LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 31 MARCH 2025 Company Registratlon Number 04294079 Charlty Number 1089963 DERBY COMMUNITY ACCOUNTANCY SERVICE Babington Lodge 128 Green Lane Derby DEI IRY
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Contents Page Members of the board and professional advisers Trustees, annual report 2-10 Independent Examiner's report Statement of financial activities 12 Balance sheet 13 Notes to the financial slatements 14-22
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS The board of trustees Teresa Waldron Chair Barbara Arrandale (Resigned 25th March 2025) Lorraine Dung Rita King (Resigned 25" March 2025) Barbara Sansome Ann Monk (Resigned 25th March 2025) Rachael Priest (Resigned 25 March 2025) Joseph Roberts (Appointed 4° June 2024) Stephen Wright {Appointed 30" April 2024) Michelle Martinez-Gill (Appointed 25 March 2025) Sushri Wells (Appointed 251h March 2025) Habib Kah1251h March 2025} Company Secrotary James Lee Chlef Executlve James Lee Reglstered offlce First Floor Market Hall Market Place Chesterfield Derbyshire S40 1AR Independent Examlner Mark Newey ACMA Dert)y Community Accountancy Seprfice Babington Lodge 128 Green Lane Derby DE1 1RY
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees, who are also Directors for the Purposes of the Companies Ad. have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudrted financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES The charity is a charitable Company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on 261h Septembèr 2001. It is governed by a memorandum and artides of association which have not been amended since incorporation. Its objects are.. lo promote any charitable purposes for the benefits of the community in particular but not exclusively in the local govemmenl districts of Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and the neighbourhood {"the area of benefrt") and. in particular. the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, distress and si¢kne$s', b. to promote and organise co-operation in the achievement of the above purposes and to that end to bring together in council representatives of the voluntary organisations and statutory authorities within the area of benefrt. The charity has three main strategic priorities.. 1. to improve the environment for a thriving third sedor by tackling different forms of inequality., 2. to maintain the free initial service to all groups in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire., 3. to support the engagement of Black and Minority Ethnic groups and build their capacity. Summary of main activilies undertaken for the public bengfit in relation to these objects W8 hav8 referred to the guidance contained in Ihe Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefrt when reviewing our objedives and activities and in planning our future activities. In particular, th8 trustees consider how planned activrties will contribute to the objectives and priorities they have set. Income Generation The charity's income during the year ended 31 March 2025 increased from £320,779 to £333,242 Funding received for our Core Service from NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Care Board remained at a similar level as the previous year. On the contrary, Derbyshire County Council IDCC) and Chesterfield Borough Council (CBC) decided to end their financial support on 3110312025. Such an ovethelming funding cessation will have a significant impact on the organisation's future core service provision and overall financial position as mentioned in the previous Trustees Report ending 31 March 2024. During the year, the charity received £8,001 from cheSterfld Borough Council.. £36,058 and £28,624 as funding for the core Servi and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) engagement infrastructure work respectively from Derbyshire County Council as the final year of grant aid. It is extremely difficult for the charity to remain as a pure local generic infrastructure organisation without the necessary funding aid. The Current political and funding landscape makes it virtually impossible for infrastructure organisations to secure any financial support to run core services that fulfill their aims and objectives in meeting the needs of frontline communty groups and voluntary organisations. Dunng the year, alongside income received from Derbyshire County Council {DCC}, Chesterfield Borough Council {CBC), and the local Integrated Care Board, the chanty was delighted to receive £6,000 from Foundation Derbyshire's Learning Assist Fund to support Core Service provision. In addition, a successful application to the Severn Trent Community Fund resulted in a £20,000 grant for core costs. These generous awards were wamily welcomed and have made a meaningful difference. While fulure funding is nol guaranteed, the charity remains optimistic and committed to explonng new opportuntties to suslain rts vrtal work. The announcement offunding cuts from DCC and CBC was deeply disappointing, and it is anticipated that core services will be significantly affected. The provision, once considered essential for supporting the development of communrty groups and voluntary organisations, is at risk of being scaled back or even lost. This is largely due to the lack of funders prioritising infrastructure support, compounded by the withdrawal of local authority grants in the current political climate. Despite these challenges, the charity, like many infrastructure organisations across the country, is actively embra¢ing change. By reviewing how core services are delivered and funded, Links is positioning itself to adapt and evolve. This mornent presents an opportunrty to innovate, collaborate, and reimagine how support for the voSuntary sector can be sustained. With resilience, creativity, and communty spirit, the charity remains determined to continue making a posrtive impact. As emphasised in the previous annual report. core funding received by Links, regardless of the amount, is essential and enables the charity to sustain its primary functions and form a firm foundation to bid for additional proj8ds that are compatible wtih our values and principles. Core Service As the local generic CVS {Council for Voluntary servi). Links continued its primary core functions and infrastructure role by providing free infomation, advice and support
