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2021-03-31-accounts

Company number: 3988903 Charity number: 1081654

Voluntary Sector North West

Report and financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2021

Voluntary Sector North West

Reference and administrative information

for the year ended 31 March 2021

Company number 3988903 Charity number 1081654 Registered office and operational address 3rd Floor Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JW

Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:

Alison Page Chair Ed Moss Vice-chair Daniel Moxon Treasurer Sally Yeoman David Packwood Gill Bainbridge (appointed 12[th] November 2020) Ridwanah Gurjee (appointed 12[th] November 2020) Circle Steele (appointed 12[th] February 2021) Khansa Taha (appointed 12[th] November 2020) Margaret Cheshire (appointed 20[th] August 2021)

Key management Warren Escadale Chief Executive personnel

Bankers The Co-operative Bank plc P.O. Box 250, Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT Independent Christy Lau FCCA CTA DChA Slade & Cooper Limited examiner Beehive Mill, Jersey St, Manchester, M4 6JG

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Voluntary Sector North West

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2021

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021. Included within the trustees’ report is the directors’ report as required by company law.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the memorandum and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Objectives and activities

The Charity's objects ("the Objects") were updated on 26 September 2000. They are:

To promote such purposes as are charitable according to the law of England and Wales for the benefit of the public in the North West of England by:

The area of benefit, the North West of England is defined as the ceremonial counties of Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Merseyside.

Ensuring our work delivers our object & aims

The Trustee Board of VSNW reviews the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year in order to ensure activities remain focused on our stated purposes. The trustees established in consultation with member organisations, a Strategic plan for 2019-2022. The following four strategic aims were established:

The latter includes ensuring that we continue to ensure VSNW is a well governed and financially sound organisation.

This report looks at what the Charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period. The Trustees report the success of each key activity and the benefits the Charity has brought to those groups of people that it is set up to help. The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

Achievements and performance

The Charity’s main activities and who it tries to help are described below. All its charitable activities are undertaken to further Voluntary Sector North West’s charitable purposes for the public benefit. We continued to carry out the work of VSNW in accordance with our mission, our strategic aims and in accordance with our three strategic priorities for 2019-2022 (above).

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Voluntary Sector North West

Trustees’ annual report

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This ensured that all our work was of benefit to, and reflected the priorities of, the North West voluntary and community sector and therefore the wider public in the North West.

Core Activities

The North West has always consisted of five sub regions and of a stark mix of economic success and marginalisation. Via our members and networks, we are in contact with over 20,000 groups working with communities right across the region. VSNW’s work has historically had three core elements:

Increase connectivity within the VCSE sector

Supporting and building the capacity of sub-regional VCSE partnerships is the foundation of our operating model. Our vision is to play our part in developing and/or supporting healthy, connected partnerships that deliver value for the sector in each sub-region.

We know that we have limited resources, and that this is the best way to add value, building on local networks and relationships.

In 2020/21, VSNW provided formal support to VCSE partnerships operating in Cheshire and Warrington, Liverpool City Region, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. As Cumbria CVS provides this function in Cumbria, we have not sought to duplicate but to build links and offer a different model of support through Cumbria CVS.

In Liverpool City Region , VSNW provides secretariat support to the VS6 Partnership whose members support and are connected to the 8,600 VCSE organisations in the City Region. Laura Tilston (Research and Policy Officer), Martin Hall, (VSNW Communications Officer), Karen Conway (Partnerships Manager) and Anna Cooper (Membership and Events Coordinator) have played a vital role in developing the partnership’s policy, communications and engagement work. We (VS6 and VSNW) have worked hard developing effective mechanisms to connect the wider sector into city region policy and influence work, using cascaded communications, developing the VS6 website (www.vs6partnership.org.uk), holding virtual Assemblies, and using consultation surveys.

In Greater Manchester (GM), the Greater Manchester VCSE Leadership Group (facilitated and chaired by VSNW) connects to a broad range of VCSE networks: disability, Black Asian and minority ethnic, older people, young people, LGBTQ+, faith, carers, mental health, sport, refugee, women, local VCSE infrastructure, including 10GM and GMCVO, social enterprise, and VCSE providers, with links, through infrastructure organisations and equalities networks, to the 17,000 VCSE organisations in Greater Manchester. The Leadership Group’s main bulletin has over 2,000 direct contacts. As a Leadership Group, as part of connecting to the wider sector, we use formal subgroups (commissioning, inclusive economy, population health, workforce, mental health), short term task and finish groups, focused networks (eg homelessness), Assembly events, consultations, roadshow events being held with leaders in the ten boroughs (most but not all online) and work closely with GM Equal.

