Annual Report & Accounts 2023 - 2024
1
REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 1158238
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
Legal and Administration Information
Charitable Status: Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered charity name: Nova New Opportunities Registered charity number: 1158238 Registered office: Nova New Opportunities 2 Thorpe Close London - W10 5XL Tel: 020 8960 2488 Email: info@novanew.org.uk Web: www.novanew.org.uk Independent examiners: Price Bailey LLP Chartered Accountants 24 Old Bond Street London - W1S 4AP Bankers: Unity Trust Bank Nine Brindley Place Birmingham - B1 2HB Trustees: Nick Wellington – Chair Jonnie Beverley – Treasurer Jay Burgoyne Anji Kang-Stewart Stewart McCure Leslie Ramos Kanika Seth
2 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report & financial statements for:
Nova New Opportunities for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 of the Accounts and comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting & Reporting by Charities 2019 (Charities SORP FRS102).
Contents
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| A MESSAGE FROM NOVA’S CEO | 4 |
| OUR VISION | 6 |
| OUR MISSION | 7 |
| ADULT EDUCATION | 8 |
| INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE (IAG) | 9 |
| FAMILY PROGRAMME | 10 |
| SOCIAL CHANGE | 12 |
| PARTNERS & VOLUNTEERS | 13 |
| FINANCE, FUNDERS & GOVERNANCE | 15 |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES | 18 |
| STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | 19 |
| BALANCE SHEET | 20 |
| NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 21 |
3 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
A MESSAGE FROM NOVA’S CEO The year 2023-2024 was marked by the ongoing challenge of the cost-ofliving crisis. And crisis is the correct word for large numbers of the people accessing our services, many of whom were pushed from just-managing to not-managing by the rising costs of food and fuel, increased debt and housing insecurity. As reported frequently in the national press, people slid further into poverty. Through our holistic services we have been able to support our users on a number Sn , of levels to address the difficulties and issues they have been faced with and to find ways forward.
Our three Grassroots Services: Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Adult Education, and Children, Young People and Families were affected differently, as you will read in this report. We saw burgeoning numbers in our award-winning Children, Young People and Families programmes, as families were increasingly less able to provide activities for their children. IAG dealt with rising numbers of people on the verge of homelessness and Adult Education struggled to engage adults in learning due to the urgent financial and other issues they were facing.
Alongside our Grassroots Services, our Social Change programme sought to address the structural issues causing the problems we deal with day-to-day by bringing people from very different backgrounds together to reduce stigma and prejudice and humanise the ‘other’, by fostering civic participation, and encouraging voices to raise concerns. The Social Change programme worked interactively with our Grassroots Services to promote our mission of social cohesion and its three pillars of social inclusion, social mobility and social capital, and to work towards long-term change and a society where people have an equal opportunity to get ahead and contribute.
Confronted with ever more urgent needs, the grit and determination of our team, trustees, volunteers and stakeholders have been focused on making a difference. Supporting 31 people to avoid homelessness, improving 232 people’s financial situation, 87 nationally recognised qualifications gained and 273 children improving their educational attainment are some of the highlights that inspire us. As do partnerships with some amazing organisations and institutions such as Imperial College, the Natural History Museum, MAMA.codes, Lancaster West Estate, Kensington and Chelsea Foundation and The Campden Charities, showing that by working together we can create a better future for all.
This year, we celebrated our 40[th] anniversary - a real milestone for a grassroots charity like ours. From beginning as a tiny basement startup offering photography classes, we’ve grown to 26 employees from a diverse range of backgrounds and 12 different countries, many having started off as Nova volunteers or service users, reflecting the rich diversity of our community and a deep understanding of the services needed. Today, Nova works with 2,000+ people across all ages each year, supporting them on their journeys to fulfilling their potential and improving their quality of life.
We embark on our fifth decade with determination, hope and optimism.
Lizzie Cho
4 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
5 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
OUR VISION
Together, we can grow the UK to be the most socially cohesive society in the world.
----- Start of picture text -----
Social Social Social
Mobility Inclusion Capital
Equality of Degree to which The resources
opportunity to citizens can resulting from
get ahead participate on cooperation for
an equal footing a common end
Increasing skills Providing Connecting
and confidence opportunities diverse groups
----- End of picture text -----
WHERE WE WORK
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) contains great diversity, huge disparities and inequalities in wealth, health, housing, employment and education, and wide social divides.
