Charity registration number 1125877 Company registration number 08681476 (England and Wales) CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees AM Afolabi S Cooper P Deans P Elliott OBE C Harrison T Huitson S Kailesi ALee H Owens K Proudfool E Slater Senlor management L Goodwln Chlef Executlve Charlty number 1125877 Company number 06681475 R8gl8ter8d offlc8 One Strawberry Lane Newcaslle Upon Tyne NE14BX Audltor Sumer Auditco Llmlted Unit 2 Gosforth Park Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8EG CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS Page Chalr's Report Trustees, report 2-21 Independenl auditor's report 22-24 Statement of flnanclal activities 25-26 Balance Sheet 27 Statement of cash flows 28 Notes to the financlal statemenls 29-49 CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CHAIR'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Chair's Report A strong voluntary sector is important to every area. It provides services that reach beyond the state and private business. It is citizens supporting each other in ways that are important to them. It is a voice for those without power and a way of us connecting with each other. am d81ighted to present Connected Voice's annual account of its work helping voluntary organisations in Newcastle and Gateshead to be as strong and as effective as possible. From the many tiny and informal groups to the large multi-million-pound organisations, they are all important to creating a good society here. We are proud of our achievements over the year, but it was not without its challenges for us as an organisation, including the decision to close our long running payroll service. It was equally a time of challenge for our members, who continued to support theii beneficiaries while facing rising costs and increasing demand. I commend Connected Voice's work to you. In doing so I thank the organisations we have worked with, our fabulous staff team and volunteers, and our trustees. Peter Deans Chalr of Trustees, Connected Voice Date: 10 April 2025 CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan￿ with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). Objectives and activities The objectives of Connected Voice are, 'lo promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of any locality or community in the County of Northumberland and in the neighbourhood of the River Tyne., The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Chariti8s Act 2006 having due regard to the general guidance of the Charity Commission with respect to public benefit when reviewing tho Connected Voice aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees considered how the planned activities would contribute lo the aims and objectives they have set. Connected Voice has the following values: We amplify voices From individuals to organisations, we believe everyone has a right to be heard. Trusted to listen, understand and advocate, we strive for excellence. We're open and honest, we stick by people and give our support to ensure their voices are heard. We champlon equality We believe that diversily should be celebrated and valued, and everyone deserves equality. Working towards a fairer future for all, we won't stand still. By making an impact on causes big and small, we want to improve the quality of life across the region. We Insplre charge Courageous, resourceful and determined. we will challenge unfairness and ask difficult questions. Working effectively and accountably to instil confidence. We aim to become stronger and more sustainable to inspire positive and lasting change throughout our community We support actlon We understand from our own experiences the challenges people face. We truly value people and we won't judge or dictate. Leading independently and side by side with our communities and partners, we share our resources, skills and expertise to enable people to take meaningful action, We connect people At the heart of voluntary and community action for 90 years, we are immersed and rooted in the North East. We work collectively and inclusively to connect, grow and strengthen our society. We are warm and approachable, and we create opportunitie5 to exchange ideas, learn from and empower one another. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Our purpose Connected Volce exlsts In service of organisations committed to voluntary and social action in Newcastle and Gateshead and beyond. We work to support the endurlng mission of thosè organisations to benefit society by reducing inequality and enrichlng lives. Over Ihe year we contributed to our overall purpose in the following ways:. As a high-perforrning and well-led organisation; providing a voice for individuals and the voluntary and community sector, By championing the value and importance of voluntary and communily action, By strengthening voluntary and community organisations through our advice and training services. By ensuring VCSE organisations had multiple opportunities to come together for peer support, networking and working collectively. By being proactive in tailoring our support to VCSE organisations as they met growing levels of need and dealt with financial pressures. By hlghlighting issues around health inequality in Newcastlè and Gateshead, and addressing these through our work, including Ihe work of Haref with ethnically marginalised communities. By growing engagement with Health Equity work Ihrough Haref, the Haref Allies programme, and our Digital Inclusion programmes. By continuing work on our EDI action plan, working towards ensuring our membership and staff team reflect the communities we serve. By growing our role in supporting volunteering, running the independent Gateshead Volunteer Centre, and working closely with partners to support volunteering in Newcastle, By providing a wide range of advocacy services and support to vulnerable people. Our Volunteers We value the unique contribution of our volunteers and the added value they bring. It is our intention that all volunteers are supported and respected. We encouragè volunteers to fulfil their potential and aim to provide meaningful roles where both the organisation and the volunteer mutually benefil, This year, staff continued lo benefit from our volunteering policy, which allows them two paid days off per year to volunteer locally. We shar8 examples of staff volunteering experiences wilhin our team meetings. We have policies and procedures in place to support our volunteers, and work closely with our partner, Volunteer Centre Newcastle, to ensure we follow best practice in volunteering. During the year we achieved the national Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA). Our Staff We recognise the value and expertise of our staff, and we strive to put in place appropriate support as a good employer. We have a range of staff engagement and involvement activities, including a staff council and ideas forum and an annual slaff away day. We hold the Better Health at Work award at Gold level. We are an accredited Living Wage Employer. We provide drop-ins and support for staff on topics which they have identified as important, such as menopause and pensions. We also hold the Investors In People accreditation. This year we implemented more wellbeing sessions for our staff, following feedback from our staff council. Public benefit The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Achievements and performance Connected Voice enables and promotes voluntary and community action, providing voluntary sector organisations with services that enable them to be well run, fulfil their aims and objectives, and provide them with the opportunity to extend their influence in Newcastle and Gateshead through the sector's collective voice. We do this by providing expert advice on governance, on the policies and practices that voluntary organisations need to have to ensure they are safe and securely run, and by providing funding adviGe based on experience and knowledge of what funders are seeking in a good application. We hold regular events and training to keep the sector informed, and to enable them to learn from and connect with each other. We provide opportunities for VCSE organisations to increase their reach and influence. Connected Voice supports VCSE involvement, enabling engagement directly with public sector agencies and acting as a voice for the sector within multi-sector partnerships. During this year we continued to develop our role in representation and voice for the VCSE sector, We engage in local authority-wide, sub-regional, regional and national activities because w8 want to be able to prornote, share and deliver best practice. We work with a wide range of public sector partners local authorities, NHS trusts, local NHS, the Office of th8 Police and Crime Commissioner, Newcastle and Northumbiia Universities, and many others. We continued to develop our generated income through our paid-for services, which have become a Core part of our offer and support our overall sustainability. During the year we refreshed our strategy and have been working towards developing our five-year plan from October 2025 onwards. Connected Voice Support and Development Support and Developrnent works with community organisations, charities and social enterprises working in Newcastle and Gateshead. We provide advice and guidance on all aspects of running an organisation, a comprehensive training package and opportunities to network and share b8St practice. Support and Guldance The Support and Development team worked with 582 organisations in Newcastle and Gateshead across the year, providing advice and guidan￿ on topics including legal structures, governance, funding, policies and procedures, and organisational development. °ljust want to express our gratitude one more tin7e for finding the time to meet us and help us to sort our plans out. Yesterday s meeting is already huge step fornard on our way to achieve oui vision." °It is fantastic that Connected Voice provides so much freely available support. Thank you for all the other guidance too, it's incredibly usefull• "We would lika to thank Connect8d Voico for Ihe fantaslic, consislent support, advice and guidance you have given us Ihroughoul 2023, it has really made a positive difference.. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Funding We helped VCSE organisations to secure £2,358,139 of grant funding and organised our annual Newcastle and Gateshead Funding Fair, attracting 19 funders and 102 VCSE organisations attended, "We spoke to Connected Voice for support with creali17g a fundraising strategy for an excitiiig Gapital project. Beth was really supportive and encouragedus to undertake a crowdfunding campaign. We are delighted that Ihis has been hugely successful and exce@d8d our target. Raisii?g over £125, 000 from donations and pl8dge8. We are so graleful lo Connected VoiLe for being a constanl source of encouragement, ideas and support." "There was SUGh lols of energy in the room and a sense of excitement about meeting 88ch other. You a17d your team organised [the Funding Fairj really well." Networking Events We delivered four successful VCSE Nelworking Events during the period, attended by 107 organisations, The thernes were as follows; Environment and Wellbeing Digital Inclusion and Women's Empowerment Cost of Living Social Prescribing and Healthy Communities "I have attended a range of events and never been disappointed. Staff are very friei?dly, knowledgeable and really great at connecting organisations. They have had a positive direcl impact, espeGially in regards to networking," Training We delivered and supported 37 training courses over the year. Sessions included: Funding Strategy, Effective Bid-wriling, Monitoring and Evaluation, Trustee Roles and Responsibilities, Legal Structures, Using Social Media Effectively and an Introduction to Safeguarding, Moreover, we worked with other Connected Voice departments to support training on Finance, Advocacy and Health Inequalities. The feedback from these was overwhelmingly positive. We continue to work with two other local infrastructure organisations (North Tyneside VODA and Northumberland CVA) to offer an eLearning platform called Elements. Between October 2023 to September 2024, 462 stud8nts enrolled in one or more Elements courses. "I think all trustaes should have to altend this training and I wish I had it 10 years ago when I started. I would give it 11/10.. "Trainer Mark was really good at explaining in a clear and concise way what we need to be aware of and why. I really appr8ciat8d thal he was prepared to knowledgably answer any queslion asked wilhout making me feel foolish. I found the session bolh interesting and helpful.. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 OurGateshead Following last year's redesign, OurGateshead has continued to significantly increase its visitor numbers. During the year, there were 370,907 site visits with 898,631 pages viewed. This was an increase of 1340/0 and 246 /0 respectively on last year's figures. "J was part of a meeting amund ESOL in Gateshead yesterday and providers were pleased we were gathering info in one place for people to aC￿ss. That s bn'lliantl" Premlum Servlces During the year we provided paid-for services to 46 organisations. These are specialised pieces of work that take us a significant time to complete. They include organisational and gov8rnance reviews, charity registration, policy writing and bespoke Iraining courses. "Encouraged lots of ideas and conversation... I feel the session was good and definitely made us think, The SWOT session was very informative." "I thought it was brilliantl Great presenters - very knowledgeable and confident [andl the session was pitched at the right pace and level for me. I learned such a lot and fell inspired. Informatlon We are a key source of information for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Newcastle and Gateshead. Our follower numbers on social media continu8 to grow each year. In the reporting period we., Distributed fortnightly electronic news bulletins to 1,400 plus subscribers Distributed a monthly health and social care bulletin to the sector Produced four quarterly magazines shared with around 1,500 members and key contacts, Magazine themes: The Power of Partnership Devolution Financial Inclusion Working Across Sectors Number of followers on Twitterlx: 6,022 as of 30.09.24 Number of followers on Linkedln: 1,844 as of 30.09.24 Number of followers on Facebook: 1,618 as of 30,09.24 Following a review of our communications strategy and link to EDI, we are reducing our profile on Twitterlx and have created a profile on the new social media platform Bluesky. Connected Voice Haref Connected Voice Haref works with elhnically marginalised communities to identify their key issues around health and improve the health information available to them. We help health services gain a better understanding of what communities need and we build confidence within communities so they can talk to health services about their cultural needs. Haref Network In the Haref Network we have 90 organisations with 120 people representing ethnically marginalised community groups and projects. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 We ran 4 Haref Network meetings with discussions about: Mental health and the stigma and language used to describe mental health Refugee and asylum seeker healthcare lrnproving access to health services Impact of racist violence and support for mental health and the VCSE Haref Allies By the end of September 2024, we had 50 organisations as Haref Allies members with 66 individual Allies. We changed the Allies membership from two people per sign up to a single person in this year, We held 3 Haref Allies meetings on the following themes: Skill building session on Refugee and Asylum Seeker Mental Health. Health literacy and communication Skill building session on Health research and public involvement Cultural Competency Training For the Newcastle City Council Public Health contract, we delivered training to 305 attendees over 25 sessions. The contracl has been extended until July 2024. We also delivered 19 paid-for Cultural Competency training sessions to 217 people over the year. Research PYoJects The Comfrey Project - Welln888 and Awareness project. Haref supported the Comfrey Project's Wellbeing Champions to discuss opinions on mental health services for refugees and asylum-seekers and idenlify good practic8. Har8f helped wilh ruining the focus groups, did all the data transcribing and completed the report, in consultation with the wellbeing champions. They presented their findings at our network meeting and a Haref Allies Skills Building Session. EVOLVE mental health research. Haref are a partner in the research project, led by Newcastle University which is looking at mental health services in the in North East and Manchester and the cultural barriers to these services. We have helped to recruit participants into this study. We are also part of the PPI group and have helped with data analysis. Discharge from hospital project with Newcastle University. Haref are partners in research being conducted by the School of Pharmacy at Newcastle University. The research focuses on the experience of hospital discharge and returning home from hospital, and how this transition could be improved. The research hopes to develop and test a model of hospital discharge that brings together health and social care and charitable organisations to make sure the right support is in place for a timely and safe hospital discharge. H8ref are supporting with developing focus groups for the research and supporting links to practitioners and community members for their workshops. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Health Information Sessions Haref have been providing capacity and support to initiate information sessions with Network members on topics they are interested in and delivered by our Haref Allies. This year we supported the following sessions: Dieticians from NUTH dietician project with the Rabta group about access to services, finding out more about why people might not be accessing their service, look at any promotional materials, and lalk about diet and exercise. Digital Voice to a Muslim women's group in Gateshead to deliver Digital Skills courses. In collaboration with Gateshead Public Health, d81ivered an onlin8 session to the Harel Network on Understanding Polio and Vaccination Types. Arranged a mental health and wellbeing information session for South Mountain Chinese Older People's Association delivered by Recoco. Coordinateda meeting with Everyturn and Elswick Pool to run 6 weeks of wellbeing mental health course. Coordinated 6 weeks of wellness sessions delivered by Everyturn to Flrst step to run throughout April, May, and June. Dementia and Memory Loss health information session delivered by Dr Alison Killen to the Hindu Temple. Coordinated a nutrition and diabetes session for Ihe Rabta group within Bilal Jamia Mosque, ran by NUTH dietilian Faye Bremner. Coordinated a health check session delivered by Farah Chemists for the Rabta group within Bilal Jamia Mosque. Company of Others and Rabla Muslim Women's group session on Dance and exercise. North East Ambulance servi￿ and Hindu Temple Elders group session on Emergency First Aid. Sharlng experiences of accessing health services Haref are providing paid opportunities for network group members to have their say, influence health service delivery and share their experience. We have 6 community groups who we will support to share their story of using a health service, either in anonymised wrilten transcript, audio or in video format. These case studies can then be shared with the Integrated Care Board for their Patient Voices board meetings, Stories that are heard at the board meetings should then get a response from the Integraled Care Board and will get clinical leads to feedback on this. Response to the impact of rise in racist incldents We held discussions with our Network members and have fed back information to key contacts in the OPCC, Local authorities, Hospital trusts and the ICB. The key issues raised were,. Communities were scared and the impact of this remains. Public transport particularly felt unsafe. Parents were concerned about the safety of their children at schools. More preventative and anti-racist work needs doing with children and you people. People felt the police response was good however more ways to share local key messages are needed, as there were mixed messages and misinformation, Work to support communities and cohesion needs to be undertaken, and to tackle the issues that caused people to riot. Funding to the VCSE is vital to support wellbeing and resilience to improve security, and to deliver training. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Commlssionlng of Interpreters and Translators in Public Services Haref has been working with Success for All, Everyday Language Solutions, English Unlocked and US Language Services and Consultancy about the commissioning and standards of interpreters and translators, services for people whose first language is not English in public services. We found there are several key issues with the way interpreters and translators are commissioned in public Services: The commissioning system for the provision of interprelers and translators is not designed to support local and smaller providers. The quality control on current providers is not adequate, there are poor employment rights and pay, a lack of adequate supervision, and a lack of qualified interpreters and translators. People do not know their rights around asking for interpreters and translators in different settings, and they are not getting a service that works for them diJe to the first two issues. Staff are not trained or upskilled to work professionally with interpreters and translators and require training. VCSE organisations struggle to cover Ihe costs of using interpreters and translators, as funding for this is often not included in funding bids. We collated information on the key issues, why interpreter quality matters, and suggestions on what commissioners need to do to make it more equitable towards local and smaller providers, including ongoing quality control on providers. This information was shared with Commissioners and key contacts in statutory services and within the VCSE, Ramadan calendars 2024 with safe fasting messages Haref worked with 10 mosques across North Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle and with the NHS Diabetes Centre, Glaucoma UK and Diabetes UK to get the right health information relating to fasting for the calendars. We printed 4000 of our calendars which were distributed to 10 mosques and to community-facing buildings and health services, including GPS. Communlcatlons and reclplents For the Haref rnonthly bulletin: We had 927 people signed up in September 2023 with an opening rate of 32.9. We had 1,030 people signed up in October 2024 wilh an opening rate of 41.9ts/ Health Equity This area of our work supports VCSE involvement in health equity work across Newcastle and Gateshead, and is underpinned by the Connected Voice Health bulletin. VCSE Engagement in Mental Health Transformation in Gateshead This role works with smaller-sized voluntary, community and social enterprise IVCSE) organisalions that support people with mental health issues in Gateshead, to ensure they have a direct role in influencing and benefiting from the borough's NENC ISB delivery plan and commissioning for mental heallh services. This yeai we: In consultation with stakeholders, we launched the Gateshead VCSE Health Alliance in March 2024 and this was aligned with the ICB Integrated Neighbourhood approach and th8 Local Authority Locality working. The purpose of the Alliance is to create formal and informal learning opportunities to grow skills and knowledge to help our sector and our communilies thrive, and to join up resources within the community to improve opportunities for local people. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 We had 90 Alliance members signed up in Gateshead by September 2024. We run Connected Voice Health and Wellbeing Events in Gateshead to support the Alliance. The first was on 3 July and the theme of the event was working with the new mental health roles in Primary Care. The second event on 26 September themed on Gateshead's Health and Wellbeing Strategy and how to build effective collaboration between Public Health team and VCSE in Gateshead. The Alliance now has representation on the Strategy Implementation Group. Thanks to the ICB, Connected Voice were able to administer a Small Grants Programme through the Alliance on the theme of menta5 health of children and young people. This Small Grants Programme provided £70,000 to ten organisations in Gateshead. In addition to the Grant funding, the Alliance was given a budget to cover the cost of venues and refreshments for the training. The Alliance are delivering training provided by the Children's Primary Care Mental Health Team for VCSE organisations across 2025. Successful Grant applicants need to attend these as part of their project but is asso open to other VCSE staff and volunteers. Dlgital Incluslon In Health and Soclal Care In Gateshead This project works across Gateshead to improve digital inclusion in the area in collaborations with local communities and stakeholders. It coordinates the Gateshead Digital Inclusion Steering Group, which includes local NHS partners, Gateshead Council, voluntary and community organisations, researchers, and tech firms, W8 were awarded Levelling Up funding from Gateshead Council for the UKSPF Digital Inclusion funding. Through this project, from December 2023 to March 2025 we are working with 20 VCSE organisations based in Gateshead to improve digital inclusion through funding, project support, and free opportunities. Thanks to a joint decision panel with the Community Foundation, we have awarded 22 grants and project support to smaller VCSE organisations working in Gateshead for bespoke digital inclusion projects with £65,000 of grants awarded. We have worked with Gateshead East PCN and Pelaw Bowling Club to set up 6 sessions for patients on the NHS App at Pelaw Community Bowling Club. We are linking with other PCNS for other possible digital inclusion work in primary care. We have been collaborating with the BT Engagement Team, Gateshead Council, and Gateshead VCSE organisations that support marginalised communities to provide engagement and information about the Digital Switchov8r. We organised a drop-in on the digital switchover at the Jewish Community Council of Gateshead. A large part of the Jewish Communities in Gateshead are landline-only. We requested a male and a female staff to provide a culturally appropriate session, in a segregated space and 45 people attended the drop-in. "Very informative drop-in within a few minules, the advisor had explained whal the changes would be and basioally explained that in my Gase, it wouldn't affect me much besides for having to usg the local area code when calling out." Digital Inclusion in Health and Social Care in Newcastle We have recruited the new offI￿r for the Digital Inclusion role in Newcastle who started in September 2024. This is a 24-month funded project and will establish a steering group to support collaborative working to enable digital Inclusion for people, the VCSE and statutory services in Newcastle upon Tyne. 10- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Healthy Communities and Social Prescribing Place-Based Engagemenf in Newcastle From March 2023 until March 2025, Connected Voice are supporting VCSE capacity with Social Prescribing within Newcastle. We worked with NENC ICB, and the NCC officer for locality working to deliver this work. We are running Health and Wellbeing events for the VCSE in Newcastle These will include information about health service delivery and local updales about the Integrated Care Boards (NHS) and information from the wider regional VCSE involvement structures. We have run 4 Health and Wellbeing events for the VCSE in Newcastle.. October 2023, a Social Prescribers and PCN event jointly facilitated by the ICB, Local Authority and Connected Voice. October 2023, a VCSE Healthy Communities and Social Prescribing networking event. March 2024, a Newcastle VCSE Health and Wellbeing event with updat8s about the NENC ICB new structure July 2024, a Newcastle VCSE Health and Wellbeing event with updates Newcastle General Practice Services, Newcastle City Council Locality work and Neighbourhood Networks and Newcastle City Council Health Champions We attended the Newcastle Neighbourhood networks. They are in 4 areas of the city and are networking opportunilies where we could promote our events. We also have conversations about VCSE understanding of Social Prescribing and have directed others to attend through our social media and website. We have shared more targeted information in our monthly Health bulletin linked to healthy communities and social prescribing. North East and North Cumbia VCSE Partnership Programme The North East and North Cumbria VCSE Partnership Programme is run by VONNE and its aim is to ensure that the VCSE sector is embedded at all levels of our Integrated Care System (ICS). The VCSE sector is able to provide extensive expertise and reach into the communities that receive heallh and care services, particularly those that the NHS can find it difficult to connect with, Our Chief Executive and the Heath Equity and Involvement Manager attend and represent Newcastle and Gateshead VCSE at key meetings. VCSE Partnership Programme Executive meeting VCSE Partnership Programme Steering group Newcastle ICB Place Committee Gateshead Cares Syst8m Board Collaborative Newcastle Joint Directors Team ICP North Partnership meeting Communications In September 2023, we revamped our monthly Health bulletin, which was previously known as 'On the Hoof . This Health bulletin covers: Updates on Connected Voice Health Equity projects Information for the Newcastle and Gateshead VCSE sector about the local NHS, council services and multi-agency structures Information for the Newcastle and Gateshead VCSE sector about local, regional and national health policy Information about local health events and activities Information about current consultations, research and reports We had 1,159 people signed up to the Health bulletin in Seplember 2024. 11 CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Connected Voice Business Services CVBS continued to support organisations with year-end accounts preparation, Independent Examination, and book-keeping. We also supported organisations to switch to digital finance, providing training as Quickbooks Pro certified advisors. As the reporting year drew to a close, oui trading subsidiary Connected Voice Business Services Ltd was wound up. Our payroll bureau closed after the end of the financial year. Financial services for charities are now provided directly through the main charity. Connected Voice Advocacy The Connected Voice Advocacy vision is that people from marginalis8d communities, who experience disadvantage or discrimination have their voices heard, their rights upheld, access to the services they need and improved quality of life. Our strategic goals for 2023124 focused around advocacy delivery, quality, communication, sustainability, developing equity and effective systems. Each year Ihe advocacy team gets together to analyse the case work of the pr8vious year and identifies trends in the communities we serve. This helps the team write a collective annual work plan which aligns to the Aims and Vision. In addition lo our regular funded advocacy projects, we chose to fundraise and target extra support in 2023124 to Refugee and Asylurn communities, and people experiencing housing crisis. We also chose to further develop our Self Advocacy workbook and online app DIY Advocate by offering more in-person workshops. W8 held two workshops this year in which ten people received in-depth learning. One of the workshops was led by our Farsi speaking advocate to support local communities to learn in their first language and create peer support networks. The workshops cover topics of: Self Advocacy, the person and thair world, communication, managing emotions, tackling problems, this includes learning skills to negotiate, be assertive, and prepare well for meetings or formal challenges. Our communities were significantly affected by the civil unrest and riots across the region in the summer of 2024. Our Hate Crime Advocacy Service offer supports people affected by racism to identify and report a crime and recover from the impact. To ensure a Strategic approach we attended meetings with Police, Local Authorities and VCSE organisations across the region to share our data intelligence and offer solutions. Our advocates take a person-centred, holistic approach and were able to explore the impact of the crime on the person's life and help them access hgalth and social care and housing. Advocating for anyone impacted by abuse or threats to property or people targeted on the basis of race, religion, disability, sexual orientalion or transgender identily, we noted trends around problems with housing and public transport as well as the need for safeguarding. Many people we supported were at risk of isolation and mental health crisis. Of the people we advocated for this year, English was not the first language for over a fiflh people, 240/9 experienced barriers to accessing health appointrnents, with 53 % having mental health needs or neurodivergence, a third experienced risk of homelessness or housing disrepair and 50 % needed financial support from foodbanks and energy vouchers. We continue to hear that people find it hard to report a hate crime and fear repercussions, feel ignored or lack trust in the criminal justice system. W8 joined up with Duiham and Northumbria Universities again this year to revisit the groundbreaking research from 2019 "Exploring 'hate relationships, through Connected Voice's Hate Crime Advocacy Service." This research introduced the concept of repeated hate incidents now known as Hate Relationships. We were curious to find out what impact the Covid 19 Pandemic had on hate crime referrals, so the research team looked over 384 cases from April 2019 lo March 2022. We held a 18unch event in surnmer 2024 to share the findings of 'lmproving Responses to Hate Relationships.. The research showed that repeated hate was on Ihe rise, and that there was a systemic lack of understanding across all professions to support the victim adequately. They found 12- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 thal victirns were misunderstood, disbelieved, and that there was often a mislabelling as anti-social beh8viour or harassment. There was also a lack of understanding around people having more than one protected characteristic and intersectionality. The research found that hate relationships rose from 28,/0 to 440h of the total hate crime cases, So together with Connected Voice the Durham and Northumbria University team created a solution lo offer professionals a way to better understand the impact on victims mental and physical health and created HATE ID app to help clarify what a hate crime is and how to deal with it, We held a consultation event in summer 2024 to launch research and share the prototype app for feedback from police, and othar statutory partners. This will be launched in March 2025. In winter 2023124 we were involved in the Sunderland University Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries annual Police Project, We advised students who created a series of short films to depict the barriers to reporting hate Growing and developing We had a year of successfully securing existing s8rvic8s as well as expanding and developing on what we already did. In 2023124: We held successful events to showcase our expertise in advocating for people in vulnerable situations such as Child Protection processes and Personal Injury claims and rehabilitation We delivered presentations to raise awareness of advocacy to several partners in the region including Pride NE, Walking with in North Tyneside, Wearside Women in N8ed as well as offering advocacy surgeries in community venuès and outreach venues We developed training programmes Soclal Justice Champlons and Supportlng people wlth neurologlcal conditions: helplng thom to b8 heard and protecting their rights. W8 made the programmes adaptable so we can offer two standalone modules around Effective Communication and Active Listening and Putting People First, person centred approaches to supporting individuals We were re-awarded a Community Foundation grant to widen the SUPPOrt we offer to Refugee and Asylum Seekers Our six-year partnership proj8Ct with Northeast Law Centre and Changing Lives continued to deliver Help through Crisis to support people in financial crisis in Newcastle with a National Lottery Fund grant The Northumbria Office for Police and Crime Comrnissioner continued to fund Hate Crlme Advocacy which we have pioneered for the lasl seven years An ongoing contract from the NHS Integrated Care Board enabled us to deliver our long- standing Health and Social Care advocacy in Newcastle and Gateshead. We were funded by the Barbour Foundation to develop our core advocacy services We reached new customers for individual conlracts, reaching an additional 37 p8ople this year who have experienced child protection hearings or recovering from life changing accidents We continued to provide Independent Mental Health Advocacy in Mitford National Autistic Unit in Northgate Hospital. 