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← The Council For Voluntary Service Uttlesford

2023-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration Number: 1098627 Company Number: 04709512

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD WORKING AS UCAN / UTTLESFORD COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

CONTENTS

Pages
Trustees' Annual Report 3 to 10
Independent Examiner's Report 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Statement of Cashflows 14
Notes to Financial Statements 15

Page 2

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name: The Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford Working Name: UCAN / Uttlesford Community Action Network Charity Registration Number: 1098627 Company Registration Number: 04709512 Registered Office and Operational address: Uttlesford Community Hub, 45 Stortford Rd, Great Dunmow, Essex. CM6 1DQ

Board of Trustees

Mr Marc Davis Mrs Jacqueline Hime Resigned 26/01/2023 Mr Steven Broome Ms Charley Boughen Ms Louise Howard Ms Claire Husband Ms Alice Vye Ms Rowena Gardner Appointed 25/11/2022 Treasurer Mr Richard Boyce Appointed 25/11/2022 Chair of Trustees

Secretary

Mrs Jacqueline Davies

Senior Management Team

Mr Clive Emmett Chief Executive Officer Mr Richard Corby Chief Finance Officer Mrs Susan Game Operations Manager

Independent Examiner

Price Bailey LLP Causeway House, 1 Dane St, Bishop's Stortford CM23 3BT

Bank

CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Ave, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ

Page 3

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Introduction

The Trustees who are also directors for the purposes of company law are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 March 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies as set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities applicable to entities preparing their their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102)" as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019.

This report represents the twelve months to 31 March 2023 and describes what the Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford achieved, explains our constitution and governance arrangements and outlines our future plans.

Chairman's Report

I am immensely excited by, but also to some extent daunted by, my new role as Chair or UCAN. The organisation owes a big thank you to my predecessor Marc Davis for his excellent leadership over the last four years. He has presided over a difficult, but highly succesful period for us.

I must also thank Clive for his continued tireless work as CEO. The amount he gets through and his ability to keep plates spinning are truly remarkable. The same goes for the whole of the UCAN Senior Management Team which has continued to grow the organisation, during a time of significant staff shortages.

As you can see from the figures reported here, UCAN has had a huge impact on the district of Uttlesford this year. We have become a key component of the district's Rapid Response Unit, enabling it to respond to the crises we have seen, and continue to see.

We also deliver impactful projects such as Ticket Home, which continues to grow in terms of patients, and also now hospitals; Digital Inclusion, helping some of our more disadvantaged citizens interact with an increasingly digital world; the Essex Shed Network, addressing loneliness and isolation.

We also provide key community infrastructure through the district, linking together the third sector organisations, underpinning this with a first class volunteering operation and providing two community hubs in Dunmow and now Saffron Walden.

When you think about what the UCAN team has achieved in the face of the continued downward pressure in funding, it is nothing less than miraculous.

Looking forward, the challenge is to build on our success, delivering more of what we are currently doing, as well as widening it where appropriate, and at the same time become less reliant on local authority grants, as they continue to dry up. Not an easy ask, but the board and the UCAN team together believe it is achievable.

Richard Boyce Chairman

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered as a charity on 30 November 1991 and incorporated on 25 March 2003 in the United Kingdom. The company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Associaton which were last amended in August 2014.

Appointment of Trustees

The Trustees who have served during the year and since the year end are listed on page 3. New Trustees are elected annually by trustees of the charity and serve for an initial period of 3 years. A further 3 year term may be served. Trustees must be nominated by two trustees. The Board may appoint up to 3 Trustees a year to ensure it has an appropriate range of skills and experience in its Board. The Chair and Director with Financial Responsibility are elected from within the board.

All Trustees give their time freely and no trustee was paid during the year. Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and, in accordance with the organisation's Memorandum and Articles, withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.

Internal Control and Risk Management

The Trustees examine the major risks which the charity faces in relation to external factors and relationships, its governance and management, its internal operations and its activities. The management of risk is reviewed by the senior management team and by the trustee board.

The Trustees continue to keep under review the systems of internal financial control. The systems have been designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against mis-statement of loss. They include:

The internal financial controls conform to guidelines issued by the Charity Commission.

