As a Board of Trustees, we continue to be inspired by the resilience, commitment and creativity shown across our voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
It has undoubtedly been another challenging year. Organisations have had to navigate reducing funding opportunities, rising operating costs, increasing employer costs, and ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers. At the same time, demand for support continues to grow, with many organisations supporting more people than ever before, often with fewer resources.
One of the defining strengths of our sector is its ability to respond positively to adversity. Innovation, collaboration and adaptability are deeply embedded within our organisations, enabling them to deliver remarkable outcomes despite significant pressures. However, whilst our sector has consistently demonstrated its ability to do more with less, we must not allow this resilience to become an expectation that masks the real challenges facing charities and community organisations. Sustainable investment in the sector is essential if we are to continue meeting the needs of our communities.
This is where organisations such as North Herts & Stevenage CVS play such a vital role. Beyond delivering services, the organisation provides leadership, advocacy and practical support that strengthens the wider sector. By representing local organisations with commissioners and funders, championing volunteering, facilitating collaboration, and promoting the impact of community organisations, NH&SCVS helps create the conditions in which the sector can thrive.
Our Chief Executive, Hannah Morgan-Gray, highlights many of the organisation's achievements throughout this report. As Trustees, we would particularly like to recognise two initiatives that demonstrate the organisation's continuing commitment to strengthening volunteering - the foundation upon which so much of our sector depends.
GoVolHerts continues to be one of our flagship programmes. The platform not only connects thousands of prospective volunteers with opportunities across Hertfordshire but also provides valuable support for volunteer managers through networking, shared learning and the exchange of good practice. By making volunteering more accessible and reducing the burden on organisations, GoVolHerts strengthens the capacity of the entire voluntary sector.
We are also delighted that NH&SCVS successfully led a partnership to with the Integrated Care Board to deliver the new Volunteering for Health programme across Hertfordshire and West Essex. Building on the increased public interest in volunteering that emerged during the pandemic, this ambitious three-year programme will help create more accessible and coordinated volunteering opportunities that directly support patients, health services and local communities. It represents an important example of how the voluntary sector and the NHS can work together to improve health and wellbeing.
The sector is also operating against a backdrop of significant structural change locally. With LGR now confirmed for Hertfordshire with four unitary councils replacing the existing district and county councils by April 2028, meaning the coming years will reshape how our existing relationships with partners are organised. NH&SCVS's role as an established, trusted partner will matter more than ever for navigating this transition.
Looking ahead, we know the challenges facing our sector are unlikely to diminish. However, we also know that the relationships, expertise and community knowledge held within our local organisations remain one of our greatest strengths. As Trustees, we remain committed to ensuring NH&SCVS continues to provide the leadership, support and advocacy needed to help the sector flourish.
Finally, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Hannah Morgan-Gray and the entire NH&SCVS team for their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment - often delivered with limited time and resources, we are aware, and really proud of what you have accomplished. We also extend our gratitude to our volunteers, members, partners, funders and everyone who contributes their time, expertise and support. Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people and communities across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage.
2025/26 has been another successful and significant year for North Herts & Stevenage CVS. Against a backdrop of continued financial pressures across the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, changes within our statutory partners and uncertainty around local government reform, we have continued to grow our reach, strengthen partnerships and champion the contribution of our sector.
At the heart of everything we do remains our purpose: connecting, supporting and enabling communities across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, while ensuring that the VCFSE sector has a strong voice and is recognised as an essential partner in creating healthier, stronger and more connected communities.
Supporting Our Communities
We have continued to connect and support local organisations through our 1:1 support, CEO Networks, Volunteer Managers Forums, members' events, training, roadshows and community events. Our first Stevenage Charity and Volunteer Fair was an important opportunity to increase our visibility in Stevenage and connect residents directly with local charities and volunteering opportunities. We have also managed to save 3 vital VCFSE organisations from closure.
Demand for our services has remained strong. Our Reach Out service achieved record referral levels during the year, demonstrating both increasing community need and the trust placed in the service.
