2024-03-31-accounts

THE TRUST THE NEXT STEP TRUST Company Limited by Guarantee FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 MARCH 2024 Company RegistratlOD Number: 05711840 Charity Registration Number: 1114197 STREETS SPENSER WILSON CHARTEIiED ACCOVNTANTS

THE NEXT STEP TRUST

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

	PAGE
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report)	1
Independent auditor's report to the members	13
Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account)	18
Statement of financial position	19
Statement of cash flows	20
Notes to the financial statements	21

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPAIYY LIMITED BY GUARAIYTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law. present their report and the fmancial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. REFERENCE AI¥D ADl￿IsTRATIVE DETAILS Registered charity name The Next Step Trust Charity registration number 1114197 Company registration number 05711840 Principal office and registered The Hoover Building office Wesffield Street Halifax West Yorkshire HXI 2DN THE TRUSTEES E J Pearson J S Mooney C Naylor M S Cawthorn L Stradeski J Walsh (Appointed 21 June 20?3) Auditor Streets Spcnser Wilson (Yorkshire) Limited Chartered Accountants & statutory auditor Equitable House 55 Pellon tAne Halif&x West Yorkshire HXI 5SP Bankera CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue IV¢st Malling ME19 4JQ Barclays Bank PIC POBox14 Halifax West Yorkshire HXI IBG

