Registered number: 05795877
Charity number: 1114926
HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
CONTENTS
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Reference and Administrative Details of the Charitable company, its Trustees and Advisers
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Independent Examiner's Report
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Statement of Financial Activities
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Notes to the Financial Statements
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITABLE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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R Elliott, Elected member
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N F Kearns, Elected member, Chair
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T Holliday, Elected member
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S Stones, Co-opted member
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C Tyrell-Jones, Elected member
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H J Williams, Co-opted member
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Company registered number
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Charity registered number
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The Maple Centre
6 Oak Drive
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 7HN
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Streets Chartered Accountants
Potton House
Wyboston Lakes
Great North Road
Wyboston
Bedford
MK44 3BZ
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees’ report and a Directors’ report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company’s governing document and the provision of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) as amended by Update Bulletin 1 (effective January 2015).
Since the charitable company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Introduction
In an ever-changing environment we continue to see economic, social and political changes and the impact they have on our communities. The ‘ask’ from our VCS has changed, as evident in our State of the Sector report, ‘Out of Difficulties Grow Miracles’ and our ‘Faith, Hope and the Charity Sector’ report. Both reports demonstrated the vital work our sector does, whether that be by providing food, shelter, advice, or mental health support, and how our sector responds quickly to the needs within our communities.
We continued to support, develop, guide and connect with VCS organisations and statutory partners, championing the work they do, and challenging partners when decisions are made without full engagement of the sector or our communities.
Objectives and activities
a. Strategies for achieving objectives
We review the impact we make each year. This review looks at what we have achieved and the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to voluntary organisations across Huntingdonshire and the wider area. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.
b. Activities undertaken to achieve objectives
All our charitable activities focus on voluntary organisations across Huntingdonshire and the wider area.
c. Main activities undertaken to further the charitable company's purposes for the public benefit
Our priority is to encourage (guide) support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and individuals across the area of benefit to have a real influence over the places and communities in which they live.
Our five strategic goals are:
1.To be the leading provider for information, research, advice & guidance for local voluntary & community action in Cambridgeshire. In particular to support smaller (local) voluntary and community groups.
2.To act as a catalyst for voluntary & community sector development by connecting and collaborating with any appropriate organisation.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Objectives and activities (continued)
3.To impartially campaign, communicate and advocate on behalf of the voluntary & community sector and engage in and influence relevant partnerships.
4.To develop the co-production of services with the voluntary & community sector, communities, public bodies and local businesses to create sustainable community action.
5.To ensure Hunts Forum is fit for purpose, independent, flexible and marketed effectively.
We do this by
∙Supporting — communities, charities & volunteers across Cambridgeshire.
∙Developing — a strong VCSE that is adaptable and sustainable.
∙Guiding — our members, communities, and partners.
∙Connecting — our network, working together to cultivate greater relationships.
d. Policies and objectives
Our charity’s purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association are to:
∙Promote and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of registered charities in direct pursuit of their objectives
∙Provide advice, training and information on efficient and professional management of resources
∙Act as an umbrella body
The charity has been set up for general charitable purposes within the meaning of English law. The aims of our charity are to encourage voluntary and community organisations within the district of Huntingdonshire and the surrounding area; to provide buildings, facilities and open spaces; to provide advocacy, advice and information. Our aims fully reflect the purposes that the charity was set up to further.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of activities
How well did we meet our goals?
We believe that the organisations we work with, and the wider voluntary and community sector play a vital role in ensuring that communities flourish, that individuals are supported and that inequalities are reduced. The work we do helps these organisations to do more, to work smarter and to maintain high standards.
We have a strong and thriving voluntary sector in Huntingdonshire and the surrounding area, one that encourages communities to lead, prioritises health and well-being, promotes our area as a great place to live, work and visit and supports people during vulnerable times.
With the challenges VCS organisations are facing as identified in our annual research we collaborated in a Social Enterprise Consortium to support groups with sustainability.
We continued to show leadership for the Support Cambridgeshire Consortium operating as the Lead Contracted Organisation for Cambridgeshire County Council's infrastructure grant funding. We encouraged further investment in joint activities with our partners recognising the importance of collaboration and delivery of consistent services and support. The consortium has secured funding to support skills, volunteering and sustainability.
