2025-03-31-accounts

SPARI< SOMERSET Inspiring communities SPARK SOMERSET {A Charltable Incorporated Organisationl FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31" March 2025 CHARITY NUMBER: 1179438

Contents Reference & Administrative Details Of The Charity Impact Report 2-34 Trustees Report 3.S-37 Statement ofTrustees' Responsibilities 38 Independent Auditors Report 39-42 Siatement of Financial AcliNities 43-44 B¥lance Sheet 45 Cash Flow StAtenieDt 46 Notes to the finan¢ial statements 47-64

RF.FERF.NCF. & ADMINISTRATIVF. DF.TAIL8 OF THF. CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS Direetors and Trustees The directors of the charitsble conipaiiy {"the cl)arity") are its trustccs for the purpose of cliarity law and throughout tl)is report are collectively refeETed to as the trustecs. The trustccs who scrv¢d during thc pcriod and up 10 th¢ dale the accounts were approved are as follows.. CJrahame Paine F.mily Taylor Melanie Merrill Debra Dre laii Bramlcv Victoria Oftord (resigned on 4 Ilcccnibcr 20?4) Rebecca C hai)dlcr (appointcd 26 March 202.51 Joseph McGregor-Harper (appoii)ted 24 Scptember 2024) The registered offiL¢ for the period ofthis report is Units 3 and 4. The Courtyard Bowdens Fami Hambridge LANGPORT Som¢rs¢t -I'AIO OLIP The bankers are C￿Operative Bank (UK) Ple The Senior Statutory Auditor is Mr Dave-fuckcr, Thompson Jenner LLP, I Colleton Crcsccnt, F.xeler, Devon, EX? 4DG. Thc full namc of the Charity is Spark Somerset. Charitable Incorporated Organisation, number 1179438.

SPARI< SOMERSET Inspiring communities You:.said, we did. Impact Report 2024125 Together we don't justtalk aboutchange, we make it happen.

Spark Somerset Impact Report2024125 | 2 Contents Click each section to view our impact. Page Our work Building capacity Supporting our people Sparking change through social action 12 Discovering digital 18 Stronger together 21 Listened to, recognised and valued 29 Thank you and keep in touch 34

Spark Somerset Impact Report Z024125 | 3 Community-led solutions are the answer to some of the biggest challenges in society As Somerset's infrastructure charity, we help strengthen the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise IVCFSEI sector through practical support, connecting people and organisations, and championing local voices. Everything we do is shaped by what matters mosttoyou: supporting our local communities.

Spark Somerset Impact Report202412514 Ourwork You said, we did... ryov said, Lve didl hrtE been a real +herne fr)r us over+he laEF 12 rnoThlhs, and we're deligkYFed+o share +he irnp&&of +hi8 wi+h You. Our work is shaped by the findingsfrom'Reflect, Recover, Renew.. a project vje undertook following the pandemic where we worked with the sector to develop a'road-map, for success. Everything we do at Spark Somerset reflects the priorities we identified together: Collaborative, Funded, Community-led, Recognised, Coordinated. We were successful in attracting additional funding this year, which meant we could invest in a range of new pilot projects, responding to the needs identified. An appropriately funded VCFSEwSth: * SustaIr￿bIeoTganIsa￿ons * Common prK)rttses shaped by community need A community-led VCFSE which: * Understands community needs * Plan5forthefutu * Works in partnershipwrfch volunteers * Hasequality. diversityand inclusion at its heart * Recipr4xltyandjointprojectdelivery * Enhanced opportunfclesto netwrrk and connectwithln and across secto o•DIN4 . * MeanlngfvlandsupportSve profess￿nal relationships * streamllned core organlsotlonal Proceduresand tralnlng A recognisedVCFSEwhich: * Raises awarenessof the sector * Improvedcoordlnatlonwthstatuto and ublkseNices * Recognisesthe unlqueness of Somerset

Spark Somerset ImpactReport2024125 | 5 Building capacity• now and in thefuture We continue to be a trusted source of free support and advicefor charities, community groups and social enterprises. We work alongside them as they go on theirjoumeyfrom set-up through to development. supporting them to thrive. trffl ITrrriiiirii-

Spark Somerset ImpactReport 2024125 | 6 You said: "We need help tzccessing tzndfind4ng gran+E. Iden+ifvingi re8ertfching• rtnd CaEcading £￿eSE1ble infoYMa4ion rtboL* po+eh+ial grrtn+E tzndfvndefE 18 CYUCjrtI. We did: This year, we've been proud to 5UPPOrt 582 groups on theirjourney to grow and thrive. Neighbourhoods Sustainability Safeguarding Communities Networking Governance Advocacy Collaborations Training Partnerships Volunteer management Inclusivity Funding Impact Trustees Peerto peersupport Research Capacity building

Spark Somerset Impact Report 202412517 Building capacity• now and in the future Thanksto Shared Prosperfty Fundlng, we were ableto enhance our core support offering- providing tarlored guldance to 287 or9anlsations through In-depth'health checks. and long-temi planning conversatlons. This has helped them to explorethelrstrateglc prforltles and long-terni SLhStainability. We worked with two Funding & Enterprise consultants who have been supporting groups with immediate and longèr-térm fijnding nèèds. Together, the organisations we've supported have secured over É1.5 million in funding, helping to bring vital new services and resources into Somersetcommunities. Securing over £1.5 million in funding "Again, we turned to Spark Somersettoaskfortheir help and Jenny Hannis gave us brilliant advice. You're the experts in the infrastructure side of things." John Chettoe. Wells Community Network VLOi Clicktoread the story

"We are reaping the rewards of your funding advice and our diligent work. Atthe moment I've got a 100% success rate... we wi51 keep on coming to events and asking for more advice as we go along." Jenny Archard. Neroche Woodlanders .4J

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2," Clickto read the Story

Supporting our people Our people are our greatest assets- the vital support services we provide simply couldn't continue without the brilliant. passionate and experienced people that we work with. Supporting our people throughout the year has been- and will continue to be - a key priorityfor us. You said: °We need solid core +rainine for txII VCKEE plus bespoke +rrtining for differen+ oreaniEdions." We did: We delivered 73 training and networking sessionsto 1,323 people. From one-off webinars through to in-depth courses, all were designed to build skills, confidence, and connections. 73 1,323 Subjects included, Fundraising Skills, Marketing, Safeguarding, Suicide Awareness and Youth Work, Volunteer Recruitment and Retention, Power 81, First Aid, HR for Beginners, and more. Training and networking sessions People participated

Spark Somerset Impact Report2024125110 Supporting our people We ran a series of Skills Bootcamp5 and Lèadership and Management courses to help developthe next generation of voluntary sector leaders. An added benefit of these courses has been the peer support relationship5 that have developed- and are still going strong - afterthe course has ended. Click to read the story "This session really helped tofocus my mind on how to set up a strategy and workwith stakeholders. Thank you." Attendee. Writing your Fundraising Strategyfor Dlverslfying Funds "The Leaders course was invaluable. Having the course sector specific allowed us to relate the content and understand each person's situation." Lauren Haddon, Arc Inspire INSPIRING LIVFS "A very good session, well delivered, well-pitched, informative and engaging. The HR trainer was knowledgeable and able to answer questions and relate content to the specific needs of the VCFSE sector. l appreciated the common-sense approach and signposting to further resources." Beccy Swaine, Somerset Art Works

WCN IYCN I WCN YGI You said: "Being able to speak to experts in fields in which we have no experience and then being signposted to places where we can gain more knowledge is essential for a small organisation that is looking to grow. The information that we have received has been invaluable." "We need+0 fecogniEe 4-alen+ed people Lvilling 8h4zre knoluledee. Mayk)e have a direclDY4 of 4hose people." Emma Lefevre, Wells Community Network Wedid: We launched our new Skillshare initiative, which connects smaller groups with generous individuals from larger organisations willing to share their knowledge and time - building strongernetworks and mutual support. You said: "i +hintwe need opportunkties +0 k)uild andfr)frn Partne￿hiPS collabordion8." "I've only been to a few meetings, but I've gained a lot. I work alone from home. so these meetings lift my spirits and help me feel like I'm actually working with other people, not going it alone." Colin Gummer, Volunteer, Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign Wedid: We established three new peer-to- peer support networks for Trustees, Communications Staff and Fundraisers attended by over 85 people- in addition to the established Volunteering Coordinator Forums we have been running for many years.