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Voluntary Sector North West

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2021

In Cheshire , we have helped set up the Cheshire and Warrington Infrastructure Partnership (CWIP). This Partnership played a vital role in sharing PPE and feeding into the national VCSE Emergency Partnership work via VSNW. This group, through the Cheshire and Warrington Community Foundation, links to the Local Enterprise Partnership as part of assessing the impact of the pandemic on local communities. Andrew Rainsford (Research and Policy Officer) has been a key part of our support in Cheshire and Warrington.

To complement the NHS footprint, the Cheshire and Merseyside VCSE Health and Social Care Leadership Group links 80 plus VCSE Leaders from each of the 9 boroughs. This includes: CVS, VCSE Place Board representatives, and equalities and specialist VCSE Providers. This Group links to the NHS Board, ensures accountability to the sector and provides a platform for connecting the sector more broadly.

In Lancashire , we (VSNW and local VCSE Leaders) have worked alongside the VCSE Health Alliance in order to support a connected and influential sector. As part of this work, we have developed a collective statement on ambitions for the local sector (a draft VCSE Manifesto for the Lancashire sector). There has been an extensive consultation and campaign with the Lancashire sector : Locally Organised Communities Across Lancashire (LOCAL) using a dedicated website (LocalLancashire.org.uk), surveys, workshop toolkits with sessions run by VSNW and Lancashire VCSE Leaders. Anna Cooper and Andrew Rainsford (Research and Policy Officer) with additional communications consultancy support have been central to this work. The model has been praised by local VCSE and public sector partners and we have engaged over 400 VCSE leaders and held or supported over two dozen workshops. Going forward, we will explore a broader Leadership support offer linked to the collective ambitions outlined in the manifesto.

Our series of North West events to connect VCSE Leaders across the region, culminated in our highly acclaimed online Festival of North West Thinking which gave the opportunity for over 200 VCSE Leaders from right across the region to connect around a series of key issues. This marked a key point in our offer to members and the North West sector on which we will build.

We also hosted the North West Social Prescribing Network with over 300 people signed up to a dedicated Bulletin. Working alongside Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CVS and a network of CVS across the North West, we support the regional VCSE Social Prescribing programme (Thriving Communities) working closely with partners from the National Academy of Social Prescribing (NASP). This included running a 10-session training programme for 82 VCSE participants.

2021 marks eleven years of the Green Bullet. This bulletin keeps North West Environment Link members and wider networks up to date on environmental events and issues of interest to voluntary and community sector organisations in the North West.

Following a review of VSNW membership , this stood at 120 full members and 49 associates (as at 31[st] March 2021) and we have a general contact list of over 1,000 VCSE Chief Executives and senior staff across the region signed up to our bulletins: VSNW, Social Prescribing, GM Cancer Champions and the Green Bullet.

Enable influence

The VS6 Partnership of Liverpool City Region (LCR) have had an extremely busy and productive year advocating for the local sector, particularly in supporting and lobbying for the VCSE sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As champions for the LCR VCSE sector, VS6 have supported a growth in VCSE representation across the City Region. This includes key representatives on each of the three main governance bodies operating

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Voluntary Sector North West

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in Liverpool City Region: the Combined Authority Board (Ellen Loudon, VS6 Chair), the Local Enterprise Partnership Board (Angela White) and on NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Partnership Board (Warren Escadale, VSNW Chief Executive), alongside a growing set of boards, such as the LCR Economic Recovery Panel. In consultation with the sector, VS6 developed a business case for VCSE sector recovery which was included within the City Region’s Economic Recovery Plan, “Building Back Better”, and submitted to Government. This included a number of substantial investment propositions via the sector including a jointly proposed Sector Resilience and Capacity Fund (£25m).

An overview of the sector’s response to COVID-19 and the importance of the sector for LCR economic recovery was also developed. This included input from over 160 strategic lead organisations looking at the impact on children and young people, shielded and vulnerable people, mental health, and inequalities through a Black Asian and Minority Ethnic lens. Further Assemblies were held looking at sustainable and affordable food, and housing, and both embedded in local cross-sector strategic work.

During the latter half of 2020/21, VS6 were busy developing the LCR VCFSE Manifesto for 2021-2024. The manifesto outlines the aims and ambitions of the sector for the next three years, and how VS6 and the sector can work with the LCR Combined Authority to develop a sustainable and resilient sector. It has been developed with the VCFSE sector in LCR through regular engagement and consultation and has commitment from Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram to implement.

Across Cheshire and Merseyside , we are supporting and promoting the VCSE role in health neighbourhoods and primary care, Integrated Care Partnerships, and place-based working. An important aspect of this is developing relationships with acute and community health providers. We are a key partner in the C&M NHS strategy and implementation. In 2020/21, over 200 local VCFSE leaders contributed to the development of sub-regional NHS Strategy and to developing the framework for joint NHS-VCSE work in Cheshire and Merseyside. With secondments appointed by this leadership group, we supported local pandemic responses, NHS hospital discharge coordination, PPE distribution and volunteering coordination activity.

