Trustee report The Pod is ten years old tl)IS.YVArl Ir fill.s iiie willi xwp iiiid i)rlde to reflpLt on the lourney The Pod has made over the p.ist (leraile. WIIAI started d% Il visloii lTry ,I gr()us) nl Intrepld i)<irent carer5 has developed into.i i)etwork ill riii)iie('tl(Iii Aiiil siii)i)(1i'1 Ini. yr)IiiiR i)e()Iile and adult.s with additional needs and their faiiiilii's li) kN)iiie. It is liAr(I to l)ellvve rliiil leii yeai'8 liiive alreAdy passed slnce those earli. dAV% ol i)iioliii% I'i'%i)Iir(-es ti) (-I'f i y(iiiili rliib.'fud.iy. Tlif Podls -1 Ilirivin coiiiniuiiitv offi'riii8 a I'aiixii ol'.svrvicvs, i(l?iiiifi?d l)y Ille coi))Inunily itself, tr) enrich the lives of so many. We a delightèd that in oiir tenth yeill. we hiive had Ilie hniiour ol being noiiilnated and awarded The Fron)e Tin)es GroLlP of The Year. We di'e Rr'ilpliil to.ill the peiiple whn vnted lo bring us this nyognition. Celebratln8 Ten Years of Impact When rhose dedicated dll)d (letermined P¢irent carer.% fii'5t Ratl)ei'ed ten year5 ¢l%O to create a youth club lor yoiing people witli additional iieeds. could they have iil)agined tlie vibrant, multifaceted or8anization The Pod would beconie? Looktng Back and Movlng Forward Reflerting on our history. our success is built on the dedication of our team aiid the unwavering 5UPPOrt of our community. Our niembers, voILiiileers, staff, diid supporters have been the backbone of The Pod, ensiiring that we can coi)tiiiue tu pi-ovidL' l)igh-quality services that meet the evoliryng needs ofour members. In our drive to ensure that our services meet our members. needs, we have worked hard this year on developing new ways of measuring our impact. Thi.% has beei) a collaborative effort, taking much time and energy, with involvement Fr()m all OLir teaill aiid our niembers together. With these new system5 for measuring impact in place, we are ready to learn and adapt to the information they give us. The year has held Challenges. As alwclys, our team hiis met these cliallenges with resilience, creativity, and flexibility. finding new ways forward wlien barriers emerge. We have also focused on securing sustainable funding to ensure that we cdii conliniie to grow and thrive. Gratltude and Acknowledgements The Pod exists through the hard work, commitment, and passlon ofour staff, our members and volunteers, our trustees, and the geiierosity of our donors. l extend heartfelt thaiiks to you all. To our fijnders. both large and small, thank yoii for believii)g iii our mi5sioiI. Your contrlbutions have made a significant difference in the live5 of so mdny families. As we move forward. we will coritinue to strive for exiellence iii oiir services, expand our OLltreach, and foster an even stronger sense of community. Oiir vision remains clear.. to create a soclety where every person with additional needs feels valued. supported. and empowered to reach their full potential. With heartfelt thank5, Moira Spence
History - The Pod is a gi-assroots initiative, founded by parent carers in 2013 in response to a lack of services for disabled children iii Mendlp. MJiiit<llninE a service that is member led 15 essential in ensuring Pod beneficiaT'ies support one another 11nd r-each their full potential. Objectlves - (CIO exti'act) Tn proiiiote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from l)ecoTI)iIIR socially excluded, relieving tlie needs of those people who are socially excluded aiid .i55iStill8 thLlii lo inlegi (ile into SOClL'ty. The charify achieves this through the following services,. Core Activities All other activities Y1¢Il Cornmuny IL I¢YA ojecu PFtsenT•VOfts R4•• •PooFI4S li. POPLIw• 12.9 •JAMM 17. ISX •Wwbh S<r•wT•rt Icriv115 29. 26% JLI In summary., the number of activities has increased by 12%, 2024 242 activities (2022123= 216) Pod Youth Club The Youth club welcomes children with additional needs aged 10-17 years. The club meets on Tuesday 5.30-7.30pm in term time And occasiondlly in the holldays. The staff ratio is 1..3, the team are skilled, experienced and understand how to enable the children to reach their full potential. Children learn important life skills and make friends. Activities in youth club and all Pod projects are co-led by the people who attend the groups. Youth club activity favourites include the sports hall, cooking, seasonal ci'aft and games as well as trip5 Out to the climbing centre and ice skating this year. There continues to be a waiting list, historically Lhildren wait more than a year before they can jnin the group. A consultation with dll stakeholders took place in 202.3 and a solution has been identified. The Pod is now seeking funding to double the capacity on the youth club and reduce the cost per head to access. Children who reach 17 years may transition into Pod Plus and continue their positive social experiences and friendships. The Zone The Zone is a youth club for Young Carers who join between 8-16 years old. The Zone runs on alternate Wednesday evenings in term time with occasional holiday dctivities. Many but not all the children have a sibling with additional needs, or they may have parents who have long term health conditions that impact their dbility for their children to lead normal childhoods. The group are diverse, and the activities chosen to support these needs. Children may come to Zone to enjoy re5Plte from hiRh energy households whereas other young carers who attend prefer high energy, often competitive activities. The children really enjoy their nurturing session alongside trips out which this year included., Center Parcs, Pumpkin festival, roller skating and a theatre trip.
