2025-03-31-accounts - Family Voice Peterborough

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

– SECTION 2 FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH AS A CHARITY

To relieve the charitable needs of disabled children and children with complex needs and their families and carers in Peterborough is such ways as the Trustees shall think fit, in particular by the provision of advice, information, support and advocacy

Chairs Foreword

This has been quite a year for FVP. We moved to new premises, going from our centre in Orton Goldhay, to The Eco-innovation Centre within central Peterborough. We streamlined our work, and concentrated more on the forum, while also delivering the PINS work in schools. The PINS project was very intense for our staff, but we feel we reached so many parents who were worried about their children's educational needs.

We, like everyone else, have had to make changes to how we work due to the continued cost of living crisis. We have administered a project to supply SEND parents with vouchers to help alleviate financial stress.

We have had to crunch the numbers, due to changes in minimum wage, National Insurance changes, and rising costs. We are determined to continue to deliver Signposting to those that need it, and to represent parents at various boards and meetings, to keep them at the centre of decisions made around services.

We told the Local Authority how parenting courses made parents feel blamed when their children have needs, and they listened, meaning they no longer have to do any before being referred for assessments. We feel this is a great example of the two way relationship we have.

We also had sessions at Activity World for SEND children, as well as trips to the seaside and theme parks. These are very much in demand, as we make children feel welcome, and understand that parents need to meet with others that are going through the same things.

We also lost our previous chair, Jason Merrill, who sadly passed away in March. It was quite unexpected, and hit us all hard. His funeral was packed, and there was a collection for FVP, which was exactly how he would have wanted it!!

As Jason’s health was slowly getting worse, it was decided that he would step down, and I would take over. I’ve been in the role before, so he was happy to leave me in the driving seat!!

We saw the board members change, with new trustees coming on, and others leaving. We have a new secretary, who is phenomenal in the role and a new treasurer, who is more than qualified for the role. We also have another trustee who is very good at research. We lost a trustee, whose health has gotten worse over the last 6 months and wish her well in the future. We have another new trustee, who is relishing the role, and is keen to help influence services going forward, as a wheelchair user themselves.

We have had a full year, and this year looks to be just as busy! We, as always, will be here for the parents, and will always represent them at all levels of Local government, heath, and social care boards.

Thank you very much for a great year, and here’s to the next one. Mandi Rennie

FVP Chairperson.

Page | 2

Registered Charity No: 1171389

Trustees

Amanda Rennie – Trustee: August 2024; Chairperson: January 2025 Jason Merrill – Resigned: March 2025 Tanya Smith – Joined: March 2024 Donna Butler – Joined: May 2024 Sophie Brace – Joined: May 2024

Declarations of Interest

Jason Merrill and Donna Butler lived together.

Governance and Structure

Operating Model:	Constitution
Legal Structure:	Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Trusteeship:	(1) Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed [for a term of [three] years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. (2) In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. FVP has adopted a safer recruitment policy with associated procedures for the purposes of ensuring any appointed trustees:  Understand their role within FVP  Understand what FVP’s purpose is, who its beneficiaries are where it operates.  Are eligible to act as a trustee and meet charity commission requirements and safeguarding requirements in relation to children and vulnerable adults  Bring skills and experience to the charity that mean it will continue meeting its purpose (3) New Trustees will be given an initial probation period of six months, which can be extended following a review. (4) Trustees must commit to a minimum of 20 hours a month.

Operating Model:

Constitution

Legal Structure:

Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Trusteeship:

(1) Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed
[for a term of [three] years by a resolution passed at a properly convened
meeting of the charity trustees.
(2) In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the
charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience
needed for the effective administration of the CIO.
FVP has adopted a safer recruitment policy with associated procedures
for the purposes of ensuring any appointed trustees:
 Understand their role within FVP
 Understand what FVP’s purpose is, who its beneficiaries are
where it operates.
 Are eligible to act as a trustee and meet charity commission
requirements and safeguarding requirements in relation to
children and vulnerable adults
 Bring skills and experience to the charity that mean it will
continue meeting its purpose
(3) New Trustees will be given an initial probation period of six months,
which can be extended following a review.
(4) Trustees must commit to a minimum of 20 hours a month.

FVP has a small, but team of staff and volunteers who have operational responsibility for manging the charity on a day-to-day basis. Due to the size of the charity the trustees still have some operational duties which are being gradually devolved to the staff team via delegation which takes account code of governance guidance principle 1.5. Trustees moved back to

Page | 3

Registered Charity No: 1171389

committee meetings being held monthly. The Board and key staff members discuss the following areas - Finance & Resources, Health, Safety & Safeguarding, Assets, Parent Carer Forum as per their constitution.

FVP works with a number of other third sector organisations as well as acting as a strategic partner of Peterborough City Council in relation to offering collective information, advocacy, support and advice to parent carers which is in line with the purpose of the charity as defined in its objectives. FVP has also started working with a wider partnership of organisations both statutory and third sector as part of the expanding seldom heard communities’ work.

Risk Statement

Risk management is reviewed at monthly meetings with dedicated time set aside to manage any issues as they arise. New Trustees have also benefitted from some basic risk management training in relation to organisational health and safety. Identified risks relate to:

Financial viability of the organisation,
Premises Management and Maintenance,
Organisational capacity and growth in relation to operational functions,
Trustee Board capacity, skills and sustainability,
Health and Safety,
External Relationships,
Reputation,
Staff and HR,
Conflict of Interest,
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

Assets and Ownership

All assets are under the ownership of the CIO with two trustees signing leases/contracts as required as per the constitution. The assets of the charity at the start of the financial year were the Goldhay Community Centre. The community centre was transferred back to the ownership of the Local Authority on 1[st] October 2024.

Staff 2024 to 2025

Operational management of the charity is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Due to recent changes in the organisation and funding constraints, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) has been reduced. It now consists of the CEO and an Office Manager. The SLT team between them manage 12 employees. No staff member is remunerated over £60,000 and the staff costs are covered through specific grant funding and income that had been generated from the hire of the premises. Due to budgetary constraints, some staff have reduced their weekly hours and a freeze on recruitment has been agreed. The staffing for the charity covers the forum functions of FVP, all administration and management of the assets. All staff received a cost of living pay rise at the start of the new financial year, except the CEO and IT Manager.

