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2024-03-31-accounts

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Company Registration Number: 04061592 Charity Number: 1084083

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

CONTENTS PAGES
Members of the Board and professional advisers 1
Trustees’ annual report 2 to 16
Auditors’ report 17 to 19
Statement of financial activities 20
Balance sheet 21
Statement of cash flows 22
Notes to the financial statements 23 to 39

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VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The board of trustees Alison Dunn (Chair)
Steven Duckworth
Michael Fawole
Edward Kunonga (resigned November 2023)
Kerry Robinson (resigned November 2023)
Kumareswaradas Ramanathas
Jonathan Carling
Sandra Coulter (resigned November 2023)
Colin Hewitt
Jane Kingston (resigned November 2023)
Victoria Burnip (resigned November 2023)
Craig Henderson
Adam Hill
Catherine Parker (appointed November 2023)
Company secretary Martin Brookes (appointed June 2024)
Carol Ownsworth (nee Botten) (resigned March 2024)
Registered office Hadrian House
Higham Place
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE1 8AF
Accountants Debére Limited
Chartered Accountants
Swallow House
Parsons Road
Washington
Tyne and Wear
NE37 1EZ
Auditors Read, Milburn & Co
Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors
71 Howard Street
North Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE30 1AF
Bankers Unity Trust Bank Plc
Four Brindleyplace
Birmingham
B1 2HB

VONNE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS. NEfwoRK NORTH EAST STRENGTHENING & SUPPORTING THE SECT

Trustees’ Annual Report

Year ended March 31[st] , 2024

The Trustees, who are the directors of the organisation for the purpose of Company Law, present their annual director’s report together with the charity’s financial statements for the year ended March 31 2024, which are also prepared to meet the requirements of a director’s report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice, which is applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard that applies in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Reference and administrative details

Name: Voluntary Organisations' Network North Registered Office : Hadrian House, Higham Place, East (VONNE) Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AF Charity Registration Number : 1084083 Company Registration Number : 4061592

Names of the charity trustees at the date this report was approved:

Chair : Alison Dunn

Treasurer: Craig Henderson

Trustees:

Vice Chair: Steven Duckworth

Professor Edward Kunonga, Colin Hewitt, Kerry Robinson, Alison Dunn, Steven Duckworth, Michael Fawole, Kumareswaradas Ramanathas, Jonathan Carling, Sandra Coulter, Colin Hewitt, Jane Kingston, Victoria Burnip, Adam Hill, Craig Henderson, Catherine Parker*.

*retired November 2023

** appointed November 2023

Company secretary : Martin Brookes (appointed June 2024), Carol Ownsworth (nee Botten) (resigned March 2024)

Key management personnel: Martin Brookes, Chief Executive (appointed June 2024), Carol Botten, Chief Executive (resigned March 2024), and Menisha Gela, Deputy Chief Executive

Bankers : Unity Trust Bank, Four Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2JB Accountants: Debere, Swallow House, Parsons Road, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE37 1EZ Auditors : Read Milburn & Company, 71 Howard Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 1AF

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Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The organisation, a registered charity, is controlled by its governing document, the Articles of Association and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The VONNE Board of Trustees has between three and fifteen members. Trustees are nominated and elected from the membership. Notice is sent to all members prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM), with each member organisation entitled to vote. Up to six trustees may be appointed by serving trustees for their expertise, qualifications and knowledge.

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees have a full induction delivered by the Chief Executive and key team members prior to attending their first Board meeting. They are provided with an induction pack containing all the key information about VONNE, Charity Commission guidance, role descriptions and other relevant materials.

Organisational structure

VONNE is managed by a Board of Trustees elected from the membership and governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The Board takes all strategic decisions relating to VONNE, including:

Risk management

Trustees reviewed the risk register this year and monitor it regularly, with a full review carried out annually. Trustees are confident that risks have been identified, appropriate preventative measures are in place and remedial activities are available. VONNE's financial processes are regularly reviewed, both by the Board and externally, to ensure they continue to be robust.

Indemnity insurance

VONNE has professional indemnity insurance cover, in respect of the trustees and officers of the charity.

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VONNE’S Mission

To support the development and sustainability of a strong, effective and well governed Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, and promote engagement, involvement and collaboration with the sector as a valued partner.

VONNE's strategic aims 2018-2024

VONNE's values

Public benefit

VONNE’s objectives provide benefit to the public in North East England (area of benefit) by promoting and supporting the effectiveness of voluntary and community organisations.

Trustees of VONNE confirm they’ve read and paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Trustees confirm they’ve complied with their duties under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 with regard to public benefit. Having considered the guidance, trustees have concluded that VONNE’s work directly supports and strengthens the North East VCSE community with guidance and information, and increases its ability to influence policy and practice in the region.

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ANNUAL REVIEW

VONNE Membership

Our more than 1,400 members allow us to continue our work to strengthen and support the North East’s VCSE sector. Our members give us a collective voice that enables us to represent our sector regionally and nationally.

Following feedback in last year’s Member and Stakeholder survey , work this year focussed on improving the user experience for members, with the aim of making benefits easier to find and use. The biggest improvement came with the launch of our new website in May 2023, which included a new member-only area with a dashboard to access benefits and manage accounts more easily. We also launched a member newsletter – a new monthly roundup of relevant content, member offers and early access to events like our annual conference – and improved the membership user journey.

Core membership increased by nearly three per cent on the previous year. Membership+ numbers increased by just over one per cent.

Membership+ , our enhanced membership scheme, gives members access to a range of additional benefits. Over 26 per cent of our members are also Membership+ supporters. Bronze Membership+ is free to organisations with annual income under £50K. Income from any fees contribute to core running costs, with every penny re-invested in our work.

VONNE Jobs

Our Job Finder service had a more challenging year, nonetheless we advertised over 930 job and trustee vacancies in sector organisations across the region through the year.

Although recruitment remains challenging for the North East VCSE sector, interest in Job Finder continued to - grow, with a job seeker survey generating useful insights which helped us improve search functions and user experience for mobile users. The jobs pages on our website received an average of around 23,000 page views each month, subscribers to our weekly ebulletin increased to over 3,300 and @VONNEJobs Twitter had more than more than 2,800 followers. We also started sharing Job Finder bulletins on our LinkedIn page.

As part of our commitment to champion better recruitment practices in the North East VCSE sector, we continued to support key campaigns such as #ShowTheSalary and #OpenToAll. We also continued to use our position as a National Living Wage employer to encourage sector support for the campaign.

Enhanced Recruitment Service

Our enhanced recruitment services, which includes our recruitment support service and a trustee finder service, have continued to provide support to a number of organisations this year. We look forward to developing this area of work in the coming years.

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Information and intelligence

We raise the profile of the sector and ensure it is valued as an equal partner. We are an expert source of intelligence on the sector and provide information to the VCSE community on issues that affect it.

