I qqi VOLUMTARY NORFOLK NGRFVI K Annual Report 2024-2025
Contents Chair's introduction: David Walker CEO'S introduction: Michael Kitching Trustees, report . Organisational objectives Activities and achievements Glossary . Highlights during 2024-25 10 Building a thrivingVCSE sector 12 Leading new initiatives that enable communities to thrive 22 Supporting peoplewhen they need help the most Getting people into work 26 34 Strengthening communities and improving lives through volunteering CBR Business Solutions 36 44 Financial review 46 Structure• governance and management 48 Progress against plans and future plans Reference and administrative details 50 Photos on Pages l and 38 used wrth kind pem]tssion of East Coast Communrty Heolthcore CIC 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
Chair's introduction: David Walker As Acting Chair, l am pleased to present this annual report which seeks to showcase the impact thatvoluntary Norfolk has had over the last twelve months in improving the lives of people and strengchening communities across Norfolk and beyond. I would like to start by thanking staff. volunteers and partners for their hard work in helping us achieve the successes we have had in the last year. We knew the current financial year would throw up its fair share of challenges. In October 2023, the National Council forvoluntary Organisations (NCVO) had warned that the cost-of-living crisis had sparked a'cost of giving crisis" for charities chat could see l in 5 cease operating. Fortunately, thanks to the resilience of our organisation and prudent planning. Voluntary Norfolk were never likely to suffer this fats. However. that is not to say we did not have to overcome significant challenges over the last year. Most notable among these has been the ongoing financial uncertainty for the organisation, given that several of our contracts, notably our Better Together service, our voluner services for ECCH, NCH&C. ERS and our Community Support Service, the Empowering Communities partnership. our Brighter Futures employment team. and our Parent Carers Service were all up for renewal over the last year or were set to end at the end of the financial year.As you will see from our Balance SheeL we ended the year in a strong financial posiuon. The other major challenge was ensuring that we could hand over the running of the SOS Bus and help set it up as its own charity following the decision by the ICB to cease funding the service last year. l am pleased to report that throughout the year all our services continued co operate while the SOS bus is now firmly established as a separate charity that continue5 to provide support to people in Norwich's late night economy zone at weekends. David Walker Chair ofTrustees Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111
As you will see in this repor¢Voluntary Norfolk has continued to make a genuinely positive impact to so many people and communities. Particular highlights, for me as acting chair, have been the first evervolunteer ExtravaDnza which ourVCSE Sector SupportTeam organised to pmmote volunteering in NorfollL We know that nationalty volunteering numbers. especially formal volunteering have declined in the last decade and so activiues that encournge people to support voluntary organisations, charities. community groups and social enterprises are certainly to be encouraged and promoted. I was delighted to hear such positive feedback al)out this event with so many groups urging us to repeat it next year. Intsrnalty the last twelve months have seen a number of changes for the organisation with a new Chief Executive coming in, the majority of our staff moving to a new office in Norwich and significant changes amongst the Board of trustses, not least our long-standing chair,John Archibald, standing down after 15 years on our Board.TheVCSE sector in Norfolk generalty owes John a debt of gratitude and the ongoing success ofvolunrary Norfolk was in no small part down to his excellent leadership in recent years.jo Smithson also stepped down this year leaving very big shoes to fill especially regarding financial matters.we were. however, fortunate to have been offered the services of three new Board members. lan Morrison, Stephen Wright and Tessa Haskey all joined in 2024125. Latterty, MarkTrenavin-Body has also joined the Board, as a very experienced finance professional. At the Board's June 2025 meeting.Tessa Haskey was elected Chair. l am delighted that we have succeeded in finding a Chair with an impressive track record of successful leadership who is committed to seeing the voluntary sector and Voluntary Norfolk thrive in our remarkable County. I look forynrd to working with Tessa and all my colleagues as we put together our vision for where we wantvoluntary Norfolk to go.As a Board. we were also delighted to have been able to welcome our new CEO Michael Kitching to Voluntary Norfolk He brings with him a wealth of experience from the world of charity and politics in Norfolk. l am convinced with these changes Voluntary Norfolk will be able to continue to work with people to improve lives and strengthen communities over the coming months and years. Similarly, the ongoing efforts of our Freshly Greated team to bring community cohesion to some of the most deprived and marginalised areas of Greatyarmouth are to be welcomed. At a time when society seems more polarised than ever this initiative deserves special note. The showcase events the team put on, of course. made the headlines, but for me it was less conspicuous work done on a daily basis to empower people and give them the skills and resources to put on the kind of activities that they wanted to see, which was the most positive.This epitomises the purpose of this projec( namely to ensure the efforts of the staff there will have an ongoing legacy going forward. This year's strong perforniance, here and in so rnany other areas of our work, Ve$ me the confidence that as an orzanisation, we will achieve even more in the years ahead. 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
CEO'S introduction: Michael Kitching This year has been one of significant transformation and renewed ambition for Voluntary Norfolk.At a time when the communities we serve are facing increasing challenges - from financial pressures to changes in public service delivery we have restructured and refocused ourselves as an organisation to ensure we remain fit for purpose, resilien( and responsive to Norfolk's evolving needs. One of the most important internal changes this year has been the recalibration of our leadership structure.we moved from a directorate model of four separate areas DevelopmenL Operations,VCSE Sector Suppor¢ and Finance - to a more streamlined and Strate.C model led by two directors: a Director of Partnerships and Influencing, and a Chief Operating Officer.This change is more than structural. It reflects a new clarity of purpose. It allows us to better align our operational delivery wich our ambition to influence systems, policy, and the long-term wellbeing of communities across NorfollL Michael Kitching Chlef Executive Officer With this reorganisation in place, we will look to make a bold and necessary pivot in how we fund our work Historically*Voluntary Norfolk has relied heavily on funding from local authorities and statutory organisations.while these partnerships remain crucial. the shifting landscape of public sector finances has made it essential that we diversify our income and this is something we press ahead with in the next financial year. Despi¢e these internal changes, our core purpose remains unchanged: working with people to strengthen communities and Improve lives. Over the past year. we've continued to make a tangible difference in this regard acros5 Norfolk From helping people into volunteering opportunities that Voluntary Norfolk Annual Report 2024-2025 111
build confidence. skills and connection, to strengthening the VCSE sector through advice, nerworks, and advocacy - we have enabled comrnunities to thrive. Our services for adult and young carers have provided crucial lifelines for those navigating complex caring responsibilities, while our employment support programmes have helped people {particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds in Norwich) move (back) towards work training, or education. Meanwhile, our BetrTOgether service continues to reduce loneliness and isolation. and our Freshly Greated team is breaking new ground in community- building through creatNe arts. Each of these programmes is served by passionate staff, dedicated volunteers, and a shared commitment to improving lives. Looking ahead, our focus will be on building on this strong foundation; diversifying our income. deepening our partnerships, and enhancing the role of co-production in everything we do.we believe that the most sustainable solutions are those created with, not for, communities.That's why we'll be working closety with local people to understand their challenges, listen to their priorities, and co-design services that genuinely meet their needs.This is especially important as we all adapt to a rapidly changing environment for local government and health services, where the VCSE sector will play an ever-greater role. l am incredibly proud of what we've achieved together this year and deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and funders. Thank you for your continued support as we shape a more connected, compassionate and community-powered Norfolk 111 Voluntary Norfolk Annual Report 2024-2025
Trustees, report The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the company for the year l April 2024 to 31 March 2025.The annual report serves the purposes of both aTrustees' report and a Directors, report under company law.The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charttable company comply with the current statutory requirernents, the requirements of the charitable companys governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective l January 2019). Since the company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Sts7tegic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors, Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted. The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charitls aims and objectives.The activities in respect of furthering the charity purpose are described in our Objectives and Activities section below. Organisational objectives The vision. mission and aims forvoluntary Norfolk h2ve been defined as follows= Our vision Connected. resilient and compassionate communities where people work together to improve lives. Our mission To enable local people and communitie5 to thrive and reach their potential. To deliver innovative solutions through effective partnerships. To ensure the voices of volunteers and voluntary organisations are represented. Our aims Inspire and enable people to volunteer. take social action and make a difference. Deliver innovative and integrated services in partnership with voluntary, public and private seccors. Support the development and voice of community groups, charities and social enterprises. Achieve sustainable growth. The leadership ceam has regular discussions to prioi-itise organisaiional objectives to ensure they meet the needs of those we work with, namely the people and communities of Norfolk and beyond. Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111
Activities and achievements Over the last financial yearvoluntary Norfolk has continued to deliver a variety of projects and services in support of our purposes and aims.The following section details the projects and services that were operational during 2024-25 and fall within one of five key areas of work for Voluntary Norfolk. Building a thriving voluntary, community ond social enterprise sector Leading new initiotives that enable communities to thrive Supporting people when they need help the most Getting People into work Strengthening communities and improving lives through volunteering Glossary BTN- BetterTogether Norfollvoluntary Norfolk's loneliness and social isolation service supporting those in Broadland, Greatyarmouth, Norwich and South Norfolk CAN - Community Action Norfolk is an organisation which engages with the VCSE sector in Norfolk Voluntary Norfolk work5 With them as part of the Empowering Communities Partnership. CMN- Carers Mattsr Norfolk is the service that supports adult carers in Norfoll whichvoluntary Norfolk is one of partners in. CBR Business Solutions-voluntary Norfolk's trading arm that provides DBS, Payroll and HR services to organisations and companies around the country. DBS checks- (Disclosure and Barring Service) is a criminal record check that employers request to determine if a job candidate I volunteer is suitable for a position, particularly one involving working with children or vulnerable adults. ECCH- East Coast Community Healthcare is a social enterprise providing NHS community health and social care services across Norfolk and Suffolk largely in the Waveney area around Lowestoft and Beccles. 111 Voluntary Norfolk Annual Report 2024-2025
EDI - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion EHAP - Earty Help Assessment and Plan EHCP - Education, Health and ca Plan FUSE - FUSE supports social enterprises in Norwich.Voluntary Norfolk works with them as part of the Empowering Community Partnership. ICB - Norfolk &Waveney Integrated Care Board MAP - Mancroft Advice Project is a Norwich-based charity aiming to'ensure young people have the access to qualicy information, advice, counselling and support they need for their holistic development, MHST - Mental Health SupportTeam NCAN - Norfolk CommunityAdvice Network is a Norfolk-wide partnership of advice and community experts.Voluntary Norfolk works with them as part of the Empowering Communities Partnership. NCF - Norfolk Community Foundation is a charity dedicated to building stronger communities and improving the lives of people in Norfolkvoluntary Norfolk works alongside them as part of the Empowering Communities Partnership. NCH&C - Norfolk Community Health and Care provides community health and care services across Norfolk NCVO -A membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England. whichvoluntary Norfolk is part of. NEET -.not in employmen¢ education or trainin NWCSS - Norfolk and Waveney Community Support Service PCNA - Parent Carer Needs Assessment VCSE -voluntary. Community and Social Enterprises (formerly known as the Third Sector and can sometimes be referred to asVCFSE to include faith-based groups or organisations). Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111
Highlights during 2024-25 8.195 potential volunteers have registered on our Get InVOLved Norfolk volunteering platform with 1,419 accepted applications 439 not for profit organisations have regISted on our Get Involved Norfolk volunteering platform to recruit volunteers Our Community Support Service volunteers have accrued in excess of 2,300 hours helping people in their own homes with basic household tasks 73 volunteers provided 2,895 hours of support for East Coast Community Healthcare Our 134 Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust Volunteers contributed 7,83 2 hours of their time improving patient experiences. Our non-emergency patient drivers completed 11.470 journey5, clocking up 433,068 miles Our Better Together team gave out 150 hampers to those in need of an extra Christmas cheer this December cv Our Brighter Futures team have supported 145 people (who are amongst the furthest away from getting work in Norwich), to remove the structural barriers into employment and skills 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Reporr 202*2025
A network of180 volunteer Community Producers have helped put on dozens of events for Freshly Greated which have been atnded by over 28.000 people Ourvoluntary Norfolk Network supports 327 differentVCSE organisations across the county and beyond These Communiry Producers have volunteered 1,630 hours of their time to ensure these events have been a success The Better Together tsam supported another 400 people to help them overcome loneliness and social isolation Ouryoung Carers Team supported over 700 young people to remove some of their caring responsibilities or lessen the burden Our Carers Matter Team have supportsd 369 adult carer5 across Norfolk to ensure they do not get overwhelmed with their caring responsibilities Ouryoung Carers Team helped launch 17 new young carer groups and enhanced 13 existing ones, with a combined total of 135 group sessions across the county We continued to support the Men s Shed Network in Norfolk- which now has approximately as many sheds as the whole of London (with a population over seven times as large as that of Norfolk) Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111
