Charlty reglstratlon number 1045617 {England and Wales) Charlty reglstratlon number SC039170 (Scotland) Company registratlon number 03036802 (England and Wales) AFASIC ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 AFASIC LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees C Hammond (Treasurer) J Emin (Chair) C Everingham G Drewitt J Butcher Corporate Management Team L Lascelles (Chief Executive) M Thompson (Director Fundraising & Support serVi￿S) Secretary L Lascelles (Chief Executive) Charity number (England and Wales) 1045617 Charity number {S¢otland) SC039170 Company number 03036802 Registered office St Margaret's House 15 Old Ford Road London E2 9PJ Independent examlner Lee, Dicketts & Co 3 East Poinl High Street Seal Sevenoaks Kent TN15 OEG Banke Lloyds 4 High Street Dartford Kent DA1 1BY AFASIC CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Independent examiner's report statement of financial activities 9-10 Statement of financial position 11 Notes to the financial statements 12-23 AFASIC TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 110 the financial statements and comply with the Gharity's governing documenl, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended} and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK arKI Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)" Objectives and activities Afaslc is a UK parent-led charity, established in 1968, that supports and provides information for families with children and young adults who have Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), with a focus on Developmental Language Disorder {DLD). Afasic's vlslon is that every child and young adult with SLCN, including DLD, should be enabled to overcome the challenges they face and become the best they can be. Afasic's core purpose is to provide information and support for families, parents, other carers and also to health, education and care professionals, lo enable them to better understand, help and advocate for Ghildren with SLCN, with a focus on DLD., and to erlable children and young adults to develop key skills, improve social integration and gain access to educational and legal entitlements. The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. Achievements and performance A summary of our main areas of work and achievements during the past year is given below. Transition Courses: These are courses for children with persistent speech, language and communication difficulties who are about to make the key educational transition from primary to secondary school. They aim to improve opportunities for these children to make a positive start at secondary, make the most of their education, and to take a full and active role in school life, with long-term benefits for them, their families, the school and the community as a whole. Despite some challenges this year, ten primary to secondary transition courses were successfully delivered during the summer of 2023, with 115 children benefiting from these, and positive oulcomes for both children and parents. students had a mixed profile of communication needs. The majority had receptive and expressive language difficullies and Developmental Language disorder (DLD), some with social communication and general learning difficulties. Results of post course questionnaires showed most children enjoyed the Iransition course and increased their confidence, raising their understanding of the requirements of secondary and learning strategies to assist them with introducing themselves and interacting with unfamiliar peers and adults. Most of the students rated their enjoyment of the course wilh either 4 or 5 stars (out of 51. Students also reported that after the course they felt more confident about starting at secondary school. ' My favounte thing about Ihe course was leaming about friendships and playing in the breaks." Student. °Thank you for a greal course, it has really helped my child with her fears around secondary school. She felt that having the chance lo speak with a student of a school really helpful and being able lo ask them questions." Parent. °It was really nice to hear from other parents fears or concems about their child and that you are not alone feeling like Ihatl" Parent. AFASIC TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 We are very grateful for the support that we received from the Weinstock Fund, the Big Give, the FourAcre Trust, and the Borrows Charitable Trust that helped to ensure these courses could take place. Parent training". The 'DLD Together, project has been developed by Afasic and the charity NAPLIC to fill a gap in SLPPOrt for families who have a child lor children) affected by DLD, which has been identified by both parents and professionals. The DLD Together course provides an invaluable resource to parents who may not have even heard of DLD until their child was diagnosed. Many families report feeling very isolated as they do not know other families who have a child with a diagnosis of DLD. NAPLIC and Afasic have created a seven-week course that helps parents and carers better understand the condition, support their child al home, become effective advocates for their child, and enables them to meet other parents to build a support network. Over 200 professionals have now been trained to deliver the courses and we have run a total of 54 courses so far, which have benefited over 330 families. °The Gourse was exlremely useful at giving helpful advice for now as well as for the future and was very supportive" (parent). °We regularty Wh8tsApp each other in our DLD group chat. We support and champion our amazirFg children who have DLD. We are planning another DLD family gel together during Oclober half temil This would not have been possible with the course. Thank you." Iparentl. °The cOu￿e greatly improved my overall knowledge of DLD this also helped me understand my daughter's behaviourf. We are grateful to the Communication Consortium for their support for this developing project, without which this would not have been possible. Helpline & Support for Parents: Providing information and support for parents is at the heart of all that we do and was the driving force behind the establishment of the charity 55 years ago. The Afasic helpline continues to provide an essential source of one to one tailored information, support and advice for parents to enable them to better understand, help and advocate for their child. "Thank you very much for the infom?alion you sent to me. It was very helpful." °Thank you for taking the time to reply to my email. What you have written is helpful. I sing the praises of Afasic to olhers who have children with developmental speech disorders. Keep up the good woth.. 