Charity r•glstration number 1127300 (England and Wales) Company reglstration numbèr 6638750 VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS REVISED ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATNE INFORMATION Trustèès Leo Zawadzki Megan Cowley Louise Theophile Ricardo Lobo Ivan Tiullunnlkov (Appointed 24 May 20261 Senior management C8thèrine 88vagè Chièf exéeutivè offic8r Country of 5neorporatlon United Kingdom (England and Wales) 6638750 Charlty regIstraOn England and Wales 1127300 Registered office N(Trrvin Housè 4&55 Commercial Street London E1 SBD Auditor Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd 308 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey UK KT6 7AL Bankers The Co-operative Bank PLC PO Box 250 Dèlf Housè Skelmersdale WN8 6wr
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS CONTENTS Page Trustees port IndepeFHlènt auditorts report 20-22 Statement of finanry81 activities 23 Balancè sheet 24 Noteg to thè financAal statements 25-33
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 The trustees present their annual report and financial $tstements for the year ended 30 September 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordan with the accounting policies sel out in note 1 to the flnancial statements and comply wth the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in thè UK and Republic of Ireland and the Charities SORP 'k¢ounling and Rep()rbng by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Rèporting Stkndard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021 Oblectlvos and activities VolLJnteer C8ntr8 Tower Hamlets (VCTHI is the ieeognised volunteering infrastructura agency in the London Borough ofTower Hamlets. Our charity's objéets arè.. The promotion of any charitable purpoFse for the benefit of the community of Tower Hamlets, Greater London, in particular the relief of those in need by reason of youth, age. ill-heallh. disability or other social or economic disa(fvantage. The prtsmotion and advanment of voluntary wctrk for charitable purposes for the benefit of the community, predominantly in the London Borough of Towe¥ Hamlets, but additionally promotion and advancement of voluntary work sul>wionally, i£gionally and nationally. In forming our objectives, the INslees confirm that Ihoy havo wmplied wlh the TequiTements of section 17 of the Ch8ritiS8 Acl 2011 to have due regard for the publiG benefit guidance published by the Charity Cotnmission. Mlsslon Our mission is to provide a CoMphenSlve volunteering infrastructure service to nonrf)rofit groups an¢J communities in Towèr Hamlétg to incrèase thè quality, quantity and impact of volunteering in the borough. cts Fun¢tion$ Our 5 core fundions are.. Ilolunteer Brokerage- ensuring that the general public an(t all sedors are b8tter inft>rmeé ab(xrt and have accèss to an effective and efficient brokerage servi£?, matching them lo a wide range of vetted volunteer ro# in non profil organisations. Good Practica D&volopm8nt - helping oiganisations improve or attain posth8 coinsislen¢y in their volunteering programmes through training and advice. Developing Volunt88ring Opportuniti•¥ increasing and improving the quantity, quality, and dIv$lty of volunteering opportunities loeally, wth a particular focus on indusivity and widening participation. Voice of Volunteering - creating an increased awareness of issues impacting volunteering and speaking up. Stratsglc D•v•lopmant of Volunteerlng engagement with local networks and decision-makers to create a positive environment in which volunteering is flourishing.
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Aehievements and perfomianeè 1. Volunteer Brokeraga Our brokerage service linked potential volunteers lo nol-for-pmfft organisations that needed help. We brokered P80ple aged 164 who lived, worked or studied in Tower Hzml8ts, providing them wlh information about suilable volunteèring roles and encouraging applications. We promoted volunteering via our websilg. by sending regular email alèrts to individuals who registered with us, and through outreach and attendan al community evènts. Rtsing Volunteer Numbèrs Between 1 October 2024 and 30 Seplen7ber 2025, 1,103 new volunteers register6d with us, averaging g2 per month- a 13¢ in¢rè8sÈ on the previous year12023-24: 980 registralionsl. Thls was a notsble conlrasl with falling interest in volunteering nallonally. Although we did not offer a full employer supwrted volunteering IESVI setvice, we provided a sigEposb"ng function. We receiv8d 53 enquiries from private sèctor companies interested in leatll vtslunteering and referred them to local VolLEnteei Involving Organisations that offered corporate volunteering events. We delivered thrkn volunteering programmes targèting minorilised communities.. Trustee Trainiro and Matching IMETS), Improving Employability Through Volunteèring IIETVI and Communtty Health and Wellbeing Champions ICHWCI. Mlnoritised Ethnic Trustèès IMETS) Project Trustees don't neSsarilY iefléct the communit8 that charities serve. The majority lend lo be older. While anof male. Our METS project reswnds to this disparity. 11 was de51gn8d to increase diversity in charity leadership by supporting Tower Hamlets residents from Global Majorily communities to bècome trustees. Tower Hamlets Council funds the METS programme with a Mayor's Community Granl. METS participants 8re vetted and setected, then eomplete a training pro9TamrTE in the essentials of beirrfJ 8 ¢h8rky trustee. Training enhances participants. knowledge and Confiden in governanee. prèparing them for future board roles. Trainees create personal profiles and are subsequently matched to Irusleè vacanaes in participating chariti, where tY can conlributg their skills, lived experience and local knowledge. Wè recruit registered charities. based in or operating in TowÈr Hamlets, lor the METS programmè. Ihe charities must démonstrate a commitment lo improving equity and diversity, and offer a supportive, environrnÈnt for first-time Iruslees. In return they gain residents who understand the Iruslee role and bring a wealth of lived experience and community knowledge, adding increased resident participation at governance lev81. In the second year of METS we delivered 2 More rounds of the progTamme.' 26 partiCiP8nts su¢¢essfully completsd Iru$te8 training 19 ofthese 26 partiGipants173°/.} were wornen Itargèt.. 60QAI 960/0 Df trainees who Gompleted the post training evaluation increased their knobyledge ol the rol&8 and responsibilities of trustees, and 88% incréas&d confidence in applying for trusteeships as a result of the training ItaTggt= 90?hl 24 trèinees were rnalched wlh charity b¢>ards during the year 17 tharities partiapated in rounds 2-3, of which 14182%} 8PPOlnted trustees. Improvlng Employability Through Volunteering IIETVI Our Improving Employability Through Volunteering IIETVI prolect helps Tower Hamlets 18sidents who are unemployed, under-employed or in unsatisfactory employment. We support them to build thèir skills and confidence by gaining workplace experienca throLtgh volunteering. creating a positive pathway towards employment. The project taTgets excluded groups, many of who a furthest from the labour market. The majority of participanls are from Global Majority communities, especially the Bangladeshi community. and women. IETV is fvnded by Tower Hamlets CoLJncil.
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) {CONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Each y8ar our tsrget is to pr¢Jvide 120 Indivuals with one-to-one or group support, wth at least 754/0 reporting increased confidence and employability skills. The aim is for 60 participants a year to stsrt volunteering in roles that provide relevant experience for future employment. Recruiting IETV participants involvèd a combination of community outreach and presentations to raiw awareness. We worked in partnership with the eouncil's WorkPath sèrvice. the Department for Work and Pensions, New City College, Idea Stores, and other key referral agencies to promote the IETV Servi and reach polenlid beneficiaries. During the year our AdvisDf5 delivered 16 presentations on volunteering at local venues, and held stalls at two large-s¢al& ¥mOyabl1IlY 8rKI training fairs. As part ol our commitment to providing a personalised service, we work closely with residents lo understand their qualifications, studies, employment and volunteering experien, and their futurè careèr aspirations. Thig helps us identify and recommend volunteering opportunities that align thèir intèrèyts, skills and long-témi employment goals. To further support participants in securing rneaningful volunteering placements, we developed a bespoke one-to- oné onlinè workshop, "Filling in Volunteer Ro18 Applications and Preparing fcTrr Volunteer Interviews Delivered on Zoom, tha sèssion is available to all clients who would benefit from additional guidance and support. Participants rewrted that Ih¢s0 s&s$ions increased their confidence and helped them feel better prepared for volunteer selection processes. During 2024-25.. 133 participants were enrolled onto the IETV programme and wtr supported wilh volunteering opportunities tailored to their interests1111 /0 of target}. 28 volunteers147% of target) have already ctsnfirm8d that they h8ve stsrted volunteering, with some still on theirjoumey to finding the right plaeamènL Community Health and Wellbeing Champions LBTH Public Health commissioned VCTH to support the delivery of a new 3-year Community Health and Wellbeing Champions programme. Work began in December 2024. The programme recwits resident volunteers from local communities as health prorNoleTS and community connectors, bridging the divide between communities and hèalth servi(*s. Champions gather community insights that help shape public health programmés and mèssaging. They share important information with Iheir communities on issues such as reducing 8l¢ohol. stopping smoking. tackling obesty. improving rnental health, and checking blood pressure. They also help other resldenls lo access health ServiS. Objective5 are to incTease health lileracy, support uptake of heatth Pfole¢lion interventions. and reduce heallh disparities. VCTH'S Tole is lo recruit and select the volunteers, support the development tsf volunteering poli¢ies and (locumenlation for onboarding, organise training venues and refreshments, and administer reimbursement ol volunteer ¢xp8nses. We ran two rounds of recruitment during 2025 - the first ktween April 8nd Junè, and the second between September and November. Volunteers recruited In the September ¢ohort ara Sncluded in this report. We recruited 24 volunteers in Year 1, achieving 120Q/o of our largel of 20. Round 1 25 20 Round 2 22 16 16 12 Completed applications Shortlisted tlended interview Completed Irainin and started in role The programme ha8 a tsrgel for at least 60/0 of participants to be from South Asian or Global Majofty baekgrounds, reflecting local communities thal experience greater health inequality. This year 83ts/o of volunteérs recruited were from these communities, and the single largest ¢ohort was Bangladeshi142%1. A majority1754hl were women and 8% defined as Disabled. Only 25¢A of partIpantS were in employment. Champions all attended three days of mandatory training bèfore c()Mrnencing their role. Make Every Contact Count IMECCI training focus on the FIVÈ Ways lo Wellbeing- 3 sel of sirnple steps that can make a difference to health and wellbeing. The Royal Society of Public Health IRSPHI Level 2 Understanding Health Improvement trainTrng provided volunteers with more in depth knowledge and a recognised qualification.
