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2023-03-31-accounts

hvoss HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Charity Registration No. 1096451 Company Registration No. 04625595 (England and Wales) hvoss

hvoss: What We Do 500 400. 30+ VCSE organisations supported during the year volvnteers placed or 5UPPOrted throu9h hvoss sèrvices and projects The hvoss a¢tive response team continues to grow & develop 1-15upport and advice drop-in sessions held In the local communities across the county Comfnunity Confidence Framework,. an onllne sell- assessment tool developed & launched Cornrnvnication5 and Social media platforms continue upward growth in reach and engagement Promoiion ol over 200 local community events and news item5 urin9 the yeèr Coordination & set- up of 20 strong VCSE community network response for Ukrainians arriving in Herefordshire UK CRF 771 people supported to gain volunteering an ernployrnent. Over 30 local community organisations supported Sector VCSE Research project. Herefordshire Community Partnership. Cornmunlly Paradlgm. 8nd UK Cornmunlly Renewal Programme 233 people attended 7 meet the funder events over the year 322 sl9ned up to the project. 171 rnoved Ihlo suppr•rted vdunteering. 161 moved Into training. job searchin9 and employrnent 100+ hvoss Llnk Worker5 suppofteij 68 Ukrainian5 and arranged lor 14 Ukralnlan families to receive a laptop hv055 Membershlp ol 1004 orgènisatlons. & over 1400 reclplents of reoulor informatlen. plu5 our most well attended AGN $ince the tharily was fermed In 2012 Youth Provision Forum established 2 networking events held lor youth work practitioner5 lover 100 attendttsl Cornmunity Wheels provided 8.741 trips durin9 the year. covefln9 a iotal of 96620 miles 58 Cornmunlty Wheels provlded 193 journeys for customers requlrlng a wheelchair accessible vehicle Speciallst support to 58 young adult carers an¢J weekly youth clubs in communities across Herefordshlre 31 lob opporiunllle5, 40 funding Items. 115 volunteering & trustee opportunities. 28 training course 8 rnany networking events and rnore shared & yomoted hvoss have arrèn9ed. $upported & h05tè(J Iralnln9 & neiworking events relaiin9 to safeguarding. DBS. Jsire55 breakfasts. cyber security hvoss

The State of the Voluntary. Community and Social Enterprise Sector in Herefordshire 2021 KEY FACTS FROM THE SURVEY 2.304 6/.- .3/.rnt Ith•c4￿orx•X IJZ5 £17 MILLION 79/.- 355 MILLION 41/. MICRO 278 MILLION 38/. SMALL 60 MILLION 4.275 d￿SE 32/. 2 3 /• *JD• Sos SURVEY 108.850 HIGHEST AREA OF HALF NATIONAL COMPARATORS MILLION PER 1000 POPULAT ILION PER 1000 POP kn201W191hw•ww• 41% .32CHARITIE5 PER I 000 40X HARITIES PER 1.000 TALK COMMUNITY hvoss fr4. 0 Herefordshire Council hvoss

Legal and Administrative information
Trustees Mrs L P Wilcox (Chair)
Mr R S Kelly
Mrs A C Robinson
Mrs M E Campbell
Mrs J Faux
Mrs S Penny
Mr R Matthews (resigned 28 February 2023)
Mr C Farmer (appointed 7 November 2022)
Company Secretary Mr W D Lindesay
and Chief Executive
Charity number 1096451
Company number 04625595
Registered office 52 Broad Street
Hereford
HR4 9RB
Auditors Kendall Wadley LLP
Granta Lodge
71 Graham Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 2JS
Bankers CAF Bank
25 Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ

Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees of hvoss, who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, have pleasure in presenting the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 of the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “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 1 January 2019). This report satisfies the requirements for a directors' report under the Companies Act 2006.

A decade of support

Ten years on from a merger of three local support and development organisations, hvoss (Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service) has established itself as a leading umbrella support charity for the local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. Our vision is:

“A vibrant and effective Community Sector in Herefordshire"

Driving the services available at hvoss are the incredible contributions that local volunteers, voluntary and community groups, charities and not for profit organisations make in the county. During the last year, in partnership with Herefordshire Council, the charity published the ‘The State of the VCSE Report 2021’. This report celebrates the achievements of over 2,300 VCSE organisations, the impact they have in the local community, the people they support, and the future needs the sector has.

hvoss is a local infrastructure, support and development organisation. Our primary role is to provide umbrella support for the sector and be their ‘go to’ organisation for information, assistance, guidance, communication, facilitation and networking. hvoss membership is currently free, and open to any organisation or individual furthering charitable and not for profit aims and activities in the local community.

During the year, the charity continued to support existing needs and services, and also the development of new ones. This included committing resources and reserves to new areas of activity which further public benefit, development of community capacity and the objects of the charity.

The involvement of local organisations in our work, which includes opportunities to inform governance and decision making, helps ensure hvoss remains led by, and accountable to, the local VCSE and other key stakeholders.

The charity has two key strategic aims: -

  1. To support local organisations with their development needs, providing services needed to pursue charitable activity for public benefit.

  2. 4 -

  3. To promote, organise and facilitate co-operation, co-design and co-production through effective partnership working between the local VCSE sector and public bodies.

Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027

During the year the charity agreed a new five-year strategy. This plan aims to further the following charitable objectives:

Key engagement and development for the community

Local support and development (Talk Community and Herefordshire Council)

During the year, the charity continued to receive grant support from Herefordshire Council, as part of the Talk Community programme. This contract provides vital resources to enable our Community team to assist and enable local groups and organisations. The types of activities provided in the last 12 months, many aligned to needs highlighted in the State of Sector Report 2021, included:

The charity also assisted with 65 general support and advice enquiries ranging from governance requests (17), volunteer management (35), and ‘running your group or activity’ (10). At least 30 – 45 mins was spent on each enquiry, and over half were visits made by the team to local organisations, or visits to us to meet with members of the Community Development Team. Many resulted in further meetings and visits.

“Attending the Henry Smith Foundation event made me more aware of the funding criteria and funding awards. Thank you hvoss”.

Volunteer attendee - Meet the Funder event

Volunteering Services

The Herefordshire Volunteer Bureau operated throughout the year from our main offices at 52 Broad Street, Hereford as well as locally through community organisations and events. This enabled local organisations to promote their opportunities and for people to find out more about local volunteering available to them.

218 volunteer opportunities were advertised – Volunteers News, hvoice, window displays, social media, local promotion and at events.

Over 400 volunteers were placed or supported by the charity through the Bureau service, our Building Better Opportunities project and other hvoss projects and services.

The charity continued to develop the hvoss Active Response Team (HART) . This team of 30+ volunteers registered with hvoss are deployed to support local events and providing support in a dynamic and agile way to the community as needs arise. The HART approach builds on our experienced gained in coordinating volunteers responding to crises including flooding and the Covid19 pandemic.

Request for development, funding advice and fundraising support – This remained our most requested support need.

Monthly funding and development drop-in sessions for groups and organisation started in October 2022, Bromyard, Ross-on-Wye, and Kington. These provided access to local 1-1 support and advice in the local community. A total of 15 sessions were held during the year.

