OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1097796

Company registration number 04693569 (England and Wales)

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Adrienne Arthurs (Co-Chair) Rosie Waters (Co-Chair) Alexander Jarosy Tony Kuczys Tina Bhartwas Justine Hobbs Madeleine Forster Chief Executive Hannah Morgan-Gray Charity number 1097796 Company number 04693569 Principal address & 2 Walsworth Road Registered office Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 9SP Independent examiner Gary Howard FCA Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants 36 Crown Rise Watford Hertfordshire WD25 0NE

Bankers

HSBC plc Town Centre Danestrete Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 1BY

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

CONTENTS

Page
Statements from Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive 1 - 2
Trustees' report 3 - 7
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 8
Independent examiner's report 9
Statement of financial activities 10 - 11
Balance sheet 12 - 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 26

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

STATEMENTS FROM CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

STATEMENT FROM OUR CO-CHAIRS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

What does a CVS do? That is one of the questions we often get asked by people unfamiliar with the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. It is also a question we have been considering both as new Co-Chairs of the Charity and as a board as we drafted our new strategic plan last year. After an organisationwide consultation we have defined our mission as being:

To enable the VCFSE sector, local people and our communities to thrive and reach their potential

and

To make life easier for people to thrive and connect.

At North Herts and Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Service (NH&SCVS), we believe in the value of local VCFSE organisations to make life better for others. Every day we see the impactful work that groups and volunteers carry out in their local communities.

Our core purpose is to help any group in North Herts and Stevenage which needs some support to make it stronger and even more effective. That help may be with governance issues, finding funding, developing skills, facilitating introductions and networking, or advocating on behalf of the sector as a whole.

This behind-the-scenes work is valuable and crucial, particularly at the moment when we are all operating in what seems to be a state of permanent change and crisis. The rise in the cost of living affects organisations as well as their beneficiaries. Our costs go up, public sector and other funding is scarcer, there is a decrease in the number of people able to volunteer their time, and demand for many of our members increases to challenging, if not overwhelming, levels. We are here to support the sector, share the burden, and make sure that our members have the information and advice they need to be resilient and sustainable.

That theme of connection runs through the district and county-wide successful projects that we run. Our Community Transport, GoVolHerts, Reach Out, Staying Connected, Breakaway and Moving Forwards Together teams have all delivered life changing services over the past year.

Of course, NH&SCVS is not immune to these external pressures so alongside developing our new strategy, last year the trustee board reviewed our governance structure and focussed on our own financial sustainability. We have also been looking at staff and volunteer welfare to guard against burnout and ensure we do all we can to support our people.

We believe that we are all better able to overcome challenges when we work together and the Trustee Board would like to thank Hannah Morgan-Gray and the NH&SCVS team for their dedication and hard work, and our partners and funders for their continued support.

Adrienne Arthurs Rosie Waters Co-Chair Co-Chair

Dated: 29 September 2023

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

STATEMENTS FROM CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

STATEMENT FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

This year we have seen our CVS core service go from strength to strength. With Andy Nazer joining the team as our new Community Capacity Builder alongside a new partnership with Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and North Herts Council, we have been able to dedicate more time and resources to listen to, develop, champion, and support the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector in which we serve.

Our ‘All About Us’ survey provided an opportunity to find out the key issues facing VCFSE organisations in North Herts and Stevenage as the key challenges faced in the future. This led to our first Community Conference in March 23 with over 100 delegates and the first time since the pandemic to all be in a room together: talking, learning, networking and listening.

Our digital platform ‘GoVolHerts’ has also gone from strength to strength with over 300 organisations in Hertfordshire now using the site with over 1,000 volunteering opportunities to choose from. As a partner of Community Help Hertfordshire (network of CVS’s and CDA Herts), we lead on developing volunteering in the County alongside Volunteer Centres and have developed successful campaigns to support urgent volunteer recruitment for Citizens Advice Hertfordshire and Community Transport Schemes across the County. With volunteers needed more than ever, GoVolHerts has been an integral part of encouraging and supporting volunteering and volunteers in Hertfordshire.