-
RBKC is the fourth most diverse borough in the country with 34% of residents from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority backgrounds. Additionally, 23% are Muslim and in 34% of its households either noone or only one of its occupants speaks English as a main language.
-
RBKC has the second most expensive housing in the UK. Furthermore, the average proportion of income to rent a one-bedroom flat is a huge 76% compared to London (45%) and England (26%).
-
Life expectancy gaps have worsened between RBKC’s richest and poorest wards over the last two years and stands at a staggering 19 years for women and 18 years for men.
-
Nova is based in Golborne ward, North Kensington- in the country’s top 10% most deprived wards.
-
In Golborne ward, 29.4% of children live in poverty, higher than both London and national averages, as well as being the highest in RBKC (23.4%).
-
33% of children in the borough receive free school meals, higher than the levels for London (25.8%) and England (23.8%).
Figures from: RBKC’s “State of the Borough Report 2021”, Kensington & Chelsea Foundation’s “Poverty & Prosperity in K&C Report 2024” & the National Census & Index of Deprivation.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Based in North Kensington and serving its poorest wards and those of surrounding London boroughs, in 2023/24 we worked with c.2,100 people.
-
90% of people are from Black, Ethnic Minority and migrant communities, many of whom are also refugees, women returning to work and lone parents.
-
64% of households have incomes less than £15k per year.
-
60% of adults are unemployed.
-
52% of households live in social housing and a further 8% in temporary accommodation.
-
457 children receive free school meals.
6 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
OUR MISSION
To create the circumstances through which people have the opportunity to achieve their potential, regardless of background.
ALIGNED WITH OUR CHARITABLE AIMS:
-
To Provide Free & Low-Cost Education for all ages.
-
To Relieve Unemployment & Disadvantage.
-
To Promote Racial Equality, Diversity and Harmony between groups.
-
To Promote Social Inclusion.
OUR SERVICES
We provide a bridge to mainstream social and economic engagement for individuals and communities facing barriers and disadvantage through:
-
Developing knowledge, education, and confidence.
-
Connecting diverse groups.
-
Offering opportunities for growth and advancement .
We listen and respond to our community's needs, often supporting multiple aspects of their lives. We also promote social cohesion and advocate for systemic change, as many issues faced by those we work arise from systemic factors perpetuating poverty and disproportionately negative outcomes for minority and disadvantaged groups.
Our work, therefore, operates on two levels:
‘Roots’ programming - Grassroots Community Support
-
Adult Education: courses to gain knowledge, skills and confidence to move forward in life.
-
Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG ): pre-employment advice & supporting those facing hardship.
-
Children, Families & Young People’s Programme : term time and holiday activities for children and low-income families.
‘Reach’ programming - Social Change
-
Dialogue Events and Influencing: challenging stigma, prejudice, and inequality – working with individuals and organisations to move through conversation to action.
-
Community Engagement: celebratory events connecting diverse individuals and groups.
7 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
ADULT EDUCATION
At the heart of Nova’s work is an unwavering focus on education. Our Adult Education programme equips individuals, aged 19 and over, with the skills and confidence to progress towards realising their potential. Particularly targeting non-native English speakers who seek to enhance their communication abilities, our programme of accredited and non-accredited courses from Pre-entry to Level 1 covers a broad spectrum: from English language and basic skills qualifications, to wellbeing, family learning, digital technology, budgeting and employability skills. Classes are held in person at our offices, local libraries, and other community locations.
Over the last year…
228 learners with 104 new registrations 3,773 attendances across 19 courses
87 nationally recognised qualifications gained
95% Pass rate
90.6% Retention
82.4% Attendance
Our learners: Many face significant challenges, including: limited English reading and writing skills (posing additional difficulties in accessing online support and services); no formal education beyond 18; mental health conditions, or are lone parents. A large proportion are economically stressed and seeking employment or additional work to support their families. The cost-of-living crisis has amplified these challenges. Additionally, our user base includes a substantial proportion of people with learning difficulties or disabilities (18%), migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, individuals without permanent accommodation, unemployed or working poor and low-income households.
Building tech fluency: Our digital skills provision covered stand-alone courses and integrated skills training, enabling learners to use online tools for job searches and everyday tasks. The Go Digital! initiative ensured year-long ICT support for those unable or unwilling to engage in longer courses.
