REGisfERED COMPANY NUMBER: 024010681England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARrrY NUMBER: 701764 Active Cheshire REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES, DIREcfoRS REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 AcfivE CHESHIRE
Contents of the Flnanclal Statements for The Year Ended 31 March 2025 CHAIR'S FOREWORD.... REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Ilncludlng the Dlrertors Report)....... INDEPENDENT AUDrroR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF AcfivE CHESHIRE ............ STATEMEMf OF FINANaALACTIVITIES............... ..19 .23 BALANCE SHEET........... .24 CASH FLOW sfATEMEKr... .25 NOTESTOTHE CASH FLOW STATEMENT.............. .26 NOTESTOTHE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS............. .27 DEfAILED sfATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivmE5 . .45 (This does not form part of the financial statements)
ACTIVE CHESHIRE CHAIR'S FOREWORD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Active Cheshire has delivered a year of sustained strong finantial performance, process improvement and impact delivery. We have capitalised upon numerous years of investment in partnership workin& strengthenin8 our posltion as physical activity system leader and trusted partner to national, regional and local organisatlon5. Our strong set of results are underpinned by our lean organisational strurture and a continued focus of delivering against our strategic priorities. The detail of what we have dellvered Is outlined in the forthcoming sections. In prevSous years we have noted our thanks to those organisations with whom we have partnered to deliver for the communities of Cheshire & Warrington, and l am pleased to report the continued growth in this area. In particular, we would like to recognise both Sport England and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside in worklng with Active Cheshlre to deliver against our shared prlorities. Delivering a £2.99 (for every £1 invested) social return on investment from the Opening Schools Facilitles program across Cheshire and Merseyside ha5 been a highlight of the year. This is the culmination of shaping the dlstribution of in-excess of £1.75m to $15choo15 in 3 years, allowing over 16, 300 young people to enga8e in sport and physical artivlty, that the young people themselves have been key in the design and implementation of. There havebeen a numberof changesto our Board durlng theyear, including my recruitment as Chair, following the planned exit of our previous Chair, Martin Pearson. I would like to place on record my thanks, on behalf of the Board, to Martin. Martin spent 6 years as a Trustee at Active Cheshire, including 3 as Chair, and leaves the Board in an excellent posltion from which I can lead it forward. Throughout this year, the team and board have worked collaboratively to envisage a new future for Active Cheshire, buildlng upon our previous strategy and delivering for the least active members of our community- We have been led by our value5, driven by the data and insight, empowered by the shared purpose we have found with our trusted partners, and motivated to ensure access to physical activity across Cheshire & Warrington becomes more equal. The new 'Playing our Pary strategy delivers a clear mission; unitin& inspiring and empowering partners to tackle inequalities in physical activity. I look forward to updating on our progress in due course. aftd Cha
AcfivE CHESHIRE REpoKf OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH Z025 Members of the Board and Professlonal Advlsers The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companles Act 2006, present thelr report with the financial statements of the charityforthe yearended 31 March 2025. This report includes the Dlrectors Report for the purposes of the company law. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accountin8 and Reporting by Charitles: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparin8 their accounts in accordance wlth the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland (FRS 1021. Members of the Board and Professlonal Advlsers The Charl Charity No.: Company No.: Registered Charity Name: Registered Office: 701764 02401068 Active Cheshlre Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford. Cheshlre, cin IAH Trustees Jonathan Betts Rachel Waterman Stephen Law-Lyons lain Lancaster Joseph Onions Kate Morris-Bates Clalre Thompson Adam Sullivan Eleanor Underhill Jonathan Wogel Posltlon Chair Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Date A olnted I" October 2024 I" December 2019 30 September 2022 30" September 2022 30 June 2023 30 June 2023 30° June 2023 30 June 2023 29" September 2023 I. December 2023 Trustee Trustee Trustee Senior Independent Dlrector Trustee Trustees- resl ned In Martin Pearson ear Date of Res1 natlon 30 September 2024 Chair Chlef ExKutlve Offlcer Michael Watson Date A olnted I" June 2021
AcfivE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including the Directors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Auditor Ascendis Audit Limited Unit 3, Building 2 The Colony Altrincham Road, Wilmslow Cheshire, SK9 4LY Bank Barclays Bank PIC 30 St Werburgh Street Chester Cheshire, CHI I XB Sollcitor Mills & Reeve LLP th th 8 and 9 Floor l New York Street Manchester, Ml 4AD The Trustee recruitment process is open and transparent. All Trustees receive a comprehensive induction and are subject to annual appraisal and development as set out in the Active Cheshire Governance Manual. As a recognised Active Partnership commissioned by Sport England, Active Cheshire must demonstrate compliance as a Tier 3 provider with the Code of Sports Governance. Governance Active Cheshire's governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Forthe purpose of charity law, trustees actas members (see notes for member liability). Trustees are furthergoverned by a specific Governance Manual (March 2025 and under current review in line with the Sport England Code for Sport Governance). which sets out procedures for recruitment, deployrnent, decision-making and the controls in place to ensure probity and transparency. As part of a national network of providers commissioned by Sport England, Active Cheshire must comply with the national Code of Sports Governance as a fier 3 provider. Disclosures Active Cheshire has in place a Conflict of Interest Registerwhere any disclosures are made on a regular basis. Declarations of Interest is an agenda item of every meetin8 and any person with an interest has no part in or presence at a decision. Staff As of 31/03/2025 Chief Executlve Offlcer Board Support Head of Data and Insight Strategic Lead Active Environments Strategic Lead Workforce and Partnerships Senior Strateglc Lead Mental Health Strategic Lead Children and Young People Strategic Lead Physical Activity and Health Head of Strategy Head of Finance and Compllance
AcfivE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 INTRODucfioN - OVERVIEW & CHARITABLE OBJECTS Active Cheshire is a charity that exists for public benefit. It aims to improve the hea5th and wellbeing of local citizens with a mission to embed physical activity into all aspects of everyday life. To achieve this it will focus on its charitable objectives to ensure that the necessary resources and information are available to make sport and physical activity happen locally. Trustees will further ensure that, in line with our objects, opportunities to get active are available to everyone, regardless of age, gender, background or ability. Actlve Cheshire's charitable objects are to: l. Increase opportunities to get active locally 'In the interests of social welfare, to provide or assist in the provision of opportunities for the benefit of the inhabitants of the County of Cheshire for physical and athletic recreation or other leisure-time physical and athletic activity, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants,; 2. Provide financial support to enable participation 'To relieve the need, hardship and distress of such inhabitants in conditions of need, hardship and distress by providing financial or other assistance so enabling them to participate in the opportunities provided by the company,; 3. Inspire people to get active by promoting local opportunities 'To disseminate or assist in the disseminatlon of information encouraging such inhabitants to participate in physical recreation (including sport) to promote their health and wellbeing,; 4. Ensure that local opportunities are inclusive and accessible for those with disabilities 'Provide orassist in the provision of sporting opportunities fordisabled people to relieve or alleviate their conditions.; 5. Provide more opportunities for young people to get active 'Provide or assist in the provision of sporting facilities foryoung persons aged under 25 years of age to secure or advance their physical education and trainin8 and enhance their education generally,; 6. Build skills and capacity to deliver activities locally 'Develop or assist in the development of the capacity and skills of the members of socially and economically disadvantaged communities within the county of Cheshire in such a waythatthey are better able to identify and help meet their needs in regard to physical and athletic recreation or other physical and athletic activity, so improving their conditions of life,; 7. Provide more opportunities for older people to get active 'Provide and assist in the provision of opportunities for physical and athletic recreation or other physical attivity for older people, to promote their health and well-being..
