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← Neighbourhood Watch Network

2025-03-31-accounts

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK

(Charity No. 1173349)

Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

As the national umbrella organisation of the largest voluntary movement for crime prevention in England and Wales, we support people to prevent and reduce crime by coming together with their neighbours to create safer, stronger and active communities.

Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Contents

About Neighbourhood Watch Network .................................................................................................. 3 Our vision ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Our mission ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Our values ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction from the Chair and the CEO ............................................................................................... 4 Trustees report ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Delivering Our Charitable Purpose ..................................................................................................... 5 Public Benefit & Contribution Made by Volunteers ........................................................................... 5 Main Activities .................................................................................................................................... 6 Achievement and Performance .......................................................................................................... 7 Future Plans ...................................................................................................................................... 13 Financial review ................................................................................................................................ 14 Structure, governance and management ......................................................................................... 16 Reference and administrative details ................................................................................................... 18 Trustees responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 19 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Neighbourhood Watch Network......................... 20 Financial Statements............................................................................................................................. 21 Notes to the financial statements ........................................................................................................ 24

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

About Neighbourhood Watch Network

Neighbourhood Watch Network is the strategic voice and national umbrella organisation for England and Wales. We support the grassroots Neighbourhood Watch movement which involves over 2.3 million volunteers in preventing crime and strengthening communities. This work is delivered by our local Associations who are the members of Neighbourhood Watch Network.

Our vision

Our vision is a society where neighbours come together to create safer, stronger and active communities.

Our mission

Our mission is to support and enable individuals and communities to be connected, active and safe, which increases wellbeing and minimises crime.

Our values

Neighbourly, community-focused, inclusive, proactive, trusted, collaborative.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Introduction from the Chair and the CEO

In introducing this report on behalf of the trustees of Neighbourhood Watch Network for the year ending 31 March 2025, it is important to also reflect on the events of the past year and their implications for communities across England and Wales.

The low level of trust in the police, politicians, government and other statutory services and the increasing polarisation of views, discussion and sometimes communities is making the role of Neighbourhood Watch within communities increasingly important. Neighbourhood Watch is regarded as a very trustworthy, honest and positive movement with our volunteers and coordinators an important and positive part of their communities. While individual Neighbourhood Watch groups and schemes are hyper-local in their reach, as a movement, their impact is significant and positive and can help to bring communities together in positive, shared action to improve communities and make them better places to live. With the UK Government’s focus on neighbourhood policing and named local community officers our role to act a link between the police and communities has never been more important.

The UK Government’s connected focus on street crime, ASB and theft also supports our increasing work with shops, businesses, and organisations through our Community Safety Charter and Bystander Training. The work with the non-residential parts of our communities is supporting our role in bringing ‘whole’ communities together to both tackle crime and fear of crime but to also improve communities.

We continue to be at the heart of communities across England and Wales with over 2.3 million member households, supported by over 60,000 active volunteers managing local schemes. The focus on preventing crime and reducing crime remains at our core but the other strand of work supporting vulnerable people, reducing loneliness and bringing communities together is becoming increasingly important due to the polarisation already mentioned and the lack of former community services provided by statutory services due to budget constraints.

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers have undertaken over 200 face to face meetings with local residents as part of our work with BT to support accurate information being shared about the digital switchover of phone lines in addition to their usual community work. We have also run large scale crime prevention campaigns addressing ASB, domestic abuse, harassment, burglary, cybersecurity, car crime, hate crimes, and safety for young people. Our campaigns reach 1.4 million households directly, up 300,000 from last year, and between 200,000 and 1 million people via social media.

As we approach the end of our current 5-Year Strategy the need and importance of local people to be actively connected to, and involved in, their communities could not be more vital. As we develop our new strategy we will need to respond to this need and provide flexible and attractive ways for people to work together to make their communities safer and better places to live.

John Hayward-Cripps CEO

Ian Bretman Chair

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Trustees report

The Trustees of Neighbourhood Watch Network (NWN) present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the charity’s trust deed and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Delivering Our Charitable Purpose

The Objects of NWN, as set out in the Constitution dated 10 April 2017 are to:

To achieve these objects, we provide free online resources for everyone to help them reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime. We also signpost them to local Neighbourhood Watch groups which aim to strengthen community cohesion and wellbeing and create better connected and more resilient communities.

At a national level, we work closely with UK Government departments, the National Police Chiefs Council Police and Crime Commissioners and voluntary sector partners to extend the reach of our work as far as possible and involve policy and research institutions in assessing our impact and help us plan for future improvements.

Local Neighbourhood Watch groups make a real, long-lasting difference to communities: as well as helping to reduce crime they increase neighbourliness and community wellbeing and strengthen the voice of the community with councils, the police and other public services. We support and enable local schemes to operate by providing resources, training and networking support to volunteers and members.

Public Benefit & Contribution Made by Volunteers

The public benefit from the activities carried out by the Charity by:

The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties.

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers (estimated to number at least 60,000 active individuals) work through their local schemes, many of which are charities in their own right. So, while this is not a direct contribution to NWN, it is important to recognise the significant social value created within communities by preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime, alleviating loneliness and isolation, and providing practical assistance between neighbours.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Main Activities

We review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year to ensure they remain focused on the charity’s stated purposes. In this report, we describe what the charity has achieved and how it has performed in the reporting period and how each key activity has benefitted the people that the charity was set up to help.

Objectives set out in our 2020-2025 strategic plan are to be:

Activities to achieve these objectives, that we carry out as the umbrella body and the national voice for the Neighbourhood Watch movement in England and Wales, include:

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Achievement and Performance

Some of our achievements in furthering Neighbourhood Watch Network’s charitable purposes during 2024-2025 are described below.

Providing advice and resources

Website : Over the past year we have continued to update our website relaunching the site during NW Week (June 2024). The changes made the site more public facing with clearer and easier access to crime prevention advice. Information for volunteers was moved to our Volunteer Learning Hub. The outcome has been an increase of over 100% in users of our website to well over 2 million visits.

