## Helping everyone to make a difference Annual Report 2023-2024 This page is intentionally blank ## **‘Helping everyone to make a difference’** Voluntary Centre Services (VCS) is operated by Urban Challenge Ltd, a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. We provide support to the community and voluntary sector as a volunteer development agency and a local support and development organisation. Our Board of Directors are responsible for the governance of the organisation, we have a small corporate management team and three district-based offices. Our services are delivered in three local authority Districts; Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey. Our mission is to enable the development of stable, thriving communities with the capacity to plan and manage lasting improvements to their quality of life. Our Core Values, which we seek to model in our behaviours, are: - **Empowerment** – We see the potential of individuals and communities, and support their - development - **Quality** – We are committed to delivering high quality services and being recognised for the - skills of our team - **Integrity** – We demonstrate honesty, respect for others and trustworthiness in all we do - **Inclusivity** – We believe everyone has a valuable contribution to make, and we encourage - participation ## **Supporters and Funders:** ## **Chair's Report 2023-24** I am delighted to report another very successful year for the Charity. This year saw the conclusion of the Greater Lincs MOVE project; a seven-year project that played a significant part in supporting people furthest from the labour market to progress towards learning, training and employment. The project achieved some excellent results and outcomes, supporting 1,219 participants overall with 353 moving into employment. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis shows for every £1.00 invested in the MOVE project, £3.48 of social value was generated. Our Social Prescribing service has expanded during the year and we now have a team of 17 Social Prescribing Link Workers who supported 2,622 people during the year. Link Workers are considered a key component of the Primary Care and Mental Health teams across Lincolnshire. Our Volunteering Brokerage service continues to unlock the community spirit that exists within our communities. Our Volunteer Centres have been instrumental in the development of new volunteering opportunities and have supported 939 volunteers to access local volunteering within their communities. We continue to work with our communities to identify solutions to local issues and challenges. During the year, we have developed locally-based projects including the Together Initiative and the Moving On Project. In August 2023, our Board of Trustees agreed to enter a formal partnership arrangement with Lincolnshire CVS under a federated arrangement and to operate under a jointly appointed Chief Executive and Senior Leadership and Management Team. The partnership model ensures both organisations retain their current Memorandum and Articles of Association, Charity Commission and Company House registrations and maintain separate Boards of Trustees, thereby retaining individual sovereignty and independence of decision-making and governing body status, whilst collaborating on policy, financial and workforce planning. The joint Chief Executive was appointed in January 2024 with the formal partnership and joint Senior Leadership and Management Team commencing on the 1st April 2024. LCVS and VCS have collaborated over many years on strategic and operational matters of shared importance. Through a process of reflection and joint consideration, both Boards of Trustees recognise the benefits of further broadening and deepening our collaboration and future management arrangements, in order to continue to deliver strong, evidenced social and economic value and address common challenges and opportunities at county and local level. The Board wishes to place on record the remarkable support given by employees and volunteers; their dedication and commitment is an example of the remarkable team that exists to further the aims of our organisation. **----- Start of picture text -----**
N I Jackson
Chair
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## **2023-24 Management Team** Ben Rollett **CEO** Heather Arnatt **Operations Lead** Dianne Slapp **Volunteering and Communities Lead** Jennie Eaton **Community Economic Development Lead** Kirsten Ingram **Social Prescribing Lead** ## **Volunteering** We believe that everyone has a valuable contribution to make to society. Volunteering is open to anyone and can bring great personal rewards. Whether you want a little help to start volunteering, have a disability, have experience of mental health issues, or just need a confidence boost, our mentors can help you get started on your journey. - We were delighted to receive our Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) in July 2023. - In January 2024, we launched our new Lincolnshire Volunteers Platform, in collaboration with Lincolnshire CVS and Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team. The public-facing platform allows people to view and connect with Lincolnshire's volunteering opportunities 24/7, and volunteer-involving organisations can manage their opportunities and volunteering activity free of charge. - Following a successful launch of the platform in January 2024, 224 volunteers and 43 organisations had registered within West Lincolnshire by April 2024. This contributed to 697 opportunities being promoted through the platform and 201 opportunity applications across Lincolnshire. - During 2023-24 we supported 441 volunteers to access volunteering opportunities within Lincolnshire. - We calculate the value of volunteering in West Lincolnshire through our Volunteer Centres to be £847k. ## **Group Support** If you have an idea for a community project, we can help you assess the demand for the service and set clear aims and objectives. We can support you in raising funds and identifying the right business model and advise you throughout the project. Additionally, community groups and projects can make use of our free platform to advertise opportunities and recruit new volunteers. - During 2023-24 we supported around 1000 groups and organisations through the dissemination of information on events, resources and opportunities to develop the community and voluntary sector. - We supported 352 community and voluntary groups in West Lincolnshire through capacity-building advice and support, helping local groups to secure £293,889 of funding. - We delivered 8 Funding Ready workshops and supported 51 groups to become funding ready. - We have developed a dedicated free Funding Page where organisations across Lincolnshire can access information on around 90 grant schemes. This page is accessed approximately 280 times monthly. - We have facilitated 13 face-to-face networking opportunities across West Lincolnshire in 2023-24 with 299 attendees. - We have also supported the development and running of the Lincolnshire Volunteer Managers’ Network. The first 2 meetings took place in 2023/24 with 62 people attending from across Lincolnshire online. - Our free online training for community groups continues to be well used, offering over 100 courses free of charge to learners across the sector. 