Our sector faces even greater pressures on the demand for our services with inflation, the cost of living, funding cuts, attracting new volunteers and health inequalities being just a few of the key challenges that we face in the coming months and years. We, however, remain committed to maintaining resilience and strength through adversity so that we can be here to support those who need it most. As a representative for the VCFSE sector on the Herts and West Essex Alliance, I am committed to championing the incredible work that the voluntary sector undertakes to improve lives and support our communities as well as develop new opportunities for funding and support to ensure growth and sustainability.

Once again, our dedicated staff team, army of volunteers and trustees have worked tirelessly to support our members and the local people in which we serve through our projects. My gratitude and thanks go to everyone involved with growing and developing our charity and its many services this last year. The passion and dedication from our staff and volunteers is second to none.

Hannah Morgan-Gray Chief Executive

Dated: 29 September 2023

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities

The charity is established to:

Our Vision and Purpose

Vision: For connected, resilient and compassionate communities where people work together to improve lives.

Mission: To enable the VCFSE sector, local people and our communities to thrive and reach their potential; and

To make life easier for people to thrive and connect

Aim: To provide a strategic leadership role in representing and building the capacity of VCFSE organisations in North Herts and Stevenage.

Individuals and communities are more connected, supported & independent and have enhanced health and wellbeing via our project delivery.

To be the Countywide Leader for Volunteering in Hertfordshire; supporting, promoting, and enabling volunteering for all.

Values: CARING, CREATIVE, RESPONSIVE, TRUSTED

Our Public Benefit

North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service Limited (NHCVS) is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and actively works to eliminate all forms of discrimination.

In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit and fee charging. We reply on grants and the income from fees and charges to cover our operating costs. In setting the level of fees, charges and concessions, the trustees consider access to our facilities by those on low incomes.

NHCVS’s public benefit is delivered through providing information, support, services, and advice to the voluntary and community sector in North Herts and Stevenage as well as by providing direct services to local people through our projects.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

What we deliver

North Herts and Stevenage CVS Member Services

To carry out these core functions, North Herts and Stevenage CVS also manage local projects as appropriate: Community Transport

Breakaway Respite Playschemes GoVolHerts Reach Out Hertfordshire Staying Connected

Achievements and performance

Member services

Member support continues to be provided to groups and charities in North Herts and Stevenage. Support has predominantly focused on funding advice, governance and volunteer recruitment and management. We have also provided DBS services, support with writing adverts/role descriptions for volunteers and social media support. We have processed an incredible 413 DBS checks, supported over 72 member organisations and held over 41 one to one advice sessions. Our support has enabled our members to build capacity and sustainability within their organisation.

All About Us Survey and Conference

In 2022, we launched our ‘All About Us’ campaign in partnership with North Herts Council and Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. The campaign began by launching a survey to better understand the needs of community and voluntary groups throughout North Herts. The results from this survey were presented at a soldout ‘All About Us’ Community Conference which welcomed over 100 voluntary and community groups from around the area to discuss their immediate and long-term needs. Several presentations and lively workshop sessions looked at what the need was, how it could currently be met by NH&SCVS and partners, and what the future might look like. We are following this up by the delivery of a series of workshops based on the needs identified by our attendees: funding, volunteering, and working collaboratively. Here are some of the comments received from delegates:

“Uplifting to see so many enthusiastic/committed folk/groups who care for their community. Next step - help to collaborate (facilitate).”

“Given me faith in attending events like this again. Thank you so much!”

“Excellent collaborative event.”

“Thank you! More of the same please and some mini sessions.“

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Information services and website

Members and friends are kept up to date with our monthly e-bulletins which continue to provide up to date information to our member groups with links to further in-depth information. Our newsletter goes to 844 contacts each month. We also run monthly networking sessions on a wide range of topics and our website also contains useful information and resources to support the voluntary and community sector.

Networking and partnerships

Our partnership activity has resulted in:

Training events and seminars

We ran 9 virtual training courses on a variety of topics including social media, Marketing, Volunteer Management and Volunteering and the Law.