Organisational Structure and Decision Making

The charity is governed by a board of trustees who meet at least four times a year. Trustees make decisions on organisational strategy, budget approval and risk management. Day to day reponsibility for the operation of the charity and delivery of its services is delegated to the Senior Management team.

Sub-groups of trustees and senior managers meet between board meetings to look at specific areas of operation - HR and Pay Policy, Finance, Fundraising and Projects & Operations. These working parties look in detail at issues arising and then make recommendations at the trustee board meetings, where trustees will decide to approve or reject the recommendation.

All trustees contribute to, and approve, organisation wide policies and procedures.

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustee Induction and Training

All potential Trustees are invited to complete an application form to apply for membership of the UCAN board. Applicants then meet with the Chair of the charity to discuss the role of a UCAN trustee and to make sure the applicant understands the role and responsibilities. The potential new Trustee is then invited to meet the full board. Once appointed, new Trustees meet the staff to be given a thorough understanding of the work of the organisation. In addition all Trustees are supplied with written materials outlining their role and responsibilities. Finally, training on the principles of good governance and the role of a trustee is a mandatory part of the Trustee induction.

Our Aims and Objectives

Introduction

The Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford (working as UCAN) is a local infrastructure charity. The charity's purpose as set out in the objects contained in the companies Memorandum of Association are:

To promote, develop and facilitate a thriving, effective, sustainable and influential voluntary and community sector in Uttlesford, for the ongoing benefit of the community, thus promoting social action and assisting in the development of social capital.

UCAN is a member of NAVCA, the national membership charity for intrastructure organisations and adheres to the core principles of NAVCA, which aims to strengthen and champion social action through local infrastructure.

UCAN helps people and communities come together to form voluntary organisations and successfully run existing organisations. Cuts in public spending are increasing the need for local voluntary sector infrastructure to help communities fill the gaps left by public services.

UCAN provides a range of services which aim to help people improve their local area, communities, pursue shared interests, support each other or work for change and make greater use of locally based assets.

We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. Our strategy covers a three year period.

Activities

Chief Executive Officer's Report

I am delighted to say a few words about the amazing year UCAN has had supporting local communities, the Voluntary Sector and responding to crisis. As an organisation, we have undergone significant change moving from being known as CVSU to UCAN, growing into a medium sized charity and diversifying as an organisation, whilst being asked to get involved and respond to crisis that arrived at our doorsteps at Stansted Airport. This was in the form of needing to mobilise our volunteers and staff to the Ukrainian and Sudanese Refugee crisis. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved in partnership, over 18,000 Ukrainians have been supported through our Welcome Hub and in addition 2,000 Sudanese Refugees were supported over five days. Both of these operations have highlighted UCAN's versatility and responsiveness to local need. A further

development has been our acquisition of the business of Volunteer Uttlesford, with their staff transferring to UCAN supporting our drive to increase volunteering in the district.

Another development is our work supporting the challenges of hospital discharge, especially during winter, and we are now delivering our Ticket Home Discharge Service for Uttlesford residents at both Princess Alexandra and Addenbrooks hospitals.

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

I would like to finally say that I am extremely proud of the dedication of both our staff and volunteers. The care for local people is as important to them as ever and us as a charity, and we will continue to strive to meet the needs of vulnerable people in Uttlesford.

Clive Emmett

Chief Executive Officer

Achievements and Performance

Uttlesford is a predominantly rural district covering 56 parishes with a population of over 89,000 residents. Over 20% of the population are over 65 years of age and this proportion is set to rise sharply in the next 10 years.

On the surface, Uttlesford appears to be prosperous, however there are significant pockets of rural isolation, digital exclusion and other social disadvantages. UCAN is delivering projects in the community to support those residents facing these challenges.

During 2022/2023 the charity has continued to build on both its core and frontline service, in response to the changing needs of our community and the voluntary sector. During the year we:

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Future Financial Plans

The pandemic could not have been foreseen, and it required a rapid response to alter our existing strategy and move to a scenario where we immediately worked to meet community need. We did this successfully and were able to secure the funding urgently needed to service this community response. However, we are conscious that as we move out of pandemic, the funding landscape for the voluntary sectory will have changed. We will assess the impact of these project changes as we develop our new strategic plans for the next five years of sustainable growth for UCAN.

