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 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 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 ne￿Ork 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. ne￿ork.
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 rese￿eS 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 balan￿5 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 be￿een 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 fO￿ard
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 regISte￿d 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.
Ir￿COVerable 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 d1￿CtlY
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