Company Number: 08746685
Charity Number: 1158777
VOLA Consortium
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
Annual Report
Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended
31 March 2024
Page I

Vola Consortium
Contents
Pages
3-10
Trustee5' Annual Report
li
Independent Examiner's Report
12-13 Statement of Financial Activities
14
Balance Sheet
15
Cash Flow
16-25 Notes to the Financial Statements
Page 2

VOLA Consortium
Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
The trustees. who are also Directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, present their annual report and
financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial Statements have been
p￿Pared in accordance with the accounting policie5 set out in note I to the accounts and cornp￿ with the
charity's governing document. the Companies Act 2C(J6 and Accountlng and ReportinE by Charities: Statement
of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial
Reporting Standard 102 applicable in the UK and Republlc of Ireland.
The Charity
VOL4 Consortium is constituted as a company limited by 8uarantee and not havln8 a share capital. The
company is registered in England and Wales No. 08746685. The charity is registered with the Charity
Commission No. 1158777. The principal governin£ document is the Company Memorandum and Articles of
Association as amended on 25th September 2014.
Objectives and Activities
The diarlty's objects are..
al the advancement of education and lifelong learning in such ways as the trustees think fit;
b) the provision of crlme preventlon and offender rehabilitation services;
c) the promotlon of the voluntary sector in the Liverpool City Region and the surrounding areas in partlcular
i} building the capacity of charitable and voluntary organisation5 operating within the area of benefit
and providing them with the necessary support, information and services to enable them to pursue or
contribute to any charitable purpose but in particular the advancement of education and the
rehabilitation of offenders; and
ii) promoting, organising and facilitating Co-operation and partnership working between charitable
and voluntary organisations and statutory and other relevant bodies within the area of benefrt.
For the purposes of this clou5e, 'the voluntary sector" meons ch¢7rities und voluntary organisotions
defined osfollows. Chorlties Gre organlsotlons, which are establishedfvr exclusively charitable
purp05e5 in accordance with the law of England and Wales. "Voluntory OrgonisQtion5" are whole or o
significant section of the community. and which are not pemiitted by their constitution to make a
profitfor privote distribution. Voluntary organisations do not include IOCGI government or other
statutory uuthoritie5"
dl To further such purp05e5 as are charitable within the laws of England and Wales a5 the Tru5tee5 shall from
tlme to time determine.
In setting our objectives and planning our activities the trustees have given careful conslderation to the Charity
Commisslon's guidance on public benefit.
Page 3

VOLA Consortium
Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Membershi
In Its tenth year of operation a5 a registered charity. as at 31st March 2024, VOLA Consortium's membership
Stands at 67 voluntary sector organisations160 last year); having accepted eight new membership applications
during the year, along with one former member that unfortunately ceased trading in December 2023.
Activities and Services
Following the dosure of the European Social Fund programme and with the 'People and Skills, element of its
successor, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund {UKSPF} not commencing until April 2024, no new ski1151employment
support focussed project5 were secured during the 2023124 financial year, with other previou5 projects having
conduded in the previous year. Over the13st twelve month5. the charit¢s operation5 concentrated on
continued delivery of its digital connectlvlty grants programme.
'Di8ital Connectlvlty For Local Communlty Facllltleg Grants Programme
Funded by the Llverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) through its UKSPF Investment plan, £1.3 million
Brant fundlng has been made available to LCR-ba5ed, VCFSE sector organlsatlons that provide, or are planning to
provlde public-access digital facilitie5 to their communities. These Include both facilities that are 'open-access' to
the general public and those targeted at specific client groups.
The overall purpose of the grants programme Is to support VCFSE sector or8anisations to..
Create new facilities in areas of need (spatial and thematic); and
Improve or expand existing faclllties.
The programrne provldes funding and support to:
I, Target nelghbourhoods where there is a lack of public-access digital resources to help local
community-based organisations to set up new facilities;
Upgrade outdated and poor-quality computer devices, assoclated hardware andlor improve
broadband connectivityi where current connections are poor; and
Increase capacity, where current facilities are insufficient to meet demand, by providing funding to
purchase more digital devices.
In addition to the 46 organisations1£299,1221 funded in the first grant round in March 2023, a further 71
grants were awarded over two funding rounds this year1£519,4481. with an additional £1,711 provided in 'top-
up, funding to a small number of Round 18rant recipients.
In total, to date, £820,281 has been allocated through 117 grant awards. 107 organisations have benefited. 10
of which receivin8 multiple grants, supporting the establishment or improvement of 113 digital facilities.
71 funded facilities were known to be open by the end of March 2024, with the remainder In pro￿5$. Round 3
grant recipients received their funding in late March and won't be open until later In the year. So far, 28 have
reported Increased use of thelr computer facilitie5 and 18 have reported Improved digital connectivity
(broadband speedl as a result of the investment. Core impact indicators will increase considerabby over the
course of the coming year.
Beyond contractual output and outcome targets, the wlder social value generated by providing funding to
or8anisations to Support digital inclusion, wlth all the other wider 'spin-off benefit5 that it facilitates cannot be
Page 4

