hvoss herefordshire voluntary organisations support service Annual Report 2024/2025 Iiw Charity Number- 1096451 Company Number - 04625595 Legal and Administrative information Trustees Mrs L P Wilcox (Chair) Mr R S Kelly Mrs A C Robinson Mrs J Faux Mrs S Penny Mr J Argent Mr D Tristram Mr C Fanner (resigned 26th July 2024) Company Secretary and Chlef Executlve Mr W D Lindesay DL Charlty number 1096451 Company number 04625595 Regithred office 52 Broad Street Hereford HR4 9RB Audltors Kendall Wadley LLP Granta Lodge 71 Graham Road Malvem Worcestershire WR14 2JS Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME194JQ hvoss Annual Repcrft 2024- 2025 Pagè 1 of 28 hvoss °+ Ill J fL oo UJ u£ h¥0￿ Arnual Rèkx)rt 2)24- 2025 Page 2 of 28 hvoss sdiu w J•qwnN 'v'¥'¥-¥ 'y'¥t'¥'¥'v'¥'¥'¥'v'v'y' hvoss Annual Reixxl 2024- Page 3 of 28 hvoss Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees of hvoss, who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Acl, have pleasure in presenting the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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 charitys Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and °Accounling 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}" (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1st January 2019). This report satisfi8s the requirements for a directors, report under the Companies Act 2006. hvoss (Herefordshire Voluntsry Organlsations Support Serrfice) Is an independent umbrella support charity for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Herefordshire. Our vision is: "A vibrant and effective Community Sector in Herefordshire" Driving the services available from hvoss are the incredible contributions that local volunteers, voluntary arKI community groups, charities and not for profit organisations make in the county. hvoss is an independent local infrastructure, support and development organisation woviding infonnation, assistance, guidance, communication, facilitation and networklng opportunities. hvoss membership is currently free, and open to any organisation or individual furthering charitable and not for profit aims and actbvities in the I(￿al communily. 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 wilh their development needs. providing services needed to pursue charitable activity for public benefrt. 2. To promote, organise and facilitale co-operation, co-design and co-production through effective partnership working between the local VCSE sector and public bodies. As the charity approaches the final few years of the current Strategic Plan, our priorities this year were: Developing volunteering services for indlvlduals. and organlsatlons that Involve them. Promoting Cowoperation and partnership work across all sectors of the local community. Improving the lives of children arKI young people aged 8- 21, including helping the organisations that work with. and support them. Furthering community, health and social care activities across Herefordshire. hvos5 Annual Rewl 2024- 2025 Page 4 rA 28 hvoss The following principles and values infomied aclivities of. and decisions taken by, the charity. Championing equity, with particular support for under-represented groups and need. Only deltver projects that are self-funding and contribute to our objectives. Promote active govemance - utilising all skills. resour￿, assets and capacity. Be member-led, maintsining links with the local community. Always be flexible, nimble, and responsive to change. Be a mdel employer for staff and support all hvoss volunteers. Diversify our fundlng base, reducing reliance on key projects for future sustainability. Develop capacity building services, including local access to support in rural areas. Be open to future collaboration and new ways of supportlng key areas of work. Herefordshire Fundors Network During ts last year. the tharily provided co-ordination support to establish a Herefordshlre Funders Network, a quarterly meeting of prominent Herefordshire funders. In September 2024 hvoss was pleased to be part of the organisation of "Meet the Funders" which 103 charitles, community groups and funders attended. The event offered delegates a sound understanding of grant making organlsations, criteria, the fvnding available and what they should include in an appllcation as well as an invaluable and unique opportunty to meet in person all promlnent Herefordshire funders in one place. Fantastic feedback from funders and the sector was received, and hvoss is part of the plannlng for another similar event on 301h April 2025. "Very useful, time was appreciated, advice given spot on and range of funders excellent." Meet the Funders. deleoate feedback Community development Partnership with HerefordshSre Council and Talk Community hvoss VCSE support services have been grant-funded by Herefordshire Council Talk Communily since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2025. Since this time, the charity has played a key leadership co-ordination role in local planning and action regarding the VCSE and responses to the needs of the c(xnmunity in Herefordshire. March 2025 marks the end of this contract wilh the Council. It has been a good partnership that has achieved many shared outcomes for the lorAI community. This year the charity provided: hvoss Amual RepL¥I 2024- 2025 Page 5 of28 hvoss Volunteerlng services - Brokering opportunilies for people who wish to volunteer wlth the organlsations that need them. We supported over 500 requests for this input during the year. Help to set up nèw oryanisatlons - {unlncorporated groups, conslitutional options, and suitable legal fonns such as Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and Communty Interest Company (CIC). We supported over 40 different support requests from new and emerging volunteer led groups during the last twelve months. Governance support - Providing guidance on policy development, setting up and running a group. meeting or committee. including running training and board development sessions for rnemLErs and trustees on their legal duties and responsibilities. We have supported over 150 governance 'running our group or organisation. support requests during the year. The charity also routinely assisted with general support and advice enquiries ranging from govemance requests to 'running your group or acti￿. 30 - 45 mins can routinely be spent on each initial enquiry. ensuring that we have sound Information on which to base our supwl. and we met over half of these organisations subsequently either in their communty or the hvoss city ￿ntre office. Many resulted in several further meetings arKI visits. Training - The charity ran S board development sesslons for local charitable groups in roles arKI responsibilities of trustees, legal requirement. charitable stru￿ures, business and strategic planning. Consistenlly positive feedback was receNed from all sessions. Fundralslng and sustainabilty- The 'Meet the Funders, event and resources beneffted over 200 people from organisations all over the county who attended or directty requested fundraising advice. 45 other funding requests were supported during 2024125, including advice on sources of funding, guidance on and support with applications. including being a 'critical friend, on final versions. 5 buslnesses worked us on corporate volunteering, where we brokered a relationship between them and communty organisations, facilitating them fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR}. Herefordshire Funding Directory - hvoss played a key central role in pulling together this new resource for the sector. It summarises key k)cal funders. their funding criteria and how to apply. The directory and all other Herefordshire Funders Network resources can all be found on the hvoss website htt s:IIwwN.hvoss.or .ukleventsl. Planning, facilitation and delivery of a local community consultation event focussing on the development of local services for young people, and including their voice and infiuence. Ongoing engagement and support culminated in an application for significant funding to develop a little-used local building. Identificatlon of professional services - Signposting to appropriate insurances. and payroll, legal and human resources services for new and existing organisations. Access to bank accounts remains an ongoing issue f(x some groups, wilh which we offer help and support. A HR Seminarfor VCSE leaders, kindly provided to Herefordshire VCSE groups pm bono by Marches HR, provided important employment law updates and resources. Page 6 of 28 hvoss Communlcallon. notw0￿1ng and coordinatlon hvoss provided information and shared opportunities for sector organisations through newsletters, Including 7 hvoice communications, monthty newsletters from the Herefordshire Community Network for Ukraine. a partnership convened, coordinated and chaired by hvoss. We actively promoted opp(xtunities including training and events, as well as vacancies, in our various channels. including social media platforms. Volunteering Servlces Volunteerfng strategy Development of volunteering, including retention of people recrurted through the pandemlc. and re-engagement of people who gave their Ilme so freely before and in response to Covld-19, remains a key focus at hvoss. It is one of our key charitable objects. The Volunteer Bureau team promotes opportunities, facilitate introduclions and offers support to both partles for people vA)o want to volunteer and the organSsations who need them. Volunteering helps indlvlduals to develop skills. ¢onfid8nce, a sense of purpose and self-worth through their contribulion, as well as experience of work in a supportive envlronmenL People whose communty engagement reduced through the isolatlon of the pandemic have been Supported and encouraged. Others whose experience is as a recipient of support are empowered to make a contribution to their community and develop a sense of their own value to their communty. Our Volunteering Strategy for Herefordshire was produced collat)oratively with several key partners induding parish councils. It indudes 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 meaningful engagement of younger people, and celebrating the value of volunteering to the community and the people living there induding through different language and messaging thal recognises their significant contribution. Recognition and respect for the value of the contribution that people make by sharing their time, skills and experience is a 'golden thread.. 