## **Missing People Limited Company no. 02814202** 

Annual Report **and Accounts** Year ended 31 March 2024 



## Missing People Limited 

**Contents** ....................................................................................................................................2 ......................................................................................................................................4 1. Reference and Administrative .............................................................................................................4 2. Structure, Governance and Management ...........................................................................................5 Nature of governing document ...................................................................................................5 Charitable Activity in Scotland.....................................................................................................5 Organisation ................................................................................................................................5 Recruitment and appointment of Trustees .................................................................................5 Induction and training .................................................................................................................5 Pay policy .....................................................................................................................................6 Related parties and cooperation with other organisations ........................................................6 3. Purpose, Aims and Charitable Activities of Public Benefit ..................................................................6 Vision ...........................................................................................................................................6 Mission ........................................................................................................................................6 Aims .............................................................................................................................................6 Charitable Activities of Public Benefit .........................................................................................7 Volunteers ...................................................................................................................................7 Strategic Report .......................................................................................................................................8 4. Achievements and Impact ...................................................................................................................8 Monitoring and Evaluation ....................................................................................................... 11 Fundraising Statement ............................................................................................................. 11 5. Financial Review ............................................................................................................................... 12 6. Risk Management ............................................................................................................................. 13 7. Plans for the Future .......................................................................................................................... 14 ........................................................................................... 15 TRUSTEES OF MISSING PEOPLE LIMITED .............................................................................................................................................................. 16 Statement of Financial Activities .......................................................................................................... 20 Balance Sheet ....................................................................................................................................... 21 Statement of Cash Flows ...................................................................................................................... 22 Notes to the Financial Statements ....................................................................................................... 23 

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Missing People Limited 

When we published our latest long-term strategy in 2023, we deliberately named it From Crisis to Hope. This signifies not only a key focus of our mission in serving those who need the charity, but also, at a macro level where we saw our societal role after the years of the Pandemic. 

The challenge of Crisis over the last few years remains critical and has given rise to existential threats that impact on us as a charity and us as a society. Firstly, the economic impact of the past few years has been severe across the charity sector. We have managed this well at Missing People, ensuring we remain both stable and able to weather tough times. But it has certainly temporarily curtailed some of our ability to do far more to meet the demand for our services. We end this financial year in a good place, thanks to incredible supporters and donors, and cost management by our expert team. But we want and need to do more to meet the growing need for our work. 

Secondly, the societal impact of the Pandemic is still manifesting with direct correlations on our work; left the workplace and find themselves unwilling, unable or unwanted to return. The impact on the mental health, self-confidence, physical health, finances, socialisation and well-being of those affected them to go missing. Thus, the need for our services, our expertise and our campaigning with everyone impacted by the cause has never been stronger. 

And this is where Hope comes in. As you will see throughout this report, the charity is rising to the challenge. We are helping more people at the right time: a 21% increase in those we directly helped this year compared to last. Our move to providing digital support is proving successful; both to meet people where they are, and as a more cost-effective mechanism for delivery. 

Our work on preventing people from going missing is growing significantly. More UK Police forces are signposting people to our services than ever, with over 60,000 referrals in the past year. Our reach across the UK has grown spectacularly through fantastic partnerships with, for example, Stagecoach, Trainline and train operators, on advertising kindly donated by JCDecaux, and through media partners such as The Missing podcast and Channel 5 whose Vanished series has shed light on disappearances at prime time. 

Our voice as a campaigning advocate has grown in its importance. There has continued to be a national conversation about the responsibilities of the police in missing incidents, including whether an investigation should be opened at all in some cases. We have played an active role in these conversations, championing the voices of previously missing people and families, advocating for a reduction in inappropriate reporting which can lead to over-policing, while being clear that the police must not step back from their safeguarding and public protection responsibilities. We shared our expertise with over 4,000 multi-agency professionals. We continued to influence the Police Race Action Plan to ensure a better response to missing black people is centred within their ongoing improvement plans.  And our significance as a charity as a voice for Hope was recognised with an event at 10 Downing St to thank many of our supporters, partners and donors for their ongoing 

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## Missing People Limited 

support and a Reception at Kensington Palace with our Royal Patron, HRH Duchess of Gloucester to mark the work of our volunteers and the bravery, courage and support of the communities we serve. 

As a Board, we have continued to grow our expertise through the new Trustees recruited this year. We are fortunate to have volunteers in a variety of roles across the charity whose value is hugely significant and whose energy, commitment and drive are so i This year, our wonderful Vice Chair, Jane Harwood stood down after many exceptional years of service to the charity. Jane has been a brilliant colleague, supporter and source of wisdom across the charity, and we would all like to thank her for her excellent service. 

The leadership team at the charity has remained consistent in their resilience, determination and professionalism across the year. We are fortunate to have an ideal mix of pragmatism, ambition, professional expertise and creativity across the team coupled with an utterly grounded approach to their work. 

I would like to thank all our colleagues volunteers, staff, Trustees for their work over the year. And to pass our own combined thanks and gratitude to our partners, supporters, and donors such as the players of the Postcode Lottery, 

In reading this report and accounts, I very much hope that you will get an understanding both of how the charity operates, the reasons for its success and its influence which, I firmly believe, punches dramatically above its financial weight. We are conscious that every pound donated is a contribution that could have gone elsewhere; we thus ensure we use it to the best effect. Our ambition to do more is dependent on retaining our current supporters and growing new ones. We look forward to doing so and to bringing more organisations, companies, philanthropists and those who care into our fold so 