VOLA Consortium
Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
under-estimated, though 15 inherently difficult. To capture this, we aim to develop a social value measurement
methodolo8y in order to estimate the impact of the grants programme, which will form part of next yearfs
endryof-project evaluation.
The followlng table shows the breakdown of grant awards made, by location, nature of the investment and
financial value:
Increased
Capaclty &
Upgraded
Borough
New
Faclllty
Upgraded
Faclllty
Increased
Capaclty
Total No.
of Grant
Awards
Total
Value
Halton
£69,382
£78.020
£302.904
£139,368
£71,259
£159,349
£820.281
Knowsley
Liverpool
Sefton
li
14
12
16
46
15
22
St Helens
li
Wirral
13
20
Total LCR
56
18
33
io
117
In terms of legal statu5, the majority of funded organisations are registered charities and CIOs164}, with 26
Community Interest Companies, 9 Companie5 Limited By Guarantee. 10 Churches, a Mosque and 7 other
constituted community 8roups also receiving 8rants.
Grant recipients P055ess a wide nature of functions, actlvlties and target group5. Communlty centres/ hubs
account for the largest proportion138%1 of funded organisations, providing open-access dl8ltal facllities to
thelr respective local communltles. 16% speclallse in providing educationltraining and employment support;
17% in working with children and young people: IO% wlth people from diverse ethnic background5, including
refugees and asylum seekers; and 5% with women.
A whole host of other or8anlsatlons wlth different remits and specialisms have also benefitted from the
funding, including.. health,. mental health; dlsablllty Iphyslcal and learning); autism,. advice agencies {CABsl;
youth Centres; older people; carer5,, family support; domestlc vlolence; addlctlon recovery; homelessness;
veterans; LGBTQ+; sports clubs18roups; creative arts; and even an urban farm and lotal allotment groupl
The remaining £483,000 will be allocated through two further grant rounds scheduled for 2024, distributing all
funding to successful applicants by the end of December, with facilities up and running and required
monitoring evidence in place by the project's March 2025 end date.
Computer Recycllng and Loan/ Gifting Scheme
In addition to the existing bank of laptops donated byJaguar Land Rover in 2021 and WSP in March 2022. a
further 76 decomrnissioned and refurbished laptops and desktop Pcs were donated by Moore & Smalley
Accountants in June 2023, to whom the Trustee Board and management team are extremely grateful.
We continue to loan, and increasingly gift computers to our member organisations, learners enga8ed in our
digital skills traininB courses, other charitie5, community groups, individuals and families in need, Including
requests from other service providers on behalf of thelr cllents, such as Afghan and Ukrainian 5UPPOrt agencles
and community-based cancer support servI￿s.
Page 5