425 volunteers placed by hvoss or part of an hvoss projects during the year (possibly more with UIP and Be Inspired funded by The Eveson Trust) 57 hvoss eventsltrainiriglnetwork meetings attended by 1056 people 591 organisations supported with advice with funding and income generation 156 organisations supported with development and govemance 24 jobs advertised on our website on behalf of VCSE organlsations 300+ new volunteer opportunities advertised 13 community-based language cafés supwrted by volunteers to help Ukrainian guests practise conversatlonal English Annual Reiyxl 2024- 2025 Page 7 (128 hvoss The hvoss Herefordshire Voluntser Bureau operated throughout the year from our main offices at 52 Broad Slre8t, Hereford as well as locally through our partnerships with communty organisations and events. This enabled local organlsatlons to promote their opportunities and for people to find out more about local w)lunteering available to them. Supporting volunteers into roles through careful matching encourages successful and sustained relationships between volunleers and hosts. Providing suppc*t around volunteers roles, policy and governance to the organisations seeking volunteers is also a critical ongoing setvice. Involving volunteers and offering new experiences for young people As part of our Volunteering Strategy and commitinent to engaging young people in volunteering and the benefils it brings, a partnership with Hereford and Ludlow College helped to place T4evel students currently working towards a qualification in business and administration in VCSE organisalions. Arrangements are through day release, with students attending college for 3 days and engaging work placement within the voluntary sector. This provides enormous mutual benefit and opportunities for the young people to utilise and develop their skills in a workplace environment. "I wanted to tske a moment to thank you for your support in providing a placement for our T Level student. Your guidance and mentorship are invaluable in shaping the next generation of professionals, and it's greatly appreciated. Feedback from H&L College tutor We have hosled placements in our offices with the hvoss team to other students including from Hereford Sixth Fomi College, as well as our core volunteers Georgia and Will. who have ntinued to offer their time and develop their skills in Yront office. roles. We collaborated with National Slar College, and met with students, tutors, carers and parents to promoted volunteering and its benefrts to the students to help Ihem develop confidence and skills for life after college. We regularly receive positive testimonials from people who have volunteered through hvoss. Wolunteering makes me happy" "Volunteers help me" "Volunteering gives me new skills and I can make friends" Communications and engagement Our communications and angagemant functlon has an important role in messaging about developments and keeping the sector and different audiences info￿ned and up to dae. including of opportunities. Our monthly newsletter. hvolce, reathes 1140 subscribers with an open rate of 53 % (industry standard open rate of c21.5%). hvoss Repcit 2024-2025 Pagg 8 of 28 hvoss hvoss. has growing soclal media plath>mis We continued to share opportunities and news from across the sector including jobs, furKlraislng, volunteering, training, networking, patherships, events and member communications. The charlty promoted over 50 local community events and news items during the year and also ran successful campaigns to celebrate National Volunteers Week, Trustees Week, Mental Health, Small Charfties Week, Ukrainian National Children's Day, and Refugee Week. 17 hvoice newsletter and updates 5 Herefordshire Youth Alliance communications 12 editions of Herefordshire Community Network for Ukraine Newsletters published 200 + social media posts and promotions via FacebooK Instagram and Linkedln Working in partnershlp Herefordshire Youth Provlsion Network {YPN) hvoss has established a network of 81 organisations, practitioners and professionals across all sectors, working collaboratively to meat the needs of young people in Herefordshire. The YPN provides opportunities to meet colleagues and volunteers supporting children and young people across Herefordshire, based on nalional youth work principles. During 2024 a set of youth work priorities was developed setting out what a future Road ma for outh work in Herefordshire coukl look like. Taking this fO￿ard within hvoss proved a little challenging given limited dedicated and specialist youth work resources within Ihe charity. This challenge is consistent with those fa￿d by others local organlsatK)ns, voluntary groups and local youth clubs that wish to champw)n and develop youth work in their own cc4nmunities. Supporting the needs of children and young people is a charltable aim of the charity. and a key aim over the next year is to discuss these needs with major decision makers in the county, have key responsibilities for development and sufficlency of local provislon for children and young people. and to discuss how best these needs might be mel. hvoss Ann1￿1 Rewrt 2024-2025 Page 9 of 28 hvoss The Courtyard Trust- A case study - speech to hvoss AGM - 16th October 2024 "Some of you may remember me as a volunteer driver for Community Wheels. but today I'm addressing you in my capacity as Chainnan of the Board of Trustees at the Courtyard Centre for th8 Arts. When I became Chair 2 years ago, l inherited a board of onty 6 twslees, when there should hav8 been 11, so my immediate priority was ￿¢ruItment. Thankfully, we successfully recruited 5 new members, from a variety of backgrounds. and h)wered the age profile of the Courtyard Board markedly, which was my aim. However. and crucially, none of the new members had ever been a Trustee before! It soon became clear to me that the new members. and. in truth, some of the older ones. did not have a good understanding of charity law. or. more imwrtantly, the responsibilities of trustees within a charitable organisation. That was when I turned to hvoss for help. It was agreed that they could arrange training. and it was then delivered by hvoss in January this year. The session was clear. comprehensive. up-to-date. and accompanied by lots of very valuable and relevanl resources, which could b8 referred lo whenever the need arose. The feedback from Ihe members of the Board was extremely wsitive, and it was agreed that it had been an invaluable exercise. which gave Board members renewed confidence in their role. Arls Council England. from whom we receive an annual grant in excess of £200K, were told about the training and were Impressed that The Coutyarij board had actively sought governance training, because that is what it was - training in good govemance. which, I'M sure you'd agree, Is essential, if we are to be a truly effective as a charity. During the training. it was suggested that the Courtyard should develop a S year strategic plan, particularty as myself and the CEO are due to step dovm in 3 years, time. Once again, we turned to hvoss. and their wealth of experience, to assist us in developing the plan. We have already had a sesshjn Carrying out an in depth look at the Courtyard's values and aspirations. and we carried out a comprehensive SWOT analysis of our organisation. Next month. we have arranged an away day for the board to complete the first draft of our stralegiG plan, alongside the senior leadership team. Again. this away day is being facilitated by hvoss. We are fortunate in Herefordshire to have. in hvoss. such a brilliant. knowledgeable. and supportive organisation. and I would like to slress lo you all that rf you need help with any aspect of your work. please do not hesitate to seek their guidance. I'm so glad that we did. and the Courtyard Board are extremely grateful for all the help that they have given us. Bruce Freema￿ Chalr. Courtyard Trusl Boanl h¥oss knnu81 Report 2024- 2025 Poge 10 of28 hvoss Helping groups on their way..... "For us. the support fmm HVOSS during our start-up period was vital. Without them, we would have stmggl8d to get a foothold onto the fvnding ladder. It is frequently Éhe case that funders like pmjects that already have funding... and our first successful grant was from Communty Foundation Wales. This was granted only because HVOSS offered to accept the money on our behalf, and ring- fence it for us. We are very grateful to HVOSS for this, and for their ongoing supporf,. Founder/Director. @the Hub, Ross•on•Wye Support for Ukrainian guests who have moved to Herefordshlre Herefordshlre Community Network for Ukraln6 hvoss convened a network of communty groups and organisations in February 2022 in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the arrival of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. Herefordshire Council joined the partnership and is utilising govemment fvnds through its Support for Ukrainian Cornmunity Integration Grant (SUCIG) scheme, which funds projects for Ukrainian guests. their sponsorslhosts in Herefordshire and organisations providing support arKI activities. This funds a Community Network co-ordinaloi and two communty link workers, providing support directly to Ukrainians as they arrive in Herefordshire and helping them integrate into their local communities in Herefordshire. The welcome of Herefordshire communities is warm and equitable. and we are proud of our role in co-ordinating the response to their needs delivered through our Network partners and facilitated by funding through Herefordshire Council. The model of the Nelwork partnership is innovative and we are told may even be unique in this context. Its aims are to ensure that emerging issues are identified quickly and an agile response developed, avoiding duplication. The Network continues to grow and thrive. Over 20 organisations are routinely represented at our monthly meetings and 113 partners subscribe to the Network Newsletter. The partnership working facilitated Ihrough the Network includes Ukrainian-led groups the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Hereford branch. and Herefordshire Help for Ukraine (HHU) together with the Diocese of Hereford, Herefordshire MIND, CLD Trusvstrong Young Minds, St Peter and St James church. The Kindle Centre, Halo Leisure, Fetch Theatre. Rural Media, The Living Roorn, New Leaf and the Ukraine Freedom Company. Several of these organisalions also employ link workers through SUCIG funding, the majority of whom are themselves Ukrainian refugees recently arrived here. Link worker support The support of hvoss, two dedicaled Ukrainian link workers supporting Ukrainians across the county has proven both essential arKI transfomiative. With a strong focus on a person-centred approach. the support has enabled smoother integration for them. better wellbeing. and improved access to vital services for individuals and families rebuilding their lives. One of the key achievements has been the development of strong, trusting relationships with Ukrainian guests. Support has covered a wide range of needs from housing and employment to healthcare, education, and emotional wellbeing. Irbdividual consuttations, both in-person and hvo8s Annual ReFKy12024- 2025 Pag8 11 of28 hvoss online, have ensured that help is accessible, flexible, and tailored to each person's own circumstances. One of the most signlficant challenges faced by many Ukrainian arrivals has been navigating unfamiliar and often complex public systems particularly in areas such as housing, welfare benefrts, and healthcare. Link workers have acted as crucial bridges between people and seNices, helping them overcome bureaucratic barriers and feel more confident and secure in their new environmenL The link workers have also provided interpretation and advocacy in a wide variety of contexts Including hospitals, Jobcentres. schools, malemlty appointments, communty events, and even weddings and funerals. This holistic and deeply human support has helped to reduce isolation and build lasting connections. A powerful example of community-bullding has been the emergence of a warm and welcoming Ukrainian community, supported by the link workers. Through group meetings, shared experiences, and peer support, Individuals are gaining confidence, sharing knowledge, and helplng one another navigate dally lrfe in the UK. Particular attentlon has been given to vulnerable individuals and older adults, as well as to families wtth school-aged children. Link workers have supported these families through school Iransitions, communicated with teachers. attended SEN reviews. and helped parents access educational support systems. We continue to see growing numbers of Ukrainians taking up employment, volunteering, or further education a reflection of both the community's resilience and the praclical impact of this supporL None of this would have been possible without the strength of the Ukrainian community, the commitment of local partners, and the relational, flexible approach tsken by the link workers. Their work continues to make a meaningful difference every day. "I couldn't have done this without your holp. Learning English oponed doors for me." Ukrainian guest -1 realized that it's much better to trust someone who knows how to navigate this process. It rather Spend 3040 and have a meetlng with someone who knows exactly how to do it than make a mistake. You saved me from a lot of frustration and now I can sleep without any fear" Ukralnlan gup3t supported k) apply for 8-wsa -The help I received was Invaluable during this difficult tlme. I felt supported and less alone In my fight against cancer." Ukr8lnlan patient Unk Workers Ukraine Inte9rotion Project A Unique Approach Network 381 Mbth• VSCE Ind P¥blk 143 251 io7r¥Ath9 211 In•fi141 hmllh. 8 youNJ F••llrwt•tsd Communlty Kllchen 113 ffl•k• •trwlltloMI dhh. . 