Our communication channels

We keep North East VCSE organisations informed about key information through our social media channels and a number of regular eBulletins, including VONNENews, VONNEJobs, FINE and Health & Wellbeing ebulletins. We also launched a monthly VONNE Members bulletin with information and exclusive offers for our members.

During 23/24 we sent a total of 123 ebulletins to more than 10,000 opted-in subscribers. Engagement remained consistent with a high interest in VONNE news and opinion articles, particularly around our Annual Conference, which focussed on AI for the charity sector and our project workstreams.

We further developed our social media branding and increased our engagement on LinkedIn, resulting in a 27% increase in followers.

In May 2023 we launched a new VONNE website with improved accessibility, user-led journeys and information about VONNE’s work and values. This included a full re-brand which we’ve been rolling out across our internal and external communications.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) launched in April 2022, and since then VONNE has shared key intelligence and information with the sector, built strong relationships with the lead authorities for UKSPF in the region, and enabled engagement and consultation with the sector through our networks and specific events. We have worked collaboratively with North of Tyne Combined Authority and other lead authorities to scope and influence potential delivery and programme models. VONNE continued to represent the VCSE sector on the North of Tyne Combined Authority UK Shared Prosperity Fund Partnership Group during the year and provided regular UKSPF updates to our networks and through our communications channels.

Partnerships and collaboration

We facilitate networks to strengthen the VCSE sector and act as a ‘connector’, bringing people and organisations together to make things happen.

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Networks

We provide learning opportunities and encourage collaboration through our Membership+ supporter scheme and CEO Peer Support Network, which is open to the CEOs of silver and gold Membership+ supporters enables leaders to hear about key policy issues impacting on the sector, share challenges and support each other in a ‘safe space’.

We facilitate the North East and Cumbria Funders’ Network, through which we share information and support funders to collaborate and better support grant applicants. The Funders Network has directly and regularly involved over 70 local and national funders in our forum for network members to share information on the funding landscape and support and encourage collaboration between funders, with a wider reach to 299 contacts on the mailing list for regular bulletins and updates.

We are a key partner of the North East Social Leaders Network, the North of Tyne Combined Authority Inclusive Economy Board, and within the North East LEP, on which our CEO served as a board member, we also represented the sector on the North East Skills Advisory Panel. We facilitate the VCSE Skills, Inclusion and Employment Network to feed in and back to these structures.

We have facilitated the North East Building Better Opportunities (BBO) Network documenting the key finding, learning and recommendations from the programme. We brought the BBO projects together with representatives from both the North East LEP, North of Tyne Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority to ensure learning and legacy was fed into UKSPF plans and wider employability provision and policy.

In 2022 we launched the North East VCSE Policy Forum, working in partnership with IPPR North and funded by the Millfield House Foundation which continues to provide a vehicle to bring VCSE sector leaders together to engage and respond to emerging policy themes impacting on the sector.

As members of the North East Child Poverty Commission, we have continued to work with other members, VCSE organisations and other regional bodies to demand urgent government action to address the levels of child poverty in the region.

We support networks of Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) across the region, bringing them together both to facilitate joint working, and to disseminate relevant policy information from VONNE to their grassroots member groups.

Partnership Projects

Continuing partnership projects include:

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Health and Wellbeing

VONNE is the lead partner in the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) VCSE Partnership Programme , an NHS England and NHS Improvement scheme supporting the VCSE community to create alliances to facilitate a coordinated VCSE voice at Integrated Care System (ICS) level and have greater strategic influence in emerging ICS governance structures. We have secured confirmation of funding from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for 2024/25 including dedicated funds for reimbursement of VCSE representatives involved in ICS strategic meetings. We continue to facilitate VCSE representation on both ICS boards to further embed the VCSE within the system and have increased VCSE representation at strategic level within several health workstreams.

The Partnership Programme hosts a growing Health and Wellbeing Network , sharing information via a 3- weekly Health and Wellbeing bulletin, with membership increasing from 264 to 877 from the year 2022 to March 2024. Partnership Forum meetings are held bi-monthly for senior VCSE managers responsible for organisational policy and strategy. The forum hosts a variety of guest speakers including, Claire Riley, Chief Corporate Services Officer; Dan Jackson, Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Affairs, NENC ICB; and Kathryn Grayling, Director of People and Culture, Boost. The members act as a representative group with whom external stakeholders can engage. A VONNE Health and Wellbeing twitter account was set up to utilise the reach of social media, which has grown to 656 followers.

The programme’s VCSE Executive Group consists of democratically nominated representatives from all subgroups, external network partners and infrastructure organisations to gain broad geographic and thematic input from the whole sector across ICS footprint, to discuss and agree key collective issues, themes and messages to share at the strategic forums they sit within. At the request of the group, the VCSE Partnership Programme created a questionnaire to find out more about the VCSE sector’s perception of the relationship with the ICB, and to get a clearer picture of the funding landscape for organisations. A full report and infographic showcasing key findings were developed and shared widely across the ICS, and were well received by both VCSE and statutory colleagues.

We have supported the development of coordinated relationships with NHS workstreams and continue to work with the ICB to create links into the programme sub-groups, of which there are now 10, including a Workforce sub-group led by the Health Partnerships Strategic Manager, who is the VCSE representative on the ICB People Committee.

We have supported the development of a longer-term piece of work supporting closer linkage of NHS Hospitals Charities and Local Infrastructure Organisations to enable future funding of community projects and are in the process of generating an ICB/VCSE bid to investigate evidencing impact of partnership working, which will support the development of better commissioning practices within the health system.

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The Health & Wellbeing Research Partnerships Coordinator pilot post has delivered a second year of support focused on improving relationships between the VCSE and research. With a focus on supporting connections and partnership working, the role has also provided training and other learning opportunities to strengthen VCSE understanding and ability to advocate for reciprocal, sustainable partnerships and research that improves outcomes for their beneficiaries. The second year of the role has continued to be very successful, securing additional work and funding through a partnership with the EPSRC-funded Northern Futures Health Hub (NortHFutures Hub) for one day a week of Coordinator support from May 2024 – October 2026. In addition, an event co-hosted by VONNE has led to a newly funded project to create and disseminate practical resources to support greater VCSE and research integration through a £40K from the national NIHR Centre and Engagement & Dissemination.

VONNE led the successful Research Engagement Network Phase 2 bid, partnering with the ICB and research partners and secured £200K of funding, the majority of which was directed into the VCSE sector. An additional £30K was successfully applied for to extend the scope of this work, which will be delivered in 2024/5.