Supporting
We continued to offer 1:1 advice to established groups and newly formed organisations via zoom, telephone, and face to face meetings.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Achievements and performance (continued)
∙63 front line groups received 1:1 support.
∙171 enquiries dealt with.
Specialist support around funding/finances
We continued to help groups with funding, fundraising and finance issues; providing access to an experienced charity accountant who provides 1:1 support to groups in crisis. We continue to invest in a funding portal and are grateful for grants from Cambridgeshire County Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.
∙£823,655 brought into Cambridgeshire this financial year via the funding portal.
∙Over 17,901 visits to the funding portal with 594 new users.
∙21 groups received 1:1 financial support sessions.
∙9 organisations accessed specialist financial support
“Thanks so much for your time this afternoon. Whilst we may not have made any binding decisions, it’s really helpful to know that there is an impartial, knowledgeable and approachable contact whom we can turn to for advice, ideas, etc”
Good to Go Governance Mark
Our 'Good to Go' accreditation scheme is an opportunity for organisations to evidence they are well governed with sufficient internal controls, the framework for the scheme is based upon the evidence that core policies are fit for purpose and operating effectively across all levels of the organisation.
∙5 organisations achieved the Mark during the year
∙12 organisations supported to start it.
Developing
The training we provide is designed to give people real skills that can impact on how they work or volunteer. We offered a wide range of online, on demand and in person training during the year, including Trustee, First Aid, Strategy development and Engaging with Business.
∙21 sessions were delivered with 181 attendees from 95 different organisations.
∙194 views of our on-demand videos
“Definitely something to share with my fellow trustees – very well organised and enjoyable”
Good to Know bite sized knowledge sessions
We introduced new bite-sized sessions during the year to connect members and organisations across different themes, for information, networking and engagement purposes. Utilising colleagues and organisations from across sectors we were able to deliver a range of informative events.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Achievements and performance (continued)
Charitable trading
Mid-way through the year, Support Cambridgeshire was approached to be part of a pilot funded by the Combined Authority looking at upskilling groups around ways to earn income through selling goods and services. This has led to a six-month pilot ending in March 2024, which sees a partnership between Social Enterprise East of England, Allia, PCVS, Cambridgeshire ACRE and Support Cambridgeshire. Where bespoke support is provided to groups, community buildings and social enterprises across the County to become more sustainable.
∙5 organisations received intensive support
∙14 organisations received advice and guidance
Volunteer Cambs
In October, Support Cambridgeshire, with support from the Integrated Care System and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Resilience Forum, launched the first phase of the new Volunteer Cambs website. A site where both organisations looking for support and those wanting to help out in their community can find each other. As reflected in the State of Sector 2023 report, volunteer recruitment in Cambridgeshire is getting more complicated, which was reflected nationally in the Time Well Spent report. This is why Support Cambridgeshire feels strongly about supporting those wishing to engage in their communities and those looking for support to have a fit-for-purpose contact point.
Guiding
The importance of our representation role was highlighted once again within our annual State of the Sector Survey where Cambridgeshire groups highlighted that they wanted to build more relationships.
"We found that nearly three quarters (74%) of organisations wanted support to build relationships with business and nearly two thirds (63%) wanted help to build partnerships or relationships with other voluntary organisations."
We continue to champion the sector by attending meetings and influencing decision makers of the needs and challenges of the VCSE in our area.
“Julie is such a good advocate for the VCS sector - because she has the ability to be challenging and forthright, while at the same time always being positive, pleasant and in control. It’s been a pleasure working with her."
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Achievements and performance (continued)
We supported the continuing development of the VCSE Health Alliance, which went through a rebranding exercise to become the Voluntary Sector Network.
It is responsible for developing and embedding ways in which grassroots charitable and non-profit organisations have a greater voice and influence in the Integrated Care Sector (ICS). It also provides direct access to ICS leadership and governance structures.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Voluntary Sector Network sees its vision as developing a vibrant and thriving VCSE sector within the ICS, driving health and wellbeing in our communities in an inclusive and empowering way.
The network holds monthly meetings, alternating online and face-to-face in locations across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.
‘We are passionate about our local voluntary and community sector and see this partnership as leading the way to greater influence our local care and health services. We are always looking for new people from any voluntary or social enterprise, big or small, and faith groups to join the membership and get involved.’