Newsletter : We have again increased the circulation of our Newsletter which we now distribute centrally to 1.4M households (up 300,000 from last year) while others are distributed locally. The newsletter continues to enjoy an open rate of over 40%. In each edition we run targeted crime prevention campaigns on the UK Government’s key priority areas including burglary x 3, internet of things, student safety, antisocial behaviour, harassment, scams x 2, cybercrime, fraud, loneliness & isolation, romance scams, loan sharking, and password security.

Media coverage: We have continued to gain good coverage both locally and across England and Wales on TV and radio shows on the work of Neighbourhood Watch and promoting crime prevention advice and information. These have included BBC, ITV, GB News, Radio 4, LBC Radio, Radio Islam and numerous local BBC and independent radio stations.

Neighbourhood Watch Shop: This year saw an increase in sales from the shop including 181,000 Neighbourhood Watch window stickers being distributed across England and Wales (an increase of nearly 40%) as well as numerous promotional products including street signs, wheelie bin stickers etc.

Campaigning

Crime prevention campaigns : We share all our crime prevention campaigns directly with 1.4 million supporters via the Alert system and also via organic or paid social media. As a result the reach is significant but varied depending on the amount of paid coverage. All the paid social media is directed to the public who are non-members or supporters with a reach ranging from 18,000 (hate crime), to 264,000 (burglary). The specific campaigns have focused on: Domestic Abuse, Street harassment (focus on ‘Are you OK?’), Christmas Security, Burglary (focus on the WIDEN approach), Harassment, Young Peoples Safety, Homophobic Hate Crime, Cybersecurity (focus on password security), ASB and Fly-tipping, Race and Disability Hate Crime

As previously all our campaigns are focused on giving straightforward crime prevention advice and calls to action which have been reviewed by experts in the field. These include the National Cyber Security Centre, Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Refuge, Historic England, Resolve, British Transport Police, Metropolitan Police, Secure by Design, SimpliSafe and ERA Home Security.

Partners’ campaigns : We have worked closely with the Home Office and the Royal College of Policing to help develop and support the roll out of ‘Clear, Hold, Build’. By contributing to several national workshops and events and promoted the programme with local Neighbourhood Watch groups, we have highlighted the role Neighbourhood Watch can have, not only during the ‘Build’ phase but also in information gathering during and prior to the ‘Clear’ phase. We have continuously highlighted the importance of the ‘Build’ phase being initiated within communities in parallel with the ‘Clear’ phase. This is crucial as the ‘Build’ phase relies on trust, communication and relationships within the community which take time to develop. This has been widely supported by other community development organisations/charities which will help ensure the ‘Build’ phase does not have limited take up and sustainability.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Campaigning (continued)

We continue to be a contributing member of the Anti-Social Behaviour Taskforce; the HO/SFO Victims of Fraud Working Group and the National Residential Burglary Task Force. We have increased our comms work with the Home Office to support Home Office campaigns and announcements. This has included providing quotes for use in press releases and media interviews on policing and crime announcements supporting Home Office aims.

We again promoted and supported the ‘Month of Community’ initiative with other charities and the Home Office through sharing good practice and information which led to various local groups developing warm spaces, foodbanks, large community get togethers, big lunches, litter picking, park clearing and working with other community groups to fundraise and pool resources.

We expanded our liaison with other expert charities and organisations during the year to amplify their reach and to signpost to their resources rather than repeat or replicate advice and information. These include Resolve, Crimestoppers, Victim Support, Refuge, Ben Kinsella Trust, National Cyber Security Centre, Worshipful Company of IT Professionals, Master Locksmiths Association, National Rural Crime Network, Unseen, NSPCC, Avast, Action Fraud.

Neighbourhood Watch Week : This year’s Neighbourhood Watch Week focused on taking community action with ideas, resources, and good practice being shared across the network. Research commissioned by the Big Lunch estimated indirect involvement across England and Wales of over 1.2 million people. We launched our annual volunteer awards as part of Neighbourhood Watch Week and received over 100 nominations across the 5 categories.

Promoting the Neighbourhood Watch movement

Neighbourhood Alert : This is a bespoke community messaging IT system provided by Visav Ltd. The majority of Police Forces in England and Wales use the system which enables them to relay information to residents who have signed up to receive messages. Residents can also sign-up to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch and other organisations such as Action Fraud.

The Alert system also functions as our central membership database and by working closely with Visav we have increased the number of supporters we can directly message to 1.4 million. This is likely to increase further with the Metropolitan Police taking up the system in 2025. The Neighbourhood Watch Membership Support Administrators (MSA’s) are a group of specially trained volunteers who maintain the database across England and Wales which is vital to Neighbourhood Watch and is also a significant benefit to the police forces who also use the database. The MSA’s are supported through training webinars, regular meetings and 1-2-1 sessions to ensure their skills, practice and knowledge are up to date as the system develops and improves.

Crime and Community conference: We held our third Crime and Community Conference in Manchester at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel. The event was a great success with over 100 attendees from all over England and Wales with a high number of volunteers from the North West who do not usually attend when the event is held in London. The key presentations were from Rebecca Bryant (CEO of Resolve and Neighbourhood Watch trustee) on ASB; Andy Farrell (National Police Lead) on Clear, Hold, Build; Greater Manchester Police on Fraud, Economic Fraud, and Cybersecurity; Dr Gillian Pepper on the ‘Double Dividend’ of feeling safe; and Dr. Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera on Solution Focused Policing. Feedback on the presentations was very positive with a great deal of discussion on the issues raised. There were also workshops from our Youth Council and two local groups which were inspirational and very well received.

Impact Report : Our fifth Impact Report celebrated our achievements and impact focusing on Cyberhood Watch, Young People, Volunteers, Local Impact, and the Community Safety Charter.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Facilitating the work of local Neighbourhood groups

Volunteer training and Support: In 2024-2025 the Central Support team delivered 6,700 hours of training to volunteers on running crime prevention campaigns, community engagement, equality & diversity, developing an active scheme.

During the year we transferred all the volunteer support materials onto our training and support platform, the Knowledge Hub. There are now over 3750 volunteers (25% increase on last year) signed up to the Knowledge Hub. Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors have a specific area on the Knowledge Hub containing on-line fraud prevention campaign materials from different partners and the monthly Fraud Threat Update from the City of London Police. The Alert system volunteers (MSA’s) also have a bespoke area on the Hub.