Pod Plus & POP Discos The Pod Plus group meets on Mondily5 from 6.30-8.30pm. young adults aged between 17 + 30 attend. The ream provide <1 ratio of 1..5. Members activity suggestions are creative, and we aim to facilitate these wherever possible.. this year the group have enjoyed a casino night, meals out, and ready stecldy cook. Memhers created invitations, prepared cream teas and invited theii- niums in for a Moiher's Day celebration. The monthly POP Di.sco continiies to be a highlight in the Pod calendar for many. The number of beneficiaries from this event has inci-eased 518iiificantly. POP disco employs a resident Dl. a young rn7n with additional needs himself. POP is equally enjoyed by parent Carers and personal assistants who come togel'hei. foi- support. Themes for each event are chosen by the group. ran8in8 from Karaoke, Silent discos, or dance tunes. IAMM- JustA Monday Meet-up Our parent support group meets once a month on a Monday from 10-12 noon. We provide refreshments 2nd a SP<ice to pause from stresstul lives. This is the chance for parent Careers to take a rare opportunity to sit, reflect and have a chat. This may be about their lived experience in caring for their child/young adult or sharing ideas on navigating the challenge5 of emotional and professional support, education, and funding issues, or just a distraction from that focus. There are many poignant conversations within this supported space. The group attracts a combination of regular attendees and new parents seeking out supportive peer relationships and guidance froTn the Pod team. Workshop The concept of Workshop developed with members voicing they wanted to experience a "Make & Sell" idea- following a successful soap making activity in a project. Workshop has developed into a stand-alone project designed to offer a space to learn new skills, social time to meet friends and an experience ofbeing in a Workplace environment. It gives it an adult "workplace" feel IT] preparation for further work experience or employment. Workshop attendees need to lollow processes and work as a team to create quality artisan products which they help design e.g. buntin& candles and cards. then sold at local markets to raise funds for the project. Attendees gain experience of running the market stall and interacting with the public, increasing confidence and improving communication and social ski115, and it is fun to do. Workshop needs to be sustainable to guarantee its future, Pod is working with the local authority to develop day services and hope to relaunch late 2024, Pod Scrap5tore Pod began the Scrap5tore journey in response to our community voicing they were unable to find an accessible placement to gain work experience. Pod Scrapstore now in its 3rd year is developing into a viable social enterprise model tor Pod. Pod Scrapstore is the ideal vehicle for work experience, training. and potential employment. It offers a role for everyone whatever their level of skill or support needs. Everyone is growing in confidence and learning new skills. Feedback captured reflected they enjoy feeling responsible 2nd being an expert in something.
