north east autism society TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS Directors Report and Financial Statements ¥t Perlod Ended 31 March 2025 Registered Charity No.. 1028260 Registered Company No: 02859620 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Forthe period ended 31" March 202S CONTENTS Page Legal and Administration Information Report of the Trustees for the period ended 31" March 2025 Statement of Trustee's responsibilities 12 Independent Auditorfs Report 14 Statement of financial 2Ctivitie5 18 Balance Sheet 19 Statement of Cash Flow5 20 Notes to the financial statements 21 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY st For the period ended 31 March 2025 NEAS Vision st2tement: "A society where autism is understood, inclusion is the norm, and every neurodivergent person can lead a fulfilling life., The Trustee5 of North East Autism Society have all served in office throughout the year to the date of this report. Trustees: Dr Rakesh Chopra OBE Ichair) Jillian Crumble Oavid Parker Lisa Waller Mehrban Sadiq Nicola Leonard Nick Hobdey Stephen Eyres Bob Nicholson James 8eall- appolnted 04.09.2024 Stephen Connor- appointed 04.09.2024 Key management personnel (Senior Management Team): Chief Executlve Officer: John J Phillipson Company Secretary: John J Phillipson Head of Care.. Brlan Stoker Director of Education., Christine Dempster Reference and administrative details Charity Number: 10282860 Company Number., 02859620 RegSstered Office: 15 Lumley Court, Drum Industrial Estate, Chester le Street, OH2 IAN Advisors Auditor: S&W Audit, 17 Queens Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NEI IRN Bankers: Barclays Bank PLC, PO Box 379, 71 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 IJA Lloyds Ban k. 54 Fawcett Street. Sunderland, SRI ISF Solicitors: Ward Hadaway. Sandgate House, 102 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NEI 3DX NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the perlod ended 31, March 2025 Report of the Trustees for the period ended 31, March 2025 Financial Statements The Trustees present their report and accounts for the period ending 31" March 2025. The financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Mernorandum and Articles of Association and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement Df Recommended Practice, applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with financial reportin8 Standards applicable in the U K and Republic of Ireland IFRS1021 (effective January 20191. The period from Ol" May 2024 to 31" March 2025 has been both challenging and rewardin8 for the Charity. There was a change of year end to 31, March meaning these accounts are for 11 months only with the 12 months to April 2024 a5 comparison. The Charity was out of sync with national government and local government where the majority of our income originates and to whom we report. These include: H MRC for payroll LAS for contracts and servlce fee Increases DWP for quarterly returns ONS for quarterly returns Grant f unders for appllcatlons, budgets, and submlsslons There was a change in our reporting structure from 'Adults and Children, to 'Care and Education,. The Society has had separate departments for Care and Education for twenty years and followin8 discussions with our auditing partners 5&W Audit. The decision was taken to report on that bas1S. Followin8 the governmenvs decision to make school fee5 vatable, the Society applied for VAT registration IRegistration number GB 483 7209 691. As a major part of NEAS income is outside the Scope of VAT, all income streams are calculated separately for recovery of input VAT. Input VAT is not recoverable on income streams that are not subject to output VAT and therefore the input V AT on these purchases Is shown as non-recoverable VAT wlthin these accounts. Th'e NEAS Vision statement. A society where autism is u nderstood, inclusion is the norm, and every neurodiver8ent person can lead a fulfilling life. It has long been the desire of the trustee5 and management to make the Society more resilient to economic fluctuations by increasing the level of free reserves from a minimum of two months to three months to cover the Society'5 operating needs. Due to now being VAT registered, there is a necessary increase to cover the quarterly payment which is likely to be over £lm. This together with the effects of the pandemic, the cost-of-livinB crisis and the current economic fluctuations resulting from tariff wars and actual wars has strengthened the trustees and management's resolve and they are looking to achieve that position regarding free re5erve5 over the next three year5. We are proud of our achievements, including maintaining high standards of care within all cur children's and adult residential care homes. Rating5 given by Ofsted and CQC respectively, reflect the high standards of care and support provided by ou r dedicated staff. All our children's and adult services are rated as Good by their respective regulators and two of our children's homes are judged to be Outstanding. Our children's homes are currently operating at full capacity. We have a150 been successful in our application to provide three registered children homes In Redcar and Cleveland. Over the last 12 month5 there have been many developments within Independent Supported Living115LI services with two additional services in County Durham. Our Short Break service at NWF continues to increase in size. supporting over sixty individuals and their families. Ofsted inspections took place as follows- Belford linspection took place in September 20241 rated Good Braemar (inspection took place November 20241 rated Good Tunstall (inspection took place Oecember 20241 rated Good Cedar House (inspection took place March 20251 rated Outstanding NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31 March 2025 A new ISL opened in Shildon in April 2025 Isunnydalel and houses one service user. It is a shared service with Doxford Close, Newton Aycliffe and staff work between the two units. There are now 17 ISL units in total. 5t Our recent bid to tender for the management of three new children's residential care homes in Redcar and Cleveland Was successf ul. The local authority has purchased and refurbished three bungalows and assessments have been carried out for three children who will live in the bungalows lone child per bungalow). We will provide a team of staff to care for the children. There is the potential that more than one child could live in the bungalows at some time in the future. The Growing Futures public appeal was launched on 17 February to raise £1 million to help fund the New Warlands Farm project. The Farm will be developed into a unique visitor destination which will provide work placements and opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people. Sir Peter Vardy has pledged £500,000, getting us halfway to our goal. The hope is that other businesses and organisations will match his pledge and help us reach the £1 million target. You can find out more about the appeal and how businesses can help at.. htt www.ne-as.or rowln -futures and see our news coverage in the Northern Echo: Sir Peter Vard 's charit lea: 'Match m £500k to chan e Ilves, The Northern Echo. The Growing Futures appeal is our most ambitious as a charity to date, and it will be a Society wide effort to make this vision into a reality. You can read the full story here.. htt www.itv.com watch news on-the-farm-where-auti5tic- eo le-are- iven-a-chance-at-em ment Following the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, The National Trust announced that 49 'Tree5 of Hope, Sycamore Gap saplings were to be 8ifted to individuals, groups and organ isations across the U K. Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings and NEAS were honoured to be announced as one of those recipients. The sapling will be planted in an appropriate place at the New Warlands Farm site once buildin8 works have been completed. CEO John Philllipson was invited to give evidence on the Autism Act 2009 by the House of Lords Committee in April 2025. Following oral evldence given, supporting written and f ilmed evidence was emailed to the Committee for consideration. The Committee was appointed by the House of Lords on 30 January to scrutinise the impact and effectiveness of the Autism Act 2009 and examine related issues including the operation of the statutory guidance, and the implementation and effectiveness of the Autism Strategy. The Committee began hearing public oral evidence on 10 March. The Committee must report by 30 November. With the introduction and roll out of a new practice delivery philosophy "STEP" in winter 2023 we revamped how our training looks and is delivered to include a robust induction that looks at how we best support autistic people using this model. We also looked at our existing staff training and have embedded STEP with the view to get our staff thinking proactively about the people they support as well as sharing good practice within those training sessions. Our STEP model has also been accredited by the Restraint Reduction Network as we renewed our accreditation for another year. As a team we continue to grow and learn as the cohort of service users we support shifts and changes. Looking ahead to the future we are looking at re-launching our external training offer to not only increase our income stream, but to also increase the knowledge and understanding of supporting autistic people within other organisations. Our education services are recognised for their specialist expertise, attracting referrals from across the Northeast and maintaining a strong strategic presence in the region. Working closely with local authoritie5 and partners, our schools and college support a diverse range of learners. many of whom have faced long-term exclusion or have been NEET due to significant levels of dy5regulation. At the heart of everything we do is a person-centred approach. ensuring each learnerfs strengths, needs, and aspirations Shape their learning journey. To ensure a robust, high-quality provision, our staff receive ongoing specialist training to deliver a personalised approach for each learner. Learrsers engage in tailored programmes that prepare them for the next stage of their education while developing the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for adulthood and life beyond school, promoting positive long- term outcomes. NORTPE EAST AUTISM SOCIETY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31st March 2025 All schools and the college are currently rated "good" by Ofsted, with two schools achieving outstanding ratin85 for the 'behaviour and attitudes" area of inspection, reflecting the exceptional quality of teaching, personali5ed sUPPQrt, and transformative impact on learners, lives. Our social and vocational programmes provide invaluable opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people to develop their potentia l and expand what they know, understand and can do. Individuals follow their person-centred pro£rammes. A wide range of meaningful vocational and social activities are offered, which include meal preparation, shoppin8, woodwork, cider making, crafts, corn munity-based activities, sensory activities, retail experience. ground maintenance, horticu Iture and music As we continue to experience significant growth within our charity. we have seen an impressive increase in the number of referra15 acr055 both our education and care service5. To effectively rnana8e thi5 growth, we have continued to welcome new trustees to our board. Their expertise is invaluable as we navigate this exciting phase and work to strengthen our governance framework. In line with our growth. we have continued to make developments within IT systems. These systems not only support our growing infrastructure, but also assist us in the ongoing digitali5ation of our operation5, ensu ring we remain efficient and compliant with industry standards. Our Employment Futures team have been workln8 hard and over the past twelve months have achieved the following outcomes.. 