# **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES** # **(TAKEN FROM THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED** **31 MARCH 2024** ## **FOR** ## **INTERLINK RCT** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** The trustees present their report along with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Section 419(2) of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies on page 16 and comply with the Charity's constitution and applicable law. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** Interlink RCT is a members-led charity focused on creating connected, resourceful and sustainable communities; where people develop trust, respect and understanding, have good health and can access the resources they need. By encouraging people and communities to recognise and work with the assets the community already has - such as its people, buildings and land - communities can act on what really matters. ## **CONSTITUTION AND OBJECTS** The original constitution of Interlink was adopted on 23 January 1997 amended by special resolution on 26 March 1998 and further amended at a special General Meeting on 20 September 2001 and is a registered charity. The objects of the Charity are the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf and surrounding area as defined in the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994. Following a special resolution at the Annual General Meeting on the 1st December 2010, the charity adopted new memorandum and articles and became incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee on the 2nd March 2011. The new charity was registered with the Charity Commission on the 4th April 2011. Interlink RCT's updated charitable objectives were approved at the AGM in November 2022 after being pre-approved by the Charity Commission. Interlink RCT's charity objects were changed from, 'The objects for which the Charity is established are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff, as defined in the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, and surrounding areas (hereinafter referred to as 'the area of benefit').' to, 'The charity objects are specifically restricted to the following: (1) To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the public, for the benefit of the community in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff, as defined in the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, and surrounding areas (hereinafter referred to as 'the area of benefit'), and in particular but not exclusively, build the capacity of third sector organisations and provide them with the necessary support, information and services to enable them to pursue or contribute to any such charitable purpose. (2) To promote, organise and facilitate co-operation and partnership working between third sector, statutory and other relevant bodies in the achievement of the above purposes within the area of benefit, and to that end to bring together into membership of the Charity persons and organisations engaged in the furtherance of the said purposes within the area of benefit.' ## **TRUSTEES** 1 The trustees in office during the period and at the date of this report are set out on page 6. Trustees are elected for a term of three years at the Annual General Meeting by the membership and are required to sign a declaration of their eligibility to serve. Trustees have taken responsibility for monitoring the Charity's activities through the Executive Committee. The constitution was amended to move toward non-member trustees to serve for three years with the same voting rights as member trustees to replace coopted trustees that served for a one-year term. Non-member Directors will be appointed in the same way as member Directors and under the same terms and voting rights as member Directors. The number of non-member directors shall be not more than three, including non- member Directors. The Trustee Handbook was amended to reflect these changes and to state only one Officer's role can be filled by a non-member trustee at any one time. ## **Induction and Training Procedures** All trustees are offered training in respect of trustee roles and responsibilities and are required to attend an induction session with another trustee after the annual meeting as part of trustee mentoring using a buddy system. Trustees are offered a range of opportunities throughout the year to develop their knowledge and skills to effectively fulfil their role and a skills audit used to assess and address gaps. ## **RISK REVIEW** The Trustees have conducted their own review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and systems including a risk register established to mitigate those risks. Internal risks are minimised by effective management of the Charity's activities and the implementation of budgetary and financial procedures, which are subject to at least annual review to ensure that they still meet the needs of the Charity. This was another challenging year with the cost-of-living crisis following the Covid 19 pandemic. Interlink RCT trustees had to continue to address the challenges it and its members face while still trying to deliver planned services to support local people and communities. Despite the investments not increasing in value, healthy Charity reserves provide scope to trustees to invest in priority areas in 2024/25. Interlink's main areas of work continue to focus on: - Community Advice and Support; providing information, advice, training and funding to support volunteers and community and voluntary organisations. - Volunteering; supporting volunteers and volunteer organisations. - Wellbeing; finding out what matters to individuals and communities, and working in partnership to provide information, advice and support. - Involving people and communities; supporting people, volunteers, and community and voluntary organisations to be listened to and involved, to take action and to influence those things that matter to them. Interlink, as a County Voluntary Council is a member of Third Sector Support Wales who provide a universal service across Wales based on supporting the following four pillars: - Volunteering - Good Governance - Thriving and Sustainable Third Sector - Influencing and Strategic Engagement ## **OUR VISION** We believe that volunteering and community action will lead to connected, resourceful and sustainable communities, where people are treated fairly, have good health and have the resources they need. We believe in supporting communities to be connected, resourceful and sustainable. ## Connected Communities have a greater impact when volunteers, informal and formal community and voluntary organisations and partners are connected and work together towards shared goals. ## Resourceful When communities have the power and resources to lead, they quickly find ways to work together using what they have to overcome difficulties, seek new opportunities and take action. ## Sustainable Sustainable communities develop where everyone has the opportunity to be involved, connected and valued for the contribution they make to the wellbeing of their community. ## **OUR MISSION** To work with others to understand and build on the strengths of local people and communities to address what matters. ## **OUR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES** - We value the work of all volunteers, informal and formal community groups and voluntary organisations. - We promote equality, diversity, inclusion and social justice including the Welsh language and culture. - We act sustainability by taking into account the environmental, economic and social issues experienced by local people and communities. 2 ## **PUBLIC BENEFIT** The trustees confirm they have complied with their duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard for public benefit. The objects for which the Charity is established are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf and surrounding area. The achievements of the Charity in meeting these objects between 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 have been summarised in this report. Interlink increased its membership from 537 to 641 in this period. The focus of public benefit during the year was supporting community and voluntary organisations, promoting volunteering, and supporting improvements in mental health and wellbeing. ## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE APRIL 2023 TO MARCH 2024** ## **SUPPORTING COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS - OUR MEMBERS** The Community Advice Team had a busy year supporting volunteering and, community and voluntary groups across Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Team gets each group the support and advice they need with the peer support programme. Interlink pays for peer-to-peer advice between community and voluntary organisations with the payment going to the host organisation of the person providing the peer support, investing in and providing support to our members through our members. The Team dealt with 543 requests with a focus on funding as groups looked to access to grants so that groups could respond rapidly as more people required support due to the increase in the cost of living. Interlink RCT received funding from the Graig Fatha Community Benefit Fund from wind turbines operated by Ripple Energy providing small grants to community and voluntary groups to tackle climate change and help with the health and wellbeing and the cost of living, for example, to provide warm places and food through food banks and food pantries to local communities. ## **Grant Funding** Interlink RCT supported over 200 groups raise over £1,959,972 in grants to support local community groups and activities and help people with the cost of living. Key funders for our work to support local community and voluntary groups include Welsh Government, RCTCBC and Pen Y Cymoedd Community Wind Farm CIC and Ripple Energy (Graig Fatha Windfarm). The Team worked closely with RCTCBC to deliver Shared Prosperity Fund on-line webinars to raise awareness of the opportunity for local groups to access these UK Levelling Up Funds to replace the former EU funding. We also appreciate the vital funding to groups from important funders such as The Moondance Foundation, the Big Lottery and Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Our internal grants programme administered £200,660 on behalf of: - Ripple Energy (Graig Fatha Windfarm) - Taf Ely Windfarm - Sydney Albert Fund - Graig and Penycoedcae Grant Scheme - WCVA Youth Led Grant Scheme This resulted in supporting an incredible community response to people of all ages and abilities throughout RCT to respond to the cost-of-living crisis, improve health and wellbeing and contribute to reducing the impact of climate change. ## Connect RCT Connect RCT was launched in 2021 and has continued to grow and develop, adding advertising volunteer opportunities. At the end of 2024, with numbers growing month by month, 221 new members had been added with 225 live activities and 85 volunteering opportunities. ## Training, Networks and Events Interlink held 52 sessions, engaging 1186 participants, consisting of: - Events such as our Voluntary Sector Conference and AGM 'Investing in Our Members' and 'Youth Work' was attended by over 80 people with members telling us to focus on funding, networking, relationships, safe lace and support for young people and climate change. - Training such as '7 Ways to Fundraise', Safeguarding and Managing Risk. - Networks such as the Children, Young People and Families Network - On-line events such as three sessions with RCTCBC / RCT Together to support groups applying for grants from the Shared Prosperity Fund. ## Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Interlink carried out a range of work linked to sustainability and climate change including supporting the development of and events with the hugely successful RCT Climate Action Network. A successful partnership with Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm CIC, Coalfields Regeneration Trust and RCTCBC provided free Energy Efficiency Audits and follow-up work and grants to community buildings to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. ## **VOLUNTEERING** Volunteers continued to provide a vast and diverse range of essential support in every community in RCT throughout the 3 winter months as residents and groups faced rising heating bills and cost of food and other essential items. Through small grants, groups were able to cover their heating bills, volunteer expenses and purchase food, and able to open longer and more often to provide people with the support they needed. Other highlights included: - Launching the volunteer section on Connect RCT which allowed people to search for opportunities themselves with 85 volunteering opportunities registered. - Promoting our youth-led grant scheme with 7 organisations receiving a share of £6,000. - During Volunteers Week 2023 Interlink awarded 58 volunteers with certificates to say 'thank you' for their wonderful volunteering for 26 diverse groups. A film promoted the diversity of volunteering in RCT featuring Rhondda Foodbank, Turn Ponty Blue, Pentre Comrades Club, and Grow Rhondda. - A campaign to recruit volunteer befrienders with Age Connects Morgannwg and Welcome Friends. - A social media campaign and webinar on promoting volunteer opportunities on Connect RCT. ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** ## **HEALTH AND WELLBEING** The Wellbeing Coordination Service provides support to people with poor health to address their non-medical needs through support and services provided by community and voluntary groups in their local community. This year, partnership working continued to develop with the Council's RCT Together Team resulting in a steady stream of referrals. The Wellbeing Team continued to map the borough, identifying new groups, and helping to promote and support. There were some challenges with recruitment, capacity and a huge increase in referrals particularly around fuel and food poverty. There were 2769 referrals into the service, with 1756 referrals out into community support. In total, the team provided 22 448 hours of support and made 4163 signposts to a diverse range of support provided by local groups. The Wellbeing Coordination Service continues to be funded via the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) at a level of £448 720. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) calculation was carries out and for every £1 invested in the project £4.48 of social value is created. ## Highlights include: - A referral pathway into the Team was developed with the North Cynon COPD Pilot project with Public Health Wales which demonstrated it was successful in helping those with COPD and other chronic lung conditions in identifying nonclinical means of support. - In collaboration with the GP Taff Cluster, funding was made available for a spot commission of befriending provision with Red Cross. ## Befriending Services Funding activities continued to be supported via the Regional Integrated Fund (Regional Partnership Board) with £150,000 for 3 projects. Services provided vital links for people addressing the impact of loneliness and isolation, supporting people to connect to their communities. Three previously funded services were unable to continue due to rising costs with no increase in funding, highlighting issues of the lack of sufficient and secure funding for vital services being provided by community and voluntary organisations. ## **HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE** Interlink's Deputy Chief Executive leads health, social care and wellbeing, facilitates a Health and Social Care Network, and works closely with RCTCBC Together and Cwm Taf University Health Board on a wide range of projects and partnerships. ## Highlights included: - A Dementia Grant Scheme took a regional focus with 3 organisations delivering a regional, collaborative service for people living with dementia and their Carers. A total of £150,000 was distributed to provide essential accessible services and activities for people with dementia and the people who care for them. - An Amser Carers Trust Grant Scheme supported 11 projects to provide short breaks to unpaid Carers across RCT and Merthyr. A total of £80 000 was distributed to projects providing a flexible range of support from overnight stays to day trips, cinema visits and vouchers to enable them to have a break from their caring role. - The RCT Green Outdoor Social Prescribing Network continued to meet quarterly with a successful outdoor meeting where members highlighted their work in green social prescribing and benefitted from outdoor health activities. ## **MENTAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT AND INVOLVEMENT** Interlink RCT have moved from two to one combined role of a Development and Involvement Officer role working with people with lived experience and groups in RCT and with colleagues in the CTM region. Interlink continued to support the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mental Health Forum and work with CTM University Health Board on several projects to involve and gather the view of people who have used mental health services. Supporting ‘Have Your Say Days’, alongside local Community Mental Health Teams. We have continued to support local Mental Health organisations, helping to increase their profile, promoting their work through our Mental Health RCT Facebook Page and Connect RCT. 4 **EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION** Interlink appointed a member of staff as the Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion (2 hours/week) from May to November 2023 leading on the Cultural Competency Scheme. Interlink achieved a Silver Plus Award which included staff and trustee training. The success of the role led to Interlink investing in increased capacity to increase the hours and extend the role for the role for 2024/2025. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Principal Funding Sources** Principal funding sources include Welsh Government, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund CIC. ## **Results** Total incoming resources exceeded resources expended by £307,794. After transfers, the unrestricted funds reported a deficit of £26,657. The performance of the charity has exceeded expectations in such a difficult and uncertain economic climate. The level of available reserves, i.e. the total unrestricted reserves less amounts invested in fixed assets and designated reserves amounted to £803,043. ## **Reserves Policy** The reserves policy is reviewed annually by the Executive Committee and the Financial and Resources Subgroup in line with Interlink's business and financial planning process. The trustees have examined the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks of the organisation using a risk assessment process and taken action to reduce the major risks faced by the charity. The trustees have built up reserves equivalent to over six months operational costs, to cover, amongst other considerations, potential redundancy costs, as nearly all Interlink's income is approved on a 12-month basis and the charity needs to manage the risk of losing large contracts at short notice. The investment portfolio reduced during the last quarter of 2023/24 due to market turbulence and the trustees will take further advice on how to maximise our income while keeping within our low risk and strict ethical requirements. The Executive Committee has forecasted that because of the significant challenges faced by Interlink and its members, those reserves will be used in 2024-25 to invest in our strategic objectives, maintain current staffing levels and increase capacity to deliver support to members. ## **FUTURE PLANS** ## **Strategic Objectives 2024-2027** Interlink RCT will work alongside our members, the community and voluntary sector (the Sector) to build their capacity to act on what matters to them and the volunteers and communities they support. We will work as an integrated team and use technology to support our members to: - Evidence and promote their involvement with and impact on the cost of living and community wellbeing. - - Have the information and advice they need to access resources and financial support. - Share knowledge through networks and work together to identify and deliver partnership opportunities. ## To achieve this, we will: - Be an ethical, inclusive, and effective charity with a clear purpose. - Listen to and respond to what matters to our members. - Evaluate and learn from what we do. - Support community action on climate change. What we will change - We will focus on our purpose, supporting volunteers, community and voluntary groups - our 'Golden Thread'. - - We will work as one organisation to deliver this 'Golden Thread'. - We will be clear on everyone's roles in delivering this 'Golden Thread.' - We will support our members to promote their impact. - We will support our members to connect with decision makers and funders. What we believe: - - The real impact on people and communities is made by our members. - Our members are essential to improving community wellbeing and supporting people with the cost of living. - - The better we deliver our 'Golden Thread' the more impact we will have. - We must involve, value and invest in our staff team and trustees to achieve our outcomes. - What will help us to achieve our outcomes? - Our relationships and involvement of volunteers, our members and networks. - Our reach through digital platforms and on-line sources, such as Connect RCT and social media. - - Our Wellbeing Coordination Team's ability to promote community wellbeing. - The commitment of our larger partners such as Welsh Government, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board to work with our members. - Collecting, managing and using information and evidence as one organisation to inform what we do. 5 This work contributes to our long-term outcome, 'The community and voluntary sector are sustainably resourced and valued by the community, decision-makers, and funders, with the skills and capacity to evidence the difference they make to community wellbeing''. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** Interlink operates under rules defined by its governing documents, both as a charity, as defined by the Charities Act, 2011; and limited company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** ## **Registered Company number** 07549533 (England and Wales) **Registered Charity number** 1141143 ## **Registered office** Glenview House Courthouse Street Pontypridd Rhondda Cynon Taff CF37 1JY ## **Trustees** |Pauline Richards|
Valleys Kids|Chair to Dec 2023| |---|---|---| |||Vice Chair to Dec 2023, then Chair| |Janet Whiteman|
New Horizons Mental Health|from Jan 2024| |Richard Flowerdew|
RCT Scouts|Treasurer to Dec 2023| |Stephen Davis|
Spectacle Theatre|Secretary from Dec 2023| |Lisa Wills|
Arts Factory|
Treasurer from Jan 2024| |Alison Theaker|Eye to Eye Counselling Service|| |Richard Walters|Gilfach Goch Community Association|| |Katy Thomas|Mothers Matter|| |Richard Cox|Ategi|| |Dilys Jouvenat||Non-member Trustee (formerly| |||co-opted)| |Tony Hendrickson||Non-member Trustee (formerly| |||co-opted)| ## **Auditors** Bevan Buckland LLP (Statutory Auditors) Ground Floor Cardigan House Castle Court Swansea Enterprise Park Swansea SA7 9LA ## **Bankers** HSBC Bank Plc 10 Portland Street SWANSEA SA1 3DF ## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES** The trustees (who are also the directors of Interlink RCT for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 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 application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP; - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. 