make the best of life. 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 stsble SCVO. Structure, Governance and Ivlanagement Governing document SCVO 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 354 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. 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. When 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 Page 10
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 Articles ofAssociation, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and the recent financial performance ofthe charity. During the induction, they meet key employees and otherTrustees. 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-to4ay 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 of the 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 establishing strategies and long-term aims for the benefit of the 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). SCVO are one of four members managing Black Country Together CIO, an associated company which is joint-owned with Dudley Council for Voluntary Services, One Walsall and Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action. Black Country Together CIO is a charity 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 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 18 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. 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 Page 11
s.c.v.o. {A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 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 reseNe 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 seNice. 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. Page 12
s.c.v.o. (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 Trustees. responsibilities 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 statements 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. 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, Claire Dale Chair 25 September 2025 Page 13
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 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities. the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and noles 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 2025, and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure, for the year then have been properly prepared in accordance with Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance 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 statement5, 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 onditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. other information The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Page 14
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of s.c.v.o. {A Company Limited by Guarantee) (continued) Other information (continued) Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, ¢onsider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or othejwise 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 misslatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.. the information given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements., 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 course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which 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 accounting records and returns,. or certain disclosures of trustees. remuneration specified by law are not made- or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the trustees, report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees, Responsibilities statement (set out on page 13), 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 lo 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 ¢ease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Page 15
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) (continued) Auditorfs 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 fraLrd, 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 balan5 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 transaGtions reflected in the rinancial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also grealer 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.ukJauditorsresponsibilites. This description forms part of our auditor's report. Page 16
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 charrtable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and 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 B13JR 9 October 2025 Page 17
s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 Ivlarch 2025 Unrestricted Designated Restricted funds funds funds Total Total 2024 2025 Notes Income Incomé from charitable activities.. Income from charitable activities Income from trading activilies.. Rental income and room hire 270.032 1.248,023 1,518.055 1,878.251 350 350 499 Investment income 43.352 43,352 39.367 Total income 313,734 1,248,023 1.561.757 1,918,117 Expenditure Charitable activities.- Operational and support costs 259,853 1,301,257 1,561,110 1.883,109 Total expenditure 259,853 1,301,257 1.561.110 1,883,109 Net incomel{expenditurel before transfers 53.881 (53.234) 647 35,008 Gross transfers beeen funds 12 (118,615) 65,381 53.234 Net movement in funds {64,734) 65.381 647 35,008 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought fOard 12 148.062 347,637 495,699 460.691 Total funds carried forward 83.328 413,018 496,346 495.699 All of the charity's activities derive from Gontinuing operations during the above financial periods. There are no recognised gains and10sses other than those in the Statement of Financial Activities. Page 18
s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Company number . 03570517 Charity number . 1071514 Balance sheet as at 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 217 591 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 194.638 1,059,400 1,254,038 110,222 1.802,719 1,912,941 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 757,909 1,417.833 Net current assets 496.129 495,108 Net assets 496,346 495.699 Funds of the charity . Restricted funds General fund 12 Unrestricted funds General fund Designated funds 12 12 83,328 413,018 148.062 347,637 496.346 495.699 Total funds 496.346 495.699 These accounts have been prepared in aGGordan¢e with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The notes on pages 21 to 30 form part ofthese accounts. The financial ststements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 25 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by Claire Dale (Chair) Page 19
s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 March 2025 Noles 2025 2024 Cash flow from operating activities 15 (786,671) 24,989 Cash flow from investing activities Interest received 43,352 39,367 Net cash flow from investing activities 43.352 39,367 Net (decrease)lincrease in cash and cash equivalents (743,319) 64,356 Cash and ¢ash equivalents at 1 April 2024 1,802,719 1,738,363 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025 1,059,400 1,802,719 Page 20
