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← Dene Valley Community Partnership

2025-03-31-accounts

DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

(A charitable company limited by guarantee)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Registered Charity Number 1102088 Registered Company Number 04969943 (England and Wales)

DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

INDEX

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 - 5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 - 14

Dene Valley Community Partnership Trustees Report For the Year 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025

Governance and Management Structure

The organisation, known as Dene Valley Community Partnership Ltd, is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 19th November 2003, and registered as a charity on 13th February 2004. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

The Memorandum and Articles of Association together with our current financial position, as set out in our latest accounts, and our key objectives and future plans become Key Management control documents.

Our Community Social, Physical and Mental Health Environment

The Dene Valley Area continues to experience social and welfare challenges, including limited personal aspiration and suboptimal physical and mental health. Local authorities have initiated regeneration efforts focused on local housing stock to better meet community needs. Nonetheless, a higher-than-average proportion of private landlords and vacant properties remains a concern. On a positive note, the development of new housing estates is anticipated to contribute to the expansion and improvement of the Dene Valley area.

The relocation of people with addictive issues remains an ongoing issue. The concept of “Not being a good place to live” persists with people living outside of the local area.

The Dene Valley Area is continuing to attract people who are taking advantage of a beautiful rural environment, and low property values with good access to other parts of the county and country. These people are buying and developing their property and, what is equally important, becoming involved and stakeholders in the community and DVCP. There is a noticeable influx of new migrant people coming into the area which may strengthen the community.

Charity Aims and Objectives

Our aims and objectives include working in partnership with other professional and volunteer organizations to provide active and measurable support and Sign Posting for people with mental and physical health and wellbeing issues improve their quality of life. We aim to reduce deprivation, social loneliness and digital isolation. To raise aspirations of people by providing support, training, mentoring, and volunteering opportunities and permanent employment. We pledge to help vulnerable people with disabilities, mental and physical health issues to improve their esteem and quality of life. Other aims include improving the environment by supporting and facilitating a resident’s action group and assisting residents on matters of countering anti-social behaviour and the removal of rubbish left in back yards and by fly tipping. We will continue to offer a wide range of activities and interests which can be targeted at individuals to capture their imagination, raise individual aspirations, improve their mental and physical health and their quality of life. These aims and objectives are in place to comply with our Charitable Objectives.

The object of the charitable company is the promotion for the public benefit of rural regeneration in all areas of social and economic deprivation and in particular the Dene Valley area by all or any of the following means:

  1. The relief of poverty

  2. The relief of unemployment

  3. By one to one and group activities strive improve the Mental and Physical health of individuals

  4. The advancement of education, training or retraining is particularly among most vulnerable adults.

  5. The provision of recreational facilities and activities for the public at large or those who by reason of their youth, age, infirmity, disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances have a need of such services.

  6. The protection and/or conservation of the environment

  7. The promotion of public security, safety, and crime prevention

The Organizational Structure

The Board of Dene Valley Community Partnership consists of eight Trustees, all with a wide range of skills relevant to the Needs of the organisation. By using demographic data and statistics provided by Local and National Government and more importantly the reported day to day “Life Experiences” of local people the Trustees plan the policies and strategic objectives for the organisation. In addition, the Board monitors our performance and achievement levels relative to our key objectives.

The Operations Manager, who retired in December 2022 now provides invaluable services as a volunteer dividing management time between Dene Valley Community Partnership and the sister company Dene Valley Community Transport.

Appointment of Charity Trustees and the Management Committee

The Trustees of Dene Valley Community Partnership are also Charity Trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the Company’s Articles are known as members of the Management Committee and are elected/re-elected yearly at our Annual General Meeting. The ongoing objective is to strengthen the Board with new members who can bring increased skills.

