J• ,44.5, ¢/*"- ' Je,ei?.¥,I I nnual 2024 Report y * 4. 1" V 4 Ine voiunieei Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire **The Volunteer Centre Presented with The Kings Awards For Voluntary Service** ## **BOARD OF DIRECTORS** Chair Cllr Kate Sarvent Treasurer Stevie Bratt Cllr Diana Ruff Liz Marsden BEM Eric Gilson Paul Grinbergs (resigned March 2024) Cllr Nigel Barker Georgina Kasism Lynn Tory ## **STAFF** Dave RADFORD: C.E.O. Janet MILLINGTON: Elderfriends Project Coordinator Steve CHAMBERS: Home from Hospital Coordinator Liz SMITH: Home from Hospital Project Coordinator Sarah FOWKES: Business and Administration **Bankers** Virgin Bank **PayRoll** Barber Harrison & Platt ## **Auditors** John King Clay Cross Accounting ## **CHAIRS REPORT** Another year has gone, and without doubt the highlight was receiving the King's Award. As Dave likes to say, this is the MBE for the voluntary sector so it was a huge honour for the Volunteer Centre to be presented with this prestigious award. We received a certificate and a crystal trophy from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant at a ceremony at the Town Hall earlier in the year, and I want to say a huge thanks to all the staff and volunteers who made this possible. Without you this would never have happened. Also, thanks to Dave and the staff for another successful Awards night. It is really humbling to see all the work undertaken in the voluntary sector across the district, and we really look forward to shining a light on this work and the great folk who undertake it. Funding continues to be uncertain with lots of organisations bidding for the ever-shrinking money available. We can only hope that eventually the Government and Councils will realise that investing in the voluntary sector reaps huge benefits for the money invested in it. The sector undoubtedly punches above its weight in the value for money stakes. As ever, we could benefit from more volunteers and Board Members. Volunteering has so many positive outcomes but unfortunately our waiting lists continue to grow as our volunteer numbers decrease. So, my final plea would be to all those of you who may be considering giving it a go, please do. I guarantee you will not regret it and will be joining a community of largely unsung heroes. Unsung they may be, but heroes they certainly are to the service users who rely on them. Best wishes **Cllr Kate Sarvent** ## **MANAGERS REPORT** The most important thing that has happened to The Volunteer Centre over the last year – and indeed one might argue – EVER happened in our history! Has been our successful nomination and presentation of The Kings Award for Voluntary Service. This isn’t just another award, this is ‘The Award’, the most prestigious award that any organisation can have bestowed upon them. We were told about this last October and then had to sit on the news for over a month! (That was very difficult). Then is February this year we finally got our hands on the Award which was presented to us at The Town Hall in Chesterfield. The Award is recognised as the MBE for Voluntary Groups and along with the crystal glass trophy came a signed certificate by his Majesty the King. What you might describe as pretty cool. _Dave and the team looking pleased at finally getting our hands on the trophy._ _You might never see me in a suit again so make the most of it!_ All our projects are progressing well and we were delighted to hear that the ‘Home From Hospital’ project had successfully bid for the new tender. Funded by Derbyshire County Council the project was up for renewal after 5 excellent years. However, after thoughts about streamlining the service and looking at better service models, South Derbyshire CVS who tender for the service had cut it down to just three delivery partners in the county. Thankfully we were one of those partners and now cover Chesterfield North East Derbyshire and Bolsover. While that is excellent news we are still shrouded in mystery when it comes to the funding of our core services. Funding has been assured till March 2025 but with the councils struggling financially it could be a whole different report next year. Hopefully things will change before then. Likewise, Elderfriends might also be hit by cuts which would be a terrific shame as this project is some peoples only link with any social networks at all. It worries me that all vital services like volunteering and befriending are falling by the wayside. It will cost far more to replace them than it will to keep them running. This year we decided to expand our team a little and took on an apprentice, Sarah, who has been with us for nearly a year now learning the ropes. So, it’s a mixture of good and bad news this year – but then that always seems to be the case. ## **MANAGER’S REPORT (cont.)