Justin McLaren 

Chair of Trustees 

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Missing People Limited 

## **1. Reference and Administrative** 

|Charity Name<br>Registered Charity<br>Company Number<br>Registered Office<br>Trustees<br>  <br> <br>  <br>  <br>Company Secretary<br>Chief Executive<br> <br>Directors<br>Auditor<br>Principal Bankers<br>Website|Missing People<br>England and Wales 1020419 / Scotland SC047419<br>02814202<br>Roebuck House<br>284 Upper Richmond Road West<br>London SW14 7JE<br>Justin McLaren<br>Chair<br>Paul Boughton<br>Treasurer<br>Caryl Agard - resigned 8thSeptember 2023<br>Sarah Godwin<br>Jane Harwood<br>Vice Chair<br>Sam Waterfall<br>Andrew McKay<br>Ebru Ilhan<br>appointed 25 April 2023<br>Caroline Rawes<br>appointed 25 April 2023<br>Nunziatina Rosenow<br>appointed 25 April 2023<br>Vijay Samtani<br>appointed 25 April 2023<br>Anindita Sarkar<br> appointed 22 May 2024<br>Louise Lloyd<br> appointed 22 May 2024<br>Rachel Murphy<br>appointed 22 May 2024<br>James Walker<br>appointed 22 May 2024<br>David Stein<br>Jo Youle OBE<br>Susannah Drury, Director of Policy and Development<br>Zoe Hart, Director of People & Organisational Development<br>Sophie Lapham, Director of Services<br>Ross Miller, Director of Fundraising and Communication<br>David Stein, Director of Finance<br>Crowe UK LLP<br>R+ Building<br>2 Blagrave Street<br>Reading<br>RG1 1AZ<br>CAF Bank<br>25 Kings Hill Avenue<br>Kings Hill<br>West Malling ME19 4TA<br>www.missingpeople.org.uk|
|---|---|



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Missing People Limited 

## **2. Structure, Governance and Management** 

## **Nature of governing document** 

Missing People became a registered charity in England and Wales (charity number 1020419) on 30 April 1993, and in Scotland (charity number SC047419) on 16 May 2017. It is a charitable company with no issued share capital being limited by guarantee. Its governing instrument is its Articles of Association, dated 23 February 2017, and the Trustees are its members. Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees at the 31 March was 10. The objects as stated in the Articles of Association are: 

(a) to provide counselling and support to families in conditions of need, hardship or physical or mental distress as a result of a member of their family having disappeared without trace. 

(b) to provide help and support to persons who have left home without informing their family and friends or carers of their whereabouts and who are suffering conditions of need, hardship or physical or mental distress. 

(c) to educate the public in the social and economic problems resulting from the disruption to family life caused by the disappearance of a member of the family and the problems caused by individuals who have disappeared without trace. 

## **Charitable Activity in Scotland** 

Missing People is registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) under charity number SC047419 with charitable status under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. 

The charity provides its services, described under Achievements and Impact, to missing people and their loved ones in Scotland and carries out awareness and fundraising activities, as well as being commissioned by the Scottish Government to work with local agencies to implement the good practice approaches outlined in the National Missing Persons Framework. 

## **Organisation** 

Missing People is led by a diverse and experienced Board of Trustees who, together with the Chief Executive and Directors, ensure the charity delivers its aims. The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for governing the and monitoring its performance. Dayto-day activities are the responsibility of the Chief Executive and Directors. The Chief Executive reports to the Trustees and the Directors report to the Chief Executive. The Board places particular emphasis on maintaining high standards of governance. It has considered the Charity Governance Code and will review it during the year with a view to full compliance. 

## **Recruitment and appointment of Trustees** 

Most Trustee vacancies are advertised in a range of media, and candidates are required to submit a CV and undergo interviews with Trustees and a representative of Directors Group, and then the Chair and Chief Executive The procedure for the appointment of Trustees is set out in the Articles of Association. 

## **Induction and training** 

New Trustees are given a comprehensive briefing pack that includes information about the charity, their role, and the issue of missing people. All Trustees are invited to attend a structured induction day and training which aims to ground them in the cause and to enrich their understanding of the difference the charity makes. 

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Missing People Limited 

## **Pay policy** 

The aim of our pay policy, which applies to all employees, is to offer remuneration that is fair and appropriate for the roles they perform and the responsibilities they undertake to deliver our charitable aims. The Trustees consider the key management personnel of the charity to be the Chief Executive and all Directors. 

In setting remuneration for all staff, including senior staff, a number of criteria are used including consideration of the nature and responsibilities of specific roles, local and national sector averages and other market factors. 

## **Related parties and cooperation with other organisations** 

None of our Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. 

In order to best serve people affected, the charity is committed to working in partnership with a range of organisations from the public, private and charity sectors. A multi-agency response to disappearances is critical to success and something we are proud to foster. We work in partnership with every police force across the UK to enable referrals of families with a missing loved one to our support services, and to offer our independent and confidential support to people who are reported missing. 

As a recognised leader in the field of missing persons, the charity is a proud member of Missing Children Europe, and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. Missing People has previously been accredited by the Helplines Partnership, the membership body for organisations that provide information, support or advice via phone, email, text or online. 

We work with a range of charities working in connected areas - including mental health, homelessness, child sexual exploitation and suicide. This can include referrals, sharing best practice and piloting new ways to respond together. 

## **3. Purpose, Aims and Charitable Activities of Public Benefit** 

## **Vision** 

Every missing person is found safe. 

## **Mission** 

To be a lifeline when someone disappears. 

## **Aims** 

- Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life and death 

- All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time 

- Fewer missing people come to harm 

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Missing People Limited 

## **Charitable Activities of Public Benefit** 

Trustees have complied with their duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have paid due regard undertake. 

Missing People aims to improve the wellbeing of missing people, and their loved ones. Around 170,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are reported missing to UK police each year, many more than once. 

Missing People is one of a handful of charities providing an essential Helpline (text or call 116 000). This is assigned by Ofcom to protect the wellbeing of people in great difficulty . Missing People offers free, confidential support every day of the year. 

The charity works in collaboration with police forces across the UK to ensure that missing people and their loved ones can be referred to support services. 

work is informed by original research, consultation, and evaluation of services. The charity actively influences the national government strategy for missing persons. 

The charity helps missing children and young people in crisis, and those thinking of going missing. Providing confidential and non-judgemental advice and support, 365 days a year. Importantly, Missing People enables children and young people, often at risk of exploitation, to reconnect safely. Missing People also works in partnership with Local Authorities to ensure the safety of young people who return from being missing. 

Mental health is the most significant reason for an adult to go missing. For vulnerable missing adults, Missing People provides free, confidential, advice and support every day of the year. A missing adult 

Missing People supports people with a missing loved one to develop resilience to cope, to manage relationships with others, and to feel less alone. This support provides a sense of belonging to a community of people in a similar situation to help reduce isolation. Missing People provides free emotional and practical support as well as a range of in-depth support such as counselling and peerto-peer support for loved ones to help one another, including a range of events like the annual Family Day. In addition, Missing People provides the free Lost Contact Service to help reunite family members who may have been estranged. This service is made possible thanks to the kind support of LexisNexis Risk Solutions. 

