REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05880006 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1119310 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS BK Plus Audit Limited Istalulory Auditor) 6 Manor Park Busine55 Cenlre Mackenzie Way Chellenham Gloucestershire GL519TX
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page Ref erence and Admini5tralivÈ Details Report of the Truslees Reporl of the Independent Auditors 8 to 10 Slatemenl of Financ5al Aclivities Stalemenl of Financial Position 12 Statemenl of Cash Flows 13 Notes lo thè Stalèmènt ol Cash Flows 14 Notes to the Financial Statemenls 15 to 26
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 TRUSTEES Paul James Ichair) (appointed Chair 5.12.23) Cavus Batki (Former Chairl {resigned 5.12.23) Rachel Claire Brindley (resigned 5.12.23) Tim Harman (resigned 5.12.23) Geoffrey Peter Sparke5 (resigned 5.12.23) Claire Thompson Alan Charles Machin Jacqueline Millar (Treasurer) Barry Chapman Sarah Rowan Sarah Whitelock Geoffrey York (appoinled 23.1.24) Mark Jonathan Holliday (appointed 18.4.24) Edward Timothy Richard Tallents lappoinled 23.4.24} Tracey Smart (a ppointed 18.6.24> Victoria Alherslone (appointed 10.9.24) REGISTERED OFFICE Suile 12 Corinium House Corinium Avenue 8arnwood Point Gloucester Gloucestershire GL4 3HX REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER 05880006 {England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1119310 AUDITORS BK Plus Audit Limiled {Slalulory Auditor) 6 Manor Park Business Centre Mackenzie Way Chellenham Gloucestershire GL519TX CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Paul Riddick BANKERS HSBC UK 2 The Promenade Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL5Q ILR Page1
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees who are a150 director5 01 the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial slalemenls of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Irustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Stalement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charitie5 preparing Ilieir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard a pplicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS102} {effeclive l January 2019). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objeclives and aims The objectives of the charity according to its Memorandum and Articles of Association are lo provide transport services and volunteering opportunitie5 in the Counly ol Glouce51er5hire an d surroundi ng areas Ihoreinafler called 'area of benefit,) and to promote any charilable purpose for Ihe benefil ol the commun ity in the area of benefit. Significant activities The core activity of the charity 15 the provision of transport for people with mobility problems in the area of benefit. thereby tackling loneliness and Social i501alion and promoting independence and an improved quality of life. Public benef il In planning the charity's activitie5 for the year, the trustees kept in mind Ihe Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The focus of the charily's aclivilies during the year, which explains the delivery by the charily of public benefit, is set out below under 'achievement and performance,. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities This financial year has been about continuing the growth in passenger numbers ljourney numbers have grown year on year since the pandemic. although not yet recovering fully), and growiiig our services. In partnership with Motability, we introduced a new accessible service in the norlh Cotswolds - a sei'vice not available in that area before, Our biggest demand remains for trips lo lieallh appointments, bul increasingly we have seen growth in ou r 'shopper' service (door-to-door travel to a superma rket) and lor 'special trip5, {i.e. days out, for example lo Weslon-super-mare etc}. We have also seen increased passenger use of our bus routes. This is evidence of increased confidence after the pandemic, with social activities becoming more important lo our customers. During this f inancial year we received pleasing news thal we had been selected by Gloucestershire County Council lo run its Oemand Responsive Transport (DRT) service in three areas fewkesbury, Berkeley Vale and South Colswolds. These service5. called the 'Robin', will operate from June 2024. Tliis will entail growing our fLeel and staff numbers lo provide two accessible minibuses in each area, operating 7am pm six days a week. Whilst this is a significant undertaking for us we believe our customer service ethos will ensure the services are successful. We have been financially supported by several charities through granls Edward Gosling Foundation, Thriving Communities, Severn Trenl, Glos Community Foundation. the Freemasons and others. We very much appreciate this as5islance which ha5 allowed u5 to provide essential transpDrl lor the most vulnerablo in our communities. We have also conlinued our close working parlnership with Gloucestershire Counly Council and we are grateful for their continued support. Page 2
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities - continued Governance The Board has met in person throughout this financial year. although there 15 an option to join on Teams if il is nul convenient to Iravel. The AGM was again conducted in a hybrid way with the Board meeting face to face and guests joining the meeting remotely. The AGM for 2024 will be a more open evenl - the first for several years. All governance complied wilh Charity Commission guidance. Al Ihe last AGM three of our mosl experienced Truslee5 Stood down, due lo lenure. In their place we have recruited four new Truslees. all ol whom possess significant skills and experiente in their fields. One of those stepping down was our Chair, Cavus Batki. Paul James was elected as the new Chair. In addition, we are honoured to have appointed a new Patron depth of knowledge will be a huge asset lo our charity. Dr Cathy Slannard takes the helm and her Our People We would like lo thank our staff and volunleers for their commitment Ihrough the year. To accommodale the additional demand in the year we employed one additional cuslomer service assi51anl in the office. The bigge51 challenge during the year was recruiting new volunteer drivers to replace those who did not return after lockdowns this lolalled about a third ol volunteer numbers. 