This work has also informed our plans for a 2026 Year of Volunteering, through which we want to re-energise volunteering locally, address barriers to participation and encourage businesses, statutory partners and communities to think differently about how people can give their time and skills.
Developing Our Impact
Our Breakaway Playscheme demonstrated the resilience and commitment of our team this year. Following challenges early in the year, we worked closely with families, Hertfordshire County Council and partners to strengthen the service and successfully relocate to Greenside School. It was therefore particularly special to see the Breakaway team recognised by winning Early Years Team of the Year at the Families First Awards 2025. This was wonderful recognition of their professionalism, determination and dedication to the children and families they support.
Our role within Hertfordshire's wider health and wellbeing system has also continued to grow. Age Friendly Hertfordshire secured funding for a third year, enabling us and our partners to continue work to make Hertfordshire a better place in which to grow older.
We also secured funding to deliver Living Well training across Hertfordshire, supporting people to make achievable lifestyle changes that can improve health and wellbeing. This represents an exciting development in our contribution to prevention and tackling health inequalities.
Another major achievement was the development and launch of the Hertfordshire VCFSE Social Value Calculator, created in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and partners. The calculator helps voluntary and community organisations demonstrate the wider social value they create. It received an overwhelmingly positive response following its launch at the Hertfordshire County Council VCFSE Conference, with more than 300 organisations registering to use it within the first weeks. We are continuing to support the development of this tool by working with the University and an improved version 2.0 will soon be launching.
A Strong and Sustainable Organisation
Alongside our external work, we have continued to invest in our own people, culture and governance.
Our annual staff survey produced exceptionally positive results, with the overall experience of working at NH&SCVS rated 4.71 out of 5 and line management support 4.82 out of 5. Most importantly, the feedback demonstrated that our staff feel valued, supported and connected to our mission. We have reviewed our staff handbook and employment policies, invested in staff development and used our staff away day to explore the culture and behaviours we want to protect as we grow.
We also successfully completed an in-person Disclosure and Barring Service compliance inspection and were assessed as fully compliant in all areas, with no recommendations for improvement. Financial sustainability remains a key priority. We have continued to secure new investment and diversify our income while ensuring our ambitions remain grounded in responsible financial management and good governance.
Looking Forward
The environment in which we and our members operate continues to change. Financial pressures, growing community needs, health system changes and local government reform will undoubtedly bring challenges, but they will also create opportunities for our sector.
Our role will continue to evolve from not only supporting individual organisations but also convening, connecting and championing our sector, ensuring that the knowledge, expertise and community connections of VCFSE organisations are recognised and valued.
Thank You
None of what we have achieved this year would be possible without our people.
My heartfelt thanks go to our incredible staff team, whose energy, creativity, compassion and commitment never cease to inspire me. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and of the supportive and positive culture we continue to build.
I would also like to thank our wonderful volunteers, who give their time, skills and enthusiasm so generously. Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation and the wider sector we support, and their contribution to our communities is immeasurable.
Thank you also to our Board of Trustees for their continued support, challenge and guidance; to our members and partners for their collaboration; and to all our funders and commissioners for their continued confidence and investment in our work. Your support enables us to make a difference to organisations, communities and individuals across Hertfordshire.
As I reflect on 2025/26, I am incredibly proud not only of what we have achieved, but of how we have achieved it; collaboratively, compassionately and with an unwavering commitment to our communities.
We enter the new financial year as a strong, ambitious and resilient organisation, excited about what we can achieve together.
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 Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)".
The charity is established to:
To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the public, primarily but not exclusively within the local government areas of North Herts and Stevenage and their environs (hereinafter called the “area of benefit”). To build the capacity of third sector organisations and provide them with the necessary support, information, and services to enable them to pursue or contribute to any charitable purpose.
To promote, organise, and facilitate cooperation and partnership working between third sector, statutory, and other relevant bodies in achieving the above purposes within the area of benefit.
To provide services in the areas of North Herts and Stevenage and the wider community of Hertfordshire and further afield as defined by the Trustees.
NH&SCVS Member Services
Provision of information, support, training and development to the North Herts and Stevenage voluntary and community sector to enable them to develop, sustain and strengthen their own organisations.
