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2023-09-30-accounts

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

Company No. 03832423 (England & Wales) Charity no. 1081369

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Myrus Smith Chartered Accountants Norman House 8 Burnell Road Sutton, Surrey SM1 4BW

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

Contents

Page No.
Report of the Board of Trustees 2 - 16
Report of the Independent Auditors 17 - 19
Statement of Financial Activities 20
Balance Sheet 21
Statement of Cashflows 22
Notes to the Financial Statements 23 - 32

1

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The Board of Trustees presents its report and audited financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023.

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name: Volunteer Centre Greenwich Volunteer Centre Greenwich
Charity Registration Number: 1081369
Company Registration Number: 3832423
Registered Office and
Operational Address: Equitable House
1st Floor
7 General Gordon Square
London SE18 6FH
Board of Trustees Theresa Pini Chair (until May 23)
Jonathan Fricker Chair (from May 23)
Jonathan Fricker Vice Chair (until May 23)
Melanie Taylor Vice Chair (from May 23)
Deborah Wallis Treasurer
Kate Askew
Chris Grigsby
Sarah Joseph
William Wilson
Company Secretary Michelle Martin
Senior Management Team Michelle Martin Chief Executive
Nadine Fulker Operations & Services Manager
Auditors Myrus Smith, Chartered Accountants, Norman House
8 Burnell Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 4BW
Bankers Unity Trust Bank PLC, Nine Brindleyplace,
Birmingham B1 2HB

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 26 August 1999 and registered as a charity on 30 June 2000.

The company amended its Articles of Association, before formally changing the company name to Volunteer Centre Greenwich (VCG), extending its area of benefit to the rest of England. This enables the organisation to use online resources to notify members of the AGM and to accept proxy votes. The objects of the charitable company remain the same.

Recruitment and Appointment of Board of Trustees

The Directors of the Company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the Board of Trustees. Under the requirements of the Articles of Association the members of the Board of Trustees are elected to serve for a term of three years and a maximum of nine years after which they may stand for re-election after standing down for one year.

The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure the needs of volunteers are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the Trustee body. To enhance the pool of Trustees, the charity proactively advertises and promotes access to the Board of Trustees by local volunteers.

Trustee Induction and Training

Potential new Trustee members are initially invited to observe a Trustee meeting following a meeting with the Chair. The potential trustee can then proceed to the application and interview process. If successful, new Trustees attend an induction session with the Chief Executive, this covers:

An induction and information pack is given to new Trustees drawing on information from various Charity Commission publications and the Commission’s Guide “The Essential Trustee”. The pack also includes all the relevant papers and documents needed as well as minutes of the previous two Trustee meetings.

The charity also seeks to ensure a high level of skills and experience from the voluntary, community and business sectors as well as representation from local volunteer involving agencies.

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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Trustee Induction and Training /contd…

In an effort to maintain this broad skill mix an annual skills audit of the Board is conducted. In the event of particular skills being lost due to changes on the Board individuals may be approached to apply for election.

Risk Management

The Board of Trustees has conducted its own review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. External risks to the future funding for the core functions led to the diversification of funding, development of the consultancy and training provision and reduction in expenditure. However, the ability to generate income through our training and consultancy services was severely impacted during the pandemic. These services are starting to return but as yet are not back to usual levels.

VCG has undertaken a review of the strategic plan 2019-24 to ensure the strategic direction was current in light of the changes to services and ways of working during the pandemic. The plan still continues to build VCG’s income generation and resilience.

Internal risks are minimised by the continuous improvement of procedures to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charitable company. Risk is closely monitored by the Board of Trustees using a robust risk assessment tool which is reviewed on a regular basis.

Organisational Structure

Volunteer Centre Greenwich has a Board of Trustees of up to 15 members who meet at least five times during the year and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. At present the Board of Trustees has eight members from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity. The Company Secretary also attends Board meetings but has no voting rights.

Day to day responsibility for the provision of services is delegated to the Chief Executive with assistance from the Senior Management Team. The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified, that key performance indicators are met, supervision meetings with each staff member are held and ensuring the team continue to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.

Related Parties

In so far as it is complementary to the charity’s objects the charity is guided by both local and national policy. At a national level volunteering is guided by NCVO, at regional level through London Plus and at local level through the Volunteer Centre.

