2024-03-31-accounts

communityfirst oxfordshire 100 years Community First Oxlordshlre South stables Worton Park Worton Witnev Omon OX29 4SU MrAK8ahl Wenn Townsend 30 St Giles Oxford OXI 3LE Deal Sirs The following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience such as we consider necessary in connection with your independent examination of the charitable company's financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2024. These enquiries have included inspection of supporting documentation where appropriate and are sufficient to 5at15fy ourselves that we can make each of the following representations. All representations are made to the best of our knowledge and belief. General We acknowledge that the work performed by you is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI and that you do not expre55 an audit opinion. We confirm that the tharitable company qualifies a5 Small in accordance with the conditions set out in chapter l of part IS of the Companies Act 2006. We confirm that the charitable company was entitled to exemption under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 the requirement to have its financial statement5 for the financial year ended 31st March 2024 audited. We also confirm that the members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the financial year in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2CQ6. We have fulfilled our responsibilities as directors I trustees as set out in the terms of your engagement letter, under the Companies Act 2W6 1 Charities Act 2011 for preparing financial statements in accof¢Jance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). for being Satisfied that they give a true and fair view and for making accurate representations to you. All the transactions undertaken by the charitable company have been properly reflected and recofded in the accounting records. Community First Oxfordshire, South Stables, Worton Farm Park, Witney, OX29 4SU www.communi irstoxon.or T: 01865 883488 E: info communi Irstoxon.o

All the accounting records have been made available to you for the purpose ol your independent examination. We have Provided you with unrestricted access to all appropriate persons within the charitable company. and with all other record5 and related information requested. including minutes of all management and trustee meetin85 and correspondence with The Charity Commission. The financial statements are free of material mi55tatements. including omissions. Asset5 and liabilitie5 The charitable company has satisfactory title to all a55ets and there are no liens or encumbrantes on the charitable company's a55ets, except for those that are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. All actual liabilitie5, contingent liabilities and guarantees given to third partie5 have been recorded or disclosed as appropriate. 10 We have no plans or intentions that may materially alter the carrying value and where relevant the fair value measurements or classification of assets and liabilities fellected in the financial stalemenls. 11 With regards to CAF 60-day notice account 2632. we confirm that this balance is still held in the account as at 3111 March 2024. with no withdrawals made since the last available staiement in October 2023. Accountlng estlmates 12 Significant assumptions used by us in making accounting estimates, includin8 those measured at fair value, are reasonable. Loans and arran8ements 13 The charitable company has not granted any advances or credits to, or made 8uarantee5 on behalf of, directors other than those disclosed in the financial statements. le8al claims 14 We have disclosed to you all claims in connection with litigation that havè been. or ale expected to be, received and such matters. as appropriate. have been properly accounted for. and disclosed in, the financial statement5. Laws and regulations 15 We have disclosed to you all known instance5 of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and iegulations whose effects should be considered when preparing the financial statements. Related parties 16 Related party relationships and transartions have been appropriately accounted for and disclosed in the financial statements. We have disclosed to you all relevant information concerning such relationships and transactions and are not aware of any other matters which require disclosure in order to comply with legislative and accounting stsndards requifement5. Subsequent events 17 All events subsequent to the date of the financial statements which requi￿ adjustmentor disclosure have been properly ccounted foi and disc105ed. Goin8 concern 18 We believe that the chafltèble company's financial statement5 should be p￿￿re(l on a going concern ba515 on the grounds that current and future source5 of funding or support will be more than adequate for the charitable companvs Community First Oxfordshire. South Stables, Worton Farm Park. Witney, OX29 4SU www.communit firstoxon.or T: 01865 883488 E: info communi firstoxon.o

needs. We have considered a period of twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. We believe that no further disclosures relating to the charitable companrfs ability to continue as a going concern need lo be made in the financial statements. Grants and donation5 19 All grants, donations and other income, the receipl of which Is subject lo specific tems or conditions, have been notified to you There have been no b￿acheS of temis or conditions in the application of such income. Yours faithfijlly Signed on behalf of the board of trustees 2024 Community First Oxfordshire. South Stables, Worton Farm Park. Witney, OX29 4SU www.communit lrstoxon.or T: 01865 883488 E: info communi jrstoxon.or

rdshire '.Flnanclal statem￿ for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 :: Charity No.. 900560 Company No. 02461552

Legal and Administrative Details Directors and Trustees The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its InJsl*s for Ihe purpjses of charity law and throughout Ihis report are colleclively referred to as trustees. The trustees sepiing dunng the year and Sin￿ the year end are listed below. None of the company director5 has a Servi￿ contract with the company. Board Membership One third lor the number nearest lo one third) of the Injslees must retire at each Annual General Meeting (AGM}, those longest serving retiring first and the choice between any of equal Servi￿ being made by drawing lots. A relinng trustee who remains qualified may be reappainted. Date 'oined Board Date re.elected Octoter 2007 Se lember 2020 June 2016 November 2021 December 2016 tember 2020 Jul 2019 Octoter 2022 November 2021 lemter 2020 C¢tober 2022 Name Gill Bindoff Jon Bn hl Malcolm Ta lor Andrew MCHU Bev Hindle Jackie Wilders Chnslo her Kennefo Joint-CEO Joint-CEO Cornpany Secretary Emily Lewis-Edwards Tom Mcculloch Gemma Tindsley Members 316 paid up members as al 31 March 2024 Parish and Town Councils 94 Individual members 20 Community and Village Halls 200 Registered and Principle Office South Stables, Worton Park. Worton, Witney, OX29 4SU Banker Unity Trust Bank. Nine Brindley place, Birmingham, 812HB Page 2 of 26