Spark Sometset ImpKiReport2024125 | 12 Sparking change through social action We're passionateabout thevalue of social action and volunteering to Support vitsl serVI￿S and activities, improve wellbeing, and build stronger, more resilient communities. Volunteers arethe beating heart of so many services in Somerset. but we knowthat recruiting and retaining them remains a real challenge. To help address this, we deliver a range of services, projects and initiatives which aim to improvethe quantity and diversity of volunteering in Somerset. ange Volunteer NSOMERSET ImJ9pCTrdl. ROertYoL19

Spark Somerset Impact Report 2024125113 You said: MWoluTrkeefS in 6orneYEe+ ore eEEen+ial, aren1+ +he4, in all Sofh of areoE...FPE a real th￿gele +0 find rtrtive voluTrFeefE." Wedid: We heldfour in-person forums forover 100 Volunteer Coordinators to share ideas, resources, and best practice. Our volunteering platform, Spark a Change, welcomed over 85,000 visits this year- more than double the previous year- helpin9 more people connect with meaningful opportunities. 1,430 New volunteers registered on Spark a Change this year "The team at Spark Somerset are inspirational and run some refreshing events- a great time to reflect on our volunteering offering and thejourney involved. Thank you team Spark!" Tina Huntlngton, RSPCA West Hatch Anlmal Centre 11 "I have alwaysfound Spark Somerset to be very approachable and the supportthey provide is varied and useful. When the Volunteer Coordinators of Somer5et meet as a group under Spark's eye, it is rareto come away without a nuggetof gold." Andrew Pattie, Balsam Centre Click here to watch the Volunteering Vldeo Cllck here to watch the Volunteers. Week Video

Spark Somerset Impact Report 2024125 | You said: "We need be+Fer oworeness and rnafkeking of +he benefi+E+h& voluTheering has on people. ￿￿￿ls+1c, bLyF volun+eeYE also g Eorne*hing for +hernEelveE in eiving +heir+irne." Wedid: To help break down barriers to volunteering, we launched a county-widecampaignto showcase a range of stories and the positive impact of getting involved. This resulted in twice as many new volunteers registering on Spark a Change, an increase of 714 on the previous year. Click here to watch our Voluntsering Campaign VSde0 85,000 "We have been really pleased with the support of this campaign in raising ARK'S profile and volunteering opportunities. It has been very influential in a recent surge in people looking to support us with volunteering." Nigel Bell, ARK at Egwood Visitors to Spark a Change 376 -volunteering has given me so much new perspectives, greater understanding of others, and a real sense of connection. It opened my eyes to so many things that I hadn't thought about in terms of where I live, the wildlife, the habitats. and what other people are experiencing." Jo, Volunteer New volunteer opportunities registered

Spark Somerset Impact Report 2024125 | 15 .1 loved Fitforwork; I really enjoyed it. It was really fun, and I got to meet new people. I learntto help other people and helped people get involved with activities. I learnt howto communicate and work as a team, and this has helped me with my volunteering when l am leading." Bettyi Volunteer, SASP Flt for Work & Nova Sports Click to read the story

Spark Somer5tt Impact Report2024125 | 16 But there are lots of ways to give back to your community- and'traditional, volunteering isn't the only way. Yousaid: "We need+D look a+ lL￿rtIng Luilh rtddi+iont21 specib"c cornrnunilies of in+efes+ Of pl￿-baSed groupE ID building Ekill%lhu8F neededlDr rnore collabofa+ive Luo¥king." Wedid: Hopiiig to reacl) out to people wl)o doii't usually Our team woi.ked with local re5ident5 to SUPPOrt volunteer, we ran community organising pilots in them to develop new projects themselves including Highbridge and the Westfield and Birchfield areas the'Great Highbridge Drop-in,, a free family event, of Yeovil, working alongside more than 1,000 a new'Tea and Poetry. group and the development community mernbers, supporting 61 organisations, of the Birchfield Action Group, a monthly space for and enabling 53 events. developing new projects and events. Working alongside Enabling 1,012 53 residents events "Poetry has been a huge success for us. We have had engagementfrom learners who are normally reluctant to try new things. More importantly, it has given our Learners the chance to speak in public, be listened to and praised for their words." Joe Knights. Able2Achieve Click to read the story

Spark Somer5et ImpactReport 2024125117 Working with the Somerset Community Foundation, the project also provided £6,000 of seed funding for local grassroots activities. Decisions about how the funding was spent in theircommunitywere made bylocal residents via a participatory grant-making panel. £6,000 Seed funding for local grassroots activities "Communityorganisers are a vital connection to the community. The insights we're gaining are invaluable. It's notjust a means to an end butan outcome itself - building knowledge, leadership, relationships, and agency among participants. I'M eager to see the community's ideas and watch new initiatives take shape." Kirsty Campbell, Somerset Community Foundation

SPARI< IT. your digital discovery Discovering digital Increasinglyi digital solutions are providing transformative opportunitie5 for charities and community groups- enabling us to help more people, more effectively and more efficiently. Technology also helps us to reach more people- and brings our sector closer together through collaboration and shared learning. Technology can also help us connect and work together better as a sector. You said: Illrnprove collabordive woyking and 8h<zrine of reEourceE and ideas." "The chat channels are really useful and people are always happy to offer suggestions and advice. It is yet another valuable resourcefor charity workers courtesy of Spark Somerset and I think itwill continue to evolve into a much-used resource." We did: Wecreated theVCFSE Sharespace, an online hub where colleagues can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and connect with their peers. Jo Morrison, YMCA, Taunton

Spark Somer5et ImpactReport2024125 | 19 Demonstrating our collective impact as a sector can be a real challenge. You said: uif i+ u)efe undefdDodju* hoLu much we c0Th￿l￿(￿e, peYTr)apE resources and genuine collabora4ive approaches wouldtollow." Wedid: Working witha range of VCFSE organisations, we have taken the first steps to addressing this, developing an Insights Hub.. an online space where we are creating common impactmeasures and a system for VCFSE organisations, large and small, to record the impact of their work. Still in development, the platform includes a knowledge libraryand a mapping and data bankwherewe can all reporton shared lmpactmeasu￿5. Somerset Collaborative • Insights Exampleof Insights Hub webpage v ul Outputs Reporting Knowled e Llbra

Spark Somerset Irnpact Reptsrt Z024125 | 20 Although digital solutions have been a real focus in ourworkthisyear, we knowthat getting online isn't always easy. 809 You said: Digital skills sessions Mrtny people ond tarnilieE lock 41C￿E8+1) +ech equiprneTrF, Lvhich ul*irna+el4, rnan4 seyiJiceE rely on, like k)enel7h and houEing. Access needs +0 irnpfDVe." Supporting 4,672 clients We did: "I hopeto re-engage with technology to have a more fulfilling life and hopefully learn skills, studyi become more independent and improve my chances of returning to work. Thank you so much for this opportunity- it's a real lifeline." Sara, client Working in partnership with community spaces and local volunteer5, the Spark IT project hosted 25 digital cafés. Supported by 30volunteer champions, over 800 skills sessions and 157 refurbished devices were provided to those who need them m05t. 11 "John had a Stroke in December 2024 and lost his wife in January 2025. He has had a lot of change. He used to lovewriting books butdue to his stroke, he became unable to write well anymore. A recycled device means that now he can type ordictate his writing, greatly improving his quality of life and mental wellbeing." The Stroke Association

Spark Somerset Impact Report 2024125121 ¢tronger t)gether This year we have worked hard to strengthen the voice of the Somerset VCFSE sector, providing opportunities for collaboration th public sector partners. SIMa

