Charty Registration No. 1128461 Company Registration No. 06707357 (England and Wales) YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page 1 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity number 1128461 Company number 06707357 Registered office Severn House 32 Ombersley Street West Droitwich Worcs. WR9 8QZ Telephone Number 01905 795098 Independent examiner Paul fNey FCA, FCCA 10 St. Andrews Street Droilwich Worcs. WR9 8DY Bankers Unity Trust Nine Brindley Place Bimiingham B12HB Barclays Bank 54 High Street Worcester WR12QQ Page 2 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE CONTENTS Page Trustees, report 4-13 Independent examinerfs report 13 Statement of financial activities 14 Balance sheet 15 Notes to the financial statements 16-25 Page 3 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purpose of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Iruslees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Pfftctice ISORP} "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practi applicable lo 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 2016}. Trustees Simon Hill (Chair} Duncan Berry Gareth Roberts Geoff Taylor-smith John Duddington Michael Hunter Mike Oliver-Brooke Phil Ashwell Sarah Mulh811-Lee Staff Pete Sugg - Chief Officer Helen Wood-Administration Support Jo Bradley - Administration Support Margaret Jones - Bookkeeper Kay Bruton - Communications and Engagement Officer Iworcestershire VCSE Alliance)- left December 2024 Branwen Bingle- Community Health _ Research Training Lead IWorcestershir• VCSE Alliance) - left February 2025 Sarah Wilkinson - Community Heaith- Research Engagement Lead (Worcestershire VCSE Alliance) lèft Fèbruary 4025 Sophie Wheeley- Mental Health Programme Manager (Worcestershire VCSE Alliance) - left February 2025 Ai3h8 M8300d - Coordinator IWor¢estershire VCVE AllIan)- left february 2025 Sarah Whitehead - Seek and Reach Project Co-ordinator Felicity Vemon - Key WorkerlAssistant Project cCrdInatOr Cat Goodwin - Key Worker Sarah Mitchell - Key Worker Jennifer Miller- Key Worker Donna Simmond5- Key Worker Jade Parker- Enhand Youth Support Officer- left September 2024 Carly Marie Hay - Enhand Youth Support Officer- left February 2025 Loretta Bryan - Enhanced Youth Support Officer- left February 2025 Orrin Pendley - Enhanced Youth Support Officer- left February 2025 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 Worcestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services to Young Solutions Worcestsrshire on 26 April 2015. Page 4 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUEDI IINCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Re¢ruttment 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 its objects. The 8oard seeks to be representative of the people and organisation5 that il works with and has within its membership. The membership of the Board of Trustees contains the range of required knowledge and skills lo run the Charity. Individual trustees have sufficient knowledge of the role of a charity trustee to be able lo effectively represent Young Solutions Worcestershire at meetingslevents. 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 to stand ftir election al the AGM. When a need is identified the Chair will recruit and propose lo the Board the co-opts.on of tru5tee5 beeen AGMS. Full membership of the Board can only be approved at the AGM. Induction and training of new trustees 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, ils procedures, and its history. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Organisational structure The Trustees]Directors lexeculive committee) are elected at the Annual General Meeting each year and they meet bimonthly to manage the business of the charity. At each meeting Ihe executive committee review the finances. None of the staff have delegated financial authority. Risk management The trustees have a duty to identify the ri3k3 to which the ch8rity 13 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 conflmied the reserves pollcy of malntalnlng sufflclent funds io contlnue operatlons for four months. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The trustees approved a new business plan and budget for 2024 - 2025. Young Solutions maintained rigorous control over its finances, continuing to find ways to strengthen its financial management systems. Aims The aims of Young Solution5 are to.. ensure the safety and involvement of young people in Worcestershire. Objectives The objects were amended at the 2022 AGM and the principal objects of the charity n()w read as to= Help and advanGe thg education of people of all ages and in partlGularyoung people in w0rceslehIre and sutrounding areas so as to develop Iheirphysical, mental and spiritual Capabilities that they may gro¥v to full maturity as spOnsible members of society. Page S of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS VVORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) IINCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Fee charging Throughout the year the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's qUidan. including guidance on public benefit and fee charging. We consider all our activities are for