6 The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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 prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the trustees are aware: - there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and - the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. ## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES – continued** Company and charitable law require the Executive Board to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the management committee should follow best practice and: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and - prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charitable company will continue on that basis. The Executive Board is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ascertain to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Management Committee is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. ## **Members of the Executive Board** Members of the Executive Board, who are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1. In accordance with company law, as the company's directors, we certify that: -so far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware; and as the directors of the company, we have taken all the necessary steps in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information. Approved by order of the board of trustees on and signed on its behalf by: 7 REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER.. 07549533 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1141143 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR INTERLINK RCT Bevan 8uckland LLP Istalulory Auditors) Ground Flcor Cardigan House Castle Court Swdllse8 Enterprise Park Sw8nsea SA7 9LA INTERUNK RCT CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page R•port ofthe Twststs Report of the Indèp•ndentAudltors 10 to 12 stst•mnt of FInancI￿ Actlvltfjes 13 Balan¢• Sh••t 14 Cash Flow Stat8m?nt 15 Notes to the Cash Flow Stat•rn8nt 16 Not85 to ¢he Flnondal SL*ments 17 to 27 Detailgd Statement of Financlal Acll¥ltle8 28 to 29 INTERLINK RCT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees present their reFK)rt along with the finanTr81 statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Section 419121 of the Compani8s Act 2CK)6. The financial statements have been prepared in ac(xxdancè with the accA)unting policies on page 16 and cy)m[￿Y with the Charity's (vnslitutKJn and applicable law. STRUCTURE. GoveRNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Interfink RCT is a members4e(J charity focused on cr88tirg connected, r8sourieful and sustainable communitiès.. where people devebp trust, ￿SpeCt and understsnding, have good health and can acte5S th8 resouree5 they need. By en￿)uraging people and cnmmunitie5 to recognis8 and work wrth the assets the community already ha5 - sijch as its peop￿, buildings and land- eornmunities can act on what wlly matter5. CONSTITUTION AND OBJECTS The origin81 (x)nstilution of Inlertink was adopted on 23 January 1997 amended by special ￿$OlUtiOn on 26 March 1998 and furth8r amended at a special General Meeting on 20 Septernber 2001 and is 8 ￿gIstered charty. The objects of the Ch8rity are the Nomolion ol any Charitable purpose for th8 benefit of the wmmunity in the County BOr0￿h of Rhondd8 Cynon Taf and surrounding area as defined in the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994. Followng a Spe￿81 resolution at the Annu81 General Meeting on the 1st December 2010, the charity adopted new memrandum 8nd articles and became inc￿rpOrated a5 a Company Lirnited by Gu8ranlee on the 2nd March 2011. The new charity was registered wth the Charity Commission on the 4th April 2011. Interfink RCTS updated thantable obj8Ctives were approved at the AGIA in November 20Z2 after being pre-approved by th8 Charity Commission. Intertink Rcfs charity objects were changed frorn, The oble¢ts fr*r whieh the Charity is establlshed aro to promote any charltsble purpose frjr the benefit of the community in the County Borou9h of Rhondda Cynon Taff. as defined in the Local Government IWalÈsl Act 1994. arhd surrounding areas Iheroinafter referred to a5.the area of benofiVI.' The charlty objects are $pecffieally restrlc¢ed to th• following: 111 To prornote any charitab18 purposes for the benefit of the public. for the berlefil of the rA)mmunity in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon T8ff, as defined in the Lo￿1 Govemmenl Iwalesl Act 1994. and su￿Ound1r0 a￿a$ (he￿Inafter referr8d to as 'the 8rea of benefrt'l, and In parbcular but not exdusively. build the capaaty of third sector organisatvjns and provide th8m wlh the necessary supp)rt, inforrralion and service5 to enable them to pursue or ntribute to any such tharitable purpose. 121 To promot8, organise and facilitate co-operatKJn and partnership wod(ing between third sector, statutory and other relevant bodie5 in the achievement of the abovg purposes within th8 area of benefrt, 8nd lo that end to bring l(oeth8r into membership of the Charity persons and org8nisatK)ns engaged in the lurtheran(x of the said Pufposes Within the area of benefit., TRUSTEES The trustees in Offi￿ duriry the per*)d and at the date of this report are set out on page 8, TrLJStees are ele(aed for term of three years at the Annual General M881ing by the mernbership and are required lo sign a dedaration of th￿r ellgibility lo serve. Tru5t88s have taken responsibility for mtsniloring the Charitys activities through the Executive Comrnitte8. The (x)nstilution was amend8d to move toward norpmember Irust88S to serve for three years wth the same voting rights as m8mb8r trustees to r8place coopted trustees that Served for a one-year temi. Non-membef Directors wll b8 apkx)int8d in th8 same Wdy 8$ member Directors and under the Same terms and voting rights as rnember Dire¢tor5. The number of mn-member directors shall be not more than th￿, including non- member Directors. The Trustee Handb(K)k Wa5 amended to ￿llect these Changes and to stale only one Offieerfs ro￿ can b8 fill* by a mn-member trustee at any one tim8. Page 1 INTERLINK RCT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Inductlon and Tralnlng Pr￿eduleS All Iruste8S 8r8 offered training in resfv of trustee roth and responsibilities and are required lo attend an ind￿tiOn se$s￿n wrth another trustee after the annual meeting as part of trustee mentoring using a buddy system. Trustees arg offered a range of opportunitie5 throughout the year lo develop thar knowledge and skills to effectwely fu￿11 their role and a skills audit used lo assess and add￿$ gap5. RISK REVIEW Th8 Trustees have rA>nducted their own r8view ol the major risks to whith the charity is exposed, and systems indu¢Jing a risk register established lo mitigat8 thos8 risks. Inlem81 risk$ are minimis6d by effective manag8menl of the Charity'5 8Ctivilies and the implementstK)n of budgetsry an¢J financial prO￿UreS. which are subj'ect to at least annual review lo ensure that they still meet the needs of the Charity. This was another challenging year with the ￿$1-of-liVing crisis fr)Ilowing th8 C4)vKI 19 pandemio. Interlink RCT trustees had to o)nlinue lo address the thallenges rt and its members tsce whil8 still trying lo deliver planned seNices to SUPFM)rt local people and rA)mmunit￿$. Despite the investments not inC￿astr@ in value, healthy Charity reserves pro¥Ad8 5(xJpe to trustees lo invest in prionty area5 in 2024125. Inlerfinks main areas of work ra)ntinue to fooJs on.. Comrnunity Ad%qce and Support provKJing infomiation. adwee, training an¢Y funding io supwrt volunteers and rnmunity and volutrtary organisations. - Volunteering- supporting volunteets and volunteer organisations. -wellbeing finding out what matters to individuals and ct>Tnrnunities, and working in partnershlp to prowde inforrnation, advice and supr¥)rt. Involving people and ￿MmunitIeS supporbng people, volunt8eTS, and cnmfflunity 8nd voluntary organisations to be listened to and invtsfved, to take actK)n and to Infiven￿ those things that matterto them. Interlink. as a County Voluntary Council is a member of Third S8¢tor SupK¥)rt Wale5 who provide a unwersal seThic8 across Wales based on supporting the following four pillars.. - Volunteering - Go(Kl Governance - Thriving and Su5tsinable Third Sector Influeneing and Strategic Engag8rn8nt OUR VISION We believe that volunteering 8nd wmmunty actK)n ￿￿[1 lead to ￿nneCted. resourcmul an(J suslanable eommunitiss. where p80ple are trealeij fairty. have gocKI heatth and have the resources they need. We belleve in supporting mrnunities to be (x)nnected, resOUr￿lU1 and sustainab￿. Conn8ct8d Comrnunities have a greater impact when volunteers, Informal and forni81 ￿mMUn￿ and voluntary organisatK)ns and partners are connected and work together towards shared goals. Resourceful When (x)mrnunilies have the rx)wer and resourc85 to lead. they qU￿￿Y find ways to work tog8ther using what they have to OV8r(x)me drficutties. seek new opportunrties and take action. Sustainable Su51ain8ble communlties develop where everyone has the opwrtunity to be involved, u)nnected and valued for the contribution they make to the wdlbeing of th￿r cornmunity. OUR MISSION To work wth others to und8rsland and build on the $treryJths of local pwple and o)mmunities to add￿$$ wh8t matters. OUR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES - We value the wolk of all volunteers. infom)al and formal wmmunily groups and voluntary org8nisatk)ns. We promote equality. diversity, inclusion and social justice induding the WeLsh language and cultu￿. We sustsinabilty by taking into acc4)Unt the environmental, economic and soual issues experiencad by local peop18 and ¢ommunilies. Page 2 INTERLINK RCT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 PUBUC BENEFIT The trustèes ctsnfirm they have wmplied vath their duty in Se￿On 17151 of the Ch8riti88 Act 2011 to have duè wèrd for public benefit. The objects for which the Charity is established a￿ lo prornote 8ny ch8ritsble purpose for the benefit of the community in the County Borough of Rhondd8 Cynon Taf and surrounding area. The a¢hievements of Ihe Charity in meeting these objects between 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 have been summarised it? thi5 rerKJrt. Inl8rlink increased ts membership from 537 10 641 in thk8 period. The focus of public benefit dunng the year was supportsng mmunity and voluntary organisatKJns. promoting volunteering, and supportsng improvements in mentsl heallh and wellbeiry ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE APRIL 2023 TO MARCH 2024 SUPPORTING COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS- OUR MEMBERS The Cornrnunity Advice Team had a busy year supporting volunteering and, (xjrnmunity and voluntary groups acros5 Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Team gèts èach group the support and advic£ th8y ne8d with the k)eer supwrt programrn8. Inledink pays for peer-lo-peer advice belween ￿MMunity and voluntary organisatK)ns wlh the payment going lo the host organisation of the person prov￿Ing the peer support. investing in and pnivKling SUPPOrt lo our mernbers through our memb8rs. The Tearn dealt with 543 requests with a focus on fun¢Jing as groups looked lo a￿$$ to grant5 50 that groups could respond rapidly as MO￿ people requirgd support due to the inerease in the ￿$t of living. Interfink RCT ￿ceiVed funding from the Graig Falha tommunity benefrt fund from the turbine5 operated by Ripple Energy pnwiding small grants to )mmunity and voluntary groups to tackle climate change and help with the health and wellbeing and the cost of liviro. forexample. to provide warrn pla￿$ and food through food banks and food pantnes lo local comrnunilies. Grant Fundlng Interlink RCT supporte(l over 200 groups raise over £1,959.972 in grants to 5UPWrt bGg1 ￿MMunity groups and actiwties and help peop18 Wrth the (ost of living. Key funders for our worf( to support k)(xl community and voluntary groups include Welsh Govemment. RCTCBC and Pen Y Cymo￿ld Communty Wind Farm CIC and Ripple Energy (Graig Fatha Windlarrnl. The Team W0￿ed ck)sely with RCTCBC to deliver Sh8red Prosperity Fund on-line webinars to raise *vareness of the opportunity for k)cal groups lo access these UK Levelling Vp Funds to replac8 the fomer EU funding. We a150 app￿Ciate the vital funding to groups from ifflportant funders such as The IAoond8n(x FoundatN)n, the BVJ Lottery and cOa￿￿ld$ RweneratK)n Trust. Our intemAI grants programme administered £2QM),660 on tEhalf of.. Ripple Erergy IGraig Fatha Windfarm) - Taf Ely Windfarrn - Sydney Albert Fund - Graig and P8ny(x)ed¢ae Grant Seheme - WCVA Youth Led Grant Schemè. This resutted in sUppor￿n9 an incredible cornmunity ￿spOnse lo people of 811 ages and abilrties throughout RCT to spond to th8 (x)St￿f-l1vln9 crisi5, improv8 health and wellbeing and Ixjntribule to reducing the imp8¢t of clirnale change. Connect RCT Connect RCT was launoled in 2021 and has continued to grow and devolop, adding advertising volunteer Opportunit￿$. At the 8nd of 2024. Nmth numbers growing month by Month. 