Company Number: 07557852 Charity Number: 1141126
For the year ended 31 March 2024
**Trustees Annual Report**
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present March 2024.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
**Company No. 07557852 Charity No. 1141126**
## **(from April 2024)**
Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 2AN
Formerly, Rheola House, Belle Vue Centre, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire GL14 2AB
Rheola House Belle Vue Centre Belle Vue Road Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 2AB
## **Directors and Trustees**
The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. The following directors and trustees served during the year (there have been no changes ):
Roger Deeks Jonathan Gault (Treasurer) Victoria Head Penelope Hulbert (Chair) Elizabeth **Diana** Simon Murray Louise Penny Sidney Phelps Susan Pritchard Robert Rhodes Christopher Walker
## **Company Secretary**
Christopher Brown
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**Trustees Annual Report**
## **Key Management Personnel**
Christopher Brown, CEO
## **Bankers**
## **CAF Bank Limited**
25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
## **Independent Examiner**
Christy Lau FCCA CTA DChA Slade & Cooper Limited Beehive Mill Jersey Street Manchester M4 6JG
Included within the trustees’ report is the directors’ report as required by company law.
and 2
–
preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
to achieve the purpose of the charity are:
- (a) P -
- (b) A through community involvement, including in direct service provision by providing a centre and by advising and olve volunteers in their charitable
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**Trustees Annual Report**
## Walking with Wheels
Hiring out allthe Forest of Dean woodland trails.
## Community Hubs
an ‘open , and to develop with ng for individuals to
## Know Your Patch
A fortnightly community forum that brings together voluntary sector groups, statutory services and residents
The s the Children and Young Persons Weight Management Service, running youth clubs in Blakeney, Coleford and Mitcheldean, f Young Mum’s Support Group.
## Youth Music
## Digi-Hubs
deliveries and accessing NHS services. Due to the success of district in Gloucestershire.
## Digital Inclusion Project
## My Networks
This includes the establishment of recovery
and wellbeing café / resource hub.
## y and Food Programme (HAF/HAP)
-16 during school
holidays. FVAF delivered the programme for the Forest of Dean District, working closely with the Forest Youth 33
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**Trustees Annual Report**
## Sustainable Food Networks
Funding from Forest of District Council enabled FVAF to establish the Forest of Dean Food Network. This followed funding received by Two Rivers Housing to map, develop and join the Forest of Dean.
## ESHO (Employment Skills Hub Outreach)
The ESHO Project (which evolved in 2022 from the previous GEM Project) was funded by Gloucestershire County Council and supported people who wanted /training, volunteering or employment. Dedicated FVAF worked alongside people towards this goal providing personalised 1:1 support and
Ow Bist Forest Community Space - O T and have begun to promote and and secured regular hirers including Lloyds Bank (providing a fortnightly community banking service), Wyldwood Arts and the Forest of Dean Primary Care Network, as well as oneand events.
## Volunteer Brokerage
appropriate support is in place for both. This includes placing individual volunteers in suitable roles, publishing a volunteer directory,
## Strategic Development and Advocacy
Partnership, Health and Wellbeing Strategic Partnership, VCSE Strategic Partnership and the Gloucestershire Gateway Partnership. Here we advocate
voices, skills and capacity are recognised and rewarded in the development of and delivery of services.
, help with the governing documents and policies. Forest Compass directory. During the year, we facilitated a further 70 DBS checks in order to support the safer delivery of provision in the Forest of Dean district.
Volunteers are central to us achieving our objects. We had 15 regular period who helped with running youth clubs, mapping , and a community pantry.
We have also
period.
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**Trustees Annual Report**
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Summary of the main achievements of the charity**
concerning the following topics:
- a. Finding an appropriate structure (charity, charitable company, community interest company or simply unincorporated).
- b. orandum cles etc). c. fety d. Financial processes, including and how to be "funding ready".
- e.
- f. Insurance and ng.
- g. - using our contacts to ensure community resources are adequately made use of. in the Forest of Dean following the building of a new hospital in Cinderford.
- Supported 7 regular digital and community hubs across the district and over 40 across the county.
- Maintained a mailing list and volunteering database of over 1,500 people.
- Delivered projects in every parish within the district.