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARA1￿EE TRUSTEKS, ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING THE DIRE￿OR's REPORT) fejtsiinuerfj YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Handejsbanken Ground Floor Fearnley Mill Dean Clough Mills Old Lane Halifax HX3 5WP State Bank of India Carlton House 18 Albert Square Manchester M2 SPE Cambridge & Counties Bank Charnwood Court 5B New Walk Leicester LEI 6TE Solicitors Wilkinson Woodward I l Fountain Street Halifax West Yorkshire HXI ILU STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND mANAGE￿ENT The Charity is a charitable company limitsd by guarantee and was set up 16 February 2006. It is governed by a memorandum and articles of association. Its objects are to establish the provision of support and to provide opportunities for peopl¢ with complex disabilities. Organisation and Trustees Trustees are to number a minimurn of three persons with no maximum number. Trustees are subject to retirement by rotation at the annual general meeting of the Charity. One third of Trustees must retire at each such meettng on the basis of those who have been longest in otyice since their appointment or reappointment. Retiring Trustees aTe eligible for re-appointment. Ncw Trustees appointed at the recommendation of existing Trustees. Membership of the Charity is open to any individual or organisation that does not pose a confiict to the best interests of the Cliarity. When a new Trustee is appointed helshe is given a welcome pack which includes inforniation relating to his/her responsibilities and details relating to the Charity.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL RKPORT ONCORPORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (col￿¢￿￿ed) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (eonftn4ed) Organisation Structure The Charity has a Board of 6 Trnstecs at the pcriod end (l of whom is a parent of a Next Stepper), and a Chief Executive oificer who oversees the day-to-day activity of the Charity and reports directly to the Board of Trustees. The staff comprise a further 87 employees (66 full time equivalents). The team includes an Operations Manager, Senior HR & People Development Manager, Day Service Co- ordinator, 5 Lead Supports, 2 Lead Support-care Plans, Deputy Operations Manager (Finance Officer), a catering team of 4 people, administrative staff including HR Administration. The majority of staff are dedicated to providing direct 5UPPOrt to Next Steppers. There is a Parents Forum that meets regularly (bi-annually) to provide feedback and advice to the Board and management of th¢ Charity. The local advocacy service, Cloverleaf have started to run some session with the next stcppers, this will hopefully lead to an independent forutll which infomis us about the next steppers needs and dreams. VoluDteers The Charity is grateful for the unstinting efforts of its volunteers who are involved in serN'ice provision and fund-raising. Current volunteers are involved in catering" we also encourage individuals to volunteer across roles including support and activities. The Charity has also provided work-placements for a number of young people, to gain experience in the sector as an aid to career selection and developmen( or as a personal development opportunity for eniployees of a particular company. Risk a&8e&sment The Charity's main Funding streams are the IA)cal Authority and Integrdted Care Board (fornjerly PCD. Though the placements are spot purchas￿. the number of next steppers I￿S increased year on year and we continue to be in demand. In the last two years there has been a waiting list for the service. More rec¢ntly, the transition enquiries have started sooner and extend into the next two years of school Eeavers. Having said that, as with any external government funding, we are vulnerable to changes in government policy. This is an external risk for the Trus¢ and ihe situation continues to be closely monitored by the Trustees. There was an increase in funding for the Day Service of l Olb/o on Ist April 2023. There has been a further increase from l April 2024 of 60/0. Being in a more financially robust position, we are not dependant on grants and donations. We do seek grants and donations to allow us to expand our facilities for specific large projects such as the hydrotherapy pool. We are most vulncrabje to changes in stsff, so succession planning is importanL and we have taken st¢ps to rnake the organisation tnore robust in the last year. As a small Charity, most potential risks are of an internal nature, SLTch as loss or illness of key staff or Next Steppers. The Charity seeks to identify and tnonitor risks in order to minimise the effect they may have on its activities. We have a Risk Register in place to evaluate potential risks and impletnent a contingency plan.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, A]YLYUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (coftftntsed) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE ￿￿D MANAGEMENT(￿j￿￿￿efy) COVID-19 The Covid-19 risk is now similar to the risk of influenza. Staff and next steppers are encouraged to tske both the flu and Covid vaccine, but it is no longer mandatory to do this. Some of the measures adopted during the pandemic have becDme good practice within thc workplace. This includes enhanced tjse of PPE if the staff are aware of the KKissibility of an infection-this is both to prevent transmission as well as incurring an infection Staffing- Reducing the measures around vaccinations have also helped us to recruit staff. Having said thaL most of the staff who have joined our team have l￿d more than two d05¢s of th¢ Ci)vid vaccine. We have been fortunate to attract som¢ good staff to join the team and are close to being fully staffed at this stag¢. With a larger staff team, there is also the additional risk of turnover. In the last three years the turnover for the organisation has been higher than pre-pandemic levels. More recently this has been more due to change in circumstances and natural progression. It is now to be expected. One of our strategies to retain a skilled workforce includes offering flexible working. Over the last year we havc considered and approved more than 10 flexible working requests. We are proud that more than half our team have worked here over 5 years. A quarter have worked more than ten years. This does however also open the possibility that this ￿0Up may look to move on or reduce their days of work. The Employee Contracts still include the requirement to be fully vaccinated, but the policy has been suspended at this time. ORTECTtVES AND ACTivrriES The.main object of the Charity is to provide supy)rt and opportunities to adults with complex disabilities and health needs. The objectives can be summarised:_ To have happier Next Steppers Be a financially healthy organisation. Demonstrate commitment to our mission through operational excellence. Inspire and embrace th¢ wid¢r world. These objectives are met by a day service operating from ft)ur properties within Calderdale. with specialised facilities including a sensory room. a catering facility and provisions such as Respite. Activities are undertakcn within the Charity properties and in the wider community facilitated by a fleet of specially adapted vehicles.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (coiiii•iue41 YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVETrIENTS AND PERFORMANCE (eomlinued) The core activities undertaken by the Next Steppers can be generally classified within the following headings:_ Therapy Sensory Active Purnuits In House Community Based Residential - hydrotherapy. reboun(L physiotherapy and spa - sensory rootn and garden sailing, canoeing, climbing. rambling - life skills, arts and craft5. aromatherapy - swim and gym, gardenin& recycling, shopping, work experience annual trips to Catvert Trusl and Ribby Hall for residential stays. Further details can be found on the website of the Charity at www.nextst¢ptrust.org.uk. All expenditure has supported the Charity's objective5 an(Vor l¢gal requirerncnts. The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and consider that they have met their obligatAon by providing a broad spectrum of opportunities for adults with complex disabilities. In addition to the benefits to ibe Next Steppers, the Charity h&s benefitted the wider community by providing work-placements for a number of young people. to gain experience in the sector as an aid to career selection and developmenL or as a personal development opportunity. STRATEGIC REPORT The following sections for achievements and perforniance and financial review fomi the strategic report of the charity. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The following sections for achievements and perfornlance and fmancial review forni the strategic report ofthe charity. ACHtEVEMENTS AfiD PERFORTrtANCE As reported East year, 2022123 wa5 a year for consolidation, as it was, there was a lot of flux during 2022123 incliidtng a big staff turnover. 2023124 has therefore been the year to reflect on the way we have changed as an organisation as a provision. Having recruited a Senior HR Manager, we had the opportunity to consider what was needed within the staff team to be able to develop the opportunities. for the next steppers. The consensus was that unless we invest in the right skills, we would not be able to improve the quality of our offer to the next steppers. Fortunately, we have some very talented and ambitious staff. The following roles were Tecognised as a requirement to etthance our provision, and we were fortunate to be able to advertise them internally and invest in the developrnent of our own team. Communication Lead -Whosc role is to set up specific guidelines and tools on how to communicate with each next stepper.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPAIYY LIMITED BY GUARAwfEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT ONCORPORATIIYG THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (cojiftnuedj YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFoR￿l4￿cE (covfimiedj Activity and Timetable Lead - Specific time to identify activities both internal and external and to follow this up with changes to the timetable. Deputy Day Service Co-ordinator- A part time job io support the increasing demands ofthe day service. Health and Safety Lead-A part time job which support5 the moving and handling" passive str¢tches' mobility needs of the next steppers. As a growing organisation it w&$ itnperative we stop and take stock of what is needed to support the service, and we are pleased tliat we have had the financial ability to do this. We continue to rnaintain a strong financial position which allows us to ensure we can invest in the facilities for the next steppers, having 'happier next steppers, is central to our ethos. We have also been able to respond to the cost of living concerns that our staff face and are responsive to their needs as well. A review of the real cost of meals has been carried out. Unsurprisingly, there is a shaty increase in the cost of each meal. As we are currently in a comfortable financial position the Trustees have agreed to continue to subsidise meals not only for the next steppers but also for any staff who choose to have a hot meal at NST. This is likely to be reviewed in 2024125 as the subsidy is unrealistic moving forward. There is likely to be an increase, but this will only be enough to ￿0Ver the cost of raw materials. Staff and recruitment The previous report spoke of the challenges we faced to get the staffing ratlos right without compromising on the values and skills we needed. This has been essential over the last year to support the team and cnsur¢ the next steppers are not compromised. We are pleased that we have been able to tackle this problem. As a good employer, paying more than the living wage foundation recommended salaries, encouraging a positive and motivating working environment. open door policy" Thorking in partnership ivith the next stepp¢rs- parents and the staff team we have been succ¢ssful itL mecting our recruitment targets. However. recruitment remains a challenge across the care sector. One of the areas that was identified as a vulnerability was the succession planning for the senior management team. The r¢sponsibiliti¢s on the two senior managers has not been revieii'ed for the last 5 years during which NST has grown significantly, not just with tbe additional next Steppe￿ and staff but also the additional buildings including the Hoover building. Some of this has been offset by the employment of the Senior HR and People Manager but there continued to be a gap of Skills. In the last few months we agreed a job role for a Deputy Operations Manager-this would includ¢ the Finance responsibilities. This role supports the Operations Manager but also is supporting the audit and improvement of internal departtnents.