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

Objectives and Activities

Our vision

Lives and communities positively changed through volunteering.

Our mission

Enriching the lives of individuals and communities by enhancing the value of volunteering, through supporting and creating opportunities for all.

Volunteer Centre Greenwich aims to do this by:

Volunteer Centre Greenwich achieves the above by:

5

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Achievements and Performance

Financial Review

The Charity's income was £325,371 in the year ended 30 September 2023 compared to £390,398 in the year ended 30 September 2022. Total expenditure was £348,092 in the period to 30 September 2023 compared to £366,924 in the year ended 30 September 2022. Unrestricted funds carried forward at 30 September 2023 were £47,744, compared to £54,977 on the previous year, whilst restricted funds for ongoing projects at 30 September 2023 were (£1,238).

VCG undertook a restructure of the organisation and this resulted in a redundancy hence the reduction in reserves. Income generation is still proving challenging as the economic environment remains challenging.

We have secured five years funding from The City Bridge Foundation and so the organisation does have some secure longer-term funding in place. In addition, we secured funding through Public Health to continue the valuable services that the Emotional Well-Being project for those isolated due to the cost of living crisis. Funders have continued to be very supportive during this period.

Reserves Policy

The Board of Trustees undertakes a 'risk assessment' approach to setting a reserves level. This ensures that the continuing work and commitments of the Volunteer Centre are safeguarded and include contingencies for redundancy, long term sickness, associated maternity leave costs and any legal costs incurred if the organisation should wind up. Key future developments in line with the Strategic Plan have also been assessed. This process is undertaken each year to ensure that the correct level of reserves determined is based on the current obligations and requirements of the organisation.

It was concluded that for 2023-24 the level of free reserves held by the Volunteer Centre to meet these obligations needed to be £54,683. The unrestricted free reserves as at 30 September 2023 were £47,744.

VCG continues to work to increase its unrestricted funds to ensure it can cover these obligations.

Central Volunteer Centre Activities

Work is now taking place to diversify our core services. As we come out of the pandemic it has become more important to work more collaboratively now services have reopened and we have returned to face-to-face provisions. Volunteer Centre Greenwich is working to achieve a service that focuses on outreach and engagement within communities across the borough whilst also enhancing our member service offer/provision through access to volunteering opportunities and training under the VCG’s Adult and Community Learning funding.

Work has been undertaken to develop a network of connections at community venues to engage with local residents, establishing access to community groups and service users who might benefit from access to volunteering and training.

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Volunteer Advisors have been recruited and are undergoing training in MEOC (Making Every Opportunity Count) and Information, Advice and Guidance to deliver supportive engagement where local people can be signposted or referred to, not only training or volunteering roles but to further services and groups that may provide a more holistic impact to individuals.

VCG has engaged with 954 individuals during this reporting period through a range of activities such as events, talks and one-to-one appointments. 107 of the 954 were face-to -face support engagements. As our team of volunteers increases our aim is for this number of engagements to increase over the next six months.

Bridging Divides

During this reporting period VCG has been able to fully realise full membership services for Volunteer Involving Organisations with a focus on one-to-one support and advice on both volunteering policies and roles for members. Promotion has been a focused provision aspect during this period to repopulate meaningful volunteering roles across the borough of Greenwich.

There has been an influx of roles and promotions now that services are fully resumed following on from the previous year’s adjustment period. Throughout the previous year member organisations’ re-opening and online roles transitioned back to face-to-face interactions. During this year, recruitment of volunteers has been important where volunteers and capacity were diminished due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the period of adjustment for organisations returning to service delivery. Throughout this reporting period our membership base has repopulated to 425 members. A full year of targeted recruitment campaigns, one-to-one support and advice has been provided to 22 projects and organisations; five delivering direct services to BAME groups in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Our core services are also undertaking the development of a Community/Social Prescribing Platform and we are working with registered member organisations on populating the platform with activities, services, groups and support. This pathway provides direct self-referral without the need of a key worker or support worker so local people can directly engage with services without a referral.

