CONGENS GROUP (A Charitable Incorporated Organisatlon) Annual Report and Financial Statements For Year Ended 31" December 2024 Contents Company Informatlon 3 Message from the Chair structure and Governance Objects and activitles Achievements and Performance Fundlng and Finance Revle Rlsk management Statement of Dirertoes responslbllltle5 Approval Income and Expendlture Summary Statement 2023 Independent Examlners Report Company Information Charity Registration No. 1159464 Trustees: Gra￿ Peddle, Chair Janet Mahay Judith Aldred Goveming Document: Constitution for CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organi8ation) adopted 1 December 2014 Registered Office: Suite 19, 42 - 46 De￿ent House, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton. WV14XB Accountants: Craig Miller 81 Oakley Court Springmeadow Birmlmgham B152GH Message from the chair Chair's Report.. Managing Change This year has been one of transformation and growth for ConGens, as we continue to embrace the theme of "New Beginnings., Change, while often challenging, has brought with it renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and exciting opportunities to deepen our impact in the community. One of the most significant developments has been our work spearheading the revitalisation of the New Bushbury Triangle Resource Centre. This initiative has been a cornerstone of our commitment to community engagement and empowerment. Through targeted outreach, active publicity, and meaningful programming, we have breathed new life into the centre, making it a vibrant hub for local residents. Our activities at the centre have been diverse and inclusive, ranging from the popular computer café and drop-in health checks to information days focused on health and wellbeing, and community day trips. These offerings have not only fostered social connection but have also supported residents in accessing vital seNices and learning opportunities. We are proud to report that several participants have achieved ￿rtIficateS in first aid and food safety and hygiene- tangible outcomes that reflect the value of our work. In managing this change, we have also strengthened our collaborative efforts. We have established key partnerships with Wolverhampton College, Wolverhampton Ramblers, the Primary Care Network (PCN), and various departments within the city council. These relationships have been instrumental in expanding our reach and enhancing the quality of our services. Looking ahead, our focus will be on deepening these connections and forging new ones with a broad range of community, statutory, and voluntary sector organisations. We recognise that sustainable change is built on strong networks and shared purpose, and we are committed to nurturing these foundations. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our principal funder, the National Lottery. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our vision and their commitment to community development. The past year has also had its challenges from which we have learnt a great deal in terms of effective partnership working. To our volunteers, whose dedication and enthusiasm continue to be the lifeblood of our organisation, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Whether supporting events, lending a hand at the centre, or contributing behind the s￿nes, their contributions are invaluable. They are the quiet force that keeps our work moving forward with purpose and compassion. l am equally indebted to our trustees whose insights and experience has helped the charity navigate through testing times. As we undergo change, we remain guided by our mission to serve, listen, and empower. With optimism and determination, we look forward to the continued development of ConGens and the positive change we will create together. Grace Peddle Chair Structure and Governance ConGens operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with a management committee of three trustees. Its constitution adopted 1 De￿rnber 2014 serves as its governing document and details its objectives and operational management. Committee meetings are held bi-monthly with Annual General Meetings scheduled for each year. There was no deselecting and reappointing of trustees at the last AGM as the constitution allows for trustees to be appointed for a term of two years. The Board will consist of no fewer than three Trustees, which can be increased subject to the provision of the Constitution. Vacancies on the Board of Trustees may be appointed at any time in accord with the dictates of the Constitution. The Trustees deem that the organisation is not subject to corporation tax. The organisation achieved full charity registration on 3 December 2014, under registration number 1159464. The Trustees all provide their services free of charge. They have a wide range of skills and experience in community engagement and development, and management in the public, private, commercial and voluntary sectors. The Trustees set the overall policy and direction of the organisation. Objects and Activlty The objects of the charity are: To relieve financial hardship and to promote social inclusion for the benefit of the public by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate back into society. In furtherance of this object, but not otherwise the group shall provide support, experiences and access to reSoUr￿S and information to enable people to improve their confidence and capacity as members of society. For the purpose of this clause 'socially excluded, means being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one