the public benefiL Most of our income comes from contracts and our activib'es are fvnded by the income. We charge for our Disclosure and Barring Service IDBSI checking support and pass on the charges that we have to pay to the DBS service for disclosures for paid staff. In addition, we charge a small administrative fee towards our costs for membership and for some of our training ¢ourses. ANNUAL REPORT ON ACTIVITIES Highlights of the year 2024 - 2025 has proved to be another suecessfvl year for Young Solutions, and are pleased to report our highest ever turnover. This has allowed us to increase our support to young people and our membership. We are pleased that a significant proportion of the income has been in the fomi of partnership grants, which have enabled us to a¢$$ funding and distribute it directly lo communities to help meet the needs of their young people. Imth our successful receipt of year long UKSPF Employment Funding from 1st April 2024, the trustees, bold decision al the end of the previous financial year to invest in Seek and Reach staff was vindicated. As this funding is currently issued on an annual basis and is subject lo government change, the trustees continued lo monitor this Closely. 2024~2025 wa5 the last year of our Covid-related additional funding and a number of our projects concluded during this period. We are mindful of looking to additional funding for the next period lo try to offer as many future opportunities. During 2024 - 2025 Young Solutions has pursued the following five key priorities.. Provide Support 2. Promote Safeguarding 3. Promote Participation 4. Provide a Voice and Representation 5. Enable Training Some of the highlighted achievements for each priority are in Ihe sections below. 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 organisalions, both the WOrStershIre County Council funded Youth Offer providers and other organisalions that deliver services to young people. Membership Young Solutions is the voluntary youth infrastructure organisalion for Worcestershire and as such exists to serve its members. Our aim is to be fast, friendly, focused, and flexible, and we deliver advice, guidance and supporL We were pleased to see that 78 10 of our previous membership re-joined Young Solutions as members, as well as welcome some emerging new oryanisations. 79 organisations joined in total, with 8 of these being new organisations that had recently started or ones who joined us for the first time. 22 /0 of the members had an income under £25,000 and 16¥ were led solely by volunteers. Our members employ over 750 staff beeen them and have over 1061x1 volunteers. They work with nearly 35,000 young people in Worcestershire and the surrounding areas. 680/0 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 range of people seeking safeguarding support from us. A retired po1ice-offir-Iurned-handYMan received advi and guidance on how to keep his clients, Page 6 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORn FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 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 individu21s received advice on setting up a new youth provision. We keep the sector up to date with the latest news, information and tmining courses through our weekly e-bulletin and monthly newsletter and sent out So of these communications through the year. We also posted on social media more than 220 timesl The information was shad on behalf of a range of organisations. from local members to statutory services and national partner, and covered diverse topics, such as.. Infomiatson- local charity awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service, The Big Give Christmas Challenge, how to help young people to get ID for voting, Barclays Young People Online Scams guide, Children and Young People Subject lo Domestic Abuse.. Professionals, Insight Briefing Surveys- All-Age Autism Strategy IH&W Autism Partnership Boards), Young Carers (WCCI, Young People's Health and Emotional Wellbeing (Healthwatchl, Cost of Living (Active HW), Air Quality IWCCI, Big Ambition Survey {Children's Commissioner for England) Events- members, events, Volunteers, Week , Koolh Information Webinars, Youth Work Week, Lead the Way Youth Summit, Starting Well Wre Forest- Family Showcase, INSANE Festival - free festival of arts and well-being for young people Training - fa to face 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 neork. so the number reached is much higher than this. Youth Offer Infrastructure Support Young Solutions successfully completed the first year of the new Youth Offer Infrastructure contract and this was our 15th year in total over four consecutive contracts. Younq Solutions continues lo work in partnership with Worcestershire Public Health and Worcestershire County Council in delivering the new provision. Over the next foul years, in line with the GDntraGt, key areas of focu5 will be-. Development and maintenance of high quality youth provision Capacity building of the sector Support to sourTr and increase funding for the se¢tOT Workforce Development- including Youth Work Level 2, 3 and 6 qualthcab'ons Professional Youth Service Advice and Guidance Youthscape2 Project We continued