Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024125 The Groundwork South Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee) Registered Charrty No. 293705 Registered Company No. 01982077 (England and Wales) *AEHISNEH* 0911212tr25 COMPANIES PIOUSE #132 Contents Page Report of the Trustees Chalr's Report About Groundwork Strategic Report Objectives and Activities Public Benefrt Statement Achievemenls and Perfomiance Financial Review Future Plans 2025126 Principal Risks and Uncertainties 13 14 17 Reference and Administrative Detsi 18 Strurture, Governance and MaTragernent 19 Statement of Trustee5' Responsibililies 20 Independent Auditorfs Report Staternent of Financial Artivities for the year ended 31 Marrh 2025 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 26 Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31" March 2025 27 Notes to the Financial Statements 28-37 Report of the Trustees for the year ending 31 March 2025 The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors report together with the financial statement5 Of the charitable company for the year endinE 31 March 2025 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors, report and accounts for Companie5 Act purposes. The financial statements compfy with the Charities Art 2011. the Companies Act 2006. 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 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffectrve l JanLJary 20191. Groundwork South's operational area is the South East and South West regions of England, and that part of the District of Three Rivers within the Colne Valley Regional Park. Chairman's Introduction We are pleased to present Groundwork South's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending March 2025. 2024125 was another very dernandin8 year for us all, one in which Groundwork South continued to manage their way out of the p05t-COVIO problem5, Wlth some new challenges. with strong teamwork and seeking ovt emerging opportunities in a changed political landscape. We had another successful year of residential courses at the Outdoor Centres afbd there was again excellent feedback of positive impact5 for PLspils-bookin8s look incredibly positive for next year. This was another year when Groundwork South continued to build a rnore mature and resilient operation with impressive, substantial and Erowing impacts in many areas of community need. For example, the Communities Prepared programmes have grown nationally as resilience training and strategy become more important. We saw major funders launch new approaches and Sirategies. particularly in areas affected by the continued cost of INing crisis made worse by high energy prices. We've been able to apply our expertise and this new funding to launch and grow programmes to SUPPOrt these communities. We ore a150 delivering water 5avin8 and flood management projects ￿lated to increased focus on climate change risks. The team have been 5ucce5sful in getting new tommissions as a result and are gainin8 UK wide interest for some of their work, includin8 within the Groundwork Federatlon. A new strand of opportunity is being developed in creating and selling biodiversity credits through our land management activities. The aim is to align with our aims to grow our work with young people- and across our thematics. Ending the year wilh a positive financial position and an increased set of beneficial community Outcomes, is another incredible result and shows that firm foundations for the future are now being used and built upon. We are all very proud of these achievements. The outstanding leadership team continued to work very long hours with great skill to further evofve strategy and ways of working alongside a talented and dedicated staff team. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks again to our staff team. who delivered work to high quality standard5 to meet the approval of our funders ènd clients- who sought new opportunities and succeeded in securing additional funding for existing programmes: as well as funding to launch new programmes.. and who were incredibly creative and innovative- all so that we could continue to deliver services in 5UPPOrt of communitie5 and individuals in need. Again, we sincerely thank Groundwork London lour sole company member) for their continued support through our shared Executive and specialist seNice management, partnership programme delivery, as well as loans. when needed, to underpin our ca5hflow. No loans were outstanding at the year end. We continue to work closely with the rest of the Groundwork Federation and, in collaboration, deliver several national programme5 of work. With a focu5 on Creating Better Places, we supported people to work collectively to make thetr surroundings greener. more resilient. safer. and healthier and to be actively involved in their communitie5 and neighbourhoods. We are even more aware of climate change impacts. increasing pressure on natural resources and rocketing ener8y prices. Our Greener Livin8 and Workhng programmes raised awareness amongst individuals and communities on how to manage their environmental impact and to 5UPPOrt them to cut energy and reduce water use. To Improve Peoples Prospetts. we delNered support to children, young peop￿, tsmilie5, and long-term unemployed to increase confidence, skills, well-betng, and employability. We delivered on our commitment to improve life chances for youn8 people, working with schools, local authoritie5, and a range of organi5ations from the public and private Sectors, we provided accredited opwrtunilies that increased access to education, employment, training. and citizenship. We supported people furthest from the job market to develop their skills and find work. All of us at Groundwork South are passionate about helping to create a future where everywhere is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny and where everyone can reach their potential. That is why we've been working with partner5 for over 35 years, supporting local communities to tackle bi8 social and environmental challenges. A summary of our plans and activtties is set out in this report demonstrating the breadth and impart of our work. fRW Chairman Peter Head About Groundwork Vision Our vision is of a society of sustainable communities which are vibrant, healthy and safe. which respect the local and globa5 environment and where individuals and enterprise prosper. Mission Our mission is to transform lives and places in communitie5 in the South-East and South-west of En8land. Our core values are: Empathy- valuing differences and treating everybody with respect Innovation- always looking for new and better ways of working Professionalism- maintaining high personal and professional standards Cornmitment- dedicating time and energy to deliver quality projects and services Passion - having ambition. enthusiasm and pride in all that we do and achieve Our Aim We aim to be an outstanding delrverer of local environmental and community regeneration in èreas of need. Our work will result in= better local environments for the benefit of local comrnunities environments more resilient and adapted to changes in climate and increasing demands of a growing population people more empowered to engage in local decision-making and voluntary action to improve local communitie5 voung people and long term unemployed motivated to engage in education or training and taking up opportunities to develop their confidence and skills leading to employment more people and businesses helping the environment and saving money through cutting energy and water use and creating less waste To achieve our vi5i0n, we are working together with individuals. comrnunitie5. Local Authorities and other public sector organisations, regional bodie5 and the private sector. Our Approach We put the right tools in people's hands - we provide targeted support tailored to address the specific needs of vulnerable people and diverse communities We engage with everyone who has a stake in a place - we work together with individuals. communities. Local Authorities and other public Sector organisations. regional bodies and the private sertor to deliver positive change across the South of England We address as many issues as P(￿Ible with the same investment - we apply our skills and experience and build partnerships that enable us to deliver maximum impact for communities and maximum value for money for those who help us do it We support th05e in most need - we will operate as a professional, business-like organisation. delivering high quality services to achieve the greatest possible impact for the comrnunities we serve The trustees p￿sent the strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2025. The strategit report comprises our achievements and performance,. financial review and plans for future periods. Strategic Report Objectives and Activities Charitable Objectives Groundwork south's charitable objectives are set down in the Memorandum of A5SOCiation as amended at the Annual General Meeting on 31Y November 21x15 include.. to promote the conservation. protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment in the South East and SoLFth West regions of England. and that part of the District of Three Rivers within the Colne Valley Re8ional Park 1.the Beneficial Area"): to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for those living or working anywhere in the Beneficial Area,. to odvance public education in environmental matters and other ways of better con5ervin& protecting and improving the same wheresoever: to promote the care. resettlement and rehabilitat￿n of offenders. ex-offenders and those at risk of offending, and to support their families and dependents. within the Beneficial Area. to promote the prevention of crime by supporting or carrying on either alone or in co-operation with anv other body. authority or person any project or scheme and by providing money for such purposes whether by loan or otherwise. Strategic Objectives During 2024125 we worked to deliver two strategic objettive5; the success of our work is reliant on deliverin8 high quality, innovative aciions with multiple economic. social and environmental benefits. l. Creating and delivering services to meet the need5 of communities in the S¢xrth of England: Creating better places - 5UPPOrting people to work collectively to make their surroundings greener, safer and healthier and to be artNely involved in their communities and neighbourhoods Improving people's prospects - delNering support to children. young people, families and long term nemployed to increase confidence. skills. well-being and employability. Promoting greener living and working- helping people. organisations and businesses learn more about their environmental impact and act responsibly to reduce natural resource use and improve their health and wellbeing. 