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 to all VCS frontline groups in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire area. The charity managed to sustain the offer of accessible information and advice through range of avenues including the improvement of our website and regular bulletins featuring updates on matters relevant to frontline VCS (voluntary and community sector) groups and funding opportunities. The charity Gontinued to produ¢e regular news updates and e-bulletins. as well as having compiled and distributed Tegular funding e-bulletins reaching in the region of 640 voluntary organisations. community groups and indNiduals operating or working in Chesterfield. North East Derbyshire and the wider Derbyshire areas. Areas of advice and information gNen included govemance and constitutional matters, running a group, legal status, insurance, policies & procedures, funding search and funding applications, strategic and a¢tivity planning. budgeting. financial. project and human resource management, etc. Addilionally, Links has been facilitating and promoting collaborative working among the frontline grotjps with the aim of belter meeting the needs of local residents. The charity is fully Committed to the entire equality agenda and has worked closely with a range of community & equalty groups including BME, disability, mental health and groups that are working with those who are socially and economically deprived, to address socially constructed inequalities and improve their health and well-being. The charity strongty believes in the benefits of having an inclusive, pluralistic and equitable society where everyone can participate, contribute and thrivé regardless of their different backgrounds. During the year, the Gumulative impact of the cost of living crisis along with the on- going welfare reforms persisted to adversely affect the life of many who are struggling to make ends meet. Many of the frontline groups in our area continued to experien¢e a high level of demand from service users for help wrth particular reference to those who are socio-economically deprived members of society. As reported previousty, it is widely acknowledged that the impact of the cost of living Grisis has pushed many more people into povety. Many have found themselves having to aGGess provisions such as food banks, advice agencies for welfare and housing benefits, as well as support from community-bas8d voluntary and community sector {VCS) groups which they never thought they would need. The Gharity's staff team have been very busy in advising and supporting VCS groups to identrfy and apply for funding that woukl enable them to respond to the ever-rising needs of Iheir service recipients. Throughout the year, the cumulative effects of the cost of lfvlng crisis and ongoing welfare reforms have continued to negatlvely impact the lives of many individuals struggling to make
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ends meeL Frontline VCS organisations in our area have fad sustained high demand from seNice users. particularly those from SOQOveconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. As previously reported, it is widely recognised thal the cost of living crisis has driven even more people into poverty Many individuals have found Ihems81v8s relying on services they never imagined needing such as food banks, welfare and housing advi agencies, and support from community-based groups. In response to these gr¢Jwing needs. the charity's staff leam has been actively Supporting community groups and voluntary organisations by providing guidance and assistance in identifying and applying for funding opportunities. This support is crucial in helping these groups meet the rising demand from their service users. Equallty work Beyond thè funding secured for the core service, most of the chariV8 income was generated to provid8 intensive infrastructure support for the active engagement and meaningful participation of different equality groups. The charity remains wholeheartedly committed to addressing all forms of inequality. In particular, the charity has been working closely with Black and Minorty Ethnic (BME) communities to tackle racial disparities, especially those related lo health and other structural inequalities that significantly impact their wellbeing and hinder full societal particApalion. Our long-standing and trusted working relationship with members of the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Forum has been instrumental in enabling Links to successfully secure funding from publi¢ bodies and charitable trusts. These funds support ongoing race equalty initiatives, including the BME Carer8 Support Project {Sttting Service), within the spheres of health and social care. As the coordinating bc*Jy of the Derbyshire-wide BME Forum. the charity provides inclusive and culturally sensrtive infrastructure support to all participating groups. Over the past 19 years. we have built strong. mutually respecfful relationships with BME groups, empowering them to raise and constructivety challenge issues affecting their communities. This sustained engagement has enabled the charity to develop a rewgnised specialism in working th cutturally dNerse BME communities. We have collaborated on numerous initiatives focused on inclusion and wellbeing for BME residents across Derbyshire-primarily, though not exclusively, in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and agencies such as Joined Up Care Derbyshire, NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board. Derbyshire Constabulary. and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue sen11.
