Company registration number 04115234 (England and Wales)
Charity registration number 1087518 (England and Wales)
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Amanda Smith
Dawn Whiteley MBE
Kenneth Sanderson
Lucy Clay
Samantha McCormick
Tracy Saunders
Emily Woodhead
Jonathan Dolby
Jennifer Guy
Priya Madina
(Appointed 20 November 2025)
Senior Management Team
Julie Robinson
(Chief Executive Officer)
Emma Worsley
(Leadership, Membership and Communications)
Jayne O'Connell
(Leadership, Strategy and Programmes)
Gary Gordon
(Leadership, Operations and Community)
Tamsin Woodhead
(Leadership, Quality and Engagement)
Charlie Johnston
(Leadership, Volunteering and Advocacy)
Country of incorporation
United Kingdom
04115234
(England and Wales)
Charity registration
England and Wales
1087518
Registered office
The Resource Centre
Hall Street
Halifax
West Yorkshire
HX1 5AY
Independent examiner
Robert Whitehead FCCA
BK Plus Limited
52 St Johns Lane
Halifax
West Yorkshire
HX1 2BW
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 7
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
8
Independent examiner's report
9
Statement of financial activities
10
Balance sheet
11
Statement of cash flows
12
Notes to the financial statements
13 - 26
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 1 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Objectives and activities

The objects of the charity are:

 

 

The charity's main aims for the year were to:

 

 

All work undertaken continued to align with VAC objects and the VAC strategy which was refreshed in September 2022.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 2 -
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives

 

In 2025/26, the organisation undertook a major restructure including the TUPE transfer of colleagues from our VSI Alliance partner, Forum; reviewed our roles and ways of working in line with our VAC values and through consistent leadership and team working we have delivered on internal and external priorities as follows:

 

Internal:

 

Training and Upskilling of Staff

At the time of transferring Forum staff to VAC, there was also a change of structure from individual specialist roles to broader multiskilled roles. These multi-skilled roles were titled Link Officers and all Link Officers were trained to be able to support requests on a number of different issues. This restructure and upskilling meant that response times to requests for help from the sector shortened and requests were not held up by holidays or absences.

 

Single Point of Access and Airtable

An integrated single point of access was built into the VAC CRM system. This allows all enquires ies that come in for support (website, email, phone call, in person etc) to be processed in the same place and assigned to a VAC Link Officer for support. The system is also utilised by other VSI Alliance partners like Locality and CMBC for oversight.

A streamlined VCSE Organisation Support Journey pathway was created and all staff have been trained on the process.

 

Room Hire and Tenancies

2025-2026 Room Rental Income: £45,310 – an increase of £15,527 since 2023-24 financial year

2025 – 2026 Attendees to the building: 1,653 – an increase of 651 (64.97%) since 2023-24

2025 – 2026 Room Rental Hours Used: 2,344 - an increase of 896 hours since 2023-2024

 

External:

 

VCSE Strategy Engagement Champions and Community Voices

VAC remained commissioned to deliver, continually improve, and evolve the engagement model for the VCSE sector and local communities on behalf of the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) for Calderdale and Kirklees.

 

During 2025/26, alongside Engagement Champions and Community Voices network lunches, the programme maintained online training and introduced a digital refresher module. This strengthened accessibility and enabled communities to more effectively shape and influence local health services.

 

Across Calderdale, there are now 44 trained Engagement Champions representing 33 organisations. In Kirklees, the Community Voices network includes 63 individuals from 46 organisations, reflecting strong and growing community representation across both places.

 

Bespoke Engagement projects

Calderdale Council – Transport Strategy Consultation

Funded by Calderdale Council, Engagement Champions supported two phases of the Transport Strategy consultation (July–November 2025). Champions gathered community feedback on draft policies using simplified, persona-based tools to ensure inclusive engagement and high-quality insight.

VCSE investment: £2,643.50

 

Overgate Hospice – South Asian Community Engagement

Funded by Overgate Hospice, this project addressed identified gaps in engagement with South Asian communities in Calderdale. Engagement Champions gathered insights on access and unmet need, contributing to improved partnership working and the development of culturally appropriate dementia support.

VCSE investment: £995

 

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 3 -

Winter Pressures – ‘Together We Can’ Campaign (ICB/NHS)

Funded through the winter campaign, Engagement Champions (Nov 2025–Mar 2026) raised awareness of appropriate service use and supported digital inclusion through NHS App community ambassador roles, helping residents access the right care.