Supporting Association Leads: We introduced Regional Meetings for Association Leads this year in addition to our established whole group quarterly meetings. The chance to discuss local issues and share ideas and good practice has been well received by leads. In response to demand we also produced a Succession Planning Guide for Associations and a specific guide for coordinators which have also been very well received.

Our 2024/2025 AGM was attended by representatives from 46 Associations with presentations from Karen Ogborn – Chief of Staff, Crimestoppers and Andrew Farrell – National Police Lead for ‘Clear, Hold, Build’. There was also a review of the year and an update on the strategy renewal process that will take place during 2025.

Working with local PCC’s: In Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands and Newham we have worked closely with the Violence Reduction Units (VRU’s) and have been directly commissioned to support their work. In Devon and Cornwall we employed a member of staff who is focusing on reinvigorating Neighbourhood Watch in 3 ‘left behind towns’. The work uses the Community Safety Charter to engage with local businesses and residents to develop local Neighbourhood Watch groups in liaison with businesses; who can then work with the police to reduce the high level of local crime. The project has been very successful and is being expanded.

In the West Midlands we have been funded to employ an independent support worker who is developing the work of the regional Faith Alliance.

In Newham the VRU funded us to deliver: i) specific in person youth and community sessions supporting street safety for young people and bystander training, and ii) reinvigorate Neighbourhood Watch and develop a new Association.

The Leicestershire PCC commissioned us to employ a member of staff to re-invigorate Neighbourhood Watch locally and coordinate the work of the local groups.

Grant giving to local communities: Since the launch of our Community Grants Fund, we have granted over £25,000 to communities across the country, supporting community-based projects that have a positive impact for local residents across England and Wales. During this year’s funding round, £3,000 of funds went towards activities that helped groups extend their reach and engage with vulnerable people in their communities.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Facilitating the work of local Neighbourhood groups (continued)

An example of this is the warm space events and food deliveries in Lower Halstow “Our mission was to provide a warm space and soup to anyone struggling with the cost of living crisis. This developed into a real social event that was all inclusive and attended by a spectrum of people. In engaging with the community, there were people struggling with the cost of living crisis, but also people feeling the loneliness of winter and seeking company and conversation. The Neighbourhood Watch volunteer team bonded and were praised by all for everything they did. We even had additional volunteers supporting the events and wanting to be involved in the team.”

Work by local Neighbourhood Watch groups: Examples of work carried out at ground level are described below:

Neighbourhood Watch Greenwich delivered a range of community events and group sessions on crime prevention, violence reduction and community togetherness supported by the council and the Violence Reduction Unit.

In Gwent local volunteers worked with the local council, Neighbourhood Watch Network and their PCC to make the cost of SmartWater marking technology free for local residents. Over 100 households have been protected through the initiative and 45 new NW members recruited.

Merseyside Neighbourhood Watch developed a new team of volunteers working closely with the police to form Community Action Groups across Liverpool. The groups are focused on reducing AntiSocial Behaviour, burglary and car crime across the city and are showing real benefits in reduced crime and improved connection between the police and local communities.

Frimley Neighbourhood Watch in Surrey have collated numerous local residents CCTV footage (doorbell cams etc) and shared this with police resulting in the arrest of various suspects in car crime related incidents.

Ash Tree Road residents in North West Leicestershire, reported that many local residents did not have adequate locks on their front doors. By working with the local Community Safety Officer they gained a grant to enable residents to have new locks fitted at no or low cost which they would not have otherwise been able to do.

Headley Rise (Luton) Neighbourhood Watch continue to hold monthly engagement meetings with the community and police and have donated over 100 scream alarms to improve individuals' safety. The ‘Eyes on Wigmore’ program continues to be the 'go to' system for evidential gathering on criminality in the area with over 60 video doorbells involved. Evidence relating to inappropriate behaviour, criminal damage and car crime has been passed to the police. Members of the community feel safer and more connected.

Local volunteers have worked together to reinvigorate the Peace Garden in Rosegrove (Burnley), so that it is now a welcoming and positive space in the community. Young children have decorated plant pots and flower beds, while elderly residents enjoy spending sunny days on the benches provided in the Garden. Despite local vandals causing damage, volunteers have maintained the area, working with local police to install CCTV cameras in the space. This has since seen a reduction in vandalism and other acts of antisocial behaviour in the local area.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Assessing and reflecting

We run two surveys annually. The Crime and Community Survey is externally focused, looking at the fear and perception of crime and community cohesion, that our members, supporters and the general public have. The Insights Survey is more internally focused, looking at volunteer and supporter satisfaction and activities.

The results from the 2024 Insights Survey, which had over 24,000 responses from members and nonmembers, showed that we are clearly increasing our impact and improving the perception of Neighbourhood Watch. The success in improving on our three overarching strategic aims is shown by year on year increases:

  1. The authoritative voice on community-based crime prevention - 65% agree that NW is effective at preventing crime (2023: 64%; 2022: 57%)

  2. The most popular gateway for citizens to engage in their locality - 65% agree that that NW provides the first step for neighbours to connect with each other (2023: 57%; 2022: 50%)

  3. A recognised contributor to community health & wellbeing - 71% agree that NW contributes to community health and wellbeing (2023: 66%; 2022: 62%)

The Crime and Community Survey had 28,000 responses. The findings steer our campaigns and the top 3 crimes people worry about are again antisocial behaviour (68%), having your home broken into (54%) and cybercrime (50%). Interestingly the results from the 2024 survey have also shown a general decline in both NW members and supporters and the public’s confidence in the police in i) resolving crime generally, ii) working with the community to resolve crime (26% drop in both groups). This may well reflect on the widely reported low level of confidence in policing currently as mentioned.

Increasing our reach

Affiliate Scheme: Our affiliate group scheme continues to expand and now has over 850 groups. This enables all members of an established community or local group (such as a faith group, residents association etc) gain the benefits and information from Neighbourhood Watch by just one member of that group joining as a coordinator and using the groups own communication system to disseminate information to their members. It is hoped that these groups are increasing the diversity of people who are benefiting from Neighbourhood Watch but we are unable to gather data from these groups as they are affiliates and do not share data.