VONNE represents the VCSE within the Healthier and Fairer Group, previously known as the NENC ICS Health Inequalities Advisory Group and Operational Group, with the Health Partnerships Strategic Manager CoChairing the Healthy Communities and Social Prescribing Steering Group and leading on a work programme funded by the ICB. We received investment of £300k for this work, £240k of which is reallocated to VCSE partners through our Infrastructure Investment Programme. This programme aims to build capacity and resilience of social prescribing across the North East and North Cumbria region, 12 partners received funding during the year, enabling a range of projects to commence, details of which can be found on our Healthy Communities and Social Prescribing web pages.

We are also active partners across a number of Healthier and Fairer work programmes, ensuring that the voice of the VCSE is heard and promote collaboration and partnership to address health inequalities and the broad prevention agenda. We host a HC&SP network of over 350 partners and host Stakeholder events twice per year.

We have continued to host a regional network of health champion leads, and during 2023 we published a learning resource, capturing experiences from local champion programmes. We have also identified five new health champion projects who will receive development funding for 2024/5.

VONNE’s role as the North East & Yorkshire regional lead for the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) Thriving Communities Programme came to an end on 30 September 2023, following a new strategy and restructure at NASP.

VONNE is co-lead for a North East pilot project ‘Reading for Wellbeing’ supported by the author Ann Cleeves, who donated funds matched by 6 local authorities to support recruitment of community reading workers linked to library services working in a range of community settings targeting those experiencing loneliness, social isolation and health issues. In 2023, 4 more local authority areas recruited community reading workers and we have continued to support bringing areas together to share learning, provide access to training via Opening the Book and work with evaluators to support implementation of a consistent monitoring and reporting framework. We have supported development of a website: https://readingforwellbeing.org.uk/ and NIHR supported evaluation of the phase 1 pilot which has been published.

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At the end of 2023/4, VONNE agreed to help the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) to direct investment into community organisations for their first responder training and defibrillation equipment. VONNE also instigated a partnership with Healthwatch to engage in wide public and VCSE sector consultation to support the development of NEAS’s new organisational strategy, which will commence in 2024/5.

Digital and Innovation

This year VONNE continued our support for the sector with digital and innovation through our ERDF funded Catalysing Innovation project, working with the Innovation Super Network; the Digital Pathfinders programme; and support for the sector with digital inclusion. Working with external stakeholders this year we held workshops for the sector on:

Within the Digital Pathfinders programme, we held workshops on a variety of topics including digital fundraising, cyber security, data and many more. This year we hosted 8 masterclasses and engaged 54 organisations in the programme.

During this year we continued our work in digital inclusion including involvement in workshops and activities to support the development of Digital Inclusion strategies with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Support and resilience

We provide the sector with up to date and relevant funding information through our Funding Information North East (FINE) ebulletin and searchable funding directory. We also encourage and support sector organisations to actively consider and develop more diverse income streams including earned and contract income and social investment. Through the NE and Cumbria Funders Network we also work to increase understanding among funders, social investors, and statutory bodies of the sector’s needs.

Last year, we:

sponsored the North East Charity Awards encouraging organisations to nominate themselves and for the wider sector and region, to celebrate and promote the sector’s vital work across the region.

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Future Plans

The challenges and opportunities facing the voluntary and community sector have shifted with both regional and national political and policy changes, as well as developments in the funding landscape. To reflect these changes and the way we work, in 24-25 we will be reviewing VONNE’s strategy.

The North East has some of the poorest regions in the country, with high levels of poverty, unemployment, poor health and health inequalities. The voluntary sector is relied upon to deliver crucial support to people in these communities. Ensuring these communities are well understood and served is part of VONNE’s work.

The riots in the summer of 2024 highlight another area of opportunity. Different towns and cities in the North East experienced these events markedly differently, and the charity sector is heavily embedded within communities that are trying to rebuild, strengthen and foster positive relationships and greater cohesion. There are signs that in some areas it was the strength of the sector and its connections which helped stop or limit trouble. Our Conference in November 2024 will centre on Devolution and Community Cohesion , with a particular focus on the aftermath of the summer riots and the impact on the North East region. With the region now governed by two Combined Authorities—the North East Combined Authority and the Tees Valley Combined Authority —there is a unique opportunity for the charity sector to participate in meaningful conversations about the future of our communities.

We will also work to influence the combined authorities on “local growth plans”. We hope to work with both combined authorities to put the VCSE sector at the heart of these regional plans, ensuring that they are more equitable and help the most vulnerable in society. In a similar spirit, we continue to work with a range of NHS structures across the region, including the ICB, through the Partnership Programme and the Healthier and Fairer programme.

Our work in all these areas is information – its collection, collation, analysis, and then presentation. We are undertaking a strategy review in the second half of 2024-25 and will examine which of our activities are going well and where we need to change things. This would build on all our existing work aiming to ensure the sector is even better understood, appreciated, and supported. In turn this means the sector would be able to serve communities even more effectively and sustainably. The core work of VONNE will remain the same, but we are likely to refresh how we present the work of VONNE, so it is better understood by all.

Our Member Services Team will continue to increase our membership in 2024-25. The online Workspace Finder and our Enhanced Recruitment services continue to be developed to support the sector.

We will be reviewing our LARCH (Local Access Redcar, Cleveland and Hartlepool) project and progress to date including partnership structures and outcomes of the enterprise development programme to focus on future priorities and begin legacy planning and Phase 2 of Going Green Together will launch in 2024.

We are focussing on equality, diversity and inclusion in 2024-25 and ensuring this is embedded in every aspect of our work through our strategy.

We continue to recruit new staff into the organisation including our new CEO, dedicated project staff and a Finance Manager.

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

The 2023/24 financial year saw further growth of project income (21%) and expenditure (27%) from the previous financial year, due in part to continuation of project development and funding for our work addressing the climate emergency: Going Green Together, and the continuation of other significant projects such as LARCH and Digital Pathfinders. Our health & wellbeing portfolio also continued to grow, including our VCSE Partnership Programme engaging the VCSE sector with the North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), further involvement through our Health & Wellbeing Research Partnership in the national Research Engagement Network Development project, as well as further investment in the Health Communities & Social Prescribing activities, as part of the ICB’s ‘Healthier & Fairer’ health inequalities programme. Further health project funding was also secured at the year end from NEAS (North East Ambulance Service) to support VCSE engagement in development of their strategy in 24/25. Our core earned income from membership fees and job advertising increased again during this financial year.

At year end, there was a £109,153 deficit on the general unrestricted fund, before transfers from our designated funds. We ended the year with a significant surplus of £789,272 in our restricted funds. We spent out the existing restricted funds relating to a number of projects but received further restricted income in continuation funding for several projects, which increased the funds held in restricted reserves back up to £1,502,603. We anticipate that all restricted funds as at 31 March 2024 will be utilised in 2024/25.

