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ANNUAL REVIEW 2024/ 2025

Supporting the voluntary and community sector in Dudley borough since 1974.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

At Dudley CVS, we are passionate about nurturing and supporting people and the communities they are part of to make a positive difference.

Our vision is for a borough with caring, vibrant and strong communities where everyone can fulfil their potential.

Our mission is to connect, inspire, and work alongside people and organisations to build resilience and create positive change, while championing their value to partners and the wider community.

We work together to create a culture which places trust, integrity, humility and caring at the heart of what we do. These values guide our relationships with communities, partners, and each other, ensuring that our work is rooted in respect, collaboration, and authenticity.

Leadership and Volunteering Advacocy

Building an environment in which volunteers and their communities thrive, by encouraging and nurturing volunteering opportunities.

Mobilising and encouraging community action, strengthening our sector’s voice and influence on key decision-makers and funders.

In 2025, Dudley CVS was awarded the Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation (LIQA), a prestigious quality mark that recognises our impact in supporting voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations across Dudley borough.

The accreditation followed an independent assessment against NAVCA’s four core functions of local infrastructure:

J Leadership and Advocacy J Partnerships and Collaboration J Capacity Building J Volunteering

This report showcases our work through the lens of these four functions.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Capacity Building

Creating opportunities Providing practical support and driving effective and development for local joint working by people and organisations, building networks of to nurture skills and build local organisations and community resilience. strategic partners.

Building an environment in which volunteers and their communities thrive, by encouraging and nurturing volunteering opportunities.

“All these activities are enjoyable and help improve my mental health. I’ve learned new skills, met amazing people, and feel more connected to my community.” Volunteer

We’re committed to creating an environment where volunteers and communities can flourish by encouraging and nurturing meaningful opportunities to give time and make a difference. We promote volunteering, break down barriers, and support those who lead and coordinate volunteers, so that getting involved is inclusive, accessible, and rewarding.

Reinventing and rejuvenating the Dudley Volunteer Centre

We recognise that the nature of volunteering is changing, both locally and nationally. A combination of digital advances, the cost-of-living crisis, shrinking workforces, rising health and wellbeing challenges, cross-cultural needs, and other drivers means that Dudley borough needs to explore how to engage, motivate, and retain volunteers.

Since June 2024, Dudley CVS’s Volunteer Centre has been undergoing a period of reinvention and rejuvenation. By aligning more closely with our Group Development team, the Volunteer Centre aims to strengthen its role as the first port of call for individuals interested in volunteering and for groups looking to improve their recruitment and support of volunteers.

In addition to this, we have reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that opportunities are inclusive, diverse, and accessible to everyone across the borough, regardless of their individual, social, economic or cultural backgrounds or contexts.

Our progress so far has included:

J Developing a borough-wide volunteering strategy to nurture a sector offering great opportunities for everyone.
Increasing visibility in communities through weekly drop-ins for new volunteers, face-to-face meetings with groups, and attendance at community events.
J
J Connecting with other Volunteer Centres to share ideas and mutual support.
J Building relationships with statutory partners such as Job Centres, Dudley Council, the NHS, and Dudley College.
J Refreshing the Volunteer Centre webpage and volunteer registration forms.
J Creating an internal volunteer policy to ensure Dudley CVS leads by example.

Over the past year, the Volunteer Centre has seen significant growth in the number of organisations receiving support, resulting in 120 new volunteering roles across 59 groups . We have also introduced systems to improve understanding of the volunteer journey, from enquiry through to placement. We are now approached not just by organisations seeking volunteers, but also by those wishing to collaborate with us on volunteering projects. A recent example is our joint work with DK Rugby Club to host a volunteer fair, which attracted overwhelming interest from community groups. Momentum is also building behind our vision for a boroughwide volunteering strategy, with 10 organisations expressing interest in signing up or contributing .

We connected Tony to a range of opportunities to stay active in his community, including volunteering at the hospital with Healthwatch Dudley, supporting our social prescribing service as a telephone befriender, hosting his own show on Black Country Radio Xtra, and helping with litter picks at Friends of Russells Hall Park. Tony has also been involved in a range of groups and activities, including leading a men’s evening session at Harry’s Cafe in Brierley Hill.

“Dudley CVS has been super helpful in finding me some amazing opportunities. I’m now working with Black Country Radio, both broadcasting on Black Country Xtra and doing some more behind-thescenes... I’m also litter picking locally, which I enjoy because it helps keep my own neighbourhood where I live and walk my dogs much nicer... All these activities are enjoyable, and help improve my somewhat shaky mental health...”

Tony, Volunteer

Nurturing and inspiring volunteers across our work

Alongside supporting volunteering in the wider community, we involve volunteers in our own projects, initiatives, and services. Volunteers bring enthusiasm, creativity, and compassion, helping us to shape ideas, gather feedback, deliver activities, and provide direct support to the people and communities we serve.

Developing a volunteer programme to support clients of Integrated Plus

Since September 2024, Dudley CVS has designed and developed a structured volunteer programme supporting clients of our Integrated Plus social prescribing service. Volunteers provide companionship, accompany clients to appointments and group activities, and assist with session delivery. As part of this work, we have designed a comprehensive volunteer induction training programme and volunteer handbook to support consistency and quality.

Three key roles were created to enhance client support:

J Telephone Buddy – offering regular calls for companionship and emotional support
J Community Buddy – accompanying clients to appointments, community groups, or local activities
J Group Volunteer – assisting with the delivery of group sessions and events

This programme is designed to provide meaningful emotional support, reduce loneliness and isolation, and help clients build confidence. By March 2025, five people had already expressed interest in joining the volunteer team, demonstrating the programme’s potential.

Empowering Young Volunteers at Healthwatch Dudley

Volunteers have played a vital role over the year, generously giving their time and supporting a wide range of activities that strengthen the work of Healthwatch Dudley.

We welcomed a Halesowen College student who approached us to volunteer as part of her T-Level course. We helped by providing opportunities for her to contribute meaningfully to our work. The student helped to promote a dental survey among her peers, and, using the responses, went on to carry out desk research into oral hygiene and created a display to promote good oral health during National Smile Month 2025. With our guidance, she also wrote and published a blog post on the Healthwatch Dudley website, offering clear and practical oral health advice for young people. The information gathered for this blog was reviewed and approved by a professional in dental services.

“We were able to obtain more views from young people on dentistry. This showed us that young people are more open to speaking to and sharing feedback with their peers.”

Inspiring volunteer-led climate action: Bringing the Stour to Life

In April 2024, through our CoLab Dudley work on community-led climate action, we ran a short weekly series of Climate Changemaker peer learning sessions. Through this, local resident Colin developed a project called Bringing the Stour to Life. We held regular peer support check-ins with Colin as he developed the project.

Colin reached out to a variety of organisations to test the appetite for a collaborative, community-led project. In early November, 14 people joined the first in-person gathering of the project, at the source of the Stour - St Kenelm’s in Romsley. Over the course of a few online sessions, the group agreed that their first activity would be to develop an understanding of the river through observing and surveying the length of the river. Using a purpose-built mobile app, volunteers collected observations, notes, and photographs to build a good understanding of the river’s health, history, and features.

This volunteer-led, collaborative project brings people together both online and by the river to introduce, improve, enjoy, protect, and preserve the river. They are actively organising, initiating, and collaborating on projects, activities, and events, engaging

volunteers, holding themselves open to ideas, and working across political and organisational boundaries for the benefit of the river.

One ambition of this community-led project is to work with the communities along the course of the River Stour to establish a new recognised ‘Stour Way’ long distance walking path. The river flows through 30 miles of urban and rural areas. Using existing paths and working with landowners where needed, the Stour Way will connect communities with nature and the river’s cultural heritage. It will provide accessible opportunities for health and wellbeing, fitness, and connectivity.

Healthwatch Dudley

Dudley CVS Annual Review 2024-25 Volunteering: Building an environment where volunteers and their communities thrive

Mobilising and encouraging community action, strengthening our sector’s voice and influence on key decision-makers and funders.

We mobilise communities, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen the local voluntary sector’s influence on decision-makers and funders. We create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to shape services and drive positive change.

Achieving the Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation (LIQA)

In January 2025, Dudley CVS achieved the Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation (LIQA), a prestigious quality mark that recognises excellence in supporting voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

We were assessed against NAVCA’s four functions of local infrastructure, including leadership and advocacy, partnerships and collaboration, capacity building, and volunteering . We exceeded expectations in all four areas, showcasing our ability and dedication to nurturing vibrant communities, with “exceeds expectation” being the highest grade in the assessment.

Achieving the LIQA emphasises our dedication to delivering high-quality services and being responsive to the needs of the local voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector. It also reinforces our commitment to working collaboratively with partners, ensuring that we continue to play an essential role in the community.

The LIQA is a quality mark that provides assurance to local communities, voluntary and community organisations, and local strategic partners, funders, and commissioners. It represents trust and excellence, giving confidence that Dudley CVS is a dependable partner committed to achieving positive change.

Supporting and advocating for the Voluntary Sector s following local funding cut

In early 2025, local voluntary sector organisations faced reduced income as a result of funding cuts from Dudley MBC.

Due to the financial pressures on the Local Authority, difficult decisions had to be made, resulting in cuts to several Council services as well as a number of voluntary sector organisations. Dudley CVS itself experienced a 62% reduction in core funding.

During this challenging period, Dudley CVS played a key role in supporting and advocating for the sector. We brought together affected organisations with Council colleagues to raise awareness of the impact these cuts would have on charities and residents across the borough. It was also important to ensure that charities had the opportunity to provide feedback on Dudley MBC’s approach.

Looking forward, Dudley CVS will continue to champion the sector. Plans are in place to work with the new senior directors and the Chief Executive of Dudley MBC to collaborate, build back stronger, explore new ways of working, and ensure a thriving, sustainable voluntary sector for the future.

With this accreditation, Dudley CVS stands as a beacon of trust and excellence, ready to embrace future opportunities and challenges in partnership with the communities it serves.

Amplifying voices to influence change

We create opportunities for people of all ages to be heard, valued, and included. Our collaborative approach ensures communities can actively shape the services and decisions that impact their lives.

Empowering young people to lead and advocate

Through the Dudley Young Health Champions (DYHC) programme, we empower young people to take the lead and create thought-provoking projects on issues that matter to them. Every DYHC project is shaped to nurture leadership, advocate for young people’s rights, and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.

Across the year, DYHC projects have covered mental health, body image, consent, bullying, anxiety, sleep, Prevent, and climate change. In September 2024, the DYHC cohort at Here4YOUth created a threeminute animation on consent, now used in waiting rooms to educate other young people. The cohort is now developing a PSHE consent pack to open a wider dialogue for students across the borough.

Partnerships are central to the programme’s success. During the year, we have collaborated with Here4YOUth, Ekho Collective, Public Health, the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), Dudley Council, NHS Trust, Reflections, Black Country Food Bank, and Routes.

The DYHC programme enriches young people’s lives by encouraging them to strive for and achieve their hopes, dreams, and aspirations, while also influencing real change in their communities.

“I became a DYHC last year and ever since then, I have felt like I have this power to make real change, to be productive in a world that used to feel hopeless... It has helped me so much being a part of this initiative, and I am so passionate about all the topics we can bring to light that may have gone unnoticed. Being a DYHC means being an advocate for youth voice, and it brings me great personal satisfaction every time I am involved.”

Pheobe, DYHC @ Here4YOUth

We gather and amplify people’s experiences

to influence health and care services, drive improvements, and inform local decisionmaking.

Exploring experiences of care homes and supported living facilities

During the year, Healthwatch Dudley worked with the Dudley Quality Partnership to identify care homes and supported living facilities to visit and gather the care experiences of residents and relatives. This work has been carried out using legal Enter & View powers, which allow Healthwatch to visit health and social care settings, observe care, and speak with patients, visitors, and their loved ones.

We carried out Enter & View visits to three care homes and one supported living facility. These visits focused on identifying what’s working well and where improvements could be made, based on the feedback of residents and their families.

A common theme emerged across all settings, the importance of choice in everyday life. Residents valued having a choice in food, activities, where they spent their time, and, if required, how they received

care. Some people were happy with the range of activities provided, while others wanted more variety and choice.

Following each visit, we published a report with clear, actionable recommendations. Facilities responded positively, with the majority viewing the visits as a valuable opportunity to improve care and committing to make changes. This demonstrates how Enter & View can drive service improvements through collaboration.

Changes have included, communicating more frequently with loved ones via email, updating décor and exploring more varied activities.

“Carers are underrated and don’t get enough credit for the hard job they do.” Family member

Cultivating community-led action

We cultivate community-led action, empowering people to think differently and reimagine the places they live, work, and play in.

Dudley Creates: a 100 Year Cultural Strategy in Action

The local creatives we worked with spread their activities across both locations, with a space available at Provision House during weekdays, and a popup Urban Room at CoLab Dudley on evenings and weekends.

In Autumn 2021, our CoLab Dudley team embarked on an 18-month journey to research and co-create a cultural strategy for the borough, supported by Creative Black Country and Arts Council England. We developed a long-term strategy, seeking to expand an understanding of what counts as culture, where it happens, who makes it, and who experiences it, to include future generations.

“It was interesting for Time To Make to use Provision House. Although it’s on the same High Street as CoLab Dudley, it has different people, communities, and footfall. This introduced us to using different spaces on the High Street.” Becky Thompson, local creative.

Dudley Creates is a 100 Year Cultural Strategy in Action. Strategy in action means that we’re honest about not knowing all the answers, and instead, we seek to create the conditions where creatives, communities, and others in our local cultural ecosystem are free to creatively explore questions together that might help us imagine futures into being. A 100-year time frame helps to disrupt the usual concentrations of organisational power, expanding who has responsibility for the cultural landscape to a much wider web of people.

Over 130 participation opportunities were taken up (of 350 available) over 4 months, by an estimated 80 local people . In addition, 5 collective enquiry sessions took place between late October and late March, and a celebratory event and exhibition of artworks created by local people through Urban Rooms Dudley activities at the end of April was attended by around 40 people.

Having spent six years convening local creatives, designers, and makers, we were able to quickly mobilise 12 creative leads and 6 creative collaborators to shape a programme of 22 cultural activities over the winter, when we were approached by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to do so.

One of the signs of a flourishing cultural ecosystem, which we were mindful of and worked towards during this funded project, included place-based social practice. In building trusting relationships with local collaborators and communities, the activities offered were informed by local knowledges, stories, histories, and futures. The Urban Rooms work has helped to bring more creatives into relationship who we will continue collaborating with.

While CoLab Dudley has a creative space on

Dudley High Street, WMCA asked us to create an ‘Urban Room’ at Provision House. This created an opportunity to bring creativity to a local non-arts space.

100 Ways to be a Good Ancestor

We all want to be a good ancestor — we want to help create a better world for our children, their children, and their grandchildren. The hard bit is that this requires long-term thinking. Roman Krznaric, author of The Good Ancestor, describes our society as being “in an age of pathological short-termism.”

Some of the risks of climate breakdown and temperature rises for communities in Dudley, particularly neighbourhoods in the northern part of the borough, are overheating, drought, and flooding. Mitigating risks like these and likely increases in food shortages and the cost of living requires longer-term thinking and a deeper understanding of the place we live in. The land, water, air, and other species. In 2024, we embarked on a collaboratively designed journey around climate action with local people.

Through Stories of Place (which pays attention to Dudley High Street), our CoLab Dudley researcher has been working with local people to co-create the Dudley Time Portal, supported by community technologists Common Knowledge. The aim is to create a living archive of creative artefacts and experiments from the past, present, and future of Dudley Borough that lasts for 100 years.

Through Getting Into Hot Water, local social artists from Amblecote based Workshop 24 are inviting local people to consider water and climate change in Dudley. In a series of workshops during the summer, local people, including those who are neurodivergent, spent time away from the everyday by a pond, to slow down, and notice the natural world in a busy urban landscape. Creative activities included focused conversation, deep listening, guided visualisation, drawing, photography, and underwater filming.

Brierley Hill based Ekho Collective CIC created invitations through five Growing Land Connections projects. Participants of Tending People, Place, and Planet have been learning about ways to combine people care, earth care, and future care. They have developed a shared climate action plan for a wellbeing garden. Another group of people has been Reclaiming Our Roots, resurfacing and sharing forgotten knowledge of plants that grow around us. These activities are supported through the Climate Action Fund (National Lottery Community Fund).

Over 300 people took part in the activities with over 282 other kinds of living beings and habitats as learning companions. Their actions, inspiration, and learnings were shared in an exhibition of 100 Ways to be a Good Ancestor in winter 2024. People said the benefits of pondering included an increased appreciation of water and ponds within the natural world locally, shared learning about biodiversity, developed artistic skills, engagement with natural heritage, and an improved sense of wellbeing. A Stories of Place co-creator said :

“I think there are now more opportunities through just being in this space, coming to the workshops, testing and learning in a safe space…”

Through this work, we hope that more people in the borough will get involved in joyful, collective, and individual climate action and deepen their connection with the rest of nature. We also seek to support the spread of locally relevant and practically applied climate and ecological knowledge, to help local ecosystems and communities that rely on them to flourish.

Creating opportunities and driving effective joint working by building networks of local organisations and strategic partners

We strengthen connections across the sector and create spaces for collaboration. By building trust and relationships, we help local organisations, statutory bodies, businesses, and residents work together towards shared goals. These connections help build local capacity, encourage collaborative projects, and deliver positive outcomes for communities across the borough.

Creating spaces for connection: Welcome to the Sector

Dudley CVS’s Group Development Team supports not-for-profit organisations at every stage of their journey. From April 2024 to March 2025, our work focused on bringing new people into the sector, whether as donors, supporters, trustees, corporate sponsors, ambassadors, or volunteers. We aimed to showcase the fantastic work of local good causes and celebrate their diversity.

Welcome to the Sector events provided groups with a platform to share their work and connect with other not-for-profits, partners, potential volunteers, and supporters. Each event began with an introduction to the sector, followed by presentations from local organisations about their work. Sessions ended with a networking opportunity, allowing participants to make connections, swap details, and offer mutual support.

These events have led to meaningful partnerships and collaborations. One example is The Goodwill Revolution, a new organisation that linked up with Black Country Foodbank and Kids Clothes Project during our Brierley Hill session.

“Beyond compliance, Dudley CVS has also opened doors for us, connecting us with some truly amazing people who work closely with families throughout the Black Country. These connections are vital to our mission. We rely on referrals from trusted individuals within the community to identify those most in need of our support. The relationships Dudley CVS has helped us build with these frontline workers will be instrumental in ensuring we reach the people who need us most.”

The Goodwill Revolution

Over the year, Welcome to the Sector has:

Raised the profile of at least 52 voluntary and community groups.

Brought together 143 people from sector organisations, partners, residents, and businesses, leading to more than 20 longerterm connections.

Supported our trustee recruitment initiative: 5 people from statutory partner organisations have joined us to connect with sector organisations . 3 have since become charity trustees , and one is currently in recruitment.

“Thank you very much for inviting me to such an informative gathering. I was able to briefly speak with a few invitees about their experiences in providing services to their communities and understand the happiness they derived from their efforts. I would like to continue my dialogue with a few of those I spoke with regarding challenges faced. I would also love to attend such interactive events in the future.”

New group

“It was great to meet you and your colleagues and to hear from so many wonderful organisations yesterday. What an inspirational event! ...it will be really helpful for me to continue to make connections, so would be very happy to attend more of your meetings.”

ICB colleague

Building networks that last with peer support for parents and caregivers

In April 2024, Dudley Council commissioned Dudley CVS, as part of the Start for Life Programme and Family Hub Network, to develop a new peer support offer for parents and caregivers in Dudley.

Working in partnership with the not-for-profit sector and Family Hubs, we established peer support groups for parents, grandparents, and caregivers across the borough. The programme catered for parents and caregivers during the crucial first 1,001 days of a child’s life, while also reaching underserved groups in Dudley, including adoptive parents, LGBTQ+ families, grandparents, single parents, and dads.

14,471 people attended peer support groups , helping to build a vital community of support.

Kaylee, a single mom of two, often felt overwhelmed when going out with her children, worried that others were judging her. After joining a peer support group, she began to open up and talk with other parents and volunteers about how to cope. Kaylee’s story highlights that single parents have a unique experience that may require additional support and understanding. By providing tailored peer support, single parents can grow in confidence.

“The group has provided me with social support at a time that is wonderful and life changing but at times incredibly challenging.”

Moms Mindful Hub attendee

As the peer support groups became more established and regular, we were able to capture stories and data that measured their impact.

Fewer participants reported struggles with their mental health, while many shared how the groups had improved their wellbeing.

Engagement from single parents and dads significantly increased, highlighting the demand for support to be available.

During the programme, 114 volunteers supported the peer support groups .

The programme reflected our commitment to building capacity within the sector and our dedication to collaborating with trusted partners to achieve meaningful outcomes and drive positive change.

One of the key legacies of the programme is the thriving network of collaboration and support between community groups, demonstrating the importance and lasting impact of this work.

“The peer support is paramount for new parents in Dudley. Many have stated they would feel lost without the groups and support from other parents.”

Generation Impact volunteer

Our vision for Dudley is the creation of a ‘community that cares for each other’, one where parents and caregivers are supported to give their children the best possible start in life, one that enhances their future outcomes, particularly among communities and groups that currently receive less support. Working in partnership we can foster a community with a thriving support network that serves to enhance the lives of all children, young people and families in Dudley.

“I really just want to thank you for welcoming us into such a special group. Your dedication, care and thoughtfulness really doesn’t go unnoticed. This group has been a lifeline for me and my mental health.”

Moms Mindful Hub attendee

Working together to tackle inequalities

We work closely with local organisations and community groups to strengthen support networks and services. By listening to voices that are often unheard, we aim to remove barriers and promote inclusion.

Using Technology to Break Down Language Barriers

Growing voluntary sector support for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers

Through Healthwatch Dudley, we aim to hear feedback from people who are seldom heard, including those for whom English is not their first language. Language barriers can make it difficult for people to communicate their concerns and provide feedback on health and care services.

Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants are the most vulnerable members of society and often face discrimination, substandard living, housing and working conditions, and inadequate or restricted access to mainstream health services.

We visited multiple groups attending Dudley Adult Learning, including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and Key Skills sessions. Many attendees were from refugee and migrant communities. Using Google Translate and guidance from ESOL tutors, we conducted surveys to capture feedback and lived experiences. The project had several key impacts:

Since 2022, Dudley CVS has been facilitating a voluntary sector migrant network, which enables organisations supporting migrants to come together to collaborate.

In Autumn 2024, a new migrant connect grants programme was launched, whereby 10 new projects were funded to promote inclusion, community cohesion, education, and health .

J Both ESOL students and Healthwatch staff improved their ability to use technology for translation.
J Feedback was successfully gathered from people who might otherwise have struggled to have their voices heard.

Activities and services include physical activity programmes, ESOL classes, advice and support, dropin clubs, and peer groups.

J Knowledge of translation tools has been shared with Healthwatch volunteers and community members, helping them communicate effectively in the future.
"This collaboration opened up more referral routes for GPs and other health professionals who were previously struggling to find the right support services for migrants they were in contact with.” Dudley CVS

Reflecting on this work, we saw that simple, free

technological solutions can remove barriers and make a real difference for communities. This approach is easily replicable and builds confidence in both staff and service users.

Tackling poverty across Dudley borough

Mobilising the voluntary sector to distribute the Household Support Fund to the most vulnerable

Over the past 6 years, Dudley CVS has mobilised the voluntary sector on behalf of Dudley MBC to help reach the most vulnerable people living in Dudley borough who face poverty and hardship, and to distribute the Household Support Fund (HSF).

Charities that come into contact with and support people in financial hardship, including Black Country Foodbank, Provision House, Brierley Hill Baby Bank, and Barnardos received funding via Dudley CVS to reach those in greatest need.

Up to £560,000 has been allocated to people in need via the voluntary sector helping Dudley MBC to evidence the value of HSF to the Government. The number of sector instances of support to people equates to 20,878.

For 2025/26, a further £200,000 is being allocated to voluntary sector providers to distribute to those most in need as part of the Government’s HSF7 programme.

Barnardos delivers several therapeutic services around children and young people’s mental health needs to try and help them build emotional resilience, navigate the traumas they have experienced, and empower them to believe in themselves and a brighter future.

“With most services, we need to build relationships with parents so that they are comfortable with the support we offer their children. In this process, we become aware of the family situation and any struggles or issues. Connecting, inspiring, and working alongside people and organisations to achieve resilience and positive change.

Being able to advise them of the Household Support Fund and also provide this to them directly, is wonderful... Often, the thought of having to reach out for more support can feel difficult for families, they may feel shame, feel judged, feel a failure, and we have been able to reassure them that none of these are true and that so many people are struggling...

Parents have been having to use credit cards and loan sharks to be able to provide food for the family, and we have been able to prevent many families from getting into such debt, and difficult and dangerous situations for the whole family. Parents have said how much anxiety and worry they have around making their money last, and that this causes their emotional and mental health to suffer. We have been able to relieve that potential stress for each family we have supported.

We have been able to ensure that families have appropriate clothing, thus preventing potential illness in such cold weather and preventing getting into debt with heating bills. We have been able to provide essential items such as a bed to prevent a young child from having to sleep on the floor, and an air fryer to save on electricity and make their budget go further.” Barnardos

Provision House, a charity and social enterprise in Dudley, helps individuals and families facing hardship by providing essential household items, food, and support services. The charity has supported many people facing financial difficulties via the Household Support Fund.

Andrea and her three children became homeless after being asked to leave her father’s home. She was rehomed by the council but had no furniture of her own to take with her. She bought beds for the children and left the purchasing of household appliances until she could perhaps afford them. Through the Household Support Fund, Provision House assisted Andrea by providing a washing machine and a gas cooker. This has made a huge difference to the family’s situation, as paying launderette costs from her small income had lessened her chances to save up for the items. Andrea said the new appliances eased her worries and allowed her to cook meals for her children, and it had provided a more solid base for them for the future.

Colin was referred through The Food Club at Provision House for support due to him using a broken fridge for some time.

“I have been using a bag of frozen peas and sometimes bags of ice to keep my fridge cool. I have to take a lot of medication, and some are kept in the fridge. I contacted Provision House, who told me about the Household Support Fund and offered to provide a new fridge freezer. It makes a massive difference to me. I am happy I can now do a proper food shop, which will help me save money and be healthy.”

David is a single parent with a low income and significant health concerns. On learning that his two daughters were taking it in turns to sleep on the settee whilst the other slept on the floor, he was provided with two new beds, which have made a massive difference to his family.

Providing practical support and development for local people and organisations, to nurture skills and build community resilience.

Capacity building is about giving people and organisations the support, training, and guidance they need to develop the skills, knowledge, and resources to operate efficiently, strongly, and independently.

Through our services, we also support individuals to strengthen their capacity, helping them to build skills, improve wellbeing and resilience, enabling them to play an active role in their communities.

Supporting groups and organisations to build capacity

Dudley CVS’s group development team works with all types of not-for-profits and people interested in setting up new not-for-profits to help them become strong, efficient, and sustainable.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, our group development team provided one-to-one support to 148 groups, assisting with governance, legal compliance, volunteering, funding, and leadership.

J 59 – supported with good practice with volunteering
J 42 – supported to set up and register as a not-for-profit organisation.
J 24 were supported with governance and received training and / or guidance on the legal responsibilities of charity trustees, company / CIC directors, or committee members
J 34 groups were supported with legal compliance, which includes topics like health and safety, safeguarding, insurance, and reporting to the Charity Commission
J 116 leaders (committee members, directors, trustees) have been supported in their roles. 69 of those were new and supported into their new roles. We also worked with 12 people interested in becoming charity trustees.
J 36 groups were supported with funding and finance, including topics such as financial management, income generation, fundraising, and applying for funding

Over the year, our support £1,554,961 unlocked £1,554,961 in grant funding for 39 groups.

11 directly supported with their funding applications received £1,063,290 this year.

Our contribution to supporting not-for-profits to set up, govern themselves efficiently, and increase their planning and fundraising skills has seen 29 of them access £491,671 this year.