Easy Fundraising held a workshop in partnership with us. Two briefing sessions were held with The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The introductory session outlined the function of the DBS service and how it supports the local VCSE, the second was on eligibility and levels of checks required by applicants.

Cyber Security and the VCSE - In partnership with John Finch Computing, we coordinated a free session to help charities identify security risks and potential mitigation.

Volunteering developments

Over the year, we began work on a new Volunteering Strategy , which sets out to adapt our approach to recruiting, retaining and communicating with volunteers. Changes we have undertaken so far include:

Communications / Engagement

Our communications and engagement function has an important role in messaging about developments and keeping the sector and different audiences up to date.

Our monthly newsletter, hvoice , reaches an average of 975 people with an open rate of 40% (industry standard open rate of 21.5%)

hvoss’ social media platforms Facebook reached 48,598 people (page visits 6,328), Twitter gained 153 new followers, and Instagram reached 1,013 people (page visits 328) with 133 new followers. We have continued to share news from across the sector including 31 job opportunities, 40 funding items, 115 volunteering and trustee opportunities, 28 training courses and many networking and partnership opportunities, events and more.

The charity promoted over 200 local community events and news items during the year, and also ran successful campaigns to celebrate national Volunteers Week, Trustees Week, and Small Charities Week.

Herefordshire Youth Provision Forum

The Forum emerged from the recommendation of the Youth Hub Feasibility Study of 2021/22, commissioned by hvoss and funded by The Eveson Trust.

The Forum, which now has a membership of 75 youth organisations, practitioners and professional across all sectors, met twice during the year to set the foundations for future collaboration and service delivery to meet the needs of young people, with hvoss having a facilitation and coordinating role. Over 100 people attended both events.

Members of the Forum have a shared database of 60 contacts from across the county who have a mutual interest in youth provision in our county. This development has already resulted in leading youth organisations taking forward key developments in relation to youth work training, and expressions of interest for funding being made to the national Youth Investment Fund (YIF). In facilitating the forum, hvoss and the community were particularly grateful to Sarah Da Rohan, High Sheriff of Herefordshire 2021-22 for chairing and leading the network, not only during her year as High Sheriff, but into the future.

Support to Ukrainians who have moved to Herefordshire

hvoss received funding through the Ukraine Community Integration Grant Scheme to support Ukrainian guests to Herefordshire. This funding has enabled us to employ a Community Network coordinator and two link workers.

The Herefordshire Community Network for Ukraine was convened early in 2022 and has continued to grow and thrive throughout the year. Over 60 organisations and groups subscribe to communications and over 20 regularly attend the monthly meetings. The Network’s purpose is to facilitate partnership working between organisations and groups in the VCSE and public services to develop support for Ukrainian guests and their hosts in Herefordshire, identify gaps, encourage and facilitate development and make the best use of resources and funding through collaboration.

Herefordshire Council is a key partner in Network meetings and joint planning, which is achieving a responsive and agile approach in identifying emerging needs – often raised by hvoss’ and other organisations’ link workers through their direct support of people – and devising solutions is evidencing the value of the partnership approach.

Working groups have been organised to focus further on particular issues. Network subgroups include wellbeing and mental health support, particularly for children and young people, communications, employment and housing. Sub-groups report into the wider Network meeting and many initiatives have developed from members’ discussions.

Support and activities have been mapped to identify opportunities and gaps and to share learning and aid collaboration and coordination. There is close collaboration between hvoss and the Council’s Talk Community Communications team that has resulted in a shared map and calendar of events, together with sources of information for Ukrainian guests and their hosts, hosted on Herefordshire Council’s Talk Community website.

One-to-one support with advocacy, employment, housing and benefits and anything else that will aid people’s integration into the community . There are a wide range of needs and issues that Ukrainians need guidance and support with when they arrive in Herefordshire and start to settle in the community, and our link workers provide a completely individualised, person-centred approach to respond where the need is. Issues include transition from hosting

arrangements to housing, employment, schools and support with translation in many situations including hospital appointments and throughout treatment.

Between February and April our link workers supported 68 Ukrainians including 14 people helped to access employment and 15 with enrolling on training programmes. 20 people have been supported with finding or applying for housing. 10 children regularly attend English sessions with a Ukrainian teacher which has helped grow their confidence at school and they enjoy spending time with other Ukrainian children. Demand continues to grow as more refugees arrive in the county.

“We are very grateful for your “I have started working because of your help, my support and help to find and move son is attending English sessions and he is very to a permanent house. We enjoy happy because he can spend time with attending your events and we feel Ukrainian friends. We have found new friends more settled and confident now.” here because of your introductions .”

We applied for a grant from Herefordshire Community Foundation and as a result 14 Ukrainian families received a laptop, helping their children with their schoolwork and adults feeling more connected and able to do their English studies.

hvoss continued to collaborate with the local branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) in many activities, including through our link workers.

We have run Community Kitchen, a bi-monthly event, an opportunity for Ukrainians to come together to make a traditional dish, celebrate their culture and maintain social networks, critical to their wellbeing. 30 people attended Hereford Community Kitchen in March.

Volunteering services

Development of volunteering, including retention of people recruited through the pandemic, and re-engagement of people who gave their time so freely before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been a key focus as hvoss has returned to being public-facing and activities have reappeared across the county. The Volunteer Bureau team promotes opportunities and functions for people who want to volunteer and the organisations who need them.

Volunteering helps individuals to develop skills, confidence, a sense of purpose, and experience of work in a supportive environment. Our new Volunteering Strategy for Herefordshire will be launched in the summer and focusses on key strands of re-engagement of previous volunteers and attracting older people who have invaluable skills and life experience to share, corporate volunteering and partnership with business, the engagement of younger people, and celebrating the value of volunteering to the community and the people living there including through different language and messaging that recognises their significant contribution.

Policy and strategic influence

The hvoss team collates and represents local community sector views, influencing county strategy through collaborative relationships with statutory bodies, and contributing to policy developments in adults and children’s services, safeguarding, volunteering infrastructure, commissioning, and health and social care. Key strategic activity included:

Herefordshire Community Partnership (HCP) Working in partnership with Healthwatch Herefordshire we launched the HCP in September 2021 as a vibrant forum for the public, health and care services, and voluntary and community sector organisations. The initial focus has been the emerging landscape in health and care services, known as the Integrated Care System (ICS). The HCP now meets every two months and is engaging with a wide range of VCSE organisations in this key development.

UK Community Renewal Fund (CRF) As part of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda, hvoss’ proposal to reach people furthest from employment and skills and support them into training and work, or volunteering, was successful. We worked in partnership with Vennture on this key development.

Our link workers utilised invaluable lived experience and understanding of the obstacles to people’s aspiration. Our approach demonstrated that with funding located in the community for the community, and a flexible and truly person-centred approach, people and communities achieve amazing outcomes. This model has proved invaluable to enable and empower people to make changes in their lives and has proved its value in many projects.

The CRF project worked with over 770 people and over 30 VCSE organisations in a little over 9 months.