In Greater Manchester (GM), we have continued to develop the "template for VCSE involvement in Devolution across England" through the work of our members, partners and the GM VCSE Leadership Group. Through this work, a large number (over 30 reps at any point in time) of VCSE representatives have been appointed to key public sector boards and working groups, linking back through the Leadership Group to ensure focused, accountable representation and the full inclusion of the sector in shaping Greater Manchester.

Major achievements include the publication of a VCSE Policy Paper outlining a vision for a City Region VCSE Ecosystem, agreeing a VCSE Commissioning Framework with Greater Manchester’s Health and Social Care Partnership, developing a vision for an inclusive economy that has been included in Greater Manchester’s Independent Inequalities Commission own vision, and, most importantly, supported the sector’s response to the pandemic. The latter included a commissioners’ statement of support for the sector, agreeing flexibility of delivery of pre-pandemic contracts in order to work in new circumstances and with a new set of realities. Much of this work has subsequently led to agreeing a new Accord between Greater Manchester’s VCSE sector, the Combined Authority and the Health and Social Care Partnership with investment and agreed areas of work: tackling inequality, creating an inclusive economy, building a stronger VCSE Ecosystem, developing a joint workforce approach, and implementing the VCSE Commissioning framework in order to build the sector’s financial resilience. Karen Conway, VSNW Partnerships Manager, has played an essential and vital role in this work. Warren Escadale, VSNW Chief Executive, has chaired the GM VCSE Leadership Group.

In terms of our role in the Answer Cancer programme , outreach work for the sector over the last year has been particularly challenging. However, Kirit Patel (Answer Cancer Development Worker), Vanessa Fisher (Organisational Champion Lead) and Martin Hall (Communications Officer) have shown

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Voluntary Sector North West

Trustees’ annual report

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innovation and determination in keeping the work on target, and in building the evidence base for how to engage specific communities suffering the worst impacts of ‘wider determinants of ill health’ and a pandemic. This work includes case studies on supporting population health and prevention work with (and not ‘to’) Black Asian and minority ethnic, disability, LGBTQ+, mental health, and carer groups and in communities of financial poverty.

Nationally, we have continued to champion the sector’s role in social prescribing advocating for investment for sector referrals and the VCSE role in being adequately funded link worker hosts. We are working with the National Academy for Social Prescribing and a unique VCSE partnership to deliver the regional Thriving Communities programme. We continue to campaign for the sector’s role as part of the National Social Prescribing Network and supported last year’s virtual International Social Prescribing Conference.

Demonstrate value of VSNW and the sector as a whole

Following successful discussions with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, the “LCR Cares” charitable fund was established to support the VCSE sector during COVID-19. This fund, via Merseyside Community Foundation, has distributed £2m to local community groups across the City region providing a vital lifeline for communities.

Nationally , we have maintained our links to NHS England’s voluntary sector team. Over the past five years, we have successfully lobbied for a VCSE Partnership programme, linked to the NHS’s 42 Integrated Care Systems (ICS), modelled on our work in Greater Manchester, to be rolled out. While the national investment for the programme is modest (under £1m per annum), local matched investment of between £50k and £200k is common and hopefully just the beginning; in addition, there is now national support provided (through NCVO, shifting to NAVCA, and NHS E&I) to just under half of England (19 of 42 areas), with plans for England-wide roll out starting Autumn 2021. This already includes Cheshire & Merseyside, Lancashire and South Cumbria, and North East & North Cumbria. Through this local ICS-VCSE Partnership programme, the sector is now influencing national NHS policy and guidance, and being linked into the national VCSE Health & Wellbeing Alliance. All 42 ICS systems, based on draft national guidance, are now assessing their relationship to their VCSE sector. VSNW can proudly lay claim to be instrumental in starting and driving this movement.

Through the NHS Charities Community Partnership programme, we secured £1.1m investment in local VCSE organisations in Cheshire and Merseyside . This will be invested over the next two years and we have agreed, with our NHS partners, to use the funded projects as pilots for local NHS-VCSE integrated models of working.

In Lancashire , we were able to support Lancashire Community Foundation and council officers to get the National Emergency Fund, with local additional investment, rapidly up and running. Linked to this work, Community Futures is supporting a Lancashire Funders Forum.

In Greater Manchester , building on the relationships developed through the Commissioning subgroup and the VCSE Commissioning Framework, a Commissioner’s Statement of Support to VCSE Groups during Covid was published. This offered open conversations about flexibility and adaption for current paid-for delivery. While it will not have generated new income for the sector, it extended contracts and allowed for adaptation that would offer better services for citizens and communities, ensuring significant multi-million pound contracts with the sector continue.