2. Creatinc a stron& viable business. achie¥ing e¥cellence in service delivery. The perforniance of our business will be driven by= Increasing the quality. consistenry and effitiency of our operations Innovation and development of our services. Securing income from diverse 50urces. Building long-term local and strategic partnerships and relationships. Fostering participalive and integrated working across our staff teams. Public Benefit Statement All Groundwork South's activities contribute to the achievement of our Strategic aims and objectives and are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit. Our main activities and who we try to help are described below. We review our aims. objectives and activities each year in the Business Planning protess. Thi5 review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the succe55 of each key artivity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are established to help. The review also helps us ensure our aim. objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to ihe guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim5 and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned artivilie5 will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set. Grant Making Policy The Trust administers applications for various grant scheme5 in partnership with lotal authorities and other Private and Public Agencies. The applications are reviewed against specific criteria and business objective5, which are set out by the grants panels and awarded to constituted groups. Achievements and Performance Ouring 2024125, we delivered a diverse range of seNices to empower communities and individuals acr055 the South E35t and South West of England-and we're proud to share the results. Groundwork South made a significant charitable impact by improving over 175,iYK) square metres of lèftd and enhancing public access to more ihan 822,[￿ Square metres across 4.719 sites. including park5, schools, and vital community spaces. Our environmental efforts included planting over 7.465 trees and kmplementing 713 nature-based solutions to tackle real-world challenges such as biodiversity1055. urban heat. and flooding. We engaged 33,358 individuals in programmes spanning education. wellbein& and environmental action. and supported 654 people into education. training, or employment many of whom faced additional barriers. These achievements were powered by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Volunteers who contributed 33.782 hovrs of service. valued at nearly £487.5(MJ. We also helped 9,619 people make greener choices. leading to an estimated 757.7 tonnes of carbon savings. To further amplify community impact, we distributed over £2.6 rnillion in grants, enabling local organisations to drive change from the ground up. We continued to act a5 managing agent to the Colne Valley Regional Park ICVRPI and catchment host for the Colne Catchment Action Network. The Colne Valley Regional Park is 43 square miles of countryside on the edge of London and Herts. Bucks. Berks & Surrey. We continued our green team work in the Colne Valley Park delivering environmental and conservation improvements and training and supporting 10 people. helping them into full trme employment. Green tearn work has included a plantlng scheme on a housing estate where they have learnt planting skills and plant identification: development of the Chalfont Nature Reserve project.. improving habitats for adders and renovating a rx)nd to improve the habitat for the Great Crested Newts. Rivers projetts have continued with undertaking monitoring the condition of the rivers and engaging 100.5 of volunteers on controlling invasive Non-Native Species that are choking our waterway5. We have been raising awareness of challenges facing the Green Belt arising from changes to the National Planning Poliry Framework and multiple development proposals across the area. Through the Colne Valley Regional Parks campaign Your Countryside in Crisis. we continue to promote the importance of the green belt for biodiversity. wellbeing and climate change protertion and to make the case for increased investment into these vital area5 Of green space. In the Combe Valley Countryside ParK we are the Managing Agent for Combe Valley Community Interest Company ICVCICI and are working wilh the CIC board and a range of stakeholder5 to deliver the final year of a 5-year park improvement and activation plan12020-20251. The Combe Valley Community Natu￿ Projett continued to deliver strong community engagement and biodiversity improvements. These nature-based conservation. education and community activities have been made possible by support from Hastings Direct. Section 106 funding and other local funding sources. this has enabled us to engage with l.ICIJ adult5 and children and work with 95 volunteers. We continve to work closely with stakeholder groups, including the Combe Valley Sub-Group. to work towards affording better protection for Combe Valley Countryside Park. We work collaboratively in partnership with Friends of Combe Valley who share our delivery space and continue to 5UPPOrt the creation of the Combe Valley Community Garden space. Actrvities have included: construction of raised beds for growing vegetables. installation of educational space and creation of hardstandinE area to improve access to the community garden. Ongoing development of the Native Tree Nursery: hedgerow care and maintenance. We have also run weekly practical conservation and community garden volunteering sessions, engaging over 200 community members, many of whom are vulnerable requif ing additional support. We are supporting HastinES Borough Council with a scheme to create Biodiversity Net Gain units through land and biodiversity improvements within the Northwest area of the park. We manage The Bale House - Visitor Centre and Cafe, built with financial 5UPPOrt provided by European Interreg Upstraw Fundin& in Hastings Country Park and Nature Reserve. We began to manage the Café in- house with positive feedback from visitor5 as The Bale House increases its popularity with an estimated 80,000 visitors in the year. The Bale House facilitates many unique interactions with a wide variety of user groups from walkers to bird watchers, historians, and in every age range from children to the elderly. Professionals use the space alongside young families, and it is extremety popular for people with learning difficulties ènd their carers. The interattive TV presentations about the straw bale buildin8 and the reference library with books about nature and the environment are popular. 250 farnily and community artivitie5 were delivered in 4 month5 overthe summer. We have also been working to increase ac￿55 to the nature reserve and enhance biodiversity with support from partners such as Natural England. High Weald Natural Landscape5. Hostings Borough Council {H8CI and The Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserrfe. This work has included weekly conservation volunteering in line with the park's management plan and works needed to manage the important habitats in the Nature ReseNe. The Rare Bee Project has created wildflower areas throughout Hastings and nesting habitat for bee5. We have worked with HBC to implement bee friendly mowing regimes. We have planted hedgerows, prepared wildflower areas for this yearfs blooms and continued woodland edge improvements and the clearing of south facing banks to create mining bee nesting habitat. Our community cafes in Denham & filgate aim to maintain cost effective and affordable offerin85. Tilgate entered its last year of a ten-year contract with an extension for further six months. Our Charity Shop (now in its Ilth yearl provides recycling and reuse of household goods and clothing to the local community and is now branthing out into plant sells and community events. Our team of volunteers completed over 30DJ hours of volunteering at the shop. we also welcome nurnerous work placements for young people with additional needs. As well as providing afft)rdable items to the community. we recycle approximately 24 tonnes of textiles, crockery and books. We continued to provide grants administration support to the Heathrow Community Trust (Hcf). We also supported l(KJO's of organisations to achieve Cornic Relief Grants, ESFA funding and Testo's Stronger Starts Community Grants supporting schools and youth projects. Over the year community organi5ations received almost £2.32million in funding a5 well a 'enablerf support for small community projects such as lunch and breakfast clubs, school growing gardens, 5POrts equipment and activities. healthy eating and arts projects. We continued the management of the partnership for the Busine55 Improvement Districts (BID) at the Globe Park & Marlow industrial estates and Cressex 8usiness Park, High Wycombe supporting over 700 business. These initiatives aim to tackle challenges and create opportunities for improvement such as transport, image, signage. security and environment, Providing a more enjoyable and attractive working area, 5UPPOrting business growth and staff retention. Last year. we gave 310 businesses infomiation and advice on acting with greater environmental and social responsibility and engaged 375 individuals to take part in wellbeing or social action activities. In 2017 we took over