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTE TRUSTEES, ANJ NUAL REPORT IINCORPORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORD YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Iconlivuedj Pay was increased above int]ation in April 2024 by 50A. this was the Majority of the enhancement given by the Council and we are proud to say that passing this on keeps us as one of the highest paying orgallisations in the carc sector. We have continued to offer Increased Annual Leave to acknowledge the time off sick people in the care 5￿tOr were having lo takc due to Covid related isolation (which the Government stopped supporting in the Spring of 2022). The Development Day in February 2024 allowed us the opprtunsty get to know each other as a team. With a quarter of the team having joined in the last two years it was really important for us to get to know each other. This also included getting to know the Trustees. We asked the staff team to give us questions for the Trustees and a parenL which thcy answered t.ace to face. The staff and Trustees had a great opportunity to discuss what their plans and ambitions for the future are and to have an open dialogue. We a￿eed the top priorities for the next coupLe of years. The afternoon Th'as an opportunity to have some fun together at a 'Murder Mystery Partyl! Respite Project Respite continues to be self-fundillg and income levels now exceed budgeted projections. The surplus has come Primarily due to operating at low Staff￿g levels. Since the end of this reporting period, w¢ have invested in further r¢novations to improve the experience for the visiting individuals. Since 2023 it was Clear that we would not benefit from developing the respite bungalow in Ripponden as. we have struggled to recruit locally. Our sthff team are no longer voluntsering to work in Ripponden either. Dcspitc this wc did consider tbe option of a smaller internal upgrade to meet some of the current need, buying us time to look for an appropriate property in central Halif&x. Fortunately for us we viewed and were successful in purchasing a semi adapted bungalow in Southowram. The Property is a 10 minute drive from the Hoover building. It sits in a beautiful setting, therefore continuing to provide the holiday feel that we are kcen to offer the ne.xt steppers. The purchase went through in April 2024. and we are currently in the process of carrying out the adaptations needed to get it to the sp¢cification5 that are requRred before we move in. Ive also need to g¢t CQC approval to change the location of our provision. As reported previously, we continue to be in high demand and have a waiting list. We are currcntly unable to take additional users on, especially thos¢ with a higher Icvel of staifmg needs, we are both tight on space and stalying raiios.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMrrED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (coiitinued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AI￿ PERFORMANCE {c•Mibiued) Hydrotherapy Pool The hydrotherapy pool continues to enhanc¢ th¢ lives of the Next Steppers. It has not only changed their experience while at the Day Service but has had a lasting impact on th¢ overall quality of their livcs. Where in the past, w¢ were lucky to be able to access one hydrotlierapy session per week for the most vulnerable of our next steppers. now we are able to offer two sessions per week to all the next steppers. After the catastrophic failure in January 2023, it t(x)k Innova and their partners over l O weeks to fix the damage. There continued to be issues wlth the repairs, in January 2024 it was identified that there needed to ￿ a full inspection of the pool with the intention of ensuring no further probleins come up. This is being carried out in September 2024. Once completed we are keen to start hiring the pool to external users, both to offer the facility to the local community but also to offset the running costs. We now have a better idea about th¢ cost of rullning the TN)ol. Hiring it out as a community facility will support its upkeep. Environmental impact As mentioned l&st year, we have not had to make many significant changes to our activities despite the increase in costs of utilities and fueE, a decision was taken to limit the mileage distance of excursions on the minibuses. This is not only to be cost effective but also for next stepper not to spend unnecessary time sat on & bus. It is also better for the envirOn￿entI Having less 'trips ouv allows for better indoor activities to be planned such as the Theatre Group" Music therapy session; Bingo days and outdoor sports sessions. The Next Step Trust has invested in dedicated recycling bins including food waste. We are getting surveys on the possibility of installing solar panels on our sites.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPAIYY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT UNcOl￿ORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) fcondnuedj YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 21124 FINANCIAL REVIEW Funding has been seC￿ed for many key areas of the Charity. The majority of income comes from publicly funded centre usevs fees. The Charity has a surplus for the year of £207,583 (2023 - £68,393). Reserves policy The Charity aims to maintain a level of reserves to ensure that uninterrupted services may continue in the event of short-terni funding problems and also to maintain a level of reserves such that if the long- tenn survival ofthe Charity could not be sustained, staffrcdundancy payments and outstanding credttors could be met. Current centre running costs in tern]s of stalyjng and centr¢ overh¢ads are running at around £603,000 per quarter. Total funds held by the charity were £2.652,968 (2023 - £2.445.385). Of these £1,442,177 (2023 £1,458,272) can only be realised on the disposal of the Cliarity's fixed assets. The Charity holds £1,207,365 (20?3 - £972,845) in unrcstricted current assets less liabilities. Of this, £354,265 (2023 £224,593) has been designated by the Trustees for specific purposes. Of the funds held, £1 l7.225 (2023 - £131,722) are restricted and not available for tlie general use of th¢ Charity. The Trustees a￿ of the opinion that funds held are adequate. We are now back to the level of surplus that we would expectto have & we continue not to meet our reserves. As we have been hearing on the news, councils neighbouring us have been in hardship and may be facing bankruptcy. This is a risk for us as we are funded by th¢ Adult Care Services. We will be keeping a closer eye on this and will Teport if any such threats cotne up. We negotiated with the council for an enhanced uplift to be equitable as they had made a lower offer to learning disability services. There has been a chang¢ in gov¢rnmenL we will keep our eye on what this may mean for fijnding.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARAIYTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (eonftnuedj YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 PLANS FORFUTURE PERIODS The Next Step Trust continues to be more successful than was ever originally anticipated. Now, having just reached our 18th birthday, the demand for scrviccs is forecast to continue increasing. The successful installation of the Hydroth¢rapy pool has been the pinnacle of our achievement in the recent past. Having developed this through the peak of the pandemic and against thc odds of Brexit and a growing cost of living crisis was no mean feat. Building on this success we are keen to make this facility available to the wider community. once the repairs have been carried out, we intend to progress this plan. Over the last ye￿, we continued to focus on the quality of the provision. The role of the Actlvlty Lead was reviewed and made into a stand alone position rather than an additional responsibility for a support worker. Also. one day a week has been committed to the audit of medication. A5 mentioned previously, a Deputy Day Service Co-ordinator (part time) has been appointed to support the day to day running of the day service. The Moving and Handling Lead role has made a significant difference in influencing the mobility ofthe next steppers. Their passive strctchcs are Tcviewed regularly. and training is provided on how to support them in tlie hydrotherapy pool. Having a trdined person on site allows staff to take advice and ensure the next stepper g¢ts the best support Possible. The activity schedule has broadened, Using the Zone in Huddersfield for sensory play. regular music sessions and the rambling group led by a support worker are exampEe5 of what has been introduced in the last year. The Board of Trustees have reviewed the NST Strategy for the next three years. The main areas of discussion were: Ensuring robust Govemance- since the year end we have been fortunate to recruit a new Trustee to the Board following a trial in 2022-23. There is still a gap for another parent trustee and preferably someone with a finance background. W¢ have been fortunate to have a parent involved with the Service Development Group and another one possibly attending the Finance Committee. The appointment of a Senior HR & People Development Manager in May 2023 not only addressed the HR requirements of a larger staff team but a]so gave Th¢ Next Stsp Trust the opportunity to consider staff developtncnt opportunities in line with the needs of the next steppers. A Senior Manager working alongside the Operations Manager also adds resilience to the team and allows for more robust decision making. This has been further reinforced by the appointment of a Deputy Opcrdtions Manager in July 2024. The capacity to continue to accept new n¢xt steppers was deliberated. It was agreed subject to physical and p¢rsonnel capacity, we would continu¢ to accept referrals. b(rt we may have a waiting list if the numbers exceed three full time equivalent. Thts would also ensure we remained dynamic and progr¢ssive. Another important concern was NST being appropriate as a service for older next steppers. It was agreed that rnorc than age, it was the interests and h¢alth of the next steppers that should detemiine the appropriateness of the service for this. Therefor4 Person Centred Plan reviews will be used to det¢rn]ine any changing needs and how NST can respond to these. 10

