Charity numb8r: 1065625
ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
AMS
FLIDMEDIITION
S E 11 V I C E
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
CONTENTS
Page
Referonce and Admlnlstratlve Detalls of the Charlty. tts Trustees and Advlsers
Trustees. Report
Independent Examiner's Report
10
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
12
Notes to th• Financlal Statements
13-24
The folk)wng pages do not form part of the statutory finanaal statements:
Appendlx 1- Referral Source
25
Appendix 2 - Types of Disputes
26

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
REFERENCE ANO ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS OF THE CHARITY. ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Trust888
S Pit¢ Chair {resigned 10 May 2023)
S Malone. Chair
P C Boucher. Trustee (resigned 12 September 2023)
B J Whiiworth. Truslee (resigned 14 November 2023)
J Murray, Chair (appointed 10 May 2023. resigned 14 November 2023)
L Hacking. Trustee (appointed 21 December 2023)
C Whilton, Treasurer {appointed 21 December 2023)
D Surendran. Trusiee (appointed 21 December 2023)
J King. Twstee (appoint8d 14 November 2023)
S Clarke, Trustee (appoinled 21 De￿mber 2023}
A Vanagaite. Trustee {appointed 14 November 2023)
Charity registered
number
1065625
Princlpal office
Compass Hous8
TLrfton Street
Ashford
TN23 1EE
Independent Examlner
Magee Gammon Corporate Lirniied
Chartered Accountants
Henwood House
Henwood
Ashford
Kent
TN24 8DH
Banke
CAF Bank
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME194JQ
Pag8 1

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
TRUSTEES. REPORT
FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and finanaal statements for the Ashford Mediation Serwce for the year
from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ with the
chariWs constitution. the Annual Returns guidan￿ from the Chaiity Commission and the Charibes Act 2011.
Objectives and activitie5
. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFrr
The objectives of the SeNc8 are to provide a mediation service to the communities of Ashford Borough, Kent
and beyond In order to help dttzens resolve their diff8rences and to prevent 8scalation of disagreements which
might result in intervention by th8 Poli￿. Social Servi￿$ or other Public Bodies. It halps p80ple with
neighbourhood, family. intergenerational and workplac8 disputes as well as child access issues.
b. ACTivrriES FOR ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES
The Service achieves this with the help of volunt8er mediators. volunteer trustees as well as a range of sector
speafic volunteers. The Trustees confirm that they have refe￿ed to the guidance contained in the Charity
Commission's general guidance on public benefit when revie￿Ing the Services aims and objectives and in
planning future activities and settbng policies for the year ahead.
The Charity carries out these objeclives ty.
1. Funding the promotion of the Service to the cilizen. organisations and stakeholders who could benefit from
engagement with the Service;
2. Identifytng, recruiting and trdining medialors who can h8¥) irKlividuals or organisations resolve their
difference in a safa and neutral pla￿.
3. Working as partners wth other organisations to ensure that we can c()Ilaborat8 in the best interests of the
comtnunity.
By focussing on these obj8Ctlves. we athieve our strategic priorities of providng an accessible service for the
community.
Page 2

