Charity Registration No. 1128461 Company Registration No. C6707357 (England and Wales) YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 1 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity number 1128461 Company number 06707357 Registered office Sevem House 32 Ombersley Street Wesl Droimfich Worcs. WR9 8aZ Telephone Number 01905 795098 Independent examiner Paul Tivey FCA, FCCA 10 St. Andrews Street Droitwich Worcs. WR9 8DY Bankers Unity Trust Nine Brindley Pla Bimiingham B12HB Barclays Bank 54 High Street Worcester VVR1 2QQ Page 2 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE CONTENTS Page Trustees. report 4-13 Independent examiner's report 14 Statement of financial activities 15 Balance sheet 16 Notes to the financial statements 17-26 Page 3 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees, who are also directors of the charty for the purpose of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI "Accounting and Reporting by Charities. Statement of Recommended Pr8Ctice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. las amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 20161. Trustees Simon Hill (Chairl Duncan Betry Gareth Roberts Geoff Taylor-smith John Duddinglon Michael Hunter Mike Oliver-Brooke Phil Ashwell Sarah Mulhall-Lee steve Tominski (resigned October 20231 Staff Pete Sugg - Chief Officer Helen Wood - Administration Support Jo Bradley - Administration Support Margaret Jones - Bookkeeper Kay Bruton - Communications and Engagement Officer (Worcestershire VCSE Alliance) Branwen Bingle- Community Health - Research Training Lead (Worcestershire VCSE Alliance} Sarah Wilkinson - Community Health- Research Engagement Lead (Worcestershire VCSE Alliance) Islarted 11 December 20231 Sophie Wheeley- Mental Health Programme Manager (WOrstershIre VCSE Alliance) (started 3 July 20231 Aisha Masood - Coordinator (Worcestershire VCSE Alliance) (started 22 January 20241 Sarah Infftitehead - Seek and Reach Project Co-ordinator Felicity Vernon - Key WorkerlAssistant Project Co-ordinator Cal Goodwin - Key Worker (left 31 M8r¢h 20241 Sarah Mitchell - Key Worker Jennifer Miller- Key Worker Caroline Fieeman- Key Worker Ileft 31 March 2024) Donna Simmonds- Key Worker Delroy Thompson- Key Worker Luke Maguire- Enhanced Youth Support Officer Loretta Bryan - Enhanced Youth Support Officer Orrin Pendlèy - Enhanced Youth Support Officer (started 24 April 20231 Jade Parker- Enhanced Youth Support Officer Islarted 1 April 20231 Kidderminster and District Youth Trust- Seek and Reach support organisation STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and is, therefore, governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association (incorporated 25 September 20081. Charitable status for the new company was granted on 10 March 2009. The company name changed from Woreestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services to Young Solutions Worcestershire on 26 April 2015. Page 4 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED) IINCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Recruitment and appointment of new trustees Young Solutions Worcestershire acknowledges that an effective Board of Trustees is at the core of ensuring that the Charity is successful in achieving ils objects. The Board seeks to be representative of the people and organisalions that it works with and has within its Membership. The membership of the Board of Trustees contains the range of required knowledge and skills to run the Charity. Individual trustees have sufficient knowledge of the role of a charity trustee to be able to effectively represent Young Solutions Worcestershire al meetingslevenls. Trustees are elected to the Board al Annual General Meetings. The number and procedure for nomination and election is contained in Young Solutions Worcestershire governance documents. Members can nominate individuals lo stand for election at the AGM. Vvhen a need is identified the Chair will recruit and propose to the Board the co-oplion of trustees between AGMS. Full membership of the Board can only be approved at the AGM. Induction and training of new tnjstees Young Solutions Worcestershire provides personalised induction for trustees by the Chair. The induction involves familiarisation with the role of the trustees, objects of the charity, its proTrdures, and ils history. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Organisational structure The TrusteeslDireclors lexecub've committee) are elected al the Annual General Meeting each year and they meet bimonthly lo manage the business of the charity. At each meeting the executive committee review the finances. None of the stsff have delegated financial authority. Risk managemgnt The trustees have a duty to identify the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. They review this annually. Reserves policy The trustees confirmed the reserves policy of maintaining sufficient funds lo continue operations for four months. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The trustees approved a new business plan and budget for 2023 - 2024. Young Solutions maintained rigorous control over its finances, continuing to find ways to strengthen its financial management systems. Aims The aims of Young Solutions are to.. ensure the safety and involvement ofyoung people in w0rcestehlre. Objectives The objects were amended at the 2022 AGM and the principal objects of the charty now read as lo.. Help and 8dvance the educ8tion ofpeople of all ages and in particularyoung people in worcestershi and surroundNng aTras so as to develop theirphysical, mental 8nd spiritual capabilities that they may grow to full maturty as responsible members of society. Page 5 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Fee charging Throughout the year the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance, including guidance on public benefit and fee charging. We consider all our activities are for the public benefit. Most of our income comes from contracts and our activities are funded by the income. We charge for our Disclosure and Barring Service IDBSI checking support and pass on the charges that we have to pay lo the DBS service for disclosures for paid staff. In addition, we charge a small administr8tive fee towards our costs for membership and for some of our training courses. ANNUAL REPORT ON ACTIVITIES Highlights of the year 2023- 2024 has proved to be another successftjl delivery year for Young Solutions although this is not necessarily reflected by the accounts. The funding for our Seek and Reach programme finished in December 2023 bul the trustees made the bold decision to keep the Seek and Reach staff in situ in order lo be in a strong position to deliver the UKSPF Employment Funding due to start ON 1st April 2024. During 2023 - 2024 Young Solutions has pursued the following five key priorities= Provide Support 2. Promote Safeguarding Promote Participation 4. Provide a vol and Representslion 5. Enable Training Some of the highlighted achievements for each priorty are in the sections below. In addition, we were delighted that of our trustees, Michael Hunter and Steve TominskT, were awarded a King's Award for their voluntary work in Worcestershire, particularly with young people. Michael and Steve attended a Celebration event hosted by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire to recognise their outstsnding and well deserved contributions. Young Solutions Priorities 1. Provide Support Young Solutions is widely acknowledged as occupying a central role in the promotion and support for the voluntary youth to a wide range of organisations, both the Worcestershire County Council funded Positive Activities l Youth Offer providers and other organisations that deliver services to young people. Membership Young Solutions is the voluntary youth infrastructure organisation for Worcestershire and as such exists to serve its members. Our aim is lo be fast, friendly, focused, and flexible, and we deliver advice, guidance and support. We were pleased to see that 79 10 of our previous membership re-joined Young Solutions as members. as well as welcome some emerging new organisations. 73 organisations joined in total, with 11 of these being new organisalions that had recently started or ones who joined us for the first time. 25D/o of the members had an income under £25,000 and 19 /0 were led solely by volunteers. Our members employ over 1450 staff beeen them and have over 8300 volunteers. They work with nearly 35,000 young people in Worcestershire and the surrounding areas. 68 10 of members received direct and bespoke support during the year. This included a combination of advice, visits, onlineltelephone Calls, DBS checks and training. During the year we noticed broadening in the rangè of people seeking safeguarding support from us. A retired police-officer-turned-handyman received advice and guidance on how to keep his clients, himself and his dog safe when working in the homes of vulnerable people, an electrical company have an updated and relevant safeguarding policy for their work in schools and several individuals received advice on setting up a new youth provision. Some feedback includes.. Page 6 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Thank you so very much for all your outstanding help. You are exceptional and a pleasure to deal with.
Thank you foryour call and valuable help. We would like to thank you for lime spent with us. Understanding the 18test legislation. best practice and updating ourpolicies was su¢h a gat help with your guidance 8nd comments. We keep the sector up lo date with the latest news. information and training courses through our weekly e-bulletin and monthly newsletter and sent out 50 of these communications through the year. We also posted on social media more than 220 limes! The information was shared on behalf of a range of organisab"ons. from local members lo slatulory services and national partner, and covered diverse topics, such as.. Information- local charity awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service, The Big Give Christmas Challenge, how to help young people to gel ID for voting, Barclay5 Young People Online Scams guide, Children and Young People Subject lo Domestic Abuse.. Professionals. Insight Briefing Sutweys- All-Age Autism Strategy IH&W Autism Partnership Boards), Young Carers IWCC), Young People's Health and Emotional Wellbeing IHealthwatchl, Cost of Living (Active HW). Air Quality IWCCI, Big Ambition Survey (Children's Commissioner for Englandl Events- members, events, Volunteers, Week, Kooth Information Webinars, Youth Work Vveek, Lead the Way Youth Summit, Starting Well Wyre Forest- Family Showcase, INSANE Festival - free festival of arts and well-being for young people Tfftining- face to faTr and online, free and paid, local and national Funders and funding rounds, including specialist funding pots Over 200 people were subscribed to receive this information directly, but we know that many share the information with others in their organisation and netsOrk, so the number reached is much higher than this. Positive Activities l Youth Offer Infrastructure Support Young Solutions successfully completed the final year of the current Positive Activities Infrastructure contfftct and this was our 14th year in total over three consecutive contracts. The recommissioning process for the new Youth Offer took place from April 2023, and Young