Accounting for unspent restricted funds, the overall surplus for the year is £679,768. We transferred some designated funds consistent with our strategic objectives and against allocations made towards the end of the previous financial year. The trustees have prepared a forecast for 2024-2025 to consider the potential impact on VONNE of possible scenarios on funding, alongside measures that can be taken to mitigate this. Based on these assessments and the current reserves position, the trustees have concluded they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and financial statements.

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Reserves policy

VONNE believes it is important to maintain a reserves policy to ensure effective resource management, and to enable the financial viability and longer term sustainability of the organisation. The Board consider that the VONNE should hold sufficient funds to cover::

In determining the financial amount that is to be held for any unforeseen need for funds and operational costs, the Board have considered the organisations risk register, which they consider to be a prudent way of determining the potential financial impact of unforeseen events.

They have also considered the average value of certain grant funds which are received in arrears in determining the amounts needed to fund the working capital shortfall of incurring expenditure in advance of funds being received.

Following these considerations, the Board consider that it is appropriate to hold £255,000 in reserve. As at 31 March 2024 free reserves held by the Charity amounted to £282,073.

The VONNE board uses a continual process of careful financial management, and will aim to review, establish and maintain adequate reserves to enable the organisation to function effectively. A cautious approach to investment is adopted, maximising income by using interest-earning, short term accessible bank accounts.

Annually, the Board will review the amount of funds to designate for specific purposes (outlined in full below).

The trustees wish to allocate the unrestricted closing reserve level of £103,525 in the following manner:

Project development and innovation fund
A project development fund to support new initiatives and unforeseen project activities to
strengthen the VCSE sector in the North East or the sustainability of VONNE.		 £10,000
Repair and renewals fund
To meet the ongoing costs of repairing and replacing capital equipment, and in particular, IT
equipment.		 £2,500
Staff contingencies and liabilities fund
To meet unexpected staffing costs related to parental leave, sickness leave and other periods of
absence and to cover current redundancy liability for individuals whose posts may be lost during a
restructure, or as a result of funding streams coming to an end. Redundancy costs are calculated on
the basis of current weekly pay.		 £62,662
Website development
To meet the costs of the new website build in 2022/23 to provide better content, useability and
customer service for our members and the wider VCSE sector. These costs will be amortised over
the following 3 years.		 £28,363
TOTAL DESIGNATED FUNDS £103,525
Unrestricted (allocated) reserves £6,509
Unrestricted (free) reserves £178,548

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Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of VONNE for the purposes of Company Law) are responsible for preparing the report of the trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company, and of the income and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period.

In preparing these statements, trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company, to enable them to ensure 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:

Auditors

In accordance with Section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of Read, Milburn & Co. as auditors of the charity is to be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

On This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 19 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

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Alison Dunn (Chair)

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VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (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 Auditors' 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.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 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.

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VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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 Report of the Trustees.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, 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.

Our 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 a Report of the Independent Auditors 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.

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VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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. In this regard, our procedures include the following:

Because of the field in which the charity operates, we have identified the following areas as those most likely to have a material impact on the financial statements: Health and Safety; Employment Law; and compliance with the Companies and Charities Acts.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

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 auditors' 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.

ioc

Nicholas Liley FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Read, Milburn & Co Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 71 Howard Street North Shields Tyne and Wear NE30 1AF

19 December 2024

19

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
INCOME FROM:
Investment income
4
Charitable activities
5
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities

TOTAL EXPENDITURE
6

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Transfers between funds
14
Net movement in funds
7
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD		 Unrestricted Funds
General
Funds
£
Desig-
nated
Funds
£
7,208
–
280,202
–

287,410
–


(396,563)
–
(
(396,563)
–
(
(109,153)
–
180,885
(62,308)
71,732
(62,308)
113,325
165,833
185,057
103,525

 Restricted
Funds
£
–
2,090,377
2,090,377

1,301,105)
1,301,105)

789,272
(118,577)
670,695
831,908
1,502,603
 Total
Funds
2024
£
7,208
2,370,579

2,377,787


(1,697,668)

(1,697,668)


680,119
–
680,119
1,111,066

1,791,185

 Total
Funds
2023
£
63
1,864,292
1,864,355
(1,242,875)
(1,242,875)
621,480
–
621,480
489,586
1,111,066

All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.

The notes on pages 23 to 39 form part of these financial statements

20

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

Registered Number 04061592

BALANCE SHEET

31 MARCH 2024

Notes 2024 2023
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 10 30,525 23,162
Tangible assets 11 5,201 8,614
35,726 31,776
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 12 1,256,707 492,397
Cash at bank and in hand 674,108 922,119
1,930,815 1,414,516
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 13 (175,356) (335,226)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,755,459 1,079,290
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,791,185 1,111,066
NET ASSETS 1,791,185
 1,111,066
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds:
General fund 185,057 113,325
Designated funds 103,525 165,833
288,582 279,158
Restricted funds 1,502,603 831,908
TOTAL FUNDS 14 1,791,185 1,111,066

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to small companies regime.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 19 December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Craig Henderson (Treasurer)

The notes on pages 23 to 39 form part of these financial statements

21

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Cash generated from operating activities
16
Net cash from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of tangible assets
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£

(232,785)
(232,785)
(21,000)
(1,434)
7,208
(15,226)
(248,011)
922,119
674,108		 2023
£
282,751
282,751

(22,575)
(5,964)
63
(28,476)

254,275
667,844
922,119

The notes on pages 23 to 39 form part of these financial statements

22

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Hadrian House, Higham Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8AF.

Accounting convention

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) effective from 1 January 2019, the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the levels of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. Based on the assessments made in order to mitigate the current adverse conditions, and the current resources available, the trustees have concluded that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

Income

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

The income shown in the statement of financial activities represents the value of all services delivered during the year, at selling price exclusive of Value Added Tax. Sales are recognised at the point at which the charity has fulfilled its contractual obligations to the customer.

Grant income

Revenue grants are credited to incoming resources on the earlier date of when they are received or receivable, unless they relate to a specific period, or alternatively, where there are conditions which must be fulfilled prior to entitlement or use of the grant, in which case they are deferred into subsequent accounting periods and are treated as grants or income in advance.

Resources expended and Irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expenses for which it was incurred.

23

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Support costs

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Premises’ overheads have been allocated on an apportionment basis and other overheads have been allocated on an apportionment basis.

Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Any intangible assets carried at revalued amounts, are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation, as determined by reference to an active market, less any subsequent accumulated amortisation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is provided at the following rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Website development – 33% on cost

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in profit or loss. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of any previously recognised revaluation increase accumulated in equity in respect of that asset. Where a revaluation decrease exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains accumulated in equity in respect of that asset, the excess shall be recognised in profit or loss.

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Fixtures and fittings – 33% on cost Computer equipment – 33% on cost

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.

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.

24

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies (continued)

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 after allowing for any trade discounts due.

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.

