Volunteers Go Global
Annual Accounts
For the Year Ended 31[st] March 2025
Trustees’ Annual Report
Objectives and Activities
Volunteers Go Global is a charitable organisation that provides international volunteering, cultural exchange, educational, and youth development opportunities. The organisation aims to broaden horizons, develop leadership skills, promote global citizenship, and strengthen communities through international partnerships and volunteering programmes.
Achievements and Performance
During the year, Volunteers Go Global successfully delivered a range of activities supporting volunteers and participants through overseas exchanges, volunteering opportunities, leadership development initiatives, and cultural learning experiences.
The organisation continued to strengthen partnerships with international hosts and community organisations, enabling participants to gain valuable personal and professional development experience while contributing positively to local communities.
Financial Review
The charity remained financially sustainable throughout the year, generating a surplus that will support future programme development and organisational growth.
Statement of Financial Activities
| Income | £ |
|---|---|
| Donations and Grants | 16,000 |
| Total Income | 16,000 |
| Expenditure | £ |
| Programme Delivery Costs | 8,500 |
| Travel and Volunteer Support | 1,500 |
| Administration and Governance | 1,000 |
| Communications and Marketing | 1,000 |
|---|---|
| Total Expenditure | 12,000 |
| Net Movement in Funds | £ |
| Total Income | 16,000 |
| Less Total Expenditure | (12,000) |
| Surplus for the Year | 4,000 |
Balance Sheet
As at 31.03.2025
| Current Assets | £ |
|---|---|
| Cash at Bank and in Hand | 4,000 |
| Total Current Assets | 4,000 |
| Net Assets | £ |
| Total Net Assets | 4,000 |
Funds
| Funds | £ |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds Brought Forward | - |
| Surplus for the Year | 4,000 |
| Total Funds Carried Forward | 4,000 |
Key Financial Highlights
The financial year has been positive for Volunteers Go Global, demonstrating good financial stewardship and a sustainable operating model. Total income of £16,000 was generated through donations, grants, and charitable fundraising activities, enabling the organisation to continue delivering its international volunteering and youth development objectives.
Total expenditure amounted to £12,000 , with the majority of costs dedicated directly to programme delivery, volunteer support, travel coordination, and organisational administration. This reflects the charity's commitment to maximising resources for frontline impact while maintaining effective governance and operational oversight.
The organisation recorded an annual surplus of £4,000 , representing 25% of total income ,
which has been retained as unrestricted reserves. These reserves provide financial resilience and will support the development of future volunteering programmes, partnership activities, and organisational growth.
Financial Highlights at a Glance
| Key Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Income | £16,000 |
| Total Expenditure | £12,000 |
| Annual Surplus | £4,000 |
| Closing Reserves | £4,000 |
| Programme Expenditure as % of Total Spend | 71% |
| Surplus as % of Income | 25% |
Commentary
The Trustees are pleased with the financial position of Volunteers Go Global at year-end. The surplus achieved demonstrates effective financial management and places the organisation in a strong position to invest in future programme expansion, strengthen international partnerships, enhance volunteer experiences, and build organisational sustainability. The charity remains committed to ensuring that all available resources are used efficiently and effectively to advance its charitable objectives and maximise positive outcomes for volunteers and communities both in the UK and internationally.
Recommendations for the 2026/27 Budget
Based on the current year's performance, Volunteers Go Global is in a stable financial position, having achieved a surplus of £4,000 . The Trustees should consider using this positive position to strengthen organisational resilience, diversify income streams, and expand programme delivery.
1. Increase Income Targets
The Trustees should seek to increase annual income from £16,000 to £25,000–£30,000 through:
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Grant applications to charitable trusts and foundations.
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Corporate sponsorship of overseas volunteering programmes.
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Individual giving campaigns and supporter fundraising.
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Participant contributions towards international placements.
-
Partnerships with youth organisations, schools, colleges, and local authorities.
2. Build Financial Reserves
While the current surplus of £4,000 provides a good foundation, it is recommended that the organisation:
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Retains a minimum reserve equivalent to three months' operating costs .
-
Allocates part of future surpluses to a designated contingency fund for unexpected travel, safeguarding, or programme costs.
3. Increase Investment in Programme Delivery
As demand grows, additional resources should be allocated to:
| Proposed Budget Area | Suggested Allocation |
|---|---|
| International Volunteering Programmes | £10,000 |
| Volunteer Training & Safeguarding | £3,000 |
| Travel Scholarships & Bursaries | £4,000 |
| Partnership Development | £2,500 |
| Marketing & Communications | £2,000 |
| Administration & Governance | £2,500 |
| Contingency Reserve | £3,000 |
| Total Recommended Budget | £27,000 |
4. Develop a Travel Bursary Fund
One of the barriers facing young people is the cost of international travel. The Trustees should consider creating a dedicated bursary fund to:
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Increase participation from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Support inclusion and diversity objectives.
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Reduce financial barriers for volunteers.
5. Strengthen Governance and Compliance
The budget should include provision for:
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Safeguarding training.
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DBS checks where appropriate.
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Insurance cover.
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Financial management and independent examination.
-
Data protection and GDPR compliance.
6. Invest in Organisational Growth
The Trustees may wish to allocate funding towards:
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Website enhancement and digital systems.
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Volunteer recruitment campaigns.
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Monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting.
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Development of strategic partnerships with international host organisations via Erasmus +.
Recommended Financial Targets for Next Year
| Measure | Current Year | Recommended Target |
|---|---|---|
| Income | £16,000 | £30,000 |
| Expenditure | £12,000 | £27,000 |
| Surplus Target | £4,000 | £3,000 |
| Closing Reserves | £4,000 | £7,000 |
Trustee Commentary
The Trustees believe that, following a successful financial year, Volunteers Go Global is well positioned for measured growth. Priority should be given to increasing unrestricted income, strengthening reserves, widening access to international opportunities through bursaries, and investing in systems and partnerships that will support sustainable long-term development. These recommendations will help ensure that the organisation continues to deliver high-quality volunteering and cultural exchange opportunities while maintaining strong governance and financial resilience.
Treasurer’s Statement
The financial statements show that Volunteers Go Global generated income of £16,000 and incurred expenditure of £12,000 , resulting in a surplus of £4,000 for the financial year. The Trustees are satisfied that the organisation remains financially stable and has sufficient reserves to continue delivering its charitable objectives and to invest in future programme growth.
Approval
Approved by the Trustees on 05.05. 2026
Chair of Trustees: Teo Bena
Treasurer: Zeena Gordon
Signature: Z. Gordon
Independent Examiner’s Note:
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and represent a true and fair record of the financial activities of Volunteers Go Global during the reporting period.
Total Income: £16,000 Total Expenditure: £12,000 Year-End Surplus: £4,000 Closing Reserves: £4,000