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Client Dèmographics We airned tts provide an inclusive brokerage service to a wd8 r8ng6 of volunteers, reflecting the dlverse communities in Tower Hamlets. We requested equalities data from all voluntéèrs at the point of regislralion, bLrt many chose lo withhold infomiation on some of their protected characteristicg. Th$ resulting data on volunteer demographics that follows is therefore incomplete, but gives a reliable Indicatft of the people usn)g our seNices and of shifting pallems. Agè 98*011,085 of 1,103 volunteers) provided infomiation on their age. Half of all volunteers were ag 20-341545 of 1,085 volunteèrs), a very similar pictLsre lo 2023-24. According to Cènsus 2021 data, 37.80A of Tower Hamlets residents ara aged 20-U, so VCTH performed extremely well at attracting younger adults lo volunteer. This year saw a slight increase in volunte¢rs aged 25-291215 of 1,D851, up 2Yo from last year. People ov8r 50 madè up just 11 %1118 of 1,085 volunteers) of our clients, an increase 013/0 on the previous year. t84 215 30-34 35-39 41144 L46 129 iio 5&59 n7 61P64 28 6>69 13 775 1 3 NctA 1Vered 18 50 loo 150 250 Disability 88%1747 of 1.103 volunteers) disdosed infomatlon about disability. Of them. 85%1632 of T47 voknnteersl told u$ that they had no disability, while 15Y.1115 of 747 volunteers) disclosed they had a disability. The largest group had mental health conditions15.2Y.I. At 15°/D. Éhe number of Disabled people a¢¢o$8ing our brDkerage service was lower than the borough profile. According to) the Census 2021, 20.1% of Tower Hamlets residents declared long- tarm health conditions or disabilities that limit their day-tdaY activities. lisual Jmpathrne TempDisabJlity.AfterlllnEÉ SoDietlJnBEise w 21 othr Fhi'sLcg1 DÉsabfjJlty. 1 5 Othff Vpthcal thndition 27 otA5JsiiEred NOE 356 632 tipleDisaE&lities 1 5 lertal Health 59 Hearing impaltThent 1 4 Em0Uono118ehzryaUra1 DifftcLltte5 1 4 Diubi]its?AffertillgVob5tsty. 1 8 LOO 400 500 600 700
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Gender 99%11,095 of 1,103 volunteers) disclosed their gender. 01 thèse, e8%1744 011,0951 defined as female12023-24.. 69Qhl and 310h1339 of 10951 identified as male. Eight volunteers did not disclose their gènder, while five identified as non-binary and sèvèn as transgènder. According to thè Census 2021, the borough's residents arè 50.20A male and 49.8% female. VCTH ex¢ellgd at reaching women, although the number ol male ¢llt$ has been growng 98¢h year. Trallsg?ter 1 7 NotAwiverÈd 12 Noll. Bitwy 15 Ge[Ld NotscI{Sed 16 Female 744 3m 500 600 700 800 Sexuallty 54%1596 of 1,103 volunteers) dTrsclosed inf()Imatitrn abtrut their sexuality- a small increase from 50% disdtssing in 2023-24. Of th8s8 rèspondénts, 88Yo {525 (>f 5961 identifièd as hètèrosèxual. Thé proportion of voluntèèrs identifyin9 as lesbian, gay, or bisèxual171 of 5961 at 12QA was a 1% rise from 2023-24. According to Census 2021 data, 6.48Qk of the Tower Hamlets wpulalion entIfied as le$blan, gay or blsexual, so VCTH Is doing well 81 reaching LGBTa+ communities. t4otAnsiYered 507 LesbianlGay 525 Bise 111143 loo soo 400 500 600 Faith 59Q/o1655 of 1103 vtslunteersl disclosed their faithlreligion when r8gi8tering, down 60h from 2023-24. People of m081 major faiths, and none, were represented. Th6 single largest laith group was Muslim al 60% 1395 of 655 volunteers), a 9% increase from 2023-24. This significantly exceeds the local Muslim population recorded in the Cen3us 2021 al 39.9%. For the third year running, the second largest group of respondents al 19%1126 of 655 volunleersl was of no faith, below the borough's Census rUre of 26.6°1.. This year 13°k183 of 655 volunteers) told us they were Christian, enliCal to Ihe previous year, but well below the percentage of Christian reents in the borough Icensus 2021.. 22.3°AI.
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT} {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 S-h 1 5 PreterNotTo Say 62 Othw 15 NDtAn5iTrered 386 395 i i FIÈExlu 15 BLLddhlst ll 6 50 100 150 200 250 300 400 Ethnicity 71°h1779 of 1,103 volunteersl provided data on their ethnicity, a similar pentage to the previous year12023-24'. 70%). The ethnicities of volunteers registering with VCTH largely reflected our local population. The single largest ethnic group of volunteers was AsianlAsian British Bangladeshi #t 450/o1351 of 779 volunteers). Ltp 4°A from the previous year 12023-24.. 41.10). This is ctrnsiderably higher than the borough's Bangladeshi population Icensus 2021.. 34.60kl. Post-pandemic VCTH has altracted more AsianlAsian Briti8h Bangladeshi voluntèèrs year on year. The second largest ethnic group of volunteers at 12°k 194 of 779 volunteers) was White British - 8 3VA decrease from 150/¢ in 2023-24, and well beSow thè btsrough's White British population Icensus 2021.. 22.9°1)1. The third largest ethnic group of voluntèèrs defined as While Other, making up 11% of service users 187 of 779 volunleersl, a m8rgin81 increase on 2023-2411 Ookl. Black or Black Brltish volLJnteers (Afn'can. Caribbean, Somali, or other Black backgr(ILJndgl accounted for 7.7%160 f r19 volunteers). down from 9.2°k in 2023-24. but just above the borough profile of SidentS from these communities Icensus 2021." 7.3 /.}. Iwte Jtish • li Blitish 94 Whlte.Ani' Other14*ite BaroLa 87 Preeer NotTo:a}' 14 NotAns".i.Èred Yixed. l.IlllteAndBlack Ciibbean 1 3 'ed- Ilqiteand BlackAftiran 1 5 fixed- iffjtiite 2ndAsian • 11 ed-Any Other Nfid 13 ChL"EkEe 26 B14rk Or Black Brlttsh- Soma]L ll 7 Blatk Dr Black Britisb- Caribbean 1 3 Blatkor Black British-AnyOtherBlack Background i 5 Blstkor Black British-AClI 45 Asian orA5iaa Brlttsh-PAkirtarri ll 9 AsianorAsian3Litish. Indi3Tr 41 Asi2n urA5iaEk3ritish. BatE12deshi AsianorA5iau Britt&h-Ini". od3erA5ian Bark%ouThd • 31 knyother 37 50 310 351 150 200 400
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Employment status 67%1742 of 1,1 03 volunleersl disclosed their employment status, The numbeT of volunteers who were employed decreased again this year, falling from 37°k in 202&24 to just over a third al 34% 1255 of 742 volunteers). This mprised 20% employed full-time, 11Q/o part4ime, and 3.70k self-employed. VCTH ctrnlinuéd tts support a growing numb6r of volunteèrs who were not in work. This was due in pwt tD our Improving Employability Through Voluntèèring projèct targeting this cohort. Unemployed people made up 38% of our clienls1281 of 742 volunleersl- an 11tsk in¢rease from 2023-24, and 8lmosl double the pereentsge in 2022-23 118°tsl. There was a mad(ed increase in the number of people who We unemployed for more than 13 months at 21 %12023-24. 14Y.I. The number of fulklime students significantly decreased this year to 13.10194 of 742 volunleersl. down from 21% in 2Q23-24. 2ged/Not SÈeHnEWork 20 Unelnployed 13 %lonths Al CK.ei" lAnlllW 156 Uoemplo5?ed l• %1DnthSA1 Less 125 UnableTo l.I'ork 18 seLLEp]0Fed 28 Retired w 8 Partllme Emplo}ed 8 NGtAnsi1'ered InFullTimeEduEaticn 94 HDUSepersoll $8 361 Carer M s 50 100 250 soo 3YJ 400 Tracking During the year we received 1,996 unique eXpSsIOnS of interest in the volunteer roles advertised. This represents a steady increase of 6.2Q/o 11,879 in 2023-241. Details ol each volunteer's InteSt were passed lo Volunteer Managers in ruitIng organisalions, and volunteers were also Introdu to the organisations they wished to 5UPPOrt. Tracking volunteer starters MainS a resource4ntensive process, partlcularfy given the high volume ol elients supported throughout the year. We continued lo follow up with applicants ferred lo volunteer roles. seeking confirmation ol whether they had begun volunteering or needed further support. We used a variety ot method8 to follow up including telephone calls. lextlWhatsApp messages, emails and online meetings. 2. Good Practke Development We continued to deliver activities to build the capacity of Volunteer Involving Organisations IVIOs} to implement good practice in voluntéer managèmènt. City Bridge Foundation funded this work. Volunteer Management Training We delivered 5 training courses for Volunlesr Managers online on Zoom. A total of 63 Volunteer Managers attended our training- an average of 12.6 trainees per course Idowri from 15 per course in 2023-241- Training topic$ w&re'. Good Practi in Managing Volunteers Volunteers and the Law Recruiting the Right Volunteers Retaining Volunteers Measuiing the Difference your Volunteer Programme Makes