VOLA Consortium
Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Examples include donations made to a local deaf charity, an envlronmental charity, two special educational
needs education providers, local amateur boxing club, Parent Teacher Association, local community hubs,
advice centres, training organisations refugee famllles and people fighting cancer.
Future O
ortunltles and Develo
ments
Following the November 2023 announcement by the LCRCA of a'call For Projects, funded under the UKSPF
Community-Led Employment Support investment priority, a consortlum delivery partnership was qulekly
formed and an ambitious proJett plan devised to support the aims of the Call.
A true team effort, with support from the Trustee Board and consortlum members enabled the submission of a
strong funding application, which was confirmed as belng successful in February, with a planned projett start
date of 1° April 2024.
During this period, the management team underwent significant change, with two long-standing and extremely
valuable members of the team moving on to pastures new. The Trustee Board, Consortium Manager and
member organisatlons would like to thank Andy Coulson and J05ie Barrow for their diligent work and
commitment overthe years and wish them well in their new ventures.
Although temporary, the Impact on the management team was significant, but strong endeavours. teamwork
and support from the Board saw u5 through this difficult period of change. We are delighted to have brought
on board three new team members in April to replace outgolng Staff and add additional resource to the team
to support the management and administration ofthe consortium's expanded portfolio of projects.
The UKSPF Community-Led Employment Support project, christened The Progre55 P¢7rtnership, runs until March
2025, aimin8 to support 680 economically inactive city region residents into or closer to employment, with a
target of 50% into paid work, education or training.
The 14-strong dellvery partnership comprises providers with expertise in working with people from dlverse
ethnlc backgrounds, women, disability, neurological and neurodivergent condltlons, amongst others. all groups
disproportionally represented in terms of economic inactivity. We are extremely excited about what we can
collectively achieve through thi5 project in supporting the clty reglon's ambitions for etonomic growth,
employment, health and inclusion.
With funding in place to secure the charIt￿S Immediate sustainability until March 2025, new funding sources
will need to be identified and secured in the coming year to secure medium and lon8er-term sustainability.
The Consortium Manager wlll continue to work closely with key stakeholders, including VS6 and the LCR
Combined Authorlty to Influence policy and strategy and keep abreast of emerging opportunities.
The outcome of the summer 2024 general elertion, with Its resulting changes to the polltlcal landscape, policy,
strategy and public funding are all key influencers to our future plannlng, Including.succession plans for the
UKSPF programme, which we need to carefully understand, navlgate and capitalise on.
Page 6

VOLA Consortium
Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Financial Review
During the 2023/24 financial year, charitable aclivitygenerated an income of £453,954 to be used to further the
organisation's objectives.
Following an increase in unrestricted reserves of £12,367 last year. unrestricted reserves reduced slightly this year,
by £3,567, leaving a carry forward balance of £32,291. Last year's unusually large restricted fundlng surplus
{£146,553), relating to up-front funding from the UKSPF digital grants programme, ha5 been paid out In grants this
year, leaving a modest, restricted carry forward balance of £12,662, which will be spent next financial year.
As of 31 March 2024. the charity maintained a healthy balance sheet, wlth sufflclent cash at bank {£87,944I to
more than cover all a¢¢rued expenditure relating to the financial year.
With the charitys forecast income from the two UKSPF-funded projects in relatlon to anticipated levels of
expendlture, current flnanclal prolectlons provlde the Board of Trustees with strong confidence In the charity's
ability to continue as a going concern for the coming financial year. However, new funding streams need to be
secured to ensure the charity'5 longer-term future post March 2025.
Unrestricted cash reserves are ample to cover anticipated financial liabilities in the event of the charÉVs closure.
The charity maintains a reserves policy of £5,000 to cover the costs anticipated le.8. financial and legal costs) in the
event of the charitable company bein8 wound up. This policy reflects the Charit￿ s continued position in relation to
staffing and fixed assets, in that it does not directly employ any staff and, therefore, has no direct employment or
redundancy liabilities. nor does it have any loan5 or other liabilitie5 in relation to bulldlngs either owned or leased.
This policy has been reviewed again this year and will contlnue to be reviewed annually, subject to amendment
Should the charity's risk proflle change, for example, if the charity began to directly employ staff or secure premises.
The charity has no subsidiary undertakings, nor is any fund within the charity's accounts materially in deficlt.
Page 7