The two main core funding grants we receive from Essex County Council and Uttlesford District Council continue to be in place.

We have now established the socially driven trading company WECAN (West Essex Community Action Network) across the West Essex districts in partnership with Voluntary Action Epping Forest and Rainbow Services (Harlow). WECAN currently holds the digital inclusion contract for West Essex and derives income from leading the initiative and hosting staff members. This contract has been renewed for 2024.

UCAN also receives payments from WECAN for adminstration of HR and payroll for the organisation, plus running awareness campaigns on social media channels.

We are confident about our future funding strategies and proposals and their ability to support our medium to long term aims to increase our overall income streams and accomplish financial stability that will underpin our medium to longer term growth as an organisation.

Public Benefit

Our aims and charitable activities are provided to benefit the people of Uttlesford. At present all our services are free of charge to our clients. The trustees take due regard of the Charity Commission's general guidance of public benefit.

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

On occasion we may deliver services to people outside Uttlesford district. This is particularly the case with delivery of the Frontline project. Additionally, working with Essex Association of Local Councils and Essex County Council we have been managing funds awarded to community startups where groups were unable to meet the compliance requirements of the funder. This work takes our support into North, East and West Essex.

Equal access to our services is an important issue to us and in accordance with our Diversity and Equality Policy we do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, colour, creed, gender, disability, marital status, sexuality, religion, language, culture, age or class.

Policies

Reserves Policy

UCAN is committed to responsible and efficient management of all funds which are the responsibility of the organisation.

The Management Committee of UCAN has considered the need for the organisation to maintain reserves in order to meet future financial obligations and has taken into account the following factors:

In order to provide for any of these obligations arising, the Committee considers it necessary to establish as a maximum financial reserve sufficient to cover 3-6 months of the previous year's salary costs, plus 3-6 months premises costs and as a minimum 3 months' salary and premises costs. This is currently set at £70,000.

Financial Review

Unrestricted income for the 2022/23 financial year was £134,406, (2022: £176,363) derived mainly from infrastructure work, public health work and service delivery. We have delivered Community Response Hub recovery work in the community as our primary outputs for the year, plus additonal services through the Ticket Home service and Essex Shed Network. Overhead recovery is applied where appropriate.

We continue to closely manage our costs. At the end of year Unrestricted General Funds stood at £23,635 after transfers between funds. Designated funds of £18,000 (Premises) and £25,000 (Redundancies) were created within the year and form part of our reserves. Total unrestricted funds were £66,635 (2022: £53,309).

Investment Policy

Under its Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to make any investments the Trustees see fit. UCAN moves funds between a CAF current account and a COIF Charities Deposit Fund, to maximise interest earned.

Risk Management

The board regularly reviews the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate these risks. Significant external risks to funding have led to the development of a strategic plan which will allow for the diversification of funding and activities.

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authoristaion of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the charity.

Senior Staff Pay Policy

Annual performance appraisals are undertaken for all our senior staff, (and senior officers have performed well against a balanced set of objectives.) We also monitor salary trends in other voluntary sector organisations locally, to ensure that the salaries we offer remain in line with the broader sector.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charities Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Richard Boyce (Chairman) Richard Boyce (Mar 19, 2024, 5:27pm)

19 Mar 2024

Page 10

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31st March 2023 which are set out on pages 12 to 28.

