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
Y￿1*¢Il*
Cornmun*y
IL I¢YA
ojecu
PFtsenT•VOfts
R4••
•PooFI4S
li.
POPLIw•
12.9
•JAMM
17. ISX
•Wwbh
S<r•wT•rt Icriv11*5
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 rn￿7n 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 aCtI￿tieS 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 S￿dent 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 o￿lCe 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 p￿paratIOn 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 Con￿mIng 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
appl￿b￿ 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 dI￿retIOn 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 Inte￿St 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 r￿1Ved 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 FOundat￿n
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 Ma￿h
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