ACTIVE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includln8 the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Publlc Benefit This document sets out the progress made during 2024-25 towards the achievement of our strate8lc goals and our charitable objects. It further qualifies and quantifies the impact of our work for public benefit and should be read in conjunction with the annexed financial statements. Publ1¢ Benefit Statement The trustees have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charitles Act 2006 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commi$5ion. Charlty Operatlons Charity operations are overseen by Trustee5 and led operationally by the CEO. Mlke Watson. Our Cufture Staff turnover is now very low and we have embedded our new values- Collaboratlon: We will work, and learn, together with others to achieve our common goals. Integrlty: We always do what we say we're 80ing to do in the right way and to the best of our ablllty, to achieve the best outcomes. Incluslvlty: We celebrate diversity, welcome all opinions and strive to tackle inequality. Passlon.. We have pride and belief In everything we do and are committed to makin8 a real difference. Innovatlon: We want to break the mould and develop brave new Idea5 to ensure our communities have the best possible future. We continue to strive to be the best we can be and promote a happy workplace and a good worvllfe balance for all our staff.
AcllvE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Indudlng the Dlrertors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PROGRESS AGAINsf CHARrrABLE OBJEcfs & STRATEGIC OBJEcllvES The progress we are deli8hted to detail here has In no small part been made posslble by the investment of our Strategic partners. Our principal investor, Sport England, via the Uniting the Movement strategy, has seen Active Cheshire recognised as a Systern Partner. This guarantees 5 years of funding {2022-27) to dellver a8ainst the agreed priorities. We would like to place on record, our thanks to Sport England, fortheir continued support and investment. We continued to dellver agalnst the final year of our Active Cheshire CONNECTED strategy whlch focuses our attention on providlng the greatest possible impact upon people and communitle5 who have the greatest difficulty in becoming active. Our role is to facilitate their opportunities as a specialised infrastructure organisation, allow the development of strategies, plans and policies to chime wlth organisation development In communities. We do with our communlties, not to them. Signlficantly, we have also spent thls year derfeloplnB our new strategy• Playing our Part. We have worked collaboratively as a Team and Board, with partners and strategic allies to ensure we artlculate our role in the Sport and Physical Activlty System through to 2031, This considerable investment of time. effort, energy, knowledge and skill wlll pay dividends lon8 into the future, for Actlve Cheshire and the wlder system. The 5 Strategic Objective5 of Active Cheshire CONNEcfED strategy, and their impacts, are herein detailed: More healthy, more active people Greater health equlty Increased participation in Sport, Physical Activlty and Movement High quallty partnerships with key stakeholders A coordinated, functioning physical actlvity system l. More healthy. more actlve people With the delivery of our strategy, ActSve Cheshire'5 role as a strategic partner for Cheshire & Warrington focusedon helpingorganisations in communities to enable peopleto become more active, more often, livlng longer, happier, healthier lives. Where 202314 wa5 a year in which our system leadershlp role became embedded in everything we do, 202415 was a year to capitalise on the opportunities this presents, however, the shifting macro*conomic factors made this challenging for everyone.
AcfivE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUStEES (Indudlng the Dlrertors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Because of the strong foundations built in 2023/4, this was a year where the power of collaboration became embedded. In*xcess of 115 partners from 80+ organisations now consider them5eSves a partner in the All Together Active System. These partners represent over 15 different sectors including the public, private and VCSFE sectors, HE/FE, Sport, Lelsure, community safetyand statutory service5. The final year of the Opening Schools Facilities fund has seen Active Cheshire lead the coordination of the distribution of £587,776 to 51 schools. enabling 7,551 individuals to become physically actlve in both extra-curricular and community activities. Across the 3 years of the contract, Active Cheshire ha5 co-ordinated the distribution of c£l.75m. The Social Return on Investment from this programme across Its 3 years, has seen £2.99 of social return from every £1 invested. 2. Greater health equlty Our collaborative approach to embedding Physical Attivity into the ever evolving health system, through All Together Active, has moved forward leaps and bounds. In October 2024. we delivered a jolnt Health and Physical Activity Conference which saw over 150 colleagues from across the spectrum of sectors join together to listen, learn and Share their experiences of how collaborative working could transform the lives of our communities. The feedback was hugely positive, with 'increased collaboration, increased confidence talkin8 about physical activityi and 'a deeper understanding of the cross sector opportunities, being some of the positive feedback received. By bullding closer alignment, finding commonallty and shared ground, we have been able to focus our impact alignment with All Together Fairer, Cheshire and Merseyside's Marmot Principles based Health Strategv. This alignment has led to a further 2 years of committed health system funding in the All Together Active Programme {2025-27} with a closer focus in the role physical attivlty can play in Fall prevention, Prehabilitation and Addiction recovery. 3. Increased partlclpatlon In Sport, Physlcal Actlvlty and Movement In 202415 we have Invested significantly in the Move Metrics system, Pu15e. The system is comprehensive data system, allowing Active Cheshlre and the wider system, to make data driven decisions based upon the latest insight. This first stage development has put data and inslght at our finger tips, allowing us to draw comparisons from hyper-local data, all the way up to national level data. The data is drawn from manv sources, and covers health, census, macro-economics and population level data. The system is used to allow us to meet our goal of makin8 data Informed decisions.