Sparksomerset Impact Report 2024125 | 22 You said: "We need+t> etrablish ourp1￿ as e4 ptZfFnerfor+he neLv local avlhortr+4, IC8 neLul4 rnefeed hJt¥6 +Yu*. Wedid: With over 50member organisations, the VCFSE Collaborative- hosted by Spark Somerset- is a vital bridge between the voluntary sector and public bodies. championing shared values andjoint working. It has an independentchair, supported by a Steering Group of key leaders. Building on them signed by system leaders, the Collaborative holds events, forums and shares regular updates with members from thecouncil and ICB. Thanks to the Collaborative, we have helped shape outcomes ina number of areas includingVCFSE representation on the Board of Governors for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, formal VCFSE contribution to the Somerset Council Peer Review, and enhanced relationships between the sector and commissioners. .••.. Somerset Collaborative • VCFSE VCFSE voices in the Somerset VCFSE Collaborative "Justwanted to say howfab the Collaborative Bulletin is it's amazing to see all the hard work coming together." Val Bishopi CEO. Thrive Il

Spark Somerset Impact Report 2024125 | 23 You said: •1 +hinl we need oppoY*untrkies . build andforrn PQfknefEhipE . ttnd collabora+ionE." Hoi Wedid: We hosted a partnership event at Haynes Motor Museum in 2024, attended by morethan 100 leadersfrom acrosstheVCFSE, health and the local authority, to strengthen relationships, committo workingtogetheranddiscuss how to bring the Mou to life. In Octoberwe hosted'Live Well in Somerset'_ a celebration of Social Prescribing in the county with inspiring talks, interactive workshops, and networking attended by 130 people. Click here to watch the Live Well in Somersetvideo ive vveii in aomer5ei., Atel&bratlonolSo¢liipresvlblr¢ty-.:' Keynote Spe Dr Mlchael Dixo GP, Chair of.the College of Médlcinè and former Natlonal Clinical Léa for Social Prescriptio

Spark Somerset ImpactReport 2024125124 "A wonderful opportunity to continue to champion the VCFSE sector in this space and provide an opportunity to build relationships and foster trust between the sectors." Mel Smith-wild, British Red Cross "I reallyenjoyed the conference and had a brilliant insight into what needs to be done within Social Prescribing in Somerset, let alone the rest of the country! Thankyou for allowing me to be part of something really inspiring and meaningful." Kathy Fellender-clark, Health Connectlons Mendip CONNEcfioNS "Excellentto get so many commissioners in the room. The informal and semi-structured networking opportunities were keyto the success of the day." Sue Place, The Balsam Centre Stronger together Strongly aligned with the work of the Collaborative, we also supportedand coordinated a rangeof thematic networks to support closer partnership working. With 77 members,the Dementia Partnershipsupports thedevelopmentof a Dementia StrategyforSomer5et to improve the lives of those living with and caring for those with dementia.

"Spark Somerset have been instrumental in pulling together, and coordinating, our new Somerset Dementia Wellbeing Service. Cindy has done fantastic work in putting together an informal alliance of 60+ VCFSE dementia organisations to work proactivelytogether to deliver, and improve, dementia services in partnership with our statutory providers and we could not have done this without her." Davld Sealey, Assistant Commissioning Managerfor Mental Health Services, NHS Somerset "Let's keep championing how supportfor people living with Dementia is delivered. We will only settle for the very best in Somerset." Kate Smith. Associate Director Strategic Programmes, NHS Somerset

Spark Somerset Impact Report2024125 | 26 Engaged with You said: "We need+0 develop a 8hbng iEe ond 8lYa+egy for4he 4OLh seekDr in 6ornerEeF. one 4kna+ noF only odvoca+es +he irnportance of 4OLpkh Luo¥k in 4he couYtt4, bL IEO EpoYighl% KpiA*) rnen+al healkn as eE%eTrki<LI priortl4. members of the Children and Young People's Mental Health Network Wedid: A new initiative this year, the Children and Young People's Mental Health Network already has 49 members and meets regularly to enable close partnership working and better outcomes for young people. Organisations engaged with the Somerset Youth Alliance The Somerset Youth Alliance is a network of 23 youth organisations which aims to grow the infrastructure and profile of youth work, supporting them with training, guidance and collaboration. "Liz Loud's background and experience mean that'she gets it"_ she knows what helps and hinders charities like ours.....She identifies opportunities and focuses your resources to the benefit of PROMISEworks and other charities like us that are dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people across Somerset. Liz is also building stronger links across those organisations and, in doing so, helping to create a single voice for the sector." Kev O'Donnell, Trustèe, PROMISEworks

Sparksomerset Impact Report 2024125 | 27 "Spark has played a vital role in helping the ICB strengthen partnerships with the VCFSE sectoracross Somerset. Over the past year, Spark Somerset has been instrumental in shaping our thinking around more inclusive and sustainable commissioning models. including early workto explore a VCFSE network and alliance-based approaches. Their insight and abilityto bring partners together has added real value to our strategic planning and helped ensure the voice of the sector is better reflected in how we design and procure services.- Rose Firth, Head of Commissioning and Localities- Women'sand Children's Commissioning. NHS Somerset

lrnpact ReF￿rt 20241125 | 28 ry SQMERSET YOUTH ALLIANCE "The Somerset Youth Alliance was involved with Hestercombe Local Community Network and Children and Young People Working Group from the start and was key to bringing together a group that were focused on a needs-led solution." Emmaline Kayi LCN Link Worker Click to read the story In partnership with Turtle CYP, the Somersetyouth Alliance has supported a training programme for "l just wanted to tell you how much l appreciate the course you have been facilitating for my volunteer......She has developed so much since starting the course and nowwe are able to work in partnership to ensure thatwe can provide a super provision forouryoung people." West Monkton Parish Council 32 newly qualified youth workers

Sparksomerset ImwtReport 202412s129 Listened to, , recognised and valued While our sector plays an essential role in Somerset life, it's not alway5 fully recognised- and manyfeel theirvoices go unheard. We are working hard to improve visibility amongst the public, stakeholders and funders of the incredible contributions made by VCFSE organisationstoourcommunity. You said: ••SorneliTr)e8 luhen lirn +alking +D colleagues Luho . re corning frorn a %Fa4vlDp4 peryeelive, +he4 use +he tsjofd collaborrte, Lvell, aelually, +hey acFually rnean a8 a parFner£hip, or o cotrraeF, Where +hey're +he cornrnissioner, ond you're doing Lvh 41)e4 wan+ Kpu ID do." Wedid: This year, we undertookcomprehensive research into the State of the Sector, working with over 300 organisations to build a fuller picture of the challengesand strengthsacross Somerset. We commissioned QuayResearchto developo suite of reports, including a summary, a main report and lessons from the national picture. One of the many fascinating insights from the report was that many colleagues feel we often don't get the recognition we deserve. This prompted ustowritean Opinion Piecewhich we have used to amplify the sector's voice. It was downloaded 868 tirnes and shared widely during presentations to senior leaders across the ICB, Somerset NHS Foundation and Somersetcouncil. Click here to read more aix)ut .theSt•ébf thé Sèuor Click he￿ to read our dowrdoathlètynlon P

Spark Somerset Impact Report 2024125 | 30 "Spark Somerset are a critical partnerfor Somerset Council. Whether it is developing thinking around our collective vision for Somerset or leading the development of the sector through their collaborations, life in Somerset is better because of Spark. I was really pleased to be able to work with Spark on an opinion piece that considered the relationship between voluntaryand community partners and the public sector. Some of the issues identified and named in that piece have changed ourthinking around how we engage with and commission the sector." Duncan Sharkeyi Chief Executive. Somerset Council

Spork Somerset lfflpact Report 2024125 | 51 Listened to, recognised and valued p• We've seen encouraging growth in awareness of ourwork. and of the widersector's valuè. Compared to the same perlod last year, our newsletter subscribers are up by 24% to 2,828, our new, more accessible website has seen a 15% 5ncrease in the numberof users to 22.596, and our social media following is up 23% at4,453. We talk to colleagues In our sèctorevèrydayabout thelr challenges, Opportunities ond aspirations forthefuture and this is one of the messages we hear loud and clear- ~nothing about us wlthout us-. More and morel people art recognising the vital role thatcommunities themselves play In tackling society's most pressing issues. A key area of developmentfor us this year has been about listening and learning and supporting the sectorto improve their communlty engagement skllls. 15% 24% Increase in website users Increase in newsletter subscribers 50MER5ET "The monthly newsletter is incredibly useful. There's always at least one useful 'take-away' along with links to relevant events, and funding sources. It's in a format that is easyto followand read and is justthe right length." Maria Bailey• Grief Specialists ourJ