Strategic report

The description under the headings "Achievements and performance" and "Financial review" meet the company law requirements for the trustees to present a strategic report.

Financial review

For the 2022/23 financial year, the charity had income of £772,048 (2022: £758,813). The reserves requirement is between £210,000 - £260,000 which equates to three months turnover which is set by the trustees. Currently our reserves fund is £235,000.

Grants for core activities amounted to £21,216 (2022: £20,800) from North Hertfordshire District Council. Income from other unrestricted sources was £155,712 (2022: £144,211). A surplus on unrestricted funds of £4,727 (2022: £116,348) resulted for the year.

The Board continue to be aware of the pressure to continue to enhance services and to provide a framework of development for the local voluntary sector. Additional sources of income are continuously being sought to be able to develop our service and support the local community.

We are operating in a challenging environment. With ever more people turning to voluntary and community organisations for support and the services, the need for the support and services we provide to local voluntary and community groups will grow. It is therefore essential that we both maintain a careful control of our budgets and seek additional sources of income wherever possible.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Reserves policy

The trustees have agreed that it is prudent to set aside reserves to meet three months’ expenditure.

The designated development fund (development of core services) stands at £55,000 as of 31st March 2023. As stated earlier in the finance review our reserves fund stands at £235,000.

Risk management

The trustees review their assessment of the risks to which the charity is exposed annually. The trustees have recognised as a prime risk, the lack of long-term financial stability and seeks to address this risk by delivering projects and diversifying income streams in partnership with other like-minded organisations. Risks are assessed and highlighted to the board by the CEO at each board meeting.

Plans for the future

Structure, governance and management

NHCVS is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 11 March 2003 and registered as a charity on 3 June 2003. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed by its Articles of Association. NHCVS changed its name from Council to Centre in November 2008. NHCVS also revised its Memorandum and Articles of Association in October 2014 to update its objects and to cover the borough of Stevenage following approval from the membership in September 2014 at the Annual General Meeting.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were: Ms A Arthurs (Co-Chair appointed 21 November 2022) Ms R Waters (Co-Chair appointed 21 November 2022) Mr A Jarosy (Chair stepped down 21 November 2022) Mr A Kuczys Ms J Hobbs Ms T Bhartwas Ms M Forster (Appointed 21 November 2022) Ms K Lake (Resigned 30 September 2022) Mr B McVeigh (Resigned 30 September 2022)

Recruitment of new trustees is by communication with our member organisations and appointment is by election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September of each year. All trustees must be members of North Herts and Stevenage CVS and the member groups are invited to nominate people to serve.

Prior to inviting nominations, the board of trustees review their skills to try to attract people with the relevant skills

and experience to the committee.

On appointment, each trustee signs a code of conduct and confidentiality statement. They are invited to attend an initial welcome meeting and are given a welcome pack which includes the constitution, selected policies and procedures, and other guidance and information about the governance of the charity. Their responsibilities include the overall management of the business of NHCVS, regular review of the finances and monitoring of any projects. New trustees also have an induction session with the Chair, Chief Executive, meet other trustees and staff and visit our projects.

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

NHCVS is signatory to a Memorandum of Understanding with North Hertfordshire District Council, under which NHDC is entitled to have two ex officio nominees on the Board of Trustees.

The trustees meet a minimum of four times a year. At meetings board members accept reports relevant to the business and performance of the organisation. Other committees and working groups are set up as needed. Three Committees are in place to support the information flow and deep dive into each area of the business 1. FRC – Finance and Risk Committee, 2. PCC – People and Culture Committee, 3 ET Executive Team (Co-Chairs and CEO).

Day to day financial transactions are recorded and the financial status of the company reviewed at each trustees meeting.

Day to day running of the business is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.

Compliance With the Charity Governance Code

The aim of the Charity Governance Code is to help charities and their trustees develop high standards of governance. As a sector, we owe it to our beneficiaries, stakeholders, and supporters to demonstrate exemplary leadership and governance. At NH&SCVS we introduced the code as a guide in 2022, looking at areas we can improve our Board of Trustees practice and how it is supported by the leadership Team.