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Currently, the charity has been providing on-going intensive support for Verba, a community group which Links helped to set up to support the integration of Ukrainians who are fleeing the war in Ukraine Concurrently, the Gharity provided information and advice to North Derbyshire Refugee Support Group that enabled the transition and settlement of refugees into the local communty. Stafflng structure Links, organisational strategic development and overall management is led by the Chief Executive. The management fees (a contribution of overheads) generated from projects help sustain the free service to generic frontline VCS groups. The charty managed lo secure additional project funding sources during the year to carry out activities and services compatible with its aims. The charity's core staff hours were as follows.. and half days (18.5 hours) of the Chief Executive. two and half days (18.5 hours) of the Advi and Project Manager; two and half days (18.5 hours) of the Group Support Worker., two days {15 hours) of the ICT Worker, two days (15 hours} of the Administrative Worker, Iwo days (15 hours) of the Marketing, Communications & Event Organiser. Other hours of the Chief Executive's and half days a week, and hours of the Advice and Project Manager. the Group Support Worker. the ICT Worker, the Administrative Worker and the Marketing, Communications & Evènt Organiser were funded by various projects that were compatible wrth the charity's aims and objectives. The charity's project staff hours were fvnded through Strategic equality projects to engage with Black and Minorrty Ethnic (BME) ¢ommunities groups.. 5 days (37 hours) of the Partnership Engagement Manager., 3 days {19.5 hours) of the two Communty Researchers and Information Support Workers. Investment policy and retums The charity has only small funds to invest and there are no substantial reserves. A policy of spreading risk has been adopted for many years and long term deposits are placed with another {Ctrop) bank deposit account in addition to the main current account with Unity Trust Bank. During the year, the ¢harty transferred some of the funds from its current account and deposit account to set up a new savings account with Unity Trust Bank which started to generate some interest (£1.793.42).
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Fund-raising Fund-raising and business development are carried out by the Chief Executive through securing grants. service contracts or negotiating consultancy work with various agencies. The trustees regularly review the fund-raising strategy and approve the general direction of funding bids or project proposals in line with the charivs strategic aims. The proportion of resources spent on fund-raising was £5,000 which was the same amount spent in the previous year. The majorty of the work was around raising fees from seNice contracts or projects. Mosl of the successful fund-raising came via the Strategic Projects as a direct result of the excellent track rernrd of the Blath & Minority Ethnic support projects led by the Chief Executive. R080urca8 expended and servlc The expenditure on core work was £77.406. The total amount of payments (£8,001) was taken from unrestricted income received and the unrestricted core designated reserves. The overall expenditure figure was £267,328. Voluntoern The charrty recognises it is difficult to involve volunteers in the charitys main activities of infrastructure advice giving which often include interpretation of legal and regulatory requirements. During the year the organisation had no volunteers other than trustees. Employee Involvement and employment of the disabled Employees have been consulted on issues of concern to them by means of regular staff and team meetings and by individual consultation. The charity has implemented a number of detailed policies in relation to all aspects of personnel matters including". Equal Opportunities policy
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Environmental policy Safeguarding Adults wlicy Safeguarding ChikIn Folicy Health & Safety policy JOsharing policy Recrurtment guidelines Scheme of Delegated P¢J4Yer5 In accordance with the charity's equal opportunities policy, the charity has long established fair employment pra¢ti¢es in the ¢rUitMent. selection. retention and training of staff. In particular, flexible working aangeMentS are offèred to be family friendly. The policies are reviewed in rotation by the Board at relevar)l intervals. usually on a thrèe-yaar cycle. Reserves The reserves have been revièwed to ensure they conlinue to cover redundancies of core and project staff. The designated reseNe has been increased in line with the slalulory minimum. Reserves are also kept for covenng rent and $eNice charge liabilities. The major resee$ are for restricted Strategic Work and for the unrestricted CO Servi¢e. The charity had to use proportion of its reserves dunng the year to make the redundancy payment for the Adminislrative Worker The current level of reserves stands at six-month running costs for the core service. The chanty's Chief ExecLrtNe works closely wrth the trustee board to review all the expenditure for the future sustainabilty of the organisation. Changes In flxed assets The Gharily does nol have any fixed assets. The trustees are of the view that most computers only have a life of a year before they may need replacing or upgrading The value of furniture and other office equipment owned by the chanty has been written off many years ago. Governlng document Links is based at Suile H, Market Hall, Market Place, Chesterfield, which is the company's registered office and the principal address of the charity. Links is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital (company registration No. 04294079) and Registered Charity (No. 1089963).