128 community organisations benefited from course provision, and 988 courses were accessed throughout the year. ## **Social Prescribing** We offer support for people referred for Social Prescribing, enabling those in need to become more involved in community life in order to improve their health and wellbeing. Social prescribing is person-centred; we can discuss how your health and wellbeing could benefit from you getting more involved in your community and what there is on offer in the local area. - Our Social Prescribing Service supported 2,946 people with social, emotional or practical needs to access a range of local, non-clinical services and support, when a medical intervention of just treating clinical origins, is not getting to the root of an individual’s problem. ## **1274** **1274 1675 1506 1881** SP Cases carried Referrals received Cases closed Positive Outcomes forward from the for SP Support this year achieved previous year ## **Employability** ## **Multiply** VCS is leading the only partnership in Lincolnshire delivering Multiply, the adult maths programme funded through Lincolnshire County Council. The partnership prioritised delivering community-based learning in areas of multiple deprivation, particularly to those living in rural areas and thus finding it difficult to access adult education opportunities. Of the 312 substantive learners enrolled in 2023-24, 37% lived in the 50% of the most deprived areas in the UK, 70% lacked a GCSE ‘C’ or equivalent in English, and 84% lacked a GCSE ‘C’ or equivalent in Maths. We supported 55 learners through direct delivery of Multiply to complete courses in 2023-24. ## **Greater Lincolnshire Move** The Building Better Opportunities-funded MOVE project ended in June 2023, after 7 years of delivering holistic, person-centred employability support. This partnership of up to 24 charities and learning providers, led by VCS, supported 1219 participants, with 353 moving into employment and 168 moving into education or training at the end of their time with MOVE. Many more people completed courses and qualifications, began volunteering and/or got involved in social groups through their involvement in the project, which delivered £3.48 of social value for every £1 invested by the funders. ## **Moving On** With the shift to UKSPF funding for employability support, MOVE’s legacy is the North Kesteven Moving On project, funded for two years by NKDC from April 2023. At the end of March 2024, the project has already achieved it’s two-year targets, supporting 58 people with employability, education and/or volunteering. Of these, over 50% were supported to engage with community and social groups, 36% completed a course or qualification, 33% started volunteering and 20% were supported to access mainstream healthcare. 4 people were supported into sustained employment. ## **Additional Activities** ## **Sleaford Office Move** In January 2024 we closed our long-standing office at The Old Mart in Sleaford and fulfilled a long-standing objective to open a shop-fronted premises on Bristol Arcade in Sleaford. The new premises were formally opened in March 2024 and offer a range of flexible meeting room facilities to the community, as well as a significant upgrade for our Volunteer Centre team. ## **The Together Initiative** We worked collaboratively with partner agencies across the South West Ward of Gainsborough to develop a cohesive approach to addressing issues of concern to residents and the community through a new initiative known as Together. During the year, the team also secured funding to deliver a programme of activity around the Thorndike area funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. ## **Other Community Activities** Our Lincoln team have continued to support the Neighbourhood Boards and Lincoln Neighbourhoods Together Network (LNTN) to develop their independence and deliver a range of events and activities across their local communities. - Partnership working continues to be very important in maintaining our strong and cohesive sector. We Chair the VCSE Alliance and continue to work closely with partner organisations within the Involving Lincs community and voluntary sector consortium for Lincolnshire. - We are part of the Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team (LVET), working collaboratively with partner organisations to ensure the community and voluntary sector is engaged and embedded within the Lincolnshire health and care system. - We have continued supporting the development of the Local Motion partnership in Lincoln, which is funded by a collaboration of six national funders that would like to play their part in facilitating systemic, positive change in six locations facing economic, environmental or social challenges. - One of our senior management team members continues their secondment to LVET in the role of Social Prescribing Development Lead for Lincolnshire. ## **Statement of financial activities and balance sheet for the year ending 31st March 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £ £ £
INCOME & ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Investment Income 39 - 39 14
Charitable Activities 10,054 1,513,879 1,523,972 2,143,059
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 10,093 1,513,879 1,523,972 2,143,059
EXPENDITURE ON:
-
Raising Funds 5,000 5,000 5,000
Charitable Activities 134,359 1,438,796 1,573,155 2,123,883
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 139,359 1,438,796 1,578,155 2,123,883
NET INCOME / EXPENDITURE (129,266) 75,083 (54,183) 19,176
TRANSFERS 94,751 (94,751) (54,183) 19,176
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (34,515) (19,668) (54,183) 19,176
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total Funds Brought Forward 301,908 158,070 459,978 440,802
Total Funds Carried Forward 267,393 138,402 405,795 459,578
2024 2023
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets 25,887 3,663