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMtTED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATIIYG THE DIREcfoR'S REPORT) (conlinued) YEAR LNDED 31 MARCH 2024 PLANS FOR FUTURE PEIUODS leoMItth We have now adopted an eligibility policy which guides us Is to which individuals are eligible to be referred to Next Step. Also, as Service User needs are changing. who may out grow our services and ay require a difftrent level of support. This would usually be related to a significant change in health needs being a community based service that supports people to access activities within our buildillgs and in the local community it is important that we ensure that this is the basis of our provision. We are also looking to invest in 'softeV areas both to build the capacity of the team and support them to be MO￿ effectiv¢ in using their time given the demands on their day supporting the compl¢x Deeds of the next steppers. Working alongside a local IT Company, we have invested in laptops and softsware to make access to the care plans: policies and daily jotters easier and more acccssible across all sites. The plans for the ￿tllre include the developmellt of respite to not only offer short breaks for the next steppers but possibly offer the option of transition to supp)rted accommodation. The next step holidays have been very popular over the last 10 years. More and more next steppers are requesting to go away. We would like to explore the options of different holiday offers such as cruises. seaside breaks along with the residential activity breaks. A rebound trdmpoline facility was discussed at the development day, though our preference is to use community s¢rvices where possible, it is now not Exissible to get this service for our next steppers. The Service Development Group (SDG) recommended we look at developing this on one of our sites and the Board gave us the go ahead to put a proposal forwar4t over the last year we have been successful in getting planning pcrniission for the facility- We look forwaTd to getting a date to take this further, The 'use of space, committe¢ has been woA(ing well to consider the various challenges in the use of the properties. Storage areas have been crcated to ensure equipment can be kept safe but also moved away from the main activity areas when tt is not needed. We are also auditing the space we hav¢ to gauge how many additional referrnls w¢ may be able to take over the next few years-this will be reported to the board later this year and fomj a part of the strategy review. We have been very successful in supporting people with autism. Currently, we are in the process of auditing the activities of all the people with autism and complex behaviour. This will allow us to ensure we are providing a stimulating environment that encourages development. At the Next Step Trust, we never forget that it is through the dedication. resilience, friendship and kindness of our staff team that we succeed. Another main focus for us in th¢ coming year is to review the ternis and conditions we can offer to staff. as we strive to be the best employer we can be and do all we can to look after the wellbeing of our highly-skilled and highly-dedicated team. 11