Scrapstore provldes the communlty wlth a resource for materla15 that appeals to schools. nurseries. chlldmSnders, famllles and creatlve people - The publlc response Is strong and supportlve. Concerns re8ardln8 Customers beln8 percelved as challengln8 can be dimcult for members to proces& Trainin8 and sl8nage (expl¢11nlng the needs of the staff team to the publlc) through leaflets and badges, has provlded the tools to handle thls, Pod ambassadors have vlslted local FE Colleges encouragln8 other youn8 adults to try volunteerin8. Puplls from Falrfield College came for thelr flrst experlence of volunteerln8 at Scrapstore. colle8e staff were amazed at the achievements of the young people. This year Scrapstore has led.. Thvo successful Pop-up events Scrap play at the Fronie Children's Festival in july, vlslted by over 100 children. A new permanent little Scrapstore in the town centre, affectionately known as "Green Doors. situated in the town centre. Open to the 2hrs weekly and on Independent Market days for 5 hours monthly. The premises has increased the vlsibility of Scrapstore. There is a constant flow of donations from new sources, many donors include commercial waste providers. Scrapstore is commissioned by Frome Town council to provide "Loose Parts Play" materials for the Play Trolley in a local Park. Scrapstore supplied matei'ials to festival and event organizers creating dlsplays. artworks and actlvities across the town. All projects are coordlnated and run by Pod staff, with member volunteers helping to run these sessions and gain further work experience, contributing to the cornmunlty, and being valued members of society, working to break down stereotypes and social boundaries. Pod Scrapstore is continuing with its search and fundlng for larger premises, the leadership team are preparing key governance, policy and procedure in preparation for a new premises for the charity to open Scrapstore. multiple days each week. a5well as a comrnunity base for The Pod to potentially run its projects from in partnership with other Interested parties, Addltlonal Actlvltles. Community partnerships are strong and Pod families enjoy taking part. and volunteering at community events. Project members and families are consulted when local events are planned, and the charxty has led or taken part in numerous initiatives including; Young Drivers School, 26 young people aged IO+ had the opportunity to drlve a car for 30 minutes with a driving instructor, it was a fantastic opportunity for people to get behind the wheel of a real car that may never get to experience independently. Volunteers held a stall at the Cheese & Grain Christmas Fayre. selling beautiful products produced in Pod Workshop. Pod Plus, Pod Youth Club and Zone contributed to a window display at Gorehedge Community room as part ofthe'window Wonderland" trall, Annual Panto trlp. Pod members and Friend5 of Pod watched the accessible screenlng ofsnow White at the Memorial Theatre (Oh yes, they did!) they had a great tlme joining in with the stage fun.
A coach trip to Weymouth for Pod members, families, and friends of Pod. Fun with Sandcastles, fish and chips, sea life centre. ice-creams and new friendships. Circus Starr trip with Pod Youth club & Pod Plus, alongside the distribution of 36 tickets to Friends of Pod. To celebrate Bonfire Night Frome Town Council ran a Drone Show, the Pod was asked to run an accessible viewing area which was very well received. All Pod groups came together to try out the new "Slip and Slide" activity in Wanstrow, a great session with lots of splashing and squealing. To celebrate the Kings Coronation, Frome displayed flags for all of the charities and organisations in the town. All clubs got creative and made a flagwhich was displayed as part of 2 trail around the town. Pod Plus members and colleagues launched a "Puzzle Swap which takes place on the 2na Monday of each month. Puzzles are donated, members run the sale or swap whilst also doing puzzles together. It is a social meet up for many people who lead isolated lives in our community. Pod Scrapstore is featured in an advertising campaign by "Loop5" promoting the circular economy in Frome. A leaflet was posted through every door in Frome and the charity feature on a billboard locally. Due to Pod's connections to marginalized groups, Somerset Council commissioned the charity to carry out a piece of work to inform eligible groups about the Household Support Fund. The fund had not been taken up by as many people as the local authority intended and we could make these connections and help people get the additional benefit they were entitled to. This was delivered by a member of Staff who was supporting our employee through an access to work scheme. The project was successful in providing valuable work experience and also reaching a large number of eligible candidates who have benefitted from having additional income to help with household bi115 and essential items. PYC members were involved in the Kindness festival, they produced beautiful fish made from Scrapstore materials to an artwork named "The Bridge of Kindness" displayed in the Town Hall. Community Accesslble Bingo The weekly bingo runs every Monday everting, (partnership - Cheese & Grain) with thanks to our wonderful group of volunteers, including learning-di5abled adults. The charity runs a small Pop-up café providing the players with affordable snacks and drinks. Volunteers supporting the café include people from the charities projects who find it difficult to secure work experience due to their support needs- they appreciate being able to gain valuable work experience alongside their club activities or when they move on from accessing Pod projects to supporting the charity. Presentations this year included,. Frome FM various- all about disabiiity/Frome Tirnes award and love your mlnd, all about autism. BBC Radio Somerset- Scrapstore was promoted through 2n interview at the Children's Festival. Frome Community Lottery presentation following a donation to purchasing sound equipment for Pop Disco. 2 Presentations by Pod Plus Volunteers to Further Education colleges about Scrapstore. supported by Pod staff.