Related Parties

None of the trustees receives remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity.

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company.

Trustees are invited to declare any relevant conflicts of interest at each board meeting, and formally requested to submit an annual register of interests’ form. Board members reported no relevant interests or transactions.

Our Thanks

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Ms R Waters Trustee (Co-Chair)

Ms A Arthurs Trustee (Co-Chair) Dated: 29 September 2023

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees, who are also the directors of North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

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

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

Gary Howard FCA

Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants 36 Crown Rise Watford Hertfordshire WD25 0NE

Dated: 29 September 2023

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and other voluntary income
3
21,249
7,033
Promotion of charitable activities in North
Hertfordshire and Stevenage
4
99,466
551,102
Investments
5
488
-
Other income
6
55,725
36,985
Total income
176,928
595,120
Expenditure on:
Promotion of charitable activities in North
Hertfordshire and Stevenage
7
172,201
517,991
Net income/(expenditure) before transfers
4,727
77,129
Gross transfers between funds
290,000
(290,000)
Net income/(expenditure) for the year/
Net movement in funds
294,727
(212,871)
Fund balances at 1 April 2022
248,208
269,627
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
542,935
56,756		 Total
2023
£
28,282
650,568
488
92,710
772,048
690,192
81,856
-
81,856
517,835
599,691		 Total
2022
£
25,433
677,312
14
56,054
758,813
567,832
190,981
-
190,981
326,853
517,834

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

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Prior financial year

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and other voluntary income
3
20,939
4,494
Promotion of charitable activities in North Hertfordshire and
Stevenage
4
112,379
564,933
Investments
5
14
-
Other income
6
31,679
24,375
Total income
165,011
593,802
Expenditure on:
Promotion of charitable activities in North Hertfordshire and
Stevenage
7
64,413
503,419
Net income/(expenditure) before transfers
100,598
90,383
Gross transfers between funds
15,750
(15,750)
Net income/(expenditure) for the year/
Net movement in funds
116,348
74,633
Fund balances at 1 April 2021
131,859
194,994
Fund balances at 31 March 2022
248,207
269,627		 Total
2022
£
25,433
677,312
14
56,054
758,813
567,832
190,981
-
190,981
326,853
517,834

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

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
Current assets
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
12
Net current assets
Income funds
Restricted funds
14
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
15
General unrestricted funds		 2023
£
79,110
552,473
631,583
(31,892)
290,000
252,935		 £
599,691
56,756
542,935
599,691		 2022
£
65,882
538,127
604,009
(86,175)
40,000
208,207		 £
517,834
269,627
248,207
517,834

The Balance Sheet continues on the following page

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2023.

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

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

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 29 September 2023

Ms A Arthurs Ms R Waters Trustee Trustee

Company Registration No. 04693569

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
18
Investing activities
Proceeds on disposal of tangible fixed
assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing
activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2023
£
7,500
488		 £
6,358
7,988
-
14,346
538,127
552,473		 2022
£
-
14		 £
102,590
14
-
102,604
435,523
538,127

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 2 Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9SP.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

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

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

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

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

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure on operational programmes is recognised in the period in which it is incurred.

The majority of costs are directly attributable to specific activities. Certain shared costs are apportioned to activities in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Office costs and property related costs are apportioned on the proportion of floor area occupied by each activity. Staff costs and office costs are allocated in the same proportion as directly attributable staff costs.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

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

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

Fixtures and fittings over 5 years Office equipment over 3 years Motor vehicles over 4 years

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

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8 Financial instruments

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

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

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

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

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

1.10 Retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

1.11 Creditors and provisions

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

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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

3 Donations and other voluntary income

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
33
7,033
Grants receivable for
core activities
21,216
-
21,249
7,033
Grants receivable for
core activities
North Hertfordshire
District Council
21,216
-
21,216
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
7,066
139
4,494
21,216
20,800
-
28,282
20,939
4,494
21,216
20,800
-
21,216
20,800
-		 Total
2022
£
4,633
20,800
25,433
20,800
20,800