VCSE investment: £9,020

 

Research Engagement Network (REN) – NHS England

Funded by NHS England, VAC supported VCSE Research Champions to promote the Be Part of Research registry. Engagement reached thousands of residents across diverse settings, increasing understanding of research and participation opportunities.

VCSE investment: £8,275

 

Home Energy Engagement – West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)

Funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). VAC worked with WYCA to recruit participants from priority groups facing challenges related to energy costs, home repairs, and access to information.

 

Engagement Champions continue to find innovative and inclusive ways of engaging individuals and groups, increasing health knowledge, promoting good health and supporting more effective use of NHS services. Overall, Champion activity continues to strengthen links between communities, the NHS and partners, supporting improved health awareness, service access and reduction in health inequalities. In total, £20,893.50 was reinvested into the VCSE sector through participation in engagement activity.

 

Quality4Health&Wellbeing

Quality 4 Health + Wellbeing (Q4H+W) is a quality accreditation which VAC delivers across Calderdale and Kirklees. The accreditation, originally co-designed with the VCSE and NHS in Calderdale, supports VCSE organisations to demonstrate high quality support and service delivery and evidence the difference they make to service users’ lives (person centred outcomes). It offers assurance for key stakeholders (funders, commissioners, referrers, and service users), increasing opportunities for the VCSE to support and participate in the delivery of the Health, Care and Wellbeing agenda.

 

Q4H+W is a fully subsidised accreditation for groups delivering services across the Calderdale and Kirklees footprints, demonstrating local place-based system leaders investing in VCSE through a quality approach to promote integration of the VCSE into local service delivery and pathways.

 

Following strong uptake in 2024/25, the focus in 2025/26 has been on providing tailored, one-to-one support to organisations working towards, or renewing, their accreditation, further strengthening quality and consistency across the sector.

 

VCSE Strategy for Calderdale

A link giving a summary of the progress made on the VCSE Strategy during 2025-26 is below:

https://www.cvac.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DRAFT-VCSE-Strategy-Progress-Report-2426.pdf

 

VSIA Contract

A link to delivery statistics for the VSI contract for 2025-26 is given below:

https://www.cvac.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VAC-VSI-202526.pdf

 

Mental Heath Alliance

The Mental Health Alliance is now established as a regularly convening body and its base strategy is in place (vision/values co-creation completed. Its next key milestones in 2026 is to include identifying priority actions, developing targeted workstreams (e.g., tackling inequalities in emotional health), and cementing links between community insight and statutory planning cycles.

 

VAC Conference

In April 2025 VAC hosted our second conference since the pandemic at Dean Clough Art Gallery with over 100 attendees.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 4 -

Future Developments

 

VAC Sustainability Strategy

We are making progress towards a sustainability strategy and policy to be completed by end of Q3 be sent to and approved by leadership team and the board, and then embedded into VAC later in the year.

Over the coming months, we hope to scope out appropriate grants to apply to for energy efficiency and retrofitting measures at VAC and to go through the carbon accounting process, using the remainder of our initial budget to make small adjustments around the building to support the sustainability journey.

 

Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF)

VAC has developed a paper on the design of a CRF system to ensure the whole of the VCSE sector can participate and work effectively on crisis resilience objectives. Potential funding for the project is £100,000.

 

Violence Reduction Partnership

VAC has been awarded a grant of £18,000 for 2026-27 for leading on a series of events and meetings with the purpose of ensuring safer streets within Calderdale.

 

AI Conference

In June 2026, VAC held a virtual AI Conference for the VCSE sector in collaboration with the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

 

Embedding People’s Voice in Integrated Neighborhood Health

Integrated Neighbourhood Health (INH) is a way of making care more local, joined up and easier to use for people and communities. VAC is supporting the work to drive a collaborative approach to the development of people’s voice as an integral component of neighbourhood health services across Calderdale - establishing and strengthening ongoing relationships and ways of working between statutory organisations in Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT) with local communities and VCSE organisations.

Financial review

The statement of Financial activities shows income of £946,673 (2025: £1,169,351) and total resource expended of £819,356 (2025: £887,074), resulting in a net surplus of £127,317 (2025: £282,277). The total funds of the charity have increased to £879,962 (2025: £752,645) at 31st March 2026.

 

The total reserves at the year end are £879,962 (2025 - £752,645). Unrestricted reserves at the year end are £686,234 (2025: £536,143) and restricted funds are £193,728 (2025: £216,502).