l)trert Benefkl•TI•s People reached Communlty 151. t&x ,4P IN19X IJX 15 IOJ. 21% In summary.. the number of direct beneficiaries has Increased by 88% - 2024 - 674 (2022/23 358. Thls does not include the wider community benefitting from our broader aCtItieS and Scrdpstore trading. Impart Despite the increase in Pod's activities and offer of even more possibilities from partnerships and ihe wider community. The Pod reniains focussed on its core values which is what our rnembeTS and Pod community want. We continue to listen to our members and families and are gradually increasing our presence in the communtty and offering social opportunities for alL new impact collection process has been rolled out following a consultation with all stakeholdets in 2023- group participants. and all team members were involved in the design of a new survey. It is too early to report as we only have one tranche of data. however we have identified that 93ts/0 of people have said they have enjoyed new experiences and learned new things and 71% of parents have reported making friends through Pod. We have created a lovely WordArt using parent carers and participants'what three words. Gcmkntabk W&rd_ rakf ,.The Pod ' F¥r br11iiant,.- UF .. E6hxi¥v4 W6rdknwFLW*ry ,,, lind 4taff , ,,, With the success of Scrapstore and its rnany benefits to the Frome communlty. Pod members are being seen as c3p3ble, having skllls, and valued by other5. Building on these connectlons will open doors In the future for other volunteer work pos5ibiliLles. Prolert particlpant volunteers have spoken to school groups and colleges are amazing ambassado for The Pod. To hear them tell others of their enjoymen( prlde, and development
in skills and self-confidence is inspiring. They have received high praise from all settings for their courage to do this, which they say has been bullt on trust for the support they receive from The Pod. By bringing previously separate groups of people together through the open-access Pop Disco, the charity has opened the doors to iiew frlendshlps and connections whlch can and are being transferred outside of the i)roject, creatln8 a wider soclal network for all who attend. Pop Disco Is also the most joyous space Sn llrome once every month, The following is a sn)all selection of testimonials from our community. The succe55 of our proiects and the experiences ol those who attend is founded on building strong trusting relationships with families and members. Their reported experience is that they are happier, healthier, and more confident as they form friendships and learn to be independent. Where previously they may have struggled to be accepted and understood, Our project teams capture and record the special moments or comment5 from sessions we call "gems" Each statement recognises the huge progress made by individuals which may to an onlooker appear trivial. The team and peers recognise and celebrate each success. irfield Coll 7hankyoufor the[antL7Stic opportunity to help with setting up Scropstore. Allfour students enjoyed the day very much, it W05great[or us to see them engaging with other volunteers, porticipating in tasks. Everybody mode usfeel very welcome. This wa5 an excellent chancefor me to obseThe one ofour workskills students to see whatsort ofwork experience he might be interested in. This Sdent hos been reluctant in the pas¢ to engage, or even think about the world of work. I know thutbefore he came he was anxious, and worriedabout the numberof people and the noise. the hall. Due to the approt7ch ofseveml volunteers, he was able to self- regulate and simplygot on with the tGsks he had been osked to complete. This has now enabled me to approach him and chut about o possible external work experiencefor the neorfvture." The team The Pod employs 2 part tirne Co-charity Managers who each work 20 hrs wk Day-to-day management. project development and fundraising is undertaken by the charity managers. Trustees ensure that key policies are in place, reviewed and adhered to, with safeguarding at the top of the agenda. Service delivery is in the skilled hands of employed sessional workers who are often flexible and may work across other projects run by the charity or provide cover ensuring no projects are cancelled due to unforeseen staff absences. The team around the projects also include; Administrator Pod Youth Club The Zone Pod Plus Workshop Community Scrapstore 5 hours per week l Youth Leader/4 Youth Workers/l Volunteer l Youth Leader/1 Youth Worker I Project Lead/1 Assistant/2 x Volunteers I Project Lead/1 Assistant 24 volunteers inc 3 Young people with additional needs I Scrapstore Co-ordinator/31 volunteers inc 14 adults with additional needs