to deliver our National Lottery Reaching Communities Funded YoulhScape2 project. which is now in ils final of three years. The aim of YouthScape2 is increase the provision of support for young people in 12 areas of socio-economic deprivation in Worcestershire. focussing on where there is little or insufficient provision currently available. ServIs 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 YoLJr Ideas {Redditchl YMCA Worcestershire (Tenburyl wOrster Community Trust Young SolLJtions provides oversight. guidance. coordinab'on and training for the project, allowing the partners to concentrate on delivery through an offer of outreach. targeted youth supporL open access youth work and virtual social networking. There is also a focus on youth voice, and each partner has a Page 7 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 youth council or youth advisers which meet regularfy and have a key role in co-producing YoulhScape2 local activitie5 and learning opportunities. The project is going from strength lo 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 are 8ble to be more pro-active eroundpositive mentalhealth and well-being and the SUPPOrt we can offer compared to a rn0 reactive approach previously We have developed wider connections with supporting seNS and agencies. Improved indepen(Jence &1gamt valuable lrfe skills We are able to respond well to the needs ofyoung people due to the range of volunteer3 8nd opportunities offered by the fUndng. This means we can access support for young people quickly and in 8 W8y that best suits them. For some young people it has increased in their attendance at school. We have also seen a real change Nn theirbehaviour and attitudes lo other adults in authority who are in their lives. Outcomes Year 3 target to date16 months) 425 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 improvements in well-being and resilience Percentage of young people report knowing where to get support with their mental health issues 579 275 459 3. Provision of open aSS 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 to online professlonal 5uppoll and quallry Informaiion 825 901 90Q/o 910 400 702 Laptop Donations Our laptop donation scheme from 2023 - 2024 has expanded to include other Worcestershire based companies, and we have continued lo distribute reconditioned laptops lo our membership locally and to linked overseas projects. 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. Safeguarding Handbook As part of our continuous monitoring of safeguarding, we reviewed our Safeguarding Handbook and issued a minor update with the latest information. This was shared with the sector through our e-bulletin and website. Copies continued to be given lo rnembers, especially al our safeguarding training sessions. and they told us how comprehensive, usefvl and reliable they find it. Get Safe, Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership Page 8 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUED) IINCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Young Solutions is a key partner of the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Get Safe Partnership Group (responsible for the overall effectiveness of the multi-agency response to child Criminal exploitation within WorGestershirel. A5 5UGh we 0ssi&led with iiiitiativ¥> aiid eiibuiEd tFI¢ vvi of the voluntary sector was heard within the Get Safe agenda. DBS We continued to offer a Disclosure and Barring Checking Service IDBSI for staff and volunteers, and we Garried out 249 DBS checks for 43 organisalions during the year. 58 /D were for volunteers and 42Q for paid workers. In comparison to the previous year, the total number of DBS checks was very similar but the number of organisations increased by 23 /D. DBS checks for volunteers also increased by 12 /D. whereas DBSS for paid staff went down. The change in paid staff numbers may reflect that more have joined the DBS Update Service, but the increase in volunteer numbers would suggest the changing nature of provision, funding available for paid staff and an increased reliance on volunteers. Organisations tell us how much they appreciate being able to get their staff and volunteers checked quickly and locally and for a very modest fee (many are freel. 3. Promote Participation Young Solutions wants lo 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 Reach Programme continued lo support 15 to 24-year-olds who were furthest away from training and employment, and we were pleased to be successftjl in gaining a one year UKSPF contract from Worcestershire County Council, which enabled us to extend the Seek and Reach team's contact for another year. During the 2024 2025 financial year we worked with 161 young people, all whom had a number of additional needs or circumstances which had prevented them from achieving so far. In addition 40Y. haLJ special educatioii needs or a disability. We w¥re really pledsed Iliat dui.iiig Iliis liine p¥riod 50Yo progressed into education, employment or volunteering, with placements such as a restaurant apprenticeship, Level 1 course in Working Skills, Level 1 in Hair & Beauty, Level 2 in IT & Media, Level 2 In Anlmal Care, volunieerlng ai a hosplce ancl