Quote from a member organisation for support provided with urgent volunteer recruitment:

“Just sending you a big thank-you for setting up the "casting call" so quickly for us. There was plenty of interest in the role. We couldn't have done this without your help!” Hate Crime Co-ordinator

Night Hosts

The Council successfully secured Mayor of London’s Night Time Enterprise Zone status for Woolwich. The project is aimed at enlivening Woolwich’s high streets after 6pm with innovative events, public realm interventions and business support to drive the area’s social and economic recovery. VCG provided the volunteering support for this initiative, recruiting and training a bank of event volunteers.

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Emergency Planning

We received funding from the GLA to support emergency planning in the borough. VCG provides the vital link between the voluntary and community sector and RBG. This will support a coordinated approach from all sectors in the event of any emergency/crisis in Greenwich. An initial survey was conducted to identify resources, skills and assets within the sector that can be utilised in the event of an emergency. Out-of-hours contact numbers also ensure a timely response. Work to continue identifying resources and offer training to the sector continues.

Recognition 100 and 250 Awards

Through Volunteer Centre Greenwich Recognition Award Schemes (now well established) our registered member organisations were able to nominate their volunteers for the postal recognition award for volunteers that had contributed 100 hours or more to their organisation and services to the borough. 70 volunteers were awarded certificates, receiving a letter from the Worshipful Mayor of Greenwich and Volunteer Centre Greenwich.

19 Member organisations nominated 29 of their volunteers to attend the Recognition 250 Award Ceremony. In collaboration with Mycenae House the awards took place in the beautiful main hall with access to the gardens. The event was a great success with awards presented by Councillor Dominic Mbang (Worshipful Mayor of Greenwich) and Councillor Adel Khaireh. All nominated volunteers enjoyed afternoon tea accompanied by piano music provided by pianists Robert Barlitz and Jaden Brown. All awardees received a framed photograph with the Mayor of Greenwich to take home along with their framed certificate as a memento of their hard work and dedication to their organisation and the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Film Walking Tours

This year saw the film tours come to a close and the dissolution of Envolve Partnerships, the social enterprise for Volunteer Centre Greenwich. The social enterprise was to develop additional activities to generate income for the charity but focus on the impact of the pandemic and current service needs has meant this is not a priority at the current time. Volunteer Centre Greenwich still generates income though its charitable objectives by delivering training and providing consultancy support.

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

Consultancy and Training October 2022 - September 2023

October 2022 started the new year of term times delivering our Adult and Community Learning provision. Our programme is evolving, and we have extended our range of workshops to include a three-day workshop in Customer Service and Information, Advice and Guidance and Interpersonal Skills, with an emphasis on small classroom numbers to increase tutor support and provided a conducive environment for learners furthest away from engagement in learning. Our training provision is now accessible by all residents across the borough of Greenwich with minimal entry requirements.

During this reporting period we have worked towards establishing destination and progression for learners through volunteering or referral to next step provisions for our learners.

A total of 286 enrolments, of which 136 new learners who are residents of Greenwich borough have engaged in 2022/23. There is a 100% achievement and retention bringing the total of new learners to 212 over the two years contracted for delivery. VCG is working on bidding for a further commissioning under ACL (Adult and Community Learning) to extend this provision.

What our learners say about the benefits of training with VCG (Your Voice Survey)

Training has helped me improve my employability 39 %
I was able to add my training to my CV or job application 60 %
Training helped me learn new skills I can use in my everyday life 85 %
Training has helped me into paid work 18 %
Training has helped me in my volunteering 57 %
I have gone on to further training after my course/s 57 %
I feel my mental health and wellbeing have improved due my training 50 %
I feel my physical health improved due my training 18 %
I feel my sense of motivation has improved due to training 78 %
I feel that I have things to look forward to in life due my training 42 %
I feel my confidence in my own abilities has improved due to training 71 %
My sense of self-esteem has increased due to training 53 %

9

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Project Work

Supported Volunteering Project

This was the 5[th] year of Volunteer Centre Greenwich delivering the Henry Smith funded Supported Volunteering project, working with older adults with a learning disability or autism in Greenwich. This project has an employment focus and works in partnership with Unity Works. This year 40 individuals were supported by the project. The project saw some great employment successes, with individuals furthest from the job market finding paid work. Jobs secured included Berkley Homes, Bexley Mencap and Smiggles.