Building a thriving VCSE sector A core aspect ofvoluntary Norfolk's work is supporting and enabling the widerVCSE sector in Norfolk to thrive.This work is carried out by ourVCSE Sector Support Team.They have five key purposes: That the benefits and increased wellbeing of volunteering are available to everyone at every stage of their lives That theVN VCSE Sector SupportTeam is recognised as a trusted, responsive. innovative and reliable support body That the team identifies and develops plans for the long-term, appropriately resourced, sustainable growth of sector support services as a key part ofVN's offer. ThatVCSE organisations are more resilient and better equipped to carry out their mission by having increased capabilities, capacity and sustainability That the sector works more collaboratively to support each other and influence policy and decision-making that impacts on service delivery Within theVCSE SupportTeam there are a number of different work strands, which will be covered individually. 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
Voluntary Norfolk Network Empowering Communities Voluntary Norfolk has recognised that inclusive and responsive networks, tha¢ harness expertise from across this diverse sector. are the most effective way of helping organisations thrive. Voluntary Norfolk leads the Empowering Communities Partnership (ECP), serving NorfolkVCSEs with a wealth of connections. expertise. and both local and specialist knowledge.AsVCSE organisations navigate ongoing challenges-including rising costs, growing service demands, and recruitment struggles for both voluntsers and staff-this collaborative, integrated approach ensures accessible and effective supporL Regular neWsIer$ and frequently-updated Padlets (online notice boards) enable networkers to access a wide range of information, training opportunities, webrnars. and resources. One member commented "how fvntastic this resource is. it is genuinely really helpfvi for someone monaging o charity like me to have all of these opportunities Presented like this." Network membership has increased to 402 individuals; this is an I l°A increase from last year.These individuals represent 327 different organisations. an increase of l 0% from the previous year. Thevoluntary Norfolk Network grewby Il/ A fortnightly email update is sent to Network members including relevant sector updates and news, information about upcoming events and new additions to thevoluntary Norfolk Network Padlet and VCSE Funding PadleL There has been an increase in the average open rate of these newsletters from the previous year. from 44°A to 46%. in the last year Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Repon 2024-2025 111
Thevoluntary Norfolk Network Padlet had 788 new posts added and a 7% increase in views from the previous year. TheVCSE Leadership Network has grown from 89 members to 165, an increase of 85%. Organisations represented has increased from 77 to 134, a 74% rise. TheVCSE Funding Padlet has had 385 new posts added and an increase in views of 20% and an increase in visitors of 31°A. There were three in person Leadership Network Meetings this year, with a total of 98 attendees, an increase of 96°A from attendance in the previous year.These meetings included a session with the Economic DevelopmentTeam at Norfolk Counry Council to help shape the new Norfolk Economic Strategy. One explored the current challenges, priorities and aspirations of localVCSEs alongside the immediate needs presenting in local communities.Another provided more informal networking to enable attendees to make connections and share challenges to build collective strength and influence. Norfolk VCSE Leadership Network This Network supports those in leadership roles within Norfolk's VCSE sector by creating a space for relationships to develop and experiences to be shared, providing peer support which informs and strengthens collective influencing. VCSE Leadersh Network meetings create a 4>0 for leaders to build re1tOnshIpS and share experiences. l*". rp,1
When asked what they most valued about attending these meetings attendees said: In June 2024 avolunteering Extravapnza event was held atThe Forum, this was more than just a typical volunteering fair with organisations attending providing engaging activities for potenual volunteers to'give it a go". Over 50 organisations attended and approximately 1,200 members of the public. 97% of organisations who took part said they would be keen to attsnd a similar event in future. "Opportunity to tolk to other voluntory sector professionals" "Connection and listening to smart and invested colleaguesl" "Connecting wrth other VCSE leoders" "&)od to hear mulb.ple ogencies and backgmunds are on the same poge with a recognioon of the work that needs to be done" 'The importan of oll working collabomtively" Comments included: "l ftk there was a great atrnosphere with community ot the heart Many People looked round the stalls ond seemed to be engoging with lots of orgonisotions." "Good event to be port of and appreaote the opportunity to be involved. Great to hove a big event to Promots volunteering in Norfolk" "Lots of interesl volunteers got to enjoy o day meeting other volunteers. networkin& raising awareness of our charity.A feel good fvctor fvr all the other organisations acr(vs the county WI work along side us or in o totalty dfftrent field. Recognising the power of Yolunteering ond the gop they fill." TheVCSE Leadership Network has grown by 85% since last year Workshops and Networking Events Central to our support offer forVCSEs are networking events and workshops which tske place online and fa¢e-¢o-face around Norfolk. This year theVSCE Sector SupporcTeam held 14 events, these were a mixture of face-to-face and online events and included workshops. networking and good practice events.These had an overall attendance of 348 people, an increase of 16% from the previous year.These individuals represented 186 different organisations. Overall average feedback across events was 4.5 out of 5. Our events received an overall rating of 4.5 15 from attendees Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111
As a result of sector feedback which highlighted funding as a high prioriry, a day long event was held in January called Funding the Future.. Diversifying Income for Charities & Soaal Enterprises.The day included several workshops and talks with expert guest speakers and opportunities forVCSE5 to share their knowledge and experience5.There were $7 individuals attendees from 42 NorfolkVCSEs. 75% said they would be interested in attending a similar event again if the format were repeated annualjy. Comments included: "Realty interesting ond informative and gove me lots to think about and reflect on" "So pertinent to our orgonisotion ot Present" "Reolly good to hear first hand experience of someone wrth neumdiversity.will he4> me understand People more and what to be awore of." "I really enjoy interactive workshops that hove some space fvr everyone to share ideas and engage th each other and the session leader.we were Spad amund a table and this ftft as though we were exploring the subject of the workshop together os o gmup" "[1 gained] A better understondin& ond reinforcement in the ideos and views I'm trwng to Pass on to not onty my team but the People we work with." "Excellent visual aids which illustroted the subject matter reolly well, very thought provokinty. Comments included: 'The speokers [...] hod on excellent understanding of the funding envimnment we are working in and, akhough it is o bleak irture, It still felt Positive. Met some old faces and new ones. so o great networking opportunity too." "I goined insight into alternative fvnding streams and met key individuals" "Good conversations with other fvndnjisers. lots of notes and ideas fmm the tolks" "It was a good kick start for us to think about our Fundraising Strategy and the potentiol ways we could diversify our income" "I learnt about crowdfunding and frlt very well supported by the organisers for offering such on event for the sector to come together and discuss chollenges ond ideas." A series of workshops were held exploring Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) to help VCSE organisations in their work to empower, support and create a sense of belonging to enable individuals and communities to thrive. The three workshops were Courageous Conversations About Diversity, Curious about the Subtlecies: Exploring Neurodiversity and Understanding Allyship. Across the workshops there was a total attendance of 49 from 27 different organisations. Overall feedback was 4.3 out of 5. 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Reporr 2024-2025
Vision for Volunteering Volunteering for Health Since the impact of the pandemic there have been many changes to the VolunerIng landscape in Norfoll and across the UK. To provide support to the sector,Voluntsry Norfolk has led on the development of a collaborative approach to identifying and addressing the key issues. In July 2024 a new 3-year collaborative projecc led by Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Voluntary Norfolk received a grant of £540,000 from the national Volunteering for Health programme.This project is exploring new ways to bring the benefits of volunteering to everyone, especially those who might not usually take part.The project aims to: Following the launch of the Norfolkvision forvolunteering 2023-2026 we delivered a programme of workshops and events for local organisations to develop their own voluntrering stratrgies to become more inclusive and accessible.we have also brought together senior representatives fromVCSE organisations and statutory bodies to identify and action the key aspects of thevision forvolunteering. Encourage new voluntsers Value existing volunteers and volunteer managers Help more health and social care organisations get involved To address health inequalities and the imbalance of volunteerin& local organisations will be supported through a new Get InVOLved Innovauon Fund to explore ways to make volunteering more inclusive, particularly for those from the following groups: During the year these representatives met to share their experience and knowledge of the seccor, to build cross-sector relationships and to develop a toolkit for local volunteer-involving organisations.This will be published and disseminated in Autumn 2025. Adults who have learning disabilities Autistic or neurodivergent adults Looked-after children l young people leaving care As a result of this closer cross-sector working a successful funding bid was made by a partnership, led by the Integrated Care Board andvoluntary NorfollL Ourvolunteering for Health proposal was selected as one of 15 local parmership projects to be part of a nation21 programme exploring how volunteering can address health inequalities across Norfolk and Waveney. In March 2025 avoluntrering Innovation Manager was recruited to develop and manage this part of the project. Another aspect of the project is an extension ofvoluntary Norfolk's successful volunteer recruitment platform Get InVOLved Norfolk. Development work began on Get InVOLved Skills, which aims to provide both volunteers and voluntser managers in Norfolk and Waveney with easy access to training and development opportunities.The new platform is due to be released in July 2025. Voluntary Norfolk Annual Report 2024-2025 111
Get InVOLved Norfolk TheVOlunerIng Newslettsr is distributed monthly to over 7,000 individuals across Norfolk It highlights new volunteer opportunities available on the Get InVOLved Norfolk platform and explores a dedicated theme each month. It has an average open rate of 50%. Voluntary Norfolk has continued to support organisations in recruiting volunteers through an active and popular outreach programme. Get InVOLved Norfolk continues to develop its reach and help local organisations recruit new volunteers.The feedback from users is very positive and thi5 is backed up by the key headlines for this period: Norfolk Adult Learning continues to deliver on our behalf the Norfolkvolunteer PassporL a short course that provides an introduction to volunteering and the knowledge to help the learners find suitsble volunteer roles.There have been threevolunteer Passport courses in this period. with 16 successful participants, which brings the total number of passported learners to l 04. At the end of March 2025 there were 439 not for profit organisaiions registered on the platform, an increase of 21%. The number of registered volunteers increased over the year to 8,195. an increase of 8Z%. There were 767 new volunteering opportunitie5 added to the site bringing the total to 2.061, 2 59% increase.There were 1,419 accepted applications to these volunteering opportunitie5. The site had a total of 183,516 visitor5. an increase of 36%. and 777,813 total views, an increase of 14%. During this period theVolunteerTeam have also attended over 30 events to promote Get InVOLved Norfolk and to encourage participation in volunteering.These included The Royal Norfolk Show, a UEA Volunteer Fair, Greatyarmouth, Kinls Lynn and Norwich Job Centres and the Sandringham Flower show. In addition, the team also responded to 223 enquiries from individuals interested in volunteering, and 376 from organisations with queries relating to topics such as volunteer recruitmenL volunteer management and best practice. 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
Corporate (or Employer- supported) volunteering Over the year the Corporatevolunteering page on Get InVOLved Norfolk had 4,758 views and thevolunteer T&qm helped over 25 businesses to find one-off opportunities by matching them with local VCSE organisations. "I got so much value fmm the evert both from being oble to Sha our experience and hopefvlly inspire others, ond also learning what charities need which provoked a lot of thought around how we implement o policy which work5 fvr stoff and charities in a usefvl way. "Lots of ideas on how we can use our new cory)orate volunteering ollowonce! As well os traditionafvolunteering I w'll also be looking at how me and my colleogues can use our skills and experience to odd long tenn value from our volunteering. "Greot to bring vorious parties together. in erson, and fvr chorities to compare ideas of what has worked ond not in the posL" "Made me more confident about what may be ochieved thrnugh corporats voluntsering. To further promote and raise awareness of Corporatevolunteering an event was held in Marble Hall at Aviva where speakers from both businesses and VCSES talked about best practices, why volunng is important to their organisations and more ways to facilitate this. There were also opportunities for networking in order to foster new connections.There were 45 attendees and when asked how useful the sessFon would be their work the average response was 4.3 out of 5. Comments included: "l fvund it very intsretsng to hear of the experiences rfother businesses and charities in setting up volunteering schemes ond the Suc$Se5 ond challenges." 'The venue was perfect and the speakers were varied ond engaging." Our networking event in the Morble Holl ot Avivo ottroctrd both local businesses ond VCSE organisotions. Fxplore
Momentum Case study: Onyour Side In 202¥25, Momentum continued to strengthen the youth sector in Norfoll providing vital supporc resources, and funding to organisations working with children and young people. Despits a period of transition, with the team only reaching full staffing by December 2024, Momentum has made significant strides across multiple areas. £500 was awarded to sec up ayouth Group and Homework Club to run twice a week for the hours in Greatyarmouth. Seventeen young people benefited from these groups, many coming from low- income familie5 or hove parents with languoge barriers who cannot help them with their schoolwork and often hove no room to study due to living in overcrowded houses. Thanks to the group, young People s grades and English languoge ore impmvin& which is also helping them to make friends and fvel more included. Momentum'syouth Work Nerwork Meetings brought together 40 participants from 30 organisations across two events, fostering collaboration and shared learning. Four specialist workshops and webinars were also delivered, covering key topics including EHCPS, safeguarding young volunteers, gambling addiction, and alternative provision.These sessions attracted 90 attendees from 59 drfferent organisations. A lot of the support the eeam offers has been online. In September 2024, the Momentum Nvwsletter was successfully relaunched. Additionally, Momentum has seen rapid growth in the use of its Padlets - online information- sharing platforms - which recorded 420 new posts, 842 visits, and over 2,000 views, representing significant year-on-year increases. 99 The Momentumyouth Fund provided grants to 23 organisations, awarding a total of £11,659 and direcdy benefiting 880 young people. Funded projects included creative and educational opportunities, such as a t-shirt printing initiative at Sunbeams Play for young people with SEND, new activity resources at OUTPOST Horsford Youth Club, a homework club at Onyour Side in Greatyarmouth, and outdoor learning support through Wheatfen Forest School CIC. 20 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