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 73Wo of participars181481631 Completed a posl-training evaluation sutvey. Of thesè 76QA1351461 rated our Iralning as 'eXlIent1XtreMeIY us8ful" or "goodlvery useful". More significantly, 910 of rèspondents1421461 told us they had progressed in terms of knOWdge and 98¥0 ol respondents 1451481 committed lo making a change wthin th8Ér organisatiorh or taking action as a result of the training. Pegr Learning S•ssions for Volunt88T Managers We ran 4 Peer Learning sessions, attendÉd by 48 Volunteer Manageis, an average of 12 per evenl12023-24.' 11.7 per session). The sessions provided 8 blend of professional development and leaming opportunities for people who Manage volunteers_ They included guest speakers and mudFvalued opportunitiès lor peer neOrkIng and suppL)rt. Our Peer Leaming gèsslon$ were a mix of indusitsn topics I'lnvolng Neuroxlivorse Volunteers, and 'Barriars to Voluntèèring lor People with Mental Health Issues'l, technical skills (Artificial Intelligence ftsr Volunteer Managers'l and stratègie initiatives I'The London Vision for Volunteering'l. 93Yo of evaluation survey respondents rated the sessions as 'ex(ellenVextremely useful" or'goL>Ylvery useful., and 100°k comm4tted to wnaking a change within their oruanisation, or taking action as a result of the session. Bespoke Advice on Volunts•r Programmes Our Training and Best Pra1 Manager provided onÉ-tO-one advice to organisalions i)n many aspects of managing volunt8er programmes. A total of 24 organisations were gupported with good prgdice advice over 41 sessions. In the prévious year we supported 31 organisatsons over 39 sessions, so this year saw a shift towards providing more in-depth support to some Drganisations in response lo theii needs. In a longer48rm impact survey cxjmplefrd by 15 uganisations 118 people), several months after they received support, 100% had implemented positive Changes, and 94Y. had iwproved the qualityllevel of their volunteering practices. 100°k of organisations that used our servi¢e$ Sald they would recommend us to other organisations. Some quotes from Our beneficiaries.. "VCTH Peer Leèming sessions aro a fantastic resou to ljèlp us engage with hr lo¢èl organisations to ex¢hsn98 id8as and benefit from their experiences.. Evelyn wa$ 80 knowledgeablo and her 8dvic8 was sound! Really appreated". 3. D•v8loplng Volunteering Opportunities This year we registered 12 more Volunteer Involving Organisations110 fewer than the previous yearl.. clion For Happiness Breastfeeding Neiwork British Bilingual Poetry Colleolive CIC Child Bereavement UK Compulin and Programming Academ LBTH Young Tower Hamlets Nation31 Childbirth Trust Quil Right Tower Hamlets Relationship Circle CIC he Listening Place Tower Hamlets Community Monitorin V&A East cic Group B8fore advertising their volunteer rtsles we ¢arried out a short heallh-check c>n 8ach oiganisation to ensure they Could provide a safe and welcoming environment ft)r volunteers. Health checks also provided an opportunity lo ra18e awareness of VCTH'S training and advice services. At 30 September 2025 a tot8101559 organisations wer8 registered wth VCTH, a net increase of 2 (Septembei 24.. 5571. We developed voluntÈering opportuniti88 in partnership with the not-for-profit organisalions regist8r8d with us. These included ¢haTlties, community groups, social enterprises, and publie sector bodies. Registèred organisations were predominantly based in the borough. while a few were based elsewhere but provided substantial gervices to Twèr Hamlets residenl8_
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 We worked hard to ensure that the voluntaer roles offered were meaninglul, appealing and inclusive. and that voIuFrteer5 would be supported and have a positive experience. We encouraged organisations to make their volunteer roles more flexible, enabling lime-poor volunteers lo get involved, and to remove barriers in order to widen participation among underrepresented communities. We sought to hdp organisations develop volunteer roles that would enable and enhance their service delivery, while also apalIng to a divètse range of prospective volunteers. We developed and promoted 331 volunteering roles over the year lup from 313 rolès in 2023-241 on bèhalf of 110 organisations. Most roles required multiple volunteers, and some opportunities were adverb.sed more than once. Roles were routinely advertised for 3 months, or until they were filled, or organisalions requested adverts be exlonded. This process ensured our database ofvacanaes remained uptowdale. 4. Voice of Volunteering and Communications Campaigning and Infomiing A core function of the Volunteer Centre is to be the local voice of voluntèering incrèasing awarènegs of thè issues affecting volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisatlons. Wè eampaign for a voluntèer-friendly climate, where everyone can participate. We aim to influence local deci5ion-Tnakers and funders about the valuo of volunteoring lo our eommunities, and increase understanding tsf how volunteering benefits individuals. We adVote for greater recognitictrn of the cost of w611-run volunteéring programmes, and the importance of effective volunteer management. We dissÈminxte poliey, inlomi8tion and ststistics, encourage organisations to think about how changes in policy, legislation or ptrpulations may affect their volunteer programmes, and urge them to join relevant campaigns. During 2024-25 we encouraged Volunteer Managers to engage with a number of campaigns and opportunitEs to have their voices heard, including.. Thè Equitable Volunteèring Fonjm - a community of pra1 for Volunteer-lnvolving Organisations bringing people fiom the voluntary sector in London together to improve Equity, Diversity and Indusion IEDII in volunteering. Trustees Weok14-8 November), an annual lebrats'on of the impact made by the UK'S nearly one million charity Iruslees. The London Vision and Action Plan for Volunteering, encouraging respE)nses to a consutt8tion on how volunteering could be developed and imprtsved across London. In March 2025 wè promoted Ihe launch tsf the London Vision lor Volunteering report, which made 38 practical and st¥atÉgic recommèndationg that would make a difference to volunteering in London. Tower Hamlets Coun1,8 Voluntary and Communty SeclorAwards Ceremony, celebrats'ng the contributions of volunteers 8nd communrty tsroanigations in th8 boTOUgh. The new Compact development workshop- a chance for local organisations to contribute ideas lor a new agreement between the Council and the voluntary and community sector on how we work logeth6r in Tower Hamlets. The Disclosure and Barring Serviee IDBSI Virtual Conference- work$htsp$ and keynoto speakerB from the world of safeguarding, and 8 comprahènsivè rEsoureé library. E.bulletins Our main cornmunication channel with Volunteer Managers was our monthly e4)ulletin. This inclLKled infomation on Ir8ining for workers and volunteers, funding sources, policy developments, campaigns and research, and job vacancies. We distributed our e-bulletin to 585 contacis this year- a 3.6% fall from 607 eonts¢ts in 2Q23-24. This was as a result of regular mailing list maintènancè, rèmoving oldéf contacts and contacts wrth low 8ngagement. The e-bulletin opening rate reached 33.2% (down from 35tyA in 20231241, with op8n rate peaks above 55VD in Nov8mber, Decembei and May. Overall our audience was slightly $m¥ller bul often more engag1.
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 W•bsita- https:IlvMv.vcth.org.uk Our Communications Consultant updated our website regularfy. Content lor Voluntgei M8nagèrs included inlormalion about upcoming training and pèèr laaming sessions, and downloadable factsheets. Prospective volunteers used the website to Sé8rch for current volunteering roles, register with VCTH and update their profiles. COnlOuS that some of our audience have limited digital sknlls, or de not speak EnJish as a first language, we [LI$&d on ensuring our website was easy to navigate. VCTH'S website re(ived 59,955 views in 202¥25, a 35% increase on ihe previous year12023-24". 44,282 views), sh<)wing an increased engagement. The number ol actions on the website reached 136.444 events, a 14QA increase from 119k in 2023-24. Volunteer Alerts We maintained a mailing Sist of people who re9lStered an Inte$1 in voluntéèr+ng via our website. We updated this ularly to add new règislrants and remove unsubscribers, ensuring an engaged audience. Ben 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025 the VCTH Volunteer Bank audience had an average of 4,323 subscribed email addSSeS, compared to 3,956 individuals the previous yèar, showing a 9.3.10 increase subscribets. We Ltsed the mailing list to eommunicate with volunteers and alert them to new and IntestIng volunteer roles available. We sent volunteer 9rts fortnightly. During the year w8 sent 24 email campaigns lo volunteers. including 3 Tower Hamlets Volunleering Fair alerts. Our alerts featured 100 volunt6èr roles in 68 different oFJ8nisations 1202>24.. 130 roles in 78 organisationsl. The mailing list was also used to promote participation in our programmès", Minoritised Ethnic Trustees, Improving Employabilrty Through Volunleefing, and Community Health & Vllell1n Chamwons. Volunt•ors' Week11-7 Jun8 20251 National Vtslunteers, Week is an annual opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise their conlribulions, as well as to raise the profile ol volunteeTlng, encouraging more p8ople to get involved. We publi¢ised Volunteers, Week to Ioc81 Volunteer Managers, including in a special e-bulletin, linking thèm to free resources and encouroging them to reward and celebrate thei¥ volunteers. Our flagship event was the Tower Harnlels Volunteering Fair on 3 June 2025. Once again this was delivèred in partnership with LBTH Workpath and held at thè Town Hall. We invited charities to hold recruitmenl sialls and encouraged volunteers looking for their first or next role to attend. Twenly seven organisations recruiting volunteers held stalls, offering a widè raThJe of TO5. and 417 1o¢al people attended the Fair. 5. Strategic Development of Volunteerlng As the l¢¢al volunteering infrastructure agèncy for Tower Hamlets, we are recognised as the local volunteering expert. Stiategic partners across Tower Hamlets often seek our inpul into and guidance on volunteèring issues. We aim to represent the interests and conirn$ of volunteers and Volunte8r Involving Organisations al borough and pan-London levèls. advocating for a consi$t¢nl approach that avoids duplic2tion and makes volunteering inclusive Cop•rate VCTH'S Chief Executive was an active member of Co-operate a joint slratsgic body of voluntary sector prosentatives, senior Council gtaff, and elected Councillors. eOperate aims to transforrn how organisations work together to enhan the lives of local people. repsented the interests of Volunteer Involwng Organisations. cOperate met In January, May and Septembèr 2025. The main Ihemo8 for discussion during the year weré.. Council ftjnding for the voluntary se¢tor, In particular cOnrn$ about th8 disproportionate application process for the Mayor's Small Grants programme, and the significant underspend on this funding stream. Input inlo ongoing development of an updated Voluntsry and Community Sector Strategy for 2024-2028. The North Easl Lortdon State of the Sector report, which analysed data of 5,534 VCS orgarTrisations in the regitsn. This highlighted growng uncertainty about future funding. inueased Servi delivery costs, and rising demand fot seryices. 10-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 The Compact VCTH playéd a kèy rol8 in thè developmènt of 8 new Tower Hamlets Compact. We joined the Compact Wuking Group, attÉndÈd a sèriés of meètings, and facililaled 8 workshop discussion on volunteering. The Compact is a shared agreement between the council and the voluntary and community sector, setting out the values, prineiples. and praclic8S that guide how we will work together. It seeks io ensure that collaboration is effective, transparent, and focused on improving the lives of residents. The new Compact aims to deliver fwe planned outcomes, supported by commitments from both the council and the VCS.. a strong, diverse and independent voluntary and community sector effective and transparent design and dÈv61(>pment of policiès. programmes, and public Sica5 responsive and high-quality programmès and setvicès dear arrangements for managinu thanges Its programm&s #nd sèrvices n equal and fair sooiely. Partnering Tower Hamlets CVS Throughout the year we continued to work wth our closest partner. Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Sarvic6 (THCVSI, to shale insight and avoid duplication of services. Between us we represented a broad range tsf local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations at strategie levèl, especially smaller charities ènd community groups. The Chlef Exe¢utives rnel rogularly to exchango information, identify common issues of concem, and discuss strategic responses. In January 2025 VCTH itsird a short-temi partnership on Communrty Resilience, funded by the Gre8leT London Authority. The praet was led by THCVS and involved the local equalities networks. It 3ped Channels for communicati(>n and ¢ap8cily for the Voluntsry and Community Sector to respond to local emergencies. There was a particular focus on communities that were more at risk in emergency situatitsns. The final report mad6 recommendations for a sustainable model to carry the work forward. NatSonal and Regional Stratèglc Bodles We were active members of". London Plus - our Chi6f Ex6eutivÈ atlÈndÉd quarterly Volunteer Centre Network rneelings, engaging with staff in othèr London Voluntèer Centres lo share challenges and successes of facilitating volunteering in the capital, an(J identtfy opportunities for joint Working across the region. We presented our METS programme as a model of best practice for TecTuiling Global Majority trustees. National Council for Voluntary Organisations INCVOI. in particular engaging with Volunteer Managers auoss the country to share best practice on volunteer management. London Communities Emergency Parinership ILCEPI, whid) brings together VCS tsrgÈnisations to wepare to respond to crises in London. 6. Voluntary Saetor ChÉldr•n and Youth Forum (VSCYF) VCTH facilitated the Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum IVSCYFI unlil March 2Q25. The Forum was funded tander a contract with Tower Hamlets Council's Children s Services Directorate for an additional year until 31 March 2025. The Forum supported and represented 300 vduntary and community sector IVCSI organisations that provide services to childn, young people and their familio8. 11 a¢ted as a thannel for dialogue beiween these VCS tsrganisation5, Tower Hamle18 Coijncil and othor stalulory partnsrs. VCTH employed a part-lime Co-oirdinalor. wh liaised with all part16S to ènsure effactivè infomation sharing, communication, répresentation, and -pr(lUdI0n. The most 8ignifi¢anl issues 8ffe¢ling VSCYF members in this period were the increasing challenge to secure funding in a competitive market, the impact of the rising cost of living on programmes and services, challenges in recruiting and retaining staff with the right skills and experience, and delays to lease extensions on premises. The Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum met iwice between October 24 and March 25, wilh an av¢r8ge attendance of 19 organisations per meeting lup fr<>m an avèrage of 15 organisations in 2023-241. Fonjm meetings included valuable briefings from senior staff in LBTr Childrèn's SèNi<S Direetorydt8. Meetings alt8mat8d between Zoom 8nd in-pèrsort, and covéred a variety of subjects, including-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 funding, commissioning and grants partnership wothing safeguarding and Early Help children and young people's mental health SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) provision young carers supporting young people in times of ujnfiiet play in Tower Hamlets adolescen, youth services and yOLrth justice seTVi¢OS Tower Hamlets and North East London developments and strategies. Fc)rum membership continued to grow. Five now ganISatIOnS joined the Forum in six months, bringirrfJ the total VSCYF membership to 300 organisations a nel increase of 5 from the prèvious year. The total number ol voIEJntary sector professicTrn¥l$ on our database stood 81318 - a nèt increase of 5 individuals from 2023-24. We pr(xlud quarterly VSCYF e-bulletins which inejuded,. Forum and Tower Ham18t8 new8, fvrKling and training opportunities, and events for children, young people or organi$ations that support thsm. In addition we sent regular email updates to members alerting thèm to topical and urgent issues. Facilitating voluntsry and community sector representation continued to be a kay focus of the VSCYF Coordinatorfs work. She met wth thésè representatives regulorly to ensure advocacy and voi¢0 for all VSCYF members. The VSCYF Coordinator also delivwed practical sémces for Forum members. She assisted 3 organisations with funding applications, and another 3 organisations wlh r¢vlewng and developing their $8fagu*rding lICIeS and ProdUres. During the period, we delivered 2 small group training workshops for VSCYF members on.. Déveloping Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Idèntifying Realistic Oulcomeg and Targets for Funding Applieatlons an¢J Tenders Average trainee numbers were similar to the previous year, wilh 8 attendees across the period. Thig was the final year th8t VCTH lactlilaied the Forum. as we did not bid for a further c()ntract. On 1 April 2025 the ¢onlract transferred to TowÉr Hamlets CVS. We provided a comprehensive handover to ènsure a smooth transition nd oontinuity ol services for VSCYF member organisations. A final report was submitted lo the funthr, marf01r the end of 17 yèars of VCTH delivering thls service. 