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and performance
a. REVIEW OF THE YEAR
We are pleased to report that this year. the Ashford Mediab'on servi￿ has again offered free medlation,
signposting Se￿1￿5, information, and education about confiict resolution to all the residents of the Borough on
multiple occasions. through a varlety of channels induding print. social media. outreach talks and in 8xhibition
spaces.
More importanuy. through the provision of our mediation Se￿Ir￿S we have prevented the escalation of conflict
and reduced the need for further inlep4ention by the Police, Social Services and olher authorities who would
otherwise have to spend their limited resources on managing Ihese conflicts.
In addition to our core seNce of mediation. we provide conflid resolution advice. and also referrals to other more
appropriate agenaes where mediatK)n is not a solution.
We have directly asslsted 313 adults and 153 Children. Overall. our impacted numbers of paople throughout tho
year. can be calculated to b8 upwards of 1.000 people.
We know that people share their stories amongst their families. neighbours and ￿MmunitieS and thus resolving
individual conflict has a positive significant ripple effect creating more harmonious conditions for so many more
individual W8 use the rule of eight-our experien￿ tells us that when people are in conflict. they normally shar8
their concems with at least eight Other individuals.
We rel￿1Ved refe￿alS for help from at least nine agencies including Ashford Borough Counril. Housing
Associations, Police, Social Services, Early Help. schools. colleges. solicitor6. Parish Councils. and IMAGO. We
have also received a high number of self-referrals directy from the public {s8a Appendix 1 }. Throughout the year
we have support8d d￿pUte resolution thilhin families. around thildcare arrangements. nelghbour disputes,
separating couples, and Parish Councils (se8 Appendix 2). In addition. this year we have extended our servi￿$
to indud8 education and Infomiation about the beneffts. pro￿sS. and self-help strdtegies for resolving conflict
which have been mad8 available to everyone through a tsrgeted marketing campaign.
The following website statistics are provided by Richard Gottfried:
4,944 visits to the website beiween April 2023 and March 2024.
2,083 visitors lo the website between April 2023 and March 2024.
4,612 visits were from users in the UK.
Popular pages include the Home page, Contact us. Volunteerrng. The Mediation Process, SeNices. and
downloads of The K%hford Mediation servi￿ Gulde to Mediation with Young People and Families PDF.
431 followers and subscribers a(TOSS thg AMS social media accounts {Facabook. Linkadln. Instsgram.
Twitterlx, YouTube, website. blog, and Linktree}.
You can find Ilnks to Ashford Mediation Service's online channels via https.llllnktr.eelashf0rdmediationse￿
We have o)ntinue our focus on providing wider resources to infonn and educate young people and families
about the opportuniti8s and beneffts of mediation. This includes cAJr downloadable e-book. 'AshfDrd Mediation
Service Guide to Mediation with Young People and Families.. We have also published the e-book in Nepalese,
Hindi and Polish. the three most commonly spoken languages afler English. in the Borough.
Paga 3

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
TRUSTEES. REPORT {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and perfonnance (continued)
b. OUR PEOPLE
Havlng achieved much pmgress and stability as a r8suIi of the Input by David Jonker our Service Development
Manager, we are sory to report that David decided to make a career change and18ft his role at the end of March
2023. We would like to thank David for the impact he made on movlng the Service forward and wish him well
his new role.
In December 2023, we appoinled Melodie Webster to replace David and she has absolute￿ 'hit the ground
running, securing new cases and establishing excellenl much needed relationships within the community.
Su8 Pitt officially stepped down as Chair at the end of March 2023 as is required by our ￿nstItUtiOn having
served for over six years in the role of Trustaelchair. We then Y￿1¢Omed James Murray who sadly had to step
down after only a few months for personal reasons.
The Board then appointed Sandra Malone. who had prevtously been acting as Tr8asur8r, to the ChaSr role in
November 2023.
Tuming to our volunteers, the backbone of the seNice. out of our 16 volunteer mediatot5, we maintain a core
group of 12 who lake on cases and adively engage with the servic8. We are extremely grateful to them all for
their time and expertise and appreciate that without them the service could nol Djn. We are pleased to have
recruited several new rnediators this year. As case numbers have T￿en because of our marketing campaigns
and other planned developments we are curr8nlly. arKJ actNely. k)oking to recruit more volunteer mediators this
year.
We could not conclude this year without thanking th8 Kent Police for promding us vrith office spaca in Compass
Hous8 and all the exc8llent am8nities that go with it. It is truly a most appredated gfft and it allows us to focus all
of our resources on servicing the community.
c. Message from the Chair
With sixleen volunteer mediators and nine volunteer Trustees, y￿ are dosing out the previous year. stronger
than ever in lerms of a dedicated and committed team lo tske the Service forward.
Our Board has been re•populated wilh some exceptional new members.. Chad Whitton our new Treasurer.
Sarah Clark. our new Board Secretary. Dmitri Surendran who holds the lead for Fundraising, Lizzie Hacking who
leads on our Youth programme and of course Al(vile Vanagaite and Jeremy King who took the lead on Mediator
matters.
We also have three applications lo the Board: Zopash Khan. Cuff Grieve and Ross Moore.
From an activity perspectiv8. we have se@n an increase in case numbers th referrals increasing from our
partnars and also a large increase in 5elf-referrals.
This year. we also launched a youth initiative in ￿llaborat￿)n with Ashford College and we also have been
speaking with schools. youth clubs and those that work ￿1th youth to roll out and transfer skills and knowledge on
conflict resolution for young people.
The Trustees have been delighted with the increase in activty this year and look forward to continuing to expand
our reach and scope to h8lp the people of Ashford and beyond.
Page 4