Solutions, in partnership with Youth Focus Wesl Midlands, played a key role in assisting Worcestershire Public Health, Worcestershire County Council and Worce5ter5hire Children First in shaping the new provision. We also relendered for the Infraslrueture Contract and were very pleased lo be successful and to now hold the contract from September 2023 to August 2028, plus a possible one year extension. Over the next five years, in line with the contract, key areas of focus will be.. Development and maintenance of high quality youth provision Capacity building of the sector Support to source and increase funding for the sector Workforce Development- including Youth Work Level 2, 3 and 6 qualifications Professional Youth SeNice Advice and Guidance Youthscape2 Project We continued to deliver our National Lottery Community Funded YouthScape2 project, which is now in its second of three years. The aim of YoulhScape2 is increase the provision ofsupport foryoung people in 12 areas of socio-economic deprivation in Worcestershire, focussing on where there is little or insufficient provision currently available. Services were delivered by key partners in each of the six districts of Worcestershire and these were.. Bromsgrove Youth and Community Hub Kidderminster District Youth Trust Ourside Youth Club, Evesham Redditch Youth Forum (notable partners Your Ideas and Up Foundationl Page 7 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUED) (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Tenbury Positive Activities Forum lin partnership with Tenbury High Ormiston Academy and YMCA Worcestershirel WorSter Community Trust Young Solutions provides oversigh( guidance, coordination and training for the project, allowing the partners lo concentrate on delivery through an offer of outreach, targeted youth support, open access youth work and virtual social networking. There is also a focus on youth voice, and each partner has a youth council or youth advisers which meet regularly and have a key role in co-producing YouthScape2 local activities and learning opportunities. The project is going from strength to strength and remains ahead of all targets (see below). The partners are also reporting that having additional funding which is flexible is having a huge impact on their delivery and how they support young people. Some Key Partner Feedback..
We 8r@ able to be more pro-active aroundpositive mentalhealth and well-being and the support we can offer compared lo a more reactive approach pTrviously We have developed wider connections with supporting sewices and 8gencies. Improved independence & le8mt Valuable lrfe skills We a able to Spond well to the needs ofyoung people due to the range of Voluntee and opportunities offered by the funding. This means we can access support for young people quickly and in a way that best suits them. For some young people it has inGreased in their attendan at school. We have also seen a real change in their beh8viourand attitudes to other adults in authority who are theirlives. Outcomes Year2 target to date16 months) 400 Actual no. young people 1. Outreach support to engage vulnerable young people in the areas of highest need Number reached 2. Targeted youth support and life skills support- Number of young people reporting improvement5 in well-being and resilience Percentage of young people report knowing where lo get support with their mental health issues 858 250 312 85% 97 3. Provision of open access youth activities in community-based youth facilities - Number of young people participating in activities Percentage of young people participating in activities giving positive feedback 4. Online information and support- Young people have easy access lo online professional support and quality information 750 859 90% 920/0 375 886 Laptop Donations We were delighted to accept a kind donation of 30 laptops from Worcestershire-based wnlraclor Speller Metcalfe. A couple of the laptops will be ulilised by our Seek and Reach programme to enable young people lo write Cv's, job applications etc and the majorty of the laptops were distributed to our members for use within their youth activities. 2. Promote Safeguarding Keeping children and young people safe is a central part of Young Solutions mission, and safeguarding permeates through all of our work. Page 8 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 New Safeguarding Handbook We were very pleased lo launch the latest version of our Safeguarding GuidanTr Handbook at our AGM in October. This 5th edition handbook is our biggest and most comprehensive yet, covering everything from Legislative and Guidance Framework Supplement and Sample Policies, through to Forms and lots of other helpful and informative documents. Together, these documents provide up to dale and essential information for workers, volunteers, management committees and Iruslees in voluntary and communty sector organisations. The handbook is available for download from our website, and printed copies were also given to members. Get Safe, Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership As a key partner ofthe Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Gel Safe Partnership Group {responsible for the overall effectiveness of the multi-agency response lo child criminal exploitation within Worcestershirel, Young Solutions assisted with an initiative to understand the effectiveness of the support offered for young people around online safety, and their understanding of where they can go lo get help or advice should they ever feel unsafe or at risk whilst online. Visits to some members lo gather first hand feedback from young people for Get Safe officers were enabled and the information gained has informed the development of the project. Young Solutions also carried out a mapping exercise of the sector lo enable Get Safe partners to have an updated view of the diversionary activities provision available. This was coupled with information to enable the Ipredominantly statuloryl partners to appreciate the opportunities and limitations of the sector. DBS We continued to offer a Disclosure and Barring Checking Service IDBSI for stsff and volunteers, and we carried out 255 DBS checks for 35 organisalions during the year. 520A were for volunteers and 48Q/ for paid workers. Organisations tell us how much they appCIate being able to gèl their staff 2nd volunteers checked quickly and locally and for a very mcmjest fee (many are free). 