Shaping a Better Future
Annual Report 2023-24
Aberdeen Association of Social Service, known as VSA, is one of the most significant education and social support care providers in the North-East of Scotland.
With operations in mental health, learning disability, residential additional support needs education, care at home, residential very sheltered housing and care homes for the elderly, VSA is active within the most complex and challenging group of care services.
From a person’s first breath through to their last, VSA has stood next to the people of Aberdeen for 154 years offering care, support, and vital services to vulnerable people living in our communities as and when they needed it.
Our focus continues to support children, families, and adults to thrive.
Securing the tender for the Aberdeenshire Unpaid Carers Service, making full use of EAF’s upgraded facilities, landing new resources for next year to help people heat their homes and growing our work in nursery schools across the city have been highlights of this year.
Our SQA centre has been leading the way in shaping the Next Generation HNC Social Services. We ensure that the qualification meets the changing needs of the social care workforce, in terms of the knowledge, skills and values required to support the complex needs of individuals who receive care.
The financial sustainability of some of our most important services such as care for older people are becoming more of a challenge.
Whilst we recorded a positive fundraising income this financial year, with the team delivering an end-of-year result of £1.1 million thanks to another legacy service contract, expenses exceed contract income which is unsustainable.
Earlier this year, we began an organisation wide project to review our work and to develop a long-term plan. This will enable VSA to be more responsive and sustainable as well as renew our ambition to be an innovator and collaborator in both the City & Shire and wider North-East of Scotland.
VSA is all about people. Our amazing staff, volunteers, funders, donors, and supporters have stepped up for another year and we wouldn’t be able to provide the range, breadth and scope of services we do without your amazing support.
On behalf of The Board of the Trustees we want to say a big thank you to all of you for everything you do and continue to do for VSA.
Sue Freeth VSA Chief Executive
About VSA
VSA stands for, shapes and delivers high-quality, caring support for our friends and neighbours in the communities of Aberdeen and the North-East. Our expertise and our passion are drawn from our deep roots and day-to-day experience in those communities.
Supporting people across the North-East at a glance
Over 200 adults supported through our mental health services
401 people supported through our care at home service
2790 hours a month of support to adults in our learning disability service
203 people supported through our older adult services
Over 25 services
563,468 hours of mental wellbeing support provided
25 children supported at Linn Moor Residential School
Over 5500 teaching hours at Linn Moor School
11 adults on our trainee programmes at Easter Anguston Farm
200 people supported through our VSA Fuel Fund
Our People
Our people are at the heart of VSA, and we are proud of the impact our colleagues make each year changing the lives of children and adults living in our communities.
Every front line support worker, team leader and manager at VSA has to be qualified in social care practice.
This is why we have always been proud to invest in our staff to ensure that our team can continue to deliver outstanding care. At VSA, we are a fully accredited SQA Qualification Centre, enabling us to deliver a programme of continuous professional learning and provide people with an opportunity to pursue a career in care.
As well as our modern apprentice scheme, VSA also gives placements to Foundation Level Apprentices, HNC, and social work students supporting their education and career pathways into a career in health and social care.
What qualifications do we offer?
HNC Social Services (Next Generation)
SVQs in Care Services Leadership and Management
SVQs in Social Services & Healthcare
SVQs in Social Services (Children & Young People)
PDA Health and Social Care Supervision
PDA Health and Social Care Administration of Medication
PDA Promoting Excellence in Dementia Skilled Practice
L&D9DI & L&D11
We also offer core skills qualifications in numeracy and ICT which are incorporated in our Modern Apprenticeship Programme.
The quality of your training programmes, such as modern apprenticeships, SVQ delivery, PDA, and BSS, continues to meet operational demands and is tailored to the varying needs and capabilities of participants.
Your ability to adapt your delivery for those requiring additional support is highly commended.
This high performance is further reinforced by the positive feedback from the SQA regarding your centre’s performance.
Natasha Meet
Natasha is a Team Leader at VSA
After initially considering a career within the Police, Natasha became interested in working in health and social care after visiting a VSA Open Day and learning more about the opportunities available.
“I joined VSA as a relief member of staff five years ago and became full-time very shortly after. I was interested in working in Mental Health and started at Northfield Lodge before moving on to Westerton Crescent”, she explains. “VSA then gave me the opportunity to continue my work alongside studying for the qualifications needed to progress my career.”
In the past year, Natasha has successfully completed an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare (Level 6) and a PDA (Personal Development Award) In Medication. Recently, she has started her PDA in Supervision and will continue to undertake her Level 7.
“For me, gaining the experience and learning at the same time is the best way – that way, you are gaining REAL experience along the way. There is no better way to learn than through hands on experience. It’s also a great way to build your confidence.”
Key People Stats
94
270
64
Behavioural Support Strategies (BSS) training sessions completed recruited to join the VSA family people trained in Mental Health Support
32
students enrolled in Modern Apprenticeships
45
8 students achieving qualifications Foundation Level Apprenticeships
Our Workforce
Our strength and breadth of services are a testament to our wonderfully diverse workforce who continuously strive to provide excellent care and support on behalf of VSA.