Extending our reach: A highlight in 2023-24 was our decision to offer more provision outside of Nova, and we now deliver two Saturday evening classes at the Ismaili Cultural Centre.
“Nova is the best place that I found when I came to live in London. Nova is always my blessing from God. I joined to improve my English. I felt useful all the time. Now I am planning to focus on my GCSES in – Learner English”
“The positive impact of being on the course has helped my wellbeing which has increased my ability to address my personal finances…Nova is a positive part of the community and a positive environment to engage with the community…Nova is a lifeline.”– Learner
8 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE (IAG)
IAG provides a welcoming, trusting safe space with specialist advisors who initiate positive change and empowerment. Many clients now view employment as an eventual goal, but also need help with other aspects such as health, housing, finance and debt advice. Covid-19 and the costof-living crisis saw services adapt to help with budgeting, grant applications, food bank referrals, home evictions and benefits. Partnerships with Kensington & Chelsea Foundation and Lancaster West Estate allow us to reach more people on a wider range of issues.
Over the last year…
484 clients supported with 1,426 outcomes achieved
1,971 sessions held
414 clients improved hard and soft skills
-
46 clients found new employment
-
(29 full-time and 17 part-time)
47 clients improved their living situation (31 reduced risk of homelessness).
- 4 clients improved existing employment.
232 clients reported an improved financial situation.
85% of clients felt less worried about their situation. 64% felt expectations fully met or exceeded.
Employment and Housing
We helped individuals gain the skills and confidence to attain and succeed in employment. Hard skills support included CV writing, interview practice, IT-based job search and applications. Soft skills covered included confidence-building techniques, interview preparation, and mental wellness strategies. People transitioning from health benefits to employment often need more wrap around support, particularly for those presenting with mental health issues.
Cost of Living
We provided advice and hands-on support with budgeting, navigating Universal Credit, advocating on behalf of clients with utility providers, and small grant applications. We equipped clients with the tools, particularly IT skills, to enable them to manage their issues in the future.
CASE STUDY
“All Nova advisors are very professional, trustworthy and provide us [with] a friendly environment where we can confidently share our issues.” – Client
Tara** was referred to Nova with multiple health issues including reduced mobility. She was worried about debts, rising household bills and the ability to keep up with basic living costs. Reduced mobility impacted her quality of life and was a barrier to her accessing frontline support. We tailored our services with telephone sessions, home visits, and help with a personal independence payment (PIP) health assessment. Tara has now reduced her debts and awaits the PIP outcome which, if successful, would increase her income, allow access to further support and improve her quality of life and independence.
** Not client’s real name
9 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
FAMILY PROGRAMME
Established as a direct response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Nova’s Family Programme addresses the interconnected needs of health and wellbeing, education and employability. Our programme offers support for families with children and young people, from early years to age 18. Activities are delivered throughout the year, offering workshops, clubs, trips and visits for adults and children, alongside a range of other opportunities. For those we work with, the significant challenges from the cost-of-living crisis remain unabated, and we continue to grow the scope and scale of our core family support to help address their needs.
Over the last year...
1,308 people took part (445 adults & 863 children)
913 activities or classes involving 9,886 attendances
97% of people rated their experience as Very Good or Excellent
Families
Our action-packed programme provided opportunities to explore new places and experiences, promote learning and wellbeing, and – above all – bring people together to have fun!
146 activities - termtime and school holidays
95% of parents/carers and 94% of children felt a positive impact on their health & wellbeing.
91% of children felt that they had learned something new.
Diving into the arts and culture
Our families experienced London’s rich offering of cinemas, museums, theatres and performances, including hip-hop, ballet and puppetry, and explored world-class attractions at The Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace.
Full STEAM ahead (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics)
Our families were engaged with the harnessing of solar power, painting the universe in bright colours and discovering alien lifeforms with Imperial College Invention Rooms. Collaborating with Museum of London Archaeology, families also worked together to uncover London’s history through riverside archaeology and storytelling workshops.
Engaging for health and wellbeing
We stayed active, with challenges at Chelsea FC Foundation, skating at Battersea Park, horse riding at Checkendon and outdoor fun at Stubbers Activity Centre. We splashed around in Camber Sands, explored the countryside, fed animals and planted seedlings at farms. We were key contributors to an innovative study on home air quality by Imperial’s WellHome Project, as well as helping shape creative approaches to managing trauma through arts and wellbeing workshops for parents and carers.