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 89,326 55,740
Cash at Bank and in Hand 354,287 411,288
443,613 467,028
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 63,705 10,713
NET CURRENT ASSETS 379,908 456,315
TOTAL NET ASSETS 405,795 459,978
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unresricted Funds 267,393 301,908
Restricted Funds 138,402 158,070
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 405,795 459,978
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Lincoln c/o City Hall Beaumont Fee Lincoln LN1 1DF 01522 551683 North Kesteven West Lindsey 10 Bristol Arcade c/o Guildhall Sleaford Marshall’s Yard NG34 7ST Gainsborough DN21 2NA 01529 308450 01427 613470 Voluntary Centre Services info@voluntarycentreservices.org.uk www.voluntarycentreservices.org.uk Voluntary Centre Services is a service of Urban Challenge Ltd. Registered charity no. 1072949. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 3438413 URBAN CHALLENGE LIMITED Company Number: 03438413 Charity Number: 1072949 Financial Accounts for the year ended 31" March 2024 Saul Fairholm Limited Chartered Ae¢ountants 12 Telltercroft Street Lincolll LN5 7DB URBAN CHALLENGE LIMITED Financial Accounts tor the ear ended 31, March 2024 CONTENTS Company Information Chairn]an'8 Report Report of the Trustces 9-11. Independent Auditors, Report 12, Statement of Financial Activities 13. SumnLary Incom¢ and Expenditure Account 14. Balance Sheet 15. Statemcnt OF Cash Flows 16-25. Notes to the Accounts 26-28. Other Management lllfonnatloll URBAN CHALLENGE LIMITED Fln&n¢lal Accounts lor the ear elided 31" Mllrch 2024 Reference and Administrative details DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES: Mi. N I lackson (Chaiman) Mr I E Extance Rev L NNThitfield Mr G White MrPKDrury Ms S Hardy Mrs S Burke SECRETARY: Mr B Rollett REGISTERED OFFICE: City Hall Beaumont Fee Lincoln LNI IDJ AUDITORS: Saul Fairholm LÉmited Chartered Accountants 12 Tentercroft Street Lincoln LN5 7DB SOLICITORS: Chattertons St Swithin's Court l Flavian Road Nettleham Road Lincoln LN2 4GR BANKERS: Co-operative Bank PIC POBOX 101 l Balloon Street Mancbester M60 4EP COMPANY NUMBER: 03438413 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER.. 1072949 URBAN CHALLENGE LIllllTED Chairman'8 Re ort for the egdr ended 31. March 2024 I delighted to ieport another very success￿1 year for the Charity, Th¢ year started widi th¢ conclusioll of the Greater Lincs MOVE proj¢ct. The seven-year project has played a significant part in supporting people furthest froin the labour marlcet to progress towards learning, training and employment. The project achieved some excelLelll results and outcomes, supporting 1,219 participants overall with 353 moving into ¢mploynient, The Social Reti￿n on Investment analysis Sliows for evely £1.00 invested in the MOVE proje¢t, £3.48 of social valiie was g¢nerated. Our social prescribing s¢rvi¢e has Cxpanded during the year and we now have a team of sev¢ntc¢n Social Prescribing Link Workers who supported 2,622 people during the yeaT. They are considered a key component of the Prin]ary Care and Mental Healih teams a¢ross Lincolnshire, Our VolunteeA'ing Brolcerage service continiies to unlock the community spirit that exists within our cornmiu]ities and our Volunteer Centres have been instrumental in the development of new voliintcering opportunities and supported 939 volunteeis to access local volunteering within tbeir communities. We continue to work wkth our communities to identify 801utions to local issues aud challenges. During the year, we have dev¢loped locally based projects including the Tog¢ther Initiative and the Moving On Project, In August 2023, our Board of Trnstees agreed to enter a for￿81 Partnership anwigenient with Lincolnsbire CVS under a fedeiated aThngemenl and operate under a jointly appointed Chief Exe¢iitiv¢ and Senior Leadership and Management T¢am, The Partnership modcl ensures both organisations retain their ciwr¢nt Memorandum and Articles of Association, Charity Coinmission and ComptLny House regislrattons and maintain separate Board8 of Iru5t¢¢s, ttL¢reby retaining individ￿1 sov¢r¢ignty and independenc¢ of decision-making and goveining body status whilst collaborating on policy, financial and workforce planning. The joint Chief Execiitive was appointed in January 2024 with the foiinal partnership alld joint Senior Leadersbip and Man&gement Team commfflicing on tbe 1st April 2024. LCVS and VCS have collaboiated over many years on strategic and operational matters of shared importance. Through a process of reflection alld joint consideration both Boards of Trustees Tecognise tbe benefits of further broadening and deepening oiw collaboration and future manageJn¢nt a￿allEc￿ents, to coiitinue to deliver strong, evidenced so¢ial and economic vtLlue and address con]mon challenges and opportunittes at county and local level. The Board wishes to place on record the remarkable support given by employees and volunteers; their dedication and conimitment is an example of the remarkable team that ¢Kists to further the aims of our organisation. NlJack - Chairn]an 10 December 2024 URBAN CHALLE4 NGCI LIIVIITED ort of the Triigtees for the ear ended 31, March 2024 The Trustees, whD are also the Diiectors (or the pu4)ose of company law, present their ￿]n￿al report on tlie affairs of the Company, tog¢ther with the Accounts and AILditor's Report foT the above year. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES The aims of the Company are: i) TD develop the ¢apacity and skills of tkLe socially and economically deprived commurAities in Lincolnsliire, making them better able to identity and meet their own needs and so participate more fully in society. 