Connecting
For the first time we commissioned external research into the Faith Sector, helping us to get a greater understanding of their work and what support needs they may have. We also explored how to connect them to other VCS organisations in their area.
We increased the number of informal networking events to ensure groups could get the support they needed when they needed it. In addition to the informal networking events, we continued to run specialist sessions enabling participants to hear from expert speakers about particular issues and to share experiences.
A network to bring CEO and senior managers together in a safe space to discuss challenges and opportunities.
Four events took place over the year, a total of 66 attendees.
“Just wanted to say thank you for a great meeting today. It seems a very supportive network, which I am really pleased to be a part of. I am looking forward to future meetings!”
A network which allows voluntary and community groups and health professionals to meet.
Over the year, a total of eight online events were held with over 176 attendees including community groups, charities and healthcare professionals. Topics explored how to connect with your Social Prescribing Link Workers, learning about the JOY, digital access, mental health and an introduction to Volunteer Cambs a new one stop shop for volunteering.
“Many thanks for facilitating today’s networking event – it was really informative”
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Achievements and performance (continued)
Fundraiser Network
The Fundraiser Network provides the space groups have asked for; they meet online quarterly and use Slack to share information, events and updates in between the meetings.
Recent discussion topics have included: Shared experiences on applying for grants, sharing tips and ideas. Upcoming key grants, deadlines and requirements. They also explained how they can support charities in other ways including offering venue spaces and advertising in their local stores.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for all your support. I really valued your ideas, support and being part of the funding group”
Connecting Communities
An annual volunteering event over three days which aims to upskill and broaden the conversation around volunteering and volunteer management.
Governance Month
Support Cambridgeshire partners delivered a range of events that fall under the Governance theme, which was an adaption of the previous year’s events, which looked explicitly at trusteeship.
∙5 events attended by 60 individuals
“Thank you so much for such an interesting and informative talk regarding the duties and responsibilities of trustees. Although I’ve been a trustee for almost 20 years, your talk and quizzes added flesh to the bones of what my duties involved!”
Annual Celebration of the sector
Volunteer Awards – working with local businesses and promote good works and celebrate all that volunteers do for and within our communities
∙60 attendees
∙6 winners from a range of groups
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Achievements and performance (continued)
“Thank you for your effort in recognising the work of so many volunteers in Huntingdonshire. They are so important in so many ways. Congratulations on another well planned, perfectly run and really very nice awards evening.”
Communications
Communication plays a huge role in ensuring groups have access to up-to-date information enabling them to respond quickly and effectively to the needs in their communities. We work under three main banners to get information out to groups.
Hunts Forum members
∙Website – 6,400
∙862 Recipients of our newsletter with 588 subscribers
∙Funding Alert – 449 subscribers
∙Twitter – 1,165 followers
∙LinkedIn – 529 followers 79% increase
∙Facebook – 404 followers 1,400 interactions 60% increase
‘Hunts Forum Linked In account is a brilliant example of how charities can use social media well. Clearly understand their audience and what they need. The pace, tone and content (their own news and sharing others) makes their posts something I look out for in my feed.’ Trustee of one of our member organisations"
Support Cambridgeshire
∙Website – 12,000
∙Newsletter – 652 subscribers
‘The Newsletter is such a helpful resource as a Trustee. A great mix of updates on what is happening locally, and links to relevant national news and guidance. And the format is easy to navigate – enough to know what I’m looking at and whether it’s relevant, but not too much in the newsletter to make it unreadable.’ Trustee of one of our member organisations."
Voluntary Sector Network
∙Newsletter – 96 subscribers 32% increase
Community Development
Hunts Forum is based in and runs the Maple Centre on the Oxmoor estate, one of the most deprived areas in Cambridgeshire. The Centre is the base for 6 organisations who are also our members, we provide meeting and training rooms. The Centre is owned by Huntingdonshire District Council and managed on their behalf by Hunts Forum.
Since the pandemic we’ve seen the number of users drop by 45%, tenants have also reduced the number of times they frequent the building. Recognising that we needed to do more to encourage people back into the centre, we refurbished our meeting room turning it into a hybrid meeting space, we modernised the foyer with a new coffee station and artwork. We relaunched the centre’s facilities at an event with members and partner organisations which enabled us to demonstrate the effective use of the building, hybrid meeting rooms network and to remind people about the value of face-to-face connections.