mun Legal and Administrative Details (continued) Independent Examiners Wenn Townsend 30 St Giles, Oxford, OX13LE. Registered Charity Number 900560 Registered Company Number 02461522 President Jonathan Reuvid Honorary Patrons Mrs Catherine Bearder MEP Mrs Celia Collett MBE Dr John Sharp Page 3 of 26

un .Yew EThJ&l 81.llth 3)24:. Contents Chair of Trustees Report Trustees, Annual Report Report of the Independent Examiners 13 Principal Accounting Policies 14 Statement of Financial Activities 17 Balance Sheet 18 Notes to the Financial Accounts 19 Page 4 of 26

Year E￿ 31 2(r24 Chair of Trustees Report I have been reflecting on my time as a trustee of Community First Oxfordshire since I shall be retiring from the Board al the AGM this year. I was first ethled in (ktoter 2007 when I was asked to represent the organisalion al meetings of the County Council to assess a consultanl-led programme for the improvement of primary schools. I had already come to know the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, as it was then called, as the community I was part of al Lewknor had needed a bt of advice on buying land for a playing field and the subsequent provision of a new village hall. The suppjrt we had then was outstanding and it has been so inspiring to see, over the years, that the quality of the work we do with local communities has remained consistently excellent and effective. Times have changed very significantly for challtable organisations Sin￿ 2007. They now need to be much more flexible and adaplable and able to maximise OPFQrtunities as they arise. CFO is very successful at developing new areas of work. including a consultancy to SUPFX)rt communities with planning, neighbourhood planning and optx)rtunities for stewardship schemes to manage local assets. The skills and experien￿ of our joint CEOS and staff have also enabled the organisation to expand into areas of work on health, climate change and the environment. However, the core purpose of CFO has not changed al all. It remains an organisation which enables communities to develop their own skills and supports them to achieve the things they need. The last financial year ended with a very healthy surplus of £42k before investments. This is a considerable achievement as a deficit had been planned for the previous Iwo financial years. CFO has very effective financial controls in place and has been successful in managing new programmes to promote public health and affordable housing. Engagement with the Well Together Programme and the Rural Housing Enabler scheme has built on existing strengths and developed new ones. New members of staff have joined the organisation to develop these areas of work. The time is right for a review of the direction for CFO and of how it communicates with all its stakeholders. I look forward lo the outcomes of the ongoing strategy and branding review. I have had the privilege of working with six chief executives of CFO and many members of staff all of whom have been committed to supporting communities in Oxfordshire as effectively as they can. The organisation is blessed with the current staff who continue the distinguished record of CFO but face many more challenges. The world really has changed since 20071 We currently have a strong Board of Trustees and are very pleased lo have been able to recruit two new trustees during the year. Linda Horgan is very eXperien￿d in inlemational community development and has been Ihe director of a charity based in Cambodia. Emily Urquhart is a wlicy officer al Oxfordshire County Council and is working with deprived communities within the county. Sadly, Andrew McHugh resigned during the year LEcause ofother commitments. We have missed his wise and considered advi and, especially, his sense of humour. We continue to lo)k for trustees who will add to the range of experien￿ on the Board. I have every Confiden￿ that the Board will remain effective in contributing to CFO'S success and will continue ils constructive role as a critical fn'end to Emily and Tom. I leave this excellent and very special organisation in very good hands. Gill Bindoff Chair of Trustees Page 5 of 26

muni ,YwEThJ31 IAaL %r24.. Trustees, Annual Report The trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the yearended 31st March 2024. In preparing the annual report and financial slalement the trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practi￿ (SORP) °Accounting and ReForting by Chanties" (FRS 102) and adhered to current statutory requirements and the goveming documents of the charity. Objective and activities The objects of Community First Oxfordshire {CFO) are. "to promote any chantable purposes for the benefit of the community in the administrative county of Oxfordshire., and to promote and organise Co￿peration and lo cary out any activity within or outside the county Ihat assists in the achievement of the said purposes. (Memorandum of Association) CFO was fo￿nerlY known as the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, which was founded in1920 - the first rural community council in England. Within this legal framework, CFO'S wotk is driven by our vision and mission.. Vision Strong, diverse, inclusive, and Ihriving communities Mission Supporting communities to find solutions to their planning, housing, s￿[al action, and service needs. Promoting posib've change for all. We always consider how effecb'vely the aims of the charity are being carrted out, through the activities undertaken foi the public benefit. The organisational aims are reviewed and, if appropriate, refined or amended,. outcomes are considered afresh, and work programmes are derived from the agreed aims and outcomes. Public benefit The trustees have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidan￿ published by the Charity Commission. The primary focus of the obiectives and aclivities of CFO is to support communities in Oxfordshire in their planning, housing, social action, and Servi￿ needs. The ways we have done this during the past year are sel out below. Page 6 of 26