We value our team of volunteers and are very grateful for the hours they donate. Thts year volunteer hours totalled an Impresslve 2476 hours. The full-tlme equlvalent would be equivalent to 1.3 full tlme members of staff. These hours are calculated as follows,, 565 Core pmlerts requlrln8 volunteer support,, 14 volunteers 356 People wlth additlonal needs supported to volunteer across a varlety of roles e.g. pop- up cafe @ bingo. puz7.le Llub, 5upportlng prolect teams by organlslng and running artivities in a pn)lect and the design dnd productlon of marketlng materlals: 10 volunteers (Inc l DofE placement) Before. during and after the blngo each week,. average 20 hours per week., 10 volunteers 416 Additional hou worked by 2 x charity managers,. average approx. 8hrs week. (2023- l3hrs) 85 People with addltional needs supported to run Scrapstore events,- 14 volunteers 174 Scrap5tore support team. many ofthe adults with additional needs would not be able to run the event without a team member to support them. Support volunteers included local Rotarians, carers, representative from local specialist provision and our own colleagues. 17 volunteers. Without this invaluable contribution of time and energy, it Is abundantly clear we would not be able to run a diverse range ofservices and support as many families as we do. However. the charity is unable to run its projects without paid sessional staff who provide expertise. consistency 2nd stability for vulnerable children adults, families and training for volunteers. In this year salaries represent 79% of our annual expenditure. (2023- 67%) Fundraislng The trustees would like to draw attention to the introduction of an employed fundraiser this year. Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone's control, this role wa5 in existence for only a few week5. During a period of reflection, the trustees made the decision to direct the skills within the team, thereby strengthening the charity and restructuring the leadership team from the new financial year ending March 2025. Strncture aDd Governance The Charity Managers report to the board at every trustee meeting,. this report provides up to date information orj each project, community activities. safeguarding, finance and anything pertinent at the time. Board meetings generally take place in March, lune, Septernber & December- this year all meetings took place face to face however Zoom continues to provide a useful tool for remote access. Trustees liase and individually meet with the charity managers to discuss actions specific to their area of responsibility. The Charity Managers line manage the administrator and their designated Project Lead workers who in turn provide supervisioii to the project teams.
Registered Charlty address: c/0 Frorne Town Hall, Chi-istchurch.Slreel West, Frome, BAI I I EB Bankln8: Co-operative bank, Pc) 13ox 250, t)elf House. Southway. Skelmersdale, WNB 6 Trustees M Spence S Drake Z O'Gorn)an D Killah {appointed lune 2023) A Clarke (appointed Septeniber 2023, resigned March 2024) Payroll: In-house using Bi'igl)tP¢ly 50ftware. Insurance: Zurich Insui'ance - Policy renewal date 25th February 2025. Unaudited accounts.. Westcotts Chartered Accountants, Axminster, Devon, EX13 SAD Independent Examinatlon.. A Li88att, FCA, 16 Sunny Hill, Nunney, BAII 4ND Governing Document: The charity formed as a community group on the Isr May 2013 and became a registered charity (CIO) with voting members on the 27th Mat'ch 2015. If the CIO is wound up,. the members of the CIO have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities. Member5 must be aged 18+ and membership is an annual renewal costing E12 for family membership and £8 for individual adults. The number of members In theyearending 2024 is 54 (2023- 61) Trustee Appointments: The board of trustees have been through 2 period ofchange following the commission ofa new governrfince and operational audit thi5 year, followed by a skills audit in january 2024. Recruiting new trustees that can broaden the sk511set of the board is a priority. The members or the charity trustees may at any time appoint a new charity trustee when there 15 an identified need. An interested trustee is provided with an 'essential guidance on being a trustee, They will attend a trustee meeting bef()re their first appointment in addition to receiving a copy of the constitution, latest annual report and stcltement of accounts. '7'he 'new trustee, will be provided with a mentor[or the Jirst 6 months. During this time the mentor will be available to provide support as required, One-third of the charlty trustee5 retlre from office al the AC,M. Ir the number of ch.Irity trustees is not three or a multiple of three, then thc F]un)ber nearest to one-third shall retire from office. Charity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in olCe since their last appointment or reappointment. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or benefits.