- Supported employment of a Youth Worker on behalf of Tidenham Parish Council, a Community Centre Manager on behalf of Sedbury Space ArtSpace Cinderford
- Published updated , a
- wide in the district.
- Supported in Coleford.
- Mitcheldean and Blakeney.
## **2.**
- Establishing 11 pop up individuals to register and access the NHS App.
- the -design
- and mental health challenges.
- Assisted village halls and community centres to become digital hubs with publicly available WiFi.
- .
- My Networks Mental Health Alliance, to support mental
- ,
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**Trustees Annual Report**
launched the Recovery and Wellbeing café to provide a space for individuals to regularly meet up for group mental health support.
- Facilitated the Know your Patch Forum from over 15 , with over
**3.**
- **country.**
- Represented the Forest of Dean on various partnerships and boards, including the integrated locality partnership, health and wellbeing strategic partnership, community safety partnership, Gloucestershire gateway partnership. VCSE strategic partnership
- enhance food provision across the district.
- youth provision in the area.
**2.**
- Employed Community Builders and Youth Workers to work within all areas of the district. to play in the new Forest of Dean Community hospital and with other community and health assets. Helped to generate over £2m in the sector during the year.
- Signposted over 1,000 people into various volunteering roles.
The trustees have referred to the Charity
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Income and fundraising**
and Food Programme
and the extension of the Digi Hubs Project, and funding for further development of our new premises.
of an underlease with an anchor tenant: rent income and service charges due from the anchor tenant ng to £214,615 (2023: £33,739). -Balance Sheet Events). All sums owed have been received in 2024/25.
which FVAF was able to take advantage of, having opened to £8,476 (2023: £980).
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**Trustees Annual Report**
## **Expenditure**
722,289 (2023: £540,294), ing FVAF support individuals on a 1-toESHO), to trial digital popdi , and furnishing of, rooms, upgrading toilets and undertaking some external works on the front of the building.
116,166 (2023: £10,504) was principally the result of taking on the new premises, including sums for rent, on digital projects. All sums owed have been paid in 2024/25.
## **Risk Management**
As part of FVAF’s onaccess account with Unity Trust Bank and a liquidity manager 95-day Bank plc. The FVAF’s current account remains with CAF Bank Limited.
## **Reserves**
The Trustees review the reserves each year in line with Charity Commission guidance.
In June 2023, the trustees approved a new Reserves Policy with a target level for reserves of £302,000 to £820,000, and agreed to maintain reserves at the mid-range level of £595,000 though recognised it would take
recognised the need to hold reserves for the purposes of cover for 6 months’ and .
As at 31 March 2024, FVAF held funds of £884,104. Of this £236,144 was in restricted funds and £647,960 in unrestricted funds. The unrestricted funds of £647,960 meet our target reserves.
The trustees will review the Reserves Policy in December 2024. It is expected that reserves will be needed for delivering our ‘core’ and the development of a community café.
## **Principal sources of funds**
Principal core funding: Forest of Dean District Council (Volunteering SLA) and Thirty Percy
Principal grants: Gloucestershire County Council ( Digital Hubs, ESHO and Levelling Up Fund (Forest Community Space)); Barnwood Trust (Digital Inclusion, My Networks, Walking with Wheels); Forest of Dean District Council (Safeguarding Project, Cost of Living Project and Digital Hubs), Gloucestershire and Youth Music Fund.
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**Trustees Annual Report**
## **Principal risks facing the charity**
Reliance on non-recurrent project funding.
full repairing lease for new premises. Immediate risks are low, but measured and . We have excellent keep
abreast of
senior management team use a decisionvalues.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
The Charity’s governing document is the , it being a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital as well as a registered charity.
Membership is open to individuals and not-foris dissolved while they are a member or within 12 months of them ceasing to be a member, guarantee to contribute up to £1 towards the debts and
## **,**
, and they are appointed by
AGM or through co-
procedures.
and the Gloucestershire VCS
Alliance.
The charity is governed by a board of trustees and managed on a day-to-day basis by the CEO and management team. My Networks Mental Health Alliance and is an . also employed a Community Centre Manager on behalf of Sedbury Space community group and a Youth Worker on behalf of Tidenham Parish Council. FVAF also Cinderford.