Where appropriate, the charity enables free publicity opportunities to help find vulnerable missing people. This includes working in partnership with a wide range of companies such as Royal Mail Group and outdoor advertisers such as JCDecaux team is then on hand to receive information and sightings from the public, as well as contact from the missing person, every day of the year. 

## **Volunteers** 

Without volunteers, Missing People could not be a lifeline when someone disappears. Volunteers gain new rewarding experiences, learn from highly trained staff and gain and develop new skills. 

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Missing People Limited 

Volunteers make a real difference to the community of people affected by a disappearance. From raising vital funds, organising events, sharing appeals for missing people, to providing in-depth Helpline support. The financial statements do not recognise the significant financial value attributed to volunteer time. 

## **Strategic Report** 

## **4. Achievements and Impact** 

## **Services Performance** 

In total, Missing People directly helped 9,748 missing children, adults and families this year, a 21% increase on the previous year. In addition, an estimated 38,267 people affected by a disappearance accessed our online guidance. 

are critical in reaching missing people. Every police force in the UK has the capacity to request Missing People send a TextSafe SMS message to a missing person . More than 58,000 TextSafe messages were requested by police and sent by the charity in 2023-24 to missing children and adults, thousands of whom then contacted the charity for support 

We reached out to an additional 2,701 suicidal missing people offering them the support of both Missing People and Samaritans through our Missing & Suicidal TextSafe service. Up to 80% of people who receive a Missing & Suicidal TextSafe® message engage with either Samaritans or Missing People having received a message, showing the value of this service. This year we received funding from the Department of Health and Social Care to expand this valuable service, both in terms of the service operating hours and in the number of police forces making referrals to Missing & Suicidal Textsafe. 

## **Families of missing people** 

Missing People helped 1,471 families with a missing loved one. This is an 18% increase on the previous year. 

Our support includes tailored practical help for the search for a missing loved one and for emotional trauma, from our team of family support workers and counsellors. We supported families affected by County Lines exploitation, through our national SafeCall service, offering casework, advocacy, emotional support, and peer-to-peer support. We also support families through our Lost Contact Tracing Service to help them find loved ones who are not being searched for by the police. 

_understanding and great_ A family member supported by our Family Support team 

A family member supported by the Lost Contact Tracing Service 

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Missing People Limited 

In addition, 18,370 family members accessed our online family support resources. 

Making appeals for a missing person is one of the practical ways the charity helps people with a missing loved one. This year 779 people we searched for were found safely. 

## **Missing children and young people** 

This year, Missing People helped 5,623 children and young people, an increase of 22%. This included support given via our multi-channel Helpline, a chatbot and 1:1 online chat for young people at risk of exploitation, and  theSafeCall service providing advocacy and support for young victims of County Lines exploitation. In addition, we continued to provide our Hertfordshire return home and intensive support service to young people who have been missing repeatedly.  All our services for young people provide a confidential, non-judgemental space to share challenges and talk through options, as well as support to be safe. 

_. Y_ oung person accessing SafeCall service 

_._ Young person receiving intensive support through our Hertfordshire service 

_. Y_ oung person using our Online Chat 

In addition, an estimated 9,908 young people accessed our online guidance. This included advice and support on a range of topics linked to going missing, like bullying, exploitation and mental health. 

## **Vulnerable missing adults** 

This year, Missing People helped 2,654 adults who had gone missing or who were thinking about disappearing, an increase of 23% on the previous year. 

We provide adults with a confidential, non-judgemental space to think through their options, stay safe and access specialist support if needed via phone, text, email and online chat. Missing people can send a message home to a family member via the charity if they are not ready to get in touch directly, and we can offer 3 ways calls to support a missing person to access support from the police and other services. 

In addition, an estimated 9,990 adults accessed our online guidance. Providing information and support on topics stay safe while away from home, and what to do if you are struggling with mental health issues. 

_. They provide places for you to move onto when ._ An adult accessing Online Chat 

_think you are listening to me, but you might be saving my life. A_ dult accessing the Helpline 

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Missing People Limited 

## **Policy, Research and Development** 

This year, the charity shared our expertise with over 4,000 professionals through consultancy work, training, events and conferences for police forces, local authorities, NHS, care providers and third sector agencies. This equates to four times the number of professionals we engaged with the previous year, showing our growing reach and impact. This work aims to work with local agencies to identify their strengths and challenges in the response to missing people, and to improve their response in line with good practice. 

“The workshop helped local partners working with _children and young people to capture the multiagency response to a variety of scenarios relating to when a child or young person goes missing. The facilitator encouraged partners to share local approaches and procedures and sought clarity when required. The workshop was a useful networking opportunity for Bexley partners and the exercise of unpicking how, when and why partners respond to missing children and young people drew out lots of detail. As a multi-agency team building exercise, highly recommended!_ Commissioner from a London Borough Safeguarding Partnership 

_best. Improving return home interviews and how we think about missing children was a high priority for_ us. We had 20 staff on the training who have given really positive feedback and| feel confident it’s made _them rethink and do things differently. We have lot of plans now following the training on how we can improve things even more._ ” Local Authority Children’s Services professional 

In Scotland, we delivered the fifth year of our National Framework Implementation Project, funded by the Scottish Government. This project aims to ensure that the good practice in responding to missing people, identified in Scotland’s National Missing Persons Framework, is implemented in loc al areas. We worked in seven areas supporting local agencies to create effective multi-agency responses to missing, develop effective missing persons’ protocols and deliver effective return discussion training. We also held the annual Scottish missing persons conference on good practice to share examples of good practice in preventing and responding effectively to missing incidents. Professionals we worked with in local areas in Scotland in 2023-24 provided the following feedback: 

_project has spurred it on._ 

_missing person cycle_ - _i.e. what happens to the info once the person_ 

_has returned -_ 

W ith the Children’s Society we published new guidance for professionals on supporting unaccompanied children who arrive in the UK and are at risk of going missing. The guidance has been viewed over 3,000 times since it was launched with a webinar attended by 280 professionals. 

We also published 2 public insights surveys undertaken by the polling company Opinium with a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults. These provide valuable insights about public understanding of the cause, why people go missing, and how police should prioritise disappearances. The surveys showed that most people think the police should prioritise finding missing children and adults and 

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Missing People Limited 

missing people scored as the 2[nd] highest priority for the police, after responding to violent crime, but ahead of responding to burglaries, vehicle crime, anti-social behaviour, visible neighbourhood policing, public order policing and supporting people with mental health difficulties. 