Webinars: During the year we ran two sets of crime prevention webinars delivered with 4,500 attendees (members and non-members). The first set of five focused on ‘Hidden Crimes’, including Domestic Abuse, Hate Crime, Coercive & Controlling Behaviour, Radicalisation and Harassment. The second set of four focused on community crimes including ASB, Bystander Intervention, Stalking and Heritage Crime. We also ran a webinar on reducing Loneliness and Isolation in our communities.

Youth Offer Development: The work of our two Youth Work Development Officers (one national role and one focused on three Boroughs in London has seen mixed success. The national role including the development of a Youth Board has been very successful. After a year of in-person and on-line sessions we will be initiating a Youth Board in 2025-2026. The Youth Board will support all our comms and resources work as well as inputting into our strategic direction. Local focus groups with Young People in Reading and Bristol are taking place in liaison with local Universities and youth organisations. The aim is that with the support of local, specially trained volunteers we will be able to have a viable Neighbourhood Watch youth offer to roll out more widely. The London work has been altered with the agreement of the City Bridge Trust to delivering a range of in-person and online Bystander Training events. This will include working with older people as well as younger people in areas of high harassment and hate crime in London.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Increasing our reach (continued)

Social : Our reach on social media continued to grow slowly to over 44,000 followers. Our paid campaigns continue to reach over one million non-members/supporters through social media clips and advertising.

Supporting vulnerable people to manage transfer from an analogue to digital telephone network: Our partnership with British Telecom (BT) has been very successful with over 200 of the 250 sessions delivered in 2024/25 and the remainder in 2025/26. Commissioned for our unique local reach, we ran volunteer-led events across the South West, South East, East of England, Wales and the North West to offer in-person support and advice on the nationwide Digital Phone Transfer. While BT delivered events in major towns and cities, Neighbourhood Watch focused on smaller and rural communities. These events also promoted our wider work, leading to an increase in sign-ups after the local events.

E-on Energy: Following the success of the BT project, E-on Energy have recognised our ability to mobilise locally and be seen as a reliable voice. They commissioned us to deliver 25+ events across England and Wales to advise people of what they need to check and do before the analogue electricity signal (RTS) is turned off (now delayed from July 2025).

Community Safety Charter: The Neighbourhood Watch Community Safety Charter has continued to be a focus and there are now nearly 3,500 organisation, businesses and individuals signed up to the charter. During the year we have updated modules and developed a new module on Student Safety which was developed in partnership with the University of East Anglia. We ran three webinars on the Community Safety Charter during the year with 3,700 attendees (members and non-members). The aim in 2025 is to update all the modules and develop 2 more and relaunch the Charter during Neighbourhood Watch Week.

Cyberhood Watch: Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors presented over 450 local sessions on cybersecurity, cyber scams and staying safe online during the year. This is a 200% increase over last year. While the themes are similar to last year covering strong passwords, not sharing or repeating passwords, data backup, recognising scams and fraud vie email, texts, facebook etc. the reach has been significantly larger. Feedback continues to be very positive increasing attendees confidence and skills in staying safe online.

London Policing Plan: We gave evidence in the London Mayors consultation on the London Policing Plan, highlighting the importance of Neighbourhood Policing and what is required to achieve this. The input was very positively received and we have been invited to review this aspect of the plan over the coming years.

Growing the resources of our charity

Corporate Sponsorship: By trialing an external automated prospecting company, Sopro, we have significantly increased the number of potential and actual corporate sponsors. While there was a significant IT set up time the automated emailing and contacting prospective sponsors via Linked-in has proved very successful with multiple leads then followed up directly by staff. The income from this new work is well over £60,000 and we will continue to work in this way in 2025-2026

Grants: We also commissioned a grant writing consultancy, Lime Green Consulting who prospected and completed over 30 grant applications on our behalf focusing in on core funding and the volunteer programme. The success rate was disappointing with only one grant being successful to date but this is possibly a reflection of the grant environment with many funders changing or freezing their funds during the year.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Future Plans

Our current 5-year strategy ends at the end of 2025. In 2025-2026 we will work with Associations, volunteers and the public to develop a new 5-year strategy.

In addition the 2025-2026 workstreams include:

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Financial review

Financial position

The detailed figures for the year ended 31 March 2025 are set out in the financial statements that follow the Trustees’ Report.

There was a net surplus in the year of £96,036 (2023/24: deficit of £19,679). The surplus was planned to build up reserves, for the future growth of the charity. The deficit in the previous year was planned as additional income had been received in prior years that was set aside by the Trustees, as designated funds, for projects in future years. This left total funds of £243,624 (2023/24: £147,588) at the end of the year.

Reserves

Total funds may include those that are –

and/or those that are

The existence and level of reserves does not mean that there has been an underspend in the past. Reserves can be built up for various reasons, including timing differences between our financial year and our funders’.

The funds that form our unrestricted funds reserve, should be enough to keep a positive cashflow for day-to-day operations, and keep enough for emergencies. This could be including cutting back our operations in the event of a downturn in funding, or for a winding-up of the charity if there was a large drop in funding. Unrestricted funds can also be designated for investment in future development as part of our long-term strategy.

The full Board reviews the reserves policy annually and has agreed an unrestricted reserve fund target of between three and six months of budgeted general fund operating costs. The table below shows how reserves are calculated:

31 March 2025 31 March 2024
(restated)
Total net assets 243,624 147,588
Less
Carrying value of fixed assets (1,711) (3,406)
Carrying value of shop stock (7,485) (5,272)
Restricted funds (40,014) (24,713)
Certain designated funds (6,327) (2,399)
Total reserves 188,087 111,798
Budgeted general funds expenditure 568,720 524,132
Number of months of expenditure 4.0 2.6

The Board has instructed the Finance and Audit Committee to monitor reserves on a quarterly basis and to recommend any changes to the policy to the Board.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Financial review (continued)

Going concern

After reviewing our forecasts, projections and its reserves, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that we have adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. We therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Sources of funds

The Home Office grant provides funding for core activity and enables us to secure additional funding from commercial sponsors including ERA (home security products), Avast/Norton (internet security software), AirBnB (holiday accommodation), Simplisafe (home security products). We are indebted to our sponsors who support us and work closely with them to amplify our message through their networks.

