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2025-03-31-accounts

Company Number: 07557852 Charity Number: 1141126

Forest Voluntary Ac�on Forum

Report and financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

Forest Voluntary Ac�on Forum Trustees Annual Report

The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Company No. 07557852 Charity No. 1141126

Principal Office

Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 2AN

Formerly, Rheola House, Belle Vue Centre, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire GL14 2AB

Registered Office

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 and up to the date of this report ( except as shown below ):

Roger Deeks Jonathan Gault (Treasurer) Victoria Head ( resigned 12 March 2025 ) Penelope Hulbert (Chair) Elizabeth Diana Mar�n Simon Murray (Deputy Chair) Louise Penny Sidney Phelps Susan Pritchard ( resigned 24 March 2025 ) Robert Rhodes Christopher Walker ( resigned 29 November 2024 ) Joshua Bond (appointed 9 June 2025)

Company Secretary

Christopher Brown

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Forest Voluntary Ac�on Forum Trustees Annual Report

Key Management Personnel

Christopher Brown, CEO Nicholas Penny, Programme Manager Teresa Allewell, Finance & Opera�ons Manager Felicity Simister, Youth Associa�on Manager Catherine Best, Communica�ons & Fundraising Manager

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 Ancoats Manchester M4 6JG

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Included within the trustees’ report is the directors’ report as required by company law.

Reference and administra�ve informa�on set out on pages 1 and 2 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the memorandum and ar�cles of associa�on and the Statement of Recommended Prac�ce – Accoun�ng and Repor�ng by Chari�es: SORP applicable to chari�es preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Our purpose as a charity is to 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 rela�on to the advancement of educa�on, the protec�on of health and relief of poverty, sickness and distress.

The main ac�vi�es to achieve the purpose of the charity are:

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Summary of the main ac�vi�es

Community Hubs

Facilita�ng conversa�ons with local residents to develop and grow grassroots community ac�vi�es and groups. Crea�ng an ‘open door’ for support services, educa�on, and training provision, and gathering informa�on to develop the Forest Compass publica�on with signpos�ng for individuals to local organisa�ons and community ac�vi�es.

Digi-Hubs

The facilita�on of digital hubs across the Forest of Dean to support people to learn and navigate digital solu�ons to specific challenges e.g. accessing online food deliveries and accessing NHS services. Due to the success of this provision, FVAF are now facilita�ng a countywide partnership to ensure Digital Hubs are present in every district in Gloucestershire.

Digital Inclusion Project

Facilita�on of a partnership focusing on digital inclusion in the Forest of Dean. This includes undertaking local research and running pilot projects to address iden�fied gaps.

Forest Youth Associa�on

An associa�on of youth groups, clubs, ac�vi�es, services, councils and residents where skills, experiences and assets are shared for the benefit of young people and communi�es throughout the Forest of Dean. The Associa�on facilitates a wide array of projects with and on behalf of communi�es. During the repor�ng period this included suppor�ng the Children and Young Persons Weight Management Service (CYPWMS) and facilita�ng youth clubs in Blakeney, Coleford and Mitcheldean, and a Young Mum’s Support Group.

Significantly, FVAF collaborated with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust (GGT), The Venture Community Hub and other partners to bid for the Integrated Youth Support Service (IYSS) for Gloucestershire, supporting young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). The bid was successful, and the YSS contract began 1st October 2024 with FVAF covering the Forest of Dean district.

To support the setting up and implementation of the YSS, FVAF’s Development Manager was seconded to GGT as Interim YSS Director to provide strategic capacity, build relationships with partners and Gloucester County Council, and to support and coach the FVAF Youth Team. She continued in that role (initially on a part-time basis, then on a full-time basis) until end August 2025. A new permanent YSS Director was appointed by GGT in January 2025, yet due to the successful award of a new Family Hubs contract starting 1[st] April 2025, FVAF’s Development Manager continued to support the embedding of the YSS and later transitioned the YSS to the new permanent YSS Director.

The YSS contract will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Forest Youth Association and enable further investment by FVAF in youth and community activities over the next four to six years. In the first six (6) months of the contract (up to 31 March 25), 191 youth sessions had been delivered. In March 25 alone 650 young people were supported.