As a significant employer in the North East of Scotland and an accredited ‘Investor in People’, our staff and wider workforce are the bloodline of our organisation.
VSA has a culturally diverse workforce of over 600 employees, bringing with them a strong understanding when it comes to the care and support of our service users who come from all different walks of life and backgrounds.
Our staff population is currently made up of 63.5% of people who are classified as “British”, with 11% of staff originating from the EU and the remaining 25.5% from a range of other nationalities.
Our gender split across our workforce is female (77%) to male (23%). 7% of the VSA workforce have stated that they consider themselves to have a disability.
600 over employees
Any time that I am able to do something to help someone and put a smile on their face, it actually reflects back to me and puts a smile on my own face. It makes me happy to want to do something and actually make people feel better.
Akintunde (VSA)
Our Reach
Inverurie Stonehaven
Banchory
Providing the Best of Care across Aberdeen
& North - East Scotland...
Our Services
For more than 150 years, VSA has been an essential source of care and support for the North-East of Scotland.
Our unwavering commitment to meeting the changing needs of the community drives us to provide a broad range of health and social care services that promote the physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being of every individual for whom we care.
At VSA, we always aim to go above and beyond in our care to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve and our communities.
Over 25 services provided
Care Homes
� Crosby House � Ruthrieston House
VSA Connect
� Broomhill Park � Cloverfield Grove
Care at Home
Mental Health & Wellbeing Facilities
450 Holburn Street
Mercat Cross Bookshop
Received a 4/5 grade from Care Inspectorate
“The atmosphere was pleasant and homely. This meant people felt safe and at ease in their environment. One person told us, “it is home.” Staff were skilled at building and developing meaningful relationships. There was a high level of satisfaction among people experiencing care. Comments such as “the staff are very kind” and “staff go above and beyond were expressed.”
Received a 5 grade from Care Inspectorate
“Staff interacted with people in a very warm and friendly manner, and it was clear that they knew the people they were supporting well. Throughout our visit, we heard lots of laughter and staff spoke with respect and enthusiasm. People told us they were very happy with their support and that staff were “kind” and “caring”. One person told us, “It’s the very best place I have ever lived”. This enabled people to feel safe and secure because they experienced consistent and caring relationships.”
Scott’s Squad at Run Balmoral
Scott, a pupil from Linn Moor School, bravely took on the 5k at Run Balmoral.
He trained for months with support from staff, and then completed the run on the big day, all while raising over £1,000 for Linn Moor.
We are all so proud of Scott for being able to complete this challenge he set himself. A 5k run is not easy and he did it all to support his school.
Well done Scott and the “Scott’s Squad” team at Linn Moor!
The people we support
Growing up in Aberdeen within a close family of five, Shaun initially worked as a Fish Filleter when leaving school before drugs had an impact on his life. VSA began supporting Shaun when he moved into Arrdeir House in 2020.
Shaun also enjoys spending time playing darts with other service users and staff and going to watch football. He has found new hobbies at Arrdeir, including drawing, yo-yo-ing, and collecting football shirts and caps.
Arrdeir House is one of VSA’s city based residential mental wellbeing facilities that provide 24 hour support for people living with severe or enduring mental health conditions. These facilities are a mix of rehabilitation and long term placement.
They started helping me when I moved into Arrdeir. I really like it here, there are people around me all the time for support because I don’t like being on my own. I can do things and go places on my own too, and I always know there will be someone back at Arrdeir who is interested to listen to how my day has been.
The people we support
Logan attends Easter Anguston Farm as one of our trainees, where our team supports him to gain work experience and learn horticulture and agricultural skills.
Recently, his mum Louise shared their story of how the farm has supported Logan and their family. Not only does it provide Logan with the support and educational setting he needs to learn and develop, but it also provides emotional support through challenging times as a family.
“They care about Logan and what happens to him, and they have bolstered me when I wasn’t strong. I don’t know where my family would be without the support of not only Easter Anguston Farm but VSA as a whole.”
“They have given him a reason to get up in the morning and a sense of purpose and I dread to think what life would be like without it.”
View Logan’s Story by scanning the QR code
Logan Meet
Fundraising
Thanks to all of our amazing supporters and donors throughout the course of the year.
We wouldn’t be able to provide the quality services we do without your amazing generosity.
All money raised at VSA goes towards enhancing the lives of the adults and children we support by funding all sorts of activities, equipment, holidays, and housing improvements helping them to live their best possible lives.
Christmas Appeal
We were absolutely delighted to partner with local radio station Original 106 FM as part of our 2023 Christmas Appeal.
Our team and Original 106 FM’s very own Martin Ingram announced the partnership to their many thousands of listeners across the North-East of Scotland.
Businesses and communities responded to our appeal by so generously donating gifts for all ages, helping brighten up the festive season for vulnerable children and adults.