221 new Tnemb8rs had been added wilh 225 live a¢tniits'es and 85 volun18ering opportunili&%. Training, Nthorks and Events Intedink held 52 sessions, engagiry 1186 participants. consisUrrfJ of.. Events suth 8$ our Voluntary Sector Q>nference and AGM 'lnvests'ffj in Our Members, and 'Youlh Work. was attend by ov8r 80 people with members telling us to focus on funding. neI￿)rking, relationships. safe lace 8nd suprA)rt for youry P80ple and Climate change. - Training such as'7 Ways to Fundraise,, Safeguarding and Managing Risk. - Networks such as the Children, Young P80ple and Families Neiwork On-line events su¢h as thr8e sessions with RCTCBC I RCT Together to support groups applying for grants from the Shared Prosperity Fund. Page 3 INTERLINK RCT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Climat• Changg and energy Effl¢l•n¢y Inledink carried out a range of work link8d to sustsinabilty 8nd clirnate change induding supporting the development ol and events with the hugely successful RCT Climate Action NetrKJrk. A su(wsful partnership with Pen Y CyrM8dd Wind Fam) CIC, Coalfields Regen8ralion TnJst and RCTCBC provided free Energy Eff￿encY Audits and folk)W-up work and grants to (x)rnrnunity buildings to reduce theirenergy bills and ¢arbon footprint. VOLUNTEERING Volunteer5 ￿)ntinued to provide a vast and div8r5e rarye of essential support in every (x)rnmunity in RCT throughout Ihe winter rnonlhs as ￿$￿Jents and groups faced rising heating bills and cost of food and other essential items. Through small gr8nls. groups werè able to wver their h8aling bi115, volunt88r expenses and purthase food, and able to open h)nger and more often to provide people with th8 SUPWrt they n88ded. Other highlights included.. - LaunchirwJ the volunteer sectson on Connect RCT whth allowed people to S8arc* for opportunities themselves with 85 volunteering opportunities Wlstered. - Promoting our youth-18d grant scheme with 7 or9anisations receiving a Sha￿ of£6,(M)O. Ouring Volunteers Week 2023 Int8rlink awarded 58 volunteers wlh certificaes to say Ihank you, for their wonderful volunteering for 26 diverse groups. A film promoted th8 diversty ol volunteering in RCT featuring Rhondda Foodbank. Tum Ponty Blue, Pentre Comrad85 Club. and Grow Rhondda. Other highlights induded a carnpaign to recruit volunteer belrienders with Age Connects Morgannwg and W81come Friends,. a sou81 media campaign and webinar on prorrKJling volunteer oprK1rtunit￿ on Connect RCT,. and Interfink slaff volunteering to plant fruit and vegetable at Down to Zero. Pagè 4 INTERLINK RCT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE HEALTH AND WELLBEING The Wellbeing Coordination SeNice provides support to people with poor heamh to address their Th)n-medical needs through SUPPDrt and serviw provide(f by c>)mmunty and voluntary groups in th&r local wmmunty. This year, pzrtnership working (x)ntinued to develop wth the COU￿￿1,$ RCT Togelhw Tgarn r8sulliThJ in a steady 5tr8arn of referrals. The Wellbwng Team continued to map the borough, identifying new groups, and helpiryj to promote and support. There were stsm8 challerges ¥wth recruitment, cap8uty and a hug6 increasa in referyals pa￿"CUladY around fud and fc poverty. There were 2769 ￿ferra1$ into the service. with 1756 ￿ferra15 out into wrnmunity support. In tot81, the team provided 22 448 hours of supwrt and made 4163 signposts to a diverse rar@e of 5UPPOrt provided by lo(*l groups. The Wdlbein9 Coordination SeNice continues to be funded via the Regional Integration Fund IRIFI at a level of £448 720. A Soclal Retum on Investment ISROII calculation was carries out and for every £1 invested in the project £4.48 of SOCi81 value is created. HighlKJhts include.. - A referral pathway into the Team wa5 devek)p8(I with the Noth Cynon COPD Pilot project with Public Health Wabs which demonstr8t8d il was Su￿$$fUl in helping those with COPD and other thronic lung ￿nditionS in identfying non¢linical means of support. In collaboration with the GP Taff Clust8r, funding was ma(Je available for a spot commission of befriending provisK•n V￿th Red Cross Befriending Servi funding activities continued to be 5UPPOrted via the Regionai Inteorat8d Fund IRegional Partnership Board) with £150,￿j for 3 proje¢ts. Service5 provided vital links for people addressing the impact of loneliness and isolation. supporting peop￿ lo wnnect to their (x)mmunities. Three previously funded semces were unab18 to continue due to ri5iry Costs wth no In￿eaSe in funding, highlighting issues of the of sufficient and seojre funding for vital setvices being provided ty o)rnrnunty and voluntary organisalions. HEALTH ANO SOCIAL CARE Interlink's Deputy Ch￿f Executive leads health. sooal and wellbeing. facilitat85 a H8alth and Soual Care Neiwork, and works doseiy wth RCTCBC Together and Cwm Taf Vniversity Health Board on a ￿de range of projacts and parlnerships. Highlights Indud￿.. Dementia Grant Schwne - this scheme took a regK)nal fows ￿th 3 organisatK)ns ijeliveriro a ￿gIonal, (x)Ilabordtiv8 seNice for people Iwing with dementia and th￿r Carers A total of £150,000 w8s distributed to provide essenti81 sible services and 8Ctivities for people with dem8ntia and the people who car8 for them. - Amser Carers Trust Grant Scheme -11 projects w8r8 SUPPOrted to provide Short breaks to unpaid Carer5 across RCT and Merthyr. A total of £80 000 was distributed to projects providlry a flexible rdnge of support from overnwht stay5 to day trips. onema visit5 and vowhers to enablè them to have a break from their earing ro￿. Green Outdoor Social Prescribing Network (xjntinued to meet quarterty with 8 successful outdoor mgeting where members highlighted their wopk in g￿en soaal pr85cribing and benerrtt￿ from out(kK)r heaith aclivities. MENTAL HEALTr[ DEVELOPMENT AND INVOLVEMENT Interlink RCT have moved from two lo one cornbined role of a Devdopment and Invdvement Offieer role working with people ￿th Iwed 8xp8rience and groups in RCT and wrth wlleagues in the CTM region. Inlerfink (L>ntinued ¢0 support the Cwm Taf MorganTwg Mentsi Health Forurn 8nd work wth CTM University Heallh Board on several projects to involve and gather th8 v￿W of people who have used mental health serv￿. EQUALITY. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Interfink èppointed a rnember of staff as the Equality ￿'verSaty and Inclusv)n IEDII Champion 12 hourslweekl from May io November 2023 leading on the Cuttural Cornpetency Scheme. Interfink aehi8ved a Silver Plus Award whith includ staff and trustee training. The success of the ro￿ led to Interfink investing in increased Capacity lo inmse the hours and exten<5 thè rol8 forthe role for 202412025. Page 5 INTERLINK RCT REPORT OF ThE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Prfncipal Fundlng Sources Prin(xpal funding Sou￿$ include Welsh Govemtnenl, CvKn Taf Mtsrgannvffj University Heatth 808rd. the Taf Morgannw9 Regional Partnership Board, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Counryl and Pen y Cymoedd Wind Fami Community Fund CIC. Results Total in￿Ming resources ex(Eeded resourc8s expend￿ by £307.794 After transfers. the unre51ricted funds reported a deficit of £26,657. The p8rformance of th8 ¢harily has exceeded expectations in suth a diffthlt and uncÈrtain ewnomic climat8. The level of available reserves, ie. the total unrestr1(a￿l reserves less amounts invested in fixod assets and designated reseNos amounted to £803.043 Resèrv88 Pollcy The reserve5 policy is reviewed annually by the Executive Committee and the Financial and Resouree5 Subgroup In line ith Interfinks business an¢Y financial planning pro(ws. The trust8e5 have examined the charity'5 requirements lor reserves ITI light of the main risks of the organi5ation usiw a risk assessment pro(xss and taken aclK)n to reduce th& Major risks fa¢ed by the tharity. The trustee5 hav& built up re58rves equivalent lo over six month5 operational (¥)sts, lo (Y>ver. arnongsl other (t)rTr5id8ralh)ns, potential redundancy wsts, as nearfy all Intertinks income is approved on 12-month basis and the charity needs tts mana28 the risk o1105ing18rge rKJntract5 at short notrce. The investment portfolK) reduced during th8 18St quarter of 2023124 due lo market turf0ulen￿ and the IrLtstees wll take further advi￿ on how to maximise our In￿Me while keeping within our low risk and strict ethi&31 requirements. The Exeeulive Commrttee ha5 frlrecasted th8t because of th8 swnfficant challtsnges tsced by Interfink and its m8rnbers. those reserves will be used in 202>24 to.. Invest in our strat8gic objectlves, m8intsin cu￿nt staffing levels and iner8a8e capatsty to d8lNer support to members to r￿0Ver fomi Covid 19. To reduce cash at bank and increa58 our investment wrtfolio. Page 6 INTERLINK RCT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FUTURE PLANS Strategic Objeclives 2024-2￿27 Interfink RCT will work alongsid8 our members, the o)mmunity and voluntary sector (the Sectorl to build IhLyr capacity to act on what matter5 to thern and the volunteers and comrnunilies they supwrt. We wll work as an integrated team all¢J use technology to 5UPPOrt our rnembers to.. EvideTr￿ and promote their involvement with and impact on the cost ol living and community wellbeing. - Have the information and advi￿ they need to acc85s resour￿ and financial support. - Share kNo￿edge through nefyyorks and work togeth8r lo Identfy an(J d￿Ner partnership opporiunrties. To achieve this, we wll". Be an ethical. inclusive. and efftsytive charity with a dear purpos8. - Listen to and ￿Spond to what Matters lo our members. Evalu81e and leam from what W8 do. - Support community on dirnate change. - We will focus on our purp058, SUPLK)rtsng volunteers. (￿rmUnIty and voluntary 9roup5- our'GokI8n Thread,. - We will work as one organisation to deliverthis'Golden Thread,. - We will be clear on everyone's roles In delivering thi5'Golden Thread., - We ￿11 support our members to promote their impact. - We will support our members to ￿rnnect with decision mak￿$ and funders. What we beli8ve.' - The ￿1 impact on people and communities is made by our members. Our members are essential lo Improving (x)mrnunity wellbeing and 5upportirKJ people with the cnst ol living. - The better we deliver our Gokjen Thread, th8 more irnpact we will have. . We must invofve. value and invest in our $taff te8m and trustees to ouroutcomes. Vhat will hdp us to ac*ieve our0ut￿m8s7 Our relationships and invofvement of volunteers. our members and networks. Our reach throLNJh digrtal platforms and on-line sources, such as Connect RCT 8ThY social ffledia. Our Wellbwng ccm)rdinat￿n Team's ability to prorrole community wellbeing. - The (x)mrnitment of our larger partners such as Welsh Govemment, Rhondda Cynon Taff County BOr0￿h Council and Cwm T8f Morgannwg University Heatth Board to work with our members. - Collecting. managing and using infomiation and eviden￿ a5 om organisation lo Inform what we do. This work contributes to ￿r bng-term outwme. The (x)mmunrty and voluntary sector are sustainably resourced and valued by the cornmunity, d8rys1oHnakers, and funders, wrth the skills and r2pacty to evidence the ¢Jrfference they make to ¢omrnunity wellbeing" STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Govemlng document Interfink operates und8r ru18s defined by its govemiry docurnents. both as a eharity, a$ defined by the charit￿5 Act, 2011.. and limited (x)rnpany limited by guarantee. as defin8d by the Cornpanies Act 2(M)6. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number 07549533 (England and Walesl Registered Cha￿ty number 1141143 Reg4Stered offl¢o Glenview House Courthouse Str88t Pontypridd Rhondda Cynon Taff CF37 1JY Page 7 INTERLINK RCT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Twsteel Pauline Fl'chafds Valleys ￿"d$ Chair to Dec 2023 ￿1￿ Chairto Dec 2023, th8n Chair from Jan 2024 Treasurer to Dec 2023 se￿lary from Dec 2023 Treasurer from J8n 2024 Janet Whrteman Richard Flowerdew Stephen Davis Lisa Wills Alison Theaker Richard W8tters Katy Thomas Richard CKJX New Horizon5 Mental Healih RCT Scouts Spectacle Th83tre Arts Factory Eye to Eye Counsdling Servi Glffach Goch Comrnunity Asswatk)n Mother5 Matter Ategi Dilys Jouvenat Non-memberTruslee IfomiÈrfy CO-OPtedl Tony Hendrickson Non-member Trustee Iform9rty conc8m basis unless rt is inapproprwte to assume that th8 charitab18 rx)mpany wll continue on that basis. The ExeoJtivÈ &)ard is responsibla for m8intaining proper acwuntirrfJ rec*rds. whith disclose with ￿sonable awura al any lime the financial posrtion of th8 charity and lo enable th8rn to 85(xrtain to eThsU￿ that the financial ststements o)rnpty with th8 Companies Act 2006. The Management Comrnittee is a150 responsible for safeguardiry the assets of the charitable company and hence for tsknng ￿8$Ona￿e steps for th8 preventh)n and {Jet￿tIOn of fraud and other irregularitie5. Members of the Exe¢ytSve 8oard Members of the Executive 8oard. who are ¢Jirectors for th8 purpose of company law and trijstees for the wry)0so of charity law, who serveil during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on pa98 1. In a(￿rdanTr wth cornpany law, as the companys directors. we ￿rtfy that.. -so far as we a￿ aware, there is no rdevant audit information ol which the wmpanls auditors are Unawa￿., and as the director5 of the company. we have taken all the necessary steps in order ¢0 make ourselves awar8 of any relevant audit inforrnatK)n and to establish that the ch ritls uditors a￿ aware of that inforn)alion. Approved by order of the board ol trustees on .... . and signed on its behaff by.. Ms J Whiteman- Trustee Page 9 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBeRS OF INTERLINK RCT Oplni¢)n We have au¢Jrt8d the financial statements of Intertink RCT Ithe 'charitable cA)mpan￿) for the year enderl 31 March 2024 which iomprise the Statement of Financial Actiwties, the 8818n￿ Sheet. the Cash Flow Ststement and notes lo the finanaal statements. Indu¢Ying a summary ol signthcant ac(x>unling poliaes. The financial reporting framework that has been appli8d in their p￿paratIOn is applitable law and United Kingdom Ac(x)unting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Awepted Acix)unting Pr&11￿1. In ouropinion the finanrial staternenls". giv8 a true and fair vi8w of the state of th8 tharit8ble o)mp8nl5 affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its inujmir resour￿ and application of resou￿5, including its inwme and expenditure. forthe y88r then ended., have been property prepared In aceordance with United Kingdom Generdlly Accepted Accxjunting Prac11￿., and have been prepar￿ in aw)rdance with the reqU1￿mentS of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for oplnion We conduct8d our audit in ac(x)rdan￿ wlh