Spark Somerset Impact Report 2024125152 You said: 6roups crtn do as rnvch as possible k)vF if +here Is no feedbackfvDrn he cornrnuntr+4, how do 4ou now +ha+ kVE neededQii We did: Our team worked with NHS Somerset and Somerset Council to improve community participation in research. Spark Somerset's role has been to advocate for VCFSE involvement in research and champion lived experience and community voices. Although this work is in its early stages, there is a growing recognition of the importance of ~communityexperts"and theVCFSE, especially when working with under-served communities. We funded seven commLJnity-based leaders, training them to be'Research Connectors., who then shared their knowledge, skills and learning with other colleagues across the sector. •.• We held ourfir5tResearch Conferencein May-72 delegates from 45 organisations heard from a range of spe3kers, academic and social researchers, community groups, health and the local authority. 72 Delegates attended our Research Conference

Spark Stsmer5et Impact Repprt 2024125133 £15,000 "It was reallygreatto hearfrom different types of researchers. There is a lot of energy in the countyfor more pooling of research expertise and learnings." Conference delegate Invested in the sector for community research rstand th to undei deeper LJI rview gL and "The process of conducting the research taught me a lot and I was able to encourage my group to respond confidently. Like me, theywere all thrilled to be asked theiropinion as theyoften feel unheard. I felt like the mouthpiece forthese people and the wider voluntary sector." Margaret Tatham. Watchet and Quantlxks Dementia Artion Alliance and Research Connector

Thankyou. Katherine Nolan Chief Executive, Spark Somerset It'5 been a busy year for Spark Somerset, but we couldn't havedone itwithout you- ourfunders, partners, stakeholders, volunteers and Spark team. A huge thank you to every individual and organisation that has worked alongside us this year- it has been an absolute pleasure. Although there will always be challenging timesto navigate, we look forward to continuing to work and collaboratewith you to ensure we have the vibrant, dynamicand sustainableVCFSE sector we need to support people in Somerset. Grahame Paine Chairof Trustees, Spark Somerset IT We'd love to hear from you! Pleasevisit ourwebsite, follow us on social media, send us an email or sign up to receive our regular newsletters. raoina sparksomerset.org.uk 01458550973 15UPPOrt&sparksom•r5•t.tsTg.uk Units 3& 4, The Courtyard, Bowdens FaTm, Hambridge,TAIOO8P SPARI< SOMERSET Spark Somersetis acharitable Incorporated Organ15ation. Regchafity no- 1179438 Inspiring communities

TRUSTF.F.S' ANNIIAI. RF.PORI' FOR TIIF. PF.lilnl) Tr:Nl)Tr"1) 3151 MARCII 2025 Structure. GoNernanee and Management Spark Somersei, a Charit2ble Incorporaied OrLidP nisation, Wds inLorpoi2led on 3 Augu4t ?018. .1.11¢ ()p¢i'ations ot Spark Somerset moved Irom tlie charity South Somerset Associaiioii for Voluiiiary aiid Commiinity Action {SSVC A) fr()m l Jdiiuttry 2019. '1'1)e 14()ard ()f "I"ru4tcc8 madc this dccision tor nuiiicrous conipell iiigi rcasons, one of these being continued sustainability. Three trus*es fron) SSVCA moved io become truste¢s of the new cliarity. Spark Somerset. Apart from tlic first charity triistees, every trustee is appointed for a term of tlircc yec1rs by a resolution passed at a propcrly coi)vcncd iiiccting of thc Charit￿ trustccs. Wlicii a ti'ustcc has scivcd tlic thrcc-)'car tcriii, thc!. will retire tioiii oftice at the siibsequent Aiinu1c l Geiieral Meeting and cali ilien seek re-election. None ot tlie trustees has an). benLficial inierest in tlic ci)mpany. A proccdurc ha4 hLLn introduLed f()r thc inductii)n and training of trusrees. The trustees atiend board meetings every three months. The trustees delegate tlie overall managenient of Spark Sonierset to ihe Chief Executii'e. The trustees have asscsscd tlic iiiajoi. risks to w'hich tlic chai'ity is exposcd and al'e satisficd that s}'stcms arc in placc to niitigat¢ L.xposurc to thc iiiajor risks. The trustLcs rcgularly rcviLw iliLir docunicnlLd risk Iiianagcmcnl policics. Objects of the Charity and Principal Actii'it!, 'I'he irus(e¢s have rlf¢￿ed to the ¥uidanLL Lonlaii)ed Én the Charilj Comn)i$8ion's general guidance Dn public benefit wlien revieiving our aims and ()bjeciives and in plani)ing our fuiure activities. -rhe siructure aiid conteiit of this r¢port is d¢sign¢d t() ￿11¥¢1 th¢ requir¢m¢nt lo ¢xpl&in how the Charity has operated witliin that guidance. Our Tr'ision is of a Sonierset where anyoiie can Iiiake great tl)ings happen for tlieir commullities. Our mission is to support and chanipion Somerset's voluntary and coniinunity organisations to l)elp change lives and build healthy, resilient coiiiniunities. We re passionate about the power of community to Iransforn) people s lives and Lnhanc¢ il)¢ir IIcdlih and happiIi¢s.s Our values We are collaborative Nl.'e h¢lp build strong partnerships, support effective coniiections and share knowledge to achicvc th¢ greatcsl iiiipact in our co)11)niunitics. We are empnM'ei'in2 i'e value d)e wi%d()iii in ¢ommunitie4 and lake pride in sharing c)ur collective knoivledge and experience to cncouragc aiid ciiablc otlicrs to dcvclop tlic skills aiid coiifidciicc th¢y n￿"d. We hai'e integrity e Slrii'e io huild iru.qting relationships ￿'ith the voltsnlary, comniunity and social enterprise (VCSE) sector so that we can advocate on tlieir bel)alf, positii'ely coiitribuiirig to decisi011s, and eiisuring tl)at the sector is heard and valued as an equal partner. We are responsive L proaLtii'cly seek opportuiiities to ILarii. lakL liiiic Ici lislLii. fiiid crcativc solutions and adapi $0 that we, and tl)ose we support, can make a real diflerciice to pcoplc in ncLd. We are inclusive c are approacliable, t'rieiidl}' and open. We look to the future and explore new ways of doiiig things. with inclusivity and Lqlllty at our corc. 35