Holiday Ac�vity and Food Programme (HAF/HAP)

A central government led programme to deliver food and ac�vi�es to children aged 4-16 during school holidays. FVAF delivered the programme for the Forest of Dean District during the repor�ng year working closely with the Forest Youth Associa�on and over 35 other local providers, many of which were local voluntary sector organisa�ons.

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Know Your Patch

A fortnightly community forum that brings together voluntary sector groups, statutory services and residents to support collabora�ve approaches to service design and par�cipa�on.

My Networks (Now MyCelium)

The facilita�on of a Mental Health Alliance in the Forest of Dean, consis�ng of individuals, groups, and organisa�ons that support people with mental health challenges. This includes the facilita�on of a recovery and wellbeing café, a training and mentoring offer, capacity building, advocacy, and provision of a shared resource hub.

Organisa�onal Development

FVAF keep voluntary organisa�ons up to date with best prac�ce and key legisla�ve changes and help with the crea�on and altera�on of governing documents and policies. We also help organisa�ons, clubs and groups to publicise themselves to communi�es through a wide variety of mediums and networks. This includes facilita�ng regular community events and publishing the Forest Compass directory. During the repor�ng year, we facilitated DBS checks for community volunteers in order to support the safer delivery of provision in the Forest of Dean district.

Ow Bist Forest Community Space - Ofce Share and Mee�ng Room Hire

To promote closer working within the sector and be�er community engagement, we ac�vely promote office sharing and mee�ng room hire in the space we lease from Cinderford Town Council. During the repor�ng period, we rented out parts of the building to North & West Gloucestershire Ci�zens Advice, Caring for Communi�es and People (CCP) and Great Oaks Hospice. We also con�nued to provide space for regular hirers including Lloyds Bank (providing a fortnightly community banking service) and Wyldwood Arts, as well as one-off hires for mee�ngs, workshops and events.

Strategic Development and Advocacy

FVAF sit on a wide variety of influen�al partnerships, boards and forums. This includes the Community Safety Partnership, Health and Wellbeing Strategic Partnership, VCSE Strategic Partnership and Integrated Local Partnership. Here we advocate on behalf of local communi�es and the local VCSE, ensuring their voices, skills and capacity are recognised and rewarded in the development of and delivery of services. A key achievement and ongoing mission through this work is to ensure resources (financial or otherwise), are equitably distributed and peer accountability across sectors is recognised and upheld.

Sustainable Food Networks

Funding from Thirty Percy, Gloucestershire County Council and others, via Forest of District Council, enabled FVAF to establish the Forest of Dean Food Network. This followed a previous piece of work to map, develop and join up sustainable food ini�a�ves across the Forest of Dean. Projects supported by the Network this year include; Bream Gardening Society, Yorkley Community Garden, Parkend Community Orchard, Cinderford and Coleford Grows, Dean Forest Food Hub, Sharing Kitchen Newent, Salva�on Army and Two Rivers Housing. The Food Network has also facilitated a variety of partnership events around themes such as Social and Therapeu�c Gardening and Community Growing.

Volunteer Brokerage

FVAF run a volunteer brokerage service where we adver�se and recruit volunteers for organisa�ons and ensure appropriate support is in place for both. This includes placing individual volunteers in suitable roles, publishing a volunteer directory, monthly newsle�er, facilita�ng annual volunteering awards, and par�cipa�ng towards Go Volunteer Glos and the Gloucestershire Volunteering Collabora�ve.

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Walking with Wheels

Hiring out all-terrain mobility scooters to those suffering from ill health or disability so that they can access the Forest of Dean woodland trails.

Contribu�on made by volunteers

Volunteers are central to us achieving our objects. We had 26 regular volunteers in the repor�ng period who helped with administra�on (related to our volunteering offer), marke�ng, providing digital support, and running youth clubs and suppor�ng holiday food provision.

We have also con�nued to signpost volunteer roles to over 1,000 people throughout the repor�ng period through mail shots, social media, events, roadshows, drop-ins, and one to one conversa�ons.

