## **Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance (SVSA) Local Infrastructure Organisation** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

**Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 April 2025** 

**Charity number 1202811** 



**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

The Trustees are pleased to present this Annual Report, together with the financial statements of the charity, for the period 01 May 2024 to 30 April 2025. 

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities, preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards, applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective January 2019. 

## **Introduction** 

Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance (SVSA) is a Local Infrastructure Organisation that gained charitable incorporated status in April 2023. We have been formed by the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to help build capacity, encourage effective partnerships, increase funding and investment, and strengthen the voice of the sector in Sunderland. 

We are also becoming a recognised route for local commissioners, funding organisations and investors to communicate with the sector. We facilitate the delivery of social value and have strengthened relationships with anchor institutions and businesses to maximise Corporate Social Responsibility in order to strengthen community services. 

## **Our charitable purpose** 

SVSA has been established to support the sustainability and growth of VCSE sector organisations with a charitable purpose in Sunderland. It also has a role in attracting additional funding and investment into the city for the sector. It is a conduit between VCSE sector organisations, local commissioners and national funding organisations to strengthen relationships for public benefit. 

## **Our mission** 

To create ambition, energy and drive to support communities to bring about social change, grow community wealth and create resilience. 

## **Our vision** 

Stronger Sector, Stronger City 

## **Our values** 

## **Integrity** 

Integrity in our workplace is about trust, where honesty and ethical behaviour guide every decision and action, fostering a culture of respect 

## **Transparency** 

We believe in open and honest communication, sharing information freely, and maintaining an environment built on trust. 

## **Collaboration** 

Celebrating teamwork, listening to diverse perspectives and encouraging open communication, we embrace collaboration knowing that by working together we can achieve more. 

## **Accountability** 

Taking ownership of our decisions and actions and recognising their impact on each other and the sector. Through this we build confidence and drive, holding ourselves accountable for achieving our goals and upholding our values. 

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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## **Inclusivity** 

Recognising diversity as a strength, we know that each individual brings a unique perspective and value to our team. Creating a culture of respect and empowerment. 

## **Our aims** 

Working with the sector, we aim to: 

- Build the capacity of Sunderland VCSE organisations to become more sustainable Develop a membership of connected voluntary sector organisations across Sunderland Share good practice and respond to local needs 

Develop joint working and income generation opportunities 

## **Our service offer:** 

Providing an independent strategic voice 

- Securing additional resources and capacity by attracting external funding Making better use of community facilities 

- Working differently to deliver services 

- Avoiding duplication of provision 

- Working in partnership with strategic partners and anchor institutions for the benefit of 

- the sector by facilitating collaboration and maximising social value 

## **Offering practical support to:** 

Set up a charity, social enterprise or community organisation 

- Understand legal structures and governance 

- Operate according to your legal responsibilities 

- Design and deliver a successful organisation or project 

- Identify appropriate funders and provide support with applications 

- Build skills in your team to ensure sustainability 

- Maximise your offer with the support of volunteers 

- Connect with other organisations and develop partnerships Stay informed with citywide information 

## **Area of public benefit** 

The SVSA objectives provide benefit to the public in Sunderland (area of benefit) by promoting and supporting the effectiveness of voluntary and community sector organisations. The trustees of SVSA confirm that they have read and paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Trustees also confirm that they have complied with their duties under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 with regard to public benefit. Having considered the guidance, the trustees have concluded that SVSA's work directly supports and strengthens Sunderland's VCSE sector with guidance and information to influence service delivery and improve outcomes for the benefit of Sunderland residents. 

## **Our object** 

The object of the CIO is 

"To promote the voluntary sector for the benefit of the public in Sunderland and surrounding areas by: 

- a) Liaising between charities, voluntary organisations, government agencies and other groups on relevant issues. 

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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

- b) Providing training, conferences and seminars on subjects relevant to the efficiency of the voluntary sector. 

- c) Assisting the administration of funding programmes to charities and voluntary organisations, monitoring for grants, recommending grants, assisting in application for grants. 