Facilitating liaison, and collaboration within the voluntary and community sector and between the voluntary, public, and private sectors through networking and information sharing.
Identifying the needs of local communities and developing appropriate responses by sharing research, reports and supporting new groups.
Identify future funding for the organisation including our projects and to deliver other activities where there are gaps in community activity.
We continue to champion and support voluntary and community organisations across North Herts and Stevenage, delivering tailored advice and practical help where it matters most. Over the past year, our team has focused on:
Expert guidance on sourcing funding opportunities, writing funding applications, governance, and volunteer management, etc.
Hands-on support with DBS checks, recruitment adverts, and social media engagement.
Direct support to over 100 local organisations, helping them strengthen capacity, improve sustainability, and grow their impact.
From the smallest grassroots groups to established charities, our support is unlocking potential and driving positive change across the local sector.
Delivering quality events to upskill and support our VCFSE sector
We’re keeping our members informed, inspired, and connected through a wide range of channels:
Our email database has over 1000 contacts - seeing an average open rate of 25% and a click through rate of 5.5% - packed with news about our support, opportunities, and sector updates.
Our social media presence continues to grow with engagement in Facebook posts increasing 19% Year on Year due to increased use of video content, reels, and sector highlights, and our followers increasing by 27%.
Our weekly column in The Comet newspaper is still a powerful platform, shining a spotlight on the amazing work of local charities and key sector issues. We’ve featured:
Social Value Calculator, Volunteer Recruitment Crisis, Funding, Networking
A wide range of member organisations including The Living Room Herts, Citizens Advice Stevenage. Feed Up Warm Up, helping raise awareness of their services and successes.
Through social media, print, and online channels, we’ve helped local groups reach new audiences, share their impact, and attract new supporters.
Our active involvement in local and regional partnerships ensures the voice of the VCFSE sector is heard in key decision-making spaces:
We’ve played a vital role in Herts Community Leaders Forum, Community Help Hertfordshire, and the East & North Herts Health Inequalities Partnership.
Representation at the North Herts Integrated Neighbourhoods Care Board and Community Assembly ensures our sector’s perspective is front and centre.
The ‘All About Us’ partnership - comprising Letchworth Heritage Foundation, North Herts Council, and us - continued to make an impact as we launched our new ‘Be the Good Campaign for 2026’
A new partnership with both North Herts Council and Stevenage Borough Council enabled us to better support our local Community Centres through free membership support.
We supported 19 local trustee boards with strategic planning and governance advice.
We lobbied local MPs regarding the Government’s consultation on proposals to include volunteering as a factor that may reduce the qualifying period for UK settled status.
Our CEO, is leading from the front:
VCFSE Alliance elected representative.
Project lead on a major collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and the Herts & West Essex Integrated Care System.
Member of the Stevenage Inclusion Partnership.
Chair of Hertfordshire Community Solutions (HCS)
Co-Chair of the Hertfordshire Civil Society Covenant
Sector representative for Health Inequalities across East and North Herts.
VCFSE representative on multiple regional co-production boards and communities of practice.
We’ve delivered a vibrant training and events programme to upskill the sector and bring people together:
6 in-person training courses, covering key topics like safeguarding, dementia awareness, and Easy Fundraising.
8 online workshops including popular sessions on AI for charities, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising top tips.
Flagship events including:
Our first large scale Stevenage Volunteer Fair
Members roadshow events in Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Stevenage and Royston
Our successful CEO Network
Dynamic Volunteer Managers Network
The description under the headings "Achievements and performance" and "Financial review" meet the company law requirements for the trustees to present a strategic report.
For the 2025/26 financial year, the charity had income of £985,202 (2025: £915,714). The reserves policy which is set by the trustees is set to provide three months running and closure costs. Currently these costs are set at £470,523.
Grants for core activities amounted to £22,514 (2025: £22,072) from North Hertfordshire District Council. Income from other unrestricted sources was £79,065 (2024: £101,538). A deficit on unrestricted funds before transfers of £40,542 (2025: deficit £11,329) resulted for the year.