2 UKSPF (United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund) funded provisions serving 60 participant5 in South of Tyne and 80 in North of Tyne, already getting more than 10 jobs secured for our participants against a target of 8 with many more predicted,. Successfully secured Trailblazer funding via North East Combined Authority INECAI, our biggest Single project financially of around £875,000 whlch will see us supportlng over 200 partlclpants across 7 local authorStles, including Durham and Sunderland, where we have not had any projects since around 2020. Strensthened our relationship with our delivery partner, Azure Charitable Trust, and together we are the onlv organisation to win the entire allotted amount across all f u nding opportunities. Retained experience staff, as well as recrultlng a further 5 em ployment speciallsts to help us grow our support across the region. Continued to grow our mentoring for student5 Wlthin university, 35 well as employing 2 part tirne mentors to help us with our increase in numbers- numbering over 40 students. Continued to grow ou r Access to Work provlsion, ensurlng that partltipants starti ng work are given full support whilst in work at the same time as increasing awareness to employers across the region Over the past year, the MarketinE Tearn at NEAS has delivered a series of impactful campaigns that raised awareness, deepened engagement, and furthered the Society's mission. A major hlghllght was World Autism Acceptance Month 2025 a global initiative promotin8 understandin& acceptance, and Inclu51on, Our campaign focused on making a meaningful difference for autistic people and their families in the North East. gaining support from communities. schools. and businesses, and 5ecurin8 widespread regional and national media coverage. We en8aged with over 250 schools and 50 businesses, providing tailored toolkits to build long-term partnerships and increase demand for our training services. Another standout achievement wa5 the 'Acceptance' campaign during Autism Acceptance Month, which reached over a million people through digital and traditional media channels. We also recognised bu5ine5ses and partners taking real action on inclusion through our Autism Acceptance Award that highlighted those employers embedding acceptance meanin8fully in thei r work, This year also brought national recognition for our young Autism Activists, film, 'Autism from the Inside. which won bronze in the People's Choice category at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London, and we received The Northern Echo Business IQ Diversity and Inclusion Award for our work with regional busine5se5 and partners. NORTH EAsf AUTISM SOCIErY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31, March 2025 We have produced our first documentary a bout autism and airports. This documentary is part of a series called 'Hidden Barriers, looking at the challenges autistic people face in everyday life. Plans for future films will cover health, finance, entertainment, 5POrt and schools. The documentary has gained strong traction across the UK aviation industry, reaching airports. airlines, and key bodies. It was shared with all U K airport5, major airlines, Airports U K. the International Air Transport Association, and the Government's Aviation Accessibility Task Force. We continued to build on our partnerships with generous regional businesses with the roll out of our corporate programme. This resulted in us receiving impressive in-kind support up to £400.000, focused towards our Growing Futures appeal lin the year under review). We are extremely grateful to all the North East businesses that supported us. and who really helped us to make a difference. Our community fundraising delivered a fantastic £103,321 from programmed activity across the year, with standout contributions including the Great North Run and Cycling Challenge, which alone raised over £34,000, Other grassroots activities such a5 bucket collection5 added further to this total,. in addition, general donations and in-memory donations provided vital support. Beyond community events, Other areas of giving made a strong impact, Online donatron5 and regular giving helped to ensure sustainable income, while corporate support remained significant at over £27,400, reflecting strong partnerships with local businesses. Seasonal campaigns such as ChristmaslLittle Stars appeal towards the running of our Toddler Groups contributed over £IO,OOQ, providing both funds and visibility of our vital Famlly Development Servlces. Together, these comblned streams of support reflect the generosity and commltment of our community, partners and supporters, generating vital income to sustain and expand our services. Withln the perlod, we were able to support many voluntary funded projects and prograrnmes (including New Warlands Farrn Enterprise,. various Employment Futures programmes,. Family Developmenttoddlergroups, autism hubs, and autism activists,. EducaJon gym equlpment,. and Care youth clubs and play equipment) throu8h si8nificant grant aid and new contract5 to the value of £1.2M. In the year in focus, the Family Development Service 5UPPOrted over 600 families directly, providing vital guidance, advocacy, and opportunities for connectton. Our enquiry service handled hundreds of requests, particularly from Newcastle and Durham, covering education, emotional wellbeing, diagnosis, benefits, and housin8. Autism hubs in Newcastle and North Tyneside continue to thrive, with growing engagement from ethnically diverse communities. Families sought help with EBSNA (Emotionally Based School Non-Attendancel, a nxiety, and burnout, reflecdng gaps In wider provlsion. Feedback was outstandin81 With 98% ratlng the hubs five stars and all participants recommending them to others. Case work provided tailored 5UPPOrt to families experiencing complex challenges, including trauma, housing issues, and safeguarding concerns. We worked closely with schools, health tearns, and CYPS (Children and Young People's Service) to ensure children and parents received the help they needed. In early years, we launthed an Innovative partnership wlth the Great North Chlldren's Hospltal to reduce diagn05tic waiting time5 and ran parent and toddler groups in Howdon, Meadowell, and Newcastle, supporting over 45 children. Family Development'5 youth service celebrated 5ucce55 at the Smiley Film Awards with two silver awards and delivered the seventh science club in conjunction with the Life Science Centre, helping children rediscover confidence and joy in learning. Online, our platform grew to over 5,300 members, while monthly webinars ensured families nationwide could access knowledge and strategies. We expanded the Autism Acceptance Award programme to include new partners and launched the Gold Plus Award. Additional achievements included professional training, podca5t5, conferences, new resource5, and becoming a delivery partner for the PINS IPartnership5 for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools) programme. Other highlights and initiatives during the year include: A Halloween sensory trail was successfully hosted at New Warlands Farm; Makaton Awareness Training was made available to all staff to further support communication needs: Aycliffe School worked with The Bowes Museum on collaborative educational projects; NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31st March 2025 A Thornhill Park pupil raised £250 for the Freeman Hospital; Ongoing IT upgrades and innovations to strengthen digital systems and service delivery,. Restructures of Education and Care salary frameworks to improve recruitment and retention,. Continued work on the Gender Pay Gap, with transparent reporting and action planning: Ecology campaign with a focus on environmental sustainability across our services.. Financial Review Results The accounts have been produced in attordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (updated 2019), They incorporate the pension commitments of the North East Autism Society Retirement Security Plan a defined benefit scheme as req uired by Financial Reporting Standard 102. Total income of the Society increased by 12.6% Ipro-ratal to £36,717,191 12024.. 12.2Yo to £35,362,1741 while total expenditure increased by 14.7% Ipro-ratal to £35,352,16912024'. 