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUAJIANTEE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (ct)rtIIAueilJ YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT The trustees, who are also directors for the Purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the financial statements in accordallce with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affaiTS of th¢ charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the applicabl¢ Charities SORP" make judgments and accounting estiniates that are re&8onable and prudent. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the fmancial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequa* accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other I￿egular1t￿es. AUDITOR Each of the person5 who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that: so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit inforniation of which the charity's auditor is unawa￿. and they hav¢ taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trnstee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit infomation and to establish that the charitys auditor is aware of that information. The trustees, annual report and the strategic report were approv¢d on 19 November 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: J S Mooney Trustee C Naylor Trustee 12

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THK NEXT STEP TRUST YEAR ENDED 31 MèlRCH 2024 OPINION W¢ have audited the financial statements of The Next Step Trust (the 'charitable company,) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the stat¢m¢nt of financial activities (including income and expenditure account), ststement of financial position. statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a SUTtunary of 5Rgnificant accounting policies. The fmancial reporting framework that has beell applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 Th¢ Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom G¢nera]ly Accepted Accounting Prdctice). In our opinion the f￿anCIal statements: give a'true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 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 G¢nerally Accepted Accounting Practice; have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. BASIS FOR OPINIOF4 We conducted our audit in accordance with Jnternational Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and 8pplicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further descrtbed in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the fu￿￿ela1 stateTuents section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK. including the FKC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtsined 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 truslees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have perfornied, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individuallv or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue a5 a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial ststements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trust¢¢s with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 13

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPIl]YY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDEiYf AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEXT STEP TRUST( contiH YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 OTHER INFORMATION The other inforniation comprises the inforniation included in the annual report, other than the financial statcJncnts and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other inforniation. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other inforniation and. except to tbe extent othenvise expEicitly stated in our report, we do not express at)y form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statcments, our responsibility Is to read the other inforniation and, in doing so. consider whether the other inforniation is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to deterniine whether there is a material misstatement in the fmancial statements or a material misststement of the other infomiation. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misststement of this other inforniation, we are required to report tliat fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. OPINIONS ON OTHER mA￿ERs PRESCRtBED BY THE CO￿AN[￿s ACT 2006 In oiw opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of th¢ audit". the infomiation given in the trustees, report for the fjnancial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the f￿ancial statements: and the trustees, report has been prepared in accordan￿ with applicable legal requirements. MArrERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION In the light ofthe knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the cours¢ of th¢ audi( we have not identified material misststements in the trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if. in our opinion: adequate accounting records have not been kepL or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by u5. or the fillancial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and r¢turns" or certatn disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made. or we have not received all the inforniation and explanations we require for our audit. 14

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S RLPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEXT STEP TRUST (contsiiued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 RESPONSIBILTfIES OF TRUSTEES As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statemenL the trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statetncnts and for being satisfied that th¢y give a trne and fair view, and for such internal control as the trLiStee5 detern]ine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whcther due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going Concer￿ disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees eithcr intcnd to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. AUDITOR'S REsPONsIBI￿TIEs FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance atxiut whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material mi5StatemenL whether due to fraud or error. and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assuranc4 but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including frauiL are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We desig procedures in linc with our responsibilities, outlined above. to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent lo M'hich our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fr&ud is detailed below: Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. was as follows: the engagement partner ensured that the engagement taqm collectively had the appropriat¢ competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. we identified the laws aDd regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management" we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company. we assessed the extent of complianc¢ with the laws and regulations identified above through niaking enquiries of management and inspecting correspondence. and identified laws and regulations were communicated within the auditteam regularly and the team rernained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. 15

