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2025-03-31-accounts

V 4The Volunteer Chesterfleld & NE Derbyshlre The King's Award , for Voluntary Service The MBE for volunteer groups iu4¥J AnnJal Report

The Volunteer Centre Presented with The Kings Awards For Voluntary Service -11 The King's Award lor Volunlary Strvif e 111 The Volunteer L • Centre Chesterfield & NE Derbyshlre

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cllr Kate Sarvent Chair Stevie Bratt Treasurer Liz Marsden BEM Eric Gilson Cllr Nigel Barker Georgina Kassim Lynn Tory STAFF Dave RADFORD: C.E.O. Janet MILLINGTON: Office Administration Steve CHAMBERS: Home from Hospital Coordinator Liz SMITH: Home from Hospital Project Coordinator Bankers Virgin Bank PayRoll Barber Harrison & Platt Auditors John King Clay Cross Accounting

CHAIRS REPORT The majority of our focus during the past year has been on two main areas, namely funding and successian planning. The future of the voluntary organisations acrass the sector is under review, with too many chasing too little funding. As with other organisations we have seen our core infrastructure grant reduced as the County Council struggles to balance their books. For us this has meant some difficult decisions for all our staff. Unfortunately we can no longer continue to fund our apprenticeship and so have had to say farewell to Sarah, but we hope that she has gained valuable experience from the time she has spent with us and wish her success in the future. All our staff have had a small reduction in hours and consequently the office hours too have been revised to ensure that we continue to provide the best possible service to our users. My thanks go to Dave, Janet, Liz and Steve for the professional way they have handled the situation. We continue to seek funding opportunities and have robust reserves so can continue to provide our services, but each year is more challenging. We all know that Dave is the face of the Volunteer Centre and has been its biggest advocate for many years. But even Dave can't go on forever and he has indicated that he would like to retire within the next year ( or so!). As a board, we have therefore been carefully considering our options and deciding on the best way forward to recruit a new CEO who can continue the great work of the Volunteer Centre and can take it fonvard and navigate the uncertain times ahead. This will not be an easy or quick process and nor should it be. Dave is a hard act to follow and we are harnessing his expertise in the voluntary sector to ensure that we make the right decisions. On an optimistic note, the Volunteer Sector Awards continue to shine a light on all the organisations and volunteers out there continuing to battle against the odds to achieve the very best outcomes for the communities they serve. We thank you all for everything you do. Without you our wider community would be a much harder place to live so we salute you for your dedication and commitment. The world needs more people like you, especially in these difficult times we live in. Our volunteers are the proof that as Jo Cox pointed out, we have far more in common than that which divides us. Long tnay that continue. Katesarvent - Chair

MANAGERS REPORT Well, what a year it has been. Last year we celebrated one of our proudest achievernents - the Volunteer Centre receiving The King's Award for Voluntary Service. This year, however, has been one of challenge and struggle, as funding cuts have hit us hard. It truly has felt like going from one extreme to the other. When l first started here 30 years ago, we were always chasing funding, never quite sure how long we could keep the doors open. Then, around 6 years ago, we secured inf rastructure funding from Derbyshire County Council and from Health. For the first time, we were able to plan ahead with some confidence, knowing that our core work was secure. Sadly, in what can only be described as a short-sighted decision, DCC has now withdrawn all funding to the voluntary sector. The irony, of course, is that our sector saves the local authority millions each year in return for the comparatively small surns they invest. The result of this cut has been a major reshuffle and significant belt-tightening. We had to say goodbye to our apprentice, Sarah, and the rest of the staff team have all reduced their hours. That means the same amount of work must now be done in less time, yet the team has risen to the challenge with commitment and resilience. They've kept going without complaint, and I want to acknowledge how much I value their dedication. As for the future it is uncertain. There are worries that Health may also withdraw their funding, and if that happens, it would be a real tragedy. For now, all we can do is continue our work and remain hopeful. On a personal note, this will be my last Manager's Report, as I plan to retire next Spring after 30 years at the Volunteer Centre. It ha5 been, for the most part, a truly wonderful journey, and I feel privileged to have been part of it. I want to thank the staff and our Board of Directors for their support and guidance throughout these years. Do keep an eye out for the retirement parties. As they say - it's been a blast! f)4ue . 6SO

Chicago Twinned Back in 2020 we linked up with a Volunteer Centre in Chicago in the USA. They have been tremendous fun to work with and, the current crazy political situation in that country I'm planning what could be my fourth trip out to see them. My last visits have been simply awesome (as someone from that neck of the woods might say) and I have nothing to suggest that next years will be any different. THE VOLUNTEER CEKfER One of the really lovely things that did happen on my second 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 wonderwhy and even when I asked her she was rathervague 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 foThvard' _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 30years service Barbara fubekis (2d from left) is retiring as CEO of the Volunteer Center in North East Metro Chicago. De- spite this Jin sure we // stay in touch andlin sure she // remain a great friend. What a wonderfu13dventure the last fewyears have been. lin sure she deserves a nice long rest after a// the work she has done. Dave Radford CEO V 4 The Volunteer L • Centre-'