Fundraising Practices

Neighbourhood Watch Network is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and is fully compliant with the Code of Fundraising Practice. Our Head of Fundraising is an Individual Member of the Institute of Fundraising. In the year 2024/25 we did not carry out any direct marketing or face-toface fundraising and received no complaints related to our fundraising practices. We are committed to always protecting vulnerable people and will ensure adherence to the Code of Fundraising practice and clear guidelines should we undertake different types of fundraising in the future. All marketing materials contain clear instructions on how a person can be removed from mailing lists.

Risk Management

We review the main risks facing the charity on a regular basis. The current risk register highlights the reliance on a narrow range of funders mentioned above and the related need to better demonstrate the impact of Neighbourhood Watch activities, particularly in respect of crime prevention. NWN also recognises the need to extend its reach and develop a stronger offer that is relevant to all parts of society and that builds engagement among younger people, those from ethnic minority backgrounds and those most at risk from crime. All of these issues are addressed in NWN’s 2020-2025 strategy and being implemented in our future plans. The charity has also insured against risks where practical to do so.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Structure, governance and management

Legal structure

Neighbourhood Watch Network was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 9th June 2017. It replaced Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network, a registered charity and company which was then dissolved. The voting membership of the CIO is explained below; trustees are also voting members.

Governance

Our governing document is its Constitution, dated 10 April 2017 which is available on our website www.ourwatch.org.uk. The overall governance, finance and operations of NWN are controlled by the Trustees, within the regulatory framework set by the Charity Commission.

The Constitution, resolutions and complementary procedures set by the Board, are the rules that we operate by, and by which decisions are made. The Trustees are ultimately responsible for NWN.

Members

NWN’s membership structure aligns with the 43 Police Force areas across England and Wales and each of these can form a “Force Level Association” and become voting members of NWN by signing a Memorandum of Understanding covering joint working arrangements and providing a common framework of ethics and standards. There are currently 30 of these Force Level Associations. The exception to the national structure is the Metropolitan Police Force Area which is organized around the 32 London Boroughs and which collectively account for 4 votes within the membership.

Individual membership of local Neighbourhood Watch Associations does not confer membership of the CIO.

Trustees

The governing document states that there must be between 4 and 12 trustees in post at any time. Trustees who serve at the date of this report, and those who served during the year under review are set out on page 18.

The trustees delegate much of the day-to-day management of NWN to the CEO, but remain ultimately responsible. Their responsibilities are active, not passive, and include:

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on our website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Structure, governance, management (continued)

The trustees are members of the Charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the Charity.

All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the Charity. Any expenses reclaimed are set out in note 5 to the financial statements.

The Board’s operations

The Board of Trustees meets at least four times a year to conduct its business and oversee progress against strategic and operational plans. Trustees are also involved in various working groups that support strategic workstreams. The Board is supported by a Finance and Audit Committee, which oversees the Charity’s finances (including reserves), income generation and risk management, and reports regularly to the Board on these matters.

Appointment and retirement of trustees

The Trustees are elected by the Members at NWN’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and others may be co-opted by the Board between Annual General Meetings, provided that the total number of trustees does not exceed twelve. Members are entitled to nominate candidates for election as trustees at the AGM and other trustees are recruited through advertising and evidence-based recruitment processes against the trustees’ role description.

Board recruitment and induction

The Board is responsible for ensuring that it is made up of trustees who are collectively able to fulfil the governance function of the Board and therefore needs to have a mix of skills, both those which relate to the objectives of NWN and more generic skills and experience such as legal and financial.

The Board regularly undertakes a self-assessed skills audit against the set of skills it has identified as being essential for the governance of the Charity; this enables the Board to identify skills gaps, which informs the recruitment process and training needs. Trustees are able to access learning and development opportunities relevant to their trustee position.

Management

The Trustees delegate day-to-day running of the charity to the CEO who reports directly to the Board. The CEO leads a staff team of 13 salaried staff (8.4 full-time equivalents) at the time of signing the report. The Chair and Treasurer hold a meeting with the CEO each month. The Board receives regular reports on operational performance and provides oversight and scrutiny of results, using a set of key performance indicators.

Remuneration

The remuneration of the CEO is set by the Board and the remuneration of other staff is set by the CEO. In all cases, this is informed by formal and informal benchmarking information from comparable organisations in the voluntary sector, the responsibilities of each individual role and the requirements of the person specification.

17

Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Reference and administrative details

Charity name: Neighbourhood Watch Network Charity number: 1173349 Country of registration: England & Wales Principal office: Room V108, Vox Studios, 1-45 Durham Street, London SE11 5JH

Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report were: Ian Bretman Chair Kardaya Singh Rooprai Treasurer Rebecca Bryant OBE Mohamed Hammeda (resigned 3 December 2024) Sue Pillar Hugh Ind Andrew Whyte Karin Phillips MBE (appointed 8 July 2025) Andrew Jones (appointed 8 July 2025) Key management personnel: John Hayward-Cripps, Chief Executive Officer Bankers: HSBC, 41 Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EJ Independent Examiner: Joanna Pittman, Sayer Vincent LLP 110 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0TG

18

Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustees’ Report

Trustees responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the governing document. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of NWN and financial information included on our website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ian Bretman

Chair

Date: 19 November 2025

19

Neighbourhood Watch Network Financial Statements

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Neighbourhood Watch Network

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Neighbourhood Watch Network for the year ended 31 March 2025.

This report is made solely to the trustees as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the trustees as a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO 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 CIO’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the CIO’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

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.

Signed:

Name: Joanna Pittman FCA

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Address: Sayer Vincent LLP, 110 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0TG Date: 21 November 2025

20

Neighbourhood Watch Network Financial Statements

Financial Statements

Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2025

31 March 25
31 March 24
(restated)
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total
Total
funds funds
£ £ £
£
Income from:
Donations 2,610 - 2,610
38,730
Charitable activities 2 280,000 173,243 453,243
348,746
Other trading activities 3 482,319 13,000 495,319
239,915
Investments - 9,274 - 9,274
1,741
Total income 774,203 186,243 960,466
629,132
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 584,610 170,941 755,551
536,619
Raising funds 4 108,859 - 108,859
72,834
Total expenditure 693,469 170,941 864,410
609,453
Net (expenditure)/income 80,734 15,302 96,036
19,679
Transfers between funds - - -
-
Net movement in funds 80,734 15,302 96,036
19,679
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 122,875 21,713 147,588
127,909
(restated)
Total funds carried forward 10 203,610 40,014 243,624
147,588

All income and expenditure relate to continuing activities. There are no other gains or losses other than those stated above. Notes 1 – 14 form part of the financial statements.

21

Neighbourhood Watch Network Financial Statements

Balance sheet

at 31 March 2025

Notes 31 March 2025 31 March 2024
£ (restated)
£
Fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets 7 - -
Tangible fixed assets 7 1,711 3,406
Total fixed assets 1,711 3,406
Current assets
Stock 7,485 5,272
Debtors 8 165,290 149,128
Cash at bank and in hand 258,940 488,780
Total current assets 431,715 643,180
Creditors:amounts due within one year 9 (189,802) (498,998)
Net current assets 241,933 144,182
Total net assets 243,624 147,588
Funds of the charity 10
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds 59,555 2,399
General funds 144,055 120,476
Total unrestricted funds 203,610 122,875
Restricted funds 40,014 24,713
Total funds 243,624 147,588

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf:

Ian Bretman Chair Date: 19 November 2025

Sue Pillar Deputy Chair Date: 19 November 2025

22

Neighbourhood Watch Network Financial Statements

Statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 March 2024

Notes 31 March 2025 31 March 2024
£ £
Reconciliation of net expenditure to net cash flow
from operating activities
Net income/(expenditure) as per the statement of 96,036 19,679
financial activities
Investment income (9,275) (1,741)
Depreciation of fixed assets 7 1,695 1,877
Movements in working capital
Change in stock (2,213) 4,744
Change in debtors 8 (16,162) (74,336)
Change in creditors 9 (309,196) 423,767
Cash flow from operating activities (239,115) 393,990
Cash flow statement
Cash flow from operating activities - (1,080)
Cash flow from investment activities
Disposal of fixed assets 7 - 123
Investment income 9,275 1,741
Net cash used in investment activities 9,275 784
Change in cash in the year (229,840) 374,775
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 488,780 114,006
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 258,940 488,780
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Current account 10,665 10,780
Deposit account 128,275 478,000
Money Markets 120,000 -
Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 260,140 488,780

23

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

1. Accounting policies

Neighbourhood Watch Network is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Room V108, Vox Studios, 1-45 Durham Street, London SE11 5JH.

b. Statement of compliance and basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with:

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

c. Critical accounting judgements and estimates

When preparing the financial statements in line with FRS 102, the trustees are required to make judgements and estimates. The estimates and judgements are based on historical experiences and other factors that are considered relevant including expectations of future events. The estimates and judgements include:

In the view of the trustees, no assumptions concerning the future have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

d. Going concern

When considering going concern, the trustees consider all available information about the future at the date they approve the accounts, which includes information from budgets and forecasts about income, expenditure and cash flows. Attention is also given to reserves.

The charity has not been adversely affected by the cost of living crisis as it does not rely on donations from the general public as a result of fundraising events.

Given the reserves currently held, the trustees believe that the current economic situation, including the cost of living crisis, does not pose a material uncertainty that would cast doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees therefore consider it appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

24

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

1. Accounting policies (continued)

e. Income

Income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income can be measured reliably.

Income is deferred when the Charity receives money in advance of the period to which it relates or before the Charity has fulfilled the related performance obligations. Deferred income is recognised as a liability in the Balance Sheet until the conditions for recognition are satisfied

Income from the online shop is recognised when orders are placed and funds are paid into the charity’s Paypal account.

f. Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is attributed to the following areas:

Where expenditure cannot be directly attributed to these areas, it is allocated to them on a usage or head count basis. Support costs, such as general management, finance, office rent and governance costs are allocated in this way. Governance costs are costs associated with the general running of the charity and include audit, strategic management and trustees’ meetings and reimbursed expenses.

Raising funds relate to the costs in carrying out activities that are intended to generate income, such as staff time managing grant applications and developing commercial sponsorship agreements. It also includes costs relating to operating the online shop, such as the cost of items sold and fees for fulfilling orders.

Charitable activities are costs incurred in delivering activities and services for the charity’s beneficiaries. These include providing information and resources to Neighbourhood Watch members and the general public on the Ourwatch.org.uk website, staff costs for delivering campaigns and project and paying grants. Grants are recognised as expenditure when they are approved and this has been communicated to the recipient.

The charity is unable to recover the majority of VAT charged. This irrecoverable VAT is included in the costs of those items to which it relates.

25

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

1. Accounting policies (continued)

g. Fund accounting

Restricted funds are funds which arose when donors gave them for particular restricted purposes which are narrower than the general purposes of the charity. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 10 to the financial statements.

Unrestricted funds are donations and other income received or generated for the general objectives of the charity without further specified purposes and are available as for use at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the note 10 to the financial statements.

h. Operating leases

Payments made under operating leases are charged to the SOFA when incurred. The charity does not acquire assets under finance leases.

i. Fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1000 are capitalised and are held on the balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset evenly over its estimated useful life as follows:

Intangible fixed assets are held on the balance sheet at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.

The Ourwatch.org.uk website for the national Neighbourhood Watch Network is capitalised as an intangible asset and amortised on a straight line basis over its expected useful life of 3 years.

Impairment reviews are conducted when events and changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. If any asset is found to have a carrying value materially higher than its recoverable amount, it is written down accordingly.

j. Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash, short term highly liquid investments and fix term deposits of less than 6 months.

26

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

1. Accounting policies (continued)

k. Stock

Stock consists of online shop branded items, such as road signs, mugs and pens and is valued at cost or written-down value. Stock is reviewed at least annually and its carrying value is reduced to the lower of cost or estimated net realisable value. If any items are given away at events, the cost is expensed at that time.

l. Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amounts due for the provision of services delivered. Prepayments are recognised at the amount prepaid or the amount paid in advance.

m. Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

n. Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

o. Pensions

Pension costs comprise the costs of the charity’s contribution to its employee’s pension schemes. The charity provides a money purchase scheme which is available to all employees.