2) TD eng8ge in social regener¥Ltion activities to improve the quality of life for people living in Lincolnshire through: Capacity building - equipping people with the slcills and l(nowledge to take an active role in ￿generatIOn issues and enhance their own p¢isonal development Community economic development - helping individuals and ￿0upS gupport their conllnunity througli developing sustainable enterprises 3) To promote and faciLitat¢ participation in volunteering alld social action. To promote any charitable purpose5 for the benefit of the community including the relief of poverty, advancernent of education and such other p￿poSeS as the trnstees shall think fit. Our missioll is to ellable the developrll¢llt of stable, thriving conLnunities witli die capacity to plan and manag¢ lasting improv¢m¢nts to their quality of life Our vision is of a strong and pro-active Community and voluntary sector improving th¢ liv¢s of people in Lincolnshir¢ The Company obtained cbaritable staths on 14" December 1998 ￿ld is a C,ompany Limited by Guarantee, governed by its Mcmor{￿dutll and Articles of Association. On 20 lune 2005 the governing document was am¢nded to expand the charitable Ar¢a of Benefit to Lincolnshire (it was previously focussed on the City of Lincoln). Public Benefit Statement The Company aims arc translated into two cor¢ th¢mes: l. Development of the Community and Voluntary Sector: Influence: We support local voluntary organisations and conununity groups to influencc policies, plans and practices that have an impact on th¢ir organisations and beneficiaries. Development: We support the identification of needs in the local community and facilitate innovation and iJnprov¢m¢nts in service provision to mcct those needs. URBAN CHALLENGE LIMITED ort of the Trustees for the ear ended 31" March 2024 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (CONT'D) Support: We equip voLuntary organL8ations and community gTOiiPS With the tools and infoiThation they n¢ed to help them mak¢ a difference ill the conllniinities they worlc in. We provide tLaining and support on a wide range of tOPlCS to empower the voliu]tary and community sector to become more resilient. Collaboration.. We facilitate effective communicatioll and Collaboration aLnonsst local voluntary orgiinisatlolls and cominunity groups and between different sectors. 2, Development of Volunteering Voice of Volunteering: We deLiv¢r positive messages about the benefits and diverse nature of volunteering and support local organisations to market their opportunities to the widest possible audi¢n¢e. Volullteer Brokerage: We provide a MatTÉX accredit¢d interview and matching service, siipporting volunteers, host organisations and cominunities to get the most out of volunteering opportunities. Strategic Development of Volunteering: Wc prioritlse the steps needed to address issues which have the gTeatest impact and relevance on volunteering loc(￿ly. Good Practlce Development: We provide quality volunteer management learning provision to Vollinte￿ involving organisatioiis, Developlng Volunteerliig Opportunltles: We worlc in close partnership with local volunteer iiivolving organisations, to understllnd the potential foT, and to develop voll￿teerillg witbm the Community, Activity & Aehievements I)uring 2023-24.. We supported 352 coinmunity and voluntary groups in West Lincolnshire through capacity building advice and support, helping local groups to secure £293,889 of funding. We supported 93£) volunteers to access volunteering opportunities within Lincolnsbire. We calciilate th¢ value of volunte¢ring in West Lincolnshire Lbrough our Volunteer Centres to be £847,372 We supported (iround 1,000 groups and organisations through the diss¢min&tion of inforniation on events, resoiir¢¢s and opportullities to develop th¢ commimity and voluntary sector. We delivered 8 Funding Ready workshops alld supported 51 groups to become funding ready. We concluded delivery OE the Greater Lincolnshire MOVE (NIoving on, voIL￿teerIng and employability) Proj¢¢t which supported 1,219 people overrycll with 352 (29%) securing employment or self ¢mployment. The ESF and Big Lottery funded project broiight together a wide range of local community and voluntsry s¢ctor partners to SUPPOTI people furthest from the lic bour nurl<¢t to progress into traming, volunteering, lean]ing and enLployment. URBAN CHALLENCE LIMITED ort of the Triistees for the ear ended 31" March 2024 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIvrfIES (CONT'D) Through the YES Project our Youth Engag¢inent Lead supported 75 young people that hadn't been in ¢mployrn¢nt, education or training tbrough a holistic one to on¢ support package to overcome theii. challenges and progress into voliinteering and practical programmes developing skills as well as more forn￿1 training, apprenticeships, alld einployment. Our Social Presclibing SeLvice, supporled 2,946 people with social, emotional or practical needs to a¢cess a range of local, non-clinical services and support, wheu a medical intervention of just treating clinkcal origins is not getting to the root of indÈvidual's problem. W¢ worked collaboratively wÈth partner agencies aaoss the South West Ward of Gainsborougli to develop a cohesive approach to addTessing issues of concern to residents and tb¢ conllnunity throiigh a new initiative known as Together. Dluing the year, the team also secured funding to deliver a prO￿amMe of activity aroimd the Thorndike area ￿llaed by the Heritage Lottery Fund. We commenced delivery of the Moving On Project in North Kestevell fLU]ded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This programme supported 58 people during the year with I I people supported to engag¢ with Jnainstreain healthcare, 21 people completing a course or qualification, 4 people securing sustained employment, 19 peopLe accessing fullctional skills cours¢s and 19 p¢opl¢ volunt¢ering in their Local comtnunity, Our partnership deLiverkng the Multiply n.um¢racy progranvne supported 312 substontiative le￿nerS and 371 outt'each learners across Lincolnshire. INANCIAL REVIEW The net inov¢meiit in funds of th¢ Company for the year was & deficit ot £54,183 (2023 surplus of £19, l 76), of which a deficit OF £34,515 (2023.. sury)lus of £7,213) related to uJ]restricted reserves and a deficit of £19,668 (2023.. surplus of £11,963) related to restricted res¢rv¢s, The iinrestsicted deficit arises in part diie to £94,751 (2023.. £15,758) contribution to iiidireci overheads from restricted funding sourG¢s in lille with the related funding agreements which has been allocated to ullrestricted reserves as a transfer between fimds. RESERVES POLICY The I'rust¢¢s regularly review the reseLves of the Charity. This review encoinp855¢8 the natur¢ of thc incoine and expenditure 8treams and the need to inaintain adeqiiate workillg eapital for all ¢or¢ costs and liabilities. Th¢ Trustees h&v¢ ¢stablished a policy wheT¢by the unrestricted funds held by the Charity shoLild incliide between tlll'ee and six months core costs, which cunently equates to £175,000 to £350,000. INVESTMENT POLICY Ther¢ ar¢ no restrictions on the Company's power to invest. The investtll¢nt stsat¢gy is set by the Trustees, regularly reviewed, and tak¢s accoullt of recent demands for funds. The Trnstees consider income reqiiirements and risk profiles in forn]ulating this strategy. URBAN CHALLENGE LtMITED ort of the Trustees for the ear ended 31" March 2024 STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The organisation's services