## **Monitoring and Evaluation** 

Missing People is committed to the robust monitoring and evaluation of its services, so that we can effectively identify and measure the impact on . We have embedded monitoring and evaluation processes throughout all our projects and have a dedicated impact team to undertake thorough evaluation. Our evaluation processes include assessing our progress against theories of change, alongside monitoring of detailed operational and management information. We produce an annual Impact Report that is freely available to everyone and provide quarterly updates on key crossorganisational measures to Directors Group and Trustees. In addition, we gather feedback from those using our services, which allows us to assess our impact on their lives and the varied issues that they face. 

We also work with external evaluators including Crest Advisory which allows our work to be challenged, scrutinised and improved, through independent review. Overall, our evaluation processes are crucial in enabling organisational learning and helping us to adapt our service design and delivery in response to the changing needs of our beneficiaries. 

## **Fundraising Statement** 

Missing People is reliant on donations and gifts in wills. Supporters of the cause send a powerful message that they care about people and the society we live in. Our fundraising staff and volunteers aim to provide our supporters with the same level of care and respect. We take extra care with supporters who may be vulnerable and have a policy in place to help protect them. 

Missing People is focused on long-term sustainable support built on strong relationships. The charity has a diverse range of income streams. On average, Missing People raises £5-£6 for every £1 we spend on fundraising. 

Missing People is a paying member of the Fundraising Regulator. The charity raises vital funds in accordance with our Fundraising Promise. Principles and uses these principals to guide ethical considerations in relation to fundraising. 

This year, we warmly welcomed new donors, supporters, partners, and Fundraising Board members. They included significant new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Richer Sounds Foundation, GTR, SWR and Trainline.  They joined longPostcode Lottery, Royal Mail Group, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Stagecoach, Morrisons Foundation, Flutter, Bally's Foundation, RELX Group, Norton Rose Fulbright, Dulverton Trust, Alchemy Foundation, and CIL Management Consultants. We thank each of them, and everyone else, for enabling the charity to be a lifeline when someone disappears. 

We received no (0) complaints regarding fundraising this year. 

Missing People occasionally uses commercial participators to carry out fundraising services on our behalf. 

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Missing People Limited 

## **5. Financial Review** 

We enjoyed another successful financial year with some 13% growth in income. 

The Charity recorded an unrestricted surplus for the year of £25k (last year £128k) against a budgeted deficit of £329k.The improvement of £354k against budget arose primarily from higher income than expected, whilst costs were maintained at budgeted level was a result of costs being delayed. 

Total income for the year was £3,999k (last year £3,519k) against a budget of £3,689k, a positive variance of £310k c8%. The main increases came from a very successful Gala night, additional income from a small number of major donors and funders, and increased challenge event activity. 

Total costs rose from £3,397k last year to £4,006k - an increase of c18% - against a budget of £4,094. The main drivers of the increase were a 6% cost of living award to existing staff plus new planned recruitment. 

Volunteers and pro bono supporters again contributed significantly to the charity, far beyond the income recognised in these financial statements. We thank Kapow for free text (SMS) messages, the out-of-home media owners, and many other print and digital partners for advertising space, and we are grateful to the charity's solicitors Clifford Chance for their ongoing services provided on a pro bono basis. 

## **Reserves** 

The charity's free reserves policy is that it should hold no less than three months' and no more than six months' current operating costs to safeguard against fluctuations that may arise in funding. This policy is intended to maximise the amount available for Missing People's charitable activities during the current economic climate while also planning for a sustainable future. Free reserves are defined as unrestricted funds less fixed and intangible assets and designated funds. 

At the end of the year, the level of free reserves was £1,246k (2022: £1,978k) which amounted to free reserves to designated reserves. 

## **Going Concern** 

Missing People has had a steady track record financially over the last decade, making a small surplus in most years and gradually increasing the free reserves. As we had reached the top end of our reserves the Trustees approved the £700k referred to above to invest in projects over the next two financial years to generate growth, income, capacity and impact. 

Our budget for 2024/25 shows a planned deficit of £330k against free reserves as we gradually budget we will be applying some £400k of designated funds towards longer term projects. 

The first quarter management accounts are broadly on budget. 

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## Missing People Limited 

The budget has been followed by a projection for the following two years showing annual deficits of £185k and £22k respectively. Cash flows have been projected over the next three years in total. Whilst we expect cash resources to fall in the short term, our relatively high opening cash balances mean we do not anticipate cash flow difficulties in the foreseeable future. We would add that the costs of the designated fund projects have been designed with much flexibility such that they can easily be stopped if it becomes apparent that they will not be successful. 

The future years (2025/26 and 2026/27) will be underpinned by increased activity arising from our new strategy and investment programme which we anticipate will add considerably to our financial sustainability. The impact of our new strategy and investment programme has not yet been reflected in these forecasts. Accordingly, they have been prepared on a cautious basis. 

Therefore, the Trustees have concluded, based on the analysis above, that the adoption of a going concern basis in the preparation of these financial statements is appropriate. 

## **6. Risk Management** 

Trustees review the major risks faced by the charity as part of their annual cycle of business. Systems of internal financial control assets, ensure that proper accounting records are maintained, and provide reliable and timely financial information. 

Trustees are satisfied with these arrangements and the following are key risks which the charity faces and the related mitigation factors in place: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Risk   Mitigation<br>Safeguarding: The charity fails to prevent harm. Our policies and procedures are reviewed<br>regularly and there is a Safeguarding Panel in<br>place to review practice. Staff and volunteer<br>safeguarding training is compulsory and<br>repeated annually. Services Managers provide<br>on-call support for our frontline services teams<br>and DBS checks are in place for relevant roles.<br>Economic pressures Post Covid: Changes in the  We continue to strengthen and diversify our<br>economic/political environment impact  income streams.  We have in place rigorous<br>negatively on voluntary income.  processes for budgeting, management reporting<br>and monitoring of financial performance.<br>Fundraising: Failure by us, or on the part of  We have reviewed our fundraising policies and<br>agencies we work with, to comply with  practices, and ensured those working on our<br>fundraising regulation.   behalf abide by our Fundraising Promise and the<br>Fundraising Regulator, and we will regularly<br>monitor their work. We have adopted the<br>established a Fundraising Ethics Group<br>comprising Trustees and executive team<br>members.<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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Missing People Limited 

||Sector reputation:The media, opinion formers<br>or general public opinion may erode trust in<br>charities, affect the sectors strong standing and<br>may indirectly impact our ability to be trusted<br>and to fundraise.|We will continue to be transparent and<br>trustworthy and provide high quality accredited<br>services in a cost-effective way. Trustees and<br>Directors will continue to regularly monitor<br>potential areas of vulnerability.|
|---|---|---|
||Pro bono support:The charity receives<br>significant pro bono support without which our<br>ability to provide our existing level of service<br>could be impacted.|We will continue to build positive relationships<br>with pro bono suppliers to ensure support<br>continues. In addition, we always seek a<br>partnership agreement that outlines a minimum<br>length of such support.|