Page | 4

Registered Charity No: 1171389

The trustees have been made aware of risks associated with being employers, especially as the charity is a relatively small organisation. The trustees have continued to mitigate risk through suitable financial planning, employee support and trustee board development. All has continued to be underpinned by the risk management policy which is reviewed annually. The board continue to seek external advice with respect to employment where required. The board continues to focus on Equality and Diversity to ensure they are supportive and understanding of the diversity within the workforce.

Volunteers 2024 to 2025

FVP have secured the support of 2 active volunteers, some ad hoc volunteers’ and volunteers for specific pieces of centre works from the Gambian Community of Peterborough.

All of the parent rep team are employees on term time contracts. We continued to run a Community Café until the end of June 2024. The Café was supported by a lead volunteer and other ad hoc volunteers. During April - June 2024 a total of 430 adults attended the Café.

It has not been possible this year to identify the number of volunteer hours given to the charity due to there being such variation in work conducted, and constant changes to work/ volunteering due to personal commitments of the volunteers and changes within the charity itself.

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the CIO are to relieve the charitable needs of disabled children and children with complex needs and their families and carers in Peterborough in such ways as the Trustees shall think fit, in particular by the provision of advice, information, support and advocacy.

The Board of Trustees have paid due regard to statutory guidance PB1, PB2 and PB3 issued by The Charity Commission when planning and undertaking activities in relation to the objects that define the purpose of the charity.

The trustees also look to consider social impact when undertaking work as means to demonstrate value for money and positive benefit to individuals and their families.

– Social Impact Regular Reviewed and Identified in Strategic Plans

Definition: The effect of an activity on the social fabric of the community and well-being of - the individuals and families (https://www.youfirstsupportservices.org.uk/page/social impact/45/).

Social impact is also about changes which improve people’s lives and have positive consequences for the wider community.

The following outcomes matrix has been reviewed and amended as necessary over the last year, especially as the charity prepares for the next five years of planning. Much of the plan

Page | 5

Registered Charity No: 1171389

has been achieved, so now is the right time to start reflecting, reviewing and forward planning accordingly.

Ongoing outcomes/ impact:

Ongoing outcomes/ impact:
Priority	Outcome	Indicator
Parents Forum/SEND Continuing to support and deliver help advice and guidance around SEND. In particular ensuring co- production and the implementation of the priorities and action plans within the SEND agenda and all other associated strategies. Ensuring parent carers are included, heard and enabled to participate in a way which meets their individual needs and requirements.	All Parent Carers going through the SEND process are empowered to be involved and heard. Increased Parent Carer Representation and participation within the parent carer community. Parent Carers and families demonstrate increased personal and interpersonal resilience. Parents Carers are confident to manage meetings and challenges related to services that their child or charge require.	There will be an Increase in attendance figures at SEND based sessions ie focus groups, on-line forums, training. Using the latest census and SENI2 data FVP will collect data on disability and ethnicity to demonstrate an increase in reaching seldom heard and hard to reach groups. There will be an increase in engagement with more schools with the school offer. More parent carers will engage in training programmes. FVP will see an increase the number of parents attending setting based sessions. Families will self-report being more able to manage crises, or plan to avoid crises.
Community Provision Community centres to be used to provide families with training and support opportunities, food hubs, social events and activities that enable a diverse range of seldom heard groups to come together and celebrate various aspects of their lives. This has enabled the community space to be utilised for local residents to	Parents and carers feel able to contribute to the development of community activities and peer support Local Residents and Community Groups are supported to build more cohesive communities and become less isolated Volunteering Opportunities are afforded	There will be an Increase in footfall access services at the community centre. There will an increase in regular and private hall hire. Carers and local residents report less social isolation Increased engagement from more diverse user group

Page | 6

Registered Charity No: 1171389

access services and support and allow participation in the wider community, thus decreasing isolation amongst specific groups or those impacted by caring for a child/ young person.	to the community Carers and families demonstrate increased personal and interpersonal resilience Improved social capital and interaction
Activities SEND families and local communities have access to affordable and where possible free trips, activities and events. Improved wellbeing and decreased financial stress for parent carers and other community members.	Increased attendance figures, as shown on attendance records	12 activities will have taken place that have included coach trips, hire of local activity places, themed sessions and family based activities provided at the community centre, across Peterborough and to further destinations. Parent carers and other attendees report to FVP that being able to access affordable and/ or free trips and activities leads to improved wellbeing for SEND families.
Work Force & Trustee Board Development FVP is run by a Board of trustees who have overall responsibility and accountability for ensuring the charity runs according to the legal framework it was set up for. Staff and volunteers are responsible for the daily running of the charity The trustee board has several new members and with this they are bringing fresh ideas, links to the wider community and a renewed commitment to take FVP forwards.	New volunteering opportunities leading to increased numbers volunteering and gaining new skills Improved Staff capacity Clear Workforce planning Increased number of parent carers either working with us as volunteers, or looking for volunteering opportunities Increased number of parent carers taking up paid roles as parent representatives.	FVP has a workforce in place with capacity to deliver on other aspects of the business plan Increased confidence in ability to return to work/ volunteering after long periods as a carer.

Page | 7

Registered Charity No: 1171389

	Information Technology FVP will continue to utilise virtual working through our social media platforms We will continue to record workshop sessions and ensure they are accessible throughout social media sites to make them more accessible on virtual platforms i.e. YouTube Develop virtual training for parents and carers Look at an on line schools offer Update the website	People will report easy access to FVP media platforms Increased use of FVP YouTube channel to facilitate wider signposting and information sharing	More parent carers accessing what FVP has to offer via online systems, thus FVP make best use of information technology to facilitate an inclusive way of working that is cost effective and maximises engagement To keep social media platforms and the website live and current.

Outcomes Grid

The next five years will be set out in the forward plan at the end of this report.