TREASURERS REPORT INTRODUCTION As we reach the end of another fi.nancial year 2024125,1 am pleased to present a short financial review, covering the year frorn l April 2024 to 31 March 2025. This has been a further very challenging year, with external factors affecting people and nott just across the local area but across the UK as well. These factors include: Increasing Inflation 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 £50k. Additional income to support one of our projects, together with an underspend on costs, resulted in an actual deficit for the year, of just £6k: a great result in a turbulent tinancial 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 welcorned 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 rninimum of three months. While the level of reserves is higher than the recommended rninimum, it is not excessive for a charity of the size of the Volunteer Centre in the current cl imate. It is the trustees, intention to review the optimal level of free reserves in the forthcoming year. V 4 The Volunteer L•centre. Chesterfleld &

Treasurers Report Continued. SUMMARY In very challenging circumstances, 2024/25 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 voted to cut discretionary grants to all voluntary organisations. This means we will lose £14,000 for the befriending service and £23,000 for our core service. That is a huge drop in income to overcome. I'm sure The Board will be sitring down with Dave to look at best ways forward. The potential irnpact of the pending declslon could see a reduction in our income for 2025/26 of c£40k, around 30Yo 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 raisin8 funds if necessary. We are not going anywhere. A small spoiler: we are ahead of the budget at the ts'me of wrikn'ng and are currently forecasting a small defecit for the year ended 31 March 2026. If you want to know how it all turned out, you'll have to attend next year's meeting. Once again, watch this space. With Dave having announced his retirement we will also have additional CEO salary as the incoming Chief Exec learns the ropes. 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 mean5 we can keep on keeping on. we couldn't do it without VDU. 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 2020 202: over the last five years of the project obviously there were less in the pandernic. 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 thern, he gets out his GT85, which I am reliably told is better than WD401 nurTFtr*f of ElieTtt5 2011 2C23 2r121.2¢22 ZQ19-102Q 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 57/0 of referrals come from Chesterfield. referrals by rn 1013-21114 36- i7 The future of the project looks bright, The Volunteer Centre has been included in the new system setup which includesjust 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 DfMYSHIRE

Elderfriends As mentioned elsewhere in this report, the Elderfriends befriending project was forced to close following the withdrawal of funding from Derbyshire County Council. This decision has left many older and socially isolated individuals in our community without access to a face-to-face befriending service. For 25 years, Elderfriends was a cornerstone of our direct support services- providing companionship, reducing loneliness, and improving wellbeing for countless local residents. Its closure marks a significant loss, not only for our organisation but for the wider community. Ilnn't Ic.t ihi*m alone. Wiilk ￿1th thvm... Research consistently shows that social connection plays a crucial role in maintaining good physical and mental health in later life. Regular social contact has been linked to lower rates of depression, reduced hospital admissions, and even increased life expectancy. Befriending schemes like Elderfriends provide more than emotional support-they actively contribute to healthier, more independent ageing. Sadly, this situation is not unique to us; every befriending service across the county has faced similar funding cuts. This represents a troubling reflection of current social priorities and, ultimately, a false economy these challenges will not disappear, but instead resurface elsewhere in the system, often at greater cost.

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 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 funding would be a doddle- but not so! Last year we picked up funding from Chesterfield Borough Council as well as some money from Big Lotteries Awards For All Grant programme. These were perfect for making sure that Safe & Sound continued for this year at least. Another problem the project has faced is the drop off in volunteers. At the height of its popularity the project had over 30 volunteers. However, we are now down to around 10. We perhaps need to look at a targeted recruiting campaignfor volunteers for this project. Dave Radford-CEO sof $sa4nd

STATISTICS FOR 2023 Number of Contacts As usual the biggest percentage of our contacts came from Agencies seeking advice or information with just over 53'A couple this with Individuals seeking the same that totals 68¥0. There was an increase in the number of volunteers though as this was us up to 15% olunteer5, 32. en¢y., S vidual, ' 15% How volunteers heard about us (Xher PuL4icity Walkin8 P [￿lled(h V0￿e io) 2£X) 2￿) Volife and Outreach visits were the biggest draw to Volunteer Centre seNices. Publicity was also strong as was Already Knew. The latter proves that although we are always trying to raise the profile of the Volunteer centre, it is quite well known already. Other Incorporates 'Schools, Colleges,, DWP but are not in- cluded in our outreach figures.