Financial review
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
a. Overview
Income for 2023-24 was £442,933 compared to £308,258 in the previous year, an increase of 43%. This was mainly due to new grants received for various projects, including £70,000 for the Health Alliance project (now renamed Voluntary Sector Network), £24,920 for the Allia project and £22,650 for the Know Your Neighbourhood project.
The Maple Centre rental income remained at full capacity for most of the year with income increasing by 1% to £46,068 and room hire increasing by 27% to £8,110, reflecting the demand for our room facilities.
With the increase in interest rates during 2023-24, we were able to increase our return on bank interest which was £7,456 compared to £3,269 in the previous year, a 128% increase.
Expenditure for 2023-24 was £568,183 compared to £468,989 in the previous year, an increase of 21%. Most of this increase was due to payroll costs up 20% to £284,013, where we employed extra staff resources. We also spent more on associate fees (consultants) to assist with our delivery of services.
Although the charity had a deficit of £125,250, this mostly reflected the spending of restricted funds brought forward from 2022-23, with only £14,701 of the deficit taken from unrestricted fund balances. Total fund reserves on 31 March 2024 were £295,642, backed up by healthy cash balances of £299,624.
b. Going concern
Hunts Forum continues to work hard to ensure its operational future. Our influence within Huntingdonshire and surrounding areas has enabled us to increase our contractual commitments during 2024-25, including a 5-year funded project in Fenland, with the grant coming from the National Lottery amounting to £494,555. We continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Following our successful tender to renew our Countywide infrastructure grant.
c. Reserves policy
In accordance with guidance given by the Charity Commission and the legal obligations of Trustees, a formal policy on reserves has been agreed. The Trustees have set a policy which requires reserves to be maintained at a level that ensures the organisation’s core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty. In setting the level of reserves the Trustees have considered the reliability of income and the financial risk facing the charity.
The Trustees have concluded that the charity should hold reserves sufficient to fund the organisational costs for 3 months, giving time to consider their options and find a solution to any potential difficulties that may arise. This level of reserves has been calculated at £141,992.
As at 31 March 2024 the level of free unrestricted reserves was £195,027. This is above the level required in our policy, though as our organisational costs rise, the level of unrestricted reserves required will move closer to the 3 months organisational costs guidance in our policy.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Structure, governance and management (continued)
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charitable company is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association.
The Trustees who have served during the year are set out on page 1. The Trustees are elected annually by members of the charity and serve for an initial period of three years. A further three-year term may be served.
Trustees must be nominated by member organisations. The Board may also co-opt individuals with the skills and experience required to support the direction of the charity, such individuals must not exceed 50% of the total number of elected members. These co-opted Trustees shall be eligible for re-appointment provided they do not hold office for more than six consecutive years.
All members of the Executive Committee give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 11 to the accounts.
All members are circulated with invitations to nominate trustees prior to the AGM advising them of any retiring trustees and requesting nominations for the AGM.
Trustees are required to declare all relevant interests and register them with the Company Secretary and, in accordance with organisational policies, withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.
c. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
New trustees are provided with a trustee induction pack and receive orientation to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. During induction they meet key employees and other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate training events where these facilitate the undertaking of their role.
d. Organisational structure and decision-making policies
The members of the Forum shall be those voluntary organisations and/or statutory authorities operating in the area of benefit and pursuing any of the said objects which are invited to appoint a number of individuals to represent such organisations or authorities as the Forum may from time to time determine. These members will form the Executive Committee and administer the charity.
Trustees meet bi-monthly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. A Chief Executive is appointed by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority, within terms of delegation approved by the trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment and ensuring key performance indicators are met.
e. Pay policy for key management personnel
The charity refers to the NJC pay scales as a basis for all staff salaries, including the CEO, but the charity may use other pay scales more appropriate to the position.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Structure, governance and management (continued)
f. Related party relationships
The charity has close working relationships with Huntingdonshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority who provide essential core funding.
Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations works with other charities and is the lead partner for Support Cambridgeshire which is a consortium of infrastructure organisations that delivers countywide support to community, voluntary groups and parish councils enabling them to survive and thrive.
Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations joined a new Impact Consortium funded by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, consisting of SEEE, Allia, Cambs ACRE, Cambs CVS, and PCVS. The consortium aims to support voluntary, community and social enterprises to become more sustainable by trading.