are delivered in three local authority districts, and have been organised and tenned to reflect local circumstances. Services are therefore d¢liv¢ied lo¢&lly as Voluntary Centre Services, The VC8 brand stands for Voluntary Centre Seivices and is the Ulnbrella brand under which the Volullte¢r Centre licence ￿ld logos appear. The affairs of the organisation are tnanaged by the Board of Directors. Appointments to the Board are detennined by the coinpany membership at the Anllual General Meeting. The Board d¢liver ill liiie with Trustee and Jnanageinent Committee National Occiipatiollal Staiidards: Safeguard and Promote the valiies and mission of the organisation Detern]ine the strategy and s￿[c￿re of the organisation Ensure the organisation operates in an effective, respoiisible and accoiintable manner Ensure the effective functioning of the org7Anisation's board The Dire¢tors/Trust¢es meet at least quarterly to administer the Companys makiiig decisions jointly. The day to day management of the Charity is delegqÉ t¢d to Ben Rollett. the Chief Executive and Secretary. The management of the area offices is undertaken by the Ar¢a Co-OTdinators. The staff team is supported by a team of around 2540 volunteers. The Ch&rKty is committed to delivering services which are: responsive to local circun]stances' developed in response to consultation with beneficiaries and stalttholders. well planned and managed. can be effectively m0aitor￿ and ¢valuated, Quality standard frameworks, assessments and awards are tools that we use to track and demonstrate this commitment. There are Cu￿entlY 3 quality assurance stalld￿ds that WL opei'ate to: Volunteer Centre Quality Awards (VCQA) NAVCA Quality Awards Matrix Quality Award TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for prep￿illg the Anniial Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Law applicable to Charitabl¢ Compani¢s in England and Wal¢s reqLiires the Tiiistees to prepare accounts for each financial year. Under that law the TnLStees have elected to prepare the f￿L￿cl statements in accordance with United Kingdom Gellerally Accepted Accounliiig Practice (United Icingdom Standards and applicable law). Th¢ financial statements are required by law to give a trLie and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable Company and of the financial activities of the Cliarilable co￿panY for that period. In prcparing those accounts the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply tliem consist¢ntly; make Jiidge￿ellts and estimates that are reasonable and prud¢nt' follow applicable accounting standards and statements of recommcnded practice, subject to any mat¢rial departur￿ disclosed and explained in the accounts. prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charitable Company will continiie in business. URBAN CHALLENGE LIMITII D Re ort of the Trustees for the ear ended 31" March 2024 (Cont'd) TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES (CONT'D) The Trustees ¢ire r¢spon5ible for keeping adequate accounting records which dis¢los¢ with r¢asonabl¢ accuracy at any time the financial position of the ChaTltable Compciny and to enable them to ensure that the accoiinls comply with the T￿￿t Deed, Charities Regulations and the Companies Act 2006. They are cilso responsible for safegiiarding the assets of the Charitable Comptmy and li¢nce for taking reasonable steps for the prevelltion alld detectioll of fraud alld other irregularities, DISCLOSURE OF 11¥4FROMATION TO AUDITORS Each of th¢ p¢rson8 who arc Trustees at the tim¢ when tbis Tniste¢s' report is appioved has confinned that.. there is no relevant audit infonnation of which thc Charitable Company's auditors are unaware, and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have talcen to inalce thetnselves aware of ally relevant aiLdit infonnation and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. RISK REVIEW Th¢ Trustees regLdarly review the major risks to which the Charity is exposed alld systems have been cstablish¢d to mitigate those ri81cs. Project8 are generally for a 1-3 year p¢riod and during thts time th¢ Icey fociis is on securing sustainable funding for the duration of the project. A core staff team are retained with additional support staff appointed to deliver sp¢cific projects in line and for the duration of funding for those proje¢ts. Ext¢Tnal risks to funding havc led to the development of an action plELn to allow for the diversikication of fwiding and activities. Internal iisks are minimised by the implementatton of procedures for authorisation of aLI traJ]sactions mc d to ensure cotisist¢nt quality of delivery for ull operational aspects of th¢ charitabl¢ company. These procedur¢s are periodically reviewed to Cnsiue that they still meet the needs of the Ch￿itY. GRANT MAKINC POLICY Where funding and contracts &llow for grdiit iT￿kIng, the Company invites applicutions for small grants from ttLiTd sector groiips and organisations whtch support th¢ Company's aims, The grant applicatioii and approval processes are determined by tbe fijnding agency and enacted in line with policies approved by the Trustees. AUDITORS Approv¢d by order of the mcmbers of the board of The auditors, Saul F&irholm Limited, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTIL4TIVE DETAILS The Charity registration nunLber is 1072949 and the Company registration number is 03438413. Tbe registered oftice of the Company is City Hall, BeaLunont Fee, Lincoln, LNI IDJ. URBAIY CHALLEI NGE LIMITED ort of the Trustees for the St ear ended 31 March 2024 (Cont'd) DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES The Directors of the Coinpany, who aiE also its Trustecs for the PLirpose of Chaiity Law, at the end of the year and to the date of approval of this report were.. Mi. N l Jackson (Chairman) Mr l E Extallce Rev L Whitfield . G White MrPKDnwy Ms S H￿aY Ms S Bi￿ke OTHER RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS The Charity's solicitors ar¢ Chattertons, St Swithins Court, l Flavian Road, Nettleham Road, Lincoln, LN2 4GR. Tlie Charity's banlcers air Co-operative Bank plc, PO BOA 10 I, l Balloon Street, Manchester, M60 4EP. This report has been prcpar¢d in accordanec with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Authorised tor issue on IO, December 2024 B Rollett - Secretary INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF URBAN CHALLENGE LIMITED OPINION We h&ve audited tlie financial statements of Urban Challenge Liinited (the "C]witable Company") for the year ended 3 ISI Mar¢h 2024 which compris¢ the Statem¢nt of Financial Activitics, the Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, inclliding a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting frameworlc tliat has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United ￿ngdorn Accounting Stalldards, including Financial R¢porÈing Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable ill the UK (United Kingdom Gene￿IlY Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, tILe financial statement8.'