Inlemakn'onal Standards on Auditiry IVKI IISAS IUKII and applicable law. Our ￿$￿nSibIlityes under those sl8ndar(Js a￿ further des¢ribe£f in the Auditors. resronsibilrties for the audrt ol the financial statements section of our rewrt. We are indep8ndenl of the charitabi8 ￿MpanY in accordan[￿ Mrilh the ethical requirefflents that are relevant to our audil of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and w8 have luffilled our oth8r ethical ￿S￿nsibIliti8s in accA)rdance wth the58 requirements. We believe that the audit idene8 we have obtained is 5uffiryent and appropriate to provitje a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relallng to going con¢em In auditing the financial statements. we have concluded that the trus¢ees' use of the goir@ (vn¢em basis of ar￿untIng in the preparation of the finanoal staternents is appropnate. Based on the work we have perfomed, we have not identif*d any material un￿rtainti￿S ￿lating lo event5 or conditions that. Individually or collectively. may cast signrficant doubt on the chantable companls ability to Ca)ntsnue as a going con(em for a period of at least twelve montk6 frorn when the financial ststements are authorised for issue. Our ￿$￿nsibilitIeS and the reswnsibilities of the trustee5 Wlth ￿$5)e¢l to going concem are descriw in the ￿levant sectrons of this report. O¢her Inf0M￿tIon The trustees are responsible for the other inforrnat￿n. The other information Ix)rnprises the informaiK)n Includ￿ in the Annual Report. otherthan th8 financial statements and our Report ol the Independent Auditors thereon. Our tspinion on the finan&al statements d085 not (x)ver the other information and. except to Ihe extent othèmsè expliauy stated in our report, ￿ do not expres5 any fomi of assurance conclusion thereon. In (x)nn8Ction with our audit of the financial sta18ments, our respon5ibilty is to re￿* the other inforniation and, in Itoing 50, ￿nsider whether th8 Other infom)ats'tsn is materially inwnsislent with the financial Statements or our knovA8dge obtain8d in the audit or otherwise appears to be rnaterially m1s51ated. If we identify suth material inwnsistentses or apparent material rnis51atements, we are required to delemiine whether this gives rise to a rna18ri81 misstatement in the financial statements th8mselves. K, based on thg work we have p8rforrned, we conduiJ8 that there is a material misst8ternenl of this Oth8r infomiab'on. wo wuired to report thatfact. W8 have nothing to report in this regard. Oplnlon5 on other matters prescrlbed by th• Companie$ Act 2006 In our opinion. ba58d on the work un¢Jertaken in the course of the audit.. the infom)ats'on given in the Report of the Trustees for th8 finanrial year for which the finwcial statem8nts are prepared is consistent with the finarn￿al slatemenls.. and the Report of the Trustees has been pr8P8red in accordaneewilh applicable legal requir8ments. Matters on vthi¢h we are r•quirod to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the thanlable company and ils enwronm8nt obtained in the cours8 of the audit, we have not identified Material misstat8ments in the Report of the Trustees. We hav8 nothing to in respect of the folbwing matters where th8 Cornpanies Aet 201% requires us to reKK)rt to you in our opinion.. adequate acc¥)unting recayds have not been kept or retums adequate for our audit hav8 not been ￿Ctiv8d from branches not visi18d by us.. or the financial siatements are not in agr88rnent with the ￿￿tIng records and retums,. or rtain disdosures of trustees, remuneration specrfied by law ar8 not made,. or we have not r￿￿1V8d 811 the information and explanations we requir8 for our audit". or the trustees were rK)l entitled to take advantage of the small cornpanies exernptK)n from th8 r8quirement to prepare Strategic Report OF in preparing the Report of the Trustees. Pag8 10 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF INTERLINK RCT Responslbllltles of trusts88 As explained more fully in the Statèrnent of Trustees, Re5w)nsibilities. the trustees {who a￿ also the dire#ors of the chantable (L)mpany for the purp)$8s of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the financlal Statements and for being satisfied Ihat they give a tryje and fair view, and for inlemal control as the trustees ¢Jetemiine is n￿SSary to enabl6 the preparation of finarri81 statements that arefree from material misstat9rnent. whether due to frdud or error. In pr8pariro the financial staternenls. the tru51885 8re responsible for assessing the chzritab18 (x)mpanls abilty to (x>ntinue as a goiThJ (x)ncern, dis¢losing, as applicable, matters related to going ￿nCeM and using the going concem basis of a¢￿untIng unless the trustees wther intend to IK4uidate the charitable company or to cease operab"ons, or hav8 rrt) realis¢i¢ altemative but lo do so. Our responslbllltl85 for the aud1¢ of th• Ilnanclal statgments Our objedives are to obtain reasonable assuran￿ about whether the finanoal statements as a Who￿ 8r8 free from material mis5t8t8ment. whether due to fraud or error, and lo issue a Report ol the Indep￿dent Auditors that indudes our opinion. R88sOnal￿e assuranc8 i8 a high level of assurance. but is not a guarantee that an au¢Jit conducaed in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always deted a rnaterial misststement when it exists. Misslalements can arise from fraud or error and are (onsidered tnaterial if. Intjividualty or in the a99￿gate, they could reasonably be expected to influen the economic dectsions of user5 taken on thè basis of th88e finanaal statements. The extent ¢0 vthid) our procedures a￿ capable of detectiro irwularities, including fraud is r￿pOndence with HMRC.. n 8ddressing th8 risk of fraud through management override of ￿)ntrolS, lestiry the appropri8tene$s of joumal entries and other adjuslrnenls.. &8sesstng whether th8 judgeM￿ts rnad8 in makiro accounting 8stim8te5 are indicatwe of a tK)18ntial bias., an¢Y evaluating the business rationak of any spnrfKant transadion5 that are unusual or out5id8 thg ￿M81 C4)ur58 of business. We also o)mmunKatsd relevant identif18d laws and wulations and potential fraud risk5 10 all engagement t88rn rnembers and remained alert lo any indic2tKJns of fraud or nO￿4￿mpi18nce with laws and r8gu181ions throughout the audit. A further descript￿￿ of our r8spons5bilitiÈs for the audit ol the financdal stalemenls is loeated on th8 Financial Reportir Council's website at ￿W.fr¢.Qrg.UVau￿itor8respQn8itsIlitie$. This d8scription forms part of our R8POrt of the Independent Auditors. Page11 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AVDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF INTERLINK RCT Use of our report This report is made soldy to the charitable cL)mpanls rnèmbers. as a body. in ￿(Xxdw￿e with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Compan￿$ Act 2￿. Our audit work has been undertaken so that wè might stste to the charitable companvs members those matters we are required lo state to thern in an audittsrs, report and for no other purtK)se. To the full8St extent permitted by law. we do not accept or a5sum8 responsibility to anyon8 other than the tharit8b18 (ximpany and th8 Char[ta￿.￿>Mp8n￿s member5 as a body, for our audit work. lor this reporL or for the opinK)ns we have fom)ed. Henry Lloyd-Dawe5 (Senior Ststulory Auditor) for and on behaff ol Bevan 8uckland LLP (Statutory Audrtors} Ground Fl(x)r Cardigan House C8$11e Court Swansea Enterprise Pak* Swansea SA7 91 Date". Page12 INTERLINK RCT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH Xt24 2024 Total fund5 2023 Total funds Unrestrict￿1 funds Restricted funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOIIIMENTS FROM CharStable act4vltiÈ$ Grants and contrarts 396,677 1,083,349 1,480,026 1,123.042 Other trading 8ctivilies Investment income Other in￿rne 2,5(K) 25,826 10.069 2.500 25.826 lo,(￿9 7,800 9,426 2,912 Total 435,072 1,083,349 1.518.421 1.143.180 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 4,177 4,177 3,893 Charltsble actlvrtles Grants and eontracts Charitable activities 10,022 1,146.186 442,898 738,585 1,181,483 Total 447,075 738.585 1,185,660 1,160,101 Netg8inslllosse51 on investments 38,534 38,534 124,731) NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI 26,531 344,764 371,295 141.6521 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forw8rd 1.020.989 174.115 1,195,104 1,236,756 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,047,520 518,879 1.566.399 1,195,104 The notes forrn part ofthèse financial statements Page13 INTERLINK RCT BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Total lunds 2023 Tot funds Unrestrided funds R&strict funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets Investments 12 13 1,426 368,152 418,718 418.718 418.718 418.718 369,578 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14 72,959 598,706 63,K27 455,252 136,586 1,053,￿8 70,018 805.080 671,665 518,879 1,1￿,544 875.098 CREDITORS Amounts falling duewithin one year 15 142,8631 142.8631 149,5721 NET CURRENT ASSETS 628,802 518,879 1,147,681 825.526 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,047,520 518.879 1,566,399 1,195.104 NET ASSETS 1,047.520 518.879 1,566,399 1.195.104 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted fLJnds 17 1,047,520 518,879 1,020.989 174,115 TOTAL FUNDS 1.566.399 1,195,104 These financial statements have b88n prepared in acc<)rdanc8 wth the provisKJns appllcable to charitable cornpanies subject to the small CLJrnpani8s regime. The financial statements were 8pprove(I by ihe Board of Trustees and auth0ri58d for Bsue and were signed on its behalf by.. on J Whiteman- Trustee L A Wills- Trustee The notes fomi part of these finarrial st818rnent5 Page 14 INTeRLINK RCT CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Notes Cash flows from operating a¢tlvltles Cash generated from Operat￿n$ 235,084 116,9311 Net eash provided byllused inl operating xtivrties 235,084 116.9371 Cash flows from Investlng activili08 Purchase of fixed asset investrn￿ts Sale of fixed asset investments Int8resl received Dividends re￿iVed 180.4631 68.431 17,504 131.8101 29,332 3.418 6,008 Net cash provwjed by inveslTro actwities 13,794 6,948 Chan9e In ￿$h and cash equlvalènts in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beglnnlng of the repor￿n9 period 248,878 19,9831 805.080 815,063 Cash and Cash equlvJ•nts at tho end of the reportino period 1,053,958 805,080 The not6s form part of these financial ststemertrts Page15 INTERLINK RCT NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 RECONCILIATfoN OF NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIWTIES 2024 2023 Net Incomeuexpendlturel for the reportlng perlod la8 per th• Statement of Flnancial Actlvitlesl AdJust￿nts for: Depreciation char9es (Gainybsses on investments Inte￿$t recen18d Dividen¢Y5 recwved Ilncreaseyd8crease in debtor5 Decrease in credrtors 371,295 141,6521 1.426 138.5341 117,5041 18,3221 166,5681 16,7091 1,425 24,731 13,4181 16.0081 55.081 I47,0￿)} N•t ¢ash pro¥lded byllus•d Inl op8ra¢lons 235,084 116.9311 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS At 1.4.23 Cash flow At 31.3.24 Net cash Cash at bank and in hand 805,080 248.878 1,053.958 805,080 248,878 1.053.958 Totsl 805.080 248.878 1,053.958 Th8 notes form part of these finanual sta18rnents Page16 INTERUNK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Ba818 of preparing the flnanclal statements The finano31 ststements of the charitable ctsmpany. which is a publi¢ benefit ents'ty under FRS 102, have been prepared in 8ccayd8nce with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Acu>unling and Reporting ty Charities.. Stal8menl ol Recommended Practic& applicable lo charities preparing their accA)unts in accordan￿ with the Finanoal Reporting Standard applicabl8 in the UK and Republic of Irel8nd IFRS 1021 leffectwe 1 January 20191.. Fin&naal Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard appl￿ble in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Compan￿$ Act 2006. Th8 financial statements have been prepared under the historical ￿$1 nvention. wth the 8x¢eplion ol investments vthich are inrjuded at market value, as modrfied by the r8va1uatitsn of certain assets. Income All income recogn1sed in the Statgment of Finarri81 Actiwties once the tharity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the inwne wll be r8¢eive(l and the amount can be rne85ured reliabty. Expendlture Liabilities ar8 reo)gnised as 8xpendrture as scon as there is a legal or construdive obligat￿n (ximmitting the charity to that expenditur8, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will b8 requi￿ in 5ettlern8nt and the arnount of the obligation can be mèasured reliably. Expenditure is a￿￿rnted for on an accruals basis and has been rJ8ssif&J und8r headings that aggregate all (x)st related to the category. whe￿ (x)sts cannot be directly attributed to P8rti¢ular h￿ingS they have been all(￿at￿l to activities on a basis (t)nsistent with the use of r&sources. Allocation and apportlonm#nt of costs Costs are allocated 8Jainsl grants they relate to. Where restricted funds have outstanding arnounts whith ￿late to rnre expenditure, Ihese are transferred to CA)￿. Tangible fixed ass•ts Fixed assets are staled al (ost le5S 8¢cumulated deprecIat￿n. The (x)8ts of minor additions wsting bdow £1.000 are not capit8lied. Deprecialon is provided at rates calculated to write off the 0)st of each asset over it5 exp¥ted useful lrfe as follows.. Leasehold propety Fixtures. fittings and equipment Straight line over lerolh of Jease 25Yo Strawht lin8 Taxatlon The charity is exernpt from corporydtion lax on its charitsble actMti85. Fund accouftting Unrestricted funds can be used in 8ccordanc8 with the charitable 0￿.9(￿Ve$ at the diseretK)n of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for parbcular restrictsd purp058s wlhin the objects of the charity. R8strictions arise when spe0r￿d by the donor or when funds are raised for partscular ￿$trIcted purw>5es. Furth8r explanation of th8 nature and PUfPOS8 of fund is indu(led in the notes lo the financial statements. P•nslon costs and other post-rotlr8Tr*nt The charitable (x)mpany operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable lo the charptable cornpanls pensK)n scheme are ch8rged to the Statement of Finanaal Activities in the p8ri0d to whth th8y relate. bto Trade and other debtors are r8cognised at the settlement arnount due after any trade dlstyjunt offered. Prepayments are valued at th8 amount prepaid net ofany trade dismunts due. Cash at bank and In hand Cash 8t bank and cash in hand includes cash and short temi highly liquid investments wrth a s￿rt rnaturity of thre8 rnonths or ￿$$ from the da¢e of acquisitKJn or opening of the deposit or similar account. Page 17 continued... INTeRLINK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. eontinued FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POUCIES- continued Credltors and provlsions Creditors and provisions are recogni58d where th8 charity has a Pfesenl obligation resultirrfJ from a past event that will probabiy resutt In the Iransf8r of funds to a third paty and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measuied or eslirnated reliably. Creditors and provisions are nomalty re(wnised at their settlement arnount after allowryn9 for any trade dis(x)unts due. Donated sÈNices In 8C(x)rdance the charit￿ SORP IFRS 1021, the gen* volunteer time prowded to the d)èritable COrnP8ny is not recognised and refer to the trustees, reportfor more informatH)n about thgr c£Jntribulion. Costs of ralslng funds The (x)sts ol raising funds o)nsist of inveslrnenl management (x)sts and certain legal fees. Expendlture on tharitsble actlvltles EXpendrtU￿ on ch8ritable activrties indude grants made, govemance and suppx)rt costs. Reallsed galns and losses All gains and losses are taken to th8 Statement of finanrial activities 8S they arise. Realised gains and losses on investrnent are calculated a5 th8 drfFerence betwe8n sales prO￿edS and Ih8ir opening carrying value or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Un￿alised gains and losses are calculated as the difference belween the fair value at the year end and the carrying value. Realised an(J unrealised investment gains and losses are cornbined in the statemant of financial acbvrties. Leasing Rentals applicable to OP8rating leases are charged lo the staternent ol flnancbl ￿tivItIeS over the period in which the (vsl is Sncurred. Allocation of support eo8ts Support costs are those functions that assist the ￿)rk of the charity bLIt do not directly undertake charitable activities. SuppDrt (x)sls indude back office o)sls, finance, personnel. payrdl and governance costs which support the activities of the Charity. These o)sts have b88n allocated l)eiween (xjst of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activates. Penslon The charity operates a defined contThbutDn pension 5cherne for employees. Th8 asset of the 5chern8 are held sepaotely frtsm those of the charity. The annual contributions payable are charged to the statement5 of financial activits'es. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITrES 2024 2023 Consultancy and trainiro 2.500 7,800 INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Otherfixed asset invest- Fll Deposrt accyjunt interest Intwest on eash deposits 8.322 17,260 244 6,008 3,029 389 25.826 9,426 Page 18 o)ntinued... INTERLINK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTivrriES 2024 2023 Actmty Grants and contra¢ts Grants 1,480,026 1,123,042 Grants ree*ived, included in the above, are as fOll￿s.. 2024 2023 WG (WCVAI TSSW Grant WG IWCVAI YoLrth-led Grant Schem9 RCT County Borough Council CTMUHB IBSB I Corel Grants AdminiSte￿d for other Org8nisations Building Communities Trust Penywaun WG Heamhy and Activ8 Fund RIF Wellbeing Coordination Service Penycymoedd Community Wind Fann CIC Cwm Tal Public servi￿ Board RIp￿e Energy Community Benefit Fund Institute of LeaiJer5hip 248,252 6,650 71,￿0 21,458 ,500 102,454 259.176 6.650 71.wo 21.141 15.750 .359 580,266 1,979 12,000 58,321 574.443 48.416 23.803 287,150 5.000 1.480.026 1,123,042 RAISING FUNDS Invèstrn•nt managgrrent costs 2024 2023 Portfolio management 4,177 3.893 CHARITA8LE ACTIVITIES COSTS Support costs (see note 71 Direct Costs Totals Charitable actiwtie5 1,172, 9,175 1.181.483 SUPPORT COSTS Support )sts charitab￿ &tivities 9.175 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI Net incomellexpenditurel is stated after chargingl{creditingl'. 2024 2023 Auditors. rem￿nerab.on Deprecith"on. own8d assets 9,175 1.426 7,279 1.425 Pagè 19 nb"nued... INTERUNK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contlnuod FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees. tsmun8ratK)n or other benefrts for tho year ended 31 Mard) 2024 for the year ended 31 March 2023. Trustses. gxpen$es There We￿ no trustees. expenses paid for the year ended 31 Marth 2024 nor for the y8ar ended 31 March 2023. 10. STAFF COSTS 2024 £628.367 £62,917 £50.797 2023 £683,0SS £70,121 £54,522 Gross W￿e5 and salaries Social security costs Pension costs £742,081 £807.698 The avefage monthly number ol employees during the yearwas as follows.. 2024 22 2023 25 Empbyee No employeos receNed emoluments in ex￿5$ 01£60,000. Management team ol the charity are rn8de up of the Chief Executive orri￿r. Deputy ch￿ Executive Officer, Business and Finance Manager, Community Advi￿ tearn rnanager and Wellb&ng Servic85 Mana9er lotslling £211.947. There were no volunteers during the y8ar. 11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivifiES Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Charitable activitie$ Gr8nts and contracts 358,867 764,175 1,123.042 Other tradiro actiwties Investment ino)me Other income 7,800 9,426 2,912 7,800 9,426 2,912 Total 379.005 764,175 1,143,180 EXPENDITURE ON RaLqing funds 3.893 3,893 Charilab18 activitle$ Grants and contracts Charitable activities 10,022 448.077 10,022 1,146,186 698,109 Total 461.992 698,109 1,160,101 Net gainslllossesl oft investments 124,7311 124,7311 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI Transfers b¢tsveen funds 1101.7181 95,978 66,066 195,9781 141.6521 Net movement In furM15 111,7401 {29,912} 141.6521 Page 20 Continued... INTERLINK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- Contlnu FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITies- eontlnued Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Totsl funds RECONCIUATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1,032,729 %)4,027 1,236,756 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1.020,989 174,115 1.195.104 12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtu and frttings Computer equipment Totals COST At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 53.$42 5,701 59.243 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2023 Charge for year 53,542 4.275 1,426 57.817 1,426 At 31 Mareh 2024 53,542 5,701 59,243 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 At 31 Marth 2023 1,426 1,426 13. FIXED ASSET INVESTMeNTS Listsd investments MARKET VALUE At 1 April 2023 Additsons Disposals RevaluatKJns 368.152 80.463 155.9801 26.083 At 31 March 2024 418,718 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 Marth 2024 418.718 At 31 Marth 2023 366.152 There were no investment 8ssets outside the UK. Cost or valuatB)n at 31 Marth 2024 1$ represented by.. Liste£l Investments valuats.on in 2021 Valuation in 2023 Valuation in 2024 CA)St 16.953 122.2531 50.566 373,452 418,718 Page 21 continued... INTERLINK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. eontlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 13. FIXED ASSEf INVESTMENTS- continued Investments a￿ a form of basic financkql instrument and are Initial￿ recx)gni5ed at thwr transaction value and subsequently measured al their fair value as at the balance sheet date usiro the cbsing quoted market pri￿. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains an¢J bsS8$ arising on revaluab'on and disposals throwhoul the year. The main fomi of finanaal risk faced by the charity is that of volatiity in equity market5 and investment markets due to Mrid8r economic eonditions. the attituije of investots to investment risk. and changes in sentiment o)ncèming equities and wthin part￿ular sectors or sub-sectors. 14. DEBTORS.. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Other debtors Prepayments and Èccnjed ints)me 71.675 64.911 68.911 1,107 136,586 70,018 15. CREDITORS.. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade cr8ditor8 Sooal security and other taxes Other creditors Accrued expenses 2,671 15,￿6 4,092 20,444 3,060 4,19) 42,322 42,863 49.572 16. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancell8ble operatiry leases fall due as folbws.. 2024 2023 Wrthin one year Befvveen one and five years 4,043 2.210 13.210 15.043 6.253 28,253 Page 22 conts'nued... Ii¥rERLINK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contlnu•d FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net rrL)vement in lund5 At 31.3.24 Al 1.4.23 Unrestrl¢tsd fvnds Co 1,020.989 26,531 1,047,520 Rg$trlcted funds CTMUHB18uilding Stron9 Bridgeslcorel Grants Administered for other organisalions 8uikling Communrties Trust Penywaun Graig and Penycoedcae Cornmunrty Fund ICF Grants RIF Wellbeing Coordination Ser%qce Mental Health Digrtal IncluS￿n Grant Mental Health Cwm Tal Public SeNice Board (Climata Action) RIp￿e Energy Ctsrnrnunty Benefit Fund Amser Carets Trust Grdnl Institute of Leadership 10,449 10,449 1.760 I8.5￿) 110.4431 79,246 10,515 20,r￿S 33,094 13,707 70.656 20,IX>5 137,767 11,734 45.067 104,673 11,9731 45,067 12.000 23,803 169,018 6.000 5.000 35,803 169,018 174.115 344,764 518,879 TOTAL FUNDS 1,195.104 371,295 1,566,399 Net IrK)v8ment in funds. induded in the above are a5 folk)ws'. IncA)ming resou￿$ Resour OXP8nded Gains and losses Movement in funds Unrestriet•d funds Core 435,072 1447,0751 26.531 Rostricted funds CTMUHB (Building Strong 8ridgeslCorel Grants Administe￿d for other org8nisatKJns Buildiry Communities Trust Penywaun Graig and Penywedcae Community Fund RIF Wellbeing Coordination SeNi M8ntsl Health Digital Inclusion Grant Mentsl Health Cwm Taf Public servi￿ Board (Climate Action) Ripple Energy Community Benefrt Fund Amser ca￿r$ Trust Grant Insts'lLrte of Leadership 38.136 127,6871 10.449 2.5 102.454 17401 1111,0441 110,4431 1344.0471 11,9731 142,5191 1.760 I8.5￿) 110.4431 104.673 11.9731 ,(￿7 448,720 87,586 23.803 287,150 88,CQO 5,000 23,803 169.018 1118,1321 182,0001 5.000 1.083,349 {738,5851 344.764 TOTAL FUNDS 1,518,421 {1.185,660) 38.534 371,295 Page 23 £x)ntinu￿... INTERLINK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- ¢ontlnu FOR THe YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- ¢ontlnu¢d Comparatlvg$ for movement in funds Net rnovement in funds Transfers bèiween funds At 1.4.22 31.3.23 Unrestriet•d funds 1.032,729 1107,7181 95.978 1.020,989 R•sthcted fund8 CTMUHB IBuilding Strong Bridge51Corel Grants AdMiniste￿d for other organisations Building Cornmunits'es Trust Penywaun Penycymoedd Community Windfarm Fund cic Graig and Penycoedcae Communrty Fund Sports Wales Healthy and Actk)n Fund ICF Grants RIF Wellbeing Coordination SeNce Mental H8alth Digital Inclusion Grant Mental Health Mental Health Service User Grant ICF Slippage Cwm T8f Public servi￿ Board IClirn8t8 Acttonl Ripple Energy Community 8en8fft Fund 9,372 19.3721 4,979 116.508 569 132.gJ91 14,2631 79.246 {3651 10.515 1.680 20.005 15.641 16,134 9.439 6.264 10,515 5,649 17,3291 20.005 33.094 13,707 69,192 12,4271 10,746 16,6621 12,5731 151.7391 120,1851 12891 12,000 12,(MXJ 12,8341 204,027 66,066 195.9781 174,115 TOTAL FUNDS 1,236.756 141,6521 1,195.104 Qjmparative net movement *n funds, lTrdL￿ed in the aty)ve are as follows.. Irt￿￿4ng re50urc8S Gains and losses Movement in funds expentyed Unrestrlcted fund8 Core 379.005 