- d) Providing information to the press and the public on the operation of or problems encountered by the voluntary sector.” 

## **Achievements 1st May 2024 – 30th April 2025** 

Since May 2024 SVSA has: 

- Implemented a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system within the organisation to support data recording, monitoring and reporting. 

- Launched a programme of ‘Meet the Funder’ events, giving the sector direct access to funders to support the submission of quality funding applications. 

- Distributed £31,032 in the form of micro grants, supporting community transport. Secured and distributed £ 73,240 in small grants to support capital spend. 

- Launched a Finance Subgroup with nominated trustees to strengthen the Board’s financial oversight. 

- Developed a Funding Newsletter, which is regularly distributed to the sector. Completed a research project: Social Prescribing and Community Assets in Sunderland - A Current State Evaluation 2024-2025, funded by the NHS North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB). 

- Worked in partnership with 12 VCSE organisations on an Over 50s exercise pilot project, funded by Sport England. £28,609 of funding was secured which went directly to the lead organisations within the pilot. This pilot provides out of hours and affordable exercises for over 50s. 

The focus for this year was on delivery, ensuring the sector was supported and building evidence of need. We developed our systems and processes during this time, strengthening the organisation, our service offer and the team. Maintaining the momentum from year one, we continued to build and nurture relationships in the city, securing our place for the future. 

## **Recruitment** 

SVSA has successfully recruited and inducted: 

- 1 full time Voluntary Sector Development Worker (Jan 2025). 

- 1 full time Community and Corporate Volunteering Co-ordinator (Oct 2024). 

- 1 part time (3 days) Partnerships and Community Mapping Officer (Oct 2024). 2 new trustees (including a new Treasurer) for our Strategic Board. 

- 1 new Operational Board member. 

## **Sector development** 

By April 2025 our membership had increased to 237, an increase of 135 members, all of whom were able to access one-to-one support, training and events, funding and access to online information and advice. 

- 92 organisations received intensive support on matters such as governance, business planning, budget profiles, evaluation, monitoring, market research, sustainability, growth and customer engagement. 

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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

- 300 individuals working within the Sunderland VCSE sector have benefitted from training, events and workshops. 

- 39 organisations were supported to complete funding applications. We supported the sector to secure a total of £542,599 additional funding. 

## **Social value** 

We worked with Sunderland City Council’s Procurement Team to develop a partnership which has supported them to effectively deliver Social Value as part of the council’s contracting arrangements. This work has enabled further funding and investment opportunities, securing £384,400 in social value offers. 

SVSA has been able to identify and develop opportunities to creatively use donations and “in kind” support to community groups, charities and social enterprises, which benefit local residents and neighbourhoods. Social Value is now a tangible asset for the city and has a direct impact in the hardest to reach areas and within marginalised communities. 

We have delivered 32 social value opportunities from 19 individual suppliers, benefitting 77 unique VCSE organisations across the city. 

Examples of social value offers include: 

The removal and replacement of a vandalised Christmas tree 

- The replacement of an artificial sports pitch 

- Workshops on bid writing, governance, health & safety and social media Digital advertising on bus shelters and free-standing displays 

- The supply of workwear and other clothing items 

- Scaffolding and painting materials 

- Refurbished laptops with 4-year extended warranty 

- Fridges/freezers 

- Office furniture Graphic design support 

In addition, donations have been given to support: 

Young peoples’ mental health 

- Young people and families 

- Carers 

- Health & wellbeing 

- People furthest from the job market 

- The environment 

- Arts and culture 

- Restoring a sensory garden 

- Debt management and prevention services 

- A food bank 

## **Communications, engagement and partnerships** 

SVSA has provided opportunities for the sector to share information, suggestions and challenges. We have also consulted with the sector to determine how they see a two-way communication channel working between us and them, taking account of communication with wider partners. Our bi-monthly e-Bulletin, which has 305 subscribers, provides a forum for sharing information, encouraging feedback and consulting with our members. 