, FVAF may subcontract providers to deliver some elements of work to achieve the charitable aims. This includes but is not limited to trainers, youth workers and community .
C with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and
## **Future Plans**
As we finalise this report, FVAF is delighted to report on achieving its primary objective for 2024/25, to secure two significant commissioned contracts. To foster high-quality youth services in the Forest of Dean, FVAF established the Forest Youth Association and in the reporting period collaborated with Gloucestershire
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**Trustees Annual Report**
Gateway Trust, Venture and other partners to bid for the Integrated Youth Support Service for Gloucestershire. The bid was successful and the Youth Support Service contract started October 1, 2024. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Youth Association and enable further investment by FVAF in youth and community activities over the next five to seven years.
Additionally, FVAF collaborated with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, Aspire, and other partners to bid for the Children and Family Centres contract for the Forest of Dean and Gloucester. Success in this endeavour has also been achieved and will create the capacity for FVAF to expand community services and activities across the two children’s centres in the Forest of Dean. This contract is expected to start in Spring 2025.
FVAF will continue to advocate for community needs across various strategic boards and forums, engaging in the co-design of essential services such as the Community Wellbeing Service and the Community Advice Link Mental Health Service (CALMHS).
The third annual Volunteer Awards was held in September 2024, and the delivery of the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF/HAP) has and will continue throughout 2024. Additional funding has been secured to once again expand Digital Hubs provision across Gloucestershire over the next three years, and plans are underway to establish a Forest Food Network.
Fundraising efforts will continue to further develop Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, with a focus on securing social investment to build a community café. Furthermore, the Banking Hub provision is expected to expand to meet growing demand, alongside a diverse range of new and existing community activities that will benefit the local population.
The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the SORP (FRS 102).
9
**Forest Voluntary Ac�on Forum**
**Trustees Annual Report**
## Statement of responsibili�es of the trustees
The trustees (who are also directors of Forest Voluntary Ac�on Forum for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accoun�ng Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accoun�ng Prac�ce).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and applica�on of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- Select suitable accoun�ng policies and then apply them consistently
- Observe the methods and principles in the Chari�es SORP
- Make judgements and es�mates that are reasonable and prudent
- State whether applicable UK Accoun�ng Standards and statements of recommended prac�ce have
- been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements
- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
- that the charity will con�nue in opera�on
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accoun�ng records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any �me the financial posi�on of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the preven�on and detec�on of fraud and other irregulari�es.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial informa�on included on the charitable company's website. Legisla�on in the United Kingdom governing the prepara�on and dissemina�on of financial statements may differ from legisla�on in other jurisdic�ons.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees’ annual report has been approved by the Board of Trustees on 12/ 11/ 2024 and signed on their behalf by
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees
Penelope Hulbert Chair of Trustees
10
**Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Forest Voluntary Ac�on Forum**
I report to the charity trustees on my examina�on of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2024 which are set out on pages 12 to 34.
## **Responsibili�es and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the prepara�on of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having sa�sfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examina�on, I report in respect of my examina�on of your company’s accounts as carried out under sec�on 145 of the Chari�es Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examina�on I have followed the Direc�ons given by the Charity Commission under sec�on 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in sec�on 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examina�on because I am a member of the Associa�on of Chartered Cer�fied Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examina�on. I confirm that no ma�ers have come to my a�en�on in connec�on with the examina�on giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accoun�ng records were not kept in respect of the company as required by sec�on 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accoun�ng requirements of sec�on 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a ma�er considered as part of an independent examina�on; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Prac�ce for accoun�ng and repor�ng by chari�es applicable to chari�es preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Repor�ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other ma�ers in connec�on with the examina�on to which a�en�on should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Christy Lau FCCA CTA DChA
Slade & Cooper Limited Beehive Mill Jersey Street Manchester M4 6JG Date 28 November 2024
11
Forest Voluntary Attion Forum
Statement of Financial Activities
(including Income and Expenditure account)
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2024
Total funds
2023
Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
1,466
2,202
3,668
5,536
Charitable attivities
229.259
588.968
818.227
748.563
Investments
8,476
8,476
980
Total income
239,201
591,170
830,371
755,079
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
17.005
17.005
Charitable activities
95,308
626,981
722,289
540,294
Total expenditure
112.313
626,981
739.294
540,294
Net income/(expenditure) for the
year
126,888
{35,811)
91,077
214,785
Transfer between funds
209,671
(209,671)
Net movement in funds for the year
336.559
(245,482)
91,077
214,785
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
311,401
481,626
793,027
578,242
Total funds carried forward
647.960
236.144
884.104
793.027
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
A full comparative SOFA is available on the last page of the financial statements.