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEXT STEP TRUST (continued) YEAR EfqDED 31 MARCH 2024 AUDITOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FUqANCIAL STATEMENTS (coitthiiied) We assessed the susceptibility ofthe company's financial statements to material misstateinenL including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur. by= making enquiries of management as to where they considcrcd there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledg¢ of actual. suspeded and alleged frau￿. and Considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. To address the risk of fraud through management bias and overrtd¢ of controls, we: perfonned analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships: tested journal entries to id¢ntify unusual transactions. assessed wbether judgements and assumptions tnade in deterniining accounting esttmates were indicative of potential bias. and investigated the rationale behind Si￿lfICant or unusual transactions. In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which in¢lud¢d but were not limited to: agreeing financial statement disclosures to undcrlying supporting documentation. reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance" and inquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims. Ther¢ are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions. the less likely it is that we would become aware of non- compliance. Auditing standards also Itmit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involv¢ d¢lib¢rate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the f￿anCIal statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at ivww.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. 16

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPEI¥DENT AUDITORIS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEXT STEP TRUST feohiiftued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 USE OF OUR REPORT This report is made solejy 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 compangs members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other puryose. To the fullest extent pern]itted by law, we do iiot accept or assume responsibility to anyonc other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as & body. for our audit work. for this report, or for th¢ opinions we have fornied. SALLY SHACKLOCK BA FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Streets Spenser Wilson (Yorkshire) Limited Chartered Accountants & statutory auditor Equitable House 55 Pellon Lane Halifax West Yorkshire HXI 5SP 19 November 2024 17

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENf OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) YEAR ENDKD 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2023 Unrestricted funds Note Income and end0￿￿ellts Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment income 12,743 2,600,380 124 19,354 1.215 1.768 13,958 2,602,148 124 19J54 18,676 2,192,237 365 5,713 2,216.991 Total income 2,632,601 2,983 2,635584 Expenditure Expenditure on raising fijnds: Costs of other trading activities 253 Expenditure on charitable activities 10.11 2.408,439 Total expenditure 2,408,692 2S3 2,427.748 2,428,001 29 2,148,569 2.148,598 19.310 19.310 Net income 223,909 (16.327) 207,583 68,393 Transfers between funds (1,830) 1,830 Net movemenl in funds 222.080 (14,497) 207￿83 68,393 ReconcilAation of funds Total funds brought forward Tolal funds carried forward 2,313,663 131,722 2,445J85 2,376,992 2,535,743 117,225 2,652,968 2,445,385 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 21 to 32 forni part of tbese financial statements. 18-

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITKD BY GUARANfEE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible r￿ed assets 17 1,442,177 1,458.272 CIJRRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 18 392536 945,892 242,963 853.580 lJ38.428 1.096,543 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS 19 127,637 109,430 1210,791 987,113 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 2.652,968 2,445,385 NET ASSETS 2,652,968 2,445,385 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 117325 2535,743 131,722 2,313,663 Total charity funds 21 2th52.968 2,445,3 85 These financial statcmcnts were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 19 November 2024, and atE signed on behalf of the board by: J S Mooney C Naylor Trustee The notes oll pages 21 to 32 forni part of these financial statemenls. 19

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANfEE STATEIIqENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVTfiES Net income 207,583 68,393 Adjustinentsfor.. Depreciation of tsngible fixed assets Other interest receivable and similar income Interest payable and similar charges Accrued ¢xp¢nscs 50,933 (19,354) 496 17,641 51.293 (5,713) 298 14,929 Changes in." Trade and other debtors Trade and other creditors (149,573) 566 (25,694) (20,115) 83,391 Cash generated from operations 108292 Interest paid Interest received (496) 19J54 (298) 5,713 88,806 Net cash from operating activities 127,150 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of tangible assets Net cash used in investing activities (34,838) (34.838) (3,216) (3,216) NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUWALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT El￿ OF YEAR 92,312 853,580 85,590 767,990 853,580 945,892 Tbe noles oll pages 21 to 32 forni part of these financial statements. 20-

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FTNANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 GENERAL INFORMATION The charity is a public knefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, r¢gist¢red in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is The Hoover Building. Westfield StreeL Halif￿. West yo￿hlre, HXI 2DN. STATEMENT OF COIKPLIANCE These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Ileporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,, the Stateinent of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordanc¢ with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparation The f￿ancial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. The fmancial statements are prepared in sterling. which is the functional currency of the entity. Going concern There are no material unc¢rtainti¢s about the charitys ability to continue. Judgements and key sources of estimatioll uncertainty The preparation of the fmancial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factor5. including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable undei the circumstances. There are not considered to be any key jiid8ments or estimates. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds arc available for use at the discretion of the trLLStees to further any ofthe charitys purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted fimds eannarked by thc t￿￿teeS for particular future project or ommitment. Restricted funds are subjected to ￿striCtl0nS on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the tern]s of an appeal. 21

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COIVIPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMKNfsfeonlinuedJ YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (coniitMed) Incoming resources All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to th¢ charity, it is probable that the economic bencfits associated with the transaction will flow to tlie charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categori¢s of income: income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. legacy income is recognised when receipt is Probable and entitlement is established. income from contracts foT the supply of services is recognised with the delivery ofthe contracted Service. This is classifIed as unrestricted fi5nds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be r¢garded as restricted. Resourees expended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure include5 any VAT which Car￿0t be fully recoverf and is classified under headings of the ststement offinancial activities to which it relates: expenditure on raising fvnds includes the costs of all fundraising actÉvities, events, non- charitable trading activities. and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charitable activities include5 all costs incU￿¢d by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefIt of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relaling to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitsble activities. other expendTture includes all eypenditure that is neither related to rdising funds for th¢ charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable. justifiable and consistent basis. Operating leases Lease payments are recogmised as an e.Ypense over the lease temi on a straight-line basis. The aggregate benefit of leas¢ illcentives is recognised as a reduction to expense over the lease terni. on a straight-line basis.