For FVP the social impact of the charity relates to activities that result in:

Improved access to services for children/ young people with disabilities and additional needs.
Increased parent participation which can include involvement, engagement, information sharing.
Increased participation from a more diverse group of parent carers.
Increased empowerment of parent carers leading to more involvement in the services accessed by their children and increased confidence.
Increase community cohesion and working together.
Improved relationships between parents and settings.

Measuring Social Impact – 2024 to 2025

To demonstrate social impact of the charity a range of qualitative and quantitative data is gathered. This is used to measure the outcomes and impact of the work of the charity; Some of the methods include activity/ event feedback, survey results, quotes, numbers in attendance, demographic information, changes to services for children/ young people with disabilities as shown in responses to the Topics of Importance. This past year has seen FVP continue a mixed delivery model, working both face-to-face and online.

Through a range of meetings, events, online activities, and Discussions, 466 known parent/carers including 55 fathers have participated in over 200 sessions. These

Page | 8

Registered Charity No: 1171389

provided signposting, support, the opportunity to build new relationships and connections and increase social inclusion.

Parent carers, including those from seldom heard groups and local residents fed back that the provision of toys helped made the festive period more enjoyable and manageable. These worked well as an addition to face-to-face activities. Through the activities >1500 people have benefitted in some way.
Signposting support has been offered to 188 parent carers for accessing information relating to SEND services, benefits, mental health services and other areas.
The SEND newsletter continues to be produced for parent carers who want to receive it, ongoing EHCp documentation, practices and processes reviewed and changed in working groups as required. Parent Participation takes place using a hybrid method of engagement and participation, provision of food support and other activities there has been a marked increase in overall numbers accessing FVP.

Page | 9

Registered Charity No: 1171389

	Number of Sessions	Beneficiaries
Type of Session 22/23 23/24 24/25 22/23 EPP 0 0 0 0 CB 0 0 0 0 Wellbeing Training 5 1 2 16 Parent Carer Hub 5 5 6 13		23/24 24/25 0 0 0 0 5 28 21 34
Themed Workshops (Open Forum) 2 1 1 10		6 5
CETR	69 30 49 69	30 49
Information Stands	17 14 0 680	905 0
CDC Sessions	1 8 8 20	132 124
Focus Groups 6 11 0 14		67 0
Schools Offer 7 30 65 41		162 332
Virtual (Coffee/ Breakfast/ Lunch) Meeting 0 8 6 0		18 30
Conference	1 1 1 95	57 130
Surveys	16 8 7 515	351 832
Family Based Trips/ Activities	93 70 36 2584	2569 1763
Strategic Meetings 136 180 7 7 Volunteer Support 4 2 0 42		9 163 16 0

TOTALS	362 369 188 4106	4348 3490

Session and Beneficiary Comparison 2022 to 2025

Working face-to-face again and having the centre until September 2024 open for use has increased access to support and a clear decrease in social isolation.

Page | 10

Registered Charity No: 1171389

Information

Training sessions in understanding mental health and wellbeing and understanding behaviour have provided parent carers/ family members with basic skills to selfmanage and gain resilience in their caring role.
Information stands at various locations across the city, to enable direct contact with FVP. This enables literature to be handed out to members of the public, parent carers to have someone to talk to for signposting.
The ongoing development of an e-news to share messages and opportunities to engage. There are currently over 527 subscribers.
Use of social media to enable a wider and more diverse group of beneficiaries to receive information and participate in service change. There has been a marked increase in the audience for all platforms which has increased reach.

Advocacy (Collective)

Online participation sessions, face to face activities and the running of on-line surveys to facilitate parent carers raising concerns/ issues and sharing views with relevant organisations such as Local Authority Commissioning (Social Care and Education) via Topics of Importance.
Parent representation enabling parent carers to share concerns and views about disability services with education and social care commissioners.

Support

The provision of tickets and passes introduced in 2020/2021 has continued but linked more directly to completion of participation activities. There have also been far more trips and activities included enabling access to areas SEND families in particular may struggle to go to; support here is in the form of coordinating the activities and providing coaches etc.
Delivery of festive hampers including food, vouchers and gifts has provided support whereby households can cover the cost of their utilities without having to make a heat or eat choice.
The community café have enabled local residents, parent carers and seldom heard community members to have support through peer to peer engagement, a safe space to talk about what is impacting their lives, build friendships, have a warm place to meet and receive wherever possible food provisions.

Advice

Parent Carer Hub sessions have provided direct access to professionals from Education, Carers Support and SEND Partnership.
Signposting to a range of services/ support systems/ SEND professionals has occurred for 147 parent carers.

Community Premises

Community engagement continued to take place using the community café whilst the community centre was open and at a number of face-to-face community sessions.

Page | 11

Registered Charity No: 1171389

Achievements and Performance

Family Activities & Parent Carer/ Community Support

Family Activity Opportunities

Trips and Activities
Parent carers were provided the opportunity to take part in a range of local activities and coach trips.
Some of these were also accessed by parent carers from the Aiming High Group and Seldom Heard Community leaders and their families which led to an increase in diversity and engagement from more families with CYP with very complex health needs.
Survey Response Vouchers
Vouchers are often used as an incentive for completion of surveys, as these are proven to increase participation. Parent carers have also reported valuing the recognition of their participation.
Vouchers are available to access Bowling, Activity World, Sacrewell Farm and Key Theatre.
Parent Carer/ Community Support
FVP have also been providing phone line/ email signposting/ face to face support for a range of subjects including; how the move from DLA to PIP works through to how to make a complaint about SEND provision or what would be the best primary school to apply to.
Wellbeing, emotional support and information sessions with local services resulted in parent carers receiving direct support.

Participation and Engagement

Attendance at a range of participation and engagement sessions has increased this year. The following provides a snapshot of engagements levels:

Parent Carer Hub – a total of 34 parent carers attended
1 Wellbeing Workshops a total of 28 parent carers attended
1 Themed Workshops - a total of 6 parent carers attended
65 School Based Meetings - a total of 332 parent carers attended

Parent Participation

The financial reporting period this relates to, 2024 to 2025, has seen for FVP the level of recorded individual participation increased, as can be seen in Figure 1.