'Thanks ever so much for your thorDughly infonnative email, l also appreciate your insighlfulness and genuine Garing spirit." We are grateful to the WO Street Charitable Trust for their donation towards the costs of this key service. Website & Information: Our website, social media and monthly email updates continue to provide a key point of access lo vital information about speech, language and communiGation needs with a wide range of free downloadable resources available from our website. Our social media officer is successfully growing the reach of our messages and information to new audiences and we now have over 20,000 followers across all platforms. Printed publications offer more detailed information on accessing benefits, therapy, practical aclivities for parents to do with their child, and their legal rights. AFASIC TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED}(INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Collaboration". Afasic works in collaboration with several organisations, including the Council for Disabled Children, the Special Education Consortium (SEC}, the Disabled Children's Partnership (DCP), the Speech language and communication Alliance (previously the Communication Consortium), the National Associalion of Professionals concerned for Language Impaired Children (Napli¢), the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and Speech and Language UK (fomially ICANI. We also collaborate on specific research initiatives with Bristol University, and others. We have collaborated on some parent information with Moor House Speaalisl School and College's research centre. Developing a DLD vision.. Developmental Language Disorder {DLDI is still an under-recognised condition, and Afasic, RCSLT, Naplic and Speech and Language UK and UCL Professor Courtenay Norbury have held several online sessions with adults and young people with DLD and their families to pull together five key visions which will help guide everyone's work, and although this project has had a long gestation period, this was launched on 'DLD Awareness Day, on the 20th October 2023. Financial and business review This has been another difficult year in terms of income for Afasic. The economic uncertainty and cost of living crisis continues to impact on levels of individual donalions and sponsorship and as a small specialist charity dealing with a liltle-known condition it remains difficult to recruit participants for events. Total income for the year was £172,494. a reduction of £8,000 compared to last year. At the same time, operating costs have increased due to inflationary pressures, with lotal costs rising by £22,000 compared to the previou5 year. Income from trusts & foundations is increasingly hard to obtain as the focus and priority for many seems to be elsewhere at the moment, and just the sheer weight of numbers of applications they are receiving are impacting on the success of our applications. As a result, income from trusts and foundations has reduced by £8,500 compared to the previous year. It is pleasing to see that income from individual donations and subscriptions has in fact remained slatic at over £91,000, but income from fundraising events has reduced by £4,500 compared lo the previous year. These figures show that income levels are still fragile and that there is increasing competition for funding that exists. Against unreslricted income of £128,160 {2023 £124,106), there was expenditure of £157,254 {2023-. £152,303), leaving a net deficit for the year of £29,094 in the unrestricted general fund {2023.' net deficit of £28,197). For restricled funds there was income of £44,33412023 £57,495) and expenditure of £75,652 (2023.. £79,372), which has resulted in a net deficit of £27,455 for the year in restricted funds after transfers (2023.. net deficit of £21,877). Designated funds have reduced by £23,973 {2023'. £1,013) as the trustees have agreed to use the deggnated fvnd to ensure that we can continue to provide and develop our key services and projects for families and children whilst additional funding is obtained in the longer terrn. Overall, there is a net deficil for the year of £80,522, compared to a net deficit the previous year of £51,087. General unrestricted funds available for general charitable purposes as at the 31st March 2024 were £117,603, which is within the level of unrestricted funds required by the trustees (see reserves policy below). These remain uncertain times, but the trustees continue to be positive and the first quarter of the new financial year has shown glimmers of hope in terms of income, with total income for the quarter to the end of June 2024 being the highest for the past 5 years at over £112,000. In the meantime, the trustees will continue to keep careful watch on the financial position to ensure that the important work of the organisation can continue into the future. AFASIC TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Reserves policy: The trustees have an agreed reserves policy that takes into account the main risks to the organisation highlighted through the risk management policy. The policy of the trustees is to maintain unrestricted reserves at a level sufficient to support the core activities of the organisation for a minimum of six months and up to twelve months. This level of reserves is deemed prudent by the trustees, to ensure that the work and services ofthe organisation can be planned with some certainty. This policy is reviewed by the trustees on an annual basis. At the year end, unrestricled reserves (excluding the designated fund) provided 9 months cover for budgeted unrestricted expenditure (previous year 11.6 months). This is therefore within the level of cover required by the trustees under this policy. The trustees will continue to monitor the reserves position closely over the coming year. Golng ¢oncern: These accounts are prepared on the going Concern basis. The trustees have a reasonable expectation that Afasic will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable fulure. However, the general econc*nic environment means it is difficult lo project with any certainty the likely level of unrestricted funding that will be received over the next 12 months. The cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty is having a continuing impact but overall the income of the organisation has held up well given all that has happened over the past few years and work undertaken to reduce overheads in previous years means thal Afasic is Gomparatively well placed to sustain its work and support for children and families that need it now more than ever. Princlpal funding sources. We are very grateful to the many individuals who have contributed towards the work of Afasic through membership fees, individual donations and taking part in a range of events during the year. These are all vital sources of income for us and help ensure that we can maintain and develop our key services. In addition to these, major funding contributions and signifi'cant grants have been very gratefully received during the year from the following- Trusts & Foundations.. The Adinl Charitable Trust, the Andor Charitable Trust, the Communication Consortium. the Grocers Charity, Kingsgrove Trust, Masonic Charitable Foundation, PF Charitable Trust, Sir James Roll Charitable Trust, Woodroffe Benton Foundation, WO Street Charitable Trust, and the Worshipful Company of Insurers. Companies.. Akira Financial Ltd, Oxed & Assessment Ltd, Seveer Media Ltd. Individuals & Events.. We greatly appreciate the continued generous supporl for our work from our members and individual donors, without which much of what we do would not be possible. In particular, we greatly appreciate the very kind legacies left to us during the year by long term supporters Clive Craigmile, John Quinn and Rosanna Mccarthy. In De￿mber 2023 we had our second 'Big Give Christmas Challenge, where all donations received were doubled. This was to raise funds for our transition courses and amazingly we reached our target of £10,0001 Many thanks to all those who donated, the people who 'matched' their donations The Reed Foundation, Dorothy Bishop, Jon Emin and Stewart Clark, and of course the Big Give for the opportunity to take part in their Christmas Challenge Campaign. We are also very grateful to everyone who took part in one of our fundraising events during the year, including our third 'Dash for DLD,, our amazing and inspiring London marathon runners, all the cyclists who took part in one of oui bike rides during the year, all those taking part in our'sponsored walk,, and everyone 'doing their own thing, to help raise funds for us. Thanks to all of you- you are amazing and really do help to make a difference! AFASIC TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 As a small specialist charity dealing with a little-known condition it is very hard to raise funds to maintain the ongoing delivery of our work, made even more difficult by the cost of living crtsis and other more 'visible' and 'urgent' calls for support. Given this, and the continuing difficult economic climate, the trustees would like to sincerely thank all of our supporters who have contributed towards our work during the year. This is greatly appreciated and has helped to make a real difference to the daily lives of the children, young adults and families that we help. Investment policy: The Memorandum and Articles of Association give the charily the power to invest moneys not immediately required for its purposes as it sees fit. The Trustee Board agreed an investment policy in December 2004 that states- An amount of cash for working capital of up to £150,000 is to be maintained in the organisation's current and accessible deposit accounts at any one time. Balances above this figure that are not required to cover short I medium term liabilities are to be available for investment. There are currently no funds held in investments. Risk management: The Board of Trustees adopted a risk management policy in December 2004 and established a risk register, both of which are reviewed and updated as necessary on at least an annual basis. The policy and register have identified the major risks to which the organisation is exposed and outline strategies, systems and procedures to manage Ihese. Afasic has policies in place including a health and safety policy, child protection policy, equal opportunilies policy, and data protection policy as well as procedures laid down in a staff handbook to ensure that all staff and volunteers comply with these. Financial risk management is an integral part of the operational framework of the business and strategic planning, project management and financial reporting procedures are in place. Plans for the future: Our key aims for the coming year are outlined below= To expand the reach of the 'DLD Together, parent training programme now that 3 year funding has been obtained, and to develop a parent support network. To maintain and develop our summer transition courses for children facing the key move to secondary school, subject to funding, wilh courses able lo be delivered either virtually or face to face. including the development of a 'nalional' course model. To continue developing our website content and resources to provide a source of key information for parents and families, whenever they need it. To continue providing information, support and advice to parents. carers and families through the Afasic parents, helpline service and our social media feeds. To continue collaborating with partners, professionals, key researchers, voluntary sector {e.g. NAPLIC, CDC, SEC, DCP, Speech and Language UK the speech language and Communication Alliance and professional bodies such as the RCSLT. Structure, governance and management The organisation is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The organisation was registered as a charity on 4 July 1968, and incorporated on 23 March 1995. The company was established under Memorandum of Association, which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association, as amended to allow for current governan￿ arrangements on 6 November 2004. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. The organisation was registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator on 17th January 2008 under number SC039170. AFASIC TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were= C Hammond {Treasurer) J Emin (Chair) J Perry C Everingharn G Drewitt J Butcher (Resigned 5 July 2024) Recruitment and appointment of trustees: The trustees are all volunteers. The board comprises both elected and co-opted members. In addition to the Honorary Officers, up to six board members can be elected at theAGM. To ensure that the work of the charity is informed by a mix of business, financial and technical advice, the Board also has four co-opled places designated for individuals with an interest in and the potential to offer valuable contribution to the effectiveness of the organisation. The Chair and Vice Chair must be parents of a child with a speech and language impairment. All members are circulated with invitations to nominate trustees and Honorary Offi￿rS prior to the AGM, along with details and nominalion forms. Organisational structure: The Board of Trustees, which can have a maximum of 13 members, administers the charity and meets cn at least a quarterly basis. The day-to-day management of the organisation is in the hands of the Chief Executive. Trustee induction and tralnlng: Each new trustee receives induction from the Chair and / or Chief Executive as to their role and responsibilities and the work of the organisation. They are provided with a copy of 'The Good Trustee Guide" published by NCVO, along with a copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, latest audited accounts and annual review, strategiG and business plans, and details of major projects and services. Trustees are encouraged lo attend appropriate external training events where this will help them in their role, in addition to internal training provided by staff and trustees. AFASIC TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Statement of trustees. responsibllities The truslees, who are also the directors of Afasic for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparin9 the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires thé trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of th8 incoming resources and application of resources, induding the Incomè and expenditure, of the ¢harilable company for that year. In preparing these fjnan¢ial statements, the trustees are required to: select Suitable accounting policies and Ihen apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., slate whether applicable UK Accounling Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disdosed and explained in Ihe finan(aal statemenls- and prepare the financial ststements on the going concem basis unless il is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation. The trustees are re5ponsibla for keeping adequate accounting records that disclos8 with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (S¢otland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding Ihe assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial infomialion included on the charli￿8 website. Legislation in the United Kingdom goveming the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in olherjurisdictions. of the Board of Trustaes min {C Trustee Dated. ....4&.&Lltsb￿ ￿Lf AFASIC INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF AFASIC We report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Afasic {the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responslbllities and basis of report As the trustees of the charity {and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotlandl Act 2005 (the 2005 Act}, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Companies Act 2006 (Ihe 2006 Act). You are satisfied that the financial slatements of the charity are not required by charity or company law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination. Having satisfied ourselves that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be aud ited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, we report in respect of our examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 44 {1) ( c} of the 2005 Ad and section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying OLrt our examination we have followed the requirements of Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5llb> of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the charity is required by company law to prepare its accounts on an accruals basis and is registered as a charity in Scotland your examiner must be a member of a body listed in Regulation 11 (2) of the Charities Accounts (Scotland} Regulations 2006 (as amended). We confirm that we are qualified to undertake the examination because we are a member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. We have completed our examination. We confirm that no matters have come to our attention in connection with the examination giving us cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations- or the financial statements do not accord with those records., or the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended} and do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination,- or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance wilh the methods and principles of the statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK arKI Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). We have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to wlich attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Lee, Dicketts & Co 3 East Point High Street Seal Sevenoaks Kent TN15 OEG Dated: 31 October 2024 AFASIC STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Current financial year Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general Designated fund 2024 Restricted funds Total Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investmenls Other income 75,888 42,000 8,365 1.907 15,814 28,512 91,702 70,512 8,373 1,907 91,739 84,502 2,176 2,267 Total Income 128,160 44,334 172,494 180,684 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charilable activities Other expenditure 21,533 135,690 31 21,533 231,452 31 16,007 215,764 20,110 75,652 13 Total expenditure 157,254 20,110 75,652 253,016 231,771 Net expenditure {29,094) (20,1101 (31,318) 180,522) (51,087) Transfers be￿een funds (3,8631 3,863 Net movement In funds 10 (29,094) (23,9731 (27,455) (80,522) (51,087) Reconciliatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2023 146,697 204,235 94,789 445,721 496,808 