Summary of Financlal Actlvltles We always aim to minimlze the cost of our services to dlsadvantaged families, however we do acknowled8e an income made up of voluntary contributions e.g. weekly 'subs' in the reports. In 2023124 charitable activity and fundraising Income generated £16,558 (2023: £15,255) The charities trading activitles 8enerated an additional £12,373 (2023.. £10,555) against £7,967 in expenses (2023.. £4.474) The tearn around Pod maintains excellent relation8 Wlth its funders and has a good track recoi-d with fundraising. Ch&iritable donations and grants given by individuals. groups and grant making bodies totaled £68,974 (2023.. £70,276) The trustees would like to thank (ill our funders and donors both large and small for their support which has enabled us to develop and expand our provision. A full list of donors is presented on page 18- 19 of this report. The income for the year ending 31 March 2024 totaled £97,905 (2023: £96,086) agalnst expenditure of£74,525 (2023.. £69,938) Reserves The trustees acknowledge the considerable challenges and competitlon within the current funding climate alongslde the cost-of-living crisi5 and increased demand. The Trustees will continue to monitor the level of unrestricted reserves which should be between £28,750 and £47,916 at year end. This represents 3-5 months of the charities annual operating costs in the year endlng 2024125. Looking forward, the trustees have considered the risks associated with the charity's growth and step change over the course ot the next year and considei. the uni-estricted reserves level at year end is appropriate in these circumstances. The unrestricted reserves at the end of 2023124 are £41,546 In addltion to a further £50.185 of restricted reserves associated with 5 out of 6 core projects and .some core costs. The projected charity costs in 202412025 are £ 115,000 The charity is in receipt of a multi- year grant from the Gosling Foundation In addition to other one-off 8rant5 and donations. There Is currently a shortfall and fundraising target of at least £50,000 which will enable u5 to continue providing and developing essential services for vulnerable children, adults and families. The Trustees wlll continue to monitor the fundraising policy and reserves level durlng the next financial year. Signed and approved by the board on 9th July 2024 (Trustee)
The Pod Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Pod I report the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Pod for the year ended 31 Mar¢h 2024 Responsibilities and ba$ls of report As the charity Iruslees ol The Pod you are responsible for the preparation ofthe accounts in accordance th the requirements of the Charities Act 20111.the Acl'l. I report in respect of my examination of the The Pod'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 14515llbl of Ihe Act. Independent examlner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material mallers have come lo my attenb'on in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that In any material respect. 1. a¢counling records were not kept in respect of The Pod as required by seckn'on 130 of the Act.. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. the accounts do not Comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and conlenl ol accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and lair view, which Is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the ex8minalion lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. . 7. 202LI
The Pod Statement of Financial Activlties for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Unrgstricted funds Restrlcted funds Totsl 2024 Total 2023 Note Income and Endowrnents from: Donations and legacies Other trading activities 21.658 21,319 53,073 1,855 74,731 23.174 76,759 19,327 Totsl income 42,977 54,928 97.905 96,086 Expenditure on: Raising funds Chari18ble activities 14,2081 {38,224J (42,4321 545 13,759} 17,9671 -{74,525) _ 82,492L.- 14,4741 (69,938) (74,4121 21.674 Toial expenditure Net income Gross transfers behveen nds 14,868 15.413 342 {3421_ Net movement in funds 887 14,526 15,413 21.674 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 11 38,820 35,659 74,479 52,805 39.707 50,185 89,892 74,479 All of the charity's actNities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note ?1. The notes on pages 14 to 21 fomi an integral part of these finanaal statements. Page 12
The Pod (Registration number: 1161092) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Notg Current assots Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 2.598 89.133 91,731 303 75.651 75,954 Credltots: Amoiiiits falllng due wlthin oh• year 10 (1,8391 89.892 (1.475) 74,479 Net assets Funds of the charity: Rostrlctèd Income funds Reslricled funds 50,185 35,659 Unr8strlcted incom• funds Unreslricled funds 39,707 38.820 Total fund8 11 89,892 74,479 The financial slalemenls on pages 5 10 14 were approved by the trustees. and authorised for issue on and signed on their behalf by. rake Trustee The notes on pages 14 to 21 form an integral part of these finanual statements. Page 13