Responsibilites and basis of report

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

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company 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 your company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the 2011 Act"). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Company’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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  3. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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 accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Name Suzanne Goldsmith FCA

For and on behalf of Price Bailey LLP Causeway House, 1 Dane Street Bishop's Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 3BT

Date: 26 March 2024

Page 11

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORTATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Note
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Investment income
3
Charitable activities
4
Other Income
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
Total resources expended
Net Income / (expenditure)
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Funds at 01/04/2022
Funds at 31/03/2023		 Unrestricted
to 31/03/2023
£
14,648
500
108,927
10,331
134,406
121,080
121,080
13,326
-
13,326
53,309
66,635		 Restricted
to 31/03/2023
£
1,155
-
600,628
438
602,221
479,241
479,241
122,980
-
122,980
160,994
283,974		 Total
to 31/03/2023
£
15,803
500
709,555
10,769
736,627
600,321
600,321
136,306
-
136,306
214,303
350,609		 Total
31/03/2022
£
20,234
4
421,754
41,679
483,671
371,768
371,768
111,903
-
111,903
102,400
214,303

Page 12

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD (CO. REG. NO. 04709512)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

2023 2022
Total Total
£ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets 7 39,131 33,670
Intangible Assets 8 12,638 -
Current Assets
Debtors 9 26,351 84,731
Cash at bank and in hand 440,146 193,971
466,497 278,702
Current Liabilities
Creditors, amounts falling due within one year 10 167,657 98,069
Net assets 298,840 180,633
Total assets less current liabilities 350,609 214,303
Funds 11
Unrestricted Funds - General 23,635 53,309
Designated Funds - Staff Costs 25,000 -
Designated Funds - Premises 18,000 -
Restricted Funds 283,974 160,994
350,609 214,303

The notes at pages 15 to 28 form part of these accounts.

For the year ended 31 March 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.

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

The directors declare that they have approved the accounts above.

Signed Date ~~ee ee~~ Richard Boyce (Mar 19, 2024, 5:27pm) Richard Boyce (Chair)

~~_~~ 19 Mar 2024

Page 13

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Cash flows from operative activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangibles
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward
Reconciliation of net income to net cash inflow
from operating activities
Net income for the reporting period
Depreciation and amortisation
Interest received
Decrease/(Increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities
ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Cash at bank and in hand		 Total
Total
2023
2022
£
£
276,716
113,624
500
4
(17,709)
(23,336)
(13,332)
-
-
(30,541)
(23,332)
246,175
90,292
193,971
103,679
440,146
193,971
2023
2022
£
£
136,306
111,903
12,942
5,575
(500)
(4)
58,380
(70,678)
69,588
66,828
276,716
113,624
At 1 April
At 31 March
2022 Cash flows
2023
£
£
£
193,971
246,175
440,146		 Total
2022
£
113,624
4
(23,336)
-
(23,332)
90,292
103,679
193,971

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

1 Accounting Policies

General Information

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and was incorporated in the United Kingdom. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member. The number of members in 2023 were 8 (2022: 8). The registered office is Uttlesford Community Hub, 45 Stortford Road, Great Dunmow, Essex. CM6 1DQ.

Basis of preparation of the accounts

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are presented in Sterling which is the functional currency of the charity are are rounded to the nearerst £.

Going concern

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Trustees believe that the forecasted results and good level of cash flow of the charity together with the measures taken to date will enable the charity to continue as a going concern and, as a result, do not include any adjustments that would result if the charity was not able to continue as a going concern.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular future projects or commitments.

Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognsied on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which is relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecing the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

Liabilities

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at Bank and In Hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Pensions

The Charity provides a defined contribution pension scheme, whereby the charity and its staff each fund the scheme, managed by a third party provider, the assets of which are held by the provider separately from the assets of the charity. The pension charge in the financial statements represents the amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the period.

Taxation

The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. Fixed assets are recorded at depreciated historical cost.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Major expenditure on tangible fixed assets is capitalised. The cost of other items is written off as incurred.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less it's estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Furniture and equipment: 20.00% straight line
Motor vehicles: 20.00% straight line
Computer hardware: 20.00% straight line

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

Intangible Fixed Assets and Amortization

Intangible assets are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probably and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably. Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost net of amortization and any provision for impairment. Current amortization rates are as follows:

Computer software: 20.00% straight line

2 Donations and Legacies

Donations Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
£
£
£
14,648
1,155
15,803
14,648
1,155
15,803		 2022
£
20,234
20,234

In 2022 donations were £20,234 of which £11,118 were unrestricted and £9,116 were restricted

3 Income from Investments

Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Deposit account interest 500 - 500 4
500 - 500 4

