IMPACT REPORT
Over 50 Years of Supporting Local Residents through our Volunteers
An award-winning local charity, backed by incredible volunteers, enabling us to offer essential support to nearly 1,000 residents throughout Wokingham Borough.
2024-25
CIO 1161498
Our Purpose
Our Charitable Objects are:
The relief in need of vulnerable elderly and disabled people for the public benefit within, but not exclusively, the Wokingham Borough area in particular by the provision of basic, volunteer-based and subsidised, low cost services and signposting them to additional statutory and volunteer sources of help to enable them to continue living in their own homes and not require moving into care.
� To promote the efficiency and effectiveness in the charitable activities of not-for-profit organisations, voluntary groups and charities working for the benefit of the public in the fields of community health and social care.
� Activities in furtherance of this purpose will include the provision of a volunteer brokerage service to both potential volunteers and charitable/voluntary organisations wishing to recruit volunteer assistance.
Projects
Details Outcomes
Volunteer Brokerage
Supporting local charities and voluntary organisations to attract new volunteers
- More volunteers for more charities Delivering greater impact for good causes
Community Transport Schemes
Supporting older residents to get to vital medical appointments and social events
- Narrowing health inequalities Living healthily at home for longer Reducing loneliness
Green ‘n’ Tidy Gardening Service
Supporting residents Enabling safe unable to manage or enjoyment of outdoor afford a commercial spaces service to keep their Keeping residents safe gardens safe and tidy from rogue traders
Chair’s Welcome
Dr. Julian Thompson
This year has underlined both the resilience and the strategic importance of Wokingham Volunteer Centre. In the face of economic pressures and rising demand, we have continued to expand our services, strengthen partnerships, and deliver results.
We remain committed to strengthening the recruitment and retention of volunteers; deepening our collaboration with partners to maximise our collective impact; and maintaining a strong focus on prevention. Our focus on delivering outstanding services and value translates into measurable impact, helping older and vulnerable residents stay independent, reducing isolation, and building a stronger, safer, and more connected community.
We are proud of what has been achieved, but more importantly, we are confident about the future. With the continued dedication of our volunteers, trustees, partners, and funders, the Wokingham Volunteer Centre is well-placed to respond to the challenges that lie ahead while remaining a cornerstone of the Wokingham Borough area.
Thank you for your support.
Chief Officer’s Report
Nick Fellows
I was privileged to join Wokingham Volunteer Centre five years ago and it is rewarding to see how our services have managed to develop and grow despite the plethora of challenges we, like so many charities, have faced in that time.
Surviving the Covid pandemic as an organisation was made possible only by the selfless dedication of our many, many local volunteers and it is they to whom we owe a huge debt of thanks for continuing to support us and residents in need across the whole Borough. As the cost of living crisis bites deeper into our vulnerable communities we have scaled up our support wherever possible, with the backing of our Board of Trustees and of course the many partners and supporters who continue to commit to, and fund, our efforts.
We are delighted this year to have secured our first formal corporate sponsor in Wilmoths Citroen, who have supported us with our second new van as we continue to expand our gardening service, supporting those who can no longer manage their garden themselves nor afford a commercial service. We are grateful too to Wokingham Borough Council, who have extended our three service contracts for two more years, giving us a degree of financial security and allowing us the opportunity to plan ahead with confidence. Other Town and Parish Councils, along with a number of local charities and donors, have also been generous in their support which, alongside our own income generation, helps to ensure we’re not totally dependent upon one source of income to continue our operations. Every contribution is gratefully received.
In measuring our impact we are confident in our ability to provide a great return on the investment made by all of our supporters; in fact, we have measured this to be approximately 5.9 times that investment when taking into account our volunteers’ time and the additional funding sources available to us as a charity. We are proud that our commitment and dedication in supporting residents is highly valued and respected and look forward to working with all our partners in the year ahead.
Treasurer’s Report
Petra Williams
During the last financial period the charity was dependent on service contracts and grants from local councils for more than half its income. The Charity was well supported by Wokingham Borough Council. The charity showed a small surplus for the year. Trustees have again approved a small deficit budget for 2025-26 with a medium-term plan to meet breakeven. The Reserves remain strong and the financial situation is robust.