An independent evaluation of the Leadership Group work in Greater Manchester, and by proxy VSNW’s partnership model, was commissioned independently, conducted by Cordis Bright and published on the Social care Institute for Excellence’s online journal. Cordis Bright identified progress in three outcomes:

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Voluntary Sector North West

Trustees’ annual report

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In addition to these, a number of areas were highlighted as flagship, transformative pieces of work: Homelessness Action Network, Mental Health Leaders Group, and the VCSE Leadership Group, which was described as “an important forum” for the sector and the sector’s role in Greater Manchester.

Through our work influencing the GM Health and Social Care Partnership, a number of grant programmes have invested in the reach of local VCSE groups to engage communities. During the pandemic, £100k was invested in equalities organisations to promote vaccination take-up, £30k invested in smoking cessation, and through Answer Cancer, grant investment for grassroots VCSE BAME, disability, LGBTQ+, MH and carer groups across Greater Manchester (£100k per annum for four years).

Working alongside CLES and commissioned by Salford CVS, we continue to build the evidence base for an effective Place-based Third Sector Grants Programme . Through the implementation of Salford CVS’s annual £1m+ Grants Programme, large-scale VCSE activity aligned to agreed local goals has been engaged and mobilised. We see this as a fore-runner of how Integrated Care Partnerships should be working with their local sector and developing local VCSE “market” capacity.

Through our Social Prescribing work, we facilitated a number of partnership bids to the Arts Council, with four securing investment for pilot work (£200k total).

Over the year, VSNW has directly supported additional investment into the VCSE sector of over £7m. However, we know that our work and the partnerships we work with and for, have created far more investment than this for the local sector, far beyond what any single VCSE organisations could hope to achieve.

An effective NW VCSE leadership organisation

VSNW organisational development has steadily continued. We are moving to a point where we no longer rely on one or two staff operating as exceptional individuals but creating a fit for purpose organisation that has sufficient capacity to help the sector to connect, influence, and drive change for the benefit of our communities. We, as the Board, see this as a priority.

We have committed to offering employment whenever possible on the longest terms available as part of a vision to develop an effective core staff team. We were sorry to see Michael Mcgearty leave VSNW but pleased to welcome Vanessa Fisher. We were also pleased to be able to extend short term contracts for no fewer than three staff.

Income generation remains strong but project based, however, we have made significant steps forward in developing VSNW's delivery capacity. Delivering virtually has made a significant impact on our productivity, giving us the ability to rapidly ‘travel’ around the region and offer support to local partnerships. This has meant that we can provide a far stronger offer to the two sub-regions of Lancashire and Cheshire & Warrington in a way we could have only hoped at the beginning of the year. Going forward, we need to build on the strong platform that our staff team have established over 2020/21.

Financial review

The charity held reserves of £386,850 at the year end (2020: £346,060) of which £62,585 (2020: £64,825) were restricted and £37,333 (2020: £13,333) designated leaving a general reserve of

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Voluntary Sector North West

Trustees’ annual report

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£286,932 (2020: £267,902). VSNW is in a reasonable financial position at this point. We have utilised a proportion of our unrestricted reserves in accordance with our Reserves Policy. A review of our financial position is carried out by the Resources Group which meets quarterly and then considered by the Trustee Board. This review is ongoing. Continued uncertainty about the role and opportunities for regional funding means VSNW needs to retain a surplus that gives the organisation flexibility and control in what are difficult times.

Reserves policy

The VSNW reserves policy is to maintain sufficient levels of reserves for the delivery of existing programmes of work to be completed and/or transferred to alternative providers should a shortfall in income occur. The required time to do this effectively is a minimum 6 months and the level of reserves required to achieve this is £244,295. The general reserve, as stated above, is higher than this, however, given the potential for Covid-19 (and hopefully a post-COVID economic environment) to impact on income, we will review our reserves policy to assess a potential longer running cost/level of reserves.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 10 April 2000 and registered as a charity on 19 February 1998.

The company was established under a memorandum of association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its articles of association.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees at 31 March 2021 was 120 full members. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 9 to the accounts.

Trustee selection methods

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association half the members of the Trustee Board elected to serve must be re-elected at the Annual General Meeting.

Both business and strategic skills are required on the Trustee Board and the Board has made a firm commitment to appoint trustees with strong strategic connections to the VCSE sector in each subregion whilst also being sensitive to inclusion and diversity. An annual skills audit is conducted to identify any skills gaps.

Trustees are appointed via an electoral process at the Annual General Meeting elections. Other Trustees can be co-opted by the Trustee Board throughout the year, in accordance with the constitution. The Trustee Board meets quarterly.

Induction and training of trustees

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Voluntary Sector North West

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2021

New Trustees are familiar with the work of VSNW as they have previously been active members. Additionally, they spend 2-3 hours with the Chair and Chief Executive where the current financial position and the governing framework are presented, and the obligations of Board members and future plans and objectives are outlined. The NCVO booklet Trustees and Trustees Members National Occupational Standards is given to all new trustees.

