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 #J 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 ImJ9pCTr*dl. ROertYoL*19 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& voluTh*eering 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 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 4OL*h 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
  • , 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