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
TRUSTEES. REPORT {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Financial revlew
a. GOING CONCERN
As Trustees we share, indivldualty and collectively. a responsibilty to ensure the charty only ¢ontlnues to operate
and incur expenditur8 to the extent it can reasonably expect to be able lo cash setue its debts. At all times We
have a responsibilty to ensure we are trading as a 'going concem,. But in times of masslve economic shock
such as th8 recent pandemic, our responsibilty is to remain vigilant and our readiness to act when we delect
financial risk is acule.
In the annual accounls we should a￿ayS assess whether we can reasonably see our way forward to trade for
the year ahead. with that assessment taking account of the degree of confidence we have that income will hold
up compared to the committed expenditu￿ we plan to incur. In these economically diffi￿lt times, we should be
assessing our fonNard liquidty versus ComM￿ed ￿$ts very frequently, and not longer than monthly. which is
how we have operated on a weèkly basis since the outbreak of Covid 19.
b. FINANCIAL REVIEW
Our successful dual approach lo Trustee4ed outsourcing to an exlemal grant fvnder has stood u5 in good stead
in this difficuli year, generating incorne to support the SeNce. However. due to the significant degree of chum,
exp8ndtiure has been higher than anticdpaled, exceeding income to a year-end bank balance of £30,311. A full
report on this yearfs financials and plans lo re-build income levels to fully support our expanding workload will be
included in the Treasurerfs Report lo the AGM.
We would like to acknowledge with thanks the contnbution of our ever-supportNe grant fvnders. The continued
annual support of £14.000 from Ashford Borough Counal is gratefully acknovAedged.
Our thanks go to our accountants Magee Gammon who on(x again promded their Ind8P8ndent Examlnatlon
S8rvic8s pro4)ono.
The TTUSt8es have an arnbition lo maintaln free reserves and unrestrictèd funds at a level which equat8S to
approximately four to nine months of unrestricted charitable expenditure. The Trustees Consider that this level
will provide sufficient fwds lo manage the service wqthout disruption.
Page 5

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
TRUSTEES. REPORT (co￿riNuED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Stru¢tureJ governan¢¢ and management
a. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Service is a registered charity, number 1065625. and was reconstituted on 27 May 2020.
The Association is eslablished to promte the provlsion of a mediafjon service in the area covered by Ashford
Borough Council and beyond (llhe area of ben8frt") in order to prevent the escalation of and, resolve existing
conflicts. AMS wll advance the educats'on of the public in the said area in the purposes and methods of
mediation and in the nature and causes of such disputes or conflicts.
AMS believes that early involvement of the Service means that it is Sess likely further inteNention will be required
by either Ihe Police, Social SeNices. or other public organisations. Intervention by AMS early, prevents
ascalation and therefore creates a more harmonious living and wo￿ng environment for all. Mediation provides
an opportunity for individuals to rèsolve conlliGt in the home, and in the community leading to a reduction in
anxiety and mental health issues.
The Service is govefned by Trustses of whlch there shall be no more than 12 members. New Trustees are
appoirrted by the 8xisb.ng Trustees after an established process. induding op8n recruitment and face to face
interviews to ensure that the Board of Trustees is inclusive and diverse and representative of the clients that are
assisted by the Service.
is important to keep the skills arml compostlion of the Trustee body and Su￿$$10￿ planning under rewew. The
Trustees have also developed a code of conduct for Truslees which is lorated on the w8bsit8 of the Servi
induding a formal statement of role and responsibilittes and provision for Trustee training. This policy is called
'Trustee Pollcy and Code of ConduGi' and can be found under the sectlon: About Usl Polic4es. Here is the Ilnk:
https'.Ilashfordmediation.co.uk120201101071tnJste&policy-and-cod&of-conducU
Trust88s may serve for three years after which they may put themselves forward for re-appointsnent for another
three-year period after which th8y must stand down.
All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee remunerati￿] was paid in Ihe financial year 2023-2024.
Detsils of Trustee expenses are disdosed in the Annual Report and A￿}unts as part of this documenl. Trustees
are required to disclose all relevant intérests and register them with the Chair and in accordance with the
Service's policy, withdraw from decisions where a confiict of interest arises. In this year, a conflict of interest
declaration was registered by Edward Young with regards to the purchase of new laptops from PC World, whilst
he was an employee there. He therefore abstained from decision making in the consideration of suppliers.
At th8 quarterly Trust8es' meetings. the Trustees agree the broad strategy and areas of activty for the Service,
Includlng consideration of funding. fundraising. strategy. grant making. reserves and risk management policies
and performance. The day-to-day administration of the Service and th8 processing and handling of cases had
been delegated to the Development Director and th8 Administrat￿. but is now currently being managed by
temporary mediator support and Trustee5. as previously reported.
Page 6