Our Impact
The real impact of our work is the benefit we provide to local residents, supporting them to continue living in their own home for longer and thus preventing, reducing and delaying the need for them to access or move into formal care. The value of this is incalculable when it means someone’s life is made that much better, thanks to our amazing volunteers.
The return on investment we provide, however, is considerable when measured in monetary terms, increasing this year to 5.9x the value of our formal service contracts when full value is calculated. This represents £595k of output for an input of just £101k.
Volunteer Services
The Volunteer Brokerage scheme c ~~o~~ ntinues to provide support to those who live in and around Wokingham Borough to ~~fi~~ nd the right role for them. We
work closely with community, voluntary and charitable groups across the Borough to help them recruit volunteers.
Volunteer Fairs
As part of the invaluable service we provide, we hold Volunteer Fairs to enable as many people as possible to access as many charities as possible on a faceto-face basis. During this period, we held a number of Volunteer Fairs across Wokingham Borough We held our two main Saturday Volunteer Fairs at Wokingham Town Hall in October 2024 and February 2025. Both Fairs were very successful with over 100 people attending each event..
Helena Badger
Volunteer Services
continued
“It would take us, as a charity, at least 6 months to recruit the number of volunteers we get from just one Volunteer Fair, if we had to do it ourselves. The benefit to us is huge!” Emma Cantrell, CEO First Days, attended the February 2025 Fair
“What a wonderful event. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so this is the perfect event for me, as there is such a variety of local charities to choose from. I’ve taken away so many leaflets, I just need to be careful to not say yes to them all!”
Volunteer Brokerage
Working with charities and organisations to recruit volunteers; working with volunteers to find the right role for them, we are passionate about finding the right fit for both. Alongside the Volunteer Fairs, our ‘24/7’ volunteering portal (www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org. uk) continues to be one of the best ways for most charities to advertise for what they need. We continue to promote volunteering whenever possible; through the columns in the Wokingham Paper, Parish newsletters and local publications such as the Wokingham Word. We post regularly on social media to take the opportunity to promote what we do and what support local charities need. We tied in our posts with events on a local and national level such as; the Wokingham May Fayre and Winter Carnival, Mental Health awareness week in May, National Volunteers Week in June and Older Person Day in October.
Volunteer Services
Partnership working
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Whenever possible, I visit schools, groups and businesses to pro ~~m~~ ote volunteering. These incl ~~u~~ de attending a Volunteering
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Fair at Oracle at Thames Valley Business Park in July and a Wellbeing event for sixth form students at the Holt School. I worked in collaboration with Involve as also in September, we attended a welcome event at Bracknell & Wokingham college together. I have also begun to support WBC staff, as they recently have been offered up to 3 days per year to use to volunteer.
Positive feedback
Our most recent survey of charities attending our Volunteer Fairs returned many positive comments:
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Over 95% rated the Fair excellent or good
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Over 95% recruited at least 5 volunteers; of these 50% recruited 5-10 volunteers and over 20% recruited 10-20 volunteers.
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100% rated the Fair valuable to attend
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100% would recommend the Fair to friends and family.
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100% would be interested in attending future Fairs
continued
“ I would like to say thank you for all
the hard work you must have put in to organise the event. We had lots of people show an interest in supporting us. We have had one person who has volunteered to build our website already and we only met them yesterday!” Epilepsy Berkshire, attended October 2024 Fair
Measures of satisfaction
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Satisfaction
100
80
60
40
20
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A B C D E
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Green ‘n’ Tidy Gardening Service
Our basic gardening service is aimed at helping to keep gardens looking tidy and usable throughout the year and supports residents who have often loved spending their time tending their gardens for themselves.
Changing circumstances may mean they are no longer able to do this and have no one close by who can take over for them. In turn, their pride and joy can become a worry, as well as a dangerous and overgrown space so our volunteers come to the rescue and make sure their outdoor haven can continue to be enjoyed all year round, whilst deterring potential rogue traders and other criminal activity.
In January we replaced our oldest van with a newer model, assisted by a generous package from Wilmoths Citroën Wokingham, who are now our exclusive vehicle partner.