rnunty Fu5t Yew ETh1gJ 31 2L Achievements and perforniance 2023-24 was an ex￿ptIOnallY busy year for CFO as we launched new partner programmes, such as the major health inequalities funding programme and carying out community ￿Search in Littlemore and in the Piddington clusler. We also broughl back after nearfy a decade, the Rural Housing Enabler seN[￿, thanks to funding from Defra. CFO has continued to support volunteers and local gfOUPS in Oxfordshire's rural and urban communities via our community engagement and planning seniices and our advice services. We have perfoffned well on our core services funded by Defra and local authorities and at the same time delivered well on project specific work funded via the County Council's Adult Social Services and the Integrated Care Board. Communit Buildin s Adviso Servi We support all 290 Oxfordshire community halls via general emails, regularnetwork meetings, info sheets and informative newsletters. Hall advice sep11￿S are always in demand as CFO and ACRE, our national umbrella organisation, are the only organisations offering specific guidan￿ and advice for volunteers running community buildings. There is a growing demand for affordable and effective ways lo 'green' halls, and CFO continues to work with partners to find the best solutions. Communi Sho s Advice Service CFO support19 community shops via shop visits, newsletters and email support. Community shops and independent grocery stores have seen slumps in footfall, difficulty in oblaining grocery deliveries and fewer volunteers. CFO offers networking opportunities and advice on issues that affect community shops. Communit Trans Unlike community shops and halls, volunteer numbers have remained relatively stable. CT remains a crucial part of Oxfordshire's transport network, but raising the profile of the network and managing expeclations of what can be delivered by volunteers remains a priority for CFO. CFO held network meetings for the minibus and car schemes as well as working closely with the County Council on ways to support CT and the transport needs of Oxfordshire's residents. CFO advocated for belter financial support and tretlei support for volunteers in CT via the national toly CTA UK. Well To ether and Connected Communities Funds CFO and OCVA launched an Integrated Care Board funded. community funding programme in November 2023, which will see £1 million of funding go lo grassrwts groups in the 10 most deprived areas in the county. The prcgramme of funds is a new way to address to the stark health inequalities shown in these areas. CFO and OCVA also managed a second round of Connected Communities Funds, which saw another £175k go lo community groups and activities across the whole county focusing on the needslwants of older people to live well and connected in their communities. Plannin and Communi Consultanc CFO had ongoing commissions with 5 neighb)urhcM)J planning groups. Our work supported a range of activity, including.. project oversight, community consultation, drafting of NP documentation, and policy evidencing. We also carried out 2 Housing Needs SuNeys, a Transport Needs Assessment, and two research studres (one in the city of Oxford and one a cluster of rural communiliesl to support community health and wellbeing initiatives. Social Action CFO offers social action support via advi￿ and guidance on Community Led Plans and community planning in general, community engagement methods, Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) workshops for community ￿presentatIveS and an ABCD practitioners, network was revived. All services are promoted with our members and stakeholders. Page 7 of 26

CFO was commissioned by Public Health lo cary out community insight work in Abingdon and Banbury Three Community Insight reports were Prcrfju￿d based on feedback from residents. The findings were presented at the Health & Wellbeing Board. Communi Led Housin and Rural Housin Enabler CFO continues to act as the host of Collaborative Housing. thanks to funding from all 6 local authorities. The community-led housing hub offer support, guidan￿ and technical advi￿ for any community groups interested in CLH. We also iniliated the Rural Housing Enabler service during 2023 and have promoted the service via several facilitated meelings and networks and reengaging with planning authorities on rural exception siles. Placemakin and Slewardshi CFO conlinues its work on 'placemaking', that is, ensuring new housing developmenls are best supported to become thriving, active and successful communities where people have a positive sense of belonging. Our on the ground community development projects continued at Heyford Park, Cherwell and Woodstock, West Oxfordshire. We also designed and launched a new communil -led stewardshi su ort service, designed to help communities develop strategies for managing assets such as buildings, green and open spaces, allotments etc. We were commissioned to undertake stewardship research for parish and town councils in three locations. Communi Oil Scheme meMbe￿hIP for the community oil schemes remains steady despite the loss of bulk buying. The oil scherne has over 500 members. On their behalf and in partnetship with AF Affinity, a specialist buying organisation and social enterprise, we order heating oil for our members at the best price possible. The scheme is also supported by 20 volunteer coordinators who make sure vulnerable people living in their communities have aC￿sS to heating oil. CFO and AF Affinity continue to support the search for affordable and effective allemative energy oplions such as blo￿11. Nature and Climate CFO has deepened its involvement in nature and climate initiatives in 2023124. We have developed links with the Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership (OLNP), an organisation of key partners working together to radically enhan￿ nature and its wsitive impact on our climate. The overarching OLNP priority is to make Oxfordshire a county where people and nature thrive. Also in the last year, CFO joined Ihe Oxfordshire Nature 2030 campaign, the local ileration of the national campaign calling on all political parties lo adopt five landmark policies for nature's recovery ahead of the next General Election, with the overall aim of helping empowering citizens to challenge power brokers and policy makers to be as ambitious as possible in the development of nature and net zero policies. Diversi and Inclusion EEDI CFO believes that equality and inclusion create strong, creative. and dynamic places to live and work. In 2024, we continued to build and act on our E uali Diversi and Inclusion Action Plan by improving how we recruit staff and volunteers by simplifying the process for all and ensuring candidates were treated equally i.e. multiple ways to apply for roles, no specific qualifications were made essential in the job descriptions. interview questions were provide before interviews. EEDI reviewlapproaches are always ongoing. Page 8 of 26