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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

We have also secured representation on a number of strategic boards and working groups across the city. Further development is underway to improve the flow of information to and from these groups. SVSA is a member on the following groups: 

- NHS Sunderland Place Subcommittee 

- ICP Central (covering Durham, South Tyneside & Sunderland) 

- Health & Care Alliance 

- Sunderland City Board 

- Links for Life Operational Group 

- Low Carbon Shadow Board 

- Starting Well Board Living Well Board Ageing Well Board Sunderland Safeguarding Children's Board 

In November 2024 we held an online network event titled Future Forward: Collaboration, change and growth. With presentations from local and regional partners, this focused on how the sector can move forward, stronger together. Discussions and presentations were based on how to strengthen funding applications, partnership working and ambition. 

## **Research** 

In 2025 we finalised a research project entitled _Social Prescribing and Community Assets in Sunderland - A Current State Evaluation 2024-2025_ and expanded its impact. The purpose of this project was to: 

- Identify the delivery of social prescribing across Sunderland, highlighting differences in models and suggesting recommendations for the future. 

- Map the provision of social prescriptions across Sunderland, highlighting areas where services may be duplicated, where there may be barriers to access and where gaps are present. 

Building on the work undertaken throughout 2024, we continued to engage closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure a broad range of perspectives were considered ahead of the final publication. Key findings have been presented to both the Sunderland Social Prescribing Senior Stakeholder Group and the Sunderland ICB Place Subcommittee. 

Discussions have commenced at a strategic level to explore how the report can inform future developments and support the enhancement of social prescribing across the city. 

## **Volunteering** 

SVSA has further developed a Community and Corporate Volunteering programme to support service delivery and developments in local neighbourhoods, providing additional capacity and resources. We brokered 143 individuals into corporate volunteering, providing over 572 hours of support to the sector. We have also provided community volunteering training and networking to support volunteer engagement and recruitment. 

## **Grants awarded** 

During 2024-25, we awarded the following grants to VCSE organisations in Sunderland: 

## **Community Transport grants** 

|**Community Transport grants**|**Community Transport grants**|
|---|---|
|**Organisation**<br>**Amount**||
|Easington Lane CommunityAccess Point|£2,700|



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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
 Hetton Independent Methodist Church  £2,080<br> Foundation of Light  £2,750<br> Houghton-le-Spring Residents  £1,375<br> Humbledon Outdoor Activity Association  £2,750<br> Invigor8  £2,640<br> North East Sport  £1,650<br> North East Dementia Care  £2,750<br> Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre  £5,252<br> Shiney Advice and Resource Project  £1,200<br> Southwick Reach  £920<br> Space4  £2,250<br> Sunderland Culture  £2,715<br> Total £31,032<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Capital grants** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
 Organisation Amount<br> Washington Riding Centre  £3,750<br> Hope Vineyard Sunderland  £4,999<br> Invigor8  £4,950<br> Eppleton Cricket Club  £3,062.40<br> Roker Methodist Church  £8,344<br> Holding Hands  £4,980<br> Just Let Your Soul Grow  £806.43<br> Sunderland Deaf Society £4,999<br> Tyne Tees Heritage Transport  £8,142<br> Veterans In Crisis  £9,650<br> Sunshine Co-operative  £9,767.50<br> Sunderland District Scouts  £1,850<br> The Bunker  £7,940<br> Total £73,240.33<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Social value** 

Donations were received from Hadrian Technology, CR Reynolds, Brims Construction, Mather & Co Ltd and F&I Group to support the following organisations: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
 Organisation Amount<br> Grindon Church Community Project  £550<br> Veterans In Crisis  £2,000<br> Grace House  £1,000<br> Fighting All Cancers Together (FACT)  £1,000<br> More than Grandparents  £1,000<br> We Make Culture  £1,000<br> Fans Museum  £1,000<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
 Crafting Connections  £1,000<br> 2nd Herrington Scout Club  £1,000<br> Roker Methodist Church  £500<br> Sandhill Community Association  £100<br> Space4  £500<br> Steetcare  £400<br> Total £11,050<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Next steps** 

Our strategic objectives for 2024-2027 are to: 

1. Offer to support sustainability and growth across VCSE sector organisations to increase public benefit (governance) 

2. Secure additional funding and investment 

3. Facilitate effective community and corporate volunteering opportunities 

4. Have a strategic voice, working with the sector to influence decision making 

Following the appointment of Austin McNamara as Interim CEO in June 2025, further development of the organisation is planned for 2025-2026 and beyond. Following a trustee development day and a team away day, a full review of the organisation’s purpose, vision, values and objectives has been undertaken with a view to refreshing our strategy and consolidating our position. 