10 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
Children & Young People
With our new dedicated Children and Young People’s Lead in post, we have been able to support a thriving youth offer for over 700 children. Our activities extended across a wide range of age groups and interests, from one-off activities to ongoing weekend and after school clubs.
730 weekly class sessions and 37 activities
98% of parents rated the quality of our teachers as Very Good or Excellent
95% of parents rated the impact on their children's progress at school as Very Good or Excellent
Promoting Success at School – With the generous support of Wellington Asset Management Foundation, our after-school classes in English, Maths and Science saw 273 pupils from Years 3 – 9 regularly take part. Other initiatives included Scratch coding sessions with MAMA.codes, and Reading with Agnes, our popular book club for younger readers.
Boosting Opportunities – Learning is about more than academic studies: we took a trip to the Science Fiction Exhibition at the Science Museum, performed with virtual K-Pop superstars at the V&A, and peeked behind the curtain of Moulin Rouge in a special career insights day at the Piccadilly Theatre. With the support of The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, young people spent an amazing day in the
air at Cambridge Gliding Centre, and our Young Photographers club at the Natural History Museum celebrated with their work on public display. We also saw the growth of our North Kensington Youth Group and the first meetings of our Young People’s Social Action Group – who planned and delivered their Cultural Cuisine project, celebrating culinary skills and personal stories from around the world.
Our year concluded with being awarded 2024 Young K&C Award for Best Work Supporting Training and Education for young people!
“Excellent teaching has helped my children so much with their English and Maths and boosted their confidence. They are more likely to participate in school learning and put their hands up because they have gained confidence through Nova’s tutoring programme. I am really – Parent impressed and thankful.”
“Nova had some phenomenal activities [this term], such as The Cambridge Gliding Club, an experience that the majority of those with Nova would not get the opportunity to experience…I think Nova are doing an excellent job of trying to present a varied and exciting programme…and they are – Parent succeeding!”
11 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
SOCIAL CHANGE
Events designed to build community connection, foster civic participation, and bring together people from all walks of life to listen, learn from each other, break down barriers and create positive shared experiences. Against a global backdrop of rising far-right and autocratic power and influence, we see increased stoking of societal tensions and the weaponisation of intolerance and prejudice against minorities and vulnerable groups. A dedicated Programme Officer for Social Change is now in place to ensure we meet the growing need for our work in this space.
Over the last year…
317 people engaged across 19 events.
Connecting people and celebrating a diverse community
The Summer Great Get Together is Nova’s flagship community event. Held to promote the late Jo Cox MP’s belief in unity over division and to commemorate the Grenfell Tower tragedy, this open event brings together people from all backgrounds to celebrate our diversity, shared humanity and community spirit. This year was extra special as we marked Nova's 40th anniversary. We also held our inaugural Great Winter Get Together , aimed at combating post-Christmas loneliness and sustaining our efforts to promote unity and social cohesion throughout the year. Working with local artists and artisans to showcase their talents, with workshops, activities and hospitality for all ages, new connections were formed and existing ones strengthened, building community resilience and a sense of belonging.
Challenging prejudice and shifting perspectives
At The School of Humanity, “Learners” and “Living Subjects” build bridges through conversations. Learners can be anyone curious to find out more about marginalised people. Living Subjects are individuals often defined by a generalised label (e.g. Refugee, Abuse Survivor, Niqabi, Polygamist) who are willing to share their personal stories. Learners choose a Living Subject to talk to in a safe environment for both parties - it’s an opportunity for them to ask questions they might normally hold back. And for Living Subjects, it’s a
“It was a vivid emotional experience of communicating with extraordinary people. I learned something new for myself.”– Attendee
chance to show what lies beyond the label. Through honest and brave dialogue, layers and nuances are revealed, challenging prejudice and shifting perspectives, often on both sides of the conversation.
Empowering individuals through knowledge
Our Let’s Talk About… events are interactive platforms for experts on a host of subjects to provide commentary and insights. Attendees engage with experts and others outside their usual circle. Topics relevant to our community, but often with broader-scale drivers, included Artificial Intelligence with Raspberry Pi; Healthy Homes with the WellHome Project; and reflecting young voices in policy formulation on Youth Health and Mental Wellness with Imperial’s Mohn Centre. We promoted civic participation with a trip to see Parliament in action and hosted a Decision Maker Dialogue with a former Nova volunteer, now local councillor, on local government and the power of personal journeys.