FVAF’s own staff team completed in excess of 125 hours volunteering for local organisa�ons, chari�es and groups, ranging from pain�ng a local gym, suppor�ng the local food bank and ac�ng as trustee. These hours relate to FVAF’s Employer Supported Volunteering offer, where all staff can contribute up to one week pro rata each year to volunteering ini�a�ves. Many FVAF staff also volunteer their �me outside of these hours.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary of the main achievements of the charity

During the repor�ng period, FVAF provided support to groups within the Voluntary and Community Sector concerning the following topics:

Achievements against objec�ves set:

1. To establish a presence and reputa�on throughout the Forest of Dean

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2. To support stronger, resilient and sustainable communi�es

3. Establish "what works", tell the stories and demonstrate the value of strong communi�es across the county

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4. Build capacity with the focus of facilita�ng produc�ve conversa�ons with communi�es

Performance of fundraising objec�ves against objec�ves set:

Income generated was in line with our fundraising objec�ves.

The trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objec�ves and planning its future ac�vi�es. In par�cular, the trustees consider how planned ac�vi�es will contribute to the charity’s set aims and objec�ves.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Income and fundraising

FVAF’s income for the repor�ng period was £836,556 (2024: £830,371).

2024/2025 has seen a reduc�on in debtors at the financial year end to £115,875 (2024: £214,615). The majority of sums owed were paid in early April 2025, and with the excep�on of £5,000 owed by Mitcheldean Parish Council all sums owed have been received in 2025/26.

Having opened two new savings accounts in the 2023/24 repor�ng period, FVAF benefi�ed from the opportunity to earn interest over a full 12 months to 31 March 2025, genera�ng a large increase in interest income to £15,938 (2024: £8,476).

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Forest Voluntary Ac�on Forum Trustees Annual Report

Expenditure

Spending on charitable ac�vi�es increased during the repor�ng period to £756,340 (2024: £722,289), enabling FVAF to recruit addi�onal staff to establish a Forest Food Network, provide peer support, advocacy and development opportuni�es to individuals at risk of mental health challenges, and support the new youth support services contract including increasing youth outreach work.

The significant increase in creditors falling due in less than one year to £280,680 (2024: £116,166) was principally the result of monies received in advance for delivery of digital projects in 2025/26 (£204,255) and sums payable to partners working with FVAF on digital projects. All sums owed as at 31 March 2025 have been paid in 2025/26.

FVAF applied for and received a social investment loan from Barnwood Trust (£65,000) to help fund the crea�on of a community café at Ow Bist Forest Community Space. The loan was drawn down in full in October 2024, for more informa�on see Note 20 to the Financial Statements (Creditors: falling due a�er more than one year).

Risk Management

As part of FVAF’s on-going risk management, FVAF con�nues to operate a current account with CAF Bank Limited, and holds an instant access account with Unity Trust Bank and a liquidity manager 95-day no�ce account with Na�onal Westminster Bank plc: these la�er accounts are used to hold the charity reserves and, at �mes, may hold some of FVAF’s working capital.

The current principal risks facing the organisa�on include funding core costs:

Immediate risks are low, but measured and mi�gated through the alloca�on of sufficient reserves.

We have excellent rela�onships with principal funders, which we ac�vely manage through regular communica�ons and delivery of �mely monitoring reports. We keep abreast of developments in the funding climate, both locally and na�onally.

In addi�on, our senior management team use a decision-making framework to analyse opportuni�es against our charitable objec�ves and aims, capacity and values. Where required, we use fixed term contracts to mi�gate against short term funding.

With Local Government Reform announcements due to impact two of our principal funders (Gloucestershire County Council and Forest of Dean District Council) within the next 5 years, we are mindful of our reliance on their income. To mi�gate, FVAF are ac�vely engaged in conversa�ons related to Local Government Reform and con�nue to highlight the need to maintain or increase funds to the VCSE and local communi�es within whatever new structure follows.

Addi�onally, FVAF recruited a Finance & Administra�on Officer, during the repor�ng period, to support the finance func�on as FVAF con�nues to grow and expand its ac�vi�es, with increasing numbers of projects, transac�ons and staff.