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 117,603 180,262 67,334 365,199 445,721 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing aclivities. AFASIC STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Prior financial year Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general Designated fund 2023 Restricted funds Total 2023 2023 2023 Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments other income 73,926 45,742 2,171 2,267 19171 18,730 38,760 91,739 84,502 2,176 2,267 Total income 124,106 (917) 57,495 180,684 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 16,007 136,296 16,007 215,764 96 79,372 Total expenditure 152,303 96 79,372 231,771 Net income and movement In funds (28,197) (1,013) 121,877) {51,0871 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2022 174,894 205,248 116,666 496,808 Fund balances at 31 March 2023 148,697 204,235 94,789 445,721 10- AFASIC STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 1S 2,020 2,957 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 16 12,157 357,152 113,601 334,694 369,309 448.295 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 (6,130) (5,5311 Net current assets 363,179 442.764 Total assets less current liabilities 365,199 445,721 Net assets excluding pension liability 365.199 445,721 The funds of the charity Reslricled income funds Unrestricted tunds - general Unrestricted funds - Designated fund 20 67,334 117,603 180,262 94,789 146,697 204.235 19 365.199 445,721 The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Acl 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companie5 Act 2006 with respeGt lo accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of ils financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the trustees on C Hammond (Treasurer) Trustee Company registration number 03036802 (England and Wales) AFASIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting policies Charity information Afasic is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Sl Margarel's House, 15 Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PJ. 1.1 Accounting conventlon The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) {effective 1 January 20191" The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not lo prepare a Slatement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are sel out below. 1.2 Going concern These accounts are prepared on the going concem basis. The trustees have a reasonable expectati(n that Afasic will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, however the general economic environment continues to make it difficutt to raise unreslricted funds to cover core services and costs. It remains difficult to project what the likely receipt of unrestricted funding will be over the next 12 months. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objeGtives. Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for sFEcific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in note 19 of the financial statements. Restricted fLFnds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in nole 18 of the financial statements. 1.4 Incoming resources Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are reGognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of Ihe donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under GiftAid or deeds of covenanl is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or othe￿iSe if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. INhere il is clear that the donor has specified a grant to be related to a fixed period for a specffied use, these funds will be treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of Financial Activities to match the related expenditure. 12- AFASIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Ac¢ountlng policies (Continued) 1.5 Resources expended The accruals basis is applied to all expenditure. Expenditure has been allocated according to the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities and is shown under the appropriate sub-heading. Items of expenditure which involve more than one charitable activity, are allocated appropriately between the charitable activities involved on Ihe basis of estimates made by the charity's management. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: Fixtures, fittings & equipment Computers 25 % reducing balance 33.30/0 reducing balance The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the differen￿ between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. 1.7 Impairment of fixed assets At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impaimient loss. If any such Ind￿atiOn exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include Gash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 1.9 Basic financial instruments Debtors and creditors with no slated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any loss arising from impairment is recognised in the profit and loss account in other administrative expenses. 1.10 Employee benefits The cost of any unused holiday entitlement 15 recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonslrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. 1.11 Retlrement benefits Paymenls to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. 13- 00)r Z5 YJZ5 ffj tsj c Di Olnr J) 17) CN r ON(N t5 In 7JiJ * r Z5 al T￿0) IY) ￿ Ln AFASIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Income from charltable activities Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Events Literature Grants receivable for charitable activities 21,688 1,612 21,688 1,612 26,098 2,594 10 26,108 2,594 18,700 28,512 47,212 17,050 38,750 55,800 42,000 28,512 70,512 45,742 38,760 84,502 Income from investments Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Interest receivable 8,365 8,373 2,171 2,176 other income Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2023 Royalties Management and administration services 332 1,575 249 2,018 1,907 2,267 Expenditure on raising funds Unrestrlcted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2023 Fundraising and publiclty other fundraising costs staff costs 6,552 14,981 3,121 12,886 21,533 16,007 15- ¢0 17) Lr) 0 17) (O Lf) Ln O Ln x* G) *Lno ) (N ¢0￿mIn￿O cz¢ ty) r4 t44 ¢D CO O (D Or (N rNC OLn c O O F- CQ Cfj a) ￿ F- Cf) 00(N ¢0 r (o Ln O Ln cocoN¢ o r Ln0￿￿￿) Ln r) <0 rn J) COO wfiJ) (o (J) N ttj a)r tytt