A major new development in 2024 was the launch of the FLOURISH Youth Award for Volunteering and Participation in June.The award encourages younz people to complete at least five hours of volunteering or participation while working toward personalised goals linked to the eight FLOURISH themes. By year-end, 42 organisations had signed and 32 young people had completed an award. Notable examples include Beth at ESKA who demonstrated leadership and teaching Skills; Dotty at Mundesley Library, who gained confidence and resilience; and Keely from the South Norfolkyouth Advisory Board, who developed practical skills through supporting an intergenerational event. Other highlights include recording a youth- led podcast promoting FLOURISH and volunteering, and Momentum's appearance on Poppyland Radio. Momentum also represents theVCSE youth sector on numerous strawic boards and working groups, such as the Children and Young Peoples Stratsgic Alliance and Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership. The Momentumyouth Fund awarded Momentum continues to coordinate the Voluntary Sector Forum for Children,Young People and Families, holding four meetings over the year and welcoming new co-chairs and tnembers.These meetings enabled VCSE voices to be heard by decision-makers and featured contributions from key statutory partners. over £ I 1,000 to 23 organisations Momentum team Beth ond Helen Promoting the Momentum Network at an event VOLUNTARY NORFOLK LEADING VOLUNTARY ACTION BUILDING COMMUNITIES SUPPORTING PEOPLE
Leading new initiatives that enable communities to thrive Voluntary Norfolk has a strong tradition of building and supporting communities across Norfolk since we started as an organisation over 50 years ago.Today, this work is primarily being delivered by our Freshly Greated team. Freshly Greated Over 25,000 people Voluntary Norfolk is the lead partner of the Arts Council funded Creative People and Places programme, Freshty Greated, in Great Yarmouth. Freshly Greatsd enables people to come together and thrive through new and engaging cultural opportunities in their local neighbourhoods.Volunteer Community Producers programme events and activities year•round, with support from an expert delivery team. took part in our Freshly Greated events 22 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
Freshly Greated operates in three of the most deprived neighbourhoods of the Great Yarmouth borough: Cobholm and Southtown (Greatyarmouth), Nelson Ward and the Barrack Esta (Greatyarmouth) and the Magdalen Estate {Gorleston). Highlights of the last year included Play Produce Promote's collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra, providing a unique opportunity to work with world-class musicians in an event broadcast on BBC Radio 3, connecting our local community to a national audience.we hosted the National Gallery's Art Road Trip for two weeks of community workshops in the run up to our winter lights festival, Glowyour Own Way, and an expansion ol our programming calendar included hugety popular family events in partnership with seafront favourite's Joyland to celebrate Halloween. Such neighbourhood stirrings are designed to challenge, excite and inspire engagemenL building participation in our large community events and high profile local Norfolk and Norwich and OutThere Festivals. Freshly Greated is an action research programme and, as such, places evaluation at the heart of the workwe've learnt that providing excellent opportunities for young people is a gateway to intergenerational community engagement and we're very proud of our now firmly established youth provision. Our Space offers twice weekty creative sessions for young people in NR30 leading to skills developmenL community programming and volunteering opportunities. Play Produce Promote is a programme for young people to develop their skills for participation in the musical industry, from performance to production. Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111 23
In the last twelve months our impact has been demonstrated in the: Building a network of180 volunteer Community Producers, 30 of whom regularly participate 1,630 hours invested by volunteer Community Producers (valued at £19,902.30 when calculated against the National Minimumwage of £12,21 per hour) 28,031 people participating in and attending our events 94/0 of Community Pi-oducers reporting that Freshly Greated has strengthened the feeling of community in Great Yarmouth. 91 % believe it has made Great Yarmouth a better place to live. (CH aving the opportunity to be a mducer gives me o chonce to share ideas.There are no 'bod ideas,. To have the chantt to be amund other like-minded people, Freshty Gated isn't just community4ed arts - thelre famity. 9 9 Tracie FRESHLY Ill
This year, we've significantly expanded the Consortium which oversees the programme and are delighted that the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub are now core members.The Consortium managed the development of a bid to Arts Council for a further three years of fundin& from 2026-29.This would support our work to recruit Community Producers from diverse cultural backgrounds to produce events with and relevant to migrant communities. Over the year to come, we'll continue to develop the skills and aspirations of all our volunteers as part of our commitment to leave a legacy of cultural leaders independently coordinating activities in the Greatyarmouth borough and bringing people together to experience the joy of live arts. Our Community Producers volunteered over 1,600 hours last year "L
SATr)fA! Supporting people when they need help the most Voluntary Norfolk continues to lead and deliver services that ensure that people across Norfolk get support when they need help the most- everything fmm getting people back into work; assisting carers, young carers and their families: to offering help to those struggling with loneliness and social isolation. Better Together Norfolk The BetterTogether service has been an integral part ofvoluntary Norfolk's efforts to reduce loneliness and social isolation across the commissioned areas of Norfolk. Norwich, South Norfolk Broadland and Greatyarmouth for several years.The Service is staffed by 'lrfe connectors, who in each district help users overcome barriers that have led to loneliness, e.g. through'walk and talk, groups, soft introductions to groups, training and volunteering. Where needed, our life connertors have spent time working with people on a more one- to-one basis, addressing the aa$ of greatest distress.These are often issues with housing and benefit queries, which are not directly linked to loneliness or social isolation. However, it is essential that these concerns are resolved before the life connectors start working to tackle the client's loneliness. For that reason. we have continued to also provide Support in managing household budgets. 26 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annu31 Report 2024_2025
Once financial and accommodation concerns are resolved we work with them to feel confident when accessing the local community. This is perhaps the best example of how the Better Together Norfolk service has adapted to help support many individuals over time. often filling the gaps where other services have not been able to rneet the demand. The service has seen a high number of referrals over the six years that it has been running. This demonstrates the importance of having a service dedicated to providing support for adults and vulnerable people across Norfoll that are trying to manage their social isolation and loneliness. Our BetterTogether service supported more than 400 new clients The referrals for this year have declined to 431 (which is down from 710 last year).This is due to the service coming to an end in June 2025.This figure would have almost certainly been higher. but we were unable to accept new referrals from January of this year. However. the number does show that the need for the service is still in demand. Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111 27
As part of the service,Voluntary Norfolk have provided support to the Men's Shed network in Norfolk through a coordinator that has been instrumental in helping them set up new sheds and apply for charity status among many other activities. The Men's Sheds network is growing at a fast rate, and Norfolk is still the most advanced men's shed network in the UK.This is something that we are extremely proud of. MD'S Story:Tackling Isolation and Buildiing Confidence MD lives with her daughter in the South Norfolk village of Tacolneston. Following the recent loss of her Stepfather-whom she had Cared for MD found herself with more time but facing increased social isolacion. Struggling with anxiety and newly diagnosed ADHD, she turned to the BetterTogecher Norfolk (BTN) service for support. We also continued to run our slow cooker appeal to help those struggling with the cost of living by buying and distributing free slow cooker5.Along with this, we again organised our Christmas hamper appeal. focusing on the Great Yarmouth area.This was another successful year with us giving out 150 hampers to those in need. Initially unsure about where to begin, MD was visiced by one of oui" Life Connector5, Ike, who helped build trust and introduce her to local opportunities.Together, they attended the Rest Hub, a supportive Social group that MD now joins independenrly. Plans al-e also in place for her to attend the"All Aboutyou" group in Wymondham. MD says the support has made her feel'seen and valued,, and has given her new hope for the future. She is gradually growing in confidence. forging new friendships, and exploring her identity in safe and supportive spaces. Her journey is srill unfolding, but the positive changes are already cle2r.wirh concinued support, MD is on a path toward lasting social connecti,on and improved wellbeing.Without BTN, MD says these opportunities for growth and belonging simply wouldn c have existed.we of course wish her all the besc in the future. 28 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 202*2025
Parent Carers Matter Parent Carers began as a pilot service last year, delivered byvoluntary Norfolk on behalf of Norfolk County Council (NCC}.The purpose of the pilot was to recognise the vital role parents play in supporting children with additional needs or disabilities, and to provide them with much-needed guidance and support in navigating what can be a very complex systrm for their children. Feedback from parent carers has been very positive. Of those who engaged with the service, 55% highlighted that the advice, guidance, and listening ear we provided were invaluable. Parents told us this support made navigating the system easier and left them feeling more supported and empowered. We worked closely with Familyvoice to ensure the service met parents. needs and redesigned the Parent Carer Needs Assessment (PCNA) process.This improved system has enabled us to carry out essential assessments for parents across the county, helping them access the support they are enuded to.Although the number of referrals for this service was not expected to be substantial, we received 137 referrals for potsntial PCNAS. From these. we completed 58 assessments - exceeding the council's initial expectations. Carers Matter Norfolk adult service Voluntary Norfolk is a delivery partner in the Carers Matter Norfolk (adult) service, delivering statutory Carers, Assessments and support to adults throughout Norfolk on behalf of Norfolk County Council. Our goal is to help carers maintain their caring role, by supporting them access health and wellbeing grants, counselling services. and carers breaks.we also help meet their needs in other ways.This could be through signpostinz to external agencies along with internalvoluntary Norfolk services. This is a vital role to unpaid carers. who often feel lonely and isolated. Over the year, we also established peer support and information groups in Norwich, Drayton and Taverham, King's Lynn. Greatyarniouth, Dereham. and Therford.Attendance varied across locations, with Norwich and Drayton and Taverham attracting the largest numbers. In more rural areas. attendance was much lower, despite our efforts to provide transport.we also trialled weekly online groups to reach these carers. but unfortunately uptake was limited. The year 2024-25 has been a year of growth. We have welcomed seven new staff members into the team.we have also continued to implement changes on how we worlLWe have done this through feedback from both the staff and our carers. which has not only given us a better understanding of the carer journey. but also allows us to share that journey in a more formal way with our carers at every check point along the way. making their journey with us a clearer one. We have also been taking part in a trial, funded by the ARF (Accelerating The main reasons for referral were: Help accessing services such as EHAPS and EHCPS. Emotional support and wellbeing. Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 202*2025 111 29
Reform Fund), which allows us to complete care needs assessments on behalf of Norfolk County council.we have offered a considerable amount of additional trnining for the team, which has yielded positNe results and has enabled us to reduce the time that vulnerable people are waiting for assessments through Norfolk County Council. Our Clients. Stories Some of the lovely feedback that we have had from carers is below: "I was Put at ease, everything wos explained so easy. a5 a corer you ignore yourself and wos told to look after myself." "D Has gone above and beyond with help ond Support for my husband and myself. Sending us emails contoining relevant information that can help us with our disobility needs among other things.Thank you. "Thank you...your support hos been wonderfvl and the break wos amozing. We couldn't have managed it without you.. Over the last year, we received a total of 369 referrals into the community team via the advice line. Of those new referrals, we completed a total of 249 Carer Initial Assessments, a further 232Assessment Review I s, which are compleod when the carer is six months into their journey with us, and a further 175 Assessment Review 2s, which occur at the end of their journey.This totalled an amazing 5,934.70 hours, worth of work by che team. Additional supported has included: 135 Health and wellbeing referrals. Although this was lower than last year, this was due to fewer staff in the first part of the year and we're expecting this to increase in 2025-26. 41 referrals have been able to acquire goods such as fridges,TVs and earphones. 65 referrals were signposted towards organisations providing counselling sessions 24 referrals were given gift vouchers for spa days, or to go towards craft actNities S referrals were issued with train tickets and wheelchairs for days OUL Our team provided almost 6,000 hours of support to adult carers We also made 39 ferraIS to carers breaks to provide some short-term respite for our carers. 30 111 Voluntary Norfolk . Annual Report 2024-2025