VOLA Consortium
Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Reference and administrative details
Charity number.,
1158777
Company number:
08746685
Registered Office:
Burlington House, Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 OLG
Our advisors
Independent Examiner:
Anita Mason BAIHonsl BFP FCA, Mitchell Charlesworth, Suite 5.1 Tempest,
12 Tithebarn Street, Liverpool, L2 2DT
Bankers..
UnityTrust Bank Plc, 9 Brindleyplace, Blrmlngham. Bl 2HB
Solicitors:
Brabners, Horton House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool. L2 3YL
Directors and trustees
The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. The
trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year-end were as follows:
Trustees
James Brett
Nicola Crosby
Debbie Gayle
Mark Ord
Helen Stephens Iresigned at AGM 15/12123)
Claire Cook
Damian Fran￿ {Chair of Tru5teesl
Raymond Moore
David Roberts {resigned at AGM 15112/231
Angela White OBE
Structure, Governance and Management
Governln8 Document
VOLA Consortium is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of
th
Assoaation amended on 25 September 2014. It is registered with the Charity Commission. Anyone over the
age of 16 can become a member of the Company and there are currently 8 trustee members110 in 2022123),
each of whom agrees to contribute £1 in the event of the charity winding up. In addition to the trustees. the
charity had 67 membership organisations as at 31 March 2024. who also agree to contribute £1 in the event
of the charity winding up.
Appointment of trustees
As set out In the Articles of Association the tf115tee5 are elected by members of the charltable company
attending the Annual General Meeting. The longest service one third of trustees retires each year and are able
to offer themselves for re-election.
Pa8e 8

VOLA Consortium
Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Structure, Governance and Management (Continued)
Trustee inductlon and tralnin8
New trustees undergo an induction process to brief them on: their legal obligations under charity and
company law. the Charity Commi55ion Euidance on public benefit, and inform them of the content of the
Memorandum and Articles of Association, the commlttee and dec151on-making proce55e5. the business plan
and recent financial performance of the charity. Duringthe induction process they meet key employees and
other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will
facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Or8ani&*ion
The board of trustees, which can have up to 12 members, admlnlsters the charity- The board normally meets
quarterly. A Manager is appointed by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operation5 of the charity. To
facilitate effertive operations the Manager has delegated authorlty, wlthln the terms of delegation approved
by the trustees, for operational matters Includlng finance, employment, and service dellvery activity. The
Manager and other members of the staff team are employed by Sefton Council for Voluntary Service, a VOLA
membership organisatlon, wlth VOLA Consortlum belnE recharged for any staff time Incurred In the operation
of its projects. A written membershlp agreementls In place outllnlng the terms of thls stafflng relationship.
Related parties and co-operatlon wlth other organlsatlons
None of our trustees receives remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection
between a trustee or senlor manager of the chartty and any client or supplier 15 disclosed to the full board of
trustees in the same way as any other contrartual relatlonshlp wlth a related party. In the current year no
such related party transactions were reported.
Rlsk Management
The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:
an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces,.
the establishment of policie5, Systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual
review; and
the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manaBe any potential impact on the
charlty should those risks materialise.
This work has identified that financial sustainability is the major financial risk for the charity. A key element In
the management of financlal risk is a regular review of available liquid funds to settle debts as they fall due,
regular liai50n with the bank 3nd active management of trade debtors and creditors balance5 to ensure
sufflclent working capital by the charity.
Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks arising from fire, health and safety of clients and data
protection. These ri5k5 are managed by ensurlng accreditation is up to date, having robust policies and
procedures In place and regular awareness training for staff working in these operational areas.
Page 9