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (conhwied) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Tangible assets Tangible assets are initially recorded at COSL and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impaimient losses. J)epreciation D¢pr¢ciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an assel less its residual value over the useful economic life of ihat asset as follows: Freehold property Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicles Equipment 20/0 straight line 200/0 straight line 250/0 reducing balance 33.33% straight line Impairment of r￿ed assets A rcvicw for indicators of impairnient is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value e.¥¢eeds the recoverable amoun( the &sset is impaired accordingly. Prior impaimients are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. FinaDciaI instrnments The company only has financial assets and fmancial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic [￿anCIal instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Defined contribution plans Contributions to defined contribution plans a￿ recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund. LIMITED BY GUARALYTEE Th¢ Charity is a company limited by guarantec. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page l. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £ l O per member of the Charity. 23

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEIYTS (conlinuedj YEIIR EIYDKD 31 MARCH 2024 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 DOIYATIONS Individuals 2,918 1.215 4.133 GRANTS Grants rcceivable 9,825 9,825 12,743 1,215 13,958 Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2023 DONATIONS Individuals 328 13.261 13,589 GRANTS Grants receivable 2,587 2.500 5.087 2,915 15.761 18,676 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Support fees Access fees Respite fees Transport fees Outreach fees Dinner money Holiday income 1.699,342 618,675 l98.347 56,046 6,673 21,297 1,699J42 618,675 198J47 56,046 6,673 21,297 1,768 1,768 2,600.380 1,768 2,602,148 24-

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS fconhnyedj YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CHAIUTABLE ACTIVITIES (cenlimied) Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2023 Support fees Access fees Respite fees Transport fees Outreach fees Dinner money Holiday income 1.451,998 532,008 143.669 43,293 1,343 19.926 1,451,998 532.008 143,669 43,293 1,343 19,926 2,192,237 2,192,237 OTHER TRADING ACTIvrrIES Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Fundraising events 124 124 365 365 YVESTMEiYf INCOME Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Bank interest recelved 19J54 19 J54 5.713 5,713 COSTS OF OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Fuads 2023 Costs of fundrnising activities 253 253 29 29 25-

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMrrED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Ly)Klirtued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 10. EXPElyD￿lIR￿ ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BY FUND TYPE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Charitable activities Support costs 2,182,640 225.799 19,310 2,201,949 225,799 2,408.439 19,310 2.427,748 Unrestncted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2023 Charitable activities Support costs 1,920.717 221.862 5,990 I,926,707 221,862 2,142,579 5.990 2,148.569 11. EXPENDITURE ON CHARfrABLE ACTIvrriEs BY ACTIVITY TYPE Activities ulldertaken directly Support costs Total funds 2024 Total fund 2023 Charitable activities Governance costs 2,20 1.949 195,644 30,155 225.799 2 J97,593 30,155 2,427,748 2,121,481 27,088 2,201,949 2,148,569 12. ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS Total 2024 Total 2023 Staff costs General office Finance costs Governance costs Audit, accountancy & bookkeeping Offic¢ & administrational 182J64 12,784 496 17J68 6,626 6,161 225,799 178,732 15,743 298 16,338 6,814 3,935 22l,860 26

THE NEXT STEP TRUST

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13. NET INCOME

Net income is stated after charging/(crediting):

		2024	2023
		£	£
	Depreciation of tangible fixed assets	50,933	51,293
		===============================	===============================
14.	AUDITORS REMUNERATION
		2024	2023
		£	£
	Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements	3,300	3,300
		==========================	==========================
	Fees payable to the charity's auditor and its associates for other services:
	Other non-audit services	3,026 ==========================	3,209 ==========================

15. STAFF COSTS

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

	2024	2023
	£	£
Wages and salaries	1,842,416	1,629,252
Social security costs	150,167	131,191
Employer contributions to pension plans	37,753	34,903
	-----------------------------------------------	-----------------------------------------------
	2,030,336	1,795,346
	===============================================	===============================================

The average head count of employees during the year was 83 (2023: 75). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:

	2024	2023
	No.	No.
Management and administration staff	12	8
Support workers	48	49
Catering and caretaking	6	4
	----------------	----------------
	66	61
	================	================
The number of employees whose remuneration for the year fell within the following		bands, were:
	2024	2023
	No.	No.
£60,000 to £69,999	1 ================	1 ================

Key Management Personnel

Key management personnel, as detailed in the Trustees' Annual Report, received total remuneration of £124,946 (2023: £118,176) in the year.