In March we added an additional gardening team on Wednesdays which has enabled us to expand our service by around 18 clients. We are still seeking to recruit additional team leaders so that we can add a further two gardening teams to our weekly rota. We were supported financially by generous grants from the National Lottery, Earley Charity, Berkshire Community Foundation, Wokingham Community Safety Partnership, Wokingham Lions Club and Easthampstead Rotary Club and we are extremely grateful for all their support and confidence in the value of our project.
Paul King
Our biggest challenge remains the recruitment of more volunteers and Team Leaders to enable us to keep up with escalating demand but the return for volunteers is the opportunity to build friendships within the team as well as helping others.
GnT Impact
Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers: “adding life to years and years to life”.
Community Transport Schemes
The Wokingham Transport Scheme was one of the original services provided by TWVC and continues to offer vital support to enable older residents get to essential appointments with the assistance of a friendly volunteer driver, taking them from their front door to the appointment and back home again.
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A low-cost volunteer dependent transport scheme for elderly and disabled residents in Wokingham, Wokingham Without, Winnersh, Arborfield, Barkham, Woosehill and Finchampstead and a specific scheme covering the Earley area too.
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Over 730 clients in membership of this hugely popular service, plus a waiting list!
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One-to-one service supported by 120+ local drivers, ensuring arrival at the right place and time!
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Providing transport to more than a dozen hospitals as well as GP surgeries, dentists and opticians, as well as social events and shopping trips. Supporting Friendship Alliance activities and events specifically to help reduce loneliness.
As the graph illustrates, demand has continued to increase significantly this year and we have seen a further rise in the number of drives completed, by more than 15%. We continue to recruit more drivers than ever before to create additional capacity but, despite this, transport remains a critical issue for many Borough residents who cannot drive or use public transport and need additional support.
Sources of income
We are fortunate to have some diversific ~~a~~ tion in our income streams although, in we are reality, heavily ~~n~~ depe dant upon the public sector. Our service contracts comprise just over half of our income but client contributions, fundraising, grants, interest and donations now make up 26%.
We are very grateful for the regular support we receive from Wokingham Borough Council and our Town & Parish Councils as well as Wokingham United Charities, Easthampstead Rotary Club, Wokingham Lions Club, Wokingham Rotary Club, Berkshire Community Foundation and many generous individuals.
Thank you to all our volunteers, donors and supporters. We are proud of the difference we can make to people’s lives, thanks to you.
volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk
wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.u ~~k~~
Charity& Community Hub, Waterford House, ~~E~~ rftstadt Court, Wokingham ~~R~~ G40 2YF 0118 977 0749
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1161498
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
for
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
PPK Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Sandhurst House 297 Yorktown Road Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 0QA
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 2 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 3 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 5 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6 | to | 10 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre returned a small surplus of £3,074 (2024 - £2235) for the year. Total incoming resources increased to £195,810 (2024 - £177,140) whilst costs were £192,736 (2024 - £174,905). Containing costs and obtaining sustainable project funding remains a significant challenge and focus of attention for Trustees, especially in the continued climate of uncertainty around local authority funding, the increased tax burden on charities and growing funding challenges facing the voluntary sector more widely. The Centre has successfully completed the third year of two three-year service contracts from Wokingham Borough Council and is pleased to see the option to extend by two further years has been exercised. One of these (Volunteer Brokerage & Development) leaves a significant shortfall between the funding awarded and the cost of delivering the service, however successful grant funding applications and generous donations enabled the Centre to expand the Green 'n' Tidy Gardening Service and the Volunteer Centre as a whole remains fiscally strong with a robust balance sheet.
SUMMARY OVERVIEW
The Community Transport, Gardening and Volunteer Brokerage & Development Services performed successfully but with ongoing increases in demand as local need rises across the Borough and awareness of our services further increased. In response to this growing demand our volunteers responded magnificently but capacity could not fully match the greater calls on our resources. The transport service continued its growth in the number of drivers and the small office team, complemented by seven regular desk volunteers, continued to exhaust all options before having to turn down any requests. The number of social trips saw further growth, partly through our partnership through the Friendship Alliance with the Link Visiting scheme, as we sought to reduce the effects of loneliness alongside transporting clients to vital medical appointments. The extensive waiting list for our basic gardening scheme is reducing after the introduction of an additional van and related equipment, with new volunteer teams coming on board to ensure we can maximise capacity. The usual programme of Volunteer Recruitment activities was supplemented with a series of local recruitment fairs throughout the Borough in a concerted effort to promote the benefits of volunteering alongside the growing needs of local charities and voluntary organisations. Prospective and current volunteers face increasing pressures on their time and all charities are facing a shortage of capacity in relation to the demands being placed upon their services.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
During the last financial period the charity was dependent on service contracts and grants from local councils for more than half its income. The Charity was well supported by Wokingham Borough Council. The charity showed a small surplus for the year. Trustees have again approved a small deficit budget for 2025-26 with a medium-term plan to meet breakeven. The Reserves remain strong and the financial situation is robust.