Young Carers Matter Education and community The Educauon and Community Team at Young car$ Matter Norfolk has built strong foundations this year. creating sustainable opportunities for young carers to feel seen, valued, and supported. Young Carers Matter was ComMiSsiOned this year and saw changes so that unlike in previous years where it was a partnership between several smaller organisations, it is now a partnership betweenvoluntary Norfolk and the Benjamin Foundation. We helped launch 17 new young carer groups and enhanced 13 existing ones, delivering 135 group sessions in total.These safe spaces enable young carers to build friendships. grow in confidence, and share experiences. In addition. we ran 22 sessions in partnership with l O community venues. such as libraries and Family Hubs, offering lightsr-touch engagement for those new to supporL Over the past year, theyoung Carers service has undergone significant and positive changes, strengthening our approach and enhancing the quality of support provided to young carers and their farnilies.These improvements have enabled us to maintain a high standard of delivery while creating more effective and sustainable ways of working. To strengthen awareness and early identification, we trained professionals across MHST, MAP and NHS teams.we also supported three schools to achieve theyoung Carers in Schools Award, with more working Cowards accreditation-helping embed long-term change in education. Our core mission is to minimise the negative impact of caring responsibilities, ensuring young carers can balance their role with personal developmenL Through a holistic approach, we work collaboratively with young people and their families to reduce inappropriate or excessive responsibilities, empowering them with the resources and support they need. Our activity days provided vital respite during school holidays, when caring responsibilities often increase.we delivered 19 events across Norfoll including museum visits, themed workshops, and a highlight trip to Pensthorpe, which welcomed 65 young carers. One participant summed it up: "It was just wh(rt I needed todar. best day of my lifv." We maintain strong partnerships with Family Hubs across the county and with theyoung Carer Forum, facilitated by CaringTogether, to ensure consistent and joined-up support. In 202Ak25. we receNed 706 new referrals, with nearty a quarter involving children aged just 5-7. This highlights a concerning trend of younger children taking on caring roles. Our support is tailored to individual needs- ranging from information and advice to one- to-one assistance. For families needing more intsnsive intervention, we work closely with Earty Help Hubs to build resilience. confidence, and pracrical skills. Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 IIJ
Employment and skills A young carer's and their family's success story This year we successfully embedded our Employability and Transitions offer. designed to support young carers at risk of becoming NEET. Thanks to strong promotion and outreach, referrals steadily increased through schools, partners, and community networks. BW. a young carer, supports both parents with long-term mental health challenges, which has affected her learning, speech, and emotional wellbeing. Once confidenc and outgoing, she struggled with low self-esteem, anxiety, and school 2ttend2nce. cari-ying the emotional burden of her parents. wellbeing alongside past trauma. We supportsd 50 young carers-meeting l 00% of our target-and held 103 focused sessions on CVS. applications, and local opportunities. Much of this support focused on preparing younger carers for college, including hands-on help with applications and open day visits ¢0 reduce anxiety and build confidence. Referred through school, BW received dedicated, child-led support fromvoluntary Norfolk'syoung Carers Matter service. Sessions focused on active listening, building self-esteem. and creating a safe space for her to explore her interests, aspirations. and worries.we also encouraged positive relationships with peers. trusted adults. and family. As our older caseload grew, we saw a rise in employment-focused supporL and we anticipate further job readiness work in the year ahead. We also began forging links with local services to improve referrals. particularty in rural areas such as North and West Norfoll4 where need is often higher. The impact was immediate. BW engaged openly, expi-essing enthusiasm and confidence rarely seen at home or school. Her parents reported noticing a positive change. and we have since been invited to contribute to school transition planning, supporting both BW and her sibling. Our work continues to evolve. but our goal remains clear: ensuring every young carer has the support they need to thrive-now and in the future. Through this tailored, empathetic approach. BW has begun to feel supported. heard. and empowered in her caring role. Our employment support for young carers met lOO/ of our target 32 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
SOS Bus Wellness on Wheels Bus The SOS Bus looks after the safety, health and well-being of people visiting Norwich's city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.The service aims to reduce unnecessary Accident and Emergency visits, ambulance call outs and to free up police officer time. by offering a safe space with medical cover for anyone in emotional or physical distress. It also provides other help, such as free phone charging, bottled water, flip flops, advice and mental health supporL We continue to be contracted by the ICB to run the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) bus, which we run in conjunctyon with CJC Transport Consultants.The WOW bus travels across Norfolk and Waveney to support those who need extra help. It continues to deliver vital health checks, advice and signposting to thousands of residents across Norfolk & waveney.what began in October 2021 as the SOS Bus-initialty set up in response to COVID-19 to support vaccination of people experiencing homelessness-has grown into a broader wellness service.Through our partnership with the Integrated Care System. theWOW Bus focuses specifically on reaching those communities that are less likely to access health and care via conventional routes: inclusion health groups, rural populations and areas of higher deprivation. Voluntary Norfolk took the SOS Bus service on from Open Trust in 2019 in order to avoid its closure and has been committed to trying to rnaintain this service for the city of Norwich. Changes to the funding last financial year meant that it was no longer viable for us to continue to operate this service and instead we looked to set it up as its own charity which would be able to access grants and funding that a larger charity likevoluntary Norfolk would not be entided to.As a resul¢ we worked with the committed staff and volunteers to ensure that the SOS Bus service became an independenL financially viable, volunteer-led charity.This was successfully achieved in August 2024. In many of these underserved and rural communities, geographic distance, lack of transpor¢ social isolation, stigma or simply being unaware of what services are available can all act as barriers to care.TheWOW Bus addresses these by bringing services directty to where people live. work or gather - reducing both practical and psychological hurdles. Over time, this service has built tyusted relationships with individuals who may face multiple barriers: for example. people experiencing homelessness or insecure housing.These connections enable the service to provide immediate health and wellbeing supporc but also to signpost people into longer-term care and community resources, helping to reduce inequalities in health outcomes across Norfolk &Waveney. Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Rewrt 2024-2025 111 33
Getting people into work Voluntary Norfolk's involvement in getting people back into work is focused on the Norwich area through 'Brighter Skills,. Brighter Futures is a pilot programme managed by Future Projects. withvoluntary Norfolk as a delivery partner.The service began in October 2024 and was originally commissioned to run for Six months. In March 2025, the programme was granted an extension for a further nine months, allowing delivery to continue until 31 December 2025. our Employment Developmentworkers have been able to engage with individuals accessing services in areas such as housing. mental health, community hubs, schools. foodbanks, as well as through the Job Centre and The Forurn. By the end of the first delivery phase. on 31 March 2025. the programme had achieved the following: 138 participants engaged in total I I successful exits. including participants who maintained employmen¢ following check-ins prior to case closure 36 participants awaiting initial appointments 31 people supported into education - more than double our original target 18 people taking parr in work experience programmes 23 people gaining employmen¢ including self-employment opportunities The project was specifically designed to reach individuals from underserved communities who face multiple barriers and are therefore farthest from the job market. By working together, the BrIghr Futures team was able to hit the ground running, drawing on existing community networks and strong relationship5 across Norfolks voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. Since its launch, the team has been delivering outreach appointments, drop-in services and events at various locations across Norwich. By collaborating with staff from the wide range ofVCSE organisations active in the city. In addition, the team has supported 145 people to address structural barriers to employment and skills.This has included help with issues such as accommodation, citizenship. finance 34 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
and debL physical health concerns, famity pressures and domestic abuse.Where specialist support has been needed: we have worked with trusted external organisations. Importantly, our approach goes beyond signposting.we ensure that individuals feel supported to engage fulty, whether through warm introductions or by accompanying them to appointments. Her family's financial 5ti-uggles meant they sometimes relied on emergency food provisions. But when MK joined our Brighter Futures programme, things began to change. She took pari in the Ripple Acts course, which proved ro be a tur-ning poinc. MK'S confidence grew rapidly, and those around her noticed a remarkable transformation in her outlook and personality. A key focus of the project is upskilling participants in understanding employers, expectations. Recognising that every individual learns in their own way. we prioritise developing trust and engagement before introducing this element of learning. By tailoring support to each participant's needs. we are helping people not only move closer to employment but also build the confidence and resilience required to sustain positive change. With new-found self-belief. MK started volunteering at the Baseline charity shop. She quickly chrivcd in her role, enjoying coniacr with cusiomers and even finding the confidence to step in when someone attempted to steal from the shop. Today, MK continues to work with Brighter Future5. She is actively job searching, reaching out to companies, and attending interviews with a confidence she never thought possible. MK'S Story MK'S story is one of remarkable resilience. After suffering a stroke at the age of three, she was left with limited use of her left hand. Now a young woman living with her parents and nine siblings. MK has shouldered a huge share of responsibility at home.with both parents working full-time, she takes care of her younger siblings, including managing school runs.These i-esponsibilicies, combined with low confidence, became a barrier to finding employment. MK s journey shows what can be achieved when the individual determination is greeted by the right kind of support.with encouragement and tailored help, she has found the strength to overcome barriers. and is now building 2 brighter. more secure future for herself. Voluntary Norfolk Annual Report 2024_2025 111 35
Strengthening communities and improving lives through volunteering Over the past ten years, apart from a short-lived peak in response to the COVID pandemic, the has been a steady decline in volunteering year-on -year, with the sharpest decline in the last year which saw a fA drop. Research for ourvision forvolunteering strategy found that in terms of formal volunteering this translated into a reduction of £31 million a year for Norfolk In addition, there is recent evidence that the average number of hour5 being given by volunteers has reduced significantly. In this contexL the work ofvoluntary Norfolk's volunteers proved invaluable in continuing to strengthen communities and improve lives. Norfolk and Waveney Community Support Service (NWCSS) The Norfolk and Waveney Community Support Service (NWCSS) was commissioned in September 2023, replacing our previous Health &Wellbeing and Community Response services. Staff. volunteers, and expertise from these services were Ingrated into NWCSS, making the most of the ski115 already within the organisation. British Red Cross and Age UK Norwich, we use a staff-and-volunteer approach to respond to service demand.The service provides short- term, practical Support to address temporary issues. helping prevent escalation and potential hospital admissions. Referrals cover a wide range of needs, from emergency food parcels to support attending appointments or community groups.Wherever possible, we connect people with local neNorks to help them remain independenL NWCSS is a multi-agency model led by Voluntary NorfollL In partnership with the 36 Ill Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
•ILTr*' J• manage independently.we also signposted local services for longer-term supporc. Over five weeks, our volunteer and staff visits ensured the client's home remained safe, tasks were completed, and both she and her husband had social contact during recovery. The service operates across Norfolk and Waveney, with strong links to acute hospitals and community services including adult social care, soctal prescribers, and physiotherapy teams.This is the first model of its kind in Norfoll and our teams are working tirelessly to make it effective. solution-focused, and responsive. The client reported feeling relieved and supported, saying she was'happy Sasha was getting outside for a walk."Volunteer Sarah reflected on the experience. highlighiing che Value of helping clients remain at home while making a meaningful difference in their lives. Over the past year, we received more than 2.600 referrals. the majority of which were met through the support of our staff and volunteers. Volunteers contributed over 1300 hours to the service during this period. A volunteer's story We received a referral for a client recovering fi-om a broken arm and lower back injury. She lived with her husband, who has dementia, and required short-term Support wich dog-walking and light household tasks. Our team visited the couple to a5se5S their needs and arranged a volunteer to provide assistance for four weeks until the client could Volunteer Sorah with dog Sasha Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 IIJ 37
East Coast Community Healthcare CIC This is the sixth year thatvoluntary Norfolk has partnered with East Coast Community Healthcare {ECCH) to provide volunteers. Voluntrers continued to assist in a variety of roles across the organi5ation, ranging from supporting short term projects and one-off events, to providing ongoing regular assistance to staff and patients at a range of ECCH sites across Norfolk and Waveney. as well as to patients at home in the community. Highlights from this year include: 5 different ECCH sites now have ongoing regular support from volunteers at their leg ulcer clinics In October 2024 the Looked After Children team started working with an admin volunteer for the first time. with great feedback from both the volunteer and the staff. In November 2024 the first volunteers started in roles to support ECCH in the transformation of Carlton Cour¢ in partnership with JPUH Weekly patient activity sessions on Minsmere Ward began in February 2025. allowing volunteers to support the work of ECCH therapists by finding new ways to promote movement and activity in patients. During the year ECCH volunteers completed 286 surveys with patients over the phone to collect their feedback on ECCH services- over 3 times the number of surveys collectsd in 2023-24 This year the number of hours contributed by ECCH volunteers has more than doubled on the previous year, and we have seen the highest numbers of active volunteers and hours logged since our partnership with ECCH began. Across the various volunteer roles, 73 volunteers provided 2,895 hours of supporL an increase from last year when 56 volunteers provided 1,353 hours.