Organisational structure

VSNW has a Trustee Board of up to 12 members who meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. As at 31[st] March 2021 the Board has 9 members from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.

VSNW’s decision making process rests with the Trustee Board. Decisions regarding implementation of the charity’s work and staff supervision are delegated to the Chief Executive, who has one-to-ones with the Chair.

Sub groups are established and agreed by the Trustees to meet between Trustee Board meetings to address any issues that require immediate attention and report any actions for agreement to the full Trustee Board.

Related parties and relationships with other organisations

In so far as it is complementary to the charity’s objectives, VSNW is guided by local, regional and national policy. Sub regional partnerships ensure engagement with thematic, geographic and specialist VCSE infrastructure and provides VSNW with a wide reach into the VCSE sector across the region.

Remuneration policy for key management personnel

A subgroup of the board reviews remuneration with advice from our HR consultant, using comparable pay rates within and beyond the sector, including equivalent relationships.

Risk management

The Trustee Board conducts a risk analysis with its budget at outset each year. Each project has its own risk analysis attached and that risk is monitored through the reporting mechanisms with the funder. There is a Risk Register and Policy in place and the register is reviewed on a regular basis. Procedures are implemented internally to ensure proper authorisation for all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure Health and Safety compliance.

Risks and mitigating measures were rapidly reviewed as Covid-19 impacted and additional resources were invested in remote working. In terms of commissioned work, adjustments have been implemented and agreed with funders. In terms of partnership and member engagement, mechanisms have been effectively put in place. These measures and adjusted, agreed working arrangements are held under review. At present, remote working has enabled VSNW to increase its capability to support the VCSE sector across the North West.

The board has met once a month to maintain an ongoing understanding of how staff, Chief Executive and the organisation are operating during Covid. At present, income generation remains consistent.

Operating safely and effectively during Covid-19

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Voluntary Sector North West

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2021

During the pandemic, staff have been working remotely, with home working audits updated and reviewed. Staff are working effectively and we have developed mechanisms to provide regular contact and internal communication. Access to more formal wellbeing support has been supported, offered and provided.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of Voluntary Sector North West 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 which give a true and fair view of the 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:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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.

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.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees’ annual report has been approved by the trustees on 09/11/2021 and signed on their behalf by

Alison Page

Chair

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Independent examiner’s report

to the members of

Voluntary Sector North West

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31[st] March 2021 which are set out on pages 12 to 29.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Christy Lau FCCA CTA DChA Date 09 December 2021

Slade & Cooper Limited Beehive Mill, Jersey St, Manchester, M4 6JG

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Voluntary Sector North West

Statement of Financial Activities

(including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2021

Unrestricted
funds
Note
£
Income from:
Charitable activities:
3
59,083
Total income
59,083
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
4
16,053
Total expenditure
16,053
43,030
6
43,030
Transfer between funds
-
Net movement in funds for the year
43,030
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
281,235
Total funds carried forward
324,265
Net income/(expenditure) before
net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/(expenditure) for the
year
Restricted
funds
£
320,997
320,997
323,237
323,237
(2,240)
(2,240)
-
(2,240)
64,825
62,585
Total funds
2021
£
380,080
380,080
339,290
339,290
40,790
40,790
-
40,790
346,060
386,850
Total funds
2020
£
274,672
274,672
264,052
264,052
10,620
10,620
-
10,620
335,440
346,060

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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Voluntary Sector North West Company number 3988903

Balance sheet as at 31 March 2021

Note
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
3,897
Total fixed assets
3,897
Current assets
Debtors
12
34,072
Cash at bank and in hand
13
395,749
Total current assets
429,821
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due in less than one year
14
(46,868)
Net current assets
382,953
Total assets less current liabilities
386,850
Net assets
386,850
The funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
15
62,585
Unrestricted income funds
16
324,265
Total charity funds
386,850
2021
£
£
2,822
2,822
65,463
287,873
353,336
(10,098)
343,238
346,060
346,060
64,825
281,235
346,060
2020
£
£
2,822
2,822
65,463
287,873
353,336
(10,098)
343,238
346,060
346,060
64,825
281,235
346,060
2020
2,822
343,238
346,060
346,060
64,825
281,235
346,060

For the year in question, the company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime (of the Companies Act 2006).

These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and are for circulation to members of the company.

The notes on pages 15 to 29 form part of these accounts.

Approved by the trustees on 09/11/2021 and signed on their behalf by:

Alison Page (Chair)

Dan Moxon (Treasurer)

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Voluntary Sector North West

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ending 31 March 2021

Note
2021
£
Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
19
110,067
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(2,191)
Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
(2,191)
107,876
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
287,873
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
395,749
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents in the year
2020
£
174,569
(2,501)
(2,501)
172,068
115,805
287,873

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Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021

1 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a Basis of preparation

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), second edition - October 2019 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Voluntary Sector North West meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern.