The project continues to work on clear pathways to goals with our ever-growing team of committed mentors supporting various mentees on the project. The project has continued to work with community groups to develop and secure bespoke volunteering roles for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

A second project, supporting younger adults and those with more complex needs to access volunteering, was recommissioned in April 2023, working in partnership with Unity Works and Greenwich Mencap. The project continues to go from strength to strength, occupying a valuable space in the Royal Borough Greenwich offer for adults with a learning disability until 2027.

This year the project has been working more closely with school leavers to provide that ongoing support when young people leave the structure of education. Too often in the past people arrive on the project having left school and then have not engaged in anything meaningful until they found the project.

“I’m so deeply grateful for this group and its workers. My son has been very secluded from the world until joining with you. It has given him a sense of confidence and pride and he can’t wait to share information about his day with us and the family. He talks with such joy and enthusiasm about everything he has learnt…it leaves us unconcerned and excited for his future.

We truly appreciate each and everyone involved and thank you for being such caring, supportive people.” Parent quote

Following on from the success of the volunteering gardening opportunity based at Shrewsbury House, the project has developed a new opportunity supporting the community library based in the house. This new role has attracted clients who have greater support needs but with the model that has been set up this has been well managed.

The weekly walking group has remained popular with 12 regulars who come out in all weathers. The walk has used Woolwich Front Room as a space to have refreshments and play board games. The Volunteer Centre continued to produce the ‘What’s On in Greenwich for People with Learning Disabilities’ newsletter following feedback on how valuable the publication was for individuals and their families.

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Supported Volunteering Project /cont’d…

Volunteer Centre Greenwich continues to work with other providers of services for adults with a learning disability in the borough and remain part of the Challenge Group arising out of the borough-wide consultation and the One Stop Shop providing advice about services available for adults with learning disabilities and their carers.

In September the project achieved the nationally recognised quality accreditation mark in mentoring. This award looked at all aspects of the service and Volunteer Centre Greenwich in general and concluded that, “The service is of a high standard with the support and services given”.

Emotional and Well-being Support Project

This year the lottery funding for this project ended. However, recognising the key role that the Emotional Wellbeing Support Project plays in supporting the integration of people experiencing isolation into the community, Royal Borough of Greenwich have funded the project until 2025.

In 2022/23 the project supported 121 people, delivering weekly befriending calls from a matched volunteer advisor; regular wellbeing workshops including art, mindfulness, digital support and signposting to any adult living in Greenwich who is experiencing loneliness, isolation, or poor mental wellbeing. In addition, the project continued to run ‘walk and talk and coffee and chat’ sessions throughout the community.

For many, attending one of the project activities or speaking to a befriender is often the highlight of someone’s week. Project users report feeling busier, having the tools to improve their life and opportunities to change their careers, set goals, be around others, gain knowledge and feeling more confident and assertive. 80% of people use the service to reduce loneliness and 90% reported feeling more connected after joining the project .

This year the project developed links with GCDA with the delivery of a bespoke cookery course and project wellbeing activities delivered in Woolwich Front Room and the walking group using that space. The project also linked with the TFL community project to provide free trips on the DLR, enabling service users to explore more of London.

Year on year, referrals into the project have increased from 97 in 2021-22 to 121 this year as partnerships with the Community Hub, Mind, OXLEAS and Adult Social Care go from strength to strength.

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Emotional and Well-being Support Project /cont’d…

This year the impact of the cost of living crisis has been apparent in both service users and volunteers. 100% of referral partners sited financial concerns, poor mental well-being, and loneliness for their referral. 25% of clients stated that they are experiencing poverty, and the project became a referral partner for Greenwich Foodbanks. As an additional resource, the project collated information on community meal sessions, food support in the borough and Warm Hubs.

A key focus of the past year has been increasing visibility of the project in the community, with wellbeing workshops being delivered in partnership with community centres across Greenwich. To support this, the project developed resources and publicity information translated into community languages and easy-read formats.

This year project staff worked towards achieving a quality mark in befriending. VCG were awarded the Quality in Befriending Award in September which recognised the effort put into ensuring a high-quality experience for both project users and the team of 55 volunteers. The UK Befriending Network assessor reported: “It is very clear that the project helps to reduce isolation and loneliness. The Emotional Wellbeing Support Project does a fantastic job in not only addressing mental health and well-being but also adapting to the diverse communities who use the service.”

