Company number: 02388150 Charity Number: 802186 Voluntary Action Camden Report and financial statements For the year ended March 2025 Voluntary Action Camden Contents For the year ended March 2025 Reference and Administrative information Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiners, Report................................................................................................................ 16 Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) .17 Balance Sheet .18 Statement of Cash Flows . .19 Notes to the financial statements...............................................................................................................20 Voluntary Action Camden Reference and administrative information For the year ended March 2025 Company number 02388150 Charity number 802186 Registered office and Operational address The Greenwood Centre. 37 Greenwood Place London NW51 LB Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: Benaifer Bhandari - Chair and Trustee Chikwaba Oduka - Vice Chair and Trustee Kathy Elliot - Vice Chair and Trustee Mahira Mahza - Treasurer and Trustee Jo Reeder- Trustee Lotis Bautista - Trustee Sagal Abdi-wali - Trustee Tricia Richards- Trustee Key management Albie Stadtmiller- Chief Executive Office - Company Secretary Bankers National Westminster Bank plc Tavistock Square. London WCI H 9JA CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent MEI 9 4JQ Independent Examiners Goldwins Limited Chartered accountants 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended March 2025. Reference and administrative information forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the memorandum and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102. Purpose and impact Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) connects and develops Camden's community groups and voluntary organisations supporting the diverse communities of the borough and seeks to influence key policymakers and decision-makers to improve conditions for our voluntary and community sector. VAC is a membership organisation and with our members we represent a wide range of interests and sectors including environment, health and ethnically minoritised communities. Our membership continues to grow, and the charity has 345 members. Our vision for Camden Social cohesion and a sense of belonging in Camden are increased as established and new communities and their members are empowered to take responsibility for their health, economic contribution, welfare and a sense of community. Camden's communities, civil society organisations and residents are empowered to collaborate across boundaries, present their views to external bodies and play an integral part in decision making and the design and delivery of services. Communities in Camden become more sustainable and resilient as civil society organisations and residents can identify needs and take steps to meet those needs and enrich community life. Public Benefit The trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission's Public Benefit Guidance (PBI the Public Benefit Requirement. PB2 Public Benefit Running a Charity and PB3 Public Benefit Reporting) when exercising powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant. Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 Chaitrs Report Benaifer Bhandari Fellow Trustees and l are so pleased to present the 202412025 Voluntary Aclion Camden (VAC) Annual Report. I've been so proud to be Chair of Voluntary Action Camden for another year- with a team of Trustees who have taken us through an intense but meaningful and fruitful CEO recruitment process. The wide reach that Trustees have, through their day jobs. board positions and varied interests is quite remarkable! The team have shown exemplary dedication as always, considering a change in leadership and an unforeseen unstable office base. Every single team member has shown up for the huge charity sector of Camden, utilising their fantastic skills sets and agility to make sure the sector has been supported for yet another year. And we were so pleased to add Albie Stadtmiller to the team, as our CEO in January 2025. He hit the ground running and became a champion of the team which is a skill so essential in a leader. but one we don't always see. This year we've faced a tight financial situation- like so many in our sector. It's much easier to fundraise when delivering front line work. But infrastructure organisations like Voluntary Action Camden, are at the heart of the sector, and yet struggle for the recognition to be converted to funding which is desperately needed. With Albie, the team and our Treasurer- Mahira Mazhar, we've been able to untangle some historical issues and find a clear and transparent way forwards. Through all of this our work has continued, including a steady increase in our training provision - which is of such high quality. We are a tiny charity with a huge impact and this fact helps us to push through all challenges. And through it all, our biggest fans have been the Community Partnership Team at Camden Council. We love how gently but thoroughly they understand the complexities of the sector, and how important VAC is in the borough. With Trustees and I have a long list of things to be proud off, including our relationship with the Council and our many other amazing stakeholders, but number One on the list are Albie and the team at Voluntary Action Camden. Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 Charitsble objectivities and Activities Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) represents the Vol￿ and heart of the voluntary sector in the London Borough of Camden. Free and independent. we bring our depth of knowledge together with practical tools and collaborative purpose to share information. expertise and resources with local voluntary organisations and local people. working together to build a vibrant local community that enhances our collective quality of life. We support and are supported by a network of organisations in London Borough of Camden including, Voluntary, Community Sector organisations, Camden council, NHS. CCG, and Camden Borough Partnership. Our mission 'To work with local residents, community groups and VCS organisations to develop and support a vibrant civil society that underpins a high quality of life in Camden,. Our strategic aims To support and empower, individuals. groups and communities to become actively involved in civil society. particularly those that are socially excluded To develop opportunities to share learning and provide access to high quality resources to maximise the efforts of individuals, groups and local communities to achieve their objectives To coordinate the diverse voices of individuals and civil society organisations to enable them to lobby and campaign and have a positive impact on wider agendas. Key strategic outcomes Social cohesion and a sense of belonging are increased as established and new communities are empowered to take responsibility for their health. economic contribution, welfare and integration Communities. civil society organisalions and individuals are empowered to collaborate across boundaries. present their views to external bodies and play an integral part in decision making and the design and delivery of services Communities become more sustainable and resilient as individuals and civil society organisations can identify needs and take steps to effectively meet those needs and enrich community life. Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 Our priorities Building community resilience and community links by facilitating and supporting access to the skills and resources individuals and civil society organisations need to flourish against the backdrop of austerity Disseminating appropriate information. through a range of communication channels, to support individuals and organisations to respond to changing demands, influence policy, campaign and advocate for their rights Bringing individuals. groups and organisations together with partners from public. health and private sectors to c(Fproduce solutions to tackle social disadvantage. increase social cohesion and address gaps in wellbeing and health. Objects The Charity's objects (the Objects) are.. 1. To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the public, principally but not exclusively In the Greater London area and Its environs, with specific reference to the London Borough of Camden (hereinafter called the'area of benefit.) and, In particular. build the capacity of third sector organisations and provide them with the necessary support, Information and services to enable them to pursue or contribute to any charitable purpose. 2. To promote. organise and facilitate co-operation and partnership working between third sector, statutory and other relevant bodies In the achievement of the above purposes within the area of benefit. Voluntary Actlon Camden Actlvltles Key achlevements for 2024- 2025 Our response time has improved dramatically, with VCS organisations receiving the relevant information to address some if not all their initial enquiry within a day. Our digital guidance has expanded significantly to include information on new critical topics for the sector including Climate Emergency. Workforce Challenges, Research & Development, Technology & Al, and Integrated Care System {ICS). Our website has new features and pages representing the work of the sector. Our membership is growing as enquirers are converted into members. As such, we're Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 on track to see an increase in the number of VAC members through 2026 - 2027. We're working jointly with other third-tier organisations in the borough to provide a holistic service. We're co-sharing office space with the Camden Council Library and Housing teams at Holborn Library. The library has recently gone through a £500,000 refurbishment. Navigated the external changes within the charitable, government and health sectors, including the restructuring of NHS England, Integrated Care Board, Healthwatch and restricted funding opportunities. We continue to be an advocate and voice for the Voluntary & Community Sector by being on local boards like the Health & Well-Being Board, Local Care Partnership Board and co-chairing the Social Prescribing Partnership. We represent the voice of the Third Sector with North Central London by our involvement with the health system, influencing strategies for working with the Voluntary. Community and Social Enterprise. support for population health and future investment, training and infrastructure support for the sector. Successful Camden New Groups Network for strengthening capacity of new groups, supporting starting a new community group. charitylCIO, social enterpriselCIC in Camden VCSE sector and assisting with capacity building and development support, including fundraising, governance. management, networking, training, peer support and enabling community and voluntary sector to have their voices heard, enabling the VCSE sector dialogue with decision-makers and funders. Strong CEOS and Trustees Networks for peer support. mentoring, development and networking working in