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Resolution to amend the governing document Members of the charitable company who attended rts Annual General Meeting on 25tt1 March 2025 were invited to vote on a resolution to Links. Memorandum and Articles of Association. Previous rule.. Clause 26 of our current govemance document states.. °No Board Member shall hold office for more than six conseculiv8 years. On the expiration of such period one further year must elapse before any such member Shall be eligible for re-eledion." Proposed Resolution to replace the previous text of Clause 28 'No Board Member shall hold office for more than three consecutive years without stepping down and be willing to stand for re-election. On th8 8xpiration of such period any such member shall be eligible for re-election.. The Resolution was unanimously voted in and approved by 25 eligible members wtho were present at the Annual General Meeting and no objections recorded Members of Links passed the resolution at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 25 March 2025 in compliance with Clause 7 and 8 of the existing Memorandum and Articles of Association. Trustse 8electlon methods The trustees meet a minimum of frve times a year for a twtrhour meeting. The total number of places on the board is 21 of which 8 places were filled during the year. The trustee board wulaty crmsits ts gaps in skills, knowledge, experience and represenlalion. The board seeks lo bè representative of the users of the chanty in temis of gender. ethnicty, cSsity, age. size ofgroup. urbanlrural and any other relevant equality groups. It also welcomes nominations from local aLrthontie$ on the same basis as voluntary and community organisations. Board members are supported by the staff lo recruit people to the board to fill the identified gaps. A general invtlation for nominations is also sent out lo all member organisations and individual members together wtth a description of the role of a trustee of the charrty. Risk management policy The OffirS, particularly the Treasurer, maintain a watching brief in behveen board meeb'ngs and having regular liaisons the charty's ChEf Execxtsve to dCusS strategy and staffing issues, and inspect the books. The trustees have, wrth advice from thè appointed accountant. introduced an annual review of risks when designating unrestricted reserves and carried out regular management reviews to
UNKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY UMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 PAARCH 2026 a9segs business risks to the cfft Ser and to 8p8ts projects. This inw)Ives Kjentying the types of rks the dwity la, lorItiS1ng them in terms of wlantl impact and likelihood of 0urrence, and Klentsfying means ofmrtwJating risks. Audilorn In line Charity ConNnissk)n guMJanc•, tho trustees have moved to ind8pendant examinatb)n rather than a full athlit and an aFyry TKdS pass&1 at the General Meeting on 4th Seplembor 2012. Small company pD)vi•lon• This report has been prepartrj in attordance Yaih the special wovi8h)n$ for small companies under Part 15 of the COmpanS Ad 21Th. Registered offu.. Suite H. Maiket HaH. Market Pl. Ctr*sterf S401AR SwJn8d on b8half of the trustso8 Lorraine Dung 10-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustses I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 14 to 22. Respectlve responsibilities of trustees and examin•r The truslees {who ar8 also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144{2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the chanty is not subject to an audrt under company law and is eligible for independent examination, rt is my responsibilty to. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 A¢t.' follow Ihe ProdureS laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5llb) of the 2011 Act, as amended),. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attents'on. Basis of Independent examlnerfs Statemènt My examination was carried out in accordan with general Directions giv8n by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting reGords kept by the charity and a Comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includ&s consideration of any unusual ilems or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a Irue and fair view. and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examlnerfs statement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention-. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that. in any material respect, the requir8ments to keep accounting records in accordance wrth section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Rèporting by Charities have not been met.. or to which, in my opinion. attention should be dravm in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. iilizl Name.. Mark Newey ACMA Address: Derby Communrty Accountancy Service, Babington Lodge, Green Lane, Derby 11