Ollr Ctsre Aetlvities upport for volunti)n and community groups Setting up, goillcriiaiice Fundiiig advice. business plc1ni1iiig Support via our ￿¢b_￿Ile, %()Lidl iiiedia and also tl)rougli our ￿ee￿[Y e-bulletin Volunteer nianagement, I'ecruitiiient and rciention Supporting partnerships and collaboratiu l-rainij) '8park a Ch#n2e' Volunteer Serviee ¢ run a volunteering bri)kerage service, engaging with local communitics lo improve the quantity, quality and dii'ersity of volunlccring. niatLhing individuals to a cauqe that iiiatiers to tliem. We also prcimut¢ th¢ value of voluntecring and social action and work with local partners to ensure that it can flourish. As wcll as supporting indÈviduals t() tske part in social action, we encouragc volunle¢ring good practice amongst thc groups with whoin we work, providing guidance, support and training. Voice of the Sector 'I'he Spark Somerset team represents the iwoluntary scctor in a range of different forums, including thcse example% belaw: NI IS Inlcgratcd Care Hoard Somersct lQ'.14 Pcople L4oard Somcrsct Iloard {H¢alth and Wellbeing Board and Integraied c.are Partncrship - Committee in coiiiiiion) As the independent infrasiructure org£lnisatioii in ScimcrsLI. wc represent the local voluiitary scctor al con)muniry, CoLint)', Regioiial and Naiioiial Ici.cl. WL alsu lisiei) 10 the needs of the local scc(or su ihat w¢ shape and develop the support we providc accordingly. Resern'es Policy #nd Risk Management It is tlie intentioii of thc -I'rustccs tliat tlic frLtly available reqerves of tlie Charity, should be sufficicnt Iv ¢nsure the contiiiuancc ot its activiti¢5, should there be an unexpected sliort-terni advcrsc tluctuation in inconie. l-l)e -l-rustees considcr tliat ali appropriat¢ ILvel of free reserves is approxiiiiatcly thrcc Ic) six monihs, nomial expenditure. 'I'hiq equate£ to approximately £3?5.000 - £650,000. At 31 sl March 2025 (here was a total of £873:158 ()[ funding. freely available lor geiieral purposes. Tlic Trustccs are %a(isfied Iliai the longj_tcni) financial plans geiierate sutTicient free reserves to satisfy its rc5crvcs poli¢y over the coniing 12 11)ontlis aiid beyond. The Trustees review tlie charity's Reserves Polic). on an annual basis. This review is based on Ihc future sirategs, and financial plaiis for the charity, as i¥ell as the enilliionmeiil which ihL Lharit), 1£ operating iii at tl)e time. The Trustees th ill make adjustnients to ihc rescrN'es based on this rci'iLw and qei tliem ai a level tliat is deeined appr()priale for ihe coniing year. Reserve policy reiiiains at up to six nic)Iitlis in ligl)t of eNer chaiiging needs and funding. Having rcvicwcd thc rcscrvcs as at 31°, March 20?5 and taken int() consideration the pending rcduction in tinancial support frum thc public scctor and tliL Liulving unitary SiruLiure, the Trustees are satisfied tliat tlic current higher level is proportionate to tlie risks taced by the cliarity. Thc Trustccs havc cxarnincd and addressed the finai)cial risks to which the Charity is exposcd and in association with its insurers. has iiiitigatcd those risks ti) thc bLst of its ability. 36

Trallsaetions and FiDallciAI Position During the period the Charity inCu￿¢d tutal expcnditure of £1.296.758 (2024.. £1.268,729} ot which £1,290.414 (2024.. £1,250.427) was dircctl). charitable. Over the year the Charily reecived inconic uf £1.610.639 {20?4.. £1,842.316 rcstalLd frotn £1.345.682) leading to an overall 4urplu8 of £313,R74 {21124- £573.587 rcstatcd from £76,95.)1. -I'hc 13alancc shcct shows total reserves at 31, March 2025 of£i,J80,672 {2024.. £1,066,798 restated froni £570,164). Cbair's Report I commend to you this repi)rt of how Spark Som¢rs¢t has deployed its considcrablc actii'ity during 2024125 .here l am grarelul foi" tl)e strong collaboration ivith othcrs in tlic voluntary, community, faith, social ciitci'prise and Our private and public sector partners. Our Board and nianagenient teani have looked hard at how funding for (he sector lias evoli'ed, especially sinc¢ tlie paiidei21ic. when more traditional sources of funding have diniinished and we have had to establish brighter ourccs for orgaiiis<?tioiis around Soiiicrsct. Fiinding in tl)c previous yeclr ￿'aS already cliangiiig shape for lis Aiid spark Si)ni¢rs¢t had to makc sonic difficult choices to prioritise pieces of work with greater longeijiry and change the shape of our wonderful teain lo suit. Trustees are gratet'ul for tlie opportunity to contribute to the development al our refreshed sirdlegy where our excellent seiiior leadersliip le￿ll l)ave picked up the reiii% ()r neiv appri)ach¢q along%ide ihose well Iroddei) elements io esiablisl) a Inor¢ 5UStainablL patli for us goii)g forward. l)cmand troni tlic scctor iii SoiTlClSCt has bai'ely diiniiiished though. and our Inipact Repoit illLlStrates tlie impi)rt2nce of mainiaining thc high quality support that Spark l)as coiitinucd to dcliver to 11)aiiy iii the county. I'he use of digital solutions for sharinLJ Kjacaiicies. ILall)ingF and exp£'rienee lias L(Illtinucd tii dcvclop and our tcani have riseii to the challenge of being more available ilirough digitsl routes, I hope our partners b¢n¢fit frotn our continued developinent in this area. 20251?6 sees the lauiich ot an even greater focus on volunteers. The great benefils tliat individualq, se¢ti)r organisations, privaie sector businesses and the ii'ider publi¢ receive fri)m a very aLtive voluni¢ering ba%e are alread>, obvious and WL. hopc tliat uiir strvngcr support herc i¥'ill drii'c more i'olui)tceriiig w'ith larger benefits over time. l and my B()ard e()Ileague% are itnmcn.scly proud of thc succcsscs wc liave contributcd to Somcrsct sector organisations through Ilie haid i¥ork ofuur exp¢rt teaiii iii¢iiib¢rs M,ho Lonlribut¢ to niaking sure tlial cit17.¢ns benetit from strong leadership in our qeclor. We liupe you enjoy th54 full breakdi)wn ol-our year. Chair of Trustees Grahanie Paine 37

Spark Somerset Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities The trustees are responsible for preparing the Iruslees, report and the financial statements In accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. The law applicable lo charities requires the Iruslees lo prepare financial slalements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial ststemenls, the trustees are required to. select suitsble accounting policies and then apply them consislenlly,. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent., slate whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements", and prepare the financial slalemenls on the going eoncem basis unless il is Inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy al any lime the financial position of the charity and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Chafilies (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constilulion. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Approved by the trustees of the charity on 26th Jan '26 and signed on its behalf by.. Paine Trustee Page 38

Spark Somerset Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Spark Somerset Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Spark Somerset Ilhe 'charity'l for the yeaT ended 31 March 2025. which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Slalemenl, and Notes to the Financial Statements, Including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is Uniled Kingdom Accounting Standards. comprising Charities SORP - FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard appli￿￿le in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and applicable law Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted A¢¢ounling Practice). In our opinion the financial slalemenls.. give a true and fair view of the stale of the charity's affairs as al 31 March 2025 and of ils incoming resources and application of resources, including ils income and expenditure, for the year then ended", have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice", and have been prepared in accordanee with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial slalemenls section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are ￿levant to our audit of the financial stat8ments in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities In accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained Is sufficient and appropriate lo provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial slalemenls, we have concluded that the trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial ststements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not Identified any material uncertainties relaling lo events or conditions that, individually or collectively. may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability lo continue as a going concern for a period of al least twelve months from when the original financial slalements were aulhorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities ol the trustees with respect to going concern are described In the relevant sections of this report. Other information The Iruslees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information Included in the annual report, other than the financial slalemenls and our auditor's report Ihereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, ex￿p1 lo the exlenl otherwise expliciuy slated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial stalemenls. our responsibility is lo read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsislenl with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears lo be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misslalemenls. we are required to determine whether there is a material misslalement in the financi21 statements or a material misslalemenl of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstalemenl of this other information, we are required lo report that fact. Page 39

Spark Somerset Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Spark Somerset (Continued) We have nothing to report in this regard. Comparative information The comparative information is audited. Matters on whi¢h we are required to report by oxcèption In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees, Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities lAC￿UnIS and Report) Regulations 2008 requires us lo report lo you if, in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us., or the financial statements are not In agreement with the accotjnling records and retums.. or certain disclosures of Iruslees remuneration specified by law are not made., or we have not received all the Information and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Slalemenl of Trustees, Responsibilities (set out on page 381, the Iruslees are responsible for the preparation of the financial slalements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Iruslees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstalemenl, whether due lo fraud or error. In preparing the financial slatemenls, the Iruslees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability lo continue as a going concern, disclosing. as applicable, matters related to going concern and using ihe going con￿rn basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or lo ￿aSe operations, or have no realistic allernalive but to do so. Auditor Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are lo obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financi21 slalements as a whole are free from material misslalemenl, whether due to fraud or error, and lo issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, bul is not a guarantee that an audit Conducted in a¢cordan¢e with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misslalemenl when il exists. Misstalemenls can arise from fraud or eTror and are considered malerial if, Individually or in the aggregate. they could reasonably be expected lo influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial stalemenls. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, lo delecl material misslalemenls in respect of irregularilie5, including fraud. The extent lo which our PTocedures are capable of delecling irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud Our approach lo identifying and assessing the risks of material misslatemenl in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows. the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills lo identify or rect￿nISe non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations., Page 40