The UK CRF pilot, which ran to December 2022, and the project’s evaluation report, will now inform local national initiatives being developed under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to improve opportunities for people and regeneration for communities across the country.

“The link worker concept was a key driver to achievements and provides real potential for replication and should be considered as a model for other employability programmes as they evolve in the community”.

An analysis of social value indicates the costs of the programme was £1,009 per participant, representing good value for money when compared to other UK programmes Rose Regeneration Summative Evaluation January 2023

Capacity building and training

During the year hvoss inducted volunteers in Safeguarding, Data Protection and Equality and Diversity. We are developing awareness and training to support community groups and our own harts, hvoss’ new dynamic team of people who give their time voluntarily.

As a key part of our infrastructure role our Community Development team worked with numerous community groups and people setting up newly constituted groups, including Herefordshire Pride, and parish councils.

Groups received input on their governing documents, finances, governance, forward planning including development of services for local young people and funding applications.

hvoice

Seven hvoice community newsletters were circulated in the last twelve months. Our newsletter has evolved over the year and offers the opportunity for community groups and organisations as well as hvoss highlight their work and share training and recruitment opportunities. We also include important updates including external events. In response to

feedback, one important new feature is a funding section detailing both local and national grant opportunities.

Volunteer Now (volunteering newsletter)

Volunteer Now, a monthly publication, promotes volunteering opportunities on behalf of organisations, a showcase for organisations and a source of information for prospective volunteers. In line with our volunteer strategy we are evaluating the reach and format of the newsletter to make it as effective and wide-ranging as possible and evaluating the potential for digital versions with a wider reach and content.

Membership

Membership of hvoss is open to all individuals or community organisations who meet eligibility criteria relating to our vision and values. We currently have more than 100 members who have a key role in nominating representatives to become trustees of hvoss and inform the direction and plans of our charity. Membership is free.

52 Broad Street offices

Our thanks again to Mr Mark Tucker, our landlord, for his generosity in continuing to support hvoss through our occupation of 52 Broad Street. This high-profile city centre location is accessible to all and offers invaluable meeting room facilities for staff, volunteers, members, community groups and our partner organisations.

Key services and projects

Young Carers and Young Adult Carers

The charity continues to support Herefordshire Young Carers Club (YCC) and Herefordshire Young Adult Carers (YAC). YCC and YAC support any child or young person between 8 and 25 who has a caring responsibility for a parent or family member who may have long-term illness or disability, including poor mental health or issues arising from substance use. YAC and YCC work with colleagues in the local authority and health in assessment, triage and ongoing support when required. This year this included being part of the formal circle of support around a young mother who had gone into rehab for alcohol use.

Young carers’ responsibilities have an impact on their engagement with education and their ability to interact with their peers through social activity that others may consider ‘normal’. The young people tell us that they feel isolated, unsupported, and hidden from society.

YAC and YCC offer one-to-one support to young people and advocacy with schools and their families, and clubs face to face and online which offer opportunities for them to have fun, meet others like themselves and simply be a child before they return to the caring responsibilities and the life that is normal to them. The young people tell us how they want groups to run or what they want from their one-to-one support. We encourage and empower young people to design and lead activities which builds confidence and peer support, positive relationships, building confidence and self-esteem.

We were fortunate to be granted funding through Children in Need’s grant for #iwill, focussing on social action, through Herefordshire Community Foundation. The young people supported through YAC and YCC have been planning campaigns to reach other young carers and professionals to raise awareness, change perception and influence service development. In

the coming year we will be raising awareness of younger carers and the support they need and benefit from with social prescribers working out of GP surgeries and the wider community, as well as through direct engagement with professionals.

Young Adult Carers often support younger carers, drawing on their own experience to help them navigate transitional and challenging periods in their lives. Our experienced team support each young carer according to their needs in an entirely personal centred way, including with issues that may be extremely challenging such as domestic abuse, housing and benefits, adoption, Child Protection and Safeguarding or their own mental health, as well as encouraging them to continue to engage with education and consider their options for the future. This year several young carers have been supported with applications to university.

Young Adult Carers have received support with housing, accessing benefits, managing money, Social Care and Child Protection meetings, substance use, employment, education, medical appointments, and partnership working with agencies such as social workers, Early Help Family Support Workers, Health Visitors, other health professionals, police, WMRASASC (West Midlands Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre) Counsellors, Housing officers, College wellbeing officers, tutors, Turning Point, the Youth Justice team and the Probation Service.

The ongoing support provided by both Young Carers and Young Adult Carers is a critical service needed on an ongoing basis, in response to demonstrable and in fact growing demand. Funding of YAC and YC is more challenging each year, and we are profoundly grateful to the grant-making organisations who support them.

Funding of our Young Carers services this year has been through BBC Children in Need and The Mumford Trust. Young Adult Carers have been funded through the UK Community Renewal Fund and an anonymous donor.

In the last year 64 Young Carers and 58 Young Adult Carers have been supported

“I would like to thank you so much for all your support
whilst getting through my last year at 6 form. To study at
home had been so difficult due to mum’s poor health and
mobility. And thanks for sorting it out with my tutor for me
to take my exams from home. I really felt like giving up
and forgetting about any ideas of going to uni. Whilst mum
was waiting for her back operation she hardly ever came
downstairs so as you know everything was left up to me
to do. We had so many arguments, sometimes I would
just go and take the dogs for a walk to escape. I’ll never
know why she wouldn’t let us get somebody in to help her,
instead of relying on me for everything. At least I know I
can be independent, ha ha. I know if it wasn’t for your
continuous support and encouragement, I wouldn’t have
just completed my first year here at uni. You kept telling
me that I had to follow my dreams and focus on what I
want, I’m so pleased you kept reminding me of this, lol.
Thank you so much, I’m looking forward to us meeting up
when I’m home for the summer”.
Young Adult Carer		 ‘Going to YAC sessions is great for meeting new
friends that are also in a caring role, who can
understand how I feel’
‘Thanks for the chat … just what I needed, I feel I can’t
always talk to my mum as I don’t want her to worry as
she’s really ill’
‘I was so anxious and nervous at the new social worker
visiting, thank you very much for coming and
supporting me. It made such a difference, and you
explained things in a way I could understand’.
‘I can’t thank you enough for finding us a house to rent.
Throughout my journey as a young carer and young
adult carer, you have always been so supportive and
believed in me. Thanks for being amazing and being
you’
‘Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to
attend a pottery session. I found it so therapeutic, I
forgot about everything for the afternoon’
Young Carers

StepIN2 and All Sorts

Step IN2 continued to be funded through the Landau-led IN2 Partnership. Our programme supported young people 15-24 who are not in education, training, or employment, and have difficulties engaging with traditional routes and programmes. Our highly experienced team supported young people who have a range of support needs neuro-diverse conditions including specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia or dyspraxia), ADHD, autism, or poor mental health.

With the aim of promoting sustainable integration of young people into the labour market and facilitating opportunity, economic growth and social inclusion, we offered a person-centred approach for participants to gain control of their lives and overcome their barriers to follow the most effective pathway into education, training, or employment.