- give a twe and fair view of the stats of thc Charity's affairs a8 at 31" March 2024 and of its incoming reSol￿ceS and application of r¢soillces for the year then ended; have been properly prepar¢d in aocordance with United l(ingdom Gen¢rally Accepted Accoiinting Practice. have been prepared in accordance with the reqiiircmellts of the Companies Act 2006. BASIS FOR OPINION W¢ conducted our audit in accordance with Illternatiollal Stalldards on Auditing (trK) OSAS (UK)) and applicable law, Our responsibklities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the finallcial statements section of our report, W¢ are independent of the Charitable Company in accordanrc with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Etl]ical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilitie8 in accordance with these requirement5. We believe that the audit ¢vid¢nc,¢ we have obtained is SLrfficient and appropriate to provid¢ a basis for our opinion. CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN In auditing the financial statemtllts, we have concluded that the trustees, us¢ of the going concern basis of a¢￿V￿tillg in th¢ preparation of the financial staten]entg is appropriate. Based on the worlc we have performed, we hav¢ not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or ¢oll¢ctively, Lnay cast significant doubt on tb¢ Charitable Company's ability to continue as a going ¢oncern for a p¢riod of at least 12 months from when the financial statements are &uthorised for issue. Our responsibilities £md the r¢sponsibilities of thc tnLStees with respect to going concern are described ill the relevant sections of this report. OTHER INFORMATION The trustees are responsible for the other inforn]&tion. The other infonnatioii comprises the inforn]ation included in the annual report other t1￿) th¢ financial statements and our auditor's r¢port ther¢on, Our opinion on the fRnancial statements does not covcr the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our repoo we do not expr¢ss any fom of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the f￿anCIal statertLellts, our responsibillty is to read the other inforn]ation and, in doing so, consider whether the other inforniation is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or oth¢nvise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatem¢nts, we are required to detennine whether there 18 a material n]isstat¢ment in the finkmcial statements or a material misstat¢rn¢nt of the other infonnation. If, based on the work we have perfonned, we conclu(k that there is a tllatcrial misstatement of this other lnf0nnatio￿ we ar¢ required to report that fact. We hav¢ nothing to report in this regard. 10. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REI PORT TO THE MEMBERS OF URBAN CIIALLENGE LII%IITED (CONT'D) OPINIONS ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 In our opinion, based on tlie WOTk undertaken in the coiirse of the audit.'- the infornydtion gtven in the tru8t¢¢s' report (in¢O￿oT&ting the strategic report and the directors, report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statemellts. and the trnstees, report (incorpoL7tillg the strategic report and tbc directors, report) have been prepar￿ in accordance with applicable legal requireinents. MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARI REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION In the light of the knowledge and understallding of the Charity and its environtn¢nt obtsined in the course of the audit, we have not identifi¢d material misstatements in the Trnstees, Annual Report including the Strategic Report, We have nothing to r¢port in respect of the following matter8 in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 require8 US to report to you if, in our opinion'.- adeqiiate accounting records have not been kept or rettmis adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by u8. the financiaE statetnents are not in agreement with the accounting recoids and returns. certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made. or we have not obtained all the infomiation and explanations necessary for t￿¢ purposes of our audit. the trustees were not entitled to prepare the fjnancial statements Ill accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the snMII companies, exemptions in PTeparing the trustees, report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. RLSPOLNSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES As explailled rnore fully in the trustees, responsibiliti¢s st&tement set out on pages six and seven, tb¢ trustees are responsible for the prep￿ation of the financial statements and for beillg satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they detennine 18 neLessary to enable the preparation of ffftancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the tnLStees ar¢ responsible for assessing th¢ Charity's ability to continLie as a going Concern, disclosing, as applicabl¢, Matters related to goillg concern and using thc going concern basis of accounting unless the trLlStees eithei intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative biit to do so. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Oiw objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the fin8¢ncial stateiYLcnts as a whole are fr¢e from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that incliid¢s our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assuranc¢, but is not a guaralltec that an aLidit conduot¢d in accordance with ISAS {UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatemaits can arise from fraud OT error and are considered material if, iiidividually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to inlluence the cconon]ic decision8 of users talc¢n on the basis of these financial statements. INDEPENDEI NT, AUDITORSY REPORT TO TFJE iKEIVIBERS OF URBAN CHALLELNGEf LIMITED (CONT'D) OUR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEIVIKNTS (Cont'd) Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and reglilations. We desigtk procedures in lill¢ with our responsibilities, oiitlined above, to detect material misslatemenls in respect of irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: W¢ Iiave identified areas of laws and