11 wa5 evident that volunteer recruitment post-pandemic wa5 much more difficult Ihan bofore {Ihis phenomenon has been experienced across the third sector), and the charity has expended a great deal of effort and innovation in recruilmenl drives. This has been necessary because demand increased throughout the year, nol only from exi51ing passengers bul also from new Members. Largely demand was related lo attendance al health appointments and at some points Membership was growing al between five and eight a week. Obviously, this meant travel requests grew exponentially, increasing the necessily io recruit more volunleer drivers. The recru itmenl process was parlially successful. and numbers have grown, bul will need lo conlinue just lo gel back to pre-pandemic levels. Of course. even more volunteer drivers than that would be useful and welcomed. Our staff and volunteers have again provided a qualily service in sometimes difficult circumstances, and we are extremely graleful lor their professionalism. dedication and enthusiasm. FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial position The financial resulls for the year 2023124 show a significant improvemenl on the prior years as demand continues to rise to pre Covid levels. During the year 2023/24 the Charity generated an income of El,042,405 and had a total expenditure of £999,896 resulting in a su rplus of £42,529 for Ihe year. The principal source of funding has been from the core charitable activities provided through grants and fares for individual services with income on Ihese rising by 21 /D on Ihe prior year. Expenditure increased by 11 /• on the prior year. Ihe main pressure on expenditure relating lo salaries as the minimum wage conlinues to rise. All expenditure 15 c105ely monilored lo ensure the charily achieve5 best value for money across all areas. Page 3
COMMUNifY CONNEXIONS REPORT OFTHE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy The Trustees consider Ihe financial inlegrity of the charity as part of their ongoing review of the risks facing the organisalion. The aim of the Trustees 15 to increase the Charity's free re5erve5 (being those unrestricted reserves that are nol represented by the value ol Ihe fixed asset5) lo equate to gross budgeted expenditure for three months. The total reserved held at 31 March 2024 were £241,790 of which £205,418 were free reserves and E36.372 restricted reserves. The reslricled reserves were in relation lo capital reserve of E10,372. £7,500 Thriving Communities for volunteer expen5e5 and training, £14,500 North Cotswolds S106 for volunteer recruilmenl and £4,000 J & M Britton for the Belter Connexions projecl. Three months gross budgeled expenditure currenlly equates lo circa £240K. Our free reserves at 31 March 2024 were £205,418. This position continues to improve year on year and our forecasls show we will reach this target in the near future. FUTURE PLANS Our vision is that everyone in Gloucestershire ha5 the per50nali5ed transport Services they need lo lead lull and active lives. During the financial year demand for our services has continued lo increase. In order lo try and meet that demand we will need more volunteer drivers (volunteer numbers decreased significanlly during the pandemic and have not recovered). To that end we will recruil a Volunleer Manager who will recruil, train and be Ihe point ol conlacl for volunteers. We will also recruit a Strategic Developnienl Manager. whose role will be to ensure best utilisalion of the fleet and other resources by partnering with other third sector organisations, lo achieve mutually beneficial outcome5. These initiatives should enable the chariiy lo expand ils offer and move towards achieving ils ambition. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is governed by Ihe Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 18 July 2006, as amended by special re501utions on 28 September 2006, 2 March 2007, 28 Sepiember 2009. 25 March 2014 and 2 October 2018 and a board resolution on 15 December 2009. On 19 June 2015 by Special Resolulion, the charily changed its name from Third Sector Services lo Communily Connexions. Recruilment and appointmen1 of new trustees Power of appointment ol new trustees is vested in Ihe surviving or continuing irustees. Page 4
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENr Organisational slructure In accordance with ils constitution the charity is controlled by a Board ol Trustees Ihal meet5 al least quarterly. There are between f ive and fifteen trustees at any one lime, all of whom are elected every year at the Annual General Meeling. One Ihird of the board musl relire al each Annual General Meeting bul in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association may be re-elected. The Board meets quarterly bul has four commitlees which report lo the Board on Iheir portfolios, The commillees are Finance, Community Engagement, Policy and HR. and Business Development and Operations. Each Committee 15 chaired by a Trustee (ulilising their areas of expertise), has at least one further Trustee as a member, together with the appropriate slafl member5. In this way the Tru5tee5' knowledge and experience can be utili5ed to lake Ihe charity forward. Pay for all staff is sel by the full Board alter taking advice from the Finance committee. That committee benchmarks salaries whilst remaining mindful ol the charity's budget. Remuneration of key management personnel Remuneration of the Senior Management Team is reviewed annually by the Board, with reference lo benchmark figures against similar roles in Ihe