Voluteers by gender The split between male and female volunteers remains pretty much the same as it always has. This reflects the national average. 43 Status of Volunteers 239 237 138 102 ios Is Employed RetiTed Student Unempthed Unknown (Aher The Unemployed has always been a high number when it comes to 'Status of potential volunteers,. Proving that volunteering is an excellent way of gaining the skills and experience to gain employment. Student numbers are also high because of the amount of work we do in college. How Agency/lndividuals contacted Agencies and individuals made up nearly 70¥0 of the contacts to The Volunteer Centre. For organisations and professional bodie5 is by far the biggest contributor to these numbers. Only a very small percentage now use the telephone. Visit Email Telephone

The Easy Fundraiser Since DCC cut their funding last year we are looking at other ways to increase our income streaims. Of course we will continue to bid for grants, but these are all time limited, project focused and, with times being hard for everyone, extremely hard fought over. Lots of organisations after ever decreasing pots of money. So, we managed to hear about 'Easy Fundraising,. So, whenever you shop on line- from your weekly shop to your annual holiday- you could be raising free donations for The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire with easyfundraising? There are over 8,000 retailers on board ready to make a donation - including eBay, Argos, John Lewis & Partners, ASOS, Book- ing.com and M&S - and it won't cost you a penny extra to help us raise funds. All you need to do is: 1. Go to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/chesterfieldvc/ and join for free. 2. Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping. 3. After you've checked out, the retailer will make a donation to The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & N E Derbyshire at no extra cost to you whatsoever! There are no catches or hidden charges and The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire will be really grateful for your donations. Thank you for your support. Tliih 1.4 wlmji ont eoukl for easyfurKlraisirg You spend, retailers donate Sign UP Io èasyrund'roising - and see your fovourite retailers donate to- whenèver you shop with them TotrDI r4l#•d d £46.60! Sign up and get started

The Voluntary Sector Awards 2025 The Voluntary Sector Awards were launched in 2013, and, aside from a one-year pause in 2020 due to Covid, they have grown into one of the most anticipated events in our community calendar. Every year, we come together to celebrate the incredible people and organisations who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to making a real difference. But here's the thing - these awards only shine as brightly as the nominations we receive. Eve- ry nomination is a story of commitment, gener- osity, and impact. Without organisations and individuals taking the time to recognise the amazing work happening around them, the awards would simply not exist. Every entry is a reminder of how much good there is in our community and how often it goes unnoticed. That's why this night belongs to you - the volunteers, staff, and organisations whose dedication transforms lives every day. It's your commitiment, your care, and your tireless energy that we celebrate, ac- knowledging achievements that too often happen behind the scenes. . We Bunt a Barn li The Voluntary Sector Awards are more than just a ceremony- they're a chance to applaud, inspire, and bring our sector together in one unforgettable night of recognition. So come ready to cheer, celebrate, and be celebrated - because this is your night, and the spotlight has never shone brighter. ,,?x: *lJ Cont. overleaf

The Voluntary Sector Awards 2025 The Voluntary Sector Awards this year were a special night - well they always are, it was bitter sweet for me as this could well be my last one, because, as you will have read, I'm retiring before the next one comes around. It was however a great night and a delight to share it with so many wonderful people.. The ML7yor and consort arrive . 'Ihese are lovelyphotosl We// done for organi'si'ng another successful e vent. ' Lynn Farrar stepping up to accept her Trustee Of The Year A ward. •• Sweets & Treats win Jnnovative Project A ward. "Ihankyou very much for these. Great pics, to remember and celebra te a great night. Thoroughly enjoyedit.-

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. Volunteer of the Year Michael Garner. Stonebroom and Mick/ey HAF lighting up the stagel "Thanks for these, was a great evening and we /ook forward to the next. ' i. rhe first person ever to cry at winning an A wardl A moving tribute to Jennie Street at the end

Goodbye To All That Earlier this year, I decided to call it quits! After more than 30 years here, it's fair to say it's been quite a ride plenty of ups, plenty of downs, and I've met some truly wonderful people along the way (and, let's be h onest, a few absolutely awful ones tool). But the time has come to hang up my voluntary sector boots. It's a young person's game- and I'm certainly not that anymorel Here's a whistle-stop tour of some of the moments I'm most proud of over the last three decades: or But It's All Over Now! 1997- Joined the Management Committee of The Volunteer Centre. 1999 - The Volunteer Centre secured a major Lottery grant, allowing us to move to Ches- terfield town centre and recruit both a Development Worker and an Admin Worker. 1999 - Despite delivering what I still call "the worst interview in history,, I somehow land- ed the Admin Workerjob. Chuffed? Absolutely. 2002 - With managers coming and going, the VC faced a perilous financial situation and closure loomed. 15tamped my feet and persuaded the Board to fight to keep it open. (Their response? "Fine you're in charge." That'll teach me to open my big gob!) 2003 - Given the grand title of Centre Co-ordinator (though sadly, no extra pay). 2003 - Oversaw the Vc's move to smaller premises on Rose Hill. 2004-2017 - Secured three Lottery bids, one Comic Relief bid, two European Social Fund bids, one from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust, and two from Macmillan. 2004 - Promoted to Centre Manager (still the poorest-paid manager in Derbyshirel). 2006 - Celebrated The Volunteer Centre's 1 Oth anniversary. 2013 - Created and ran the Voluntary Sector Awards, an annual celebration of the best our sector has to offer. 2019- Designed and delivered the Safe & Sound project, which went on to win both the Aviva Award and the People's Lottery Award for Most Innovative Volunteering Project.