** That Chicago Experience Back in 2020 we linked up with a Volunteer Centre in Chicago in the USA. They have been tremendous fun to work with and, as I write this I’m currently planning my third trip out to see them. My last two visits have been simply awesome (as someone from that neck of the woods might say) and I have nothing to suggest that this years will be any different. One of the really lovely things that did happen on my last visit, which was completely random and completely unexpected, was one night I was sitting in a bar and had just ordered a pint and a hot beef sandwich. Nothing too out of the ordinary I must admit, but when the waiter came over to me and explained that the, and I quote, “Attractive young lady in the green dress on the next table has just paid for your food.” Well you could have knocked me over with a feather. I couldn’t help but wonder why and even when I asked her she was rather vague in her answer – “Oh you remind me of someone,” she said. The following day I met up with my friends in the city and they told me it happens occasionally and they call it ‘Paying it forward’ – just a random act of kindness to a stranger. It saddened me a bit to think that it might not catch on over here but I suppose we all do it differently. I think what was wonderful was that with all the horrible things that were happening in the world at the time, someone was taking time out to be friendly and positive to someone on the next table. I wish I’d asked her name! _After 30 years service Barbara Tubekis (2[nd] from left) is retiring as CEO of the Volunteer Center in North East Metro Chicago. Despite this I’m sure we’ll stay in touch and I’m sure she’ll remain a great friend. What a wonderful adventure the last few years have been. I’m sure she deserves a nice long rest after all the work she has done._ ## _**Dave Radford**_ **CEO** ## **TREASURERS REPORT** ## INTRODUCTION As we reach the end of another financial year 2023/24, I am pleased to present a short financial review, covering the year from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. This has been a further very challenging year, with external factors affecting people and organisations across the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. ## **These factors include:** - Inflation at a record 40-year high, affecting the cost of undertaking our work - The continuing high cost of living, making it hard for us to secure donations while, at the same time, increasing the demand on our services - The risk surrounding our core sources of funding as our supporter organisations feel the pressure of budgets cuts by central government. ## FINANCIAL OVERVIEW We started the year budgeting for an operational deficit of £30k. Additional income to support one of our projects, together with an underspend on costs, resulted in an actual deficit for the year, of just £2k: a great result in a turbulent financial environment. Below are some of the key points from the accounts. ## INCOME Income decreased by £30k to £133k (2023: £163k). Infrastructure funding was down £16k and sponsorship income reduced due to a one-off sponsored event in 2022/23, which had boosted our income in the previous year. ## EXPENDITURE Despite the inflationary and general cost of living pressures, expenditure increased by just £3k to £135k (2023: £132k). Staff costs increased by £8k as we welcomed a new member to the team, meanwhile volunteer and admin costs reduced. ## BALANCE SHEET The balance sheet remains relatively unchanged, with overall funds reducing by £2k due to the small deficit for the year. ## FUNDS (RESERVES) Within the total funds of £359k are unrestricted funds totalling £226k. Of the total reserves, £91k is designated by the trustees for specific purposes, with the remaining £135k categorised as free reserves, meaning they can be utilised in any way that supports the Centre’s aims and objectives. The £135k represents 12 months’ worth of operating costs, surpassing the trustees’ recommended minimum of three months. While the level of reserves is higher than the recommended minimum, it is not excessive for a charity of the size of the Volunteer Centre in the current climate. It is the trustees’ intention to review the V 4AThe Volunteer optimal level of free reserves in the forthcoming year. ## **Treasurers Report Continued.** ## SUMMARY In very challenging circumstances, 2023/24 has proved to be another successful year for the Volunteer Centre. We have delivered our usual level of high service within an almost break even position. Our prudent financial management has ensured that we are in an excellent financial health and, for the immediate future, are in a position to continue supporting the people of Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. ## OUTLOOK As I write this summary, we have received the news that our discretionary grant funding is under threat. At a Cabinet meeting on 14 November 2024, Derbyshire County Council is to discuss the outcome of its recent consultation process relating to the potential cessation of discretionary grants. The potential impact of the pending decision could see a reduction in our income for 2025/26 of c£40k, around 30% of our income. While this clearly would have serious consequences for the Volunteer Centre, prudent financial management over the years, coupled with a strategy to carry reserves in excess of the recommended minimum, means that the Volunteer Centre will have time and funds to consider alternative strategies for raising funds if necessary. We are not going anywhere. © A small spoiler: we are ahead of the budget at the time of writing and are currently forecasting a