REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND |
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
FOR |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND |
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
FOR |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
Page |
Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 4 |
Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
Balance Sheet | 7 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 | to | 12 |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 09850529) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 2019). |
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES |
Objectives and aims |
To provide Voice and Leadership |
To support the development of resilient VCSE organisations |
To create opportunities for growth of the VCSE sector |
To promote volunteering |
Public benefit |
We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and complied with section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities act when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set. |
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE |
Charitable activities |
Voice and Leadership: |
In the year NEL VCSE Alliance facilitated monthly meetings of the NEL VCSE Forum. The Forum is well attended by representatives of VCSE organisations: statutory sector partners attend as non-voting partners to promote information sharing; the development of trusted relationships; and to create opportunities for the co-production of solutions to local issues. |
Members of the NEL VCSE Alliance hold representative positions on a number of strategic multi-agency Boards and attended regular meetings of these Boards throughout the year: representatives provide feedback to the VCSE Forum. This work is delivered by the Directors of the Alliance, as part of the Sector Support NEL Partnership: the Lead Agency for the Partnership is Forum who are contracted by NELC to deliver infrastructure support to the VCSE sector in North East Lincolnshire. NEL VCSE Alliance receives remuneration from Forum under the terms of the partnership agreement for representation work undertaken by it's directors. |
Support the Development and Resilience of the Sector: |
The Alliance continue to contribute to the delivery of the Sector Support North East Lincs Partnership led by Forum to provide support to the VCSE sector under contract with NELC and Health partners (formerly the CCG). Forum are the contract holder and accountable body. |
Create opportunities for growth of the VCSE sector: |
The Alliance has through its representation and lobbying activity created strong relationships with statutory bodies and commissioners, lobbying for changes to policy and practice and promoting the sector as an equal partner. Alliance members have contributed to senior level discussions with the Local Authority and ICB around commissioning and are involved in developing mechanisms to streamline commissioning and making it work for the VCSE sector. The Alliance is also leading work around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the sector and is a key partner in borough wide work to integrate cross-sector service information and referral platforms. |
FINANCIAL REVIEW |
Financial position |
At the year ending 31st March 2024, NEL VCSE Alliance is considered to be a viable organisation by its Trustees with sufficient cash reserves to satisfy its obligations and to continue with core activities and future plans. |
Reserves policy |
The Board considers that it is prudent to ensure sufficient reserves to mitigate against risks and in particular, the impact of a significant loss of income. In such an event, the Board would aim to complete the necessary restructuring of its business within a 3-month timeframe to reduce the risk of impairment to the Charity. |
The Charity's reserves policy is reviewed at regular intervals by the Board to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and that the level of returns retained provide some assurance in uncertain times. As a small organisation with limited funds, the Charity regards the reserves as the amount required to fulfil any obligations arising from the employment of staff, hire agreements, leases, and other contracts. |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 09850529) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
FUTURE PLANS |
In 2024-25, Alliance Trustees will continue to prioritise the recruitment of directors; the development of funding opportunities; support for the operation of VCSE Assembly meetings; delivery of an effective and vibrant VCSE Forum; increasing the visibility of the sector, marketing and amplifying the voice of the sector; and supporting strategic change to ensure a fairer more effective system that works for the people of North East Lincolnshire. |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Governing document |
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee having no share capital. The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. |
The Governing Document requires members to elect Trustees at the Annual General Meeting. In addition the Board of Trustees may appoint a Trustee to fill a vacancy or increase their number between AGMs: Trustees so appointed must offer themselves for election by the members at the AGM following their appointment. One-third of the Trustees, or the number nearest to one third, retire by rotation annually but are eligible for re-election. All members are given at least 14 clear days notice of an AGM and are invited to nominate members for election to the Board, prior to the AGM. In order to safeguard the interests and reputation of the organisation, prospective new Trustees must meet the following requirements; they must: |
o Be proposed by a registered member and seconded by a serving member of the current Board of Trustees |
o Complete an application form detailing skills and relevant experience |
o Agree to abide by the Trustee Code of Conduct |
Organisational structure |
The Board of Trustees of NEL VCSE Alliance meets on a monthly basis and is responsible for setting the strategic direction and policy of the Charity and ensuring that the Charity works towards achieving its charitable aims within a legal framework. |
The Board currently has four members from a variety of professional backgrounds and having a wide range of skills relevant to the undertaking of their role. |
The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the Charity complies with legislation and that it uses its assets to deliver services in line with its charitable aims. |
Decision making |
Decisions are made by Trustees voting in person or by electronic means; one vote per Trustee. Trustees aim to build consensus in decision making, if consensus cannot be reached matters are decided by vote and carried on a simple majority. |
Induction and training of new trustees |
Prospective Trustees are invited to attend a Trustee meeting prior to appointment or election. New Trustees are required to sign a Trustee agreement detailing Trustee rights, responsibilities and expected conduct. |
Trustees are provided with induction materials including the following: |
o The roles and responsibilities of Charity Trustees |
o The duties and liabilities of directors & secretary of limited companies |
o Job descriptions for Trustee, chair, secretary and treasurer |
o A copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association |
o Mission, Objects and service aims |
o Details of the services provided by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Doorstep |
o Trustee contact details |
o Latest Annual Report including audited accounts |
o Previous Board meeting minutes |
Trustees are also encouraged to access relevant external training and participate in internal workshops and training events. |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 09850529) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Key management remuneration |
The Trustees of NEL VCSE Alliance are responsible for setting remuneration levels for the charity's most senior staff. The Trustees' aim when setting pay levels is to offer fair pay to attract and keep appropriately qualified staff to lead, manage, support and deliver the charity's aims. Trustees endeavour to ensure that pay setting is consistent with the charity's aims. |
In deciding top levels of pay and rewards, trustees will consider: |
a) the purposes, aims and values of the charity, and its beneficiaries' needs |
b) how pay is linked to the skills, experiences and competencies that the charity needs from its senior staff and the |
scope of their roles |
c) the charity's current plans and how implementing them may affect the number of senior staff the charity needs to |
employ or recruit, and the nature of these roles |
d) the charity's ability to pay |
e) information on pay policies and practices in other organisations that could help guide a decision on whether a level of pay is fair |
f) the wider 'employment offer' they can make to potential employees, where pay is one part of a package that includes personal development, personal fulfilment and association with the charity's cause |
g) the likely impact on, and views of, beneficiaries, donors, funders, and current and potential volunteers |
Wider network |
The Alliance will continue to attempt to broaden its membership and to provide opportunities for VCSE organisations to meet and build their own networks. |
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS |
Registered Company number |
Registered Charity number |
Registered office |
Trustees |
Independent Examiner |
C. M. Tams FCA |
Smethurst & Co LLP |
12 Abbey Road |
GRIMSBY |
DN32 0HL |
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES |
The trustees (who are also the directors of North East Lincolnshire VCSE Alliance for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 09850529) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued |
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to |
- | select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; |
- | observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP; |
- | make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; |
- | prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. |
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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 board of trustees on |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of North East Lincolnshire VCSE Alliance ('the Company') |
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024. |
Responsibilities and basis of report |
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). |
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. |
Independent examiner's statement |
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: |
1. | accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or |
2. | the accounts do not accord with those records; or |
3. | the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or |
4. | the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)). |
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. |
C. M. Tams FCA |
Smethurst & Co LLP |
12 Abbey Road |
GRIMSBY |
DN32 0HL |
4 November 2024 |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
fund | funds | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Charitable activities | 2 |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities |
NET INCOME |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 91,203 |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 09850529) |
BALANCE SHEET |
31 MARCH 2024 |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
fund | funds | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Intangible assets | 7 |
Tangible assets | 8 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Debtors | 9 |
Cash at bank and in hand |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 10 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
NET ASSETS |
FUNDS | 11 |
Unrestricted funds | 63,381 |
Restricted funds | 27,822 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 91,203 |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024. |
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. |
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for |
(a) | ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and |
(b) | preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
1. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparing the financial statements |
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (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 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. |
Income |
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. |
Expenditure |
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. |
Intangible assets |
Intangible assets are amortised over their useful economic life which is estimated to be 10 years. |
Tangible fixed assets |
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. |
Computer equipment | - |
Taxation |
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. |
Fund accounting |
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. |
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. |
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. |
2. | INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
Activity | £ | £ |
Grants | Charitable activities | - | 10,000 |
Funding | Charitable activities | 11,345 | 5,416 |
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Power to Change | - | 10,000 |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
3. | NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Depreciation - owned assets |
Computer software amortisation |
4. | TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS |
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. |
Trustees' expenses |
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. |
5. | STAFF COSTS |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
Charitable activities |
6. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
fund | funds | funds |
£ | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Charitable activities |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward | 57,437 | 28,822 |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 63,381 | 27,822 | 91,203 |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
7. | INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Computer |
software |
£ |
COST |
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 |
AMORTISATION |
At 1 April 2023 |
Charge for year |
At 31 March 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 |
At 31 March 2023 |
8. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Computer |
equipment |
£ |
COST |
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 April 2023 |
Charge for year |
At 31 March 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 |
At 31 March 2023 |
9. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Other debtors |
10. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Trade creditors |
Accruals and deferred income |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
11. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1.4.23 | in funds | 31.3.24 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 63,381 | 1,928 | 65,309 |
Restricted funds |
Love Where You Live | 27,822 | - | 27,822 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 1,928 | 93,131 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 11,345 | (9,417 | ) | 1,928 |
TOTAL FUNDS | ( |
) | 1,928 |
Comparatives for movement in funds |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1.4.22 | in funds | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 57,437 | 5,944 | 63,381 |
Restricted funds |
Love Where You Live | 27,822 | - | 27,822 |
Simply Connect | 1,000 | (1,000 | ) | - |
28,822 | (1,000 | ) | 27,822 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 86,259 | 4,944 | 91,203 |
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 15,416 | (9,472 | ) | 5,944 |
Restricted funds |
Simply Connect | - | (1,000 | ) | (1,000 | ) |
TOTAL FUNDS | 15,416 | (10,472 | ) | 4,944 |
Included within restricted funds are the following: |
Love Where You Live |
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE VCSE ALLIANCE |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
11. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued |
Love Where You Live funding was received to distribute to small grass roots groups to enable them to support community members and promote self- help and neighbourliness. |
Simply Connect |
Simply Connect is an online community and voluntary sector online directory that provides the general public access to voluntary sector activities in North East Lincolnshire. |
12. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |
During the year room hire totalling £691 was paid to Centre 4. Tracey Good the CEO of Centre 4 is a Trustee of North East Lincolnshire VCSE Alliance. |