s.c.v.o. {A Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 1. Accounting policles al 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 lo £1 per member of the charity. The company's registered number and regISted office can be found on the reference and administrative details page. The charity constitutes a public benefit enlily as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their ac¢ounts in accordance with the FinancAal 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 IFRS 1021, the Charities Act 2011. the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The financial slalements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements 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 sel out below. These policies have been consistently applied lo all years presented unless otherwise stated. b) Going concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for a period of 12 months from the date of authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. ¢1 Income recognition All incoming resources are included in the Slalemenl of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally enlilled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the incorne will be received. Grants receivable Grants are included in the Statement of Financial A¢tivilies on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes bul not expended during the period is shown in the levant funds on the balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income 1$ received. the income is accrued. Income from grants are COgniSed at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any perfomiance condition have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If enlillement is not met then these amounts are deferred. Donations Donations are recognised on a receivable basis where there is certainty of re¢eipl and the amount can be reliably measured. If there are conditions attached lo the donation and this requires a level of perfomiance before entillemenl can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is wlhin the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. Donated $ervices and gifts in kind Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it 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 Iling to pay in the open market for such facilities and servi¢es. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure. Page 21
s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the financial ststements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 1. Accounting policies Icontlnuedl c) Income recognition (continued) 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 the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is nomially 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 it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the seNice. 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 to third parties. il is probable that Ihe 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 a¢tivilies undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. Governance costs These include the costs allributable lo the trust's compliance with conslilutional and statutory QuireMents. including independent examination, strategic management and trustees, meetings and reimbursed expenses. IrCOVerable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose. el Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted fvnds of the charity which the Iruslee3 have decided al their discretion to set aside to Use for specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the trusl's work or for specific artistic projects being undertaken by the trust. f) Allocation of support ¢o$t$ Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance cost5 and administrative payroll costs. Where support costs cannot be d1CtlY attributed to particular headings they have been allocated lo cost of raising funds and expenditure on Charitable activities. The bases on which support costs have been allo¢ated are set out in note 4. Page 22
s.c.v.o. {A Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued} 1. Accounting policies (continued) gl Tangible fixed a$$et$ Tangible fixed assets are slated at cost lor deemed costl or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable lo making the asset capable of operating as intended. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates c81culaled to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a syslemalic basis over its expected useful life as follows= Fixtures and fittings 250/0 per annum on a straight line basis offi equipment 25./0 per annum on a straight line basis h) Debtors Operational and other debtors are recognised at the selllemenl amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid nel of any trade discounts due. il Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of a¢quisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. jl Liabilities 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 wll be required in selllemenl, and the amount of the selllemenl can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount il has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. k) Operating leases Rentals payable under operating leases are charged lo the SOFA on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. 11 Taxation The charity is an exempt ¢harity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. rn) Pension benefits The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable. n) Critical accountlng estlrnates and areas of judgement Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There are no critical accounting estimates or areas of judgement. Page 23
s.c.v.o. {A Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 2. Investment income Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Deposit account interest 43,352 43,352 39,367 43,352 43,352 39,367 3. Expenditure on charitable activities strateglc representation Development Commercial services activities Total 2025 Total 2024 Operational and support costs Staff costs Project costs Support costs (see note 4) Governance costs (see note 4) 358.946 57.820 1,021,778 44,227 32,795 449,561 1,021,778 83,143 6,628 430,130 1.358,464 87,225 7.290 35,726 6,628 3,190 401,300 1.123.825 35,985 1,561,110 1,883.109 Total expenditure on charitable activities was £1.561,110 {2024 £1.883,109) of which £259,853 (2024 £275.430) was unreslricted and £1,301,257 (2024- £1,607,679) was reslricled. 4. Analysis of support and governance costs General support Governance function Total 2025 Total 2024 Training and recruitment Insurance General office costs Accountancy services Legal and other professional Bank charges Auditols remuneration Other support costs 594 2,451 59,126 13,171 4.152 102 594 2.451 59.126 13.171 4,152 102 4.980 5.195 1,491 2,746 57,346 12,888 8,527 102 4.920 6,495 4.980 1.648 3,547 83.143 6,628 89,771 94,515 The allocation of general support costs is based upon Strategic, Development and Commercial income as a percentage of total income received. Governance costs are specific costs attributable to the charity. Page 24