SVSA exists to support and strengthen the VCSE sector in Sunderland. We are committed to providing services that help organisations thrive, and we work actively to ensure the sector’s voice is heard by policy makers and funders. To achieve this, we will be focussing all our work on four core functions: 

- **Leadership and advocacy:** Championing the sector and amplifying community voices in strategic decision-making and public service design. 

- **Partnerships and collaboration:** Driving collaborative working by building networks and partnerships between local organisations and with strategic partners. 

- **Capacity building:** Empowering organisations to deliver great services, to innovate and to grow, through targeted support and skills development. 

- **Volunteering:** Creating an environment in which volunteers play a key role in strengthening communities and driving social impact. 

## **Financial review** 

The review of the financial period ending 30 April 2025 shows the charity generated income of £371,947, which came from a range of different sources. 

The financial position for the year was net incoming funds of £371,947 and total outgoing resources of £447,842. This leaves total funds of £332,248, of which £313,280 is unrestricted, £0 is designated and £18,968 is restricted. 

## **Reserves policy** 

It is the policy of the Charity to hold free reserves (unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets) to a level that equates to approximately six months of expenditure. This will provide enough funds to cover management and administrative support costs and any emergencies that may arise from time to time. 

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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

At 30 April 2025 the free reserves were £313,280, which equated to approximately 12 months of expenditure. 

## **Current position** 

The trustees have assessed the charity’s financial position and its ability to continue operating for the foreseeable future. SVSA has sufficient reserves to meet its operational commitments until April 2026. However, as of the date of this report, funding to cover core costs beyond May 2026 has not yet been secured. 

The trustees are actively pursuing a range of funding opportunities, including grant applications, strategic partnerships and income-generating initiatives. While the absence of confirmed funding beyond April 2026 represents a material uncertainty, there is confidence in the charity’s ability to attract future investment. This judgement is based on the charity’s strong track record of securing funding, its strategic planning processes, and the availability of unrestricted reserves equivalent to approximately 12 months of expenditure. The trustees therefore believe it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. 

The trustees will continue to monitor the financial position closely and take appropriate action to safeguard the charity’s sustainability. 

## **Reference and communication details** 

**Charity name:** Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance **Charity registration** 202811 **number: Registered Office and** Raich Carter Centre **operational address:** Commercial Road Hendon Sunderland SR2 8PD 

**Board of trustees** Sarah Reid Chair Lyndsey Everett Treasurer (appointed 22 January 2025) Wendy Cook Joanne Cooper Sylvia Copley Patricia Cornish Richard Duggan Joanne Gordon Patrick Melia OBE Lesley Spuhler OBE Scott Watson (resigned 19 September 2024) **Senior management** Tracy Hassan (replaced by Interim CEO Austin McNamara in June **team** 2025) Lindsey Hall **Independent** Jim Dodds **examiner** 

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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

**External accounts** Julie Maxwell **and payroll Bankers** Co-operative Bank **HR and legal advice** Peninsula **Health and safety** Avensure **Insurance** Ansvar 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

SVSA is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Association model controlled by its constitution and managed by a board of trustees. 

## **Recruitment of trustees** 

The board of trustees has been appointed following a recruitment and selection process. Our constitution states that we can have between 6 and12 trustees, with 70% drawn from the VCSE sector and 30% from anchor institutions and the business sector. 