of more of the following factors: financial hardship; youth or old age. ill health or disability. All activities of the charity are for the public benefit. Achievements and Performance A key aim for 2024, was to continue the development of New Bushbury Triangle Resource Centre, build on partnership work with statutory and voluntary sector organisations and work towards becoming more sustainable. Through our efforts the centre experienced significant fooffall and we kickstarted the ￿ntre management into being more proactive into promoting and utilising the centre, making it a hub for community wellbeing, learning, and connection. Other activities included weekly seated exercise classes and estate walks-run in partnership with Ramblers and local GPs-have encouraged physical activity and social interaction, particularly among older residents. A 12-week trial of drop-in health Checks offered accessible, confidential consultations with a local nurse to enable people to re￿1ve a basic heath check, discuss any health cOn￿rnS and to encourage people to become more interested in their personal health and wellbeing. Digital inclusion has been a key focus, with Monday morning Computer Café sessions providing drop-in support for device users. In collaboration with Wolverhampton College, we delivered 12- week beginner and intermediate IT classes, helping residents build confidence in using technology for everyday tasks like browsing and online shopping. These efforts have significantly boosted digital literacy across the estate.A day trip to Blackpool brought families together and offered valuable feedback on future programming. Our professional development programme included accredited courses in food hygiene, first aid, safeguarding, and mental health awareness, empowering residents with practical skills and knowledge. Following a relocation to new premises we quickly established an introduction to basic sign language course and successfully secured funding to deliver a two project called Our Heritage of Caring funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project aims to enable members of the Windrush generation who came to support the newly established NHS tell their own experiences and have these recorded in a book and website for future generations. Funding and Finance Revlew In 2023, our charity's income stood at £130,448.98. For 2024 our total income was £107,770.91. This represents a percentage decrease of approximately 17 % . This was expected as we receiving committed funds for three years from the national lottery and subsequently there was no need to pursue additional funds, however, having to relocate to an alternative venue necessitated forward planning and seeking new funds to support is into late 2024 and into 2025. The only other significant grant received in the year was a grant from the Heart of England Community Foundation. Contributions from fundraising helped bolster our income. Together, these funds will enable us to make a greater impact, address the evolving needs of our community, and continue to drive positive change. We remain committed to transparency and prudent financial management, ensuring that every penny is utilized effectively to further our mission. Risk Management The Trustees review periodically risks it may face in respect of its finances and operations and militate against these with the implementstion of policies and prO￿dureS in order to eliminate or minimise any potential or adverse impact harm to the charity and the public. Current policies and procedures include the following: Safeguarding Adults Safeguarding children Health and Safety Complaints Policy Equality and Diversity policy Statement of Director's responsibllities The trustees are required under UK Company law to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the company's financial activities during the year and its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to: a) Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently,. b) Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. c) State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practi￿ have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. d) Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the company and which enable them to ensure that the financial position of the statements comply with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assels of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The directors have identified the major risks to which the charity are exposed and have adopted suitable mechanisms to manage those risks. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Approval This report was approved by the directors on 4November 2025, and signed on their behalf by: Grace Peddle, Chair ConGens Group Income and Expenditure Summary Statement 2024 OPENING BALANCE AS OF I JANUARY 2024 - £24814.66 Income Grants 103.807.99 Donations Fund Raisin8 Other {IncentNe payrnent & reverse credrtl payments from char8eable actNitie5 Interest 1.322.50 79.18 45.IX) Refunds 2516.24 Totsl Income 107 770.91 Expenditure PrOfess￿nal Fees 7,574.98 Salaries 57,667.54 Equiprnent Ad min i5trationlsubsidiaries Projects 1,210.42 1,892.63 7,075,93 Running Costs 13.400.25 EKpen5e5 . Travel/Refreshments Hire - Venue/Equiprnent 580.88 Petty Cash 101.77 Miscellaneous 28,992.21 Totsl Expenditure 118 496.61 Funds carried f0Th￿ard from last year Irf any) Funds received In year 24.814.66 + 107,770.91 Total 13258S.57 Funds spent In year 118,496.61 CLOSING BALANCE AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2024 £14,088.96 