&KbJ 31 Math Financial review General oveNiew Overall the financial slatements show a surplus of £42,648 t*lore gainsnosses tm investrronts (20TJ.' surplus of £7,047) Classification of funds and reserves policy CFO'S income and resenies are of Iwo types - restricted and Un￿stricted. Reslricled funds are funds, and any reseNes arising from them, that a donor gives for a closely defined purpose or that, exceptionally, arise from a conlracl whose temis cause it lo te deemed a restricted fund. Each such fund must be accounted for separately and fflust only be spent for the specified purFQSe. Unrestricted funds are not subject to such ￿sIn'Cli0ns. Grants given with a general statement of their purpose andlor the donorfs wishes are unrestricted, as is income from most contracts. Un￿Stricted funds are divided into tsvo: General funds.. These comprise the day-t041ay operating funds of CFO and may be spent on any purp)se that furthers the objects of the charity", These are sums voluntarily set aside by the trustees for particular uses. Designaled funds.. CFO maintains separate accounts within general funds of income and expenditure in each project area (community development, community halls. transport, etc) and for designated funds, CFO aims to maintain a general ￿serve equivalent to at least six months, expenditure to ensure that the charity is able to meet its regular commitments, including salaries and rent, rates and utilities. A general reserve is also ne￿SSary because of the uncertainty of income from year to year and the uneven occurrence of its receipt during the year, as well as to provide cover against the risk of unforeseen commitments and liabililies arising. At the end of 2023124 the general reserve, excluding designated funds, represented over12 months, expenditure. Designated reserves are reviewed annually and currently consist of: A designated fund specific to supFrf)rting initiatives such as Community Development projects and SFecific grant focused worl(. The total designaled funds at1 April 2024 was £19,850 (1 April 2023 was £20,750). a Business Development fund which is used to promote the charity and to fund the investigation of new income streams for the benefit of the charity and beneficiaries. The total fund at 1 April 2024 was £7,000 (1 Aprrl 2023 was £7,000) a Contingency fund, which was established to ensure that there were sufficient funds to meet any unexpected occUffen￿. The trustees detemiined that fund should continue to be £45,000 at1 April 2024 (2023." £45,000). Movement in the designated funds in 2023124 are shown in Note 16 to the financial statements. Total restricted funds at1 April 2024 were £0 (2023: £0). Details of restricted fijnds can be found in Note 17. Page 9 of 26

mmun Yw ETr*l 31 3)24 Investment policy The chanty investment pjlicy was reviewed in 2020 after several years of a conservative approach with our reserves that were more than the amount ne￿SSary to cover any contractual obligations plus 6 months expenses. The trustees surmised that there would not be a significantcall on our excess resenies and a decision was reached that a portion of the eX￿sS reseprfes be invested (Note 10) All other fijnds remain as cash in interesl-bearing deposil accounts. Cashflow is monito￿d to ensure Ihat as high a proportion of reserves as p)ssible is kept in inleresl bearing accounts. Grant making policy Grant schemes are administered according to established criteria and terms and conditions agreed with funders. Applications must be made in writing in accordance with specified prO￿dureS and accompanied by project details, cost eslimales and eviden￿ of financial need. The applications are assessed according to the criteria in consullalion with relevant funders andlor an independant grants panel. Grant offers are rnade conditional on the project being completed according to the applicant's proposal and on actual costs reaching at least the agreed level, otherwise the grant can be redu￿d. Applicants are required to confirm in wriling their acceptance of the offer on the slated lemis and conditions. Annual rep)rts on the use of granl funds are provided lo relevant funders in line with the agreements with Ihem. Structure, governance and management of the charity Community First Oxfordshire is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act1985 las updated by the Companies Act 2006) and is also registered as a charity. Its goveming document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company dated 28 June 2018. The members of CFO'S Executive Committee (the Board) are both company directors and the charity trustees. Method of appointment of trustees As set out in the Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation, the Irustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting. The number of Iruslees is delemined by the board, with the current maximum being fifteen. The Chair and Vice Chair are elected at the first meeting of the board following the AGM. The trustees have the power lo co-opt individuals to provide a greater breadth of experien￿ and skills to the board, provided that the number of co-OPt&s dces not exceed three, or one third of the number of elecled members (whichever is the greater). At each Annual General Meeting, one third of the trustees musl retire,. those longest in office retiring first and the choice between any ofequal service being fflade by drawing lots. A feliring trustee who remains qualified may be reappointed. Any member of CFO can sland for election as a trustee provided helshe is property nominated and seconded by other mefflbers. The Iruslees who served during the year, appointments and resignations, are set out within the legal and administrative details on page 2. Trustee induction and training All trustees are issued with a copy of the Board Members, Handbook which sets out their obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, a résumé of the strategic plan and recent financial perf0mlan￿ of the charity. They are actively encouraged to meet staff and ream about their roles and Page 10of26