In 2022 all investment income was unrestricted

Page 18

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Income from Charitable Activities

Essex County Council
Uttlesford District Council
NAVCA
Essex Assoc Local Councils
Essex Community Foundation
Great Dunmow Town Council
Groundworks
Frontline Fee
Maldon CVS
NHS West Essex CCG
NHS Herts & West Essex ICB
North Uttlesford PCN
The National Lottery
VCSFE
Volunteer Uttlesford
Sundry Income		 Unrestricted
£
39,480
54,814
-
-
-
-
1,500
-
-
5,000
-
6,248
-
2,000
-
(115)
108,927		 Restricted
£
212,439
18,608
-
3,990
13,775
-
-
9,375
15,000
79,333
169,000
-
75,278
-
3,434
396
600,628		 2023
£
251,919
73,422
-
3,990
13,775
-
1,500
9,375
15,000
84,333
169,000
6,248
75,278
2,000
3,434
281
709,555		 2022
£
110,234
145,483
5,500
500
-
100
-
9,500
-
41,600
-
-
91,019
-
-
17,818
421,754

In October 2022 UCAN started the process of acquiring the business of Volunteer Uttlesford. Staff were TUPE'd across to UCAN that month, and the initial salary costs of £3,434 were transferred to UCAN by Volunteer Uttlesford. The majority of Volunteer Uttlesford funds were granted to UCAN during the course of 2023 and Volunteer Uttlesford stopped operating.

In 2022 income from Charitable Activities was £421,754 of which £126,876 was unrestricted and £294,878 was restricted.

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THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

5 Expenditure on Charitable Activities

Direct Costs
Wages and Salaries
Emergency Food Parcels
Essential Living Costs
Adapted Equipment
Fuel Costs
Fuel Vouchers
Grants to Partners
Keysafes
Small Tools and Equipment
Safety Supplies
Shopping and Prescriptions
Purchases
Labour (external)
Depreciation
Amortisation
Volunteer Costs
Workshops and Activities
Events
Recruitment
Staff Training
Staff Travel
Repairs and Maintenance
Professional Fees
Telephone Costs
Rental of Storage
Vehicle Maintenance
Printing and Stationery
Other Expenditure
WECAN
Total Direct Costs
Support Costs
Advertising and Marketing
AGM
Accountancy
Bank Fees
Evaluation
General Expenses
Insurance
IT, Software, Consumables
Meeting Costs		 Unrestricted
£
68,578
-
122
-
-
-
-
-
44
-
-
622
-
840
-
530
446
2,679
66
2,416
1,405
620
-
7,689
-
-
2,793
146
-
88,996
4,244
561
2,896
55
888
378
3,958
6,764
335		 Restricted
£
224,797
536
13,330
532
1,003
4,025
81,498
840
2,229
124
181
3,319
3,980
11,408
694
15,190
6,093
471
1,461
7,001
10,644
2,331
8,125
1,305
5,170
1,150
746
1,735
-
409,918
2,584
-
-
-
-
638
5,709
3,743
128		 2023
£
293,375
536
13,452
532
1,003
4,025
81,498
840
2,273
124
181
3,941
3,980
12,248
694
15,720
6,539
3,150
1,527
9,417
12,049
2,951
8,125
8,994
5,170
1,150
3,539
1,881
-
498,914
6,828
561
2,896
55
888
1,016
9,667
10,507
463		 2022
£ (restated)
181,635
10,480
4,272
-
-
7,066
45,807
-
3,416
134
1,401
26
1,522
5,575
-
614
9,803
835
621
4,446
4,047
2,829
6,928
7,675
5,170
-
1,040
1,883
14,601
321,826
2,625
394
2,310
172
(1,969)
239
5,089
6,744
-

Page 20

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Office Accommodation
Subscriptions
Trustee Expenses
Finance and Comms Staff
Leadership Staff Cost
Total Support Costs
Total Charitable Costs		 11,513
348
144
-
-
32,084
121,080		 -
95
-
18,809
37,617
69,323
479,241		 11,513
443
144
18,809
37,617
101,407
600,321		 14,916
500
-
6,308
12,614
49,942
371,768

In 2022 expenditure on charitable activities was £371,768 of which £164,077 was unrestricted and £207,691 was restricted.