break even position for the year ended 31 March 2025.If you want to know how it all turned out, you’ll have to attend next year’s meeting. Once again, watch this space. ## ACKNOWEDEMENTS Finally, I would like to extend sincere thanks to my fellow trustees, the diligent management and staff and our amazing volunteers, who have contributed their time and effort over the past year. Your support means we can keep on keeping on; we couldn’t do it without you. I would be delighted to serve as Treasurer for a further term if elected by the members. ## **Stevie Bratt, FCCA The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire** **Treasurer** ## **HOME FROM HOSPITAL** The Home from Hospital Service aims to help people after discharge from hospital. We do this by providing numerous practical tasks, this could include shopping, prescription pick up, safe and well checks etc. Throughout the five years of the project we have, year on year, continued to hit all our targets. This was the final year of the Home from Hospital contract. To the right is a graph showing the number of referrals over the last five years of the project obviously there were less in the pandemic. One of the main reasons for preventing discharge for patients has been the unavailability of key safes. With that in mind the project purchased several key safes which we have fitted and have enabled clients to be discharged home to recover. Steve is the go to guy for key safes and is always occupied fitting them and fetching them after the 6 weeks and servicing them, he gets out his GT85, which I am reliably told is better than WD40! This year we also took on the Bolsover area, this gives us added responsibilities and a much larger area to cover. Of the three areas we look after, Chesterfield is by far the busiest area. As can be seen 57% of referrals come from Chesterfield. The future of the project looks bright, The Volunteer Centre has been included in the new system setup which includes just three Volunteer Centres in the county and funding has been awarded for the next three years. We will be expecting more community referrals so it will be interesting to see what happens to the figures. We have 16 volunteers on this project who are invaluable and we would like to thank them for taking on people who are at a vulnerable stage in their life. ## **Liz Smith Project co-ordinator** ## **ELDERFRIENDS** This has been a really difficult year for the befriending project. The numbers of people being referred in to the project has risen alarmingly and yet sadly the numbers of volunteers wanting to be befrienders hasn’t kept up with that. This is hardly surprising, the numbers of volunteers looking at volunteering has dropped nationally – probably a result of the pandemic. We are doing our best to recruit volunteers but however many we get it never seems to be enough. The other major problem we have is the one concerning funding. The project has been running on 50% funding for some years now. We have pulled monies from our own reserves to make sure it continues to operate, but we can only do this for so long. We have also been told that with Adult Care making cuts – along with everyone else it seems – the chances are we could lose all -_ f | ' od \ 5 rs the funding by March 2025. This would be a a4 “ | <= — as massive blow, not just to our services but to all the lonely and socially isolated people across the county. Because of the above, we have joined up with South Derbyshire CVS to create a Cooperative which would give us a better chance to bid for tenders to support the provision of this kind of work. I do wish I could write one of these reports without wittering on about funding, but it seems no matter what happens it is always at the forefront of anything we talk about. I know that people will say that we are still here and so perhaps we shouldn’t worry too much, but one day we might not be. ## **Janet Millington** **Elderfriends Project Coordinator** ## **SAFE AND SOUND** The Safe & Sound Project has always been a bit of a favourite here at The Volunteer Centre, mainly, I think, because it is so flexible in its approach. It allows volunteers to give time when it suits them and enables us to have a pool of volunteers that might not otherwise get to give something back to their communities. Volunteering is meant to be fun – and we see this as a fun type of project. Despite this it has been really difficult to maintain funding for it. In the early days the Pe» i ja a “4 » . - : i. project won The Aviva Award and then ‘ITV’s ‘People’s Project’ award – both for most innovative project. You’d think, with those kind of accolades behind you that maintaining a funding would be a doddle – but not so! Actually, we currently don’t have any funding at all for the project and are currently awaiting the results of two funding bids placed at the tail end of the last financial year. However, the project continues, despite the paucity of funds we are still accepting referrals and still recruiting volunteers. Lets hope the coming year brings a bit more financial stability to the project. **Dave Radford** **CEO** ## STATISTICS FOR 2023 Over the last year, the majority of contacts from volunteers came via email. Most of