RESERVES
Due to the ongoing funding uncertainty, the Trustees continue to support maintaining a designated reserves fund representing two quarters' operating costs. This amounted to £98,000 based on the 12 months to 31st March 2025. Total unrestricted reserves (including designated) were £126,729 (2024 - £123,655) and restricted reserves were £3385 giving total reserves of £130,114 (2024 - £127,040). Trustees plan to use the existing Reserve Fund to cover any operating deficits and to remain open to opportunities to trial small-scale, time-limited, and unfunded initiatives that fall within the scope of our charitable purposes. If such trials prove successful, more sustainable funding can then be sought to support them for the longer term.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a Charity Commission scheme and constitutes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1161498
Page 1
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Principal address
Charity & Community Hub 1st Floor, Waterford House Erftstadt Court, Denmark Street Wokingham Berkshire RG40 2YF
Trustees
M Jeater P Cleary (resigned 16.9.24) Mrs G Durrant - Secretary J P W Thompson - Chair Mrs D J Sussex Mrs A Williams T McFadyen Miss P J Williams - Treasurer
Independent Examiner
PPK Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Sandhurst House 297 Yorktown Road Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 0QA
SUMMARY
The Trustees, Centre Manager, staff and volunteers are focused on delivering and developing services that significantly improve the independence of vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the local community. We work in partnership with many local charities, voluntary organisations, and local authorities. We thank all those who continue to fund or donate to us in these difficult times.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ J P W Thompson - Trustee
Page 2
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair 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 examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
James Brooks
PPK Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Sandhurst House 297 Yorktown Road Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 0QA
Date: .............................................
Page 3
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 14,422 Charitable activities Charitable Activities 180,297 Investment income 2 1,091 Total 195,810 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Charitable Activities 192,736 NET INCOME 3,074 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 123,655 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 126,729 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - 3,385 3,385 |
2025 Total funds £ 14,422 180,297 1,091 195,810 192,736 3,074 127,040 130,114 |
2024 Total funds £ 13,432 162,467 1,241 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 177,140 | |||
| 174,905 | |||
| 2,235 124,805 |
|||
| 127,040 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 4
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Balance Sheet
31 March 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 5 22,873 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 6 8,705 Cash at bank and in hand 126,314 135,019 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 7 (31,163) NET CURRENT ASSETS 103,856 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 126,729 NET ASSETS 126,729 FUNDS 9 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted funds £ - - 3,385 3,385 - 3,385 3,385 3,385 |
2025 Total funds £ 22,873 8,705 129,699 138,404 (31,163) 107,241 130,114 130,114 126,729 3,385 130,114 |
2024 Total funds £ 15,421 8,756 129,676 138,432 (26,813) 111,619 127,040 127,040 123,655 3,385 127,040 |
|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. J P W Thompson - Trustee
............................................. P J Williams - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.
Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions
The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':
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the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
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the requirement of paragraph 3.17(d);
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the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c);
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the requirements of paragraphs 12.26, 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A;
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the requirement of paragraph 33.7.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Plant and machinery - 25% on cost Motor vehicles - 25% on cost Computer equipment - 25% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Page 6
continued...
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deposit account interest | 1,091 | 1,241 |
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
During the year a trustee, Mr M Jeater, was also employed as a gardening Team Leader, receiving £3,081 (2024: £2,934) for services rendered. These costs are included as gardening expenditure within the wages costs of charitable activities. It was agreed that there was no conflict of interest.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.
4. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| General and administration | 12 | 9 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
5.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Plant and machinery £ COST At 1 April 2024 2,280 Additions - Disposals - At 31 March 2025 2,280 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 2,280 Charge for year - Eliminated on disposal - At 31 March 2025 2,280 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 - At 31 March 2024 - |
Motor Computer vehicles equipment £ £ 22,016 5,792 12,000 - (4,800) - 29,216 5,792 6,595 5,792 4,548 - (4,800) - 6,343 5,792 22,873 - 15,421 - |
Totals £ 30,088 12,000 (4,800) 37,288 14,667 4,548 (4,800) 14,415 22,873 15,421 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 7
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
6. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade debtors Prepayments CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: Within one year MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement At 1.4.24 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 42,155 3,233 Designated Reserves 80,000 - Hardship Fund 1,500 (159) 123,655 3,074 Restricted funds Gardening Equipment 215 - Earley Transport Transfer 3,170 - 3,385 - TOTAL FUNDS 127,040 3,074 |
2025 £ 3,230 5,475 8,705 2025 £ 6,738 2,053 22,372 31,163 2025 £ 9,005 Transfers between funds £ (37,000) 37,000 - - - - - - |
2024 £ 4,038 4,718 8,756 2024 £ 7,993 1,734 17,086 26,813 2024 £ 8,785 At 31.3.25 £ 8,388 117,000 1,341 |
2024 £ 4,038 4,718 8,756 2024 £ 7,993 1,734 17,086 |
2024 £ 4,038 4,718 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,756 | ||||
| 26,813 | ||||
| 2024 £ 8,785 |
||||
| 126,729 215 3,170 |
||||
| 3,385 | ||||
| 130,114 |
7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
8. LEASING AGREEMENTS
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
continued...
Page 8
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Hardship Fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Reserves Hardship Fund Restricted funds Gardening Equipment Earley Transport Transfer TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 195,810 - 195,810 195,810 At 1.4.23 £ 39,234 80,000 1,500 120,734 901 3,170 4,071 124,805 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (192,577) 3,233 (159) (159) (192,736) 3,074 (192,736) 3,074 Net movement At in funds 31.3.24 £ £ 2,921 42,155 - 80,000 - 1,500 2,921 123,655 (686) 215 - 3,170 (686) 3,385 2,235 127,040 |
|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Gardening Equipment TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 177,140 - 177,140 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (174,219) 2,921 (686) (686) (174,905) 2,235 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 9
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Page 10
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Investment income Deposit account interest Charitable activities Services income Fundraising Grants and service contracts Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Wages Social security Pensions Other operating leases Insurance Telephone Printing, postage & stationery Costs of volunteer activities Office running costs Gardening equipment Plant and machinery Motor vehicles Support costs Management Advertising Finance Bank charges Governance costs AGM fees Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net income |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 |
2025 £ 14,422 1,091 66,427 1,450 112,420 180,297 195,810 114,879 1,680 1,653 9,782 956 1,970 2,622 48,456 4,010 - - 4,548 190,556 213 79 788 1,100 1,888 192,736 3,074 |
2024 £ 13,432 1,241 61,957 2,335 98,175 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 162,467 | |||
| 177,140 98,164 975 1,549 9,459 1,000 2,006 1,886 49,857 3,992 686 21 1,795 |
|||
| 171,390 1,511 16 788 1,200 |
|||
| 1,988 | |||
| 174,905 | |||
| 2,235 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 11
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1161498
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
for
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
PPK Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Sandhurst House 297 Yorktown Road Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 0QA
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 2 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 3 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 5 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6 | to | 10 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre returned a small surplus of £3,074 (2024 - £2235) for the year. Total incoming resources increased to £195,810 (2024 - £177,140) whilst costs were £192,736 (2024 - £174,905). Containing costs and obtaining sustainable project funding remains a significant challenge and focus of attention for Trustees, especially in the continued climate of uncertainty around local authority funding, the increased tax burden on charities and growing funding challenges facing the voluntary sector more widely. The Centre has successfully completed the third year of two three-year service contracts from Wokingham Borough Council and is pleased to see the option to extend by two further years has been exercised. One of these (Volunteer Brokerage & Development) leaves a significant shortfall between the funding awarded and the cost of delivering the service, however successful grant funding applications and generous donations enabled the Centre to expand the Green 'n' Tidy Gardening Service and the Volunteer Centre as a whole remains fiscally strong with a robust balance sheet.