the operation of the 25-year contract to manage three outdoor artivity centres- the Oxford5hire Outd¢￿T5 Service, for Oxfordshire County Council. Oxfordshire Outdoors comprises Kilvrough Manor and Woodlands in south Wales and Yenworthy in North Devon. The Service delivers high quality residential adventure based outdoor ed¥Jc3tion courses. primarily but not exclusively to Schools from Oxfordshire. This year we have provided experiences for over I3.5￿ individuals, made up of over 12,SCO School pupils. Ifrom 160 schools) and 11(Kl young people from a variety of community and Social action groups, including NCS. Goblin Combe, our residential stte and woodland in North Somerset, has continued to get busier wfih over 2,050 day and overnight V15itor5 to our site during the year. We've continued to make improvements to the lodge and cottage thanks to our latest REPF funding and with SLlPPOrt from Bristol Airport Environmental Improvement Fund we were able to carry out energy efficienry improvements ranging. We continued the planning and coordinating of community and corporate volunteering days and a range of forest school activities for school and SEND groups in partnership with Goblin Combe Adventure5, thank5 to smaller funding pots including the D'oyly Carte Charitable Trust and Encirc. We also worked with the Centre for Sustainable Energy ICSEI. welcoming over IIXJ visitors to the slte. Woodland management has also been in fotU5, as we continue to address issues of Ash dieback and the impact of storms requirinE addition clearance work. We have created a Woodland Management Plan to guide this work, as well as a Habitat Management Plan to pursue 8iodiversity Net Gain units to fund the management and restoration plans. The fver Environment Centre, in partnership with National Grid, continues to provide high qualtty environmental education to schools, families and volunteers (with a particular focus on volunteering opportunitie5 for adult5 Wlth additional need51. During the year. we have had 1.325 community events attendees with 4,246 education visitors including primary. secondary and schools outreach. We have had $83 unique volunteers. providinE 3LIX) hours of work over. and witlKlUt them we could not have managed the improvements we have continued to make. The Vench, Lockleaze's adventure playground and community centre, ha5 been a cornerstone of the community for over $3 years. Dedicated to helping children and young people Itve happy and healthy INes, it offers a wide range of high-quality activities and Services that support families in meaningful and sustainable ways. Thanks to a range of funders. including 8ristol City Council. HAF. BYCA, Nisbets and The National Lottery Million Hours Fund, open access play sessions provide safe. en8a8in8 spaces for children to build confidence and friendships, while targeted youth work. Cooking Club and one-to-one xhool sessions help young people develop new skills and resilience. Food sit5 at the heart of The Vench's work, bringing people toEether and tacklire food poverty. Last yearfs HAF programme delivered 25 sessions of freshly cooked meals and adventurou5 play. supported by volunteers whose dedication ensured children enjoyed nutritious food and puddings at every session. Alongside these highlight5. a new food resilience programme was set up at The Vench in partnership with Bristol South Gloucestershire Food Bank, once a week, blending affordable groceries with wraparound support such as benefits advice and employability guidance, helping familie5 build long-term stability. Additional to this, FOODclub. run in partnership with Family Action at the Vench. not only SLlPPOrted the community, but also diverted more than 10 tonnes of food from landfill last year. The Vench is also a hub for creativity, play. and community events. From Supper & Play in all weathers to Cinema Club. Capoeira Club. Art and DIY club. Forest School sessions. graffiti art workshops. bike repair se55ions, and birthday parties, children ond young people continue to be supported to grow, explore. and connect. 15 young volunteers supported The Vench and gained valuable skills in the past year. Partnerships with Incredible Kids. the Bristol Autism Project, OigiLocal. local schools, Lockleaze Foxe5 Netball, and local home education network5 extend the centre's reach. while community gatherings such as the Christmas Community Meal highlighted it5 role as an intergenerational spate. In the last year we hosted 12 corporate volunteer days. which have helped maintain and transform both indoor and outdoor area5, creating vibrant. sustainable spaces for all. 6500 m2 of land were improved last year. whilst our support reached 2,152 individuals through our own sessions. Furthermore, thanks for funding from YIF, Thrive Renewables and Grundon. The Vench improved the MUGA court surface and drainage around the site, installed a water fountain and rain water collection to reduce water consumption. insulated the loft of the playroom to reduce energy use, and redesigned some of the internal spaces to improve u5eability and accessibility. We also secured funding from Bristol City Council's Community Resilience Fund and Avison Young to develop a new community café, due to launch in September 2025. Outside of The Vench, we deliver a range of other youth programmes. Fusion Youth Adoption Project provide5 activity se55i0ns for Young People aged 7-17 from Hampshire and the Isle of WiEht. The project supported 416 adopted youn8 people120% identifying additional support needs) to take part in informal sessions to help them engage with each other to share the experience of adoption. social action and climate training. NCS {Natlonal Citizenship Seryicel is a youth led project funded by central government and managed by GWL. The aim 15 to support and deliver 48 hours of experiences- Employability, Life Skills and Social Action to 16-17- year-olds. In 2024125 we worked with South Devon College and delivered 255 experiences. and at Swindon UTC we engaged over 90 students. Through the Groundwork Blue Influencers programme, we engaged 138 young people in Torbay across 23 activitie5 that delivered targeted nature-based solutions and biodiversity improvement actions. These actNities V￿re Specifical￿ designed to address habitat and biodNersity10s5, empowering young people to take meaningful environmentol action within their local communities. The programme focused on four key themes.. campaigns and aw3rene$5, community education. nature and climate, and youth empowerment. 10 Saltmill Pitch and Pavilion, continues to thrNe with the pitch hosting a broad range of user groups, men's and women's teams, youth and children's 8roups. veterans with games from competition to casual and caters for a variety of abilitie5. Our Saltmill social Artion Tearn offer5 5UPPOrt to local young people via six-week programmes which include social action projects in and around Saltmill and Saltash. These young people a150 engaged in a(C￿dited learning with functional skills. level i & 2 in English and Maths qualifrcations and certified awards in level l & 2 Food Safety & Hygiene, England Boxing awards aTKI First Aid. 62 participants were also supported with education and career path through opportunities for work experiènce and mentoring and pastoral support. The young people engaged rn the Friends of Saltmill Skatepark Group provide an advocacy voice for the ongoing Maintenan￿ and improvements to the skate park and the wider development of the spaces at Saltmill for the benefrt of the whole Community Saltash Community Connertions- Shared Prosperity Good Growth Fund. South East Cornwall secured capital and revenue funding to enable us to extend the changing rooms and office accommodation at Saltmill Park and create a community hub which will be home to our staff team. youth work projects and community engagement 5e55i0n5. The revenue funding sUPPOrts young people who find themselve5 0Ut5ide of mainstream education. This built upon pilot work carried out as part of the iwill project and has gone from 5tren8th to strength with schools and other agencies referring so many young people that we have had to cap the numbers we can work with. Our England-wide community resilience programme, Communities Prepared supports communities across the country to feel better prepared when facing a range of challenges, including those linked to climate change. During the year we were delighted to secure further funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to enable us to continue to run the programme through until 2029. During 24125 the Communities Prepared team engaged approximately 230 participants in training and workshop session5. focusing on topics including flooding, snow. heatwaves. community emergency planning and incident awarene55. Alongside this. the programme's website Iwww.communitiesprepared.org.ukl has continued to grow in its offer and membership, which stood at approximately 1.800 members by the end of 24/25- these members are able to access a wide range of resources and self-led learning. to complement our training sessions and workshops. Alongside programme delivery, we have continued to follow and be part of Strategic conversations around the national community resilience space. We have maintained and strengthened relationships with key players in the sector. incl¥Jding the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership IVCSEPI, National Consortium for Societal Resilience INCSR+l and the Environment Agency amongst others, to ensure that we're working together to build resilience across the country. This has included reconfiBurin8 our Partnership Board to strengthen its strategic focus- bringing in new partners IVCSEP. Met Office, British Red Cross). We continued to work with the British Red Cross on Building Resilience Together (BRT. funded by Avival to develop the concept of community resilience hubs. partnering With resilience organisations in six pilot areas to test and launch hubs that meet Specific community needs. Finally. our relationship with the Greater London Authority continued to grow. seeing us work in partnership with Groundwork London to deliver three projects for London- a community resilience toolkit. the mobilisation of community venues in an emergency Ibuiléing on our experience through BRTI, and launching a new Community climate leaders programme. Finally. we have taken time to f(KUS on the strategic direction of Communities Prepared. recognising that our work will have greater impact in commvnities if we're able to offer more in-person, tailored support and training which takes into account the specific contexts of individual communitie51 areas. This has led to the development of our scaling up strategy, through which we will prioritise building relation5hip5 With other Groundwork trusts and securing funding for local I regional partnership projects- the first of these got underway towards the end of 24125, in partnership with Groundwork Greater Manchester and Groundwork CLM, funded by Electricity North West. Projert Groundwater is led by Buckinghamshire Council. with Groundwork South as the community engagement delwery lead. It aims to transforrn how communities prepare for and respond to groundwater flooding through collaboration with residents and busine55es in 9 high-risk pilot communities across the Chiltefn Hills and Berkshire Downs. In 24125. Project Groundwater built on the progre55 in the previou5 year forming Flood Groups. the South Oxford Flood Action Group ISOFLAGI in Hinksey Park, and the Chalfont St Peter Community Flood Group. 80th groups are now establishing themselves in their respettive communities. SOFLAG are looking at how to raise awarenes5 of its existence amongst the public as well as developing a website, and the Chalfont St Peter Flood Action Group have created a leaflet to promote how to minimise waste going into the town's drainaEe to reduce pressure on the system la significant 155ue for the town during winter 2023120241.The Community Engagement team arranged a packed schedule of community engagement, attending 66 events acr055 our 9 communities. engaging 1.034 people. These events included community meetings and events such as the Chesham Environmental Group litter pickin& The Feast of St Peter in Chalfont St Peter, the Luton Resilience Fair lorEanised by our team). Our Green Dottors team continued to develop and delNer Pfojerts in Kent. Medway and the Thames Valley. Through the Cadent project we supported 168 fuel poor households in the Thames Valley area with in-depth advice via home visits and telephone support. Through British Gas Warmer Homes which delivered home visits across Kent. Medway and the Thames Valley we supported 416 fuel poor households with in-depth advice via home visits and telephone support. Also in Kent. we completed the delivery of the Energy Crisis Response Prograrnme. funded by Energy Redress. -we have 5UPPOrted a total of isi househol(Is through home visits and telephone support since the start of the project5, S6 of these households have also received follow up support. Across these th￿e progrommes the Green Dortor team delivered the highest number of in- depth appointments since 2020. In addition to our in-depth appointments. we continue our outreach and training programme reaching 165 people with light touch energy advice in the community and training 416 frontline workers in fijel poverty awarene55. We have continued to deliver Water Efflcienry programmes acfOSS the south of England. We delivered 17,312 domestic water efficienry visits for Affinily Water and 2.724 visits for customers of Wessex Water, both programmes achieving their annual targets. During the year non household INHHI water efficiency visits achievements included.. water savings of 5 MLD (mega lit￿5 per dayl for South-west Water customers,. the successful delivery of a 1.67MLD pilot NHH proEramme for Southern Water customers which has been extended and increased in volume in 2025126. We also delivered water savin8s of 10.75 mega litres per day for Thames Water non-household customers, many of whom were in the Thames Valley region. We secured new NHH pro8rammes for delivering in 2025126 and beyond with Wessex Water and Affinity Water. We delivered a successful pilot Storm water planter programme for Thames Water in Oxford to helping them to address their storm water overflow challenges, which we hope will lead to more opportunities for this type of work with Thames Water and other water company clients in futLbre years. In terms of our employment programmes. the ASCEND projert assisted Support for Carers, Extra Needs and Disabilities in West Berkshire. We are now in our fifth and final year of delivering intense one to one support to 41 individuals who have complex needs. are neuro diverse and have mental health struggles. The aim is to provide them with a pathway to healthier lives, volunteering, education, and employment. We have had a successful year supporting 14 of our clients into voluntary roles. education and 8 into employment. Jobs fr>r HongKon8ers despite the very short window of Nov 24 to March 25 to deliver this project, we sUPPOrted 294 participant5. over 155 attended ESOL se5sions- 166 attended effective job search sessions,. 181 had their Cvs amended,. 36 participants found sustainable job roles in the lifetime of the project. 12 Groundwork South Financial Review Groundwork South shows incorne achieved in the year of E9.437m with expenditure of £9.390m. resulting in a surplus for the year of £47k The Trust has been able to manage its cash flow. meeting its obligations a5 they fell due via 3 separate loan facilities provided by Groundwork London and closer monitoring and management of its cashflow position. In addition. a full cost recovery financial model is used. which enables the Trust to allocate cost5 appropriately.. to prepare financially sound grant and funding applications and effectively monitor projects that are underachieving or are not meeting their tarBets. How we raised our money Funding for Groundwork Souih was provided by the following sources- Central Government Local Authorities Private Sector National Lottery 311,311 3,567.277 5.417.833 136,064 9.432,485 How we spent our money The money we raise from our clients and partnefs IS entirely focused on building our capability with local ommunities to deliver our three chariiable outcomes. An overview of the spilt of expenditure against our different themes is gNen below= Greener Living & Working Youth & Employment Parks & Open Spaces 7.647.903 242.631 1.494,220 9,384,754 Reserves Policy The Board recognises the need to build up unrestricted reseNes to: Provide the working capital required to manage the usual retrospective nature of the programme funding which can result in considerable timing difference between expenditure and receipt of income. Set aside funds for other appropriate capital asset5 such as ITequipment and for properly equipping the Trust. Invest in the development of new services and training & development of stsff. Going Concern The Trust is a going concern and operates sofventty. In 2017 Groundwork London provided loons to Groundwork South to the value of £1.355m. in order that Groundwork South could guarantee ihat all debts would be paid as they fell due. Thi5 facility operated on a 'draw down, basis as and when Groundwork South required the fynds. From December 2022 a E620k secured loan is in place indefinitely for use as and when Groundwork South requires it. The balance outstanding on the loan at 31" March 2025 was £012024: £01. 13 Future Plans 2025/26 In line with the Groundwork Federation strate8y= Groundwork 2020, we will deliver Groundwork Services across the South East and South West of England. We will= l. Create and deliver services to meet the needs of communities across three key themes During 2025/26 we will progress projects that focus on.. Creating better places - 5UPPOrting people to work collectively to moke their surroundin.gs greener, more resilient. sofer ond heolthier and be octively involved in their cornmunities ond neighbourhoods. We will plan, develop and deliver a programme of community projects that will focus on- Building empowered. engaged and resilient communities through community engagement. consultation and capacity buildin8 projerts and skills development. Supporting community led improvements to spaces and neighbourhood environments. Supporting the integration of marginalised groups, including refugees and migrants through teaching English, cultural creative activities and building social networks. Enhancing communities. and individuals, health and wellbeing through project5 that increase physical activity, improve mental health. promote healthy eating and connect people to green space. Engaging communities in the effertive management and maintenance of green and open spaces and rivers. Encouraging young people to engage with others in theircommunity and positively contribute to their local area. Promoting and conservingthe natural environment and enhancing access to nature and heritage. Providing outdoor and education centres with activities for empowerin& environmental or therapeutic purposes, including VdER Environment Centre and Goblin Combe Lodge Nature study centres providing organised activities for educational. environmental or therapeutic activitie5. Inspiring and promoting volunteering including youth citizenship and employee engagement. Tackling the social, physical and practical barriers to inclusion. including knowledge and Skills, perceptions and confidence We will continue integrating landscapedesign and communitydevelopment, delivering urban and rural environments that meet the needs of local communtties. offering design. consultation and master planning services, our work will focus on: Park5 and open spaces. play and artive spaces and rivers Climate adaptive design using low-cost. light-engineering flood risk management and climate change adaptation solutions Biodiversity enhancements, and opportunities created through the new Biodiversity Net Gain planning requirements We will continue to build our reputation and competence in providing sustainable landscape management and river enhancement- Managing the Colne Valley Regional Park and Combe Valley Country Park: supporting Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve through the management of the Bale House Visitor and own Goblin Combe Woodland 14 We will att as Catchment hosts and deliver Defra's catchment-based approach in the Colne and East Hampshire Catchment Partnership catchments We will provide a grant management service 10 Strategic partners= Mana8in8 open grant pro8ramme for Heathrow Community Trust and managing Buckinghamshire Council Project Groundwater innovation fund for project communities Provide grant'enabler. support for comrnunity groups for the Tesco Stronger Starts Scheme Promotlng greener living and working - helping people. orgonisations ond busffnesses learn more obout their environmentol impact and actresponsibly to reduce noturol resource use ond improve their heolth and wellbeing. We will plan. develop and deliver programmes which focus on.. Behaviour change,. helping adults and young people adopt more sustainable and healthy lifestyles. tackling climate change, reducing rewurce consumption and addressing fuel poverty Encouraging and supportin8 young people and adults to participate in and lead positive attion for the environment Running our Charity shop, recyclin8 and reusin8 household goods and clothing Providing tailored packages of advice and guidance on energy and water efficiency to residents. or8anisations and businesses Ensuring the successful delivery of the water efficiency contracts and pilot pro8rammes with water companies in the region to maximise water savings for domestic and commercial customer5 and help tackle water stress Providing opportunities for the corporate sertor to engage with local communities by volunteering Continue to expand our service offer for Green Doctors enabling us to 5UPPOrt more vulnerable household through the impact of rising fuel costs and cost of living Manage Globe & Cressex business parks with a focus on sustainable and environmental improvements Improving people's pr05perts - delivering 5UPPOrt to children, young people, families and long term unemployed to increase confidence. skills. well-being L7nd employobility- We will deliver projects that engage. motivate and inspire people to make and lead positive lives by- Encouraging and supporting participation and leadership of positive action for the local and global environment Running clubs and providing safe places for young people to develop themselves and learn new skills Delivering the Nation31 Citizenship Service and other lifelong learning and citizenship activities in and out of schools Providing high quality outdoor learning experiences for children. youn8 people and adults at our Oxford Outdoors centres We will help the m05t disadvantaged young people and adults improve their skills and move from welfare into sustainable employment by.. Providing Information Advice and Guidance {IAG}. supporting people to address their barriers to securing work and helping people make the positive decisions about jobs and careers Delivering job brokerage that links the right client to the right vacancy and "in work support" that helps them stay in their job 15 Providing work placements and trials. with integrated training and access to volunteering placements Providing non-traditional pathways to employment designed to increase 'soft skills, through conservation and horticulture artivities Supporting integration. building resilience. confidence and wellbeing in vulnerable and socially isolated adults & young people though engagement in cultural. environmental, language and preparation for work activities and volunteering opportunities. as well as connecting to wider services 2. Maintaining a stron& viable business, achieving excellence In service delivery The performance of our business will be driven by increasing the qualtty. consistency and efficienoi of our operations; by innovation and development of our serlices: by securin8 income from diverse sources- and by buildin8 long-term local and strategic partnerships and relationships. We will: Continue to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations by managing our finances on a full cost recovery basis Focu5 our fundraising efforts on prioritising areas of our work most critical or valuable to our diverse range of funding partners 5trengthenin8 existing and developing new strategic partnerships with stakeholders and funders Measure the quality of our delivery and the impact we make Foster a culture to attract, develop and retain highly skilled and motivated staff Deliver communications to raise the profile of the organisation and our services Build long-term. local and regional strategic partnerships Develop and commit to a Carbon Reduction Plan that will plot a GHG emissions reduttion pathway to 50% carbon by 2035 and net-zero by 2050 We will work with Groundwork London to sustain and develop Groundwork activity across the South of England. We will do this by working together with an executive leadership team and management of defined specialist activities. 16 Principal Risks and Uncertainties The Board accepts its responsibility under the Charity Commission's Statement of Recommended Practice1SORPI for ensuring the major risks to which the charity is exposed are identified and reviewed and that there are systems in place to mitigate against them. The risk management analysis continues to be an integral part of the business planning and business review and reportin8 process. The Trust maintains a comprehensive risk register in which all risks are evaluated and graded. Each risk is allocated both an Impact and Probability rating to provide an overall risk score. The Board reviews the most significant risks quarterSy. The principal risks to Groundwork South are: Failure to secure funding for the projected operations plans Poor perforrnance and partner dissatisfaction with the quality of delivery Failure to deliver targets and performance requirements in contracts Failure to achieve our full cost recovery strategy. missing utilisation targets and char8eable rates Whilst our response to each of these will vary. there are some key actions that will help us address these risks.. Ensure we are delivering high quality products and services for all of our partners and customers that are based on our good understanding of our partner organisations and their challenges Effective coordination and targetin8 of fundraising and development to expand and diversify our offer in key geographic areas Investing in our competencies and specialist skills Effective evaluation and monitorin8 of delivery. output and financial performance Effertive implementation of internal processes and procedures Financial management of projects is undertaken through Enqueuer and wa project budget sheets. The amount of secured and unsecured income and the expenditure and revenue on all projects is analysed on a monthly basis. Performance against the plan will be reviewed by the Executive Team monthly and by the Board quarterly and adjustments will be made in year to income and expenditure budgets accordingly. The Trust ha5 been workingwith Groundwork London on a new Project Management System which will be integrated with financial accountin& it is planned for this system to be rolled out acr055 the Trust during the 2024125 financial year. In addition to reviewing the risk register, quarterly reports to the Board monitor income & expenditure and progress towards financial targets. Detailed management accounts are examined at each meetin8. The Trust submits these accounts to Groundwork Federation on a quarterly basis and is monitored bv the Federation on security of income and financial stability. 17 Reference and Administrative Details Reglstered Company number 01982077 (England and Wales) Registered Charity number 293705 Registered office of the cornpany and principal Offi￿ of the charlty The Colne Valley Park Centre Denham Court Drive Denham Uxbridge UB9 5PG Our advisers Independent Auditors Hartley Fowler LLP Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Fourth Floor Tuition House 27137 St George's Road Wimbledon London. SW19 4EU Bankers Lloyds Lewisham Branch PO Box IiJ)O BXI ILT CAF 25 Kings Hill Avenue. Kings Hill. West Mallin& Kent ME19 4JQ Solicitors IBB Capital Court 30 Windsor Street Uxbridge Middlesel UB8 IA8 Key management personnel: Dirertors and Trustees The directors of the charity are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. The trustees and officers Se￿ing during the year and since the year end were as follows= Trustees P Head (appointed 4" September 20181 D Davidson (appointed 14, March 20171 M Dowd lappointed 2tr' October20201 J Sutherland (appointed 31" March 20201 M Pearce (appointed 25 June 20241 Company Secretary S Harrison Key management personnel: Executive Director Lindy Kelly 18 Structure, Governance and Management Strurture Groundwork South is a registered charity and tompany limited by guarantee and is governed by it5 Memorandum ofAssociation amended on the 30 November 2WS. Groundwork South is a member of the Federation of Groundwork Trusts in England. Wales ènd Northern Ireland, each working with partners to improve the quality of the local environment. the lives of local people and the success of local businesses in areas in need of investment and sUPPOrt. The Federation Membership Agreernent is a bilateral agreement jointly signed by both the Trust and the Federation, setting out the obligations, defining the minimum quality an(1 ethical standards. setting out the core values and defining the circumstances and procedure5 whereby Trusts may be required to leave the Federation. The Members ofthe Groundwork South Trust Groundwork South is a wholly owned subsidiary of Groundwork London. Governance Board of Trustee5 The Board of Trustees comprises the Trustees of the Trust in Kcordance with the Charities Act 2011 who are also the Directors of the company in accordance with the Companies Act 21K)6. The Board currently comprises of 5 Trustees. Recruitment and A ointment The Board began a process of Trustee recruitment at the end of the year aiming to make two appointments. The process resulted in the appointment of a new Trustee in 24125. The Board is continuin8 Its search and is aiming to make a furtherappointment by the end of 24125. Induction & Trainin Groundwork South provide5 key information to any new Trustees including the governing document. recent accounts and meeting Minutes as part of the induction proce55. New and existing Trustees are encouraged to regularly attend visits to see our pro8rammes of Wofk in action. meet the tharity's officers and beneficiaries and understand our impatt. Management The Board delegates day-to-day financial and managerial control of the organisation to the Executive Director who reports to the Chair of the Board. The Executive Director ejtecutes their duties Wlth the 5UPPOrt of senior managers. Executive Director- Lindy Kelly Finance DI￿(tor- Stuart Harrison Oirector, Youth. Employment & Skills- Graham Parry Oirector, Development & Strategic Partnerships - Ben Coles Operational Delivery Manager- Becky Spake Central Services Manager- Claire Woodcock Our staff Groundwork South has tremendous staff - talented and committed to making positive change for those communities they 5UPPOrt through our project5. We know that the passion. hard work and commitment of our staff and volunteers is critical to ensuring high quality outcomes for partners and beneficiaries. tt is therefore a priorrty for the Trust is to attract. develop and retain highly skilled and motivated staff. 19 We celebrate equality and dtversity arKI aim to promote a culture where differences between people are respected and valued. We treat people as individuals. whilst recognising that many people share common experience5 based on their background. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that meets the needs and aspirations of our own people. clients. partners and beneficiarie5 irrespective of race, gender, disability. sexual orientation. religion or age. Furthermore, our policie5 and procedures are continually reviewed in line with best prattice and legislation and will continue to reflect Groundwork SoLrth's commitment to equal opportunities. As part of our commitment to a diverse workforce. we hold 'Positive about Disabled People. status with the Disability Two Ticks mark. 2025126 we will: Work toward5 ensuring 'Real Living Wage. as a baseline for all staff Focus on delivering on a robust recruitment pro￿55. attracting the right candidates and implementing an in-depth induction programme. Develop and implement new strategies for the recruitment of experienced staff to manage and deliver our services Support a professional and business-like culture, fostering open, partTrcipative and integrated working. Ensure effective training and development, and performance management of all our Staff Continue to ￿VIeW staff structures to respond to changes in the operating environment Deliver internal communications that help staff share kr￿wledge and ideas and present a united organisation with a strong vision for the future Trustees, responsibilities in relation to the financial statements The charity Trustees (who are also the directors of The Groundwork South Trust for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Trustees. annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accountin8 Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practicel- Company law requires the charity Trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including ihe income and expenditure for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to= select Sultable accounting policies and then apply them consistentlv- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP: make judgements and e5timales that are reasonab￿ and prudent; state whether applicable UK accountin8 Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disc105ed and explained in the financial Statements: prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless tt is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible ftjr keeping proper accouftting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial p051tion of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2￿6. They are also responsible for safeguarding the asset5 of the charitable company and hence 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 induded on the charitable companVs website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Statement as to disclosure to our auditors In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving our trusteeg annual ￿Port.. there is no relevant information. being information needed by the auditor in connection with preparing their report. of which the charitable compan￿$ auditor 15 unaware. and the Truslee5. having made enquiries of fellow dirertors and the group's auditor that they ought to have individually taken. have each taken all steps that helshe is obliged to take as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit infomation and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. y order of the board of trustees fRW Trustee Date= 9 September 2025 21 Report of the Independent Auditors To the members of The Groundwork South Trust Oplnion We have audited the financial statements of The Groundwork South Trust Limited Ithe 'charitable company'l for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Cash Flows 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 applicable law and United KinEdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,. In our opinion the financial 5tatements= give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure. for the year then ended.. have been Proper￿ prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,, and have been prepared in accordance with the ￿qUirementS of the Companies Act 2C￿6. Ba515 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 Auditors responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable tompany in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements 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 to provide basis for our opinion. Conclusions relati￿ to goin8 concern We have nothing to report in respect of the following matter5 in relation to which the ISAS IUKI require us to report to you ￿1here= the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate- or the trustees have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may Cast significant doubt about the charitable company's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least tWe￿e months from the date when the financial statement5 are authorised for issue. Other inforniation The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the inforrnatio included in the annual report. other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other inforn)ation and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report. we do not expre55 any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements. our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is fflaterially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially mi55tated. If we i¢Jentify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information. we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinion on other rnattews prescribed by the Companies Act 2(MJ6 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements- and the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matter5 on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material mi55tatements in the Report of the Trustees. Matters on which we are required to report by exception We have nothing to report in respect of the following rnatter5 where the Companies Act 2006 require5 U5 to report to you if. in our opinion: adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been recewed from branches not visited by us.. or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.. or ertain di5clo5ure5 of tru5tee5' remuneration specified by law are not made,- or we have not received all the information and explanation5 we require for our audit. RÈsponsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees Responsibilitie5, the trustees (who are a150 the director5 of the charitable company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that theygive a true and fair view. and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements. the trustees afe responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concem, disclosing. 05 applicable. matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations. or have no realistic alternative but to do 50. Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable a55urance about whether the financial statements as a whole are f￿e from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material rnisstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial 5tatementS. We identify and assess risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures re5pon5ive to those ri5k5. including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities. including fraud and no compliance with laws and regulations. we considered the following= the nature of the industry and sector. control environment and the charities activities- results of our enquiries of management about their own identification and asse55ment of the risk5 of irregularities: any matters we identifred having obtained and reviewed the charitable company's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to.. iderttifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non -compliance- detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any artual, suspected or alleged fraud: the internal contro15 established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-cornpliance with laws and regulations,. 23 the matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud. As a result of these procedures. we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud. In common with all audits we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory ffamework that the charitable company operates in. The key law5 and regulations we considered in thi5 context included the Charities Act 2011, UK Companies Att and tax legislatron. In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the finoncial 5tatement5 but compliance with which may be fundamentol to the charitable company's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. As a result of performing the above, we did not identify any key matters related to the potential risk of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations. Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following= reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess cornpliance with provision of relevant laws and regulations described as havin8 a direct effect on the financial statements: enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims,. performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud.. reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governante, reviewing internal reports. and in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments. assessinE whether the judgements Made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias and evaluating the business rationale for any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business. We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team member5 and rernained alert to any indication of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is bcated on the Financial Reporting Council's website at WVdW.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilitie5. This description fomis part of our Report of the Independent Auditors. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable company's members. as a t)ody. in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable cornpany's members those matters we are required to State to theTn in an auditors, report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permilted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a bodyi for our audit work, for this report. or for the opinions we have forrned. Jonathan As ewFCAI Hartley Fowler LLP Ha Statutory Auditor5 Chartered Accountants ior Statutory Auditor) ey Fowler LLP 4th Floor Tuition House 27-37 St George's Road Wimbledon London. SW19 4EU Date= 8 December 2025 24 The Groundwork South Trust Limited IA company limited by guarantee} Registered Number.. 01982077 st Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 Including the Income and Expenditure Account Unrestricted Funds Restrirted Funds 31.3.25 Total Funds 31.3.24 Total Funds Notes INCOME Donations and legacie5 Charitable activitie5 22,555 7,177.339 22,555 9,409.930 32,246 9,329,158 2,232,591 Total Income 7,199,894 2,232.591 9,432.485 9,361,404 EXPENDITURE Charitable activities 7.497.207 1.887.547 9,384,754 9,319,720 Total expenditure 7.497.207 1.887.547 9,384,754 9.319.720 Net Income 1297,3131 345.044 47.731 41.684 Transfers between funds 14 345.044 1345,0441 Net Incorne before other reco8nised gains and losses 47,731 47.731 41.684 14et movement in funds 47.731 47,731 41,684 RECONCIUATION OF FUNDS Total Funds brought forward 14 130,8221 130.822) 172,5061 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 16,909 16.909 130,8221 The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All incomin8 resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 28 to 37 form part of these financial statements. 25 The Groundwork South Trust Limited IA company limited by Euarantee) Registered Number. 01982077 Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.24 Notes FIXED ASSETS Intangible Assets Tangible Assets io 967.246 981,315 TOTAL FIXED ASSETS 967.246 981,315 CURRENT ASSET5 Debtors Cash at bank and in hand li 1,819,338 521.875 2.065,815 922,430 17 TOTAL CURRENT ASSET5 2.341.213 2.988,245 UABIIITIES Creditors.. amount5 falling due within one year 12 13.291.550) {4,C(NJ,3821 NET CURRENT LIABIUTIES 1950.3371 11.012,1371 TOTAL ASSET5 LE55 CURRENT LIABIUTIES 16.909 130,8221 NET ASSETS 16,909 130,8221 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY 14 Unrestricted funds 16,909 130.8221 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 16,909 130,8221 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 9 September 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: fRI Trustee The notes on pages 28 to 37 form part of these financial statements The Groundwork South Trust Limited IA company limited by guarantee) Registered Number.- 01982077 Cashflow statement for the year ended 31" March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.Z4 Notes Cash flows from operating activities 16 I4[￿j,555) 455,CM)2 Cash flow from investing artivities Investment incorne received Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash used in investing artivities Repayrnents of borrtywings Cash outflows from new borrowings Cash inflows from new borrowings Interest paid Net rash provided by financin£ activities Net Increasel(decrease) In cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 14CK),5551 922,430 455.LM)2 467,428 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 17 521.875 922.430 The notes on pages 28 to 37 form part of these financial statements 27 The Groundwork South Trust Limited IA company limited by Euaranteel Registered Number- 01982077 Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparation of financial ststements The financial statement5 have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities-. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to chèrities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial ReFKlrting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191- (Charities SORP IFRS 10211. the Financial Reporting Standard applitable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006. The Groundwork South Trust Limited meet5 the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notelsl. Le£al Forni The company 15 limited by guarantee. The member of the company is Groundwork London. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1. Fund accounting General funds are unre5trirted fvnds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purpose5. The cost5 Of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is Set out in the note5 to the financial statements. Income All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it Is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of intome receivable can be measured reliably. Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable. Other income is recognised in the period in which it is recervable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service. Grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receNed or become receivable under the term5 of the grant agreements. Where grants are considered to be performance related, income is recognised to the extent that the services outlined in the funding agreement have been performed bv the year end. Where income had been received but the related service had not been performed by the year end the balance is carried forward as deferfed income. Govemment Grants Government grants are recognised when the entity ha5 reasonable assurance that conditions attached to the grant will be complied with and that the grant will be receNed. Revenue grants are recoEnised using the accrual model and are therefore recognised as income on a systematic basis over the period5 in which the entity recognises the related costs for which the grant IS intended to compensate. Revenue grants are measured at fair value. being the amount of cash receivable. 28 EJ(penditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructNe obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure 15 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs. including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct 05t5 attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are opportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent. and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Support costs a￿ those costs incurred directly in 5UPPOrt of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management costs. Charitable activities and Governance costs are c05t5 incurred on the charity's educational operation5. including support costs and costs relating to the governan￿ of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. Going concern The financial statements have been prepared on a goiTha concern basis. This follows the agreement that is in place with Groundwork London for the provision of financial supwrt. Intangible fixed assets and amortlsalion Amortisatson is provided al Ihe following fates.. So￿are 20% straight line Tangible fixed assets and d•preciation All a55etS CQSting more than £l.OCM) are capitalised. A review for impairment of a fixed asset is tarried out if events or chan8es in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed a55et may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recogni5ed a5 impairments. Impairment1055e5 are recognised in the Statement of financial actNities incorporating income and expenditure account. Tangible fixed assets are carried at Cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases= Freehold property 2% Straight line Floating classroom superstructure 25 years Floating classroom fixtures and fittings 5 years Motor vehicles 20% straight line 20% straight line 20% straight line Fixlures and fittin85 Computer equipment 1.10 Interest receivable Interest on fund5 held on deposit is included when recervabSe and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity- this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. 1.11 Operating lease5 Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 1.12 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 1.13 Cash at Bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short tem highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or le55 from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 1.14 Liabilities and provlsions Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the 8alance sheet date as a result of a past event. it is probable that a transfer of economic benefst will be required in settlement. and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. knabilities are recognised at the arnount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt orthe amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or 5ervice5 It must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material. the provision is based on the present value of those amounts. discounted at the pre- tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charge5. 