The trustees have made no key judgments which have a significant effect on the accounts.

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

c Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of a provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

15

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

d Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised; refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

e Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

f Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of

Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

g Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was

h Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Fixtures & fittings 5 years Computer equipment 3, 4 or 5 years

16

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

i Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

j Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

k Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

l Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

m Pensions

Employees of the charity are opted into a Pension Scheme (defined contribution ‘money purchase’ schemes) with an employer’s contribution. The charity’s contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 8. There were outstanding contributions of £4,188 (2020: £955) at the year end.

2 Legal status of the charity

The charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. 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 registered office address is disclosed on page 1.

17

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

3 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
£
GMCVO (GM H&SC Partnership)
22,500
NHS England (Social
-
Prescribing Network)
Salford CVS (GM Cancer
-
Screening Engagement Project)
NAVCA (STP Merseyside & Cheshire)
-
CLES
3,250
NHS England (VCSE-ICS
-
Accelerator Pilot Site (Cheshire
& Merseyside))
Big Lottery Fund (North West
-
Recovery)
NAVCA (EP - Local Liaison Lead)
-
Lloyds Bank Foundation
15,000
NHS England (Carers C&M)
10,000
VS6
-
Cheshire and Merseyside Health
8,333
and Care Partnership
(NHS Volunteer Responder)
Total
59,083
Unrestricted
£
GMCVO (GM H&SC Partnership)
22,500
NHS England (Social
-
Prescribing Network)
Salford CVS (GM Cancer
-
Screening Engagement Project)
CLES
2,000
NHS England (VCSE-ICS
-
Accelerator Pilot Site (Cheshire
& Merseyside))
Salford CVS(Make Smoking History)
-
VS6
-
Consultancy
5,000
Total
29,500
Current reporting
period
Previous reporting
period
Restricted
£
-
4,220
104,872
2,000
-
80,000
49,655
9,500
-
-
70,750
-
320,997
Restricted
£
-
24,000
138,422
-
55,000
18,750
9,000
-
245,172
Total 2021
£
22,500
4,220
104,872
2,000
3,250
80,000
49,655
9,500
15,000
10,000
70,750
8,333
380,080
Total 2020
£
22,500
24,000
138,422
2,000
55,000
18,750
9,000
5,000
274,672

18

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

Voluntary Sector North West

4 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Staff costs
Other Staff costs
Administration
Accommodation
Associates/Sub-contractors
Conferences & events
Other project costs
Depreciation
Governance costs (see note 5)
Restricted expenditure
Unrestricted expenditure
Total 2021
£
219,108
33,020
15,232
7,610
42,435
940
12,493
1,116
7,336
339,290
2021
£
323,237
16,053
339,290
Total 2020
£
147,471
4,986
22,000
5,123
63,316
2,259
3,006
639
15,252
264,052
2020
£
188,073
75,979
264,052

19

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

5 Analysis of governance and support costs

Basis of
apportionment
Independent examiner fees
Governance
Professional fees
Governance
AGM and trustee costs
Governance
Basis of
apportionment
Independent examiner fees
Governance
Professional fees
Governance
AGM and trustee costs
Governance
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
This is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation
Operating lease rentals:
Property
Other
Independent examiner - accountancy fees
Independent examiner - bookkeeping
Independent examiner - payroll bureau fees
Staff costs
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Previous reporting
period
Independent examiner's fee
Current reporting
period
Governance
£
1,500
5,560
276
7,336
Governance
£
1,500
10,692
3,060
15,252
2021
£
1,116
7,610
-
1,000
500
5,243
447
2021
£
191,751
14,306
13,051
219,108
Total 2021
£
1,500
5,560
276
7,336
Total 2020
£
1,500
10,692
3,060
15,252
2020
£
639
5,123
-
1,000
500
-
-
2020
£
129,269
9,335
8,867
147,471

6 Net income/(expenditure) for the year

No employees has employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2020: Nil).

The average number of staff employed during the period was 7 (2020: 7). The average full time equivalent number of staff employed during the period was 6.5.

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £56,899 (2020: £50,095).

20

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

8 Trustee remuneration and expenses, and related party transactions

Neither the trustees nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration during the year (2020: Nil).

No (2020: none) member of the board of trustees received travel and subsistence expenses during the year (2020:nil). One (2020: none) member of the board of trustees received £30 reimbursed training costs during the year (2020:nil).