340 P•rtn•r*hip •cll¥lll ¢rftk•l lo It*lrt*•N )•10g. *•4rl* 300 p¢¢W• •tl•ndvl 17¥¢r 20 •tt•r4e•J •t mtsnlhly r•e•tlng >ss Chlldren and young people's wellbeing Following the successful pilot project funded through SUCIG, we were delighted that Herefordshire Council agreed to continue funding the activity supporti1￿ children and young people in schools. This y&3r our Ukrainian support workerworked with 65 children individualty in small groups across 15 schools in Herefordshire, including in Hereford. Ross, Ledbury, Klngslone. Leintwardine, and Wigmore. From the very beginning, we closely collaborated with the leadership team in each School to identfy specific issues they asked us to address. We took into account the unique characteristics of each child, their level of integration, ary difficulties related to leaming. and general well-being. Many are traumatised through dislocation. separation from their friends, as well as loss of their home. Others have ck)se famity members fighting on the front line. They have to leam English and how to make friends and navigate the dIfferen￿S between here and home. During the sessions, the children continued to famlliarise themselves with Ihe education system in their new county, with leaming for all about cultural slmilarities and differences. Our support worker continuousty monitored the emotlonal and psychological wellbeing of the children and liaised closely with parents. Where they shared Issues she, with their consent. referred them to relevant servKes to meet varfous needs (such as food, clothing, fumiture, or psychological support for both t88nagers and chlldren). Our pathershlp with organisations Including Herefordshire MIND arKI the CLD Trusustrong Young Minds were (xitical in facilitating thls response. Our support worker has provided targeted emotional support to Ukrainian children through art therapy sessions and friendly conversations In their native language. As work in schools developed. our support worker assessed the children's well-being using feedback fonns as well as collected responses from parents and school leaders. Feedback was 1000/0 positive from Ihe schools, parents, and children themsefves. Moreover, the school dlrectors, thildren, and their parents expressed unanimous interest in continuing their participatlon in the project for the upcoming year. This is refiected in the completed feedbad< forms from parents, children, and sch￿1 leadership teams. Several art therapy sessions for Ukrainian mothets and their children were arranged, again with 100% kw)silive feedback. Our Famity Picnic, attended by around 160, includlng whole families, was a wonderful celebration of Ukralnian music and dancing - as well as football, crafts, face painling and sumo wrestling! We thank our friends and supporters at Wesffields FC for their hospitslity and warm welcome. In total. this year this project has supported 192 Ukralnian children and 120 adults. We thank our colloagu08 in Herefordshiro Council and UK Government for thelr Innovative approach to fundlng and support for our Ukralnian guests in the county. voss Annual ReiK¥l 2024- 2025 p￿130f28 hvoss "Thank you so much for your work with the boys thls year. We are dellghted you were able to work with us and the whole pmject has been such a success. We hope to see you in September." Headteacher ofprimary school "Our Ukralnlan children are really enjoying their weekly workshop with Oksana. This week they made emoji cushions I We look forward to sharing more of their fabulous creationsl A big thank you to her. The children really look forward to their aftemoons with her. Sch(xl newsletter Refugee Week hvoss and its Ukraine Network and link WOTker team co-ordinated activity across the county which culminated In a stall on Hereford marf(et. This yearfs theme was °Our Home", so as well as a display of photographs from Ukraine of day-to-day activity among damage and destruction. we asked people passing by to tell us what home means to them. We collated all the responses and shared them widety across the community. "Home is belng able to say what I thlnk wlthout belng shot" R?nner refugee, severely injured In Ihyne county in student demonstralk)n "Horn Is a bed and bedroorn to myself, Herefordshlre-bom 12-year old Ilving in temporary accommodation wth his family "Home is here. Hereford is home" Head of Afghan family evacuated from Kabul to Hereford in 2022 "Home Is Just home. Untll I supposo you lose It" Her8fordshiTr resident We were extremely grateful to Brian Bilston, the poet, who agreed that we may share hls wonderful thoughtful poem Refu ees and include it in the Herefordshire Communty Network for Ukraine Newsletter. as well as in our exhibiiion for Refugee Week. It really was a talking point and made people think. htt s:Ilbrianbilston.coml Resettlement and migration in Herefordshire Herefordshire has not hosted any people seeking asylum since the 2 hotels closed in 2023 and the resldents relocated elsewhere in the UK. Several of the single men and families who were welcomed so much by the community in Herefordshlre, many of whom volunteered in local charities and played football in a local team are still in touch with the local people and organisations who supported them. hvoss continues to be a member of Herefordshire Council's Resettlement and Migration Multi- Agency group. which meets regularly. The group discusses any emerging issues and response to any new arrivals planned. This is another example of effective partnership across all the sectors facilitating a wraparound response to people from other countries and cultures aThiving in Herefordshire, which together with community organisations and people in local communities offers a warm welcome to our lovely county. hvoss Annual ReF*)Ti 2024- 2025 Page 14 of 28 hvoss UK Shared Prosperity Fund - People and Skills A timel In December 2024 hvoss was awarded 2 grants funded by the UK Govemment by the Shared Prosperity Fund through HerefordshSre Council. to support people into volunteering. training, education and employment. hvoss had just over three months lo deliver this project, which was a huge undertaking and challenge. building a new team at hvoss and a partnership from scralch but we knew rf anyone could do it. it would be our dynamic voluntsry and communty sector in Herefordshire. communit res onse hvoss created a partnership with 25 organlsatlons across the county, including delivery partners and trainlng organisations, supportlng 202 people across the county, meetlng our total target for both grants of 2021 Together we created an extensive offer of training to upskill irKlividuals. volunteers arKI staff. Participants have as a result. rnoved into volunteering and emplosrynent. making a difference to individual lives and local communities. We worked with people from 16 plus WI￿ were mostly economically inactive or socially excluded. to improve confidence and molivation, broadening horizons and opportunities. In March we held a 'celebration event, al Grange Court in Leominster, attended by 60 partners, particlpants and trainers. to share the Suc￿sS of the project. The hvoss role as the accountable body and enabler for this project, links to our infrastructure role and vlslon of a vibrant, active community sector in Herefordshire. This partnership has built capacity and supported the local. rural VCSE to deliver impactful individual and community support, especially in rural communities, with partners in Ledbury, Ross, Pontrilas, Kington, Leominster and Hereford. This partnership showed dearly how adaptive. crealive and resilient our sector is and how quickly we can mobilise and deliver a project to make a real difference to people's lives right across the county. ensuring sustsinabilty. 202 partlcipants E33 and E35 96 Emergency Flrst Ald 7 Tralning Partn•rs 50 Mental Health Fltst Ald 18 Delivery Partners 20 Food Hy9lene 20 CPD trnlnlng Ilcentv Jv•ll•b 30 Di91ts1 Skllls Session5 tb 15 Lwops pur¢h•Md lor VCSÉ . 47 Emotlon•l Intelllgon 10 M8nuo1 Haftdllng Awareness As a direct result of this capacity building activty, there are 100+ new Level 3 First Aiders in the unty. 3 people are trained coffee baristss, 1 a trained welder. 20+ have Level 2 Food Hygiene qualifications, staff and volunteers in 20+ community organisations have engaged wilh Mental hy(￿ Annual Rep￿1 2024_2025 Pagè 15 of28 hvoss Heallh Awareness and Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, and numerous others have gained skills and qualifications, many of which are CPD-accredited. As well as fulfilling the fundamentsl criteria of the UKSPF funding, it demonstrates the value of our persoTrcentred. dynamlc approach. "Thls pr0￿cl has been a really g¢)od th5ng for us. we ha¥e hostsd 2 dlfferent tralnlng Courses, brfngln9 valuoble sk511s to the area and it has brought out p￿Il1Vity towards volunteering. Although shorL Ifs had a realty blg Impact and allowed people to understand more about volunteerlng" The Lion CIC. Klngton. Partner in UKSPF "Ha¥lng the support of h￿sS Is crucial to the work wo do. We were thrown In at the deep end wlth thls project, but thoy made tho vtholo process so easy and a¢cesslble. It wasn't In any way a chore, we Just got on wlth It and on• of our k)ng4•rm volunte8rs r•c•lved tralnlng whleh onablod horto s8cure omploym•n% whl¢h1g really Ilfo Changlng." The Oxygen and Wellness Centre. Hereford. Partner in UKSPF "Wh•n ljolned the projec( I wa5nY sure I woukl ever get a Job agaln, but now I have sg¢ur•d •mploym8nt and l am so exclted. I have gained knowledge about the communlty sector and met people, whlch was the most valuable thlng I've galned. I don't fgel lonely anymore or so¢lalty Isolat•d. My well)&lng and confidence has Increased and I feel totslly bh$sed" PartiGipant UK Shared Prosperity Fund- Community Capacity Building NMITE Charity Springboard NMITE and hvoss, partnership goes from strength to strength and we devised a programme to eMpo￿￿r people or volunteers working in charities and community groups across Herefordshire to learn. develop and grow. It consisted of a short series of 'sprints', concentrated and focussed group activity around personal development. resi11erm￿ and confldence to enable them to bring skills to their organisations. Feedback was excellent and we plan to submit applications for funding for more such programmes to provide this invaluable capacity building for individuals and their organisations in Herefordshire. "Thank youl I would Ilke to continue" "l am very grateful for the opportunlty to take the trainlng ¢our88. As a volunteer who dld not have much experlence In the field of management. this course provided me wlth the knowledge and resources to improve teamwork and produclivÉty. "This is very signrficant support and valuable inforniation. "The training was excellent. with some trainers taking time to explore charity work in more depth which was very valued. The mix of people was nice. helpful in exploring different kinds of roles and organlsations" "I thlnk the course was really well put together. each sesslon was really helpful to my role and I have been recommending lo my Colleagues. "I met some great tutors whh amazing experlence and I have made some frlends on the coursel ' "Thank you for the practical. modem and inspiring training. I'm already applying the knowledge In my work. ' "l use what I learned every day, every day. "Everyono should do this. Everyone deserves to have this opportunity." hvoss NMITE Cha17ty S￿Ing￿08rd pathpants . hvoss Annual Report 2024- 2025 Page 16 tsf28 hvoss Policy and strategic influence The hvoss team collates and represents local communlty sector views, influenclng counly strategy through collaboralive ￿lationShIpS with statutory bodles, and contributing to pollcy developments in adults and children's seNlces. safeguarding, volunteering infrastructure, commissioning. and health and social care. The organisations cC￿tInUed to carry out representatlonal. influencing and pollcy influencing activlties durlng the year including: _ * Design and development of UKSPF funding programmes }* Review of Talk Community (Herefordshire Council) programme Children and Young People Partnership Board State of Ihe Sector Reporl 2024 Steering Group Leominster Multl Agency