7. Consultan¢y Work Consultancy work en8bled VCTH staff to us& thelr expertise, while helping to diversify our funding ba8e and generate unrestricted resérves. We completed a consultancy project for Londort Museum, working to develop a bespoke training session on Volunteers and the Law for London Museum staff arKI workers at other smaler museums. Tho training was delivered in November 2024. Thank You To our staff The tmstees wish lo extènd our gratitude lo VCTH staff who have worked with èxemplary professionalism and dedication. Our people arè undoubtedly our grgalest asset. Their determination, skills and experience hav enabled VCTH to deliver hlgh quality, relevant s8rvie8s forTower Hamlets communitles this year. Ourthanks go to.. Catherine Bavage. Chief Executive Evelyn Rodrigueg, Training & Best Practice Manager Alex Nelson, Voluntary Sector Children & Youth Forum Cmrdinator Ileft March 20251 Faiza Sharif, Volunteering Advisor Zahanar Begurn. Volunteering Advisor (left Novembér 2024) Shamima Begum, Volunleoring Advisor (started April 2025) 12-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 To retlred trustees Two trustees have retired since our lastAnnual Rtrport. Sabiha Khanam retired in De1mbr 2024 after 4 years as a trustéè. Karin Masehlèr, our Chaif, retired in January 2026 after completing a full 7-year term of office. We Ihank thém sincèrèly for their eommitrnent and contributions to VCTH'S development. To our fundgrs We are extremely grateful for the money and confidence that funders and commissioners have Invest in VDlunteer Centre Tower Hamlets. During 202425 they We-. London Borough of Tower Ham16ts Mayor's Community Fund Programme Mayor's Community Fund - Improving Employability Through Volunteering Programme Public Heah- Community Health and Wellbeing Champions Programme Istarted December 241 Children's Servi$ Directorate - Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum contract lended 31 March 251 Minoritigèd Ethnic Trustees IMETS) Tr4ining arKI Matching City Bridge Foundation Enabling Voluntary Sector Organisations in Tower HaMts to Dèvelop Hh Quality Indusive Volunteering Poplar HARCA Grxnt t¢)wards core services. Financial r•vigw On 23 Oolober 2024 VCTH tsuslees ralffied a budget for the year commencing 1 October 2024, projecting incom¢ Of £183,766 and a small deficit of -£5,056, taking into account restricted funds brought fOnard frorn 2003124. An in- year fundraising target of £5,500 was agreed to balanca thè budgat. The yeai ending 30 Septèmber 2025 proved 1¢ be another sucsSful financial year, with a significantly better outtuin than forecast. Net current assets {worknng capitall hold al 30 September 2025 omounted to £87.384 1£64,872 in Septetnbei 2C1241. 13
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Resorv•$ pollcy At the end of the charity's seventeenth operational year 8130 September 2025, our total reserves had increased by 35% from £64,873 10 £87,384. Unrestricted {freel reserves werè £77,310 188.knl and £10,074 112Ofi1 were reslricled funds. Trustees are aware of redundancy li8billties associated with long-serving staff, and the need to include the wst of consultation and notice periods in the event of redundancies as VCTH'S rrtajor liability. Our Reserves Policy wa$18St updated on 11 June 2025. It st8tes that trustees will aim lo maintain free reserves at a 18vèl which covers al 18851 three months, running co$ls, bul does not exceed that 18vel. plus the redundancy obligations the charity would have in the event of a wnd up. The truStS agree this level is the most Prudent and would enable to charity to continuè to operate in the event of an emergèncy, or a sudden cul lo fundng. Trustees acknowledged that this level of resèrves may be aspiralional in a challènging funding environment. They agreed that, while VCTH should strive lo maintsin this level of reserves, thts should not be achieved at the detriment tsf VCTH'S core v8lues and long-term viability. On completion of the annual budget. Iru8tÈes and the Chief Executive identify the new target range for ftr reserves. VCTH trustee5 monitor the level of reseNes regulady. The main mechanism for monitoring is the scrutiny of management accounts and cash flows presented quarterfy at trustee board meetings, along with an updated redundancy calculator that Ir8cks our dundancY liabilities. This ensures that trustees a aware of any build-up ol excess reseNes, or ol reserves bging depleted unexpectedly or rapidly. Our Reserves Policy is reviewed annually, and whenever Ihere is a signifscant change in VCTH's liabilits. The next review will happen in June 2026. At June 2026 the t8rg8t rèssrves range is calculated lo be between £50.081 and £84,966. This range represents a minimum of 3 months, running costs and 8 maximum of 3 months, runnlng c()sts, plus dundancY liabilty ot £34,885. 14-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT IINCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Plans forfutura perlods In March 2025, the staff and trustee team held an Away Day to undertake strategic planning. To assist wilh this èx@rcisÈ wo Consider.. The national and local voluntéèring pi¢ture, ineluding dats from the Community Lrfe SuNey 202>24, and demographics of volunteers registering with VCTH Which communities are under-represented among VCTH Servi users. and how we rnighl remove barriers lo volunteering Current challenges facing our charity and tspportunities we could take up New services we could deliver and different ways of working A refresh of our Strategic Priorities. In Juno 2025 lh¢ Board of Trustees flnalised the Slraleg1¢ PrioritSes for Jun¢ 2025 to September 26. They 11 bo reviewed again al the next Away Day in 2026.. 1. D&versify income sources to Sustain BeThice$ and In¢rea$e our flnan¢lal stability Develop a loThJ temi fvndirvJ strategy to replace existing funding as il ends Constder piloting new projects with partner organisations Identrfy suitable funding to undertake a quality mark or develop a Volunteerin9 Strategy for Tower Hamlets. 2. Undertake Board succession plannlng Appoint a Wice ChaiT in summer 2025 and a nèw Chair by D9cemb8r 2()25 Recruit at1é8St 2 additional trustees Involve Irusteelsl wlh experience of working in the voluntary sector andlor volunteer management to T balan the Board's skillset Recruit trustees from Bangladeshi andlor Somali communities to increase community repr8sontab'on. 3. Make volLtnteering more accesslble Drive up participation in volunteering at all levels Target and involvé more people Global Majority communities, older peoplè Disablèd people ar man in volunteering Support people most impacted by ptsverty into volunteering Take volunteering lo potential volunteers by increasing our visibility. developiT¥J more community louth poTrinls, 8nd deliveTiTrg more services from local venues. Encourage organisations to simplify and accelerate appliGation processes to remove barriers lo volunteering. 4. Drlv• up voluntèèrlng conv•rslon ratss Imovlng peopl• from èxprosslng Intèrest tr* Startlng In volunt¢•rlng roles) FoGus on providing high quality. tailored servi¢es that fneel needs Run focus groups wlh residentslvolunleers land with Volunteer Involving Organisatii)ns} to establish what helps and what cr8at8s blocks Talk to and learn frorn other Volunteer Cenlres with hher conversion rates Ensure a strong supply and wide range of appealing volunteer roles. Struetur•. 9ovèrnaneè and m•nag•m•nt The organisalion is a charitsble company, limited by guarantee, incorporated on 4 July 2008, and registered as a charity on 29 Dember 2008. The Company was estsblished under a Memorandum of Assodation, whlch established the objects and powers of the ¢h&rttablo¢omp8ny, and ts govfftd under IhoseArtides. 15-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 The Irusltses, who are also the dir8ctors lor the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the dale of signatUTe of the financial statéments were.. Karin M8schl81 {Retired 28 January 2026} Leo Zawadzki Megan Cowley Sabiha Khanam Louisè Theophile Ricardo L()bo Ivan Tiutiunnikov {Resign8d 10 December 20241 IAppointed 24 May 20281 Re¢ruitment and appointment of trustees The process for appointin9 the charity's trustèés is set out in the Memorandum and Articles ofAssociatitsn. As VCTH i¥ a charitable company. trustees also act as company directors. The minimum numbèr of trustees is three. with no maximum. The Board of Tru8t8ès may appoint anyone WTlling and fit to act as a tru$lÈe and director, subject lo the provisions of the Articles ofAssociation. One third of trustees musl retire Ibut may stand for r&eléetionl each year. Trustees ar8 appointed annually. for a maximum of seven consecutive years, at which point they must retire. Trustees who have served séven years may stand for reryelection, but only tsne year afièr the date of their TetlT8ment. Trustees may only hold the same Honorary Officer rolo for a maximum ol five years. The charity conducts régular skills, experience and diversity audits of trustees. These audits identify gaps in sktlls, or under-representation of particular communities, and inform the recruitmenl process. Vacancies are advértisèd and poténtial trustees provide information outlining their ielèvant skills and experiencg. Shortlisted applicants rrEel with 8 selèction panel, comprising the Chair, one other trusteg and the Chief Executive. 11 successful at interview. applicants are invited to observè a Board rneeting and Fneet Current Irustees. If all partiès a9ree to proceed, the applicant is either co-opted or nominatod for election at the nextAGM. None ol the trustees hag any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Iru8te&s are members of the company and guarantee to conlribute £1 in the event of a winding up. Organisational structure Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets was established in July 2008 as On independent charttable company by a team ol four corllmitted volunteers, who became its initial 3 trusteès and founder Chief Executivg. The charity marked ts 17th full op6rational year on 30 September 2025. Volunteer Centre TDw&r Hamlets has a Board of Trustees, vthich meets six times a year, and is rtrsponsible for the strategic direction and govemance of the Charlty. The charity's Chief Exècutive attends Board meetiFTrgS as an advisor, but dS not hav8 voting rights. During the year, six individuals were invtslvèd as charity trlsslees. Two were Tower Hamlets residents, ènsuring local ¢ommunity VOie6 and involvement, Karin MasGhl&r and Leo Zawadzki ntinued in the roles of Chair and Treasurer respèctively throughout the year. They have held these Honorary OfficÉr roles since August 2021. One iruslee, Sabiha Khanam, retired in December 2024. Responsibility for operational managément was delegated lo the Chief Executive, Catherfne Bavage, who is responsible for HR. finance, fundraising, and managing service delivery. She ensures that the charity delivers high quality. reSnsIv setV1 to meet the targets and outcomes out in grants and contracts. The Board of Trustees has appointed a118tsff, including key management P9150nnel, on a grade wthin thé National Joint Council INJCI pay sGale for Local Governmènt èmployees. Where the charity's ftnancial position allows, the Board awards annual pay rises, agreed nationally by ltre NJC. VCTH implemented thé NJC 2025 pay award in t)ecember, backdated toApril 2025. 16-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Induction and training of trustaas Trustees are issued a role description, outlining their statLrtory at additional govemance sponsIbIlItieS. On joining the Board, trustees are introdLtced to other Boaid rnernbers and paid staff. and provided with a cOmphenSlve induction. Trustees are expected to attend Board meetings and an annual Away Day. They musl aequaint thems6lvès with VCTH'S polieièy and procedures. strategic plans, budgets. and governing doujment. Trustees are prompted to take up ro19V8nl learning and development opportunities lo help them fu11 their role and responslbilities. 17-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Risk Managemgnt Our Risk Register identthes Ti5ks and their potential imp¥¢t in S areas.. govèrnance, operational, fInala1, environm8ntsllextern81, and complian. 11 describes Ihe steps needed to mitigate risks. The trustees hav considered a51 the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are Satisfied that systems or procedures are establishèd to mitigate those risks. The charity has a suite of polirAe¥ and proceduras that Iru5te¥s. staff and volunteeTS musl obsèrvè. Dlg the year, tNstee¥ reviewed and approved 7 policie8, and created one new one.. Redundancy and Redeployment IO¢t 241 Sexual Harassment (new- Jan 25 S8feguarding Children (Mar 251 Data Protoetion (Jun 251 Reserves (Jun 251 Electrical Equipment Isep 251 Environmental (Sep 251 Conflicts of lllterest and GL¢idance (Sap 251 Until December 2024 Sabiha Khan3m was the Designated Board Safeguxrdsng Lead. After Sabiha's retirement, this role transferred to Ricardo Lobo. who ¢ompleted comprehensive trainlng on safeguarding children with NSPCC. To ensure that VCTH complies with leglsl8tion and implements good employment practice we have a contract with Bright HR, who provide the tru5tee5 ¥nd Chief Executive with employment advice. We continued to offer Bright HR'S Employee Assistance Programme to OUT team. giving stsff and volunteers ac(s5 to health and wellbeing support, including web resources. a h¢lpltsie and fra8 counselling sessions. Our staff contlnued to work primarily from home, as well as delNerir4g sesvices and èvents at communty venues. They were provided wilh the necessary equipment and paid Working At Horne Allowan$. Bèing office-free prioritised our commitment lo sustaining services and staffing over fixed accomrnodation ¢osts. enabling VCTH to make considerable 5avinga on core costs and sustain a more climale-frt8ndly model. Wa continued to use the professional sèrvices of Adrian Hull as our management acc(bunt8nt, and Creative PayroH SeNtces for managing our payroll. A Charity Combined insurance policy was in place throughout the yeaT wvÈrtng', employer's liabllity1£10rnl. public liabilty 1£5ml, producls li8bifrty 1£5ml. busines5 int¢rruption. exe¢utive risks linduding trustee indèmnity and directors, liability), professional inderfinity, cyber loss recovery, fidelty guarantee, pmperty and business equipment, rnoney and pérsonal accident assault, group person81 acrAdent. goods in translt, and lagal expenses. We look separate commercial legal expensès insurance throtFgh Bright HR lo indemnlfy VCTH against legal eosts and compensatory awards associa18d with ernployment disputes. Under VCTH's Conflict8 of Interest Policy trustees and staff must declare any a¢ty81, potential OT pèrc£ived confl of interest. In Spring 2025 Iruslees and staff updated their dedaration of interests lorms. Dèdaring conflÈct8 remained a standing a9enda ttgm at all Board meetings. The climate of incre35ed compètition for limited funding intensrfied in 2024-25, making securing income challenglng. Nevertheless, VCTH'S income slabili5ed al £213,392 {£213,517 in 202&241 and we ended the year in surplus. We negotiated ftjnding in advance for all contracts and grants, ensuring posrtive ca8h Ilow throughout Ihe yesr. We tske our commttment lo protectlng indivlduals, personal data serious. During the yèar. the Volunteer Centre r registered with the Infotm8tion CornmiSsner,S Office. Staff and volunteers are aware of their responsibilities not to disckn8e the personal or sensitive data ol our Servi users. We updated our Data Protecb"on Policy wrth support from an expert corporate volunteer. and a new policy was appiovad in June. 18-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORTI {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 VGTH 15 committed to reClIng Suitably qualified and experienced Staff. In April 2025, fofknwiru a competitNe external Tecwilmènl ax8reis8. we weknmed a new mombor Of staff. Shamima Bogtsm. as ¥ part-l¢me Volunteerp)g Advisor. Continued professional developrnent for staff is ¢56enlial ft)r reterfton, enstsres ihat skills and knoWge are updated, and ieduGes our exposure to risk. In 2024-25, all staff took up learning and development opportunities, including a team training Session with ELOP on LGBTQ+Awareness in December 24. statement of Trustees responsibilitios The trustees, who a also the directors of Volunteer Centro Tower Hamlets lor the purpo8e of company law. are rèsponsible ftsr pr&paring the Trustees Report and the financial staternents in a¢cordance with applicable law and United Kingdom ACunting Standards (Unitèd TrQngdom G&neialtyAccepted Atxounting Pracli¢el. Company law requiras thé Irusteès to prèpafè financial statemènts for each finaniial year which give 8 true and fair view of the stale of affalrs of the charity and of the incoming sOurCeS and applItion of iesources, including the in¢ome and expenditure. ol the charitable company for that year. In preparing theso finanrial 8tatement3, thé trfjJ8tee8 are required tC*.' - seSe¢l suitsble a¢¢ounling policies and then apply them ¢onsislenUy'. - obseTve the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.. make judgements snd estimate5 that are reasonable prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed. subiect to any material departure8 disdosed and explained in the financial statements.. and piepare the fjnancial statements on the going concem basi¥ unfes5 it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees a responsib lor keeping adeqtsate accounting iecords that disdos¢ with reasonable aUr8¢Y al any tiffl6 thts finanrAal posltion of the charty and enable them to ensure that the financial staternents comply with the Companie$ Act 20(. They are also responsible lor Safeguarding the assats ol the charity hen¢& for tsking reasonable steps for thè prèwntion and dateclion of fraud and ottwr irregulanties. Tho trustee8 are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of thatity and )Inancial inf¢xmatioft in¢lud¢d on thè charity's wabsite. Lagislation in thè Unitad Kngdom govarning the preparation and dissèmination of finanal slatements may differ from gislatiOn in otherjurisdicbons. Auditor In accordance with the company's artscles, a resolution proposing Inal Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd be re8ppoinled as auditor of the company will be pul ai a General Mtelbng. Di¥closure of tnformation to auditor Each ol the trustees has confirnied that there IB no informaion of which they aro aware which is relevant lo th8 audit, but of whith th¢ auditor is unawaie. They have furthoi conffirmed that they have tskèn appiopriate steps to identify such relevanl informalion and to establish that the auditor 18 aware of su¢h information. The Trustees report was approved by the Board ofTrustee& Megan owley Chair of Board of Tru$t¢es Date." .. 19-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS Opinion We have audited the financi81 statements of Volunteer Centre Tower Hamtels Ilhe 'ch8rity'l for the year ended 30 September 2025 which Comprisé the statement of financial activities, the balan sheet and ntsltss to the financial Slalements, including sionifiGant aecounting policies. The financial rèporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and Un¥led Kingdom Accounting Standards, incjuding Financi81 Reporting Sland8rd 102 The Financial Reportirjg Stèndard applicable in Ille UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom GenerallyAccepted Accounting Pr8Cticèl. In our opinion, the financial statements.. give a tru8 and fair view of the stat8 of the eharitable company's affairs as at 30 September 2025 and of itg incoming resouriEs and application of résourcès, including its income and expenditure, for the year Ihen ended., have been prop6rly prepared in accordan with United Kingdom Generally A¢cepted Acwunling Pradi., and have been prepared in accordan¢* knAth the requirements ofthe Companiés Act 2006. Basls for opinion We conducted ovr audit in accordance witli Intèmational Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and applie&ble law. Our responsibilities under those stsndards aTe further described in the Auditorfs r&sponsibililies for the audit ol the financial statemsntrs section ol our port. We are Independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are rèlevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK. induding the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we h8ve fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance wlh these qu1MentS. We believe that thè audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and approprlate to prowde a basis for our opinion. Con¢lu$ions relating to golng concern Sn auditing the financial slalernents, we have concludÈd that the Trustees use of thg going CDneem basis of acwunting in the preparation of the ftnaneial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed. wè h£vo not identified any material uncèrtainties relating lo events or conditions that, individually or collectively. may c851 Eignrficant doubt on the ch81ity's ability to continue as a going concem for a pen(xl of ot least 1ve months fwm when the linanaal statements afe authorised for issue. Our responsibilth'es and the responsibili1$ of th8 trustèès with respect lo going concern are dribed in the relevant sections Df this report. other Infomiation The othèr information comprises the information induded in thè annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The truslees are responsible for the other infc)rmalicTrn contsined w[In thè annual report. Our opinion on the finanrial $talÈments does not cover the other infomation and, except to thè extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any lomi of assuranee conclusion Ihereon. Our responsibility 15 to read the other infomialion and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsislenl with thè financial statements or our kntswledge obtained in the ctsursé ol the audit, or otherwise appears tr) be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencAes or apparent material misstatements, we are required to deterrnine wholher this gives rise to a material misststement in the finan¢ial statements themselves. If. based on the work we have pertomed, we condude that there 1$ a materlal misstalement of this othsr information. we are rÉqUid to report that f8Ct. We have nothing to reptrrt in this regard. Opinions on othor pr•scrilJed by the ConwiesAct 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertskèn in the course of our audit.. the information given in the Trustees report for thè financial year for which the finan¢i& statements are prepared, Wlch includes the directors, r6POrt prepared for the purposes of company law, is consi8tènt with the fin&nry81 statements., and the directors, report included wrthin the Trustees report has b88n prepared in accordance wtth applicable legal rèquirèments. 20-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS Matters on whi¢h we ar• required to r•ptsrt by •xe•ption In thè light of the knowkdoe and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have ncTrl idéntified mÈtÈrial misstatèmÈnls in the diiectors, report included within the Trustees report. We have nothing lo report in respect of the following matter3 in relation lo which the C¢)rnp8nies Act 2006 require8 us to report lo you if, in our ripinion.. adequate a¢¢ounting records have not been kept, or r¢tsJrns adequate for our audit have not been received frorn branches not visited by us,. or the financial slalemenls are not in agreern8nt wtth the aceounting rècords 8nd raturns.. 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 alIt,. or the trustees were not entitled to PTepare the financial statèments in aecordance wth the small companies regime and lake advantage of the small companies. exemptions In pr8paring thè Trijsléès rèport and from th8 requirement to prepare a strategic report. Responsibllitias of trusto8s As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees responsibFlities, the Iruslees. who are 81so thé diréctors of the eharity for the purpose tsf company law, are spOnsible for the preparation ol the financial statements and for bein9 satisfied that they give a truè and fair view, and for such intemal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enabla thè preparation ol financial stalements Ihat are free from material misstatement, whether due lo fraud or error. In prèparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible lor assessing the charity's abilily to continue 8s a 90ing concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend lo liquidate the ¢harilable company or to cease operation8, or have no realistic atternative but to do so. AudStor's responsibilities for the audit of the finallcial statements Our objectives are to obtsin reasonable assurance about whethei the financi81 staternents as a whok ère free frtsm material misslalemenl, whether due lo fraud or error, and lo issue an audilorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assuran is a high level of assuran but is not a guarantee that an audit wnduded in aw)rdance th ISAS IUKI will always delect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected lo influence th$ economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial ststements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and rogulations. We design procedures in line wlh our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities. including fraud. The extent lo which our prOdre3 are capabfe of detecting irregularities, including fraud is d6tailèd lOw.. Enquiry of management, those charged with governance about actual and wlenlial liligalion or c&im8 and idÈntilication of non-compliance with laws and regulations. Reviewing minutes of meetings ol those charged wrfch govemance. Reviewing financial statement di5closure5 and testing to 5UPPOrting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regul*ions. Auditing the risk of management override of cA)nlrols, induding threugh tèsting joumal entriès and othèr adjustments for appropriateness. Perfoming analytical prOdureS to identfy any unusual or unexpected relationships that may irnlicale risks of material misstatement due to fraud. Professional $p11C1sM in course of the audit and with audit sampling in mateTral audit areas. Bec8U5e of the inherent limitatitsns of an audit, there is a risk that we ¥MII not detect all irregularities, including those leading lo a rn8leri81 misslalement In the fin8nci81 stst8mènts or ntsn-eompliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation Is rèmovèd from th6 évènts and transactions reflected in th& financial slalemenls. as we will bo ross Ilkely to become aware of instsnces of nOrOMplIan. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due lo fraud ralheT than erTQT, as fraud irhvofvgs intentional Goncealment. forgery, cL)Ilusion, omission or n7isrepresenlalion. A further description of our resptsnsibilits'os is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at https'.11 www.froorg.uklauditOfsrèsponsibilities. This description fomis part ol OUT auditoes report. 21
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS Use of our T8POrt This rèport is made solely to the charitable company's members. as a body, in acranCe with Chapter 3 tsf Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might slate to tha charitatle company's members those matters we are requirèd to state to thern in an audit()r's report and for no othér purpose. To the fullest extent pertnitted by law. we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than thè charitable company and thè charitable company's members as a body. lor tsur audit work, lor this rewrt. or foi the opinions we have formed. //. a/t5A. Kevin Fi$h¢r BA FCA CTA Isenior Statutory Auditor} For and on behalf of Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd, Statutory Auditor 308 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7AL UK D*e'.
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES {INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Unrestriet•d Rèstrictèd funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrèstriet•d Rèstrictsd funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Notes Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities 1.000 56,072 156,320 157,320 56,072 150.885 150,885 62,632 62,632 Total Inet)m• 57,072 156.320 213,392 62.632 150,885 213,517 Expenditure on- Charitablè activi118s 34,955 155,926 190,881 43,276 143.124 186,500 Total expenditure 34,955 155.926 190.881 43,376 143,124 186,500 income and movèm•nt In fund 22,117 394 22,511 19,256 7,781 27,017 Reconciliation of funds.. Fund balances at 1 October 2024 55.193 9,680 64.873 35,937 1.919 3T.856 Fund balances at 30 September 2025 77.310 10,074 87,384 55,193 9,680 64,873 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 23-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 2025 2024 Not•9 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 11 7.420 88,510 6,484 90,077 95,930 98.561 Cr•ditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 18,5461 (31,6881 Net current assets 87,384 64,873 The funds of the charity ReStrtett income funds Unrestricled fund$ 15 16 10,074 77,310 9.680 55.193 87,384 64,873 06r2312026 The financial 8tatem8r)ts were approved by the trustees on ........... ......... Leo Zawadzki Trèasurer -24-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 A¢¢ounting policlos Charity Inf0Mli9n Volunteer Centre Tower HaMts is a PTivate company limited by guar8nteè inwrporaled Èn EnglaThl and Wales. The registèred (>ffice is NO1n Hous&, 45-55 Commercial Street, London, E16BD. 1.1 Basis of pr4paratlon The financial st31ements have been PTep8r8d in aCran with the charty's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 'Th8 Financial Reportin9 Standard applicable in the UK Rèpublic of Ireland" and the ¢harrti$ SORP "Accountin9 and Reportin9 by Charitle8.' S¢atgment ol Rg¢Lbmmentled Practice appli¢able tti GhaeS preparin9 thgr a¢¢ounts In ac¢ordance with the Financial Reporbn9 Standard applicable in the UK and Republ of Iieland IFRS 1021" The Gharity i5 a Publi¢ Benefft Entity a¥ defined by FRS 102. The chaiily has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charit*s not lo prepare a ststanenl ol cash flows. The financial statements are prepared in sttrrting. which is the functional ¢urf¢n¢y of th$ ¢harity. Monetsry amounts in those fin¥ni?813taternents are rounded to the nearest £. The financAal statements have been prepared under the hisiorical cost convention. 1.2 Going concérn Al tho time of approving the financial statements. the trustees have a reasonable expectalion that the charity ha8 adequate resourS to continu¢ in operational existence for the foreseeablo lutur¢. Thus the trLFte¢ ontinue to adopt the going conGern trasis of accounting in preparing the ffinan¢lal statements. t.3 Charitable funds Uniestricted fund8 are av&i1obk for use al the discret¥)n of the trustees in furtherance of their chariiabk objectives. Rastricted funds are subject lo specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the reslricled fund3 are Set out in the notes lo the financial stslements. Endowmeni funds are subject to speThfic condits'ons by donors that the capital must bg maintaingd by the charity. IA InGornc Items of incorne are recognised in tha fsnancial slalements wh8n all of th8 following criteria are met.. The charity has 8ntstFement to the lunds.. any performance COTsditions h8V8 been m8t or ale fulty within the control of the Chariiy., there is suftient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable,. and the amount can be rneasured reliabty. Ints)me Irorn performan related grant5 and contracls is fecognised as the charity e¥m$ the right lo onsKleration through delivery of the specmed serv8$. -25-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Accountlng policiès {Cont5nu•dl 1.5 Expendlture Expenditure 13 COgnisert once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment lo a third party, it is probable that setuement wall be required and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure includes all irrecoverable VAT which is Induded as part of the levant cost. Expenditure on charitable activities eomprises those costs associated with thè delivèry of the various activities and s&tvicès for the charity's benefiryaries. Expenditure Includes those costs of a dÈrect nature which can be allocated to a 8peeific activity and also includes indifect costs, including govemance costs that do not relate to a specific activity but arè necessary to support those activitieg. Support costs are apportioned to each activity on the basis of st8fl ts"rne. 1.6 Cash and ca$h 8quival•nts Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, dep051ts held at call with banks, other short-lemi liquid investmènts with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts a shown within borrowings in cu¥rent liabilities. 1.7 Rotirement benefits Payments Its dofined contribution retirement b8n8fit schemes a charged as an expense as they fall due. 1.8 Debtors and creditors Debtors and ¢reditors with no staled interest rale and which are re1vable or payable within one year are recorded al Iransa¢tion prfce. Any losses arising from impaimènt are recognised in expenditure. 1.9 Tan9lbl• fixed assets and depreciation Tangible assets ¢osting more than £1,500 are c8pit8lisèd Bnd are stated al cc>sl less accumulaled dèpreciation. Criti¢al •c¢ountlng èstSmates and judg•m*nts In the application of the chBrity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgernenls, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilitie5 that are not readily apparent from other Sour$. The estimates and 8ssociated assumptions are based on histOriGal experience and other laclors that re considered lo be relevant. A¢tual results may differ from these estimatès. The estimates and underlying assurnptions are reviewed on an tsngoing basis. Revisions to accounling estimates are re¢ognlsed in the period in which thè èstimate is revised where the rovision affects only that period. or in the period of the revision and futurÈ périods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Income from donation$ 3nd bgaclas Unrestricted Restrict funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestri¢tsd Rèstrlet•d funds nds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Donations and gifts Grants 1,000 1,000 156,320 156,320 150,885 150,885 1,000 156,320 157,320 150,885 150,885 .28-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Income from donations and legaci•s Icontinuedl Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted fvnd fund$ 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Grants LBTH - Minortb'5ed Ethnic Trustees LBTH- Improving Employabilty City Bridge Foundation LBTH- Infrastrueture and caplty Building 39,989 39,989 36,656 36,658 39,250 77,081 39,250 77,081 35,979 72,000 35,979 72.000 6.250 6,250 156,320 156,320 150.885 150,885 During the period, the grants recewable from LB Tower Hamlets were expended on variou8 projects for the purposes for which they were given. Comparativè figurès havè bèèn rèclassified to reflèct a morè appropriate presentation tsf ineome. £150,885 prèviously induded within income from charitable activities has been redassified as grant income. This chango has no Impa¢t on nel in¢om¢ or funds. Incomè from charftable actlvltles Unrestricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2024 Income from Charitable activities LBTH- Voluntary $ecloT ¢hildren & youth forum LBTH- Health Champions Poplar HARCA, Other Consultancy and training income 26,045 27,443 2,584 50,108 12,524 56,072 62.632 -27-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Exp•nditure on ¢haritabl8 actIvIe$ Volunteering Volunt••ring services serviees 2025 2024 Direct costs Staff costs Activity costs Staff and volunteer training and recruitment Travel costs Voluntèèr expenses 1 $9,582 9,230 2,081 562 478 162.192 6,467 941 396 98 171,933 170,088 Sham of support and gov•rnanc8 costs (see notg 61 Support Goveman 11,581 7,367 10,093 e,319 190,881 186,500 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 34,955 155,926 43,376 143,124 190,881 186,500 Support ¢osts allocated to adivitiws 202S 2024 oiric8 costs IT support Computer and wabsitè costs Other costs Governance costs 6.285 2.742 1.494 1,060 7,367 5,481 3,202 1,164 6,319 18,948 18,412 Anatysed between: Volunteering servicès 18,948 18,412 -28-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Support eosts allocated to actiTrritie$ Icontlnuedl 2025 2024 Gov&m•n¢¢ ¢o$ts ¢omprlse: Audit fees Accountaney AGMI Annual review 2,184 4,915 268 2,190 4,D95 7.367 6,319 Net movement in funds 2025 2024 The net mtsvement in fundg IS stated after chargingllcreditingl". Fees p8yablè for the audit of the CharitS financial statements 2,184 2,190 Trustee None of the trustees lor any persons connected wth theml reIved Èny r6muner8tion lx benefits from th8 charrty during the year. Trustee meeting relreshments and training arTtounting to £Nil (2024.. £Nill wore paid on behalf of nil 12C124.' nil) tiustees. Employees The average monthly number ot employees during the year was.. 2025 Numb•r 2024 Numbor Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salarS Social security costs Othèr pension costs 147,272 7,307 5,003 146,888 9.637 5,667 159,582 162,192 The average number of employees during the period, calculAt6d on th& basis of full timè Équivalènts was 3.2 12024.. 3.2). -29-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Empltsy••s Icontinuedl The number Of employees whos8 annual r6muneration was moTe than £60,000 is as follow8.. 2Q25 Number 2024 Number £60,001 to £70.000 Remuneration ol key management p•rsonnel The rèmuneration of key management personnel was 8$ follows-. 2025 2024 Aggregate compens8tion 65,909 60,125 Under FRS 102. employee nefits include gross salary, employer's NIC, èmpl0r'$ pension wntributlOnS and benefits in kind. 10 Taxarfon The charity is exempt from taxation on its aclwities because all its income is applied for Charitable purposes. 11 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling due withln one year: Other debti)rs Prepayments 8nd accrued income 6,870 750 6,4(M 80 7.420 6,484 12 Creditors.. amounts fallln9 dug Within one year 2025 2024 Note Deferred income Aeeruals 13 5,548 2,998 26,504 5.784 8,546 31,688 13 Deferrod Income 2025 2024 Other deferred income 5,548 26.504 30-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 13 D•fèrrnd incomè Icontinuedl Deferred InMe is included in the financial stalemenls as follows.. 2025 2024 Deferred incom@ is in¢luded wlhiA'. Currènt liabilitEs 5,548 26.504 2025 2024 Movements in the year. Deferfftd income 81 l October 2024 Released from previous periods Resources deferred in the year 26.504 126,5041 31.772 131,772) 26,504 Defeired income Èt 30 Septernr 2025 5.548 26,504 14 Rotirement benafit seh8m•s 2025 2024 Dgffnod ¢ontrlbutlon $¢h•mos Charge to profil or loss in respect of defined conlributs'on schemes 5,003 5,687 The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. 15 Restricted fund¥ The triCted funds of the ¢harily comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific cx)ndits'ons by donors as to how they may be used. At 1 Octor 2024 Ineoming resou5 Rèsourtès expended At30 September 2025 City Bridge Foundation London Plus- laptops LBTH - Improving employment LBTH - METS 4,909 750 1,216 2,805 77,081 (76,7311 17501 138,990} 139,455) 5,259 39,250 39,989 1,476 3,339 9,680 156,320 {155,9261 10.074 31
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 15 Rèstricted funds Icontlnued) Previous year. At 1 October 2023 Incoming resoiirc¢s Resources •xpended At30 Septemb8r 2024 LBTH- Infrastructure City Bridge Foundation Lc>ndon Plus- laptops LBTH- Improving 8mployment LBTH- METS 142 1,027 750 6,250 72,000 (6,3921 168,1181 4,909 750 1.218 2,805 35,979 36,656 {34,7631 {33,8511 1,919 150,885 1143,1241 9.68Q 16 Unrostrict•d funds The unrestrlcted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended b818nces ol donations and grants which ara not subjeGt to SPEcific condition8 by donors and grantors as lo how may be usèd. These include designated funds which have been sel aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustèes for specific purposes. At 1 Octobgr 2024 Incomlng rèsourcès Resource¥ expended At30 September 2025 Genéral knnds 55,193 57.072 134,9551 77,310 Previous y•ar'. At 1 Octobor 2023 Incomlng resoure•s Resources expended At30 Septemb¢r 2024 General funds 35,937 62,632 {43,3761 55,193 17 Analysis of n•t assets between funds Unrestrictsd funds 2025 Restrided funds 2025 Total 2025 At 30 September 2025.. Current assétsllliabilities} 77,310 10,074 87,384 77,310 10.074 87,384 -32-
VOLUNTEER CENTRE TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 17 Analysls of nèt assèts bètwèèn funds Icontinued) Unrestrlctsd funds 2024 Rtr1¢tod funds 2024 Total 2024 At 30 Sgptsmbgr 2024.. Currènt assétsllliabilitiègl 55.193 9.880 64,873 55,193 9,680 e4,873 18 ContingerrtAssèts Total grant funding awarded a5 8130 September 2025 but not yel received and recognised as income due to the recognitioin criteria not being mel amounts lo £265,96812024- £354,281). 19 Rolat8d party transactlons There were no disclo$gbk re18ted party transaction8 during the year12024- none). 33-