Indapendent Examiners Report st I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages Re8pectlve responslbilities of trustees and the examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act., To follow the prO￿dureS laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5>(b) of the Charities Act and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent oxamlner's Statement In connection with my examination, no matter ha8 come to my attention (other than that disclosed below): 1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material r8sp8Ct, the requirements: To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130of the Charities Act 2. Attention should continue to be drawn and detail given in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Some details were omittedfor some transactions. Recornmendations will be given to assist the Charityto achieve this. Craig Miller 81 Oakley Court Springmeadow Rd Edgbaston Birmingham B152GH CONGENS GROUP (A Charitable Incorporated Or8anFsatlon) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcnvmES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrertrkted D•slgn•ted Restrlrted Funds Funds Total Total Funds 2024 2023 Notes Incomlng resources from generated funds Donations. Legacles & other Voluntary Income ActNlties for 8eneratin8 funds 1,323 1,323 315 Investment Income 1,323 315 Incomlng resources from charitable activltles 103,808 103,808 129,252 Other Incomlng resources 2,640 2,640 882 Total Incomlng resources 107,771 107,771 130,449 rces Ex Costs of generating funds Costs ofgeneratln8voluntsry Income Fundralsin8 tradln8', Costs of goods sold Investment management Costs Other costs of generating funds Charitablè Activltles 118,347 118.347 126,881 Governance Costs 150 150 120 Total Resource5 Expended 118,497 118,497 127,001 Net Incoming loutgoin81 resources before transfers 10,726 10,726 3,H8 Gross transfers between funds Net Income lexpenditurel for the yearl Net movement in funds 10,726 10,726 3,448 Fund balances as at 31 December 2023 24,815 10 24,815 21.367 Fund balances as at 310ecember 2024 14,089 14,089 24,815 The statement of financial attivlties also complie5 Wlth the requlrement5 for an income ènd expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006, None of the charity's actlvities were started or discontlnued durin8 the current or prevlous year and all operatlons contSnue. There are no recognlsed 8alns or1055es other than those passing throu8h the Income and expendlture account. li CONGENS GROUP (A Charlt•ble IncorP(￿ted Oiianlsatlon) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Flxed assets Tangible Assets 36,222 36,222 Current Assets Debtors io Cash at bank and In hand 14,089 24,815 Cr•dftors li 14,089 1248151 Nel Curr¢nt A55•ts Total ths•t$ l•ss cuN•nt Il•bllltl 36,222 36,222 2S2SZIIJZ Income fvnds Restrlcted funds 12 2,235 24,815 Unrestrlcted Fund5 33,987 11,407 Deslgnated Fund5 13 Other charltable funds 36,222 36.222 22 For the year ended 3111212024 the company wa5a entitled to exemptton from audlt under section 477 of the Companles Act 2006 relating to small companies. Dirertor's respon5ibillties.. a) The members have not required the company to obtain an audlt of it5 accounts for the year in question In accordance w*th section 476; bl The directors acknowledge thÈlr responsibilitie5 for ¢omplylng with the requirements of the Act with respect to acrountlng records and the preparation of occounts; These occounts have been prepared in accordance wlth the provision5 applicable to companies 12 subject to the small companles regime. Grace Peddle, Chair CONGENS GROUP (A Charltable In¢orporated OryanlsJtlonl NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 l Accounting Prlndpl•s 1.1 Basls ol preparation The accounts have been preparèd under the hi5torlcal cost convention The charlty ha5 taken advanta8e of the exemption In Financial Reporting Standard No.1 from the requirement to produce a cash flow ststemen¢ on the 8rounds that Itls a small charlty. The accounts have been prepared in accordance wlth the Statement or Recommended Practlce, "Accountin8 and Reporting by Charitles" Issued In March 2005 and the Companles Act 2006 1.2 Incomln8 R•sour¢•s Restricted Grants received In advance at the year end lor expèndlture In a future accountlng period are carried forward as deferred income. Restrlcted grants recelved but not fulty utilised at the year end are carrled foThvard a5 balances on the basis that they mèv become repayable. Voluntary donatlon5 and glfts are accounted for as recelved. The charity recelve5 help and support In the form of voluntary asslstance In advlsin8 the publlc. No entrles are required to be included In the accounts for the financlal value of such help. The charlty enjoys the us of various bulldiTrgs, in Some cases at below market rental. Simllarly some services are provided on beneficlal terms and information Is glven In the Notes to the Account5. Interest recelveable on the charlty's various bank account5 is allocated In full to unrestrided funds. R•sour¢es ex￿nded al C05t of generatin8 voluntary funds These include functions, publicity and fundralslng costs. Publiclty costs Sntlude locHI promotional advertisin& printin leaflets and the cost of produclng the annual report. bl Charitable activities Resources expended on charitable activities include all ¢05ts incurred in the pursult of the charitsble objects of the charity 13 cl Governance costs Governance costs include the cost of premlses maintenance. the Independent Review together with the cost of the AGM. 1.4 Tanglble flxed as￿ and depre