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FVAF maintains, reviews and updates risk assessments for its opera�ons and ac�vi�es on a regular basis and, when necessary, will undertake a dynamic risk assessment to respond to a new or specific risk that is iden�fied or arises during the course of an ac�vity or engagement.

Reserves

The trustees review the reserves each year in line with Charity Commission guidance.

In December 2024, the trustees approved a new Reserves Policy with an increased target level for reserves of £360,000 to £875,000, and agreed to maintain reserves at the mid-range level of £582,000.

To enable FVAF to withstand financial risk without comprising its ability to deliver its aims, the trustees recognise the need to hold reserves for the purposes of managing cashflow (impacted by �ming of receipts from funders), grant income uncertainty, increased liabili�es with our larger premises and greater use of those premises, cover for 6 months’ opera�ng costs, improving staff terms and condi�ons and the need for addi�onal senior management capacity as the organisa�on con�nues to grow.

As at 31 March 2025, FVAF held funds of £927,011 (2024: £884,104). Of this £203,689 (2024: £236,144) was in restricted funds and £723,322 (2024: £647,960) in unrestricted funds. The unrestricted funds of £723,322 exceed our mid-range target reserves and are nearing the higher figure of £875,000.

Principal sources of funds

Principal core funding: Forest of Dean District Council (Volunteering SLA), Thirty Percy Founda�on and Gloucestershire Gateway Trust (secondment of FVAF Development Manager).

Principal grants: Gloucestershire County Council (Community Food Network, Digital Hubs, HAF/HAP Programme, Know Your Patch, and Thriving Communi�es), Barnwood Trust (My Networks, Community Café and Walking with Wheels) and Forest of Dean District Council (Digital Inclusion., Forest Food Network and Community Café).

Principal other income: includes re-charged salaries to Gloucestershire Gateway Trust (IYSS) and service charges from tenants at Ow Bist Forest Community Space.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Charity’s governing document is the Memorandum and Ar�cles of Associa�on, 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-for-profit organisa�ons. Every member of the charity, if the charity is 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 liabili�es of the charity incurred before they ceased to be a member.

Trustee selec�on, induc�on and training

We adver�se for new Trustees through our extensive networks, and any interested persons are required to submit an applica�on form, provide references and a�end an interview with at least two trustees (usually, including the Chair of Trustees) and FVAF’s CEO. If successful, they are appointed by elec�on at the AGM or through co-op�on at our quarterly trustee mee�ngs.

All new trustees are provided with a full induc�on and required to read all FVAF's relevant policies and procedures.

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Trustees are also offered relevant training where required from the likes of NCVO and the Gloucestershire VCS Alliance.

Organisa�onal structure and wider network

The charity is governed by a board of trustees and managed on a day-to-day basis by the CEO and senior management leadership team.

The charity also hosts the Forest of Dean Youth Associa�on and My Networks Mental Health Alliance and was an ac�ve partner of the Gloucestershire Gateway Partnership CIC (GGP) un�l August 2025. GGP dissolved in August 2025 and is in the process of re-establishing itself as a registered charity.

In December 2024, FVAF engaged The Connec�ves consultancy to undertake a review of FVAF’s structure and strategy. The work included undertaking interviews, surveys and workshops with FVAF staff, trustees and key stakeholders to understand the strengths and opportuni�es within the organisa�on and ul�mately recommend an organisa�onal structure and strategy that is fit for the future.

During the repor�ng period, FVAF also recruited and employed a new Community Centre Manager on behalf of Sedbury Space community group and a Youth Worker on behalf of Tidenham Parish Council (un�l early September 2024). FVAF also employs a Facili�es Manager, who it shares with ArtSpace Cinderford.

At �mes, FVAF may sub-contract providers to deliver some elements of work to achieve the charitable aims. This includes but is not limited to trainers, youth workers and community organisa�ons.