AcfivE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRusfEES (Includlng the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We can see from the Pulse data that the latest Sport England Active Lives survey shows: 'Inactlve Adult5, have Increased from 23.6% to 26.1% 'Inactlve Children. have decreased from 29.5% to 27.2% Active Lives Siirvey Cheshire and Warrington JJJJJ Intsclric Active Lives Survey Cheshire and Merseyside Isormo 140tWO 120r¥>)O iooiJ))o Fatsl¢Acii'. io
AcfivE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng the Dlrertors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 4. Hl8h quallty partnershlps wlth key stakeholders Active Cheshire's system partner role is to create a connected, collaborative eco-system of partners, willing to Join together to tackle inactivity In our communities. Our Strateglc partnerships grew to include the following organisations in 2024/5 Ive Pannerships Network ve Partnershlp Network ational Chlldren and Youn8 eople 8roup WBA and WLWC IActNe arrin8tonl port England System artners Network Ive Warrlngton Strate8y Board & WarrInort PE eferen¢e 8roup M PA SulTr8roup heshlre East Council, arrin8ton Coundl e5hire West and Chester ouncil e5hrre East Conneed ommunlties VStem P, Publlc Health esearch Hub NHS Cheshire & Merseyside CBIICP & Population Health oard ive Environments member and part tional steering group) UniversSty of Chester eshire & Merseyside opulatlon Health Board Physical Activity Board Inte8rated Su5talnable ranspon Taskfor¢e port En8land System artner5 MEL development eshlre East Mental Health Partnership 8oard heshlre and Warrlngton EP Growth Hub insford Prlmary Care Network eshire East. Cheshlre est and Cheshire and arrington Mental health reventlon sub8roups ester Su5talnabllity he Mersey Forest rum mmunlty mental health ransformation voluntary ctor alllan¢e (East and estl &M Nursin& Midwifery & HP Workforce Development Programme oard he Chartered Institute for port and Physical Activity CIMSPAI onnect. Move, Thrive Place artnershlp l Together Sffloke Free heshlre West and Chester oint Intelli8ence Group heshlre Sport & vtolence eductlon Board eshlre County Football ociation En8land Netball ritlsh Trlathlon Federation ritish Cyclin8 cheryGB li
ACTIVE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Indudln8 the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 5. A coordlnated. functlonlng physlcal actfvity system The Active Cheshire basellne Social Netrwork Analysis has been developed to better vlsualise the growth in personal, organisational and workstream based relatlonships. Thls network anal1$ wlll allow the impact of our work to be seen and developed overtime. ACWork&Te•m AC Core Teom LA. Other Workstrearn Ewt•rn•l Partners NGB Heolth & Care niè Partnershlp S&PA Norionkl Partners Pollce Educaiion Prfvate Sector Leisure Provider Research andTechnol¢)gy LA- Publlc Health VCFSE 12
AcfivE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includln8 the Dlrector5 Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Flnanclal Revlew Sport England remains the princlpal funding source of Active Cheshlre with £638,353 achieved, although not all of this income contributes to the charlty's overhead costs (£34,944 are restricted funds). The key factors likely to affect future financial erformance are: l. Avallablllty of public funds including Lottery whlch is at risk given the incalculable impart of the unpredictability of future lottery sales which impacts on Sport England investment. Active Che5hire'scurrentfundin8 award commits funds from Sport Englandthrou8h until March 2027. 2. Our ability to present and 8row a stron8 value proposltlon to the local marketplace. ie the performance and Impact of new services leg Artlve Kids and Actlve Workplace) which will support income diversification and is funded directly by the cllent recipient on behalf of beneficiaries. 3. Penslon liabllity and any debt arising from crystallisatlon. Whllst currently a surplus, any return to deficit would impact our annual accounts and balance sheet and distort the view of income growth given its size. This would affett viability and confidence in the organisation. The unpredictable nature of the figure is a challenge which we hope to mitigate through a personalised review of any future specific Ilability as a somewhat untraditional local government employer latyplcal in slze and scale). Active Cheshire achieved an in-year positlon that was more favourable than anticipated wlth an in year operating deficlt of (pre pension adjustments) £33,458. A net deficit for 2024-25 was budgeted, however thls was due to income being recogni5ed in 2023-24 with the a550ciated expenditure bud8eted to occur 2024-25. This compares to the prior year operatin8 surplus of £151,654 and thus gives a cumulative operating surplus of £432,663 {£466,121 last yearl. Active Cheshire has now exceeded the £300,IXIO required in the Surplus Reserve Policy and will continue to investigate opportunities to determine sultable investment opportunities for the surplus. The organisatlon's defined benefit pension scheme has a gross accounting surplus at the reportin8 date of £l.¢J)4m. In line with FRS 102 requirement5 Active Cheshire can only recognise this as an asset on the balance sheet to the extent that it is able to recover the surplus, either through reduced contributions In the future, or through refunds from the plan. The scheme'5 actuary has confirmed that they can demonstrate no economic benefit arising to Active Cheshire from an 'asset ceiling, calculation comparing the present value of future Servi costs to the present value of future contributions. The actuary has also confirmed that any refunds from the plan are contingent on future events. Accordingly, Active Cheshire has not recognised the pension asset position, restrlctin8 the surplus to £nil. and reducing actuarial gains by the same amount. At the end of the financial yearthe bank and cash balance stood at £575,777. The trade debtors were £8.730 and trade creditors were £33,115. Prepayments and accrued income were £4,418 and deferred income, accruals and other creditors stood at £134,342. There were no concerns regardlng any of the balance sheet balances. 13
AcfivE CHESHIRE REpoirr OF THE TRUSTEES {Indudlng the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Flnanclal Revlew {contlnuedl The charity anticipates a trading deficit of £48.9k In the 2025-26 financlal year. 2025-26 is year one of a planned two year investment budget. at the end of which Active Cheshire expect resere5 levels to align with the reserves policy. The trustees have no concerns about the organi5atlon remainln8 a going concern over the coming years. Reserves Pollcy Active Cheshire has In place a Reserves Pollcy to manage Its leve15 of reserves and balances. We define "Reserves" a5 that part of our income funds that is freely available for operatlng purpose5 not subject to commltments. planned expenditure and spending limlts and not tied up in fixed assets. Reserves do not include endowment funds, restricted funds and designated funds. Reserrfes are maintained at a level which ensures that the Charivs core activities could contlnue during a period of unforeseen difficulty, considering risks associated wlth Individual Income streams, expenditure varying from budget, planned activity levels and organisational commitments. We use our reserves policy to inform our treasury management approach leg the way in which we manage cash, Ilquld assets and debt). The reserves that we have set aslde provide financlal stabllity and the means for the development of our principal activity. Declslon Maklng The Board makes strategic decisions on behalf of the Charlty. Operational decisions are the responsibllity of the CEO. The specifics of this arrangement are set out clearly within our Scheme of Delegation. The process for makln8 decisions Is presented below. Operational declslons that may affect the Strategic direction of the business will be discussed at the sub-groups and endorsed fornially at Board. Equally, where strategic detisions are determined by the Board, these can be given substance through sub-group discussions with CEO. 1. Strategic Direction (Trustees agree strategy for the Charlty and an Annual Business Plan) 2. Operational Implementation (CEO Is responsible for dellvery of the Annual Buslness Plan wlthin agreed parameters and budget. 3. Operational Review l LeglatiVe Change {Each year a mld-year buslness revlew takes place taking into consideratlon changes in the micro and macro envlronment and reflectlng on progress to date/lessons learned). Regular performance reviews also take place quarterly at both Subgroup and Board. 4. Proposal to Amend / Review (the revlew may result in immediate change where deemed necessary or most likely to inform prlorStles wlthin the followlng yearfs buslness plan). 5. Sub-8roup Revlew & Recommendatlon: scrutlny, advocacy and challenge is applled bv subgroup members who wlll challenge any change or recommendations to ensure that proposa15 are robust, viable and align to charitable objects. A refined Business Plan Is then presented to the entire Board with Budget for approval. 6. Return to point I to begin the cycle again 14