10.4% to £33,839,595) to produce net income for the year of £1,365,02112024'. £1,522,579). Income h35 increased due to the increased number of service users. Expenditure has increased due to additional staffing costs to meet the needs of these additional service users and due to the increased cost of living. It should be noted that the total income include5 £1,309,85412024: 666,1991 of grants and donations. At 31 March 2025 the Society's Retirement Security Plan pension scheme had a fund surplus under FRS102 valuation req uirements of £3,380,00012024: E3,142,0001 however In Ilne wlth FRS 102 requlrements thls has been capped at £nil in these financial statements. Total unrestricted accumulated funds at 31. March 2025 are £28,927,45912024: £28,562,192). The Soclety Sntends In the future to use its funds, less the amount set aside for operational reserves, held in fixed assets, and incurred on the repayment of loan5, on improving the Society's services. The land holdin8 at Carley H 511, Sunderland has been sold subject to contract and the sale is expected to be complete in late 2025. The decision has been made to plough the proceeds into the capital costs of the Society's Growing Futures Project at New Warlands Farm. By way of investment, the Society continues to utilise short term cash deposits as the available funds arise, mainly from fees received in advance. Interest received on cash deposlts durlng the year totalled £267,61012024: £223,849). Key Performance Indicators {KPI's) The society measure5 a number of KPI'S to measure its performance. 202412025 202312024 Total Income growth Debtor's days outstandln8 11.72% 45 days 12.2% 24 days Designated Funds An amount of £500,000 has been designated for the development of NEAS facilitles for Capital Projects. Reserves Policv Reserves are set aside to provide financial stability and to support the Society's long term Strategic Plan. The Trustees have forecast that the level of free reserves required to Sustain the Society's operations will be equivalent to a minimu m of two month's budgeted expenditure. at 31st March 2025 this amounted to £6,720,55512Q24= £5,983.0001. The policy is reviewed by the Trustees as part of the strategic planning process. It has long been the desire of the Trustees and management to make the Society more resilient to economic fluctuations by increasing the level of free reserves from a minlmum of two months to three months to cover the Societ¢s operating needs. Due to now being VAT reEistered there is a necessity to increase the free reserve5 to cover the quarterly payment which 15 likely to be circa Elm. This together with the effects of the pandemic, the cost-of-living NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31" March 2025 crisis and the current economic fluctuations resulting from tariff wars and artual war5 has strengthened the Trustees and Managements resolve and they are looking to achieve that position over the next three years. At 31st March 2025, excluding fixed a55ets, the loan5, and the Designated Reserves, there were unrestricted reserves of £6,909,18612024.. £6.490,7151. At 31st March 2025 the company held cash balances of £6,442,92712024: £6,652,130), which 15 offset by a bank loan of £501.75812024.. £1,118,501) and £nll12024: £22,917> of other loans. The bank loan was refinanced in December 2022 with a term of three years based on 1.9% above the bank's base rate and ha5 been fully repaid by August 2025. Restricted funds at 31st March 2025 were £296,01612024'. £32,761> and Designated funds £500,00012024.' £Nill Investment Policv The Society introduced a Treasury Management Strategy. The Soclety has the power to Invest funds not Immedlatelv required for its general purpose in such investments as it deems fit for the purpose. Societ¢s investment objectives continue to be to: Generate income to further the objects of the Charity Safeguard the assets and business continu ity of the Charity Comply with the cond itions attached to restricted f unds Ensure worklng capital and restrScted reserves are always readily available in cash Meet the requirements of the Reserves Policy and the Strategic Plan Whilst ensurin8 that the Trustees fulfil their fiduciary responsibilities concerning investments without exceeding their powers of investment. The Society's policy continues to be to malntaln cash deposits rather than to Invest In stocks and shares, property, or any other Investment. The policy is kept under review. Golng Concern Policy After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further detalls regarding the adoption of the going concern ba515 can be found in the Accounting Policies. Structure, Governance and Management Trustees The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signing are Dr Rakesh Chopra OBE IChair} Jillian Crumble David Parker Lisa W311er Mehrban Sadiq Nicola Leonard Nick Hobdey Stephen Eyres Bob Nicholson James Beall- appolnted 04.09.2024 Stephen Connor- appointed 04.09.2024 Governing Document The or8ani5ation was first established a5 an uni ncorporated association under the name "Tyneside Society for Autistic Children" in 1970. By 1979 the Society had raised enough f und5 to purchase 21 Thornhill Park which was refurbished and opened as a school for six children. The school numbers grew, and Tyne and Wear Aut15tic Society was incorporated and NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31" March 2025 registered as a Charity in 1993. The registered charity number is 1028260 and the registered company number is 02859620. The Private Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital was incorporated under the Companies Act 1985 on 6 October 1993. Member5, liability is limited to £10. The Society was renamed North EastAutism Society in May 2009 and is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 1st May 2009. Organlsatlon A Chief Executive is appointed by Trustees and is accountable to them for the day-to-day management of the Society, implementing strategic pollcy and plans agreed by the 8oard. The Chief Executive is not a Trustee but is a paid officer of the Society. The Chief Executive is supported in managing the Society by the Senior Staff Mana8ementTeam who directly manages the Services of the Society, Appointment of Trustees In accordance with our Article5 of A550clation, Trustee5 are elected by the Members of the Society at the Annual General Meeting. All Trustees must be Members of the Society, but none can be in its employ i.e. receive a salary or fee. One third of the Trustees stand down annually and may offer themselves for re.election at the Annual General Meeting. The Trustees elect from their number a Chairman of the Board. No Trustee has any financial interest in the Society. Trustees are covered by DSrectors and Offlcers Insurance while staff involved in the provision of advice and direct services are covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance. As the Society provldes servSces to chlldren and vulnerable adults our Trustees are sublect to enhanced Dlsclosure and Barrlng Servlce checks. Trustee Indurtlon and tralnlng New Trustees under80 an orlentatlon meetlng to brlef them on their legal obligations under charlty and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the authority and responsibilities of the Board and the decision-making process. They are provided wlth a copy of Board mlnutes for the prior 18 months and of the most recent Trustees Annual Report and Ateounts. In addition, they are supplied with relevant Charity Commission guidance documents including the Commission's "Strategy for deallng with Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults15sues in Charitie5" All Trustees are updated on issues and guidance regarding charity and company law and are encouraged to attend ppropriate external and internal training events. Related partles and co-operation with other organisations The society Is a rnembership organisation. On the 31st March 2025 there were 116 voting members whose details were held on our central register. Most members are parents of autistic children or adults. The Society has however always been very keen to forge strong links with professionals and key staff in external a8encies for example the NHS and Local Authorities. A number of our voting members are therefore profe55iona15 With a strong interest in autism and our work. We a re keen to encourage autistic people to join as members of the Society and will continue to promote this in the year ahead. Any connection between Trustees and senior managers must be disclosed to the full board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. Subsidiary Undertaking th On the 8 October 2024 the Society established a subsidiary 'New Warlands Farm Enterprise Ltd,, Company number: 16006055 with a share capital of one Ordinary share, £1, being fully owned by the Society. For the period to 31" March 2025 New Warlands Farm Enterprise Ltd was dormant. 10 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31. March 2025 Pay policy for senlor staff The Board of Trustee5 and thesenior management team comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running, and operating the Society on a day-to-day basis. All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee received remuneration in the year. Details of Trustees, expenses and related party tran5action5 are d isclosed in note 12 to the accounts. The Board of Trustees benchmark salaries of senior staff against pay levels in other similar charities and the pay of all staff is reviewed annually. We attempt to reflect pay leve15 in accordance with the pay scales determined by the National Joint Council INJC} for local government services. Rlsk mana8ement The Board of Trustees fully recognises its responsibility for the managernent of risk to the Society, The Society maintains a risk register, which is reviewed annually, and it Is the respcnsibility of the Chief Executive to give updates to the Trustees on all aspects of risk management. Principal risk5 and uncertainties The major risks to N orth East Autism Society are identified a5: Income streams and cost pressures from statutory bodies and other external regulatory services, for example fees remaining frozen and Inflation continues to be absorbed by provider5. Potential SiBnificant increase in pension liability andlor reduction in pension asset values on the defined benefit th scheme. which has been closed to new members since 9 March 2012. Wage inflation, per the ONS, has fallen to 5% from a hi8h of 8.9% in 2023 however it is still above inflation, which impacts the society if Local authorities base their annual uplifts on the CPI. Although the peak is now over the hlgh cost of livlng continues to add pressure for pay rises and is exacerbated by shortages of suitable candidates in the job market. Section 172 Stakeholder en8a8ement The Charity understands that success is drlven by strong relatlcnships and endeavours at all tlmes to foster and strengthen it5 rclationships Wlth the Families of the service users, the staff and other stakeholders. The Board of Trustees consider that through their strateglc plannin8 and decision making they have acted in a way that 15 most likely to promote the success of the charity for the benefit of both the Service users and all the stakeholders. Clients and