1.15 Financial instruments The charity only has financial asset5 and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 1.16 Taxation The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly. the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respett of income or capital gain5 received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. to the extent that such income orgains are applied exclusivelyto charitable purposes. 1.17 Pensions The charity operates a defined contribution pension xheme. and the pension cha￿e represents the amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the year. Siznificant judzments and estimates In the application of the charitable company's accountin8 policies, which are described in note l. the trustees are required to make judgemental. estimates and a55umptions on accrued and deferred income. Actual results may differ from their estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are revIev￿a on an ongoing basis. INCOME FROM DONAnoNS AND LEGACIES Unrestrirted funds Re5trlded funds 31.3.25 31.3.24 Donations 22.555 22.555 32.246 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE AcnwnES Unrestrirted fvnds Restrfrted fund5 31.3.25 31.3.24 Grant income 7.177.339 2,232.591 9.409,930 9,329,158 Total 2024 7.320,622 2.IK)8,536 9,329,158 Grant income 31.3.25 31.3.24 Central Government Local Authority Lottery Private 311,311 3.567,277 136,Ck54 5.395.278 9,409,930 654.469 2,255,800 310,304 6,108.585 9,329,158 Total rey>urces txpended Greener living and working Youth and employmefit Parks and open spaces 31.3.25 31.3.24 Reststed See Note 8 Charitable activities Staff costs Project C05t5 3,896,931 3.189.396 154.732 60.142 785.685 562,285 4.837.348 3,811,823 4,573,070 4.075,962 Sub total Support costs Staff costs Travel Administration Communications and IT Accgmmodation Recruitment & training Marketing Profe55ional fees Depreciation and amortisation Management fee Infrastructure costs Other Governance costs Sub total 7.086.327 214.874 1.347.970 8.649.171 8,649,032 159.919 1.665 48,812 13.238 115,926 24,253 41.648 434 12,712 3,447 30,191 6.316 209.471 2,181 63,937 17.339 151,847 31.768 195,311 6,155 69,979 16,132 137,457 22,708 954 51.182 82 2.413 654 5.730 1.199 65.749 3.250 17.123 86.122 9.966 45.807 45,807 23,569 6,865 561.576 493 2.264 2,264 1.165 339 27.757 2.595 11,929 11.929 6,138 1,788 146,250 13,054 60,QK)O 60.CrfJO 30,872 8.992 735,583 13,307 60,OQKI 60.OCO 28,603 8.9 670,688 Total 7,647,903 242.631 1.494.220 9.384.754 9.319.720 Total resource5 expended 2024 Charitable activities Support costs Total 2024 7.112,286 520,602 7.632.888 231.918 40,548 272.466 1,304,828 109.538 1,414,366 8,649,032 670,688 9,319,720 31 31.3.25 31.3.24 NET OUTGOING RE￿uRCEs Auditors. remuneration- statutory audit Depreciation- owned assets Operating lease payments 8.500 14,069 61.631 8,900 14,466 88,929 During the year no Trustees received any remuneration. benefits in kind or reimlyjrsement for expenses12024 £NIL) INTEREST PAYABLE AND FINANaNG COSTS Interest payable on the loans from group undertakings are included within Administration costs. 31.3.25 31.3.24 Interest on loans from group undertakings STAFF COSTS Staff costs were as follows 31.3.25 31.3.24 restated 4,323,746 303,862 140.773 4.768.381 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 4.538,835 326,607 181,377 5.046,819 31.3.24 as reported 4.078.178 303.717 276.459 4.658,354 31.3.24 restated 4,323,746 303,862 140,773 4,768,381 reclassified 245,568 145 1135,6861 110,027 Wa8es and salaries Social security C05t5 Pension costs The table above shows the reclassification of expenditure for the year ended 31" March 2024. There was no impact on the net asseis or the surplus for the year ended 31" March 2024. The additional É110,027 relates to non-payroll staff costs which had been included within project costs in 2024. The average number of employees during the year was as follows= 31.3.25 161 31.3.24 167 Average expressed as a full time equivalent 31.3.25 31.3.24 135 139 There is l employee whose emoluments exceeded £60.(KX) throughout the year12024.. 11. 32 The key management personnel gross remuneration, which consisted of the executive management team and operations managers amounted to £122,141 in the year12024". £103,745) and pension contribution5 of £7,352 12024= £10,484). INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Software At l April 2024 At 31 March 2025 Amortisation At l April 2024 DisF)osals Charge for year At 31 March 2025 Net Book Value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 69,442 69,442 69,442 69,442 10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Ffeehold property Motor ¥ehides Flxtures ar Computer equlpment FloatinB Classroom COST At I" April 2024 Additions Disp05als At 31. March 2025 I,CA)5,IJXI 20.503 132.3 74,102 116,250 l.C(15.C(K) 20.503 132,3(X) 74,102 116,250 DEPRECIATION At 151 April 2024 Charge for year Disposals At 31" March 2025 80,5(M) 20,503 131.285 1.015 74,102 60.450 4,654 88.9(M) 20,503 132.300 74.102 65,104 NET BOOK VALUE At 31" March 2025 916,1(KJ 924,S(K) 51,146 55,800 At 31" March 2024 1.015 Total Tanglble Fixed Assèts Cost At l April 2024 Additions Disp05als At 31 March 2025 1.348,155 1,348,155 Deprttiation At l April 2024 Charge for year Disposals At 31 March 2025 366,840 14,069 380,909 Net Bookvalue At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 967,246 981,315 11. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FAWNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 821.277 141,957 856,104 1,819,338 1,275,676 22.512 767,627 2,065,815 12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals Deferred Income 994,517 179,022 31.708 66.151 2,020,152 3,291,550 912,(M)O 236,550 120,783 152.260 2.578.789 4,OC(1,382 Deferred Income Amoufit Released to Incoming Resources 8alance at l April 2024 Arnount Deferred In the Year Balance at 31 March 2025 Movements during the year 2.578.789 2.578.789 2.020,152 2,020,152 Amount Released to Incorning Resources Balance at l April 2023 Amount Deferred in the Year Balance at 31 March 2024 Movement5 during the year 2.228.666 2.228,666 2.578,789 2,578.789 Deferred income relates to income recer¥ed for programmes with delivery in the following year. 14. STATEMENT OF FUNDS- 2025 Brought forward Intoming Resources Resources Expended Transfers In l (Out) Carried Forward Unrestrirted Funds General funds (30,8221 7.199.894 17,497.2071 345.044 16,909 Restrirted Funds Greener living and working Youth and employment Parks and open spaces Total Restricted Funds 1.563.058 11.257.376) {305.6821 139,789 529,744 2.232.591 1146,4871 1483,6841 11.887.547) 6,698 146,0601 {345,0441 Total Funds 130.8221 9,432.485 19.384.754) 16,909 Restricted Funds Greener Livin8 and Workin8 - to help people save energy. water. money and reduce their impact on the environment. Youth and Employment - to support Young People to develop their ski115 and find jobs. To provide employment and to support offenders. ex-offenders and those likely to offend. Parks and Open Spaces to protect and improve parks and open spaces for the benefit of local communities. Trnnsfer between funds: During the year a transfer from restricted funds to unrestricted funds of £345.04412024= £26,685). Funds are transferred from restricted to unrestricted at the year- end on the basis that no restrTrcttons exist on the income and expenditure recognised. STATEMENT OF FUNDS- Z024 Brought forward Incoming Resources Res1)urces Expended Transfers In I (Outl Carried Forward Unrestrirted Funds General funds {72,5061 7.352.868 17,337,8691 26,685 130.8221 Restrirted Funds Greener livtng and working Youth and employment Parks and open spaces Total Restricted Funds 1.308.124 11,336,604) 28,480 227.035 473.377 2.iXI8,536 {21X),8921 1444.3551 11,981.8511 126,1431 129.0221 126.6851 Total Funds 172.5061 9.361,404 19.319.720) 130.8221 15. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSEf5 BETWEEN FUNDS 31.3.25 Unrestricted funds 31.3.24 Unrestrirted funds Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current asset5 Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year 967.246 2.341.213 13,291.5501 981.315 2,988,245 14.000,3821 16,909 130.8221 16. RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING AcfiviTIE5 31.3.25 31.3.24 Net Income for the year las per Statement of Financial ActNities) Adjustment for: Depreciation and Amortlsation charges Interest paid Ilncreasel /Decrease in debtors Increase in creditors Cash flows from Operati￿ activities 47,731 41,684 14,069 14,466 246,477 1708,8321 1400.5551 1878,3071 1,277,159 455,002 17. ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 31.3.25 31.3.24 Cash in hand S21,875 521,875 922,430 922,430 18. PENSION COMMMITMENTS 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. Contributions totalling £30,34812024-. £30,027) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors. 19. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMEKtS 31.3.25 31.3.24 Arnounts payable Within I year Between l and 5 year5 After more than 5 years 61.631 18.348 88.929 42,979 20. RELATED PARTY TRANSAcnoNS The charity is a wholly controlled subsidiary of Groundwork London therefore transaction5 between the entities are not disc105ed. as permitted by the exemptions set out in Section 33.IA of FRS 102 (Related Party Disclosures). There were no other related party transactions. 21. ULTIMATE PARENT UNDERTAKING AND CONTROWNG PARTY The Charity's ultimate parent undertaking is Groundwork London. The charity is tontrolled by its Trustees. The results of the charity are consolidated in the accounts of Groundwork London and con501idated accounts can be obtained from its registered office at 18-21 Morley Street. London. SEI 7QZ or from the Charity Commission website. 37