Trustee & Staff Induction and Ongoing Training

The Trustees and staff are fully aware of the organization’s charitable objectives and converse with the management procedures and controls in place to measure and monitor the achievement of attaining the charitable and business objectives. All trustees are issued with a copy of the organization’s Memorandum. New trustees and staff attend training and induction sessions during which they are provided with a copy of the governance documents and the Charitable Objectives. The new Trustees also receive a booklet issued by the Charities Commission which describes their key “Roles and Responsibilities” as a Trustee. We ensure during the induction new Trustees understand the document and their responsibilities as a Trustee. The Chair of Trustees remains more involved with the Parish and Shildon councils to expand knowledge of local issues and is also a member of several applicable committees of organizations with interests compatible to our own aims and objectives. Training in that sense has been ongoing during the past years. The Trustees also attend conferences and committees to further expand their knowledge on social issues.

Developments, Ongoing Improvements’ Achievements and Performance

The 2024-25 Focus has been on the development of the Warn Centre Café and the “Not for Profit shop”. The 5 Star café provides heathy food and a warm friendly atmosphere for people to eat and relax. The “Not for Profit Shop” allows the organisation to provide home making essentials to people moving into the Area, who sometimes are totally without home making essentials. This Café and Shop project are run by qualified volunteers. The Cree meetings now include exciting art projects which includes Stained Glass window as an essential element of the recovery plan for vulnerable members who suffer from a range of mental and physical wellbeing issues coupled with social isolation.

We continue the objective of remaining actively and involved with the Department of Health, County Durham Health Trust and other Mental and Physical Health & Wellbeing support organizations. The DVCP Women’s and Men’s Cree clubs provide essential support to the most vulnerable, deprived and socially isolated and at-risk members of the community. References are available to support this. Dene Valley Community Partnership “Cree Clubs” and “Drop In” services remain and continue to achieve DVCP objectives by ongoing assistance and support of the most vulnerable persons who are at risk of suicide, social isolation and deprivation. No one is ever turned away. The men and women involved with the Cree’s have measurably improved personal confidence; raised aspirations which has allowed them to move on to volunteering and, in some instances, achieve permanent employment.

We will continue to assist members and the public in completing PIP and Universal Credit applications.

Additional community services include providing food parcels to individuals in greatest need. Our latest initiative is the launch of a 5-star café offering affordable, freshly prepared healthy meals in a welcoming and vibrant environment. The café operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

We continue to review the needs of the community to ensure our business plan and future developments satisfy those needs. The Chair is a Parish Councilor and attends meetings and functions which provide a means of networking and promoting the work, image and potential of Dene Valley Community Partnership.

Business Risk Management

Management and the Board of Trustees consistently review, monitor, and update the Business Risks register and SWOT analysis to effectively mitigate identified risks faced by DVCP. The measures implemented by the Board of Trustees during the 2024-25 period have been both appropriate and successful in reducing these risks. Maintaining strict control over operational costs remains a primary objective as we work towards establishing a sustainable, selffinancing organization. The management will continue to submit funding applications throughout the 2024-25 period. Established financial controls are robust, effective, and rigorously enforced. Cash flow is monitored and updated daily to ensure access to accurate and timely financial management information.

Ongoing Compliance with Legislation

Procedures and policies are in place and continually reviewed to ensure compliance with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Social Care Act 2021 and the latest OHSW, Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities and Diversity and Moderns Slavery regulations and requirements both for the safety, protection of mental and physical wellbeing of the staff, volunteers and visitors to DVCP. These procedures and policies continue to be regularly reviewed to ensure as much ongoing compliance as possible.

Financial Review and principal funding sources

We will continue to react positively to meet the challenges of the current uncertain financial climate. It is our intention to continually review our business plan and resources to ensure we can react to local and national market, political and economic changes.

The organisation maintains a confident approach in engaging principal funders for grant support to address specific projects, operational expenses, and salaries. Due to effective management practices, the financial situation is now positive.

Reserves policy

The Board of Trustees has agreed tight budget controls which have resulted in a small surplus and increase in reserves. Unrestricted reserves are applied for building maintenance work, equipment replacement and/or unforeseen expenditure. Unrestricted funds are used to cover core costs.