Statement of cash flow

The charity has prepared a statement of cash flow on the basis that they are defined as a large charity.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds include amounts allocated to various funds by the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company’s pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Operating lease agreements

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against profits on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Capital commitments

The charity has no contractual commitments at the year end.

Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectation of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

25

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2. Company Status

The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.

3 Statement of Financial Activities for the prior year

Notes
INCOME FROM:
Investment income
4
Charitable activities
5
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities

TOTAL EXPENDITURE
6

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers between funds
14
Net movement in funds
7
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD		 Unrestricted
General
Funds
£
63
349,567
349,630
(320,751)
(320,751)
28,879
(7,486)
21,393
91,932
113,325		 Funds
Desig-
nated
Funds
£

–
–

–

(62,086)
(62,086)
(62,086)
(16,764)
(78,850)
244,683
165,833		 Restricted
Funds
£
–
1,514,725

1,514,725


(860,038)

(860,038)
654,687
24,250
678,937
152,971
831,908
 Total
Funds
2023
£
63
1,864,292
1,864,355
(1,242,875)
(1,242,875)
621,480
–
621,480
489,586
1,111,066

4 Investment income

Deposit account interest receivable

Unrestricted 2023
2024 £
£
7,208 63

26

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5 Income from resources from charitable activities

Policy & Consultancy Projects
Health & Wellbeing Projects
Climate Emergency Projects
Funding Information North East
North East Funders Network
VONNE – Core Income
Total		 Grant
income
£
293,293
1,344,965
430,736
6,000
15,383
65,000
2,155,377
 Sales
And
events
£
Total
Restricted
Funds
£
40,951
293,293
46,456
1,344,965
–
430,736
–
6,000
–
15,383
127,795
–
215,202
2,090,377

 Total Un-
restricted
Funds
£
40,951
46,456
–
–
–
192,795
280,202
 Total
2024
£
334,244
1,391,421
430,736
6,000
15,383
192,795
2,370,579

 Total
2023
£
461,417
859,407
357,074
7,500
14,714
164,180
1,864,292

6 Charitable activities costs

Policy & Consultancy Projects
Health & Wellbeing Projects
Climate Emergency Projects
Funding Information North East
North East Funders Network
VONNE – Core Expenditure
Total		 Direct
costs
£
360,514
795,174
187,332
9,217
14,842
177,387
1,544,466		 Depre-
ciation
£
Support
Costs
£
Events
&
Meetings
£
Governance
costs
£
525
10,299
819
–
2,706
16,101
–
–
528
4,720
3,793
–
93
665
–
–
79
462
–
–
14,553
85,521
9,850
2,488
18,484
117,768
14,462
2,488		 Total
Funds
2024
£
372,157
813,981
196,373
9,975
15,383
289,799
1,697,668		 Total
Funds
2023
£
325,874
475,972
199,943
7,500
10,270
223,316

1,242,875

In the year ended 31 March 2024 total expenditure was £1,697,668. Included with this is £396,563 (2023: £382,837) of unrestricted expenditure and £1,301,105 (2023: £860,038) of restricted.

Direct costs are made up as follows:

Staff costs (per note 9)
Recruitment costs
Research and consultancy
Travel and subsistence
Training projects		 2024
£
785,379
548
739,191
3,280
16,068
1,544,466		 2023
£
617,439
755
444,475
3,573
5,766
1,072,008

Governance costs are made up as follows:

Governance costs are made up as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
AGM and Board member expenses 164 409
Auditors’ remuneration 2,324 2,265
2,488
 2,674

27

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Net movement in funds

Net movement in funds are stated after charging/(crediting):

Auditors’ remuneration
Depreciation – owned assets
Website development amortisation
Rent		 2024
£
2,324
4,847
13,637
20,191		 2023
£
2,265
5,698
1,939
13,179

8 Trustees’ remuneration and benefits

There were no trustees’ remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Trustees’ expenses

There were no trustees’ expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

9 Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2024
£
689,172
59,119
37,088
785,379		 2023
£
542,963
45,878
28,598

617,439

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2024 2023
Chief Executive Officer 1 1
Staff 22 19
23
 20

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

2024 2023
£60,001 - £70,000 1 –
1 –

The total remuneration and benefits paid to key management amounted to £121,366 (2023: £87,835)

28

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

10 Intangible fixed assets

Website
Development
£
COST
At 1 April 2023 39,325
Additions 21,000
At 31 March 2024 60,325
AMORTISATION
At 1 April 2023 16,163
Charge for the year 13,637
At 31 March 2024 29,800
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024 30,525
At 31 March 2023 23,162

11 Tangible fixed assets

Fittings and
fittings
£
Computer
Equipment
£
COST
At 1 April 2023
12,891
20,734
Additions
1,434
–
At 31 March 2024
14,325
20,734

DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2023
11,605
13,406
Charge for year
876
3,971
At 31 March 2024
12,481
17,377

NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024
1,844
3,357
At 31 March 2023
1,286
7,328		 Total
£
33,625
1,434
35,059
25,011
4,847
29,858
5,201
8,614

29

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

12 Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year

2024
£
Trade debtors
1,180,171
Prepayments
2,117
Accrued income
74,419
Other debtors
–
1,256,707

reditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2024
£
Trade creditors
119,935
Taxation and social security
10,529
Accruals
12,105
Deferred income
23,543
Other creditors
9,244
175,356
 2023
£
405,649
28,005
58,685
58
492,397
2023
£
33,497
17,931
101,060
175,096
7,642
335,226

13 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Accrued and Deferred income

Included in accruals and deferred income / prepayments and accrued income are the following provisions for deferred income/(accrued income):

Membership income
North East Funders Network
Innovation clusters
North East England
Digital Pathfinders
NENC ICS Partnership Programme
Northern Powergrid – Community Engagement
Development & Co-ordination Support MEA Trust
Local Access Redcar, Cleveland and Hartlepool
National Academy for Social Prescribing
Events sponsorship
Policy & Consultancy
Office accommodation
Personalised Care – Children & Young People
NENC Health Champions programme
The Rothley Trust (FINE)
North East VCSE Policy Forum
Waiting Well Engagement
Research Engagement Network		 1 April
2023
£
Receivable
£
35,278
44,931
(7,357)
22,740
(3,831)
8,425
(5,371)
21,165
(19,082)
29,005
(200)
287,599
(3,720)
18,600
(17,374)
23,949
–
(220)
4,789
41,667
(850)
–
(400)
800
(500)
4,500
12,712
–
8,822
130,200
1,000
–
5,000
2,648
20,000
(2,500)
87,495
67,739
116,411
701,248
 Released
£

(56,666)
(15,383)
(4,594)
(15,794)
(48,042)
(287,399)
(14,880)
(26,071)
(15,734)
(46,456)
–
(400)
(4,000)
(12,712)
(139,022)
(1,000)
(7,648)
(17,500)
(155,234)
(868,535)
 31 March
2024
£
23,543
–
–
–
(38,119)
–
–
(19,496)
(15,954)
–
(850)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(50,876)

The deferrals included in creditors relate to those grants, donations and income specified as relating to a specific period and represent those parts of the grants, donations or income which relate to periods subsequent to the accounting year end and are treated as grants or income in advance, or alternatively where there are conditions which must be fulfilled prior to entitlement or use of the grant or donation by the charity.