GM Cancer Screening Engagement Project

In December 2018 VSNW worked in partnership with Salford CVS, BHA for Equality and Unique Improvements to secure a contract with NHS England (on behalf of GM Health and Social Care Partnership) in response to an OJEU tender to deliver the GM Cancer Screening Engagement Project. Salford CVS were the named lead provider within this partnership, on behalf of 10GM. The contract was awarded to this VCSE partnership (now known as Answer Cancer), with Salford CVS as the accountable body. Delivery commenced in the year 2019/20 and during 2020/21 Salford CVS made payments to VSNW (£104,872) in relation to delivery of year 2 of this project (as per the partnership’s revised budget submission). It should be noted that the Chair of VSNW, Alison Page, is also the Chief Executive of Salford CVS.

Make Smoking History

In 2019, in support of its aims to 'Demonstrate the value of VSNW and the sector as a whole', VSNW worked in partnership with Salford CVS to bring resources into the VCSE sector to help deliver aspects of the Greater Manchester ‘Make Smoking History Project'. The partnership of VSNW and 10GM agreed to respond to this widely advertised grant opportunity to recruit volunteer ‘History Makers’ and create smoke-free places and events across GM. Salford CVS were the named lead provider within this partnership, on behalf of 10GM. This project was funded by Greater Manchester Social Care Partnership. During this year 2020/21 Salford CVS made no payments to VSNW (£0), but funds were carried forweard from 2019/20 in order to deliver VSNW elements of the work. It should be noted that the Chair of VSNW, Alison Page, is also the Chief Executive of Salford CVS.

VCSE-ICS Accelerator pilot (Cheshire and Merseyside)

In April Sally Yeoman successfully applied for a secondment opportunity into Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Social Care Partnership (initially 2 days per week for the first 5 months, then reduced to one day per week). This process was managed by and funded through VSNW on behalf of the partnership and the Cheshire and Merseyside VCSE Health & Care Leaders Group as part of the VCSE_ICS Acceleratoir Pilot, and endorsed by the Merseyside VCFSE Partnership, VS6. The appointment process was a joint one involving VSNW’s Chief Executive, a representative from the VCFSE Leaders Group and a senior officer from the funding body (Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Social Care Partnership). As part of this secondment, Halton and St Helens VCA (Sally Yeoman’s employer) received £12,000 backfill costs via VSNW. Reporting for the role was made directly to Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership and the VCFSE Leadership Group. It should be noted that VSNW Trustee, Sally Yeoman, is also Chief Executive of Halton and St Helens VCA.

21

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

8 Trustee remuneration and expenses, and related party transactions (cont.)

Sefton Transformation Research

In September 2020, VSNW and Halton & St Helens VCA jointly bid for the Sefton Transformation tender, with VSNW as the lead. This tender was successful and VSNW subcontracted Halton & St Helens VCA for £3,000, much of the subcontracted work carried out by Sally Yeoman. It should be noted that VSNW Trustee, Sally Yeoman, is also Chief Executive of Halton and St Helens VCA.

9 Government grants

The government grants recognised in the accounts were as follows:

Salford CCG
Liverpool CCG
NHS England
Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care
Partnership
2021
£
4,220
80,000
10,000
8,333
102,553
2020
£
24,000
55,000
-
-
79,000

See note 15 for restricted funds carried forward. Conditions attached are to complete the project, which we expect to do in the forthcoming financial years.

10 Corporation tax

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.

22

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

11 Fixed assets: tangible assets

Fixed assets: tangible assets
Cost
Additions
Depreciation
Charge for the year
Net book value
At 1 April 2020
At 31 March 2021
At 31 March 2021
At 31 March 2021
At 31 March 2020
At 1 April 2020
Fixtures &
fittings
£
500
-
500
500
-
500
-
-
Computer
equipment
£
20,882
2,191
23,073
18,060
1,116
19,176
3,897
2,822
£
21,382
2,191
Total
23,573
18,560
1,116
19,676
3,897
2,822

23

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

12
Debtors
2021
£
Grants and fees receivable
27,220
Prepayments and accrued income
6,852
34,072
13
Cash at bank and in hand
2021
£
Cash at bank and on hand
395,749
395,749
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2021
£
Trade creditors
4,820
Other creditors and accruals
33,380
Taxation and social security costs
8,668
46,868
2020
£
64,000
1,463
65,463
2020
£
287,873
287,873
2020
£
2,856
3,891
3,351
10,098