2020 - Negotiated new contracts for our i nfrastructu re services with DCC and the ICB. 2020 - During COVID, we were asked by Public Health Derbyshire to support socially iso- lated resident5 and we did, for over a year, carrying out over 5,000 shops.. 2020- Launched 'Across the Pond,, a project linking volunteers in Chesterfield and Chica- go to share their pandemic experiences online. 2021 Published a book capturing people's experiences of conflict, funded by the Ministry of Defence. 2021- Officially became Chief Executive Officer. Wooo-hoool 2021-2023 - Made three self-funded visits to Chicago to meet our 'sister' organisation. 2024- The Volunteer Centre received The King's Award for Voluntary Service- the only Volunteer Centre in Derbyshire to achieve this honour. Looking Back (and FonNard) It's been an absolute privilege to work alongside so many passionate, coinmitted people staff, volunteers, trustees, and partners- all doing their bit to make life a little better for others. The voluntary sector has changed a lot over the years, but the heart of it remains the same: people helping people. There have been challenges (many of them!), but there have also been countless moments of pride, laughter, and genuine joy. I wouldn't trade those for anything. So, what's next? Honestly- a bit of a lie down, a decent cup of tea, and perhaps finally learning how to re- lax. But who knows? Once volunteering's in your blood, it's hard to keep away for long. Thank you to everyone who's been part of the journey. It's been one heck of a ride.

fAmob. olunteer Centre Chesterfield & NE. D Friday 14th Movember 2025 Tel: 01246 276 777 Email. irtfi ,chesterfiie.T,d,vc.org.ts,k •1, The King's Award for Voluntary Service V 4 The Volunteer NE Dert)yshlre

Charity registration number 1107942 (England and Wales) Company registration number 05329651

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 2025

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

S J Bratt (Treasurer) E M Marsden Cllr K Sarvent ( Chair) E Gilson L Tory G Kassim K Falconer N Barker (Appointed 18 October 2024)

Secretary Mr D A Radford Charity number 1107942 Company number 05329651 Registered office 38 Knifesmithgate Chesterfield Derbyshire S40 1RQ

Independent examiner

John Henry Francis King FCCA John H. F. King Chartered Certified Accountants 119 High Street Clay Cross Chesterfield Derbyshire S45 9DZ

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 5
Independent examiner's report 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Balance sheet 8
Notes to the financial statements 9 - 18

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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

Objectives and activities

The charity's principal activities and aims are to promote, support and develop volunteering in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. We aim to make a positive impact on the quality of the 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 opportunities and introduce those offering to volunteer to local organisations (Brokerage).

Development of volunteer opportunities

Voice of volunteering

Strategic development of volunteering

Share good practice and improvement

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit.

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 2025

Significant activities

The Volunteer Centre-Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire run the following services in the community: ELDERFRIENDS BEFRIENDING SERVICE

Elderfriends was a face to face befriending project which provided a service to lonely and socially isolated people. The Elderfriends project was solely funded by Adult Care Derbyshire but this ceased with effect from 1st April 2025 and the project is being wound down.

SAFE & SOUND

Safe & Sound has been funded by a variety of funders during its life span and it remains a popular project with both clients and service users alike. The project has continued to run with no direct funder and has been run from the Centre's reserves. New funding has been acquired from the Big Lottery Awards For All Fund for a further eighteen months.

HOME FROM HOSPITAL

Now into its seventh year the 'Home From Hospital' project was a tender secured by the Volunteer Centre network which operates across Derbyshire. The project provides a six-week care and support package to individuals who have recently been discharged from hospital, or to prevent someone from being admitted to hospital. Chesterfield is one of five Volunteer Centres across the country involved in this project and, because we cover two 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 organisations that work with them. The night has gone from strength to strength with an ever increasing number of categories. It's also a great chance for people from across the sector to get together and let 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 showcase themselves to a different section of the community.

CORE INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVITIES

The main services offered by The Volunteer Centre are to provide a bespoke brokerage service to individuals looking to access a volunteering role or from a Volunteer Involving Organisation (VIO) looking for advice or information about the specifics surrounding volunteer recruitment and engagement. These are services we have always provided but have never been adequately recompensed for. Following on from the removal of our befriending funding it was decided that Chesterfield Volunteer Centre should fall in line with other Centres 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 with the rest of the County. On average the Volunteer Centre sees over 2,500 potential volunteers a year and has contact with organisations on around 3,500 separate occasions. We are the busiest Centre in Derbyshire outside of Derby City.

Achievements and performance

Charitable activities

During the year the charity continued to run services as outlined under Objectives and activities above.