13- CONNECTED VOICE {LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Listening and learning The team are proud to have received excellent feedback this year and worked well to achieve an outstanding Net Promoter Score (NPS) consistently over 750A throughout the year, meaning thal people who used the advocacy service or referred to us would recommend us highly. .1 don't think I would have been heard al all if you hadn I been Ihere." "Made it a lot less stressful and I Ihink I composed myself better Ihrough this support.. "Our experience with Connected Voice Advocacy has been exceptional. Th8 seNice pn)vided to our mutual client was ex8mplary, demonstrdling the organisations commitment to promoting social inclusion, equalily and socialjustice. The Advocate showed great skills in helping the Glient get their VOiGe heard ai?d needs mal. Overall, Connected Voice Advocacys professionalism, expertise and client-centred approach make Ihem an iiivaluabje resource in Ihe community. Thgir S8Nice truly embodies their mission of enabling people to have their views heard and their rights upheld." We have been delighted that peopl8 who have used advocacy have volunteered their time in 2023124 to share their views and help shape the way we deliver our services. This is now a crucial part of our 2024125 work plan to ensure people are at the heart of the work we do. In 2023124 we continued to deliver on our Service User Engagement Strategy this year commitling time and energy to arranging sessions to bring people together. We reached over 50 people through surveys, direct phone calls and most popular was our focus groups with lunch which brought 22 people together, This year people helped us with the following developments in the seNice: Overhaul of our referral process to make it easier for people to self-refer which resulted in an easy online referral form Clarity on the terminology when speaking about people who usa advocacy to avoid unwanted labels. This also led to a re-write of our webpages to Speak to people who use the website for information on advocacy and create a dedicated Service User Hub page People met some of the Connected Voice Trustees to learn more about the governance of the organisation and how the advocacy vision sits within it. They shared ideas which Trustees are incorporating into the new Connected Voice three-year strategy 14- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Influencing We believe research is a fundamental way to ensure visibility of the people we support and raise their issues strategically, This year we joined the Steering Group of the Sunderland University for Safeguarding Adults for Empowerment (SAFE) project exploring effectiveness of the Making Safeguarding Personal agenda in the over 75 age group. Our role on the Safeguardin9 Adults Boards brings key issues facing the VCSE in Newcastle and Gateshead, and to ensure that tho safeguarding process is person-centred, and statutory partners understand the role of advocacy. This year we have been involved in setting strategies and training offers as well as Serious Adult Reviews. We ensure we have a strong publicity campaign for Safeguarding Adults week, Hate Crime week and Advocacy Awareness Weeks. We worked with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to he5p shape their offer and strategy to understand barriers people face to making complaints and improve access to the Ombudsman. We fed into the review of the Equality and Human Rights Comrnission Code of Practice, Our feedback informed the Office of the Public Guardian survey to irnprove services, We have influenced systemic change within housing providers complaints process to ensure equity. We hav8 been involved in the national Advocacy Leaders Nelwork since it began in 2020 and during 202314 we continued to contribute to consultations and research nationally. Year in numb6rs: Support8d 518 people across multiple projects and worked with them on 1017 issues, providing 15607 hours of direct advocacy Advocated for 77 people facing court hearings for child protection cases, rehabilitation planning after life changing accidents, or upholding the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards for people Supported 100 victims of hate crime and 64 of those were experienclng ongoing incldents called hate relationships Ensured 21 people were safeguarded or prevented from harm and abuse Gained over £19,419 for people's awardslclaims Supported 81 people to formally challenge decisions, including Tribunals, Court of Protection, and cornplaints processes Worked in over 80 ethnically marginalised communities across 17 languages and employed 2 bilingual IndependentAdvocates. Connected Voice Volunteerlng During 2023124, the Volunteering service continued to grow, expanding from two to Ihree projects wilh the launch of Volunteering Newcastle. This new initiative aimed to amplify the voices ol volunteers and th8 organisations thal involve them, while also assisting organisations in recruiting individuals with additional needs into volunteering roles. Outlined below are the key achievements of each project featuring quotes and case studies. 15- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Gateshead Volunteer Centre We secured the Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation from the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA). The accreditation is valid for Ihree years. Across its five functions, GVC exceeded in Strategic Development of Volunteering and Good Practice Development, while meeting all the requirements in Brokerage. Developing Volunteering Opportunities, and Voice of Volunteering. Gateshead Volunteer Centre supported 56 people with additional needs inlo volunteering opportunities. Gateshead Volunteer Coordinators, Network continued lo grow over the year with meetings themed on topics including cost of living, mental health, and naurodiversity. "l allended the Gateshead Volunleer Coordinalors, Network meeting in July 2024. 1 am 0ft6n unable to allend the meetings but made a point of making sure l oould go because the topic of neurodiversily was so re18vanl lo my role and orga17isation. The speakers were fantastic, and w8 had some good discussions about improved ways of working and differenl pgrspgctives. I was able to bring these insights and ideas back to my workplace and share wilh Ihe leam lo benefil not just our volunleers but also staff to ensure everyone's skills and slrenglhs are valued and ulilised. Thanks for organising this eventi" Volunteering Newcastle In Newcastle, 85 volunteering-involving organisations were consulted about their challenges and successes resulting in the establishment of the Newcastle Volunteer Coordinators, Network. The network has met on three occasions, covering topics including inclusion and wellbeing. 'The Connecfed Voice meetings and sessions have been invaluable to me as a Volunteer Coordinator. It can be isolating working in this role as l am the only one dealing with volunteer management. The meetings and training provided by Connected Voice has been a great way to network and chat lo olher professionals who deal with volunteeri17g. The training has b9en really useful also helping me gain an insight into procedures and practices for managing volunt88rs. Thank you for being a great support mechanism." Through Volunteering Newcastle, 27 VCSE organisations completed a volunteering health check and were provided additional support to update or create new volunteering policies and procedures, role descriptions, and recording systems. Seven VCSE organisations were funded to deliver social action projects led by volunteers in their local communities across Newcastle. "The grant we received hejped us deliver weekly sessions at the Haven in North Kenton. The group is a women's group which uses business enterpnse skills as a vehicle for social action in lh8 local area, We Greated naughty and n￿e greetings cards lo sell at Home Group, as well as 188rning how to Grochet, cooking on a budget and general peer-lo-peer support group helping and signposting women for skills and mental health support. The group came with a schedule 01 activities and events for 2024, so the gmup could be sustainable, with facilitation by On the Up. These women are a force to be reckoned wilh, despile suffering with PTSD, anxiety, domgstic abuse, agoraphobia, issues with Iheir children. They have an idea for a mam's podcast which we are going to launch once we have the funding, which we are very close to achieving." 16- CONNECTED VOICE {LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Sector Connector Sector Connector organised 14 free workshops and events in collaboration with eight local, regional and national businesses for VCSE organisations. Workshop themes included recruiting with purpose, what is social impact, and staying safe online. Sector Connector worked in partnership with Muckle LLP during Small Charities Week in June 2024 to deliver free legal clinics to 23 VCSE organisations. Topics included governance, construction, data protection, and property and real estate. Sector Connector collaborated with Home Group in July 2024 to deliver a trustee's event for their employees, resulting in four charities each securing new trustees with skills across legal, finance, and health and safety. 'This was an excellent event by Connected Voice, so helpful for charities looking for trustees. The endorsement from Home Group to employees considering a trustee role is exemplary. Its refreshing to see a 18rge employer recognisii?g, and valuing, the benefit that being a trustee can bring to their organisation, employees and local communities. Having the opportU17ily to explicllly recruit for the skills needed lo a room full of interested people was invaluable, I think all Ihe Ch8rilies allending made relevant connections. Thanksl" Financial review Review of transactions and financial posltion The balance sheet shows that at 30 Seplember 2024 lotal funds carried forward are £727,465 (2023.. restated £741,312), of which £365,817 (2023: restated £425,629) relat8S to unrestricted funds, £21,653 (2023: £77,267) relates to designated funds and £339,995 (2023: £238,416) relates to restricted funds. The specific earmarked restricted funds projects are detailed in note 26 of the accounts and note 27 for designated funds. This was represented by tangible fixed assets of £15,399 (2023: £18,864), investments of £nil (2023,, £460,065) and net current assets of £712,066 {2023.' restated £262,383). Connected Voice holds contracts from the NHS and local authorities, as well as applying for grants from charitable trusts and foundations. We are growing our self-generated income through development of paid-for seNices. A subslantial part of our income comes through contracts. In the current year this was three contracts. Connected Voice is assiduous in looking for appropriate sources of funding, and as an organisation responsible for advising the voluntary sector on funding sources, is well placed to know what opportunities are available. We use a full cost recovery model, which enables us to estimate the actual costs of a servic8 and its true cost to Connected Voice. As the value of public sector contracts continues to decrease in light of inflation, this is an essential tool for us to use in deciding whether or not to bid for a servi￿. Senior managers and the board meet to set budgets annually. The management team reviews financial performance monthly, and the board reviews it quarterly via a finance sub wmmittee and the board meetings. Day to day financial management and reporting is managed by our finance arm Connected Voice Busin8ss Sep4ices. Our trustees are clear about our aims and mission and that we need to be sustainable, but keep to our vision and values. Connected Voice will not enter into partnerships and contracts which are Contrary to our aims and objectives and we recognise that we need to stay within our agreed budget limits for the year 17- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Assets The charity's assets are being held to enable them to carry out its objectives. The movements in fixed assets during the year are set out in note 15 to the accounts. Trading activities The results of Connected Voice Charity Business Services for the prior financial year was a deficit of £188,602. The decision was laken by the board in 2022 to bring the subsidiary back into the main charity as of 1 October 2023 and wind up the separate company. The company was dissolved in September 2024 Financial dependency The charity in order to meet its objectives is financially dependent on grants from the Local Authorities, government programmes and charitable trusls. Additional funds are derived from smaller grants and charitable donations made by a variety ol organisations and individuals. Going Concern The Trustees have considered the level of funds and forecast income and expenditure for a period of 12 months after the date of approval of these financial statements, the budgeted income and expenditure is Considered sufficient given the levels of reserves held by the Charity. Therefore, the Trustees have adopted the going concern basis of preparation for these financial statements. Resèrves Pollcy The Trustees regularly review levels of reserves and have agreed again this year that reserves equivalent to between three and five months running costs are appropriate for the organisation. Three months running costs would equate to around £210,000 and five months £350,000, based on the accounts for the 12 months lo 30 September 2023. The reserves should not fall below this level in order to support good governance of the organisation. The Reserve Policy allows for the us8 of funds in excess of the level required to be spent in furtherance of the organisation's vision and mission. Any proposal should be presented as an individual business case to the Trustees for review and approval. The 'free reserves, of the charity (defined as those unrestricted funds not designated for specific purposes or tied up in fixed assets) slood at £350,418 (2023: restated negative funds of £49,455). The Trustees monitor the level of reserves regularly and the Resenies Policy is reviewed annually with the support of the Finance Sub Group. Risk management The trustees have examined th8 major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirrn that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks. The Board reviews the strategic risk assessment annually and the full report is discussed at. a Board meeting annually where mitigating actions identified and taken. Health and Safety information is presented on a quarterly basis to the Board. Indemnity insurance The charily has Professional Indemnity Insurance cover in respect of the Trustees and Officers of the charity. 18- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Structure9 governance and management The charity's full name is Connected Voice. It is an incorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission (number 1125877) and a company limited by guarantee (number 06681475). Governing docurnents The charity's governing documents are its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Connected Voice is an independent charity working with the voluntary sector primarily in Newcastle and Gateshead. It is run by a Board of Trustees elected annually by its member organisations, and by co-opted mombers. The Board controls the direction and policy of Ihe work, and met five times during this financial year. It holds a special away day meeting with senior managers, once a year, in order to look at opportunities and define strategy for the coming year. Connected Voice is a membership organisalion with over 844 members. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of cornpany law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of th8 financial statem8nts were: AM Afolabi S Cooper P Deans P Elliott OBE C Harrison T Huitson S Kaitesi ALee H Owens K Proudfoot E Slater S Elliott M Horrocks (Reslgned 7 May 20241 (Resigned 7 May 20241 Recrultment and appointment of trustees Trustees are elected from the membership. Notice is sent to all members, and if a ballot is required, It is conducted prior to the Annual General Meeting Trustees may only serve for a set period of time. The skills and experience of existing trustees are audited regularly and new trustees are recruited in order to complement the existing trustees ensuring a wide set of skills and knowledg8 is reflected in the overall board. If the Board feels there are particular skills lacking, they are able to promote these during the recruitment process The governance document allows for co-opted trustees so that specialist skills can be brought onto the board. The Chair has extensive experience in the charity sector and of governance. The treasurer is a chartered accountant with significant experience of the charity sector. 19- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 The company's current policy concerning the payrnent of trade creditors is to follow the CBI'S Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU). The company's current policy concerning the payrnent of trade creditors is to: settle the terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the terms of each transaction., ensure that suppliers are made aware of the terms of payment by inclusion of the relevant terms in contracts., and pay in accordance with the company's contractual and other legal obligations. Trade creditors of the company at the year end were equivalent to 14 day's purchases, based on the average daily amount invoiced by suppliers during the year. Organisatlonal structure The Board of trustees, which can have up to fourteen mernbers, has control of the charity, including its property and ils funds. The Board normally meets four times per year and there are three sub groups covering finance, advocacy, and volunteering, which report into the Board. Task and Finish groups of the trustees are also created as necessary. This year we closed the Task and Finish group for workforce development, after the agreement of our new pay polity, and created one for trustee recruitment, We have staff-led groups who take fO￿ard our EDI and Climate emergency action plans, and these report into the board, The Chief Executive is appointed by the trustees to manage the charity and has delegated authority for all operational matters. Pay policy for senior staff The Chief Executive implements the pay policy on an ongoing basis and is responsible for pay reviews and setting salaries for senior staff. The Board reviews the Chief Executive's salary annually and is responsible for making any decisions aboul remuneration of the Chief Executive. Remuneration is benchmarked against similar roles within voluntary and community sector organisations of similar size in the North East. We understand that in light of increasing inftation and a difficult employment market, pay should continue to be reviewed regularly. Our workforce strategy task and finish group of the board developed and implemented a new pay policy during the year. Connected Voice's new Pay Policy covers all staff. Senior staff are not treated differently to other staff and all benefits (including pension contributions) are applied equally across all staff groups. The pay policy allows for staff progression within pay bands, based on performance. Relatèd partles and co-operation with other organisations None of the trustees receive remuneration or olher benefit from their work with the charily. Any connection between trustees QT senior managers of the charity with suppliers must be disclosed to the full Board of trustees In the current year no such related party transactions Were reported. Trustees are asked to declare their interests before each board meeting and there is a Register of Interests, -20- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 statement of trustees, responsibilities The trustees, who are also the directors of Connected Voice for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires the truste&s to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of tkne incoming reSoUr￿S and application of resources, including Ihe income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. 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 Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presum6 that the charity will continue in oporation. The trust6es are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclos& with reasonable accuracy 8t any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities, Auditor In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Sumer Audilco Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put al a General Meeting. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Peter Deans Chalr of Trustees, Connected Voice 10 April 2025 21 CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Statement of trustees, responsibilities The trustees, who are also the directors of Connected Voice for the purpose of company law, ar8 responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounling Practice). Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statemenls for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required lo: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,, and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Auditor In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Sumer Auditco Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting. Dlsclosur8 of Informatlon to audltor Each of Ihe trustees has confirmed that there is no informallon of whlch they are aware whlch Ss relavanl to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have laken appropriate sleps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Peter Deans Chair of Trustees, Connected Voice 10 April 2025 21- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CONNECTED VOICE Oplnlon We have audited the fin8ncial statements of Connected Voice (the 'charity') for the year ended 30 September 2024 whlch comprlse the statement of financial aclivilies. the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial stalemenls, including significant accounting policles. The financial reporting framework that has been applied In thelr preparation Is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Firiancial Reporting Slandard applicable in Ihe UK and Republlc of Ireland (Unlted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounling Practice). In our opinion, Ihe flnanclal slatements: give a Irue and fair view of the state of the charitable companws affalrs as at 30 September 2024 and of Its Incoming resources and appllcatSon of resources, including its income and expenditure. for the year then ended; have been properly prepared In accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounling Practlce; and have been prepared In accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2008. Basls for oplnlon We conducted our audll In accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and appllcab18 law. Our responsSbililies under those standards are further descrlbed In the Auditoffs responsiblliligs for the audit ol the financial stalemenfs section of our report. We are Independent of the charity in accordance with Ihe elhical requlrements thal are rel6vant lo our audit of the financial stat8menls in the UK, Includlng the FRC'S Elhlcal standard, and we have fulfilled our other elhical responsibilities in accordance wllh Ihesa requiremen15. We believe that tlie audit evidence we have oblalned is sufficlent and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons relatlng to golng concorn In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, us8 of the golng concem basis of accountlng In Ihe preparatlon of Ihe financlal statements Is appropriate. Based on th8 work we have performed, we have not idenlified any material uncertainties relatlng to events or conditions that, indivldually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability lo continue a8 a going concern for a perlod of at leasl twelve months from when the financial statemenls are aulhorised for issue. Our responsibilities and Ihe responslbllities of Ihe Iwstees with respect to golng concern are described In the relevant sections of thls report. Other Informallon The other information comprises the Infomiallon Included in the annua5 report other than the financial stalemenls and our aLJdllorfs report Ihereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual r&port. Our opinion on Ihe financial statements does not cover Ihe other Informatlon and, excepi to the exlenl otherwise explici15y slated in our report, we do nol express any form of assurance conclusion Ihereon. Our responslbillly Is to read the other Information and, in doing so, consider whether the other informatlon is malerlally Inconsistent with the financial slatemenls or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsislencies or apparent materlal mlsslatements, we are required to determlne whether this glves rise to a material misstatement in Ihe financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatemenl of thls other Information, we are required to report that fact. We have nolhlng to report in thls regard. Oplnlons on other matters prescrlbed by the Companles Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit.. the informallon given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors, report prepared for the pU￿0$£S of company law, is consistent with the financial slalements., and tha direclors, report included wilhin the trustees, report has been prepared In accordance with applicable legal requirements. -22- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF CONNECTED VOICE Matters on whlch we are requlred to report by exceptlon In Ihe light of the knowledge and understanding of the charily and ils environmenl obtained in the course of the audit, we have not Identified material misslalements in the directors, report included within the trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relatlon to which the Companles Act 2006 requlr6S U5 to report to you if, in our oplnion- adequate accounting records have nol been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not vlsited by us. or the financial statements are not In agreement with the aGcountlng records and returns- or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made., or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. or the trustees were not enlllled to prepare the flnancial statements in accordance wlth th& small companies reglme and take advantage of the small companles. exemptions in preparing the Irustees, report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. Responslbllltle5 of trustees As explained more fully in Ihe stalement of trustees, responsibilitles, the trLJStees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responslble for the preparatlon of the financlal statemenls 8nd for belng satisfied Ihal they give a tru8 and fair view, and for such intemal control as the trustees determine Is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misslalement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financlal statements, the trusle85 are responslble for a55e551ng th8 charity's ability to contlnue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, mallers relaled lo going concern and using the golng concern basis of accounting unless the Iruslees either intend to liquidat8 the charilable company or to cease operatlons, or have no reallstlc alternallve bul to do so. Audltorfs r8sponslbllltl88 for the audlt of the flnanclal statements Our objectives are to oblaln reasonable assurance about whether the financlal statements as a whole are free from materlal mlsstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report that Includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance Is 8 hlgh level of assurance but Is nol a guarantee th81 an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK} will always detect a material misstatemenl when it exists. Misstatements can arSse from fraud or error and are consldered material If, Individually or in the aggregate, they could r@asonably b8 expected lo influence the economlc declslons of users taken on Ihe basis of these financlal slalemenls. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting Irregularitle8, Including fraud, 18 detalled below. -23- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF CONNECTED VOICE Capablllty of the audlt In detectlng Irreg ularltles, Includlng fraud Based on our undeislanding of the charitable company and the sector in whSch It opeiates, we Identifled that the followlng laws 8nd regulations are significant to the entity.. Those laws and regulations considered to have a direcl effect on Ihe fin8nclal statements Includlng UK financlal reportlng standards. Company Law and Charity Law. Those laws and regulations for which non-compliance may be fundamental to the operating aspect8 of the charity and therefore may have a material effect on the financial statements include compliance with charitable objecllves. publiG benefit. fundralsing regulations, safeguardlng and health and safety lagislatlon. These matlers were discussed amongst the engagement team al the planning stage and the team remalned alert throughoul the audlt. Audit procedures undertaken in response to the potenlial risks relating to irregularilies (whlch include fraud and non- compllance with laws and regulallons) comprlsed of.. inquiries of management and the TTuslees as to whelhor tha enlily complies with such laws and regulations., enquiries with the same concerning any actual or potential litigation or claims; inspection of relevant legal correspondence and legal costs incurred., review of Trustee meetlng mlnutes., lestlng Ihe appropriateness of journal enlrles; and Ihe perfomance of analyt5cal review to identify unexpected movements in account balances which may be indicative of fraud. No Inslances of material non-compllance were Identified. However, the Ilkellhood of detecting irregularities, Including fraud, is limited by the inherent difficully in detecting irregularities. the effectiveness of the entily's controls, and the nature. liming and extent of Ihe audil prI￿duleS performed. Irregularities that result from fraud mlght be inherently more dlfficult lo detect than Irregularities that result from error. As explained above, there Is an unavoidable risk that material misslalements may not be detected, even though the audil has been planned and performed in a¢¢ordance with ISAS (UK). A further descriptlon of our re5ponslbllllles Is available on the Flnanclal Reporllng CounGII's webslte at: htlps'.11 www,frc,org.uklaudllorsresponslbllltles. Thls d8scrlption forms part of our 8uditorfs report, Use of our report Thls report Is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance wllh Chapter 3 of Part 18 of the Companie5 Act 2006. Our audll work has been undertaken so that we mlght stale lo the charitat￿e company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other PUTpose. To the fullest extent pemitled by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other Ihan Ihe charllable company and the charltable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for thls report, or for the oplnions we have formed. stephen Slater {Senlor Statutory Audltorl for and on behalf of Sumer Audltco Llmlted statutory Audltor Unlt 2 Gosforth Park Avenue Newcastl8 upon Iyne NE12 8EG '1 ,6.1 .lois -24- CONNECTED VOICE {LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITUREACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Current flnanclal year Unre8trlcted Unrestrl¢ted funds funds general deslgnated 2024 2024 Restrlcted funds Total Total As restated 2024 2024 2023 Notes Income from: Donalions and legacies Charllabla 8clivlties Other trading actlvllies nveslments 8,974 886,947 21,668 36,961 8,974 1,802,612 21,788 36,961 18,542 1,415,174 66,255 3,955 915,665 100 Total Incom8 954,550 915,765 1,870,315 1,503,928 Expendlture on.. Raising funds Charllable actlvitles other expenditure 3.570 1,029,074 18.528 3,570 1,865.990 18,528 11,492 2,045,581 22,324 814,592 10 Total expendlture 1,051.172 22.324 814,S92 1.888,088 2,057.073 Nel gainsl(losses) on inveslm8nls 11 3,926 3,928 49,688 Net Incomellexpendlture) (92,696) (22,324) 101,173 (13,847) (503,459) Transfers between funds 32,884 (33,290) 406 Net movement In funds 15 (59,812) (55,614) 101,579 (13.847) (503,459) Reconclllatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 October 2023 425,629 77,267 238,416 741,312 1,244,771 Fund balances at 30 September 2024 365,817 21,653 339,995 727,465 741,312 The statement of financlal actlvltles Includes all galns and losses recognlsed In the year. All Income and expendlture d8rlve from conlinuing aclivilies. -25- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Prlor flnanclal year- as restated Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds general deslgnated 2023 2023 Restrlcted funds Total 2023 2023 Notes Income from: Donalions and legacies Charitable aclivilies other trading activities Investments 18,542 735,179 66,255 3,955 18,542 1,415,174 66,255 3,955 679.995 Total Income 823,931 679,995 1,503,928 Expendlture on: Raising funds Charitable actlvlli88 11,492 1,043,586 11,492 2,045,581 111,759 890,236 Total expendlture 1,055,078 111,759 890,236 2,057,073 Nel gainsl{Ioss8s) on inveslm8nls 11 49,888 49,688 Net Income (181,459) (111,759) (210,241) (503,459) Transfers between funds 24,817 (33,818) 8,999 Not movement In funds 15 {156,642) (145,575) 1201,242) (503,459) Reconclllatlon of funds.. Fund balances al 1 October 2022 582,271 222,842 439,858 1,244,771 Fund balances at 30 September 2023 425.629 77,267 238.418 741,312 -26- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2024 2023 as restated Notas Flxed assots Tanglble assets Invèstments 15,399 18,864 460,065 17 15,399 478,929 Currént assèts Stocks Debtors Inv8slments Cash at bank and In hand 19 20 21 21,691 679.655 232,777 618,735 10,081 376,395 92,381 1,552,858 478,857 Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 23 (840,792} (216,474) Net current assets 712.066 262,383 Total assetsloss currant Ilabllltlos 727,465 741,312 The funds of lh8 charlty R8Stric18d income fund8 Unreslrlcted fuhds - general Unrgslricled funds - dosignated 28 339,995 365,817 21,653 238,416 425,629 77,267 27 727,465 741.312 The flnan¢lal statemenls were approved by the Irustees on 10 April 2025 K Proudfoot Trusle8 Company reglslratlon number 06681475 (England and Wales) -27- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Cash flows from op8ratlng actlvltles Cash generated froml(absorbed by) operatlons 33 282,383 (316,264) Inve5tlng actlvltles Purchase of tanglble fixed assels Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries Purchase of other investments Proceeds from disposal of other investments Investment Incomo recelved (1,816) {14,205) (48.372) 279.584 36.961 (352.125) 361.886 3.955 Net cash generated froml{used In Investlng actlvltle8 266.359 (489) Ngt cash used In flnanclng actlvltles Net Increasel(de¢rease) In cash and cash equlvalents 548.742 (316,753) Cash and cash equlvalents at beglnnlng of year 69,993 386,746 Cash and cash equlvalents at end of year 618,735 69,993 Relatlng to: Cash at bank and in hand Bank overdrafts included In credllors payable wllhln one y8ar 618,735 92,381 (22,3881 -28- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Accountlng pollcles Charlty Informatlon Connected Voice Is a private company limited by guarantee incorporaled in England and Wales. The registered office Is One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE14BX. 1.1 Accountlng conventlon The financial statements have been prepared In accordance wlth the charily's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard appllcable in the UK and Republlc ol Ireland" I'FRS 102.) and the Charities SORP "Accounling and Reporling by Charities: Slalemenl ol Recommended Practlca applicable to charilies preparing their accounts in accordanTr wilh the Financial Reportlng Standaid applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effectlve 1 January 2019). The chaTily Is a Publlc Beneflt Entity as defined by FRS 102. Th8 financial slalemenls are prepared In slertlng. whlch Is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts In these financial statements are rounded to the nearesl £. The financlal statements have been prepared under the hisloiical cost convention. modllted to Include the revalualion of freehold prop8rtles and to Include Investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting pollcies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng concern At the time of approving the financial slatemenls. the Iruslees have a reasonable expectation thal the charity has adequate resources to continue in operalional existence for Ihe foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue lo adopt the golng concern basss of accounting In preparing the financial stalemenls. 1.3 Charltable funds Unreslrlcted funds are available for use at Ihe discretion of lh8 trustees In furtheranc8 of the general objectives of the charlty and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprlse fund5 that have been set aside by the truslees for parlScular purposes. The alm and use of each design8ted fund Is sel out In the notes to the financial slalements. Restricted funds are funds whlch are to be used in accordance with specific re8trlctions Imposed by donors whlch have been ralsed for a specific purpose. The cost arislng and admlnlstering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The alm and use of each restricted fund is set out In the notes to the financial statements. 1.4 Income All incoming resources are Included in the Slatemenl of Financial Activities when the charity has enlitlemenl lo the funds, any perfomiance condjtlons have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and il is probable that the income will be received. Voluntary Income is received by way of grants, donations and glfts are included In full In the Statement of Financial Activities when the Irust becomes enlitled. Grants where enlitlement Is not conditlonal on th8 delivery of a speclfic perfomiance by ihe charily, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally enlilled to Ihe granl. Donated servlces and facilities are included al the value to Ihe charity where this can be qualified. The value of the services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts in line with the SORP (FRS102). Assets donated are recognlsed in full as donations and fixed assets, No amount is included within the financlal statements for volunteer tlme In Ilne with the SORP (FRS 102). -29- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Accountlng pollcles {Contlnued) Income Is deferred only where crileria for recognition as incoming resources in the Statement of Financial Aclivlties does not exlst al the balance sheet date. Incoming resources from charitable trading aclivilies and commercial trading activitles are accounted for when earned as the related services are provided. Services provided lo ¢lienls which at the balance she8t date have not been bllled to cllents and where there is a right to consideration, have been recognised as income. Income recognised in this manner is based on an assessment of the fair value of Ihe setvices provlded at the balance sheel date as a proportion of the lotal value of Ihe engagement. Unbllled revenue Is Included Sn work In progress. Investment Income Is Included when recelvable. 