## **Induction and training of new trustees** 

Newly appointed trustees are offered a meeting with the Chair, Chief Executive Officer and staff team. They also have free access to online training to cover the following: 

- Initial trustee responsibilities 

- The Charity Governance Code 

- Financial governance 

- Risk and reserves Public benefit 

- Safeguarding 

## **Risk management** 

The organisation’s risk register and the financial management accounts are reviewed on a monthly basis, with a full review annually. The SVSA financial policy and procedures are reviewed regularly by the trustees’ finance sub-group, with a full Board review annually. 

## **Statement of trustee responsibilities** 

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

The trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each year, which give a true and fair vew of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of incoming resources and application of resources. In preparing financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

- Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 

- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP); 

- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- State whether applicable accounting practices have been followed, subject to any material departures being disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

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**SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They 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. 

Approved by the Trustees on: 

and signed on their behalf by: 

Name: Sarah Reid Position: Chair 

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## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

I report on the financial statements of Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance for the year ended 30 April 2025, which are set out on pages 12 to 23. 

## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** 

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

The charity�s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners. 

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: 

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, 

- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and 

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of independent examiner's statement** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a �true and fair view� and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: 

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or 

- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or 

- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than if the requirements that the accounts give a "true and fair" view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper  understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

Jim Dodds 33 The Glebe Morpeth Northumberland NE61 6HW 


Date: 7 November 2025 

11 



## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Unrestricted Restricted Total  Total<br>Funds Funds 2025 2024<br>£ £ £ £<br>Income from:<br>Donations and legacies 6 -  -  -  550<br>Charitable activities<br>Grants and contracts 7 288,177 83,741 371,918 616,903<br>Other trading activities 8 29 - 29 200<br>Total income 288,206 83,741 371,947 617,653<br>Expenditure on:<br>Charitable activities<br>Operation of the charity 10 332,519 115,323 447,842 279,579<br>Total expenditure 332,519 115,323 447,842 279,579<br>Net income/(expenditure)  ( 44,313 ) ( 31,582 ) ( 75,895 ) 338,074<br>Extraordinary item 9 -  -  -  70,069<br>Net income/(expenditure) ( 44,313 ) ( 31,582 ) ( 75,895 ) 408,143<br>Transfers between funds ( 550 ) 550 -  -<br>Net movement of funds ( 44,863 ) ( 31,032 ) ( 75,895 ) 408,143<br>Reconciliation of funds<br>Total funds brought forward 358,143 50,000 408,143 -<br>Total funds carried forward 313,280 18,968 332,248 408,143<br>Notes<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities 

The notes on pages 15 to 23 form an integral part of these accounts. 

12 



Charity Number 1202811 

## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **BALANCE SHEET** 

As at 30 April 2025 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Total Total<br>2025 2024<br>£ £ £ £<br>Current assets<br>Debtors 17 76,210 240,478<br>Cash at bank and in hand 18 268,064 180,580<br>Total current assets 344,274 421,058<br>Creditors:  amounts falling due within<br>one year 19 ( 12,026 ) ( 12,915 )<br>Net current assets 332,248 408,143<br>Total assets less current liabilities 332,248 408,143<br>Total net assets or liabilities 332,248 408,143<br>Funds of the charity<br>Unrestricted income funds 313,280 168,143<br>Designated income funds -  190,000<br>Restricted income funds 18,968 50,000<br>Total funds 332,248 408,143<br>Notes<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The notes on pages 15 to 23 form an integral part of these accounts. 

These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 

and are signed on its behalf by: 

Sarah Reid 

Chair 

13 



Charity Number 1202811 

## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2025 2024<br>£ £<br>Cash flows from operating activities<br>Net movement in funds ( 75,895 ) 408,143<br>Decrease in trade receivables 164,268 ( 240,478 )<br>Decrease in trade payables ( 889 ) 12,915<br>Cash generated from operations 87,484 180,580<br>Increase in cash and cash equivalents 87,484 180,580<br>Cash and cash equivalents at start of year 180,580 -<br>Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 268,064 180,580<br>Notes<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The notes on pages 15 to 23 form an integral part of these accounts. 

14 



## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## 1 **Accounting Policies** 

The principle accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: 

## 2 **Basis of accounting** 

## 2.1 **Basis of preparation** 

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. 