partnerships. i.e. VAC and VCC are running together the Camden Trustee Network. VAC has added the Camden CEOS Network to enable better understanding and partnership between Camden CEOS and Trustees in the VCSE sector. VAC has had the opportunity to host the Idox Camden for Community fundraising search portal to support the VCSE sector in Camden with a fundraising search. There were 981 visits during the year to the site. Capacity Building There are over 1,000 Voluntary & Community Sector {VCS) groups and organisations Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 make up Camden's civil society. VAC is proud to be a part of this strong and passionate civil society. and we continue to stand with our members to tsckle emerging and longstanding challenges impacting our sector and communities. We provide capacity building services that help our members grow and develop. VAC proudly offers free organisational support to any VCS group or organisation. VAC now has 343 members - increased from 256 members in July 2023 - the first year of 3-year grant funding from City Bridge Trust, with 60 of these joining in the last year. The Camden New Groups Network now has 49 members. The Network runs monthly meetings for peer support. learning. training. sharing and connecting with peer groups, funders, decision-makers, and researchers. There have been ten Camden New Groups Network meetings since April 2024. We've held 6 CEO & Trustee Network meetings since April 2024. We've provided bespoke one-to-one support to 66 organisations via the Network. There was a slight pause in activities with these two Networks due to a change of leadership and interim period for VAC, but they are continuing to grow and are resuming their quarterly meetings, cycle with a new CEO in place. The combined CEO and Trustee Network membership stands at 86 members. A notable and successful Report, with great impact on the VCSE sector and the statutory sector in Camden. was published in November 2024. The State of the Sector Report was extemally commissioned research, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the Camden VCSE sector. This was a first of its kind Report financed by the Council, commissioned by VAC, facilitated by the VAC Membership Development Officer and supported by all infrastructure organisations and their membership. The Report focused on the needs of the sector to facilitate future decision-making for the support and prosperity of the VCS and the Camden residents and communities. This Report is still being used and seen as a benchmark document within the Camden VCS context. Training and Workshops Training and development remain central to VAC'S core mission of supporting community organisations in building the necessary skills to grow and thrive. Over the past year, we have delivered a range of face-to-face and online training sessions, focused on supporting teams at all levels. including senior management. core staff. and volunteers. These sessions aimed to enhance knowledge and competencies across key areas, including safeguarding. communication and marketing. strategy and policy and data protection (GDPR). Training offer in summary: Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 Quarter 1: (Total attendees - 81) Budgeting and Finance for Voluntary Secor organisations and Community Groups. Voluntary sector organisational structures; what's right for you? Who cares for the carer? Signposting and Support. (In partnership with Camden Carers) Understanding Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults. Virtual Workshop: Bid writing and fundraising support. (In partnership with AWN) VAC Forum Social isolation, loneliness, and community connectedness. Quarter 2: (Total attendeos - 59) VAC Trustee Network - Fundraising tips for Trustees. Virtual Webinar: Conflict Management. Virtual Workshop: National Lottery - Awards for All Applications. An introduction to Dementia Awareness. Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Quarter 3: (Total attendees - 80> Women & Girls, Personal Safety and Awareness (In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation) Introduction to Safeguarding Adults. (In partnership with Camden's Adult Social Ser4ices) Virtual Workshop: Bid writing and fundraising support. (In partnership with AWN) Good mental health and wellbeing (In partnership with Reach Out Camden) Black History Month Virtual Event: 5 Black Fathers - A documentary. (In partnership with Father Figure) Virtual Workshop: Domestic Abuse and Dealing with Disclosures. (In Partership with Tender) Understanding Safeguarding & Culture in Black and Ethnic Families. (In partnership with AFRUCA) Quarter 4: (Total attendees - 55) Online workshop: Building Resilience - Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout Working Together to Safeguard Children from Radicalisation. Creating Safe Spaces - Trauma Informed Services and Workplaces. (In partnership with Hopscotch) Online workshop: Building Resilience - Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout Change Grow Live Camden: Helping the Community with Drug and Alcohol Support. Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 VCSE ICS Alliance Strategy Development VAC is a member of the Voluntary & Community Service Enterprise (VCSE) Integrated Care System {ICS) Alliance. The Alliance has two functions.. To provide a strategic network for VCSE organisations working within the North Central London (NCL) Integrated Care System. To provide a strong voice for the VCSE to tackle health inequalities and to maximise the value and impact of the sector on the health & wellbeing of their communities. VAC is committed to demonstrating the success of working with VCSE and the social value they bring into the health & social care system, alongside the positive impact of strength and community asset-based projects that address health inequalities. VAC acts as a channel between the Camden VCSE and wider health system using the Camden experience to influence and to facilitate projects with Camden VCSES working through pilot programmes such as digital exclusion, or with the Health Inequalities Fund, Synergies with patient and resident voice are developed through our role in the Camden Public and Patient Engagement Group (CPPEG). Social Prescribing VAC contributes insight and learning to support the development of Social Prescribing in the borough. VAC co-chairs the Social Prescribing Borough Partnership with Holborn Community Centre presenting a joined-up prescriber and provider perspective on social prescribing. This has included: data sharing and development, networking, maintenance of a green Social Prescribing directory. maintaining a comprehensive Social Prescribing map with partners Age UK Camden to explain the Camden landscape. In 2024 - 25, VAC with the partnership participated in a North Central London ICS strategic review and began work on a Camden Social Prescribing Plan. Community Links. the front door for the Care navigation and Social Prescribing Service. continues to support residents and address changing needs. They connect residents with community-based activities and social opportunities that support their health and well-being and make referrals into a range of Camden services. The total number of referrals we received during April 2024 - March 2025: Inbound referrals -1600 Outbound referrals- 1800 An initial step towards diversifying the social prescribing offer for residents leaving clinical care was tested in this period, discharging 12 residents into a now self-supporting peer group. This is a template for future development. Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 Community Links volunteers are a part of Camden Care Navigation Social Prescribing service. they support residents to engage with services and activities to improve their general health and well-being. The volunteers are based in medical praCtI￿S and other community settings. They have supported Abbey. Caversham, West Hampstead. Somers Town and Parliament Hill GP Practices with a new emphasis on supporting the link workers as well as the VCSE social prescribing offer in those practices. The chart below illustrates the total outbound referrals made through the Community Links Social Prescribing service between 2024 and 2025. These referrals reflect the wide range of support provided to Camden residents, addressing needs related to health, wellbeing, and practical day-to-day challenges. Top S Referral Themes: Signposting & Information - The most common referral, showing a high demand for connecting residents to relevant services and resources. Housing Support and Advice - Highlights significant housing challenges faced by the community, and how we've helped residents navigate support options. Fitness + Exercise - Demonstrates a strong interest in improving physical wellbeing, supported through local activity referrals. Food Parcels Indicates ongoing food insecurity and the continued need for emergency food support. Mental Health Services- Reflects the ongoing demand for mental health support and our role in linking residents to appropriate services. These themes underline the vital role of social prescribing in addressing both social and health- related determinants of wellbeing. Safeguardlng Chlldren: The Communlty Safeguardlng Partnershlp Servlce. Recently re-commissioned for an additional five years; VAC'S long-standing partnership with Camden's Safeguarding Children's Partnership (CSCP), has been instrumental in shaping our bespoke safeguarding training, consultation, and support programmes. For nearly two decades, this collaboration has enabled us to deliver flexible and responsive services, tailored to the evolving needs of local communities in Camden. The project has served as a vitsl source of training and support for grassroots voluntary sector organisations. community centres. faith-led groups and supplementary educational settings. Through both online and in-person training. 1-2-1 consultancy, and safeguarding support. it has 1C Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 played a key role in assisting minority. ethnic. and marginalised communities delivering services to under 25's across the borough. The project continues to evolve in response to emerging safeguarding needs. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our innovative and adaptable training programme through the introduction of a quarterly online podcast, an enhanced consultancy service, and video uploads from our partners via the VAC YouTube Channel. These developments will further our mission to further embed safeguarding at the core of service delivery across the borough. Community Safeguarding Partnership Training Summary: Total number of training attendees: 298 Total number of face-to-face and online training sessions delivered to the VCS (Voluntary Community Sector) last year: 51 Total number of voluntary organisations, supplementary schools, community, and faith groups reached: 92 Total number of Safeguarding Introduction Sessions delivered: 5 Total number of Safeguarding Advanced l Refresher Sessions delivered: 7 Total number of customised safeguarding sessions delivered: 15 Training partnerships and themes Safeguarding