Steering Group - Community needs, assessment and advice Suicide Prevention Strategy Working Group Herefc*dshire Community Transport Forum )* Herefordshlre High Sheriff FurKI (Panel mernber) Hereford Stronger Towns Board i* Herefordshire Community Partnership ¢( Herefordshire Skills Board Public Sector Leaders Group Cyber Security Charity Seminar Carers Strategy Group (including promoting and infonning a new Herefordshire Carers Strategy) Herefordshire Economy and Place Board (includlng support to recruitment process for emerging Herefordshire Growth and Business Board} Herefordshire Together * Herefordshire Activities Together (including secretariat support) Herefordshire Community Foundation developments (including Flood Panel member advisor) The Stste of the Sector in Herefordshire A key outPLrt during the year was publication of the State of Sector Research 2024 re produced wtth Herefordshire Council. Key findings were: _ + Invaluable contribution of over 2,000 charitable groups (where would Herefordshire communities and residents be without all our incredible local volunteers, charities, groups arKI other public benefrt organisations?). + Increased demand on services and pressures of cost of living increases. + Sector in slight decline (incxeased competition for funding, and need for more volunteers). + VCSES expect greater demand for services and funding challenges to increase in the next 2 years. •> Need for the sector to consider how support for the sector is resourced and supported in the future. + Opportunity and need to build on the good work we all already do in Harefordshire, so that opportunitles for the sector to play its full role are fully realised. hvo98 Armual ReK￿ 2024-2025 Pag& 17 0128 hvoss The charity was grat8ful for the input of Impact Consultancy for undertaking this research. which was funded by, and produced in partnership with Herefordshire Council. Th8 Sos methodology will be used for future studies, locally in the county and nationally {through hvoss membership of National Association for Volunta and Communi Action NAVCA . hvoss and others will use the findings to influence positive change on beha￿ of the VCSE. hvoss wishes to publicly thank all contributors to Sos 2024 - especially Herefordshire Council, Talk Community, Impact Consultancy, and to all those individuals from community organisations who took the lime to complete the survey. Special thanks goes to 851 the incredible volunteers arKI local organisations and charities for all you do, day in day out. to support people in our countyl hvoice 7 hvoice community newsletters were circulated in the last twelve months. Our newsletter continues to evolve and offers the opportunity for community groups and organisations as well as hvoss to highlight their VI￿rk and share training and recruitment opportunities. We also include important updates including external events. In response to feedback. one important ￿eW feature is a funding seclion detailing both local and nalional grant opportunities. 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 around 100 members who have a key role in nomlnating representatives to become trustees of hvoss and inform the direction and plans of our charity. Membership is free and we welcome applications from groups. charities or individuals in communities across Herefordshlre. Involvement by hvoss helps ensure we deliver activities and action that are meaningful to support their needs. Member8hip is important in maintaining our position as an independent support organisati￿. Annual General Meeting {AGM) The 2024 AGM held at Herefordshire's New Model Institute of Technok)gy and Engineering (NMITE) was attended by 80 people reP￿senting a broad cxoss sector ofthe communty, member organisations, funders and partners. We We￿ delighted to welcome key supporters and dignitaries as our guests, including Mr Edward Harley. CBE, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Heiefordshire. Cllr Roger Phillips, Chaimian of Herefordshire Council, and Cllr Kevin Tillett. Mayor of Hereford. We celebrated many achievements during the last year, including showcases shared in the own words of staff, membets, volunteers and people supported by hvoss. seniices and projects over the year. An update was also provide on VCSE support and opportunities for the future by Hilary Hall, Corporate Director of Community Wellbeing, Herefordshire Council. 52 Broad Street offices Our thanks again to Mr Mark Tucker, our landlord, for his generosity in continuing to support hvoss Ihrough our occupation of 52 Broad Street. Our high-profile city centre location is accessible to all and offers a safe space. Meeting rooms, facilities for staff, volunteers, members, community groups and our partner organisations. We also have on average 10 - 15 walks in per week for other general sUp￿rt, help. signposting requests. hvosg Annual Report 2024- 2025 P*Je 18 of28 hvoss Key services and projects Be Inspired Building on the success of previous projects at hvoss, engaging with people the furthest from the job market, we developed a new supported volunteering service called 'Be Inspired,. This is an inclusive service for people from 16 years plus to develop lrfe. employability skills and confidence, Ihus inspiring and empowering them to move forward, into volunteering, training, education and employment, reducing barriers through person centred and targeted support. We were extremely grateful for a grant from The Eveson Trust which funded Ihe development of this unique service over 6 months. highlighting need. barriers and gaps in provision. It enabled us to provide support when there was very little local provision, especially for young people experiencing significant disadvantsge. It also enabled us to plan for an expansion of the service and communily development with partners around the county. to upskill partner organisations to deliver a similar service locally in the market towns. OUTPUTS 76 People engaged wlth tho project 76 Young poople 1645 who are Not in Education. Employment or Tralnlng (NEET) OUTCOMES 60 Achleved employabllty and life skills 38 Were supported Into voluntoering 14 Engaged with training and education Participants galned employment suc￿Ss of the service can also be measured through individual stories. Many of the young people classified by statutory services as NEETS had found school a challenge and we supported them to research and apply to alternative training providers. A young 16-year-old Ukrainian boy was referred to hvoss by his family, as he had disengaged wilh school and was despondent about his future. This service supported him and his family to identify his strengths, accompanied him to visit and apply to college, talk to course tutors, find a course he was interested in and apply for a bursary. -1 think hvoss has helped me a 10¢ in many dlfferent ways.- this service helped me apply and get into collegei get my first Cvi get a national insurance number and generally support me. I am now enjoying college and looking forward to the future.. Be Inspired participant hvoss Amual R8POrt 2024- 2025 Page 19of28 hvoss Community Wheels Response to rural isolation and access to services Community Wheels is hvoss, community transport service providing users of all ages and eligible needs with door-to4oor travel, provided by our invaluable volunteer drivers. Covering North Herefordshire. Leominster. Central Herefordshire. Hereford City. and surrounding parishes, we transport people to health appointments. day activities or to meet their friends. 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. Customers tell us they are at rlsk of being socially isolated and that they are dependent on Community Wheels to get anywhere. The service enables them to travel independently and reduces the pressure on other. less convenient, services such as hospital transport. The support and warm response of the volunteer drivers is very much appreciated by our customers. 940/0 of whom are over 65, 280/0 have a physical disability and 8 % a leaming disabilty. The service is a crucial lrfeline for many. hTh Annual Rwl 2024-2025 Pap 20 of28 hvoss Community Wheels summary......9939 journeys 94,330 mlles 54 registered volunteer drivers 11 new volunteer drivers reGruited) 683 reglstered customers new customers registered over the year 3695 medical appointments 2159 day centre appolntments 1292 shopping trips 1458 therapy 244 connecting transport. 825 soclal engagements 70 customers requiring a wheelchair accessibl8 vehlcle 174 As a member of the Herefordshire Community Transport Forum, which includes 7independent schemes, we coproduced an impact report for submission to Herefordshire Council. As a result we have a Service Level Agreement with increased payments that will go up with inflation each year. This is a good result for all the county's community transport schemes, demonstrating effective partnership working that has a positive influence and outcome for isolated people in our rural communities for whom these services are critical. Looking Forward We constantly need to recruit more volunteer drivers as the demand for the service grows. We are not able to meet the requests from all our customers due to capacity and aim to carefully prioritise. We routinely review fares for the service and aim to make them reasonable for our customers as well as realistlc. The Service Level Agreement with Herefordshire Council does not cover the full cost of the service. and it would not be sustainable without Ihe time given so freely by our volunteer drivers. We need to constantly seek further funding to develop and sustain our services in the long term. We are enormously grateful to The Eveson Trust and Mumford Memorial Trust, who have supported Community Wheels so generously this year. Amusl Rewt 2024- 2025 Page 21 of28 hvoss Governance The trustees are responsible for controlling the work, management, and administralion of the charity on behalf of its beneficiaries. The charty 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 registered charity - number 1096451. Administrative information is shown al the front of the financial statements. Members adopted new Articles of Association to comply with Ihe Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006 in April 2012. Changes to charitable objects, trustees, beneffts and dissolution clauses were made as part of a merger to establish hvoss as a leading suptx)rt 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, Communty 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 lrfe and the needs of local people and communities. The charity is a Council for Voluntary Service providing infomiation, advice, and support to the voluntary and community sector across Herefordshire. hvoss offers specialist support in the areas of children and young people, heafth and social care, volunteering, and community development. The organisatlon is a member of the National Association for Voluntsry 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 durlng the year were: Mrs L P Wilcox Mr R S Kelly Mrs A C Robinson Mrs J Faux Mrs S Penny Mr C Fanner (resigned 26° July 2024) Mr J Argent Mr D Tristram 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 extemal developments. including service and project updates, and meeting with Hilary Hall, Corporale Director Adults and Wellbeing, Herefordshire Council about the future of VCSE partnerships and support. hvoss Amu81 Report 2024- 2025 Page 22 of28 hvoss Risk management During the year, the Board has regularly assessed, reviewed, and mitigated against key organisalional risks. The Management Team and trustees regularly revlew the Risk Register and receive regular updates on progress. Management reportlng 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 Projects and Development to ensure compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements. Fundraising is a key focus and a Yunding funnel, plan is used to identify, devebp and oversee a grant and funding plan. A key component of central funding is the support seNices contract awarded to the charity by Herefordshire Council through Talk Communty. This funding contributes towards volunteering and development support funrtions