Lighter-touch events to spark connection and foster learning included Walk & Talks; our annual Festival of Learning (with sessions covering entrepreneurship, the history of English, graphic design, SEND support, coaching, meditation, Korean language taster and playing the steelpans); and educational trips to exhibitions for Black History Month and International Women’s Day.
12 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
PARTNERS & VOLUNTEERS
Partnerships
To open up opportunities for our users, across our services we pursue collaborations, partnerships and inter-referrals with a wide range of local and London-wide organisations, as well as world-class institutions:
Advance MAMA.codes The Hon. Company of Air Pilots Ambassadors Theatre Group Mike’s Table The Ismaili Centre Bikeworks Mohn Centre The Jo Cox Foundation Campden Charities MOLA The Lexi Cinema Dalgarno Trust Nationwide Trussell Trust Grove Trust Natural History Museum V&A Museum Henry Smith New Wimbledon Theatre Viking Cruises Historic Royal Palaces Polka Theatre Volunteer Centre K&C Imperial College London Raspberry Pi Foundation WellHome Project Kensington & Chelsea Libraries Royal Albert Hall West London Creative Kensington And Chelsea Council Science Museum Westminster City Lions Kensington and Chelsea Foundation Second Home, Holland Park Young K&C Kew Gardens Shelter Lancaster West Smart Works Little Angel Theatre Story Jam
Volunteering
We know volunteering can have powerful effects. Many of Nova’s staff started as volunteers, so we have experienced first-hand the potential effects on both volunteers and those receiving their support. Our impact is enhanced by the mix of people coming together to build a better future. Much of our work would not be possible without the time and effort given by volunteers - we thank them all.
-
We engage volunteers in various roles, from teaching assistants, IAG advisors and trip leaders to subject and skills specialists, and those with lived experience for our social change events.
-
Our volunteers are a rich, diverse pool of individuals, whether they are our learners and clients who may benefit from volunteering as a progression stage, or outside individuals and corporate teams providing pro bono support while expanding their own experiences and outcomes.
“It created real engagement between participants who took away valuable insights while I as a volunteer was supported by the organising team very well which allowed me to make a – Volunteer positive contribution.’
13 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
14 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
FINANCE, FUNDERS & GOVERNANCE
Financial Statement
This has been a good year for Nova. Thanks to our widening range of funders, we have been able to grow our income and expand our services. Income for the year was £718K (£592K in 22/23); Expenditure was £678K (£604K in 22/23); our Surplus was £40K (-£12K in 22/23) and our Reserves at the end of the year were £121K (£81K in 22/23.)
74% of our Income was raised from charitable trusts (67% in 22/23); 20% from our training contract from RBKC (23% in 22/23) and 6% from donations, student fees and fundraising events (10% in 22/23)
81% of our Expenditure was on the salaries of our 26 full and part-time staff (81% in 22/23); 13% on premises, office, admin, IT, marketing, publicity and governance (14% in 22/23) and 6% on Project costs (5% in 22/23).
Costs were carefully controlled during the year, allowing Nova to engage its full complement of staff in the last quarter of the year as fundraising targets were achieved. To sustain this, income targets for 24/25 have been raised by £150K – setting a challenging target.
To meet it, all departments have quarterly fundraising targets requiring each to make a surplus to contribute to core costs. Their fundraising is supported by our part-time fundraiser, our donor schemes and fundraising events and our Trustees’ networks and professional contacts. As a consequence, Trustees are confident that Nova continues as a going concern.
Reserves Policy
Nova aims to build up a reserve to underwrite 3 months’ running costs - £170K for 23/24 - to ensure: (i) a working capital sum to forestall cashflow issues (ii) a buffer to cover risk areas – see below (iii) the ability to continue developing services and pioneering new initiatives while waiting for funding to be secured. The policy is to ensure Nova can continue to operate and develop irrespective of short-term funding uncertainties. With reserves of £121K Nova continues to work towards achieving its target.
Funders
We are extremely grateful to Nova’s funders for supporting and enabling our work. In particular Nova would like to thank: The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, The Campden Charities, Wellington Asset Management, The Henry Smith Charity, City Bridge Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Julia & Hans Rausing Trust, Tudor Trust, John Lyon’s Charity, The National Lottery Fund, Kensington and Chelsea Foundation, Grenfell Children & Young People’s Fund, Kusuma Trust, Peabody Community Foundation, Lancaster West Community Fund, the Drapers' Charitable Fund, Imperial College, Westway Trust and all our other valued supporters and individual donors.