The Board recognises the ongoing pressure to enhance our services while supporting the development of the local voluntary sector. To address this, we have continued to allocate designated funds for capacity building, which will help strengthen the infrastructure of our membership support.
Given the challenging environment, with more individuals relying on voluntary and community organisations for support, the demand for the services we provide will continue to grow. Therefore, it is crucial for us to maintain strict budget control and explore new funding opportunities to ensure we can sustain and expand our support for local groups.
Deciding the level of reserves that a charity needs to hold is an important part of financial management and forward financial planning. Failure to do this may result in reserves levels which are either:
Too high, which could unnecessarily limit the amount spent on charitable activities and the potential benefits a charity can provide; or
Too low, which could put the charity at risk of continuing its activities due to unexpected financial difficulties, increasing the risks of unplanned and unmanaged closure and insolvency.
NH&SCVS Trustees, on a regular basis, review the total amount and designation of reserves to ensure they are at a level that enables NH&SCVS to manage financial risk and income volatility over the medium to long term. The level of reserves should enable NH&SCVS to maintain an optimal level of service, whilst meeting its financial commitments as and when they fall due.
Reserves represent the total unrestricted funds at a point in time. As of 31st March 2026, NH&SCVS held £569,552 of unrestricted funds. The trustees have agreed that it is prudent to set aside reserves for three months’ running costs and closure costs. As stated earlier, this equates to £470,523.
A further £70,000 has been designated to support infrastructure development and long-term sustainability as we prepare for Local Government Reform.
We continue to actively seek additional sources of income to continue improving our services and better serve the local community.
The trustees review their assessment of the risks to which the charity is exposed annually. The trustees have recognised as a prime risk, the lack of long-term financial stability and seeks to address this risk by delivering projects and diversifying income streams in partnership with other like-minded organisations. Risks are assessed and highlighted to the board by the CEO at each board meeting and Finance and Risk Committee meeting.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Expanded events and training programme including trustee training, AI utilisation and safety.
Continuation of the of the successful CEO and Volunteer Manager’s Network with the addition of a new Finance Manager’s Network to provide dedicated networking time and a safe space for VCFSE specialists to discuss issues and challenges as well as explore new opportunities and ideas.
Full CVS rebrand with a new charity name to reflect who we are and what we do.
Continue to diversify our funding mix and implement a Legacy Giving Programme.
Identify gaps in community provision and seek to address those gaps by working with the sector and finding solutions.
Position ourselves to support the local VCFSE through LGR.
Continue with the roll out of our successful ‘Be the Good’ campaign encouraging local people to come forward and volunteer in their communities.
NH&SCVS is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 11 March 2003 and registered as a charity on 3 June 2003. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed by its Articles of Association. NH&SCVS changed its name from Council to Centre in November 2008. NH&SCVS revised its Memorandum and Articles of Association in October 2014 to update its objects and to cover the borough of Stevenage following approval from the membership in September 2014 at the Annual General Meeting. NH&SCVS also revised its Articles of Association in September 2025 to reflect best practice in charity governance, simplify operations, and embrace digital flexibility. These changes align with the Charity Governance Code and modern expectations for transparency and efficiency.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served since the start of the year are:
Recruitment of new trustees is by communication with our member organisations and appointment is by resolution of the board with formal election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September of each year. North Herts and Stevenage CVS member groups are invited to nominate people to serve.
Prior to inviting nominations, the board of trustees review their skills to try to attract people with the relevant skills and experience to the committee.
On appointment, each trustee signs and agrees to a code of conduct and confidentiality statement. They are invited to attend an initial welcome meeting and are given a welcome pack which includes the constitution, selected policies and procedures, and other guidance and information about the governance of the charity. Their responsibilities include the overall management of the business of NH&SCVS, regular review of the finances and monitoring of any projects. New trustees also have an induction session with the Chair, Chief Executive, meet other trustees and staff and visit our projects.
NH&SCVS is signatory to a Memorandum of Understanding with North Hertfordshire Council, under which NHC is entitled to have two ex officio nominees on the Board of Trustees.