LINKS.. THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Total Funds Total Funds Year to 31 Yearto 31 Mar 2025 Mar 2024 UntrIcted Restrlcted Funds Funds Note Incorne from: Donations Income from charitable activities Other income Investment income 32.551 3.071 1.793 295.827 328,378 3,071 1,793 320,267 512 Total Incomlng resources 37,415 295,827 333,242 320,779 ndlture on: Raising funds Charitable objects 8,001 259,327 267,328 263,148 Totsl resources expended 8,001 259,327 267,328 263,148 Net (outgolng)Ilncomlng resourc88 before transfers Transfer beeen funds 29,414 36,500 65,914 57,631 Net movement In funds Funds brought forward 29,414 51,009 36,500 179,749 65,914 230,758 57,631 173,127 Funds carrled forward 80,423 216,249 296,672 230,758 The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the SuIts for the year as set oul above. All of the activities of Ihe charity are classed as continuing. The notes on pages 14 to 22 fomi part of these financial statements. 12-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2026 2025 2024 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 10 11 301.046 241,123 301,046 241,123 Credltors: amounts falllng du• within one year 12 4374 10,365 Not currnnt 4880ts 296.672 230.758 Total as80ts1088 curront Ilabllltl88 296,672 230,758 Net assets 298,872 230,758 Funds Restricted 13 Unrestricted- general reserves 13 Unrestri¢ted- designated reserves 13 TOTAL FUNDS 216,249 179,749 80.423 51.009 296,672 230,758 For the year ended 31 Marth 2025 the company was entstled to exemption from audrt under sects'on 477 of the Compani08 Act 20( relating to small companies. Directors responsibilities.. (l) The membérs have not required th8 company to obtain an audti of its accounts for the year in quests'on in accordance with section 476,. and {ii) The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for comptying the requirements of the Act with respecl lo accounling records and the preparation of accounts. These financial statements have been prepared In accordance with the sp8cial provisions for small companiès under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. These financial statements vRre approved and authorised for issue by the members of the trustees and are wned on their behalf by: L Dung Treasurer of Links Board Date 22112r2025 Company Registration Number. 04294079 The notes on pages 14 to 22 form part of these flnancial statsments. 13-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows.. Company Infomiation Links is a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital. The company's registered office is, First Floor, Market Hall. Marf(et Place, Chesterfield. At the end of the year there were 8 Trustees, each of whom. under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, had undertaken to conlribule the sum not exceeding £1 in the event of a winding up of the company. 1.1 Accounting convention These accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. ('FRS 102.1, 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities" the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102. the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting practi as it apples from 1 January 2015. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The accounts are prepared in Sterling which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements to the nearest £. The accounts have been prepared on historical cost convention apart from freehold property that is cartied at market value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. The accounts are prepared in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The date of transition to FRS 102 was 1 April 2015. 1.2 Golng Concern Al the time of approving the accounts, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts. 1.3 Charitable Funds Unrestricled funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds eamiarked by the Trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. 14_
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1.4 Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Gifts in kind have been included al market value of gifts received and in assets acquired. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers. 1.5 Resources expended All expenditure is accounted for on an accwals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs relating to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resourcks. Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating informalion in the support of the charitable activities. 