3. Promote Participation Young Solution5 wants to ensure all young people can obtain the full benefits of living in the county and therefore delivers a variety of projects which either directly or indirectly encourage young people to become active. This could be doing something in their community, attending education or gaining employment. Seek & Reach Programme Our Seek and Reaeh Programme continued tr) support 15 10 24-year-olds who were furthest away from training and employment, and our existing Worcestershire County Council contract was extended lo December 2023. In the Autumn the UK government announced new UKSPF contracts for youth employment would be released from April 2024. At the November 2023 Young Solutions Executive meeting, the trustees reflected on the long term SLJccess of the Seek & Reach programme and decided they wanted to ensure this highly impactful project had every opportunity to continue. They therefore agreed lo extend the contracts of the Seek & Reach team to the end of the financial year, using Young SolutlDns own resources so that the staff would be ready to immediately take up the new contract (subject to being SLJccessfully ¢ommissionedl. During the 2023 - 2024 financial year we worked with 131 young people, all whom had a number of additional needs or circumstances which had prevented them from achieving so far. In addition 400 had special education needs or a disability. We were really pleased that during this time period 500 progressed into education, employment or volunteering, with placements such as a restaurant Page 9 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPOR FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 apprenticeship, Level 1 course in Working Skills, Level 1 in Hair & Beauty, Leve5 2 in IT & Media, Level 2 in Animal Care, volunteering at 8 hospice and volunteering at a charity shop. The remaining 50 /D ceiVed social, emotional and signposting support as appropriate to their needs to help them progress towards employment, education or volunteering in the future. A case study from a key worker gives an insight into the programme.. Key worker: When I first met M she was unable to leave the home due to anxiety levels and panic 8tt8cks post Covid, having studied for her GGSES at home using online tuition. She w8S Struggling to sleep, not engaging with peers in any way, hernfidence levels were low 8nd she w86 un8ble to see how she could possibly re-engage with Sixth Fom) college to study A levels. I supported M. initially with mum within the home then progressed to solo sessions 8$ she bec8me more confident. l encouraged M to use simple but effective tools and techniques to calm herself when her anxiety levels rose towards an aclualpanic attack. We built up activities and journeys away from home as her confidence in self-soothing grew, until she felt able to manage herself. M is now 8ttending college full time and is coping well with her condition. She is more Gonfident and has incre8sed self-esteem. She is interested in creating her own online shop to sell garments that she Grochets n8tur&inspired designs on. M is open to building peer relationships. is being supported to join in activity groups 8nd is looking towards engaging the future with volunteering with the Worcester Wildlrfe Trust. WISE- Enhanced Youth Support Officer5- Redditch IVS been a busy yearforthe W.l.S.E project. The open access sessions on a Monday and a Wednesday have been busy supporting young people with issues such as employment, education, and personal and sexual health and the centre now has a core group of young people who attend. A highlight was taking some young people on a go-karting trip to Birmingham. This challenged the young people in their social skills as they were transported to the centre via public transport, and on arrNing they engaged in several go-karting sessions which they loved. The outreach staff team also carried out their patrols in the Redditch town centre bul predominateby focused on one area due to quite a challenging group of young people gathering there. This group had attfficted a group of young people who joined them from Birmingham. The staff team worked hard with the young people and partners to address the yOLJng people's anti-social behaviour, by diverting the young people into positive activities and incentive sessions. This programme proved very positive for the local community and the young people engaged with it. Tryangle Awards Our Tryangle Awards continued to be delivered in a flexible way, with our'Peter Pinfield Citizenship & Environment, awards being presented to three outstanding young people at our AGM. These awards were presented by a representative from the Award sponsor, the Margaret Westwood Foundation, and the wife of the community champion, the late Peter Pinfield, for whom the Awards were named. Three amazing adult volunteers 81so received Tryangle Awards for their contribution to youth organisations. At a separate event, Tryangle 'Certifications of Recognition, were handed out lo volunteers from Wallace House in Evesham in thanks for their support. Our Chair Simon Hill presented the certificates and said afterwards..