1461.9W21 124,731) 1107.7181 R8Strlcted funfls CTMUHB (Building Strong Bridgeslcorel Grants Administered for other organisatK)ns Buil¢Jing Communrtie5 TNSI Penwaun PenytyrTK)edd Community Windfarm Fun¢J cic Sports Wal8s HeAthy and A(￿on Fund RIF Wellbeing Coordination Servi Mental Health Digital Inclusion Grant Mental Health Mental Health Servic8 User Grant ICF Slippage Cwm Taf Public Service Board laimate Act￿nI Ripple En8rgy Comrnunty Benefrt Fund 37.572 128.2001 9.372 5,500 15,750 14.9311 148.7491 132.9991 1,979 ,359 448.720 11.6141 (84.7101 1379.5281 12,4271 183.2281 16.6621 12.5731 365 5.649 69.192 12.427} 10.746 16,6621 12.5731 93.974 12,(K)O 58.321 12.000 155,4871 764.175 1698.1091 66.066 TOTAL FUNDS 1,143,1eo 11,160,101) 124.7311 141,6521 Page 24 (x)ntinu8d... INTERLINK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS. continued A current year 12 rnonths 8nd prior year 12 I￿nthS o)rnbined posAion is as follows.. Nel ovement in funds Transfers At 1.4.22 funds 31.3.24 Unrestrfcted fund8 Core 1,032,729 181.1871 95,978 1,047,520 Rèstrictsd funds CTMUHB (Building Strong Bridgeslcorel Grants Adrnini5tered for other organisations Building Comrnunities Trust Penywaun Peny(¥moe(Jd Community Windlarm Fund cic Graig and Penyo)edcae Community Fund Sport5 Wales Healthy and ACt￿n Fund ICF Grants RIF Wellbeiro Coordination S8rvice Mentsl Heatth Digitsl InclusK)n Grant Mental Heatth Mental Health Service User Gr8nt ICF Slippage Cwm Taf Public Serviee 8oard Iclimate Actk)nl Ripple Energy Community B8nefrt Fund Amser ca￿rS Trust Grant Institute of Leadership 19,821 19,3721 10,449 4.979 116,508 2,329 141,5891 7.308 70.656 14,2631 365 110.4431 5.649 13651 10,515 1,6BO 20,005 15,641 16.134 9.439 6.264 2,862 17,3291 20.LK)5 137.767 11,734 45.067 173.865 14.41XII 55,813 16.6621 12,5731 151,7391 120,1851 398 12891 35,803 171,852 6,000 5,000 35,803 169,018 {2,8341 5,000 204,027 410,830 195.9781 518,879 TOTAL FUNDS 1,236,756 329.643 1.566,399 Page 25 L*>ntinU￿l... IKrERUNK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. contlnu¢d FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS. continued A cu￿nt year 12 Fnonths 8nd prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds. induded in the aLx)ve are as follows.. Incx)ming resource5 Re50ur expended Gains and los Movement in funds Unwstrfcted funds 814,077 I￿9.067) 13,803 {81,1871 R•strict8d funds CTMUHB (Building Strong Br￿eSIC0reI Grants Admini5tere(* forother organisatK)ns Bu1￿1ng Cofflmunrti8s Trust PenNaun Penyeymedd Comrnunily Windfarm Fund cic Grai9 and Penyo)edcae Cornmunity Fund Sport5 Wales He81thy anij Action Fund RIF Wellbeing Coordination Servic8 Mental Heatth Digital InclUs￿n Grant Mental HeaMh Mental Health SeNce User Grant ICF Slippage Cwrn Taf Public SeNlce Boar(I (Climate Action) Ripple Energy Community B8nefit Fund Amser Carers Trusl Grant Institute of Leadership 75.708 155,8871 19,821 15.6711 1159,7931 2,329 141,5891 118.204 1,979 11,6141 {10,4431 184.7101 1723.5751 14.4001 (125,7471 16.6621 12,5731 365 110.4431 S.649 173,865 14.4001 55,813 16,6621 12.5731 ,359 897,440 181,560 35,803 345,471 88,000 35,803 171,852 1173.6191 182,0001 1,847,524 11.436,6941 410,830 TOTAL FUNDS 2,661,601 12.345,7611 13,803 329,643 18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Due to the nature of the organisation and its members and trustees being drawn from a wde rang8 of bcal organisation5, it 15 inevitsble that transaction5 will take pla￿ with Organisat￿nS in which a member I Irv51ee of the organisatK)n may have an interest. 19. RESTRICTED FUNDS Wglsh Government. Third Sector Support Wales Intedink receives funding from Welsh Government through WCVA to provide support, adwic* and training to communty and voluntsry groups and prornote volunteering. CwTn Taf Morgannwg Universlty H•alth Board ICTMUHBI- MeFftal Health Inlerfink delivers a service level ￿reernent to work wth (x)rnrnunity and voluntary (xgaFFisations, people with live(1 experien￿ and statutory servic85 to design, dev81op and intejrate rnental health services in the o)mmunity. Cwm Taf Morgannwg Unlversity Health Board ICTMUH81- Building Strong Brldges Along with a CO￿ developrnenl grant, this service level agre8menl with CTMUHB enables Intedink to inwolve and p￿ent o)mrnunity and voluntary org8nisations ifj working in partnership wth the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University HeaMh Board, other statutory Partners and strategic partnerships. tt 5UPPOrts Intedink in rts role to provide advice. infom)ation and nehvorking opportunit18S to enable ￿mmUnity and voluntary organisations to fully contribute lo improving health, $o¢ial care and wellbeing. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Councll IRCTCBCI. Intedink delivers a service level ￿Jreerne￿t to support wrnmunlty 8nd voluntary groups, prormte volunteenng and provide l¢xal seNces working ak)ngsid8 RCTCBC. Page 26 continued... INTERLINK RCT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- ¢ontlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 19. RESTRICTED FUNDS- ¢ontlnuad Welsh Govemment H¢althy and A￿l¥e Fund- BeActlve RCT Intertink works aloryside bcal cotnmunty and voluntary organisations to ddiver 8 n8tional action r6searth pro9rarnffle to improve mental and physical wellbeing to support people lo ar1￿ local outdoor activib'e5 provide(I by and in the local community. Welsh Govemment Regional Inv•stm8nt Fund IRIFI The Fund enables Interfink to employ a team of Wellbeing Cch)rdinators to work with GPS and other health and social care professionaL% in primary care lo assist people to find supFy)rt to address their sooal. emotional and or practical needs, working cb5ely with community and voluntary groups aryj other partners. Welsh Government Youth-led Grant Scheme The 'VolFactorf is a youth-led grant scherne. funded annually through WCVA from W81sh Govemment, administered by Int8dink. Application5 wer8 made to a Young People's Pand whts aw8r(J grants to youth- led projects to support young people'5 volunteering. Bulldlng Communities Trust Penywaun Interlink is th& grant rerxpient bo¢Jy for the Penywavn Invest Lor& Group, ernpbyiry a Cornmunity Developrnent orri￿r to support the groups add￿sS local priotities. Invest Local is funded by the Big Lottery Fund 8nd managed by Building Communities Trust IBCTI. Penyeymoedd Windfami Community Fund CIC Interfink employed a Community Advice Coordinator io deliver advi￿ and support to o)mmunty voluntsry organisalions applying to the Penycymoedd Win(Jtarn Community FurKJ in Ihe area Cove￿￿ by th8 Fund in partnership wrth Neath Port Talbot CVS. Mèntal Health Dlg1ts1 Inclusion Grant Cwm Tal Morgannwg University Health Board provided fun(fing for Intertink RCT to work with peopl8 bmth lived expenence of tnental health and mental health org8nis8tlOn5 to devdop a websrte to prorTK)t8 and pro¥Ade feedbadi on mental health services In Taf Morgannwg. Cwm Taf Public Service Board Intedink RCT ree8iV8d support from Cwrn Taf Public SeNice Board to identify and prornote th058 ￿mmUnitY and voluntary org8nis8tion5 SUPPOrtrKJ volunt8er5 to take acth)n on dimate change. GRANTS ON BEHALF OF OTHER ORGANISATIONS Ventient Eneryy- Taff Ely Wlnd Fomi Grants The Taff Ely Wind Farm Community Fund allows Intedink to prowdg small grants in Ihe area of benefit of the wind lartn operated by Ventient Energy Limited. The Graig and Penycoedcae Communlty Fund The Fund resulted from a one off payment to the l(xxl Ix>mmunity related to the devek)prngnt of the Berth Solar Fami, Peny¢o8dcae providing a loral grant stheme adrninistered by Intertink RCT. The Rlpplè Energy Communlty Benèfit Fund Intertink manages a community benefit scheme from paym￿t$ by Ripple Energy related to Ihe Graig Fatha Wind Farm in Coedely by providing small grants to itnprove heatth and wellbeing, tac￿￿ dimate change and help with the cost of liviry. Unrestrfcted Funds {Cor81 The unre51ri¢ted {cA)rel funds a￿ availab￿ lo be spent or invested for any of the purposes of the charity. Page 27 INTERUNK RCT DETAILEO STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIWTIES FOR THE YeAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Other tradlng actlvitie8 Consultancy and training Investment Income Otherfixed 8sset invest- Fll D8posII acia)unt interest Interest on cash dèp¥)sits 8,322 17,260 244 6.008 3.029 389 25,826 9,426 Charitable *lvltits Grants 1.480,026 1,123,042 Other In¢ome Other Income Simon CEO wages 1,978 8,091 1,e07 10.069 2,912 Total Incoming resources 1,518,421 1.143,180 EXPENDITURE Inve5tm8nt mana9emnt costs PortfolKJ management 4,177 3,893 Charitablg a￿1vIll•S Wages Sooal securrty Pensions Insurance Telephone Postsge and stationery Advertising Premises expens85 WG Covid 19 Reo)very - Fllot Project Grants Paid Travel and sub&stenc Training and Events CornpLrter (x)5t EquipTnent Ism811 value) Grdnts for oth8r organisatK)ns Pen y Waun Consultsncy Recrurtment Costs Mental Heahh User Budget Gratg & Peny(x)edcae Community Arnser Carers Trust Healthy an Active IHAF) Bank charge5 Health & W811beiro Redundancy Costs Vol Factor grants Compuler equipment 628,367 62,917 50,797 6,579 12,666 6.805 3.678 12,452 1,973 683,055 70,121 54,522 7,518 13,¢XO 9,273 6,992 12,485 2,427 30,835 55,487 5,207 35,106 17,708 6,784 4,931 26,760 4,026 2,101 745 118.132 4.524 30,309 30,173 740 98,878 2.7 209 10.443 82,000 84,710 524 2,573 5.515 5.495 1,425 1.426 1,172.308 1,148.929 This p8ge does not form part of th& slalutory finarKxal statements Page 28 INTERLINK RCT DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTNITIES FOR THE YEAR £NDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Support costs Support costs Auditors, remunerath)n 9,175 7.279 Total r8source5 expende(I 1,185,660 1,160,101 Net ineomellexp¢ndlturel before galns and 10s585 332,761 116.9211 Reali50d recognlsed gains and 1058es Realised gainsllloss8sI on fixed asset investments 38.534 124,7311 Net Incornellex￿ndItura1 371.295 141,6521 This p¥Je does not fomi part of the statutory financlal ststements Page 29 **Audit Findings Report for the year ended 31[st] March 2024** ## **Table of Contents** Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 1 Audit approach ..................................................................................................................... 2 Areas of significant risk ........................................................... **Error! Bookmark not defined.** Accounting estimates and judgements ................................................................................. 4 Internal Controls ................................................................................................................... 5 Adjusted misstatements ....................................................................................................... 7 Other Matters ....................................................................................................................... 8 Appendix 1 – Auditor independence and objectivity............................................................ 9 The contents of this report relate only to those matters which came to our attention during the conduct of our normal audit procedures which are designed primarily for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial statements and giving a value for money conclusion. Our audit is not designed to test all internal controls or identify all areas of control weakness. The terms and conditions, under which our audit will be performed, including our roles and responsibilities and auditors, are set out in our letters of engagement. These have been issued separately. However, where, as part of our testing, we identify any control weaknesses, we will report these to you. In consequence, our work cannot be relied upon to disclose defalcations or other irregularities, or to include all possible improvements in internal control that a more extensive special examination might identify. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss occasioned to any third party acting, or refraining from acting on the basis of the content of this report, as this report was not prepared for, nor intended for, any other purpose. ## **Executive Summary** This report highlights the key issues affecting the results of the company and the preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2023. It is also used to report our audit findings to management and those charged with governance in accordance with the requirements of International Standard on Auditing (UK) 260. We are required to report whether, in our opinion, the company’s financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the company and its income and expenditure for the year and whether they have been properly prepared in accordance with FRS 102. ||| |---|---| |Status of our audit|We have completed the majority of our audit work. The main items outstanding are:
Going Concern review based on latest management accounts.