1.6 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discounts offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaKI net of any trade discounts due. 1.7 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 1.8 Credltors and provlslons Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charty 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 dis¢ounts due. 1.9 Financlal instruments The charity has financial assets and financial liabilrties of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial inslrumenls are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. Derecognition of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.10 Employee benefits The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Temiination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to 15-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 provide termination benefits. 1.11 Taxation The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling with section 505 of the Taxes Acl 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objecls. 1.12 Depreciation Individual fixed assets are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows'.- Asset category Annual rate Equipment 20% 2. Crltlcal accountlng estimates and Judgements In the application of the charrty's accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other Sour$. The estimated and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Incoming resources from the charftable actlvltles Total Funds Total Funds Unrestrlcted Re8trlcted Year to 31 Year to 31 Funds Funds Mar 2025 Mar 2024 Chesterfield Borough Council Derbyshire County Council NHS Derby and Derbyshire Kingswell Support Derbyshire Carers Erewash Voluntary Action National Lottery Community Fund NAVCA Foundation Derbyshire Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Good Things Foundation Derbyshire RCC IRAD) Sevem Trent Community Fund 13,001 13,001 76,682 69,779 20,322 108,784 68,396 1,000 5,000 1,000 76,682 59,829 9,950 1.000 4,986 5,986 79,830 79,830 110.765 5,000 7,500 7,500 5,000 46,000 1.000 51,000 1,000 3,600 20,000 3,600 20.000 32,551 295.827 328.378 320,267 16-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 4. Interest receivable Year to 31 Mar 2025 Yearto 31 Mar 2024 Bank interest receivable (unrestricted) 1,793 5. Sundry Income (Fees for servlces) Total Funds Year to Total Funds 31 Mar Year to 31 2025 Mar 2024 Unrestrlctsd Restrfctèd Funds Funds Other 3,071 3,071 512 3,071 3,071 512 6. Totsl resources expended Project wotk Training Fees Stationery and telephone Hospitality Salaries Equipment and maintenance Rent and premises costs Insurance Sundry 63,441 1,250 2,020 2,993 43,279 293 14,972 2,089 310 193.012 190,691 4,109 503 11,099 415 267,328 263.148 Expenditure on charitable activities was £267.328 (2024= £263.148) of which £259,327 was restricted (2024 £242,279) 17-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Net (expenditure)fincome Net (expenditure)lincome for the year is stated after chargingl(crediting)'. 2024 2023 Independenl Examiner's Fees Depreciation 1,250 1,250 8. Dlrectors and key management personn•l During the year Trustees did not receive remuneration. The key management personnel of the charty consist of the Twstees, professional advisors and the Chief Executive Officer. Employees No employee earned more than £60,000 per annum. No Trustees were reimbursed for expenditure. The average number of staff employed by the charity during the financial year amounted to 8. Year to 31 Mar 2024 No Year to 31 Mar 2024 Direct Charitable Staff Governance The aggregate payroll costs were: Year to 31 Mar 2025 Year lo 31 Mar 2024 Wages and expenses Social security costs Pension costs 181,255 10,040 1,717 179,738 10,195 758 193,012 190,691 No employee eamed more than £60,000 per annum. No trustees were reimbursed for expenditure. 18-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 10. Debtors 2025 2024 Sundry 11. Bank accounts and cash In hand 2025 2024 Current Account Co-op deposit account Unity Bank 79,173 80,079 141,794 156,143 84,980 301,046 241,123 12. Credltors: Amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Salary 1,291 3,083 4,374 4,889 5,476 10,365 19-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 13. Statement of funds At 1 Aprll 2024 Incomlng Outgolng Transfers At 31March 2025 General reserve Designated reserves Rent Redundancies Fund Strategic Development Total unrostricted funds 37,415 (8,001} (29,414) 3,156 47,853 (3,156) 3,243 29,327 51,096 29,327 51,1)09 37,415 18,001) 80,423 Strategic Development (inc BME Projecls) Core Service ICBCIDCCIICBIFoundation Derbyshire Severn Trent Community Fund - Core BME Forum- Engagement & Consultation National Lottery Community Fund- BME Sitting Seriice Research Engagement Network (REN) ICB Funded Project 1 Womens Health Hub ICB Funded Project 2-MH Capital Grant DCC Public Health - Drug, Alcohol, substan use, Smoking, Ce55alion NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB Womens, Health Champ Resource Centre Project DHNFT- Race Equality Framework Project NHS Derby & Derby & Derbyshire ICB- End of Life Care BME Engagement Co- ordination 58,098 58,098 69,404 (69,404 20,000 {9,668) 10,332 28.624 (28,624) 121,651 79,830 (66,662) 134,819 36,000 (36,000) 27,500 (27,500) 4.986 {4,986) 12.000 (12,000) 1,983 2,500 (1,983 (2,500) 10,000 10,000 3,000 3,000 Total restricted funds 179,749 295,827 {259.327 216,249 Total funds 230,758 333,242 (267,328) 296,672 -20-