Young Greenwich

In 2020 Royal Greenwich commissioned an integrated youth programme ‘Young Greenwich’ which has been delivered in partnership with OXLEAS NHS Foundation Trust and METRO Charity. Young Greenwich is a place for people who want to have fun, meet new friends, learn new skills and fulfil their potential. Young Greenwich is aimed at 10 to 19-year-olds, or up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Volunteer Centre Greenwich provides a consultancy service by supporting organisation with their volunteering programme. We have supported 11 organisations in writing and developing their volunteering policies and procedures and developing their role descriptions along with advice and support around their volunteering programme. We have also put on Volunteer Management Training.

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

How Our Activities Achieve Public Benefit

In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the Board of Trustees has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. Our purpose, main activities and who we try to help have been described above. All our charitable activities focus on promoting volunteering as a means of tackling social isolation and increasing health and well-being and are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.

We do this by offering a service to all the people of Greenwich who wish to access volunteering opportunities and the service is promoted through a wide and varied range of networks. VCG provides a service to two client groups; individuals who wish to volunteer and volunteer-involving organisations.

In line with our aims and objectives, VCG supports registered voluntary and community groups to publicise their volunteering opportunities and advises on good practice when involving volunteers. This ensures a high-quality, diverse range of volunteering opportunities is available for the local residents of Greenwich.

We also offer training and consultancy input to organisations wishing to develop volunteering and have been actively involved in supporting the volunteering programmes in the borough during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our statistics show that our services have:

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Plans for Future Periods

A hybrid approach continues to be the working model that VCG is adopting although more of our face-to-face services have been reintroduced.

VCG successfully secured two grants through the commissioning process with The Royal Borough of Greenwich for four years and was successful with its application to the City Bridge Foundation to be able to continue our core services for a further five years. Securing this longer-term funding does put the organisation on a more secure footing although the cost of living increases, particularly on NJC salary scales, has made a significant impact on the budget and therefore the fundraising target. This year has seen more increases and VCG is going through a restructure to explore the best way to deliver its services and ensure it has the right organisational structure in place. As ever, VCG is mindful of accessibility and will continue to ensure a variety of methods are available to ensure inclusivity.

VCG is also very aware of the impact the cost of living crisis is having on our members and the residents of the borough and is looking at projects to support this. VCG is still trying to seek funding for a Supported Volunteering Project to support those with lived experience of mental health, but has secured funding for a pilot project for NEET (not in education, employment and training) young people. They will be supported with a business mentor, gain volunteering experience linked to tourism and hospitality, followed by work experience and hopefully employment in this industry.

The organisation remains committed to fundraising to maintain and develop existing core and project work to meet the aims and objectives for future development in line with the charity’s objectives and strategic plan.

Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement

The Trustees (who are also directors of Volunteer Centre Greenwich for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual 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. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement /contd..

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the 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.

Auditors

A resolution to re-appoint Myrus Smith as auditors will be put to the Annual General meeting.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities and in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 14 May 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Jon Fricker (Chair) Trustee

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Volunteer Centre Greenwich (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 30 September 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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 statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the trustees’ 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. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ 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:

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on pages 15 and 16, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

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 noncompliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 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.

Stephen Jones FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Myrus Smith Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Norman House, 8 Burnell Road Sutton, Surrey SM1 4BW

14 May 2024

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VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds 2023 2022
Note £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and grants 2 5,080 68,648 73,728 135,383
Charitable activities 3 14,742 236,901 251,643 255,015
────── ────── ────── ──────
Total 19,822 305,549 325,371 390,398
────── ────── ────── ──────
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 4 14,457 - 14,457 14,831
Charitable activities 5 49,018 284,617 333,635 352,093
Running costs charged to funders 5 (36,420) 36,420 - -
────── ────── ────── ──────
Total 27,055 321,037 348,092 366,924
────── ────── ────── ──────
Net income 9 (7,233) (15,488) (22,721) 23,474
Transfers between funds - - - -
────── ────── ────── ──────
Net movement in funds (7,233) (15,488) (22,721) 23,474
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 15 54,977 14,250 69,227 45,753
────── ────── ────── ─────-─
Total funds carried forward 15 £47,744 £(1,238) £46,506 £69,227
══════ ══════ ══════ ══════

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

The SOFA includes all gains and losses recognised during the period.