regldations that could reasonably be expected to have a maLerial effect on the fili{￿ClaI State￿¢llts from our general coiThn¢rcial experience, knowledge of the sector, a review of reglllatory and l¢gal correspoiidence and through discussions with Trn8tee6 and other management obtained as part of the work required by auditing standards. We have also discussed with the T￿Ste¢S and other management the policies and procedures relating to complian¢e with laws and regulations. We Lommunicated laws and regulations throughout the team and remined ￿ert to ally indications of non-compliance tjll'oiighout tbe audit. The potential impact of different laws and regulations varies coiisiderably. I'he Charitabl¢ Company is subject to law8 and regulations that directly impact the financial statements and we have assessed the extent of compliance with siich laws as part of our fmancial stateinents audit. We evaluat¢d Inanagement's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipiilation of the financial statenents (including rislc of oveLTide of controls) and detemiined that the principal risl(s were related to nwiagement bias in accounting estimates and judgemental areas of the financial statements such as depreciation of tangible fixed assets. We carried out detailed sub8t8ntive tests on accounting estimates. includtllg reviewing the methods used by management to rllake those estimates, re-performing the calculation, and reviewing the outcoine ofprior year estimates. Wc arc not responsible for preventing non-¢oinplianr¢ ￿ld cannot be expected to detect non- compliance with all laws and Tegulations. A further descTlPtion of our i-esponsibilities for the aL￿[t of the financial statements 18 located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uldauditorsresponsibilities. This description fonns part of our auditor's report. USE OF OUR REPORT This report is made solely to the Charity, s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of th¢ Colnp￿leS Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's rnembcrs thos¢ matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpos¢, To the fullest extent permitt¢d by law, we do not accept or assumc responsibility to anyone other than tlie Charity's members as a body, for our audit worL for this report, or foi the op ions we have formed. Roger White (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Saul Fairholm Limited, Statutory Auditor 12 Tentercroft street Lincoln LN5 7DB l O" December 2024 12. URBAN CHALLENCE LIMITED statement ot Financial Activities for the ear ended 31" March 2024 Unrestrlcted Restricted Funds Fuiid8 Total 2024 Total 2023 Notes INCOME AIND ENDOITrNENTS FROM: Charitable activities Investment Income 10,054 39 1,513,879 1,523,933 39 2,143,045 14 TOTAL 10,093 1,513,879 1,523,972 2,143,059 EXPENDITURE ON: Raisiiig Funds Charitable Activities 5,000 134,359 5,000 1,573,155 5,000 2,118,883 1,438,796 TOTAL 139,359 1,43R,796 1,578,155 2,123,883 NET INCOMD(EXPE4 IYDITURE) (129,266} 75,083 {54,183) 19,176 TRANSFERS 14 94,751 (94,751) IT MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (34,515} (19,668) (54,183) 19,176 RECONCtLIATION OF FUNDS Total Funds Brought Forward 301,908 158,070 459,978 440,802 Total Fullds Carried Forward 267,393 138,402 405,795 459,978 13. URBAN CHALLENGE LIMlfED Summa Income and Ex enditure Account for Ihe ear ended 31" Mthrch 2024 2024 2023 Gross In￿rne of Continuing Operations 1,523,972 2,143,059 Total Expenditure of Contiiiuing Op¢￿tionS 1,578,155 2,123,883 Net Incomel(Expenditure) for th¢ Year (54,183) 19.176 Thcre w¢rc no gains or losses in either the current or pie¢edillg year otheT than those disclos¢d in the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, and the results derive trom continuing activities. 14. URBAN CEIALLENGE LIMrrED BaIance Sheet as at 311t March 2024 Notes 2024 2023 YLXED ASSETS Tangible Assets li 25,887 3,663 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at Bank and in Hand 12 89,326 354,287 55,740 411,288 443,613 467,028 CREDITORS Amoiints falling due within one year 13 63,705 10,713 NET CURRENT ASSETS 379,908 456,315 TOTAL NET ASSETS 405,795 459,978 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 14 14 267,393 138,402 301,908 158,070 TOTAL CHA￿Ty r￿UNDs 405,795 459,978 The Tn￿teeS acl(nowledge their responsibilities for complykng with the requirements of the Act with respect to acLountÉng records and preparation of the fillancial statements. IIL Th¢ financial statements w¢ie approved by the Board of Twstees on 10 December 2024 and weir signed on its behalf by., N I Jackson - cctor I E Extdnce - Director Company Number: 03438413 15. URBAN CHALLENGE LIMITED Statemeiit of Cash Flows for the ear ended 31¥t March 2024 Notes 2024 2023 CASH fiLOWS FROM OPLRATING ACTIVITIES Net cash flows from operatlng activitles (26,593) (15,152) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING AcrivtTIES Interest received PLuchase of propety, plant and ¢quipm¢nt 39 (30,447) 14 Net cash flows from investing activitle5 (30,408) 14 CASH FLOWS fROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net cash flows from hnancing activities Net (decrease)/incTease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at i st April 2023 (57,001) 411,288 {15,138) 426,426 Cash and cash equivalents at 3151 March 2024 354,287 411,288 Reconciliation of net income to net cash flows from o eratin activities Net Incomel(Expenditure) for the reporting period (a$ per the, statement of financial position) Adjustment for: Depreciation charges Interest received Decreasel(Increase) in Debtors Increase/{Decrease) in Creditors (54,183) 19,176 8,223 (39) (33,580 52,992 5,820 (14) (46,767) 6,633 Net cash provided by operating aLtivities (26,593) (15,152) 16. URBAN CHALLENGE LIMrfED Notes to the Accoiints for the ear ended 31, March 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of PreparatAon The fllwicial statements have been pr¢par¢d in aLcordance with Accoiinting alld Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recoinmellded Practice applicable to ¢hariti¢s preparing their accounts in accordance with th¢ Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK dnd Republic of Ii'eland (FRS 102) (¢ff¢ctive I" January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), th¢ Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Aet 2006. Urban Challenge Liniited ineets the defiiiition of EL public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are iuitially Tecognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwis¢ stated in the relevant accoullting policy. The principal accounting poEiGi¢s adopted in the preparation of the financAal st8kin¢nts are as follows.. Preporatlon of the accounts on a going concern basis The accounts have been prepared on a going ¢on¢em basis. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties abolit Urban Challeng¢ Limited's ability to coiitinue as a going concem. Income Recognition Income Grants receivable and pay&ble are ac￿Ued to the Incoine and Expenditure Account for tkne period to which they relate. Donations and Grants Income from donations and grallts, including capital ￿ants, are illcluded in incoining resources when these are iec¢ivable, except as follows., When donor8 specify that donations and grants given to the Charity must be used itl fiittw¢ accoiinting periods, the incoJn¢ is deferred until those peiÈods. Wlien dollo￿ impose Conditions which have to be fulfilled before the Charity becomes entitled to use sucli income, the income is deferred and not included in iiicoming resources until the pre-conditions for use have been met. When donors specify that donations and graiit8, including capital grants, are for partlCLLlar restricted purposes, which do not amoullt to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this ill¢om¢ is illcliid¢d ill incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable. Resources Expended Liabilities are recognised as ¢xpetLditui-e as soon as thcre is legal or constructive obligatioll Committing thc Charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of ¢conomic bencfit will be required in s¢ttl¢ment and the amount of obligation can be measured r¢ltably. Exp¢ndittire is accounted for on an accnHls basis, illcliisiv¢ of any VAT, and has been classified iu]der headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Wher¢ costs cannot be dir¢¢tly attributed to particular Iieadings they have 17. URBA￿ CHALLENGE LIIIIITED Notes to the Accounts for the ear ended 31" March 2024 (Cont'd) ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT'D) Re.sources Expended (Conl'd) be¢ll allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. These are split between the cost of geiierating funds, charitable activities 8nd governance costs, accordillg to tbeir nature. Expeildi￿re oil charitable activities is incurred on directly undertalang the activities which furth¢r the Charitie'& objectives, as well as any support costs. Allocation and apportlonment of costs Support costs are thos¢ fi￿ctiOnS that assist the worlc of the Charity but do not threctly undertake charitable activities. Support ¢osls incliide baclc offLGe costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which siipport the Trusts activities. These costs have been allocated to charitable activities. The basis on which support costs ave been alLo¢ated is partly ccording to the costs directly in¢urr¢d in those areas and partly on the basis of staff nunibers directly employed. Interest Receivable Interest is included when receivable by the Charity. Fund Accounting Fwids h¢ld by the Charity are either: Unr¢stricted general funds - these ar¢ funds whiLh CELn be ￿ed in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Tnistees. Restricted ￿ll]d8 these are funds that can only be used for p￿tIcular r¢strictcd pulyoses within th¢ objects of the Charity. Restrictions ￿￿5¢ when specified by the donor or when ftinds are rais¢d for particular restricted puryoses. Further explanation of the na￿re and purpose of each ftind is included in th¢ iiotes to tbe hnancial stateinents. Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlejnent amount due atter any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after takt'ng account of any trade discounts due. Tangible Fixed Assets Tangible flxed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is calailated to writ¢ off cost less any residual vallie on a straight line basis over thetr estimated useful lives as follows.. Annual Rate 330/0 Office Equipment Tangibl¢ fixed assets which cost less than £100 are not consid¢r¢d material and are written off in full in the period in which tbe eKp¢Lise is incwTed. 18. URBAN CHALLENGE LIMITED Notes to the Accounts for the ear ended 31" March 2024 (Cont'd) ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT'D) Credltors 2nd provlslons Creditors and provisions ar¢ recognised where the charity has & preseiit obligation resulting from a past event that will probably resiilt in th¢ transfer of funds to & third party the amount diie to settle the obligatiou can be measured or estimated Teliably. Creditors and provisions are nornially rec()gnised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash ¢quival¢nts include casb at bank and cash in Iwid as well as short terni investments with a rnatLirity date of l year forni the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Taxation The Charity is considered to pags the tests set Dut in Para￿ap￿ I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and tELerefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK Corporation tax puTros¢s. Accordingly) Lhe Charity is potentially exempl frorn t&xation in respect of incon]e or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part I l ot.the Corporatioii Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent Lhat such income or gains are applied exclusively to haritablc pury)os¢s. Pellslon Costs The Charity participates in a defined contribution scheme. Pension costs ror¢settt the amoiint payable by the Company in respect of the year. Volunteer eontRibutions Honor￿ officers, trustees and volunteers provide SLlPPOrt to St Barnabas Hospice Trnst (Lincolnshire). It is not practical nor feasible to place a value on the tiEne voliillt¢cred by these persons. CRITICAL AccouiYfiNG ESTIMATES AND AREAS OF JUDGEMENT Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and arc based on historical experience and other factors, including exp¢¢tatlOllS of future events that are b¢lieved to be reasonable under the circuLllStances. The Chc2tity malce.% estimates and assillnptions concerning th¢ ftiture. The resulting estimat¢s and assumptions will, by definition, seldojn equals the related actual rcsults. The estimates and assiirnptions that have a significant risk ot causing a material adjustnent to the carrying aLnounts of assets and liabilities within the next flliancial year are discuss¢d below. Icey soiiires of estimation i￿CertaInty'. Tangible fixed assets, othef than inv¢slm¢nt properties ar¢ depreciated over their useful lives taktng into accol￿t resiLlual values, where appropriate. The actual lives ot the assets and residual values are assiuned annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. In re- assessing asset lives, factors such as teclmological innov