It Was 8 lovely moming - a good event for Wallace House to bring 811 their volunteers together and lots of cake was eatenl 4. Provide a Voice and Representation It is important to Young Solutions lo enable those in the voluntary youth sector to get their voice heard and we facilitate conversations. provide representation. encourage networking, and empower young people, individuals and organisations. Page 10 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 As an example, in this financial year we supported a partnership of organisations which work with disabled people, the Cultural Compact for North East Worcestershire and Reddilch Borough Council lo install a stale of the art new disabled 'Changing Places, toilet in the local shopping centre. Lo¢al Para- Athlete, Leanna Horne said..
Redditch h8s wanted a faGility like this in the centre for years. Its a problem I'm delighted to see coffected in Redditch. Worcestershire VCSE Alliance Young Solutions is proud lo actively support the W0eSter$h1re VCSE Alliance, a collective of 25 representative Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise IVCSEI organisations with a mission to build a stronger VCSE sector working together effectively lo deliver excellent services aligned to need. The Alliance is a key partner of the Integrated Care System IICSI, a partnership of NHS organisations, local authorities and others lo take collective responsibility for planning services, improving health and reducing inequalities across the county, and is predominately working in this area at the moment. Young Solutions work hard to provide governance and HR support to the Alliance, hosting its staff, holding some funding on its behalf, and attending events. We look on the Acting Chair role in April 2023 due to retirement of the then Chair. An independent Chair will be recruited and lake up office in May 2024. Network Meetings l Youth Forurns Young Solutions provides representation for the sector on the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Worcestershire Safeguarding Adults Board. Young Solutions also attend the regional Youth Neork, the County Council's NEET strategic group, the Get Safe strategic group for Worcestershire, Community Wellbeing Theme, Cultural Compact Youth Theme group and Early Help Partnership amongst others. Within the sector, Young Solutions also attends meetings across the county and hosts the Positive Activities l Youth Offer provider forum. A District Youth Service Provider NeOrk has now been set up in each of the six districts and Young Solutions leads and support these meetings as part of our Infrastructure Support role. 5. Enable Training In the Autumn of 2023, in addition to delivering Emergency First Aid training and Fundraising Webinars, Young Solutions carried out a training needs survey of the sector to find out the training needs. This led to the development of a training programme with 34 courses covering 21 subjects, delivered by 12 trainers. The first 12 of these courses were delniered in this financial year, with the rest from April 2024. In 2023 - 2024, 16 courses were attended by a total of 77 learners. Some courses had a low take up, even though they were requested by a number of organisations in the training needs survey and available at Various times and on Zoom. This will be explored further in 2024. Introductory level courses were offered in.. Autism Awareness Challenging Behaviour Contextual Safeguarding Data Protection BITESIZE Detached Youth Work Emergency First Aid al Work Fundraising Webinars INTENT SmokingNaping Resource Inlroduetion to Measuring Impact Safe Recruitment of Volunteers Sexual Health Youth Work Level 2 Page11 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES. REPORT {CONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Some feedback from across the different courses..
Brilliant session - really insightful and the disGussion was great. It was a lovely session, [the trainer] was really knowledgeable and included the participants really well. It Was a great opportunity lo make links with other organisaliorps tthe trainerj was really open to questions and inGlusive of everyone This sgssion taught me so so much that was useful for my knowledge, thank youl Our e-leaming courses remained popular, and organisations told u5 how vital these are for skilling up their workers. Being online means that their volunteers I staff could both access the training at a time convenient to them and learn at their own pace_ This is crucial in a county with so many isolated rural communities and limited transport options_ We provided e-learning courses in- Basics of Good Youth Work Safeguarding Adolescence Introduction lo Young People's Mental Health Dealing with Challenging Behaviours Basic Drug and Alcohol Awareness These courses were also successfvl with the participants and 68 workers from 10 organisations signed up for 322 courses in the past financial year. 100'/0 rated the courses as 'somewhat useful, or 'very useful,; with knowledge levels going from 530/0 having 'some' or 'a lot, at the start to 96019 by the end. The Safeguarding Adolescents course showed the biggest increase with 61 /0 of participants saying they had a 'lot of knowledge, after completing it (from 4 % al the startl. Other participant feedback included.. Fun, interesting, professional, easy to follow, useful Great course with not too much reading and simple explanations that are easy to remembgr All of it was useful and helped Me to gain a better understanding. FORWARD PLANNING The trustees have expressed