these will have come through our online recruiting website Volife. The number of visits have increased largely due to the increase in outreach. As usual, unemployed volunteers made up the bulk of the people requesting information. The rest were fairly evenly spread. Volife and outreach visits were the biggest draw to Volunteer Centre services. Publicity was also strong as was Already Knew. The split between Male and Female volunteers remains around 10%. This has not changed dramatically over many years but is in keeping with the national average. Organisations wanting information and support from The Volunteer Centre were by far the biggest to criteria. Agencies and individuals made up over 80% of the contacts to The Volunteer Centre with volunteers just under 20%. While the number of volunteers is a concern it should be noted that there is a nationally decline in the number of volunteers since the pandemic. ## **The Voluntary Sector Awards 2023** The Voluntary Sector Awards in 2023 were a real rockin' affair in more ways than one as this years theme was 'Mods & Rockers'. It sounded like a great idea but then I had to explain to Sarah in the office what they were, and suddenly I felt very old indeed. _Partnership Awards Winners DVA and Joined up Careers Project ._ _Lisa Williamson wins Manager of the year award, presented by Clay Cross Accounting._ _Emma Costello wins Employee of the year award, presented by Cllr Jayne Barry._ It is always great to see old and new faces at the Awards, and we love to see that everyone is still embracing the concept. It goes without saying that we owe our sponsors so much as this wouldn't take place if it were not for them - so a huge thank you from us all. _The audience find the Program a riveting good read._ _Dave Radford desperately trying to sell Programs._ _Ellie Scott winning Volunteer of the year award, presented by the Mayor._ The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire AGM Friday 22nd November 2024 Tel: 01246 276 777 Email: info@chesterfieldvc.org.uk Oraft Financial Statements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 Charity registration number 1107942 Company reglstratlon numbor 05329651 (England and Wales) THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Draft Financial Ststements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE 1.215 215,677 1.215 359,332 143.655 216,892 143,655 360,547 19 Related party tran$a¢tlon• There were no di5closable related party transactions during the year {2023 - none). 18- Draft Financial Statements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 Charity registration numbèr 1107942 Company registratlon number 05329651 (England and Wales) THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Draft Flnancial Statements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGALAND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees S J Bratt (Treasurer) E M Marsden Cllr K Sarvent { Chair} Cllr D Ruff E Gilson L Tory G Kassim (Appointed 22 September 2023) (Appointed 22 September 2023) K Falconer Socretary Mr D A Radford Charity nufflber 1107942 Company number 05329651 Registered offlc 38 Knifesmithgale Chasterfi8ld Derbyshire S40 1RQ Independent examln8r John Henry Francis King FCCA John H. F. King Chartered Certified Accountants 119 High Street Clay Cross Chesterfield Derbyshire S45 9DZ Draft Flnancial Statements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE£HESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE { A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS Pago Trustees, report Independent 8xamlne¢s report Statement of financial activities Bal8n¢e Sheet Notes to the flnancial statements 9-18 Draft Financial Statements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE { A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purpose5 of the Companies Act 2006 present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies sel out in note 1 to the financial slat8mentS and comply with the Companies Act 2006 and 'Accounting and R8POrting by Charities: Statement of Recommended PractlC6 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). Objectlves and actlvltles The charity's principal activities and aims are to promote, support and develop volunteering in Chesterfield and Norlh East Derbyshire. We aim to make a positive impact on the qualily of Ihe volunteering experience for individual volunteers and organisations that work with them. As a Volunteer Centre In Derbyshire. we all support our communities by: Promote volunteer opportunltles and Introduce those offerlng to volunteer to local organisatlons (Brokerage). We can help local organisatlons promote volunteer opportunities. We recruit volunteers onllne and through a tailored volunteer matching service for Derbyshire opportunities. Development of volunteer opportunitles We work with people, local groups and organisations to Improv8 the quantity, quality and diverslty ot volunteering locally. Voice of voluntoering W8 shout about th8 mutual benefits of volunl88ring, share people's volunt88rlng 8xp8rièncès and rais8 awar8ness of the impact lat local and county partnerships and in m8dia). Strateglc developmont of volunteering We 8ngage with local nelmorks. partngrships and