sector. Recruitment, induction and Iraining ol new Irustees The charity has a structured trustee recruilmenl proce55. One of our most experienced Trustees will slep down al the AGM bul the charity has successfully recruited several new excelleni quality Trustees. Their knowledge and experience has greatly conlribuled lo the charity. One of our strengths is Ihe qualily and dynamism ot our Board. utilising their ski115 through 5ub-commillees lo improve our services and ensure compliance with regulations. Trustees are appointed following writlen application and interview and upon receipi of satisfactory references. As parl ol the recruitmènt process, Ihey meet with the Chief Executive, existing trustees and visit the office, to help them gain a delailed insight into the services Community Connexions offers as well as the role and responsibilities of a Irustee. New Iruslees are supported by the Chair and Chief Executive lo understand their role and responsibilities. As part of their induction programme, they meet with key members of the staff and volunteer team, experience some of the Iransporl services from the service user perspeclive and are also given copies of all key charily documen15 and 5ignposled lo relevant Charily Commission guidance. Relaled parlies The charity has no subsidiary undertakings or related organisalions, save for ils dormant subsidiary company, Community Connexions Trading Limited. Page 5
COMMUNITh CONNEXIONS REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Risk management The triistees acknowledge their responsibility to manage risk on behalf ol the organisalion. They have analysed risk5 between: governance operations finance external factors internal faclors compliance road risk (wilh regard to Community Transport) The trustees monitor the charity's exposure lo risk going forward. They are content Ihal they identified and mitigated against th e major risks faced by the organisalion during the year. They are satisfied that systems are in place to manage exposure. I n 2023124 the major risks were identified as: Volunteer recruilment insuflicienl lo meel growing demand. Business plan relies heavily on GCC contracts. Slalf recruitment more difficult, especially drivers. Premises inadequate for growing organi5ation. Employment law changes could eflecl Ihe business plan Tlirough carefiil management none of Ihose risks had any major impact upon Ihe charity but, of course, some remain a risk going forward. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees (who are also the directors of Community Connexions for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial slatements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees lo prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of Ihe charilable company and of the incoming resources and application of re50urce5, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for thal period. In preparing those financial slalemenls, Ihe truslees are required to select suitable accounting policies and then apply Ihem consistently; observe the methods and principle5 in Ihe Charity SORP.. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable aiid prudent: prepare the linancial slalemenls on Ihe going concern ba515 unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will conlinue in business. The Irustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any time the financial posilion of the charitable company and lo enable Ihem lo ensure that the financial slalemenls comply with the Companies Acl 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of Ihe charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and delection of fraud a nd other irregula rilies. I n so far as the trustees are aware.. there is no relevanl audit information ol which Ihe charitable company's audilors are unaware., and the Irustees have taken all steps that they ought lo have taken to make themselves aware ol any releva nt audit information and to establish Ihal the audilor5 are aware of thal information, Page 6
COMMUNfTY CONNEXIONS REPORT OF ThE TRusfEES FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 AUDtroRS The auditors, BK Plus Audit Ltmited Iformerly Andorran Llmited) {Statutory Auditor). will be proposed lor re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of Ihe Companles Act 2006 relating to small companies. Approved by order ol Ihe board of trustees on 5 November 2024 and slgned on its behalf by: Paul Jam•s- Trustee Page 7
REPORT OFTHE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS Opinion We have au dited the financial statemenls ol Communily Connexion5 (the 'charitable company'l fur Ihe year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise tho Stalemenl of Financial Aclivilies, the Stalemenl of Financial P0511ion, the Slalement of Cash Flow5 and note5 to the financial statements, including a summary of signif icanl accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounling Standards (Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accountin g Practice). In our opinion the financial stalemenls.. give a true and fair view of the slate ol the charilable company's affairs as al 31 March 2024 and of ils incoming resources and application of resource5, including it5 income and expenditure, for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounling Practice,. and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements Df Ihe Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance wilh Internalional Standards on Audiling (UK) (ISAS {UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in Ihe Auditors, responsibilities for the audit of the financial stalemenls section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements Ihal are relevant lo our audit of the financial statements in Ihe UK. including Ihe FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other elhical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe Ihal the audit evidence we have obtained is 5ufficienl and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing Ilie financial slalemenls. we have concluded that Ihe trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparalion of Ihe financial 51alemen15 15 appropriate. Based on the work we have perlormed, we have not identified any material uncertainlies relaling to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast signif icanl doubl on the charilable company's abilily lo continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months Irom when the financial Statements are authorised lor issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilitie5 of the Irustees wilh respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of thi5 reporl. Other informalion The trustees are responsible lor Ihe other information. The other information comprises Ihe information included in Ihe Annual Reporl, olher than the financial slatemenls and our Report of the Independent Auditors Ihereon, Our opinion on the financial statemenls does not cover the other information and, except lo the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our rÈporl. we do not express any form of assura nce con clusion thereon. In conneclion wilh our audil of Ihe financial slalemen15. our re5pon5ibilily Is to read the other informalion and, in doing so, consider whether Ihe other information is materially inconsislenl with the financial 51alemenls or our knowledge obtained in Ihe audit or otherwise appears lo be materially mi5Staled. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent malerial misstatements. we are required to delermine whether thi5 gives rise to a material misslatement in the financial statements themselves. 11. based on Ihe work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other inlormation, we are required lo report tlial fact. We have nolhing lo reporl in this regard. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of Ihe audit: the information given in the Report ol the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is con5151ent with the financial slatement5', and the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Page 8
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS Matters on which we are required lo report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material mis51atemenls in the Report of the Trustees. We have nothing lo report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires u5 10 report to you if, in our opinion.. adequate accounting record5 have not been kept or return5 adequate for our audit have nol been recoived from branch es n ot visited by us; or the financial statements are nDI in agreemenl with Ihe accounting records an d returns; or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneralion specified by law are not made: or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit., or the Iruslees were nol enlilled lo take advanlage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of Ihe Truslees. Responsibilities of Iruslees As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities. Ihe Irustees (who are also Ihe directors of the charitable company lor the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial 51alements and for being salisfied 11)al they give a Ii'ue and lair view, and for such internal control as the Iruslees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial slalemenls that are free from material mi551alemenl, whelher due to fraud or error. In prepa ring the financial statements, the Irustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability lo conlinue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable. matters related lo going concern and using the going concern basis ol accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or lo cease operations. or have no realistic alternative bul lo do so. Our responsibililies for the audit ol Ihe financial Statements Our objectives are to oblain reasonable assurance aboul whelher the financial statements as a whole are free from material misslatemenl, whether due to fraud or error. and lo issue a Report of the Auditor thal includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level ol assurance, bul it is not a guarantee that an audil conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a malerial misslalement when il exists. Misstatemeiits can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate. they could reasonably be expecled lo influence the economic decisions of user5 laken on the basis ol these financial stalemenls. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that, despite us planning and performing our audit in accordance with auditing standards. one or more material misstatements in Ihe financial statements may have gone undetected by our audit. A5 will) any audil. there 15 a risk that irregularities and fraud will go undelecled where Ihey involve matters such as misrepresenlalions from management. collusion, deliberate omissions and override ol controls. 11 is nol Ihe role of the audilor lo prevent non-compliance and we cannot be expected lo delect every instance of non-compliance with all laws and regulations, In idenlilying and assessing risks of material mi551atement in respect of irregularities, includi ng fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. our procedures included Ihe following- enqvirie5 of management including a pre audil meeting., obtaining and reviewing supporting documenlalion of policies concerning Ihe laws and regulations applicable to the business: understanding how the company complie5 With ils regulatory framework by making enquiries of management., considering the culture inherent in the company and whether this represenls a culture of honesty and elhical behaviour with a strong emphasis of detection and prevenlion of fraud. Page 9