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) �Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. 

Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 

## 2.2 **Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis** 

The charity reported total unrestricted funds at the year end of £313,280 and has already secured a significant amount of funding for the current year.The trustees have assessed the charity�s financial position and its ability to continue operating for the foreseeable future. SVSA has sufficient reserves to meet its operational commitments until April 2026. However, as of the date of this report, funding to cover core costs beyond May 2026 has not yet been secured. 

The trustees are actively pursuing a range of funding opportunities, including grant applications, strategic partnerships and income-generating initiatives. While the absence of confirmed funding beyond April 2026 represents a material uncertainty, there is confidence in the charity�s ability to attract future investment. This judgement is based on the charity�s strong track record of securing funding, its strategic planning processes, and the availability of unrestricted reserves equivalent to approximately 12 months of expenditure. The trustees therefore believe it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. 

The trustees will continue to monitor the financial position closely and take appropriate action to safeguard the charity�s sustainability. 

## 3 **Income** 

## 3.1 **Recognition of income** 

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the resources, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliably. 

## 3.2 **Offsetting** 

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102 SORP or FRS102. 

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## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## (A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## 3.3 **Grants and donations** 

Income from government and other grants, whether �capital�grants or �revenue�grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the  income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not  deferred. 

Income received in advance or provision of other specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met. 

## 3.4 **Volunteer help** 

The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report. 

## 3.5 **Interest receivable** 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest  paid or payable by the Bank. 

## 3.6 **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charities' work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity. 

## 4 **Expenditure and liabilities** 

## 4.1 **Liability recognition** 

Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty. 

## 4.2 **Charitable activities** 

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of work with the voluntary sector and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. 

## 4.3 **Governance and support costs** 

Support costs have been allocated between governance cost and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. 

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

## 4.4 **Irrecoverable VAT** 

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the  expenditure was incurred. 

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## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## 4.5 **Creditors** 

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts. 

## 4.6 **Provisions for liabilities** 

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. 

## 5 **Assets** 

## 5.1 **Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity** 

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows: 

Leasehold property improvements Straight line over life of lease Office and computer equipment Straight line over four years 

The charity does not currently own any tangible fixed assets. 

17 



## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## **Analysis of income** 

|6<br>7<br>8|**Donations and legacies**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Income from grants<br>**Other trading activities**<br>Rothley Trust<br>NENC ICB<br>VONNE Place Based Research Programme<br>Hadrian Technology<br>Community Foundation<br>Social Value donation<br>Other income<br>UK Shared Prosperity Fund<br>Sunderland City Council Community Wealth<br>Building Grant<br>University of Sunderland<br>Sunderland City Council<br>PH Contribution (towards UKSPF allocation)<br>VCS Community Transport Grant<br>UKSPF Capital|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>253,738<br>-<br>2,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>29,939<br>2,500<br>-<br>-<br>288,177<br>29<br>29|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>10,500<br>73,241<br>83,741<br>-<br>-|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**253,738**<br>**-**<br>**2,000**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**29,939**<br>**2,500**<br>**10,500**<br>**73,241**<br>**371,918**<br>**29**<br>**29**|Total<br>2024<br>£<br>550<br>550<br>181,922<br>100,000<br>2,000<br>37,492<br>40,000<br>50,000<br>1,000<br>190,000<br>14,489<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>616,903<br>200<br>200|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



Income was £371,947 (2024: £617,653) of which £288,206 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £370,242) and £83,741 was restricted (2024: £247,411). 

|9<br>**Extraordinary Item**<br>Sunderland City Council|-<br>-|-<br>-|**-**<br>**-**|70,069<br>70,069|
|---|---|---|---|---|



On the 24 April 2023 an opening project balance of £70,069 was brought forward by Sunderland City Council on behalf of Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance. This balance was subsequently transferred to Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance during 2024-25. 

18 



## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## **Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities** 

|10|**_Charitable activities_**<br>Direct costs<br>Social Value payments<br>UK Shared Prosperity Fund<br>Transport Health<br>UKSPF Capital<br>Support costs<br>Premises costs<br>Office costs<br>Meeting costs<br>Office equipment<br>IT<br>Professional fees<br>Insurance<br>Governance costs<br>Independent examiner's fees for reporting on<br>the accounts<br>Staff salaries<br>Staff other costs<br>Consultancy<br>Marketing and promotion<br>Payment to partners|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>294,517<br>3,925<br>-<br>939<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>15,552<br>858<br>768<br>338<br>5,890<br>6,173<br>2,209<br>1,350<br>332,519|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>11,050<br>-<br>31,032<br>73,241<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>115,323|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**294,517**<br>**3,925**<br>**-**<br>**939**<br>**11,050**<br>**-**<br>**31,032**<br>**73,241**<br>**15,552**<br>**858**<br>**768**<br>**338**<br>**5,890**<br>**6,173**<br>**2,209**<br>**1,350**<br>**447,842**|Total<br>2024<br>£<br>150,494<br>2,552<br>3,000<br>-<br>883<br>93,376<br>-<br>-<br>13,248<br>443<br>928<br>2,010<br>7,397<br>2,868<br>1,090<br>1,290<br>279,579|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



Expenditure on charitable activities was £447,842 (2024: £279,579) of which £332,519 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £82,168) and £115,323 was restricted (2024: £197,411). 

## 11 **Fees for examination of the accounts** 

|Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**1,350**<br>**1,350**|2024<br>£<br>1,290<br>1,290|
|---|---|---|



There were no other fees paid to the examiner (2024: £nil) 

19 



## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## 12 **Analysis of staff costs, and the cost of key management personnel** 

|Salaries and wages<br>Social security costs<br>Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**260,003**<br>**22,639**<br>**11,875**<br>**294,517**|2024<br>£<br>90,496<br>528<br>3,390<br>94,414|
|---|---|---|



No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (2024: nil). 

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the trustees and the Alliance Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were  £52,790 (2024: £55,509). 

## 13 **Staff Numbers** 

The average monthly head count was 7.3 staff (2024: 6 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows: 

|The parts of the charity in which the employee's work:<br>Charitable activities|**2025**<br>**Number**<br>**7.3**<br>**7.3**|2024<br>Number<br>6.0<br>6.0|
|---|---|---|



## 14 **Transactions with trustees** 

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity. 

## **Trustees' expenses** 

No trustee expenses have been incurred in the year. 

## **Transaction(s) with related parties** 

The following detail the related party transactions in the reporting period. 

|Name of the trustee or related<br>party<br>Joanne Cooper<br>Relationship<br>to charity<br>Description of the<br>transaction<br>Trustee<br>CEO of organisation that<br>leases accommodation to<br>the charity|**Amount**<br>**£**<br>**15,552**|**Balance at**<br>**period end**<br>**£**<br>**2,990**|
|---|---|---|



The charity undertook an arm�s length process to ensure they chose the best provider, Joanne Cooper was not part of the decision making process. 

20 



(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## 15 **Defined contribution pension scheme** 

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. 

The employer's pension costs represent contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amount to  £11,875 (2024: £3,390). There was  £0 outstanding as at 30 April 2025 (2024: £0). 

## 16 **Corporation Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives. 

## 17 **Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)** 

|Cash at bank<br>Other debtors<br>**Cash at bank and in hand**<br>Prepayments<br>Accrued income<br>Trade debtors|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**74,516**<br>**1,694**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**76,210**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**268,064**<br>**268,064**|2024<br>£<br>2,000<br>3,089<br>136,860<br>98,529<br>240,478<br>2024<br>£<br>180,580<br>180,580|
|---|---|---|



## 18 **Cash at bank and in hand** 

## 19 **Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)** 

|Trade creditors<br>Taxation and social security<br>Accruals<br>Independent examination of accounts<br>Other creditors|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**3,303**<br>**7,373**<br>**1,350**<br>**-**<br>**12,026**|2024<br>£<br>7,195<br>4,404<br>1,290<br>26<br>12,915|
|---|---|---|



## 20 **Grant making** 

|Purpose for which grants made<br>UKSPF Capital<br>Social Value payments<br>Transport Health|**Grants to**<br>**Institutions**<br>£<br>11,050<br>31,032<br>73,241<br>115,323|**Support**<br>**Costs**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total**<br>£<br>**11,050**<br>**31,032**<br>**73,241**<br>**115,323**|
|---|---|---|---|



21 



(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## 21 **Events after the end of the reporting period** 

No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period. 

## 22 **Analysis of charitable funds** 

## **Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General unrestricted fund<br>Designated funds<br>NENC ICB<br>**_Totals_**|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>£<br>168,143<br>190,000<br>358,143|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>£<br>288,206<br>-<br>288,206|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>£<br>( 332,519 )<br>-<br>( 332,519 )|**Transfers**<br>£<br>189,450<br>( 190,000 )<br>( 550 )|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**<br>**313,280**<br>**-**<br>**313,280**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



## **Purpose of unrestricted funds** 

General unrestricted fund The 'free reserves' after allowing for designated funds. Designated funds NENC ICB Designated Funding to drive Investment into the city creating opportunities to sustain and to grow Sunderland VCSE sector. 

## **Analysis of movement in restricted funds** 

|**Restricted funds**<br>VCS Community Transport Grant<br>Social Value payments<br>UKSPF Capital<br>**_Totals_**|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>£<br>50,000<br>-<br>-<br>50,000|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>£<br>-<br>10,500<br>73,241<br>83,741|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>£<br>( 31,032 )<br>( 11,050 )<br>( 73,241 )<br>( 115,323 )|**Transfers**<br>£<br>-<br>550<br>-<br>550|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**<br>**18,968**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**18,968**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



## **Purpose of restricted funds** 

Restricted funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose within the charity as identified by the donor. 

VCS Community Transport Grant 

Social Value payments 

To create a community transport grant offer within Sunderland which supports the city plan outcomes and enables community services to be delivered as part of the city Links for Life Social prescribing vision. 

Micro grants for the sector. SVSA is used as a holding account by the donor organisations (usually a corporate Business) whilst a decision is made on which VCSE sector organisations will be the recipient. Once agreed, SVSA transfer the whole amount to recipient. 

22 



(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) 

## **SUNDERLAND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ALLIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 30 April 2025 

## 22 **Analysis of charitable funds** continued 

## **Purpose of restricted funds** continued 

UKSPF Capital 

Small grants programme that funded minor repairs, refurbishments and renovations to community buildings owned or operated by VCSE organisations in Sunderland. Grants were to improve community buildings in the city. 

|**Transfers between funds**<br>Between unrestricted and<br>restricted funds<br>Between unrestricted and<br>designated funds<br>Transfer overspend on restricted Social Value Payments to<br>unrestricted funds.<br>Designated fund relating to NENC ICB transferred to<br>unrestricted funds as project now complete.<br>**Reason for transfer**|**Amount**<br>**£**<br>**550**<br>**190,000**|
|---|---|



## 23 **Capital commitments** 

As at 30 April 2025, the charity had no capital commitments (2024 -£nil). 

## 24 **Analysis of net assets between funds** 

|Cash at bank and in hand<br>Other net current assets/(liabilities)<br>Other net current assets/(liabilities)<br>Cash at bank and in hand|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>249,096<br>64,184<br>313,280<br>Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>130,580<br>37,563<br>168,143|Designated<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Designated<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>190,000<br>190,000|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>18,968<br>-<br>**18,968**<br>Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>50,000<br>-<br>**50,000**|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**268,064**<br>**64,184**<br>**332,248**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**180,580**<br>**227,563**<br>**408,143**|
|---|---|---|---|---|



## 25 **Guarantee** 

There have been no guarantees given by the charity at 30 April 2025 

## 26 **Debt** 

There is no debt outstanding which is owed by the charity and which is secured by an excess charge on any of the assets of the charity at 30 April 2025 

## 27 **Governing document** 

The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Foundation registered on 24 April 2023 as a body corporate under part 11 of the Charities Act 2011. 

23