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

4 Promotion of charitable activities in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage

Grants received
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Grants received
Hertfordshire County Council
North Hertfordshire District Council
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Stevenage Borough Council
Communities 1st
Community Action Dacorum
Community Development Action Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
Citizens Advice Stevenage
ING Charitable Trust
Other grants		 2023
£
650,568
99,466
551,102
650,568
511,724
21,500
19,975
7,250
80,778
5,841
-
-
3,500
-
-
650,568		 2022
£
677,312
112,379
564,933
677,312
529,372
-
12,275
-
95,369
8,762
15,750
1,000
-
8,000
6,784
677,312

5 Investments

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Interest receivable 488 14

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

6 Other income

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
7,500
-
Other income
36,020
12,714
Fees for work for others
10,435
11,701
Affiliation fees
1,770
12,570
55,725
36,985		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
7,500
-
-
48,734
547
12,513
22,136
28,382
-
14,340
2,750
11,862
92,710
31,679
24,375		 Total
2022
£
-
13,060
28,382
14,612
56,054

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

7 Promotion of charitable activities in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage

Staff costs
Other staff costs
Project costs
Equipment & toys
Premises costs
Insurance
Repairs & maintenance
Office costs
Computer costs
Motor expenses
Travel and subsistence
General expenses
Legal & professional
Governance costs
Finance costs
Relocation costs
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 2023
£
552,414
10,739
29,754
3,623
10,206
4,272
2,094
8,380
24,016
1,368
8,073
11,328
5,904
1,920
572
15,529
690,192
172,201
517,991
690,192		 2022
£
469,623
2,463
19,059
5,041
11,286
3,699
6,238
8,650
17,324
2,256
5,421
10,402
4,040
1,920
410
-
567,832
64,413
503,419
567,832

Governance costs include independent examiner's fees of £1,920 (2022 - £1,920).

8 Trustees

None of the trustees received any remuneration or were reimbursed any expenses during the year.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

9 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Executive & Deputy Officer:Advice & Administration
Respite Schemes
Other Schemes
Administration and Support
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2023
Number
1
1
9
2
13
2023
£
509,263
35,656
7,495
552,414		 2022
Number
1
1
9
2
13
2022
£
434,640
27,838
7,145
469,623

In addition to the above there were 22 (2022: 22) members of staff that were employed by the Playscheme on a casual basis with varying hours that do not readily convert to a full time equivalent.

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

10 Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures
Office
and Fittings
Equipment
£
£
At 1 April 2022
24,065
20,480
Disposals
(24,065)
(20,480)
At 31 March 2023
-
-
At 1 April 2022
24,065
20,480
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(24,065)
(20,480)
At 31 March 2023
-
-
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023
-
-
At 31 March 2022
-
-		 Motor
Vehicles
£
42,290
(42,290)
-
42,290
(42,290)
-
-
-		 Total
£
86,835
(86,835)
-
86,835
(86,835)
-
-
-

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

11
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
19,483
2,225
57,402
79,110		 2022
£
60,184
3,269
2,429
65,882

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
13
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income
Other deferred income
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 April 2022
Released from previous periods
Resources deferred in the year
Deferred income at 31 March 2023		 2023
2022
£
£
9,656
9,202
15,778
64,757
1,506
5,488
2,442
2,130
2,510
4,598
31,892
86,175
2023
2022
£
£
15,778
64,757
2023
2022
£
£
15,778
64,757
64,757
134,552
(64,757)
(134,552)
15,778
64,757
15,778
64,757		 2022
£
9,202
64,757
5,488
2,130
4,598
86,175
2022
£
64,757
2022
£
64,757
64,757