Page | 12

Registered Charity No: 1171389

----- Start of picture text -----
Yearly Engagement Rate
500 466
450
400
350 310 309 300 310
300
250 Engagement
200
150
100
50
0
20/21 22/23 23/24 24/25
----- End of picture text -----

Overall Engagement Rate

Online engagement rates have fluctuated across years. In the past year there have been no FB polls used due to having new staff who are not so adept at this function for participation purposes, however this financial year, participation doubled.

Engagement via surveys and FB

There has been continued investment by FVP in helping parent carers understand their “right” to be heard on a personal and collective level in the services accessed by their children and young people especially at face-to-face sessions in educational settings. Underpinning the Children and Families Act 2014 are the Section 19 Principles whereby Local Authorities have a duty to pay due regard to the views, wishes and feelings of children and young people with SEND and those of their parents and carers and support them to participate fully. The work conducted by FVP has been shared with the Local Authority to help them understand what the views and feelings of parent carers are. This was partly

Page | 13

Registered Charity No: 1171389

achieved through an ongoing use of themed sessions and newly introduced coffee and signposting sessions.

Parent Representation

Nine parent carers acting as representatives have attended 161 strategic meetings investing 427 hours in terms of administration, travel time and actual meeting attendance.

Preferred Parent Participations Method

FVP have seen 609 parent carers, some of whom have participated more than once.

We have engaged with the following ethnicities over the last 3 years, which demonstrates how representative the organisation and community are.

Ethnicity	Ethnicity	Ethnicity	Ethnicity	Ethnicity
Category Adult
	22/23	23/24	24/25	24/25
			(Re- engaged)	(New)
White British	87	87	52	100
Gypsyor Irish Traveller	0	1	2	0
Roma	1	0	0	4
AnyOther White Background	14	0	5	0
White and Black Caribbean	0	0	0	2
White and Black African	0	0	0	3
White and Asian	0	0	0	2
AnyOther Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Background	1	3	1	2
Indian	5	4	3	8
Pakistani	12	18	19	18
Bangladeshi	1	0	0	0
Chinese	2	1	0	0
AnyOther Asian Background	0	2	7	14
African	10	5	5	17
Caribbean	0	0	1	0
Black British	0	3	1	2
AnyOther Black or Caribbean Background	0	0	0	2
Arab	2	1	0	1
AnyOther Ethnic Group	0	2	0	2
Rather Not Say	1	0	0	0
Unknown	22	100	18	138

Page | 14

Registered Charity No: 1171389

Engagement Methods

----- Start of picture text -----
0%
1:1 Sessions
Telephone/Email Signposting
16% 14%
Support
2%
Trip/ Activity
2%
Community Meet Ups
4% CDC
0%
School Meetings
3%
1% Open Forum Meetings
4% Training
Parent Carer Hub
31%
Focus Group
Conference
18%
End of Volunteer Support
Facebook
5%
Covid 19 Response
0% 0%
----- End of picture text -----

CHARITY ASSETS (Premises)

The Goldhay Centre provided a Community Centre for local residents and Offices for FVP. Due to financial constraints and the investment required for it to remain a community building, the asset was transferred back to the ownership of the Local Authority.

A range of services were provided from the Centre, e.g. the community hall for community activities, a range of sessions which have more recently included a community café and warm hub. Going forward, FVP will utilise other community provision to access parent carers and the wider local community.

Page | 15

Registered Charity No: 1171389

Financial Review

Reserves Statement

The trustees are continuously working to establish sustainability and good governance for the charity and have developed various policies and procedures including a reserves policy to facilitate this. The policy establishes how reserves levels are set and how these relate to unrestricted funds and such levels will be managed.

The trustees have historically proposed to maintain the charity’s free reserves at a level which is at least equivalent to six months operational expenditure and three months as a minimum. This year our total reserves have decreased to approximately 5.5 months equivalent of annual running costs, due to a number of factors including a general increase in charity running costs and wages. This policy will require review as the staffing structure changes and operational matters go through further change due to charity growth. It will be an ongoing priority of the Trustees to re-look at this as part of the wider business planning focus.

Principle Source of Income

The principle source of income for FVP remains grant funding which is linked to predefined outcomes. Grants have been allocated by Contact behalf of The Depart for Education (DfE) Peterborough City Council (PCC) on behalf of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and PCC PCVS and The National Lottery. The total grant income equates to 90% of the charity income which is up 7% from 24/25. Income from sources such has hire from assets (rental) have now ceased.

Much work is being undertaken to secure other less restrictive grant funding that can be used to build in charity sustainability and enable the charity to explore other unrestricted income streams.

Fundraising/ Donations/ Legacies/ Consultancy (Public)

Donations and fundraising have netted £7,121.00 which is approximately the same as the previous year. This is an area the Trustees feel is important to focus on this year. This year, FVP did not secure income from fees for work (consultancy).

Any fundraising is managed under an ethical fundraising policy held by the CIO and as such work relating to joint fundraising falls under this. To demonstrate best practice, the CIO is also self-registered with the Fundraising Regulator.

Expenditure

The majority of the charity expenditure is from restricted funds from grants paid in year. 90.3% of overall expenditure was from restricted funds. This is the same as the previous financial year.

Page | 16

Registered Charity No: 1171389

The majority of core costs fall into restricted funds expenditure with most staffing covered under restricted funds.

The majority of grant expenditure is set against pre-defined outcomes with specific outputs and measured against an outcomes matrix. The DfE grant although for a small amount is a receipted grant, where every receipt has to be allocated and spending has to be strictly kept within predefined budget. The outcomes match the objects of the charity. Expenditure has been on providing families with access to information, advocacy, support and advice; therefore meeting the objects of the charity.

Further Details

Staffing costs have increased to 44.5% of overall expenditure for the charity. This is the same as the previous financial year.
No employee is remunerated at £60,000 or over.
The majority of those employed have been parent carers who volunteer extra time to the charity over their contracted hours of employment. All costs relating to employment are linked to grants.