Future Plans

As we finalise this report, FVAF is delighted to report that its collaboration with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, Aspire Foundation, and other partners to bid for the Children and Family Centres contract for the Forest of Dean and Gloucester has been successful. The contract started 1[st] April 2025. Whilst FVAF are not directly delivering on the contract itself, we are an influential part of the partnership and will help to shape the way in which the children and family centres serve their communities. This will include enabling FVAF to utilise these spaces and reach the children, families and stakeholders who access them.

FVAF have designed a 5 year delivery model to support families with children under 5 across the county. This includes strategies for capturing the voices of communities to understand where capacity and support networks need to be developed. This will be facilitated by Neighbourhood Connectors and supported by local organisations. A catalyst for growing this capacity comes from local community chests. The model was presented to the Summerfield Charitable Trust as part of the Gloucestershire Gateway Partnership and in Summer 25 the Partnership were awarded £1.5m over 5 years. FVAF will receive in the region of £300,000 to run the Forest of Dean part of the project.

Additional support is also being provided to young people of Cinderford to help them engage in new activities, and reduce anti-social behaviour. Funding for this project has been received from the local Community Safety Partnership.

The delivery of the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF/HAP) has, and will continue, throughout 2025 and into Spring 2026.

In September 2025, we held our fourth Annual Volunteer Awards event, and have recently taken initial steps to produce a new directory of voluntary and community organisations, for one of the principal towns in the district, Lydney, with the aim of helping to integrate existing residents and new residents, following the building of several new housing developments in recent years.

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We have also recruited two new members of staff, each fulfilling the role of Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator, working closely together, to build and strengthen a growing partnership of communities, businesses, and organisations driving urgent and fair climate action across the Forest of Dean District. Funding is being provided by Thirty Percy.

FVAF is increasingly becoming involved in health-related projects. We have received funding from NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board to help local people manage their blood pressure and reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes. This will involve working with the NHS and local community to co-design projects or interventions that seek to address these gaps. The focus will be on identifying and creating a network of trusted community-based spaces in which to undertake blood pressure testing and give further guidance/signposting: it is expected to be delivered by volunteers and community groups.

We have also been approached to re-launch and transform a volunteer-led ‘Forest Health Forum’ into a robust, community-driven health advocacy forum. There are significant health inequalities in the Forest of Dean district, and so a need to amplify the voice and lived experience of local residents, particularly those affected by long-term health conditions and social isolation. The Forum will facilitate health campaigning and meaningful engagement with service providers, ensuring that local needs and priorities shape both current and future healthcare delivery.

October 2025 has been an especially busy month for FVAF:

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dedicated capacity and leadership, whilst unlocking existing capacity for members of staff to act more strategically in line with the Theory of Change. This will also support the organisation to raise its profile and influence. The structure will also provide clear career and development pathways for staff whilst strengthening lines of accountability and rewarding those who demonstrate our culture and values. The permanent new staffing changes will cost approximately £50,000 per annum, with temporary (fixed term) changes costing in the region of £40,000 per annum. The initial investment will come from reserves with the expectation that the roles will become self-sustaining over time.

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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:

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 27/11/2025 and signed on their behalf of the Board of Trustees by

Penelope Hulbert Chair of Trustees

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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 2025 which are set out on pages 15 to 37.

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: 28/11/2025

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Forest Voluntary Action Forum Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestrirted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Note Income from: Donations and legacies 1.085 525 1,610 3,668 Charitable artivities 202.545 616.463 819.008 818.227 Investments 15.938 15,938 8.476 Total income 219,568 616,988 836,556 830,371 Expenditure on: Raising funds 37,309 37,309 17,005 Charitable artivities 115.616 640.724 756.340 722.289 Total expenditure 152.925 640.724 793,649 739.294 Net income/(expenditure) for the year 66,643 (23,736) 42,907 91,077 Transfer between funds 8.719 (8.719) Net movement in funds for the year 75,362 (32,455) 42,907 91,077 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 647.960 236,144 884,104 793,027 Total funds carried forward 723,322 203,689 927,011 884,104 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. 15