Ye* 31 2tr24 responsibilities. Tnjslees are given the opwrtunity lo attend appropnale extemal events thai wll help facililate the effective undertaking of their role. Organisation The board of Iruslees administers the charity The toard meets bi-rnonlhly and there is a Finan￿ SUP Committee which meels regularly The day-l04ay management of CFO is enlrusled lo the two senior members of staff, who are designated Joint CEOS, reEM)rting to the Chair. To facilitate effective operations, Ihe CEOS, have delegated authority, y￿thin le￿S of delegat￿n approved by the trustees, for operational matters Including finan￿ and human resour￿$. Subsidiary company To generate trading Income from sources other than statutory organisations, CFO set up a trading ami, ORCC Trading Limited, in September 2010. The trading company's object is to SUPkX)rt the charity in ways that are consistent with the chanty's values and pnnciples. The first enterprise of the trading arm was to develop a county-wide, community-based bulk-buying scheme for central healing oil, which was subsequently franchised to other rural community councils. From 1 April 2014 the ongoing activities of ORCC Trading Limited, including the oil buying scheme, were transferred into Community First Oxfordshire. ORCC Trading Limited continues as a domiant company until new trading opportunities are identified. Partner organisations CFO works closely with Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA). from whom il is subcontracted part of Oxfordshire County Council's Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Support contract. Risk assessment The trustees assess and manage risks as part of the annual strategic planning process using the approach recommended by the Charity Commission, and measures to miligale such risks are kept under review on a regular basis. Financial risks are monitored by the Finan￿ Sub-committee. The major risks comprise.. an eX￿sSive dependen￿ upon statutory sources of income in circumstances where these are under continuing pressure at every level of govemment,. this may lead to both political and economic piessure on the organisation. This is being addressed by careful liaison with traditional funding bodies and polenlial delivery partners and through an active search for sources of non- public sector funding and paid-for work, such as Town Planning and Stewardship commissions., inappropriate projects andlor partnerships wilh organisations that may not be consistent with CFO'S values, aims and mission. This is being addressed by the application of the charrty's slralegic objectives and income generation principles. The trustees also recognise Ihat there are polents'al risks associated with the level of its reserves, and ils inveslmenls, both of which are carefully monitored and managed. Future outlook CFO, much like all charities, continues to face pressure on its traditionally routes of finances as the Govemment pursues its deficit reduction programme, which has a significant impact on govemment departments and local authorities from where much on the charity's funding has come. We have addressed this by both reducing our costs and s￿kIng other SoU￿S of grant funding and taking up proiects that align with the charity's objectives bul have non-traditional funding, such as our new Town Page11 of26

mun ,YwEth31 *724 Planning services including neighbourho￿l planning and also placemaking projects and community-led housing The Iruslees consider that the chanty now has expenenced and well-molivaled staff and a structure and cost base that is appropriate to the current focus and size of the organisation. The staff can be assisted as required by our small panel of associates and by working closely with out partner organisalions. Taking into account the confimied level of grant funding and expected commissioned work, the trustees expect the charity to see another surplus in 2024125. CFO'S 5 year Slrategic Plan will be reviewed in 2024 as we review and refresh the organisalions, branding and strategy, and potentially reinvest in core areas of community support. This report has been prepared having taken advantage of the small companies, exemption in the Companies Act 2006 This report was approved by the board of trustees on 25th July 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Gill Bindoff Chair of Trustees Page 12of26

munty First YuFJMbJ 31 Math3Y24 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Community First Oxfordshire. I report to the charity ttuslees on my exafflinalion of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set oul on pages1710 27. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purrM)ses of company law) you are responsible for the preparab'on of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act,) Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the cofflpany 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 company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,) In carying oul my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(51{b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs statement Since the company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a fflember of a Ix)dy listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confimi that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am member of the ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act, or the accounts do not accord with those records.. or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act olher 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 the accounts have not been prepared in accordan￿ with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan￿ wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) I have no concems 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 ached. Signed: Benjamin Hayes Bsc FCA Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants 30 St Giles, Oxford, OX13LE 2024 Page 13of26

mmun Y￿ETh￿J 31 XQ4 Principal Accounting Policies General Infomiation and basis of preparation. Community First Oxfordshire is a charitable company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is lifflited to £1 per member of the charity The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 2 of these financial slalements. The nature of the chanty's operations and principal activities are detailed in the Trustees, Report. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial slalements have been prepared in accordan￿ with Accounting and ReFrt)rting by Charities. Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally AC￿pIed Accounting Praclice The financial statements are prepared on a going concem basis under the historical cost convention modified to include certain items al fair value. The financial slalements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. The significant accounling policies applied in Ihe preparation of these financial statements are sel out below. These policies have been consistently applied lo all years presented unless otherwise slated. Funds and reserves Unrestricted funds are available to spend on aclivilies that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided al their discretion lo set aside to use for specific purposes. Restricted fvnds are funds, and any reserves arising from them, Ihal a donor gives for a closely defined purpose or that, eX￿p110na1Iy, arise from a Gontract whose terms cause it to be deemed a restricted fund. Investments As part of a review of our conservative approach to reserves, the trustees sumiised to invest a portion of the funds into COIF Charitable Ethical Investment Fund. This investment will be kept under review under the charity's investment policy. Income recognition All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. For legacies, entitlement is the eadier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. Page14 of26