- 27 -

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (eoiKinued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 16. TRUSTEE RE1￿UNERATIoN AND EXPENSES No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trust¢¢s. No trustee expenses have been incurred. 17. TANGIBLE FLXED ASSETS Freehold Fixtures property and fittings Motor vehicles Equipment Total Cost At l April 2023 Additions 1.700,593 214,264 26.622 225,020 102,038 2,241,915 8,216 34,838 110,254 2,276,753 At 31 March 2024 1.700.593 240.886 225,020 Depreciation At l April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 299.643 31,452 179.132 10,735 189.867 208,112 4,229 96,756 4,517 101,273 783,643 50,933 33J,095 212,341 83£L576 Carrying amount At 31 March 2024 1,369,498 51.019 12,679 8,981 1.442,177 5,282 1,458,272 At 31 March 2023 1,400.950 35.132 16.908 18. DEBTORS 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 361,709 30,827 2ll,098 31,865 392536 242,963

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANrEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Lwnllttued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 19. CREDITORS: amouDts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Social security and other tsxes Pension Other creditors 25.529 63,913 29,838 7JOI 1,056 23,141 46,272 31,208 5,886 2,923 127,637 109,430 20. PENSIONS AND OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS Defined contribution plans The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans w&s £37,753 {2023: £34.903). 21. AIYALYSIS OF CHARITAB1￿ FUNDS Unrestricted fullds April 2023 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers General fjJnds Buildings Fund Minibus Fund Staff Pension & Bonus 2,089,070 143,183 81.410 2,632,601 (2,367,626) (172,568) 2.181,477 (41.066) 169,000 271,117 81,410 1,738 1.738 2,313.663 2,632,601 (2,408,692} {I,830) 2J35,742 l April 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers G¢n¢ral funds Buildings Fund Minibus Fund Staff Pension & Bonus 2,194,414 2,377 58.250 2,201,230 (2,112,574) (194,000) 2,089,070 {27,l94) 168,000 143,183 (2,840) 26,000 81,410 2,255,041 2,201,230 (2,142,608) 2,313,663 29

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LILlllTED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfeuniinutd) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 21. ANALYSIS OF CILIRrrABLE FUNDS fcvntivv¢d) Restricted fuDds l April 2023 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Action Halifax HBOS Lord Taverners Gardening grant Hydrotherapy Pool Bearder Charity Calvert Trust Screwfix Foundation Swing Rebound 3.801 995 5,886 (88) (32) (1.472) (141) (4,624) 3,713 963 4,414 211 99.848 352 104.472 11,768 4,800 1,768 (l2228) (100) (625) {19JlO) IJ08 4.700 2.068 1,215 2,983 1,478 131,722 L.830 117225 l April 2022 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers Action Halif&x HBOS Lord Taverners Gardening grant Hydrotherapy Pool Bearder Charity Calvert Trnst Screwfix Foundation Swing Rebound 3,889 1,027 7.848 (88) (3?) (1.962) 3,801 995 5,886 104,096 191 2.500 (2.124) (191) (1.493) (100) 104.472 13.261 11,768 4,800 4,900 l21.951 15.761 (5,990) 131.722 30-

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LIIWllTED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ( Lvnlinued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 21. ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE FUNDS C¢thhdBued) The general fund represents the free funds of the Charity which are not designated for particular purposes. The designated funds represent the following: Buildings - Funds set aside for the improvement of the existing premises or the deposit on new premise5. The minibus fund represents the net book value of assets held plus funds set &8ide for the purchase of further vehicles. December lumpsum represents money accumulated towards future staff costs. The following restricted funds represent the n¢t book value of the capital facilities for which they were provided. The fund balances are reduced by the depreciation charged on the facility. - Action Halifax- Various capital items - The Lord's Taverners Cliarity - Contributions to minil)uses - HBOS - Conservatory (part) Hydrotherapy Pool- Funds raisedl donated for a hydrotherapy pool Screwfix Foundation entranc¢ gat¢. Donation received towards alterations and widening of th¢ car park The following funds represent balances in respect of grants and donations made for specific purposes relating to the ongoing costs of the Clwity:_ - Wilkinson Woodward - Towards activities - Gardening grant- Funds raisedl donated for the garden area Calvert Trust - Funds towards Holiday trips - Swing rebound - Funds raisedldonated for the garden 31

THE NEXT STEP TRUST COMPANY LI￿TED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENfs f Lvnliniied) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 22. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than l year Net assets l.328.377 1,335.002 (127,637) 2,535,742 113.800 3,425 1,442,177 1?38,427 (127,637) 2.652.967 l 17,225 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Tangible r￿ed assets Current assets Creditors less than l year Net assets 1,340,818 1,082,275 (109,430) 2,313,663 117,454 14,268 1,458,272 1,096,543 (109,430) 2,445,385 131.722 23. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT At At l Apr 2023 Cash flows 31 Mvdr 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 853,580 92,312 945,892 24. OPERATING LEASE Co1￿￿r[mENTs The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows, 2024 2023 Not later than l year Later than l year and not later than 5 years Later than 5 years 20.700 64,875 20.700 85,575 5,667 85.575 111,942 25. RELATED PARTIES Kent of £12,500 (2023: £12,500) was paid to Community Foundation for Calderdale a charitsble company of which the Chief Executive oific¢r is also a director and trustee. 32