27

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

2. Income from charitable activities

31 March 2025 31 March 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £ £ £
Grants
Home Office 280,000 - 280,000 280,000 - 280,000
Partners - 173,242 173,242 - 68,746 68,746
Total 280,000 173,242 453,242 280,000 68-746 348,746

3. Income from other trading activities

31 March 2025 31 March 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £ £ £
Sponsorship
ERA 50,000 - 50,000 50,000 - 50,000
AVAST 42,932 - 42,932 34,653 - 34,653
Simplisafe 39,480 3,000 42,480 28,352 - 28,352
Airbnb 20,381 - 20,381 20,000 - 20,000
Other 17,000 10,000 27,000 17,000 13,000 30,000
Total sponsorship
169,793		 13,000 182,793 150,005 13,000 163,005
Commission 7,973 - 7,973 5,505 - 5,505
Community 248,352 - 248,352 3,342 - 3,342
projects - BT
Online shop sales
25,965		 - 25,965 32,119 - 32,119
Lottery income 24,734 - 24,734 30,250 - 30,250
Other income 5,502 - 5,502 5,694 - 5,694
Total 482,319 13,000 495,319 226,915 13,000 239,915

Other trading income includes licence fees and advertising fees.

28

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

4. Expenditure

Year ended 31 March 2025

Raising Charitable Governance Support Total
funds activities costs costs
£ £ £ £ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 74,195 444,594 31,861 76,560 627,210
Other direct costs 8,824 154,314 12,288 59,968 235,394
Grants paid - 1,806 - - 1,806
Total 83,019 600,714 44,149 136,528 864,410
Support costs 19,526 117,002 - (136,528) -
Governance costs 6,314 37,835 (44,149) - -
Total 108,859 755,551 - - 864,410
Split between
Unrestricted funds 108,859 584,610 693,469
Restricted funds - 170,941 170,941
Total 108,859 755,551 864,410
Prior year, year ended 31 March 2024
Raising Charitable Governance Support Total
funds activities costs costs
£ £ £ £ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 45,364 252,129 32,688 67,156 397,337
Other direct costs 7,293 162,875 6,431 26,042 202,642
Grants paid - 9,475 - - 9,475
Total 52,657 424,479 39,119 93,198 609,453
Support costs 14,212 78,986 - (93,198) -
Governance costs 5,965 33,154 (39,119) - -
Total 72,834 536,619 - -
Split between
Unrestricted funds 72,834 437,363 510,197
Restricted funds - 99,256 99,256
Total 72,834 536,619 609,453

Staff costs are allocated to raising funds, charitable expenditure, governance costs and support costs using an activities-based time split. Non-staff costs are allocated directly to the category to which they relate.

Governance costs and support costs are allocated to raising funds and charitable activities on a percentage basis based on expenditure, as an approximation of usage.

29

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

5. Governance costs

The Independent Examiner’s fee is included within governance costs. The amount payable in the year to the Independent examiner was £3,900 + VAT (2023/24: £3,700 + VAT).

Trustees give their time and expertise without charge and do not receive any other benefit from the charity. They are reimbursed for travel and subsistence costs incurred when fulfilling their duties as trustees. During the year two trustees (2023/24: three) were reimbursed a total of £600 (2023/24: £557).

There were no related party donations or other transactions during the year (2023/24: none).

6. Staff costs and remuneration of key management personnel

31 March 2025 31 March 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 510,834 342,115
Social security costs 44,833 30,329
Pension costs 21,581 13,756
Total employment costs 577,248 386,200
Other staff related costs 49,962 11,137
Total staff related costs 627,210 397,337

Other staff related costs include staff travel and other expenses, recruitment and training costs.

The average head count of staff employed throughout the period was 17.3 (2023/24: 9.0).

There was 1 member of staff whose total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) were between £80,000-£90,000 (2023/24: 1 member of staff whose total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) were between £70,001-£80,000).

Key management personnel

The total cost of employee benefits (salary and employer’s National Insurance and pension contributions) for key management personnel in the year was £104,273 (202/24: £96,080).

7. Fixed assets

Intangible assets – Ourwatch.org.uk website

Cost £
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 16,971
Amortisation
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 16,971
Net book value at 31 March 2025 -
Net book value at 31 March 2024 -

30

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

7. Fixed assets (continued)

Tangible assets

Fixtures
Office		 Total
and fittings
equipment
£
£		 £
Cost
1 April 2024 1,128
6,692		 7,820
Additions -
-		 -
Disposals (1,128)
-		 (1,128)
At 31 March 2025 -
6,692		 6,692
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024 903
3,511		 4,414
Charge for the year 225
1,470		 1,695
Disposals (1,128)
-		 (1,128)
At 31 March 2025 -
4,981		 4,981
Net book value at 31 March 2025 -
1,711		 1,711
Net book value at 31 March 2024 225
3,181		 3,406

8. Debtors

31 March 2025 31 March 2024
£ £
Trade debtors 105,317 122,040
Other debtors 25,366 6,639
Prepayments and accrued income 34,607 20,449
Total 165,290 149,128

9. Creditors

31 March 2025 31 March 2024
£ (restated)
£
Trade creditors 6,327 10,576
Other taxes and social security 30,786 89,862
Other creditors 4,361 1,420
Accruals and deferred income (restated) 148,328 397,140
Total 189,802 461,498