mmunty "'Yw ErKknI 31 . Principal accounting policies (continued) Pro ect rants Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, is included in incoming reSoUr￿S when these are receivable, except as follows.. when donors specify that donations and granls given lo the charity musl be used in future accounting periods the income is deferred until those periods., when donors impose conditions, which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the preconditions have been met., when donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants, are for particular purposes which do not amount to preconditions regarding the entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources when ￿ceIvable. Interest ￿CeiVable Interest is included on a receivable basis by the charity. Expenditure recognition All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related lo the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is charged on an accruals basis and allocated between: costs in furtherance of charitable objects expendituie incurred in the governan￿ of the charity (governance costs). All expenditure included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) has been classified under headings that aggregale all costs related to the category. Governan￿ costs are the costs associated with the governan￿ arrangements of the charity and include extemal exafflinalion, legal advice for trust￿S and costs associated with constitutional and statutory requirements, e.g. the cost of trustee meeb'ngs and preparing statutory financial statements. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the acb'vity for which expenditure arose. Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, the cost is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectalion thal the iecipienl wi51 re￿1ve the grant. Where grants are conditional on perforrnan￿ the grant is only accrued when the conditions set by the CFO grant offer are met. Page 15 of26

Principal accounting policies (continued) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are capitalised at cost where the acquisition value is greater than £250 and are staled at cost, net of depreciation. Depreciation on fixed assets is provided at rates calculated lo write down the cost less estimated residual value by equal annual inslalments over their expected useful lives. The rales applicable are.. FuMitu￿, fixtures and fitting Computer equiprnent 3 years (straight line} 3 years (straight line) Debtors and creditors receivable or payable within one year Debtors and creditors with no staled interest rate and re￿1vable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. Impaimient Assets not measured at fair value are reviewed at each balaTr￿ sheet date for any indication that the asset may be impaired. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, or the asset's cash generating unit, is estimated and compared to the carrying amount. Where the carying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, an impaimient loss is recognised in profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount where the impainnent loss is a revaluation decrease. Tax CFO is an exempl charity within the meaning of Schedule 3 of the Charities Acl 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purp)ses. Operating lease agreements Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership main with the lessor are charged in the SOFA on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Employee benefits When employees have rendered service lo the charity. short-term employee tenefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised al the undiscounted amount expecled to be paid in exchange for that service. The charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. Contributions are therefore expensed as they become payable. Further details are shown in Note19. Going concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concem basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of incorne and expenditure for the next12 months. The trustees have considered the potential impacts of the cost of living increases and climate change on the organisation and the beneficiaries. We have predicted an increase in project specific funding and commissioned work but as we do not rely on fundraising activities we are not as easily effected as other charities. The trustees consider the budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going COn￿M. Page16of26

Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds Total Funds 2024 2023 Note Income From: Project Grants Investment Income Other Income Total Income 259,815 12,884 33,934 306,633 155,238 415,053 12,884 33,934 461,871 310,228 8,857 47,247 366,332 155,238 Expenditure on.. Charitable Expenditure: Costs in furtherance of charitable objects Total expenditure 263,985 155,238 419,223 359,285 263,985 155,238 419,223 359,285 Net Incomel(expenditure) before Gainsl(losses) on Investments 42,648 42,648 7,047 Net Gainsl(Losses) on Investments Net Incomel(Expendilure} 10 18,712 61.360 18,712 61.360 9,843 (2,796) Transfers between funds Net movement in fijnds 15 61,360 61,360 {2,796} Balan￿S brought Forward 518.201 518.201 520,997 Balances Carried FoTrYard 579,561 579,561 518,201 All income and expenditure derive from continuing acb'vities. The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year. The accompanying accounb'ng policies and notes fonn part of these financial statements Page17 of 26

Balance Sheet Notes 2024 2023 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Investments 10 270 281 270,281 251.569 251,569 Current Assets Debtors Cash in Hand 11 16,438 393,241 409,679 (100,399) 25,112 357,064 382,176 {115,5441 266,632 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net Current assets 309,280 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 579,561 518,201 Net Assets 579,561 518,201 Funds Unrestricted Designated General Restricted Total Funds 16 15 17 71,850 507,711 72,750 445,451 579,561 518,201 The financial statements are prepared in accordan￿ with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. For the year ended 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors responsibilities.. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The directors acknowledge their reS￿nsIbIlitieS for complying with the requirements of the act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These financial statements were approved by Ihe members of the board on 25 July 2024 and are signed on their behalf by.. Gill Bindoff Company registered number Chair of Trustees Charity Registered Number The accompanying accounting Frf)licies and notes form part of these financial statements. 2461552 900560 Page18of26