volunteerlng ai a charlty shop. The remaining 60 /0 received soci81, emotional and signposting support a5 appropriate to their needs to help them progress towards employment, education or volunteering in the future. WISE- Enhanced Youth Support Officers- Redditch 2024- 2025 was the final year of the COMF funding which enabled us to deliver our W.l.S_E project in Redditch and it continued to be a busy year for the project up to February 2025. The open access sessions on a Monday and a Wednesday were busy supporting young people with i55ues such as employment, education, and personal and sexual health, and the centre had a core group of young people who attended. The outreach staff team also carried out their patrols in the Redditch town centre but predominately focused on one area due to quite a challenging group of young people gathering there. This group had attracted a group of young people who joined them from Birmingham. The staff team worked hard with the young people and partner5 to address the young people's antl-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 IL In order to continue the sustainable outcomes frorn February 2025, the elements of the project became embedded within the work of local youth organisations, including Your Ideas and Re-lmagine Redditch, and especially in the targeted areas of the Woodrow estate. Page 9 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Tryangle Awards Our Tryangle Awards, sponsored by the Margaret Wes00d Foundation, were awarded to deserving young people and adults at our AGM in October. Four young people received our 'Peter Pinfield Citizenship & Environment, awards, including young people who raised over £5,000 for charity, a young adult with additional needs for volunteering in his community and a young person ft)r selling up five food banks in his areas, though he is only 13 years oldl Amazing adults who work with young people were also recognised, including several volunteers, a Scout leader who goes above and beyond, and a PCSO who gives up his lime to meet with young people al a youth club. 4. Provide a Voice and Representation It is important to Young Solutions to enable those in the voluntary youth sector lo get their voice heard and we facilitate conversations, provide representation, encourage neorking, and empower young people, indNiduals and organisations. For example, over the last year young people across a range of districts have been supporting initiatives via their local youth forLJms. These have included garden and environmental projects in Bromsgrove (such as tree planting) and new and potential capital projects in DrO1ich (plans for a skatepark in partnership with Dro11ICh High School). Cultural Compactfor North East Worcestershire Following on from the development of the Cultural Compact for North East Worcestershire last year, Young Solutions was a key partner in achieving a total award of £735,000 over three years for a new pannershlp project. There are project stran(Js". 1. Shaping Futures-. Skills & ¢apa¢ity buildin9 in local cultural Bector Young people's skills development through applied arts industry opportunities in urban & rural places (performing, visual and digital arts) oharing otories.. Celebrating local cuKure and heritage, local engagement- 3 projects- Awe & Wander, Gateway to Nature. Wagon's Roll. The monies are being held by Bromsgrove District Council, and Young Solutions will be receiving a contribution to lead the young people's ski1Ss develop section of the bid from April 2025. Worcestershire VCSE Alliance The Worcestershire VCSE Alliance is a collective of 25 representative Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEI organisations with a mission to build a stronger VCSE sector working together effectively lo deliver excellent services aligned lo need. The Allian is a key partner of the Inlegraled Care System IICSI, a partnership of NHS organisations, local authorities and others to take collective responsibility for planning services, improving health and reducing inequalities across the county. After having Young SolLJlions as the key organisation providing governance and HR support lo the Alliance since inception in July 2022, in February 2025 the Alliance formed a partnership with Community Power to enable the project to become independent. Young Solutions will continue to be a member of the Alliance through our young people's infrastructure role, but has now ceased to be the provider of direct servi$ for the Allian. Network Meetings l Youth Forums Young Solutions provides representation for the sector on the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership and the WorTrslershire Safeguarding Adults Board. Young Solutions also attend the regional Youth Network, the County Council's NEET strategic groLJP, the Get Safe strategic group for Page 10 of25