Plans

We are committed to proactively attempting to recruit Trustees of the appropriate caliber to ensure DVCP’s sustainability and future growth. We actively support and facilitate the ongoing professional development of our staff and volunteers. The organisation continues to uphold an image of professionalism, creativity, compassion, and dedication to the local community.

Our policy prioritizes strict financial management controls to maintain operations within a carefully managed budget. We have taken steps to build stronger relationships with community members of all ages, enabling us to identify improvements based on their needs. New projects will be initiated to enhance the wellbeing of residents across all age groups.

We remain dedicated to strengthening collaborations with local stakeholders, community partnerships, organisations, and services to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our service delivery. As part of our management strategy, we consistently monitor and evaluate the impact of our initiatives, taking corrective action as necessary. Our business activity is regularly reviewed and revised in response to evolving social, economic and financial environment.

DVCP will continue to provide a Drop-in Service to support vulnerable members of the community, working to address their specific needs and acting as a point of contact for local services and police authorities. Through Men’s and Women’s Cree’s, we will sustain support for the most vulnerable individuals, focusing on social integration, rebuilding confidence, and raising aspirations. These efforts aim to empower participants to pursue volunteering opportunities or permanent employment, should they wish to do so.

We will continuously seek new opportunities and methods to generate income.

Volunteers

The organisation greatly appreciates the ongoing dedication and commitment of both new and established volunteers. Our volunteers generously donate their time to fulfill essential operational responsibilities and support funding efforts for Dene Valley Community Partnership. Their valuable contributions have been instrumental in achieving enhanced financial results and operational effectiveness. The estimated value of volunteer and trustee time for the year is £50,500 plus based upon the nationally recognized metrics..

Accountant

The Chair expresses appreciation to the Accountant, Ian Groves, for his thorough preparation and clear presentation of the accounts, as well as for the time dedicated to ensuring the Trustees have a comprehensive understanding of their contents. The Chair affirms that the financial accounts accurately represent the organization’s current position.

People

The staff and volunteers were motivated and encouraged to train to develop and increase their skills. The Trustees thank the Staff and Volunteers for their loyalty and continuing efforts during the year, in particular the repeated contribution to the organisation made by our Volunteer Operations Manager Patricia Wilson and Jordan Wilson the Admin Assistant.

Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees

Company Law requires the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair reflection of the financial status of the charitable company as shown in the balance sheet and its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year.

In preparing those financial statements, the Board of Trustees shall follow best practice and:

The Board of Trustees is responsible for having maintained proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Board of Trustees is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Members of the Board of Trustees

Members of the Board of Trustees, who are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of the charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommending Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (issued in March 2005) and in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 23[rd] December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Anthony H. Bird

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Dene Valley Community Partership

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025 set out on pages 7 to 14

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the trustees of the company (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 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 ofthe charity'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

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:

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.

…………………………………………

Ian Groves 167 Hummersknott Avenue Darlington DL3 8RL

23rd December 2025

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DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
2025 2025 2025 2024
INCOMING RESOURCES Note £ £ £ £
Incoming Resources From Generated Funds
Voluntary income 2a. 1,084 - 1,084 3,625
Activities for generating funds 2b. 12,562 - 12,562 7,246
Income from investments 2c. 1,247 - 1,247 -
Incoming resources from Charitable Activities
Grants Received 2d. (1,410) 33,809 32,399 32,630
Other Income from Charitable Activities - - - -
______ ______ ______ ______
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 13,483 33,809 47,292 43,501
====== ====== ====== ======
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable activities 3a. 33,996 - 33,996 34,183
Costs of generating funds: 3b. - - - -
Governance costs 3c. 300 - 300 150
______ ______ ______ ______
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 34,296 - 34,296 34,333
====== ====== ====== ======
NET (OUTGOING) / INCOMING RESOURCES
BEFORE TRANSFERS (20,813) 33,809 12,996 9,168
Gross transfers between funds 6,000 (6,000) - -
______ ______ ______ ______
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (14,813) 27,809 12,996 9,168
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD -
As previously stated 216,998 - 216,998 213,830
______ ______ ______ ______
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD - 202,185 27,809 229,994 222,998
====== ====== ====== ======