ACTIVE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED31 MARCH 2025 Declslon Maklng (continued) A NOMCOM Committee exists with dele8ated respon5ibllity as set out in the Terms of Referen agreed by the Board. This group Is the primary group responsible for making recommendations for the remuneration and pay policy for key management per50nnel although the People and Performance Subgroup can also recommend changes for Board consideration. Remuneratlon of key management personnel Active Cheshire is committed to ensuring that we pay our people fairly and in a way which ensures we attract and retain the right skills to have the 8reatest Impact in delivering our charitable objectives. Our approach to executive pay is in line with the A550ciation of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (AECVOI Good Pay Guide. In line with Active Cheshlre's commitment to equality and diversity (see separate policy), Active Cheshire is commltted to Èqual pay. Active Cheshire remuneration policyand procedure sits with the Nomination Committee INOMCOMI, which meets quarterly. The Committee is comprised of the Chair of Active Cheshire (also NOMCOM Chairl, the Senior Independent Director and the Chair of GFR and P&P. Meetings are minuted. The Committee sets the pay structure for the organisation and the remuneration of Directors and Senior Management. The CEO is in attendance for the meeting (leaving for the discussion regardlng the CEO'S remuneratlonl and no members of the executive are members of the committee. Decisions by NOMCOM require ratification by full Board. NOMCOM meetsannuallyto ensure that any remuneration is decided in the context of widerfinancial performance. The Committee will consider facts prepared by the CEO to provide context for decision-making including: g The organlsation's current flnancial position Any exlsting or emer8ln8 risks that may impact on the organisation's financial stabillty Comparing the competitiveness of Active Cheshire salary banding agalnst credible independent market benchmark5 & RPI as at 31 December 5 Public and Third-sector pay awards and any related sensltlvities Individual and Team performance 5 Past-performance benchmarks S The significance of employees In delivering Actlve Cheshire's charitable vision and purpose 15
AcllvE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRusfEES {Indudln8 the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 RÈmuneratlon of key management personnel {continuedl The Commlttee wlll consider the reflections and recommendations of the Chair, durln8 hls formal appraisal of the CEO agalnst agreed objectives to determinÈ the remuneratlon package Ilncluding any annual bonus) of the Chief Executive. Discussion will take place within the meetlng and any conclusions drawn will be presented to full Board for ratification and wlll be minuted in line with data protection laws. The Chair will provlde feedback to the CEO and wlll write formally to set out any decisions made and ensure inclusion of pay within published documentation (eg Annual Aecounts/Reportsl will be rnade to ensure legal compliance. Related partles and cOPeratIOn wlth other organlsatlons None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Managlng Rlsk Rlsks are appraised regularly at an operational and strategic level and are recorded withln a Risk Register. The register scores rlsks based on potentlal impact and Ilkelihood and sets out plans for mitigation. Risk is discussed at every Board land SUIgroup) meeting and reported via operational management meetings. A root and branch review Is conducted annually with a detailed appraisal of macro and micro environment at the annual Strategic Planning Day. Key rlsks There are 2 core risks artively managed by Trustees as follows: IKey:'L'_ Low. 'M'_Medlum, 'H'_High} l. Pension liabili there is one staff member still enrolled in the Local Government (Defined Benefit) Pension Scheme las at end of year 2025), originally a Flnal Salary Penslon Scheme but converted to a Career Average Pension Scheme in 2014. The Local Government Pension Scheme was closed to new employees in 2015 and replaced with a Direct Contrlbution Benefit Scheme. The Defined 8enefit Penslon Scheme has been a surplus for the past three years, but there is uncertainty about what will happen next year. There Is a further risk of debt crystallisation should staff leave and/or the scheme close. Impact: H Llkelihood of increased costs: H Mitlgatlon.. In 2022123 the Trustees Invlted Cheshire Pension Fund ICPFI to meet to dlscuss the challenge, along with our accountants. CPF recognised the likelihood of our scheme closure at some 16
AcfivE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng the Dlrector5 Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Key rlsks {continuedl point in the next 5-10 years and confirmed that it would collaborate with Actlve Cheshire proactive to determine a repayment plan should debt crystallise. Mitigated Impart: M Mitigated likelihood of unplanned costs: M 2. Future fundin from ma'orfunder." Sport England contlnues to be the largest funder investing In Active Cheshire, representing 77% of total annual income. Their mandate recognising Active Cheshire as their'a8ent' locally also gives credibility to the organisation. Sport En8land remains a lottery dlstributor natlonally and continue5 to Invest into a network of Active Partnerships IlkeAttive Cheshire. Funds have reducedwith changesto the structureoflottery ticket pricing structure and income levels. Impact: H Likelihood of reduced fundin8: M Mitigation: Active Cheshire recognised the risk of dependenci on a sln8le funder in 2014 and committed to diversifying Income which is progressing well. New products relating to the CONNEcfED Strate8y have been developed and are generating income locally. Relationships with Sport England remain strong and Active Cheshire has secured funding through to 2027. Contract performance remains strong with most contracts exceeding requirements in terms of output, innovation and impact. Active Cheshire invested in a dedicated manager, now embedded in role, to further develop relationships with Sport England and our national counterparts. This will provide greater visibility, an opportunity to promote our work and increase partnership and funding prospects. Mltigated Impact: M Mltl8ated likellhood of reduced Sncome: L 17
AcfivE CHESHIRE REPORT OF THE TRusfEES Ilncludlng the Dlrectors Report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Statement of Trusteeg Responsibllltles The trustees {who are also the directors of Active Cheshire for the purposes of company lawl are responslble for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accountlng Standards (United Kin8dom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustee5 to prepare financlal statements for each financial year whlch glve true and fair view of the state of affalrs of the charitable company and of the incorning resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to: Select suitable accountin8 policies and then apply them con5iStently; Observe the methods and prlnclples in the charlty SORP: Make judgements and estlmates that are reasonable and prudent; Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless It is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in busine55- and State whether applicable United Kingdom accounting Standards, Includln8 Financi31 Reporting standard 102. and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities IFRS 102} have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. The trustees are responslble for the rna1ntenan and Integrity of the companvs webslte. Legislation In the United Kingdom governing the preparatlon and dlsseminatlon of financlal StatÈrnents may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. The trustees are responsible for keeplng proper accounting records whlch dlsclose with reasonable accuracy at any tlme the financlal posltlon of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companie5 Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charltable company and hence for taklng reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularitie5. In so far as the trustees are aware: There is no relevant audit informatlon of whlch the charitable company's auditors are 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 auditors are aware of that information. AscendlsAudit Limited wlll be recommended for rethappointment under Section 485 of Companies Act 2006. Approved oard and signe behalf by: rjo than ts-T stee and Chair 18