The trustees meet a minimum of four times a year. At meetings board members accept reports relevant to the business and performance of the organisation. Other committees and working groups are set up as needed. Three Committees are in place to support the information flow and deep dive into each area of the business 1. FRC – Finance and Risk Committee, 2. PCC – People and Culture Committee, 3 ET Executive Team (Co-Chairs and CEO).
Day to day financial transactions are recorded and the financial status of the company reviewed at each trustees meeting.
Day to day running of the business is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.
Our amazing volunteers
Hertfordshire County Council
North Hertfordshire District Council
Hertfordshire Community Foundation
Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation
University of Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
Cheshire Community Foundation (Assura)
NHS England, NHS Charities Together and CW+ (the official charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS)
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors of North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service Limited 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; 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.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
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.
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 The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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
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.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 2 Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9SP.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)". 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.
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.
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.
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.
Expenditure on operational programmes is recognised in the period in which it is incurred.
The majority of costs are directly attributable to specific activities. Certain shared costs are apportioned to activities in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Office, property and applicable core staff costs form the management charge which is apportioned to each activity based upon full time equivalent staff numbers.
Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.
Amortisation 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:
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible 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).
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.
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.
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, including creditors 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.
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.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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.
The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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.
Grants received
Other staff costs
Project costs
Equipment & toys
Premises costs
Insurance
Repairs & maintenance
Office costs
Computer costs
Travel and subsistence
General expenses
Legal & professional
Governance costs
Finance costs
None of the trustees received any remuneration or were reimbursed any expenses during the year.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
Redundancy and termination payments totalling £7,000 were made in the reporting period.
In addition to the above there were 55 (2025: 42) members of staff that were employed by the Playscheme on a casual basis with varying hours that do not readily convert to a full time equivalent.
Contributions totalling £1,321 (2025: £1,321) were made to defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of employees whose emoluments exceed £60,000.
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
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.
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.
Breakaway Playschemes funding is restricted to the funding of playschemes during holiday periods and for Saturday clubs, which are run for children and young people with disabilities aged 5-19 within the North Herts and Stevenage area.
The Transport Scheme is funding towards the cost of the Community Transport Manager and co-ordinator, who schedule a team of friendly volunteer drivers to assist less able residents reach their health appointments.
Reach Out is a project that provides companionship and practical support to older people who are medically vulnerable and at risk of hospital admission, or have recently been discharged from hospital. Reach Out assists people by linking them up with a volunteer in their neighbourhood who can offer support to them in their own home – helping them to adjust to and recover from illness, whilst also reducing social isolation and loneliness.
The Staying Connected project provides one-to-one support, community drop-ins and group workshops, along with refurbished and new laptops, tablets and phones to support residents overcome barriers to digital inclusion and become more confident and independent online.
GoVolHerts is funding from Hertfordshire County Council for GoVolHerts Volunteering which aims to raise the profile of volunteering, encourage citizens to volunteer in their local communities and increase volunteer engagement across Hertfordshire using new media.
Practical Partners is a 2 year project to improve outcomes for care leavers aged 16 - 30 who are struggling with the challenges of becoming independent. The project was funded by the National Lottery in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and ended in August 2025.
Age Friendly Herts is funding from Age UK for an initiative to turn Hertfordshire into an Age Friendly Community with the aim of making Hertfordshire the only 2-tier authority currently with accreditation.
Volunteering for Health is funding from CW+ for the Valuing Volunteer Partnership Programme in Hertfordshire and Essex. The income and expenditure in this period relates to the development phase of the programme.
Living Well is funding from Cheshire Community Foundation for a two year lifestyle medicine programme helping residents build healthier habits and improve their wellbeing.
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.
The reserves fund is funds set aside to cover three months running costs plus closure costs in the event that the Charity had to cease activities.
The development fund is funding set aside to support infrastructure development and long-term sustainability.
The charity has a 30 year lease on Holywell Community Centre which ends on 23 August 2040. The charity has liability for a service charge comprising of reasonable costs, expenses and outgoings incurred by Watford Borough Council, who are the landlords. The charity can end the lease at any time by serving a break notice.
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2025 - none).
The charity had no material debt during the year.