VOLA Consortium
Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Trustees, Responsibilities
The trustees, who are also the directors of VOLA Consortium for the purpose of company law, are responsible
for preparing the trustees, report and the financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United
Kingdom Accounting Standard5 Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the charity 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 incomin8 resources and
application of resources, includin8 the income and expendlture, of the charitable company for that year. In
preparing the financlal statements. the trustees are required to:
11 select sultable accounting policies and then apply them consi5tentlv;
21 observe the methods and principles in the Charltles SORP;
31 makejudgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
41 state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disc105ed and explained in the financial statements;
51 Prepare the financial statements on the 8oln8 concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that
the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accountin8 records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at
any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements
comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for the safeguarding the assets of the charity
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud or other irre8ularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information
included on the charitable Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation
and di55emination of financial statements may differ from legislatlon In other jurisdictions.
This report was approved by the board of trustees on 12 November 2024 and signed on their behalf.
Domlon France
Chalr of Trustees
Page 10

Independent Examiner's Report
To the trustees of VOLA Consortium
For the year ended 31 March 2024
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of VOLA Consortlum for the year ended 31
March 2024.
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordan￿ with Section 145 of the Charities
Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters I
am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest
extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the
charity's trustees as a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charitvs trustees of VOLA Con50rtium (and a150 its director5 for the purpose5 of company lawl you are
resDonsible for the DreDaration of the accounts in accordance with the reauirements of the ComDanies Art
2W61'the 2006 ACY).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not requlred to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006
Art and are ell8ible for independent examinatlon, I report in respect of my examination of your charit¢s accounts
as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Art 20111'the 2011 ACV). In carrying out my examination I have
followed the Dlrectlons glven by the Charlty Commission under section 145151 Ib) of the 2011 Art.
Independent examinerfs statement
Since the charity's gross Income exceeded £250,000 your examlner must be a member of a body listed in
section 145 of the 2011 Art. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a
member of the ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodie5.
I have completed my examination. I can confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection
wlth the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charlty as required by settion 386 of the 2006 Act;
or
the accounts do not accord with those records: or
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other
than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair Vie￿ which is not a matter considered as
part of an independent examination- or
the account5 have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the
Statement of Recommended Prdctice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charlties
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland IFRS 102).
I have no cOn￿rn5 and have come across no other matters in connection wlth the examination to which attention
should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Anlta Mason BA(Hons) BFP FCA
Mitchell Charlesworth
Suite 5.1, Tempest
12 fithebarn Street
Llverpool
L2 2DT
Date:
Pa8e 11

VOLA Consortium
Statement of Financial Activities
(Incorporating Income & Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Current Year Ended 31 March 2024
Unrestricted
Fund
Restrlcted
Fund
Total 2023
Note
Total 2024
Income and
endowments from:
Donations and
Legacies
Charitable activities
8,473
2.600
451,354
453.954
514,461
Total Income
2,600
451,354
453,954
522,934
Expendfture on:
Charitable artlvlties
6,167
585,245
591A12
379,211
Total expenditure
6,167
585,245
591,412
379,211
Net
Income/lexpendlture)
Transfers between
funds
Net movement in
funds
13,567)
1133.8911
(137A58)
143,723
14
(3,567)
(133.891)
(137.458)
143,723
Reconciliation of
funds:
Funds b/fwd
Funds clfwd
35,858
32,291
146,553
12,662
182,411
44,953
38,688
182.411
The Statement of Financial Actlvltles also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure
account under the Companies Act 2006.
All Income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Page 12

VOLA Consortium
Statement of Financial Activities
(Incorporating Income & Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Prevlous Year Ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted
Fund
Restrlrted
Fund
Notè
Total 2023
Income and
endowments from:
Donatlons and
Legacies
Charitable activities
8,473
8,473
37,743
476,718
514,461
Total Income
46,216
476,718
522,934
Expendlture on:
Charltable activitie5
33,849
345,362
379,211
Total expenditure
33,849
345,362
379,211
Net
Incomel(expendlturel
Transfers between
funds
Net movement in
funds
12,367
131,356
143,723
14
12,367
131,356
143,723
Reconclliation of
funds:
Funds blfwd
Funds dfwd
23,491
35,858
15,197
146,553
38,688
182,411
The note5 on pages 16 to 25form part of thesefinancial stotements
Page 13