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF AcllvE CHESHIRE Oplnlon We have audited the financial statements of Active Cheshire °the charitable companf for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balano Sheet, the 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 standard5, including FRS 102 e Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prartice). In our opinion, the financial statements: Give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable compan*s affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including net movement in funds for the year then ended; Have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accountin8 Practice,. and Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basls for opinlon We conducted our audlt in accordance with International Standards on auditing (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditorfs responsibilities for the audlt of the financlal statements section of our report. We are independent of the 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. Concluslons relatlng to going concern In auditing the financial statements. we have concluded that the Trustee's use of the golng concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statement5 15 appropriate. Based on the work we have performed. we have not identified any material uncertainties relatin8 to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charitable CompanVs ability to continue as a goin8 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 goin8 concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other Inforniatlon The other information comprises the Information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The trustees (who are also the dirertors of the charitable company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements doe5 not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance condusion thereon. 19
INDEPENDENT AUDITOWS REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF ACTIVE CHESHIRE In connection with our audlt of the financlal statements our responsibility is to read the other information and. in doing so. consider whether the other information is materially inconslstent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtalned in the audlt or otherwlse appears to bematerlally mlsstated. 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 material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of th15 Other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in thi5 regard. Oplnlons on other matters prescrlbed by the Companles Act 2006 In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: The information given in the trustees, report, whlch includes the dlrectors, report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and The directors, report included within the trustees, report has been prepared In accordance wlth applicable legal requirements. Matters on whlch we are requlred to report by exceptlon In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and Its environment obtained in the course of the audlt. we have not identified material mlsstatements in the trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters In relation to which Companles Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: Adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audlt have not been received from branches not visited by us.. or The financlal statements are not In agreement with the accounting records and returns; or Certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made; or We have not received all the information and explanations we requlre for our audit. The trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies, regime and take advantage of the small companles, exemptions In preparing the trustees, report and from the requirement to prepare a strateglc report. Responslbllltles of trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees, Responsibilitles Statement set out on pa8e 18, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law} are responsible for the preparatlon of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they glve a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine 15 nece55ary to enable the preparatlon of financial statements that are free from materlal rnisstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 20
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF AcfivE CHESHIRE In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable companvs 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 charitable company or to cease operations. or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Audltorfs responslbllltles for the audit of the financial statements 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 auditorfs 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 IUKI 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. Extent to which the audlt was considered capable of detertlng irregularities, including fraud We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. In identifying and addressing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedure5 included the following: We obtained an understanding of laws, regulations and guidance that affect the charitable company, focusing on those that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had fundamental effect on its operations. Key laws, regulations and guidance that we identified included the Companies Act 2006, tax legislation, health and safety legislation, and employment legislation. We enquired of the Trustees and reviewed correspondence and Trustee meeting minutes for evidence of non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also reviewed controls the Trustees have in place, where necessary, to ensure compliance. We gained an understanding of the controls that the Trustees have in place to prevent and detect fraud. We enquired of the Trustees about any incidence5 of fraud that had taken place during the accounting period. The risk of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations was discussed within the audit team and tests were planned and performed to address these risks. We reviewed financial statements disclosures and supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations discussed above. We enquired of the Trustees about actual and potential litigation and claims. We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that might indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud. In addressing the risk of fraud due to management override of internal controls we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates were indicative of a potential bias. 21
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF AcllvE CHESHIRE Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable riskthat we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery intentional omissions, misrepresentations, orthe override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website www.frc.or auditorsre5 onsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable companrfs members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charltable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditorfs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permltted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable cornpanls members as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. IlJd Paul Byrne BA (Double Hons) FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Ascendis Audit Limited Statutory Auditor Unit 3, Building 2 The Colony Altrincham Road Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 4LY th Date: 8 October 2025 22
AcnvE CHESHIRE STATEMENf OF FINANCIAL AcrivrriES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 31/3/25 3113/24 Restrirted Total funds Total funds funds Unrestricted funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMEKfs FROM Donations and legacies 733,593 34,944 768,537 991,064 Other trading activities Investment income 46,731 16,050 46,731 16,050 68,199 8,985 Total 796,374 34,944 831,318 1,068,248 EXPENDITURE ON Charltable actlvltles Contributions to partner organisations developing 5POrting activities and coaching 241,731 241,731 385,695 Supporting and co-ordinating the provision of sporting activities and opportunities 559,749 33,296 593,045 498.899 Total 801,480 33,296 834,776 884,594 NEf INCOME/{EXPENDrruRE) 15,106} 1,648 13,458) 183,654 Transfers between funds 1,648 11,6481 Other recognlsed Losses Net interesVseNlce cost of defined benefit 19 scheme 130,0001 130,000} (32,0001 Net movement In funds (33,458) (33,458) 151,654 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total fund5 brought forward 466,121 466,121 314,467 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 432,663 432,663 466,121 23
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02401068 (England and Wales) BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2025 3113/25 3V3124 Restrlcted Total funds Total funds funds Unrestricted funds Notes FIXED ASSErs Tanglble assets 13 8,334 8,334 5,752 cuRREr ASSErs Debtors Cash at bank and In hand 14 16.009 556,121 16,009 575.777 10,359 652,758 19,656 572,130 19,656 591,786 663,117 CREDrroR5 Amounts falling due within one year 15 1147,8011 119,656) {167,457} {202,748) NEf CURREKf ASSErs 424,329 424,329 460,369 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT UABILMES 432.663 432,663 466,121 PENSION LIABILrrY 19 NEf ASSErs 432,663 432,663 466,121 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Penslon Reserve 17 432,663 466,121 TOTAL FUND5 432,663 466,121 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the speclal provisions of Part 15 of the Companles A 06 relatin8 to charitable small companies. The finan signed al sta its be ents were approved by the Board of Trustees on..... . and were r Jona an etts-Truste nd Chalr 24