Grants to Partners

Essex Shed Network
Rainbow Services Harlow
VAEF
Epping Forest District
Mind in West Essex
Uttlesford Citizens Advice
Total		 Institutions
£
60,498
3,500
4,000
4,700
2,400
6,400
81,498		 Individuals
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Support Costs
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
£
60,498
3,500
4,000
4,700
2,400
6,400
81,498

A total of 11 grants were paid to 6 institutions, five of whom are registered charities and one of which is a local authority (Epping Forest District Council).

The largest grant was £60,498 paid to Maldon and District CVS, our project delivery partner in the Essex Shed Network. The National Lottery funded a joint bid, with this grant representing Maldon's delivery costs which were paid to them in accordance with the service level agreement completed.

The charity does not consider applications for grant funding. Where funding received includes an opportunity to work with other voluntary sector organisations to ahieve the outcome for which the income is received, we approach potential partners and discuss with them the ways in which we can work collaboratively to achieve the outcomes desired. Payments are made to those parties as grants to partners, and are made in accordance with Charity Commission guidance.

We only fund work that is charitable in purpose and fall within the objects of our charity.

Page 21

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

6 Net income/(expenditure)

Net income/(expenditure) for the year includes:
Fees paid to Independent Examiners
Staff costs and emoluments
Total staff costs were as follows:
Wages & salaries
Social security costs
Pension		 2023
2022
£
£
2,538
2,310
2023
2022
£
£
319,722
182,139
23,000
13,036
6,657
5,383
349,379
200,558

Particulars of employees:

The average number of employees during the period, calculated on the basis of full time equivalents was as follows:

equivalents was as follows:
Project co-ordination staff
Management staff		 2023
7
3
10		 2022
4
3
7

No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000. (2022: nil)

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the senior management team as listed on page 3. The total amount of employee benefits (including employer pension contributions and employer national insurance contributions) received by key management personnel for their services to the charity was £125,004 (2022: £120,728).

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

UCAN participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST), which is a defined contribution workplace pension scheme, in order to fulfil the requirements under automatic enrolment regulations. Employer contributions for the current period were £6,657 (2022 - £5,383). Amounts outstanding at the year end were £nil (2022: £nil).

Page 22

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7 Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost
At 1 April 2022
Additions
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2023
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2023
At 1 April 2022
8 Intangible Fixed Assets
Cost
At 1 April 2022
Additions
At 31 March 2023
Amortisation
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2023
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2023
At 1 April 2022		 Computer
Hardware
£
9,576
2,159
11,735
2,362
2,162
4,524
7,211
7,214		 Fixtures and
Fittings
£
14,442
1,560
16,002
7,914
3,022
10,936
5,066
6,528		 Motor
Vehicles
£
29,540
13,990
43,530
9,612
7,064
16,676
26,854
19,928
Computer
Software
£
-
13,332
13,332
-
694
694
12,638
-		 Total
£
53,558
17,709
71,267
19,888
12,248
32,136
39,131
33,670
Total
£
-
13,332
13,332
-
694
694
12,638
-

Page 23

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

9 Debtors
Debtors
Social Security & Pension
Other debtors and prepayments
10 Creditors; amounts falling due within one year
Creditors
Deferred Income
Social Security & Pension
Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others
Accruals / Other Creditors		 2023
£
22,936
282
3,133
26,351
2023
£
9,018
148,228
-
10,411
-
167,657		 2022
£
81,269
-
3,462
84,731
2022
£
21,998
71,275
3,196
1,575
25
98,069

Deferred income represents grant income received in the year ended 31st March 2023 which relates to the year ended 31st March 2024.

Page 24

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

Funds held as Custodian Trustee on behalf of others

These funds are monies held on behalf of other voluntary groups, who are unable to meet the governance requirements of their funders due to size or legal status. UCAN has agreed to receive these funds on their behalf, and to be responsible for the financial administration of said funds, however our trustees are not in control of the use of the funds or their allocation. This responsibility sits with the management committee of the relevant organisation.

At the end of the financial year, UCAN held cash in hand for the following groups:

Laindon Uniform Bank
The Community Callers
Half Term Lunchbox Project
Care Network (Uttlesford)
TouchPoint Stansted
Uttlesford Dementia Action Alliance
Wholesome
Hatfield Broad Oak Assistance & Support Group
EACVS
LACE
Community Chest		 2023
£
875
1,879
105
377
213
516
6,377
500
(1,015)
11
573
10,411		 2022
£
478
-
105
377
213
517
-
500
(1,015)
11
389
1,575

These groups exist to provide benefit to the communities within which they operate, which is aligned to the objects of UCAN.

All funds listed are unrestricted and for the general purposes of furthering the aims of the organisation.

Page 25

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

11 Funds
Unrestricted Funds
General fund
Designated Funds - Staff
Designated Funds - Office
Total Unrestricted
Restricted Funds
Active Essex
Community Builder
Community Response Hub
Cook and Eat
COVID Vaccination Centre
Dementia Café
Digital
Drinks with Links
Essex Shed Network
Frontline
Home from Hospital
PCN Development Fund
Safer at Home (GM)
Ticket Home
Timebank
Utt Response Recover
UDAA
Ukraine Support Hub
Volunteering
Total Restricted
Total		 01/04/2022
53,309
-
-
53,309
289
170
92,364
-
2,407
2,212
-
1,312
43,574
-
-
6,000
7,641
-
(2,148)
1,089
90
(180)
6,174
160,994
214,303		 Income
134,406
-
-
134,406
-
-
29,825
30,000
1,080
3,800
-
-
90,278
9,375
67,833
4,000
(938)
146,500
-
-
-
205,903
14,565
602,221
736,627		 Expenses
(121,080)
-
-
(121,080)
-
-
(56,813)
(9,300)
(1,421)
(3,819)
(206)
(1,850)
(112,882)
(9,500)
(35,731)
-
(528)
(57,634)
-
-
-
(177,140)
(12,417)
(479,241)
(600,321)		 Transfer
(43,000)
25,000
18,000
-
(289)
(170)
39,377
-
-
-
-
538
-
-
(32,102)
-
(6,175)
-
-
(1,089)
(90)
-
-
-
-		 31/03/2023
23,635
25,000
18,000
66,635
-
-
104,753
20,700
2,066
2,193
(206)
-
20,970
(125)
-
10,000
-
88,866
(2148)
-
-
28,583
8,322
283,974
350,609

Purpose of Funds

Designated Funds - Staff - Trustees have set aside this amount in reserve for future potential staff redundancy costs Designated Funds - Office - Trustees have set aside this amount as provision for future office accommodation costs Community Builder - this was a piece of work supporting the development of resources in new/expanded communities Community Response Hub - this project provides practical and emotional support of vulnerable residents Cook and Eat - to provide tutition in the preparation of nutrious and economical meals

COVID Vaccination Centre - to operate the volunteer led vaccination centre at Lord Butler Centre, Saffron Walden Digital - increases uptake of and the number of opportunities in relation to using digital tehcnology Dementia Café - a weekly social group for people living with dementia and their carers

Drinks with Links - our mobile community coffee hub. Now forms part of Community Response Hub. Essex Shed Network - to support the growth and development of the Men's Shed movement within Essex Frontline - to provide technical support to uses of the Frontline Referrals digital platform

Home from Hospital - supports the timely and safe discharge of patients discharged from hospital to homes in Uttlesford PCN Development Fund - health promotion within the community

Safer at Home - home maintenance tasks. This is now part of Community Response Hub.

Ticket Home - successor to the pilot Home from Hospital, which has been upscaled to support residents from Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forest, and covers multiple secondary care facilities.

Ukraine Support Hub - the operation of a welcome point at Stansted Airport supporting refugees from the Ukraine conflict Uttlesford Response Recover - work supporting the return to normal post COVID lockdown

Volunteering - development and promotion of volunteering opportunities within Uttlesford

Page 26

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

Transfer of restricted funds

During the course of the year, the charity delivered a pilot project for the West Essex CCG, using a combined approach of inhospital presence and community outreach work to support the safe and on-time discharge of patients from hospital. The grant funding received to enable this work was recorded as Charitable Activity Income under "West Essex Help" - the pilot scheme - and then the allocation of the funding for the community work element, undertaken by the UCAN Community Response Hub, was recognised by a transfer between the two restricted funds.

The Community Response Hub has succeeded the Safer At Home project and Uttlesford Response, Recover, Sustain, and continues to deliver the outcomes of its predecessors on a much larger scale. The residual balance of the Safer at Home fund and URRS fund was transferred to the Community Response Hub to contribute to this work.

Analysis of movement in funds - previous year

01/04/2021
Unrestricted Funds
General fund
41,023
Total Unrestricted
41,023
Restricted Funds
Active Essex
289
Community Builder
170
Community Response Hub
3,150
COVID Vaccination Centre
-
Dementia Café
4,225
Drinks with Links
4,313
Essex Shed Network
28,040
Frontline
-
PCN Development Fund
-
Safer at Home (GM)
10,347
Timebank
(2,148)
Utt Food Group
1,989
Utt Response Recover
10,912
Ukraine Support Hub
-
UDAA
90
Volunteering
-
WECAN
-
Total Restricted
61,377
Total
102,400
11 Analysis of net assets between funds
Tangible Fixed Assets
Intangible Fixed Assets
Current assets (excluding cash)
Current assets - cash at bank
Current liabilities
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
Tangible Fixed Assets
Current assets (excluding cash)
Current assets - cash at bank
Current liabilities		 Income
176,363
176,363
-
-
175,813
9,760
2,055
2,161
92,729
9,500
6,000
3,116
-
-
-
-
-
6,174
-
307,308
483,671
Unrestricted
7,443
-
-
60,128
(936)
66,635
Unrestricted
9,319
8,219
41,270
(5,499)
53,309		 Expenses
(164,077)
(164,077)
-
-
(86,599)
(7,353)
(4,068)
(5,162)
(77,195)
(9,500)
-
(5,822)
-
(1,989)
(9,823)
(180)
-
-
-
(207,691)
(371,768)
Restricted
31,688
12,638
26,351
380,018
(166,721)
283,974
Restricted
24,351
76,512
152,701
(92,570)
160,994		 Transfer
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2023
39,131
12,638
26,351
440,146
(167,657)
350,609
2022
33,670
84,731
193,971
(98,069)
214,303		 31/03/2022
53,309
53,309
289
170
92,364
2,407
2,212
1,312
43,574
-
6,000
7,641
(2,148)
-
1,089
(180)
90
6,174
-
160,994
214,303
2022
33,670
-
84,731
193,971
(98,069)
214,303
2021
15,910
14,053
103,679
(31,242)
102,400

Page 27

THE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE UTTLESFORD

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

12 Company limited by guarantee

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of the same being wound up during the time he/she is a member, or within one year afterwards, for the payments of debt and liabilites of the company contracted before the time at which he/she ceases to be a member and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up the same and for the adjustments of rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be requirered not exceeding one pound.

13 Trustee remuneration, benefits and expenses

None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with UCAN or a related entity. One trustee was reimbursed travel expenses £114 (2022 - nil).

14 Related Party transactions

A connected party, Sophie Davis has been employed by UCAN on a fixed term basis to provide immediate administrative support to the charity. Sophie is the wife of our trustee Chairman Marc Davis. The appointment was made by the senior management team and Marc Davis was not involved in either the decision making or the management of Sophie. The appointment was made on merit as Sophie was the strongest candidate at the time. The amounts paid during the period was £9,186 (2022: £nil). There were no amounts outstanding at the year end (2022: £nil).

Our constitution allows the employment of connected parties, and this appointment followed the requirements set out therein. The Charity Commission confirmed that this appointment was acceptable.

Mr R Boyce who is a trustee of UCAN is also a director of WECAN. In the year the charity received £10,267 (2022: £Nil) from WECAN for consultancy services. There were no amounts outstanding at the year end (2022: £nil).

There are no other related party transactions (2022: none).

Page 28