outlined in this report. This contract ran until the summer of 2024. and was extended until March 2025 to allow further time to review future arrangements. The contract values the contribution of our infrastrU￿re role and enables hvoss to address several key objectives in response to capacity building within the communty. Human resources The Human Resources Group met three during the year to consider staffing and personnel matters. The charity establlshed a 'Future Working Group, during the year to develop a range of future options open to the charity in light of likely reduced levels of granls and fundlng. These options are highlighled later in this report and fonn a key part of due diligence being undertaken by the charity. A Flnance Group (involving both management and trustees) mat Iwice during the year to undertaken a detsiled assessment of all finances including cashflow projects, performan against l)udget and future funding opp￿n￿leS (which are highlighted within a 'funding pipeline, document). Ai these discussions involve trustees have Infonned truslee led board meetings. hvoss, plans for the future The future of local support and development services This is a key issue in Herefordshire. Our charity. fike many in the local sector, faces increasing demand for its services in the context of cost of living increases and other funding pressures. In recent years the charity has been seeing redU￿d funding opportunities for activities such as community development. volunteer recwitment and servI￿s. training and partnership development. These are core to our work in the community. Many of the activities of hvoss are discretionary in terms of what public bodies fund. In recent years the charity has needed to release some of its reserves to meet increasing needs. This is not a position that can continue indefinitely. and new income streams need to be identified, induding ways of recovering management overheads. At this mid-point of our strategic plan 2022- 2027. the board of trustees started a strategic review of the charity- what it does, how it is funded. and where the charity role sits in the context of and in relation to other Strateg￿ development such as the Tam( Community Review, Stste of Sector Report 2024. and Herefordshire Together. hvoss will contlnue to proaclively infonn and infiuence these developments, including advocating for further support funding for infrastwcture services so that sufficient ￿pacity. support, hvoss Annual Report 2024-2025 pa￿ 23 of28 hvoss management and resilience, tM)th for hvoss and the local VCSE can be maintsined in Herefordshire now and in the fvture. This includes discussion and review of due diligence18d by the board which has identified 4 possible options for the future. These are: _ ) Effective fvnded services in a comprehensNe range of areas- partnership and community development, youth, volunteering services, health and social care functions. influence and voice tr) Q) New collaborations with other charities arKI infrastructure organisations. including options for another potential merger. group structure and other joint working arrangements (3) Limited services activilies in line with charity objectives and available funding @ Managed closure of the tharity. with exit plans in place for all existing services These, and other potential options remain under ongoing review and consideralion. A decision on the proposed course of action will be taken by the erKI of 2025. An update will provided to all hvoss members at the 2025 AGM. Including findings of a board future development session planned for summer 2025. Ongoing actfvlty will continue pending any decision and actlon. Induding: Working with ststutory and public bodles A key focus is to continue to enable and coordinate partnership work around local communty priorities for people all ages where inequality exists e.g. Ukrainian guests, health and social care, and other under-represented communities. This remains a primary charitable object for hvoss. Membership As a membership organisation, we are evaluating and further developing our independent offer to local organisations and communily groups to meet their needs. Capacity building and training Workshops. events, arml training (including offers for hvoss members) in areas of good govemance, capacty-building. social media and communications and fundraising. Youth Provision Network Building 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 oiganisations to the requirements and needs of statutory bodies, opportunilies for partnership with them. and importantly with groups supporting local children and young people. A key aspiration for the Youth Provision Network is lo progress a youth work strategy for Herefordshire and engage young people in developing community-based activities and to influence strategic development, including direct engagement with senior level children to develop leadership and encourage young people as dedslon makers in the county. 52 Broad Street Further develop our central Hereford offices as The Base, for trainlng. meeting rooms and resources for the local cornmunity sector. hvoss Annual Report2W- 2025 24 of 28 hvoss Information and communicatlons Provlde regular updates to members and other VCS representatives on local, regional, and national developments in the seclor. Raise profile and presence through hvoice e-bulletins and our website of the 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 approach taken throughout the pandemic, responding to the needs of the community in an agile way, and promoting Ihe value of ski118 and lrfe experience-sharing through the invaluable contribution given by people sharing their time given voluntarily, through corporate volunteering relationships and engaging younger people. We will be rolling out systems to improve recording and reporting across hvoss and evalualing methodologies to quantify the value and potentialty 'monelise' volunteer input. Fundlng and sustalnability Evaluating opportunities for additional or altemative sources of fundlng for activities to grants and charitable donations, for example commissioned servlces, and raising awareness of, articulating and communlcating the impact of 'start-stop' funding on people and communities. Community partnerships Work collaboratively to ensure all sectors work together effectively in equal partnership for the benefit of the wider community, including championing Ihe needs of the VCSE and the value of our seclor. Responslve volunleerfng We will further explore and develop new m¢)dels for local support, includffing furthering key priorities within our volunteer strategy around young people, and corporale volunteerlng. . and for individual services . Voluntsering services Tender for new volunteerfng services in Herefordshire and inform how local services are provlded here in the county. To include further development of our volunteer involving model al Broad Street, which enables people lo develop new skills, experience and employability and also further own capacity to provlde services to others. Support servlces Building on Ihe success of the UKSPF partnership approach, apply for further funds for VCSE development and supported volunteering services, lrfe skills for adults of all abilities. These programmes reduce isolatlon, social exclusion and other barriers to employmenl. Such programmes have demonstrated the important role hvoss can pay as accountable body and builder and enabler of capacaty withln local organisations. Many of whom, especlally smaller volunteer led ones face barriers to running their own funded servlces. We wish to explore all opportunities for successful accountable body functlon here at hvoss further. Page 25 of 28 hvoss 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 minlbus, and review need for a third member of slaff as the service provided increases, perhaps to pre- pandemic levels. We will seek resources and fundlng to purchase a small accessible vehide for the Se￿1￿ that can meet accessibilily requests in an effective and cost effective way. Herefordshire Community Network for Ukraine and Its partners, activities Build on the learning from the county's response to people seeking asylum staying in Herefordshire. which we summarised in our res￿nse to the Commission on the Integration of Refugees Hereford Local Engagement Hearing. Together with Herefordshire Council and Diocese of Hereford we represented our partnership approach and our role in supporting refugee families from Afghanistan in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and veterans, organisations, which info￿ned the Network's development and our commitment to a similar equitable and inclusive approach to people fr￿￿ other countries and cultures. regardless of their 'status'. Our countvs tremendously warm welcome and indusive, listening approach, has much to contribute to discussions about the effectiveness of approaches to excluded and vulnerable people. We are currently evaluatlng Ihe impact of the Network arKI partner actsvllies and opportunities to apply this approach to other forums and activities. Financial review The results for the year are set oul in the financial statemenls commencing on page 33. The financial statements show net income of £43,670 {2024: net expenditure of £28,128). Total reserves at the end of the financial year amounted to £328,348 (2024: £284,678>. hvoss has reserves which are accounted for under three headings: restricted. designated, and unrestricted (free). Restricted reserves of £49.991 (2024: £63,620) consist of funds ring-fenced to ffinance particular projects and cannot be used for any other purpose. Designated funds are those unrestricted fvnds 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 currenty equates to £153,122 (2024: £118.089) in total. Unreslricted funds of £125,235 {2024- £102.969) represenl Ihe balance of the total reserves and can be used at the discretion of the trustees. After making allowances for tangible fixed assets the free reser￿eS of the charity amount to £123.689 {2024- £98,438). 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 aclivitses in the slK)rt 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 fvrther rationalisation of services provision. or other actions would be necessary. hvoss Annual Repryt 2024- 2025 Pagè 26 of 28 hvoss Reserves policy The trustees belleve that maintalnlng appropriate reserves, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adver8e conditions in the short term. hvoss uses a full cost ￿COVery methodology to ensure that the costs of provldlng central services {govemance. strategic management, finance and administration, accommodatlon) are fairly allocated over all activilies. Golng concern The trustees confirm, based on their best judgement. the charity is a going concern for the next 12 months. The charity faces a degree of fundraising uncertainty due to a range of factors. many of which also affect the wider charity sector. This uncertainty is expected to continue, at least in the short tenn, and is expected to impact further in the future. The key factors include: . Reductions in grants 2nd conlracts Ihe charity can apply for, including general increases in competition and demand across the local VCSE sector for charitable funding. VCSE support funding provided by Herefordshire Councll Talk Communty ended in March 2025. This contract has been integral to wider support the charity develops and provides, including capacty 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 lo hvoss and the local VCSE. As public sector finances come under greatsr Ghallenges at all levels, continued investment, and if so, on what contracting basis. During the year, two local tenders have been made available to bid for In relation to VCSE tralnlng. sustsinabillty, fundraising, capacity buildlng, and volunteering. Unfortunatety, hvoss was unsucc8ssful in both these tenders. General cost of living pressures, impacting on the abilty of the charity to suslain 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, andlor 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 charities 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. Trustees has agreed that the charity would utilise reserves during the year to achieve a balanced budget for 2025126 should its planned fundraising strategy not be fully realised. Cashllow also continues to be monilored closely. Two thirds the way through of the hvoss strategy 2022- 2027, Trustees continue to analyse and regularly review the financial position of the charity on an ongoing basis to fully understand the extenl and likely impact of these uncertainties. This will continue through regular Finance Group meetings of Ihe charlty, which inform timetabled board meetings. hvoss Pffjnual ReF*M 2024 - 2025 Pagg 27 of 28 hvoss Disclosure of Information to auditor Each of the Trustees has confimied that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the audiloi is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant info￿atIOn and to estsblish that the auditor is aware of such infonnation. Thls report has been prepared havlng taken advantage of the small companies exemptlon contsined within the Companies Act 21X)6. The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Mrs L P Wilcox Trusteo Dated: 19UI September 2025 Please contact us for more information regarding the Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Statement 2024 - 2025 01432 343932 | info@hvoss.org.uk I ￿￿vW.hvoss.org.uk hvoss Annual Rwl 2024- 2025 Page 28 of 28 hvoss HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees. who are also the directors of Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support SeNice for the purpose of company law, are resFK)nsible for preparFng the Trustees. Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom GenerallyAccepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requlres the Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year whlch give a true arKJ fair view of the state of affairs of thé charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources. Including the Inoom8 and expenditur8, of the charitabl8 company for that year. In preparing these accounts, the Trustees are required to: select suitab18 accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - obsep48 the method8 and princlples in the Charitiés SORP,. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. stste whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been folk)wed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and prepare the accounts on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the tharity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime the financial posrtion of the charily and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responslble for safeguarding the assets of th8 charity and hence for tsking 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 Oplnion We have audited the financial statements of Herefordshire Voluntsry Organisations Support Service (the 'charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the ststement of financial activities. the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, induding significant accounting policies. The financial reporting frafflework thal 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-. give a true and fair view of Ihe state of the chariLqble company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice" and have been pr8pared in accordance wilh the requirements of the Companies AGt 2006. Basls for oplnlon We conducted our audit in accordance with Intematlonal Stsndards on Auditing {UK} (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit ol the financial statemenls section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are r81evant to our audit of the financial statem8nls in th8 UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responslbllltles In accordance with these requirèm8nts. We b81iev8 that th8 audit 8vidence we have obtsined is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons relating to golng concèrn In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees, use of tho going concem basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed. we have not Id8ntifie(l any material uncertaintiès relaling to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may casl significant doubt on the charity's abllity to continue as a going concern for a period of at lèast ￿e1ve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responslblllties and the responsibllltles of the Trustees wlth respect to going concern ar8 d8scribad 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 audito¢5 report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other infomation 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 identity such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstalemenls, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a materkal misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we Gonclude that there is a material misstatement of this other infomation, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Matt6rs 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) Regulalions 2008 requi￿ us to report to you if, in our opinion.. the informalion given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the Trustees, report. or SLrficl8nt accounting records have not been kept. or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records-, or we hav8 not received all the informatlon and explanations we require for our audit. -30- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE Responsibilitles of Trustees As explained more fully in the statement of TNstees' responsibilities. the Trustees, who are also the directors of thè charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for Ihe preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such intemal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material mi5Staternent, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial st8tements. the Trustees are ￿spOnSible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing. as applicable, matters related to going wncern and using the going con￿rn basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic altemative but to do so. Audiiorfs responslbilitles for the audit of the financlal statemonts We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Acl 2011 and report in accordance wilh the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assuran￿ about whether the financial slalements as a whole are free from material misstatement. whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditovs report that Includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a hlgh level of assurance bul Is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK} will always detect a material mlsstatement when it exists. MSsstatem6nts can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggr8gate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The extent to whith our procedures ar8 capable of detecting irregularities. including fraud, is detailed below. Extent to whlch the audlt was considered capable of detectlng Irregularitlos In¢ludlng fraud an und8rstandlng of the risk ass8ssment process (including the risk of fraud) adopted by the Board is obiained and their attitude to risk is as¢ertained', an assessment of thé susceptibility to material mis-statemenl of the financial statements as a r8gJll of management over-ride or fraud is made. • it is ensured that the engagement team have, collectively, the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to be involved in the assignment, are fully briefed and understsnd the risks specific to the charitable company. Audit rosponse to rlsks Identified pro￿sseS to test the outcomes of our assessm8nt include, a review of Board minutes, analytical review, the relevance and accuracy of signrficanl accounting estimates, substantive testing of signrficant transactions, work to identify unusual or unexpected accounting entries including the testing of journal entries, information disclosed in the financial statements is traced to supporting documentation. In all instsnces it is acknowledged that material mis-ststements that arise from fraud may involve deliberate concealment or collusion and are. therefore. by their very nature harder to detect than those arising from error. an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework as applicable to the charitable company is obtained together with knowledge of the procedures put in place by the Board in order lo comply with the same. it is established if there have been any instances of non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. where there are such breaches, a full understanding. including gathering of relevant documentation appertaining to the evenl is obtained and assessed. It should be noted Ihal Auditing standards limit the audit procedures required to identify non-complianc8 Wlth laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal Co￿eSpondenCe, rf any. A further descrlptlon of our responsibilities Is available on the Financlal Reporting Council's website at.. https'.11 www.frc.org.ukJaudilorsr8sponsibilitles. This description fomis part of our auditovs report. 31 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 Ihe 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 stste to the Charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them In an auditorfs 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 thé charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work. for this report. or for the opinions wa have formed. Sarah Morley BA (Hons) ACA {Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Kendall Waflley LLP 19 September 2025 Chartered Accountants ststutory Audltor Granta Lodge 71 Graham Road Malvern Worcest8rshlr8 WR14 2JS Kendall Wadley LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of th8 charity by virtue of its eligibility for appolntment as audttor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. -32- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDrruRE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Current financial yoar Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general deslgnated 2025 2025 Rèstrlctod funds Total Total 2025 202S 2024 Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments other income 1,108 7,767 1.290 2,656 804 591.383 1,912 599,150 1,290 16,348 2.533 396.755 1.240 10.467 13,692 Total income 12,821 605,879 618,700 410.995 Expendlture on: Raising funds Charitsble activities 19,896 48,973 8,385 497,776 28,281 546,749 23.962 415,161 Total expenditure 68,869 506,161 575,030 439,123 Net incomel(expenditurel (56,048) 99.718 43,670 {28,128) Trdnsfers be￿een funds 13 78.314 35.033 (113.3471 Net movement In funds 22.266 35.033 (13,629) 43,670 (28,128) Reconclllation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 102.969 118,089 63,620 284,678 312,806 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 125.235 153.122 49,991 328,348 284,678 -33- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Prior flnancbal year Unrestricted Unrestrlcted funds funds genèral doslgnated 2024 2024 Restrlded funds Total 2024 2024 Notes Incomo and endowments from: Donatlons and legaoies Charitable activities Investments Other income 1,889 396,755 2.533 396.755 1,240 10.467 1,240 5,976 4.491 Total Income 7.860 403,135 410,995 Expenditure on: Raising fund5 Charitable activities 17,305 79,099 6,657 323.562 23,962 415,161 12,500 Total expenditure 96.404 12,500 330,219 439,123 Net in¢omel{axpendlturel {88,544) {12,500} 72,916 (28.128) Transfers between fund5 13 69,688 49,955 1119,643) Nèt movement in funds (18,8561 37.455 (46.727> {28,128) Roconclllatlon of funds: Fund balances al 1 Aprll 2023 121.825 80,634 110,347 312,806 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 102,969 118,089 63,620 284,678 -34- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE BALANCE SHEET ASAT31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 1.546 4,889 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 15 240.062 182,856 31,846 273,645 422,918 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 305.491 16 (96,116) (25,702) Net current assets 326,802 279.789 Total not assets 328,348 284,678 The funds of the charlty Restrirted income funds Unrestricted funds - general Unrestricted funds - designated 18 49,991 125,235 153,122 