1.6 Expendlture and Irrecoverable VAT All expenditure Is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligatlon to make payments to third parties, It Is probable thal the settlement will be requlred and the amount of the obligatlon can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the followlng headlngs,. Cosls of generatlon funds comprises Ihe costs associated wlh the commercial Irading aclivilles of Business Services department. Charllable expendllure comprises those costs Incurred by the charity In the dellvery of Ils activttles and servlces fir Ils beneficiaries. It includgs both costs that can be allocated directly to such adivilies and those cosls of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs Include those costs associated wlth meeling Ihe constitulional and slalulory requirements of the charlty and include the audit fees and costs linked to the slralegic manageinenl of Ihe charity. Irrecoverable VAT Is charged as a cost agalnst the expenditure ￿en Incurred. 1.6 Tanglble flxed assets Indivldual fixed assels cosllng over £1,000 are capitalised at cost and are depreclated over thelr expected useful economlc Ilves as follows: Reslicted electronlc office equlpmenl Electronic office equlpmenl 250￿ slralght line basls 250h straight line basls The galn or Soss arlsing on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrylng value of th8 asset, and is recognis8d in Ihe statement of financial activities. 1.7 Flxed asset Investments Flxed asset Inveslments are Inillally measured at transactlon prlce excludlng transactlon costs, and are subsequently measured al fair value al each ieporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net Incomel(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs aro expensed as incurred, 1.8 Impalrment of flxed assets At each reportlng end dale. the charity revlews the carrylng amounts of Its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffer&d an impairment loss. If any such indication exls15, the recoverable amount ol the asset is estimated in order to delermine Ihe extenl of Ihe impairmenl loss (if any). 1.9 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call w';Ih banks, other short-term liquld investments with original maturilies of three months or less, and bank overdrafts, Bank overdraft5 are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Accountlng pollcles Icontlnued) 1.10 Flnanclal Instrumenls The charity has elecled lo apply the provisions of Section 11 'BasS¢ Financial Instruments, and Seclion 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial inslruments. Financlal Inslruments are iecognised In the charity's balance sheel when the charity becomes party lo the contractual provisions of the instrumenl. Financlal ass&ls and Ilabilllles are offsel. wilh the net amounts presented In the financlal statemenls, when Ihere Is a legally enforceable right lo set off Ihe recognised amounts and there is an intenllon to settle on a net basls or to realise the asset and sellle the liability simullaneously. Basic linancial assets Baslc financlal assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured 81 transaclion price Including transaction costs and are subsequently carrled at amortised cost uslng the effecllve Interest melhcd unless the arrangement constitutes a financing Iransaction. where the transaction is measured at the present value of the fulure receipts discounted at a market rate of interest, Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Baslc flnanclal Ilabllltles Basic financlal liabililies, Including creditors and bank loans are Inltlally recognlsed at transactlon prlce unless the arrangement constitutes a financlng tran5acllon. where Ihe debl Inslrumenl Is measured at the present value of Ihe future payments discounted al a market rale of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are nol amortlsed. Debt Instruments are 8ubsequenlly carried at amortised cost, uslng the effecllve interest rate method. Trade credltors are obllgallons lo pay for goods or servlces that have been acqulred In the ordlnwy course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liablllti85 If payment Is due wilh5n one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transactlon prlce and subsequenlly measured at amortised cost using the effective interesl method. Derecognitlon of flnanclal Ilablllties Flnanclal Ilabllllles are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.11 Employee beneflts The cosl of any unused holiday entitlement is recognlsed Sn the period in which Ihe employee's Se￿[ce8 are re￿ived. Termination benefi18 are recognlsed Immedlalely as an expense when Ihe charlty Is demonstrably committed to terminate th8 employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. 1.12 Retlrement beneflts Payments to defin@d contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. -31 CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Crltlcal accountlng estlmates and judgements In the application of the charity's accounlirKJ policies. the trustees are required to make judgemBnts, eslimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are nol readily apparent from other sources, The eslimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors Ihat are considered to be relevant. Aclual resulls may differ from these estimates. Tha estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting esllmales are recognised in the peilod in which the estimate is revised where the Tevision affects cnly that P8riod. or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Income from donatlons and legacles Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Unreslrlcted funds 2023 Donations and gifts 8,g74 18,542 Donatlons and glfts Slr James Knolt Trust NAVCA Other Donatlons 7,000 7,000 10,000 1,542 1,974 8,974 18,542 CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Income from charltable actlvltles Unrestrlcled Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestrictod Rostrlcted fund8 funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Commerc131 Income Services provlded under contract Sales of services Other income 217,663 217,663 279,014 279,014 455.180 204.287 9,817 915,685 1,370,845 204,287 9,817 445.483 679,995 1,125,478 10.682 10,682 886,947 915.665 1.802,612 735,179 679,995 1,415,174 Summary of grants Newcastle City Council Gateshead Councll NHS ICB The Natlonal Lottery Communlty Fund via VODA Newcastle Clty Councll - Health and Wellbeing Development Support Gale5head Councll - Volunleer C8nlr& PolSce & Crfme Commissioner Northumbria The Nallonal Lottery Community Fund via North East Law Centre Gateshead Melropolilan Borough Councll Wailing Well via VONNE VCSE Resillence Fund NHS Newcastle and Gateshead IBC UKSPF North of Tyne Volunteerlnglsocial Acllon via VODA Newcastle Clty Council - Community Champion Community Foundation - Refugees & Asylum Seekers Gateshead Council - Digilal Inclusion 161,972 174,500 161,972 174,500 44,706 141,750 153,667 141,750 153,667 43,337 44.706 43,337 15,649 15,649 30,386 30,386 51,422 51,422 45,000 45,000 77,499 77,499 62,166 82,166 75,502 75.502 69,249 69,249 36,687 36,587 25,763 25,783 87,592 87,592 2,500 10,000 2,500 10,000 242,133 242,133 241,929 241,929 138,171 138.171 7,825 7,625 10,000 10,000 5,481 5,481 4,000 4.000 Carry forward 338.261 693,880 1.032.141 425,483 500,962 926,445 -33- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Income from charltable actlvltles (Contlnuedl Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds general 2024 Total Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds general 2023 Total 2024 2024 2023 2023 Brought forward 338,261 693,880 1,032,141 425,483 500,962 926,445 Community Foundatlon via Llnden Family Fund Newcastle Council Digital Inclusion Galeshead Council - UKSPF Dlgltal Inclusion Project NIHR - Menlal Health - Newcastle Universlly Newcastle Universily - Engaglng Roma Women NHSIICS vla VONNE NHSIICB Gateshead Galeshead Youth Mental Health NHSIICS via Galeshead Councll opcc wsipp Barbour Foundatlon Health Bulletin- NHS ICB Gateshead Council - Financial Sustainablility Support Newcastle Councll - VCSE Infrastructure Support Communlly Foundation- Guy Readman Endowment The National Lottery Communily Fund- Awards ForAII Gateshead Council - HAREF Engagement Gateshead Metropolitan Councll - Community Fund UKSPF Local Community Partnership NIHR Hospital 5,000 5,000 4,167 4,187 48,197 48,197 87,500 87,500 1.737 1,737 3,483 3,483 2,500 19,064 50,000 2,500 19,064 50.000 24,688 24,888 75,000 75,000 9,990 9,990 15,000 6,516 20,OOCI 20,000 6,583 15,000 6,583 6,516 37.500 37,500 50,000 50,000 5.000 20,000 20,OIXI 20,000 20,000 17,729 17,729 7,853 7,853 252 252 455,180 915,665 1,370,845 445,483 679,995 1,125,478 -34- CONNECTEDVOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Income from other tradlng actlvltles Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestrlcted Restrlcted fund5 funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Trading activity Income: olher 21,868 100 21,788 66,255 66,255 Income from Investmenls Unre5trlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2024 2023 Incom@ from Ilsted Investments Inlerest recelvable 30,358 8,603 3,955 36.961 3,955 Expendlture on ralslng funds Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2024 2023 Inveslmenl management 3,570 11,492 -35- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Expendlture on charitable actlvltles Advocacy Voluntary Sector Support 2024 Total Advocacy Voluntary Sector Support 2023 Total 2024 2024 2023 2023 As restated Dlrect costs Staff cos18 Activities dir&ctly undertaken 491,121 956.450 1.447.571 574,448 599,543 1,173,991 18,051 73.686 91,737 21,810 333,302 355,112 509,172 1,030.136 1.539.308 596.258 932,845 1,529,103 Share of support and govornance costs (see note 9) Support 68,509 258,173 326.682 133,406 383,072 516,478 577,681 1,288,309 1,865.990 729.664 1,315,917 2,045,581 Analysls by fund Unrestricted funds - general Unrestricted funds - designated ReslriGled funds 458,728 570,346 1,029,074 650.052 393,534 1,043,586 22,324 695,639 22,324 814,592 111,759 810,624 111,759 890,236 118,953 79,612 577,681 1,288,309 1,885,990 729,664 1,315,917 2,045,581 Support costs allocated to actlvltles 2024 2023 As restated Staff costs Depreciation Facilily costs Office costs Professional fees Loss on tradlng subsidiary Governance costs 110,613 5,281 103,176 83,483 10,549 67,247 8,580 43,103 102,101 59,884 213,283 22,280 13,580 326,682 516,478 Analysod between: Voluntary Sector Support Advocacy 258,173 68,509 383,072 133,406 326,682 516,478 -36- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Support costs allocated to actlvitle5 (Contlnued) 2024 2023 Governance costs comprlse: Audit fees Accountancy Annual Review, AGM & trustee planning 12,500 13,500 6,399 2,381 1,080 13,580 22,280 10 Other expendlture Unrestrlcted Un restrlcted funds funds 2024 2023 Loss on closure of trading subsldiary 18,528 11 Galns and losses on Investments Unrestrlctod Un restrlcted funds funds 2024 2023 Galnsl(losses) arislng on.. Revaluatlon of Investments Sale of investments 424 3,502 49,688 3,926 49,688 12 Trustees None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) re￿iVed any remuneralion or benefits from the charity during the year. There were no expenses paid lo trustees dwing the year totalllng (2023: £50>. -37- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 13 Employees The average monlhly number of employees during the year was: 2024 Number 2023 Number Advocacy HAREF Business Services Support & Development Commerclal Core Marketing 16 17 10 11 11 Total 47 49 Employment costs 2024 2023 Wages and salarles Soclal security costs Other penslon Gosls 1,368,009 124,437 65,738 1,056,344 123,864 61,030 1,558,184 1,241,238 The number of employees whose annual remuneratlon was more than £60,000 Is as lollows.. 2024 Number 2023 Number £60,000 - £70,000 £70,000 - £80,000 Remuneratlon of key management personnel Key management has been determlned to be the Trustees and the Chief Execullve Officer (2023.. 