Notes to the financial statements 1. Project Grants and Contracts Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Planning and Stewardship Consultancy Voluntary Infrastructure Contract Rural Communities SupFort- Defra (Representation) Communilies Supwrt- District Councils Community Transp)rt Umbrella Insuran Pla￿makIng Projects Collaborative Housing HUB Community Development Consultancy Connected Communities Fund Ukrainian Comrnunity Transport Project Volunteer Vision Project COMF Support Work Abingdon Caldecott Community Profile Grant Cherwell Funding for Support of Oil Heating Scheme Rural Housing Enabler 27,001 Well Together Programme 46,508 Total Incoming Resources 259,815 155,238 £48,140 of the above income in 2023 was attribulable to restricted funds. 33,949 33,949 21,901 60,CK)O 60,000 50.000 39,640 39,640 39,640 43.249 43,249 43,249 1,690 1,690 1,300 60,940 12,000 60,940 12,000 54,429 36,608 18,197 18.197 23,015 19,750 19,750 9,750 4,01)) 20,900 24,900 11,500 10,480 8,356 3,000 21,189 24,189 3,040 3,040 27,001 46,508 415,053 310,228 2. Investment Income Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Bank Interest Receivable Dividends Re￿1vable Total Investment Income 5,153 7,731 5,153 7,731 2,624 6,233 12,884 12,884 8,857 None of the above income in 2024 was attributable to restn'cted fijnds. Page19 of26

mu Notes to the financial statements (continued) 3. Other Income Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 General Membership Fees Village Hall Membership Fess Oil scheme income Donations Other Total Incoming Resources 6,485 10,570 14,445 165 2.269 33,934 6,485 10,570 14,445 165 2,269 33,934 6,296 11,165 17,464 265 12,057 47,247 None of the above income in 2024 was attributable to reslricted funds. 4. Costs in Furtherance of Charitable Objects: Restricted Unrestricted Funds 2024 funds 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Salaries Grants Paid Travelling Professional & consultancy fees Affiliations & Subscriptions Training & Conferences Premises Promotional & website costs Print, p)st, telephone & IT Depreciation Other Cosls Govemance Costs - see note 5 Total 196,275 5,222 2.771 9,665 10,140 2.158 13,128 193 13,203 99,871 42,089 627 296,146 47,311 3,398 17,265 10,140 2,158 13,128 193 17,613 280,673 9,371 2,225 24,829 8,282 2,008 12,745 229 11,772 433 5,098 1,620 359,285 4,410 9,735 1,495 263,985 641 10,376 1,495 419,223 155,238 £48,140 of the above expenditure in 2024 was attributable to restricted funds Page 20 of 26

un 5. Governance Costs Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Examinerfs Remuneration 1,495 1,495 1,620 Total 1,495 1,495 1,620 None of the expenditure in 2024 was attributable to restricted expenditure. 6. Related Party Transactions The trustees did not receive or waive any remuneration durin9 the year {2023: nil) and there was no reimbursement in respect of travelling expenses (2023. nil). 7. Employees The Aggregate Payroll Costs were: 2024 2023 Wages & Salaries Social Security Costs Pension contributions 260,122 23,053 12,971 296,146 244,680 23,509 12,484 280,673 The average number of Employees and Full Time equivalents (FTE) during the Year were 2024 FTE 2024 Number 2023 FTE 2023 Number Office & management Operational 10.0 14.0 7.2 10.0 No employee eamed more than £60,000 in the current or prior year. Ke Mana ement Personnel The tnjslees consider the board of trustees and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the charity responsible for directing and controlling, running and operating CFO on a daily basis. The ttustees are listed on page two. The senior management team in 2023124 and going f0p￿ard are.. Joint Chief Executive Officer Joint Chief Executive Officer Emily Lewis-Edwards Toffl Mcculloch Page 21 of 26

Pay Policy for key management personnel All trustees give of their time freely and no trustee received remuneralion in 2023124. Delails of trustees, expense and relaled paty transactions are shown in notes 6 and 7. Because of the nature of the charity, the trustees benchmark salaries against pay levels in local govemment and charities in similar fields. The pay of slaff is reviewed annually based, nomially on the annual cost of living increase calculated using the average of Ihe Consumer Price Index (CPI). The total remuneration of the senior management team in 2023124 was £89,142 (2022123". £76,387). 8. Grants paid During the year ended 31 March 2024 14 community groups were funded through the Ukrainian Community Transport Funds and the Woodstock Community Chest funds. CFO also waive membership fees for 30 vulnerable people using our oil buying scheme. 9. Tangible Fixed Assets Furniture, Fixtures & Fittings Computers Total Cost As at1 April 2023 Additions Disposals As at 31 March 2024 12,953 11.276 24,229 12,953 11,276 24,229 Depreciation As at1 April 2023 Charge for the year Disposals As at 31 March 2024 12.953 11,276 24,229 12,953 11,276 24,229 Net Book value As at 1 April 2023 As at 31 March 2024 Page 22 of 26