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 2025

Financial review

Financial position

Total income increased in the year from £133,537 to £164,244. Expenditure increased in the year from £135,401 to £157,123 giving net income of £7,121

(2024: net expenditure £1,864).

The charity had funds carried forward at 31st March 2025 of £365,804 (2024: £358,683) of which £128,463 (2024: £132,245) are restricted funds and £237,341

(2024: £226,438) are unrestricted funds.

Principal funding sources

Principal funding sources for the charity for 2024/25 were by way of grants from major funding sources and ongoing tenders from The Clinical Commissioning Group, Derbyshire County Council and The Lottery Community Fund.

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Reserves policy

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 than three months of the total running costs of the Centre, approx. £33,000. At 31st March 2025 free reserves amounted to £146,341 (2024: £135,438), which is after designating funds of £91,000 (2024: £91,000), and is above the required level. However, maintaining and where possible, improving the level of reserves is increasingly important given the uncertainty that exists in the volunteering sector, coupled with the worsening in recent times of general economic conditions. The Trustees are therefore satisfied that the level of reserves held is appropriate.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Charity constitution

The Volunteer Centre-Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association dated 11th January 2005 and is a registered charity number 1107942.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

S J Bratt (Treasurer) E M Marsden Cllr K Sarvent ( Chair) Cllr D Ruff (Resigned 12 October 2024) E Gilson L Tory P G Grinbergs (Resigned 22 April 2024) G Kassim K Falconer N Barker (Appointed 18 October 2024)

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 2025

Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees

The charity has a board of up to fifteen ( but never less than six) Trustees 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 Articles of Association the Board of Trustees are elected at each Annual General Meeting to serve for one year only. At the end of this period they can stand down or stand for re-election at the following Annual General Meeting.

The Board of Trustees may at any time fill casual vacancies on the board by co-option, provided that such co-opted persons are also members of the 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 at the next annual general meeting following their co-option.

Due to the nature of The Volunteer Centre's work, the Board will seek to ensure that the various needs of the client group are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the Trustee body. To enhance the potential pool of Trustees, the charity will, through selective advertising, seek to identify new Board members to widen and strengthen the existing skills mix.

Organisational structure and decision making policies

The Volunteer Centre has a Board of Trustees of up to fifteen people who meet every six weeks and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy 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 day-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.

Induction and training of new Trustees

All Trustees will be encouraged to attend training which will benefit themselves as Trustees. They will also undergo a short induction into the work of the Centre.

Related Parties

The charity is guided by local and national policy. At a national level, The Volunteer Centre- Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, is a member of NCVO/ Volunteering England. As a local infrastructure organisation the charity is an active member of the Derbyshire Volunteer Centres network and feeds into all the local infrastructure provision.

Risk management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks 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 continue to represent the voluntary sector on various platforms and support organisations and volunteers to the best of our ability.

Supplier payment policy

The charity's current policy concerning 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 1DU).

The charity's current policy concerning 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.

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 2025

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees, who are also the directors of The Volunteer Centre-Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire for the purpose of company law,are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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

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

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

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

Cllr K Sarvent ( Chair) Trustee

14 November 2025

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Volunteer Centre-Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

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 that in any material respect:

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

John Henry Francis King

FCCA John H. F. King Chartered Certified Accountants 119 High Street Chesterfield Derbyshire S45 9DZ

Dated: 14 November 2025

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
Notes £ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 7,274 147,431 154,705 7,932 115,704 123,636
Charitable activities 4 140 - 140 - 615 615
Investments 5 9,399 - 9,399 9,286 - 9,286
Total income 16,813 147,431 164,244 17,218 116,319 133,537
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 6 - 82 82 26 262 288
Charitable activities 7 8,791 148,250 157,041 6,300 128,813 135,113
Total expenditure 8,791 148,332 157,123 6,326 129,075 135,401
Net income/(expenditure) 8,022 (901) 7,121 10,892 (12,756) (1,864)
Transfers between
funds 2,881 (2,881) - (1,346) 1,346 -
Net movement in
funds 8 10,903 (3,782) 7,121 9,546 (11,410) (1,864)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024 226,438 132,245 358,683 216,892 143,655 360,547
Fund balances at 31 March
2025 237,341 128,463 365,804 226,438 132,245 358,683

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 - 607
Current assets
Debtors 13 7,345 2,197
Cash at bank and in hand 371,825 367,243
379,170 369,440
Creditors: amounts falling due within 14
one year (13,366) (11,364)
Net current assets 365,804 358,076
Total assets less current liabilities 365,804 358,683
Net assets excluding pension liability 365,804 358,683
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds 16 128,463 132,245
Unrestricted funds 237,341 226,438
365,804 358,683

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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

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

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 14 November 2025

S J Bratt (Treasurer) Cllr K Sarvent ( Chair) Trustee Trustee

Company registration number 05329651 (England and Wales)

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Volunteer Centre-Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 38 Knifesmithgate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1RQ.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