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Structure* governance and management (continued)
b. Organlsatlonal structure and decision•making policles
During the year the followirvJ were Trustees of lh8 charity:
S Pitt, Chair (resigned 10 May 2023)
J Murray. Chair {appointed 10 May 2023. resigned 14 November 2023)
S Malone, Chair {Chair from November 2023)
A Vanagaite (appointed 14 November 2023)
J King (appointed 14 November 2023}
P Boucher (resigned 12 September 2023)
B Whitworth {resigned 14 November 2023)
L Hacking (appointed 21 December 2023)
C Whitton (appointed 21 December 2023)
D Sur8ndran (appointed 21 December 2023)
S Clark {appointed 21 December 2023)
c. RISK MANAGEMENT
The Trustees have considered the major risks lo which the charity is exposed and remew those risks on a
regular basis with established sfftrns procedures to manage those tisks as appropriate.
The Trustees consider the variabilty of Ih8ir funding %Jurces conslitutes the charitys major financial risk. This
risk is managed on a monthty basis and one of the prime tasks of the Servic￿. its volunteers and its Trustees is
to Sour￿ stable funding for the Service to mtti.gate this ris
The major operational risk for the ser￿ICe Is to ensure that citizens, referring organisations and key stakeholders
have a thorough understandlng of the Semce. how they can ausss it and how it wlll benefft them or their clients.
As part of this risk, the SeNce must also ensure that there are always a number of skilled and trained mediators
availabie to work with clients who either access the Service or are referred to the Service.
Page 7

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
With a talented and solid team of mediator5. a strong Board, and an 8v8r-increasing case load, we can all b8 in
agre8m8nt that ensuring a 'staady ship. is a laudable objective for the coming year.
However, the Board will also be ts¢kling the important question of how to make the SeNic8 18ss rellant on grant
funding, in oth8r words. what is it W8 can do to be sustainable in our own righ
We also realise that it is critical to keep our Y￿nderfUl volunteer mediators on board and engaged with us and to
that end. several Trustees are working on how we provide generdl and CPD training as well as a better overall
team environment.
We will Continue to make a o)ncerted effort to gel out inlo the community more4f w8 tell people what we do. they
engage with us. It's our job to spread V￿rd and encourage people to contsct us rf they are facing conflict.
We intend to (x)ntinue our ambttions to grow and expand the service in the fiJiur8 around hvo core areas: families
and youth, buikjing on the groundwork laid down last year. More engagement with Youth Servic&s and Schools is
on the agenda. providing professional mediallon where required, and educatlng staff and young people to
develop the skills to setf-manage confiid siluations.
Our finanaal ambition is to secure an annual income of at least £1 IXI.000 to provide se¢uiity for one full time
Manager and one part time office support member enabling us to deliver a consistent qualty and breadth of
service. As our actual case numbers increase, we will require additional staff hours which will require additional
funding.
In addition. we need to continue to build our volunteer mediator numb￿$ and to this end are Cu￿entty advertising
for both accredited mediators and those whom we can train.
We are all very much cornmitted to our charitable oblecttves which are of even more importance in the
communlty because of the recent pandemic and daily pressures on families due to th& continuing economic
crisis that we all face. The need for conflict resolution and eaty interventlon in the current conditions are very
much evident and the stress on famllles and communities is impacting on people's wellbeing and mental health.
We will conttnue to adverlise our free medialion SeNi￿ arKI enD)ura98 self-referrals from the public. We have in
place a more consistent strategy for stskeholder management and the means with which to deliver it.
Finally. everyone needs a friend! We now have in place a 'Friends of the Board Group, which indudes
wonderfully committed people gtving us Iheir experience and insight on a regular basis.
By this time next year, hope we've put in pla(* a new Board structure ￿[Ch acknowledge5 not only our
'Friends' but also our Ex-Offl¢io Officers as they move on and rotale off the Board - we wouldn't want to Ios8 any
of that knowledge or expertise.
In conclusion. we remain strongty committed to providlng the free mediation service5 that our community has
Ix)me to expect and appreciate as we move forward in this year to come
Pag8 8

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 h1ARCH 2024
statsment of Trustees. responsibilltles
The Trustees ar8 responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United lfjngdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted AGcounting
Praclice).
The law applicabl8 to charities in England & Wales requlres the Twstees to prepare financial statements for
each financial which gtve a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources
and application of resources. including its inc¢)me and expendilure, for that period. In preparing these financial
ststements. the Trustees are required to-.
select su(table accounting polic￿5 and Ihen apply them consistently,
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102):
make judgments and accounling estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed. subject to any malerial
departures disclosed and explained in the financaal statement5:
prepare the finanaal statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
charity ￿ll11 continue in business.
The Trustees are responsbi le for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain
the charitys transaciions and disdose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financbal position of the charity
and enabl8 them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. the Charity
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the charity and han￿ for laking reasonable s18ps for the prevention and detection of
fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by ￿der of the members of the board of Twstees on 29 April 2024 and signed on their behalf by..
ne
{Chalr of Trustees)
Page 9

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Ashford Medlatlon Service (Ihe charity.)
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accwnts of the charity for the year ended 31 March
2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 fthe 2011 Acv).
I report in respect of my examination of the chartvs accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and
in caffWng out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions grven by the Charity Commlsslon under
Section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Indepand•nt Examinerfs Statemont
Your attention is drawn lo the fact that the charity has prepar8d the accounts in accordance with Accounting and
Reporting by Charities: Ststement of Recommended Praclice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in
accordance with Ihe Finanaal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland {FRS 102) in
praference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommendad Practice issued on 1 April
2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been wÉthdrawn.
l understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provid8 a tru8 and fair view in accordance with
the Generally Accepted A¢￿unts.ng Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or afler 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have Come to my attention in connection wlth the
examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.
accounting Tecords were not kept in respect of Ihe tharity as requir8d by section 130 of the 2011 Act., or
the a¢¢ounts do not accord with those records: or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fonn and content of
aGcounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement
that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view thich is nol a matter mnsidered as part of an ind8pendent
examination.
I have no concerns and have come across rK) other matters in connection with the examination to which
attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This raport is made solely to Ihe charitys Truste95. as a body. in accordancé with Part 4 of th8 Charitias
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has bèen undertaken so that I might state to the charivs
Trustees those matter5 1 am required to slate to them in an Independent Examinerfs Report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
charity and the charitys Truslees as a body. for my work or for Ihis r8porL
SEgned:
Roland Pary FCA
Magee Gammon Corporate Limited
Chartered Accountants
H8nwood House
Henwood
Ashford
Kent
TN24 8DH
Dated: 29 April 2024
Page 10

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivrriES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
Rostricted
funds
2024
Total
fund5
2024
Total
funds
2023
Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
Investm8nts
22.383
103
20.612
42,995
103
73,224
88
Tolal Incorne
22,486
20.612
43.098
73.312
Expendlture on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
15,360
39.892
15,360
67,126
7.662
45.047
27.234
Total expendlturo
55.252
27.234
82,486
52.709
Not movement In funds
(32.766)
(6,622)
(39,388)
20,603
Recon¢lllallon of funds=
Total funds brought foThvard
Nel mvement in funds
57.918
(32.766)
10.780
(6.622)
68,698
(39.388}
48.095
20.603
Tolal funds carried forward
25.152
4.158
29,310
68.698
The Statement of Finanaal Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 13 to 24 form part of these finanaal statements.
Page 11