un 10. Investments 2024 2023 Fair Value at1 April Additions Net gainl(loss) on change in fair value 251,569 161,412 100,000 18,712 270,281 9,843 251,569 An investmenl of £1 is the £1 share capital of ORCC Trading Limited, a company regislered in England and Wales (number 073672601, a wholly owned subsidiary company. As at 31 March 2024 the company was domant with net assets of £1. An investment of £150,000 was made to COIF Charities Ethical Investment Fund in 2020 and a further £100,000 was invested in this fund in 2023. This investmenl will be reviewed annually under the charity's investment policy. 11. Debtors 2024 2023 Other Debtors Prepayments 13,997 2,441 16,438 25,112 25,112 12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Taxation and social security Income re￿IVed in advan Other Creditors Accruals 12,141 80,172 4,391 3,695 100,399 21,442 87,053 3,479 3,570 115,544 13. Deferred Income 2024 2023 Balan￿ at1 April Membership Income released in year Other income released in year Membership Income deferred in year Other income deferred in year 87,053 (11,098) 163,144) 9,102 58,259 80,172 14,513 (10,447) {766) 11,098 72,655 87,053 Membership income is deferred to a future period when it is received in advance of the financial year for which the subscription is paid. Other income (for grants and contracts) is defetred when it is re￿iVed in advance of Ihe period of activity to which it relates. Page 23 of 26

14 Analysis of Net Assets 2023124 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Tangible Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Current Liabililies Total 270,281 378,763 (69,483) 579,561 270,281 409.679 (100,3991 579,561 251,569 382,176 (115,544) 518,201 30,916 (30.916) Analysis of Net Assets 2022123 Unrestricted funds 2023 Restricted Funds 2023 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Tangible Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Current Liabilities Total 433 161,412 397,378 {38,226) 520,997 251,569 319,221 (52,589) 518,201 251,569 382,176 (115,544) 518,201 62,955 (62,955) 15. Funds 2023124 General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total funds At1 April 2023 Incoming Resources ReSoUr￿S Expended Transfers be￿een funds Total 445,451 325,345 (263,985) 900 507,711 72.750 518,201 480,583 (419,223) 155,238 (155,238) (900) 71,850 579,561 Funds 2022123 At1 April 2022 Incoming Resources ReSoUr￿S Expended Transfers between funds Total 440,191 281,584 (276,324) 80.806 36,608 (44,664) 520,997 366,332 {369,128) 48,140 (48,140) 445,451 72,750 518,201 Page 24 of 26

16 Designated Funds 2023124 At1 April Incoming 2023 Outgoing Balance at 31- Mar.24 TransfeTS Community Development Fund SCTC19 COMF Fund for training Business Development Fund Contingency Fund 17.750 (9)0) 16,850 3,000 7.0(M) 7.000 45,000 72,750 45,000 71,850 (900) Designated Funds 2022123 Community Development Fund SCTC19 COMF Fund for training Collaborative Housing HUB Fund Business Development Fund Contingency Fund 17,750 17,750 3,0(J) 3,000 8,056 36.608 (44,664) 7,000 7,000 45,000 80,806 45,000 72,750 36,608 (44,664) Business Develo ment Fund This fund is used to promote the charity and to fund the investigation of new income streams for the benefit of the charity Contin enc Fund This fund was established lo ensure that there are sufficient funds to meet CFO'S obligations should the charity cease to operale. The balan￿ on this fund is reviewed annually. Pro ect focused desi nated fund These ring-fen￿d funds were transferred from restricted funds as they were no longer deemed restricted because of agreed changes to the funding priorities. The project focused designated funds will be used to support specific initiatives such as Community Development projects and specific project focused work in line with funding theme. Of these funds, £900 was transferred to CFO to cary out community-led planning work with Dorchester on Thames community. Page 25 of 26

17 Restricted Funds 2023124 Balance bllwd Incoming Outgoing Balance at 31. Mar-24 Transfers DEFRAJACRE Fund Ukrainian Community Transport Project Abingdon Caldecott Community Profile Grant Rural Housing Enabler Well Together Programme 39,640 20,900 (39,6401 (20,900) 21,189 (21,189) 27,(J)1 46,508 155,238 (27.001) (46,508) (155,238) Restricted Funds 2022123 DEFRAIACRE Fund Ukrainian Community Transport Project 39,640 8,500 {39,640) 18,5CNJ) 48,140 (48,140) Restricted funds include funding from Defra via our national umbrella organisation Action with Rural Communities in England (ACRE). This govemmenl funding must be treated as restricted funds and is for the use of community development in Oxfordshire's rural communities and Rural Housing work. The Ukrainian Community Transport Funds and Abingdon Caldecott Community Profile Grants are restricted funds for the sole use of grants to Oxfordshire's community transport groups in supporting Ukrainians living and working in the county and Caldecott community activities respectively. The two funds are administered by CFO on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council. The Well Together Programme is a 2- year pr(yJramme funding grassroots groups in 10 wards in Oxfordshire to address health inequalilies via team of Community Capacity Builders which are employed by CFO. The Well Together Funds are treated as restricted as agr￿d y￿th the funder (Integrated Care Board. NHS). 18. Operating Lease Commitments 2024 Land and Buildings 2023 Land and Buildings Other Other Less than one year Between one and five years Total 800 800 6,750 6,750 15,750 15,750 800 800 19. Pension Obligations CFO has no pension obligations in 2023124 other than the routine payfflent of employer contributions to the Growth Plan 4 pension scheme, which is a defined contribution ￿heMe. Page 26 of 26