24

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

15 Analysis of movements in restricted funds

FutureNW Forum
NW Recovery
Total
FutureNW Forum
Total
VCSE-ICS
Accelerator Pilot Site
STP Merseyside &
Cheshire
GMCSE Answer
Cancer
EP-Local Liaison
Previous reporting
period
Current reporting
period
VS6
Social Prescribing
Network NW
Social Prescribing
Network NW
Make Smoking
History
GMCSE Answer
Cancer
VCSE-ICS
Accelerator Pilot Site
Make Smoking
History
VS6
Balance at
1 April
2020
£
7,726
-
24,709
22,475
9,915
-
-
-
-
64,825
Balance at
1 April
2019
£
7,726
-
-
-
-
-
7,726
Income
£
-
4,220
104,872
80,000
-
70,750
2,000
49,655
9,500
320,997
Income
£
-
24,000
138,422
55,000
18,750
9,000
245,172
Expenditure
£
-
-
(121,347)
(66,345)
(8,015)
(70,750)
-
(49,655)
(7,125)
(323,237)
Expenditure
£
-
(24,000)
(113,713)
(32,525)
(8,835)
(9,000)
(188,073)
Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at
31 March
2021
£
7,726
4,220
8,234
36,130
1,900
-
2,000
-
2,375
62,585
Balance at
31 March
2020
£
7,726
-
24,709
22,475
9,915
-
64,825

25

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

15 Analysis of movements in restricted funds (cont.)

Name of Description, nature and purposes of the fund
restricted fund
FutureNW Forum Funding to support the North West Forum on Ageing, an unconstituted
network
Social Prescribing Funding from National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), via
Network NW Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CVS, to support VCSE role in Social
Prescribing in North West England
GMCSE Answer Subcontracted from Salford CVS delivery of the GM Cancer Screening
Cancer Engagement service (3 year project)
VCSE-ICS Funding from Cheshire & Merseyside Health and Social Care Partnership,
Accelerator Pilot Site with NHS England contribution, via Liverpool CCG to support the
development of a Cheshire and Merseyside (C&M) VCSE Partnership and
VCSE role in C&M Health & Care Partnership
Make Smoking Subcontract from Salford CVS to support a smoking cessation social
History movement project
VS6 Emergency funding from the Lottery held on behalf of the VS6 Partnership
in order to support VCFSE response to Covid-19 pandemic across
Liverpool City Region
STP Merseyside & NHS England investment via NAVCA to support VCFSE engagement in
Cheshire NHS’ Five Year Strategy
NW Recovery Emergency funding from the Lottery to support VCFSE response to Covid-
19 pandemic across the North West
EP-Local Liaison Funding contribution to link Cheshire and Warrington into National VCSE
Lead Emergency Partnership Structures

26

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

16 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds

Lloyds Bank
Foundation
GM Cancer
Champions Social
Movement
LCO-VCSE Guide
Carers Workshop
Current reporting
period
General fund
Previous reporting
period
Employment
Litigation
NHS Volunteer
Responder
General fund
LCO-VCSE Guide
Carers C&M
Balance
at 1 April
2020
£
267,902
9,333
4,000
-
-
281,235
Balance
at 1 April
2019
£
185,796
116,550
14,000
8,333
3,035
327,714
Income
£
25,750
-
10,000
15,000
8,333
59,083
Income
£
29,500
-
-
-
-
29,500
Expenditure
£
(16,053)
-
-
-
-
(16,053)
Expenditure
£
653
(64,597)
(4,667)
(4,333)
(3,035)
(75,979)
Transfers
£
9,333
(9,333)
-
-
-
-
Transfers
£
51,953
(51,953)
-
-
-
-
As at 31
March 2021
£
286,932
-
14,000
15,000
8,333
324,265
As at 31
March
2020
£
267,902
-
9,333
4,000
-
281,235

27

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

16 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds (cont.)

Name of Description, nature and purposes of the fund unrestricted fund

General fund

The free reserves after allowing for all designated funds

Designated Funds LCO-VCSE Guide Funding from NHS England for development of VCSE guidance at place and via commissioning

Funding to support carers in Cheshire and Merseyside linked to NHS workforce development

Carers C&M

Lloyds Bank Foundation grant investment in VSNW’s core funding

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank Foundation grant investment in VSNW’s core funding Foundation NHS Volunteer NHS England investment to develop potential integration of Good Sam Responder and local volunteering services GM Cancer Funding for Cancer Champion work delivered in 2018/19 Champions Social Employment Tribunal award to ex-employee of VSNW from 2012 in lieu of pension Litigation contribution

NHS England investment to develop potential integration of Good Sam and local volunteering services

17 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total
Current reporting
period
Previous reporting
period
General
fund
£
3,897
283,035
286,932
General
fund
£
2,822
265,080
267,902
Designated
funds
£
-
37,333
37,333
Designated
funds
£
-
13,333
13,333
Restricted
funds
£
-
62,585
62,585
Restricted
funds
£
-
64,825
64,825
Total
£
3,897
382,953
386,850
Total
£
2,822
343,238
346,060

28

Voluntary Sector North West

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)

18 Operating lease commitments

The charity's total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is as

Less than one year 2021
2020
£
£
4,176
4,524
4,176
4,524
Property
2021
2020
£
£
4,176
4,524
4,176
4,524
Property
4,524

19 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating
2021
£
40,790
1,116
31,391
36,770
110,067
2020
£
10,620
639
168,070
(4,760)
174,569

29