Accounts Preparation

In line with the charity’s constitution and charity accounting guidelines as defined in CC15d ‘charity reporting and accounting: the essentials’ the accounts are prepared under an accruals system and the Trustees have taken the decision to secure the services of a suitably qualified accountant to conduct the accounts returns.

Trustee Statement

Due to the financial crisis facing the country, the charity still finds itself in unprecedented times economically. The Trustees have decided to again produce a more in-depth statement detailing the impact on the charity and its beneficiaries. They strived to keep charity services going, protect the assets that were held and ensure their ongoing availability for charity beneficiaries. Work was also undertaken to support the beneficiaries in any ways the trustees felt appropriate, and time, effort, resources and staffing were invested towards this.

Again, at the time of writing this annual report, the charity still finds itself in uncertain times, due to a number of factors; climate change/ crisis, rising cost of living, the increase in minimum wage, and the increasing inflation rate to name a few. The need of the charity beneficiaries is changing, and in some areas increasing, with wider societal concerns impacting on individual mental health and wellbeing. This is still being reflected in the five year strategy and plan for the charity.

Services

To deliver services the charity continued using hybrid and face-to-face methods based on demand. The return to trips and activities was well received, with requests for more of the same. Food support has continued to be required as a result of the economic impact of the rising cost of living. The community café had seen a marked increase in attendance with

Page | 17

Registered Charity No: 1171389

some weeks 30 people popping in for a hot drink and food, if available. We now no longer have the café due to the closure of our centre in September 2024, but still offer support where needed.

Assets

There were greatly increased costs for utilities and ongoing repairs to for the centre, with a decrease in available funds to cover these so the difficult decision was made to close the centre. In September FVP moved to new premises in shared office complex, and downsized the community provision on offer, whilst preserving the Parent Carer Forum.

Staff and Volunteers

Over the past year it became more common for FVP team members to split their time between remote and office based working, and the flexibility to manage this has enabled the charity to work better in some areas. The team have reported feeling supported, with their needs being balanced well, with the needs of the charity. New employees are furnished with a laptop shortly after their start date to enable them to work from home and hot desk at the office. The new office layout has also been changed to enable hot desking and better, safer sharing of the space available.

FVP takes full account of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) when supporting the team, enabling them to do their roles to the best of their abilities. EDI as well as Health and Safety (H&S) are considered at all levels of the charity, which is important to facilitate the growing team and enable them to continue meeting the needs of the charity beneficiaries.

Financial Stability

The financial stability of FVP is still an ongoing concern, with most grant funds still being on a year only basis, and revenue from the charity assets being below what would be required to cover their basic running costs. Much work has taken place throughout the past year to stabilise the accounts, move towards generating more revenue from the assets and encourage public donations and team fundraising.

The Lottery funding FVP were awarded ended March 2024, however an extension was allowed to carry over an underspend to 30th June 2024. Although this has helped in the interim it is still short term. Longer term funding, from other sources, including assets, would enable the charity to have time to work on developing growth and sustainability plans.

Beneficiaries

FVP have continued to gather information from parent carers as to how they are managing, what factors are impacting their lives and how they are coping in relation to their caring role.

Key themes identified impacting families are:

1 - Poor mental health and wellbeing including a feeling of isolation.
2 - Financial worries.
3 - Increased difficulty in identify sources of support
4 - Difficulty finding information in relation to SEND and in particular, concerns around PfA.

Page | 18

Registered Charity No: 1171389

Forward Plan

After careful risk assessment and completion of a SWOT analysis which included input from various stakeholders the following areas have been prioritised with five areas highlighted and three others woven throughout:

Priority One - Parents Forum/ SEND

Continuing to support and deliver help advice and guidance around SEND. In particular ensuring co-production and the implementation of the priorities and action plans within the SEND agenda and all other associated strategies.
Ensuring parent carers are included, heard and enabled to participate in a way which meets their individual needs and requirements.

Priority Two - Community Engagement:

Utilise other community centres to facilitate wider community engagement.

Priority Three- Activities

FVP provide coach trips, hire local activity places, hold themed sessions and provide family based activities at the community centre, across Peterborough and to further destinations.
FVP know that being able to access affordable and/ or free trips and activities leads to improved wellbeing for SEND families.

Priority Four - Work Force and Trustee Board Development:

FVP is run by a Board of trustees who have overall responsibility and accountability for ensuring the charity runs according to the legal framework it was set up for.
Staff and volunteers are responsible for the daily running of the.
The trustee board has several new members and with this they are bringing fresh ideas, links to the wider community and a renewed commitment to take FVP forwards.

Priority Five - Information Technology:

FVP has always used virtual platforms such as their Website, Facebook, Twitter YouTube and WhatsApp to reach a wider audience, however much of the engagement work of FVP delivered focussed on face to face work with Parent Carers, their families and the wider community.
What covid 19 and the lockdown has shown is that a move to virtual work can be as beneficial as face to face is cost effective and has led to greater engagement from a wider and more diverse cohort of people.

Page | 19

Registered Charity No: 1171389

Moore Thompson Tytssted Advisers Chartor¢d Accountan15 FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH CHARITY COMMISSION REGISTERED NO. 1171389 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2025 familyvoicet peterborough together improving services for children ond young people wilh disobilitie5 ond addAtionol needs ICAEW CHARTERED ACLOUNTANTS

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Index for the year ended 31 MaTch 2025 INDEX Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities statement of Financial Position 4 - 9 Notes lo the Accounts 9 - 11 Comparative Figures - Note5 to the Accounts

Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH I report to the charity trustees on my ex8min81ion of the accounts of the ¢hanly for the year ended 31 March 2025 which afe set out on pages 2 1011 Responslbllltles and basis of report As the charily's Iruslees you are responsible for the preparation of the account8 in accordance wlh the iequirgmenl of the ch8rilie5 Act 2011 I'the Act'l I report in respect of my examination of the ¢harily's accounts carrier out under section 145 of the Act and In carrying out my examination I have followed all Ihe applicable Direclions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl ol the Act Independent examSnerfs Statement Since the charity's gross Income exceeded £2SO,000 your examiner musl be a member of a body li51ed In section 145 01 the Act I confirm that l am qualrfied lo undertake the examination because l am a member of Inslrtule of Chartered Accounlanls In England and Wales. which Is one of the Iisled bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihgl no material mallers h8ve come to my 8llenlion in connection with the examination givin9 me cauye lo believe that in any material respect.. 1 accounting records werè not kept in respect of the eharity as required by seclKin 130 of tha Act., or 2 the accounts do not accord with those records. 3 the accounts do nol comply with the applicable requiremen15 concerning thè fom and content ol accounls sel out in the Charilies IA¢counls and Reports) Regulations 2008 other Ihan any requirement that the accounts gtve O'true and fair view. which is not a maller considered 85 part ol an Independent examination. I h8ve no concerns and have come across no olher rnallers In connection with the examination lo which allenlion shoulcj be drawn In this report In order to enab a proper underslanding of the accounts lo be reached. M Hildred BA, FCA Moore Thompson Chartered Accounlanls Page 1

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Statement of Financial Activlties for the year ended 31 Mareh 2025 2024 reslaled Total 2025 UntrIcted R8tytri¢ted Total INCOME FROM.. Donatlons, Lo9acles and Grants Charitable activities Fees lor Charitable Servicos Hire ol Communrty Premises Rental IncoTne l L055 on Sale ol Cafavans 8,671 233,515 242.186 350,949 9,623 11.950 9.623 11,950 5,502 20,863 16.88Q 21.573 21.573 18,485 Othtsr tradln9 actlvltle• Fundraising Events Investments Interest Earned 542 542 1,020 1,593 1.593 995 Total income 32.379 233,515 265.894 371.449 EXPENOITURE ON= RalBlng lund? Cost ol Fundraising Even16 1 Prornolion Professional Fees 179 5,578 7.334 19.176 7,513 24,754 11.995 40.348 5.757 26.S10 32.267 52.343 Ch•rltablè a¢vItI•* Staffing C0515 Volunteer and Parent Carers Exponsgs C8r8van Runnin9 Co$1$ Cost ol SEND Services Costs ol Providing Tripsl Activities Print. Post. Slalionary, Equipment Ulililies. Insurance. Building Costs, Repairs Independent Examiners Fee8 Dèprèciaiion and Loss on Dispos81 1.539 450 1S3.916 2.224 155,455 2,674 188.398 6.507 3.595 37,678 48,724 3.495 47,626 1,080 8,935 8.391 55.147 7.136 11,632 1.080 3,592 8,426 65.688 8,622 43.489 1,080 5.294 10,541 1.486 31,857 1,702 47,610 243,118 290.728 326,038 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 53,387 269,62B 322.995 378,381 Net Income I lexpendlturel 120.9881 136,1131 157,1011 16,9321 TranBfers betWn fund$ Recon¢ilia¢ion of fund• Total fun¢Js al l April 2024 151.256 57.136 208,392 215.324 TOTAL FUNOS AT 31 March 2025 130.268 21,023 151,291 208.392 Nole 5 Notè 5 The notè5 on pages 4 to 11 form part of these finanaal slalemenls. Page 2

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Statement of Financial Position at 31 March 2025 2024 restated Total Note 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Tolal FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS 3,809 3,623 7.432 12,726 Cash funds.. Current account Deposit account 55.051 71.715 126.766 55.051 93.251 148.302 91.163 111,107 202,270 21.536 21.536 Other current assets: Prepayments Accrued Income Total current assets 1,080 118 126.884 118 148.420 21.536 203.350 CURRENT LIABILITIES Accruals: Accrued expenses Deferred income 14251 1891 15141 14.8191 Olh•r ¢r•dltors: PA YE liability Pension liability 13.1031 944 14.1361 17.400 {3, 1031 944 14,5611 143,859 12.1161 749 17.6841 14251 NET CURRENT ASSETS 126,459 195,666 Total Assets 130,268 21,023 151,291 208,392 CHARITY FUNDS Reslricled funds 21,023 21,023 57,136 Unreslrielèd funds.. General 130.268 130.268 151,256 Total ¢harlty funds 130.268 21,023 151.291 208,392 These financial slalemen15 were approved and aulhoiised lor issue by the Trustees on 20 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by Amanda Rennie Chairperson Tanya Smith Treasurer The notes on pages 4 10 11 fomi part of these financi81 statements. Page 3

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 1. Accounting policies The charity is an Incorporated charty registered In England and Wale5 with the Ch8rily Commission with the registration number 1171389. The charitys registeied address Is Goldhay Centre, 105 Paynels. Orton Goldhay. PeteTborough, PE2 50P The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation ol the financial slalements are set out below lal Basis of preparation of the financial statements The charity conslilules a public benefit enlily as defined by FRS 102 The financial slalemenls have been prepared in accordance wrth Accounting and Reporting by Charities. Statement ol Recommended Practice applicable to charrties preparing their account5 In accordance wrth the Financial Reporting Slandard applicablè In thè UK and Rgpublic of Ireland Is$ued In October 2019, tho Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021, the Charitie$ Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The financial $latemenls are prepared on a going concern basis and are presented In sterling which Is the lunelional currency of the chaiily Ibl Income recognition All Income 1$ recognised In the Statement of Financial A¢livities when the conditions for receipt have been mel. the amount can be measured reliably and Il is probable that the income will be re¢eived Ineome from government and other grants arè reco9nised at fair value when the charity has enlillemenl aller any performance conditions have been mel. il Is probable that the Income will bo received and the amount can be measured reliably Icl Expendlture rffognitlon Expenditure 16 included in the Slalemenl of Financial Activities on an accruals basis and Is all¢xal8d lo 8 particular fund where the cos15 relale directly to that fund Expenditure Is calegorised under the headings recorded In the Slalemenl of Financial Aclivilies. Idl Gifts in Kind Gift5 In Kind are brought Into the a¢coun15 wherè there Is either 8 reasonable e81imale ol their lair value lo the funds or the amount which Is actually rea115ed. Where a value cannot be determined, or a rgason8ble eslim8le applth. the gift is not Included in the Slalgmenl of Financial A¢livilie$ lel Deflnltlon of Funds Unreslricled lund8 are available for use at the d15crelion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the general objects of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes Restricted funds are funds which are lo be used In accordance wrth Specific re51riclions imposed by tlonors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes The ¢osls ol administering such funds are Charged 8gain51 the specific fund. The Intended use ol each restricted fund Is set out In the notgs. lfj Dobtors and Crnditors rnGeivable /payable within one year Debtors and creditors with no slated Interest fate anot receivable or payable within one year are recorded al transaction piice. Any losses aiising from Impairment are recognised in expenditure Igl Going concem The financial slalement5 have been prepared on a going con¢em basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist The truslees have considered the level of lund5 held and the expected level ol income and eKpendilure for the next 12 months from aulhorising the financial slalemenis. Pag¢ 4

