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
,YwETh*J31 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