As well as the invaluable contribution voluntrers make to ECCH staff and patients. we have also seen some great examples over the past year of ways in which the volunteer program allows ECCH to contribute to the health of individuals in its local communities. The benefits some volunteers have reporred have included increased confidence, the opportunity to learn about a career in healthcare and an increased sense of purpose. Another volunteer, who came to ECCH looking to improve his employabilicy, told us: Volunteering ot ECCH hos benefited me in many ways. I lacked confidence in my skills. but volunteering has given me confidence in my abiliDe5 and transferrable skills. Furthem]ore. the team have been really helping and even given me occess to training I wouldn't have previousty been able to access. which will help reflect well on my CV.Als0. the Social element connot be understated as o bene[It. Feeling of use. meeting new People ond getting along well with them oll help lift mood which gives me more confidence in the futu. Our volunteers, stories One of ECCH'S clinic volunteers told us: 99 cc As someone who suffers from mild to moderote mental health issues [volunteering at the clinic] allows me to feel "normal" and l fvel a great sense offulfilment ofter each voluntary shift This feeling of fulfIlment ond 5eif-confidence stoys with me fvr days. l am olso a carer for my Mum. ond volunteering gives me a break from those responsibilitie5 and a real feeling that l am mGking o difference to People. 99 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111 39
ERS Medical - Non-emergency Patient Transport Our non-emergency volunteer drivers have continued to provide a professional, high-quality transport service to patients around the county and beyond. Our volunteer drivers use their own cars to provide door-to-door transport to essential, non-emergency medical appointments across EastAnglia.This reduces the cost to the health service, as otherwise these patients would have to travel by ambulance or even by At the end of the 202*25 financial year, Voluntary Norfolk had 54 active volunteer drivers.This compared to 49 active drivers at the end of the previous financial year. Throughout the year, 433,068 miles driven {up from 430,642 miles the pwious year), completing a total of 11,470 (down from 12,536 journeys in 2023-24), ensuring that people who needed to travel to and from a hospital or other medical venue were able to do so. Our volunteers drove 433,068 miles to get patients to essential medical appointments Operationally, the big change happened at the start of October 2024, whenvoluntary Norfolk stopped working with ERS Medical and started workn'ng with HTG due to a change in contracL The main difference was that the new contract with HTG covered Norfolk and Waveney, rather than just NorfolkThe transition has gone smoothly and for the most part the service remains the same. 40 111 Voluntary Norfolk Annual Report 2024-2025
Anne's Story For one ofvoluntary Norfolk's newesr non- emergency patient transport volunteers. the decision to get involved was deeply personal. Her fathers experience with dialysis long journeys. early pick-ups and tiring appoIntments1gh11ghted the importance of comfort and care from the moment patients leave home until they return. Volunreering has also brought unexpected benefits. She enjoys meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories. while exploring parrs of Norfolk she might not have otherwise discovered. She highlights the supportive on-boarding process. flexible scheduling, and professional. friendly staff who make planning and adapting to changes straighrfornard. Moiivared to make a diffei"ence, she joirbed Voluntary Norfolk's transport service. initially in partnership with ERS Medical and now with HTG, providing Safe, reliable, and personalised journey5 for patiencs.The role allows her to offer practical support while ensuring a positive experience for those attending hospiial appointments. Refleccing on her experience. she 5ays."I get huge satisfaction from knowing I've helped someone get to their appointment on time and in comfort." Her story demonstrates the real difference volunteering can make for both patients and volunteers alike. Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111
Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust The NCH&C Volunteer Service, delivered by Voluntary Norfolk employs a team of staff who recruiL train and manage volunteers to provide support in clinical and administrative settings in communirl hospita15 and clinics across NorfolkAt the end of the 2024-25 financi21 year, our service had 134 (up from 128 last year) registered volunteers with a further 67 in various stages of recruitment and on-boarding. The NCH&CVolunteer Service supports a wide range of volunteering roles across theTrusL not only'patient-facing, roles but also'behind the scenes, roles such as helping out in clinical stockrooms.The impact of these'unseen, roles is significant.Typically, 30-35 hours per week of clinician time Trust-wide is saved due to routine srockroom tasks being completed by'unsung heroes, like Grant (who shares his story with us. below) working away in the background. Over the course of the year, volunteers contributed a significantly increased amount of their time (approximately 6% more hours ompared with the previous year) across a range of roles logging a total of 7,832 hours across 78 different volunteer placements. The NCH&CVolunteer Service team look forward to another year of enabling our fantastic volunteers to make a vital contribution to the NHS in their communities. The roles our NCH&C volunteers undertook included: Providing companionship to in-patients Supporting patients in activity and therapy groups Supporting with simple, practical tasks on wards, such as lunch menus. cleaning touch points, stocking up everyday items Assisting patients at mealtimes, following successful completion of the appropria training Meeting and greeting patients arriving for clinics and giving directions Assisting with basic administrative tasks such as the collation of patient packs Telephoning patients to collect vital feedback on their experiences Helping to tidy gardens on NCH&C sites. through basic gardening tasks Supporting reception tsams with check- in and welcome processes Tidying stockrooms, and putting new stock away Supporting the rollout of the new NHS standard uniform by sorcing deliveries for distribution to NCH&C sites Helping at large scale Community Assessment Days across the county Our NCH&C volunteers logged a total of 7,832 hours 42 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
Grant's volunteering story l ¥vould definitely reconimend volunteering with NCH&C to others. My role brings the enrichment of satisfaction of helping others back to a normolity of life ofter having o stroke. Grants 99 Grants journey into volunteering began after redundancy in 2017, which led to a period of poor mental healch. Supported by the mental health crisis team. he later chose to give back to the NHS through Voluncary Norfolk's Primary Care Volunteering project. ij Starting in a GP surgery in 2019, Grant now volunteers at Norwich Communiry Hospital, where he manages medical supplies behind the scenes. His meticulous work ensures shelves and drawers are restocked, products are organised for easy access, and expiry dates are checked.This support 5aYes clinical and administracive time and directly aids nursing and Iherapy teams in caring for patients efficiently. NCH&CVoIuner Grant Grant finds the role rewarding for borh his wellbeing and ficness, appreciacing Ihe social contact and sense of purpose it provides. Staff praise his dedication and reliability. noting the significant impact his work has on the smooth running of services. Stockroom volunteers typically save 30-35 hours of clinician time every week Granc hopes sharing his story will inspire others to volunteer. He says, 'It is great to feel wanted again... I look forward to Wednesday each week as it is time to go to work again." Voluntary Norfolk Annual Report 2024-2025 111 43
rth CBR Business Solutions: Professional Support Services for Charities, Social Enterprises and Businesses CBR Business Solutions is the trading anm ofvoluntary Norfoll with operating profits providing an important source of unrestricted income. and National Insurance checks as well as a range of identity verification checks.we also now offer an 'Update Service monitoring check,, meaning that for the first time we can link up with, and benefit from, the DBS, Update Service. We provide essential HR supporL DBS checks, Payroll and Auto Enrolment services to around 500 organisations across England and Wales. Our clients range from small local charities to large SMES, and we are proud to deliver high- quality services through our experienced and knowledgeable team. Our old plarforni, (OD), has been retired and all our clients are online and using the'KYP' (Knowyour People) plarform, following a successful switch-over. Payroll service DBS checks We take care of the payroll needs of our clients, who choose to outsource this function due ro capacity. lack of in-house skills or relevant software. CBR Business Solutions facilitate all levels of DBS disclosures as well as a whole suite of pre-employment checks. including right to work, social media checks, financial checks. employment history verification checks. overseas criminal record checks, driver checks. Every month. we pay the salarbes to 950 payees in 80 discreet customer payrolls (an increase in both from the previous year), taking into 44 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
account individual pension requirements, adjustments, statutory ptyments, tax codes, deductions. tsx and National Insurance. Jobs Board We support theVCSE sector in Norfolk to find the right candidates, by advertising job vacancies on the Jobs Board and offering preferential rates for the online job search portal,Jobs24. This helps organisations reach a wider pool of potential candidates interested in working in the charity sector. We also process and send relevant documentation for clients such as payslips. pension letters, P45s and P60s. returns to HRMC and schedules for pension providers. Human resource (HR) consultancy Our Consultants who are Members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD) provide a flexible, professional HR service on all aspects of HR managemenLWhether clients need help with on-bo2rdin& contracts of employmenc policies and procedures, training, perfomiance managemenL restriictures, ill health and capability, disciplinary and grievance processes, consultations or redundancies or other HR related matters, our qualified consultants can assist.we act as Investigating Officers in case of complex disciplinary and grievance investigations. We also offer professional Workplace Mediation and Coaching services via our HR consultants. Currencly, we are supporting around 82 charities and organisations through our Annual HR Contract and also a number of Consultancy clients. It's certdinfy been a challenging few months ond o steep learning curve.we ore so gratefvl for your expertise and support us all throughout this difficult time. Your responsiveness, clarrty and compassion have been so vital in guiding us through uncharted (and unwonted) waters.you have helped us abide by the fomial Process witIM)Ut losing sight of our compary values in supporting our hard- working staff members. 99 Consultancy SME client in Cambridge Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111 45
Financial review Key points £4,171,455 compared with £4,744,006 in the previous year. Consequently, income exceeded expenditure by £182. 541 compared with a deficit of £280.028 in 2023-24. However, within these overall sums, Unrestricted expenditure exceeded Unrestricted income by £89,640.This was largely caused by the one-off expenditure on the office move and management restructuring. Restrictsd funds increased by Voluntary Norfolk remains in a strong financial position. Its free Reserves exceeded the tsrget level at the end of the year despite significant one-off expenditure on moving offices and trdnsforniing the management arrangements. However, the challenges for 2025-26 are securing sufficient funding to meet core costs and formulating and managing the transition to a new strategy for the organisation. The Board has agreed and is implementing a plan for the year which addresses these issues. We received a 'clean' audit report for the year. £272.181. There are two noteworthy aspects within our income.The total sum for thevolunteering for Heath contracr (£319,387) has been appropriately accounted for in 202425 even though delivery will take place over more than one year. (see Note 10). CBR Business Solutions supported the charity's net income by £33,700 (2023-24: £6,727) on a 7.3% increase in turnover. Accounting policy Nearly all income is received in the form of payments for delivering services to the Norfolk community, either in the form of grants or as sums payable for service contracrs. On the basis of discussion and advice, the Board decided to modify the accounting treatment of these two types of income. From this year onwards, grant income will remain Restricted in accordance with charity law while income derived from service contracts will become Unrestricted but Designated by the Trustees, (see Note 1.13). Of course, the expenditure of income from service contracts will be bound by the terms of each contracL The distinction between these classifications of income is shown in Note 14, with the opening position for the year restated. On the expenditure side, there was a reduction of £338,217 (11.9%) on staff costs in line with the reduction in the average number of employed staff, (see Note 6). Financial outlook At the beginning of 2025-26,Voluntary Norfolk was in a healthy position, (see Note 14). Its funds related to planned service delivery amounted to £701,486 compared with £470,317 on l April 2024. However, the contribution to core costs was projected to fall short of budgeted expenditure. The Board agreed a plan to address this deficit, underwritten by adequate free Reserves of £390,848. The Finance Committee and the Board are keeping this situation under close review and intend that a balance be restored by l April 2026 partly by diversifying income s(aMS. Financial performance During rhe year, total income decreased by 2.46°A. from £4,463,978 in 2023-24 to £4,353,966. Total expenditure on charitable activities also decreased - by 12.07%, to 46 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