Spark Somerset Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Spark Somerset (continued) we identified the laws and regulations applicable lo the charity through discussions with Iiuslees and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the charity sector", we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial slalemenls or the operations of the charity, including the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, taxation legislation. data prolecb'on, anti-bribery, employment, environmental, fire safety and health and safety legislation, we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management. reviewing licenses. certificates and relevant correspondence including the inspection of legal correspondence, and identified laws and regulations were commLJnicaled within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert lo instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. We assessed the SLJsceplibility of the charity's financial st2lemenls lo material misststement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by. making enquiries of management as lo where they considered there was suS￿pIlb1llty to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud,. and considering the Internal controls In place lo mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we" performed analytical procedures lo identify any unusual or unexpected relationships", tested journal entries lo identify unusual transactions., assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias, and investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions. In response lo the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regul8tions, we designed procedures which included, bul were not limited lo". agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documenlalion-, reading the minutes of meetings of those charoed with governance., enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims", and reviewing correspondence with HMRC, relevant regulators 2nd the charity's legal advisors. There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely il is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required lo identify non-compliance with laws and iegu121ions lo enquiry of the Iruslees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misslalemenls that arise due lo fraud can be harder lo detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website al.. www.frc.org.uklaLJditorsresponsibililies. This description forms part of our auditor's report. Page41

Spark Somerset Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Spark Somerset Icontinued) Use of our report This report is made solely lo the charity trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might slate lo the Iruslees those matters we are required lo slate to Iruslees in an auditors, report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not a￿p1 or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and ils trustees as a body, for our aLJdil work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Dave Tucker FCCA Isenior Slatulory Audilorl For and on behalf of Thompson Jenner LLP, Slalulory Auditor 1 Colleton Crescent Exeter Devon EX2 4DG Dale." ..%7 IQ26 Page 42

Spark Somerset Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 7,002 528,629 6,919 7,002 1,596,711 6,919 1,068,Q82 Total Income 542,550 1,068,082 1,610,632 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 16.3441 1233,2121 {6,3441 11,290,414 1,057.2021 Total expenditure 1239,556 1,057,202 1,296,758 Nel income 302.994 10.880 313,874 Nel movement in funds 302,994 10.880 313,874 Reeoneiliation of funds Total funds brought forward 570,164 496,634 1,066,798 Total funds carried forward 873,158 507,514 1,380,672 The notes on pages 47 10 64 form an integral part of these financial slatemenls. Page 43

Spark Somerset Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 {¢ontinued) Unrestricted funds Restrlcted funds Total 2024 £ IAS restated) Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 175.141 163,533 5.865 175,141 1,661,310 5,865 1,497,777 Total income 344,539 1,497,777 1,842,316 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 118,3021 1249,2841 118,3021 1,250,427) 1,001,143 Total expenditure 1267,586 1,001,143 11,268,729 Nel Income 76,953 496,634 573,587 Nel movement in funds 76,953 496,634 573,587 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 493,211 493,211 Total funds carried forward 570, 164 496,634 1,066,798 All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations éuring the above ￿ periods. The funds breakdown for 2024 is shown in note 19. The notes on pages 47 10 64 form an integral part of these financial slalemenls. Page 44

Spark Somerset (Registration number: 1179438) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 2024 £IAs restated) 2025 Note Fixed assets Intangible assets Tangible assets 13 14 22,122 2,022 22,091 4,150 24,144 26,241 Current assets Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 15 16 394,984 1,346,521 396,181 937.884 1,741,505 1,334,065 Creditors.. Amounts falling due within one year Net current assets 17 384,977 293,508 1,356,528 1,040,557 Net assets 1,380,672 1,066,798 Funds of the charty- Restrieted income funds Restricted funds 19 507,514 496,634 Unrestricted income funds Unreslricled funds 19 873,158 570.164 Total funds 19 1,380,672 1,066,798 The financial slalemenls on pages 43 10 64 were approved by the trustees, and aulhorised for issue on 26.Jan.2fi... and signed on their behalf by.. aine Trustee The notes on pages 47 10 64 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 45

Spark Somerset Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2024 £IAs restated) 2025 Note Cash flows from operating activities Nel cash income 313,874 573,587 Adjustments to cash flows from non<ash items Depreciation Amortisation Interest receivable and similar income 2,128 6,469 16,919 315,552 3,744 4,558 5,8651 576,024 Working capital adjustments Decreasellincreasel in debtors Increaselldecreasel in creditors Increaselldecreasel in deferred income 1,197 17,540 73,929 1116,0151 118,3931 518,902 17 17 Nel cash flows from operating activities 408,218 77,286 Cash flows from investing activities Interest receivable and similar income Purchase of intangible fixed assets Disposal of intangible fixed assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets Nel cash flows from investing activities 6,919 16,5001 5,865 16,7851 1,573 2,805 13 14 419 2,152 Nel Increaselldecreasel in CAsh and cash equivalents 408.637 179,4381 1,017,322 Cash and cash equivalents al 1 April 937,884 Cash and cash equivalents al 31 March 1,346.521 937,884 All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above periods. The notes on pages 47 to 64 form an integral part of these financial stslements. Page 46

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 1 Charity status The charity is a Charitsble Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales. The address of ils registered office is". Un11s 3 and 4, The Couty2rd Bowdens Farm Hambridge Langport Somersel TA10 OBP 2 Accounting policies Statement of compliance The financial slalemenls have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalement of Recommended Practi￿ applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffeclive 1 January 20191 (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011. Basis of preparation Spark Somerset méats thé definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts Ifin3ncial stalemenlsl have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise sialed In the relevant nolelsl lo these accounts. Prior period adjustment The prior year has been adjusted to reflect a reassessment of the performance-relaled conditions attached to certain funding lo reflect that performance-relaled conditions had been satisfied al the prior reporting date and therefore deferred Income was overslaled. As a result, deferred income has been reduced and income Increased In the comparative figures, with an overall impact lo reslricled reserves carried fonKard al the prior year's period end. There has been no impact on overall funds over the life of the funding arrangements in relation to these adjustments. 3110312024 Restated Amounts SOFA.. Reslricled Income, Charitable Aclivilie5 BS.. Creditors, Deferred Income Reserves.. Restricted Reserves 496,634 1496,6341 496,634 Page 47

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 {continuedl Going concern The Iruslees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to conliriue as a going concern. Income and endowments Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has enlillement to the income, il is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Donations and legaci8S Donations and legacies are recognised on a r￿e1Vable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured. Grants receivable Grants are recognised when the charity has an entillemenl lo the funds and any conditions linked lo the grants have been mel Where performance eonditions are attached lo the grant and are yel lo be mel, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income lo be released. Deferred income Deferred income represents amounts received for fijture periods and is released to incoming resources In the period lor which, It has been re￿Ived. Such income is only deferre(J when." The donor specifies that the grant or donalion musl only be used in future accounting periods., or The donor has Imposed conditions which musl be met before the charity has unconditional enlillemenl. Investment income Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and nolificalion has been re￿iVed of the dividend due. Expendlture All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation lo that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured ￿lIablY. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly allribuled to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges alloc21ed on the portion of the asset's use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. Ralslng funds These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income. Charitable activities Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of ils activities and services for its beneficiaries. 11 Includes both costs that can be allocated directly lo such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Page 48

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Grant expenditure Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made eX￿pt in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions allaching are fulfilled. Grant provisions Provisions for grants are made when the intention lo make a grant has been communicated lo the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the liming of the grant or the amount of grant payable. Governance costs These include the costs attributable lo the charity's compliance wilh constitutional and stalulory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses. Taxation The charity is considered lo pass the tests sel out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from laxalion in respect of income or capital gains received wlhin categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively lo charitable purposes. Intangible assets Snlangible assets are slated in the Balance Sheet al cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. They are amortised on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. Tangible fixed assets Individual fixed assets costing £500.00 or more are initially recorded al cost. Amortisation Amortisalion is provided on intangible assets so as lo write off the cost, less any eslimaled residual value, over their useful life as follows". Asset class Computer sofbNare Amortisation method and rate 20,/0 slraighl line Depreciation Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as lo write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows.. Asset class Computer equipment Depreciation method and rate 330/D slraighl line Page 49