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

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

1.2 Going concern

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

1.3 Charitable funds

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

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

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

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

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

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

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

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

Plant and equipment 4 years straight line

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

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

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

Basic financial assets

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

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

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

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

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

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

1.9 Taxation

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

1.10 Employee benefits

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

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

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.12 Donated Services

General Volunteers

The contribution of general volunteers cannot be measured reliably and therefore is not included as income within the charity accounts. The work of general volunteers is however fundamental for the continuance by the charity of its charitable activities.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 7,274 - 7,274 7,932 90 8,022
Grants - 147,431 147,431 - 115,614 115,614
7,274 147,431 154,705 7,932 115,704 123,636
Grants receivable for
core activities
Awards for All - 19,311 19,311 - - -
Elderfriends - 17,036 17,036 - 17,036 17,036
Chesterfield BC - 6,000 6,000 - - -
Clinical
Commissioning Group - 22,945 22,945 - 22,945 22,945
Home From Hospital - 43,242 43,242 - 44,762 44,762
Infrastructure DCC - 23,471 23,471 - 23,471 23,471
NEDDC - 5,000 5,000 - 5,000 5,000
V C Awards - 10,426 10,426 - 2,400 2,400
- 147,431 147,431 - 115,614 115,614

4 Charitable activities

2025 2024
£ £
Sale of goods 140 615

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 9,399 9,286

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Fundraising and publicity
Advertising - 82 82 26 262 288

7 Charitable activities

Direct costs Direct costs Direct costs
2025 2024
£ £
Staff costs 114,994 99,219
Depreciation and impairment 608 608
Premises costs 19,529 15,223
Insurance 1,592 1,536
Light and heat 1,248 1,462
Professional fees 3,965 5,563
Telephone postage and stationery 2,549 3,050
Staff / volunteer expenses 10,174 5,446
Bank charges 146 164
Office equipment - 703
Publications and subscriptions 316 309
155,121 133,283
Share of governance costs (see note ) 1,920 1,830
157,041 135,113
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 8,791 6,300
Restricted funds 148,250 128,813
157,041 135,113
Governance costs are Independent Examiner's fees £1,920 (2024 £1,830)
8 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements - -
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 608 608

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9 Trustees

There were no Trustees' remuneration, expenses or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Centre Manager 1 1
Project Co-Ordinators 2 2
Administration Assistant 1 1
Apprentice 1 1
Total 5 5
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 107,480 92,939
Social security costs 2,665 1,926
Other pension costs 4,849 4,354
114,994 99,219

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

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12 Tangible fixed assets

12 Tangible fixed assets
Plant and
equipment
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024 2,431
At 31 March 2025 2,431
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024 1,823
Depreciation charged in the year 608
At 31 March 2025 2,431
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024 607
13 Debtors
2025 2024
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Other debtors 5,000 -
Prepayments and accrued income 2,345 2,197
7,345 2,197
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 13,366 11,364
15 Retirement benefit schemes
2025 2024
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 4,849 4,354

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April At 1 April
Incoming

Incoming

Resources

Resources

Transfers

Transfers
At 31 March At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Lottery Community Fund 2,881 - - (2,881) -
Elderfriends 47,975 17,036 (21,763) - 43,248
Clinical Commissioning Group 15,361 22,945 (24,252) - 14,054
Home From Hospital 39,168 43,242 (46,044) - 36,366
Infrastructure DCC 14,643 23,471 (29,768) - 8,346
NEDDC 1,812 5,000 (1,444) - 5,368
Volunteer Centre Awards 1,355 10,426 (5,029) - 6,752
Other One Off Funds 1,198 - - - 1,198
Volunteer Centre Development 7,852 - (7,852) - -
Awards for All - 19,311 (8,165) - 11,146
Chesterfield BC - 6,000 (4,015) - 1,985
132,245 147,431 (148,332) (2,881) 128,463
Previous year: At 1 April
Incoming

Resources

Transfers
At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Lottery Community Fund 2,911 - (30) - 2,881
Elderfriends 56,951 17,036 (26,012) - 47,975
Clinical Commissioning Group 15,372 22,945 (22,956) - 15,361
Home From Hospital 34,445 44,762 (40,039) - 39,168
Inman Charity 2,806 - - (2,806) -
CBC Health & Wellbeing 387 - (372) (15) -
CBC Covid-19 46 - - (46) -
DCC Covid-19 279 - (328) 49 -
Infrastructure DCC 20,803 23,471 (29,631) - 14,643
NEDDC 1,736 5,000 (4,924) - 1,812
Volunteer Centre Awards 515 3,075 (2,235) - 1,355
MOD 4,252 - - (4,252) -
Other One Off Funds 1,168 30 - - 1,198
Volunteer Centre Development - - (2,548) 10,400 7,852
PLACE 1,984 - - (1,984) -
143,655 116,319 (129,075) 1,346 132,245