31

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

10. Movement in funds

Current year At 1 April Income Expenditure At 31 March
2024 2025
(restated) £ £ £
£
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Community fund 2,660 5,473 (1,806) 6,327
BT Digital Switchover (261) 248,352 (194,863) 53,228
Total designated funds 2,399 253,825 (196,669) 59,555
General fund 120,476 520,379 (496,800) 144,055
Total unrestricted funds 122,875 774,224 (693,469) 203,610
Restricted funds
Devon and Cornwall 1,696 27,900 (26,724) 2,872
Young people 7,075 - - 7,075
Young people: CBF (5,009) 47,326 (31,595) 10,722
Young people: Lottery (375) 48,048 (42,231) 5,442
Newham Project - 47,000 (29,095) 11,605
Leicestershire 21,326 - (21,326) -
Other restricted funds - 22,268 (19,970) 2,298
Total restricted funds 24,713 186,242 (170,941) 40,014
Total funds 147,588 960,446 (864,410) 243,624
Prior year At 1 April Income Expenditure At 31 March
2023 2024
(restated) £ £ (restated)
£ £
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Community fund 7,295 4,529 (9,164) 2,660
BT Digital Switchover - 3,342 (3,603) (261)
Project fund 1,667 - (1,667) -
Total designated funds 8,962 7,871 (14,434) 2,399
General fund 108,163 508,076 (495,763) 120,476
Total unrestricted funds 117,125 515,947 (510,197) 122,875
Restricted funds
Devon and Cornwall 10,323 18,750 (27,377) 1,696
Young people - 31,439 (24,364) 7,075
Young people: CBF - 10,005 (15,015) (5,009)
Young people: Lottery - - (375) (375)
Leicestershire - 39,991 (18,665) 21,326
NESTA 461 - (461) -
Other restricted funds - 13,000 13,000 -
Total restricted funds 10,784 113,185 (99,256) 24,713
Total funds 127,909 629,132 (609,453) 147,588

32

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

10. Movement in funds (continued)

Designated funds

Community fund is money set aside for making small grants to local neighbourhood watch community projects across England and Wales. Money used for this fund comes from Patlock commission, where Patlock donates £7 from each lock it sells to Neighbourhood Watch members.

BT Digital Switchover

This partnership with BT is advising vulnerable people on the switch from analogue to digital telephone networks, reducing the risk of them becoming victims of scams and fraud. BT is running large events in cities and major towns and we have been commissioned to run smaller local events with volunteers. The project will run until July 2025.

Project fund is money received from the Home Office and designated by the trustees for the charity to deliver a series of intervention projects to support the trustees’ 10-point strategy. In the year, funds were used for crime prevention campaigns on social media.

Restricted funds

Devon and Cornwall is money received to fund a community project manager based and working in the Devon and Cornwall Police Force areas.

Young people is money raised from donations for use in youth projects.

Young people: City Bridge Foundation is a grant received to engage with young people in certain London boroughs. It enables us to employ a part-time project manager over two years.

Young people: National Lottery is a grant received to engage with young people across England and Wales. It enables us to employ a full-time project manager over three years and funds the Neighbourhood Watch Youth Council.

Newham Project is a restricted grant from London Borough of Newham’s Violence Reduction Unit’s grant from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). This project will set up a Neighbourhood Watch association in Newham, and carry out in-person events.

Leicestershire is money received from the PCC to fund a project worker based and working in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

NESTA grant fund is funding received from NESTA (a national grant-making charity, www.nesta.org.uk) for the ‘Communities that Care’ project. This was fully spent as at 31 March 2024.

Other restricted funds includes donations, grants or sponsorship received for specific projects or events.

33

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

11. Analysis of net assets between funds

Current year General Designated Restricted Total funds
fund funds funds (restated)
£ £ £
£
Fixed assets 1,711 - - 1,711
Net current assets 142,344 59,555 40,014 241,913
Total funds 144,055 2,399 40,014 243,624
Prior year General Designated Restricted Total funds
fund funds funds
Fixed assets 3,406 - - 3,406
Net current assets 117,070 2,399 24,713 144,182
(restated)
Total funds 120,476 2,399 24,713 147,588

12. Operating leases

The charity had one operating lease at the balance sheet date, for rented office space. The minimum non-cancellable lease payments are:

31 March 2025 31 March 2024
£ £
Not later than one year 20,223 10,210
Later than one year and not later than 5 years - -

34

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

13. Prior year comparatives

Statement of Financial Activities for year ended 31 March Statement of Financial Activities for year ended 31 March Statement of Financial Activities for year ended 31 March 2024
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds (restated)
£ £
£
Income from:
Donations 7,291 31,439 38,730
Charitable activities 2 280,000 68,746 348,746
Other trading activities 3 226,915 13,000 239,915
Investments - 1,741 - 1,741
Total income 515,947 113,185 629,132
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 437,363 99,256 536,619
Raising funds 4 72,834 - 72,834
Total expenditure 510,197 99,256 609,453
Net (expenditure)/income 5,750 13,929 19,679
Transfers between funds - - -
Net movement in funds 5,750 13,929 19,679
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 154,625 10,784 127,909
(restated)
Total funds carried forward 10 160,375 24,713 147,588

14. Prior year adjustment

The financial statements and notes have been restated to incorporate the impact of a prior year adjustment. Following a review of sponsorship income and when it is recognised, it was identified that one sponsor of £50,000 should not be recognised in advance, but instead on a quarterly basis.

Total funds brought forward in the comparative year (year ended 31 March 2024) have been amended by £37,500 as a result, which is 9 months of £50,000.

Although income in the comparative year was also amended to include £37,500 of opening deferred income, because there was also an amendment for £37,500 of closing deferred income, there is no overall effect on income in the comparative year, and as such, no numbers have been restated.

35

Neighbourhood Watch Network Notes to the financial Statements

14. Prior year adjustment (continued)

Changes to opening funds at 1 April 2024 resulting from a prior year adjustment are shown in the table below:

the table below:
31 March 24
(restated)
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds funds
£ £
£
Total funds brought forward at 31 March 2023 (as
previously stated) 154,625 10,784
165,409
Income deferred for period 1 April 2023 – 31
March 2024 (37,500) -
(37,500)
Total funds brought forward at 31 March 2023
(restated) 122,125 10,784
127,909
Total funds brought forward at 31 March 2024 (as
previously stated) 185,088
Income deferred for period 1 April 2023 – 31
March 2024 (37,500)
Total funds brought forward at 31 March 2024
(restated) 147,588

Changes to net assets at 31 March 2024 resulting from a prior year adjustment is shown in the table below:

table below:
31 March 24
(restated)
£
Net assets at 31 March 2024(as previously stated) 185,088
Income deferred for period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 (37,500)
Net assets at 31 March 2024 (restated) 147,588

36