Ongoing mentoring and opportunities support young people to develop interests, gain skills, experience work placements and progress into education, apprenticeships, traineeships, or employment.

Since July 2019, the programme has worked with over 50 young people, many progressing into education, (from L2 Maths and English to degree courses). Others gained employment locally, many after developing their employment skills in a range of work placements. We supported participants to claim the welfare benefits they are entitled to including PIP, Universal Credit, and Parents’ Carers Allowance. Several participants were supported to gain diagnostic assessment that then enabled them to access additional support for their learning needs. Support has contributed to the securing of Educational Health Care Plans.

With our support, young people have reduced their isolation and built confidence through community action projects and awareness raising. In response to wider demand, we set up a larger group with different funding streams for more young people who have similar needs: All Sorts – Minds of all Kinds . All Sorts developed to meet the unmet needs identified by young people on IN2, their families and professionals and offers support to young people who do not fulfil the funding criteria for In2 because they are in college, school, or in part/full time employment.

We are extremely grateful to the UK Community Renewal Fund, Herefordshire Council Covid19 Recovery Fund, Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Hereford Youth City Council, who funded All Sorts activity through the year.

“It’s great to come off benefits, I love working and so far in all my Open university assessments I have got over 80%. Big change from just playing computer games for over a year. Thanks”

“I have always felt stupid, with no skills. I now know I am good at a range of things”

All Sorts members

Building Better Opportunities (BBO)

The BBO project, jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and The European Social Fund, came to an end in March 2023 after 5 very successful years. The project at hvoss has supported 322 people furthest from the job market to overcome barriers, develop new skills and move towards employment through supported volunteering and promoting inclusion.

hvoss offered person centred support, training and mentoring in groups and individually, empowering people to move forward with their lives.

We have worked in partnership with organisations across Herefordshire, including Hereford Wildlife Trust, Red Spark, The Cart Shed, The Kindle Centre, Vennture and Landau, receiving a wide range of referrals cross sector from Job Centres, The Shaw Trust, Healthy Lifestyles, Community Psychiatric Nurses, Occupational Therapists, The Stonebow Unit, the Probation Service, The Royal National College for the Blind, Vision Links, Herefordshire MIND, Turning Point and Refugee Action.

This project at hvoss included one-to-one tailored support and group activities that encouraged people to develop social and other ‘soft’ skills. During the pandemic and its aftermath group activities included home baking, quizzes and employability workshops over zoom, which resulted in the project members writing and producing our own book. When we could get together we went gardening and litter picking, volunteered for the Knife Angel and ran training courses including Basic IT and First Aid as well as ‘Crafternoons’. We adapted and created our own ‘How to be a good volunteer’ course.

Overall the project’s approach was person-centred and responded pro-actively to needs and skills gaps, supporting people to increase their confidence and motivation, reduce social isolation and ultimately guide them in their journey into volunteering and work.

‘I can honestly say you are one of the best services I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. You've gone out of your way to help me with different situations, and I think the fact that you work in partnership helps. Whether it be guidance and support in terms of work opportunities and volunteering, to funding service users so that they can attend groups to help with mental health. In my case that was funding so I could attend the cart shed on a weekly basis which is something that has been detrimental to finding a routine in my week and being able to enjoy social settings outside of being home alone. You also were there when my life hit crisis and I lost my home, you were able to bring in different support networks that found ways of getting me from being homeless, to being in accommodation and able to bid for new places to live, something I will always be grateful for.

All I can say is thank you to BBO and hvoss for everything you have done for me! BBO participant

322 signed up to the project 171 moved into supported volunteering

161 moved into training, job searching and employment 63% had disabilities and health conditions 65% were economically inactive

40% lacked basic skills

BBO project final stats

Over the life of the project, BBO exceeded its targets for new starts, job searching and volunteering and achieved 50% of our training and employment outcomes with a group of people with very significant barriers to overcome. The responses from participants show the value of the project and just what a difference partnership working has made to the lives of so many people across Herefordshire.

Community Wheels

Community Wheels is our well-established community transport service providing users of all ages and needs with door-to-door travel. It operates from Corn Square in Leominster, and covers North Herefordshire, Leominster, Central Herefordshire, Hereford City and surrounding parishes. To be eligible passengers must live within the catchment area and be without access to a car or be unable to use public transport due to mobility or other issues. The service is administered by two staff based in Leominster.

Of our customers, 94% are over the age of 65, 8% have a learning disability and 28% have a physical disability. All are at risk of social isolation if they are not able to access the service and this would in turn would put pressure on other services including health and social care.

The year brought new challenges for the service. Covid-19 still impacts, and there have been a high number of short notice cancellations, the majority of which is due to venues, GP surgeries, hospitals and day centres closing due to Covid and Norovirus outbreaks, public and health sector strikes and volunteer drivers who tested positive for Covid themselves and unable to volunteer until they had a negative test. Short notice cancellations impact on the service and increase the administration demand on a small team.

The economic situation including the rise in fuel costs and the cost of living as a whole have had an impact. A fare increase was implemented in January 2023, which received a positive response from the customers in support of our continual efforts to ensure the service is resilient and can be sustained.

Despite all the challenges journey numbers have steadily increased throughout the year. The 427 Bodenham to Leominster Community Bus Service continues to operate, enabling customers to access the market on a Friday.

195 new customers registered
13 new volunteer drivers
8,741 trips during the year
96,620 miles in total
3344 medical appointments trips
1,495 shopping trips
1,641 day-centre trips
1,558 to therapy services
33 connecting transport journeys
519 social visits
193 journeys in wheelchair
accessible transport		 The service continues to provide a vital lifeline to so
many, feedback remains so positive.
We have responded dynamically to change and
demand.
The contribution of the volunteers to the service is
invaluable and without them the service could not be
provided. Thanks to all involved.
“Thank you for the great service you provide.”
“Community Wheels enabled my Dad to get out and
about and to feel less isolated. Thank you.”
Community Wheels customers

There were 8 “outing trips” provided to the registered customers, and these were very successful and enjoyable. Community Wheels are grateful for the much-needed funding from Herefordshire Council, (including extra one-off payment of £4,000 and a £7,000 Grant to provide transport to our Ukrainian Guests), Leominster Town Council, and The Mumford Memorial Trust.

Community Transport Forum (CTF)

As a member of the CTF the charity continues to support the invaluable work of independent community transport providers across Herefordshire. The seven independent schemes work together and collaborate on community transport service provision, which remains absolutely critical to thousands of passengers who would otherwise be isolated. The Forum meets quarterly with Hereford County Council.

Our governance

hvoss Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The 2022 AGM was held at The Shell Store and attended by almost 100 people. Once again this was a celebration of the many achievements during the last year, including showcases told in the own words of staff, members, volunteers and people supported by hvoss’ services and projects over the year.

Governance

The trustees are responsible for controlling the work, management, and administration of the charity on behalf of its beneficiaries. The charity is a company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital. The liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £1.

The company was incorporated on 30 December 2002 – Number 4625595. The company is a registered charity - number 1096451.