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Continued) Trade debtors Trade debtors are amounts dLJe from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially al the transaction price. They are subsequently measured al amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade deblors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able lo collect all amounts due according lo the original terms of the receivables. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits. and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject lo an insignificant risk of change in value. Trade creditors Trade creditors are obligations lo pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period. to defer settlement of the creditor for at least ￿e1ve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right lo defer selllemenl for al least twelve months after the reporting dale, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade cre.ditors are re.cognisp.d initially at thg. trAn%2etion price and subsequently measured al amortised cost using the effective interest method. Borrowings Inleresl-bearing borrowngs are initially recorded al fair value, nel of transaction costs. Inleresl-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried al amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, nel of Iransaclion costs, and the amoLJnt due on redemption being recognised as a charge lo the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the relevant borrowing. Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and Is included in interest payable and similar charges. Borrowngs are classified as current liabilities unless the charity has an unconditional right lo defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reportin9 date. Fund structure Unreslricled income funds are general funds that are available for use al the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Reslricled income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is reslricled lo that area or purpose. Page 50

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Pensions and other post retirement obligations The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or conslruclive obligalion to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets lo pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. Contributions to defined Contribution plans are recognised in the Statement ol Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments ex￿ed the contribution due for service. the excess is recognised as a prepayment. 3 Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted funds General Total funds Donations and legacies., Donations 7,002 7,002 Total for 2025 7,002 7,002 Total for 2024 175,141 175,141 4 Income from charitable activities Unrestricted funds General Restricted funds Total 2025 Provision of Advice, Training & Support 528.629 1,068,082 1.596,711 Unrestricted funds Restricted Total 2024 £IAs restated) 1,661,310 General funds Provision of Advice, Training & Support 163,533 1,497,777 5 Investment income Unrestricted funds General Total funds Interest receivable and similar Income.. Interest receivable on bank deposits 6,919 6,919 Total for 2025 6,919 6,919 Total for 2024 5,865 5,865 Page 51

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Ststements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 6 Analysis of expenditure Cost of raising funds Provision of advice. training & support Support costs Governanee Costs 2025 Total 2024 Total Wages and salaries Other staff costs Disclosure and barring service costs Project equipment and other costs Prem1ses and other costs Computer and sofvare costs Marketing. PR and events costs Legal, insurance and professional Consultancy costs Grant payments Other costs 6,344 417,575 55,723 18,985 301.066 9,836 285 474 19,679 7,264 15,069 12,838 28,683 9,791 734,776 65.559 19.270 474 22,511 22.201 39.429 12,838 241.854 63,196 74,650 802,925 63,228 6.918 593 35.668 21.020 11,233 8,977 48,812 216,935 52,420 2,832 14,937 24,360 213,171 63,196 55,262 19,388 6,344 866,041 414.582 9,791 414,582 1414,5821 9,791 1,296,758 1,268,729 Support costs Governance costs Total expenditure 2025 19,7911 6,344 1,290,414 1,296,758 1,268,729 Total expenditure 2024 18,302 1,250.427 1.268,729 Page 52

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 lcontinued) 7 Grant-making Analysis of grants 2025 2024 Analysis Individual Donations Food Resilience Project ICB Young People Food and Housing Rural Communities Research Engagement Ne￿Ork Digital Inclusion Project Dementia Alliance Carers Children and Young People Mental Health Shared Prosperity Fund What Makes You Happy 8,552 100,000 83,000 10,383 6,000 9,000 40,608 88 3,500 2,300 12,800 3,900 63,196 216,935 8 Net incomingloutgoing resources Net incoming resources for the year include.. 2025 2024 Audit fees Depreciation of fixed assets Amortisation of intangible assets 6,000 2,128 6,469 5,775 3,744 4,558 9 Trustees remuneratlon and expenses No Iruslees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year. No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year. Page 53

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 {¢ontinued) 10 Staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows.. 2025 2024 Staff costs durlng the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 666,773 54,681 13,322 729,003 58,496 15,426 802,925 734,776 The monthly average number of persons lincluding senior management I leadership leaml employed by the charity during the year expressed as full lime equivalents was as follows". 2025 2024 No Employees 26 30 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year The lolal employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £158,249 12024 £165,548). 11 Auditors. remuneration 2025 2024 Audit of the financial statements 6,000 5.775 12 Taxation The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from laxalion. Page 54

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued 13 Intangible fixed assets Computer Software Total Cost Al 1 April 2024 Additions 26,649 6,500 26.649 6,500 At 31 March 2025 33,149 33.149 Amortisation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year 4,558 6,469 4.558 6,469 At 31 March 2025 11.027 11,027 Net book value At 31 March 2025 22,122 22,122 At 31 March 2024 22,091 22,091 Page 55

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 {continuedl 14 Tangible fixed assets Computer equipment Total Cost Al 1 April 2024 17,681 17,681 Al 31 March 2025 17,681 17,681 Depreciation Al 1 April 2024 Charge for the year 13.531 2,128 13,531 2,128 At 31 March 2025 15,659 15,659 Net book value At 31 March 2025 2,022 2,022 At 31 March 2024 4,150 4,150 15 Debtor5 2025 2024 Trade debtors Prepayments Accrued income Other debtors 215,834 17,620 160,530 1.000 380,348 8,968 5,865 1.000 394,984 396.181 Page 56

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 16 Cash and cash equivalents 2025 2024 Cash at bank Short-leTm deposits 1,176,521 170,000 767,884 170,000 1,346,521 937,884 17 Creditots: amounts falling due within one year 2024 £IAs restatedl 14,883 29,687 2025 Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Pension scheme creditor Aceruals Deferred income 20,839 44,949 2,696 9,120 307,573 384,977 3,083 12.197 233,640 293,508 2025 2024 Deferred income al 1 April 2024 Resources deferred in the period Amounts released from previous periods 233,640 307,573 233,6401 752,542 233,640 1752.542 233,640 Deferred income at year end 307,573 18 Pension and other schemes Defined contribution pension scheme The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted lo £13,322 12024 £15,426). Contributions tolalling £2.696 12024.. £3,083) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors. Page 57

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 20251continued) 19 Funds Balance at 1 April 2024 Incoming resourcès Resources èxpended Balance at 31 March 2025 Unrestricted funds General Unreslricled funds 570,164 542,550 1239,5561 873, 158 Restricted funds Somersel County Council I CCS - Carers, Support NHS Somerset ICB - Digitsl Inclusion Project National Lottery - Youth Work Alliance NHS Somerset ICB - Children and Young People Mentsl Health Somerset County Council - Mental Health Network Rethink Mental Health Illness - OMH County Wide Specialism NHS Somersel ICB - Hypertension Blood Pressure Connector NHS Somersel CCG - Dementia Alliance Somersel NHS Foundation Trust - Dementia Roadshows NHS Somersel CCG - Vaccination Volunteers Somersel County Council- Reflect, Recover, Renew Somersel County Council - Warm Spaces - Food Resilience Rethink MenÈl Health Illness- OMH Underserved Communities Public Sector Engagement NHS Somerset ICB- Research Engagement Network IRENI Somerset Community Foundation - The Together Fund 5,742 15,7421 1105,2001 147,2961 147.5031 11.4361 163,8151 155,200 50,000 41,471 92,700 14,000 88,787 140,203 15,436 63,815 28,360 10,000 59,215 16,185 82,279 28,360 28,060 138,0601 59.215 16,185 82,015 12641 141,0001 12,7091 145,2791 153.0871 11,9221 41,000 2,709 107,779 33,087 1,922 62,500 20,000 Page 58

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Balance at 1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Balance at 31 March 2025 NHS Somersel ICB- Young People, Food & Housing Core Citizens Hub What Makes You Happy Somersel County Council Health Determinants Resèarch Collabofation Shared Prosperity Fund Volunteering for Health Social Prescribing 17,000 28,153 17,000 29,668 14,400 1.515 15,DOD 5,200 44,445 445.960 102,684 5,000 16001 15,2001 144,4451 1445.9601 1102,6841 15,0001 Total restricted funds 496,634 1,068,082 11.057.202) 507,514 Total funds 1,066,798 1,610,632 11,296,758) 1,380,672 Page 59

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Ststements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Balance at 1 April 2023 Ineoming resources Resources expended Balance at 31 March 2024 Unrestricted funds General Unrestricted funds 493,211 344,539 1267,5861 570,164 Restricted Somersel County Council I CCS - Carers, Support NHS Somersel ICB - Digital Inclusion Project Somersel Council - Connect Somerset Area Champion Contact Offi￿r$ National Lottery - Youth Work Alliance Rural Practice Network - SoGial Prescribing Link Worker NHS Somersel ICB - Children and Young People Mental Health Somersel County Council - Mental Health Network Rethink Mental Health Illness - OMH County Wide Specialism NHS Somersel ICB Hypertension Blood Pressure Connector NHS Somersel CCG - Dementia Alliance Somerset NHS Foundation Trust- Dementia Roadshows Lockwood Charitable Foundation Health and Wellbeing in Somersel NHS Somerset CCG- ICS Engagement NHS Somerset CCG - Vaccination Volunteers Somerset County Council - Reflect, Recover, Renew South SomeTset District Council Rural Recovery Projects Sports England The Together Fund Somersel County Council - Warm Spaces - Food Resilience Rethink Mental Health Illness- OMH Underserved Communities 51,898 105,987 17,280 166,844 4,998 1,101 44,272 17,573 31,002 35,520 59,215 47,588 1,817 16,185 129,973 33,883 2,076 29,633 171,733 146,1561 1105,9S71 117,2801 178,0771 14,9981 11,1011 128,8361 117,5731 12,6421 125,5201 5,742 88,767 15,436 28,360 10,DOO 59,215 147,5881 11,8171 16,185 82,279 147,6941 133,8831 12,0761 129,6331 1169,0241 2,709 Page 60

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 {continued) Balance at 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources gxpended Balance at 31 March 2024 Public Sector Engagement NHS Somersel ICB- Research Engagement Netrwork IRENI Somersel Community Foundation - The Together Fund Somersel County Council - Together for Mental Health Training & Covid Recovery Sedgemoor District Council Wellbeing Direetory NHS Somersel ICB - Young People, Food & Housing Stsmersèl County Council - Children & Young People Community Engagement Core 225,708 60.000 3.552 3,000 1,436 200.000 7,370 28,153 1117.9291 126,9131 11,6301 13,0001 11,4361 1183,0001 17,3701 107,779 33,087 1,922 17,DOO 28,153 Total restricted funds 1,497,777 11.001,1431 496,634 Total funds 493,211 1,842,316 11,268,729) 1,066,798 Page 61

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 {continued) The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows'.- Somersel CoLJnty Council I CCS delivering the peer group support element of the Somersel Carers, Service. NHS Somerset ICB - Digital Inclusion Project - Improving ac￿SS lo physical, mental and social care by reducing digitsl poverty across Somerset. Somerset Council Connect Somersel Area Champion Contact Officers lo provide the provision to support Connect Somersel in the locality. National Lottery - Youth Work Alliance - To support and develop the Somersel Youth work Alliance. Rural Pracliee Network - Social Prescribing Link Worker- hosting of the SPLW. NHS Somersel ICB Children and Young People Mentsl Health- The development of a Somersel Children and Young People's Mental Health Network that can be used to estsblish a Children and Young People's Alliance robust and able lo respond lo opportunities and challenges within the area both financially and more generally Iscoping phase during this period) Somersel County Council - Mental Health Ne￿Ork coordination of peer support netsvork for VCSE organisalions working in mental health. Rethink Mental Illness - partner in Open Mental Health VCSE Alliance chair of partnership board, provision ol count5w.de volunteering infrastructurè support and admin support for grants programme. NHS Somersel ICB - Hypertension - Blood Pressure Community Connectors Coordinatoi post. NHS Somerset CCG - Dementia Alliance - lead oiganisation for the delivery of roadshows. Lockwood Charitable Foundation Health and Wellbeing in Somersel - host organis31ion tor Jenny Hartnoll, supporting health and wellbeing activity in Somerset and linking in with UK-wide work via the National Association for Social Prescribing INASPI NHS Somersel CCG ICS Engagement Supporting the voluntary seelor to engage wlh the emerging Integrated Care System as part of the NHS England "Imbedding VCSE In the ICB" Somersel County Council - Reflect, Recover, Renew - To support the development of the 5 key priorities identified by the Reflect, Recover, Renew survey report. South Somerset District Council - Rural Recovery Projects - A project lo assist rural communities in South Somersel In their recovery from Covid and to build future resilience lo be able to meet future challenges such as the current Cost of Living crisis. Sports England The Together Fund to help keep people affected by the pandeM￿C in Somersel, physically active. Somersel County Council Warm Spaces - Food Resilience To develop and co-ordinate 2 warm spaces programme during winter and lo work with stakeholders through task and finish groups lo improve food resilience. Public Sector Engagement Model, Somerset County Council - Supporting the development of a VCSE partnership engagement model. Page 62

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) NHS Somerset ICB Research Engagement Network IRENI - Funding lo Spark Somersel for their support and work as a lead VCFSE partner in the Somerset Research Engagement Nelmork Project. NHS Somersel IC8 - Children and Food, Young People and Housing funding allocated lo other VCFSE organisalion lo lead delivery. Somersel NHS Foundation Trust Vaccination Volunteers Short term lo support vaccination programme and longer term 'bank' of volunteers (carried over from Covid.) Core providing infraslruclure support lo the VolLJnlary. Community, Faith and Social Enterprise {VCFSEI Sector in Somersel. Citizen's Hub - supporting VCFSE engagement and participation in NHS Somersel Citizen's Hub. What Makes you Happy - administer participa110n grants to community organisations who support children and young peoples mental health. on behalf of Somersel Council. SCC - Health Delerminanls Research Collaboration Support the Somerset Council HDRC project, providing a bridge be￿een communities and the HDRC in order to develop community-based participatory research opportunities in Somersel. Shared Prosperity Fund lo build capacity within the Voluntary, Community Faith and Social Enterprise IVCFSEI seelor and to support volunteering in Somersel. Voluntaaring for Hoalth to build the capacity and capability of local health and care organisations in Somerset, through the development of volunteering infraslruclure. Social Prescribing lo coordinate a partnership event lo celebrate Social Prescribing. Somersel NHS Foundation Trust - Dementia Roadshows - lo be the lead partner for the Dementia Partnership organising the delivery of Roadshows and Sharing of Excellence framework. Rethink Mental Health Illness - OMH Underserved Communities - To improve the mental health of communities who don't Iradilionally engage with mental health services, thus increasing the reach of Open Mental Health and ils ability to serve all communities in Somersel. Somefsel Community Foundation support physical activity. The Together Fund administer funding to Carers Groups lo Page 63

Spark Somerset Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 {continued) 20 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds General Total funds at 31 March 2025 Restricted funds Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 22,122 2,022 926.418 177,4041 873,158 22,122 2,022 1,741,505 1384,977 1,380,672 815,087 1307,5731 507.514 Total net assets Unrestricted funds Total funds at 31 March 2024 £IAs restated) 22,091 4,150 1,334,065 293,508 1,066,798 Restricted General funds Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 22,091 4,150 642,028 98,105 692,037 1195,403 Total nel assets 570,164 496,634 21 Analysis of net funds At 1 April 2024 Financing cash flows At 31 March 2025 Cash 21 bank and in hand 937,884 408,637 1,346,521 Nel debt 937,884 408,637 1,346.521 At 1 April 2023 Financing cash flows At 31 March 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 1,017,322 179,438) 79,438 937,884 Net debt 1,017,322 937,884 22 Related party transactions There were no related party transactions in the year. Page 64