12
## Forest Voluntary Action Forum Company number 07557852
## Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024
|Note
£
£
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
14
166,004
**Total fixed assets**
**166,004**
**Current assets**
Debtors
15
214,615
Cash at bank and in hand
16
619,651
**Total current assets**
**834,266**
**Liabilities**
Creditors: amounts falling
due in less than one year
18
(116,166)
**Net current assets**
**718,100**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
884,104
**Net assets**
**884,104**
**The funds of the charity:**
Restricted income funds
19
236,144
Unrestricted income funds
20
647,960
**Total charity funds**
**884,104**
2024|_£_
_£_
_76,628_
**_76,628_**
_33,739_
_693,164_
**_726,903_**
_(10,504)_
**_716,399_**
_793,027_
**_793,027_**
_481,626_
_311,401_
**_793,027_**
_2023_|_£_
_£_
_76,628_
**_76,628_**
_33,739_
_693,164_
**_726,903_**
_(10,504)_
**_716,399_**
_793,027_
**_793,027_**
_481,626_
_311,401_
**_793,027_**
_2023_|
|---|---|---|
|||**_76,628_**
**_716,399_**|
|||_793,027_|
|||**_793,027_**|
|||_481,626_
_311,401_|
|||**_793,027_**|
For the year in question, the company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
- The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006,
- The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and in accordance with FRS102 SORP, and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and are for circulation to members of the company.
The notes on pages 15 to 34 form part of these accounts.
Approved by the trustees on 12th November 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Penelope Hulbert (Chair)
Jonathan Gault (Treasurer)
13
Forest Voluntary Attion Forum
Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ending 31 March 2024
Note
2024
2023
Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
24
23,952
194,297
Cash flows from investing activities.-
Dividends, interest, and rents from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
8,476
(105,941)
980
(39, 977)
Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
{97,465)
(38,997)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents in the year
(73,513)
155,300
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
693.164
537.864
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
619,651
693,164
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Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
a Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 102). second edition
October 2019 (Charities SORP {FRS 102)),
the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and
the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Prattice.
Forest Voluntary Action Forum meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FR5102.
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transartion value unless
otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
b PparatIOn of the accounts on a going concern basis
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable
company's ability to continue as a going concem.
The tnjstees have made no key judgments which have a significant effect on the accounts.
The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the
reporting date that have a significant rtsk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
amount of assets and liabilities Wlthin the next reporting period.
c Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance
conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income
will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from government and other grants. whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is
recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions
attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the
amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
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Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
d Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be
measured reliably by the charity- this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or
payable by the Bank.
e Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of
charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at
their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are resources which the funder has specified are to be solely used for
particular area5 of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
f Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment
to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the
obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditu is classified under the following activity
headings:
Costs of raising funds comprise the salary and associated costs of staff involved in
fundraising
Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of other activities undertaken
to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was
incurred.
g Allocation of support costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly
undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back ofFice costs, finance, personnel,
payroll and governance costs which support the charity's programmes and artivities. These
costs have been allocated between cost of raising fund5 and expenditure on charitable
activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 8.
h Operating leases
Operating leases are leases in which the title to the assets, and the risks and rewards of
ownership, remain with the lessor. Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over
the term of the lease.
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Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
i Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated
over their estimated useful economic lives as follows..
Leasehold property improvement projects
(25 year lease from 1st July 2022)
Motor vehicles
straight line over remainder
of lease period
25010 of reducing balance
straight line 500/0
straight line 12.5Wo
Computer equipment
Office equipment
j Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade
discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts
due.
k Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short temi highly liquid investments with a
short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisltion or opening of the deposit
or similar account.
I Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting
from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the
amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and
provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade
discounts due.
m Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic
financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value
and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which
are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
n Pensions
Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution 'money purchase,
scheme. The charity's contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 11.