This year’s Welcome to the Sector attendees said:

“Overall, the support has been a gamechanger for us. It has provided the foundation we needed to grow, and the approachable nature of the team has made navigating challenges much easier.” Without a Trace CIC
“While we haven’t needed the same level of intense support since 2016, the foundations and basic structures put in place have served us well. We have since been able to enhance and extend these, including adding new policies and procedures as we’ve grown...” Welcome Group Halesowen

How our long-term support nurtures groups: Cadrene Supported Living

In the previous financial year, our team began working with a group committed to improving the lives of marginalised and vulnerable people living in poverty in and around Dudley town centre.

The group had already established a company, Cadrene Supported Living, and was providing accommodation to a small number of people. They aspired to work more holistically, tackling issues such as poor housing and rogue landlords, access to basic healthcare services, benefits support, and loneliness and isolation.

The team had trusted people on board with experience working in the community, good insight into the people they wanted to support, and a passion for improving lives. What the team lacked was focus. Cadrene Supported Living had previously tried to register as a charity but had been unsuccessful.

We facilitated sessions to help the team

collectively dream about what they want to achieve, articulate their ‘why’, and develop a high-level plan. This helped us support them to develop their charitable purposes and their application to the Charity Commission. We provided training for trustees on their legal responsibilities to prepare them for their new roles. We were also on hand to support and review their application to the Charity Commission. In June 2024, they were successful in becoming a registered charity.

“WE HAVE DONE IT and a very big THANK YOU – we would never have achieved it without your help and support.” Cadrene Supported Living

Throughout the process, the trustees embraced every step, gaining confidence in talking about their charity and its ‘public benefit’. This has stood them in great stead going into this financial year and has helped them to:

Communicate their work with clarity and secure further support, including presenting at July’s Welcome to the Sector event.

Successfully apply for a £20,000 grant from Awards for All.

Move to a new hub on New Street, Dudley, which opened in November 2024.

Become winners at our Community Action Awards in October and active members of Dudley CVS.

“We were honoured to be invited to the opening of Cadrene’s new hub and to meet some of the volunteers and communities the charity supports. It was gratifying to see how welcoming and empathic staff and volunteers were towards everyone. It’s clear they have built trusted relationships and that this charity provides some hope for people on the margins of society.”

Group development team, Dudley CVS

Ensuring our local venues remain vibrant cultural hubs for the local community

We are committed to ensuring our venues remain vibrant cultural hubs for the local community for many years to come. Through the transformation of Brierley Hill Civic and DY1, we aim to provide inclusive and sustainable spaces for both local people and organisations. Over the last decade, we have reinvigorated both venues with a new lease of life to benefit the local community and our partners.

During the last year, with grants from the Commonwealth Games Inclusive Community Fund (£100k) and Enovert Community Trust (£35k), we’ve made significant improvements to the Brierley Hill Civic , including renovated toilet facilities, refurbished backstage dressing rooms, and an upgraded lighting system. These improvements build on previous upgrades since we took on day-to-day management, such as a refurbished bar, cold rooms, an advanced sound system, a removable indoor marquee tent, a 7x4m screen with an HDMI projector, renovated ground floor seating, and redecoration, among many other enhancements that our Civic team has incorporated.
Our DY1 venue has also recently reached new heights, thanks to a £50k grant from Enovert Community Trust. It has been elevated from looking tired and outdated to a significantly modernised and improved multi-use venue space, now featuring new flooring, an advanced state-of-the-art audio-visual system, event lighting, much-improved bar facilities, plus the addition of new windows and blinds, redecorated foyer, toilets and main hall.

These improvements not only enhance the visitor experience but also strengthen the capacity of local organisations and community groups who hire the spaces, giving them access to professional, modern facilities to deliver their activities.

The community has played a crucial role in these transformations. Feedback from regular visitors and hirers has been invaluable, guiding many of our renovation decisions. Their insights have significantly shaped the improvements, leading to an enhancement in visitor experience and a shift in how the venues are perceived. Our facilities are now much more highquality, with the added benefit of environmentally friendly features.

Throughout the renovations at both venues, we have been committed to our climate action goals and sustainability, with eco-friendly features like watersaving urinals, quick-flush systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, and double-glazed windows, aligning with our dedication to reducing our environmental impact.

Recent feedback has stated that these improvements have much improved the experience of customers. The Civic has over 260 event days booked for the next year, while DY1 continues to attract weekly hires.

Our journey doesn’t end here. Looking to the future, we plan to enhance these spaces even more. At Brierley Hill Civic, we aim to refurbish the kitchenette, transforming it into a full working kitchen to provide hot food at events. DY1’s outdoor areas are set for significant improvements. Our vision is for these venues to become the go-to places in our community and partners.

Supporting groups to become sustainable to ensure our community continues to thrive

Dudley CVS provides support, training, and guidance to people, groups, and organisations, ensuring they possess the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to operate efficiently, confidently, and independently.

Our Integrated Plus social prescribing service plays a crucial role in this ecosystem. A thriving community is essential for providing a diverse range of options when working with clients.

Our “Spring into Action: Grow through What You Go Through” social prescribing micro-grants programme enables community members to develop projects contributing to Dudley becoming nurturing, caring, vibrant and strong. The programme provides financial support for small groups to deliver community projects, whilst our group development team work with them to ensure their sustainability.

During the year, we have commissioned organisations to deliver social prescribing prescriptions based on gaps and needs identified by our Social Prescribing Link Workers .

During the year, from the Spring into Action budget of £50,000:

26 applications were received from 14 CIC’s or not for profit organisations.
19 grants were awarded (average grant awarded £2,650)
85 Integrated Plus clients supported in SIA sessions since September 2024

Over the year:

1596 onward referrals to organisations were made by the Integrated Plus and High Intensity User (HIU) team and 333 referrals were made to services.

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Supporting individuals to strengthen their capacity

We support individuals to improve their wellbeing and resilience, helping them to build their capacity to connect and play an active role in their communities.

Improving wellbeing through Social Prescribing

Bill was supported through the Integrated Plus High Intensity User (HIU) service.

During the year, our Integrated Plus social prescribing team has continued to support individuals who frequently visit their GP, are at higher risk of hospital admission, or may be vulnerable and could benefit from social prescribing interventions. We aim to understand each person’s needs and work together to find solutions to their challenges and opportunities to become more connected and involved in their community to enhance their wellbeing.

Bill was one of the Trust’s most frequent users. He struggled with alcohol dependency, unmanaged diabetes, and severe mental health issues. Bill faced complex challenges including childhood trauma, marital breakdown, unstable housing, long-term sickness, and isolation. With support from Integrated Plus’s HIU link worker, Bill began to rebuild structure in his life. He engaged in weekly meetings, received emotional support, and started attending alcohol support groups. He also used BRIC funding to attend an AA convention and to work on publishing his autobiography, a meaningful outlet for self-expression and recovery. After six months of sobriety, Bill experienced a relapse, leading to homelessness and a hospital admission. He later spent 10 weeks in mental health inpatient care, but remained connected to our link worker throughout. Over eight months, Bill made significant progress. He expressed that he had improved mental health, social connections, and engagement in meaningful activities. He has since launched a mental health podcast and published the first part of his autobiography.

Adam was referred to Integrated Plus by his GP after experiencing low mood and isolation.

Following a heart attack and time off work, he struggled with anxiety and lacked local family support. His social prescribing link worker helped him connect with Citizens Advice, Tough Enough to Care, and the Riverside House workshops. He began attending creative sessions at Riverside House, where he discovered a passion for glasswork. Over time, he grew in confidence, found new ways to cope with stress, and started to build connections with others facing similar challenges. He described the workshops as “phenomenal – almost like a weekly reset,” and said the experience helped him rediscover a creative side he never knew he had. Today, Adam feels more resilient and is considering volunteering or even becoming an ambassador for social prescribing.

“The Integrated Plus service has been fantastic – I give it five stars. I’m seeing friends again, getting out more, and feeling more active.” Bill

Providing support to unpaid carers

During the year, our Carers Coordinator has continued to support carers, listen to their needs, and connect them with appropriate services so they can receive the support needed to continue in their caring roles.

Insights we’ve gathered from these interactions over the years played a crucial role in helping Russells Hall Hospital to secure funding to develop an information hub located in the front reception, designed to identify family carers in an informal, non-clinical way.

In September 2024, the Information Hub opened and now serves as a central point of information for patients, carers, and staff, providing resources, advice, and support from a wide range of local charities and organisations. This collaborative effort between health, social care, and the voluntary sector ensures that carers are no longer invisible, that their voices are heard, and that the quality of support they receive is strengthened.

The establishment of the Information Hub marks a significant milestone in a decade-long journey, ensuring carers continue to have access to the support and information they need to navigate their roles effectively.

Helping people to unlock their passions, gifts, and talents

The Building Resilience In Communities (BRIC) Fund supports clients to improve their health and wellbeing and provides an opportunity to find a sense of purpose. The fund enables Integrated Plus to support clients to access items or services that can support the individual to flourish.

Since April 2024, 72 Integrated Plus clients have accessed and benefited from the BRIC fund. With a total expenditure of £4578.44, reducing the impact of financial inequalities for both Integrated Plus and High Intensity User clients.

Tom, a 71-year-old man living with multiple health conditions, was referred to Integrated Plus with poor mobility and low mood. His wife, Trish, who was his main carer, was also struggling with her own health issues and felt worn down by the demands of caring. Both shared a love of art, but neither had the motivation or resources to pursue it.

With the support of BRIC funding, Tom was introduced to art classes at The Art Yard, while Trish received a diamond art kit to rekindle her own creative interest. Attending the classes gave Tom a renewed sense of purpose and joy, and he has since prepared for an art exhibition. For Trish, having the space and materials to focus on her own wellbeing has made caring more manageable and less overwhelming.

Both Tom and Trish rediscovered their resilience and built new motivation for the future, proving how small, targeted support can have a transformative impact.

Providing Information to Change Lives

During the year, Black Country Foodbank commissioned Healthwatch Dudley to explore the needs of foodbank users, with a focus on providing guidance, signposting, and understanding what people wanted from local services.

We visited two foodbanks each week and spoke with over 100 people, listening to their stories and challenges.

John has a mental health condition affecting his daily life and ability to work. Living in a council flat with his adult son, John faced poor living conditions, including mould and broken windows, and struggled to manage his finances.

Through our support:

J John was provided with contact information for housing, benefits, and support services.
J His son’s benefits were adjusted to a fortnightly schedule, easing financial pressure.
J Housing issues began to be addressed, including fixing the flat’s window and starting mould removal.
J John and his son received guidance on managing finances and accessing additional support as carers.
J John reported feeling more in control of his life and better equipped to manage challenges :

“I’ll let you know if I need anything else, but I’ll still come over and give you a smile each week.”

We recognised that foodbank users often face complex, overlapping challenges. Providing dedicated support to navigate these systems can make a meaningful difference to wellbeing and independence.

Supporting Dad’s experiencing challenges

Between 2024 and 2025, we hosted a 12-month pilot project, Dads Included, to engage with new dads in Dudley during their children’s first 1001 days.

The project aimed to understand the landscape of fatherhood in Dudley and identify opportunities for support.

We supported Vic and his son, who were coping with significant past trauma.

Housed on a challenging fourth floor of an apartment building, daily tasks like managing a pushchair, a bike, shopping bags, and a toddler had become quite demanding. Vic faced challenges such as self-care and maintaining a healthy diet, and had experienced notable weight loss due to his demanding routine and lengthy bike commute to work.

We supported Vic with financial matters and budgeting and explored a potential application for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). In collaboration with Dudley CVS’s Integrated Plus Social Prescribing team, we referred Vic to local peer support groups and the Connect Project’s family support service. He has received help with clothing and essentials from the Baby Bank and the Kids Clothes Project, and grants for carpeting, a washer/dryer, and a new bike.

“Seeing Vic get out and about, engaging in groups and activities with his son has been a huge step forward from when we first met. He has grown in confidence and independence...”

Project worker, Dudley CVS

facebook.com/cvsdudley @DudleyCVS , Dudley CVS, 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3EE t: 01384 573381 e: info@dudleycvs.org.uk Registered charity No. 517766 incorporated under the 1995 Companies Act No 1998105

Company Registration No 1998105 (England & Wales) Charity No 517766

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE DIRECTORS’ AND TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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. DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE a COMPANY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Directors and Trustees

(during the year ended 31 March 2025 and to date)

Mrs. S.A. Huband

Mr. G:M. Jones

Miss A.E Adams Mrs. A. Khalid Mr. D.R. Lidington Mrs. M. E. J. Turner Mrs. A.J. Sayer Mrs J.H. Clarke MBE Miss K.L.Fielder Mrs. K. Jones (appointed 24/10/24) : Miss J.M Bradley Mr B.T. Cole (appointed 01/02/25)

)

Chairman Mrs. M. E. J. Turner Vice Chairman Mrs. K. Jones Secretary/Chief Officer Mr. A. J. Gray , Treasurer Mr. G.M. Jones Company Number 1998105 Charity Number 517766 | Registered Office 7 Albion Street . Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3EE ; Auditors BK Plus Audit Limited Azzurri House ; Walsall Road Aldridge . Walsall West Midlands WS9 ORB Bankers National Westminster Bank Plc | Unit 55A Merry Hill Centre oo Bricrlcy Hill West Midlands DY5 1SY Solicitors Higgs and Sons 3 Waterfront Business Park Brierley Hill ; West Midlands DY5 1LX

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees, who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their annual report with the financial statements of the charitable company and group for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

The legal and administrative information set out on page 2 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the ’ Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities (FRS102).

Objectives and activities

The charity’s object and its principal activity continues to be that of promoting any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community within the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley and, in particular, the advancement of education, the furtherance of health and the relief of poverty, distress and sickness, to promote and organise co-operation in the achievement of such purposes and, to that end, to bring together in Council representatives of the statutory and voluntary organisations engaged in the furtherance of such purposes within the area of benefit.

We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

The charity’s aims are to assist the voluntary sector within the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley.

Working in partnership with others continues to be a cornerstone of the company’s work.

During the year the company played a major role in the following initiatives, to name but a few:
- ¢ Integrated Plus
¢ High Intensity User Project ¢ Health Watch
| e Carers - | ¢ Health and Wellbeing Board e Health and Social Care Partnership
| ¢* IntegratedDudley Borough Care BoardVision — Forging a Future for All Executive ¢ Big Lottery Fund— Emergent Cultures
| ¢ Combined Partnership LLP i ¢ Dudley Young Health Champions * School For Climate Justice
| ThecompanyHealth and Care maintainedPartnership, its representativeSafe and Sound rolePartnership, in the strategicIntegrated engagement Care Partnership arena, supporting and Children’s such bodiesPartnership. as Dudley : Relationships with local voluntary and community organisations were maintained and strengthened through the continued facilitation of several local networks. Significant work supporting Poverty summits and networks . The charity monitors its success by use of polls and surveys. In addition, specific reports are prepared for the funders on several projects.

, DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED) Further developed placed based working across the 5 townships. Facilitated Dudley Refugee and Asylum Seeker network and distributed £155k. Facilitated Mental Health forum for the borough.

Supported the implementation of the Dudley placed based partnership and it’s engagement with the VCS and strengthened relationships with the Integrated Care System (ICS) for the Black Country. Advocated for the sector during local authority cuts programme. Distributed £100k Household Support Fund. Administered Winter Mitigation payments. ~ Successfully attained the Local Infrastructure Quality Assurance (LIQA) mark.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The company is grateful as always for the continued support of Dudley MBC, NHS Black Country ICB and Big Lottery Fund.

The continuing restriction of public sector finances makes it important for the charity to continue its efforts to diversify income streams.

All of our restricted fund projects are, of course, reliant on continuing grant income, as are our activities relating to Integrated Plus and High Intensity User projects. Our core activities are partly grant funded topped up by other income we are able to attract and utilisation of reserves held if considered appropriate. Our core funding from Dudley MBC will be cut by 50% for 2025/26. Trustees have therefore designated from reserves for future salary costs whilst other sources are explored.

The company acknowledges the continuing funding from Big Lottery Fund for its Emergent Cultures projects together with funding from Joseph Rowntree Foundation amongst others. Details of both are included in note 25.

Grants Payable

The company does not make grants from its unrestricted funds. It does, however, administer various funds on behalf of statutory partners as and when requested. Such funds are treated as restricted in the accounts and a description of their purpose is stated in note 25 to the accounts. The company will promote such funds through its networks and facilitate panels to scrutinise and assess applications. Grants are all paid to organisations within the voluntary sector and not to individuals (with the exception of Personal Health Budget and Household Support Grant allocations).

Reserves policy

The charitable group’s funds at 31 March 2025 were as listed below.

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||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |°|£| |Restricted funds|detailed|in note 23|-|§21,846| |Designated|funds detailed|in note 24|415,000| |General|funds|invested|in fixed|assets|55,982| |General funds|in|current assets — free|reserves|483,172|

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Total funds

1,476,000 -

The trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not designated for the next 12 months or invested in fixed assets, should be maintained at 6 months ofthe resources expended on core-services. This level has been chosen as quarterly grants do not cover core costs and this will give an adequate buffer whilst any necessary reorganisation is implemented. On this basis the required level of free reserves at 31 March 2025 was £315,000 and the actual level of free reserves was £483,172.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Investments

Investments , Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to make any investment which the trustees see fit. .

Plans for Future Periods

The charity plans to continue its activities outlined above subject to adequate funding being secured. The trustees are constantly aware of the need to support any voluntary organisation within the Borough and in so doing make full use of the company’s expertise and utilisation of its financial assets to that end. DCVS remains firmly committed to its members and also to its continuing involvement in the ever-increasing strategic agenda.

Discussions are continuing in respect of possible further transfers/management of assets to further diversify potential income streams.

; . STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT . Governing Document ; | The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee andgoverned under its Memorandum and Articles of wound up. | Association. The liability ofthe members is limited to a sum not exceeding £1 in the event ofthe company being i Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees | All directors ofthe company are also trustees ofthe charity and there are no other trustees. All ofthe trustees serving during the year are listed on page 2. Elections to the Executive Committee take place at each AGM when one third | toretire do. butPotential are eligibletrustees for re-election.are nominated Theby Board and from has powerwithin to the appointmembership. directors or trustees if it considers it necessary so | Trustee Induction and Training . ; | AllTrustees new trustees are alreadyattend familiar an induction with thesession work offacilitatedthe charity by having the Chairman come fromand within theChief Officer, voluntarycovering sector. the obligations of trustees, key documents relating to the operation of the charity, funding and future plans and objectives. | Trustees insurance

The charity provides third party indemnity provision for the trustees.

Organisational Structure ; The charity is organised so that the directors/trustees, who include 3 honorary officers, meet regularly to manage its affairs and formulate the policy of the charity and its subsidiary companies. The ChiefOfficer/Company Secretary manages the day to day administration of the charity assisted by their staff. DCVS is grateful, also, to a number of volunteers who assist in various capacities. In addition, each Board member is assigned to either the Finance and General Purpose or Staffing Sub-Committee. These committees also meet quarterly and report to the next Board meeting. ‘The company holds three annual ‘Away Days’ for (1) trustees, (2) staffand (3) trustees and staff combined. Statement of Public Benefit , The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 ofthe Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance,

: DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Arrangements for setting key management and personnel remuneration The Staffing Sub-Committee is charged with setting remuneration of key management personnel, referring to published pay scales and job roles, comparisons amongst the DCVS network and any other advice or guidance they feel necessary. .

Risk Management

The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to mitigate those risks. Internally, there are nominated senior staff responsible for Health and Safety compliance, qualified first aiders, regular staff meetings anda staff led I.T. sub-group. Formal policies e.g. Data Protection, Lone Working, Financial Procedures, and General Data Protection Regulation are regularly reviewed and updated, where necessary.

As explained in the financial review the continuance of certain projects depends on the availability of continuing grant income. If grants for core activities ceased there is sufficient buffer to enable the charity to continue whilst the trustees consider how to restructure.

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of Dudley Council for Voluntary Service for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, ofthe charitable company and group for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

3 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS102); -: make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

. there is no relevant audit information ofwhich the group’s auditor is unaware; and ° the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Independent Auditors

;

A resolution proposing that BK Plus Audit Limited be reappointed as group auditors of the company will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 ofthe Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

By order of the Board

Mrs. M. E. J. Tumer Chairman

23 October 2025.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (the ‘parent charitable company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Group Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the group income and expenditure account), the Group and the Company Balance Sheet, the Group and the Company Cash Flow statement and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and parent charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2025, and of the group’s incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
e have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
‘have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the . financial statements section ofour report. We are independent ofthe group and parent charitable company 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 a basis for our opinion. .

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the report of the trustees, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (CONTINUED)

Other information (continued)

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 materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify 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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

e 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
e _ the report of the trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
H . Matters on which we are required to report by exception
| In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment i obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the report of the trustees. | We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the | Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: _ * adequate and sufficient accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company, or returns adequate | for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or or ,
| e the parent charitable company’s financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; | e wecertain have disclosures not received of alldirectors’ the information remunerationand explanations specified by we lawrequire are notformade; our or audit: or | e the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies’ regime | and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the report of the trustees, and from the requirement to preparea strategic report.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 7, the trustees (who are also the directors ofthe charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation ofthe financial statements and for being satisfied that they give 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.

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (CONTINUED)

Responsibilities of trustees (continued)

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group’s and parent charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed auditor under the Companies Act 2006 and section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with those Acts.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report 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 (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 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 statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances ofnon-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below:

: enquiry of management as to any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud

: enquiry of management as to any actual or potential litigation

: enquiry of management of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations

: performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls

: evaluating significant transactions outside the normal course of trade

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those Jeading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit ofthe financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (CONTINUED)

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and to the charitable company’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members and its trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitablefor our auditcompany work, forandthisthe report,charitableor forcompany’s the opinions members we haveas aformed. body and the charitable company’s trustees as a body,

Andrew Williams FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of BK Plus Audit Limited Azzurri House Walsall Road Aldridge West Midlands Walsall WS9 ORB

23 October 2025

Statutory Auditor

BK Plus Audit Limitedis eligible to act as an auditor in terms ofsection 1212 ofthe Companies Act 2006.

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING A GROUP INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

==> picture [512 x 444] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total| |Funds|Funds|2025|2024| |Notes|£|£|£|£| |INCOME| |Income|and|endowments|from:| |Donations and|legacies|4|37,500|-|37,500|37,500| |Charitable|activities|5|981,984|1,561,835|2,543,819|1,917,843| |Other trading activities|6|686,797|-|686,797|630,097| |Other income|7|81,465|-|81,465|31,090| |Investment income|8|39,432|-|39,432|23,867| |Total incoming resources|1,827,1 78|1,561,835|3,389,013|2,640,397| |EXPENDITURE| |Charitable activities|9|1,067,558|1,465,576|2,533,134|2,290,669| ||Other trading|activities|10|706,979|-|706,979|601,990| |Total resources expended|-|1,774,537|___1,465,576|__3,240,113||2,892,659| |NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)| |BEFORE TAXATION|52,641|96,259|148,900|(252,262)| |'|Taxation|12|1,330|-|1,330|(2,373)| |NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)|}|:| |AFTER TAXATION|53,971|96,259|150,230|(254,635)| |Transfers|between|funds|23|21,898|(21,898)|-|>| |Net movement in funds|75,869|74,361|150,230|(254,635)| ||| |Total fands|brought forward|23|878,285|447,485|1,325,770|1,580,405| |TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD|23|954,154|521,846| 1,476,000||1,325,770|

----- End of picture text -----

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities included all gains and losses recognised during the year.

The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part ofthese financial statements.

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----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |.| |DUDLEY|COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY FOR VOLUNTARY|SERVICE| |GROUP BALANCE BALANCE|SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH AS AT 31 MARCH AT 31 MARCH 31 MARCH MARCH|2025| |;|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total| |£|£|£|£| |Notes|Funds|Funds|2025|2024| |Fixed|assets| |Tangible|assets|16|55,982|191,345|247,327|111,271| |55,982|191345|247327|‘1li27l| |Current|assets| |Stock|18|11,265|-|11,265|12,068| |Debtors|19|797,477|29,229|826,706|893,672| |Cash|at bank and|in hand|533,751|305,967|839,718.|702,593| |1,342,493|335,196|1,677,689|1,608,333| |Creditors:|amounts|falling|due| |within|one year|20|443,278|4,695|447,973...|391,461| |Net current|assets|899,215|330,501|1,229,716|1,216,872| |Provision for deferred|taxation|21|1,043|.|1,043|2373| |Net assets|954,154|_|521,846| 1,476,000||1,325,770| |Funds| |Unrestricted|funds:| |General|23|539,154|-|539,154|588,252| |RestrictedDesignated funds|23&2423|415,000-|521,846-|415,000«521,846|=|290,033447,485| |954,154|521,846||1,476,000|||1,325,770| |The trustees|have|prepared|group|accounts|in accordance with|section|398|of the|Companies Act| |2006 and|section|138 of|the Charities Act 2011.|These accounts have|been prepared|in accordance| |a|with the|special|provisions|of Part|15|of the Companies Act 2006|relating to|small|charitable| |companies|and|constitute|the annual|accounts|required by the Companies. Act 2006 and are|for|;| |circulation|to members|of|the company.|

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

GROUP BALANCE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH AS AT 31 MARCH AT 31 MARCH 31 MARCH MARCH 2025

The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part ofthese financial statements.

Company registration number 1998105,

==> picture [400 x 93] intentionally omitted <==

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The financial statements were approved by the Board ofTrustees on 23 October 2025 and were
signed on its behalf by:
See eee ete one Fee fe se oe TE eee — anes ses eneperes 200 Coord)
Mrs M.E.J./Turner G. M. Jdtés.
Director/Trustee ; Director/Trustee
----- End of picture text -----

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

			Unrestricted Funds	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Total 2025		Total 2024
		Notes		£	£	£		£
	Fixed assets
	Tangible assets	16		52,054	191,345	243,399		101,781
	Investments	17		200	-	200		200
				52,254	191.345	243,599		101,981
	Current assets
	Debtors	19		1,012,662	29,229	~—-1,041,891		840,259
	Cash atbank and in hand			84,641	305,967	390,608		518,081
				1,097,303	335,196	1,432,499		1,358,340
	Creditors: amounts fallingdue within oneyear	20		198,720	4,695	203,415		142,100
	Netcurrentassets	898,583			330,501	1,229,084		1,216,240
	Net assets		.	950,837	521,846	__1,472,683	__	1,318,221
	Unrestricted funds
,	General Designated Restricted funds	23 23&24 23		535,837 415,000 -	- = 521,846	535,837 415,000 521,846		580,703 290,033 447,485
				950,837	521,846	__1,472,683	__1,318,221
	Thesefinancial statementshave been prepared inaccordance withthe				special provisionsofPart
	15 oftheCompaniesAct2006 relatingtosmall		charitablecompanies.
	Thenoteson pages 16to 33 form partofthese financial statements.
	Company registrationnumber1998105.
	The financial statementswere approvedbythe Board			ofTrusteeson 23 October2025		2025 andwere
	signedon itsbehalfby:
	Mrs M.LE.J. Turner’		G.M.	Jones
	Director/Trustee		Director/Trustee

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

		2025	2025	2024	2024
	Notes	Group £	Company £	Group £	Company £
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash generated/(absorbed) from operations	1	255,952	(5,902)	(188,943)	(166,326)
Netcashprovided by(usedin)operatingactivities		255,952	(5,902)	_ (188,943)	(166,326)
Cash flowsfrom investing activities
Purchaseoftangiblefixedassets —		(158,259)	=(158,259)	(8,755)	-
Sale oftangible fixed assets		:	-	19,995	19,995		—
Interest received		39,432	36,688	23,837	23,837
Netcash provided by(usedin)investingactivities		118,827)	__(121,571)	___35,077	43,832
Change in cashandcash equivalents inthe reporting period		137,125	= (127,473)	(153,866)	(122,494)
Cashandcash equivalents atthe beginning ofthe						.
reporting period		702,593	518,081	1,606,459	1,390,575
Cash andcashequivalents attheend ofthe reporting				“
period		839,718	390,608	_1,452,593	_1,268,081
NOTESTOTHEGROUPCASHFLOWSTATEMENT FORTHEYEARENDED 31MARCH20254			,
Cash generated/(absorbed) from operations		2025	2025	2024	2024
		Group	Company	Group	Company
		£	£	£	£
Netincome/(expenditure) forthe reporting period (as
per thestatement offinancial activities)		150,230	154,462	(226,923)	(248,975)
Adjustments for:
Depreciationcharges Interestreceived		22,203 (39,432)	16,641 (36,688)	20,414 (23,837)	10,602 (23,837)
Movement indeferredtax		(1,330)	-	“	:
Decrease/(Increase) in stocks		803	-	(2,427)	-
Decrease/(Increase) in debtors		66,966	(201,632)	(51,432)	87,181
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors		56,512	61,315	95,262	8,703
Netcash providedby(usedin)operatingactivities		255,952	____(5,902)	_ (188,943)	(166,326)

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Statutory Information Dudley Council for Voluntary Service is a private company, limited by guarantee without share capital, registered in England and Wales.

The presentation currency of the accounts is the Pound Sterling (£), rounded to the nearest pound.

2 Accounting policies

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102.

Group financial statements

The financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its wholly owned subsidiaries on a line by line basis. A separate statement of financial activities and income and expenditure account for the charity has not been presented because the Charity has taken advantage of the exemption afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. .

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and therefore consider that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on the going concern basis.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Where the terms ofa grant or service level agreement state that the charity is not entitled to the income until the project commences the income received for projects which have not commenced is deferred and carried forward in creditors in a Deferred Income Account.

Individual projects receiving grants of less than £20,000 are aggregated in the Small Grants restricted fund for the purposes of these accounts but are separately recorded within the accounting records.

Donated facilities are included in the accounts at a notional figure where the trustees are able to estimate the value of the facilities received.

Other income is accounted for on a receivable basis.

Interest receivable is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Trading income is accounted for on the accruals basis.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE , NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

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Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Expenses are allocated to projectsor core services as they are incurred.

Where expenses are incurred which relate to more than one of the charity’s activities these are allocated between projects and core services on the following bases:

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|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Staff costs|Percentage|of|time|spent on|each|activity| |Premises|costs|Number of|rooms|occupied| |Other expenses|Percentage|usage|

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Expenses allocated to projects are divided between the individual projects on the basis of the size of the project as measured by the amount of grant income.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets other than freehold land are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write offthe cost of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

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|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Leasehold|property|improvements|over the term of|the|lease| |Fixtures|and|fittings|25%|and 33%|%|p.a.|straight|line basis| |Office equipment|25%|p.a.|straight|line|basis| |Computer equipment|33% %p.a.|straight|line basis|

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Expenditure of less than £1,000 per item is not capitalised but is written off in the year in which it is incurred.

Capital grants

Specific grants in connection with capital expenditure are credited to a restricted fund if the asset purchased is subject to restrictions as to its use. A designated fixed asset fund has been created for other fixed assets funded by grants. Depreciation on fixed assets funded by grants is charged against the corresponding restricted or designated fund. .

Stock , Stocks are stated at the lower of cost on a first in first out basis and net realisable value. Provision is made for damaged, obsolete and slow-moving stock where appropriate.

)

Investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less impairment. Current asset investments are short term highly liquid investments and are held at fair value. These include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity of less than one year.

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

Financial instruments

The charity and group only have the financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualifies as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are recognised at transition 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.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities,but has limited exemption on its trading activities. The subsidiary companies are liable to corporation tax on their trading activities.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date.

Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference.

Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal ofdeferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds are funds that the trustees have designated for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Critical accounting estimates and areas ofjudgement

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis » over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. .

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| __37;500 :. 37,500 | | ‘} Donated facilities represent notional rent for the charity’s offices. These are provided rent free by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (Dudley MBC). A corresponding notional rent expense is included in charitable expenditure.

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

	3	Summary financial performance ofthe	the charityalone:	the charityalone:
				Unrestricted		Restricted	Total			Total
			Note	Funds		Funds	2025			2024
				£		£	£			£
		INCOME
		Income and endowments from:				,
		Donationsand legacies	4	37,500		-	37,500			37,500
		Charitable activities	5	981,984		1,561,835	2,543,819			1,917,843
		Giftaid receipts fromtrading		42,847		-	42,847			43,270
		subsidiaries
		Othertrading activities		57,475		5	57,475			64,488
		Otherincome	7	208,076		»	208,076			251,713
.		Investmentincome	8	36,688		-	36,688			23,867
			Totalincomingresources	23	1,364,570		1,561,835	2,926,405	7
		;
		Charitable activities	9	1,067,558		1,465,576	2,533,134			2,290,669
		Othertrading activities		238,809		-	238,809			296,987
			Total resourcesexpended	23	1,306,367		___1,465,576	__2,771,943		__
		NETINCOME/(EXPENDITURE)		58,203		96,259	154,462			(248,975)
			Transfersbetweenfunds		21,898		(21,898)	=
				Netmovementinfunds Totalfundsbrought forward TOTALFUNDS CARRIED	23	80,101 870,736 950,837			74,361 447,485 521,846	154,462 1,318,221 1,472,683
		;
i	!		4	Incomefromdonations and legacies		Unrestricted funds 2025 £		Restricted funds 2025 £	Totalfunds 2025 £

		Donated facilities		37,500		-	37,500			37,500
					__37;500		:.	37,500

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‘DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			.
FORTHE	THEYEARENDED	31MARCH2025
5	Incomefromcharitableactivities		Unrestricted		Restricted		Total		Total
	GroupandCompany		funds 2025		funds 2025	:	2025		2024
			£		£		£			£
	Core Services	;	1,131,984		-		1,131,984			790,616
	Goods and Services		-		-		-			*
	Children’s’ Officer		-		123,205		123,205			193,200
	Small Grants		:		107,110		107,110			29,809
	Carers’ Co-Coordinator		-		43,928		43,928			43,666
	EastCoseley		-		16,018		16,018			109,495
	Healthwatch Dudley		-		222,505		222,505			218,360
	Emergent Cultures		*		276,054		276,054			245,231
	Covid -19		-		-		-			=
	WinterWarmth		-		200,000		200,000	~		60,000
	HolidayActivity		:		:		-			30,544
	Refurbishment Fund		-		150,000		150,000			=
	CovidCYA 12-18				=		7			5
	Dudley Partnership BoardDev SuppVCS		>		-		:			125,000
	VCS Health Inequalities		-		-		*			19,835
	CommunityConnector		-		+		:		_	40,102
	MigrantCommunity	Support	:		160,000		160,000			= ,
	Action on Poverty		:		-		-			-
	PeertoPeer Support			o	263,015		263.015			11,985
			1,131,984		1,561,835		2,693,819		1,917,843
6	Incomefromothertrading	trading activities -	Unrestricted —		Restricted		Total		Total
	Group		funds 2025		funds 2025		2025		2024
			£		£		£			£
	Office rentalsandroom hires		165,984		re		165,984			166,375
	Catering and refreshments ,		367,595		=		367,595			329,523
	Salesoftickets and services		153,218		-		153,218			134,199
			686,797		+		686,797			630,097

Rental and room hire income is generated from the DY1 building and Brierley Hill Civic Hall, properties leased from Dudley MBC under the asset transfer regulations. All other trading income has been generated from Brierley Hill Civic Hall.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7	Otherincome		Unrestricted	Restricted		Total	Total
	Group		funds	funds
			2025	2025.		2025	2024
			£	£		£	£
	Other income		81,465	-		81,465	31,090
	Otherincome		Unrestricted	Restricted		Total	. Total
	Company		funds	funds
			2025	2025		2025	2024
			£	£		£	£
	Other income		208,076	-	_	208,076	251,713
	Otherincome includes wages	and salaries	recharged tothetrading subsidiary.
8	Interest receivable		Unrestricted	Restricted		Total	Total
	Company		funds	funds
			2025	2025		2025	2024
				£		£	£
	Bank and other interest		36,688	<		36,688	23,867
							.
	Group					:
	Bank and other interest		39,422	+		39,422	23,867
9	Expenditureon Charitable	activities	Unrestricted	Restricted		Total	Total
	Company		funds	funds
			2025	2025		2025	2024
			£	£		£	£
	Human resources		786,837	416,142		1,202,979	1,212,421
	Operational costs		85,646	256,568		342,214	424,092
	Grants paid	,	68,914	621,450		690,364	394,830
			941,397	1,294,160		2,235,557	2,031,343
	Support costs		£	£		£	£
	Premises costs		63,460	19,867		83,327	92,797
	Professional costs		57,779	900		58,679	58,452
	General costs Depreciation		50,132 16,641	53,557 -		103,689 16,641	66,849 8,596
	Governance costs (note 11)		35,241			35,241	32,632
	.		223,253	Ss 74,324		297,577	—-259,326
	Charitable activities		1,164,650	1,368,484		2,533,134	2,290,669
			21

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

10 Expenditure on other trading activities

			Office			Sales of
			rentals and	Catering and		tickets and	Total
		All unrestricted	room hire		refreshments	commission	2025			2024
			£		£	£		£		£
		Purchases	-		208,148	:		208,148		189,394
		Human resources	-		248,265	-		248,265		218,394
		Operational costs	3,781		*	36,010		39,79)		26,148
		Premises costs	66,333		-	104,611		170,944		131,002
		Professional costs	-		-	8,009		8,009		8,867
		General costs	9,917		-	16,343		26,260		18,373
		Depreciation	*		.	5,562		5,562		9,812
			80,031	—	456,413.	170,535		706,979	©	601,990
:	il	Governance costs			Unrestricted Restricted			Total			Total
					funds funds
		Core services			2025		2025		2025		2024
; £ £ £ £

		Staffcosts				14,497		.		14,497	13,671
		Printing, stationery&	& advertising			3,862		-		3,862	606
		Accountancy and audit fees				16,882		-		16,882	18,355
						35,241		-		35,241	32,632
:	12	Taxation							2025		2024
			Analysis ofthetaxcharge								£
			Thetaxchargeonthenetincome forthe		theyearwas as	follows.
			Deferredtaxcredit/((charge)	/((charge)							1,330
								.		1,330	(2,373)

13 Trustees’ remuneration and benefits

No travel expenses were reimbursed during the year (2024 - £Nil).

Mr. G.M. Jones, treasurer, received £33,396 (2024 - £30,072) for accountancy and administration services provided. This is in accordance with an agreement with the Charity Commission dated 24 April 2007. The amount owed to G.M. Jones at 31 March 2025 was £7,223 (2024 - £5,577).

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Employees and staffcosts
ThetotalemolumentsCeemonetary and non-monetary benefits-in-kind) o employees during theyearwere:		2025 Group £		2025 Company £		2024 Group £			2024 Company £
Emoluments		1,131,835		1,046,051		1,258,430			1,258,430
Employers’ National Insurance contributions		108,061		107,988		118,259		©	118,259
Pension contributions		64,964		61,333		66,311			66,311
Healthcare		2,104		2,104		1,486			1,486
		1,306,964		1,217,476		1,444,486			___—1,444,486
The average numberofemployees during the		2025		2025		2024			2024
year was:		Group		Company		Group			Company
Charitable activities			29	29			29		29
Management and administration			2	2			2		2
Trading activities	_		25° 56		17 48		25 _56		_
Full time equivalents
Charitable activities			29	29			29		29
Management and administration			2	2			2		2
Trading activities			14	10			4		14
			45	41				45
;
		2025		2025		2024			2024
		Group		Company		Group			Company —
		£		£		£			£
Total benefitsreceivedbykeymanagement personnel		187,528		187,528		172,959			172,959
Numberofemployeesreceivingbenefitsin excessof£60,000 Emoluments£60,000-£70,000		2025 Group	if	2025 Company 1	-	2024 Group	L		2024 Company 1

Staff costs includes employees recharged to the trading company.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

==> picture [497 x 523] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |15|COMPARATIVES FOR THE GROUP|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total| |STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL|funds|funds| |ACTIVITIES|2024|2024|2024| |.|£|£|£| |INCOME| |Income and|endowments|from:| |Donations|and|legacies|37,500|:|37,500| |’|Charitable|activities|790,616|1,127,227|1,917,843| |Other trading|activities|630,097|-.|630,097| |Other income|31,090|-|31,090| |Investment income|23,867|:|23,867| |Total incoming|resources|1,513,170|1,127,227|__ 2,640,397| |Charitable activities|946,829|—|1,343,840|2,290,669| |Other trading|activities|601,990|:|601,990| |Total resources expended|~|1,548,819||1,343,840 __2,892,659| |NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)|(35,649)|(216,613)|(252,262)| |BEFORE TAXATION| |Taxation|(2,373)|-|(2,373)| |NET INCOME /(EXPENDITURE)|~~|“(38,022)|(216,613)|(254,635)| |AFTER TAXATION| |Transfers|between|funds|6,750|(6,750)|-| |Net movement in funds|,|(31,272)|(223,363)|(254,635)| |TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD| |Net (outgoing)/ incoming resources for|the| |year|,| |Funds|brought|forward|as|at|1|April 2023|909,557|670,848|1,580,405| |Funds carried forward|as at 31 March 2024|878,285||447,485|__1,325,770|

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Tangible fixed assets	Leasehold			Fixtures	Office		Computer			Totals
	property			and	equipment		equipment
	improve-			fittings
	ments						:
Group	£.			£	£		£			£
Cost
At 1 April 2024	150,342			71,223	2,563		45,278			269,406
Additions	154,761			-	-		3,498			158,259
Disposals	-			-	:		(21,947)			(21,947)

At 31 March 2025	—_ 305,103			71,223	2,563		26,829	—		405,718
Depreciation
At	April 2024	49,791			61,733	2,563		44,048
Charge forthe year	14,817			5,562	-		1,823			22,203
Disposals	=			:	-		(21,947)			(21,947)
At31 March2025	64,608		pee	3295	2,563		23,924			158,391
NetBookValues		i
At31 March 2025	240,495			3,927	:		2,905			247,327
At31 March 2024	100,551			92490	-		1,230			111,271
	Leasehold			Fixtures	Office		Computer			Totals
	property		and fittings		equipment		equipment
	improve-
	ments
Company	£			£	£		£			£
Cost
At 1 April2024	150,342			20,620	2,563		45,278			218,803
Additions Disposals	154,761 -			- -	-	-	3,498 (21,947)			158,259 (21,947)
At 31 March2025	305,103		__-20,620		2,563"		26,829	-		355,115
Depreciation At 1 April 2024	49,791			20,620	2,563		44,048		-	117,022
Chargefortheyear Disposals	14,818 =			-	é =:		1,823 (21,947)			16,641 (2 ,947)
At 31 March 2025	— 64,609		.	20,620	2,563		___23,924			111,716
Net Book Values
At31 March 2025	240,494			-	_		2,905			243,399
At31March2024	100,551			-	-		1230.			101,781

All fixed assets held are in furtherance of the charity’s objects.

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17 Fixed asset investments (Company)

	17	Fixed asset investments (Company)investments (Company)(Company)
							2025	2024
		Shares in group undertakings:					£	£
		DudleyCVS Enterprises Limited	(Company number09482845)				100	100
		Psiams Systems Limited	(Company number 10000491)				100	100
								200
		Both ofthe companies arewhollyownedtrading subsidiary companies, incorporated in theUK(Englandand
		Wales). Theregistered office forboth companies is 7Albion Street, Brierley Hill,				West Midlands,DY5		DY5 3EE.
		The activitiesofthesecompanies are included	inthe	the consolidated financial statements.
		Asummaryofthe subsidiaries’ tradingresults	is	set outbelow:
				DudleyCVS DudleyCVS			Psiams	Psiams
				Enterprises Enterprises Limited Limited 2025 2024			Systems Limited 2025	Systems Limited 2024
				£ £			£	£
		Total Income		664,233 $65,609			>	=
		TotalExpenditure Profit/((Loss) forthe year	;	668,465 566,666 (4,232) _ (1,057)		__	a _. os	= =
,		Net assets/(liabilities)	aSAT9B 79				91,816)	(91,816)
a	18	Stocks		2025 2025 Group Company			2024 Group	2024 Company
:				£ £			£	£
		Bar stocks		11,265 -			12,068	=
			:	1,265 es			12,068	ee
19		Debtors: amounts fallingduewithinone		2025 2025			2024	2024
		year. SO		Group Company			Group	Company
i £ £ £ £
	Trade debtors 23,660 15,169 24,829 4,354
i		Grants receivable		7,463 7,463			71,238	71,238
		Prepayments andaccrued income		45,332 33,042			45,375	12,688
		Otherdebtors		750,251 750,000			752,230	751,979
		Amounts owedbygroupcompanies	.	=. 236,217	_		_	; :
			.	826,706___1,041,891			893,672.	840,259

Amounts due from the group undertakings is unsecured, interest free and payable on demand.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

20	Creditors: amounts fallingduewithin	Creditors: amounts fallingduewithin	2025	2025	2024	2024
	oneyear		Group	Company	Group	Company
			£	£	£	£
	Trade creditors		77,953	37,280	74,924	36,947
	Amounts owedtogroupcompanies		-	-	-	15,841
	Accrualsanddeferred income		297,162	109,641	244,861	42,033
	Social securityand othertaxes		53,107	39,124	42,758	29,361
	Othercreditors		19,751	17,370	28,918	17,918
				447,973	203,415	391,461
21	Provisions forliabilities		2025	2025	2024	2024
			Group	Company	Group	Company
			£	£	£	£
	Deferred tax
	Capital allowances in excessof
	depreciation		1,043	-	2,373	-
			. 1,043 _	=	2,373	-
22	Financialcommitments	:
	Operatingleases—Groupandcompany Total futureminimum leasepayments under non-cancellable operating leases are				asfollows:
	Not laterthanoneyear Laterthan oneandnot laterthanfiveyears Laterthanfiveyears—landandbuildings			_	2025 60,500 242,000 839,555 1,142,055	2024 61,180 242,000 900,055 1,203,235
	The leasepayments forlandandbuildings,£1,142,055 (2024 -£1,203,235), willonly				only be paid ifagreed
	outcomes are not met.
				,

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTESTOTHE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS	NOTESTOTHE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS	NOTESTOTHE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS							,
	FORTHEYEARENDED 31MARCH	MARCH2025
23	Movement infunds				Net	Transfers
		sO	Balance atl		movement in	between	Balance at31
	Group		April2024		funds	funds		March2025		,
			£		£	£		£
	Unrestricted funds
	Generalfund		588,252		(70,996)	21,898		$39,154
	Designatedfunds(note24)		290.033		124,967	-		415,000
			878,285		53,971	21,898	_	954,154
	Restricted funds						en
	PeertoPeer Support		-		33,576	-		33,576
	Children’s officer		86,637		(44,158)	=		42,479
	Carer’s co-ordinator		-		(10,856)	10,857		1
_	Small Grants		48,557		14,221	7		62,778
	Big Local - EastCoseley		2,419		15,274	(2,419)		15,274
	HealthwatchDudley		20,599		1,919	-		22,518
	Refurbishmentfund		53,000		138,345	-		191,345
	EmergentCultures		66,444		11,396	-		77,840
	WinterWarmth		*		-	=		-
	CovidCYA 12-18		36,668		-	-.		36,668
	DudleyPartnership BoardDevSuppVCS		89,617		(50,250)	*		39,367
	Community Connector		27,509		(13,208)	(14,301)		-
	MigrantCommunity Support		16,035		-	(16,035)		-
			447,485		96,259	(21,898)		521,846
	TotalFunds		1,325,770			150,230	-		1,476,000.
Net	movements in funds included inthe	above are as follows:
			Incoming		Resources	Gainsand	Movement in
			resources		expended	losses		funds
			£		£	£		£
	Unrestricted funds
-	General fund		1,572,598		(1,643,594)	=		(70,996)
	Designatedfunds (note24)		254,580.		(129,613)	=,		124,967
			1,827,178 .		(1,773,207)	-		53,971
	Restricted funds
	Peerto PeerSupport		263,015		(229,439)	*		33,576
	Children’s officer		123,205		(167,363)	-		(44,158)
	Carer’s co-ordinator		43,928		(54,784)	-		(10,856)
	Small Grants		107,110		(92,889)	=		14,221
	BigLocal-EastCoseley		16,018		(744)	2		15,274
	Healthwatch Dudley		222,505		(220,586)	“		1,919
	Refurbishmentfund		150,000		(11,655)	=		138,345
	EmergentCultures		276,054		(264,658)	:		11,396
	WinterWarmth		200,000		(200,000)	-		‘:
	CovidCYA 12-18			‘	2	oa		-
	DudleyPartnershipBoardDev SuppVCS			-	(50,250)	-		(50,250)
	Community Connector			-	(13,208)	-		(13,208)
	MigrantCommunitySupport		160,000 1,561,835		(160,000) (1,465,576)	: +		- 96,259
	Total funds	;	3,389,013		(3,238,783)			150,230

Net movements in funds included in the above are as follows:

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

==> picture [501 x 618] intentionally omitted <==

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||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |23|Movement|in|funds|Net|Transfers| |Balance atl|movement|in|between|Balance|at 31| |Company|April|2024|funds|funds|March|2025| |£|£|£|£| |Unrestricted|funds| |General|fund|580,703|(66,764)|21,898|535,837| |Designated|funds|(note|24)|;|290,033|124,967|-|415,000| |870,736|58,203|21,898|950,837| |Restricted|funds| |Peer to|Peer|Support|+|33,576|-|33,576| |Children’s|officer|86,637|(44,158)|=.|42,479| |Carer’s|co-ordinator|-|(10,856)|-|10,857|1| |Small|Grants|48,557|14,221|i=|62,778| |Big|Local|-|East|Coseley|2,419|15,274|(2,419)|15,274| |Healthwatch|Dudley|20,599|1,919|-|22,518| |Refurbishment|fund|53,000|138,345|-|191,345| |Emergent|Cultures|66,444|11,396|s,|77,840| |Winter|Warmth||-|.|| |Covid CYA|12-18|36,668|-|~|36,668| |Dudley|Partnership|Board|Dev|Supp|VCS:|89,617|(50,250)|2|39,367| |Community|Connector|27,509|(13,208)|(14,301)|=| |Migrant Community|Support|16,035|.|=|..|(16,035)|.|-| |447,485|96,259|(21,898)|521,846| |Total|funds|1,318,221|154,462|-||1,472,683| |Net movements|in funds included in the above are as follows:|.| |Incoming|Resources|Gainsand|Movement|in| |resources|expended|losses|funds| |£|£|£|£| |Unrestricted|funds| |General|fund|1,109,990|(1,176,754)|-|(66,764)| |Designated|funds|(note|24)|254,580|(129,613)|=||124,967| ||1,364,570|(1,306,367)|a|58,203| |Restricted|funds| |Peer to|Peer|Support|263,015|(229,439)|2|33,576| |Children’s|officer|123,205|(167,363)|-|(44,158)| |Carer’s|co-ordinator|=|-|43,928|(54,784)|:|(10,856)| |Small|Grants|107,110|(92,889)|-|14,221| |Big|Local|- East Coseley|16,018|(744)|:|15,274| |Healthwatch|Dudley|222,505|(220,586)|+|1,919| |Refurbishment|fund|150,000|(11,655)|‘a|138,345| |Emergent Cultures|;|276,054|(264,658)|-|11,396| |Winter Warmth|200,000|(200,000)|=|-| |Covid CYA|12-18|=|&|=|-| |Dudley|Partnership|Board|Dev|Supp VCS|=|(50,250)|-|~|(50,250)| |Community|Connector|=|(13,208)|-|(13,208)| |Migrant Community|Support|160,000|(160,000)|2|-| |1,561,835|(1,465,576)|=|96,259| |Total funds|2,926,405|(2,771,943)|=|154,462|

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

==> picture [504 x 217] intentionally omitted <==

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24 Designated funds Designated/
(released)
Balanceat1 duringthe Expenditure Balance at 31
April 2024 year incurred March 2025
£ £ £ £
The trustees undertake an annual review of their
future plans and designate amounts out of
unrestricted funds accordingly. The position at
31 March 2025 is:
Income
Staff Costs 250,000 235,315 (85,315) 400,000
Information Technology 10,000 19,265 (14,265) 15,000
Grants 30,033 = (30,033) :
25 Funds of the charity _ 290,033 -254,580 ___(129,613) _ :415,000
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25

Description of restricted fands .

These are the specific projects that the charity has been requested to operate. Unless otherwise stated these projects are funded by specific grants from Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (Dudley MBC).

Children’s officer

Facilitates effective networking across the voluntary sector childcare agencies promoting the development of services and consulting parents and children on the Borough Children’s Services Plan.

Small grants

This comprises individual grants of less than £20,000 from all sources.

Big Local — East Coseley

Supported through Big Local and administered by Local Trust for the Big Lottery Fund to promote the £1 million coming to East Coseley and gather community visions for the area from as wide a range of individuals, groups and organisations as possible. This is being done through production of an area newsletter, regular Forum meetings, community activities, engagement and outreach and a small community grants programme. -

Carers’ Co-Ordinator

Funded by NHS Black Country ICB, this project is to promote partnership working in the acute hospital setting, linking the voluntary sector with statutory partners, to achieve recognition, assessment, intervention and support for carers.

Healthwatch Dudley

Funded by Dudley MBC, and set out under The Health And Social Care Act 2012, the aim of local Healthwatch will be to give citizens and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided within their locality.

RR

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

25 Funds of the charity (continued)

Refurbishment Fund

Various grants from Dudley MBC to assist in the major refurbishment work of the former Day Care Centre in Stafford Street, Dudley and the Brierley Hill Civic Hall, following asset transfers to Dudley CVS.

Emergent Cultures

Funded by Big Lottery Fund, a three year project to continue the Company’s pilot ofthe Co-Lab Dudley project. Seeking to be a catalyst and support system for the people of Dudley to develop opportunities to collaborate with each other, making, sharing and learning together thus enabling them to be better connected Householdand lead healthierSupport Grants and happier lives.

A grant from Dudley MBC to facilitate the provision of direct assistance to support families with children, . Struggling with the costs of food, energy and water bills and other associated costs.

Covid CTYA 12-18 A grant from Dudley MBC to facilitate Covid engagement activity with children and young adults 12-18 years.

Dudley Partnership Board Development Support VCS

A grant for developmental work of the establishment and roll out of the Dudley Health and Care Partnership Board. , Community Connector ,

Community Connector

Funded from Black Country Together CIC, this project is to inspire people to lead more active lifestyles using a variety of outreach activities to engage with people in the local community.

Migrant Community Support

Funding from Dudley MBC to support the voluntary sector to enhance support for refugees, asylum seekers support and wellbeing activities. and migrants. Support will include safe spaces for migrants to meet, peer support and access to guidance and

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

25 Funds of the charity (continued)

Unrestricted funds — income

Core services

This is the general fund of the charity mainly funded by Dudley MBC and Dudley NHS Black Country ICB and used to provide capacity building to voluntary and charitable groups throughout the Borough. The Service Level Agreement also includes the Volunteer Bureau and Community Care projects as well as Integrated. Services, being a designated fund, as part of Dudley CVS core activities.

Transfers are made from this fund to make good any shortfall in funding for the specific projects of the charity.

Unrestricted funds - designated

Staff Costs

This fund is a provision for various post, given the forthcoming cuts to core grant funding which the Board has decided to fund directly from reserves and a proposed annual designation to enable certain externally funded projects to continue.

Information Technology This fund is in respect of anticipated costs to update the company’s website.

Grants

Funds from Dudley CCG with the purpose of enabling active participation and representation of the voluntary and community sector in integrated care services in Dudley borough and Development of and Support to Patient Participation Groups.

Peer to Peer

. Funded by Dudley MBC, to oversee peer to peer support in relation to the Family Hubs/Start for Life, First 1001 days and Early Years agenda. A large proportion of the budget is being distributed across the voluntary sector as a grant programme to enable the sector to deliver peer support provision. 26 _— Limited liability

The company is a registered charity and has been granted the power to dispense with the word “Limited” from its name.

The liability of the members is limited by guarantee to a sum not exceeding £1 in the event of the company being wound up.

)

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

27 Related Party Disclosures

)

The charity has two wholly owned trading subsidiaries which are incorporated in the UK (England and Wales). The activities of these companies are included in the consolidated financial statements. The charity has taken advantage of the exemptions under FRS 102 not to disclose related party transactions with its subsidiaries.

' Dudley CVS Enterprises Limited (Company number 09482845) operates events, promotional activities and bar and catering at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.

Psiams Systems Limited (Company number 10000491) provides information technology services.

The registered office for both companies is 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EE.

A J Gray is a trustee of Black Country Together C.I.C. During the year the charity made sales of £9,999 to Black Country Together C.1.C. and had purchases of £4,250. At 31 March 2025 the charity was owed £3,730 by Black Country Together C.I.C.

}

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Company Registration No 1998105 (England & Wales) Charity No 517766

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE DIRECTORS’ AND TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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TTS
AEEILKW8 |
| A04 03/11/2025 #230
: " COMPANIESHOUSE ==
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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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. DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE a COMPANY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Directors and Trustees

(during the year ended 31 March 2025 and to date)

Mrs. S.A. Huband

Mr. G:M. Jones

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Objectives and activities

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

The charity’s aims are to assist the voluntary sector within the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley.

Working in partnership with others continues to be a cornerstone of the company’s work.

During the year the company played a major role in the following initiatives, to name but a few:
- ¢ Integrated Plus
¢ High Intensity User Project ¢ Health Watch
| e Carers - | ¢ Health and Wellbeing Board e Health and Social Care Partnership
| ¢* IntegratedDudley Borough Care BoardVision — Forging a Future for All Executive ¢ Big Lottery Fund— Emergent Cultures
| ¢ Combined Partnership LLP i ¢ Dudley Young Health Champions * School For Climate Justice
| ThecompanyHealth and Care maintainedPartnership, its representativeSafe and Sound rolePartnership, in the strategicIntegrated engagement Care Partnership arena, supporting and Children’s such bodiesPartnership. as Dudley : Relationships with local voluntary and community organisations were maintained and strengthened through the continued facilitation of several local networks. Significant work supporting Poverty summits and networks . The charity monitors its success by use of polls and surveys. In addition, specific reports are prepared for the funders on several projects.

, DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The company is grateful as always for the continued support of Dudley MBC, NHS Black Country ICB and Big Lottery Fund.

The continuing restriction of public sector finances makes it important for the charity to continue its efforts to diversify income streams.

Grants Payable

Reserves policy

The charitable group’s funds at 31 March 2025 were as listed below.

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Total funds

1,476,000 -

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Investments

Investments , Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to make any investment which the trustees see fit. .

Plans for Future Periods

Discussions are continuing in respect of possible further transfers/management of assets to further diversify potential income streams.

The charity provides third party indemnity provision for the trustees.

: DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Risk Management

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

3 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS102); -: make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

. there is no relevant audit information ofwhich the group’s auditor is unaware; and ° the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Independent Auditors

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A resolution proposing that BK Plus Audit Limited be reappointed as group auditors of the company will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 ofthe Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

By order of the Board

Mrs. M. E. J. Tumer Chairman

23 October 2025.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and parent charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2025, and of the group’s incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
e have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
‘have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011.

Basis for opinion

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (CONTINUED)

Other information (continued)

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

e 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
e _ the report of the trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
H . Matters on which we are required to report by exception
| In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment i obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the report of the trustees. | We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the | Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: _ * adequate and sufficient accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company, or returns adequate | for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or or ,
| e the parent charitable company’s financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; | e wecertain have disclosures not received of alldirectors’ the information remunerationand explanations specified by we lawrequire are notformade; our or audit: or | e the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies’ regime | and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the report of the trustees, and from the requirement to preparea strategic report.

Responsibilities of trustees

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (CONTINUED)

Responsibilities of trustees (continued)

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed auditor under the Companies Act 2006 and section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with those Acts.

: enquiry of management as to any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud

: enquiry of management as to any actual or potential litigation

: enquiry of management of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations

: performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls

: evaluating significant transactions outside the normal course of trade

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (CONTINUED)

Use of our report

Andrew Williams FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of BK Plus Audit Limited Azzurri House Walsall Road Aldridge West Midlands Walsall WS9 ORB

23 October 2025

Statutory Auditor

BK Plus Audit Limitedis eligible to act as an auditor in terms ofsection 1212 ofthe Companies Act 2006.

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING A GROUP INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities included all gains and losses recognised during the year.

The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part ofthese financial statements.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

GROUP BALANCE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH AS AT 31 MARCH AT 31 MARCH 31 MARCH MARCH 2025

The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part ofthese financial statements.

Company registration number 1998105,

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

			Unrestricted Funds	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Total 2025		Total 2024
		Notes		£	£	£		£
	Fixed assets
	Tangible assets	16		52,054	191,345	243,399		101,781
	Investments	17		200	-	200		200
				52,254	191.345	243,599		101,981
	Current assets
	Debtors	19		1,012,662	29,229	~—-1,041,891		840,259
	Cash atbank and in hand			84,641	305,967	390,608		518,081
				1,097,303	335,196	1,432,499		1,358,340
	Creditors: amounts fallingdue within oneyear	20		198,720	4,695	203,415		142,100
	Netcurrentassets	898,583			330,501	1,229,084		1,216,240
	Net assets		.	950,837	521,846	__1,472,683	__	1,318,221
	Unrestricted funds
,	General Designated Restricted funds	23 23&24 23		535,837 415,000 -	- = 521,846	535,837 415,000 521,846		580,703 290,033 447,485
				950,837	521,846	__1,472,683	__1,318,221
	Thesefinancial statementshave been prepared inaccordance withthe				special provisionsofPart
	15 oftheCompaniesAct2006 relatingtosmall		charitablecompanies.
	Thenoteson pages 16to 33 form partofthese financial statements.
	Company registrationnumber1998105.
	The financial statementswere approvedbythe Board			ofTrusteeson 23 October2025		2025 andwere
	signedon itsbehalfby:
	Mrs M.LE.J. Turner’		G.M.	Jones
	Director/Trustee		Director/Trustee

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

		2025	2025	2024	2024
	Notes	Group £	Company £	Group £	Company £
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash generated/(absorbed) from operations	1	255,952	(5,902)	(188,943)	(166,326)
Netcashprovided by(usedin)operatingactivities		255,952	(5,902)	_ (188,943)	(166,326)
Cash flowsfrom investing activities
Purchaseoftangiblefixedassets —		(158,259)	=(158,259)	(8,755)	-
Sale oftangible fixed assets		:	-	19,995	19,995		—
Interest received		39,432	36,688	23,837	23,837
Netcash provided by(usedin)investingactivities		118,827)	__(121,571)	___35,077	43,832
Change in cashandcash equivalents inthe reporting period		137,125	= (127,473)	(153,866)	(122,494)
Cashandcash equivalents atthe beginning ofthe						.
reporting period		702,593	518,081	1,606,459	1,390,575
Cash andcashequivalents attheend ofthe reporting				“
period		839,718	390,608	_1,452,593	_1,268,081
NOTESTOTHEGROUPCASHFLOWSTATEMENT FORTHEYEARENDED 31MARCH20254			,
Cash generated/(absorbed) from operations		2025	2025	2024	2024
		Group	Company	Group	Company
		£	£	£	£
Netincome/(expenditure) forthe reporting period (as
per thestatement offinancial activities)		150,230	154,462	(226,923)	(248,975)
Adjustments for:
Depreciationcharges Interestreceived		22,203 (39,432)	16,641 (36,688)	20,414 (23,837)	10,602 (23,837)
Movement indeferredtax		(1,330)	-	“	:
Decrease/(Increase) in stocks		803	-	(2,427)	-
Decrease/(Increase) in debtors		66,966	(201,632)	(51,432)	87,181
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors		56,512	61,315	95,262	8,703
Netcash providedby(usedin)operatingactivities		255,952	____(5,902)	_ (188,943)	(166,326)

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Statutory Information Dudley Council for Voluntary Service is a private company, limited by guarantee without share capital, registered in England and Wales.

The presentation currency of the accounts is the Pound Sterling (£), rounded to the nearest pound.

2 Accounting policies

Basis of preparing the financial statements

Group financial statements

Going concern

Income

Donated facilities are included in the accounts at a notional figure where the trustees are able to estimate the value of the facilities received.

Other income is accounted for on a receivable basis.

Interest receivable is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Trading income is accounted for on the accruals basis.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE , NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

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Expenditure

Expenses are allocated to projectsor core services as they are incurred.

Where expenses are incurred which relate to more than one of the charity’s activities these are allocated between projects and core services on the following bases:

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Expenses allocated to projects are divided between the individual projects on the basis of the size of the project as measured by the amount of grant income.

Tangible fixed assets

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Expenditure of less than £1,000 per item is not capitalised but is written off in the year in which it is incurred.

Capital grants

Stock , Stocks are stated at the lower of cost on a first in first out basis and net realisable value. Provision is made for damaged, obsolete and slow-moving stock where appropriate.

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Investments

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

Financial instruments

Taxation

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds are funds that the trustees have designated for a specific purpose.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Critical accounting estimates and areas ofjudgement

Leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis » over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

	3	Summary financial performance ofthe	the charityalone:	the charityalone:
				Unrestricted		Restricted	Total			Total
			Note	Funds		Funds	2025			2024
				£		£	£			£
		INCOME
		Income and endowments from:				,
		Donationsand legacies	4	37,500		-	37,500			37,500
		Charitable activities	5	981,984		1,561,835	2,543,819			1,917,843
		Giftaid receipts fromtrading		42,847		-	42,847			43,270
		subsidiaries
		Othertrading activities		57,475		5	57,475			64,488
		Otherincome	7	208,076		»	208,076			251,713
.		Investmentincome	8	36,688		-	36,688			23,867
			Totalincomingresources	23	1,364,570		1,561,835	2,926,405	7
		;
		Charitable activities	9	1,067,558		1,465,576	2,533,134			2,290,669
		Othertrading activities		238,809		-	238,809			296,987
			Total resourcesexpended	23	1,306,367		___1,465,576	__2,771,943		__
		NETINCOME/(EXPENDITURE)		58,203		96,259	154,462			(248,975)
			Transfersbetweenfunds		21,898		(21,898)	=
				Netmovementinfunds Totalfundsbrought forward TOTALFUNDS CARRIED	23	80,101 870,736 950,837			74,361 447,485 521,846	154,462 1,318,221 1,472,683
		;
i	!		4	Incomefromdonations and legacies		Unrestricted funds 2025 £		Restricted funds 2025 £	Totalfunds 2025 £

		Donated facilities		37,500		-	37,500			37,500
					__37;500		:.	37,500

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‘DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			.
FORTHE	THEYEARENDED	31MARCH2025
5	Incomefromcharitableactivities		Unrestricted		Restricted		Total		Total
	GroupandCompany		funds 2025		funds 2025	:	2025		2024
			£		£		£			£
	Core Services	;	1,131,984		-		1,131,984			790,616
	Goods and Services		-		-		-			*
	Children’s’ Officer		-		123,205		123,205			193,200
	Small Grants		:		107,110		107,110			29,809
	Carers’ Co-Coordinator		-		43,928		43,928			43,666
	EastCoseley		-		16,018		16,018			109,495
	Healthwatch Dudley		-		222,505		222,505			218,360
	Emergent Cultures		*		276,054		276,054			245,231
	Covid -19		-		-		-			=
	WinterWarmth		-		200,000		200,000	~		60,000
	HolidayActivity		:		:		-			30,544
	Refurbishment Fund		-		150,000		150,000			=
	CovidCYA 12-18				=		7			5
	Dudley Partnership BoardDev SuppVCS		>		-		:			125,000
	VCS Health Inequalities		-		-		*			19,835
	CommunityConnector		-		+		:		_	40,102
	MigrantCommunity	Support	:		160,000		160,000			= ,
	Action on Poverty		:		-		-			-
	PeertoPeer Support			o	263,015		263.015			11,985
			1,131,984		1,561,835		2,693,819		1,917,843
6	Incomefromothertrading	trading activities -	Unrestricted —		Restricted		Total		Total
	Group		funds 2025		funds 2025		2025		2024
			£		£		£			£
	Office rentalsandroom hires		165,984		re		165,984			166,375
	Catering and refreshments ,		367,595		=		367,595			329,523
	Salesoftickets and services		153,218		-		153,218			134,199
			686,797		+		686,797			630,097

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7	Otherincome		Unrestricted	Restricted		Total	Total
	Group		funds	funds
			2025	2025.		2025	2024
			£	£		£	£
	Other income		81,465	-		81,465	31,090
	Otherincome		Unrestricted	Restricted		Total	. Total
	Company		funds	funds
			2025	2025		2025	2024
			£	£		£	£
	Other income		208,076	-	_	208,076	251,713
	Otherincome includes wages	and salaries	recharged tothetrading subsidiary.
8	Interest receivable		Unrestricted	Restricted		Total	Total
	Company		funds	funds
			2025	2025		2025	2024
				£		£	£
	Bank and other interest		36,688	<		36,688	23,867
							.
	Group					:
	Bank and other interest		39,422	+		39,422	23,867
9	Expenditureon Charitable	activities	Unrestricted	Restricted		Total	Total
	Company		funds	funds
			2025	2025		2025	2024
			£	£		£	£
	Human resources		786,837	416,142		1,202,979	1,212,421
	Operational costs		85,646	256,568		342,214	424,092
	Grants paid	,	68,914	621,450		690,364	394,830
			941,397	1,294,160		2,235,557	2,031,343
	Support costs		£	£		£	£
	Premises costs		63,460	19,867		83,327	92,797
	Professional costs		57,779	900		58,679	58,452
	General costs Depreciation		50,132 16,641	53,557 -		103,689 16,641	66,849 8,596
	Governance costs (note 11)		35,241			35,241	32,632
	.		223,253	Ss 74,324		297,577	—-259,326
	Charitable activities		1,164,650	1,368,484		2,533,134	2,290,669
			21

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

10 Expenditure on other trading activities

			Office			Sales of
			rentals and	Catering and		tickets and	Total
		All unrestricted	room hire		refreshments	commission	2025			2024
			£		£	£		£		£
		Purchases	-		208,148	:		208,148		189,394
		Human resources	-		248,265	-		248,265		218,394
		Operational costs	3,781		*	36,010		39,79)		26,148
		Premises costs	66,333		-	104,611		170,944		131,002
		Professional costs	-		-	8,009		8,009		8,867
		General costs	9,917		-	16,343		26,260		18,373
		Depreciation	*		.	5,562		5,562		9,812
			80,031	—	456,413.	170,535		706,979	©	601,990
:	il	Governance costs			Unrestricted Restricted			Total			Total
					funds funds
		Core services			2025		2025		2025		2024
; £ £ £ £

		Staffcosts				14,497		.		14,497	13,671
		Printing, stationery&	& advertising			3,862		-		3,862	606
		Accountancy and audit fees				16,882		-		16,882	18,355
						35,241		-		35,241	32,632
:	12	Taxation							2025		2024
			Analysis ofthetaxcharge								£
			Thetaxchargeonthenetincome forthe		theyearwas as	follows.
			Deferredtaxcredit/((charge)	/((charge)							1,330
								.		1,330	(2,373)

13 Trustees’ remuneration and benefits

No travel expenses were reimbursed during the year (2024 - £Nil).