VOLA Consortium
Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2024
Company Number: 08746685
2024
2023
Note
Current Assets
Debtors
618
475,IXIO
42,413
517,413
Cash at bank and in hand
io
87,944
88,562
Credltors: Amounts falling due wlthin one
year
li
43,608
335,C()2
Net Current Assets
44.953
182,411
Total Net Assets
15
44.953
182,411
Funds of the charfty
Designated Funds
General Fund
32,291
35,858
Total Unrestricted Funds
13
32,291
35,858
Restrlcted Fund
12.662
146,553
Totsl Restricted Fund
14
12,662
146.553
Total Funds
44.953
182,411
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies
Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audlt of its financial ststements for the year in question
in accordance with section 476.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensurlng that the charity keeps accounting records which comply
wth sertion 386 of the Act and for preparing financlal statements which give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of Its incoming resources and application of resources,
including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and
395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial ststements,
so far as applicable to the company.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the pro¥i5ions applicable to companies subject to the small
companies, regime.
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees IZ November 2024.
mlon Fmnce
C1￿1r of Trustees
The notes on poge5 16 to 25form part of the5efinonciolstatements
Page 14

VOLA Consortium
Staternent of Cash flows
For the year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Cash flows from operatlng acllvltles
Net Income per Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltles
Adjustments for:
Decrease/lincreasel In trade and other recelvables
IDecrea5el/lncrease in trade and other payable5
1137,4581
143,723
474,382
1291.3931
1469,4851
298.905
Net Cash (used In} Iprovlded by operating attivities
45.531
126.8571
Net cash from Investlng artlvltles
Net cash from financing adivities
Net {decreasel Ilncrease In cash and cash equlvalents
45,531
126,8571
Cash and Cash equlvalents at the beginnin8 of the year
42,413
69,270
G￿h and cash equivalents atthe end ofthe year
87.944
42.413
Components of cash and cash equivalents
Cash and bank balance5
87.944
42,413
87.944
42.413
Page 15

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accounts
For the year ended 31 March 2024
l Accountlng Pollcies
la. Basls of preparatlon
The finandal statements have been prepared In accordance with Accounting and Reportin8
by Charities: Staternent of Recommended Practice applicable to charitie5 preparing thelr accounts In
accordance with the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS
1021 (effective I january 20191- Icharities SORP IFRS 10211, and the Companies Act 2006 and the UK
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice amended for accounting perlods commencing from l January
2016.
VOLA Consortium meets the definition of 3 public benefrt entlty under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities
are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant
accounting policy note.
The functional currency used by VOLA Con50rtium isthe £ Sterling.
Hnandal Instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Sectlon 11 'Baslc Financial Instrnments, and Section
12 '0ther Flnancial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financlal instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charlty becomes party to
the contractual provislons of the Instrument.
Financlal assets and Ilabllities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements.
when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognlsed amounts and there is an intentlon to
settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charitW5 accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements,
esLimate5 and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets 3nd liabilities that are not readilv
appa￿nt from other 50urce5. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical
experience and other factor5 that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these
estimate5.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the rewsion affects only
that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current
and future periods.
Ib. Preparntion of the accounts on 4 8dn8 concern basls
On assessment of income streams and the required P￿ed and variable overheads requlred to
complete the ongoing projects successfvlly, the trustees considerthat the accounts should be
prepatÈd on a golng concern basi>
Page 16