Funding Provlders The charity works closely with the NHS, Government Departments, local authorities and cur generous donors and grant fu nders to ensure that our service delivery meets their requlrement5 and our charitable objectives. Suppliers The Charity engages regularly with our banking and technology suppliers to review performance, plan development. and stay current in an ever-chan8in8 technological world. The Charity maintains a strong relationship with our suppliers especially the staff ing agencie5 that have been essential in maintaining staffing levels during and post covid. Employee Involvement The Charity encourages the involvement of its employees in its management through regular meetings of management which have responsibility for the dissemination of information of particular concern to employees lincludin8 financial and economic factors affecting the performance of the Charity) and for receiving their views on important matter5 of policy. A series of meetings between the CEO and staff at various Sltes are arranged throughout the year. Equality, Diver51ty, and Inclusivity Accessibility and Inclusivity are at the heart of everything at NEAS and our recruitment policies, staff trai nin8, and internal policies are based on promoting equality. NORTH EAST AUT15M 50CI TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31" March 2025 Disabled Person5 The Society is comrn itted to employing people with disabilities. We are registered as 'Disability Confident Employers" with DWP. We are pleased that the number of people employed by N EAS describing themselves as autistic, neurodiverse or disabled has increased in the period under review. Environmental SECR reportlng around carbon em1551ons The ener8y results for energy usage in property for the year, the comparison figures and the square footage of the office buildings, service user homes, schools and farms are as yet not available. Due to the nurnber of residential home5 and other build ings used for the Society. it is a large undertaki ng to collate the infonnation required and the Society is working on the collation of this information. The usage for the 12 months to August 2025, based on the Electricity and Ga5 Supplier's figures of annual consumption, was Gas 3,312,560 Kwh Electricity 1.304,604 Kwh Property square footage.. 19,188 The comparative fi8ures for 2024 were not available, The previous available usage figures for 2023, based on the Electrlcity and Gas su pplier's figures of annual con5umptiDn. was Gas 2,884,468 Kwh Electricity 871,134 Kwh Property square foota8e.' 19,188 Transport figures are for our fleet of mlnlbuses and other vehlcles used for the transpDrt of the servlce user. The flgures are only available for full years Jan to Dec and do not include business travel or private milage C02 emissions. NEAS Projected fleet emissions for Jan to Dec 2024 Vehicle days 27,983 Average C02 163 Annual Tonnes C02 265.72 NEAS Projected fleet emissions for Jan to Dec 2023 Vehicle days 29,664 AveraBe C02 163 Annual Tonne5 C02 281.17 Trustees. responsibilities in relation to the financial statements The Trustees {who are also dlrectors of North East Autlsm Society for the purpose of eornpany lawl are responslble for preparinE the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accountin8 Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accou ntin8 Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incomin8 resources and application of resources including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explai ned in the accounts Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group will continue in business. Observe the methods and printiples in the Charities SORP. 12 ## **NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY TRUSTEE'S REPORT For the period ended 31st March 2025** The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Charity which enables them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. ## **Statement as to disclosure of our auditors** A resolution to re-appoint S&W Audit as auditors for the ensuing year will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. By order of the Board ofTrustees Dr Rakesh Chopra OBE (Chairman of Trustees) Date: 19 December 2025 13 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY For the period ended 31" March 2025 s&w INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY Opinion We have audited the financial staternents of North East Autism Society Ithe 'charitable company'l for the period ended 31 March 2025 which comprise Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 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.. give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its income and expenditure for the period 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. Basis for opinlon We conducted our aud it in accordance with International Standards on Aud itlng IUKI IISAS IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilitie5 under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsi bilities for the aud it of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirement5 that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, i ncluding the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provSde a basls for ou r oplnion. Concluslons relatlng to golng concern In auditing the f inancial statements, we have concluded that the trustees. use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the f inancial Statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identif led 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 a nd the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other information The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees, Report, other than the f inancial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the trustees, annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility 14 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY For the period ended 31" March 2025 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 course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially rnisstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material mi5Statements, we are required to determine whether this give5 rise to a material misstatement in the f inancial statements themselves. If. b2sed on the work we have performed. we conclude that there 15 a Inaterial mi55tatement 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 the audit: the information given in the Trustees, Annual Report, which incorporates the Strategic Report and the Dlrector5' Report prepared for the purpose of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements,. and the Strategic Report and the Directors, Report included within the Trustees, Annual Report have been prepared in accorda nce with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exceptlon In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors, Report contained within the Trustees, Annual Report. We have nothlng to report In respect of the following matters in relation to which the Cornpanies Act 2006 requires u5 to report to you if, in our opinion: adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us: or the financial statements are not In agreement with the accounting records and returns,. or certaln disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not rnade. or • we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilities of trustees A5 explained more f ully in the Trustee5' Responsibilities Statement set out on page 12. the trustees Iwho are also directors of the charitable Company for the purposes of company lawl 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 determSne is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are f ree f rom material mi55tatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessin8 the charitable company's ability to continue as a Boing concern. disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to l iquidate the charitable company or to cease operations. or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial 5tatementS Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with1SAs IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and ère 15 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY For the period ended 31, March 2025 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 statement5. Irregularities, including fraud, are instance5 of non-compliance with laws and re8ulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, Outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.. We obtained a general understandin8 of the charitable company's legal and regulatory f ramework through enquiry of management concerning their understanding of relevant laws and regulations, the entity's policies and procedures regarding compliance, and how they identify, evaluate and account for litlgation claims. We also drew on our existing understand ing of the charities industry and regulation. We understand that the charltable company complles wlth the framework through: Directors comply with duties under the Companies Act 2006, including accurate record-keeping and annual filings. Trustees follow the Charltles Act 2011, ensurlng publlc beneflt and submitting reports to the Charitv Commission. The organisation is registered with the Care Quality Commission {CQCI and meets all fundamental standards of care. Safeguardin8 policie5 align with the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, with all staff trained in child protection. The organisatlon is subject to Ofsted inspections and malntalns readine55 through regular intemal reviews. The Equality Act 2010 15 followed to prevent discrimination and promote inclusion across all activities. Financial statements are prepared in line with SORP I FRS 1021, ensuring transparency and accountabilitv. All staff complete annual training and assessments on relevant laws and procedures. Operating manuals are updated as regulations change. and staff are required to follow them. In the context of the audlt, we considered those laws and regulations which determine the form and content of the financial statements, which are central to the charitable company's ability to conduct its business, and/or where there is a rSsk that failure to comply could result in materlal penaltles. We Identlfied the following laws and regu latlons as bein8 of significance in the context of the charitable companv.. Compliance with the Companies Act 2006, Charitie5 Act 2011, and the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 in the preparation and presentation of the f inancial statements. The organisation is registered with the Care Quality Commisslcn ICQCI and meets the fundamental standards of care, including safety, dignity, consent, and good governance. Safeguarding policies align with the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, with all staff trained in child protection. The organlsation Is Inspected by Ofsted under the Education Inspection Framework. which assesses quality of education, leadership, saf eguarding, and personal development We performed the following specific procedures to gain evidence about compliance with the significant laws and regulations identified above.. Gaining an understanding of the sector in which the charitable company operates, including the relevant legal and regulatory framework, Reviewing the internal controls in place to manage risk5 related to fraud and non-compliance with law5 and regulations. Assessin8 the risk of management override of controls, includ ing testing a sample of journal entries. Conducting inquiries with management and those cha rged with governance regarding their identification and asse55tnent of any fraud or lega I non-compliance. Reviewing correspondence with regulatory bodies such as Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission ICQC). 