## **7. Plans for the Future** 

Missing People long-term strategy is called From Crisis to Hope and launched in 2023 

The strategy highlights that people who go missing are often in a crisis and face great harm. More than from police, and they can face intense public and media speculation, on top of their emotional heartache. The goals of the new strategy are **:** 

1. Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death. 

2. All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time. 

3. Fewer missing people come to harm. 

The charity is calling for change so that someone going missing is viewed as a crisis, backed by a fair response by police and other agencies involved. The charity also aims to develop its existing helpline support to reach more of those impacted by mental health problems, exploitation and financial problems made worse by the cost-of-living crisis. 

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Missing People Limited 

## **8** 

The charity Trustees (who are also the directors of Missing People Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual 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 in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).  Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. 

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

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. 

- make judgements and accounting 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. 

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

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and 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 Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and with the requirements of 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. 

Financial statements are published on the charitable company's website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions.  The maintenance and integrity of the charitable company's website is the responsibility of the Trustees.  The Trustees' responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein. 

Each Trustee has confirmed that, insofar as they are aware: 

   - unaware. 

- they have taken all the steps, that as Trustees they ought to have taken, to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. 

Approved by the Trustees on 19 September 2024  and signed on their behalf by: 

On. [ TorABDS5A8CAAB854E6...Signed by:} Justin McLaren Chair 

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## **9. MISSING PEOPLE LIMITED** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Missing People Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

4 and of its 

incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 

## **Basis for opinion** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, cal responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **Other information** 

The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

16 



Missing People Limited 

## **MISSING PEOPLE LIMITED (CONTINUED)** 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## **Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006** 

In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit 

purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

applicable legal requirements. 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 require us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

15 the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

17 



Missing People Limited 

## **MISSING PEOPLE LIMITED (CONTINUED)** 

We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations are set out below. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial 

## **Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud** 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements from irregularities, whether due to fraud or error, and discussed these between our audit team members. We then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the charitable company operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 together with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items. 

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charitable company for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were General Data Protecting Regulations, taxation legislation, health and safety legislation and employment legislation 

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. 

18 



Missing People Limited 

## **MISSING PEOPLE LIMITED (CONTINUED)** 

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be within the timing of recognition of certain income streams and the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management, and the Board about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on the posting of journals and income, reviewing accounting estimates for biases, reviewing regulatory correspondence with the Charity Commission, and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. 

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations. 

## **Use of our report** 

Regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members and trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent perm itted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, the charitable company’s members as a body and the charitable company’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Janette Joyce Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of **Crowe U.K. LLP** Statutory Auditor **Reading** 

## **Dated : 23 September 2024** 

19 



## **Missing People Limited** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024** 

|**Note**<br>**Income:**<br>**Voluntary Income**<br>Donations, grants and legacies<br>15<br>**Income from Charitable activities:**<br>Fees and grants for service provision<br>Policy & Research<br>**Income from Investments**<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure:**<br>**Expenditure on Raising funds**<br>Raising funds<br>**Expenditure on Charitable activities:**<br>Service provision<br>Policy & Research<br>**Total Charitable Activities**<br>**Total Expenditure**<br>4<br>2<br>**Reconciliation of Funds**<br>Fund balances brought forward at 1 April 2023<br>Transfers<br>**Balance carried forward at 31 March 2024**<br>16<br>**Net (loss)/income and net movement in funds for the year**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>2,655,138<br>44,867<br>-<br>37,534<br>2,737,539<br>763,889<br>1,628,112<br>320,155<br>1,948,267<br>2,712,156<br>25,383<br>2,204,896<br>2,230,279|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>939,688<br>304,353<br>17,826<br>-<br>1,261,867<br>12,500<br>1,263,157<br>17,826<br>1,280,983<br>1,293,483<br>(31,616)<br>36,361<br>4,745|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>3,594,826<br>349,220<br>17,826<br>37,534<br>3,999,406<br>776,389<br>2,891,269<br>337,981<br>3,229,250<br>4,005,639<br>(6,233)<br>2,241,257<br>2,235,024|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>2,259,542<br>22,647<br>-<br>16,856<br>2,299,045<br>622,583<br>1,294,446<br>254,024<br>1,548,470<br>2,171,053<br>127,992<br>2,076,904<br>2,204,896|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>867,255<br>332,114<br>20,832<br>-<br>1,220,201<br>25,000<br>1,180,209<br>20,832<br>1,201,041<br>1,226,041<br>(5,840)<br>42,201<br>36,361|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>3,126,797<br>354,761<br>20,832<br>16,856<br>3,519,246<br>647,583<br>2,474,655<br>274,856<br>2,749,511<br>3,397,094<br>122,152<br>2,119,105<br>2,241,257|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|



The notes on pages 23 - 30 form part of these financial statements. 

All amounts relate to continuing activities. There are no recognised gains or losses other than the net movement in the funds included above. 

20 



## **Missing People Limited** 

## **Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024** 

## **Company Registration Number 02814202** 

||**Note**|**2024**|**2024**|**2023**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Fixed Assets**||||||
|Tangible assets|6||21,751||6,655|
|Intangible assets|6||262,513||220,513|
|**Current Assets**||||||
|Debtors|8|491,419||432,352||
|Cash at bank and in hand||1,739,853||1,948,786||
|**Creditors: Amounts falling due**||2,231,272||2,381,138||
|**within one year**|9|(280,512)||(367,049)||
|**Net Current Assets**|||1,950,760||2,014,089|
|**Total Assets less Current Liabilities**|||2,235,024||2,241,257|
|**Net Assets**|||2,235,024||2,241,257|
|**Funds of the charity:**||||||
|Unrestricted Funds|16||1,530,279||2,204,896|
|Designated Funds|16||700,000||-|
|Restricted Funds|16||4,745||36,361|
|**Total Funds**|||2,235,024||2,241,257|



The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on  19 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by: 

|}<br>}|Justin McLaren - Chair|
|---|---|
|}|Paul Boughton - Treasurer|



The notes on pages 23 -30  form part of these financial statements. 

21 



## **Missing People Limited** 

## **Statement of Cash Flows for year ended 31 March 2024** 

|**Cash flows from operating activities :**<br>**Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (see note (a))**<br>**Cash flows from investing activities**<br>Interest income<br>Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets<br>**Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities**<br>**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period**<br>**Net loss/ income for the reporting period (as per statement of financial activities)**<br>**Adjustments for:**<br>Depreciation charges<br>Interest income<br>(Increase)/decrease in debtors<br>(Decrease) /increase in creditors<br>**Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities**<br>**(b) Analysis of changes in net debt**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents**<br>Cash<br>1,739,853<br>1,739,853<br>**Borrowings**<br>Debt due within one year<br>-<br>Debt due after one year<br>-<br>-<br>**Total changes in net debt**<br>1,739,853<br>**(a) Reconciliation of net loss/ income to net cash flow from operating activities**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>(185,675)<br>37,534<br>(60,792)<br>(23,258)<br>(208,933)<br>1,948,786<br>1,739,853<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>(6,233)<br>3,696<br>(37,534)<br>(59,067)<br>(86,537)<br>(185,675)<br>**Cash Flows**<br>**£**<br>(208,933)<br>(208,933)<br>-<br>-<br>(208,933)|**2023**<br>**£**<br>110,528<br>16,856<br>(7,264)<br>9,592<br>(191,978)<br>2,140,764<br>1,948,786<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>122,152<br>5,232<br>(16,856)<br>(280,451)<br>(31,647)<br>(201,570)<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>1,948,786<br>1,948,786<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,948,786|
|---|---|---|



The notes on pages 23 - 30 form part of these financial statements. 

22 



## **Missing People Limited** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **Year ended 31 March 2024** 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: 

## **1 Accounting Policies** 

## **a) Basis of preparation** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. 


Missing People Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). There are areas of critical estimate or significant judgement that affects the preparation of these financial statements. See note 1(j) for further details. 

## **Going concern** 

The going concern assumption is based primarily on the healthy opening unrestricted reserves position (c £2.2m) followed by a two-year Investment Program of sustainability and growth projects of up to £700k which commenced in June 2024. The first financial year is nearly half way through , and financial performance is better than predicted in the Plan. 

The next two financial years are expected to end with a deficit after accounting for the costs of the projects. However the Charity will remain in a positive net assets position owing to the size of its opening unrestricted reserves. Thereafter we expect the Charity to report consistent annual surpluses. 

As a result of the above, based on budgets and cash flow forecasts, the Trustees consider the going concern basis to be appropriate. 

## **b) Group accounts** 

The Charity owns the whole of the share capital of Missing Limited. The company was dormant during the year and therefore consolidated accounts are not prepared. 

**c) Income** 

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.  In particular: 

Grants are accounted for once a formal offer of funding is received, subject to satisfying any performance-related conditions. In the event that a grant is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period; 

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. 

The charity receives donated facilities and services in the form of free office accommodation and advertising. As the charity cannot reliably measure the value of these donations, they are excluded from income and expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities. 

## **d) Expenditure** 

All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Wherever possible costs are allocated directly to the appropriate activity; other costs common to all activities are apportioned between those activities on the basis of the proportion of staff time spent during each year in connection with each activity. 

Cost of Raising Funds comprises costs incurred in inducing people and organisations to contribute financially to the work.  This includes the cost of advertising for donations and the staging of special fundraising events. 

Expenditure incurred in connection with the specific objects of the charity is included under the heading Charitable Activities. 

Support costs, which are the costs of overall direction and administration of each activity, comprising the salary and overhead costs of the central function, are apportioned on the basis of staff costs attributable to each activity. 

The irrecoverable element of VAT is included with the item of expense to which it relates. 

23 



## **Missing People Limited Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024** 

## **e) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation** 

Fixed assets are recorded at cost or, in cases where assets have been donated to the charity, at valuation at the time of donation. All assets acquired for continuing use and costing more than £500 are capitalised. 

Provision is made for depreciation on all tangible assets, at rates calculated to write off the asset less estimated residual value over its expected life as follows: 

Office Equipment - 25% to 33.33% per annum on a straight line basis 

Intangible assets comprise the charity's new CRM system and software licences which are capitalised at cost and reflected within the financial statements at amortised historic cost. Amortisation is calculated by allocation of the balance sheet value of the asset, less any residual value, to the periods expected to benefit from its use on a straight-line basis over 5 years. Amortisation charges will be charged to service revenue accounts once asset is operational. 

**f)** 

## **Funds** 

_Unrestricted funds_ are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity and have not been designated for other purposes. 

_Designated Funds_ are funds set aside by Trustees for specific purposes - the £700k set aside at the end of the financial year is intended to cover the net cost of a range of projects which will be carried out over the next two years to strengthen the ongoing impact, income and sustainability of Missing People. 

_Restricted funds_ are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. 

## **g) Leased assets** 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred. 

## **h) Direct taxation** 

The company is a charity within the meaning of Para 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010. Accordingly the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income within categories covered by Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income is applied exclusively to charitable purposes.  No tax charge arose in the period. 

## **i) Pension** 

The Charity contributes to a defined contribution group personal pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable under the scheme by the Charity to the funds. The Charity has no liability under the scheme other than for the payment of those contributions. Contributions are disclosed in note 3. 

## **j) Significant management judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty** 

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Judgements are necessary when determining the recognition of income as per note 1(c). 

Management do not consider there to be any material judgements or estimation and uncertainty requiring disclosure. 

24 



## **Missing People Limited Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **Year ended 31 March 2024** 

## **2 Income/(Expenditure)** 

The net income/(expenditure) for the year are stated after charging: 

||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|
|Depreciation on tangible fixed assets|3,696|5,232|
|Operating leases|22,323|17,947|
|Auditor's remuneration|||
|Audit services  (excluding VAT)|16,000|15,000|
|Non-audit services|-|-|



## **3 Staff costs** 

Staff costs were as follows: 

|**Staff costs**<br>Staff costs were as follows:|||
|---|---|---|
|Wages and salaries<br>Social Security costs<br>Pension|**2024**<br>**£**<br>2,787,074<br>268,122<br>134,935<br>3,190,131|**2023**<br>**£**<br>2,407,954<br>242,806<br>114,104|
|||2,764,864|



One employee earned between £110,001 - £120,000, one £70,001-£80,000, two £60,001-£70,000. (2023: one between £100,001 - £110,000, two £60,001-£70,000.) There were no redundancy costs  in the year  (2023: none). 

The average weekly number of employees (based on average headcount) during the year was as follows: 

|Charitable activities<br>Fundraising<br>Governance|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>84<br>76<br>12<br>12<br>1<br>1<br>97<br>89|
|---|---|



The full time equivalent number of employees (including casual and temporary staff) during the year was 74. (2023: 68) 

## **Trustees' remuneration and related party transactions** 

The Trustees neither were paid nor received any emoluments during the year (2023 - nil). Two Trustees were reimbursed £577 travel expenses during the year (2023: One £454). 

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Chief Executive and the directors as noted on page 4 The emoluments of the Chief Executive and directors were: 

|Executive directors' emoluments (excluding pension)<br>Pension contributions<br>The Chief Executive was the highest paid director in 2023/24;<br>total remuneration (excl employer's NI and pension contributions) for the year|**2024**<br>**£**<br>453,360<br>20,250<br>112,175|**2023**<br>**£**<br>412,225<br>18,136<br>102,775|
|---|---|---|



The Chief Executive is a member of a group personal pension scheme and a contribution of £5,609 (2023: £5,099) was made to the scheme on her behalf. There are no enhanced or special terms that apply to the Chief Executive's pension scheme arrangements. 

25 



## **Missing People Limited Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024** 

## **4 Analysis of Total Resources Expended** 

|Charitable Activities:<br>Service Provision<br>Policy & Research<br>Cost of Raising Funds<br>Charitable Activities:<br>Service Provision<br>Policy & Research<br>Cost of Raising Funds<br>**Support costs by activity**<br>Governance<br>Information technology<br>Central facilities<br>Finance<br>Human resources<br>Central management<br>Governance<br>Information technology<br>Central facilities<br>Finance<br>Human resources<br>Central management|**Service**<br>**Provision**<br>38,075<br>136,406<br>70,955<br>105,143<br>116,067<br>93,915<br>560,561<br>**Service**<br>**Provision**<br>32,161<br>123,839<br>63,488<br>73,621<br>100,746<br>91,024<br>484,879|**Direct Costs**<br>**Activities**<br>**£**<br>2,330,708<br>272,454<br>625,863<br>3,229,025<br>**Direct Costs**<br>**Activities**<br>**£**<br>1,989,776<br>221,000<br>520,697<br>2,731,473<br>**Policy &**<br>**Research**<br>4,451<br>15,945<br>8,294<br>12,291<br>13,568<br>10,978<br>65,527<br>**Policy &**<br>**Research**<br>3,572<br>13,755<br>7,052<br>8,177<br>11,190<br>10,110<br>53,856|**(see note 5)**<br>**£**<br>560,561<br>65,527<br>150,526<br>776,614<br>**(see note 5)**<br>**£**<br>484,879<br>53,856<br>126,886<br>665,621<br>**Cost of**<br>**Raising Funds**<br>10,224<br>36,629<br>19,053<br>28,234<br>31,167<br>25,219<br>150,526<br>**Cost of**<br>**Raising Funds**<br>8,416<br>32,407<br>16,614<br>19,265<br>26,364<br>23,820<br>126,886<br>**Support Costs**<br>**Support Costs**|**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>2,891,269<br>337,981<br>776,389<br>4,005,639<br>**2023**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>2,474,655<br>274,856<br>647,583<br>3,397,094<br>**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>52,750<br>188,980<br>98,302<br>145,668<br>160,802<br>130,112<br>776,614<br>**2023**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>44,149<br>170,001<br>87,154<br>101,063<br>138,300<br>124,954<br>665,621|**2023**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>2,474,655<br>274,856<br>647,583<br>3,397,094<br>**2022**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>2,283,268<br>255,964<br>613,796<br>3,153,028<br>**2023**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>44,149<br>170,001<br>87,154<br>101,063<br>138,300<br>124,954<br>665,621<br>**2022**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>40,696<br>159,159<br>90,555<br>98,650<br>125,040<br>118,876<br>632,976|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



## **5 Support costs by activity** 

Support costs have been allocated on the basis of the charity's accounting policies and identified staff and direct costs for each category. 

26 



**6** 

**7** 

## **Missing People Limited Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024** 

## **Fixed Assets** 

|**Cost**<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>**At 31 March 2023**<br>**Depreciation**<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Charge for year<br>Disposals<br>**At 31 March 2024**<br>**Net book value**<br>At 31 March 2024<br>At 31 March 2023|**Office**<br>**Equipment**<br>**£**<br>74,781<br>18,792<br>-<br>93,573<br>68,126<br>3,696<br>-<br>71,822<br>21,751<br>6,655|**Intangible**<br>**Assets**<br>**£**<br>220,513<br>42,000<br>-<br>262,513<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>262,513<br>220,513|**Total**<br>**£**<br>295,294<br>60,792<br>-<br>356,086<br>68,126<br>3,696<br>-<br>71,822<br>284,264<br>227,168|
|---|---|---|---|



Intangible assets represents the charity's new CRM system which was funded from restricted funds. The final costs were transferred to general funds in June 2024 when the system became operational. 

## **Subsidiary Company** 


The Charity holds two ordinary £1 shares in Missing Ltd, being 100% of the issued share capital. The entire profit of Missing Ltd is paid annually to Missing People under Gift Aid. 

## **Results of Missing Ltd** 

|**PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT**<br>Turnover<br>Cost of sales and administration expenses<br>**Net profit for the year**<br>Amount gift aided to the charity<br>**Retained in subsidary**<br>**BALANCE SHEET**<br>Debtors<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year<br>**Total net assets**<br>**Capital and reserves**<br>Called up share capital<br>Profit and loss account<br>|**2024**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2<br>-<br>-<br>2<br>2<br>-<br>2|**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>`<br>2<br>-<br>-<br>2<br>2<br>-<br>2|
|---|---|---|



27 



## **Missing People Limited Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024** 

## **8 Debtors** 

|**8**|**Debtors**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**2024**||**2023**||
|||**£**||**£**||
||Accrued income|373,615||314,979||
||Prepayments|91,256||73,074||
||Other debtors|50||6,367||
||Trade debtors<br>Amount due from subsidiary|26,498<br>-||37,932<br>-||
|||491,419||432,352||
|**9**|All amounts shown under debtors fall due for payment within one year.<br>**Creditors:**<br>**Amounts falling due within one year**<br>Other taxes and social security costs<br>Other creditors<br>Trade creditors<br>Accruals<br>Deferred Income (Note 10)|**2024**<br>**£**<br>88,833<br>20,886<br>63,894<br>58,546<br>48,353||**2023**<br>**£**<br>59,400<br>28,273<br>36,426<br>44,281<br>198,669||
|||280,512||367,049||
|**10 **|**Deferred Income**<br>Balance at 1 April<br>Released in the year<br>Amount deferred in the year|**2024**<br>**£**<br>198,669<br>(198,669)<br>48,353||**2023**<br>**£**<br>190,226<br>(190,226)<br>198,669||
||Balance at 31 March|48,353||198,669||
|**11 **|Deferred income comprises grants which the donor has specified to be used in future accounting periods.<br> **Leasing Commitments**<br>At 31 March the Charity had minimum lease commitments under non-cancellable operating leases on office<br>equipment as set out below:<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**Operating leases which expire:**<br>Within one year<br>22,905<br>9,570<br>Between one and five years<br>29,221<br>4,057|||||
|||,||,||



28 



## **Missing People Limited Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024** 

## **12 Analysis of Net Assets** 

|**Year ended 31 March 2024**<br>Restricted<br>Designated<br>Unrestricted<br>**Year ended 31 March 2023**<br>Restricted<br>Unrestricted|**Net Current**<br>**Assets**<br>**Assets**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>4,745<br>-<br>700,000<br>284,264<br>1,246,015<br>284,264<br>1,950,760<br>-<br>36,361<br>227,168<br>1,977,728<br>227,168<br>2,014,089|**Total**<br>**£**<br>4,745<br>700,000<br>1,530,279<br>2,235,024<br>36,361<br>2,204,896<br>2,241,257|
|---|---|---|



## **13 Ultimate Controlling Party** 

The Directors listed in the Trustees' Report are the ultimate controlling parties being members of the company. All Charity policies and executive decisions are determined by the Trustees. The day to day running of the charitable company has been delegated to the Chief Executive and Directors. 

## **14 Related Party Transactions** 

There were no transactions with related parties during the year or the preceding year. The Charity received £3,676 donations from Trustees' (2023 £31,532) 

## **15 Donations, Grants and Legacies** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>General donations<br>2,078,465<br>939,688<br>Legacies<br>42,894<br>-<br>Fundraising & promotional events<br>533,779<br>-<br>2,655,138<br>939,688<br>**Movements in funds**<br>**Brought**<br>**Income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**forward**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>The movement on restricted funds comprises the following donations and grants held<br>purposes:<br>Service delivery grants<br>-<br>1,201,525<br>(1,201,525)<br>Service delivery grants - Fidelity Foun<br>30,742<br>-<br>(30,742)<br>Missing People Choir<br>5,619<br>2,410<br>(3,284)<br>Computer systems development<br>-<br>7,106<br>(7,106)<br>Regional funding<br>-<br>20,500<br>(20,500)<br>Policy & Research<br>-<br>17,826<br>(17,826)<br>Fundraising grants<br>-<br>12,500<br>(12,500)<br>Total restricted funds<br>36,361<br>1,261,867<br>(1,293,483)<br>**Designated funds**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>2,204,896<br>2,737,539<br>(2,712,156)<br>**Total funds**<br>2,241,257<br>3,999,406<br>(4,005,639)|**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>3,018,153<br>2,670,735<br>42,894<br>38,466<br>533,779<br>417,596<br>3,594,826<br>3,126,797<br>**Transfers**<br>**Carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>on trust to be used for specific<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>4,745<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>4,745<br>700,000<br>700,000<br>(700,000)<br>1,530,279<br>-<br>2,235,024|
|---|---|



## **16 Movements in funds** 

29 



## **Missing People Limited Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024** 

|**Movements in funds - previous year**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Service delivery grants<br>Service delivery grants - Fidelity Foundation<br>Missing People Choir<br>Computer systems development<br>Regional funding<br>Policy & Research<br>Fundraising grants<br>Total restricted funds<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>**Total funds**|**Brought**<br>**forward**<br>**£**<br>-<br>30,742<br>11,459<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>42,201<br>2,076,904<br>2,119,105|**Income**<br>**£**<br>-<br>1,131,757<br>-<br>795<br>12,817<br>29,000<br>20,832<br>25,000<br>1,220,201<br>2,299,045<br>3,519,246|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>(1,131,757)<br>-<br>(6,635)<br>(12,817)<br>(29,000)<br>(20,832)<br>(25,000)<br>(1,226,041)<br>(2,171,053)<br>(3,397,094)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**<br>-<br>30,742<br>5,619<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>36,361<br>2,204,896<br>2,241,257|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



Any expenditure on restricted projects not covered by restricted donations is met from unrestricted funds. 

## **Purposes of restricted funds** 

Service delivery grants: delivery of specific services, projects or programmes in line with funders grant conditions. Fidelity UK Foundation funds the charity's CRM project system that is being purchased and installed between 20/21 and 23/24. Missing People Choir fundraising is to support their ongoing costs 

Computer systems development funding supports software enhancement of the charity's services. Regional funding enables the charity's work in specific geographic areas. 

Policy and research funding represents donations and grants to support the charity's policy, research and advocacy work. Fundraising grants: funding towards the costs of a specific fundrasiing role 

The funding above includes generous donations from the following: 

||||£|
|---|---|---|---|
|The Dulverton Trust|||30,000|
||||146,711|
|LexisNexis Risk Solutions|||40,000|
|Home Office|||380,633|
|Mayor of London Violence Reduction Unit|||104,093|
|Missing People||Choir|1,910|
|The Alchemy Foundation|||12,500|
|Scottish Government|||197,500|
|Department  for Health and Social Care|||20,786|
|The National Lottery Community Fund (RC England Wide)|||37,861|



## **Purpose of designated funds** 

Designated Funds are intended to cover the net cost of a range of projects which will be carried out over the next two years to strengthen the ongoing impact, income and sustainability of Missing People. 

30