The notes form part of these financial statements.

20

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH Company No. 3832423 (England & Wales)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible Fixed Assets 12 - -
Current assets
Debtors 13 22,740 21,648
Cash at Bank 51,441 90,486
────── ──────
74,181 112,134
Creditors:amounts
falling due within one year 14 27,675 42,907
────── ──────
Net current assets 46,506 69,227
────── ──────
Net assets 16 £46,506 £69,227
══════ ══════
Funds:
Unrestricted funds
-
General fund		 15 47,744 54,977
Restricted Funds 15 (1,238) 14,250
────── ──────
Total funds 15 £46,506 £69,227
══════ ══════

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by the directors and trustees on 14 May 2024 and signed on their behalf.

....................................................

Deborah Wallis Trustee and Treasurer

The notes form part of these financial statements.

21

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH Company No. 3832423 (England & Wales)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Notes £ £
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from
Operating activities 17 (39,045) 9,589
Cash at bank brought forward 90,486 80,897
────── ──────
Cash at bank carried forward £51,441 £90,486
══════ ══════

The notes form part of these financial statements.

22

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

1. Accounting policies

General information and basis of preparation

Volunteer Centre Greenwich is a private company (No. 03832423) limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the “Reference and Administrative Information” on page 2 of these financial statements.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity 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 accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Going Concern

The trustees consider that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. This assumes that the charity will generate sufficient income and reduce its expenditure such that it will continue to increase the surplus.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

Income recognition

Items of income are recognised in the financial statements when all of the following criteria are met:

Income from performance related grants and contracts is recognised as the charity earns the right to consideration through delivery of the specified services.

Expenditure recognition

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure includes all irrecoverable VAT which is included as part of the relevant cost.

23

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

Expenditure recognition /contd…

Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Expenditure includes those costs of a direct nature which can be allocated to a specific activity and also includes indirect costs, including governance costs that do not relate to a specific activity but are necessary to support those activities. Support costs are apportioned to each activity on the basis of staff time.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted general funds are freely available for use in furtherance of the objects of the charity and which have not been designated for specific purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside by the trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which can only be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or which have been raised for a particular purpose.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and are stated at costs less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided so as to write off the cost of each asset, less estimated residual value, over its estimated useful life at the following annual rates:

Computer equipment 33% Straight line Office equipment 25% Straight line

Leases

Operating lease rentals are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pensions

The charity contributes to Stakeholder Pension Schemes on behalf of its employees. These schemes are defined contribution pension schemes.

Contributions payable under these schemes are charged the Statement of Financial Activities in the year to which they relate. The charity has no liability under these schemes other than for the payment of those contributions.

Debtors and creditors

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairments are recognised in expenditure.

24

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

2. Donations and grants

Total Total
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
Opportunities for All £ £
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Public Health - Vaccination - - - 62,566
Night Hosts - 5,250 5,250 -
City Bridge Trust – Core 3,830 63,398 67,228 47,817
RBG Business - - - 25,000
Donations 1,250 - 1,250 -
────── ────── ─────── ───────
£5,080 £68,648 £73,728 £135,383
══════ ══════ ═══════ ═══════

Of the £135,383 recognised in 2022 £Nil was in respect of unrestricted funds and £135,383 was restricted funds.

3. Income from charitable activities

Income from charitable activities
Total Total
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Volunteering and Training Services
Royal Borough of Greenwich - 43,581 43,581 42,161
Royal Borough of Greenwich – HAS - 34,832 34,832 34,620
R B of Greenwich – Befriending - 4,344 4,344 -
Training and consultancy fees etc 10,049 - 10,049 12,286
ACL – SFA Training - 65,000 65,000 60,000
Befriending -DOH - - - -
Befriending – Big Lottery - - - -
Big Lottery – NEW funding - 38,619 38,619 50,846
The Supported Volunteering Project
Job Centre Plus Flexible Fund - - - 5,777
London Plus 4,693 - 4,693 -
Henry Smith – NEW - 50,525 50,525 49,325
────── ────── ─────── ───────
£14,742 £236,901 £251,643 £255,015
══════ ══════ ═══════ ═══════

Of the £255,015 recognised in 2022, £12,286 was unrestricted funds and £242,729 was restricted funds.