Fundraising
All fundraising carried out by and on behalf of Nova by our staff has been compliant with The Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 and there are no matters to report. There were no complaints in the year (2023- none).
15 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
Risk Management
Through the year, Nova keeps under review those factors that may affect its ability to meet its objectives. The major risks currently identified are:
Sustaining our income. To mitigate the risk we continue to develop, sustain and demonstrate the value and quality of our services and programmes, to track and record all the successful outcomes for our users, to ensure good communication and open dialogue with our funders and to continue diversifying our funding.
The cost-of-living crisis. In particular, the effect this can have on reducing numbers attending Adult Education classes and the impact this can have on the funding made available to Nova via the borough from the GLA. To mitigate this risk we continue to deliver quality courses, while developing our services in other areas and attracting funding for them.
The 3-year renewable lease on our current premise at a charity rent. The factor mitigating this risk is the long-term relationship we have with our charity landlord who has always been very supportive to Nova and their understanding of the importance of the central location for Nova’s base in North Kensington
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s objectives and activities and in planning future activities and they judge that they fully meet the public benefit test.
Plans for the Future
We continue to be alert to the shifting social, economic and funding environments and ready to respond to community needs - our key goals are to:
-
Sustain the funding for the organisation’s step-change made over the past 4 years.
-
Sustain our core team to ensure high quality services continue at their current increased level.
-
Keep evolving our social change programme and influencing work.
-
Grow our donor schemes and fundraising events to create a robust group of supporters and participants.
Governance & Management
Nova’s Board of Trustees provides stable and committed support for the organisation. Nova’s current 7 Trustees have over 60 years charity governance experience between them, are drawn from a range of backgrounds and provide a range of support. We look to ensure our Board has lived experience of the issues that Nova works with and is both inclusive and diverse.
In selecting individuals for appointment as trustees, Nova has regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity. Trustees are appointed for a period of 4 years and may be subsequently re-appointed.
Day-to-day running of the charity and all staff matters are deferred to the CEO and the senior management team. The senior management team reports to the Board of Trustees at quarterly meetings and at ad hoc and sub-committee meetings.
16 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
Statement of Board Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts and financial statements for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and to give a true and fair view of the charity’s state of affairs. To ensure its responsibilities, the Board of Trustees has acted as follows
-
Selected suitable accounting policies and applied them consistently
-
Observed the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102)
-
Ensured proper accounting records are kept that disclose the financial position of the charity with reasonable accuracy at any time
-
Regularly reviewed financial and operating performance
-
Prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis
-
Made judgements that are reasonable but also prudent
-
Followed applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements
-
Been responsible for safeguarding the assets of Nova and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities
This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 25/7/2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Nick Wellington, Chair
17 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2024 which are set out on pages 19 to 33.
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Price Bailey LLP have provided book-keeping services to the Charity. I have applied the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard.
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner mu st be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualifie d to undertake th e examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accoun tants in England and W ales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters ha ve come to my attention in connection with the examination whic h give me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not k ept in accordance with sec tion 130 of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not acco rd with the accounting rec ords; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicab le requirements concerning the format and content of accoun ts set out in the Charities (A ccounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requireme nt that the accounts g ive a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of a n independent e xamination.
I have no concerns and have come acr oss no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be dra wn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Michael Cooper-Davis FCCA ACA Price Bailey LLP 24 Old Broad Street Mayfair London W1S 4AP
Date: 14 August 2024
18 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
19 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
BALANCE SHEET
As at 31st March 2024
20 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
21 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
22 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
23 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
24 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
----- Start of picture text -----
310,773
----- End of picture text -----
25 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
----- Start of picture text -----
2,550
----- End of picture text -----
26 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
~~995 72665~~
27 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
~~33,380 0~C<“‘~~ ;CO”#‘«
28 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
29 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
•
- •
• • • • • • • • • ~~— •~~
30 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
- — Inpartnership with DMGT
31 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
32 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
// 2023 - 2024
NOTES cont.
Cash at bank and in hand
----- Start of picture text -----
————_—
----- End of picture text -----
33 NOVA NEW OPPORTUNITIES