16 **NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY For the period ended 31st March 2025** The senior statutory auditor led a discussion with senior members of the engagement team regarding the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur. The areas identified in this discussion were: - Manipulation of the financial statements, via fraudulent journal entries. - The incorrect cut off of grants and dontations resulting in income being recognised in the wrong accounting period. - The incorrect cut off of fee income resulting in income being recognised in the wrong accounting period. These areas were communicated to the other members of the engagement team not present at the discussion. The procedures we carried out to gain evidence in the above areas included: - Testing journal entries, focusing particularly on postings to unexpected or unusual accounts and those posted at unusual times. - Obtain third party documentation for a sample of donations and grants and reviewing the documentation to ensure that income has been recognised in the correct accounting period. - Recalculation of fee income for a sample of service users throughout the year which was compared to actuals to ensure that any amounts required to be accrued or deferred had been don't so correctly. Overall, the senior statutory auditor was satisfied that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise irregularities. In particular, both the senior statutory auditor and the audit manager have a number of years' experience in dealing with charitable companies. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. ## **Use of our report** This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. ## Craig Henderson Senior Statutory Auditor, for and on behalf of ## **S&W Audit** Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 17 Queens Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NEl lRN 21 December 2025 17 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES st For the period ended 31 March 2025 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES Unrestricted fund5 Restricted Designated funds funds Total PE Total YE 3110312025 3010412024 Note Income from.. Donations and grants Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment income 15,597 1,294,257 34,997,434 142,293 267,610 1,309,854 666,199 34,997,434 34.324,185 142,293 147,941 267,610 223,849 Total Income 35 422 934 1294 257 36 717 191 35 362 174 Expenditure on.. Cost of raising fund5 Expenditure on charitable actlvitles 188,858 188,858 209,210 6 34.132,309 1.031,002 35,163,311 33,630.385 Total Resources Expended 34 321 167 1031002 35 352 169 33 839 595 Net incomin8 before transfers 1,101,767 263,255 1,365,022 1,522,579 Gross transfer between funds 20 1500,OCIOI 500,000 Comprehensive income 601,767 263,255 soo,000 1,36S,022 1,522,579 Other comprehensive income Actuarial gain / (loss} 23 1236,5001 1236,5001 1258,0001 Net movement offunds 365,267 263,255 500,000 1,128,522 1,264,579 Fund Balances Brought Forward I" May 2024 20 28,562,192 32,761 28,594,593 27,330,374 Balances carried forward at 31" March 2025 20 2 l8 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIErY BALANCE SHEET For the period ended 31 March 2025 st BALANCE SHEET Note 3110312025 3010412024 Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets Investments 15 16 21,516,514 21,962,820 21,516,515 21,962,820 Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 17 6,468,937 6 442 927 12,911,864 4,488,880 6 652 130 11,141,010 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS 18 4 704 904 4 508 877 8,206,960 6,632,133 TOTAL ASSET5 LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 29,723,475 28,594,953 Pension asset I (liability 23 NET ASSETS The funds of the charlty: Unrestricted funds: General funds Desigrbated funds 20 20 28,927,459 500 000 28,562.192 29,427,459 28,562,192 Restrlcted funds: Restricted reserve5 20 296,016 32,761 TOTAL FUNDS The financial statements were approved and authori5ed for issue by the Trustees of North East Autism Societv nd signed on their behalf. Chairman of Trustee Dr Rakesh Chopra BE (Chairman of Trustees) Company Number 02859620 19 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY STATEMENTOF CASH FLOWS For the perlod ended 31" March 2025 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 3110312025 3010412024 Note: Cash used in operatin8 activities 688,760 2.105.176 Purchase of tangible fixed assets Purchase of Investments Interest income Cash (used Inl Investin8 artivities 1525,9111 1820.1121 267 610 258 302 596 263 Cash flows in financlng actlvltles Repayment of borrowing Cash used in financlng actlvltles 639 661 114 466 639 661 114 466 Decrease in cash in the year 1209,203) 1,394,447 Cash at the beginning of the year 6,652,130 5,527,683 Total cash at the end of the year 6 652 12Q Note A Reconclllatlon of surplus Income to net cash Inflow from operatlnE activities 2025 2024 Net Comprehensive Income Add back depreclatlon charge Deduct interest income shown in investing activities Ilncreasel / Decrease in Trade Debtors Increase /IDecreasel in Trade Creditors Ilncreasel / Decrease in Prepayments and Accrued income Increase /IDecreasel in Accruals and Deferred income Increase IIDecreasel in VAT Increase /IDecreasel in Tax and SS Increase /IDecrea5el in Other Creditors Ilncreasel l Decrease in Other Debtors Company pension contributions 1,365,022 972,217 1267,6101 12,434,770) 1384.3651 452,478 246,398 763,028 69,350 141,277 2,235 236 500 1,522,579 1.025,023 1223,8491 197,840 1,269 1547,5291 287,174 61,228 39,123 318 258 000) 20 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Note l Accounting Policies The principal accounti ng policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncortainty in the preparations of the financial statements are as follows.. Accounting convention The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. Basis of preparatlon The f inancial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffective l January 20151- (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, the Financial Reporting Standa rd applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006. th On the 8 October 2024 the Society established a subsidiary 'New Warlands Farm Enterprise Ltd,, Company number.. 16006055 with a Share capital of one Ordinary share, £1, being fully owned by the Society. For the period to 3151 March 2025 New Warlands Farm Enterprise Ltd was dormant. In line with section 405121 of the Companie5 Act and 24.11 of the Charities SORP, the subsidiary has not been consolidated as it is not material. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is also the functional currency of the charity, Monetary amounts in these statements are rounded to the nearest £, except where otherwise indicated. Golng concern The charity derive5 the malority of Its income from agreed fees for the provision of education and 5UPPOrt for autlstic individua15. The on8olng demand for these services ensures the exposure to risk from the current difficult economic conditions is minimal. Cash reserves are available to meet the charity's needs as they arise, a5 detailed within the reserves policy. The Trustees believe the charity is well placed to manage Its business risks successf ully and thus they have adopted the going concern basls of accou ntSn8 In preparing the financial 5taternents. Income All income is included in the SOFA when the charity is entltled to the Income, recelpt Is probable, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Voluntary Income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in f ull in the SOFA when receivable. Grants. where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recogni5ed when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Where there are performance related conditlons attached to any grants or donations. income is recognised when the conditions have been met or whcn meetin8 the conditions is within the Charity's control and there is sufficient evidence that they have been met or will be met, otherwise they are deferred. When a grant condition allows for the recovery of any unexpended grant, a liability is recognised when the repayment becomes probable. Where there are terms placed on income that limit the charity'5 discretion over how that income can be used, that income 15 shown a5 restricted income in the accounts. Donated services and facllities In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021, the general volunteer time is not reco8nised. Please refer to the Trustee5' annual report for more information about their contribution. Investment Income Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity. Taxatlon The charity 15 exernpt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. 