YOUNG SOLUnONS WORCESTERSHIRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORn FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Worcestershire, Community Wellbeing Theme, Cultural Compact Youth Theme group and Early Help Partnership amongst others. VIthIn the sector, Young Solutions also attends meetings across the county and hosts the Youth Offer provider forum. A District Youth SeNice 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 This financial year overfapped tsvo training programmes for the sector, i.e. the second half of the springl summer 2024 programme, and the first half of the spring 2025 programme. 214 places were requested on 36 courses, covering 24 subjects and delivered by 12 trainers, with all courses identified in response lo needs from the sector. Introductory level courses were offered in.. Autism Awareness Challenging Behaviour Contextual Safeguarding Data Protection BITESIZE Detached Youth Work Drill Music and Young People Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Ernergency First Aid at Work Fundraising Webinars INTENT Smokingwaping Resour Introduction to Measuring Impact Knif?. AwArp.np.q$ 2nd Ynijng Pp_nplg_ Managing Allegations Mental Health Awareness, afesuarding Childffn Safe Recruitment of Volunteers Sexual Health Youth Voice an(J Participation Youth Work Level 2 Youth Work Level 3 Some feedback from across the different courses..
8nlliant session- really insightful and the disGussion was gre8t. It was a lovely session, [the trainerj was really knowledgeable and incltsded the parti¢iP8nts really well. It was a great opportunity lo make links with other organisations h@ tr8iner] was really open to questions and inolusive ofeveryone This session taught me so so much that was useful for my knowledge, thankyoul Our e-learning courses remained popular, and organisations told us 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. Vve provided e-leaming courses in.. Basics of Good Youth Work Safeguarding Adolescence Introduction to Young People's Mental Health Dealing with Challenging Behaviours Basic Drug and Alcohol Awareness Page 11 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS Y0cEsTERslRE TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUEDI (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPOR FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 These courses were also successfvl with the participants and 37 staff and volunteers signed up for 185 courses in the past financial year. 1 OOOA rated the courses as 'somewh2t useftjl, or 'very usefvl,; with knnwlp_dgp. Ip.vg.Iq goino frnm 5?OA having 'gomè' or 'a lot, at tho start to 960]. by th9 9nd_ Th9 Safeguarding Adolescents course showed the biggest increase with 61 % of participants saying they had a 'lot of knowledge, after completing it (from 40A at the stsrtl- Other participant feedback included..
Fun, interesting, professional, easy to follow, useful Gr&at course with not too much reading and simple explanations that are easy to remember All of it was useful and helped me to gain a better Undetanding. FORWARD PLANNING The trustees have expressed their satisfaction with Young Solutions, performance in the past year, but they remain cautious and vigilant. Young SolLJtions has received the biggest 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 previous programmes. Delivery of Seek and Reach funded through UKSPF will continue from 1si April 2025 and additional funding from Worcestershire County Council has been secured for after-care young people's employment support. Two additional funding schemes have been largeled for widening the scope of Seek and Reach in 2025-2026. The newly launched Connect to Work scheme is another initiative that Young Solutions will be aiming to deliver, with the project due to start in Apl'l 2026. We look forward to developing and continuing to grow the infrastructure element of the Youth Offer programme, and to responding to issues and opportunitie5 that arise from the sector. This includes expanding the training programme, including delivering more bespoke training, and rolling out a new Level 1 course in Introduction lo Youth Work. We will also continue to review the form of the Tryangle Awards through our close association with Margaret WesbNood, long term sponsor of the award, and are discussing funding to ensure fvll c05t reGDvery- The trustees are currently discussing more diversffication, amalgamations, and acquisitions as a way of 4iprcading thc financial co- Young Solutionè moves away from dependanco on tha County Council. They are committed to the pursuit of an ambitious model designed to secure the longer-term sustainability of the charity. THANKS The trustees 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 organisation. The trustees also record their gratitude to the administration 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 to Sarah Knott for her support with intemal financial auditing and we are grateful for the consistent support of our peripatetic team. including Cat 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 2025 Page 12 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE 5NDEPENDENT EX4MINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE I reptsrtto the trustees of my examination of the financ[ statements of Young Solutions WorSterShIre (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilittès and basis of report As the trusteeg of the charity land also its directors for the purposes of eompany lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statèm8nts in accordance wtth the requirements of the