13 Deferred income

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

14 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Balance at
1 April 2021
r
£
Breakaway Playschemes
30,522
Transport Scheme
52,592
Reach Out Projects
34,615
NHS Volunteering Project
15,750
Lloyds Bank Foundation
-
Staying Connected
-
GoVolHerts Volunteering
61,515
Sustainability
-
194,994		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
£
£
148,960
(105,409)
84,299
(77,274)
217,236
(187,802)
-
-
12,275
(10,164)
14,974
(10,851)
116,058
(111,919)
-
-
593,802
(503,419)		 Transfers
Balance at
1 April 2022
r
£
£
-
74,073
-
59,617
-
64,049
(15,750)
-
-
2,111
-
4,123
-
65,654
-
-
(15,750)
269,627		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
114,374
(100,260)
(80,000)
8,187
72,794
(69,748)
(50,000)
12,663
220,671
(184,875)
(90,000)
9,845
-
-
-
-
19,975
(22,086)
-
-
15,553
(13,827)
-
5,849
145,753
(122,707)
(70,000)
18,700
6,000
(4,488)
-
1,512
595,120
(517,991)
(290,000)
56,756		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
114,374
(100,260)
(80,000)
8,187
72,794
(69,748)
(50,000)
12,663
220,671
(184,875)
(90,000)
9,845
-
-
-
-
19,975
(22,086)
-
-
15,553
(13,827)
-
5,849
145,753
(122,707)
(70,000)
18,700
6,000
(4,488)
-
1,512
595,120
(517,991)
(290,000)
56,756
56,756

Breakaway Playschemes funding is restricted to the funding of playschemes during holiday periods and for Saturday clubs, which are run for children and young people with disabilities aged 5-19 within the North Herts and Stevenage area.

The Transport Scheme is funding towards the cost of the transport scheme co-ordinator.

Reach Out is a project that provides companionship and practical support to older people who are medically vulnerable and at risk of hospital admission, or have recently been discharged from hospital. Reach Out assists people by linking them up with a volunteer in their neighbourhood who can offer support to them in their own home – helping them to adjust to and recover from illness, whilst also reducing social isolation and loneliness.

NHS Volunteering project is funding from the Central NHS via NHS West Essex CCG to deliver research and make recommendations concerning how local volunteering can be better integrated alongside the National NHS Community Responders programme. North Herts was chosen as an area of focus for this study due to the very low take up of the NHS Community Responders Scheme compared to other areas of the UK. When the project finished the charity was given permission to transfer the unspent funds for use on general charitable purposes.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

14 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Lloyds Bank Foundation was funding towards a consultant to support the development of a Financial and Business strategy for the charity moving forward.

Staying Connected is a project to provide start up Wi-Fi to connect to the internet, recycled and refurbished old laptops, tablets and mobile phones donated by members of the public and redistribute them to people in need in Hertfordshire.

GoVolHerts is funding from Hertfordshire County Council for GoVolHerts Volunteering which aims to raise the profile of volunteering, encourage citizens to volunteer in their local communities and increase volunteer engagement across Hertfordshire using new media.

Sustainability is funding from Stevenage Borough Council towards Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise workshops and grants for decarbonisation and sustainability.

The transfers from funds represent accumulated administration costs relating to restricted fund projects that have been transferred to newly created designated funds to support new initiatives.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

15 Designated funds

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

Movement
in funds
Balance at
1 April 2021
Incoming
resources
Balance at
1 April 2022
£
£
£
Reserves Fund
40,000
-
40,000
Development Fund
-
-
-
40,000
-
40,000		 Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2023
£
£
195,000
235,000
55,000
55,000
250,000
290,000		 Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2023
£
£
195,000
235,000
55,000
55,000
250,000
290,000
290,000

The reserves fund is funds set aside to cover three months running costs plus closure costs in the event that the Charity had to cease activities.

The development fund is funding set aside to develop core services.

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fund balances at 31
March 2023 are
represented by:
Current assets/(liabilities)
542,935
56,756
542,935
56,756		 Total Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
599,691
248,207
269,627
599,691
248,207
269,627		 Total
2022
£
517,834
517,834

17 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE LIMITED

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

18
Cash generated from operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in debtors
(Decrease) in creditors
(Decrease) in deferred income
Cash generated from operations		 2023
£
81,856
(488)
(7,500)
(13,227)
(5,304)
(48,979)
6,358		 2022
£
190,981
(14)
-
(10,224)
(8,359)
(69,795)
102,589

19 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no debt during the year.