decislon makers to ensure that volunteering and voluntary action can flourish. Share good practlce and Improvement We work together as organisations to ensur8 that volunteer's experiences are valuable and safe. We are members of Derbyshire Volunteer Centres Ne￿ork. 3D,' NCVO and NAVCA. In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Truslees have glven due consideration to general guldance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit. Draft Financial Statements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Signlflcant activltlos The Volunteer Centr&Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire run the following services in the community.. ELDERFRIENDS BEFRIENDING SERVICE Elderfriends is a face to face befriending project which provides a Se￿iCe to lonely and socially isolated people. The volunteer s6Nice currently provides a service to over 120 individuals and has recruited around 100 volunteers. The pandemic has exacerbated the problem for this clianl group and we expect thé number of referrals lo dramatically increase. The Elderfriends project is solely funded by Adulty Care Dert)yshir8. SAFE & SOUND Safe & Sound has been funded by a variety of funders during its life span and il remains a popular project with both clients and service user5 alike. The prolecl h85 continued to run with no direct funder and has been run from the Centre's reserves. New funding has bean acquired from the Big Lottery Fund for a further eighteen months. HOME FROM HOSPITAL Now into its sixth year the 'Home From Hospital. project was a tender secured by the Volunteer Centre ne￿ork which operates across Derbyshire. The project provides a six-week care and support package lo individuals who have recenlly been discharged from hospital, or to prevent someone from being admitted to hospital. Chesterfield is one of five Volunteer Cenlres across the country involved in this project and, because we cover local authority areas, we are by far the busiest. The project itself is funded by Derbyshire County Council. VOLUNTARY SECTOR AWARDS In 2013, The Volunteer Centre gave birth to the Voluntary Sector Awards. A celebratory evening looking to reward and recognise the fabulous work carried out by local volunteers and the organisalions that work with them. The night has gone from strength to slrength with an ever increasing number of categories. It's also a great chance for people from across the séctor to get together and18t their hair down and feel good about the terrific work they have done over the year. With Awards being sponsored by the private sector it's also a good chance to shoNcase themselves to a different section of the community. CORE - INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVITIES The main seNices offered by The Volunteer Centre are to provide a bespoke brok6rage $eNic8 to lTrJlviduals looking to access a volunteerfng roll or from a Volunteer InvolvSng Organlsatlon (VIOI looking for advice or infomation about the specifics surrounding volunteer recruitment and engagement. These are servlces we have always provided but have never bèen adequately re¢ornpensed for. Following on from Ihe removal of oui befriending funding il was decided that Chesterfield Volunteer Centre should fall in line with other Cenlres in the country and be awarded such funding. We were therefore delighted when the Clinical Commissioning Group announced they would fund these activities in line wrth the rest of the County. On average the Volunteer Centre sees over 2,500 potential volunteers a year and has contact with organisalions on around 3.500 separate occasions. We are the busiest Centre in Derbyshire outside of Derby City- Achlevements and performance Charitable actlvitlos During the year the charity continued to run services as outlined under Objectives and activities above. Draft Flnancial Statements at 08 Octobèr 2024 at 14:41:00 THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Financial review Flnancial position Total income decreased in th6 y8ar from £163,602 to £133.537. Expenditure increased in th8 year from £132,309 to £135,401 giving net expenditure of £1,86412023'. net income £31.2931. The charity had funds carried foward at 31st March 2024 of £358,68312023.' £360,547) of which £132,245 (2023.. £143,655) are restricted funds and £226,43812023.' £216,892} are unrestricted funds. Prlnclpal fundlng sources Principal funding sources for the charity for 2023124 were by way of grants from major fLJnding sources and ongoing tenders from The Clinical Commissioning Group, Derbyshire County Council and The Lottery Cotnmunity Fund. Going concem After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have 8 reasonable expectslion that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational 8XlSt8nce for the forese8able future. For this rea50ri, they continu8 to adopt the going concem basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of th8 going concem basis can be found In the accountlng pollc18S. Resarves pollcy The Board of Trustees has examined the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks of the organisation, including the risk of existing income streams not continuing beyond their current anticipated date of cessation. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds neither committed or restricted to achieving the charity's aims and objectives, nor set aside for other specific purposes, should amount to no less Ihan thr88 months of the total running costs of the Centr8, approx. £33,000. At 31st March 2024 fr88 reseNes amounted to £135,438 (2023- £125,892}, which is after designating funds of £91,000 12023.. £91,000}, and is above the required level. However, maintaining and where possible, improving the level of reseNes is increasingly important given the uncertainty that èxists in the volunteering sector, coupled with the worsening in recent limes of general 8conomic conditions. The trusteas are therefore satisfied that the level of reserves held is appropriate. Structure, governance and management Governing document The charity is controlled by its gov&rnlng document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a Ilmlted company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Comp8nies Act 2006. Charity ¢onstltutlon The Volunteer Centre-chèsterfield and North East Derbyshire is registered as a ¢haritable company limlted by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Associatlon dated 11th January 2005 and Is a regislered charlty number 1107942. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who seNed during theyear and up to th8 date of Signature of the finanGial statements we￿. S J Bratt (Treasur8rl C Harper E M Marsden S E Roger5 Cllr K Sarv8nt { Chairl Cllr D Ruff E Gilson L Tory P G Grinbergs G Kassim K Falconer (Resigned 12 May 2023) (Resigned 8 January 20241 (Appointed 12 May 2023 and r8sign8d 22 April 2024) (Appointed 22 September 20231 (Appointed 22 September 20231 Draft Flnancial Ststements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Recruitment and appolntment of new trustses The charity has a board of up to fifteen I but never less than six) Iruslees elected by and from the membership. The trustees of the company are also directors for the purpose of company law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Artides of Associalion the board of trustees are elected at each Annual General Meeting to serve for one year only. At the en(1 of this period they can stand down or stand for r&election at the following Annual General Meeting. The board of trustees may at any time fill casual vacancies on the board by co￿Ption, provided that such co-opted persons are also members of th8 company; provided also that they do not number more than one third of the total number of the members of the board, and their appointment comes to an end atlhe next annual general meeting following their co-option. Due lo the natur8 of The Voluntéer Centre's work, the board will s8ek to ensure that the various needs of th8 dient group aré appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body. To enhance the potential pool of tnjstees, the charity will. through selective advertising, seek to identify new board members to wlden and strengthen the 8XiSting skills mix. Organlsational structure and declslon maklng pollcle$ The Volunteer Centre has a board of trustees of up to fifteen people who meet every six weeks and arè responslble for the strategic direction and pollcy of the charity- The board consists of a number of people from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity. The secretary also sits on the board but has no voting rights. The board is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified. The manager has responsibility for the d8y-to-day operational management of the Centre, individual supervision of the staff team and also ensures the team continue to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice. Inductlon and tralnlng of new trusloes All trustees will be encouraged to attend training which will benefit themselves as trustees. They will also undergo short Induction into the work of the C8ntre. Relatsd Partles The Gharity is guided by local and national policy. At a national lev81, The Volunte8r Centrfr Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, is a member of NCVOI Volunteering England. As a local infrastructure organisation Ihe charity Is an active member of the Derbyshire Volunteer Centres ne￿Ork and feeds into all the local infrastructure provision. Rlsk management The Iruslees have a duty to identify and review the risk5 to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Plans for future periods The charity plans to continue the activities outlined in the forthcoming years subject to satisfactory funding arrangements. We will also conlinLse to represent the voluntary sector on various plafforms and support organisations and volunteers to the best of our ability. Supplier payment policy The charity's current policy con￿mIng the payment of trade creditors Is to follow the CBI'S Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI. Centre Point. 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1 DU). The charity's curront policy ¢onceming the payment of trade creditors is to make payment when a valid invoice has been received. There were no trade creditors at the year end. Draft Financial Slatements at 08 October 2024 at 14:41:00 THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE