## **Luton Mediation** 

## **15 New Bedford Road** 

## **Luton** 

## **LU1 1SA** 

## **Email: info@lutonmediation.co.uk** 

_(Reg. Charity No: 1025520)_ 


## _**Twenty Ninth Annual Report**_ 

_**2021-2022**_ 

## **Working with** 

**Luton Borough Council** 

**(including tenancy enforcement, environment protection)) Safer Luton Partnership Bedfordshire Police Housing Associations** 



## **Chairpersons Welcome** 

Luton Mediation continues to provide a valuable service to residents of Luton in resolving conflicts in spite of shrinking budgets and competitive demands for the work. 

Debbie and Lorna have strived to maintain the high quality service that Luton Mediation has become synonymous with.  I want to thank them personally for their commitment and loyalty to the organisation, especially when we are trying really hard to maintain and deliver a service with  shrinking resources. 

We are thankful for each and every one of our volunteers and appreciate the time that they give in enabling the service to support many local people to resolve conflicts and retain a better quality of life. 

The year ahead will be challenging in the current climate and we will endeavour to secure ongoing funds to keep the service in existence. We are indebted to those who have already funded the work and hope that others will see the benefits of the service and want to be a part of it. 

It is a pleasure to be associated with the organisation both as the Vice Chair and the Staff Liaison Officer. 

**Joan Bailey** 



## **Service Report** 

2021 - 2022 has again proven to be both a busy and challenging year. 

We have had 294 enquiries into the office of which 92 cases were full cases. 

We were fortunate to be funded by LLAL and have continued to work closely & Build  relationships with other organisations. 

Unfortunately, we have lost our funding for the next year(2022-2023) and we continue to work hard sourcing other avenues of income. 

We continue to use our volunteer mediators for cases within Luton Borough. 

The 92 cases that were opened directly  impacted the lives of over 250 people, which is a huge amount. 

Mediation continues to be an effective and positive way to resolve issues and changes the lives of people affected. 

Our mediators continue to work hard and support the service. 

We have had some complex and challenging cases and we are very grateful for their Continued support. 

## **Debbie Gibbons** 



## _**Total Enquiries to the service  = 294 (202 signposted/no further action) Casework : 92 Cases Opened**_ 

|**_TOTAL_**|**_Self_**<br>**_Referrals_**|**_LBC_**<br>**_Housing_**|**_Tenancy_**<br>**_Enforcement_**|**_Community_**<br>**_Safety_**|**_Housing_**<br>**_Associations_**|**_Central_**<br>**_Beds_**|**_Police_**|**_Environmental_**<br>**_Protection_**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**_92_**|**_48_**|**_3_**|**_3_**|**_4_**|**_21_**|**_4_**|**_8_**|**_1_**|



## _**Case Analysis**_ 

|**_ASB_**|_25_|
|---|---|
|**_Hate Crime_**|_2_|
|**_Noise_**|_26_|
|**_Parking_**|_24_|
|**_Harassment_**|_4_|
|**_Rubbish_**|_8_|
|**_Boundaries_**|_3_|



## _**Disability**_ 

|**_Yes_**|**_No_**||**_Unknown_**<br>**_Prefer not_**<br>**_to say_**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**_24_**|_63_||**_5_**|
|||||
|**_AGE_**||||
|_17-24_||_3_||
|_25-34_||_12_||
|_35-49_||_31_||
|_50-64_||_40_||
|_65+_||_2_||
|_Unknown_||_4_||



## _**Referrals by ethnicity**_ 

|_White British_|_28_|
|---|---|
|_White European_|_10_|
|_Pakistani_|_18_|
|_Bangladeshi_|_8_|
|_Caribbean_|_4_|
|_Black African_|_4_|
|_Black Other_|_2_|
|_Mixed Heritage_|_4_|
|_Indian_|_3_|
|_Asian Other_|_4_|
|_Traveller/Gypsy_|_1_|
|_Other_|_2_|
|_Unknown/prefer not_<br>_to say_|_4_|



16 

|**_Gender_**|**_Gender_**||
|---|---|---|
|**_Male_**|**_Female_**|**_Other_**|
|_38_|_52_|_2_|





## _**What did our clients think of us?**_ 

_Service Evaluation forms are sent to all clients who met with mediators In 2021-2022 we had 19 replies_ 

## _**1. Booking the appointment** ._ 

|**_Very satisfied_**|**_Fairly Satisfied_**|**_Undecided_**|**_Fairly dissatisfied_**|**_Very dissatisfied_**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|_89%_|_10%_|_0%_|_0%_|_1%_|



## _**2. How well did we keep you informed of progress?**_ 

|**_Very well_**|**_Fairly Well_**|**_Undecided_**|**_Fairly poorly_**|**_Very poorly_**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|_93%_|_6%_|_0%_|_0%_|_1%_|



## _**3. How do you feel the mediators treated you?**_ 

|**_Fairly_**|**_Undecided_**|**_Unfairly_**|
|---|---|---|
|_95%_|_4%_|_1%_|



## _**4. How well do you think the mediators listened to you?**_ 

|**_Very well_**|**_Fairly Well_**|**_Undecided_**|**_Fairly Poorly_**|**_Very Poorly_**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|91%|8%|0%|0%|1%|



## **5. How well did the mediators explain the mediation process?** 

|**Very well**|**Fairly well**|**Undecided**|**Fairly Poorly**|**Very Poorly**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**94%**|**5%**|**0%**|**0%**|**1%**|



## **6. Case Outcome** 

|**Better**|**Same**|**Worse**|
|---|---|---|
|**86%**|**13%**|**1%**|



## **7. Would you try mediation again or recommend  us to someone else?** 

|**Definitely**|**Likely**|**Undecided**|**Unlikely to**|**Definitely not**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**71%**|**15%**|**13%**|**0%**|**1%**|





## _**WHO’S WHO**_ 

## _**MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE**_ 

_Joan Bailey Chairperson Norah Kitimbo Vice chairperson Rajab Ali Treasurer Kerryann Spencer Secretary Joan Bailey Staff Liaison Kerryann Spencer Mediator Rep Summara Khurshid LBC rep_ 

## _**OFFICE STAFF**_ 

_Lorna Chandler Senior Caseworker Debbie Gibbons Manager_ 



## **LUTON MEDIATION** 

## **Registered Charity Number 1025520** 

**TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2022** 



## **LUTON MEDIATION** 

## **Registered Charity Number 1025520** 

## **Report of the Trustees** 

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended March 31[st] , 2022 

## **Administrative details** 

Name: Luton Mediation 

Registered Charity Number: 1025520 

Principal Office: Community House, 15 New Bedford Road, Luton, LU1 1SA 

## **Management Committee** 

Joan Bailey (Chair) 

Rajab Ali (Vice Chair) 

Norah Kitimbo (Treasurer) 

Kerryann Spencer (Secretary) 

## **Governance and Management** 

The governing instrument is the constitution, which was adopted 18[th] March 1993, amended 14[th] November 2006. Management is through a board of trustees called “Management Committee” (MC) of up to a maximum of eight, nominated by members and elected at the AGM. 

Management Meetings are held quarterly. 

## **Objectives** 

Our charitable objectives are to promote for the public benefit in the Borough of Luton; and upon specific request, when resources will allow, the surrounding area; with a view to the preservation of public order. The provision of services directed towards mediation and conciliation between persons, organisations and groups who are involved in dispute or interpersonal conflict where that dispute or conflict results from or may lead to acts of nuisance, vandalism, breach of the peace or hate crime. To educate the public in the Borough of Luton about the methods of mediation and conciliation, the nature and causes of dispute and ways of managing it. 

## **Public Benefit Statement** 

In setting objectives and planning activities the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit. 

1 



## **Main Activities** 

Luton Mediation aims to resolve disputes by using trained mediators to negotiate agreement between disputing parties. Our focus is to offer a mediation service for neighbour disputes. 

## **Review of the Year** 

We have received 92 referrals this year. Many cases have been more complex than previous years. The Covid 19 pandemic is still impacting people’s lives. 

The types of neighbourhood Issues we have dealt with include, Anti-social behaviour, racial harassment, noise nuisance and parking. 

## **Reserves** 

The level of unrestricted reserves on 31[st] March 2022 was £47,469. It is the trustees view that it is prudent to ensure that there are enough reserves to cover 3 months operating costs. 

Approved by the trustees and signed on its behalf by: 

Trustee: 


Trustee: 


> Date: 20/9/22 

2 



## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Luton Mediation** 

I report on the accounts of Luton Mediation for the year ending 31[st] March 2022 which are set out on pages 4 - 8. 

## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees** 

As Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed 

It is my responsibility to: 

- Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 

- To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) 

- To state whether matters have come to my attention 

## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. The examination of Luton Mediation’s accounts includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. 

## _**Independent Examiner’s Statement**_ 

In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention or have not been met: 

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

- To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 

- To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 

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

Signed 

Joanne Hunter Date                                                                                                                                                 27 Bengeo Mews 05.09.22 

Bengeo Street 

Hertford 

SG14 3TL 

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## **LUTON MEDIATION** 

## **Registered Charity Number 1025520** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2022** 

|||2022|2021|
|---|---|---|---|
||Notes|Total funds|Total Funds|
|||unrestricted|unrestricted|
|||£|£|
|**Income**||||
|Income from charitable activities|1|37,459|43,752|
|Mediation and advice services||||
|Investment Income|2|14|163|
|**Total Income**||37,473|43,915|
|**Expenditure**||||
|Expenditure on charitable activities|3|39,173|46,913|
|**Total expenditure**||39,173|46,913|
|Net Income/(Expenditure) and net movement in funds||(1,700)|(2,998)|
|for the year||||
|**Reconciliation of Funds**||||
|Total Funds brought forward on 1stApril 2021||53,244|57,999|
|Total Funds carried forward on 31stMarch 2022||47,469|53,244|



4 



## **LUTON MEDIATION** 

## **Registered Charity Number 1025520** 

## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2022** 

|**Fixed Assets**<br>Tangible Assets<br>**Current Assets**<br>Debtors<br>Cash at hand and in bank<br>**Total**<br>**Liabilities**<br>Creditors falling due within one year<br>**Net current assets**<br>Total net assets<br>**Funds of the Charity**<br>Unrestricted Income Funds|2022<br>£<br>190<br>3,989<br>47,279<br>51,458<br>4,179<br>47,279<br>47,469<br>47,469|2021<br>£<br>1718<br>3,000<br>56,244<br>56,244|
|---|---|---|
|||4,718<br>51,526<br>57,799|
|||53,244|



_Approved by the Trustees Signed on their behalf by:_ 

Trustee: Trustee: Date: 20/9/22 

5 



**LUTON MEDIATION** 

**Registered Charity Number 1025520** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2022** 

## **ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of this preparation** 

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the statement of recommended practice in accordance with the financial reporting standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated. 

- a. **Reconciliation with previous generally accepted accounting practice:** In preparing the accounts the trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by the Charities SORP 102 the statement of comparative items was required. No restatements were required. 

- b. **Fund Accounting:** The charity’s unrestricted funds which the charity may use for its purpose at its discretion. The charity’s restricted funds are those where the donor has imposed restrictions on the use of funds which are legally binding. 

- c. **Income:** All income is recognised for when the charity has entitlement, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably 

- d. **Expenditure:** Is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third party. It is probable that settlement will be required, and the obligation can be measured reliably. 

- e. **Support Costs:** Include central functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. These have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs are the costs associated with general running of the charity as opposed to costs associated with fundraising or charitable activity. 

- f. **Tangible fixed assets and depreciation:** Assets costing £500 or more are included at their historical cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful life. IT equipment at 33.3% Furniture & other equipment at 25% 

6 



## **LUTON MEDIATION** 

## **Registered Charity Number 1025520** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2022** 

||**2022**|**2021**|
|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted Funds**|**Unrestricted Funds**|
|**Income from charitable activities**|**£**|**£**|
|Grant- LLAL|26,358|27,255|
|Mediation Advice fees|11,016|16,497|
||37,374|43,792|
|**1. Investment Income**|**£**|**£**|
|Bank Interest|163|163|
|**2. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities,**|||
|**mediation and advice services**|||
|Salaries|20,700|20,800|
|Travel|97|0|
|Training|0|0|
|Premises|2,100|3,800|
|Communications|1,800|2,125|
|General Administration|866|823|
|Meetings & Conferences|25|7|
|IT / Software|2,500|2,282|
|Insurance|837|833|
|Governance Costs|3,500|3,900|
|Support Costs|8,848|12,343|
|**Total**|39,173|46,913|



7 



|**3. Staff Costs**<br>Wages and Salaries<br>National Insurance costs<br>**Total**|**2022**<br>30,296<br>1,740<br>32,036|**2021**<br>30,300<br>1,843<br>32,143|
|---|---|---|



No Employees received employee benefits for the reporting period of more than £60,000 (200: nil) The average monthly number of employees during the year: 

||**2022**|**2021**|
|---|---|---|
|**Total Employees**|**2**|**2**|
|**4. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year**|||
||**2022**|**2021**|
|Debtors|989|1,460|
|Prepayments and accrued income|nil|nil|
||989|1,460|
|**5. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**|||
||**2022**|**2021**|
|Accrued Expenses|nil|nil|



## **6. Trustees.** 

None of the trustees received reimbursement of expenses or any other benefits in the year under review (2019: nil) 

8 



## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Luton Mediation** 

I report on the accounts of Luton Mediation for the year ending 31[st] March 2022 which are set out on pages 4 -8. 

## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees** 

As Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed 

It is my responsibility to: 

- Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 

- To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) 

- To state whether matters have come to my attention 

## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. The examination of Luton Mediation’s accounts includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. 

## _**Independent Examiner’s Statement**_ 

In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention or have not been met: 

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

- To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 

- To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 

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


Signed 

Joanne Hunter 

Date                                                                                                                                                 27 Bengeo Mews 05.09.22