The Pod Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 1 Accountlng pollcles Stalement of compliance The financial slalemenls have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practi issued in October 2019. the Financi81 Reporting Standard applicable In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011. Basis of preparation The Pod meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statemenlsl have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised al cost or transaction value unless otherwise Staled in the Televanl notelsl to these accounts. Going concern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability lo continue as a going concem. Judgemgnts The pparatIOn of the financial statements requires management lo make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed lo be reasonable under the circumstances. Key sources of estirnation uncertalnty Accounting esbmales and assumpbons are made ConmIng the future and, by their nature. will rarely equal the related actual outcome. There are no key assumptions and other sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant fisk of causing a material adjustment lo the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next fin2ncial year. Income and endowments Voluntary income including donations, gtfts. legacies and grants that provide core fijnding or are of a general n8ture is recognised when the charity has enlillemenl to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Donatlons and leyacies Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured. Grants receivable Gtants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yel lo be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be releaged. Page 14
The Pod Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Expendltur• All expenditure Is recognised once Ihere is a legal or conslruclive obligation lo that Èxpenditure, il is probab settlemenl Is requirEd and the amount can be measured reliably All costs are allocated lo the applb expenditu heading that aggregate similar costs lo that category Where costs cannot be directty attnbuted lo particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consislenl with the use of resources, wrth traI staff costs allocaled on the basis of lime spent, and depreciation charges IlcThied on the port of the asset's use Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs Raising funds These are costs Incurred in attracting voluntary in¢ome, the management of investments and those irthrred In trading activities that raise funds. Charttabl• activifres Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of ils a¢livities and services tor its beneficiaries. 11 Includes both costs that can be allocated directly lo such activities and those costs ol an Indirect nature necessary lo support them. Taxatlon The chanty Is considered lo pass the lesls sel out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finan Act 2010 and therefore Il meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly. the charity is potentially exempl from laxalion In respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corpoialion Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the exlenl that such income or gains are applied exclusively lo chantable purposes. Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposit5, and other short-term highly liquid Investments that are readily convertible lo a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. Fund structure Unreslricled income funds are general funds that are available for use al the trustees dIretIOn in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted Income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is resldcted lo that area or purpose. Page 15
The Pod Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued) FlnaTr¢lal Instruments R•cognltlon and m••surement A financial asset or a fi'nancial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a paty to the ¢ontractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised al the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement conslilules a financing transaction, where it 1$ recognised al the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of InteSt for a similar debt Instrument. CurTrnl assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted. 2 Income from donation8 and legacles Unrestricted funds General Restrlctod funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Donations and legacies., Donations Voluntary contributions Grants. including capital grants., Grants from other charities Memberships 4.621 5,597 5,135 9,756 5,597 19,716 6,057 11,280 160 21,658 47,938 59,218 160 74.731 50.560 426 76,759 3 Incom• from other tradlng actlvltl•8 Unrèstrlcted furlds tseheral R8strS¢ted fuild8 Total fundè Total 2023 Tradlng income Fundraising Tuck Scrapstore 8.934 8,444 734 3,207 21,319 8,934 10,087 734 3,439 23,174 6.314 8.100 672 4,241 19,327 1.623 232 1,855 Page 16