21 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS st For the period ended 31 March 2025 Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party. it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured rel iably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings: Costs of raising funds comprise the costs of the fu ndraising team and the costs of commercial trading from the sale of refreshments. Expenditure on charitable activities comprise5 those c05t5 incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those Costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Irrecoverable VAT Expenditure includes any irrecoverable V AT and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates Allocation of support costs Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, HRI payroll, and Bovernance costs whlch support the charitws actlvities. These c05t5 have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The basis on which support costs have been allocated are Set out in note 8. Operatlng leases The charity cla55ifies the lease of vehicles, and other equipment as operating leases where substantially 311 of the benefits and rSsks of ownership remain with the lessor and are charged against profits on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Tangible fixed assets Fixed assets are capitalised at cost, the TrtJ5tees have set a de-minimis limit In respect of non-capitalisation of fixed assets of £1,000. Fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is not provided on freehold land. On other tangible fixed asset5 depreciation has been calculated so as to write off the c05t in equal annual instalments over their estimated useful lives. The rates of deprecSatSon are as follows., Asset Category Annual rate Freehold buildin8S Lodges Furniture and fixtures IOYO Equipment 20% Computer equipment 33% Motor vehlcles 25% Assets in the course of construction are included at cost. Depreciation on these a55et5 is not charged until they are brought into Use. Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepald. Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liqu id deposit account. Credltors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of fu nds to a third party and the amount due to Settle the obliEation can be measured or estimated reliably. Fees in advance Fees received d uring the period in respect of periods after 30, March 2025 the period end are included within creditors andlor Deferred Income. Financial Instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of 5ectiDn 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, of FR5102, in full to all of its financial instruments. Financial Instruments are classified and accounted for, according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilitie5, or equity instruments. NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 202S Pension schemes DÈflned contribution stheme The company operates and contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme which is available to all staff after a mlnimum of three months service and at 31 March 2025 membership totalled 941. The pension costs charged to the statement of financial activities for this scheme reflect the contributions payable by the charlty during the period. Defined benefit scheme The company also operates a def ined benefit pension scheme (North East Autism Retirement Security Plan) which was closed to future accrual on 9th March 2012. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. At 31, March 2025 membership totalled 115, comprising 46 members with deferred benefit5 and 69 membeis in receipt of pension payment5 from the scheme. The assets of the plan are measured uslng falr value. Plan liabilities are measured using the projected unit method and discounted at the current rate of return on a high-quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability. The increase in present value of the liabilities of the scheme expected to arise from employee service in the period is charged to the operating surplus. The expected return on the scheme's assets and the increase during the period in the present value of the scheme's liabilities, arising from the passage of time, are included in pension finance cost5. Actuarial 6ains and losses are recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses. Restricted Funds These represent Income relatin8 to fund raising and donations which are allocated by the donor to specif ic projects. Fundraising and donations are recorded when recelved. Unrestrlcted Income Funds These represent funds wh ich are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees for the furtherance of the objects of the charity. Such funds may be held for the purpose of meetlng the ad minlstratlon and operational ccsts of the Society. The Trustees have the power to set aside unrestricted funds for specif ic de51gn8ted future purpose5. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, Includln8 expectation of f uture events that are believed to be reasonable under circumstances. Critical accounting estimates a nd assumptions The key accountin8 estimate relates to the valuation of the defined benefit pension obligation. The Society ha5 an obliEation to pay pension benef its to certain employees. The cost of these benefits and the present value of the obligation depend on a number of factors including life expectancy. salary increases. asset valuations and the discount rate on corporate bonds. Management estimates these factors in determinin8 the net pension asset / liability a5 at the year end. The assumptions reflect historical experience and current trends. See note 23 for the di5cIosures relating to the def ined benefit pension scheme. Note 2 Income from donations and grants 2025 Total 2024 Total Note Restricted Unrestricted: Donations and gift5 20 1294 257 643 966 15,597 22.233 1309 854 666 199 The Charity benefits greatly from the involvement and enthu5ia5tic support of its many volunteers, details of which are given in our annual report. In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP IFRS 1021, the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recogni5ed in the accounts. 23 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 Note 3 Income from charitable activities- unrestricted 2025 rotal 2024 Total Fees for the supply of services Other income from charitable activities 34,796,935 34,179,788 144 397 34 324 185 34 997 434 Note 4 Income from other tradin8 activitie5 - unrestrirted 2025 Total 2024 Total Fundraising Refreshment income 88,367 100,065 142 293 147 941 Note 5 Investment Income - unrestricted 2025 Total 2024 Total Interest from deposlt accounts 267 610 223 849 Note 6 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Care Services Education Servi¢es Oth8r 2025 Total 2024 Total Staff in8 costs Grant expenditure Supplies and services Premises costs Transport Costs Administration Bank loan interest Depreciation Irrecoverable VAT Governance costs Support costs 13,557,118 2,096 562,974 502,101 422,826 183,141 31,839 300,962 17,751 129,976 2 371229 18 082 013 11,181,897 5,317 546,530 667,827 407,445 178,527 28,235 525,443 4,745 115,262 2 102 788 15 764 016 807,260 276,711 16,362 68,663 27,843 90,596 25,546.276 24,278,760 284,125 1,125,865 1,238,591 858,114 452,264 60,074 854,711 24,036 245,237 268,841 4 474 017 4 069 028 35 163 311 33 623 385 1,486,684 1,404,259 756,777 398,926 82,147 884,962 28,307 1,540 1317 282 Expenditure on charitable attivities was £35.163,31212004: £33,630,385) of which £34,132,31012024.' £32,947,987) was unrestricted and £1,031,00312004'. £682,3991 was restricted. Staff costs include agency staff of £960,321 {2024'. £963,949) excluded from note 10 Note 7 Summary analysis of expendlture and related income for charitable activities Care Servlces Education Servlce5 Other 2025 2024 Total Total Costs Fees for the supply of services Other income, grants and donations for the other charitable activities Net Icostl / surplus 118,071,013> 115,764,016) 18,517,981 16,278,954 11,317.2821 135,163,3121133,623,385} 34,796,935 34,264.816 1320 398 1320 398 954 022 43S 968 514 938 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 Note 8 Analysls of governance and support costs- 2025 General Support 2025 Total Basis of apportionment Governance Staffing costs Grant expenditure Supplies a nd 5ervice5 Premises costs Transport Administration Legal and other professional fees Irrecoverable VAT Depreciation Total 2,638,986 484 42,605 101,607 90,134 1,374,109 57,841 54,636 113 614 4 474 017 130,335 14 2,056 14,242 923 61,491 30,819 1,652 2,769,321 499 44,662 115,849 91.056 1,435,599 88,660 56,288 Fee income Fee income Fee income Fee income Fee income Fee income Fee income Fee income Fee income 245 237 4 719 254 Note 8 Analysis of governance and Support costs - 2024 General Support 2024 Total Basis of apportionmént Governance Staffing costs Supplies and services Premises costs Transport Administration Legal and other prof essional fees Depreciation Penslon finance cost Total 2,419,927 816,382 296,244 74.303 301,775 86,397 121,876 120,061 26,131 41,889 3,042 8,785 64,151 4,783 2,539,988 842,513 338,133 77,345 310,560 150,548 126,659 Fee income Fee Income Fee income Fee Incorne Fee income Fee income Fee income 4 392 745 Note 9 Net In¢ome for the year Is stated after char8lng: 2025 2024 Operating leases - equipment Depreciation Bank Interest payable Auditors, remuneration - Audit fees 526,684 972,217 60,430 27,500 406.326 1,025,023 58,600 Note 10 Analy515 of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the Cost of key management personnel 2025 2024 Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs 24,303,480 2,166,088 530 831 27 000 399 23,349,485 1,950,434 494 574 25 794 493 25 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS st For the period ended 31 March 2025 The number of employees whose emoluments for the year are above £60.000 2024 No. 2024 No. £60.000 - £70,000 £70,000 - £80,000 £80,000 - £90,000 £90,000- £100,000 £ioo,000- £iio,000 £110,000 - £120,000 £120,000- £130,000 14 io Pension costs in respect of these employees are E53,08712004: £39,739). The key management personnel of the charity. comprise the Trustees, the Chief Executive, Head of Care Services and Director of Ed ucation. The total employee benef its of the key management Personnel for the 11 months were £294,93112024: £310,394). The charity purchased Professional Indemnity Insurance including cover for the Trustees costin8 in total £2,25012024.. £2,504). This insurance excludes any claim arising from any wrongful act. Note 11 Staff numbers The average number of persons employed by the charity durln8 the year was as follows: 2024 No. 2024 No. Care services Education servlces Support services Governance 459 525 47 408 466 38 14 Please note that casuals are not classed as permanent staff and therefore are not Included In the above numbers. Note 12 Trustee remuneration and related party transartions The Charity Trustees were not paid or received payrnent by way of remuneration in the year12024: £nill, No Charity Trustee received expenses during the year12024: £Nill. No Charity Trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity12024: Enill There were no related party transactions12024'. £nlll Note 13 Ultlmate Controllins Party The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees and is not u nder the control of any one individual, Note 14 Corporation Taxatlon The charity is exempt from tax on income and Bains fallinB within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. 26 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 Note 15 Tangible Fixed Assets Freehold land and Bulldlngs Furniture Fixtures and Equipment Assets undÈr Motor Computers Vehlcles Constructlon Total Cost At 1st May 2024 Additions at cost Transfers Disposal At 31° March 2025 26.479.223 4,121,646 249, 903 52,666 1,066,602 245,419 47,774 37.893 74.117 31,779,481 147,589 642,911 1100,4401 1117,0001 1117,0001 26 362 223 4 424 215 1359 795 121266 3Z 305 392 Accumulated depreciatlon At 1st May 2024 Charge for the year Disposal At 31" March 20Z5 6,705,430 467.963 2,327,897 293,906 773,860 203,309 9,474 7,039 9,816.661 972,217 7 173 393 2 612 803 977 169 10 788 878 Net Book Value At 3111 March 2025 19 188 830 1802 412 382 626 121266 21 $16 514 At 30th April 2024 19 773 793 1793 749 292 741 74 117 21962 820 Note 16 Investments 2025 2024 Investments held rh On the 8 October 2024 the Society establi5hÈd a subsidiary 'New Warlands Farm Enterprise Ltd,, Companv rbumber: 160Q6055 wlth a share capStal of one Ordinary share, £1, being fully owned by the Society. For the period to 31, March 2025 New Warlands Farm Enterprise Ltd was dormant. Note 17 Debtors 2025 2024 Fees Receivable Prepayments and accrued income Other Debtors 4,701,460 1,764,009 2,266,690 2,216,486 6 468 937 4 488 880 Note 18 Creditors Amounts falling due withln one year 2025 2024 note 8ank Loans Sir Peter Vardy Foundation Loan Deferred income Trade creditors VAT Taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals 501,758 1,118.501 22.917 446,922 1,330,455 19 994,868 946,090 763,028 719,291 181,374 598 496 4 704 904 649,941 40,097 4 508 877 27 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 A bank loan due of £501,7S8 relates to a Barclay's facility secured on variou5 properties includin8 New WaTlands Farm and the "Aycliffe Centre" The loan had a final balloon payment due on 24 January 2023. In December 2022 the loan was refinanced with the term of three years. instalments are circa £13.302 per month includin8 interest with a single final balloon repayment in January 2026. Interest due is 1.90% above the bank'5 base rate and with the reduction in base rate in the last year the amount of instalments have decreased accordinglv. In August 2024 to reduce the Society debt and mitigate the potential impact of the balloon payment on the future cash flow when the UK economic outlook was uncertain the Trustees agreed to make additional repayments each month and up to the 31" March 2025 an additional £500k was repaid off the balance. In August 2025 the f inal payment was made with the loan being repaid in full. In April 2015 a £200,000 Interest free ten-year loan was recelved from the Slr Peter Vardy Foundatlon, this loan repayable from 2017 to 2025 has now been repaid in full. Note 19 Oeferred Income 2025 2024 Balance as at 1st May 2024 Amount released to income earned from charitable activities Amount deferred in year 446, 922 401,037 1446,922} 994 868 1401,0371 Deferred income is the fee income Invoiced in advance for f utu re perlods. These being a proportion of four weekly, quarterly and academ Ic term invclces that fall over two financial years. Note ZQ Analysls of charltable funds Analysi5 of movement in unrestrlcted funds - 2025 A¢tuarlal Gain l{10551 Funds 301h April 2024 1st Mav 2024 Income Expenditure Transf8rs General Fund Designated Reserves Pension Reserve 28,562,192 35,422,934 134,321,1671 1236,5001 1500,0001 28,927,459 500.000 500.000 236 500 236 500 Total 285621 Designated Fund5 An amount of £500,000 has been designated for the development of NEAS facilities for Capital Projects. Unrestricted General Funds Unrestricted General Funds of £28.927.459 include tangible fixed assets of £21,516,514 and a loan balance of £501,758 which relates to fund in8 f or fixed a55et purcha5e5 and improvement5. Analysls of movement in unrestrlcted funds - 2024 Actuarial Gain /lloss} Funds 30th April 2024 isr May 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers General Fund Pension Reserve Total 27,259,181 34,718,207 133,150,1961 265 000 334151 1265,0001 265 000 28,562.196 Unrestricted funds of £28,562,192 include tangible fixed a55ets of £21,962,820 and a loan balance of £1,141,418 which relate5 to funding for fixed asset purchases and improvements. 28 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 Analysis of movement in restricted fund5- 2025 Funds Transfers 1st May 2024 Incomè Expendlture 31st March 2025 North East Cornmunity Foundation (Platten Family Fund) The Ballinger Trust Point North (County Durham Community Foundation) National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All) North of Tyne Combined Authority UKSPF- ProgressNE (North East) Gateshead MBC - Gateshead UKSPF Durham County Council- Mid-Durham AAP (Area Action Partnership) South Tyne5ide Council U KSPF- NES (Neurodivergent Employment Service) North of Tyne Combined Authority- UKSPF Empower Works NE Newcastle (City Council) Fund- Small Grants Sport England- Small Grants Frazer Trust W A Handly Charity Trust Percy Bilton Northumbrian Water- Brdnch Out Fund Garfield Weston Abbvie Healthcare Ltd The Hospital Saturday Trust Sir James Knott Trust The William Leach c￿ Charitable Trust Arnold Clark Nineveh Charltable Trust Bailey Thomas charitable Fund DFE NPQfunding ESFA Grants Durham County Council- Grantfunding North East Humanists Newcastle Community Asset Trust Hospital of God (Greatham Foundation) Barbour Foundation Restricted Donations Other Grants and Donations Total 2.381 5,000 (2,3811 (7,500) io,ooo 7,500 2.490 12,4901 6,667 (1,667) 5.000 300.401 131,522 1300,4011 1131,5221 1,700 11,7001 161,401 1161,4011 352,215 1352,2151 1,243 3,150 500 333 1,666 11,2431 13,1501 {800 (5831 11,6661 1,5QO 1,000 1,200 750 7,500 13,7501 3,750 250,000 1,500 1,500 3,574 250,000 2,000 2,000 4,774 2,400 5,000 1,000 3,000 5,000 1,200 7,428 {5001 15001 11,200 12,4001 13,7501 {iooi 1,250 900 3,000 5,000 11,2001 17.4281 28,564 500 250 I,ooo 2,000 14,766 120,4721 1500 {2501 8,092 1,000 2.000 114,7661 131 32 1031002 29 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31st March 2025 Analysls of movement in restricted f unds- 2024 Funds Transfers 1st May 2023 Income Expenditure 315t March 20254 Depart of Ed - P05t 165 Grant Tesco Little Helps / Groundworks Youth Futu res Foundation DWP Diversity Project North ofTyne Combined Authority Diver51ty Project North ofTyne Combined Authoritv NWLWP- NWF phase I Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear Community Foundation Greater Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership Grants & Funding for NWF Development North East Community Foundation (Platten Family Fund) The Ballinger Trust Point North (County Durham Community Foundation) National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All) North of Tyne Combined Authority UKSPF - ProgressNE (North East) Gateshead MBC - Gateshead UKSPF Durham County Council - Mid-Durham AAP IArea Action Partnershipl South Tyneside Council UKSPF- N ES (Neurodivergent Employment Service) North of Tyne Combined Authoritv- UKSPF Empower Works NE Newcastle Fund Small Grants Dept of Ed - Grant fund ing Sport England - Small Grants Frazer Trust W A Handly Charity Trust Percy Bilton Northumbrian Water- Branch Out Fund Other Total 11,014 2,500 111,0141 {2,500) 163,856} 1138,2071 63,856 138.207 138.207 1138,2071 41,883 141,8831 9,946 (9,946) 3,350 (3,355} (41,8821 41,882 4,762 10,000 (2,381} 15,000) 2,381 5,000 7,469 (4,979) 2,490 20,000 113,3331 6,667 117,235 35,916 1117.2351 135,9161 6,620 (4,9201 1,700 10,842 110,842} 10,611 4,972 10,358 6,300 1,5(X) 1,000 4.997 110,611) 13,7291 110,3581 13,15DI 11,0001 1667) 13,3311 1,243 3,150 500 333 1.666 7,500 7,500 132 643 967 30 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 Name of restricted fund North East Community Foundation Platten Famil Fund The Ballinger Trust Grant for Family Development - Science Clubs x Life Centre Grant for Family Development Autism Hub Grant for Family Development- Durham Autism Hub North Tyneside Point North (County Durham Community Foundation National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All North of Tyne Combined Authority UKSPF - ProgressNE INorth East) GaleshLiid MBC - Gateshead UKSPF Durham County Council- Mid-Durham AAP (Area Partnershi South Tyneside Council UKSPF- NES Neurodiver ent Em ment Service North of Tyne Combined Authority- UKSPF Ern ower Works NE Newcastle (City Council) Fund - Small Granis ort England- Small Grants Frazer Trust W A Handl Chari Percy Bilton Northumbrian Water- Branch Out Fund Garfield Wesion Abbvie Healthcare Ltd I'he Hospital Saturday Fund Grant for Family Development Autism Hub Grant to deliver employability service North Tyneside Grant to deliver em abili Grant for Befriending Service service Aclion Grant (o deliver employability service Grant to deliver employability service Grant for Family Development- BAME Project Bikeabilii Grant Grant for Family Develo ment Grant for Famil Develo nienl Grant for P05116s Educalion - iPad's Grant for NWF Fam] to create wetland Grant for NWF ca ital fund Grant for G ui ment for A cliffe sile Grant for Family Development Early Years roTrramme Grant for Family Develo ment- Toddler Grou Grant for Fami Infrastructure - New Warldnds Grant for Farm Infrastructure - New Warlands Grant for Fann Infrastructure- New Warland5 Grant for Fami Infrasrructure - New Warlands Grant for Fann Infrastructure - New Warland5 Grant for Ediication Grant for Education Grants including towards-. Gym Equipment for NEAS School. too15 and equipment for work experience placemen15; Children's Short Break5 funding. and MSIF fundin Grant- Play e ui ment, Tunstall Children's Home Grant- Famil Develo nient (Autism Activists Grant- Family Develo ment (Durharn Autlsrn Hub) Grant- Famil Develo menl (Durham Autism Hub) Post 16 Education Famil Develo ment- Youth orou Grant fo deliver em lo abili service Grant to deliver em abili service Grant to deliver employability service Trust Sir James Knott Trust The William Leach CLA Charitable Trust Arnold Clark Nineveh Charitable Trust Bally Thomas Charitable Fund DFE NPQ fundin ESFA Grants Durham County Council - Cirant ￿ndIng North F.asl Humanists Newcastle Community A55et Trust Hos ital of God Greatharn Foundation Barbour Foundation art of Ed- Post 16s Grant Tesco Little Hel s l Groundworks Youth Futures Foundation DWP - Diversi Pro ect North of Tyne Combined Authority Diversi Pro ect North of Tyne Combined Authority NWLWP- NWF phase I Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear Community Foundation NWF Phase l - Plannino and Demolition works Autism Artivists Group 31 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 Greater Aycliffe & Middridge Patlneishi Grants & Funding for NWF Development t of Ed - Grdnt fundin Grani for Education Projects Grants & Funding for NWF Develo ment Grdn15 & Fundin for Pu il Premilun and Education We work with a number of trusts and foundations, partnering with them to deliver our respective charitable objectives and helping create lasting change for the thousands of people that we have the privilege of supporting across the reBion. We are extremely grateful to them for their ongoing commitment of support and for the support of all donations and gifts. 