Administrative information is shown at the front of the financial statements. Members adopted new Articles of Association to comply with the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006 in April 2012. Changes to charitable objects, trustees’ benefits and dissolution clauses were made as part of a merger to establish hvoss as a leading support service provider within the local voluntary and community sector.

hvoss is an independent charity established in 2012 following the merger of three local support organisations. Herefordshire is a sparsely populated rural county. The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) in Herefordshire consists of around 2,300 local organisations. The county has a high rate of volunteer 50,000 volunteers, all making a significant contribution to improved quality of life and the needs of local people and communities.

The charity is a Council for Voluntary Service providing information, advice, and support to the voluntary and community sector across Herefordshire. hvoss offers specialist support in the areas of children and young people, health and social care, volunteering, and community development. The organisation is a member of the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA). During the year, the charity operated a Volunteer Bureau.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:

Mrs L P Wilcox

Mr R S Kelly

Mrs A C Robinson

Mrs M E Campbell

Mrs J Faux

Mrs S Penny

Mr R Matthews (resigned 28 February 2023)

Mr C Farmer (appointed 7 November 2022)

Trustees are appointed by members at the Annual General Meeting following a nomination and election process. The charity has an induction process to support newly appointed trustees. This includes a one-to-one meeting with the Chief Executive and an opportunity to meet staff, volunteers, and trustees. Regular information is provided about events, training, and other opportunities. Meetings of the Board have included presentations about key internal and external developments, including service and project updates.

Risk management

During the year, the Board has regularly assessed, reviewed, and mitigated against key organisational risks. The Management Team and trustees regularly review the Risk Register receive regular updates on progress.

Management reporting

All projects provided reports on a regular basis to trustees. The board of trustees met six times during the year. Day to day responsibilities are delegated to the Chief Executive who works with the Heads of Finance and Operations and Projects and Development to ensure compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements. Fundraising is a key focus and a ‘funding funnel’ plan is used to identify, develop and oversee a grant and funding plan.

A key component of central funding is the support services contract awarded to the charity by Herefordshire Council through Talk Community. This funding contributes towards volunteering and development support functions outlined in this report. This contract runs until the summer of 2024. The contract values the contribution of our infrastructure role and enables hvoss to address several key objectives.

Human resources

The Human Resources Group met twice during the year to consider staffing and personnel matters. This included oversight of a reorganisation that was required in light of a number of funding streams ending in late 2022 and early 2023.

hvoss’ plans for the future

Future of local support and development services – This is a key time for support services in Herefordshire. The charity, like many in the local sector faces increasing demand for its services in the context of cost of living and other funding pressures. In recent years the charity has been seeing reduced funding opportunities for activities such as volunteering services, community development, training and partnership development. The charity sees these services as core to its work in the community. Many hvoss activities are discretionary in terms of what public bodies fund. In recent years the charity has needed to release some reserves to meet increasing needs. This is not a position that can continue indefinitely, and new income streams need to be identified, including ways of recovering management overheads. In response to current pressures and demands, the board of trustees has started a strategic

review of the charity - what it does, how it is funded, and where the charity role sits in relation to other strategic development such at the Talk Community Review, State of Sector Report 2024, and Community Paradigm. hvoss will continue to proactively inform these developments, including advocating for further support funding for infrastructure services so that sufficient capacity, support, management and resilience, both for hvoss and the local VCSE can be maintained in the future. We aim to have an outcome by early 2024, with an update provided to all hvoss members at the 2023 AGM.

Working with statutory and public bodies - A key focus is to continue to enable and coordinate partnership work around local community priorities for people all ages where inequality exists e.g. Ukrainian guests, health and social care, and other under-represented communities.

Membership – As a membership organisation, we aim to further develop our offer to local organisations and community groups

Capacity building and training - Workshops, events, and training (including offer for hvoss members) in areas of good governance, capacity-building, social media and communications and fundraising.

Youth Provision Forum – Build on the assets and skills in our specialist youth provider network and develop improved local provision for younger people across the county. This includes opportunities to link the activities of youth organisations to the requirements and needs of statutory bodies and other local children and young people partnership work.

52 Broad Street – Further develop 52 Broad Street as ‘The Base’ for training, meeting rooms and resources for the local community sector, including Saturday opening of the Volunteer Bureau.

Information and communications – Provide regular updates to members and other VCS representatives on local, regional, and national developments in the sector. Raise profile and presence through hvoice e-bulletins, website latest news items and social media using platforms that are responsive to existing and new users of our services.

Volunteer Bureau – Implement Volunteering Strategy for Herefordshire that builds on the responsive approach taken throughout the pandemic, including promoting the value of skillsand life experience-sharing through time given voluntarily, corporate volunteering and involving younger people. Roll out systems to improve recording and reporting across hvoss. Evaluate methodology to quantify the value and potentially ‘monestise’ volunteer input.

Funding and sustainability – evaluating opportunities for additional or alternative sources of funding for activities to grants and charitable donations, for example commissioned services, and raising awareness of, articulating and communicating the impact of ‘start-stop’ funding on people and communities.

Confidence Framework – Roll out approaches developed this year to assure community organisations and groups and their stakeholders, including users and funders, of the value of their role and services to the community and confidence in their quality and robustness, including through effective partnerships and mutual respect and recognition.

State of Sector Survey 2024 – Inform the future research on our sector, changes since the last survey and the sector and communities’ needs, aiming that even more people and organisations inform developments and strategies that affect them.

Herefordshire Community Partnership - Work collaboratively to ensure all sectors work together effectively in equal partnership for the benefit of the wider community, including championing the needs of the VCSE and the value of our sector.

hvoss website - to create an engaging, accessible and future-proof home for hvoss online. The site will become a home for our projects and services, the go-to location for volunteer recruitment, a resource hub and support centre for the VCSE sector in Herefordshire.

Responsive volunteering – we are developing our hart team further including working in partnership with Age UK to deliver the Home from Hospital support across the county for people being discharged from hospital inpatient care.

Partnerships – including expanding our DBS service for groups and organisations through our partnership with Ross Community Development Trust.

Further influence key strategic developments affecting the VCSE including : -

… and for individual services …

Be inspired! - Building on the success of Building Better Opportunities, develop much needed supported volunteering service for adults of all abilities, Working in partnership with our members and the sector develop this service, which will be open to voluntary organisations to refer their own volunteers in need of extra support to us, to build capacity, resilience, and inclusivity.

Community Wheels – To recruit more volunteer drivers in all the catchment areas as demand increases post Covid-19. This will increase the number of individuals that can be supported with their transport needs. There will be more “outing trips” offered to the registered customers utilising the minibus, and review need for a third member of staff as the service provided increases, perhaps to pre-pandemic levels

Carers developments - Formalise our plans for Younger Carers, including the potential for commissioning arrangements for this invaluable support and sustainable funding to ensure young people of all ages who have a caring role have access to appropriate support.