Companie$ Act 2006 (the 2006 Act). Having satisfied myself thatthe financial statements of the charity are not requityd to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, l report in respect of my examination of the charity's fin8n¢ial-, statsments carried out under section 145 of the Chattties Act 2011 {the 2011 Act). In carying OLrt my examinats.on I have followed all the applicable Directions grrfen by the Charity Commission under section 14515llb) of the 2011 Act. Independent examinefs statement sin the charity's gross income exeded £250,000 your examiner must be 8 member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 A¢t_ I confirm that l am qualrfied to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Instbtute of Chartered Accountsnts in England and Wales, whlch is onè of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. l eonfirrn that no matters have come to rlly attention in o)nnection th the examination grving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accauTtbng records were not kept in respect of the chartty as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. Qr th¢ finHntydl ¥tstements de not •¢Gcrd with those records.. or the financial statements do not comply wtth tha accountina requirements of seGtion 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts gNe a true and frdir view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or the finan¢ial ststements h8ve not been prepared in accordan¢e with the methods and principles of the Statement of recommended Prath. for accounting and reporting by charikngts applic3bla to charities preparin9 their a¢¢ounts in accordancc wth the Fin2nci¢l Reporting Standard applicab5e in thè UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). I have no nCemS and have come across no other matters in connection Vth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be rea¢h d. Paul r 10St. CCA eet Droi Worcs. VVR9 8DY Dated: Auj'st A41S Pagè 13 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Funds 2025 Restricted Funds 2025 Total Funds Total Funds Notes 2025 2024 Income and endowments from: Grants Inveslrnents Other income 283,029 4,519 21,630 302,648 585,677 4,519 21,630 520.345 2.054 9.593 Total income 309,178 302,648 611,826 531.992 Ex enditure on. Charitable activities 274,973 301,321 576,294 552.472 Total resources expended 274,973 301,321 576,294 552,472 Net incomelldeficitl for the year 34,205 1,327 35,532 120.4801 Transfers beeen funds 17 12,542 112,542) Nel movement in funds 46,747 111,215) 35.532 120,480) Fund balances at 1 April 2024 135,620 14,331 149,951 170,431 Fund balances at 31 Mah 2025 182,367 3,116 185,483 149,951 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expendrfcure derive from continuing activities. The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. Page 14 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Funds 2025 Restricted Funds 2025 Total Funds Total Funds Notes 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible assets 3,130 478 3,608 4.811 Current assets Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 12 27,067 27,067 41,676 162.518 34,419 196,937 228,510 189.585 34,419 224,004 270,186 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 110,3481 {31,7811 142,1291 {125,0461 Net current assets 179,237 2.638 181,875 145,140 Total assets less current liabilities 182,367 3,116 185,483 149,951 Income funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 182.367 3,116 135.62n 14,331 185.483 149.951 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 2025. The diwtors acknowledge their responsibilits'es 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 at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial ygar 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 lo obtain an auclit 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 Friday 4th July 2025. Trustee . S Hill Company Registration No. 06707357 Page 15 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1 Accounting policies Charity information Young Solutions Worcestershire is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Sevem House, 32 Ombersley Street West, Droitwich, Worcestershire. WR9 8QZ. 1.1 Accounting ¢onvention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 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 charities 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 to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. modified to include the revaluation of freehold propertie5 and to include investrnenl properties and certain financial instruments at fair v81ue. The principal accounting policies adopted are sel out below. 1.2 Going concern Al the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in op@r3tion31 g.xi%tg.nr.p_ fnr thp. fnrg_$9.g.ahlg. future. Thus, the trustees continue to 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 charitablo objoctivès. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by doners as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the reslricled funds are set out in the notes to 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 once the charity has been notified of the donation unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recovefftble in relation lo donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised al the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on CeIpt or otherwise if the charity has been nob'fied 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 16 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1.5 Expenditure 1. Accounting policies Expenditure is accounted for on an accrua15 basis and has been Classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. VW)ere costs cannot be directly attributed to particular heading5. they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 1.6 Tangible flxed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially at cost and subsequently measured at C05t or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases.. Fixtures, fittings & equipment 25,1¢ reducing balance The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined 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 At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recovorable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impaimient loss (if any). 1.8 Cash and ¢ash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short- term liquid investments with origin21 maturities of thro9 months or loss. tho bank ovardrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 1.9 Financial instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic 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 ¢ontra¢tual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offse( with the net amounts psented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to sel off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultsneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, whieh include debtors and eash and bank balances, are initially measured al transaction price including transactions costs and are subsequently carried al amortised cost using the effects've interest method unless the arrangement constrtutes a ffnancing 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 within one year are not amortised. Page 17 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1 Accounting policies Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilib'es, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the fvture payments discounted al a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations lo pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable a classified as current liabilities rf payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non<urrent Trade creditors are reeognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortlsed cost using the effective interest method. Derecognition of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligats'ons expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.10 Employee benefits The cost of any unused holiday entrtlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Termination benefits arè recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrabw committed to lerminale the employment of an employee or to provide termination p.npfitq 1.11 Retirement benefits The charitable company operatès a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged lo the Statement of Financial Activities in the period lo which they relate. 1.12 Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its Charilable activities. 1.13 Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Iruslees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objective5 of the ¢harity- 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 18 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2 Grants Unrestricted Fund$ Restricted Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 Government and general grants Reddilch Youth Work Youthscape VCSE Alliance Eveson Trust Holiday Hunger HAF Half Terrn COMF Grant 283,029 283,029 49,555 151,492 101,601 187,358 76,566 145,094 111,327 49,555 151.492 101,601 283,029 302,648 585,677 520,345 There are no unfulfilled conditions attaching to the govemment grants. 3 Investments Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 2025 2024 Interest receivable 4,519 2,054 4,519 2,054 4 Other income Unreslricled Funds Unrestricted Funds 2025 2024 Training projects Membership subscriptions DBS checks 13,860 2,425 5,345 1,260 2,125 6,208 21,630 9,593 Page 19 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 5 Charitable activltles Unrestricted Funds Reslricled Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 Direct charitsble activty Isee note 61 53.145 247,003 300,148 267,596 Support and governance costs (see note 71 221,638 54,318 275,956 284,693 Other (see note 101 190 190 183 274,973 301,321 576,294 552,472 6 Grants payable Unreslricled Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 COMF Grant YoLlthgr.3pp fryf3nts ICS Alliance Eveson Trust Local Project Grants 151.670 95,333 151.670 95,333 137.?01 101,527 53,145 53,145 28,868 53,145 247,003 300,148 267.596 Page 20 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 7 Support costs Unrestricted Support Governance Costs Costs Support Governance Costs Costs 2025 2024 Project Worker ¢osts Admin costs Depreciation Insurance Postage, stationery and telephone Rent Training and events Computer running costs Sundry