Financial health Total reserves at year-end stood at £1,092,334, up 20.07% from £909,793 in 2023-24. The level of Undesignated funds within Unrestricted Reserves arnounted to £390,848.The Charity's current Reserves Policy targets three months, essential operating costs. As of 31 March 2025. free Reserves exceeded this target by 2.67 months. reflecting a prudent financial position amid public sector funding pressures. The auditors and Trustees had no hesitation in certifying that the Charity a'going concern,. Risks The principal financial risk remains the expiration of fixed-term service agreements and the challenge of securing new contracts and grants. These are closely monitored by the Executive Team and the Board. The charity faces no pension-relared financial risl operating a defined contribution scheme. Compliance All financial returns have been filed on time. The Charity continues to demonstrate effective financial managemenL aligned with its strategic objectives. Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111 47
Structure, governance and management Constitution monitoring progress against the approved budgets and assessing financial risk and identifying appropriate mitigation.The Head of Finance is key in supporting the Committee's role.The Chair is a qualified and experienced finance professional.All the trustees give of their time freely and no trustee received remuneration within the year. Voluntary Norfolk is both a company limitsd by guarantee and a registered charity.The year of formation of the original organisation was 1969.The company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales was formed 4 November 2005. Charitable registration was achieved on I l November 2005. At time of writing there are seven trustees With three new trustees joining over the course of the year, a5 anticipated last year to complement and increase the skills of the existing team, while two decided to step down.The current Board brings a collective wealth of knowledge and experience of voluntary sector and private sector delivery, management and governance. It is anticipated that in 2025-26 at least one further trustee will be sought to increase knowledge in particular in financial matters. Our governing document is a Memorandum and Articles of Association.The charity's objective is to promotr any charitable purposes for or including the benefit of the community in the United Kingdom and in particular Norfolk and Waveney. the East of England and its neighbourhood and, in particular, the advancement of education, community and social services, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, distress and sickness. In addition, it promotes and organises co- operation in the achievement of the above purposes and. to that end. to bring together in council representatives of the voluntary organisations and statutory authorities within the area of benefiL Management Day-to-day responsibility for running the organisation is delegated by the Trustees to the CEO.Alan Hopley was Chief Executive until 31 May 2024. He was succeeded by Lucy de las Casas who stepped up from her role as Director of Development to becotne interim Chief Executive before Michael Kitching started on 16 Juty 2024. Trustees The Board of Trustees are the charity's trustees and the legal directors of the company.They are elected or co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association.A formal process of induction is given to all trustees as well as training as appropriate.The trustees meet as a Board six times a year and are the key personnel in terms of directing and controlling the charity. Reporting to the Board, the Finance Committee is responsible for advising on all financial matters.This includes recommending a draft annual budget and reserves policy, The Chief Executive is supported in the running and development of the organisation by a management team of Directors.This year, there have been significant changes in the organisation's senior staff structure. Up to January 2025, there were directors overseeing Voluntary Sector Infrastructure. Operations, Finance and Development. Now there are two directors - one for Partnerships and Influencing and the other as Chief Operating Officer. 48 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
The pay of the senior management is reviewed annualty and normally in accordance with National Joint Council guidelines.The Chief Executive's salary is reviewed utilising recruitment consultants and external benchmarking to attract the appropriate calibre of candidats. Shoebox Community Hub, OutThereArts, The Benjamin Foundation, Bridges,Age UK Norwich and British Red Cross and others.we also work closely with Norfolk County Council. local authorioes, the Integrated Care Board and other NHS organisations to develop and improve services that benefit our clients and help us achieve our charitable objectives. The trustees. CEO and management team in 202AI25 were assisted by an external consultant to develop, review and updats policies and procedures to ensure we meet the highest quality Stsndards. We would like to express our profound thanks to all the individuals and organisations who have supported Voluntary Norfolk and the work we have undert2ken over the course of the last twelve months. Risk management A risk management register is in place to assist in identifying vulnerable areas of the organisation, which we have completely overhauled over the last year. Individual risks are identified at programme level and escalatsd, where appropriate. into the higher- level corpordte risk register, which captures and monitors the organisaoon's overarching strateyc risks. Identified risks are properly managed and we are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigatr the organisation's exposure to the major risks. Cooperation with other charities in pursuit of charitable objectives We are strong advocates for working with other charities and organisations. In our infrastructure provision we work in partnership with CommunityAction Norfolk and the Norfolk Community Foundation as well as FUSE and NCAN. In our delivery of services we had a range of partners in 2024125 including Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111 49
Progress against plans and future plans In this section we report back against the plans we presented last year and lay out our plans for the coming year. A significant proportion of our work is ongoing services or projects. as presented in this report.we will continue to deliver these services, looking lor opportunities to improve and develop them and working closely with partners and commissioners to ensure the best possible outcomes. Here we focus on plans that are new or additional to delivery of our existing work The tables below present an update on progress against our plans for 2024-25 and funher plans agreed for the coming year. Reporting back against 2024-25 plans Area of work I Context Aims for 2024-25 What does success look like? Sustain and evofve Empowering Communities partnership to meet new sector needs and commissioning intentions. An innovative and creative partnership-basedVCSE sector support programme, able to support and stretch the sector to build capacity ind able to respond to changing needs. Embedvision for Volunteering collaborative work plan across Norfolk stakeholders, further extending reach into health and care. A system wide approach to working with and supporting volunteer5, which is based on good practitr and Is effettively resour, based on collective system ambitions. Infrastructure Build the Momentum Children and Young People's support programme. to strength youth voice and sector collaboration. A vibrant programme of sector support iniuatives that support children and young people in Norfolk to flourish through a resilient youth secror. 50 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
Area of work I Context Aims for 2024-25 What does success look like. Successful evaluation of the Parent Carers pilot service, evidenclng the need for future commissioning. Successful trnnsitioning into our newyoung Carers service building on co-production and ensuring the volce ofyoung Carers is heard. Gaining employability contracts following the cessatlon of European Social Fund to ensure we offer holistic services to people. supporting them back Into employmenL Strengthen our unpald Carers provision for all ages. Service5 Rebuild our Employability provision. Secure the futu of the SOS Bus as an independent service following cessation of ICB funding for the service SOS Bus service transitions to an independent volunteer-led CIO. continuing to support those needlng assistance on nights out in Norwich Established servlces and projecrs that demonstrate value and effectlveness continue to operate, whilst adapting to changing needs where relevant. Retaln and develop servi and projects that will be recommissioned In 24k25 Diversify funding sources, particularly increasing grant funding income where It can enhance provision. Grant funding enables us to build on and enhance existing offerings to clients IVCSE organisations, and to innovate to better meet the needs of communities. Development and sustainability Explore partnership5 and new ways of working that will deliver value to cllents and theVCSE sector. Opportunities explored - and where appropriate taken forward to enhance our dellvery working with other organi5ations in the VCSE sectt)r and wider system. Move main (Norwich) office ro another locatlon A move to better quality offices that meet changed. hybrid wod(ing needs and make cost savings. Internal development Embed new HR systsm and bulld usage of different elements HR system bring efficiencies and improvements to internal processes Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025 111
We are pleased to announce that in almost every arei we have achieved our goals as can be seen in the sections above outlining the achievements of the various strands of the organi5ation. Diversifying our income strearns remains ongoing and will undoubtedly continue into the next financial year and beyond. The one area where we have not achieved the aim we expressed in 2023-24 is gaining new employability contracts. During the year 2024-25, a strategic decision was made to focus on our core offer rather than bidding for contracts that would dilute it. Nevertheless we remain committed to working with other organisations and sharing both our experience in this area and our unique offer. to support those looknng to get (back) into work in Norfolk and beyond, as can be seen in our work with the Brighter Futures project. Future plans for 2025-26 Area of work I Context Aims for 2025-26 What does success look like? Improve processes and procedures SOP and KPIS in place for each operational team Ensure safeguarding practices and processes are fit for work Safeguarding procedures and statutory requirements all met for 2026. Programmes Ensuring commissioned projects meet the requirements of their delivery contracts Research into fundraising audiences Raise our first funds from Trusts and Foundations Secure our first corporate partnerships Research into brand identity, strntegy and positioning No projects in review by commissioners by March 2026 dta to inform a move into fundraising programming Circa £80k raised from Trusts and Foundations Partnershlps and Influencing Circa £30k ralsed from Corporate sources Branding Project Launching in 2026 infornied by high quality data Staff Survey follow up early 2026 showing significantly improved metrics New ways of working established at leadership levels of organisation.Automations and practice5 that better enable decision making. A renewed board of trustees Build on staff survey results to reimagine a new culture at Voluntary Norfolk Governance Reviews at Non-Executive and Executive levels Finance Procedures Refresh Core - internal development and cultu change 52 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
Area of work I Context Aims for 2025-26 What does success look like. More organisations engage with the Sector SupportTeam's networks, information channels and events; Organisations report that they have benefited from attendance and the support received; Organisations. stsff and volunteers increase skills and knowledge through the Get Involved Skills Hub. The August 2025 Open Letter to Stakeholders and Statutory Partners in Norfolk promoting 'a Shared Commitmenc to Partnership with theVCSE Sectorf results in positive responses to the 12'asks': The Sector SupportTeam has 'a seat at the table, of influential and decision-making groups such as theVCSE Assembty. Business Board, etr; The VCSE Leadership Network continues to grow and have its voice heard. The Volunteering for Health project increases volunteering in primary healthcare settings. and identifies ways to make volunteering more inclusive: Norfolk &WaveneyVision forvolunteering harnesses cross-sector knowledge and experience by actively promoting volunteering to increase the pool of willing and able volunoers. The membership and effectiveness of Get InVOLved Norfolk volunteer recruitment plarform increases That the VCSE sector in Norfolk is more resilient and better placed to respond to increased dernand and the multiple challenges it is facing ThaL through the leadership of the Empowering Communities Partnership and the Sector Support Team, theVCSE sector works together to influence social and economic policies and processes that impact on organisation sustainability VCSE Sector Support That the benefits and increased wellbeing of volunteering are available to everyone at every stage of their lives Voluntary Norfolk Annual Report 2024-2025 111 53
Reference and administrative details Cu rrent trustees David Walker (Acting Chair) Robert Hetherington Mark Hitchcock Vivienne Clifford-jackson lan Morrison - appointed 9 October 2024 Stephen Wright - appointed 9 October 2024 Tessa Haslw - appointed 5 February 2025 Resigned this year John knhibald - resigned 5 February 2025 Josephine Smithson - resigned 5 February 2025 Company registered number 05616120 Charity registered number 1112017 Registered office Voluntary Norfolk Units 4-6 83-87 Pottergate Norwich Norfolk NR2 IDZ Chief executive officer Michael Kitching Independent auditors Larking Gowen LLP Ix Floor Prospect House Rouen Road Norwich NRI IRE Bankers Bank of Scotland PIC 33 Old Broad Street London Branch PO Box l 000 BX2 ILB Solicitors Leathes Prior 74 The Close Norwich Norfolk NRI 4DR 54 111 Voluntary Norfolk • Annual Report 2024-2025