There were no outstanding contributions at the year end. The costs of the defined
contribution scheme are included within support and governance costs and allocated to the
funds of the charity using the methodology set out in note 9.
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Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
Legal status of the charity
The charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and has no
share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up. the liability in respect of the
guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The registered office address is
disclosed on page l.
Income from donations and legacies
Current reporting period
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total 2024
Donations
1,466
2,202
3,668
Total
1,466
2,202
3,668
Previous reporting period
Unrestricted
Restrirted
Total 2023
Donations
5.536
5.536
Total
5,536
5,536
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Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
Income from charitable activities
Current reporting period
Unrestrirted
Restricted
Total 2024
Project income
Office rental income
Room hire income
Sponsorship income
122.913
101,222
5.124
587,818
710,731
101,222
5,124
1,150
1,150
Total
229,259
588,968
818,227
Previous reporting period
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total 2023
Projects and Administration
100,796
647,767
748,563
Total
100.796
647,767
748,563
see note 23
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Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
Investment income
Current reporting period
Unrestrirted
Restricted
2024
Income from bank deposits
Income from investments
8.157
319
8,157
319
8.476
8,476
Previous reporting period
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Income from bank deposits
Income from investments
866
114
866
114
980
980
Cost of raising funds
2024
2023
staff costs
17,005
17.005
All expenditure on cost of raising funds is unrestricted
Fundraising costs were not identified in 2022123
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Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Current reporting period
Unrestrirted
Restricted
Total 2024
Projects
Staff costs
Premises costs
Administrative/office costs
Legal & professional costs
Community Engagement vehicle
Depreciation
Governance costs
(see note 8)
6.344
27,745
25,849
7,431
5,199
3,355
16,565
162,408
433,814
26,925
3,330
504
168,752
461,559
52,774
10,761
5,703
3,355
16,565
2,820
2,820
95,308
626,981
722,289
Previous reporting period
Unrestrirted
Restrirted
Total 2023
Projects & Administration
Depreciotion
Governance costs
(see note 8)
120.395
14,349
405,202
525,597
14,349
348
348
135,092
405,202
540,294
2024
2023
Restrirted expenditure
Unrestricted expenditure
626,981
95,308
405,202
135,092
722,289
540,294
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Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
Analysis of governance and support costs
Current reporting period
Basis of
apportionment
Support
Governance
Total 2024
AccourTrtancy services
Independent examiner's fee
Governance
Govemance
2,400
420
2,400
420
2.820
2,820
The charity has one activity and therefore does not apportion other support costs
Previous reporting period
Basis of
apportionment
Support
Governance
Total 2023
Independent examiners fee
Govemance
348
348
348
348
22
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
This is stated after chargingl(crediting):
2024
2023
Depreciation
Operating lease rentals:
Property
Accountancy fees
Independent examiner's fee
16.565
14,349
44,274
2,000
350
348
see note 23
io staff costs
staff costs during the year were as follows:
2024
2023
Wage5 and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Staff training
Provision for untaken annual leave
433,643
27,918
10,185
2,000
4,818
342,056
23,317
5,880
478,564
371,253
Allocated as follows:
Cost of raising funds
Charitable activities
17.005
461,559
478,564
staff costs were not analysed in 2022123
No employee has employee benefits (excluding employer NI and pension costs) in excess of
£60,000 {2023'. Nil).
The average number of staff employed during the period was 17.8 (2023: 21).
The average full time equivalent number of staff employed during the period was 14.6.
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the tnjstees and the Chief Executive
Officer. The total employee benefits (including employer NI and pension costs) of the key
management personnel of the charity were £63,351 (2023: £55,131).
23
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
11 Trustee remuneration and expenses. and related party transactions
Neither the trustees nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration or
reimbursed expenses during the year (2023: Nil).
No trustees received travel and subsistence expenses during the year (2023: £nil).
Aggregate donations from related partie5 were £nil (2023.. £nil).
There are no donations from related parties which a outside the nomlal course of business
and no restricted donations from related parties.
No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or
transaction entered into by the charity, including guarantees, during the year (2023.. nil).
12 Government grants
The government grants recognised in the accounts were as follows:
2024
2023
Parish Council
Town Council
District Council
County Council:
Community Pantry
Digital Hubs
Digital Innovation Fund
Forest Community Space
GEM / ESHO
Holiday & Activity Food Programmes
Know Your Patch
10,000
17.000
31,560
17,256
91,150
7,500
44,492
20,000
37,500
53, 778
68,448
12,000
57.059
52,500
36,800
95,950
12,000
312,869
352, 124
13 Corporation tax
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the
Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the
extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the
charity.
24
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
14 Fixed assets: tangible assets
Leasehold
property
Motor
vehicles
Computer
equipment
Office
equipment
Total
Cost
At l April 2023
Additions
39.977
101,396
51,000
90,977
105,941
1,449
3,096
At 31 March 2024
141.373
51.000
1.449
3.096
196,918
Depreciation
At l April 2023
Charge for the year
1,599
5.891
12,750
9.563
14,349
16,565
724
387
At 31 March 2024
7,490
22,313
724
387
30,914
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
133,883
28,687
725
2,709
166,004
At 31 March 2023
38,378
38,250
76,628
25
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
15 Debtors
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
12,834
201,781
28,528
5,108
103
see note 23
214.615
33,739
16 Cash at bank and in hand
2024
2023
Short temi cash investments
(less than 3 month maturity date)
Short temi deposits
Cash at bank and on hand
6,891
6,572
122,595
490,165
686,592
619,651
693, 164
26
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
17 Agency collections
In 2023124 funds were held temporarily for the Ukraine Community Hub, which was able to
receive and distribute donations in support of families coming from Ukraine sooner than it was
able to open its own bank account.
Active Gloucestershire funding to support youth activites at a local gym was also channelled
through FVAF.
Such transactions are recorded as agency collections.
At 31st March 2024, both funds had zero balances.
2024
Amounts received
Ukraine Community Hub
Active Gloucestershire
7,223
1,860
Amounts distributed
Ukraine Community Hub
Active Gloucestershire
(7,223)
(1,860)
Amount held at end of the period
18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trade creditors
Short term compensated absences (holiday pay)
Other creditors and accruals
66,872
4,818
44.476
5, 986
4,518
116,166
10,504
27
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
19 Analysis of movements in restricted funds
Current reporting Balance at
period
l April
2023
Balance at
31 March
2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Forest
Community
Space (fornierly
Forest Youth &
Community Hub)
64,846
112,566
(17,448)
(104,492)
55,472
Digital Inclusion
136,005
48,898
(125,154)
(21,850)
37,899
Going Extra Mile /
ESHO
Forest Youth
Association
5.678
36.800
(29.826)
(12,652)
54,716
70,562
(69,834)
(11,918)
43,526
Digital Hubs
61,595
71,619
(86,407)
(15,399)
31,408
Holiday & Activity
Food Programmes
26,240
95,950
(115,890)
6,300
Barnwood Trust
For My Networks
Other restritted
funds
30.286
63.780
(48.538)
45.528
102,260
90,995
(133,884)
(43,360)
16,011
Total
481,626
591,170
(626,981)
(209,671)
236,144
28
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
19 Analysis of movements in restricted funds (cont.)
Previous
reporting period
Balance ot
l April
2022
Balance at
31 March
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Forest Youth &
Community Hub
75,000
37,500
(47,654)
64,846
Digital Inclusion
157,000
(20,995)
136,005
Going Extra Mile
/ ESHO
Forest Youth
Association
35,378
(29.700)
5,678
46,200
40,401
(31,885)
54,716
Digital Hubs
51,940
44,831
(35,176)
61,595
Holiday & Activity
Food
Programmes
Barnwood Trust -
For My Networks
Other restricted
funds
92,221
(65,981)
26,240
5,000
60,000
(34, 714)
30,286
60,921
180,436
(139,097)
102,260
Total
239,061
647.767
(405,202)
481,626
29
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
19 Analysis of movements in restricted funds (cont.)
Name of
restricted fund
Description, nature and purposes of the fund
Forest Community The repurposing of a fonner GP'S surgery into FVAF'S new ofFice base and
Space {formerly
community hub in the heart of Cinderford.