Community Renewal and Shared Prosperity Fund – Consider ‘what next’ to capture and utilise the learning for the short UK Community Renewal Fund project, inform the government’s Levelling Up agenda plans and ways of working effectively in partnership with our community sector colleagues. Continue to influence local service planning, building on learning achieved, including benefit of link worker functions in supporting local communities.

Financial review

The results for the year are set out in the financial statements commencing on page 27. The financial statements show net outgoing resources of £36,772 (2022 – net outgoing resources of £418).

Total reserves at the end of the financial year amounted to £312,806 (2022 £349,578).

hvoss has reserves which are accounted for under three headings: restricted, designated, and unrestricted (free). Restricted reserves of £110,347 (2022 £159,076) consist of funds ringfenced to finance particular projects and cannot be used for any other purpose.

Designated funds are those unrestricted funds that trustees have agreed to set aside for specific purposes and include an amount to cover wind-up costs. In accordance with good practice guidance this includes three months’ central running costs, statutory redundancy for all staff who qualify under current legislation, and all other outstanding commitments of the charity. This currently equates to £80,634 (2022 £99,801) in total.

Unrestricted funds of £121,825 (2022 £90,701) represent the balance of the total reserves and can be used at the discretion of the trustees. After making allowances for tangible fixed assets the free reserves of the charity amount to £114,219 (2022 £79,715).

The level of free reserves has remained within the policy set throughout the year and trustees consider the results for the year and the financial position at the balance sheet date to be satisfactory. At this level trustees believe the charity would be able to continue current activities in the short term should a significant drop in funding occur. In those circumstances consideration would be given as to how the funding could be replaced, the activity changed, or whether further rationalisation of services provision, or other actions would be necessary.

Reserves policy

The trustees believe that maintaining appropriate reserves, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions in the short term. hvoss uses a full cost recovery methodology to ensure that the costs of providing central services (governance, strategic management, finance and administration, accommodation) are fairly allocated over all activities.

Going concern

The trustees confirm, based on their best judgement, the charity is a going concern for the next 12 months. This said the charity is facing a degree of fundraising uncertainty due to a range of factors, many of which are affecting the wider charity sector. This uncertainty is expected to continue, at least in the short term, and is expected to impact further in the future. These factors include: -

Reductions in grants and contracts the charity can apply for, including general increases in competition and demand across the local VCSE sector for charitable funding.

Some uncertainty about what will happen at the end of the current Herefordshire Council Talk Community contract in June 2024. This contract has been integral to wider support the charity develops and provides, including capacity and resourcing of our central management functions. This grant is the only single public body contract the charity receives for core infrastructure services. It should also be noted this grant is made as a discretionary grant award to hvoss and the local VCSE. As public sector finances come under greater challenges at all levels, continued investment, and if so, on what contracting basis, is uncertain and will require more discussion.

General cost of living pressures, impacting on the ability of the charity to sustain current levels of support, including retention of our excellent staff and volunteer resource.

Use of reserves during the year to sustain and develop primary activities in support of public benefit. This is being required where key activities are either not fully funded by funders, and/or where funding for key and core services have received no funding at all.

Limits of the rates of chargeable management fees within some contracts are limiting the charity’s ability to recover all costs on a full cost recovery basis. Contracting work of this nature is increasingly provided on a claim in arrears basis, rather than funded upfront. As reserves of the charity reduced in the year, and again with a deficit budget for 2023/24 agreed, cashflow also continues to be monitored closely.

Trustees continue to analyse and regularly review the financial position of the charity on an ongoing basis to fully understand the extent and likely impact of these material uncertainties. This includes the need for wider engagement of key charity stakeholders as required.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

This report has been prepared having taken advantage of the small companies exemption contained within the Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs L P Wilcox

Trustee

Dated: 10 November 2023

Pease contact us for more information regarding the Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statement 2022 – 2023.

01432 343932 | info@hvoss.org.uk | www.hvoss.org.uk

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HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees, who are also the directors of Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these accounts, the Trustees are required to:

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

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity 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 charity’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 other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the Trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose 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 charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud

Audit response to risks identified

It should be noted that Auditing standards limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

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

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Sarah Morley ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Kendall Wadley LLP

10 November 2023

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor

Granta Lodge 71 Graham Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 2JS

Kendall Wadley LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Current financial year
Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
744
-
8,447
Charitable activities
4
6,000
-
906,242
Investments
5
498
-
-
Other income
6
7,752
-
3,875
Total income
14,994
-
918,564
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
5,926
-
-
Charitable activities
9
82,846
-
881,558
Total resources expended
88,772
-
881,558
Net (outgoing)/incoming resources
before transfers
(73,778)
-
37,006
Gross transfers between funds
12
104,902
(19,167)
(85,735)
Net income/(expenditure) for the year/
Net movement in funds
31,124
(19,167)
(48,729)
Fund balances at 1 April 2022
90,701
99,801
159,076
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
121,825
80,634
110,347		 Total
2023
£
9,191
912,242
498
11,627
933,558
5,926
964,404
970,330
(36,772)
-
(36,772)
349,578
312,806		 Total
2022
£
4,875
567,813
134
17,810
590,632
11,714
579,336
591,050
(418)
-
(418)
349,996
349,578

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

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

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Prior financial year

Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2022
2022
2022
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
861
-
4,014
Charitable activities
4
8,168
-
559,645
Investments
5
134
-
-
Other income
6
-
-
17,810
Total income
9,163
-
581,469
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
7,021
-
4,693
Charitable activities
9
80,675
-
498,661
Total resources expended
87,696
-
503,354
Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before
transfers
(78,533)
-
78,115
Gross transfers between funds
12
78,114
6,998
(85,112)
Net income/(expenditure) for the year/
Net movement in funds
(419)
6,998
(6,997)
Fund balances at 1 April 2021
91,120
92,803
166,073
Fund balances at 31 March 2022
90,701
99,801
159,076		 Total
2022
£
4,875
567,813
134
17,810
590,632
11,714
579,336
591,050
(418)
-
(418)
349,996
349,578

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

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

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
17
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
18
General unrestricted funds		 2023
£
33,799
291,139
324,938
(21,168)
80,634
121,825		 £
9,036
303,770
312,806
110,347
202,459
312,806		 2022
£
90,437
277,143
367,580
(32,746)
99,801
90,701		 £
14,744
334,834
349,578
159,076
190,502
349,578

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2023, although an audit has been carried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. No member of the company has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

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

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 10 November 2023

Mrs L P Wilcox Trustee

Company Registration No. 04625595

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by)
operations
22
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities
Net cash used in financing 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		 2023
£
-
498		 £
13,498
498
-
13,996
277,143
291,139		 2022
£
(11,939)
134		 £
(37,647)
(11,805)
-
(49,452)
326,595
277,143

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

Company information

Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 52 Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AB.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's constitution, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

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 £.

The accounts have been prepared on the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees 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 financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when the 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.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Debtors represent amounts owed to the charity for the provision of goods or services or amounts the charity has paid in advance for goods and services it will receive.

Income from charitable and commercial trading activities are included in incoming resources in the period earned.

1.5 Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised for the amounts that the charity anticipates it will have to pay to settle a debt or the amount that it has received in advance as payment for services it has to provide.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs associated with the activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.

Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading.

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

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the programmes and activities undertaken. The support costs are treated as core running costs of the charity.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

IT Equipment 4 years on a straight line basis
Leasehold improvements 4 years on a straight line basis
Office Equipment 4 years on a straight line basis
Fixtures & fittings 5 years on a straight line basis
Motor vehicles 4-5 years on a straight line basis

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in income/ (expenditure) for the year.

Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately.

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors are initially recognised at transaction price. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’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.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.12 Transfers between funds

When a project ends, any deficit arising which cannot be reclaimed from the funder is recovered from the unrestricted funds. Where surpluses arise on completed projects, funders are contacted and asked if they want the surplus repaid. If the funder requests repayment the surplus is refunded. Otherwise the funds are used for specific projects as agreed with the funder, or, where there are no restrictions placed on the surplus funds, transferred to unrestricted funds.

Management costs incurred in administering the funds are treated as transfers between funds.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 744 8,447 9,191 861 4,014 4,875

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

Community & Youth
Development
Transport
£
£
Community Wheels fares
-
60,335
Grants and other project income
593,598
51,217
Other income
4,357
-
597,955
111,552
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
-
-
Restricted funds
597,955
111,552
597,955
111,552
For the year ended 31 March 2022
Unrestricted funds - general
-
-
Restricted funds
347,363
116,001
347,363
116,001		 Volunteer
services
Core activities
£
£
-
-
192,416
7,238
3,081
-
195,497
7,238
-
6,000
195,497
1,238
195,497
7,238
8,168
-
87,909
-
96,077
-		 Premises
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,372
8,372		 Total
£
60,335
844,469
7,438
912,242
6,000
906,242
912,242		 Total
2022
£
58,300
497,001
12,512
567,813
8,168
559,645
567,813

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

(Continued)

Grants and other project income
West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner
BBC Children in Need
Herefordshire Council
Herefordshire Community Foundation
Herefordshire Carers Support
Landau
Eveson Charitable Trust
BSOG
Herefordshire & Worcestershire CCG
The Childrens Society
Hereford City Council
ICS Community Partnership
High Sherif's Association National Crimebeat Award
Dinedor Outdoor Centre
Screwfix
The Mumford Memorial Trust
Leominster Town Council
NAVCA
Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme
Ross Lions
#Iwill		 -
14,770
540,143
1,194
-
17,491
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
20,000
593,598		 -
-
39,109
-
-
-
-
467
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
1,641
-
-
-
-
51,217		 -
-
94,000
-
-
98,416
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
192,416		 -
-
-
1,238
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,000
-
7,238		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 -
14,770
673,252
2,432
-
115,907
5,000
467
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
1,641
-
-
1,000
20,000
844,469		 992
14,270
221,673
15,151
19,087
112,000
52,001
467
27,000
8,284
2,000
5,000
750
1,000
8,372
10,000
4,535
1,500
2,919
-
-
497,001

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

5 Investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2023 2022
£ £
Interest receivable 498 134

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

6 Other income

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
general
£
£
Membership
-
-
Miscellaneous
7,752
3,875
7,752
3,875
For the year ended 31 March 2022
-
17,810		 Total
2023
£
-
11,627
11,627		 Total
2022
£
3,573
14,237
17,810
17,810

7 Raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted
funds funds funds funds
general general
2023 2022 2022 2022
£ £ £ £
Fundraising and publicity
Staff costs 5,926 7,021 4,693 11,714
5,926 7,021 4,693 11,714

8 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year. None of the trustees incurred expenses on the charity's behalf (2022- nil).

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

9 Charitable activities

Community
& youth
Transport
Volunteer
services
Health &
social care
Core
services
£
£
£
£
£
Staff costs
265,850
44,776
162,748
3,829
28,937
Depreciation and impairment
-
491
209
-
5,009
Project costs
323,163
57,683
15,684
-
2,116
589,013
102,950
178,641
3,829
36,062
Share of support overheads (excl. staff costs) (see note 10)
-
-
-
-
46,084
Share of governance costs (see note 10)
-
-
-
-
7,825
589,013
102,950
178,641
3,829
89,971
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
-
-
-
-
82,846
Restricted funds
589,013
102,950
178,641
3,829
7,125
589,013
102,950
178,641
3,829
89,971
For the year ended 31 March 2022
Unrestricted funds - general
-
-
-
-
80,675
Restricted funds
226,581
63,707
199,289
5,201
3,883
226,581
63,707
199,289
5,201
84,558		 Total
£
506,140
5,709
398,646
910,495
46,084
7,825
964,404
82,846
881,558
964,404		 Total
2022
£
330,094
5,651
196,916
532,661
40,071
6,604
579,336
80,675
498,661
579,336

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10 Support costs

Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Staff costs
25,705
-
Office expenses -
governance
-
3,165
Premises costs
28,473
-
Office expenses
17,611
-
Audit fees
-
4,660
71,789
7,825
Analysed between
Charitable activities
71,789
7,825		 2023
£
25,705
3,165
28,473
17,611
4,660
79,614
79,614		 2022 Basis of allocation
£
20,954 Activity basis
3,484
20,328 Activity basis
19,742 Activity basis
3,120 Governance
67,628
67,628

General office expenses are apportioned 15% to governance costs and 85% to charitable activities expenditure, based on estimated usage by staff of office facilities for each activity.

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Transfers

The transfers from unrestricted funds to restricted funds are necessary to alleviate the excess of restricted expenditure over income. The transfers to designated funds are to adjust for the level of reserves required in the event of winding up.

The transfers from restricted funds to unrestricted funds have been made for permitted management fees.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

13 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
Management
Administrative
Voluntary Sector Support
Youth Projects
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs - defined contribution schemes		 2023
Number
3
1
16
3
23
2023
£
471,111
28,692
12,263
512,066		 2022
Number
3
-
11
5
19
2022
£
317,164
15,202
9,442
341,808

Included within wages and salaries are redundancy costs amounting to £18,141 (2022 £nil).