63,620 102.969 118,089 19 328,348 284.678 The ￿MpanY is entitled to the exemption from the audit r6quirem8nt contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2C(16, for the year ended 31 March 2025, although an audit has been Carried out under section 144 of the Chariti8s Act 2011. No member of the company has deposited a nolice, pursuant to section 476, ￿QuirIng an audit of these financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge thelr responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect lo accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The rnembers 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 Trustses on 19 September 2025 Mrs L P Wilcox Trustee Company registration number 04625595 {England and Wales) -35- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notss Cash flows from operating actlvltlas Cash absorbed by operations (100.729) (18,734) Investlng activities Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets Investment income re¢elved 8,650 1,290 1,240 Net cash generat8d from Investing adivities 9,940 1,240 Net decrease In cash and cash equlvalents {90,789) (17,494) Cash and cash equlvalents at beginning of year 273,645 291,139 Cash and cash equlvalonts at ond of year 182,856 273,645 -36- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Aeeountlng pollcles Charity Informatlon H8refordshire Voluntary Organisations Support S8rvi¢e Is a private company Ilmlted by guarante8 incorporaled in England and Wales. The registered office Is 52 Broad Str88t, Heratord, HR4 9AB. 1.1 Accountlng conventlon The financial stat&ments have been prepared in aceordan¢e with the charitys constitution, the Companles Act 2006, FRS 102 'The Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. {FRS 102°) and the Charltles SORP 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Rècommended Practice applicable to ¢hariti85 preparlng th81r accounts in a￿rdance with the Financial Reportlng Standard applicable in the UK and Republlc of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 20191. The charity Is a Publrc Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102, Th8 financlal stalemÈnt8 are prepared in sterling, which is the functlonal currancy of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial Statements are roundéd to the nearest £. The accounts have been preparèd on the historical cost convention. The principal ac¢ountlng polictes adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng concom At th8 time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonabl8 expectation Ihat the charity has ad8quate resourc8S to contlnue in operational existen￿ for the fores88able future and that thère are no material uncertainti88 about its ability to continue. Thus the Trustees contlnue to adopt th8 going ¢oncem basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 1.3 Charltable funds Unrestrtct8d funds a￿ available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furth8rance of their charitablè objectives. Designated funds comprise funds which have been set asldè at the discretion of thè Trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the deslgnated funds are set out in the not8S to the financlal 8tst8ments. Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purpos8S Wlthln the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when the funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further 8xplanallon of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in Ihe notes to the financial statements. 1.4 In¢ome Income is recognised when the charity is18gal￿ entitled to it after any perfomiance conditions have been mat, th8 amounts Can be measur8d reliably. and It Is probable that In¢om8 will b8 r8ceived. Cash donations are recognised on recelpt. Other donations are re¢ognised onc8 th6 charfty has been notified of the donation, unless p8rfornan￿ conditions réquire deferral of the amount. In¢ome tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenent is r8cognised at th8 time of the donation. Legacles are recogni88d on recelpt or otherwis8 If the charity has been notified of an impending dislrfbution, the amount is known, and receipt Is 8xpected. If the 8mount is not known, the legacy is treated as a ontingent asset. Debtors represent amounts owed to the charlty for the provision of goods or services or amounts charity has paid in advance for goods and servl¢es il will receivè. Income from charftable and commercial tradSng activities are included In income in th8 period eamed. -37- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 A¢¢ountlng pollcles Icontlnued) 1.5 Expenditure Liabilities ar8 r8cognis8d for the amounts that the charity anticipates it will have to pay to settle a debt or the amount that It has received in advanc8 as payment for services it has to provlde. Expenditure on charitable activities includes th8 costs associated with the activllles undertaken to further the purposes of the charlty and their associat8d support costs. other exp8nditure represents those items not falling into any other headlng. Irrecoverable VAT is Charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure wes incurred. Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake tharitabl8 a¢tlvltles, Support costs include back offic8 Costs. finan￿, personnel, payroll and goveman¢e costs which support the programmes and a¢tlvities undertaken. The suppori costs are treated as core running costs of the arity. 1.6 Tangiblg flxed assets Tanglb18 fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. D8pr8ciation is recognised so as to wrlte off the cost or valuation of assets less their re81dual values over their useful Ilves on the following bases: IT Equipmènt Office Equlpm8nt Fixtures & fittlngs Motor vehic18S Leasehold Improvements 4 years on a straighl line basls 4 years on a straight line basis 5 years on a straight Ilne basis 4-5 years on a stralght line basis Over the life of the lease Thè gain or loss arising on the disposal of an assel is determined as the dIffaren￿ be￿een the sale proc88ds and the Carylng value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. 1.7 Impalrn)ent of flxed assels At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whethèr there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairm8nt loss. If any such indication èxlsts, th8 r8COV8rabie amount of the asset is estimated In ordar to d8t8rmine the extent of the impalrment loss lif any). 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalenls In¢lud8 cash in hand and deposits hekl at call with banks. 1.9 Flnanclal Instruménts The charity has elected to appty the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues. of FRS 102 to all of Its flnancial instruments. Financial instruments are rocognised in the ¢hariVs balance sheet when the ¢harity becomes party lo the contractual provisions of the instrumenL Financlal assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial ststements, when ther8 is 8 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 $8tt1e the liabilily simultaneously. -38- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Aceountlng pollcles {Continuod) Basic flnan¢ial assets Basic financial assets, which includ8 debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction prl¢e including transaction costs and are 8ubsequenlly carried at amortlS8d cost. Flnancial assets lassSfled as receivable wlthin one year are not amortised. Basic flnan¢lal Ilabllities Basic finan¢lal liabllities, including creditors are initially ffjcognlsed al transaction price. Flnancial liabiliti8s classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Derecognltlon of flnan¢ial Ilabljities Financlal liabilities are darecognlsed when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled, 1.10 Employee beneflts The ￿st of any unused holiday entitlement is re¢ognised In the period in which the employee's s8rvI￿S are received. Terminatlon benefits are r8cognised Immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committ8d to tenninatè the employment of an employee or to provlde termination benèfits. 1.11 Rollrement benefits Payments to defined contribution retlrement benefit schemes are chargad as an 8xpense as they fall due. 1.12 Transfars between funds When a project ends, any d8ficil arlslng whlch canrnt be reclalmed 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 repald. If the funder requests repayment the surplus is refunded. Otherwis8 the funds are used for specific projects as agreed with the funder, or, wher8 there are no restriclions placed on the surplus funds, transferred to unrestricted funds. Managemenl costs Incurred in administering the funds are treated as transfers be￿een funds. Crltlcal accounting estimates and judgements In the applicatlon of the charity's accountlng policies, the Trustees are required to make Judgements, 8stimaies and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and Ilabilities that are not readily 8pparent from other sources. The estlmales and associated assumptions are based on historf¢al experience and other factors that ar8 considered to be relevant. Adual results may differ from these estimates. The estlmates and underlying assumptlons are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Ravisions to accounting estimates are r&cognised In the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affecls crf)ly that period. or in the perlod of thè revision and future periods where the revlsion affects both current and future periods. Income from donatlons and legacios Unrestrictod Restrieted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Donations and gifts 1.108 804 1.912 644 1,889 2.533 -39- c c tsMOOnlY*C*￿O +1) Q (N Q) c D ¢ a¢JLufiaWQIUJ HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from Investments Unrestricted Unrestrfcted funds funds 202S 2024 Interest receivable 1,290 1,240 Other Income Unrestrlcted Re$trl¢ted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Membership Miscellaneous Profit on sale of assets 5,042 5.042 2.656 8,650 2.656 5,976 4.491 10.467 8.650 2,656 13,692 16.348 5,976 4,491 10.467 Expenditure on raising funds Unrestrlcted Rostrlctsd funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Fundraising and publicity Staff costs 19,896 8.385 28.281 17,305 6,657 23.962 -42- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expenditure on charitable actlvities Communlty Transport Volunteer & youth senflces 2025 2025 Corn servicos Total 2025 2025 2025 Direct costs Staff costs Depreciatlon and impainnent Project costs 181.346 57.029 47,653 19.618 3.343 305.646 3,343 211,390 147,117 60,420 3,853 328.463 117.449 51,506 22.961 520.379 Share of support and governance costs (see note 9) Support Govemanc8 20.230 6,140 20,230 6.140 328,463 117,449 51,506 49,331 546,749 Analysis by fund Unrestrlded funds - general Restricted funds 48.973 358 48,973 497,776 328,463 117.449 51,506 328,463 117.449 51,506 49.331 546,749 Previous year: Communlty Transport Volunteer & youth sorvices 2024 Core servl¢e$ 2024 Total 2024 2024 2024 Direct costs Stsff costs Depreciation and Impairment Project costs 107.326 50.567 70,110 31,500 2,648 259,503 2,648 108,225 43,173 55.909 9,143 150,499 106,476 79.253 34,148 370.376 Share of support and governance costs {see noto 9) Support Govemanc8 38,853 5.932 38,853 5.932 150,499 106,476 79,253 78,933 415,161 Anatysis by fund Unrestricted funds - general Unrestricted funds - designated Restricted funds 4,013 75,086 79,099 12,500 323.562 12,500 137,999 106,476 75,240 3,847 150,499 106,476 79,253 78,933 415,161 -43- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Support costs allocated to activities 2025 2024 Depreciation Office expenses Premises rxjsts Governance costs 1.498 16,602 20,753 5.932 9.203 11,027 6,140 26.370 44.785 Analysed between: Core services 26,370 44.785 2025 2024 Governanco costs comprise: Audll f88S Trustee rneeting expenses Office costs 4,290 226 1,624 2,500 503 2,929 6,140 5.932 Gèneral office expenses are apportloned 15% to govemance costs and 851J/o to charitabl8 activiti8S expenditure. based on estimated usage by staff of office facilities for each a¢tivity. 10 Tru8teo8 None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the y88r. None of the trustees incurred expenses on the charitys behalf (2024- nil). 