ACTIVE CHESHIRE CASH FLOW sfATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 3V3125 3113124 Notes Cash flows from operatlng artlvttles: Cash used by operations (86,733) {63,2571 Net cash used by operatlng actlvltles {86,7331 163.257) Cash flows from Investlng actlvttles: Purchase of tangible fixed assets Interest received 16,2981 16,050 8,985 Net cash provlded by Investln8 actlvltles 9.752 8,985 176,9811 {54,272) Change In cash and cash equlvalents In the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beglnnlng of the reportln8 perlod (76,9811 {54,272) 652,758 707,030 Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of the 18 reportln8 perlod 575,777 652,758 25
ACTIVE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 RECONCIUATION OF NEf (DEFICIT)/INCOME TO NEf CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTivrriES 3V3124 3113125 Net {deflclt)Ilncome for the reportlng perlod qas per the Statement of Flnanclal Artivltles) Adjustments for: Depreciatlon charges Interest received Ilncrease)/Decrease in debtors Decrease in creditors Difference between pension charge and cash contrlbutions 13,4581 183,654 3,716 (16,050) 15,650) {35,2911 130,0001 3.251 (8,9851 47,417 (256.594) (32,000) Net cash used by operatln8 actlvltles {86,733) 163,257} 26
AcfivE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POUCIES Bas15 of preparlng the flnandal 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 2019 {FRS 102)'Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019),, Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Cornpanies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The charitable company is re8iStered in England and Wales. The financial statements are presented in pounds sterlin81£) and transactions are rounded to the nearest £. Goln8 concern The balance sheet show5 net funds of £432,663 {2024 £466,121) at the year end date. The trustees have reviewed the charity's expetted cashflows for the foreseeable future and have concluded that it is able to meet its financial obll8ations, including cash contribution5 to the Cheshlre Pension Fund, as they fall due. Thus the financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis and no materlal uncertainties exist a5 to whether the charitable company is able to continue as a goin8 concern for the foreseeable future. Income (Includlng 8overnment grants) All incoming resources are recognised when the charlty has entitlement to the funds, the receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably. Income reoived in advance of provislon of specified servi5 is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met. All Grant income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the funds, having performed the obligations under any grant conditions, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. Trading income is recognised on delivery of the goods or seprfice a5 per the contract and as delivered at the balance sheet date as a proportion of the total contract value. Where the amount of income is contingent on future events, this is only recognised where the amount of income can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the economic benefits will be received. When this cannot be estimated reliably, income is only recognised to the value of the goods and service that it Is considered probable will be recovered. Good5 or services provided to the client which at the balance sheet date have not been billed, have been recognised as Income and are included in debtors as accrued income. 27
AcfivE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expendlture Liabilities are recognlsed 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 obligatlon can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headin85 that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activitie5 on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Grants payable Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the Charit¢s objects. In the case of an unconditional Brant offer thi5 is accrued once the recipient has been notified of the grant awarded. The notification gives the recipient a reasonable expectation that they will receive the one- year or multi-year grant. Grant awards that are subject to the recipient fulfilling performance conditions are only accrued when the reclpient has been notified of the grant and any remaining unfulfilled condition attaching to that grant is outside of the control of the Charity. Provlsions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communlcated to the recipient but there is uncertainty as to the timing ofthe grant or the amount of 8rant payable. The provlslon for a multl-year grant 15 reco8nised at its present value where settlement is due over morethan one yearfrom the dateof the award, there are no unfulfilled performance conditions under the control of the Charlty that would permit the Charity to avoid making the future payment(sl, settlement Is probable, and the effect of discountlng is material. Allocatlon and apportlonment of costs Support cost5 include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resource5. Tan8lble fixed assets Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates In order to wrlte off each asset over its estlmated useful life. Fixtures and fittings Computer equlpment - 25% on cost - 25% on cost Taxatlon The charity is exernpt frorn corporatlon tax on its charitable actlvltles. Fund accountln8 Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance wlth the charltable objectlves at the discretlon of the trustees. Restrlcted funds can only be used for restricted purposes wlthin the objects of the charity. Restrlctlons arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund Is Included in the notes to the financlal statements. 28
ACTIVE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEKrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Leasln8 commltments Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a strai8ht- line basis over the period of the lease. Penslon costs and other post-retlrement benefits The charity contributes to a defined benefit pension Scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those ofthe charity in an independently administered fund. Current service costs, past service costs and 8ain5 and losses on settlements and curtallments are charged to appropriate resources expended categories In the Statement of Financial Activities. Past service costs are recogni5ed over the vesting period or immediately if the benefits have vested when a settlement ( eliminating all obligations for benefits already accrued) or a curtailment (reducing future obligations as a relate of material reduction in the scheme membership or reduction in future entitlement) occurs, the obligation and related plan assets are remeasured using current artuarial assumptions and the resultant gain or loss is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities during the period in whlch the settlement or curtailment occurs. The interest C05t and the expected return on a55ets are shown as a net amount as other finance costs or income. Net pension finance costs are allocated to appropriate resources expended cate8ories in the Statement of Financial Activities. Net pension finance income is recognised as an Incoming resource in the Statement of Financial Activities. Actuarial gains and1055e5 are recognised immediately as other recognised 8ains and losses in the Statement of Financial Activities. Pension scheme assets arevalued at fairvalueatthe balance sheet date. Fairvalue is based on market price infom)ation and In the case of quoted securities is the published bid price. Pension scheme liabilities are measured on actuarial basis using the projected unit method and are discounted to their present value using a rate equivalent to the current rate of the return on a high-quality corporate bond of equivalent currency and term to the scheme liabilities. The pension scheme surplu5 (to the extent that it can be recovered) is recognised in full on the Balance Sheet, net of related deferred tax. The charlty also contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. Contributions to this scheme are reco8nised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. Irrecoverable vat All resources expended are classified under artivity headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against an individual expense code. 29