The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements

7

DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 7 197,766 197,766
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 8 63,516 58,066
Cash At Bank and In Hand 53,549 29,778
______ ______
117,065 87,844
====== ======
LIABILITIES
Creditors - amounts falling due within one year 9 84,837 68,612
====== ======
TOTAL NET ASSETS 229,994 216,998
====== ======
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted - general 10 (5,025) (19,838)
- designated 10 (197,160) (197,160)
Restricted 10 (27,809) -
______ ______
TOTAL FUNDS (229,994) (216,998)
====== ======

For the year ended 31st March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 23rd December 2025

and signed on its behalf by:

The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements

Anthony Hopkinson Bird Director / Trustee

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DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities; Accounting and Reporting for Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (SORP 2005) 2nd edition issued in May 2008.

Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Any general purpose grants whose use is restricted by the grantor to some future accounting period are accounted for as deferred income until the restriction has been satisfied. Donations are allocated to the relevant funds on donors instructions and recorded in the accounts on an accruals basis.

Resources Expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to a particular heading they have been allocated to activities consistent with the use of the resources. Support costs are shown as a percentage of total charitable expenditure calculated using staff time. Support costs which cannot be separately identified are directly attributed. Governance costs include the costs of providing the governance infrastructure to the charity.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds may only be expended for particular purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for a particular purpose.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in note 10 to the financial statements.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible Fixed assets are capitalised at historic cost including incidental costs of acquisition.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of the tangible fixed asset by equal annual instalments over their estimated useful life as follows:-

Freehold Property not depreciated: awaiting valuation
Furniture & Fittings 5 years
Office & Other Equipment 5 years
Computer Equipment 5 years

Cash Flow Statement

The company has taken advantage of the exemption contained within Financial Reporting Standard number 3 in not presenting a cash flow statement.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

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DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

2. INCOMING RESOURCES Note 2025 2024
£ £
2a. Voluntary income
Donations 1,084 3,625
====== ======
2b. Activities for generating funds
Rental and Room Hire 6,160 5,460
"One Stop Shop" services 30 -
Miscellaneous Income 6,372 1,786
______ ______
12,562 7,246
====== ======
2c. Income from investments
Bank interest receivable 1,247 -
====== ======
2d. Incoming resources from charitable activities
Grants: restricted funds 10 33,809 26,000
Grants: unrestricted funds (1,410) 6,630
______ ______
32,399 32,630
====== ======
Total Incoming Resources 47,292 43,501
====== ======

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DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

3. RESOURCES EXPENDED

3a. Charitable activities

3a. Charitable activities
Direct Costs Support Costs Total Total
2025 2024
£ £
Staffing costs 14,720 1,280 16,000 26,917
Premises repairs and maintenance 8,836 768 9,604 1,304
Heat and Light 1,513 132 1,645 2,833
Rent and Rates (259) (22) (281) 691
Insurances 548 48 596 -
Office costs 144 13 157 293
Training - - - -
Project Costs 5,184 451 5,635 545
Volunteer Expenses 640 1,600
Bad Debt Provision - - - -
Shop expenses - - - -
Depreciation of owned assets - - - -
______ ______ ______ ______
30,686 2,670 33,996 34,183
====== ====== ====== ======
3b. Costs of generating funds
Direct Costs Support Costs Total Total
2025 2024
£ £
Sundry Expenses - - - -
______ ______ ______ ______
- - - -
====== ====== ====== ======
3c. Governance costs
2025 2024
£ £
Professional and other fees (200) (350)
Independent Examination 500 500
______ ______
300 150
====== ======
Total Resources Expended 34,296 34,333
====== ======
4. NET INCOMING / (OUTGOING) RESOURCES
2025 2024
Net resources are stated after charging / (crediting): £ £
Depreciation of owned assets - -
Loss on sale of owned assets - -
Independent Examination Costs 500 500
====== ======