s.c.v.o. (A Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued 5. Net incomel{expenditure) for the year Nel incomel{expenditure) is stated after charging.. Total 2025 Totsl 2024 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Operating lease rentals Premises Auditols remuneration 374 656 27,918 4.980 28,000 4,920 6. Trustees and key management personnel remuneration and expenses The truslees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year (2024 - £nil) and neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2024 - £nil). The charity considers its key management personnel comprise Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Director of Operations & Development and Creative Director. The total amount of employee benefils received by key management personnel was £210,127 {2024- £207,074). 7. Analysis of staff costs and numbers Staff costs . Total 2025 Total 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 392,159 33,972 23,430 449.561 375,868 32,135 22,127 430,130 No employees received total employee benefits of more than £60,000. Staff numberyJ . The average monthly number of employees and full time equivalents during the year was as follows.. 2025 Number 2025 FTE 2024 Number 2024 FTE Charitable activities Management 13 10 13 10 17 14 17 14 Page 25
s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 8. Tangible fixed assets Fixtures & fittings Office equipment Total Cost At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 14,698 74,824 89.522 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year 14,698 74,233 374 88,931 374 Al 31 March 2025 14,698 74,607 89.305 Net book values At 31 March 2025 217 217 At 31 March 2024 591 591 9. Debtors Total 2025 Totsl 2024 Debtors from operations Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 66,002 7.734 120.902 194,638 63,972 11,423 34,827 110,222 10. Creditors - amounts falling due within one year Total 2025 Total 2024 Creditors from operations Accruals and deferred income GM2LF Big Local Other creditors 17,944 706,529 31,411 2,025 757,909 44,495 1,339,630 31,866 1,842 1.417,833 The amount of£31,411 (2024- £31.8661 is for funds held on behalf of GM2LF Big Local. The Grace Mary to Lion Farm {GM2LF) Big Local is one of 150 community-led groups throughout England and Wales who have been granted £1 million to 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' (Locally Trusted Organisation) for the GM2LF Big Local Partnership. The amount held on behalf of GM2LF at 31 March 2025 is shown as part of the restricted fund in note 13. Page 26
s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 10. Creditors - amounts falling due within one year (continued) Totsl 2025 Total 2024 Deferred income Deferred income at 1 April 2024 Resources deferred in the year Amounts released from previous years Deferred income at 31 March 2025 1,328,233 219,150 849,151 698,232 1,480,398 763,254 915.419 1,328,233 Al the balance sheet date the charity was holding funds received in advance for seN1$ due to be delivered after the year end. 11. Commitments under operating leasesllicence agreements At 31 March 2025. the charity was commilled to making the following payments under non- cancellable operating leasesllicence agreements Land and buildings Total Total 2025 2024 Within one year Within two to five years inclusive 24.763 60,278 28,000 85,041 28.000 12. Analysis of funds Balance at Balance at 31 March 2025 Incoming resources Resources expended 2024 Transfers Restricted funds General fund 1,248,023 1,301,257 53.234 Unrestricted funds General fund Designated fund {1) Designated fund (2) 148,062 255.000 92,637 495.699 313.734 (259,853) (118.615) 90,000 24.619 53.234 83,328 345,000 68,018 496,346 313,734 259,853 Total funds 495.699 1,561,757 1,561,110) 496,346 Page 27
s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 12. Analysis of funds (continued} Name of fund Description. nature and purpose of fund Restricted general fund Money given to the charity where the donor requires that a grant or donation be spent for a specific project. Unrestricted general fund The free reseNes of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. Designated fund (1) The Emergency Operating Reserve is to safeguard the charity's service commilment as detailed in the ReseNes Policy included in the Report ofthe Trustees. The Trustee's decided at their annual review to increase this reserve to £345,000 Designated fund (2} Unrestricted income for which the Irustees had formerly designated to be used towards the operating costs of the charily in 2025126. 13. Analysis of net assets between funds Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by.. Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Totsl funds Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets 217 1,222,627 726.498 496,346 217 1,254,038 757,909 496,346 31.411 31,411 14. Capital commitments There were no capital commitments at either 31 March 2025 or at 31 March 2024. 15. Reconciliation of net in¢omel{expenditure} to net cash flow from operating activities Total 2025 Total 2024 Net income for the year Depreciation Interest receivable (Increase)Idecrease in debtors Decrease in creditors 647 374 (43.352) (84,416) {659,924) 35.008 656 139.367) 154.729 (126.037) Net cash flow from operating activities 786.671 24.989 Page 28
s.c.v.o. IA Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 16. Pension commitments The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the company to the scheme and amounted to £23,430 (2024 - £22,127). There were no oulstanding contributions al the end of the financial year (2024 - £nil). 17. Related party transactions The following related party transactions took place during the period Black Country Together CIC community interest company in which the charity owns 25 % by way ofguarantee 2025 2024 Services recharged to related party during the year Amount due from related party at year end 64,897 53,337 66,700 46,500 Krunch UK Jon Grant (trustee) is an employee (CEO) of Krunch UK and Laura Nolt (trustee, resigned 17 July 2025) is also a trustee 2025 2024 Grants paid to related party during the year 77,444 77,667 African Speaking French Community Support Jacques Matensi-Kubanza {truslee) is a trustee (chairman) of African Speaking French Community Support 2025 2024 Granls paid to related party during the year Amounts due to related party at year end 15,945 800 21,500 Ideal for All Limited Khatija Patel (trustee) is an employee (CEO) of Ideal for All Limited 2025 2024 Grants paid to related party during the year 6.143 30,874 Black Country YMCA Luke Tyler (trustee, resigned 27 March 2025) is an employee (Head of Health and Wellbeing Services) of Black Country YMCA 2025 2024 Grants paid to related party during the year 238 3,000 Page 29
s.c.v.o. (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 20251continued) 17. Related party transactions (continued) Sandwell Young Carers Geoff Foster (trustee, resigned 16 June 2025) is a trustee of Sandwell Young Carers 2025 2024 Grants paid to related party during the year 39,971 43,614 Sandwell Churches Link Jon Grant (trustee) is a trustee of Sandwell Churches Link 2025 2024 Grants paid to related party during the year 1,400 Breakthru CIC Wictoria Breakwell (trustee, appointed 26 Seplember 2024) is a director of Breakthru CIC 2025 2024 Grants paid to related party during ihe year 2,000 Communities in Sync Limited Claire Dale (Chair), Khalija Patel {Iruslee} and Mark Davis (CEO) are directors of Communities in Sync Limited 2025 2024 Income received from related party during the year Amounts due from related party at year end 1.070 450 Page 30