11 Employeos The average monthly numb8r of empkjyees during the year w8S: 2025 Numbèr 2024 Number fvfjanag8ment Voluntary Sector Support Youth Projects 11 11 Total 15 15 -44- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED> FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 11 Employees (Contlnu•d) Employment eosts 2025 2024 Wagés and saiaries Social security costs Othgr penslon costs 301,832 20.108 11.987 260,954 14.918 7.594 333,927 283.464 Included within wag8s and salaries are redundancy costs amounting to £358 (2024: £2.891). The employee numbers above include part time and full time stsff, as a result the full tim8 equivdent employees are 10 (2024.. 91. There were no èmployees whose annual remuneration was more than £60.000. Remuneration of key management personnel The remuneratlon of key management personnel was as follows.. 2025 2024 Aggregate compensation 92.917 74.919 12 Taxation The charity is ex8mpl from tsxation on its activltles because all its income is applied for charitsble purposes. 13 Transfers The transfers from unrestricted funds to restricted funds are ne￿SSary to alleviate the ex¢ess of restrlcted expenditure over income. The transfers to designated funds are to adjust for the lev&1 of r8S6rves required in the event of winding up. The tr8nsf&rs from restricted fvnds to unrestrictèd funds have been made for permltted management fees and authorised release of funds for use for general and designated purposes. -45- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14 Tanglble r￿ed assèts IT Equlprrvant Flxtures & flttlngs Motor Lfjas¢hold vehl¢le• Improv¢m¢nt$ Total Equlpm•nt Cost At 1 April 2024 Disposals 23,784 2.050 5,981 50,349 (50,34g) 7,542 89.706 {50,349) At 31 Marth 2025 23,784 2,050 5,981 7,542 39.357 Depre¢iation At 1 April 2024 Depréciation charg8d in the year Eliminated in respect of disposals 20,682 2.050 4,194 50,349 7.542 84,817 2.016 1,327 3,343 {50,349) {50,3491 At 31 March 2025 22.698 2,050 5,521 7.542 37.811 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 1,086 460 1.546 At 31 March 2024 3,102 1.787 4.889 15 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling duo wlthln one year: Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 76,688 160,621 2,753 4,457 22,190 5,199 240,062 31,846 16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Notes Def6rred income Trade creditors Accruals 2,150 88,457 5,509 2,623 4,659 18,420 96,116 25,702 Deferred ineome of £2,150 (2024: £2,623) represents monies received in advance and is released in full the following year. HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 17 Retlrement beneflt sehemos Deflned contribullon schemes 2025 2024 Charge to profft or bjss in respect of defined contribution schemes 11,987 7,594 The charity operates a defined contribution pension scherne for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. 18 Restricted funds The restricted funds of the charity comprlse the unexpended balances of donallons and grants held on trust suk4ect lo specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. Incomlng Resources rèsour¢es expended 2024 Transfers At 31 Mar¢h 2025 Communty Wheels Capital Mis￿lIaneOUS Projects Young Carers Talk Community UKSPF E33 UKSPF E35 UKSPF NMITE Springboard SupF)Orted Volunteering Youth Alliance Ukralne Integralion 16,467 358 14,051 1.584 125.509 (117,446) <358) {5.200) (425) {38.757} {134,968) (64.515) {15.039) {12,750) (500) (116.203) <23,138) 1,392 204 {2.062) 6.993 1,159 94.000 142,198 70.018 15.420 {55.243) {7.230) {5,503) (381) (2.250} 15.000 6,383 9,771 5,883 34,564 158,530 {17.540) 63,620 605,879 (506,161) (113.347) 49,991 -47- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18 Rastrlcted fvnds (Continued) Prevlous year: At 1 April 2023 In¢omlng resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 March 2024 Community Wheels 427 Club Family Drug Support Capltal Miscellaneous projects BBO Young Carers Young Adult Carers In2 Talk Community NEETS Project Ukraine Integration Allsorts Supported volunteering Youth Alliance 6,965 133.583 1,685 {1C6,474) {17,607) {1.685) {8,791 } 16.467 8.791 4.205 45,324 {3,8471 {453} (394) (8,979) {8,554) (3,0301 (75,2391 (43.194} {79.949) 358 14,051 5,462 (36,282) 394 {4,319} (895) 3,030 {37,241) 19,930) {10,747) (1,559> 9,782 8,449 5,100 1,000 1.584 18,480 94.000 53.124 93.681 6,792 1.559 9.777 15,000 500 15.000 6,383 (106> 5,989 110,347 403,135 {330,219) (119,643) 63,620 -48- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18 Restrlctéd funds {Conllnued) Community Ivheels - Volunteer drivérs providing transport across Herefordshirè for individuals vhK) cannot access independenupublic transport. Funders include Mumford Memorial Trust. E. F Bulmer Trust. Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG). Herefordshire Council. Leominster Town Council. The Eveson Trust, membership fees. and fares paid by passengers. 427 Club - Was a weekly communty minibus Servi￿ running from Bodenham to Leominster, run in partnership with Leominster Town Council to enable access to services in the town. The service ended in 2023. Famity Drug Support - Funds transferred from Herefordshire Carers Support to provide inforrnation, support, and guidance regarding preventative services for the community. Focus on provision for children and young people used to support the development of front facing information (website), training and networkiro for young people and VCSE organisations. Capital - Grants re￿iVed for specific capital purchases. Miscellaneous Restricted Funds - Consists of smaller grants re￿IVed for indlvidual projects andlor specific activities. Funding this year includ8 a gr8nt from Community Foundatlon Wales of £5.000 to enable the development of @ThgHub {Rossryon-Wye) in line with donor request and a Herefordshire Community Foundation grant for Ukrainian guest laptops. BBO- The Building Better Opportunities project brought tog8ther funding from the National Lottery Communty Fund and the Europèan Soclal Fund to help tscklg povèrty and social exclusion faced by the most disadvantaged people in England. The project ended in 2023. Young Carèr and Young Adults - Off8ring a range of services and support to children and young people in a caring role in¢luding regular careers clubs, one to one support and guidance, advocacy, and signposting to other services. Fund8d by a range of trusts, local donations. Hereford Ltons, and Chlldren in Need Oatter ended in 2022). In2 - Was the hvoss part of th8 Landau led In2 partnership. The programme focused on 1>24-yearwold young people not in education, training, or employment. The overall aim of the programme was to promote economic and social inclusion which sought to achi8ve sustalnable integration of young people into the labour market. Funding ended 2023. Talk Community - A partnership with Herefordshire Council to directly deliver a range of activities to support the voluntary and community sector (VCSE) and improve county wellbeing and resilience. Adtvities are ongoing as part of community cap8uty building including volunteering and development support for local organisations further findings of State of Sector research. Allsorts (Minds of All Kinds) - Supporied young people aged 16-25 who had experienced challenges arFsing from neurodiversity and poor mental health conditions. including eating disorders. Ended 2023. Supported Volunteering - Funding received from The Eveson Charitable Trust to develop new approaches to support people with additional needs including opportunities for further training. educats'on and dosing work with organisations that may benefft from their involvement. NEETS - To deliver assistance in the county to young people not in education. employment. or training. Funded through parln8rship enabled by Landau and Herefordshire Council. Ukrainian Integration Partnership Support for Ukrainian Integration Grant scheme (SUCIG} enables collaborative partnership working between all ag8ncies and VCSE organisations in Herefordshire to provide the best possible support to Ukrainian guests. Activities inGlud8 children's wellbeing. schools, projects, oordination of m¢)nthty network and emerging support activities In response to need. Funded through Herefordshlre Council by UK Govemment. -49- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18 Restricted funds (Continued) E33 - Is a pathership project supporting people 25+ who are economically inactive. The programme of support has been successfully delivered by hvoss and a range of Iccal VCSE partners and providers across Herefordshire. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Herefordshire Council. E35 -15 a enrichment arKI volunteering activities project that increased opportunities and improv8d well being for people across Herefordshire. E35 has been successfully delivered by hvoss and a range of local VCSE partners and providers across Herefordshire. This project is funded by the UK Govemment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Herefordshire Council. Community Capaclty Buildinglspringboard programme A communty development parlnershlp between hvoss and NMITE to upskill employed staff and volunt8ers in VCSE organis8tions across Herefordshire. Capacity bullding around leadershlp, skllls, confidence and personal rasili8nce. to then enhance the confidence, resilience and sustainability of their organisation. Thls prolect Is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shar8d Prosperity Fund and Herefordshire Council. 19 Unrostri¢ted funds - deslgnated The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds whith have been sel aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for spedfic purposes: Resources expended Transfers At 31 March 2025 2024 Winding up reserves Premises costs 98.274 19.815 20,518 14.515 118,792 34,330 118.089 35.033 153.122 Previous yèar: At 1 Aprll R•sourees 2023 expended Transfers At 31 IAarch 2024 Winding up reserves Premlses costs 80,634 17.640 32,315 98,274 19,815 (12,500) 80,634 (12,5s)0) 49,955 118,089 It is the policy of the charity to maintaln sufficient unrestricted reserves. whlch are free reserves of the charity, to close down the organisation. In accordance with Charity Commisslon Guidelines these represent three months, running ￿StS of the charity. These reserves ar8 transferred from unrestricted reserves to designated reserves. In addition funds have been designated to cover exceptional premises costs. -50- HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 20 Analysis of net assets between ftinds Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds general deslgnated 2025 2025 Restricted funds Total 2025 2025 At 31 March 2025: Tangible assets Current assetsl{Ilabllilies) 1,546 123,689 1.546 326,802 153.122 49.991 125,235 153,122 49,991 328.348 Unrestrlcted Unrestricted funds funds general deslgnatod 2024 2024 Rostrlcted funds Total 2024 2024 At 31 March 2024: Tangib18 assets Current assetsl(liabilities) 4.531 98,438 358 63,262 4.889 279,789 118,089 102,969 118.089 63,620 284.678 21 Operatlng lease commltmènts Lessee At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitrnents for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows: 2025 2024 Within one year Between two and five years 10 30 10 40 40 50 Lessor The operating leases represent leases of property from third parties. The leases are negotiated over terms of 34 years. 22 Related party transactions There wer8 no disclosable relatgd party transactions during the year12024- none). 51 HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 23 Cash generated from operations 2025 2024 Surplusl(deficit) for the year 43,670 (28,128) Adjustments for: Investment income recognised in statement of financial activilies Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets Depreciation and impairment of tsngible fixed assets {1.290} {8.650} 3.343 (1,240} 4,147 Movements in working capital: (Increaseydecrease In debtors Increase in creditors (Decrease) in deterred income {208.216) 70.887 (473) 1.953 4.658 (124) Cash absorbed by operatlons (100.729) 118,734} 24 Analysls of changes in net fund$ The charfiy had no debt during the year. 52-