32 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TOTHE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 Note 21 Analy515 Of assets and liabilitles between funds General Fund Restrlcted Deslgnated Funds Funds Total Flxed Assets Current Assets Creditor: arnounts falling due within one year Total 21,516,515 12,115,849 21,516,515 50D,000 12,911,864 296,015 4 704 904 28 927 460 4 704 904 29 723 475 296 015 500 000 Prlor year Fixed Assets Current Assets Creditor: amounts fa Iling due wlthln one year Total 21,962,820 11,108,249 21.962.820 11,141,010 32,761 4 508 876 4 508 876 Note 22 Operating Lease commitments As at 31. March 2025 the total f uture mlnlmum lease payments u nder non-cancellable operating leases were as follows.. 2025 2024 Operatlng Equipment Leases which expire within l year Leases whlch expire within 2-5 years 315,730 210.279 2025 2024 Land and 8ulldlngs Leases which expire within l year Leases which expire within 2-5 years Leases which expire over S year5 125,501 335.084 30 104,831 97,918 33 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS st For the perlod ended 31 March 2025 Note 23 Pension Commltments North East Autism Society operates a defined benefit scheme in the UK which provide5 both pensions in retirement and death benef its to member5. Pension benef its are related to the members, final salarv at retirement and their length of service. Since 9th March 2012 the scheme ha5 been closed to new members and future accrual. Contributions to the scheme for the period endin8 31" March 2026 are expected to be £21,500. A full actuarial valuation of the Plan was carried out as at l May 2022 by a qualified independent actuary. The major assumption5 Used by the artuary were (In nomlnal temis) as follow5: At 3110312025 5.80% 3.25% 2.55% At 3010412024 5.30Y. 3.40% 2.70Y. Discount rate Inflation assumption IRPII Inflation assumption ICPII Inflation linked pension increa5es'. Pension earned before 61411997 (Teachers) Pension earned between 61411997 and 301412005 Pension earned after 301412005 Cash commutation 3.25% 3,25% 2.50% 90% of maximum 3.40% 3.40Y. 2.50% 90% of maximum Assumed Ilfe expertancles on retlrement at age 65 are: At 3110312025 19.9 22.1 21.1 23.5 At 3010412024 19.9 22.3 21.1 24.7 Retiring today- Males Retiring today- Females Retiring in 20 years time - Males Retiring in 20 years time Females The assets in the scheme were: Value at 3110312025 £OOO's 3,103 7,791 224 Value at 3011)412024 £OOO's 3,303 7,877 242 Equity Bonds Cash Falr Value of scheme assets The actual return on assets over the period was: 167 Present value of funded obligations Fair value of scheme assets Surplus / (deficit) In funded scheme 7.738 8,280 Present value of unfu nded obligations Unrecognised actuarial gains Ilossesl Ilrrecover2ble surpl us) Net assets / Iliabilityl in balance sheet 34 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31, March 2025 Reconciliation of opening and ¢losin8 balances of the present value of the defined benefit obligation 3110312025 3010412024 £OOO's £OOO's 8,280 8,655 Benefit obligation at beginning of year Current service cost Interest cost Contributions by plan participants Actuarial Igainsl 11055es Benefits paid Past service cost Settlements Curtailments Business comblnatlons Exchange rate Benefit obligatlon at end of year 391 417 (5091 14241 1523} 12691 Reconciliatlon of opening and closing balances of the fair value of scheme assets 3110312025 £OOO's 11,422 547 15561 237 3010412024 £OOO's 11,600 568 17351 258 Falr value of plan assets at be8inning of year Interest income on plan assets Return on assets, excluding interest income Contributions by employers Contributions by plan participants Benefits paid Plan administrative cost Business combinations Settlements Exchange rate Fair value of Plan assets at end of year 14241 11081 {269} The amounts re¢ognlsed In the statement of financial activities 3110312025 £OOO's 3010412024 £OOO's Service cost including current & past service costs, settlements Service cost - administrative cost Net interest on the net defined benefit liability Total credlted to net incoming resources 108 Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liablllty (asset) to be shown in OCI 3110312025 £OOO's 15091 556 3010412024 £OOQ's 15231 735 Actuarial Igainl/losses on the liabilities Return on asset5, excluding interest income Change in the amount of surplus that is not recoverable, excluding interest income Total remeasurement of the net defined benefit Ilablllty {asset) To be shown In OCI 86 53 133 265 35 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 31" March 2025 Sensitivity analysls Impact on Plan Liabilities 3110312025 3010412024 £OOO's £OOO's 1208} 12391 136 159 Discount rate - increase by 0.25% Rate of inflation IRPII increase by 0.25% Assumed life expectancy at age 65 increase by l year 247 279 Please note that extrapolalion of the sensitivity analysis beyond the ranoes shown may not be appropriate. Estimation of next perlod's surplus or (deficit) 3110312025 £OOO's Service cost includin8 current & past servlce costs, settlements Service cost administrative cost Net interest on the net defined benef it liability Total expense iii 114 Information about the characteristics of the Plan The Plan provldes pensions in retirement and death benefits to members. Pension benefits are linked to a member's final salary at retirement and their len8th of service. The Plan closed to new members on 8th March 2012 The Plan is a registered Plan under UK legislation and is subject to the scheme funding requirements. The Plan was established from 31st July 1989 under trust and Is governed by the Plan's trust deed and rules dated 27th December 1997, The Trustees are responsible for the operation and the governance of the Plan, including makin8 decisions re8ardin8 the Plan's funding and investment strategy, in conjunction with the Society, Informatlon about the risks of the Plan to the Society The Plan exposes the Society to actuarlal rlsk such as.. market (investment) risk: interest rate risk,. inflation risk; currency risk; and longevity risk. The Plan does not expose the Society to any unusual Plan-specific or Society-specif ic risk5. Information about the valuation of the defined benefit obligation at the accounting date The most recent formal actuarial valuation of the Plan was as at 1st May 2022. The liabilities at the reporting date have been calculated by updatin8 the result5 Of the formal actuarial valuation of the Plan for the assumptions as detailed in these disclosures. Allowance has been made for expected mortality over the period, as well as actual movement in financial conditions since the valuatlon date. Such an approach is normal for the purposes of accounting disclosures. It is not expected that these projections will be materially different from a summation of individual calculations at the accounting date, although there may be some d iscrepancy between the actual liabilities for the Plan at the accounting date and those included in the disc105ure5. 36 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the period ended 315¢ March 2025 Informatlon about the most recent artuarial valuatlon and expected future cashflows to and from the Plan The valuation a5 at 1st M ay 2022 revealed a fundi ng deficit of £1.4m. In the Recovery Plan dated 21. July 2023, it is stated that the statutory funding objective at the valuation date was not met. However, the Trustees allowed for post valuation experience which showed that the Plan was no longer in a deficit position, a nd hence no d eficit recovery contributions were required. In accordance with the Sched ule of Contributions dated 21" July 2023 the Society is expected to pay contributions to the plan, to further mitlgate any equity and mis-match investment risk, of £258,000 per annum until l May 2025. Therefore. over the next accounting period the Society is only expected to contribute £21,500 to the Plan. The contributions paid by the Society are reviewed every 3 years as part of each formal artuarial valuation. The Plan:s next actu2 rial valuation is due at 1st May 2025. The Society is not expected to meet the cost of administrative expenses for the Plan. The liabllities of the Plan are based on the current value of expected benefit payment cashflows to members approximately over the next 63 years. The average d uration of the liabilities is approximately 12 years. The Plan's investment strategy The Plan's investment strategy is to invest broadly 25% in return seeklng assets and 75% in matching a55et5 through bonds I'not geared'l. This strategy ref lects the Plan's liability profile and the Trustees, and Sccievs attitude to risk. The Plan holds a number of annuity policies which match a portion of the pensions In payment, whlch have been excluded from the valuation cf the assets and the liabilities. The plan does not hold any ordinary shares Issued or property cccupled by the Society. The 8rowth assets held are expected to provide protection over inflation in the long term. 37 NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY CONTAcf INFORMATION For the period ended 31" March 2025 north east autism society Registered Office 15116 Lumley Court Drum Industrial Estate Chester le Street County Durham DH2 IAN Registered Charity Number 1028260 Company Limited by Guarantee Number 02859620 Email: en uiries ne-as.or Head Off ice North East Autism Society 15116 Lumley Court Drum Industrial Estate Chester le Street County Durham DH2 IAN Telephone.. 0191410 9974 38