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At At 1 April
Incoming

Incoming

Resources

Resources

Transfers

Transfers
At 31 March At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Redundancy 21,000 - - - 21,000
Running Costs 50,000 - - - 50,000
Premises 20,000 - - - 20,000
General funds 135,438 16,813 (8,791) 2,881 146,341
226,438 16,813 (8,791) 2,881 237,341
Previous year: At 1 April
Incoming

Resources

Transfers
At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Redundancy 21,000 - - - 21,000
Running Costs 50,000 - - - 50,000
Premises 20,000 - - - 20,000
General funds 125,892 17,218 (6,326) (1,346) 135,438
216,892 17,218 (6,326) (1,346) 226,438
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
At 31 March 2025:
Current assets/(liabilities) 237,341 128,463 365,804
237,341 128,463 365,804

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Analysis of net assets between funds (Continued)
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets 607 - 607
Current assets/(liabilities) 225,831 132,245 358,076
226,438 132,245 358,683

19 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

Charlty reglstratlon number 1107942 {England and Wales) Company reglstration number 05329651 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 2025

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELDAND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGALAND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees S J Bratt (T￿asurer} E M Marsden Cllr K Satvent ( Chair) E Gilson LTory G Kassim K Falconer N Barker (Appointed 18 October 2024) Secretary Mr D A Radford Charlty numbar 1107942 Company number 05329651 Reglstered offlce 38 Knifesmithgate Chesterfield Derbyshire S401RQ Independent axamlner John Henry Francis King FCCA John H. F. Klng Chartered Certified Accountants 119 High Street Clay Cross Chesterfield Derbyshire S45 9DZ

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Independent examineffs report Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes to the financial Statements 9-18

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial ststements and comply with the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). Objectlves and actlvltios The charity's principal activities and aims are to promote, support and develop volunteering in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. We aim to make a positive impa¢i on the quality of the 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 opportunities and introduce those offerlng to volunteer to local organlsatlons (Brokeragel. We can help local organisations promote volunteer opportunities. We recruit volunteers online and through a tailored volunteer matching service for Derbyshire opportunities. Development of volunteer opportunltles We work with people, local groups and organisations to improve the quantity, quality and diversity of volunteering locally. Volco of volunteerlng We shout about Ihe mutual benefits of volunteering, share people's volunteerfng experiences and raise awareness of the impact lat local and county partnerships and In media). Strateglc development of volunteerlng We engage with local ne￿OrkS, partnerships and decision makers to ensure that volunteering and voluntary action can flourish. Sharn good practlce and Improvement We work together as organisations to ensure that volunteerfs experiences are valuable and safe. We are members of Derbyshire Volunteer Centres NeI￿Ork,. 3D; NCVO and NAVCA. In setting objectives and plannlng for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit.

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 2025 Signlficant activities The Volunteer Centre-chesterfield and North East Derbyshire run the following services in the community.. ELDERFRIENDS BEFRIENDING SERVICE Elderfriends was a face to face befriending project which provided a seniice to lonely and socially isolated people. The Elderfriends project was solely funded by Adult Care Derbyshire but this ceased with effect from 1st April 2025 and the project is being wound down. SAFE & SOUND Safa & Sound has been funded by a variety of funders durlng Its Ilfe span and it remains a popular project with both clients and service users alike. The project has continued to run with no direct funder and has been run from the Centre's reserves. New funding has been acquired from the Big Lottery Awards For All Fund for a further elghteen months. HOME FROM HOSPITAL Now into its seventh 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 to individua15 who have recently been discharged from hospital. or to prevent someone from being admitted to hospital. Chesterfield is one of five Volunteer Centres across the country involved in this project and, because we cover local authority areas, we are by far the busiest. The projecl 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 organisations that work with them. The night has gone from strength to strength with an ever increasing number of categories. It's also a great chance for people from across the sector 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 maln services offered by The Volunteer Centre are to provide a bespoke brokerage servlce to irKllvlduals looking to access a volunteering role or from a Volunteer Involving Organisation (VIO) looking for advice or information about the specifics surrounding volunteer recruitment and engagement. These are services we have always provided but have never been adequately recompensed for. Following on from the removal of our befriending funding it was decided thal Chesterfield Volunteer Centre should fall in line with other Centres 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 with the rest of the County. On average the Volunteer Centre sees over 2,500 potential volunteers a year and has contact with organisations on around 3,500 separate occasions. We are the busiest Centre in Derbyshire outside of Derby City. Achlevements and performance Charitable actlvltles During the year the charity continued to run services as outlined under Objectives and actlvitles above.