30

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Movement in funds

For the year ended 31 March 2024
Designated funds
Project development & innovation fund
Repair and replacement fund
Maternity, sickness and jury service fund
Organisational development fund
Office reconfiguration fund
Website development fund
Organisational restructure fund
ERDF Innovation Clusters Match fund
Unrestricted funds
General funds
National Academy for Social Prescribing
Restricted funds
Funding Information North East
Innovation Clusters
Research Engagement Network
Local Access Redcar, Cleveland and Hartlepool
CVD Networks – VCS Engagement
Digital Pathfinders
Going green
North East Funders Network – Together
NENC ICS – Healthy Communities + Social
Prescribing
NENC ICS – Healthy Champions programme
NENC ICS – VCSE Sector Representative fees
NIHR/ ARC VCSE Research Partnerships
North East England Climate Coalition
Waiting Well Engagement
Personalised Care – Carers
NENC ICS VCSE Partnership Programme
VONNE Thrive Hub
VCSE Infrastructure Cost of Living Fund
Enrich the Earth
NOTCA social finance fund roundtables coord
NENC ICS VCSE Sector Finance Strategy
engagement
NEAS Strategy Engagement
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1
April
2023
£
Net
movement
in funds
£
10,000
–
2,500
–
51,367
–
10,000
–
2,800
–
42,000
–
43,000
–
4,166
–
165,833
–


87,459
(89,796)
25,866
(19,357)
113,325
(109,153)


–
(3,975)
–
(3,448)
–
66,556
222,574
(224,262)
9,660
–
12,128
(12,128)
160,209
(68,917)
4,444
–
316,242
248,953
–
100,739
6,692
(350)
19,649
30,897
6,440
(3,387)
–
4,775
–
84,097
73,870
56,130

–
(500)
–
(3,500)
–
306,667
–
5,925
–
5,000
–
200,000
831,908
789,272

1,111,066
680,119		 Transfers
between
funds
£
–
–
11,295
(10,000)
(2,800)
(13,637)
(43,000)
(4,166)
(62,308)

180,885
–
180,885

3,975
3,448
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(130,000)
500
3,500
–
–
–
–
(118,577)
–		 At 31
March
2024
£
10,000
2,500
62,662
–
–
28,363
–
–
103,525

178,548
6,509
185,057

–
–
66,556
(1,688)
9,660
–
91,292
4,444
565,195
100,739
6,342
50,546
3,053
4,775
84,097
–
–
–
306,667
5,925
5,000
200,000
1,502,603
1,791,185

Of the amounts received during the year in relation to NENC ICS VCSE Partnership Programme, the board of trustees decided to reallocate £130,000 to be spent of projects with similar objectives.

31

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Movement in funds (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Millfield House Foundation
Northern Powergrid – Community Engagement
Development & Co-ordination Support MEA Trust
National Academy for Social Prescribing
Restricted funds
Funding Information North East
Innovation Clusters
Research Engagement Network
Local Access Redcar, Cleveland and Hartlepool
Waiting Well Engagement
North East Funders Network
NENC ICS – Healthy Communities & Social Prescribing
NENC ICS – Health Champions Programme
NENC ICS – VCS Sector Representative fees
NENC ICS VCSE Sector Finance Strategy Engagement
NIHR/ ARC VCSE Research Partnership
North East England Climate Coalition
Digital Pathfinders
Personalised Care - Children & Young People
Personalised Care - Carers
VONNE Climate Action Alliance – Going Green Together
Enrich the Earth
VONNE Thrive Hub Development
NENC ICS VCSE Partnership Programme
Investing for Social Impact
VCSE Policy Forum
NOTCA Social finance fund Round Tables Co-Ord
NEAS Strategy Engagement Support
Northern Powergrid Event Co-ordination
VCSE Infrastructure Cost of Living Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
158,003
42,000
14,880
26,071
46,456
287,410

6,000
4,594
162,234
16,134
20,000
15,383
537,689
158,822
50
5,000
69,862
15,794
48,042
12,712
84,097
90,942
324,000
–
288,499
6,000
7,648
11,850
200,000
5,025
–
2,090,377

2,377,787

 Resources
Expended
£
Movement
in funds
£
(247,799)
(89,796)
(42,000)
–
(14,880)
–
(26,071)
–
(65,813)
(19,357)
(396,563)
(109,153)
(9,975)
(3,975)
(8,042)
(3,448)
(95,678)
66,556
(240,396)
(224,262)
(15,225)
4,775
(15,383)
–
(288,736)
248,953
(58,083)
100,739
(400)
(350)
–
5,000
(38,965)
30,897
(19,181)
(3,387)
(60,170)
(12,128)
(12,712)
–
–
84,097
(159,859)
(68,917)
(17,333)
306,667
(500)
(500)
(232,369)
56,130
(6,000)
–
(7,648)
–
(5,925)
5,925
–
200,000
(5,025)
–
(3,500)
(3,500)
(1,301,105)
789,272
(1,697,668)
680,119

32

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Movement in funds (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Designated funds
Project development & innovation fund
Redundancy fund
Repair and replacement fund
Maternity, sickness and jury service fund
Organisational development fund
COVID-19 working arrangements
reconfiguration fund
Office reconfiguration fund
Website development fund
Organisational restructure fund
ERDF Innovation Clusters Match fund
Unrestricted funds
General funds
National Academy for Social Prescribing

Restricted funds
Innovation Clusters
Digital Infrastructure Programme – National
Lottery Community Fund
Local Access Redcar, Cleveland and
Hartlepool
CVD Networks – VCS Engagement
Digital Pathfinders
VONNE Climate Action Alliance
North East Funders Network - National Lottery
Community Fund
NENC Integrated Care System – Healthy
Communities
NENC Integrated Care System – Healthy
Champions Programme
NENC Integrated Care System – VCS Sector
Representative fees
NIHR/ ARC VCSE Research Partnership
North East England Climate Coalition – NENC
Integrated Care System
Safeguarding Partnership
Personalised Care - Children & Young People
Personalised Care – Carers
NENC Integrated Care System VCS
Partnership Programme
VCS Emergencies Partnership – NAVCA/
British Red Cross
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1
April
2022
£
20,000
65,066
2,500
37,952
20,000
2,500
7,000
30,000
43,000
16,665
244,683


91,932
–
91,932

–

16,266

47,309

9,750
12,128
9,518

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
50,000
8,000

152,971

489,586
 Net
movement
in funds
£
T

(5,000)
(55,237)
–
–
–

–
(1,849)
–
–
–

(62,086)


3,013
25,866

28,879


(14,011)
(16,266)
175,265
(90)
–
150,691
4,444
316,242
(86)
6,692
19,649
6,440
(1,445)
(7,894)
(814)
23,870
(8,000)
654,687
621,480		 ransfers
between
funds
£
(5,000)
(9,829)
–
13,415
(10,000)
(2,500)
(2,351)
12,000
–
(12,499)
(16,764)

(7,486)
–
(7,486)

14,011
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
86
–
–
–
1,445
7,894
814
–
–
24,250
–		 At 31
March
2023
£
10,000
–
2,500
51,367
10,000
–
2,800
42,000
43,000
4,166
165,833

87,459
25,866
113,325

–
–
222,574
9,660
12,128
160,209
4,444
316,242
–
6,692
19,649
6,440
–
–
–
73,870
–
831,908
1,111,066		 At 31
March
2023
£
10,000
–
2,500
51,367
10,000
–
2,800
42,000
43,000
4,166

165,833
87,459
25,866

113,325
–
–
222,574
9,660
12,128
160,209
4,444
316,242
–
6,692
19,649
6,440
–
–
–
73,870
–
831,908

33

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Movement in funds (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2023 (continued)

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Designated funds
Redundancy fund
Office Reconfiguration fund
Project development & innovation fund
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Millfield House Foundation
Northern Powergrid – Community Engagement
North East LEP Digital Inclusion Consultation
North of Tyne Combined Authority – Equalities Assembly
Development & Co-ordination Support MEA Trust
National Academy for Social Prescribing
Restricted funds
Funding Information North East
Innovation Clusters
Digital Infrastructure Programme – National Lottery Community
Fund
Local Access Redcar, Cleveland and Hartlepool
VCSE Infrastructure Cost of Living Fund
North East Funders Network - National Lottery Community Fund
NENC Integrated Care System – Healthy Communities & Social
Prescribing
NENC Integrated Care System – Health Champions
NENC Integrated Care System – VCS Sector Representative
fees
NENC Integrated Care System VCS Sector Finance Strategy
NIHR/ ARC VCSE Research Partnership
Safeguarding Partnership
North East England Climate Coalition
Digital Pathfinders
Personalised Care - Children & Young People
Personalised Care - Carers
VONNE Climate Action Alliance – Going Green Together
CVD Networks – VCS Engagement
VONNE Thrive Hub Development
NENC Integrated Care System VCS Partnership Programme
VCS Emergencies Partnership – NAVCA/ British Red Cross
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
Resources
Expended
£
Movement
in funds
£
–
(55,237)
(55,237)
–
(1,849)
(1,849)
–
(5,000)
(5,000)
–
(62,086)
(62,086)

122,243
(119,230)
3,013
42,000
(42,000)
–
14,880
(14,880)
–
9,800
(9,800)
–
25,500
(25,500)
–
30,536
(30,536)
–
104,671
(78,805)
25,866
349,630
(320,751)
28,879

7,500
(7,500)
–
12,549
(26,560)
(14,011)
–
(16,266)
(16,266)
302,631
(127,366)
175,265
5,000
(5,000)
–
14,714
(10,270)
4,444
363,257
(47,015)
316,242
19,659
(19,745)
(86)
10,000
(3,308)
6,692
7,648
(7,648)
–
44,162
(24,513)
19,649
–
(1,445)
(1,445)
58,701
(52,261)
6,440
39,421
(39,421)
–
16,349
(24,243)
(7,894)
94,518
(95,332)
(814)
298,373
(147,682)
150,691
–
(90)
(90)
15,100
(15,100)
–
199,143
(175,273)
23,870
6,000
(14,000)
(8,000)
1,514,725
(860,038)
654,687

1,864,355
(1,242,875)
621,480

34

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Movement in funds (continued)

Designated Funds:

The designated funds were established in 2007/08 for the initial support or extensions to special projects and are reviewed annually by the trustees. They are as follows:

Organisational Development Fund

To meet the development costs of new income generation/sustainability activities for VONNE including significant staff development investments. Any activities funded would include a proportion of related staff costs.

Project Development & Innovation Fund

A project development fund to aid project start up or set up funding constraints, support new initiatives and unforeseen project activities to strengthen the VCSE sector in the North East or the sustainability of VONNE

Maternity, Sickness and Jury Fund

To cover additional staffing costs due to extended periods of absence. The fund has been decreased slightly in the year, to reflect staff changes.

Staff contingencies and liabilities fund

To meet unexpected staffing costs including additional/ cover costs relating to parental leave, longer-term sickness or jury service and liabilities fund including redundancy liability for individuals whose posts may be lost during restructure or because of funding streams coming to an end.

ERDF Innovation Clusters Match Fund

Funding committed to match ERDF funding for the Innovation Clusters project. Due to the project continuing to 2024, a transfer has been made into designated reserves to match the forecasted spends.

Repairs and Replacement Fund

To meet the on-going costs of repairing and replacing capital equipment, and in particular IT equipment.

Redundancy Fund

In previous years this was to cover the costs of redundancy for individuals whose posts may be lost during restructure or as a result of funding streams coming to an end. This was increased in the year due to the length of service with staff continuing to increase. This has now been replaced by the staff contingencies and liabilities fund.

COVID-19 Working Arrangements Reconfiguration Fund

To meet the specific costs of COVID-19 reconfigurations to the VONNE office.

Office Reconfiguration Fund

To meet the costs of longer-term reconfigurations to the VONNE office to enable a more flexible working space.

Unrestricted Funds:

They are as follows:

Ann Cleeves Reading for Wellbeing

Ann Cleeves donation to support match funding for Community Reading Workers to help people access books and reading for pleasure to improve their health and wellbeing in six North East local authority areas.

35

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Movement in funds (continued)

Development & Coordination Support MEA Trust

To deliver development and coordination support activities with tenants of MEA House and the wider VCSE sector.

Millfield House Foundation

Strategic partner core funding to support the work of VONNE.

National Academy for Social Prescribing - Thriving Communities Programme

Funding to deliver regional lead and coordination role for the North East, Yorkshire & Humber on behalf of the National Academy for Social Prescribing.

North East Local Enterprise Partnership Digital Inclusion Consultation

Facilitation of consultation sessions with VCSE organisations on a regional Digital Inclusion strategy.

North of Tyne Combined Authority - Equalities Assembly Coordination

Facilitation of a partnership of VCSE sector organisations to support the North of Tyne Combined Authority in the development and delivery of an Equalities Assembly on employment.