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1. Core funding Derbyshire County Coun1 - £36.058 00 Chesterfield Borough Council - £8,001.¢)0 NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB - £27,346.05 Foundation Derbyshire Assist Learning Fund - £6,001.00 Severn Trent Communrty Fund- £20,000.00 Fundlng recelved from the above bodles towards tho runnlng costs of the cor• serrfice. 2. Project Fundlng al Derbyshire County Council- £28.624 00 received to run the Derbyshire BME Forum. Engagement and Consultation Project. bl National Lottery Community Fund- £79,830.00 received to run the BME Sitting Service IBMESSI supporting BME carers and their Gared-for in Derbyshire. cl Derbyshire H8althcare NHS Foundation Trust - £36,000.00 received to run the Research Engagement Network {RENI focusing on health research and studies engaging the under- served BME communities in Derbyshire. d) NHS Derby and Derbyshirè ICB funded project 1- Women Health Hub IWHH) £27,500 received to work with and engage women from disadvantaged and under-served communities through engaging voluntary organisations and community groups in Derbyshire. el NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB Funded Project 2- Menlal Health Capital Grant £4,986.44 received via Erewash Voluntary Action to provide accessible equipment and tools for voluntary organisations and community groups in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire lo improve the mental heah and wellbeing of their service users. fj Derbyshir8 County Council Public HeaRh- Funding for Drug, Aicohol & Substance Use Project {£8,0001 I Smoking Cessation Project {£4,0001 received lo support members of the BME communities in Derbyshire to leam about and access recovery services and stop smoking support services. g} NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB Funded Project - Women's Health Champions IWHC) received £1,982.50 to support the active engagement and participalion of women from the under-served BME communities. h11) Self-Raised Fund - NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB- Vaccination Awareness Access & Inequalities Funding1£9,950) - providing staff time lo co-ordinate and support the participation of the under-served BME communities in Derbyshire. h12) Self-Raised Fund - generated money (£2.970.501 through the provision of seNices. h (31 Self-Raised Fund- received £5,000 from Chestetffield Borough Council's UKSPF Fundamental Training Tender for staff time to deliver the project activrties. h (41 Self-Raised Fund- received £1,000 from NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB- the promotion of Mental Health Capital Grant- Infrastructure Partner Delivery - via Erewash Voluntary Action. h (51 Self-Raised Fund - received £5,000 from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for Links, staff time to participate in their Race Equality Framework Project. h (61 Self-Raised Fund - received £3,600 Digital Inclusion Grant from Rural Action Derbyshire for Links, staff time to deliver the project sessions. il Foundation Derbyshire (Freemasons Foundation) - received £1,500 funding lowards the costs of the Resource Centre. Il Good Things Foundation. via Foundation Derbyshire, received £1,000 funding towards the costs of the Resource Centre. 21
LINKS: THE CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND ACTION LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 k) Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust- £10.000.00 recerved {on 28.03.2025) to contribute lowards the work of the Trust's Race Equalty Framework Project. 11 NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB - £3.000 received (on 25.03.2025) for the co-ordination of End of Life Care BME Engagement Project 14. Analysls of net assets Tangible fixed assets Other net assets Total Unre8trlctsd funds General reserve Designated reseNe'. Strategic Development Redundancies 29,327 51,096 29,327 51,096 Restrlcted funds Strategic Development (inc BME Proje¢ts} National Lottery Sitting Service Severn Trent Community Fund DHNFT- Race Equality Framework NHS Derby & Derbyshire- End of Life 58,098 134,819 10,332 10,000 3.000 58,098 134,819 10,332 10,000 3,000 Total restrlcted fund8 216,249 216,249 Total funds 296,672 296,672 15. Related party transactions The charity had no related party transactions that required disclosure. 22-