1). Truslees recelve no remuneralion or benefils. The total remunerallon of Ihe senlor management team was: 2024 2023 Aggregate compensalion 78,410 68,350 14 Taxation The charity is exempt from taxation on ils activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 15 Net movement In funds 2024 2023 The nel movemenl in funds is stated after chargingl(craditing): Fees payable for the audit of the charily's financial slalemenls Depreclatlon of owned tanglble fixed assets 12,500 5,281 13,500 8,580 16 Tanglble flxed assets Re8tlctèd ol•ctronlc offlce 8quIpm8nt Electronlc ottlce equlpmont Total Cost At 1 October 2023 Additions 19,771 58,698 1,818 78,469 1,816 At 30 September 2024 19,771 60,514 80,285 Depr8clatlon and Impalrment At 1 October 2023 Depreciation charged in the year 15.926 3,845 43,679 1,438 59,605 5,281 At 30 September 2024 19.771 45,115 64,886 Carrylng amount At 30 September 2024 15,399 15,399 At 30 September 2023 3.845 15,019 18,864 17 Flxed asset Investments Llsted Investments Cash In other portfollo Investments Total Cost or valuatlon At 1 October 2023 Addltlons Valuation changes Disposals 453,255 48,372 424 (502,051) 6,808 460,065 48,372 424 {508,861) (6,808) (2) At 30 September 2024 Carrylng amount At 30 September 2024 At 30 September 2023 453,255 6,808 460,065 -39- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 17 Flxed asset Investments (Contlnugdl 2024 2023 Other Investments cornprise.. Notes Investments In subsidiarles 32 18 Flnanclal Instruments 2024 2023 Carrylng amount of flnanclal assets Instruments measured al fair value Ihrough profil or loss 232,777 19 Stocks 2024 2023 Work in progress 21,691 10,081 20 Debtors 2024 2023 As restated Amounts falllng due wllhln one year: Trade debtors Amounls owed by subsldiary undertaklngs other debtors Prepaymenls and accrued Income 449,114 190,904 25,702 31,008 199,533 159,789 679,655 376.395 21 Current asset Investments 2024 2023 Listed investments Cash hold on deposit 6,737 226,040 232,777 -40- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 22 Loans and overdrafts 2024 2023 Bank overdrafts 22,388 Payable wilhln one year 22,388 23 Credllors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Notes Bank overdiafts Other taxation and soclal secuilty Deferred Income Trade credilors Other creditors Accruals and deferred Income 22 22,388 49,565 7,396 19,728 84,887 32.510 90,983 672,217 21,516 17,449 38,627 24 840,792 216,474 24 Deforred Income 2024 2023 Arising from amounts Invoiced in advance 672,217 7,396 2024 2023 Deferred Income Is Included within: Current liabilities 672,217 7,396 Movements in the year.. Deferied Income at l October 2023 Released from previous periods Resources deferred in Ihe year 7,396 (7,396) 672.217 16,711 (16,711) 7.396 Deferred income at 30 September 2024 672.217 7,396 25 Retlrernent benefit schemes 2024 2023 Deflned contrlbutlon schemes Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 65.738 61,030 41 CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 25 Retlrement beneflt schemes (Contlnuedl The ch8rity operales a defined contribution penslon scheme for all qualifylng employees. The assels of the scheme are held separately from those of Ihe charity in an independently administered fund. 26 Restrlcted funds The restricled funds of Ihe charily comprise Ihe unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject lo speciflc condltlons by donors as to how they may be used. Al 1 Oclober 2023 Incomlng resources Resources expended Transfer8 At30 September 2024 Reslrlcted IT equipment HAREF (Restrlcted donations) North ofTyne Volunteering {VODA) Gateshead Infrastructure Gateshead Volunteer Centre N8wcaslle Infrastructure Health Bullelin - NHS ICB National Lottery Communlty Fund PCC Hale Crime Refugees and Asylum Seekers NHR Mental Health HAREF Dlgllal Incluslion Health Equallly Health Equality Mental Health UKSPF Local Communlly Partnership VCSE Reslllence Fund Walllng Well (VONNE) UKSPF Digital Inclusion Gateshead Youth Mental Health Awards ForAII Gateshead Council Communlty Foundallon NIHR HAREF Cov5d UKSPF NOT Volunteering I Scclal Action 8,787 24,845 (3,845) (10,653) 4,942 16,987 2,795 28.514 14,146 20,418 10,121 459 15,649 174,500 77,499 161,972 6,583 (38,100) (174,318) (82,782) (141,073) (6,905) 8,063 14,328 15,135 31,020 137 7,997 3,577 36,587 75,502 10,000 1,737 4,000 24,686 100 (36,047) (75,332) (7,574) (1,607) (10,227) (22,374) (24,549) 8,537 14,737 2,426 10,990 98 60,688 9,168 41.463 (226) 54,461 11,480 17,014 7,853 (1,181) (6,672) (3,950) 3,950 1,746 (1,748) (48,197) 48,197 75,000 20,000 20,000 17,729 75,000 16,930 18,772 14,045 (3,070) (1,228) (3,684) 2.441 (2,441) 138,171 (120,100) (90) 17,981 238,416 915,765 (814,592) 406 339,995 -42- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 26 Restrlcted funds (Contlnued) Prevlous year: At 1 October 2022 Incoming resource5 Resources expended Transfers At30 September 2023 Restricted IT equlpment HAREF (Restrlcled donations) NewcastlelGateshead CCG NCC Public Health Digital North of Tyne Volunteerlng (VODA) Gateshead Infrastrudure Galeshead Volunteer Centre Newcastle Infrastructure Health Bulletin- NHS ICB National Lollery Communlty Fund PCC Hale Crlme Refugees and Asylum Seekers NHR Mental Health HAREF Dlgltal Incluslion Heallh Equality Heallh Equality Mental Health UKSPF Local Communlly Partnership VCSE Reslllence Fund WaStlng Well (VONNE) OPCC WSIPP UKSPF North ofTyne Volunteering ARC Roma SklllsBiidge NIHR HAREF Covid 8,787 30.372 290,258 21,800 8,787 24,845 (5,527) (290,258) (21,600) 24,004 10,212 33,616 9,945 30,386 153,667 62,166 141,750 6,516 (25,876) (149,733) (75.364) (141,574) (6,057) 28,514 14,148 20,418 10,121 459 25,763 69,249 6,481 3,463 87,500 19,064 50.000 (17,766) (65,672) (7,520) (3,367) (26,812) (9,898) (8,537) 7,997 3,577 2,039 60,688 9,168 41,463 (6,671> (6,050) (754) (9,990) 6,671 10,000 2,500 9,990 3,950 1,746 (90> (2,699) (7.295) (1,128) 90 199 2.500 7,295 3,569 2,441 439,658 679,995 (890.236) 8,999 238,416 -43- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 26 Restrlcted funds (Contlnued) Restrlctod IT equlpm6nt Providing resources to enable key staff to work from home throughout Ihe COVED-19 pandemic. HAREF (Restrlcted Donatlon) An ICB NHS funded project to support engagement with ethnlcally marglnallsed communllies across Newcastle and Gateshead into health seNices. North of Tyne Volunteerlng Project (VODA) To create Ihe North of Tyne as a volunteer area of excellence, this 15 a five year. project. Gateshead Infrastructure VCSE infraslruclure support contract for Galeshead. Gateshead Volunteer Centre To establlsh and run an Independent Volunteer Cenlre for Gateshead. Newcastle Infrastructure VCSE Infrastructure SUPF)Ort contract for Newcastle. Health Bulletln - NHS ICB To fund On the Hoof health Information Ixjllelin. Natlonal Lottery Communlty Fund To 'support famllles through crlsis. PCC Hate Crlme Provlding. Hale Crime AdvocaGy, supporting-people who have experienced, or .are at risk of hate crlme In ihe Norlhumbrla area. Refugees & Asylum Seekers Dlrect advocacy io refugee and asylLftn seekers to have voices heard and access to servlces. NIHR Mental Health Research project looklng al how culturally compelenl mental health services are for elhnlcally maiginali8ed communitles in Newcastle and Notlingham. HAREF Dlgltal Incluslon An ICB NHS funded project lo improve D￿JItal Inclusion In Health and Soclal Care Project In Gateshead. Health Equlty A project for supporting belter links between the VCSE and social prescrlbers In Newcastle and running Health and wellbeing event for the VCSE. Health Equlty Menlal Health An ICB NHS funded project improvlng VCSE Engagement In the Mental Health Tran5formatlon in Gateshead. UKSPF Local communlty Partnershlp Building VCSE sector capacily With organlsallons In the outer west and north of Newcastle. VCSE Reslllence Fund To provide support packages comprising business reslllence and managemenl support for communlty sector organSsatlon5 based in Newcastle. Waltlng Well (VONNE) An ICB NHS funded project offering targeted support to certain groups of patients waiting for surgery in the Norih East and North Cumbria. CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 26 Restricted funds (Contlnued) UKSPF Digital Inclusion Funding to support consliluted groups and charities in Gateshead through lailored approaches, in order to develop thelr digital infrastruclure and capabilily. Gateshead Mental Health The NENC ICB provide funds for Connected Voice to administer as grant applications to davelop communily- based aclivily which supports children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing in Gateshead.. Awards forAII Funding for Haref to support our work with ethnically marginalised communitles in Newcastle and Gatesh6ad, In order to collaborate wilh heallh services to improve accessibility. Galeshead Councll Fulldlng to support Har8f's engagement work In Galeshead wllh ethnlcally marginalised communities on haallh access needs, and ensuring links lo key strategic health meetings. Communlty Foundatlon Funding for Haref lo support our work wlth ethnScally marginalised communltles In Newcastle and Gateshead, In order to collaborate with health services to improve accesslbllily. NIHAR HAREF COVID NIHR funded research project working wlth communlty partners to look at health messaglng In the age of Covld. UKSPF North of Trne Volunte8rlng Project lo enhance support for volunteers and volunte8r-involvlng organlsalions in Newcastle. -45- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEIVIENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 27 Unreslricted funds - deslgnated These are unrestricted funds which are material to the chatily's activities. At 1 October 2023 Resources expended Transfer8 At30 September 2024 Dlgllal Transformation HAREF Office move Advocacy 31,718 2.795 21.320 21.434 (10,065) 21,653 (2,795) (19,503) {10,992) (1,817) (10,442) 77,287 (22,324) (33,290) 21,653 Prevlous year: At 1 October 2022 Resources expended Transfers At30 September 2023 Dlgllal Transformaliom HAREF Offic8 move Workforce Statagy Advocacy Goveinance 57,656 25,000 50,000 35,150 42,036 13,000 (40,938) (22,205) (14.475) 15,000 31,718 2,795 21,320 (14,205) (35,150) (20.602) (13,539> 21,434 539 222,842 (111,759) (33,816) 77,267 Dlgltal Transformatlon For new digltal infraslruclure Includlng new telephony, software and proc8sses. HAREF To exlend the ongoing Haref Allles Project11 is expected that Ihis fund wlll be ulilised by 30 September 2023. Offlce Move To cover additlonal costs associated wlth the office move to One Strawberry Lane. Th8 move took place In January 2023. Advocacy Development and reslruclurlng of the advocacy servlce. -46- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 28 Unrestrlctod funds The unrestrlcled funds of the charily comprise the unexpended balances of donatlons and granls whlch are not Subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted furKJs by the trustees for specific purposes. At 1 October 2023 Incomlng resources Resources expended Transfer8 Galns and losses At30 S8Pteml)er 2024 General funds 425,629 954,550 (1,051,172) 32,884 3.926 365,817 Prevlous year- At l October as restated: 2022 Incomlng resources Resources axpendod Transfers Galns and losses At30 September 2023 General funds 582,271 823,931 (1,055,078) 24,817 49,688 425,629 29 Analysls of net assets between funds Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds general deslgnated 2024 2024 Restrlcted funds Total 2024 2024 At 30 September 2024: Tangible assets Current asselsl(Ilabllltles) 15,3g9 350,418 15,399 712,066 21,653 339,995 365,817 21,653 339,995 727,465 Unrestrlcted Unr8strlcted fund5 funds general deslgnated 2023 2023 Restrlcted Total funds As restated 2023 2023 At 30 September 2023: Tangible assets Inveslmenls Cuirenl assetsl(liabililies) 15,019 460,065 {49.455) 3,845 18,864 460,065 262,383 77,267 234,571 425.629 77.267 238,41S 741,312 -47- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 30 Operatlng lease commllments Lessee Al Ihe reporting end dale the charily had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows: 2024 2023 Withln one year Between two and five years In over five year8 33,080 121,273 63,000 29,142 109,275 90,000 217,353 228,417 31 Related party transactlons The ¢harlty's wholly owned subsidlary, Connected Volce Buslness Setvlces Llmlled was dlssolved on 3 September 2024. Connecled Volce has writlen off the Inter company debtor and the resulllng loss on investmenl of £231,811 is included within the prior year SOFA. There were no olh8r disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023,. non8). 32 Subsldlarles Connected Volce Business Services Limited was dissolved and disposed of during ihe year on 3 Seplember 2024, whlch resulted in a loss on dlsposal as described in notes 10 and 31. As restated 2023 33 Cash generated from operatlons 2024 Deficlt for the year (13,847) (503,459) Adjuslmenls for.. Investment income recognised in statemenl of financial activilies Gain on dlsp05al of Investmenls Falr value galns and losses on investments Depreciatlon and impairmenl of tangible fixed assets (36,961) (3,502) (424) 5,281 (3,9551 (49,6881 8,580 Movements In working capital.. (Increase)Idecrease in stocks (Increase)Idecrease In debtors (Decrease)lincrease in credilors Increasel(decrea8e) In deferred income (11,610) 1303,260) (18,115) 664,821 11,975 159,490 70,108 (9,315) Cash generated froml(absorbed byl operations 282.383 {316,264) -48- CONNECTED VOICE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 34 Prlor perlod adjustment The following 2023 balances have been reslated to reflect the write off of Ihe inlercompany trad6 debtor balance not deemed recoverable on the wind up of Connected Voice Buslnes5 Servlc8s Llmlted. Changes to the balance sheet At 30 September 2023 As prevlously Adjustment reportad AS restated Current assets Debtors due within one year 589,678 (213,283) 378,395 Funds of th8 charlty R8slrlcted funds Designated funds Unrestricted funds 238,418 77,267 638,912 238,418 77,267 425,629 (213,283) Total funds 954,595 (213,2831 741,312 Changes to the statement of flnanclal actlvltl Perlod onded 30 September 2023 As prevlously AdJu61ment As restated reported Charitable aclivilles 1,832,298 213,283 2,045,581 Net movement In funds (290,178) (213,283) (503,459) -49-