expenses Subscriptions Staff and volunteer expenses Independent Examiner fees Accountancy Legal and professional DR% rhp_r.kq 115.031 54,042 1.043 2,119 115,031 105.477 $4,042 68,242 1,043 1.391 2,119 1,857 105,477 68,242 1,391 1,857 12,397 7,180 12,397 7.180 10,908 7.140 10,908 7.140 5,728 3,168 5,728 3,168 5,440 1,859 5.440 1,859 2,848 2,848 2,670 2,670 5,580 5,580 2.463 2.463 2,304 6.230 2,304 6.230 1,922 6,495 1,922 6,495 35 35 35 4.636 35 4.636 209,136 12,502 221,638 207,447 13,088 220,535 Restricted Support Governance Costs Costs Support Governance Costs Costs 2025 2024 Project worker costs Depreciation Staff and volunteer expenses 53,659 159 53,659 159 59,881 213 59,881 213 500 500 4,064 4,064 54,318 54,318 64,158 64,158 8 Trustees There were no trustees. remuneration, expenses or benefits paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the period ended 31 March 2024. Page 21 of25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 9 Employees The average monthly number employees during the yearwas: 2025 Number 2024 Number Number of Employees 14 15 Employment costs Unreslricled Funds Restricted Funds Totsl Funds Total Funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 Wages and salaries- Project workers Pension costs - Project workers Wages and salaries - Admin Pension costs - Admin 112,898 52,871 165,769 162,551 2,133 788 2.921 2,807 52,748 1,294 52.748 1,294 67,011 1,231 169,073 53,659 222,732 233,600 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. The aggregate remuneration paid to Key Management Personnel lincluding employerfs pension contributions was £52.20112024 - £50,138). 10 Other Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 2025 2024 Financing costs 190 183 190 183 Page 22 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 11 Tanglble fixed assets Fixtures, fittings & equipment Cost At 1 April 2024 Disposals 16,769 At 31 March 2025 16,769 Depreciation and impaimient Al 1 April 2024 Depreciation charged in the year Depreciation eliminated on disposals 11,958 1,203 At 31 March 2025 13,161 Carrying arnount At 31 March 2025 3,608 At 31 March 2024 4.811 12 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 25,060 2,007 36,612 5,064 27,067 41,676 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Notes Deferred income Trade creditors other creditors Accruals 14 31.781 3,534 4,464 2.350 110,462 4,822 6,216 3,546 42,129 125,046 Page 23 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14 Deferred Income Unrestricted Funds 2025 Restricted Funds 2025 Total Funds 2025 2024 At 1 April 2024 Income released in the year Income deferred in the year 110,462 110,462 77,274 (110,4621 1110,462) {69,683} 31,781 31,781 102,871 At 31 MarGh 2025 31,781 31,781 110,462 15 Comparatives for the Statement of financial activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Grants Investments Other income 187,358 2,054 9,593 332,987 520,345 2,054 9,593 Total income 199,005 332,987 531,992 Charitable activities 249,586 302,886 552,472 Total resources expended 249,586 302,886 552,472 Net Deficit {50,5811 30,101 120,4801 Transfers beeen ftjnds 26,206 (26,206} Net movement in funds {24,3751 3,895 120,4801 Reeoneiliation of funds Total funds brought forward 159,995 10,436 170,431 Total funds carried fOnard 135,620 14,331 149,951 Page 24 of 25
YOUNG SOLUTIONS WORCESTERSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATETrJIENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16 Purpose Of Funds Unrestricted Funds The unrestricted funds Can be used for any charitable purpose approved by the trustees. The fund balan, including fixed assets, at 31st March 2025 was £182.36712024 - £135,620). Restricted Funds The restricted Redditch Youth Work Fund {WSE} from Redditch Borough Council was used to run youth activities in the town. The fund balance at 31 st March 2025 was £nil {2024- £11,091). The restricted Youthscape Fund from The National Lottery is a countrywide project that increases the support for young people through an offer including outreach, taryeted. open access and online youth work. The fund balan, including fixed assets, at 31S1 March 2025 was £3,11612024- £3,240). The restricted Eveson Fund from The Eveson Charitable Trust was used for additional training for organisations returning to delivery post pandemi¢. The fund balance at 313t March 2025 was £nil12024 £nil). The restricted Worcestershire VCSE Aliance fund provides a platform for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to collectively amplify their impact, leam from each other and support positive change within their communities. The alliance works with statutory agencies to bridge the gap that exists heeen voluntary and public sectors, helping to improve public s•rvicgS to bottor moat tha n6ads of thè loeal population. Tho ftjnd balan at 31st March 2025 was £nil.12025 - £nill. 7 Transfors Bgtwegn Funds A transfer of £12,542 has been made from the restricted funds to the unrestricted general fijnd. Tli¥b¢ (ai¢ lu tyuvei cigieed rnana9etnent fee5 and contributlons towards Young Solutlons support and govemance costs. 18 Related party tran$a¢tions There were no disclosable related paty transackn.ons during the year12024- none). Page 25 of25