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
l Accountlng Pollde5 {cont.)
Ic. Income
Income Is recognlsed when the charlty has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions
attached to the itemls) of income have been met, it Is probable that the income will be received and
the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from government and other grants, whether'capital, grants or'revenue, grants, is recognised
when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the Item{s} of
Income have been met, Itls probable that the Income will be received and the amount can be
measured reliably and is not deferred.
Interest on funds held on deposlt Is Included when receivable and the amount can be measured
reliably by the charitvi this 15 normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
Id. Deferred Income
Income from donations and grants, including capital grants are deferred when the following
conditions are met:
a) when donors speclfy that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future
accounting periods, the income is deferred untll those perlods
b) when donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to
Use such income, the income Is deferred and not Included In IncomlnE resources until the
preconditions for use have been met.
le. Donated servlces and facllltles
Donated professional services and donated faclllties are reco8nised as Income when the charity has
control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated Item have been met. the recelpt of
economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that the economlc benefit
can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021, the general volunteer time
is not recogni5ed and refer to the trustees, annual report for more information about their
contribution.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated faalities are recognised on the basis of the
value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charlty would have been willing to pay to
obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic beneflt on the open market; a corresponding
amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt,
If. Expenditure
Expenditure 15 recogni5ed once there is a legal or constructlve obligation to make a payment to a thlrd
party, It 15 probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be
measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
a) Expenditure on charitable activities Includes the educatlonal activities undertaken to further the
purposes of the charity and their associated sUPPOrt costs.
b) Other expenditure represents those items not fallln8 Into any other heading.
Irrecoverable VAT Is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expendlture was incurred.
Page 17

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
l Accounting Policies (cont.1
18. Funds Accounting
All income and expenditure tO8ether with gains and losses are allocated to a specific charitable fund.
Unrestrirted funds are available to spend on activltles that further any of the purposes of the charlty.
Restrirted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be used solely for particular areas
of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
Further details of restricted funds together wlth their purposes are set out in note 14.
Ih. Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount
offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade dlscounts due.
11. Cash at bank and In hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand Includes cash and short term hlghly Ilquld Investments with a short
maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar
account.
lj. Credltors and provlsions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charlty has a present obligation resulting from
past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to
settle the obligation can be measured or estimated rellably. Creditors and provisions are normally
recognlsed at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Ik. Taxatlon
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains fallln8 Within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or
sertion 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its
charitable objects.
Page 18

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Donatlons & Le8acles
Unrestricted
2023
2024
Donations
8,473
8,473
Charltable Actfvlty Income
Restrlcted
2024
Unrestricted
2024
2023
LCRCA- UKSPF Digital Connectivity Grants
VSNW- VS6 representative roles
WEA- Multiply Steering Group
Greenbank College- New Futures
LCR CA- Digital Mapping
DWP- Kickstart Intermediary
451,354
475,OCrfJ
2,500
loo
27,993
9.750
1,718
451,354
2,600
514,461
Page 19

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Charitable activities
VCF
Capaclty
Buildlng
General
Funds
Total
2024
Total 2023
Direct staff costs
3,314
45,007
48,321
4B,017
Project costs
1,921
537,742
539,663
321,990
Share of support costs (see note 5}
932
932
6,731
Share of governance c05t515ee note 51
2,496
2,496
2,376
Bad debt
97
6,167
585,245
591,412
379,211
The direct staff costs are the total seconded staff costs charged to VOLA
Analysls by fund
Restrirted funds
Unrestricted fund5
585,245
585,245
6,167
591,412
6,167
6,167
585,245
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Restricted funds
11,061
25,995
37,056
334,301
7,854
342,155
345,362
33.849
Unrestricted funds
379,211
Support costs
Support
Governance
costs
2024
2023 Basls of allocatlon
Contribution to
overhead5
Allocated to
6,731 General Funds
932
932
Independent examiners
fees
Allocated to VCF
2,376 Capacity Building
9,107
2,496
2,496
2,496
3,428
932
Page 20