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 l. Accounting Policies (Conlinu8d) Ihl Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty There are no svJnrficanl iudgemenls or e51ImatnS Ithich have been made In the prfKes$ of applying the atx)ve accounling polKies. other than usual ¢ut off iudgemènl$ Included In PfepayThenls and accruals 11) Penslon costs The charrty operates a defined ContributTr pension scheme lor emph)yees The assets ol the scheme are held separety from those of the charty The annual conlfibLrtions payable are charged to the Slalement of Financ1 Actwty l Operaling leases Rentals applicabl8 lo opèrating leases where subslanlially all of the benefrts and risks of ownership rem81n with the lessor are charged against or credited to profrts on a stiaight line ba51s over the period ol the leas8 Ikl Deprecialion Depreckilion is Pfowded on all tangible fixed assets. al rates calculated lo write off the cost. less e8limaled residual value, of each asset on a Systemat basis over rts expected useful lrfè a5 follow$'. General Equipment 2 reducing balance C¢)mpulor Equipment 5 years slravJht line 2. Rolated party transactlons The chanty Is controlled by thè trustees as a bcJy and M Ind[¥ual does or exert control. 3. Trusteos. remuneralion and expens No femuneralion direclty or Indirectly out of the furKls ol the charty was paid or payable for thè year to any Iruslee of lo any person or persons knn lo be connected to them 4. TangSble flxed 498ots G¢ner•l Comput•r Total rnstat8d Cost Al 1 April 2024 Additn$ Disposals Al 31 March 2025 19.301 6.402 25.703 {4.2981 15.003 16711 5.731 14,9691 20.734 Depreciatlon At 1 Apfil 2024 Charge lor tho year On disposals Al 31 March 2025 10.886 1.087 11.3101 10.663 2.091 790 12421 2,639 12,977 1,877 11,5521 13,302 Net book value Al 31 March 2025 4,340 3.092 7.432 At 1 Apnl 2024 8,415 4.311 12.726 PwJe 5

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 5. Funds At 1 Aprll 2024 Incomlng Outgolng Resources Resources Transfers At 31 March 2025 Restrlcted funds CETR ICB PCC Hub Lollery SEND DfE HS Chairs ICLFI LPC Chairs CCF Microsoft Aldi CCF (Harry Curetonl IC8 PP x 2 IICB Extra) PCC Hub 2 CLF IPCCI Other IYBSI CCF (Olive & Jessie) 4.103 2,921 218 16.903 20.620 276 195 480 979 1,000 30,750 25,000 15.000 18.281 85.000 16.637 133.2251 125.3651 115.0441 124.3251 1103,0441 117.3261 11001 14801 11951 11.5001 12.0011 125.0611 117.8821 11.5001 18001 11.9801 1,628 2,556 174 10,859 2,576 14131 95 500 2.001 18.352 17.250 6.709 432 1.500 800 4,744 2,764 Re$trlct•d funds 57,136 233,515 1269.8281 21,023 Analysls of not assets Tanglble nel assets 8ank Accounts Other nel assets Toial Regtrlcted funds CETR ICB PCC Hub Lollery SEND DfE HS Chairs ICLFI CCF Microsoft CCF Iolive & Jess) 1,628 2,879 1.628 2.S56 174 10.859 2,S76 14131 95 421 174 752 1,397 16841 10,107 4,631 14131 13,4521 95 2.764 2,764 3,623 21.536 4.136 21,023 Page6

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 6. Fund descriptions Fund and orovider CETR funding provided by ICB- Health Commissioning INHSI Purpos Rostriction and surplus I deficlt Funds for payment of sel Fee is based on a predicted number NHS rale for EbE's lo of CETR'S In a monthly period. 8ttend panels. Surplus al the end of the work programme will be returned, and any deficit would be Covered by FVP. IC8 funding provKJed by IC8- Health Commissioning INHSI Funds lo be used for the Surplus can be kept by chafily, musl provision of parent be used lor general sUPPOrt of pafenl participation services and carers No deficit Is expected lo occur. adminislralion ol the provision of a 18am ol EbE PCC Hub represents funds Funds are provided lo Small surplus allowed. bul musl be provided by the Local Aulhorily. enable the provision of a used lor the Intended purpose The Peterborough City Council passed warm Hub, food, energy grant period was inilialty sel for 12 on from DWP support and lo cover the months. associated costs such as staff cos15 and ulililie$ Lottery represents funds provided Project and eore cos15 to Also covers running costs of caravans by the National Lottery Fund. fa¢ilitale charity grovAh for two year5 to establish their viability and development Aiming while protecting them as an a$$el lo Increase engagement which are subject lo subsidy control. and support lor parent Any surplus can be carried froward carers especially from one year. seldom heard communit1es. SENO represents funds receive(I from Pelerborough City Council Funds are to be used for the provision of parent participation services". Representation and reporting of parents voices al strategic and operation81 boards acros5 SEND results In making parent and child experiences V151ble. and conlributas to service policy. 8nd praclre improvements .8uilding trust and Improving relationships beiween PCC services and parents Programme runs over five years. ending March 2025 and any surplus can be carried forward bul musl still be spent on the Same purpsoes DfE represents funds from DIE being Nalional Government Assist with costs lo Must be Spent in y8ar. and delNery PCF funelions underspend reported. Undersnd is and fa¢ililale parent carer dedLJCted from following yoars grant participation Including amount. slaff1ng, core costs and activlty costs HS Chairs ICLFI represents funds from the Community LeaLtership Fund- Councillors fund to dislribute lo local initiatives. Chair5 for Ihe community Any surplus is retained for intended hall. purpose. Page 7