Reserves policy

The charity aims to maintain unrestricted general reserves at a level of between 3 to 6 months of the resources expended. The main funders of the charity are contractually obliged to give 3 months' notice should they wish to cease funding the charity. The Trustees have considered the need to set aside reserves to ensure:

 

 

The Trustees, having reviewed the financial position of the charity and the reserves policy of retaining unrestricted funds to cover resources expended for a period of 3 to 6 months, consider the level of reserves at the year end to be appropriate.

 

Our current unrestricted reserves are £686,234 with £238,497 of this amount held as fixed assets including the building and £22,543 designated building fund gives free reserves of £425,194.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 5 -
Investment policy

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to invest the monies of the charity not immediately required for the furtherance of its objects in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit subject nevertheless to such conditions (if any) and such consents (if any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by law.

 

The charity feel that they are not currently able to make investments, but will continue to review the charity's position.

Risk

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. A risk log and a compliance schedule are in place and routinely reviewed by the Board and its sub-committees including a review of relevant legislation over the past year to ensure that the charity remains compliant in all areas.

 

The majority of our financial transactions continue to be via BACS and our financial procedures are written to manage the risk within this process including rigour around permission levels when using online banking.

Structure, governance and management

The Charity is controlled by its governing document, its Articles of Association, and constitutes a company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Amanda Smith
Dawn Whiteley MBE
Kenneth Sanderson
Lucy Clay
Samantha McCormick
Tracy Saunders
Emily Woodhead
Christopher Butterworth
(Resigned 13 March 2026)
Jonathan Dolby
Jennifer Guy
Priya Madina
(Appointed 20 November 2025)
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 6 -
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

All trustees are appointed on a voluntary basis, and do not receive any remuneration for their time. All expenses reimbursed to trustees are disclosed in the accounts.

Following its introduction in August 2021 an enhanced induction programme continues to be in place and all new trustees are given an induction pack consisting of governing document, background and staffing information, strategic plan, plus relevant information for trustees (e.g., minutes and previous yearly accounts). New trustees also follow a formalised 12 month induction/training programme. Half hourly development sessions have taken place as scheduled prior to each Board meeting focusing on areas for development which are identified by Trustees at the annual away day.

Trustees undertake training as required including Board development activities and away days for strategic planning and development of the organisation. During 2023 the board agreed to introduce ‘Deep Dive’ sessions between Board meetings to enable trustees to gain a fuller understanding of subjects which will enhance future decisions at Board meetings. The Chair and Vice Chair during this year has maintained membership of the Association of Chairs to support our work on Board effectiveness and maturity.

 

The organisation continually reviews and improves processes linked to the Trustee recruitment and induction process including documentation.

 

At the time of drafting this report the Charity has 10 Trustees.

 

All new Trustees are appointed by the Board or elected by the Members to enable achievement of the charitable objects and to ensure:

 

All Trustees act in the best interests of the organisation/charity at all times.

During a time of exceptional social and economic challenges, the Board has maintained a focus on ensuring we have been actively supporting the sector and communities we service. We continue to focus on tackling inequality and promoting equality and diversity.

Organisational structure

The Board of Trustees administer the charity. In line with our governing document, the board can be made up of up to 12 elected members, (6 individuals and 6 nominees of a member organisation). As the membership model is evolving, Trustees continue to always work in the best interests of the charity.

 

The Board has an annual cycle of business with meetings scheduled on a bi-monthly basis. Sub-committees have been set up to provide oversight and scrutiny on internal operations including Finance and Risk, People and Culture, Membership and Communications and Projects and Performance. Additional Task & Finish Group meetings are scheduled as required to support continued developments in line with the strategic plan.

 

The recruitment of new Trustees is undertaken by the Board of Trustees and delegates the responsibility of the day-to-day running of the organisation to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

 

It is the overall responsibility of the CEO to ensure that the charity delivers against the organisational/strategic plan and key performance indicators as set out in all of its funded activities. To ensure all deliverables are being met and on target, the CEO meets those who are responsible for key activity on a monthly basis for information sharing and reporting with a view to managing and mitigating any emerging risks or issues.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 7 -
Relationship with wider network

VAC continues to be a member of NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) and NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations).

 

VAC primarily serves the Borough of Calderdale but as the organisation has evolved, we are also responsible for contract delivery in Kirklees. We deliver the Quality4Health & Wellbeing Standard to a number of local, regional and nationally based Voluntary and Community Sector organisations. The focus on quality for the VCS sector is aimed at supporting the sustainability of our sector, i.e., to promote greater opportunities in line with social prescribing and wider developments locally, regionally and nationally.