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Account5 (continued)
Forthe year ended 31 March 2024
Flnanclal Instruments
2024
2023
Carrylng amount of flnanclal assets
Debt instruments measured at amortised c05t
88,562
517.413
Carrying arnount ot financial liabilities
Measured at arnartised cost
43,608
333,573
Trustees
No remuneration was paldoo trustees durlng the year12023- nil)
No Expenses were reimbursed to trustees during the year12023- nlll
Relèted Partytran5artion5
Remuneratlon of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows..
2024
2023
Aggregate compensation
£29,165
£29,165
21,605
21.605
There were no other related party transactions durin8 the year
Debtors
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Accrued Income
618
475,000
618
475,000
10. Cash at bank and in hand
2024
2023
Cash at bank
87,944
87,944
42,413
42.413
IL Creditors: Amounts falling due within one yeaT
2024 £
19,995
21,117
2.496
2023 £
299.234
31,963
2.376
1,429
335,002
Grants Payable
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Funds held as Agent
43.608
Page 21

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accou nts (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
12. Funds held as agent
VOLA Consortlum no longer hold5 any funds as a8ent12023: £1.4291 that is payable to third parties.
Previous yeor ended 31 Iwarch 2023
Balance
corried
fvrword
2023
Bolonce
brought
forward
Received
Spent
Funder
DWP- Kickstart
Greenbank College
New Future5 Progmmme
Totalfunds held05 agent (previous yearj
121,595
{121.595J
f3}
242,990
(241,5581
f363,153J
1.429
(3)
364585
1,429
Current year ended 31 March 2024
Balanee
carried
forward
2024
Balanre
brought
forward
Received
Spent
Funder
Greenbank College
New Futures Progromme
1,429
11,4291
Total fund5 held a5 agent (current year
1,429
IL4291
Page 22

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
Forthe year ended 31 March 2024
13. Unrestricted Funds
Previous year ended 31 March
2023
Bolonce
carried
fvrword
2023
Balonce
brought
forward
Tronsfers
between
fvnd5
Income
Expenditure
Generol Fund
22,497
8,473
(3,617)
35,858
Generol Fund- New Futures
994
27.993
(22,378)
(6,609)
LCR CA DI Mopping
9,750
(7.854)
(1,896)
Totol Funds (current year)
23,491
46,216
(33,849J
35,858
Current year ended 31 March
2024
Balance
carrled
forward
2024
Balance
brought
forward
Transfers
between
funds
Income
Expenditure
General Fund
35,858
{6,1671
2,600
32,291
General Fund-VSNW/ VS6
representative roles
2,5Ch)
12,5001
General Fund-WEA, Multiply
Steerlng Group
loo
iioo)
Total Fund5 {current yearl
35,858
2,600
16,1671
32,291
Page 23

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
14. Restricted Funds
Bolance
¢orrled
fvrnard
2023
Bolance
brought
forward
Trunsftrs
between
funds
Previous year ended 31
March 2023
Income
Expenditure
DWP- Klckstart
9,343
1,718
(11,061)
(5,854)
(328.447)
TNLCF- TFOP
5,854
UKSPF- Digital Grant5
Total Fund5
(current yeorj
475,000
146,553
15,197
476,718
(345,362)
146.553
Balance
carried
forward
2024
Balan
brought
forward
Transfers
between
funds
Current year ended 31
Marth ZOZ4
Income
Expendlture
UKSPF- Digital Grants
Total Funds
(current year)
146,553
451,354
(585,2451
12,662
146,553
451,354
(585,245)
12,662
UKSPF- Digital Grants project provide5 grants and support for the voluntary, community, faith and Social
enterprise {VCFSEI sector to improve public-facing IT fadllties & create new facilities in priority areas. The
Digital Connertivityfor Local Community Facilitie5 Grants project is funded by the UK Government through the
UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authorlty.
Page 24

VOLA Consortium
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2024
15. Analysls of Net Assets
Previous year ended 31 Morch 2023
Unrestricted
Fund5
Restricted
Funds
Totol
Funds
Net CurrentAssets
35.858
35,858
146,553
146,553
182,411
182,411
Current year ended 31 March 2024
Unrestrlcted
Funds
Restrlcted
Funds
Total
Funds
Net Current Assets
32,291
32,291
12,662
12,662
44,953
44.953
Page 25