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DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

5. TRUSTEES DISCLOSURE

5. TRUSTEES DISCLOSURE
2025 2024
£ £
Trustees remuneration and benefits - -
Trustees expenses - -
6. STAFF COSTS
2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 16,000 25,746
Social Security costs - 1,171
Pension costs - -
______ ______
16,000 26,917
====== ======
The average number of employees during the year was as follows:-
2025 2024
Charitable Activities 1 1
Administration and Support 1 1
______ ______
2 2
====== ======
No employee earned in excess of £60,000
Volunteer time is estimated to have a value of £47,500 (2020: £47,500).
7. FIXED ASSETS
(a) Tangible (all unrestricted) Freehold Office &
Land & Other Total
Buildings Equipment
£ £ £
COST
At 1st April 2024 241,004 44,048 285,052
Additions during year - - -
______ ______ ______
At 31st March 2025 241,004 44,048 285,052
====== ====== ======
DEPRECIATION
At 1st April 2024 50,878 36,408 87,286
Charge for the year - - -
______ ______ ______
At 31st March 2025 50,878 36,408 87,286
====== ====== ======
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31st March 2025 190,126 7,640 197,766
====== ====== ======
At 31st March 204 190,126 7,640 197,766
====== ====== ======

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DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

8. DEBTORS

DEBTORS
2025 2024
£ £
Trade Debtors 28,425 23,625
Other Debtors 44,241 34,441
Prepayments and accrued income (9,150) -
______ ______
63,516 58,066
====== ======
CREDITORS - amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Trade Creditors 1,014 2,789
Payroll 15,063 15,063
Social Security and Other Taxes 8,224 8,224
Other Creditors 60,536 42,536
Accruals and Deferred Income - -
______ ______
84,837 68,612
====== ======

9. CREDITORS - amounts falling due within one year

10. FUNDS

Unrestricted

The unrestricted funds comprise the general fund and one designated fund. The movements are shown below:-

Balance at
1st April 2024		 Incoming
resources &
transfers		 Resources
expended &
transfers		 Revaluation
loss and
transfers		 Balance at
31st March
2025
£ £ £ £ £
General Fund (19,838) (13,483) 34,296 (6,000) (5,025)
Fixed Asset Values (197,160) - - - (197,160)
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
(216,998) (13,483) 34,296 (6,000) (202,185)
====== ====== ====== ====== ======

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DENE VALLEY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

10. FUNDS - continued Restricted

Balance at
1st April 2024		 Balance at
1st April 2024		 Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 Revaluation
loss and
transfers		 Balance at
31st March
2025
£ £ £ £ £
Greggs Foundation - (20,000) - - (20,000)
Bishop Auckland & Shildon AAP - (7,809) - - (7,809)
Mens Cree - (3,000) - 3,000 -
Womens Cree - (3,000) - 3,000 -
- - - -
- - - - -
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
- (33,809) - 6,000 (27,809)
====== ====== ====== ====== ======

Movements in individual funds are shown above. The purpose of each fund is as follows:

Durham CC - funding for Mens Cree project

Durham CC - funding for Womens Cree project Bishop Auckland & Shildon AAP - Repairs & Refurbishment Greggs Foundation - Salaries

11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS

BY FUND

Unrestricted Funds
General
Fund		 Designated
Funds		 Total Restricted
Funds		 Total Funds
2024
Tangible fixed assets 606 197,160 197,766 - 197,766
Current assets 117,065 - 117,065 - 117,065
Liabilities (84,837) - (84,837) - (84,837)
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
32,834 197,160 229,994 - 229,994
====== ====== ====== ====== ======

12. THE COMPANY

The charitable company is a company limited by guarantee and as such does not have any share capital. The liability of each member is, in the event of winding up, limited to £1.

14