REPORT OFTHE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS Auditors, responsibililies for the audit of Ihe financial statements - continued We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statemenls to material misstatement and considered how fraud might occur. The audit procedures performed included, bul were not limiled lo.. challenging managemenl assumptions and estimates: identifying and testing unusual journal enlries- assessing how the relevant laws and regulations have been complied with and noting any instances ol non compliance., reviewing the financial statements for compliance wilh relevant Accounling Standard5 and accounting legislation applicable lo a small company- considering how those charged with governance have addressed the possibility of an override of e55enlial controls or other inf luence over Ihe financial reporting proce55e5. In addition, we also considered other non financial laws relevant to the company. These do not necessarily have a direct influence on the financial statements bul might affect the company's ability to operate. A Further description of our respon5ibililies for Ihe audit of the financial statemen15 15 located on the Financial Reporting Council'5 website al www.frc.org.uk/audilorsre5pon5ibilitie5. This description forms part of our Report of the Independenl Auditors. Use of our reporl This report is made solely lo the charilable company's members, as a body. in accordance with Chapter 3 of Parl 16 01 the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might slate to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to Ihem in an auditors, report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do not accepl or assume responsibilily to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for Ih is report, or for the opinions we have formed. Roger Downes FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behall of BK Plus Audit Limited {Stalulory Audilor) 6 Manor Park Business Centre Mackenzie Way Chellenham Gloucestershire GL519TX 21 November 2024 Page 10
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 31.3.24 Total lund5 31.3.23 Total funds Unrestricted Restricled funds fund5 Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacie5 10.602 10,602 17,394 Charitable activilies Charitable Activity 902,440 126,507 1.028,947 852.531 Inveslmenl income Other income 2,782 74 2,782 74 620 567 Total 915.898 126.507 1,042,405 871,112 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activltles Charilable Activity 899.369 100.507 999,876 898,054 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 16,529 26,000 42,529 126,9421 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought lorward 199.261 199,261 226,203 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 215.790 26,000 241,790 199,261 The noles form part of Ihese financial slalemenls Page 11
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05880006) STA7EMEKf OF FINANCIAL posmoN 31 MARCH 2024 31.3.24 Total funds 31.3.23 Total funds Unre51ricted Restricted funds funds Notes FIXED ASSErs Tangible assels Investments 14 15 10,372 14,500 24,872 15,016 10,373 14,500 24,873 15,017 CURREKfASSErs Deblors Cash at bank and in hand 16 143,620 240,693 143,620 252,193 156,128 234,790 11.500 384,313 11,500 395,813 390,918 CREDITORS Amounts falllng du• wlthln one year 17 043,457) 043,457) 065,302) NEf CURREKfASSETS 240,856 11.500 252.356 225,616 TOTAL ASSE15 LESS CURREKf LIABILrnES 251,229 26,000 277,229 240,633 CREDrroRS Amounls falling due alter more than one year 18 (35,439) (35,439) (41,372) NEfASSErs 215,790 26,000 241,790 199,261 FUNDS Unrestricted lundg: General fund Deslgnated Fund - Capltal Reserve 205,418 10,372 184,245 15.016 215,790 199,261 Reslricted funds 26,000 TOTAL FUNDS 241,790 199,261 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provbslons applicable to charllable companies subject to the small companles regime. The financlal statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 5 November 2024 and were slgned on its behalf by: Jacgueline 'Ilar - Trustee The notes form part of Ihese linancial statements Page12
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS STATEMEMf OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 31.3.24 31.3.23 Notes Cash f lows from operaling activities Cash generated from operation5 Interest paid 37,668 (1.117) 95,016 (1,245) Net cash provided by operating activities 36,551 93.771 Cash flows from i nvesting activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Inleresl received {16,143) 2,782 (6,008) 620 Nel cash used in investing activities (13.361) 15,388) Cash flows from financing activities Loan repayments in year (5,787) 12,837) Nel cash used in financing aclivilies (5,787) (2.837) Change in cash and cash equivalen15 in tho reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporling period 17,403 85,546 234.790 149,244 Cash and cash equivalenls al the end of the reporting period 252,193 234,790 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 13
COMMUNifY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 RECONCILIATION OF NEf INCOME/IEXPENDITURE) TO CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 31.3.24 31.3.23 Net incomellexpenditure) f or the reporting period (as per the Statemenl of Financial Activilie5) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Interest received Interest paid Decrease in cleblors (Decrease)/increase in creditors 42,529 <26,9421 6.287 (2,782) 1,117 12,508 (21,991) 5,810 (620> 1,245 3,039 112,484 Net cash provided by operations 37.668 95,016 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS At1.4.23 Cash flow Al 31.3.24 Nel cash Cash at bank and in hand 234.790 17,403 252,193 234.790 17,403 252,193 Debt Debts falling due within l year Debts falling due aller1 year {5,791) (41.372) {1461 5,933 {5,937) 135.439} (47,163) 5,787 (41,376) Total 187,627 23,190 210,817 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 14