Discussion on current position of provisions and financial commitments.
Trustee approval of the financial statements
Trustees report| |Audit opinion|On the completion of the items outstanding, we expect to issue an unmodified opinion.| |Materiality|Final materiality has been set at £28,500 using a benchmark of 2% of turnover. A level of £1,425 has been set as our clearly trivial level.| |Audit risks & other
areas of focus|We have no significant items to highlight regarding significant audit risks and other areas of audit focus.| |Accounting estimate
and judgements|We have highlighted 1 key estimate and judgement. We have no issues to report on the estiamtes and considered the process of estimation to be appropriate and
key assumptions to be well balanced for these items.| |Internal controls|Our audit is not designed to test all internal controls or identify all areas of control weakness. However, where, as part of our testing, we identified any control
weaknesses, we report these.| Executive Summary 1 ||| |---|---| |Adjusted
misstatements|As Bevan Buckland LLP prepare accounts for the group companies there were amendments made. These will be provided by way of our opening balance
adjustments for Interlink RCT.| |Unadjusted
misstatements|We have noted no unadjusted misstatements.| |Other matters|None identified.| |Independence|We are not aware of any relationships between Bevan Buckland LLP and the company, that in our professional judgement, may reasonably be thought to bear on
our integrity, independence, and objectivity in performing our duties as auditors.| ## **Acknowledgement** We would like to take this opportunity to record our appreciation for the assistance provided by Simon, Claire and other staff during the audit. Executive Summary 1 ## **Audit approach** The auditing findings report presents the observations arising from the audit that are significant to the responsibility of those charged with governance to oversee the financial reporting process, as required by International Standard on Auditing (UK) 260. We are obliged to report uncorrected omissions or misstatements other than those which are ‘clearly trivial’ to those charged with governance. We have applied the de minimis level of 5% of overall materiality reported in our audit planning report to the final materiality. As auditor we are responsible for performing the audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK), which is directed towards forming and expressing an opinion on the financial statements that have been prepared by management with the oversight of those charged with governance. The audit of the financial statements does not relieve management or those charged with governance their responsibilities for the preparation of the financial statements. ## **Materiality** In performing our audit, we apply the concept of materiality, following the requirements of International Standard on Auditing (UK) (ISA) 320: Materiality in planning and performing an audit. The standard states that 'misstatements, including omissions, are material if they, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken based on the financial statements. In our audit plan we reported our planning materiality used in planning our overall audit strategy. In line with ISA (UK) 450, prior to the evaluation of uncorrected misstatements, we have considered whether it necessary to revise materiality. As planning materiality was based on management accounts, we have revisited our actual materiality to consider actual result for the period. Our audit work has been carried out using the revised materiality so has had no impact on our audit testing. |**Area**|**Planning**
**materiality**|**Final**
**materiality**| |---|---|---| |Interlink RCT|£28,500|£28,500| |||| |||| Audit approach 2 ## **Areas of significant risk** We raised several significant risks in our audit plan where we detailed work we would be carrying out as part of our audit procedures. We performed procedures during the audit to address each of these risks and ensure the financial statements are free from a material misstatement. |**Risk**|**Overall Risk**
**Factor**|**Work completed; issues & assurance gained**| |---|---|---| |_Ensuring completeness and cut off grants are accurate_|Medium|Review grant offer letters to ensure all are included and cut off is correct. No material issues identified and
therefore we can take assurance that the accounting treatment for recognising grant income is correct.| |_Management override of controls should be considered a risk_
_on every engagement (ISA UK&I) 240.74_|High|Keep any evidence of manipulation and review journals and unusual transactions. No evidence of
manipulation and no unusual transactions found.| |_There is a presumption that revenue recognition is a_
_significant risk on every audit engagement (ISA (UK) 240)_|High|All material sources of income were tested and agreed to supporting documentation. Rent arrears and rent
received in advance were also tested and cut off testing also completed alongside proof in total
calculations.
We are satisfied that income is materially correct.| Areas of significant risk 3 ## **Accounting estimates and judgements** Accounting estimates vary widely in nature and are required to be made by management when the monetary amounts cannot be directly observed. The measurement of these monetary amounts is subject to estimation uncertainty, which reflects inherent limitations in knowledge or data. The process of making accounting estimates involves selecting and applying a method using assumptions and data, which requires judgement by management and can give rise to complexity in measurement. We have outlined below a summary and how we assess the key accounting judgements applied by management. Assessment We consider the estimate to potentially be materially misstated and disagree with judgements used to derive the estimate or estimation process - We consider it unlikely that the estimate is materially misstated, however we consider assumptions used in the estimation process to be optimistic We consider it unlikely that the estimate is materially misstated, however we consider assumptions used in the estimation process to be cautious We consider the process of estimation to be appropriate and key assumptions to be well balanced |**Key Estimate**|**2024**
**Value**|**2023**
**Value**|**Assessment**|**Explanation**| |---|---|---|---|---| |Accruals &
Deferred Income|20,444|42,322||All other accruals are as per expectation and in line with previous years.| As part of the requirements of ISA (UK) 540 we will require written representations whether the methods, significant assumptions and the data used in making the accounting estimates and the related party disclosures are appropriate to achieve recognition, measurement or disclosure that is in accordance with applicable reporting framework and as such has been included on the draft letter of representation provided. Accounting estimates and judgements 4 ## **Internal Controls** The purpose of an audit is to express an opinion on the financial statements. The matters reported here are limited to those deficiencies we have identified during the audit and that we have concluded are of sufficient importance to merit being reported to you. Our audit included consideration of internal controls relevant to the preparation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control. We considered and walked through the internal controls for year ended 31[st] March 2023. The following control issues were identified during the audit. These control issues are categorised according to the level of risk attached: Red Significant weaknesses – risk of material misstatement Amber Significant deficiency – risk of significant misstatement Yellow Deficiency – risk of inconsequential misstatement ## **Area of control** **Area of control Issue and risk Recommendations Debtors** Risk that money may never be Regularly review aged debtors report on Some older invoices due from Health Board received if debtors are not Quickbooks and chase for any amounts overdue. had still not been received. monitored and chased regularly. ## **Recommendations Management comment** ## **Follow up of prior year audit recommendations** The following summarises the progress made to implement recommendations identified in our prior year audit findings reports. |||**Number of recommendations that were**|**:**| |---|---|---|---| ||||| ||**Included in report**|**Implemented**|**Ongoing**| |**Final Audit Findings Report 22/23**|1|1|0| |**Total**|**1**|**1**|**0**| ||||| Internal Controls 5 ||**Area of control**|**Issue and recommendation**|**Update on actions taken to address the issue**|**Management response**| |---|---|---|---|---| |**1**|Employee
-
No
photographic evidence is
not recorded on HR files|Risk of breaching employment law and right to work.
Keep photo evidence on HR files.|**Implemented.**Interlink are now keeping photographic
evidence of ID on file.|| Internal Controls 6 ## **Adjusted misstatements** We are required to report all items above our trivial threshold to those charged with governance, whether the financial statements have been adjusted by management. Below is a summary of the adjustments made from the initial trial balance received to the financial statements along with the impact on the primary statements. All these adjustments have been agreed with management before adjusting. ||**Income Statement**|**Income Statement**|**Balance sheet**|**Balance sheet**|| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||**Dr £**|**Cr £**|**Dr £**|**Cr £**|**Description**| |1||**63,627**|**63,627**||Ripple Energy- CommunityBenefit Payment fory/e 31/3/24 dated and received in April 2024.| ||||||| ||||||| |||**63,627**|**63,627**||**Accumulated effect of adjustments**| ## **Unadjusted misstatements** We do not discover any other errors or potential adjustments which are above the level of triviality (£1,425). Adjusted misstatements 7 ## **Other Matters** - •We have previously discussed the risk of fraud in our planning report. We have not been made aware of any material incidents - **Fraud** in the period and no other issues have been identified during the course of our audit. - •You have not made us aware of any significant incidencies of non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations and we have - **Laws & Regulations** not identified any incidences from our audit work. •In forming an opnion on the financial statements, we are required to evaluate whether identified related party relationsships - **Related parties** and transactions have been appropriately accounted for and disclosed. We have no issues to report in this area. - •A letter of representation has been requested from the board, including specific representations. This has been provided - **Written representations** externally to this report. - **Disclosures** •Our review found no material ommissions in the financial statements •The accounting policies used to prepare the financial statements are considered to be appropriate and are in accordance with - **Accounting policies** the relevant accounting standards. Other Matters 8 ## **Appendix 1 – Auditor independence and objectivity** Bevan Buckland LLP is required to maintain independence from Interlink RCT in line with the Ethical Standard (2019) issued by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and the ethical pronouncements established by the auditor's relevant professional body, in our case the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. In addition, our reputation and continued success as a firm depends on us maintaining auditor independence. We have procedures in place to ensure that any conflicts of interest of which we are aware are communicated to directors and appropriate action taken. This includes all relationships between Bevan Buckland LLP and Interlink RCT that, in our professional judgement, may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence and objectivity of the audit engagement partner and the audit staff. However, there may be factors known by the board of which we are not aware. Our letter of engagement requires the board to notify us if it becomes aware that any person becomes connected with Bevan Buckland LLP, and we will be asking the board to give us written representations that there are no such matters at the conclusion of the audit. The following other services are provided by Bevan Buckland LLP and the relevant safeguard applied is: •Any adjustments are approved by **Preparation of the financial** management for processing and are included **statements from the draft** within our audit findings report which is **trial balance** presented to the Board prior to finalisation and approval of the financial statements. •Seperate teams within the firm are used to perform taxation services. **Corporation Tax Services** Maintaining and assessing our independence is a continual process throughout the audit cycle. However, we will formally confirm our independence and any significant matters we have considered in assessing any threats to our independence and objectivity in our Report to the board. We have made enquires of all Bevan Buckland LLP teams providing services to you for compliance matters to ensure our independence is maintained. In our judgement we have complied with the UK regulatory and professional requirements including the Ethical Standard (2019) issued by the FRC. We are not aware of any relationships between Bevan Buckland LLP and the companuy, that in our professional judgement, may reasonably be thought to bear on our integrity, independence and objectivity at the date of the audit plan. As a result, we can express an objective opinion on the financial statements. ## **Safeguards** As part of the firms safeguards, all audits are subject to a review by a second partner or independent reviewing officer. The review undertook all high-risk areas, significant judgements, financial statements, audit plan and audit findings report. Appendix 1 – Auditor independence and objectivity 9 10 Appendix 1 – Auditor independence and objectivity