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Company number 07557852

Balance sheet as at 31 March 2025

Note
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
200,539
Total fixed assets
200,539
Current assets
Debtors
15
115,875
Cash at bank and in hand
16
956,277
Total current assets
1,072,152
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due in less than one year
18
(280,680)
Net current assets
791,472
Total assets less current liabilities
992,011
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year
20
(65,000)
Net assets
927,011
The funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
21
203,689
Unrestricted income funds
22
723,322
Total charity funds
927,011
2025		 £
£
166,004
166,004
214,615
619,651
834,266
(116,166)
718,100
884,104
-
884,104
236,144
647,960
884,104
2024		 £
£
166,004
166,004
214,615
619,651
834,266
(116,166)
718,100
884,104
-
884,104
236,144
647,960
884,104
2024
166,004
718,100
884,104
-
884,104
236,144
647,960
884,104

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:

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 18 to 37 form part of these accounts.

Approved by the trustees on 27/11/2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Penelope Hulbert (Chair)

Jonathan Gault (Treasurer)

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Forest Voluntary Action Forum Statement of Cash Flows for the year ending 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 25 307,226 23,952 Cash flows from investing activities.. Dividends, interest, and rents from investments Purchase of tangible fixed assets 15,938 (51,538) 8,476 (105,941) Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities (35.600) (97.465) Cash flows fmm financing activities.. Cash inflows from new borrowing 65,000 Cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 65,000 Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year 336,626 (73,513) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 619,651 693,164 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 956,277 619,651 17

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted. Judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follow5: a Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Prartice 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 Practice. Forest Voluntary Action Forum meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRSIO2. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. b Preparation 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 concern. The trustees 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 risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within 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 ￿liablY and is not deferred. 18

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (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 nomially upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. e Fund accounting Unrestricted fund5 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 areas 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 attivities includes the costs of other attivities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a c05t against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. g Allocation of support costs Support costs are those funrtions 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 activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds 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. 19

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) i Tangible fixed assets Individual fixed assets costing £l.000 or more a￿ capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives a5 follows: Leasehold property improvement projects {25 year lease from 1st July 2022) Building-related costs straight line over remainder of lease period Straight line IOO/o (10 years) straight line 200/0 (5 years) 250/0 of reducing balance straight line 500/0 (2 years) straight line 12.50/0 (8 years) Major items Fittings Motor vehicles 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 term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. I Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions a￿ 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 ba51C 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 10. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end (2024: £nil). 20

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (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 offfice address is disclosed on page l. Income from donations and legacies Current reporting period Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Donations 1,085 525 1,610 Total 1,085 525 1,610 Previous reporting period Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Donations 1.466 2.202 3,668 Total 1,466 2,202 3,668 21

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Income from charitable activities Current reporting period Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Project income Office rental income Room hire income Sponsorship income 129,798 67.225 5,522 615,863 745,661 67,225 5,522 600 600 Total 202,545 616,463 819,008 Previous reporting period Unrestrirted Restrirted 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 229,259 587.818 818,227 2024 total included income relating to 2023 22

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Investment income Current reporting period Unrestricted Restricted 2025 Income from bank deposits Income from investments 15,597 341 15,597 341 15,938 15,938 Previous reporting period Unrestrirted Restricted 2024 Income from bank deposlts Income from investments 8,157 319 8,157 319 8,476 8,476 Cost of raising funds 2025 2024 Staff costs 37,309 17,005 37,309 17,005 All expenditure on cost of raising funds is unrestricted. 23

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Current reporting period Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Projects Staff costs Premises Costs Administrative/offfice costs Legal & professional costs Community Engagement vehicle Depreciation Governance costs (see note 81 132,573 508,151 132,573 524,016 48,889 12,103 14,510 3,796 17,003 15.865 48,889 12,103 14.510 3.796 17,003 3,450 3,450 115,616 640,724 756,340 Previous reporting period Unrestritted Restritted Total 2024 Projects Staff Costs Premises Costs Administrative/office costs Legal & professional costs Community Engagement Vehicle Depreciation Govemance 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 2025 2024 Restricted expenditure Unrestricted expenditure 640,724 115,616 626,981 95,308 756,340 722,289 24