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CHARITh INFORMATION The Charity is a company limited by guarantee {company number.. 05880006 England & Wales) and a charity registered wilh the Charily Commission in England and Wales {charily number- 11193101. The registered office is Suite 12 Corinium House, Corinium Avenue, Barnwood Point, Gloucester. Gloucestershire. GL4 3HX. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing Ihe financial slalemenls The financial slatemenls of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounling and Reporting by Charities.. Slalemenl of Recommended Praclice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 102) lefleclive l January 2019),. Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial stalemenls have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included al market value. Going concern The Trustees have considered the future forecasts lo address Ihe on-going viability of Ihe Charity. Budgets were prepared for 2024125 and 2025/26 which show a healthy surplus expected for both periods. Management accounls have been prepared to 30 September 2024 which shows results broadly in line with budgel. As a result, the Trustees are confident Ihal there are no material uncertainties about the ability lo continue and that the Charity remains a going concern. Preparatlon of consolidaled financial statements The financial statements contain information about Community Connexions as an individual company and do nol contain consolidaled financial information as the parent of a group. The charity is exempl under Section 399{2A) of the Companies Act 2006 from the requiremenls lo prepare consolidated financial slalements. Income All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Aclivilies once the charity has entitlement lo the funds, it 15 probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Where enlillemenl to grant income is subject to performance conditions, income is recognised as the performance conditions are mel. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or conslruclive obligation commitlin g the charity to that expenditure. il is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amounl of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where cosls cannot be directly altribuled to particular headings they have been allocated lo activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Governance c05t5 These costs are incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and slalulory compliance. Tangible fixed assets Depreciation 15 provided at Ihe following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its eslimaled usef ul life. Motor vehicles Computer equipment Over the period of the lease 3310 on cost PagÈ 15 conlinuod..-
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Tangible fixed assels Assets costing greater than £500 are capitalised as langible fixed assets. Those costing less than £500 are written off to the SOFA in Ihe year that the expenditure is incurred. Related party exemplion The charitable company has taken advantage of exemption. under the terms of Financial Reporling Slandard 102'The Financial Reporling Standard applicable in tlie UK and Republic of Ireland,, not to disclose related party transactions wilh wholly owned subsidiaries within the group. Taxation As a recognised charity, the organisation is exempl from Corporation Tax as far as il relates lo ils charitable object5. It Is not, however, exempl from VAT and irrecoverable VAT is included in Ihe costs of those items to which it relates. Fund accounling Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance wilh the charitable objeclives at the discretion of the Iruslees. Desiynated funds comprise unrestricted funds Ihal have been set aside by the Trustee5 for particular purp05e5. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes lo the financial slatemenls. Reslricled lunds can only be used for parlicular reslricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Re51ri¢lions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes lo the financial slalements. Hlre purchase and leasing commitments Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Slatement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Pension cosls and other post-relirement benefits The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contribulions payable lo the charita ble company's pension scheme are charged lo the Slalement of Financial Activities in the pe riod to which they relale. Deblors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the selllement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. Cash al bank and in hand Cash al bank and in hand include5 cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposil or similar account, Liabilities Liabilities are recognised when Ihere is an obligation al Ihe balance sheel dale as a resull of a past event, il is probable Ihal a transfer of economic benefit will be required in 5eltlement, and the amount of settlement can be eslimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount Ihat the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debl. Page 16 coiilinued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNT5NG POLICIES - continued Financial inslruments The Charity only has financial a55ets and financial liabilitie5 01 a kind thal qualify as Ejasic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recogni5ed at transaction value and subsequently measured al their selllemenl value. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY In the application of the Charity's accounling policie5 Ihe Tru51ee5 are required lo make judgement5, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assels and liabilities thal are not roadily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based Dn historical experience and other factors which are considered to be relevanl. Depreciation of tangible fixed a55els is based on the Charity's judgement of their useful lives and residual values. The depreciation rates used are disc105ed in the tangible fixed asset policy above and the carrying values of the assets are disclosed in note 14. Where enlillemenl lo grant income is subject lo performance condilions, income is recognised as the performance conditions are mel, DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 31.3.24 31,3.23 Donations 10,602 17,394 INVESTMENT INCOME 31.3.24 31.3.23 Deposit account interesl 2,782 620 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 31.3.24 31.3.23 Activity Charitable Activity Charilable Activity Charitable Activily Charitable Activily Grant5 Fares Registration fees Fundra ising 545,627 462,069 21,072 179 421,340 411,859 18,431 901 1,028,947 852,531 Grants received, included in the above. are as follows: 31.3.24 31.3.23 Gloucestersh ire County Council- SLA grants Norlh Colswolds Sel Up Grant Social Services Transport Bus Service Operators Grant Barnwood Trust Inman Charity 362,899 100,699 38,728 15.493 7,500 5,000 336,018 2,972 34,734 15,372 Carried forward 530,319 389,096 Page 17 continued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - continued 31.3.24 31.3.23 Brought forward Severn Trent Gloucestershire Communily Foundation J & M Britton Gloucestershire County Freemasons Langtree Tru51 Gloucestershire County Council NHS Supporl National Lottery Community Fund Thriving Communities The Hospital Saturday Fund 530,319 4.808 4.000 4.000 2,000 500 389.096 12,744 10,000 7,500 2,000 545,627 421.340 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs (See note 8) Support costs (see note 9) Totals Charitable Activily 993,854 6,022 999,876 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 31.3.24 31.3.23 Slafl costs Vehicle leasing Other vehicle expenses Insurance Telephone Postage and stationery Advertising Svndries Bank charges Properly costs Computer costs Volunteer driver ex pen5es Training and recruilmenl Legal and consultancy Professional fundraisers Depreciation Inlerest payable and similar charges 607,640 138.132 111,871 4,120 7,279 5,098 6,889 1,403 1.371 31,926 16,792 35,566 2,523 240 15,600 6,287 1.117 519,911 128,232 127,965 2.783 6,921 4,338 7,260 1.528 908 27,839 14,416 35,644 1,377 45 6,500 5,810 1.245 993,854 892.722 Page 18 conlinuod...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 SUPPORT COSTS Governance CDSts Charitable Activity 6,022 Suppo rl costs, included in Ihe above, are as follows: 31.3.24 Charitable Activity 31.3.23 Total aclivilies Audilors, remuneration 6,022 5,332 10. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) N el income/(expenditure) is slated after chargingllcrediting): 31.3.24 31.3.23 Auditors, remuneration Depreciation owned assets Olher operating leases 6,022 6,287 138,132 5.332 5,810 12B.232 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no Iruslees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ending 31 March 2024 nor for the year ending 31 March 2023. Trustees, expenses Trustees are paid expenses for attending meetings and dutie5 directly related to their duties as a Irustee. No Iruslee was reimbursed expenses in the year (2023: Énil). 12. STAFF COSTS 31.3.24 37.3.23 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 567,188 32,332 8,120 486,740 26,287 6.884 607,640 519,911 The average monthly number of employee5 during the year was a5 follows: 31.3.24 31.3.23 12 26 Full time Part lime 26 37 38 No employees received emoluments in excess of £60.000 Page 19 continued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 12. STAFF COSTS - continuefl The key management personnel of the Charity comprised the Chief Executive Officer, the Transport Manager, the Finance Manager and the Marketing Manager. The total employee benefils of Iho key management personnel of Ihe Charity were £132,842 (2023.. £114,164). Rediindancy pay of £4,851 was paid lo Iwo employees during the year. 13. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unreslricled Reslricled funds funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2.394 15.000 17,394 Charitable aclivilies Charitable Activity 830,059 22,472 852,531 Investment income Other income 620 567 620 567 Total 833,640 37.472 871,112 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Charitable Activity 855,582 42,472 898,054 NEf INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (21.942) (5,000> (26,9421 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 221,203 5,000 226,203 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 199,261 199,261 Page 20 continued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Motor vehicles Computer equipment Totals COST At l April 2023 Additions 22,700 15,000 13,649 1,143 36,349 16.143 Al 31 March 2024 37,700 14,792 52,492 DEPRECIATION Al l April 2023 Charge for year 13.251 3,952 8,082 2,335 21,333 6,287 Al 31 March 2024 17,203 10,417 27.620 NEf BOOK VALUE Al 31 March 2024 20,497 4,375 24,872 Al 31 March 2023 9,449 5,567 15,016 15. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS Shares in group undertakings MARKET VALUE At l April 2023 and 31 March 2024 NEf BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 Al 31 March 2023 There were no investment assets outside the UK. The company's inve51menls al'the balance sheet date in the share capital of companies in clude the following: Communlty Connexions Trading Limiled Registered cffice.. Suite 12, Corinium House. Corinium Avenue. Barnwood Point, Gloucester, GL4 3HX Nature of business.. Dormant Class 01 share-. Ordinary £1 holding 100 31.3.24 31.3.23 Aggregate capital and reservos Page 21 conlinued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 16. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trade debtors Other debtors VAT Prepaymen15 and accrued income 72,067 17,964 17.446 36,143 91,198 27,964 14,023 22,943 143,620 156,128 17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Bank loans and overdrafts {see note19) Trade creditors Social securily and other taxes Other credilor5 Accruals and deferred income 5,937 21,527 9,637 1.857 104,499 5,791 28,154 7,994 1,687 121.676 143,457 165,302 Inclu ded in accruals and deferred income is: 31.3.24 37.3.23 Deterred income balance broughl forward Received in year Released lo SOFA 112,199 93,120 (112,199) 112,199 Balance carried forward al 31 March 2024 93,120 112,199 Deferred income relates to a Levelling Up Minibus Grant (2023: Molability grant and the Slimbridge Shuttle service). 18. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFfER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Bank loans (see note 19) 35.439 41,372 19. LOANS An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below.. 31.3.24 31.3.23 Amounts falling due within ono year on demand: Bank loans 5,937 5,791 Amounts falling between one and two years.. Bank loans 6,087 5,937 Amount5 falling due between Iwo and five years: Bank loans 19,202 18,728 Page 22 continued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sTATEm£Ts - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 19. LOANS - conlinued 31.3.24 31.3.23 Amounts falling due in more Ihan five years: Repayable by instalmenls: Bank loans 10,150 16.707 The loan was a Bounce Back loan from HSBC and was drawn down in September 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Board ol Tru51ees have agreed lo extend the original loan period lo 10 years, although il can be repaid during this period. Only the interest al 2.5/0 was being paid until October 2022 and then capilal and inleresl are being repaid for the remainder of the loan period. 20. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: 31.3.24 31.3.23 Within one year 8elween one and five years 97,266 275,927 94,953 21,438 373.193 116,391 21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Nel movement in funds Transfers between funds Al 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unrestricled funds General fund D esignated Fund Capital Reserve 184.245 15,016 22,316 {5,787) (1,143) 1,143 205,418 10,372 199,261 16,529 215,790 Restricted funds Thriving Communities North Colswolds sel up grant J & M Britton 7.500 14,500 4,000 7,500 14.500 4.000 26.000 26,000 TOTAL FUNDS 199.261 42,529 241,790 Page 23 conlinued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS conlinued Nel movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resource5 Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted f unds General fund Designated Fund - Capilal Reserve 915,898 {893,582) {5,7871 22.316 15,787) 915.898 (899.369) 16,529 Restricled f unds Thriving Communities North Cot5wold5 set up grant VolLtnteer Recruitmenl & Training J & M Brilton 7,500 100,699 14,308 4,000 7,500 14,500 {86.1991 {14,308) 4.000 126.507 {100,507) 26,000 TOTAL FUNDS 1.042,405 {999,876) 42,529 Comparatives for movement in funds Nel movement in lunds Transfers between funds Al 31.3.23 At 1.4.22 Unrestricted funds General fund Designaled Fund Capital Reserve 206,385 14,818 116.132) {5,810) (6,008> 6,008 184,245 15.016 221.203 {21,942) 199,261 Restricted funds Stroud Hospital League of Friends 5.000 (5,000) TOTAL FUNDS 226,203 (26,942) 199,261 Page 24 continued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows- Incoming resource5 Resources expended Movement in funds Unreslricted f unds General fund Designated Fund - Capital Reserve 833.640 (849,772} {5,810> {16.1321 (5,8101 833.640 1855,582) (21,942) Restrlcted f unds Stroud H05Pital League of Friends Thriving Communities The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust The Hospital Saturday Fund National Lollery Community Fund North Colswolds set up grant 15,000) (7,500) (15,000) 12,000) (10,000) 12,972) 15,000) 7,500 15,000 2,000 10,000 2,972 37,472 (42,472) 15,000) TOTAL FUNDS 871,112 {898,054) 126.942) Dètails of Designated Funds Capllal reserve An amount equal to the value of unreslricled tangible fixed assels is held as a designated reserve. Details of Restricled Funds Thriving Communities A grant Irom Gloucestershire County Council lo be used towards volunteer expenses and Iraining a nd addilional running cost5 of minibuses which carry groups or those living with disability. Slroud Hospital League of Friends A grant restricted to the Slroud Service. National Lottery Community Fund A grant towards staff c05t5. The Julia and Han5 Rau5ing Trust A donation towards transport to health appoinlmenls. The Hospilal Saturday Fund A grant towards core running cos15 for accessible minibus provision for vulnerable community members in Glouceslershire to atlend medical appointments. North Cotswolds set up grant This was Section 106 money for a volunteer recruitment campaign centred on Telbury. Volunteer Recruitmenl and Training Fund Funds used towards the training and recruitmenl of volunteers. J & M Brilton Fu nds used towards trips inilialives and related community Iransport. Page 25 continued...
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Transfers between funds Transfers are made between reslricled and unre51ricled f unds at the end of every accounting period in cases where.. The activity of the reslricled fund has come lo an end and there is an unspenl balance that 15 not repayatjle to the funder (s). when Ihe surplus is transferred to unrestricted funds., the reslricled lund 15 in deficit and has either come to an end or there is no pr05pecl of a surplus in a later period, which the deficit is eliminated by transfer from unreslricled funds: and lo transfer the value of tangible fixed assets from restricted lo unrestricted funds when the asset has been purchased from a reslricled fund donation bul 15 held for a general and not a reslricled purpose. 22. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS The Charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assels of the scheme are held separately from Ihose of Ihe Charity in an independently adminislered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted lo £8,120 (2023.. £6,884). Contributions payable lo the fund al the balance sheet date were £1,857 (20 23.. £1.686). 23. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Various funders relain the righl lo claw back grants should the use of the funds nol be in accordance with Ihe terms of the grant. As far as the Iruslees are aware no such liability exists at the year-end, 24. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for Ihe year ended 31 March 2024. Page 26