Forest Youth &
Community Hub)
Digital Inclusion
The facilitation of a partnership focusing on digital inclusion in the Forest
of Dean.
Going Extra Mile I Supports people who want to move closer towards education. training or
ESHO
work.
Forest Youth
Association
An association of youth groups. clubs. activities. services, councils and
residents where skills, experiences and assets are shared for the benefit
of young people and communities throughout the Forest of Dean.
Digital Hubs
The facilitation of digital hubs across the Forest of Dean to support people
to learn and navigate digital solutions to specific challenges, e.g.
accessing online food deliveries, NHS services.
Holiday & Activity
Food Programmes
A central government led programme to deliver food and activities to
children aged 4-16 during school holidays. FVAF delivered the
programme for the Forest of Dean district.
Barnwood Trust -
For My Networks
The facilitation of a Mental Health Alliance in the Forest of Dean,
consisting of individuals. groups and organisations that support people
with mental health challenges.
Other restricted
funds
Promote any charitable purpose in the area of benefit, principally but not
exclusively in the area currently administered by the Forest of Dean
District Council. especially in relation to the advancement of education,
the protection of health and relief of poverty, sickness and distress.
Transfers
Transfers comprise amounts spent on capitalised assets, historical
adjustments relating to costs not allocated in previous periods, and
balance adjustments between specified funds and funds formerly within
"other restricted funds"
30
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
20 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds
Current reporting Balance
period
at l April
2023
Asat31
March 2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfer5
General fund
311,401
239,201
(112,313)
209,671
647,960
311,401
239.201
(112.313)
209,671
647,960
Previous
reporting period
Balance at
l April
2022
Asat31
March
2023
Income
Expenditu
Transfers
General fund
339,181
107,312
(135,092)
311,401
339,181
107,312
(135,092)
311,401
Name of
unrestricted fund Description. nature and purposes of the fund
General fund
The free reserves after allowing for all designated funds
31
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
21 Analysis of net assets between funds
Current reporting period
General
fund
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
166,004
481.956
166,004
718,100
236,144
Total
647,960
236,144
884,104
Previous reporting period
General
fund
Designated
funds
Restricted
fvnds
Total
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
76,628
234, 773
76,628
716,399
481,626
Total
311,401
481,626
793,027
22 Operating lease commitments
The charity's total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is as
follows for each of the following periods:
Property
2024
2023
Less than one year
One to five years
Over five years
25,000
loo,000
6.250
131,250
32
Forest Voluntary Action Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
23 Post balance sheet events
In June 2024, after negotiation5 Wlth Cinderford Town Council were completed, a 25 year lease
was signed on the former health centre in Cinderford (since re-named Ow Bist Forest
Community Space), effective from l July 2022.
Extensive renovation works and refurbishment have taken place.
In June 2024, negotiations were also completed with Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS
Foundation Trust and a 10 year underlease was signed for just over half of the space in the new
premises, effective from l July 2022. Further space is used by other organisations although
sub-leases have not yet been fomialised.
Costs and income arising from the above, relating to both 2022123 and 2023124, have been
accrued for in the 2024 accounts.
A new 5-year contract for the Integrated Youth Support Service has since been awarded, taking
effert from l October 2024, and a partnership for Children and Family Centres with
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust ha5 also been put in place to start from l April 2025.
24 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
2024
2023
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Decrease/{increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
91,077
214, 785
16,565
(8,476)
(180,876)
105,662
14,349
(980)
6,879
(40, 736)
Net cash provided by/{used in) operating
23,952
194,297
33
Forest Voluntary Attion Forum
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued)
25 Prior Year Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account)
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2023
Total fund5
2022
Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
5,536
5,536
108
Charitable activities
100.796
647.767
748.563
714.832
Investments
980
980
Other
15,831
Total income
107,312
647,767
755,079
730,774
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
120,743
405,202
525,945
394,646
other
14.349
14,349
Total expenditure
135,092
405,202
540,294
394,646
Net income/(expenditure) for the
year
(27.780)
242.565
214.785
336.128
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds for the year
(27,780)
242,565
214,785
336,128
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
339,181
239,061
578,242
242,114
Total funds carried forward
311,401
481,626
793,027
578 242
The statement of financial artivities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
34