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**<br>==========================|3,209<br>==========================|



## **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**<br>================|1<br>================|



## **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