 

Through its work VAC develops, and continues to sustain, links with similar organisations across the region and beyond. The VAC CEO is the Calderdale place lead at a system leadership level representing the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector and a member of the Power of Communities (formally Harnessing Power of Communities) Programme Board which sits under the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (WYICB).

During this year VAC has continued to play the role of VCSE System Lead for the sector in relation to Calderdale Cares Partnership Board, and other strategic boards and forums in Place.

 

VAC continues to be a member of the Calderdale Health & Wellbeing Board, Health Leads Group, Calderdale Community Collaborative Programme Board (3CPB), Staying Well Board, Ageing Well Board, Active Calderdale Transformation Board, Voluntary Community Sector Chief Officers Forum, Calderdale intelligence Network, Urgent Care Programme Board (UECB), Calderdale’s Communications, Involvement, Equality and Experience Collaborative group (CIEEC) and a range of integrated commissioning forums to ensure Voluntary and Community Sector inclusion and resilience.

Relationship with related parties

Over the year, the charity has worked closely with a range of organisations and partners including Calderdale and Kirklees ICB, Calderdale Council, Kirklees Council, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust, Calderdale College, North Bank Forum, West Yorkshire Accountancy Service (WYCAS) and Locality.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Tracy Saunders
Trustee
25 September 2026
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 8 -

The trustees, who are also the directors of Voluntary & Community for the purpose 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 year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
- 9 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Voluntary & Community (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, 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 that in any material respect:

1

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.

Robert Whitehead FCCA
BK Plus Limited
52 St Johns Lane
Halifax
West Yorkshire
HX1 2BW
12 October 2026
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 10 -
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
448
-
448
400
-
400
Charitable activities
-
VCSE Support and Development
4
269,830
546,260
816,090
243,669
763,172
1,006,841
Provision of Wellbeing Services
4
-
107,500
107,500
-
124,239
124,239
Investments
5
22,635
-
22,635
37,871
-
37,871
Total income
292,913
653,760
946,673
281,940
887,411
1,169,351
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
446
2,083
2,529
1,290
1,981
3,271
Charitable activities
VCSE Support and Development
7
137,174
542,548
679,722
168,322
584,660
752,982
Building - Community Resource
7
5,202
-
5,202
14,753
-
14,753
Provision of Wellbeing Services
7
-
131,903
131,903
6,797
109,271
116,068
Total charitable expenditure
142,376
674,451
816,827
189,872
693,931
883,803
Total expenditure
142,822
676,534
819,356
191,162
695,912
887,074
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
150,091
(22,774)
127,317
90,778
191,499
282,277
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2025
536,143
216,502
752,645
445,365
25,003
470,368
Fund balances at 31 March 2026
686,234
193,728
879,962
536,143
216,502
752,645

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2026
31 March 2026
- 11 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
238,497
247,687
Current assets
Debtors
14
146,302
6,311
Cash at bank and in hand
791,574
1,052,906
937,876
1,059,217
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(296,411)
(554,259)
Net current assets
641,465
504,958
Total assets less current liabilities
879,962
752,645
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
18
193,728
216,502
Unrestricted funds
19
686,234
536,143
879,962
752,645

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2026.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 25 September 2026
Tracy Saunders
Trustee
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 12 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
23
(282,042)
150,685
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(1,925)
(7,652)
Investment income received
22,635
37,871
Net cash generated from investing activities
20,710
30,219
Net cash generated from financing activities
-
-
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(261,332)
180,904
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,052,906
872,002
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
791,574
1,052,906
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 13 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Voluntary & Community is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Resource Centre, Hall Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 5AY.

1.1
Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
1.5
Expenditure

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.

 

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings
2% on revaluation
Plant and equipment
25% reducing balance
Fixtures and fittings
25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9
Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 16 -
3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
448
400
4
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
VCSE Support and Development

Room hire

45,310
-
45,310
24,581
-
24,581

Training income

947
-
947
616
-
616

Rents received

12,736
-
12,736
14,919
-
14,919

Charitable activities income

210,500
546,260
756,760
173,051
763,172
936,223

Membership fees

-
-
-
1,598
-
1,598
Other income
337
-
337
28,904
-
28,904
Provision of Wellbeing Services

Charitable activities income

-
107,500
107,500
-
124,239
124,239
269,830
653,760
923,590
243,669
887,411
1,131,080
5
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Interest receivable
22,635
37,871
6
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
446
2,083
2,529
1,290
1,981
3,271
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 17 -
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
VCSE Support and Development
Building - Community Resource
Provision of Wellbeing Services
Total
VCSE Support and Development
Building - Community Resource
Provision of Wellbeing Services
Total
2026
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
496,019
-
78,492
574,511
401,762
-
19,672
421,434
Depreciation and impairment
11,115
-
-
11,115
12,309
-
-
12,309

Premises costs

13,293
-
-
13,293
15,646
-
-
15,646

Repairs and maintenance costs

38,597
5,202
-
43,799
44,391
14,753
365
59,509

Office costs

7,428
-
-
7,428
12,241
-
-
12,241

Training costs

486
-
-
486
1,817
-
-
1,817

Staff and volunteer costs

1,489
-
17
1,506
1,508
-
77
1,585

Project activity

72,812
-
53,079
125,891
229,213
-
91,879
321,092

Catering costs

1,284
-
45
1,329
1,226
-
-
1,226

Professional fees

24,302
-
270
24,572
20,761
-
4,075
24,836

Subscriptions

2,926
-
-
2,926
1,786
-
-
1,786

Advertising and marketing

659
-
-
659
1,089
-
-
1,089

Finance costs

1,002
-
-
1,002
230
-
-
230

Other costs

-
-
-
-
103
-
-
103
671,412
5,202
131,903
808,517
744,082
14,753
116,068
874,903
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support
8,310
-
-
8,310
8,900
-
-
8,900
679,722
5,202
131,903
816,827
752,982
14,753
116,068
883,803
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
137,174
5,202
-
142,376
168,322
14,753
6,797
189,872
Restricted funds
542,548
-
131,903
674,451
584,660
-
109,271
693,931
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
(Continued)
- 18 -
679,722
5,202
131,903
816,827
752,982
14,753
116,068
883,803
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 19 -
8
Support costs allocated to activities
VCSE Support and Development
Total
2026
2025
£
£
Governance
8,310
8,900
2026
2025
Governance costs comprise:
£
£
Audit fees
-
8,900
Independent examination
4,800
-
Other costs
3,510
-
8,310
8,900
9
Net movement in funds
2026
2025
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
-
8,900
Fees payable for the independent examination
4,800
-
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
11,115
12,309
10
Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

11
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2026
2025
Number
Number
Direct Charitable - Projects
16
12
Senior Management
6
5
Total
22
17
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
11
Employees
(Continued)
- 20 -
Employment costs
2026
2025
£
£
Wages and salaries
507,829
382,635
Social security costs
49,178
25,308
Other pension costs
17,504
13,491
574,511
421,434
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

2026
2025
£
£
Aggregate compensation
237,710
190,431
12
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

13
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2025
250,000
42,082
65,438
357,520
Additions
-
1,094
831
1,925
At 31 March 2026
250,000
43,176
66,269
359,445
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2025
22,422
25,294
62,117
109,833
Depreciation charged in the year
5,606
4,471
1,038
11,115
At 31 March 2026
28,028
29,765
63,155
120,948
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2026
221,972
13,411
3,114
238,497
At 31 March 2025
227,578
16,788
3,321
247,687
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
13
Tangible fixed assets
(Continued)
- 21 -

Land and buildings were valued on an open market basis on 10 February 2022 by Walker Singleton Chartered Surveyors.

 

The valuation shows a reduction in value from the previous valuation of £350,000, which was undertaken in 2012.

 

Depreciation of 2% is charged on the value (excluding land) of £185,000 within freehold property, over the remaining 33 years from 31 March 2022. This has resulted in an annual depreciation charge of £5,606.

At 31 March 2026, had the revalued assets been carried at historic cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, their carrying amount would have been approximately £117,080 (2025 - £119,600).

14
Debtors
2026
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
140,053
613
Prepayments and accrued income
6,249
5,698
146,302
6,311
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
Other taxation and social security
10,280
7,102
Deferred income
16
258,952
478,458
Trade creditors
16,844
54,653
Other creditors
3,678
2,891
Accruals
6,657
11,155
296,411
554,259
16
Deferred income
2026
2025
£
£
Other deferred income
258,952
478,458

Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
16
Deferred income
(Continued)
- 22 -
2026
2025
£
£
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
258,952
478,458
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 April 2025
478,458
657,337
Released from previous periods
(399,641)
(542,036)
Resources deferred in the year
180,135
363,157
Deferred income at 31 March 2026
258,952
478,458
17
Retirement benefit schemes
2026
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
17,504
13,491