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELDAND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Financial revlew Financial posltlon Total income increased in the year from £133,537 to £164,244. Expenditure increased in the year from £135,401 to £157,123 giving net income of £7,121 (2024: net expenditure £1,864). The charity had funds carried forward at 31st March 2025 of £385,804 (2024.. £358,683) of which £128,463 {2024: £132,245} are restricted funds and £237,341 (2024.. £226,438} are unrestricted funds. Principal fundlng sources Principal funding sources for the charity for 2024125 were by way of grants from major funding sources and ongoing tenders from The Clinical Commissioning Group, Derbyshire County Council and The Lottery Community Fund. Golng concern After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resource5 to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concem basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies. Reserves 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 ant￿Ipated 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 than three months of the total running costs of the Centre, approx. £33,000. At 31st March 2025 free reserves amounted to £146,341 {2024'. £135,438), which is after designating funds of £91,000 (2024.. £91,000), and is above the required level. However, maintaining and where possible, improving the level of reserves is increasingly importani given the uncertainty that exists in the volunteering sactor, coupled with the Worsening in recent times of g￿eral economic conditions. The Trustees are therefore satisfied that the level of r8serves held is appropriate. structure, governance and management Governlng document The charity Is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limlted company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Charity constltutlon The Volunteer Centre-chesterfield and North East Derbyshire is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association dated 11th January 2005 and is a registered charity number 1107942. The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who Served during Ihe year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: S J Bratt (Trea5urerl E M Marsden Cllr K Sarvent ( Chair) Cllr D Ruff E Gilson L Tory P G Grinbergs G Kassim K Falconer N Barker (Resigned 12 October 2024) (Resigned 22 April 2024) (Appointed 18 October 2024)

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 2025 Recruitment and appolntment of new Trustees The charity has a board.of up to fifteen ( but never less than six) Trustees 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 Articles ofAssociation the Board ofTrustees are elected at each Annual General Meeting to seNe for one year only. At the end of this period they can stand down or stand for re-election at the following Annual General Meeting. The Board of Trustees may at any time fill casual vacancies on the board by co-option, provided that such co-opted persons are also members of the 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 at the next annual general meeting following their co-option. Due to the nature of The Volunteer Centre's work, the Board will seek to ensure that the various needs oflhe client group are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the Trustee body. To enhance the potential pool of Trustees, the charity will, through selective advertising, seek to identify new Board members to widen and strengthen the existing skills mix. Organlsatlonal structure and declslon maklng pollcies The Volunteer Centre has a Board ofTrustees of up to fifteen people who meet every six weeks and are responslble for the strategic direction and policy 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 tLJt has no voting rights. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified. The manager has responsibility for Ihe day-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 Trustees All Trustees will be encouraged to attend tralning which will benefit themselves as Trustees. They will also undergo short induction into the work of the Cenlre. Related PartiOS The charily is gulded by local and national policy. At a national level, The Volunteer Centr& Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, is a member of NCVOI Volunteering England. As a local infrastructure organisation the charity is an active member of the Derbyshire Volunteer Centres network and feeds into all the local infrastructure provision. Rlsk management The Trustees have a duty lo identify and review the risks 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 perlods The charity plans to continue the aclivities outlined in the forthcoming years subject to satisfactory funding arrangements. We will also continue to represent the voluntary sector on various platforms and support organisations and volunteers to the best of our ability. Supplier payment policy The charity's current policy concerning 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 charily's current policy concerning 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.

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 2025 Statement of Trustees, responsibilities The Trustees, who are also the directors of The Volunteer Centre-chesterfield and North East Derbyshire for the purpose of company law,are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, induding the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial ststements, the Trustees are requlred to.. select sultable accounting polldes and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and prlnciples In the Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements-, and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees, report wa5 approved by the Board of Trustees. Cllr Sarvent ( Chair) Trustee 14 November 2025

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Volunteer Centre-chesterfield and North East Derbyshire (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Rèsponslbllltles and basls of report As the Trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20C6 (the 2006 Act). Having satisfied myself that the financial ststements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examlnation of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 . In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5){b) of the CharitiesAct 2011. Independent examlner'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 that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006. the financial statements do not accord with those records., or the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any r8quirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is nd a matter considered as part of an independent examination. or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with th8 methods and principles of the stalement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable lo charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. John Henry Francls Klng FCCA John H. F. King Chartered Certified Accountants 119 High Street Chesteffield Derbyshire S45 9DZ Dated: 14 November 2025

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE-CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE { A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITUREACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds 2026 2025 Total Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Notss Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments 7,274 140 9,399 147,431 154,705 140 9,399 7,932 115,704 615 123,636 615 9,286 9,286 Total Incomo 16,813 147,431 164,244 17,218 116,319 133.537 Expendlture on; Raising funds Charitable activities 82 148,250 82 157,041 26 6,300 262 128,813 288 135,113 8,791 Totsl expendlture 8,791 148,332 157,123 6,326 129,075 135,401 Net Incomel{expendlture) 8,022 (901) 7,121 10,892 (12,756) (1,864) Transfers be￿een funds 2,881 (2,881) {1,346) 1,346 Net movement In funds 10,903 (3,782) 7,121 9,546 {11,410) (1,884) Reconclllatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 226,438 132,245 358,683 216,892 143,655 360,547 Fund balances at 31 MaKh 2025 237,341 128,463 365,804 226,438 132,245 358,683 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.