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes 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 r8quir8S the Trustees lo prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law. the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give 8 true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its incom8 and expenditure, for that P8riod. In preparing th&se financial ststements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102); make judgments and accounting eslimat8S that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been folloEd, subject to any material d8partur8s disclosed and explained in the financial statements: prepare the financial statements on the going l¢ern basis unless it is inappropriat8 to presume that the company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose viith reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statement5 comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Dlsclosure of information to auditor5 Each of the perK>ns who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees, report is approved has confimied that: so far as that Trustee is aare, there is no relevant audit information of vthich the charity's audilors are unaware, and that Trustee has tsken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit inforniation and to establish that the charity's auditors are adre of that information. Audltors The auditors. Larking Gowen LLP. have indicated their VllIngneSS to Continue in office. The designated TNstees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees. Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by: d Walker Chair of Trustees Date: Page 55
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY NORFOLK Oplnion We have audited the financial statements of Voluntary Norfolk (the 'charitable company,) for the year ended 31 March 2025 vthich comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet. the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of Significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Stand8rd 102 Yhe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the charitsble company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended: have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinlon We conducted our audit in accordance with Intemational Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under Ihose standards are further described in the Auditors, SponSibl11t1eS for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance wth the ethical requirements that are relevant lo our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilitias in accordance wilh these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements. we have concluded that the Trustees. use of the going concem basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainlies relating to 8vents or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees V¥ith respect to going concem are described in th8 relevant sections of this report. Page 56
VOLuKfARY NORFOLK (A company Ilmfted by guarantee) INDEPENDEKf AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (CONTINUED) Other inforniation The other inforniation comprises the infomiation Includ in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors. report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other inforniation Gontained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial ststements do8s not cover the other infonnation and. except to the extent othemse explicitly stated in our report. we do not express any fomi of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so. consider whether the other infomiation is materially inconsistent wth the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit. or olhewsa appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsstencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misststement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, VR conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other infonnation. we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Compani•s Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the ork undertaken in the course of the audit: the infomiation given in the Trustees, report for the financial year for thich the financial ststements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. the Trustees, report has been prepared in acccfdance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on whlch we are required to report by exception In the light of our knoedge and understanding of the charitable company and ils environment obtained in the course of the audit. we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees. report. We have nothing to report in resPt of the folloviing matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion- adequate accounting records have not been kept. or retums adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us. or the financial statements are not in agreement viith the accounting records and retum4 or certain disclosures of Trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made" or have not received all the infomation and explanations we require for our audit. or the Trustees Vre not entitled to prepare the financial ststements in accordan with the small companies regime and lake advantsge of the small companies. exemptions in preparing the Trustees, report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic report. Page 57
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDrroRS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (CONTINUED) Responsibilitles of trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees. respong4bilities statement. the Trustees {who are also the directors of the charitable company for the PuOseS of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true arKI fair view. and for such intem81 control as the Trustees detennine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that a free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or eOr. In preparing the financial statements. the Trustees are responyble for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concem. disclosing. as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concem basis of accounts.ng unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitsble company or to cease operations. or have no realistic altemative but to do so. Auditors, respon8lbllltle8 for tho audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether th8 financial statements as a ole are free from material misststernent. vh)ether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors, report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance. but is not 8 guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misststements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably b8 expected lo influence the eLonomic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularitie& including fraud. ar8 instances of ncfi-compliance ryth laws and regulations. We d8sign procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlin1 above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities. including fraud. The extent to vthich our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities. including fraud is detsiled below. Due to the field in which the Charity operates. we have identified the following areas as those most likely to have a material irnpaGt on tha financial statements: health and safety" safeguarding. GDPR: and compliance with the UK Companies Act. Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, induding frau(Js and non-compliance wth lavts and regulations. vras as follows: Enquiries with management about any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations, accidents in the vlorkplace and fraud. Reviewing financial statement dIlosureS and testing to supporting documentation to assess estimates. and Auditing the risk of management oveIde of controls, including through testing joumal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. www.frc.or itorsr onsibili es. This description fomis part of our Auditors, report. Page 58
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A Company limited by guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (CONTINUED) Use of our report This reFK)rt is made g)lely to the charitable company's members. as a body. in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to stste to them in an Auditors. report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pemitted by law, we do not 8ccepl or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members. as a body, for our audit work. for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Julie Grimmer FCA DChA (Senior statutory auditor) for and on behalf of Larking Gowen LLP Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors 1 st Floor. PrOspt House Norbmch Date: 19 November 2025 Page 59
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company Ilmited by guarantee) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Restrlcted Unrnstrlcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Note Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activilies 3.502 1,882,194 3,610 4,350.386 6,4CIO 4,457,578 2,468,192 Total income 1,885.696 2,468,300 4.353.996 4.463.978 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 1.613.515 2.557,940 4.171,455 4, 744,006 Total expenditure 1,613,515 2.557,940 4,171,455 4, 744,006 Net movement in funds 272,181 {89,640) 182,541 (280,028) Reconciliation of fund8: Total funds brought forward (as restated) Net movement in funds 207.118 272,181 702,675 (89,640) 909.793 182.541 1.189.821 (280.028) Total funds carrled forward 479.299 613.035 1,092,334 909, 793 The Ststement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 63 to 79 fomi part of these financial statements. Page 60
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 05616120 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2024 As restated 2025 Note Fix¢d assets Intsngible assets Tangible assets 2,014 40,095 3.021 16.440 42,109 19,461 Current assets Debtors Cash 8t bank and in hand 10 1,092,303 1.608.739 827, 769 1.622, 705 2.701,042 2.450,474 Creditor& amounts falling due within one year 12 (1,650.8171 (1,560. 142) Net current assets 1,050,225 890.332 Total net assets 1,092.334 909, 793 Char5ty funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 14 14 479,299. 613,035 207.118 702,675 Total funds 1.092.334 909. 793 The Trustees acknovAedge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act V•ith respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements w8re approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: vld Walker Chair of Trustees The notes on pages 63 to 79 fomi part of these financial ststements. Page 61
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantse) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities 37.361 110,933 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets (51,327) (2, 143) Net cash used in investing activlties (51,327) 12,143) Cash flows from financing activities Net cash provlded by financing actlvltles Change In cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents al the beginning of the year (13.966) 1,622,705 108,790 1.513.915 Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of the year 1,608,739 1,622, 705 The notes on pages 63 to 79 form part of th&se financial statements Page 62
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company Ilmited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng pollcles 1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements The financial ststements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommend8d Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Irel8nd (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Voluntary Norfolk meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless OtheiS8 stated in the relevant accounting policy. 1.2 Company status The company is a private company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the ¢omp8ny being wound up. the liability in r8spect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company. The registered office of the company is Units 4-6, 83-87 Pottergate. Norwich. Norfolk, NR2 1 DZ. 1.3 Golng concern The Trustee's have considered Voluntsry Norfolk's financial and operational position at the time of signing the financial statements. The Trustees continue to be fully 8ngaged wth commi&sioners, local authorities and funders with regard to a number of new, extended andlor expanded seNice offers. The Trustee's have considered a period of twelve months from the point of signing these financial statements and. considered the level of on-going funding, strength of our offer in respect of contract renewals. engagement wilh commissioners on new emerging programmes and the financial strength and level of funds within the charity. Based on the above the Trustees. confirm it is appropriate to prepar8 the accounts on the going concem basis. 1.4 Inc¢m• All income is recognised once the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised al the time the investment income is receivable. Page 63
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limlted by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (continu) 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 thal a transfer of economic benefits wll be required in settlement and th8 amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by aclivity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs. including support costs involved in undertaking @ach activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity ar8 allocat8d directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support Costs lch are not attributable to a single activity are apportion8d between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of r8sources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Charitable activities and Governance costs ar8 Costs incurred on the companvs educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the govemance of the company apportioned to charitable activities. 1.6 Intangible assets and amortisatlon Intsngible assets are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or valu8 of th8 asset can be measured reliably. Intsngible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition. under the cost model. intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impaimient I0s. Amortisation is provided on intsngible assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of each ass8t on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life. Arnortisation is provided on the following basis: Website 0/0 20010 Straight line 1.7 Tanglble flxed asset8 and deprn¢iation Tangible fixed assels are initially recognised at $t. After recognition, under th8 Cost model. tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment Ioss8s. All costs incurred to bring a tsngible fixed a&set into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost. D8pr8ciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed asseis less their residual value over their estimated useful lives. using the straight-line method. D8preciation is provided on the followbng bases: Short-term leasehold property Motor vehicles Fixtures and fittings Offic8 equipment Computer equipment Database and search engine 16.60/0 250 - 33.3°/. 33.30/0 Page 64