AcnvE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Cash at bank Cash at bank and cash In hand includes cash held on deposltwith a maturity of twelve months or less. Ananclal Instruments The charity only has financlal assets and liabilities of a kind that quallfy as basic financial Instrument5. Baslc flnancial instruments are initially recognised at transartion value and subsequently measured at thelr settlement value. Financlal assets are inltlally measured at tran5artlon prlce (including transaction costs) and subsequently held at cost, less any impalrment. Flnancial liabilities are classified accordln8 to the substance of the financial instrurnent's contractual obligations, rather than the financial in5trumenVs legal form. Financial liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (after deducting transaction costs) and subsequently held at amortised cost. Key judgements and estlmates The accounting policies above which, represent key Judgements and estlmates are:_ Creditors- there is £102,684 included In deferred income, thls represents an estimate of the Income recelved for which work has not yet been undertaken. This is shown in note IS. Pension - The present value of the Local Government Pension Scheme defined benefit liabilitylsurplus depends on a number of factors that are determined on an actuarial basis using a variety of assumptions. The assumptions used In determinlng the net cost {Income) for pensions Include the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions, whlch are disclosed in note 19, will impact the carrying amount of the pension's liability/asset. Furthermore, a roll forward approach which projects results from the latest full actuarlal valuation performed at 31 March 2022 has been used by the actuary In valuin8 the pensions liability/as5et at 31 March 2025. Any differences between the figures derived from the roll forward approach and a full actuarial valuation would Impact on the carrylng amount of the pension liabilitylasset. FRS 102 requires that defined benefit plan surpluses are recognised only to the extent that they are recoverable either through reduced contributlons in the future or through refunds from the plan. The accountin8 valuatlon of the Cheshire Pension Fund at 31 March 2025 identified an accountin8 surplus of £1.004m. The scheme's actuary has confirmed that they can demonstrate no economlc benefit arisin8 to Artive Cheshire from an 'asset ceilin¢ calculation comparing the present value of future service costs to the present value of future contributions. The actuary has also confirmed that any refunds from the plan are contlngent on future events. Accordingly. Active Cheshire judge that there is insufficient evidence to support the recoverability of the plan's surplus and therefore ha5 not recognised the pension asset position, restrictin8 the surplus to £nll, and reducing actuarial gains bv the same amount. Taxatlon The Trustees consider that requlrements for the exemption from taxation set out in the Income Tax Act 2007, Corporation Tax Act 2010 and Section 256 of the Taxatlon of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 are met and, therefore, no provision is made for taxation. 30
AcfivE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEMrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 31/3125 31/3124 Grants and contracts 768.537 991,064 Grants received, included In the above, are as follows: 3113125 3113124 Sport England Champs Public Health Collaborative Other Local Commissions 638,353 86,400 43,784 768,848 172,400 49,816 768,537 991,064 OTHER TrADING AcllvmES 31/3/25 31/3124 Sundry income 46,731 68,199 INVESTMENT INCOME 3113125 3113124 Deposit account interest 16,050 8,985 31
AcllvE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CHARITABLE ACTWMES COSTS 2025 Grant funding of activities (See note 61 (See note 7) Support costs Direct costs Totals Contrlbutions to partner or8anlsations developlng sporting activities and coaching 241,731 241,731 Supporting and co-ordinatin8 the provlslon of sporting activities and opportunltles 503,674 89,371 593,045 503,674 241,731 89,371 834,776 2024 Grant funding of activities (See note 61 (See note 7) Support costs Dlrect costs Totals Contributions to partner organisations developing 5POrtin8 activities and coachin8 385,695 385,695 Supportlng and co-ordinatlng the provision of sporting activities and opportunities 419,278 79,621 498,899 419,278 385,695 79,621 884.594 32
AcfivE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEMfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 GRAKf5 PAYABLE 3113125 3V3124 Contributions to partner organisations developing sporting activities and coaching 241,731 385,695 The totsl grants paid to institutions during the year was as follows: 31/3125 3113124 Project Delivery Expenditure Champs Public Health- National Partner ICS StrateBY Openin8 School Facilities. Tackling Inequality. Movin8 Communitle5 AT Fest CWP Mental Health Opening School Facilities. Children & Youn8 People. CWG QBR 3,054 3,019 84,732 26,616 162,780 26,400 22,706 14,218 12,000 33,224 91,395 26,616 7,186 12.000 71,230 30.250 241,731 385,695 Fully funded by Sport England 33
AcllvE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 SUPPORT COSTS 2025 General Governance Support Costs Totals Accountancy and Professional Services Audit Payroll and HR Other 14.965) 7,750 14,965) 7,750 2,723 83,863 2,723 83,720 143 86.443 2,928 89,371 All costs against supporting and co-ordlnating are for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the charitv. 2024 General Governance Support Costs Totals Accountancy and Professlonal Servlces Audit Payroll and HR Other 2,275 7,500 2,275 7,500 3,508 66,338 3,508 64,540 1,798 68,048 11,573 79,621 AII Costs agalnst supporting and co-ordinating are for the purpose of achleving the objectlves of the charity. NEf INCOME/(EXPENDrfuRE) Net income/lexpenditure) is stated after charging 3113125 3113124 Audltor5 remuneration-audit fee Depreciation- owned assets Lease payments-Rent/Photocopier/Container 7,750 3,716 10,689 7,500 3,251 10,561 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no payments to trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024 £0) Trustees, expenses There was £143 paid to trustees for expenses pald In 2024-2512024 £1,798). 34
AcllvE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 10. STAFF COSTS 3V3125 31/3124 Wage5 and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 359,549 32,414 48,723 310,092 27,711 40,491 440,686 378,294 The average monthly number of employee5 durin8 the year was as follow5: 31/3125 li 31/3124 Partnershlp Servlce5 The number of employees whose employee benefits {excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 Ipro-ratal was". 3113125 3113124 £60,000- £70.000 The key management personnel comprise the Trustee5 and Chief Executlve. The total employee 8enefits of the key management personnel were £80,71112024 £81,931). The Trust purchased no Consultancy services from Trustees during the year12024 £0). ii. EX GRATIA PAYMENTS The charity made no settlement payment during the year ended 31 March 202512024 £01. 35
AcllvE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES Unrestrlcted funds Restricted Total funds fund5 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 802,006 189,058 991,064 other trading actlvities Investment income 68,199 8,985 68,199 8,985 Total 879.190 189,058 1,068,248 EXPENDITURE ON Charftable actlvltleg Contributions to partner organisations developing sporting activltles and coaching Supporting and co-ordinatln8 the provision of sporting activities and opportunities 196,637 189,058 385,695 498,899 498,899 Total 695,536 189,058 884,594 NET INCOME 183,654 183,654 Other recogniyed galn81(losses) Actuarial gain on defined benefit scheme 132,000) {32,0001 Net movement In funds 151,654 151,654 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 314,467 314,467 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 466,121 466,121 36
AcllvE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEKrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures and fittlngs Computer equipment Totals At l April 2024 Additions 31 March 2025 16,580 31,795 6,298 48,375 6,298 DEPRECIATION At l April 2024 Charge for year At 31 March 2025 16,580 26,043 42,623 NEf BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 5,752 5.752 At 31 March 2025 8,334 8,334 14. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 3V3/25 3113/24 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Other Debtor5 VAT 8,730 4,418 195 2,666 2.626 3,369 255 4,109 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31/3125 3U3124 Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Accruals and deferred incorne Sundry Credltor 33,115 12,999 120.278 1,065 86.072 8.318 108,358 Deferred Income included above represents monies being held on behalf of other organisations or has been received but no work commissioned at the balance sheet date. Balance at l Aprll 2024 Amount released to income earned from charitable activities Amount Deferred in year Balance at 31 March 2025 85,667 185,667} 102 684 37
AcfivE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non<ancellable operating leases fall clue as follows: 3113125 3113124 Wlthln one year- Buildln8 Lease 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 3113125 At 114124 Unrestrlrted funds General fund 466,121 133,4581 432,663 Restrlrted funds Sport Welfare Offlcer TOTAL FUNDS 466,121 {33,458) 432,663 Net movement in funds, Included In the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Re50urce5 Transfers expended Gains and Movement in Ilossesl funds Unrestrfcted funds General fund 796,374 1801,480) (30,0001 133,4581 Restrlcted funds Sport Welfare Officer 34,944 133,296} (1,6481 TOTAL FUNDS 831,318 1834,7761 {30,0001 133,458) 38