their satisfaction with Young Solutions, performance in the past year, but they remain cautious and vigilant. Young Solutions has increased its income this year, but the trustees are mindful that some of the project funding is short term so they continue to operate rigorous financial control. We will start conversations with potential funders to create a 'YouthScape3' project building on the success of the previou5 Iwo programmes. Delivery of the new Seek and Reach Education and Employment Service will commence from 1st April. In addition we will be seeking further funding to provide more youth employment suppo¢ including a potential partnership or to act as a training provider delivering educational training. We look forward to developing and continuing lo grow the infraslruclure element of the Youth Offer programme, and to responding to issues and opportunities that arise from the sector. This includes embedding the training programme and rolling out the remaining courses starting with Level 2, then Level 3 in Youth Work. We will also continue to review the form of the Tryangle Awards through our close association with Margaret wes00d, long term sponsor of the award, and are discussing funding to ensure full cost recovery. The trustees are currently discussing more diversification, amalgamations, and acquisitions as a way of spreading the financial costs as Young Solutions moves away from dependence on the County Council. They are committed to the pursuit of an ambitious model designed to secure the longer-term sustainability of the charity. THANKS Page 12 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Iruslees wish lo record their thanks to Simon Hill, the Chair of Young Solutions. and to the Chief Officer, Pete Sugg, for all his hard work and commitment to the oryanisalion. The trustees also record their gratitude lo the adminislrab'on team, which includes Helen Wood, Jo Bradley and Marg Jones. Thanks also go to Sarah Whitehead, all the Seek and Reach team and the Redditch Enhanced Youth Officers. Special thanks lo Sarah Knott for her sUPPOrt with internal financial auditing and we are grateful for the consistent support of our peripatetic team, including Cal Illingworth who continues to support members and projects, Sam Flatley for fundraising support and all our external trainers. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees.. Simon Hill, Chair Dated". 05th September 2024 Page 13 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE I report to the trustees of my examination of the financial statements of Young Solutions Worcestershire (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the charity land also its directors for the purposes of company law} you are responsible for the preparation of the financial stslemenls in accordanee with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act). Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charty are not required lo be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial., statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Actl. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applic2ble Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified lo undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Aountants in England and Wales. which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect.. accounting records We not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act., or the financial statements do not accord with those records., or the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of seelion 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examinab'on., or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Ststement of recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their account5 in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial ststements to be reached. Paul Tivey FCA, FCCA 10 St. Andrews Street Droitwich Worcs. WR9 8DY Dated.. jl £(¢frttrLdLp 20311 Page 14 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds Total Funds Notes 2024 2023 Income and endowments from: Grants Investments Other income 187,358 2,054 9,593 332,987 520,345 2,054 9,593 451,012 392 9,921 Total income 199,005 332,987 531,992 461 325 Ex enditure on.. Charitable activities 249,586 302,886 552,472 428,283 Total resources expended 249,586 302,886 552,472 428,283 Nel Ideficilllincome for the year 150,581) 30,101 120,4801 33,042 Transfers betseen fvnds 17 26,206 126,2061 Net movement in funds 124,375) 3,895 120,4801 33,042 Fund balances at 1 April 2023 159,995 10,436 170,431 137,389 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 135,620 14,331 149,951 170,431 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activib'es. The statement of financial activities also complies wth the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. Page 15 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Totsl Fund5 Totsl Funds Notes 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 4,174 637 4,811 7,209 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12 41.676 41,676 47,756 104.354 124,156 228,510 207,199 146,030 124,156 270,186 254,955 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 114,5841 1110,4621 1125,0461 191,733) Net current assets 131,446 13,694 145,140 163,222 Total assets less current liabilities 135,620 14,331 149,951 170,431 Income funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 135,620 14,331 159,995 10,436 149.951 170,431 The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the company as al the end of the financial year and of ils incoming resources and application of resources, including ils income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime. The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on Thursday 5th September 2024. Trustee . S Hill Company Registration No. 06707357 Page 16 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1 Accountlng policies Charity Information Young Solutions Worcestershire is a private company limited by guarantee incorpofftted in England and Wales. The registered office is Severn House, 32 Ombersley Street West, Dro1Ich, Worcestershire. VVR9 8QZ. 1.1 Accountlng convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and 'Aceounling and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. las amended for accounting periods commencing from October 20191. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charrties applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity- Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded lo the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost Convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments al fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Going concern Al the lime of approving the financial statements, the Iruslees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in opemtional existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the Iruslees continue lo adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Reslricled funds are subject to specific conditions by doners as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are sel out in the notes lo the financial statements. 1.4 Income Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and il is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised onTr the charity has been notified of the donation unless perfomance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income lax recoverable in relation to donations re¢eNied under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the lime of the donation. Legacies are recognised on CeIpt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. Page 17 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1.5 Expenditure 1. Accounting policies Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impaim)ent losses. Depreciation is CogniSed as lo write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases-. Fixtures, fittings & equipment 250A reducing balance The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is detemiined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset and is recognised in net incomellexpenditurel for the year. 1.7 Impaimient of fixed assets Al each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of ils tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order lo determine the extent of the impaimient loss lif any). 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short- term liquid investments with original malurilies of three months or less, the bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 1.9 Financial instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 '8asic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 '0ther Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance Sheet when the charity becomes paty to the conlraclual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right lo set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction5 Costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable wffchin one year are not amortised. Page 18 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1 Accounting policies Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initialty recognised at transaction pri unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debl instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted al a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently Caled al amortised cost, using the effective interest wte method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or service5 that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured al amortised cost using the effective interest method. Derecognition of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.10 Employee beneflts The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Termination benefits are reeognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. 1.11 Retirement benefits The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. ConlTibulions payable lo the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 1.12 Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation lax on ils charitable activities. 1.13 Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the dIretIOn of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for parti¢ular restricted purposes WTthin the objectives of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Page 19 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2 Grants Unreslricled Funds Restricted Funds Totsl Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 Government and general grants Redditch Youth Work Youthscape VCSE Alliance Eveson Trust Holiday Hunger HAF Half Term COMF Grant 187,358 187,358 76,566 145,094 111,327 246,512 76,679 71,494 46,327 10,000 76,566 145,094 111,327 187,358 332,987 520,345 451.012 There are no unfulfilled conditions attaching to the government grants. 3 Investments Unreslrieted Funds Unrestricted Funds 2024 2023 Interest receivable 2,054 392 2,054 392 4 Other income Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 2024 2023 Training projects Membership subscriptions DBS checks 1,260 2,125 6,208 2.628 1,780 5,513 9,593 9,921 Page 20 of26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 5 Charitable activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 Direct charitable activity (see note 61 28,868 238,728 267,596 135,429 Support and governance costs Isee note 71 220,535 64,158 284,693 292,683 Other (see note 101 183 183 171 249,586 302,886 552,472 428,283 6 Grants payable Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 COMF Grant Youthscape Grants ICS Alliance Eveson Trust Local Project Grants 17,425 67,559 40,877 9,000 568 137,201 101,527 137,201 101,527 28,868 28,868 28,868 238,728 267,596 135,429 Page 21 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 7 Support costs Unrestricted Support Goveman Costs Costs Support Governance Costs Costs 2024 2023 Project Worker costs Admin costs Depreciation Insurance Postage. Stationery and telephone Rent Training and events Computer running ¢osls Sundry expenses Subscriptions Staff and volunteer expenses Independent Examiner fees Accountancy Legal and professional DBS checks 105,477 68,242 1,391 1,857 105,477 126,983 68,242 58,906 1,391 1.777 1,857 1.609 126,983 58,906 1,777 1,609 10,908 7,140 10,908 7,140 9,230 6,890 9,230 6,890 5,440 1,859 5,440 1,859 2,076 2,463 2,076 2,463 2.670 2,670 2,895 2,895 2,463 2,463 364 364 1,922 6,495 1,922 6,495 1,281 6,120 1,281 6,120 35 4,636 35 4,636 35 4,072 35 4,072 207,447 13,088 220,535 213,193 11,508 224,701 Restricted Support Governance Costs Costs Support Governance Costs Costs 2024 2023 Project worker costs Depreciation Staff and volunteer expenses 59,881 213 59,881 213 61,992 57 61,992 57 4,064 4,064 5,933 5,933 64,158 64,158 67,982 67,982 8 Trustees There were no trustees, remuneration, expenses or benefits paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the period ended 31 March 2023. Page 22 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 9 Employees The average monthly number employees during the year was.. 2024 Number 2023 Number Number of Employees 15 16 Employment Costs Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Totsl Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 Wages and salaries- Project workers Pension costs- Project workers Wages and salaries - Admin Pension costs- Admin 103,770 58,781 162,551 185,799 1,707 1,100 2,807 3,176 67,011 1,231 67,011 1,231 57,191 1,715 173.719 59,881 233,600 247,881 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. The aggregate remuneration paid to Key Management Personnel (including employerfs pension contributions was £50,13812023- £48,834). 10 Other Unrestricted Funds Unreslricled Funds 2024 2023 Financing costs 183 171 183 171 Page 23 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11 Tangible flxed assets Fixtures, fittings & equipment Cost At 1 April 2023 Disposals 17,676 19071 At 31 March 2024 16,769 Depreciation and Impalmient At 1 April 2023 Depreciation charged in the year Depreciation eliminated on disposals 10,467 1,604 1113) At 31 March 2024 11,958 Carrylng amount At 31 March 2024 4.811 At 31 March 2023 7.209 12 Debtors 2024 2023 Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 36,612 5,064 18,924 28,832 41,676 47,756 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Notes Deferred income Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals 14 110,462 4,822 6,216 3,546 77,274 2,019 7,248 5,192 125,046 91.733 Page 24 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 14 Deferred Income Unreslrieled Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2024 2023 Al 1 April 2023 Income released in the year Income deferred in the year 77,274 77,274 41,266 169,6831 {69,6831 141,2661 102,871 102,871 77,274 At 31 March 2024 110,462 110,462 77,274 15 Comparatives for the Statement of financlal activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Grants Investments Other income 246,512 392 9,921 204,500 451,012 392 9,921 Total income 256,825 204,500 461,325 Charitable activities 225,440 202,843 428,283 Total resources expended 225,440 202,843 428,283 Net Income 31,385 1,657 33,042 Transfers beeen funds 16,625 116,6251 Net movement in funds 48,010 114,9681 33,042 Reconciliation of funds Totsl funds brought forward 111,985 25,404 137,389 Totsl funds carried forward 159,995 10,436 170,431 Page 25 of 26
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 16 Purpose Of Funds Unrestricted Funds The unrestricted funds ean be used for any charitable purpose approved by the trustees. The fund balance, including fixed assets, at 31st March 2024 was £135,62012023 - £159,995). Restrlcted Funds The restricted Reddilch Youth Work Fund (WISE} from Redditch Borough Council was used to run youth activities in the town. The fund balan at 31 St March 2024 was £11,091 12023 £8,736). The restricted Youthscape Fund from The National Lottery is 8 countrywide project that increases the support for young people through an offer including outreach, largeled, open access and online youth work. The fund balan, including fixed assets, at 31SL March 2024 was £3,24012023- £1,700). The restricted Eveson Fund from The Eveson Charitable Trust was used for additional training for organisations returning to delivery post pandemic. The fund balance at 31 St March 2024 was £nil (2023 £nil). The restricted Worcestershire VCSE Alliance fund provides a platform for voluntary, community and s(Kial enterprise orgsnisations to collectively amplify their impact, learn from each other and support positive change within their eommunrfcies. The alliance works with statutory agencies lo bridge the gap that exists beeen voluntsry and public sectors, helping lo improve public services to better meet the needs of the local population. The ftjnd balance at 31st March 2024 was £nil. 12023 £nil). 17 Transfers Between Funds A transfer of £26,206 has been made from the restricted funds to the unrestricted general fund. These are to cover agreed management fees and contributions towards Young Solutions support and governance costs. 18 Related party transactions There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year12023- none). Page 26 of 26