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Analysis of governance and support costs Current reporting period Basis of apportionment Support Govemance Total 2025 Accountancy services Independent examiner's fee Govemance Governance 2,850 600 2,850 600 3,450 3,450 The charity has one activity and therefore does not apportion other support costs.. Previous reporting period Basis of apportionment Support Governance Total 2024 Accountancy service5 Independent examiners fee Goveman Govemance 2,400 420 2,400 420 2,820 2,820 Net income/{expenditure) for the year This 15 Stated after charging/(crediting): 2025 2024 Depreciation Operating lease rentals: Property Accountancy fees Auditor's / Independent examiner's fee 17,003 16.565 25,000 2,375 500 44,274 2,000 350 2024 total included expenditure relating to 2023 25

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 10 Staff costs staff costs during the year were as follows: 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Staff training Increase in provision for untaken annual leave 500,694 38,718 12.839 2,326 6,748 433,643 27,918 10,185 2,000 4,818 561.325 478.564 Allocated as follows: Cost of raising funds Charitable activities 37,309 524.016 17,005 461.559 561,325 478,564 One employee has employee benefits (excluding employer Nl and pension costs) between £60,000 and £70,000 (2024: no employee has employee benefits (excluding employer Nl and pension costs) in excess of £60,000). The average number of staff employed during the period was 19.8 (2024.. 17.8). The average full time equivalent number of staff employed during the period was 15.9 {2024.' 14.6). The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team. The total employee benefits (including employer Nl and pension costs) of the key management personnel of the charity were £214,963 (2024.. (trustees and CEO only) £63,351). 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 {2024.. Nil). No trustees received travel and subsistence expenses during the year {2024.. £nil). Aggregate donations from related parties were £nil (2024: £nil). There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties (2024- £nil). 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 (2024: nil). 26

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 12 Government grants The government grants recognised in the accounts were as follows: 2025 2024 Parish Council Town Council District Council County Council: Community Food Network Digital Hubs Forest Community Space GEM / ESHO Holiday & Artivity Food Programmes Know Your Patch Thriving Communities 14,154 15.176 52,535 10,000 17.000 31,560 17,500 79.289 57.059 52,500 36,800 95,950 12.000 104,082 15.000 7,500 305.236 312.869 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 Sertion 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. 27

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 14 Fixed assets: tangible assets Leasehold property Motor vehicles Computer equipment Office equipment Total Cost At l April 2024 Additions 141,373 51,538 51,000 1,449 3,096 196,918 51,538 At 31 March 2025 192,911 51,000 1,449 3,096 248,456 Dep￿CiatIon At l April 2024 Charge for the year 7,490 8,719 22,313 7,172 724 725 387 387 30,914 17,003 At 31 March 2025 16,209 29,485 1,449 774 47,917 Net book value At 31 March 2025 176,702 21,515 2,322 200,539 At 31 March 2024 133,883 28,687 725 2,709 166,004 28

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 15 Debtors 2025 2024 Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 96,690 11,312 7.873 12,834 201.781 115,875 214,615 2024 total included office rental income relating to 2023 16 Cash at bank and in hand 2025 2024 Short temi cash investments (less than 3 month maturity date) Short term deposits Cash at bank and on hand 7,233 6,891 390,601 558,443 122,595 490,165 956,277 619,651 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. There was no further aqency activity in 2024125. 2025 2024 Amounts received Ukraine Community Hub Active Gloucestershire 7,223 1.860 Amounts distributed Ukraine Community Hub Active Gloucestershi (7,223) (1.860) Amount held at end of the period 29

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Short term compensated absences (holiday pay) Other creditors and accruals Deferred income 28,234 11.566 36,625 204,255 66,872 4.818 44,476 280,680 116.166 19 Deferred income 2025 2024 Deferred grant brought forward Grant received Released to income from charitable activities 204,255 Deferred grant carried forward 204,255 20 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 2025 2024 Barnwood Trust loan 65.000 65,000 Repayable on 29th October 2034 65,000 The loan financing is in the form of an unsecured loan with a 40/0 flat interest rate per annum, and is for capital development and set-up costs for a community cafe. 30