ACTIVE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 25 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued Comparatlves for movement In funds Net movement in funds At 1/4/23 At 31/3124 Unrestrlcted Funds General fund 474,198 (8,0771 466,121 Restrfcted funds Tackling Inequality (159,731) 159,731 TOTAL FUNDS Comparative net movement In funds. included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and {10sses) Movement in funds Unre5trlrted funds General fund 879,190 (695,5361 {32,0001 151,654 Restrlcted funds Tackling Inequality/Moving Communities 189,058 {189,0581 TOTAL FUNDS Restricted funds are Subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or terms of an agreement. The balances on the restricted funds (currently there is no restricted balance) are held within the charity in order to provide, in future periods, the specific delivery of activities in accordance with the restrictions under which the income was provided. 39
ACTIVE CHESHIRE NOTE5 TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS Cash and cash equivalent At 114124 Cash flows At 3V3125 Cash 19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS The charity participates In the Cheshire Penslon fund. part of the local government scheme, a deflned benefit statutory scheme in accordance with local government penslon scheme regulation5 1997 as amended, Cheshire West and Chester Councll administers the fund. The total contribution made for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £13,00012024- £13,000} of whlch employer's contributlons totalled £IO,00012024 £10,000) and employees. contribution5 totalled £3,000 12024- £3,000). Robert Bilton FFA of Hymans Robertson carrled out a full actuarlal valuation at 31 March 2022. The amounts recognlsed In the balance Sheet are as follows: Defined beneflt pension plan5 3113125 3113124 Fair value of plan assets 2,050,000 2,016,000 Defined benefit obligation 1,046,000 1,306,000 1,004,000 11,004,000) 710,000 1710,000) Surplus not recognised Net 5urplus/lliabilityl Actlve Cheshire has not recognised the pension asset position, restricting the surplus to £nll, and reducin8 actuarial gains by the same amount. The plan has a gross accounting surplus at the reportln8 date of £1.004m. In Ilne with FRS 102 requirements Active Cheshire has not recognised an asset on the balance sheet as it is unable to recover the surplus, either throu8h reduced contribution5 in the future, or through refunds from the plan. The scheme's actuary has confirmed that they can demonstrate no economic benefit arlslng to Active Cheshire from an 'as5et ¢ellin¢ calculatlon comparlng the present value of future service costs to the present value of future contributions. The actuary has also confirmed that any refunds from the plan are contingent on future events. 40
AcfivE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS- contlnued The amounts reco8nised in the Statement of Flnancial Actlvities are as follows: Defined benefit pension plans 3113125 3113124 Current service c05t Net interest from defined benefit asset/liabillty 5,000 135,000) 6,000 128,000) 130,000) 122.0001 Actual return on plan assets 125 000 Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obli8atlon are as follows: Defined benefit pension plans 3V3125 3113/24 Defined benefit obllgation Current service c05t Contributions by scheme participants Interest cost Actuarial gains Benefits paid 1,306,000 5,000 3,000 63,000 1321,000) iio,000) 1,306,000 6,000 3,000 62,000 162,000} 19,0001 1,046.000 1,306,000 Changes in the fair value ofscheme asset5 are as follows: Defined benefit pension plans 31/3125 3113/24 Fair value of scheme assets Contributions by employer Contributions by scheme particlpants Interest income Actuarlal {10sses)Igains Benefits paid 2,016,000 10.000 3,000 98,000 {67,0001 iio,000} 1,887,1)00 10,000 3,000 90,000 35.000 (9,0001 2,050,000 2,016,000 41
AcllvE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL 5fATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19. EMPLOYEE BENEFrr OBLIGATIONS- contlnued The amounts recognised in other recognised gains and losses are a5 follows: Defined benefit penslon plans 3113/25 3113124 Actuarlal gains 254,CilO 97,000 The major categories of sdieme assets as a perntage of total scheme assets are as follows: Defined beneflt pension plans 3113/25 49% 38% 12% 1% 3113124 50% 36% 12% Equities Bonds Property Cash Principal actuarial assumptions at the balance Sheet date (expressed as welghted averages) 3113125 5.85% 3.40% 2.70% 3113124 4.85% 3.45% 2.75% Dlscount rate Future salary Increases Future pension increases The current mortality assumptions include sufflclent allowance for future improvement5 in mortallty rates. The assumed life expectations on retirement age 65 are: 3113125 3113124 Retiring today: Males Females 21.0 23.3 21.1 Future: Males Females 23.0 26.0 26.0 Defined contrlbutlon scheme The company makes contributions to a defined contrlbutlon pension scheme for Its employees. The cost for the period was £38,67812024- £30,709}. 42
ACTIVE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Durln8 the year Active Cheshire made no related party transactions {2024 £1121. 21. FUNDRAISING STANDARDS INFORMATION The charity ralses charitable funds In-house and does not enga8e a professlonal fund-raiser or commercial partlcipator to carry out these activitie5. The charity has not bound itself to a voluntary scheme for regulating fund-raising and has not received any complaints with respert to its fund- raising. The charity avoids unreasonable intrusion into a person's privacyi unreasonable persistent approaches and undue pressure on persons in connection with fund-raising. 22. COMPANY LIMrrED BY GUARANfEE The Trust is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of a winding up is limited to £1. 23. DISCLOSURE OF FUNDING FROM PUBLIC BODIES Sport England Champs Publlc Health Collaboratlve Local Commlsslons Alder Hev Chlldren's NHS Non- Publl R5PH Total Revenue grants Capltal grants Membership Income Sponsorship Income Other Income Total Income 638.353 86.400 30,000 500 755,253 44,647 74,647 13,284 13,284 18,134 18,134 76,065 831318 638,353 86,400 Salaries Overheadslsupport costs Inactivity projects Local delivery projects Capital facllltles prolects Clubs Young people Other costs Total Expendlture 413,781 13.284 500 427.565 51,068 51,068 71,230 91,395 77,099 2,007 241.731 144,412 680A91 144,412 864,776 91395 77,099 13,284 500 2.007 Net Income 142,1381 {4.995) 12A521 16,127 {33.458) 43
ACTIVE CHESHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 23. DISCLOSURE OF FUNDING FROM PUBUC BODIES- contlnued Sport England Champs Publlc Health Collaboratlve Local Commlsslons Alder Hey Chlldren. NHS No Publl Totsl RSPH Cash Re¢ondllatlon Released to income Statemerst Transfer to deferred grant Cash recelved durfng flnanclal year 610,324 91,395 62.099 13,284 2.007 779,109 27,734 66.400 8,550 102.684 638x158 157.795 70.649 13284 2.(K17 881,793 Deferred grant reconclllatlon Openlng balance Tron5fers In Release to income Statement 70,167 27.734 15.000 8,550 51x1 85,667 102.684 66,400 70,167 15,000 8.550 500 85.667 Closlng Balance 27,734 66AOO 102,684 Total Expendlture 680A91 91395 77,099 13,284 864.776 Deferred grafrt reconclllatlon Opening balance Cash recelved Release to Income Statement Closln8 Balance 70,167 638.058 15,000 70.649 500 85,667 881,793 157,795 13,284 2,1)07 680.491 Z7,734 91.395 66AOO 77.099 8.550 13,284 500 2.007 864,776 102.684
AcnvE CHESHIRE DEfAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 3113125 3113124 INCOME AND ENDOWMEMrs Donatlon5 and legades Grants and contracts 768,537 991,064 Other tradlng actlvltles Sundry income 46,731 68,199 815,268 1,059,263 Investment Income Deposit account interest 16,050 8,985 Total incomlng resources 831.318 1,068,248 EXPENDITURE Other tradlng activltles Bad debts 11,0201 Charltable activltle5 Contribution to partner5 241,731 385,695 Wages Social Security Pensions Equipment and facillties Insurance Telephone Printin& postage and photocopying Sundry office costs Travelling expenses Training fees Rent and premises costs Marketing Refreshments Computer expenses Professional fees Memberships and subscriptions Defined benefit scheme service cost Defined benefit scheme net interest 359,549 32,414 48,723 2,519 2,911 3,071 1,090 29,543 7,619 2.265 15.931 3,611 2,534 3,549 89,005 15,433 5,OiJo (35,0001 310,092 27,711 40,491 4,316 2,858 3,170 1,029 11,503 7.516 4,266 9,921 25,125 1,537 2,713 54.868 12,748 14,0001 (28,0001 831,498 873,559 45
AcfivE CHESHIRE DEfAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcnviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 3113/25 3113124 Support Costs Flnance Bank charges 350 482 Governance costs Trustees, expenses Auditors, remuneratlon Auditors. remuneration for non-audit work Accountancy fees Other 143 7,750 1,798 7,500 14,965) 2,275 2,928 11,573 Total resources expended 834,776 884,592 Net (expendlture) I Income {3,458) 183,654 46