25

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

4. Cost of raising funds

Direct Support Total Total
Costs Costs 2023 2022
Fundraising activities £12,351 £2,106 £14,457 £14,831
══════ ═════ ══════ ══════

All of the £14,831 expenditure recognised in 2022, was charged to restricted funds.

5. Cost of charitable activities

Direct Support Total Total
Costs Costs 2023 2022
Volunteering services £289,229 £44,406 £333,635 £352,093
═══════ ══════ ═══════ ═══════

Of the £352,093 expenditure recognised in 2022, £28,984 was charged to unrestricted funds and £323,109 was charged to restricted funds.

Running costs of £36,420 (2022 : £41,282) were recharged to restricted funds.

6. Analysis of direct costs

2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 256,025 277,498
Freelance & consultancy fees 18,290 9,269
Staff, volunteer training and recruitment 4,448 5,121
Travel costs 2,699 3,982
Computers purchased 1,409 1,896
Volunteers week 2,182 1,472
Other direct costs 4,176 3,253
─────── ───────
£289,229 £302,491
═══════ ═══════

26

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

7. Analysis of support costs

2023 2022
£ £
Office costs 24,747 27,307
Premises costs 11,000 11,600
Publicity & printing 3,365 3,231
Governance costs (note 8) 7,400 7,464
────── ──────
£46,512 £49,602
══════ ══════
Governance costs
2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 4,940 5,046
Audit fees 2,460 2,418
───── ─────
£7,400 £7,464
═════ ═════
Net income
The net income for the year are stated after charging:
2023 2022
Auditor’s remuneration £2,460 £2,418
Operating lease rentals £11,000 £11,000
══════ ══════

8. Governance costs

9. Net income

10. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses

No trustees received nor waived any remuneration during the year ( 2022: none ).

No trustees were reimbursed any expenses during the year (2022: none).

27

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 /contd…

11. Staff costs

2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 242,720 260,972
Social security costs 18,295 21,287
Other pension costs 12,301 12,899
─────── ───────
£273,316 £295,158
═══════ ═══════

There were no employees who received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000, in the year to 30 September 2023 (2022 – None).

The total employee benefits received by key management were £109,122 (2022 : £112,892).

Under FRS102, employee benefits include gross salary, benefits in kind, employer’s national insurance and employer’s pension costs.

The average number of employees during the year was 8 (2022 : 9).

12. Tangible fixed assets Computer
Equipment
£
Cost:
At 1 October 2022 and at 30 September 2023 16,840
─────
Depreciation:
At 1 October 2022 and at 30 September 2023 16,840
─────
Net Book Value:
At 31 October 2022 and at 30 September 2023 £Nil
═════

28

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

13. Debtors

Debtors
2023 2022
Due within one year £ £
Grants receivable 42,970 15,038
Prepayments 8,471 6,610
────── ──────
£51,441 £21,648
══════ ══════

14. Creditors:

14. Creditors:
2023 2022
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Trade creditors 1,437 5,000
Deferred grant income (analysis below) 12,800 25,448
Accruals and other creditors 13,438 12,459
────── ──────
£27,675 £42,907
══════ ══════
Deferred income analysis
Balance brought forward at 1 October 2022 25,448 54,208
Additions in the year 12,800 25,448
Amounts released to incoming resources (25,448) (54,208)
────── ──────
Balance carried forward at 30 September 2023 £12,800 £25,448
══════ ══════
15. Movement in funds At Transfers At
1 October Income Expenditure between 30 Sept
2023 2022 Funds 2023
Restricted Funds £ £ £ £ £
Volunteering & Training Services
RBG - Comm. Support Team - 43,581 (43,280) - 301
RBG – HAS 2,901 34,832 (37,702) - 31
RBG – Befriending - 4,344 (7,964) - (3,620)
ACL – SFA training 3,105 65,000 (68,054) - 51
NEW Lottery 1,336 38,619 (39,955) - -
The Supported Volunteering
Project
Henry Smith NEW 1,639 50,525 (51,701) - 463
Opportunities for All
CBT Investing in Londoners 3,728 63,398 (67,317) - (191)
RBG – Night Hosts - 5,250 (3,523) - 1,727
RBG – business 1,541 - (1,541) - -
────── ────── ────── ───── ──────
Total restricted funds 14,250 305,549 (321,037) - (1,238)
────── ────── ────── ───── ──────
Unrestricted funds
General Fund 54,977 19,822 27,055 - 47,744
────── ────── ────── ───── ──────
────── ────── ────── ───── ──────
Total funds £69,227 £390,398 £(366,924) £Nil £46,506
══════ ══════ ══════ ═════ ══════

29

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

15. Movement in funds /contd…

Comparative information for the movement in funds in the previous year is as follows:

At Transfers At
1 Oct Income Expenditure between 30 Sept
2022 2021 Funds 2022
Restricted Funds £ £ £ £ £
Volunteering & Training Services
RBG - Comm. Support Team - 42,161 (42,161) - -
RBG – HAS 3,594 34,620 (35,313) - 2,901
ACL – SFA training - 60,000 (56,895) - 3,105
NEW Lottery 3,302 50,846 (52,812) - 1,336
The Supported Volunteering
Project
JCP 4,578 5,777 (10,368) 13 -
Henry Smith NEW 3,185 49,325 (50,871) - 1,639
Opportunities for All
RBG - Public Health - Vaccination - 62,566 (62,566) - -
CBT Investing in Londoners 688 47,817 (44,777) - 3,728
RBG - business - 25,000 (23,459) - 1,541
────── ────── ────── ───── ──────
Total restricted funds 15,347 378,112 (379,222) 13 14,250
────── ────── ────── ───── ──────
Unrestricted funds
General Fund 30,406 12,286 12,298 (13) 54,977
────── ────── ────── ───── ──────
────── ────── ────── ───── ──────
Total funds £45,753 £390,398 £(366,924) £Nil £69,227
══════ ══════ ══════ ═════ ══════

Full details of the purposes of the funds can be found in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Fund Balances at 30 September 2023 are represented by:

Unrestricted Unrestricted
General Designated Restricted Total
£ £ £ £
Current assets 74,181 - - 74,181
Current liabilities (26,437) - (1,238) (27,675)
───── ───── ───── ──────
As at 30 September 2023 £47,744 £Nil £(1,238) £46,506
═════ ═════ ═════ ══════

30

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

/contd…

16. Analysis of net assets between funds /cont’d…

Fund balances at 30 September 2022 are represented by:

Unrestricted Unrestricted
General Designated Restricted Total
£ £ £ £
Current assets 97,884 - 14,250 112,134
Current liabilities (42,907) - - (42,907)
───── ───── ───── ──────
As at 30 September 2022 £54,977 £Nil £14,250 £69,227
═════ ═════ ═════ ══════
17. Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows
Reconciliation of (deficit)/surplus to net cash
2023 2022
£ £
(Deficit)/Surplus for the year (22,721) 23,474
(Increase)/Decrease in debtors (1,092) 11,077
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors (15,232) (24,962)
────── ──────
Net cash outflow from operating activities £(39,045) £9,589
══════ ══════

18. Operating Lease Commitments

At 30 September 2023 the total minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2023 2023 2022
Land and Land and
Buildings Other Buildings Other
£ £ £ £
Within one year 2,750 2,975 2,750 2,975
Within two to five years - 2,974 - 5,949
───── ───── ───── ─────
£2,750 £8,924 £2,750 £8,924
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════

19. Taxation

As a registered charity, Volunteer Centre Greenwich is not liable to tax on its charitable activities.

31

VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023/contd…

20. Related Party Transactions

There were no related party transactions in 2023 or 2022 other than those set out in Note 10.

21. Contingent Assets

The charity has been awarded several multi-year grants but not all of the amounts awarded have been recognised as either income or deferred income. This is because the charity recognises income based on specified or implied timeframes. The amount of funding awarded but not recognised as at 30 September 2023 is £710,830 (2022 : £219,682).

32