The employee numbers above include part time and full time staff, as a result the full time equivalent employees are 16 (2022: 13)

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

14 Tangible fixed assets

IT Equipment
Office
Equipment
Fixtures &
fittings
Motor vehicles
Leasehold
improvements
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022
23,784
2,050
5,981
50,349
7,542
At 31 March 2023
23,784
2,050
5,981
50,349
7,542
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2022
16,008
2,050
1,526
50,349
5,029
Depreciation charged in the year
2,482
-
1,341
-
1,885
At 31 March 2023
18,490
2,050
2,867
50,349
6,914
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023
5,294
-
3,114
-
628
At 31 March 2022
7,776
-
4,455
-
2,513		 Total
£
89,706
89,706
74,962
5,708
80,670
9,036
14,744

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
8,769
14,751
10,279
33,799		 2022
£
55,467
23,933
11,037
90,437

16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Deferred income
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
2,747
4,053
14,368
21,168		 2022
£
1,522
11,739
19,485
32,746

Deferred income represents monies received in advance which is released in full the following year.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

17 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Balance at
1 April 2021 resources expended 1 April 2022 resources expended 31 March 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Community Wheels - 120,718 (103,903) (16,815) - 111,550 (102,459) (2,126) 6,965
427 Club - 2,240 - (2,240) - 2,139 - (2,139) -
No Wrong Door 27,097 98,336 (79,983) (4,140) 41,310 5,361 (35,069) (11,602) -
Family Drug Support 9,802 - - (1,011) 8,791 - - - 8,791
Capital 14,190 - (5,651) - 8,539 1,375 (5,709) - 4,205
Social Prescribing 10,125 - (5,202) - 4,923 - (3,830) (1,093) -
Miscellaneous Projects 44,855 11,949 (10,402) (2,701) 43,701 3,738 (2,115) - 45,324
BBO - 87,909 (78,080) (9,829) - 98,426 (91,056) (7,370) -
Young Carers 6,507 16,980 (17,481) (3,249) 2,757 30,070 (21,721) (1,324) 9,782
Young Adult Carers 14,210 16,972 (28,374) (2,808) - 11,000 (2,351) (200) 8,449
In2 5,700 24,097 (23,698) (5,373) 726 17,644 (18,686) 316 -
Project ABC 14,478 160 (8,885) (5,753) - - - - -
Talk Community 19,109 94,000 (80,270) (8,406) 24,433 97,082 (87,374) (15,661) 18,480
UK Community RenewalFund - 16,926 (16,926) - - 516,580 (487,669) (28,911) -
ICS Community Partnership - 5,000 - - 5,000 - - (5,000) -
Vaccination clinic - 22,661 (9,274) (13,387) - - - - -

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

17 Restricted funds

Restricted funds
Allsorts
Voice of the Child
Premises funding
Feasibility Study
Ukraine Integration		 -
-
-
-
-
166,073		 13,149
(597)
32,000
(16,256)
8,372
(8,372)
10,000
(10,000)
-
-
581,469
(503,354)		 -
(9,400)
-
-
-
(85,112)		 12,552
6,344
-
-
-
159,076		 36
(4,680)
-
(2,068)
-
-
-
-
23,563
(16,771)
918,564
(881,558)		 (Continued)
(6,349)
1,559
(4,276)
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,792
(85,735)
110,347		 (Continued)
(6,349)
1,559
(4,276)
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,792
(85,735)
110,347
110,347

Community Wheels and 427 club- volunteer drivers providing transport across North Herefordshire and Hereford for those who cannot access independent/public transport,

No Wrong Door - Piloting a collaboration of professional youth service agencies offering expert advice to young people. Opened early March 20216 and initially funded by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, the project is now supported by various organisations.

Family Drug Support provides information, advice and education regarding drug use and related matters.

Capital - Represents monies received for specific capital purchases.

Social Prescribing - A 12 month project to develop patient signposting and referral services across Herefordshire, and to support patients to access non-medical sources of information and support. The project is part of the General Practice Resilience Programme (GPRP) and was commissioned locally by the NHS Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

17 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Miscellaneous Restricted Funds - Consist of smaller grants received for individual projects and/or specific activities together with other restricted funds transferred from the Alliance and HCVYS as a result of the merger of these organisations with this charity in 2013.

BBO - The Building Better Opportunities project brings together funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund to help tackle poverty and social exclusion faced by the most disadvantaged people in England.

Young Carers and Young Adult Carers - the charity worked in partnership with Herefordshire Carers Support (HCS) to ensure that services for young carers continue in Herefordshire beyond the planned winding up of Herefordshire Carers Support by April 2020. This service was transferred to HVOSS in Autumn 2019 and is funded until 2022.

In2 is the hvoss part of the Landau led IN2 Partnership. The programme is focused on 15-24-year-old young people not in education, training or employment. The overall aim of the programme is to promote economic and social inclusion which seeks to achieve the sustainable integration of young people into the labour market.

Project ABC works to assist and support young people (18-25) to access training and employment opportunities.

Talk Community is a partnership with Herefordshire Council to directly deliver a range of activities to support the voluntary and community sector and improve county wellbeing and resilience.

UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fund-prospectus

ICS Community Partnership - Development of VCSE engagement in the new health and social care mechanisms.

Vaccination Clinic - Co-ordination of the volunteer support programme around the county to support the Covid-19 vaccination roll out.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

(Continued)

Allsorts (Minds of All Kinds) supports young people aged 16-25 who have experienced challenges arising from neurodiversity and poor mental health conditions, including eating disorders.

Voice of the Child engaging young people to ensure that their voices and opinions are heard by key statutory services and decision makers.

Youth Hub Feasibility Study, funded by the Eveson Trust, is the development of proposals to ensure the provision of children’s and young people’s support services across the county can be sustained in the future and meet their needs.

Core Services - Activities in support of core activities, includes a grant award from Ross Lions Club to further develop Warm Welcome in Ross-on-Wye.

Ukraine Integration . - The Ukraine Integration Project supports Ukranian guests to Herefordshire, including co-ordination of the monthly Herefordshire Community Network. This partnership has enabled the charity to employ a Community Network co-ordinator and two link workers.

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

18 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

At 1 April Transfers At 31 March
2022 2023
£ £ £
Winding up reserves 99,500 (18,866) 80,634
HAT brochure 301 (301) -
99,801 (19,167) 80,634
Previous year: At 1 April Transfers At 31 March
2021 2022
£ £ £
Winding up reserves 82,502 16,998 99,500
Core Activity Support 10,000 (10,000) -
HAT brochure 301 - 301
92,803 6,998 99,801

It is the policy of the charity to maintain sufficient unrestricted reserves, which are free reserves of the charity, to close down the organisation. In accordance with Charity Commission Guidelines these represent three months' running costs of the charity. These reserves are transferred from unrestricted reserves to designated reserves.

Core Activity Support - funds set aside to sustain core activities.

HAT brochure - funds designated to produce the HAT brochure.

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
Tangible assets
7,606
-
1,430
Current assets/(liabilities)
114,219
80,634
108,917
121,825
80,634
110,347		 Total
2023
£
9,036
303,770
312,806

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

19 Analysis of net assets between funds (Continued)
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
general designated
2022 2022 2022 2022
£ £ £ £
Fund balances at 31 March 2022 are represented by:
Tangible assets 10,986 - 3,758 14,744
Current assets/(liabilities) 79,715 99,801 155,318 334,834
90,701 99,801 159,076 349,578

20 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2023
£
8,010
4,010
12,020		 2022
£
8,010
12,020
20,030

The operating leases represent leases of property from third parties. The leases are negotiated over terms of 3-6 years.

21 Related party transactions

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.

2023 2022
£ £
Aggregate compensation 87,378 86,309

HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

22 Cash generated from operations 2023 2022
£ £
Deficit for the year (36,772) (418)
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in profit or loss (498) (134)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 5,708 5,651
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 56,638 (32,738)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (12,803) 8,107
Increase/(decrease) in deferred income 1,225 (18,115)
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations 13,498 (37,647)
23 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no debt during the year.