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies {continued) 1.8 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade dipKount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 1.9 Cash at bank and in hand Cash al bank and in hand includes cash and short-temi highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 1.10 Liabilltles and provisions Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the company anlicipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material. the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pr8-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cosL 1.11 Financial instruments The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basyc financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value wth the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 1.12 Pensions The comp8ny operates a defined contribution pension heme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year. Page 65
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 AGGounting policies (continued) 1.13 Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds vthich 8re available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is sel out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance wth specific restrictions imposed by donors or thich have been raised by the company for particular purpos8s. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is s8t out in the notes to the financial statements. Income from donations and legacles Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 Totsl funds 2025 Donations 3.502 108 3,610 Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Donations 5.334 1,066 6,400 Page 66
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK {Acompany limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from charitable actlvtties Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Health Communits'es Employment Finance and Resources 669,854 1.149.751 62,589 1,853.253 61.000 2.523,107 1,210,751 62,589 553,939 553,939 1,882,194 2.468.192 4,350,386 RethGted Unrestricted funds funds as r8Stated as restated 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Health Communities Employment Financ8 and R8sourc8S 753,112 739.647 400,602 1.946,544 86.562 2, 699, 656 826,209 400. 602 531,111 531,111 1,893.361 2.564.217 4,457,578 Analysis of •xpanditura on charitable activities Summary by fund type Restrict•d Unrestrlcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total 2025 Health Communities Employment Finance and Repuources 745,783 813,540 54,192 1,892,837 62,428 2,638,620 875,968 54,192 602,675 602,675 1.613.515 2,557,940 4.171,455 Page 67
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Analysis of axpandlture on charltable activities (continued) Summary by fund type (continued) Restn'cted Unrestricted funds funds as restated as restated 2024 2024 Total 2024 Health Communities Employment Finance and Resources 939.301 812.398 400,602 1, 880, 895 75, 028 2,820, 196 887,426 400, 602 635. 782 635, 782 2, 152,301 2,591,705 4, 744,L106 Page 68
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A Company limited by guarantse) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities (contlnued) Summary by expenditure type Staff costs Depreciation Other costs 2025 2025 2025 Total 2025 Health Communities Employment Finan and Resources 1.481.931 443,191 39.753 528,258 1.156,689 432.777 14.439 45.738 2,638.620 875,968 54,192 602,675 28,679 2.493.133 28.679 1,649,643 4.171.455 Included in Finance and Resource costs above is £54,043 in relation to Govemance costs in the year (2024.. £73,973). Staff costs D8pr8Ci&tion Other costs 2024 2024 2024 Total 2024 Health Communities Employment Finance and Resources 1,587,521 397,315 315,135 531,379 1,232,675 490,111 85,467 93,595 2,820, 196 887.426 400,602 635, 782 10.808 2,831,350 10,808 1.901,848 4, 744.006 Audltors. remuneratlon 2025 2024 Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's annual accounts 13.810 12,650 Fees payable to the company's auditor in respect of: All non-audit services not included above 3,615 1, 703 Page 69
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company Ilmited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Staff costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pensÈon schemes 2,203,105 188,714 101,314 2,499,232 216,351 115, 767 2,493.133 2,831,350 During the year. redundancy and termination payments yre made totalling £41.145 (2024: £31.909). The average number of peThn$ employed by the company during the year was as follows: 2025 No. 2024 No. 88 100 The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was: 2025 No. 2024 No. In the band £60.001- £70.000 In the band £70.001- £80.000 The staff costs for the employ88 in the banding above is in respect of gross wages. The Key Management Personnel of the charity is represented by 912024.. 6) members of the senior leadership team together with the 6 unpaid trustees. KMP compensation including employers national insurance costs amounled to £272,554 (2024: £328,672). Trustees. remuneration and expenses During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL). During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses totaling £NIL were reimbursed or paid directly to Trustee (2024 - £14) in respect of travel costs. Page 70
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Intangible assets Website Cost At 1 April 2024 18.063 At 31 March 2025 18.063 Amortisation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year 15.042 1,007 At 31 March 2025 16,049 N•t l>ook value At 31 March 2025 2,014 At 31 March 2024 3,021 Page 71
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Tangible fixed assets Fixtures, Fixtures, Short- Temi frttings and rIngS and Database & leasehold office offlce search property equipment equipment engine Total Cost or valuallon At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals 78,509 25,323 (78,509) 15,235 57,295 11,303 (57,225) 27.097 14,701 {7,684) 178,136 51,327 (143.418) At 31 March 2025 25,323 15.235 11,373 34,114 86.045 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year On disposals 78,509 4,221 (78.509) 6.094 9,141 57,250 3,068 (57.225) 19,843 11,242 (7,684) 161.696 27.672 (143,418) At 31 March 2025 4221 15,235 3.093 23,401 45,950 Net book value At 31 March 2025 21.102 8,280 10.713 40,095 At 31 March 2024 9,141 7,254 16.440 10. Debtors 2025 2024 Due within one year Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 622,579 469,724 712,005 115.764 1,092,303 827. 769 Other debtors indudes grant income receivable for Volunteering for Health of £319,387. This income has been recognised wthin the charity's restricted Communities income for the year, and will be spent over the terms of the agreement. Page 72
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 11. Assets held for third parties - Payroll floats Bank and cash balances include assets held for third parties comprising of payroll floats held for the purposes of executing payroll duties on behalf of clients. The cOrspOndIng liability to retum payroll floats is recognised in other creditors as set out in note 13 bdow. 2025 2024 Balance at 1 April 2024 Amounts acquired Amounts repaid 841,920 693. 172 869,870 841,920 {841,920) (693, 172) 869,870 841.920 12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 35,188 93,988 1,208,970 312,671 102,813 95,020 t. 115,297 247.012 1,650,817 1.560. 142 13, Accruals and deferred income 2025 2024 Deferred income at 1 April 2024 Resources deferred during the year Amounts released from previous periods 154,595 258,951 (154,595) 61, 770 154,595 (61. 770) Deferred income at 31 March 2025 258,951 154,595 Page 73
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A Company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202S 14. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year Balance at 1 Aprll 2024 as restated Balance at 31 March 2025 Income Exponditure Unrestricted funds Deslgnated funds Service Ddivery Funds 263,199 1,914,253 {1,955,265) 222,187 General funds Finance and reSoUS 439,476 554,047 {602,675) 390.848 Total Unrestrlcted funds 702,675 2,468,300 (2,557,940) 613.035 Restricted fvnds Communities Employment Health Restried fixed assets 83,417 1,150,398 62,589 672,709 (813,538) (54,193) (736,643) (9,141) 420.277 8.396 $0,626 114.560 9.141 207.118 1.885,696 (1,613.515) 479,299 Totsl of funds 909,793 4,353,996 (4,171,455) 1.092,334 The Trustees have carried out a detailed review of the funds generated by the charity by th8 delivery of services. Following this review, Trustees have concluded that the funds generated are not subject to restrictions. As a result th8se funds have been reclassified as unrestricted. The trustees are mindful of the potential for additional costs arising where service agreements end. In view of this, the Trustees consider it appropriate to designate these funds and for them to be maintained separately from the charity's general reserves, Any accumulated surpluses are only transferred to generdl funds once Trustees are comfortable that all liabilities have been settled in full once th8 service activity has concluded. The impact of this reclassification of funds is for opening restricted funds to reduce by £263,199 wth a corresponding increase in designated funds. There is no impact on the charity's free reserves. Page 74
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK {A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14. Statement of funds (continued) Stat6m•nt of funds - prior year As restated As restated Balance at Transfers 37 March inloul 2024 As restated Balance at As restated As restated 1 Apnl 2023 Income Expenditure Unrestricted funds Designatéd funds Service Delivery Funds 186,016 2, Q33, 106 (1.998,873) 42.950 263, 199 G•n•ral funds Finance and resources 481.551 532, 177 (635, 782) 61,530 439.476 Total Unrestricted funds 667,567 2,565,283 (2,634, 655) 104.480 702,675 Restrlcted funds Communities Employment H8alth R8Stricted fixed assets 151.982 739.945 400.602 758. 147 (812,398) (400, 602) (893,304) (108,368) (3, 047) 3,888 83,417 358,085 12, 188 114,560 9, 141 522,255 1,898,694 (2, 109,351) (104.480) 207, 118 Totsl of funds 1, 189.822 4.463.977 (4. 744,006) 909, 793 As disclosed in the current year statement of funds a reclassification of restricted funds has been made to designated funds. This has been applied retrospectively as a prior year adjustment to these accounts. and the impact of this reclassification of funds is for closing 2024 restricted funds to reduce by £263,199 with a corresponding increase in designated funds. There is no impact on the charity's free reserves. Page 75
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 15. Summary of funds Summary of funds- current year Balance at 31 March 2025 Balance at 1 April 2024 Income Expenditure Designated funds General funds Restricted funds 263,199 439,476 207,118 1,914,253 (1,955.265) 554,047 {602,675) 1.885.696 {1,613,515) 222,187 390.848 479.299 909.793 4,353.996 (4,171,455) 1,092,334 Summary of funds - prior year As restated Balance at As restated As restated l April 2023 Income Expenditure As restated Balance at Transfers 31 March in/out 2024 Designated funds General funds Restricted funds 186.016 481,551 522, 255 2,033.106 (t.998,873) 42,950 532, 177 (635. 782) 61.530 t,898,694 (2. 109.351) {104.480) 263. 199 439.476 207, 118 1. 189.822 4,463.977 (4, 744,006) 909. 793 16. Analy816 of net assets between funds Analysls of net assets between fund8 - current year Restricted Unrestrlctsd funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Tangible fixed assets Intangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due 1th1n one year 40.095 40,095 2.014 2,014 697.766 2,003.276 2.701,042 (218.467) (1.432.350) (1,650,817) Total 479,299 613.035 1.092,334 Page 76
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued) Analysis of not assets between funds - prior year Restncted Unrestricted fvnds funds As restated As restated 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Intsngible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year 9,141 7.299 16,440 3,021 3,021 334.836 2, 115,638 2,450,474 (136.859) (1.423.283) {1, 560,142) Total 207,118 702,675 909, 793 17. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2025 2024 Net incomelexpenditure for the year {as p8r Statement of Financial Activities) 182,541 (280,028) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Amortisation charges Decreasel{increase) in debtors Increase in creditors 27.672 1.007 (264.534) 90.675 9,801 1,007 237, 735 142,418 Net cash provlded by operating activities 37,361 110,933 18. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2025 2024 Cash in hand 1.608.739 1,622, 705 Totsl cash and cash equivalents 1,608,739 1.622. 705 Page 77
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company Ilmfted by guarantse) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19. Analysis of changes in net debt At 1 April 2024 Cash flows At 31 March 2025 Cash at bank and in hand 1,622,705 (13,966) 1.608,739 1,622,705 {13,966) 1,608.739 20. P•n$ion commltments The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The p8nsion cost charge represents contributions payable and amounted to £101.314 (2024- £115,767). At the year end £Nil {2024: £Nil) remained payable. 21. Operatlng lease commitments At 31 March 2025 the company had commitments to make future minimum leas8 payments under non- cancellable operating leases as follows: 2025 2024 Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 38,250 49,406 87,656 Page 78
VOLUNTARY NORFOLK (A company Ilmited by guarantse) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Related party transactlons Vivienne Helen Clifford-Jackson, a trustee of Voluntary Norfolk is a director for Healthwatch Norfolk. During the year ended 31 March 2025, Voluntary Norfolk invoiced Healthwatch Norfolk £4.706 (2024: £1.632) in relation to Job adverts and HR services. A balance of £534 was du8 to the charity from Healthwatch at 31 March 2025 (2024: £267). David John Walker. a trustee of Voluntary Norfolk is a director of Into Opera. During the year ended 31 March 2025, Voluntary Norfolk invoiced Into Opera £24.765 {2024: £29,814) in relation to payroll services. A balance of £2,609 was due to the charity from Into Opera at 31 March 2025 (2024: £Nil). Peter Mark Hitchcock, a trustee of Voluntary Norfolk is a director of Norfolk Citizens Advice. During the year ended 31 March 2025. Voluntary Norfolk invoiced Norfolk Citizens Advice £10,442 {2024'. £5.242) in relation to Job adverts. DBS checks and service charges. A balance of £401 VRS due to the charity from Norfolk Citizens Advice at 31 March 2025 (2024: £534). Norfolk Citizens Advice invoiced Voluntary Norfolk £13,606 (2024.. £33.410) in relation to referral services for the Carers Matter Nolk project. A balan of £Nil vS owed to Norfolk Citizens Advice at 31 March 202512024: £3,485). Page 79