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 6. Fund descriptions (c1(A¥d} LPC chai represents funds from the Parish cou11. Funds are provthd to Any surplus Is to be used for lutufe enable the provisi( of ¢hairs and any delicit wll be mel by chairs loi the community general funds centre CCF Microsoft fepresents furKIs from the sarne named Chanty. The fvnds are to provide Any surplus Vuld need lo be repa¢d. equipment and staffing lor the purpose ol volunteer training and support The funds were for the Any surpluses are to be used for operatjonal costs and the continu1 provision café Aldi funds were proivded by the Aldi Business CSR programme CCF (Harry Curetonl funds were These funds are to cover Any surplus must be Inloimed 10 provided by CCF the costs ol the Orto donor CCF and they will Ihen decide if makers craft sessions. they want rt returning or It can be kept lor the project CB PP x 2 IICB Extra) funds were provided by IC6 - Heahh Commissioning {NHSI. The hjnds are lo be used Any surplus Is used in continuation of for the provision of Parenl this work partlpat>n in heatth key worker collaborative and the costs relating thereto. PCC Hub 2 represents fur5 Th Is lo cover costs provided by the Local Authorty, related lo the 'Wami Pelerborough City CounGII passed Hubs" on from DWP Small surplus allowed, but must be used lor the Intended purpose CLF IPCCI represents funds from Caprtal project for centre the same named Charrty pLay equipmenl Yorkshirè Building Society Caprtal project for centre represents funds from the same play equipment named Charity. CCF Iolive and Jessie) funds were provided by CCF No timescale for use Can be carfied forward and used for Intended No timescale for use Can be carried forward and used for Intended purposes To pro¥e a coxh trip Can onty be spent as detailed on application, must be spent by end d*e of grant prcgfamme Page 8

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 7. Funds Comparallv• Ilgur•s At f April 2023 Incomin9 Outyoing Resources R•sourc•$ Transfèrs At 31 March 2024 R•strlct•d funds CETR ICB IC5 1Tc4)Ikil} M&S PCC Hiib LDltery SERCO SEND PCC Health DIE Albert Hiinl HS Cliaiis ICLFI LPC Hiib LPC Chairs LPC IlaiTrp8f DEFRA CCF Microsoll W8leThille PC Loi)gville PC pcvs Dwr Snlry Syslein BGL Akli Tèsco As(1 ICB PP CCF IHarry Curelonl IC8 PP x 2 IICB Emlral PCC Hub 2 CLF IPCCI Other 2.850 3.087 17,935 185 7.973 32.025 3.539 5. 795 23.200 25.000 121.9471 125. 1661 (17.9351 (1851 11.7551 1124.7181 (3,5391 170. 1751 4. 703 2,921 218 76.903 109,596 85.000 20.020 1.090 1.255 244 24,589 125,4031 11,255) (491 276 195 600 (120) 1,223 (244) 979 1,000 500 500 I,oco f5QO} (6.000} 15,0001 115.2911 122.0681 5,OCM) 22,OtM) 22,5Th) 1.500 8CMJ 6.709 432 800 Restrlcted funds 79.801 319.185 (3418501 57. 136 An•lysls of net •ss•ts T8nglbl• Banlr net ass•ts Accounts Other n assets Total Restricted lunds CETR ICB PCG Hilb Loltery SEND DIE HS Chairs ICLFI LPC Chai CCF Micmsoft Aldi ICB PP x 211C8 Exlra PCC Hub 2 CLF IPCCI Other 4,103 3,572 4. 103 2.921 218 16.903 20.620 276 195 480 979 1.000 6. 709 432 1.5(Xl 664 218 1,060 3. 187 (1.3151 18. 152 20, 149 449 12.3091 12. 7161 11731 195 480 979 6. 709 432 6.513 56.434 57. 136 Page 10

FAMILY VOICE PETERBOROUGH Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 8 Funds ¢omparntiv•s- for th• y•ar •nd•d 31 Mareh 2024 Unr•strlct8(l Réstrlct8d Total INCOME FROAI.. Don8tioiJs, L8gacAe5 and Granls Fui?draisiiw Events Fe&s lor Chanlable SeTrices Hire of Cominunity PmiseS R&iital I1)cne /Loss oil 5810 of C8rnvans Intes1 E8n)ed 31. 764 1.020 5.502 29.863 116,880) 995 319. 185 350.949 1.020 5, 502 29.863 (16.8801 995 Total incom• 52.264 319. 185 371,449 EXPENDITURE FROM.. R81slng fund5 Cosl olFundraising Evènls / Promotioft Prolessjonal Fe&s Charitable octivities Slalliiig Cosis H(iiii&n Resourc6$ Voluiilp8r and PrlfgI11 Cargf5 Expenses Caravaip Runrnng Costs Cosl of SEND SeNices Cosls of Providiilg Tnps/Aclivilies P17nl, Posl, St&tion8ry, EquipinenÈ Ulililles, 117siiraftice. Biiilding Costs. R8paits IrKlependei?l Examiii8rs Fees DrclaI1? 8iJd Loss on Disposal Tot•1 expenditure 11.995 6.306 11.995 40.348 34.042 1,275 167. 723 168,398 2.6T9 3.828 3.595 37.678 45.856 3.458 43.377 1.080 1.813 6. 507 3, 595 31.678 48. 724 3.495 47.626 1,080 8, 935 2.868 37 4.249 7.122 36.531 34 7.850 378.381 N•t Incom• Page 11