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 23 -
18
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April 2025
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2026
£
£
£
£
Active Calderdale
14,379
-
(11,379)
3,000
Add Link Worker Capacity
-
48,500
(19,070)
29,430
CMBC Transport Strategy
-
8,758
(8,758)
-
Calderdale Food Network
-
34,658
(34,658)
-
Calipso Development
7,238
-
-
7,238
Comm Asset Specialist Support Grants
10,660
20,000
(28,400)
2,260
Community Cohesion
10,529
-
(10,529)
-
Community Directory
-
35,004
(35,004)
-
Core 20+5 - Food Poverty
-
33,500
(33,500)
-
Cost of Living Coor
1,757
32,520
(31,094)
3,184
Emotional Health & Wellbeing
28,601
35,394
(48,649)
15,347
GP Letters
3,480
9,000
(11,360)
1,120
ICB Non Recurrent
46,387
-
-
46,387
ICB Volunteering
-
49,588
(29,775)
19,813
INH Peoples Voices
-
17,850
(17,850)
-
Intensive Volunteering Support
-
28,000
(28,000)
-
Kirklees
4
112,365
(112,365)
4
Local Workforce Action Board
50,000
-
-
50,000
Power of Communities Research and Engagement Network
24,875
15,950
(24,880)
15,945
Overgate Hospice Engagement
-
1,225
(1,225)
-
Parkinsons PHD Surveys
-
883
(883)
-
Pillar 1 Accelerator
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
Police and Crime
-
7,500
(7,500)
-
Quality 4 Health
-
47,991
(47,991)
-
Sport for Good
-
5,332
(5,332)
-
Sustainability
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
SWYFT
9,461
-
(9,461)
-
UKSPF
-
4,742
(4,742)
-
Whitehouse Kirklees Engagement
7,927
-
(7,927)
-
Winter Pressures
1,203
85,000
(86,203)
-
216,502
653,760
676,534
193,728
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
18
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 24 -
Previous year:
At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
Active Calderdale
15,000
35,706
(36,326)
14,379
Air Table
-
15,000
(15,000)
-
Better Start Bradford
-
6,075
(6,075)
-
Calderdale Food Network
-
37,445
(37,445)
-
Calipso Development
7,625
-
(388)
7,238
Community Foundation for Calderdale
2,300
-
(2,300)
-
Cost of Living
-
36,062
(34,305)
1,757
Community Asset Specialist Support Grants
-
36,860
(26,200)
10,660
Community Cohesion
-
12,869
(2,340)
10,529
Community Directory
-
35,004
(35,004)
-
Emotional Health & Wellbeing
-
80,000
(51,398)
28,601
GP Letters
-
3,750
(270)
3,480
Health Inequalities
-
3,000
(3,000)
-
ICB Non Recurrent
78
162,312
(116,003)
46,387
Impact of Vaccinations
-
2,000
(2,000)
-
Kirklees
-
110,008
(110,004)
4
Local Workforce Action Board
-
50,000
-
50,000
PCN Community Anchor
-
117,957
(117,957)
-
Power of Communities Research and Engagement Network
-
27,650
(2,775)
24,875
SWYFT
-
14,714
(5,253)
9,461
Winter Pressures
-
88,000
(86,797)
1,203
Whitehouse Kirklees Engagement
-
11,999
(4,072)
7,927
Womens' Exp UTI
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
25,003
887,411
(695,912)
216,502
19
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April 2025
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2026
£
£
£
£
General funds
513,600
292,913
(142,822)
663,691
Designated - Building Fund
22,543
-
-
22,543
536,143
292,913
(142,822)
686,234
VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
19
Unrestricted funds
(Continued)
- 25 -
Previous year:
At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
General funds
422,822
281,940
(191,162)
513,600
Designated - Building Fund
22,543
-
-
22,543
445,365
281,940
(191,162)
536,143
20
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
£
£
£
At 31 March 2026:
Tangible assets
238,497
-
238,497
Current assets/(liabilities)
447,737
193,728
641,465
686,234
193,728
879,962
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets
247,687
-
247,687
Current assets/(liabilities)
288,456
216,502
504,958
536,143
216,502
752,645
21
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2026
2025
£
£
Within one year
11,270
14,138
Between two and five years
8,453
19,723
19,723
33,861

 

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 26 -
22
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2025 - none).

23
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
2026
2025
£
£
Surplus for the year
127,317
282,277
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(22,635)
(37,871)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
11,115
12,309
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(139,991)
59,680
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(38,342)
13,169
(Decrease) in deferred income
(219,506)
(178,879)
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
(282,042)
150,685
24
Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

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