All partner organisations are strongly committed to partnership working in order to add value and strengthen core activities and, that all front-line organisations should have access to the same quality services wherever they are.
g. Financial risk management
The Trustees examine the major risks which the charity faces in relation to external factors and relationships, its governance and management, its internal operations and its business. A risk register has been established and is updated annually. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces.
∙A strategic plan and an annual budget approved by the Trustees.
∙Regular consideration by the Trustees of financial results, variance from budgets and performance against the non-financial plan
∙Health and safety of staff, volunteers and visitors to the Maple Centre
∙Emergency and contingency plans in the event of fire, electrical malfunction and food hygiene.
A key element in the management of financial risk is the setting of a reserves policy and its regular review by Trustees.
The internal financial controls conform to guidelines issued by the Charity Commission.
Plans for future periods
Significant changes are on the way for Hunts Forum and its Support Cambridgeshire partner Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service, with the announcement of the retirement of the current CEO in April 2025; and the rollout of recent five-year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver dedicated infrastructure support in Fenland.
Succession Planning by the board of trustees is underway and will include all options to ensure the future sustainability of the organisation and its partners. This will include proposals to rename Hunts Forum as Support Cambridgeshire and merge with Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service. An action plan to engage and consult with staff, stakeholders and members is being co-ordinated by a steering group from both organisations.
Staff will continue to support the sector by:
∙Supporting — communities, charities & volunteers across Cambridgeshire.
∙Developing — a strong VCSE that is adaptable and sustainable.
∙Guiding — our members, communities, and partners.
∙Connecting — our network, working together to cultivate greater relationships.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Plans for future periods (continued)
We will continue to develop our relationships with the Impact Consortium identifying how the newly developed Social Enterprise Strategy can support the sustainability of the VCSE.
As we embark on the National Lottery Community Fund Five-year Support Fenland project, we will recruit new staff to ensure the VCSE in Fenland gets the support and development it needs.
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
∙observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
∙make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
∙prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
N F Kearns
Chair of trustees
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations ('the charitable company')
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I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
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As the Trustees of the charitable company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
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Since the charitable company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the charitable company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charitable company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated:
Linda J Lord BSc BFP FCA TEP
Streets Chartered Accountants
Potton House, Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedford MK44 3BZ
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Total funds brought forward
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Total funds carried forward
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The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
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The notes on pages 17 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 05795877
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
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Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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Total assets less current liabilities
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The charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
N F Kearns
Chair of trustees
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The notes on pages 17 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Cash flows from operating activities
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Net cash used in operating activities
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Cash flows from investing activities
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Dividends, interests and rents from investments
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Purchase of tangible fixed assets
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Net cash provided by investing activities
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Cash flows from financing activities
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Net cash provided by financing activities
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Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
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Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
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Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
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The notes on pages 17 to 31 form part of these financial statements
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
As set out in the Trustees' Report, Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations is a incorporated charity registered in England and Wales. The address of their registered office is The Maple Centre, 6 Oak Drive, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 7HN.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
2.Accounting policies
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Basis of preparation of financial statements
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The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charitable company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charitable company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
All income is recognised once the charitable company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charitable company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charitable company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
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Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
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Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
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10% per annum straight line
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20% per annum straight line
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Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
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Liabilities and provisions
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Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
The charitable company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the charitable company to the fund in respect of the year.
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Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment
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Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:
Allocation of costs - Direct expenses are charged to individual cost centres wherever possible. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities, they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of those resources.
The charitable company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future which will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. There is a risk that the estimates and assumptions made at any point in time could have a material effect on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the next financial year.
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Income from donations and legacies
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Income from charitable activities
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Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Analysis of expenditure by activities
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Activities undertaken directly
2024
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Consultant and associate fees
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
8.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
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Analysis of support costs
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Cleaning and waste disposal
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Independent examiner's remuneration
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The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £1,900 (2023 - £1,700).
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
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The average number of persons employed by the charitable company during the year was as follows:
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The average headcount expressed as full-time equivalents was:
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No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The Trustees all give their time voluntarily, and the total remuneration paid to key management personnel during the year was £58,584 (2023 £45,638).
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Trustees' remuneration and expenses
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During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL).
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During the year ended 31 March 2024, expenses totalling £NIL were reimbursed or paid directly to Trustee (2023 - £NIL).
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Prepayments and accrued income
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
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Other taxation and social security
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Accruals and deferred income
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Deferred income at 1 April 2023
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Resources deferred during the year
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Amounts released from previous periods
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Statement of funds - current year
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Balance at 1 April 2023
£
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Balance at 31 March 2024
£
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Support Cambridgeshire – CCC
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ICS Voluntary Sector Network
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Support Fenland - National Lottery
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Combined Authority Skills
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Statement of funds (continued)
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Statement of funds - prior year
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Balance at
1 April 2022
£
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Balance at
31 March 2023
£
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Support Cambridgeshire – CCC
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Huntingdon Freemen's Trust
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Statement of funds (continued)
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Unrestricted funds
General Fund - The General Fund represents those funds which are not restricted and not designated for specific purposes. Transfers from the general fund represent contributions to maintain the designated Maple Centre Fund and additions to the Fixed Asset Reserve.
Maple Centre - The Maple Centre Fund was created to provide funds for building repairs and renovations. The trustees are committed to maintaining the designated fund balance at £35,000.
Restricted funds
Fixed Asset Reserve - The Fixed Asset Reserve Fund represents the value of assets bought for the use of the charity, with additions being recognised by transfers from general or restricted funds. Depreciation has been charged to the fund, reducing the fund balance over the life of the assets.
Support Cambridgeshire – CCC - Funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, Support Cambridgeshire is a consortium that provides infrastructure support to voluntary and community groups across Cambridgeshire. Hunts Forum leads the consortium which includes Cambridge CVS. Funding is committed to March 2026. Direct and indirect expenditure is charged to this fund.
Huntingdon District Council (HDC) - The charity receives a grant from Huntingdon District Council to increase the capacity of the voluntary sector in Huntingdonshire. Direct and indirect expenditure is charged to this fund.
ICS Core (fomerly CCG) - The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System gave £17,414 in 2022-23 and a further £40,000 in 2023-24 to enable Hunts Forum to represent, support and communicate with the voluntary and community sector.
ICS MAIN (formerly CCG - ICS) - The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Intergrated Care System provided £210,000 to enable Hunts Forum to participate in work to establish and develop Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) in the local area. The project was agreed in March 2022 and work continued into 2023-24 and is ongoing in the current period.
ICS PHM (formerly CCG - PHM) - In 2022, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Intergrated Care System provided £50,000 to fund engagement across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Hunts Forum facilitated this engagement. The project finished during 2023-24.
ICS Voluntary Sector Network (formerly Health Alliance) - £70,000 was provided in 2023-24 for secretariat support for the Health Alliance. Costs will cover Hunts Forum's Project Support Officer, a part time programme director and some funds ringfenced for partner time attending meetings.
Know Your Neighbourhood - This new funding targeting Fenland is managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, the purpose of which is to increase volunteering in Fenland. The funds were awarded to CCVS (lead) and Hunts Forum receive part of this funding for staff time on the Volunteer Cambs Portal (our new Volunteering Portal).
Support Fenland - National Lottery. A recent award of a five-year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver dedicated infrastructure support in Fenland. Some initial start up costs have been incurred prior to the project commencing in the summer of 2024. Hunts Forum and CCVS will be delivering this project with 3 staff directly employed.
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Statement of funds (continued)
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Summary of funds - current year
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Balance at 1 April 2023
£
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Balance at 31 March 2024
£
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Summary of funds - prior year
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Balance at
1 April 2022
£
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Balance at
31 March 2023
£
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Analysis of net assets between funds
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Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
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Creditors due within one year
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Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
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Creditors due within one year
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Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
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Net expenditure for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
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Dividends, interests and rents from investments
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Decrease/(increase) in debtors
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Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
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HUNTS FORUM OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
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Total cash and cash equivalents
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Analysis of changes in net debt
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Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up while he/she is a member, or within one year after he/she ceases to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £10 for the debts and liabilities contracted before he/she ceases to be a member.
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Related party transactions
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All member organisations pay a nominal annual subscription in addition to fees for room hire and other services, as appropriate. A number of the Trustees and key management personnel are connected to members and other organisations. No one person is considered to be in a position to exercise significant influence over these organisations and consequently no related party transactions are declared in these financial statements.
H J Williams, Trustee of Hunts Forum is also a Director and shareholder of Keystone Marketing Limited. There were no related party transactions in the year.
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