VSA’s Got Talent
Our first ever “VSA’s Got Talent” contest took place in September 2023.
We had 13 acts from across our services perform including singing, guitar playing, reading poems and dancing.
Everyone was amazing and our judges had such a hard time deciding on a winner as everyone performed so well.
A huge “well done” to our winners, The Craigton Groovers, who took the trophy home - performing a Disney Medley in some fantastic outfits!
Best of Care Ball
VSA’s Best of Care Ball took place at the P&J Live on Friday, 3rd November 2023.
The ‘A Whole New World’ themed winter ball, supported by principal sponsor Ithaca Energy, treated guests to an evening of Arabian nights-inspired entertainment from local dance troupe Danscentre.
350 guests danced the night away to party band Mad Hen and helped raise vital funds in aid of VSA’s services.
The evening was hosted by Scottish actor Jordan Young who stars in River City and Scots Squad, who also held the live auction proceedings.
£120,000 over raised
Volunteering
Volunteers are at the heart of VSA, and without the support of individuals, groups, corporate partners, and many others who each year generously give their time, we would not be able to provide the vital services and support that we do.
Our Annual Fundraising Awards made a very welcome return in October 2023 at Aberdeen’s Town House. The event recognised those who have tirelessly and selflessly given up their time to support VSA.
VSA Fundraising Awards 2023
The Lady Jane Catto Unsung Hero Award, won by Nicola Lindsay
The James Logan Award for Outstanding Achievement, won by The McRobb Family
The Dr Vijey Jandial Award for Corporate Volunteering, won by Ithaca Energy
The Michael Archibald Award for Volunteering, won by Jillian Dempster
The Melville Watson for Corporate Achievement in Fundraising, won by ITC Hydraulics
The VSA Community Award, won by Amy Strath
Over 200
Individual volunteers have supported VSA in the past year
Financial Stats
Total Income
£20.2m
Other Investments
Donations & Legacies
Charitable Activities
Expenditure
£22.3m
Charitable Activities
Cost of Fundraising
Thank you to our amazing supporters
We would love to thank all of our incredible supporters who across the year have donated financially or given their time and energy to help VSA.
Special thanks goes to:
Acteon Group
Amy Strath & Lauren Patterson
Apache Corporation
Barrack Charitable Trust
Boshier Hinton Foundation
BP Exploration & Operating Co Ltd
Burness Paull LLP
Claxton Engineering Ltd
CNR International (UK) Ltd
CSG
David Cormack
Energy Voice
Finnies the Jeweller
Fiona Kennedy OBE DL
Gary & Ann McRobb
General & Technical Flooring Services
George Crombie Trust
GSR Training
The Ina Scott Sutherland Trust
Ithaca Energy UK Ltd
ITC Hydraulics & Manufacturing
John Gordon Charitable Trust
John Shivas Memorial Trust
Maritime Developments
Nineveh Trust
Original 106
Peterkins LLP
Roemex Ltd
Shell UK
STATS Group
All VSA event participants
Reduce
Committed to the reduction of emission usage
Our Commitment to Net Zero
There is clear evidence that climate change is happening.
VSA is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and will ensure that all is done to mitigate climate and the adverse impact this has on our planet.
This year, we launched our “Be a VSA Eco Champion” initiative to staff throughout all of our services, to raise awareness of the impact that everyone can make by taking small actions in the workplace.
Digital
Digital Care Management system introduced to help reduce printing
Energy
Natural Gas & Electrcity usage reduced, with planned installation of Smart Heating Systems
Finance & Trustee Information
President
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Councillor David Cameron
Honorary Presidents
Fiona Kennedy, OBE DL
Maggie Wilson
Vice Presidents
Lady Joan Catto, MBE DL
Mr James Stevenson
Mr Mathew Finnie
Chair of the Board of Trustees Kevin Shand
Honorary Treasurer Gordon Edwards
Chief Executive Sue Freeth
Honorary Law Agent Burness Paull LLP
External Auditors
Hall Morrice LLP
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2024
The trustees are pleased to present their trustee report together with the audited financial statements for the year to 31st March, 2024.
Directors and Trustees April 2023-March 2024
The directors of Aberdeen Association of Social Service (the charity operating as VSA) are its trustees for the purpose of charity law.
The trustees of Aberdeen Association of Social Service who were in office during the year and up to the date of signing the financial statements were:
Mr K Shand (Chair)
Mr J Knowles (Vice Chair)
Mr G Edwards (Treasurer)
Mrs S Barnett (Appointed October 2023)
Mr S Burt
Mrs M Gibson
Prof J Harper
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity Name Aberdeen Association of Social Service (known as VSA)
Charity Registration Number SC012950
Registered office and Principal office 38 Castle Street Aberdeen AB11 5YU
Telephone 01224 212021
info@vsa.org.uk
Prof S D Heys
Mr A McBurnie
Mr G S Poon
Dr D P B Watson (Resigned May 2023)
Mr G Watt
Mrs C E Wilkie