Children and Dementia Awareness (In partnership with Bluebird Health Care) Safeguarding and good mental health (In partnership with Reach Out Camden) Who cares for the carer? Safeguarding young carers in the community. (In partnership with Camden Carers). Women and Girls Personal Safety (In partnership with the Safeguarding Foundation). Safeguarding black and ethnic minority children. (In partnership with AFRUCA Safeguarding Children). Healthy Relationships 1: Understanding domestic abuse and coercive control (In partnership with Hopscotch Women's Centre) Healthy Relationships 2: Bullying. harassment. stslking. and disclosures. (In partnership with Tender). Understanding Gaming and Gambling harms. (In partnership with YGAM) Charlty Admlnlstratlon Over the past year. our admin team has played a vital role in supporting the operations of Voluntary Action Camden through a range of technical and frontline support responsibilities. Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 They provided day-to-day technical assistance. resolving computer and system issues. and offered ongoing support with the organisation's Salesforce database. ensuring that it remained an effective tool for managing informationldate for reports for internal and external purposes such as reports. The admin team also contributes to VAC'S digital presence by updating content on the organisation's website and maintaining the training calendar via platforms such as WordPress and TicketTailor. Their work helped to ensure that key events and resources were accessible to Camden's voluntary and community sector. In addition to technical duties. the admin leam seNed as a first point of contact for both new and existing charities seeking support. Their approachable manner and knowledge of VAC'S services have made them a trusted source of information and assistance for a wide range of organisations. These contributions reflect VAC'S ongoing commitment to responsive, inclusive. and technically proficient support for the borough's voluntary sector.VAC has gone through some significant changes within the last year. This has included a change in office premises. senior management, and the loss of our key staff working within our mental health projects. We had been a host organisation for new charities within the borough. but there was a change of office purpose, and we moved into Holborn Library. in partnership with the library team. We continue to improve our systems and processes to be more efficient. increase our impact, and support the staff. We have a dedicated team with multiple years of service for the organisation. Data Support The charity holds a rich database of organisations within the borough, and we're able to leverage this data to support the Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) in Camden. Our information provides background on the charitable organisations within the borough and serves as a helpful reference point. We have three directories (Green Social Prescribing, Community Groups and Room Hire). The directories all have drop down menus to help organisations and residents search for what they need. The Community directory has 5 drop down menus which are Services, Emergency Services, Beneficiaries, Ward and Structure. The Room Hire drop down menus include Room Type. Ward and Capacity. On the Green Social Prescribing directory. drop down menus include Activity, Cost, Beneficiaries and Fitness Required. The quantitative data we have on our internal system are the reports we run. This shows us how many organisations are working with particular groups or running specific services (All organisations working with the elderly etc..). Our dedicated long-serving Volunteer has been a key component of our data support, and we're grateful for their Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 many years of service. They speak to organisations over the phone and through email and include new organisations to the system. As well as the public facing directories. they ensure that the internal systems are accurate and includes contact information. without holding any private data from anyone without their consent. They also run reports showing all education and training organisations in Camden, so via the database we can find information and easily signpost our clients to services more efficiently. Communications & Newsletter VAC has a weekly newsletter that gets sent out to circa 1800 subscribers. It's noted as a very good resource for information, notices from other organisations, training. funding opportunities. and happenings within the sector. We have produced a number of "charity spotlight" features which are promoted as a blog item on our website, which go into depth on the work and background of a particular local charity, Part of our communication is our website. video, and social media platforms, and our mailings to our stakeholders. We update our social media platforms regularly with new content and occasionally create physical flierslleaflets to promote VAC'S work. We are constantly seeking how to improve our communications, their impact and the information that we disseminate to the Camden audience. The Communications Officer has been focusing on training and researching short videoslfilms in the VCS. The culmination of this has involved producing a large-scale video project on a local mental health initiative, and we look forward to producing more video projects next year. Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 Financial Review From a financial perspective. VAC had a satisfactory year. Income decreased by 26.3 % to £389,025. Outgoing decreased by 24.730/0 to £352.490. This resulted in a surplus of £36,535. Reserves Policy VAC holds free reserves to ensure its long-term viability. The purpose of the reserves policy is to formalise this while explaining why VAC is holding a particular level of free reserves. The reserves policy is reviewed annually. Based on its assessment of various risks. of which the main risks are set out further below, and of the quality and predictability of its income. the Board of VAC are aware that our unrestricted reserves are only slowly inching towards our policy target of 3-5 months of budgeted core operating expenses. We currently stand at having below one month of budgeted core operating expenses, with every intention of slowly building up the reserves as our activities increase. Investments VAC doesn't make investments, per policy. Monies are held on account with banks or building societies. Rlsks Voluntary Action Camden's main risks are: i) a sustained decline in funding 2} staff issues including adverse effects of having unfilled positions, recruitment costs, redundancy costs and increased staff costs. Together with the CEO, the trustees continue to monitor these risks and to take appropriate and proportional action to mitigate them. The trustees also undertake regular horizon-scanning for emerging or increasing risks. While the fundraising landscape for the charitable-sector, as a whole, is becoming increasingly challenging. VAC benefits from long-standing and strong relationships with our key funders and we continue to nurture these relationships. We also continuously seek to broaden our funding base. Our CEO leads these efforts on behalf of the charity. In respect of staff risks, the CEO and the trustees invest considerable time in preparing for various S￿nariOS. 14 Voluntary Action Camden Trustees, annual report For the year ended March 2025 Trustees. responsibilities in respect of the financial statements The Charity Commission requires the trustees to prepare financial statements each year which give a true and fair view of the financial transactions of the Charity during the year and of the disposition at the end of the Charity year of the assets and liabilities and contain the information specified in relevant regulations. The trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and applythem consistently,. Makejudgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records. in accordance with trust law, which disclose the financial transactions and the assets and liabilities with reasonable accuracy. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and irregularities. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on . 11126125 Makika Mazka M3hir,i Nl,iil),Ii i Nov 26, ?0?5 13 04-23 GMT) Name.. Benaifer Bhandari Name: Mahira Mazhar Title.. Chair Title". Treasurer 15 Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Voluntary Action Camden ('the Company.) For the year ended 31 March 2025 I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of ￿port As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b)of the 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs ststement Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the ICAEW. which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination: or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charilies preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Anthony Epton BA FCA CTA Goldwins Limited Chartered accountants 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG 26 November 2025 16 Voluntary Action Camden Statement of flnanclal actlvldes Ilncorporatlng an Income and expendlrure account) For the ar ended 31 March 2025 2025 Total 2024 Total IRestatedl'° Unrestrirted Restrirted Unrestricted IRe5tatedl Restricted IRe5tatedl Noie Income from: Charitable activities Capacity Building Information, co-ordination & partnerships Promotion, policy & projecis Other trading activities Investments 90,000 91,961 50,539 139.044 200 181.961 50.539 139.044 15.764 ,717 63,489 125,587 193,571 138.224 1.224 189.076 193.571 138.224 4.714 2.085 15.564 ,717 3,490 2,085 Total income 107,281 281,744 389.025 69,064 458,606 527.670 Expendlture on.. Charitable activities Capaciiy Building Information, co-ordination & partnerships Promotion, policy & projects 44.69Q 91.423 71.832 144.545 136.113 71.832 144.545 43,518 154,655 146.646 167.008 146.646 167.008 Total expendlture 44.690 307.800 352.490 43.518 424.791 468.309 Net Income I lexpendlturel for the year 62.591 126.0561 36,535 25.546 33,815 59,361 Transfer5 between funds 19.429 119.4291 8,428 18,4281 Net Income I lexpendlturel before other recognlsed galns and losses 82.020 {45.48S) 36.535 33.974 25,387 59,361 Actuarial galns I Ilossesl on deflned beneflt pension schemes 595.OOQ 595,000 332,000 332,000 Net movement In funds 677,020 {45,485} 631.535 365,974 25,387 391,361 Reconclllatlon of funds.. Total funds brought forward 975,868 S2,589 1.028,457 609,894 27,202 637,096 Total funds carrled forward .652.888 7.104 1.659,992 975,868 52.589 1,028,457 °All of the above results are derived from coniinuing activities .2023124 SOFA ha5 been restated to reflect back pay owing to staff. Voluntary Attion Camden Balance sheet Company no. 2388150 As at 31 March 2025 2025 2024 (Restated") Note Fixed assets: Tangible assets 231 703 Current assets.. Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 78.141 118,338 32,887 154,022 196.479 186,909 Llabllltles.. Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 194,069) 168, 5061 Net current assets 102.410 118,403 Total assets less current liabilities 102.641 119,106 Long term Ilabllitles: Creditors.. amounts falling due after one year 172,649) 172,6491 Net assets excludlng penslon asset 29.992 46,457 Defined benefit pension scheme a5setl liability 1,630,000 982,000 Total net assetlllabilltles 1,659.992 1,028,457 The funds of the charity.. Restricted income funds Unrestricted income funds.. General funds Pension reserve 7.105 52,589 22.888 1,630,000 16,1321 982,000 Total unrestricted funds 1,652,888 975,868 Total charity funds 1.659.993 1,028,457 .2023-24 Balance Sheet has been restated to include pre 2024 Back Pay owed to Staff. For the yeaT ending 31 March 2025. the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companie5 Act 2006 relating to small companie5. The member5 have not required the Charity to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirement5 of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 11/26125 and were signed on its behalf by.. Name.. Benaifer Bhandari Name.. Mahira Mazhar Title.. Chair Title= Treasurer Voluntary Action Camden Statement of cash flows For the ear ended 31 March 2025 Note 2025 2024 (Restated* Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating artivities (37,401) 1127,542) Cash flows from Investlng actlvltles: Dividends, interest and rents from investments Purchase of fixed assets 1,717 2,085 1693) Net cash used in investing activities 1,717 1,392 Change In cash and cash equlvalents In the year (35,684) 1126,150) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 154,022 280,172 Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of the year 118,338 154,022 'Restated to include updated net cash due to back pay owing to Staff Voluntary Actlon Camden Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Accounting policies a) Statutory Informatlon Voluntary Action Camden is a charitable company limited by guarantee and is incorporated in England & Wales. The registered office address is The Greenwood Centre. 37 Greenwood Place. London NW5 1 LB. b) Bas15 of preparatlon The financial siatements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 2015) (Charities SORP FRS 1021. the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (August 20141 and the Companie5 Act 2006. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless Otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note. c) Public benefit entity The charitable company meeis ihe definition of a public benefit entiry under FRS 102. d) Golng concern The Executive Committee considers thar there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue a5 a going concern in view of the significant cut5 in c05t5 and the succe55ful income generation to date in 2024125. The Executive Committee does not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty ar the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period. The financial statements are drawn up on a going concern basis despite having net liabilities due to the inclusion of the pension scheme deficir Isee note I n). The deficit of the scheme, however, does not result in an immediate cashflow impacr on the charity. Thi5 deficit will be cleared with an increase in pension contributions over the remaining working lives of the employees. For this reason the Executive Commiitee is safisfied this does noi affect the going concern status of the chariiy. e) Income Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably. Income from grants. whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met. n Fund accounting Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund. Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for the charitable purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside by the Executive Committee for particular purposes. g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party. it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity heading.. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. h) Allocatlon of support costs Support and governance costs have been allocated to the specific activity areas and consequently are not shown separately on the Statement of Financial Activities. l) Operating leases Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. 20 Voluntary Actlon Camden Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Accountlng pollcles (contlnuedl J) Tanglble flxed assets Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £ I .000. Depreciation costs are allocated ro activities on the basis of the use of the related asset5 in those activities. Assets are reviewed for impairment if circumstances indicate their carrying value may exceed their net realisable value and value in use. Where fixed assets have been revalued. any excess between the revalued amount and the historic c05t of the asset will be shown as a revaluation reserve in the balance sheet. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows.. Furniture & Equipment kl Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlemeni amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 3 years l) Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Cash balances exclude any funds held on behalf of service users. rnl Credltors and provlslons Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of fund5 to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provision5 are normally recognised at their sertlement amount after allowing for any rrade discounts due. The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. n) Penslons The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charitable company to the fund. The chariiable company has no liability under the scheme other than for the payment of those contributions. The charity a150 makes contributions to the Local Government defined benefit scheme for those employee5 who have joined the scheme. The assets of the scheme are fully valued by an independent actuary every three years. Any surplus or deficit on the scheme is reflected in alteration5 in the charity'5 contributions for the next three year5. These contributions are reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year to which they relate. The charity has adopted the full requirements of Financial Reporting Standard 102 in accounting for the defined benefit pension scheme. Current or past service costs and gain5, as determined by the scheme's actuary, are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities. Pension finance costs or income are included within total resources expended or incoming resources as applicable. Actuarial gain5 and losses arising are recognised within 'gain5 and losses. on the Statement of Financial Activities. In addition, the deficit on the scheme, representing the shortfall of the value of the scheme asset5 below the present value of the scheme liabilities is recognised as a liability on the balance sheet to the extent that the employer charity has a legal or constructive obligation for the liability. A corresponding pension reserve is included within funds. o) Prlor perlod restatement During the year, VAC identified that certain staff salaries relating to 31 March 2022. 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2024 had not been accrued in those years, financial siaiements. Majority of these salaries were paid during the year ended 31 March 202 5 and the remaining amount will be paid in the year ended 31 March 2026. The omission resulted in the understatement of expenditure and creditors and an overstatement of total funds in the prior years. The comparative figures for the year ended 31 March 2024 and the opening fund balances at l April 2023 have therefore been restated to correct the error. Of the total adjustment of £41 .682. £16,964 relates to periods prior to l April 2023 and has been recognised as a reduction in opening funds as at that date. £24.718 relates to the year ended 31 March 2024 and is reflected in the restated comparative figures for that year. 21 Voluntary Actlon Camden Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Income from charltable acrlvltles 2025 Total 2024 Total Unrestricted Restricted LBC Core Grant LBC - Capacity Building Fund LBC - Community Impacrs Resilience Camden Psychotherapy Unit City Bridge Trust Community Resiliance Fund 90,000 90,000 47.617 15,872 29.854 35,791 50,000 9,942 41.961 50,000 41,961 50,000 Sub-total for Capacity Building 90.000 91.961 181,961 189,076 NLCF - Awards for All LBC - Community Partnership Advisory Service LBC - Camden Network Alliance LBC Healthwatch Camden Community Vaccine Champion LBC - Trustee Network 7,500 48,731 54,250 72,522 10,568 50.539 50,539 Sub-rotal for Information, co-ordination & partnerships 50.539 50,539 193,571 NAVCA - Ukraine Infrastructure Fund Age Uk Camden Community Links VCSE - Alliance Mind in Camden Adult MHPM and Cultural Advocacy CNWL Stroke and Neurology Service - Social Prescribing 5.000 89,850 6,050 25,685 11,639 92,420 9,300 25,685 11,639 92.420 9,300 25,685 11,639 Sub-total for Promotion, policy & projects 139,044 139.044 138,224 Total income from charitable activities 90.000 281,544 371,544 520,871 Income from other tradlng actlvltles 2025 Total 2024 Total Unrestricted Restricted Training/Other activities Desk Rental 6,571 8,993 200 6.771 4.714 15.564 200 4.714 Income from Investmenrs 2025 Total 2024 Total Unrestricted Restricied Interest receivable 1,717 717 2,085 1,717 1.717 2,085 22 Voluntary ActSon Camden Notes to the financial staternents For the ear ended 31 March 2025 5 Analysls of expendlture Charitable activiiies Information, co. ordination & partnerships Promotion. policy & projea5 Capacity Building Governance costs 2025 Total 2024 Total Support Costs (Restated.) Staff costs (Note 71 Other Staff £0515 INote 71 Recruiimenr and Staff Training Propertv Equiprnent Office adrninstration Audit & Independenr Examination Legal & professional fees Newsletter & publications Other Depreciation Other Lettin95 Website & IT Evaluaiion & consultancy Special projects & evenrs Insurance 87.126 49.897 407 79.545 88 10.377 123.984 350.929 686 6,800 3,433 332,730 16,7821 6510 325 2,710 4,599 10,259 1,059 6,678 2.212 36 11,575 21,283 69,969 545 2.354 291 1,861 95 4.454 2.256 2.332 1.177 .929 2.155 5.664 414 1.788 152 .573 5.951 2.869 134.3731 1.952 1.350 72 485 66 23 189 3.292 3,280 8,619 630 2,749 473 2,394 9,056 4,366 150.188 2,970 2,OS4 109 738 100 1.125 2.955 216 940 137 821 3.105 1.497 117.4291 1.018 704 37 253 34 21 184 1.614 AGM Bank Charges Movin9 Bad Debi Wrire Off 85,883 52.154 79,828 10.377 124.248 352.490 468,309 Support cosrs Governance cosrs 46.672 3.558 17.194 2.484 60.382 4.335 1124.2481 110,3771 Total expendliure 202S 136.113 71.832 I44.S4S 352.490 468,309 Toial expendirure 2024 154,655 146,646 167.008 468,309 Of the total expènditure, £44,691 was unrestricted 12024.. £43.5181 and £307.799 was restricted 12024.. £424,791). 'Restaied to Include pre 2024 back pay in staff expenditure 23 Voluntary Aciion Camde Note5 to the financial siatement5 For ihe year ended 31 st March 2025 6 Nd expendlture for the year This is stated after charging.. 2025 2024 Depreciation Operating lease rentals.. Property Independent Exarniners, remunerarion.. Independeni Examination 473 2.212 5,850 3,333 3,150 7 Analysls of staff cosis. Executlve Commthe remuneraiknn and expenses. the