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Employees and staffcosts
ThetotalemolumentsCeemonetary and non-monetary benefits-in-kind) o employees during theyearwere:		2025 Group £		2025 Company £		2024 Group £			2024 Company £
Emoluments		1,131,835		1,046,051		1,258,430			1,258,430
Employers’ National Insurance contributions		108,061		107,988		118,259		©	118,259
Pension contributions		64,964		61,333		66,311			66,311
Healthcare		2,104		2,104		1,486			1,486
		1,306,964		1,217,476		1,444,486			___—1,444,486
The average numberofemployees during the		2025		2025		2024			2024
year was:		Group		Company		Group			Company
Charitable activities			29	29			29		29
Management and administration			2	2			2		2
Trading activities	_		25° 56		17 48		25 _56		_
Full time equivalents
Charitable activities			29	29			29		29
Management and administration			2	2			2		2
Trading activities			14	10			4		14
			45	41				45
;
		2025		2025		2024			2024
		Group		Company		Group			Company —
		£		£		£			£
Total benefitsreceivedbykeymanagement personnel		187,528		187,528		172,959			172,959
Numberofemployeesreceivingbenefitsin excessof£60,000 Emoluments£60,000-£70,000		2025 Group	if	2025 Company 1	-	2024 Group	L		2024 Company 1

Staff costs includes employees recharged to the trading company.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Tangible fixed assets	Leasehold			Fixtures	Office		Computer			Totals
	property			and	equipment		equipment
	improve-			fittings
	ments						:
Group	£.			£	£		£			£
Cost
At 1 April 2024	150,342			71,223	2,563		45,278			269,406
Additions	154,761			-	-		3,498			158,259
Disposals	-			-	:		(21,947)			(21,947)

At 31 March 2025	—_ 305,103			71,223	2,563		26,829	—		405,718
Depreciation
At	April 2024	49,791			61,733	2,563		44,048
Charge forthe year	14,817			5,562	-		1,823			22,203
Disposals	=			:	-		(21,947)			(21,947)
At31 March2025	64,608		pee	3295	2,563		23,924			158,391
NetBookValues		i
At31 March 2025	240,495			3,927	:		2,905			247,327
At31 March 2024	100,551			92490	-		1,230			111,271
	Leasehold			Fixtures	Office		Computer			Totals
	property		and fittings		equipment		equipment
	improve-
	ments
Company	£			£	£		£			£
Cost
At 1 April2024	150,342			20,620	2,563		45,278			218,803
Additions Disposals	154,761 -			- -	-	-	3,498 (21,947)			158,259 (21,947)
At 31 March2025	305,103		__-20,620		2,563"		26,829	-		355,115
Depreciation At 1 April 2024	49,791			20,620	2,563		44,048		-	117,022
Chargefortheyear Disposals	14,818 =			-	é =:		1,823 (21,947)			16,641 (2 ,947)
At 31 March 2025	— 64,609		.	20,620	2,563		___23,924			111,716
Net Book Values
At31 March 2025	240,494			-	_		2,905			243,399
At31March2024	100,551			-	-		1230.			101,781

All fixed assets held are in furtherance of the charity’s objects.

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17 Fixed asset investments (Company)

	17	Fixed asset investments (Company)investments (Company)(Company)
							2025	2024
		Shares in group undertakings:					£	£
		DudleyCVS Enterprises Limited	(Company number09482845)				100	100
		Psiams Systems Limited	(Company number 10000491)				100	100
								200
		Both ofthe companies arewhollyownedtrading subsidiary companies, incorporated in theUK(Englandand
		Wales). Theregistered office forboth companies is 7Albion Street, Brierley Hill,				West Midlands,DY5		DY5 3EE.
		The activitiesofthesecompanies are included	inthe	the consolidated financial statements.
		Asummaryofthe subsidiaries’ tradingresults	is	set outbelow:
				DudleyCVS DudleyCVS			Psiams	Psiams
				Enterprises Enterprises Limited Limited 2025 2024			Systems Limited 2025	Systems Limited 2024
				£ £			£	£
		Total Income		664,233 $65,609			>	=
		TotalExpenditure Profit/((Loss) forthe year	;	668,465 566,666 (4,232) _ (1,057)		__	a _. os	= =
,		Net assets/(liabilities)	aSAT9B 79				91,816)	(91,816)
a	18	Stocks		2025 2025 Group Company			2024 Group	2024 Company
:				£ £			£	£
		Bar stocks		11,265 -			12,068	=
			:	1,265 es			12,068	ee
19		Debtors: amounts fallingduewithinone		2025 2025			2024	2024
		year. SO		Group Company			Group	Company
i £ £ £ £
	Trade debtors 23,660 15,169 24,829 4,354
i		Grants receivable		7,463 7,463			71,238	71,238
		Prepayments andaccrued income		45,332 33,042			45,375	12,688
		Otherdebtors		750,251 750,000			752,230	751,979
		Amounts owedbygroupcompanies	.	=. 236,217	_		_	; :
			.	826,706___1,041,891			893,672.	840,259

Amounts due from the group undertakings is unsecured, interest free and payable on demand.

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

20	Creditors: amounts fallingduewithin	Creditors: amounts fallingduewithin	2025	2025	2024	2024
	oneyear		Group	Company	Group	Company
			£	£	£	£
	Trade creditors		77,953	37,280	74,924	36,947
	Amounts owedtogroupcompanies		-	-	-	15,841
	Accrualsanddeferred income		297,162	109,641	244,861	42,033
	Social securityand othertaxes		53,107	39,124	42,758	29,361
	Othercreditors		19,751	17,370	28,918	17,918
				447,973	203,415	391,461
21	Provisions forliabilities		2025	2025	2024	2024
			Group	Company	Group	Company
			£	£	£	£
	Deferred tax
	Capital allowances in excessof
	depreciation		1,043	-	2,373	-
			. 1,043 _	=	2,373	-
22	Financialcommitments	:
	Operatingleases—Groupandcompany Total futureminimum leasepayments under non-cancellable operating leases are				asfollows:
	Not laterthanoneyear Laterthan oneandnot laterthanfiveyears Laterthanfiveyears—landandbuildings			_	2025 60,500 242,000 839,555 1,142,055	2024 61,180 242,000 900,055 1,203,235
	The leasepayments forlandandbuildings,£1,142,055 (2024 -£1,203,235), willonly				only be paid ifagreed
	outcomes are not met.
				,

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTESTOTHE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS	NOTESTOTHE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS	NOTESTOTHE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS							,
	FORTHEYEARENDED 31MARCH	MARCH2025
23	Movement infunds				Net	Transfers
		sO	Balance atl		movement in	between	Balance at31
	Group		April2024		funds	funds		March2025		,
			£		£	£		£
	Unrestricted funds
	Generalfund		588,252		(70,996)	21,898		$39,154
	Designatedfunds(note24)		290.033		124,967	-		415,000
			878,285		53,971	21,898	_	954,154
	Restricted funds						en
	PeertoPeer Support		-		33,576	-		33,576
	Children’s officer		86,637		(44,158)	=		42,479
	Carer’s co-ordinator		-		(10,856)	10,857		1
_	Small Grants		48,557		14,221	7		62,778
	Big Local - EastCoseley		2,419		15,274	(2,419)		15,274
	HealthwatchDudley		20,599		1,919	-		22,518
	Refurbishmentfund		53,000		138,345	-		191,345
	EmergentCultures		66,444		11,396	-		77,840
	WinterWarmth		*		-	=		-
	CovidCYA 12-18		36,668		-	-.		36,668
	DudleyPartnership BoardDevSuppVCS		89,617		(50,250)	*		39,367
	Community Connector		27,509		(13,208)	(14,301)		-
	MigrantCommunity Support		16,035		-	(16,035)		-
			447,485		96,259	(21,898)		521,846
	TotalFunds		1,325,770			150,230	-		1,476,000.
Net	movements in funds included inthe	above are as follows:
			Incoming		Resources	Gainsand	Movement in
			resources		expended	losses		funds
			£		£	£		£
	Unrestricted funds
-	General fund		1,572,598		(1,643,594)	=		(70,996)
	Designatedfunds (note24)		254,580.		(129,613)	=,		124,967
			1,827,178 .		(1,773,207)	-		53,971
	Restricted funds
	Peerto PeerSupport		263,015		(229,439)	*		33,576
	Children’s officer		123,205		(167,363)	-		(44,158)
	Carer’s co-ordinator		43,928		(54,784)	-		(10,856)
	Small Grants		107,110		(92,889)	=		14,221
	BigLocal-EastCoseley		16,018		(744)	2		15,274
	Healthwatch Dudley		222,505		(220,586)	“		1,919
	Refurbishmentfund		150,000		(11,655)	=		138,345
	EmergentCultures		276,054		(264,658)	:		11,396
	WinterWarmth		200,000		(200,000)	-		‘:
	CovidCYA 12-18			‘	2	oa		-
	DudleyPartnershipBoardDev SuppVCS			-	(50,250)	-		(50,250)
	Community Connector			-	(13,208)	-		(13,208)
	MigrantCommunitySupport		160,000 1,561,835		(160,000) (1,465,576)	: +		- 96,259
	Total funds	;	3,389,013		(3,238,783)			150,230

Net movements in funds included in the above are as follows:

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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25

Description of restricted fands .

Children’s officer

Facilitates effective networking across the voluntary sector childcare agencies promoting the development of services and consulting parents and children on the Borough Children’s Services Plan.

Small grants

This comprises individual grants of less than £20,000 from all sources.

Big Local — East Coseley

Carers’ Co-Ordinator

Healthwatch Dudley

RR

. a

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

25 Funds of the charity (continued)

Refurbishment Fund

Emergent Cultures

A grant from Dudley MBC to facilitate the provision of direct assistance to support families with children, . Struggling with the costs of food, energy and water bills and other associated costs.

Covid CTYA 12-18 A grant from Dudley MBC to facilitate Covid engagement activity with children and young adults 12-18 years.

Dudley Partnership Board Development Support VCS

A grant for developmental work of the establishment and roll out of the Dudley Health and Care Partnership Board. , Community Connector ,

Community Connector

Funded from Black Country Together CIC, this project is to inspire people to lead more active lifestyles using a variety of outreach activities to engage with people in the local community.

Migrant Community Support

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DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

25 Funds of the charity (continued)

Unrestricted funds — income

Core services

Transfers are made from this fund to make good any shortfall in funding for the specific projects of the charity.

Unrestricted funds - designated

Staff Costs

Information Technology This fund is in respect of anticipated costs to update the company’s website.

Grants

Peer to Peer

The company is a registered charity and has been granted the power to dispense with the word “Limited” from its name.

The liability of the members is limited by guarantee to a sum not exceeding £1 in the event of the company being wound up.

)

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

27 Related Party Disclosures

)

' Dudley CVS Enterprises Limited (Company number 09482845) operates events, promotional activities and bar and catering at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.

Psiams Systems Limited (Company number 10000491) provides information technology services.

The registered office for both companies is 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EE.

}

;

2025-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REVIEW 2024/ 2025

Supporting the voluntary and community sector in Dudley borough since 1974.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Building an environment in which volunteers and their communities thrive, by encouraging and nurturing volunteering opportunities.

Reinventing and rejuvenating the Dudley Volunteer Centre

Our progress so far has included:

Nurturing and inspiring volunteers across our work

Developing a volunteer programme to support clients of Integrated Plus

Empowering Young Volunteers at Healthwatch Dudley

Inspiring volunteer-led climate action: Bringing the Stour to Life

Achieving the Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation (LIQA)

Supporting and advocating for the Voluntary Sector s following local funding cut

Amplifying voices to influence change

Empowering young people to lead and advocate

Exploring experiences of care homes and supported living facilities

Cultivating community-led action

Dudley Creates: a 100 Year Cultural Strategy in Action

While CoLab Dudley has a creative space on

100 Ways to be a Good Ancestor

Creating opportunities and driving effective joint working by building networks of local organisations and strategic partners

Creating spaces for connection: Welcome to the Sector

Over the year, Welcome to the Sector has:

Building networks that last with peer support for parents and caregivers

“The group has provided me with social support at a time that is wonderful and life changing but at times incredibly challenging.”

Working together to tackle inequalities

Using Technology to Break Down Language Barriers

Growing voluntary sector support for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers

Reflecting on this work, we saw that simple, free

Tackling poverty across Dudley borough

Providing practical support and development for local people and organisations, to nurture skills and build community resilience.

Supporting groups and organisations to build capacity

This year’s Welcome to the Sector attendees said:

How our long-term support nurtures groups: Cadrene Supported Living

Ensuring our local venues remain vibrant cultural hubs for the local community

Supporting groups to become sustainable to ensure our community continues to thrive

Over the year:

Supporting individuals to strengthen their capacity

Improving wellbeing through Social Prescribing

Providing support to unpaid carers

Helping people to unlock their passions, gifts, and talents

Providing Information to Change Lives

Through our support:

Supporting Dad’s experiencing challenges

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CONTENTS

Directors and Trustees

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Objectives and activities

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Grants Payable

Reserves policy

Total funds

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Investments

Plans for Future Periods

: DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Risk Management

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Independent Auditors

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Opinion

Basis for opinion

Conclusions relating to going concern

Other information

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (CONTINUED)

Other information (continued)

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

Responsibilities of trustees

DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF DUDLEY COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (CONTINUED)

Responsibilities of trustees (continued)

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements