REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: SC316236 (Scotland)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC 038044

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Home-Start Deeside

A company limited by guarantee

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

5

Independent Examiner's Report

6

Statement of Financial Activities

7

Statement of Financial Position

8

to

9

Notes to the Financial Statements

10

to

17

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 2025. 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

Home-Start Deeside is a voluntary organisation which aims to give local children a better start in life by providing volunteers offering support and friendship to parents and carers; by working with families and local organisations to meet local needs and continually improving the quality of service it gives to children and families.

The objects of Home-Start Deeside as outlined in the Memorandum of Association are:

a) to safeguard, protect and preserve the good health, both mental and physical of children and parents of children;

b) to prevent cruelty to or maltreatment of children;

c) to relieve sickness, poverty and need amongst children and parents of children;

d) to promote the education of the public in better standards of child care.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Home-Start Deeside, Alford & Strathdon (H-SDAS) exists to put into practice our belief that early intervention, when family circumstances are affecting young children, provides the best chance of positive outcomes for both children and parents. Our work has traditionally centred on one-to-one home visits, and in recent years we have also offered group sessions, creating safe spaces for vulnerable families while meeting changing social needs and safeguarding responsibilities.

I first became a volunteer with the scheme in 2007 and have seen first-hand the diverse and vital support Home-Start provides to families in our area. I joined the Board of Trustees in 2023 and was elected Chair at the AGM in August 2024, at a time when the scheme was emerging from a period of instability without a permanent Chair in place.

Strengthening Governance

As a Board, we recognised the need to strengthen our governance and build a clearer sense of shared purpose. In September, we held a joint workshop with staff to better understand our challenges. Trustees undertook Home-Start UK's induction training and made use of the online support portal. We improved communications through regular meetings, clearer allocation of responsibilities, and the introduction of online tools. We also worked to recruit new trustees and strengthen the capacity of our Board.

Funding Challenges

Despite this progress, by early 2025 it became clear that our scheme faced significant risks. Referrals of families were falling, volunteer numbers were reducing, and we were warned of potential changes to our core funding from Aberdeenshire Council. In March, the Council voted to cut Home-Start funding to zero over a two-year period.

Faced with these realities, the Board engaged an independent facilitator to help us explore options for the future. We looked at ways to cut overheads while preserving our frontline service and held constructive discussions with other schemes in the Aberdeenshire Consortium.

Path to Merger

Recognising the need for resilience, I opened discussions with the Chair of Home-Start Kincardine, a scheme of similar size facing comparable challenges. Together, we identified an opportunity to merge our resources, knowledge, and volunteers for the benefit of families in South Aberdeenshire. Both Boards were united in the principle that the Home-Start service must continue in our area, and a merger offered the most sustainable way forward.

We experienced unavoidable staff changes, with the departure in June of both the Scheme Manager and Family Coordinator and Group Leader. With safeguarding support from Home-Start Kincardine, however, we were able to continue home-visiting services, while group sessions paused over the summer as they often do.

On 16 September 2025, we were proud to see the formal creation of Home-Start South Aberdeenshire, bringing together the strengths of Deeside, Alford & Strathdon and Kincardine. Two of our trustees will join the new Board to ensure continuity of local knowledge and relationships.

The Alford Shop

As part of the restructuring, we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to close our charity shop in Alford. The shop has been run with enormous dedication by staff and volunteers and has provided valuable income and community presence for H-SDAS. While the closure of the shop marks the end of a valued community hub, it ensures resources are focused directly on supporting families. The shop will cease trading on 31st October 2025 and the premises will be vacated when the lease ends in January 2026.

Thanks and Acknowledgements

This has been a year of huge change, achieved only through the generous support of many. Trustees have given more time and energy than any of us anticipated, and I extend my deepest thanks to each of them. We are also grateful to our staff, both past and present, to our volunteers, and to the many individuals and organisations who offered skilled advice, encouragement, and practical help.

Despite the challenges, new families are still being referred, new volunteers are stepping forward, and our work continues. As shown in our accounts, the remaining funds of H-SDAS will be transferred to the new Home-Start South Aberdeenshire, ensuring that families in our rural communities continue to receive the early help and encouragement they need.

Looking Forward

The landscape for charities remains difficult, with financial pressures across Scotland affecting many voluntary organisations. Yet, through collaboration and resilience, Home-Start's commitment to families in South Aberdeenshire is secure. I am confident that the new scheme will build on the legacy of H-SDAS, strengthening support for families and keeping the principles of Home-Start alive for years to come.

Sarah Richards

Chair

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The charity's main funding sources are grants from Aberdeenshire Council and the National Lottery Fund. The charity also relies on much appreciated donations and the profit from its charity shop, which is supported by a fantastic team.

These funds enable the charity to fulfil its key objectives, as well as ensure compliance with its reserves policy.

Reserves policy

The Trustees have examined the requirement for free reserves, which are those unrestricted funds not invested in fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed. The Trustees consider that, given the nature of the charity's work, free reserves should be a minimum of six months revenue expenditure.

Unrestricted reserves are needed to:

1. Provide funds to maintain a level of service delivery in the event of unanticipated shortfalls of income

2. Provide funds which can be designated to projects at short notice in the event of perceived need

3. Cover management, administration, fund-raising and support costs without which the charity could not function

At 31st March 2025, the charity held £101,781 in bank accounts. A Scottish Widows charity deposit bank and a Virgin charity deposit account are held to maximise as much as possible interest receivable on the funds.

The reserves policy is monitored and reviewed at the Trustee's meetings.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

Home-Start Deeside is a Company Limited by Guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. It was Incorporated on 9 February 2007 and registered as a Charity on 3 April 2007. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and it is governed under its Articles of Association.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The Governance of Home-Start Deeside is vested in a Board of Trustees, of at least three and not more than twelve individuals, which meet approximately every ten weeks throughout the year. The Board is responsible for the Charity's Strategic Plan, long term objectives, finances and management. The trustees bring with them a range of skills and expertise from the voluntary, public and private sectors. Each Trustee has a specific role and responsibilities on the Board. Under the terms of the Articles of Association, Trustees may be appointed for an initial term of up to three years, standing down by rotation but may be eligible for re-election.

Organisational structure

The day to day management of Home-Start Deeside was delegated to the scheme senior Co-ordinator, who reported to the Trustees at each Board meeting. One of the trustees provided regular support and supervision to the senior Co-ordinator, who in turn line managed the co-ordinator, office administrator and the shop project co-ordinator.

Under Home-Start South Aberdeenshire, the Co-ordinators work collaboratively with many local professionals who work with children and families on Deeside. These strong links with colleagues, such as Social Workers and Health Visitors, have helped the scheme provide greater protection for local children and vulnerable adults. We are very grateful to the many local professionals who regularly contribute to the Volunteer training programmes.

Induction and training of new trustees

All new Trustees are offered appropriate training via Home-Start UK based on National standards and policies. They are also offered regular support from Home-Start Deeside staff and the Trustee Board chairperson. One board member is the Child Protection Liaison.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

SC316236 (Scotland)

Registered Charity number

SC 038044

Registered office

Banchory Business Centre

Burn O'Bennie Road

Banchory

Kincardineshire

AB31 5ZU

Trustees

Eileen Durno (resigned 28.4.25)

Alexander James Anderson

Gillian Mary Cook

David John Rattray (resigned 1.8.24)

Sarah Richards

Kay Helen Smart

Sally Irene Milne (appointed 15.4.24)

Kathryn Louise Masterson (appointed 3.7.24)

Carole-Ann Duff (appointed 12.8.24) (resigned 25.4.25)

Independent Examiner

The Grant Considine Partnership

Chartered Accountants

46 High Street

Banchory

Aberdeenshire

AB31 5SR

Solicitors

Christine Attfield

Legal Advisor

Home-Start Central Office,

2 Salisbury Road,

Leicester,

LE2 3RS

EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR

Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 20 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Sarah Richards - Trustee

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on pages seven to seventeen.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under Section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention :

(1)	which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements

-	to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and

-	to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations

have not been met; or

(2)	to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Gillian R Nicolson

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland

The Grant Considine Partnership

Chartered Accountants

46 High Street

Banchory

Aberdeenshire

AB31 5SR

20 October 2025

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

3

81,822

-

81,822

86,892

Other trading activities

4

73,267

-

73,267

70,007

Investment income

5

696

-

696

717

Total

155,785

-

155,785

157,616

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

59,906

-

59,906

50,227

Charitable activities

Core & Admin

24,900

-

24,900

17,068

Family Support

58,826

-

58,826

57,298

Business Support

4,500

-

4,500

24,180

Other

3,520

-

3,520

8,310

Total

151,652

-

151,652

157,083

NET INCOME

4,133

-

4,133

533

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

102,959

-

102,959

102,426

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

107,092

-

107,092

102,959

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

11

1,828

-

1,828

3,147

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

12

8,968

-

8,968

6,717

Cash at bank

102,605

-

102,605

99,654

111,573

-

111,573

106,371

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

13

(6,309

)

-

(6,309

)

(6,559

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

105,264

-

105,264

99,812

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

107,092

-

107,092

102,959

NET ASSETS

107,092

-

107,092

102,959

FUNDS

15

Unrestricted funds

107,092

102,959

TOTAL FUNDS

107,092

102,959

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 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 20 October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Kay Helen Smart - Trustee

1.	STATUTORY INFORMATION

Home-Start Deeside is a private charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. The charity's registered number, company number and and registered office can be found in the Reference and Administration Details section of the Report of the Trustees.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

2.	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 to 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, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

The accounts have also been prepared in accordance with the Charities (Scotland) Regulations Act 2006 (as amended) and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

•

the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;

•

the requirement of paragraph 3.17(d);

•

the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c).

Revenue recognition

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. It is disclosed net of VAT.

Income from Government and other grants is recognised when the charity is entitled to the funds, and any conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amounts can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions, then the income is deferred and not recognised until either the conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of the conditions are wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be met within the reporting period.

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator/executor of the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title of the asset having been transferred to the charity.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity, this is normally upon notification by the bank.

Donated Goods

Due to the volume of low value donated goods to the charity shop, the donated goods are not recognised upon receipt. The value to the charity of donated goods sold is recognised as income when sold.

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.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £250 are capitalised and carried at cost. Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost, less estimated residual value, of all tangible fixed assets over their expected useful lives. The rates applied are:

Fixtures and fittings

25% on reducing balance

Office equipment

33% on cost

Motor vehicles

25% on reducing balance

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 where necessary.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The phased withdrawal of Aberdeenshire Council funding will have a significant impact on the charity's operations going forward. However, Home-Start Deeside has merged with Home-Start Kincardine to form Home-Start South Aberdeenshire and the new organisation will continue to operate in Banchory to help support its charitable activity in the Deeside area. Therefore, the trustees continue to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

3.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2025

2024

£

£

Donations

6,875

10,929

Gift aid

2,642

1,108

Grants

72,305

74,855

81,822

86,892

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

2025

2024

£

£

Aberdeenshire Council

41,405

44,855

National Lottery

30,900

30,000

72,305

74,855

4.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

£

£

Shop income

69,916

70,007

eBay Income

3,351

-

73,267

70,007

5.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2025

2024

£

£

Deposit account interest

696

717

6.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2025

2024

£

£

Independent Examiner's Fee

1,979

1,347

Depreciation - owned assets

1,318

1,746

Other operating leases

20,300

19,100

7.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

8.	STAFF COSTS

2025

2024

£

£

Wages and salaries

92,565

96,804

Social security costs

1,488

1,972

Other pension costs

3,014

4,185

97,067

102,961

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2025

2024

Senior Co-Ordinator

1

1

Co-Ordinator

1

1

Administrator

1

1

Shop Manager

1

1

Shop Co-Ordinators

2

2

6

6

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

9.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

funds

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

86,892

-

86,892

Other trading activities

70,007

-

70,007

Investment income

717

-

717

Total

157,616

-

157,616

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

50,227

-

50,227

Charitable activities

Core & Admin

17,068

-

17,068

Family Support

56,594

704

57,298

Business Support

24,180

-

24,180

Other

8,310

-

8,310

Total

156,379

704

157,083

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

1,237

(704

)

533

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

101,722

704

102,426

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

102,959

-

102,959

10.	VOLUNTEERS

Home - Start Deeside is reliant on the many volunteers working as family visitors, group supporters, shop assistants and Trustees, and the charity is extremely grateful for their continued support.

11.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures

and

Motor

Office

fittings

vehicles

Equipment

Totals

£

£

£

£

COST

At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025

1,217

10,075

7,250

18,542

DEPRECIATION

At 1 April 2024

1,024

9,214

5,157

15,395

Charge for year

49

215

1,055

1,319

At 31 March 2025

1,073

9,429

6,212

16,714

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 March 2025

144

646

1,038

1,828

At 31 March 2024

193

861

2,093

3,147

12.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

£

Trade debtors

67

-

VAT

938

1,094

Prepayments and accrued income

7,963

5,623

8,968

6,717

13.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

£

Trade creditors

2,694

2,871

Social security and other taxes

-

1,136

Accrued expenses

3,615

2,552

6,309

6,559

14.	LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

2025

2024

£

£

Within one year

12,399

16,575

Between one and five years

-

5,400

12,399

21,975

15.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

movement

At

At 1.4.24

in funds

31.3.25

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

34,959

4,133

39,092

Contingency Reserve

68,000

-

68,000

102,959

4,133

107,092

TOTAL FUNDS

102,959

4,133

107,092

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

155,785

(151,652

)

4,133

TOTAL FUNDS

155,785

(151,652

)

4,133

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

movement

At

At 1.4.23

in funds

31.3.24

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

33,722

1,237

34,959

Contingency Reserve

68,000

-

68,000

101,722

1,237

102,959

Restricted funds

Home-Start UK Grants

704

(704

)

-

TOTAL FUNDS

102,426

533

102,959

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

157,616

(156,379

)

1,237

Restricted funds

Home-Start UK Grants

-

(704

)

(704

)

TOTAL FUNDS

157,616

(157,083

)

533

General Fund

This represents the income and expenditure on the charity's core activities which is providing support to families on Deeside, and the income generated and costs incurred running the Alford charity shop, and costs of running the charity.

Contingency Reserve

The charity has a contingency fund to hold six months of revenue expenditure should there be a shortfall in future funding. This is estimated as being £68,000.