SUMMARY OVERVIEW
The Community Transport, Gardening and Volunteer Brokerage & Development Services performed successfully but with ongoing increases in demand as local need rises across the Borough and awareness of our services further increased. In response to this growing demand our volunteers responded magnificently but capacity could not fully match the greater calls on our resources. The transport service continued its growth in the number of drivers and the small office team, complemented by seven regular desk volunteers, continued to exhaust all options before having to turn down any requests. The number of social trips saw further growth, partly through our partnership through the Friendship Alliance with the Link Visiting scheme, as we sought to reduce the effects of loneliness alongside transporting clients to vital medical appointments. The extensive waiting list for our basic gardening scheme is reducing after the introduction of an additional van and related equipment, with new volunteer teams coming on board to ensure we can maximise capacity. The usual programme of Volunteer Recruitment activities was supplemented with a series of local recruitment fairs throughout the Borough in a concerted effort to promote the benefits of volunteering alongside the growing needs of local charities and voluntary organisations. Prospective and current volunteers face increasing pressures on their time and all charities are facing a shortage of capacity in relation to the demands being placed upon their services.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
During the last financial period the charity was dependent on service contracts and grants from local councils for more than half its income. The Charity was well supported by Wokingham Borough Council. The charity showed a small surplus for the year. Trustees have again approved a small deficit budget for 2025-26 with a medium-term plan to meet breakeven. The Reserves remain strong and the financial situation is robust.
RESERVES
Due to the ongoing funding uncertainty, the Trustees continue to support maintaining a designated reserves fund representing two quarters' operating costs. This amounted to £98,000 based on the 12 months to 31st March 2025. Total unrestricted reserves (including designated) were £126,729 (2024 - £123,655) and restricted reserves were £3385 giving total reserves of £130,114 (2024 - £127,040). Trustees plan to use the existing Reserve Fund to cover any operating deficits and to remain open to opportunities to trial small-scale, time-limited, and unfunded initiatives that fall within the scope of our charitable purposes. If such trials prove successful, more sustainable funding can then be sought to support them for the longer term.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a Charity Commission scheme and constitutes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1161498
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The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Principal address
Charity & Community Hub 1st Floor, Waterford House Erftstadt Court, Denmark Street Wokingham Berkshire RG40 2YF
Trustees
M Jeater P Cleary (resigned 16.9.24) Mrs G Durrant - Secretary J P W Thompson - Chair Mrs D J Sussex Mrs A Williams T McFadyen Miss P J Williams - Treasurer
Independent Examiner
PPK Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Sandhurst House 297 Yorktown Road Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 0QA
SUMMARY
The Trustees, Centre Manager, staff and volunteers are focused on delivering and developing services that significantly improve the independence of vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the local community. We work in partnership with many local charities, voluntary organisations, and local authorities. We thank all those who continue to fund or donate to us in these difficult times.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ J P W Thompson - Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair 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 examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
James Brooks
PPK Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Sandhurst House 297 Yorktown Road Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 0QA
Date: .............................................
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The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 14,422 Charitable activities Charitable Activities 180,297 Investment income 2 1,091 Total 195,810 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Charitable Activities 192,736 NET INCOME 3,074 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 123,655 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 126,729 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - 3,385 3,385 |
2025 Total funds £ 14,422 180,297 1,091 195,810 192,736 3,074 127,040 130,114 |
2024 Total funds £ 13,432 162,467 1,241 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 177,140 | |||
| 174,905 | |||
| 2,235 124,805 |
|||
| 127,040 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Balance Sheet
31 March 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 5 22,873 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 6 8,705 Cash at bank and in hand 126,314 135,019 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 7 (31,163) NET CURRENT ASSETS 103,856 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 126,729 NET ASSETS 126,729 FUNDS 9 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted funds £ - - 3,385 3,385 - 3,385 3,385 3,385 |
2025 Total funds £ 22,873 8,705 129,699 138,404 (31,163) 107,241 130,114 130,114 126,729 3,385 130,114 |
2024 Total funds £ 15,421 8,756 129,676 138,432 (26,813) 111,619 127,040 127,040 123,655 3,385 127,040 |
|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. J P W Thompson - Trustee
............................................. P J Williams - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.
Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions
The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':
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the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
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the requirement of paragraph 3.17(d);
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the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c);
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the requirements of paragraphs 12.26, 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A;
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the requirement of paragraph 33.7.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Plant and machinery - 25% on cost Motor vehicles - 25% on cost Computer equipment - 25% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
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continued...
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deposit account interest | 1,091 | 1,241 |
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
During the year a trustee, Mr M Jeater, was also employed as a gardening Team Leader, receiving £3,081 (2024: £2,934) for services rendered. These costs are included as gardening expenditure within the wages costs of charitable activities. It was agreed that there was no conflict of interest.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.
4. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| General and administration | 12 | 9 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
5.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Plant and machinery £ COST At 1 April 2024 2,280 Additions - Disposals - At 31 March 2025 2,280 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 2,280 Charge for year - Eliminated on disposal - At 31 March 2025 2,280 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 - At 31 March 2024 - |
Motor Computer vehicles equipment £ £ 22,016 5,792 12,000 - (4,800) - 29,216 5,792 6,595 5,792 4,548 - (4,800) - 6,343 5,792 22,873 - 15,421 - |
Totals £ 30,088 12,000 (4,800) 37,288 14,667 4,548 (4,800) 14,415 22,873 15,421 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
6. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade debtors Prepayments CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: Within one year MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement At 1.4.24 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 42,155 3,233 Designated Reserves 80,000 - Hardship Fund 1,500 (159) 123,655 3,074 Restricted funds Gardening Equipment 215 - Earley Transport Transfer 3,170 - 3,385 - TOTAL FUNDS 127,040 3,074 |
2025 £ 3,230 5,475 8,705 2025 £ 6,738 2,053 22,372 31,163 2025 £ 9,005 Transfers between funds £ (37,000) 37,000 - - - - - - |
2024 £ 4,038 4,718 8,756 2024 £ 7,993 1,734 17,086 26,813 2024 £ 8,785 At 31.3.25 £ 8,388 117,000 1,341 |
2024 £ 4,038 4,718 8,756 2024 £ 7,993 1,734 17,086 |
2024 £ 4,038 4,718 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,756 | ||||
| 26,813 | ||||
| 2024 £ 8,785 |
||||
| 126,729 215 3,170 |
||||
| 3,385 | ||||
| 130,114 |
7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
8. LEASING AGREEMENTS
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
continued...
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The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Hardship Fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Designated Reserves Hardship Fund Restricted funds Gardening Equipment Earley Transport Transfer TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 195,810 - 195,810 195,810 At 1.4.23 £ 39,234 80,000 1,500 120,734 901 3,170 4,071 124,805 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (192,577) 3,233 (159) (159) (192,736) 3,074 (192,736) 3,074 Net movement At in funds 31.3.24 £ £ 2,921 42,155 - 80,000 - 1,500 2,921 123,655 (686) 215 - 3,170 (686) 3,385 2,235 127,040 |
|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Gardening Equipment TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 177,140 - 177,140 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (174,219) 2,921 (686) (686) (174,905) 2,235 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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The Wokingham Volunteer Centre
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Investment income Deposit account interest Charitable activities Services income Fundraising Grants and service contracts Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Wages Social security Pensions Other operating leases Insurance Telephone Printing, postage & stationery Costs of volunteer activities Office running costs Gardening equipment Plant and machinery Motor vehicles Support costs Management Advertising Finance Bank charges Governance costs AGM fees Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net income |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 |
2025 £ 14,422 1,091 66,427 1,450 112,420 180,297 195,810 114,879 1,680 1,653 9,782 956 1,970 2,622 48,456 4,010 - - 4,548 190,556 213 79 788 1,100 1,888 192,736 3,074 |
2024 £ 13,432 1,241 61,957 2,335 98,175 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 162,467 | |||
| 177,140 98,164 975 1,549 9,459 1,000 2,006 1,886 49,857 3,992 686 21 1,795 |
|||
| 171,390 1,511 16 788 1,200 |
|||
| 1,988 | |||
| 174,905 | |||
| 2,235 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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