The Pod Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued) 4 Expendlture on ¢harft•bl& actlvltle8 Unrestricted funds Gen¢ral Restiicted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Note Charitable activities Support costs 36,765 1,459 38,224 36,236 65 36,301 73.001 1,524 74,525 67,976 1,962 69,938 5 Analysis of support Costs Unre$tricted funds General Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Training Finance costs Governance costs 325 1401 1,174 1.459 325 1131 1,212 1,524 745 38 1,179 1,962 27 38 65 6 Trustees remuneration and expenses No trustees. nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneraliori from the charity during the year12023.' Nill. No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits Irom the charity during the year12023: Nil) 7 Staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows.. 2024 2023 Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries SD,156 49.$63 The monthly average number of persons {including senior management I leadership team) employed by the charity during the year was as follows.. Page 17
The Pod Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued) 2024 No 13 2023 No 10 Average head count of employees No empkJye6 r1Ved emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year12023.. Nil) 8 DebtOf5 2024 2023 Other debtors 2,598 303 9 Cash and cash equivalents 2024 2023 Cash on hand Cash al bank 2.244 86,889 89,133 1,651 74,000 75,651 10 Creditors: arnounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals 1,359 480 1.839 995 480 1,475 11 Funds Balance at 1 April 2023 Balance at 31 March 2024 Incoming Resoulces resources expended Translers Unrestricted funds Geheral General Funds 38,820 42,977 142,4321 342 39,707 Rostrlcted funds Children in Need SCF DI)very Gosling FOundatn Local Giving Frome Town Council David Soloman Frome Town Rotary 7.702 1,408 813 281 2,130 1,500 1.187 17,414) 11,4081 18131 (2271 12,1301 18501 17941 12881 (541 650 393 Page 18
Tho Pod Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 {continued) Balancè at I Aprll 2023 Incomlng Resources rèsources expended Balanco at 31 Mah 2024 Transfers MASG Douglas Arter FAST FTC - Business Plan FTC - Scrapstore FTC - Workshop Inner eel Leonard Laity Sloate Mendip Shape Lottery National Lottery Frome Lottery Frome Town Rotary Access For All - DWP Albert Hunt Witham Vale- Community Swim fvndraiser ASDA PYC CO-OP fund Happy Families Lions Club Medlock SCF Core Sir Jules Thornton SC fund Van Neste 479 500 3.489 900 2.212 2,000 1,500 1,000 1,000 7,558 11651 1437} 14471 19001 1712) 314 63 3,042 232 1.732 2,000 (1,5001 {2961 18311 17,5581 {5001 704 169 500 750 485 3.000 1,000 1,623 800 638 goo 1,000 1.000 2,000 2,000 5,000 4,309 2,000 2,000 25,000 18,1221 16,878 10,000 -{793 9.207 54,928 40,060) 13421_ 50,185 Totsl funds 74,479 97,905 82,492 89,892 Unreslricled funding to support core aclivitses and charity growth includes grants and donations from the following funders.. 750 1771 3,000 40 573 800 638 (5621 19601 11,050} 19001 16911 35,659 Leathersellers £8,500 Zion group £500.00 Masonic Charitable Trust £1,780 SC & ME Morland £1,000 Page 19
The Pod Notes to the Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Balancè at 1 April 2022 Incoming rosources Re$our¢es Balan¢e at 31 exponded March 2023 Unrestrlcted funds Gèneral General Funds 28,294 37,222 {26,6961 38,820 Restricted funds True Colour Trust Children in Need SCF Discovery Gosling Foundation Frome Town Council Hartfield Trust Local Giving Frome Town Council Awards ofAII David Soloman 3H Fund Frorne Rotary Frome Town Rotary MASG Other restricted funds Douglas Arter FAST FTC _ Business Plan FTC - Scrapstore FTC - Workshop Inner Wheel Leonard Laity Stoate Mendip Shape Lottery National Lottery Friends of Frome Hospital Fiome Lottery Frome fown Rotary SSE SCF Wtham Farmers 1,130 7.339 11,1301 19,8871 13,5921 11,6871 (8801 1300) {219) (2,870) (1.174) 10,250 5,000 7,702 1,408 813 2,500 880 300 500 5,000 1,174 1,500 466 1,000 1,500 595 627 281 2,130 1,500 (466) {1,0001 (313) (116) (627) 1,187 479 500 4,034 1,800 5,000 2,000 1,500 1,000 1,000 9,730 300 500 500 15,000 750 58,864 500 3,489 900 2,212 2,000 1,500 1.000 1,000 7,558 15451 {9001 (2,7881 12.1721 {300} {500) {500) 115,000) L750} 47.716L 74,412 24,511 Total funds 35.659 52,805 96,086 74,479 Page 20
The Pod Notes to the Financial Ststements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued) 12 Analysls of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds General Total funds at 31 March 2024 Restricted funds Current assets Current liabilities 41,548 11,839) 50,185 91,731 11,839) 89,892 Total funds at 31 March 2023 Totsl net assets 39.707 Unrestricted funds General 50,185 Restricted funds Current assets Current liabilities 40,295 11,475) 38.820 35,659 75,954 L1,475 Total net assets 35,659 74,479 13 Related party transactions There were no relale(J paty transactions in the year12023". Nil). Page21