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 21 Analysis of movements in restricted funds Current reporting Balance at period l April 2024 Balance at 31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers Ow Bist Forest Community Space 55,472 64,795 (8,719) 111,548 Digital Inclusion 37,899 (20,899) (1,000) 16,000 Forest Youth Association 43,526 163,477 (203,231) 3,772 Digital Hubs 31,408 89,289 (113,482) 7,215 Holiday & Activity Food Programmes Barnwood Trust - For My Networks Other restricted funds 6,300 104,082 (107,020) 3,362 45,528 61,860 (72,720) (2, 197) 32,471 16,011 133,485 (123,372) 3,197 29,321 Total 236.144 616.988 (640.724) (8.719) 203,689 31

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 21 Analysis of movements in restricted funds (cont.) Previous reporting period Balance at l April 2023 Balance at 31 March 2024 Income Expenditu Transfers Ow Bist Forest Community Space Digital Inclusion 64,846 112,566 (17,448) (104,492) 55,472 136,005 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 & Artivity Food Programmes Bèrnwood Trust - For My Networks other restricted funds 26,240 95,950 (115,890) 6,300 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 32

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 21 Analysis of movements in restricted funds (cont.) Name of restricted fund Description, nature and purposes of the fund Ow Bist Forest Community Space The repurposing of a former GP'S surgery into FVAF'S new office base and community hub in the heart of Cinderford. A transfer was made from restricted to unrestricted funds to reflect that the cost of the leasehold property has been capitalised within fixed assets, with depreciation charged annually to restricted funds. The facilitation of a partnership focusing on digital inclusion in the Forest of Dean. Digital Inclusion Going Extra Mile / Supports people who svant 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 help individuals overcome barriers to digital access, including online shopping, healthcare, and employment, and, as appointed lead for Gloucestershire, overseeing distrirt partners and ensuring the development and sustainability of the digital hubs project. 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. Holiday & Activity Food Programmes Barnwood Trust - For My Networks The facilitation of a Mental Health Alliance in the Forest of Dean, con515ting 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 2024125 Transfers are agreed transfers between funds to support Forest Compass publication. 2023124 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" 33

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 22 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds Current reporting Balance at period l April 2024 Asat31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers General fund 647,960 219,568 (152,925) 8,719 723,322 647,960 219,568 (152,925) 8,719 723,322 Previous reporting period Balance at l April 2023 Asat31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Tronsfers General fvnd 311,401 239.201 (112,313) 209.671 647, 960 311,401 239,201 (112,313) 209,671 647, 960 Name of unrestricted fund Description, nature and purposes of the fund General fund The free reserves after allowing for all designated funds 34

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 23 Analysis of net assets between funds Current reporting period General fund Designated funds Restricted funds Total Tangible fixed assets Net current assets/(liabilities) Creditors of more than one year 200.539 587,783 (65,000) 200,539 791,472 (65,0001 203,689 Total 723,322 203,689 927,011 Previous reporting period General fund Designated funds Restrirted fvnds 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 24 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 2025 2024 Le55 than one year One to five years Over five years 25,000 81,250 25,000 loo,000 6,250 106,250 131,250 35

Forest Voluntary Action Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 25 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2025 2024 Net income/{expenditure) for the year Adjustments for: Depreciation charge Dividends, interest and rents from investments Decrease/{increase) in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors 42,907 91,077 17,003 (15,938) 98,740 164,514 16,565 (8,476) (180,876) 105.662 Net cash provided by/(used in) operating 307,226 23,952 26 Analysis of changes in net debt uiner non- cash changes Balance at i April 2024 Asat31 March 2025 Cashflow5 Cash and cash equivalents Cash 619,651 336.626 956,277 619,651 336,626 956,277 Borrowings Debt due more than l year (65,000) (65,000) (65.000) (65,000) Total 619,651 271,626 891,277 36

Forest Voluntary Attion Forum Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 27 Prior Year Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account) Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2024 Total fund5 2023 Note Income from: Donations and legacies 1,466 2,202 3,668 5,536 Charitable activities 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 ftjnds 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 ￿COgnised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 37