Northern Powergrid Community Engagement

Partnership work with Northern Powergrid to support their engagement with the VCSE sector and services for vulnerable customers.

Restricted Funds:

They are as follows:

CVD Networks – VCS Engagement

Funding to support VCSE engagement in Cardio-Vascular Disease prevention and treatment.

Digital Infrastructure Programme – National Lottery Community Fund

Funding to support digital adoption and implementation within VCSE infrastructure organisations.

Digital Pathfinders – North of Tyne Combined Authority

Supporting the VCSE Sector across the North of Tyne area to adopt digital technologies though training, events and one to one support.

Innovation Clusters

ERDF/ Innovate UK funded project to support the VCSE sector with innovation.

FINE – Funding Information North East

To provide funding information to North East VCSE sector organisations through e-bulletin and an online, searchable directory.

Digital Pathfinders – North of Tyne Combined Authority

Local Access Redcar, Cleveland and Hartlepool

Funding from Access Foundation for the Local Access enterprise development & blended finance programme in Redcar & Cleveland and Hartlepool.

36

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Movement in funds (continued)

Personalised Care – Carers – NHS England

A research and development project on support for carers' experiences of hospital discharge in the North East & Yorkshire regions.

Personalised Care – Children & Young People – NHS England

Supporting social prescribing work to support children and young people in the North East & North Cumbria.

North East & North Cumbria (NENC) Core20Plus5 Health Champion Programme

Funding from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board to manage the delivery and coordination of NENC Core20Plus5 Health Champion Programme to strengthen existing health champion activity, share models of best practice and support the development of Health Champions aligned to Core20Plus5 target groups and themes across each local authority area.

NENC Integrated Care System (ICS) Healthy Communities & Social Prescribing

Strategic oversight, development and delivery of a programme around Community Based Assets, supporting social prescribing, capacity (knowledge and skills) within the North East and North Cumbria VCSE to support the health inequalities & prevention agenda within the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Integrated Care Board.

NENC ICS VCSE sector Finance Strategy engagement

Funding from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System to engage the VCSE sector in the development of their Finance strategy.

NENC ICS VCSE Sector Representative fees

Funding to sit alongside the NENC ICS VCSE Partnership Programme to fund attendance fees and expenses for VCSE representatives engaging in Integrated Care System structures and meetings.

NENC Integrated Care System VCSE Partnership Programme

Funding from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System to support meaningful engagement of the VCSE sector in all levels of the Integrated Care System.

NENC Waiting Well VCSE Integration Programme – NENC Integrated Care Board

To support improved VCSE integration into development and delivery of the NENC NHS Waiting Well Programme at a regional and place-based level.

NIHR/ ARC VCSE Research Partnerships

Funding from the National Institute of Health Research and the North East & North Cumbria Applied Research Collaborative to support a post to develop relationships between VCSE sector organisations and health researchers including funding the Health & Wellbeing Research Partnerships Coordinator role.

North East & Cumbria Funders Network – National Lottery Community Fund

Funding from The National Lottery Community Fund for the facilitation and coordination of the North East & Cumbria Funders Network.

37

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Movement in funds (continued)

North East England Climate Coalition

Facilitation of a cross-sectoral coalition across the North East to address the climate emergency, ecological breakdown and the transition to a low carbon future.

North East VCSE Policy Forum

Funding from the Millfield House Foundation's Policy Learning Partnership to facilitate a North East VCSE Policy Forum.

Research Engagement Network

Funding from NENC Integrated Care Board as project partner to support Health & Wellbeing Research Partnerships Coordinator role, to sit as distinct budget attached to NIHR/ ARC VCSE Research Partnerships

Safeguarding Partnerships

Funded jointly by Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport and The National Lottery Community Fund to disseminate NCVO safeguarding resources locally and deliver regular training sessions and create new or build on existing networks.

VCS Emergencies Partnership – British Red Cross/ NAVCA

Funding for VONNE’s North East regional Local Lead role within the VCS Emergencies Partnership,to facilitate intelligence and information sharing at a regional and sub-national level.

VCSE Infrastructure Cost of Living Fund - Dept. for Culture, Media and Sport via NAVCA

Funding for VCSE infrastructure organisations providing information, coordination and influencing support to VCSE organisations relating to the Cost-of-Living crisis.

VONNE Climate Action Alliance- Going Green Together

Project funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, and County Durham Community Foundation to support the North East & Cumbria VCSE sector with organisational environment sustainability and providing seedcorn funding for the development of climate action projects. Other local funders have also provided additional grants to offer bursaries to organisations to participate in the programme

VONNE Thrive Hub development project

Development funding from the Virgin Money Foundation to establish the VONNE Thrive Hub to enable VCSE organisations to access consultancy support via a number of Thrive Hub Associates.

Enrich the Earth

Enrich the Earth Community Partnership is a community-led campaign that will create a composting revolution - cutting carbon emissions and protecting nature by engaging and involving communities and people through a range of partners, campaigns and activities.

NEAS Strategy Engagement

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is creating its new organisational strategy, and it would like to use information gathered from members of the public and VCSE sector organisations to help ensure their services are the best they can be for the people and communities who use them.

38

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS’ NETWORK NORTH EAST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

15 Analysis of net assets between funds

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted
Funds
£
Designated
Funds
£
Fixed assets
35,726
–
Net current assets/(liabilities)
149,331
103,525
185,057
103,525


or the year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Designated
Funds
£
Fixed assets
31,776
–
Net current assets/(liabilities)
81,549
165,833
113,325
165,833


ash generated from operating activities
Net movement in funds
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Interest receivable
Changes in:
Debtors
Creditors

Net cash used in operating activities		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Designated
Funds
£
Fixed assets
35,726
–
Net current assets/(liabilities)
149,331
103,525
185,057
103,525


or the year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Designated
Funds
£
Fixed assets
31,776
–
Net current assets/(liabilities)
81,549
165,833
113,325
165,833


ash generated from operating activities
Net movement in funds
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Interest receivable
Changes in:
Debtors
Creditors

Net cash used in operating activities
Restricted
Funds
£
–
1,502,603
1,502,603


Restricted
Funds
£
–
831,908
831,908
2024
£
680,119
18,484
(7,208)
(764,310)

(159,870)
(232,785)
 31 March
2024
£
35,726
1,755,459
1,791,185
31 March
2023
£
31,776
1,079,290
1,111,066
2023
£
621,480
7,637
(63)
(309,420)
(36,883)
282,751

For the year ended 31 March 2023

16 Cash generated from operating activities

17 Commitments under operating leases

The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:


Within 1 year
Within 2 – 5 years		 2024
£
30,000

–		 2023
£
16,300
36,675

18 Related Party Disclosures

No transactions with related parties were undertaken such as are required to be disclosed under Financial Reporting Standard 102.

39