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Note
Fixed assets
Intangib18 assets
Tangible assets
10
11
488
1. 755
1,061
2,243
Current assets
D8btors
Cash at bank and in hand
12
7,066
30.386
216
66,419
37.452
66. 635
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
13
(9,203)
(180)
Net current assels
28,249
66.455
Total net assets
29.310
68.698
Charity funds
Restricted funds:
Restricted funds
Unrestricted fijnds
15
15
4158
25.152
10,780
57,918
Total funds
29,310
68,698
The financial ststements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 29 April 2024 and signed
on their behalf by.
(Chair of Trijstees)
Th8 notes on pages 13 to 24 fonn part of these financial statement&
Pag8 12

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVtCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
General Infomiatlon
Ashford Mediation is a ch￿lty registered in England and Wales under charity number 1065625.
Accounting pollcles
2.1 Basls of preparation of financial statements
The financial slatements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) -
Accounting and ReportirvJ by Charities: Statement of Recomrnended Practice applicable to charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effecttve 1 January 2015). the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a Irue and fairf view and have departed from
the Chartties (Accounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provid8 a 'tru8
and fairf view. This departure has involved following the Charits'es SORP (FRS 102) published on 16
July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporbng by Charities: Statement of Rewmmended
practi￿ effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Ashford Mediation Service meets the definTlion of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and
liabilities are initially recognis8d at historical cost or transaction value unless othepNise stated in the
relevant accounting policy.
22 Income
All income is recognised onc8 lh8 charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income
vthll be received and the amount of income receivabl8 can be measured ieliably.
Grants are induded in the Slaternent of Financ4al Adivities on a receivabl8 basis. The balance of
income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant
funds on the Balan￿ She8t Where incorne is recetved in advan￿ of entitlement of receipt. its
reo)gnition is deferred and included in creditors as defe￿ed incom8. Where entitlement occurs
before income is received, the income is accxued.
Where the donated good is a fixed assec it is measured at fair value. unless it is impractical to
measure this reliably. in Nthich case the wst of the item to the donor should b8 US8d. The gain is
recognised as income from donations and a corrnspondlng amount is Included in the appropriate
fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic lif8 in accordance with the charlws
accounting policies.
On receipt. donated professional seNices and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of
the gift to the charity which is the amount it would have been wlling to pay to obtain services or
faaltties of equivalent economic benefjt on the open markec a corresponding amount is then
recognised in expendtture in Ihe period of receipt.
Income tsx recoverable in relation lo donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is
recognised at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable in relation to inv8Stmant income is re¢ognised at the time the investment
income Is recoivabl8.
Pag8 13

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting pollcles (contlnued)
2.3 Expenditure
Expendtiure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit
lo a third party. it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and
Ihe amount of the obligation can be measured reliab￿. Expenditure is classrfied by activity. The costs
of each activity ara made up of the total of direct costs and shared cosls, including support costs
involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable lo a single activity are allocat8d dir8CtIy
lo that activty. Shared costs whith contributa to more than one actiwty and support cost5 which are
not attributable to a single acttvity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent wlth
the use of resources. Central staff costs ar8 allocaled on the basis of time spenc and deprecialion
charges allocatèd on the portion of the asset's use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure In￿rred by the charity to raise funds for its
charitsble purposes arwj indudes costs of all fundraisng activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activits'es is incurred on directly Underta￿ng the activities which further the
charitys objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is indusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2A Interest receivable
Interest on funds held deposlt Is induded when receivable and the amount can b8 measured
reliably by the charity, this 15 nomially upon noltficatK)n of the interest pald or payable by the institLrtion
with whom the frjnds are deposited.
2.5 Intanglble assets and amortisation
Intangible assets costing £NIL OT m￿e are capitalis8d and recognised when future economic benefits
are probable and the cost or value of Ihe asset can be measured reliably. Intangib18 ass8ts are
measured at cost less any accurnlated amortisation any accumulated impainnent losses.
2.6 Tanglblo fixed assets and depreclatlon
Tangible ftted assets costing £100 or more are capitafised and recognised ￿then future economic
benefÈts are probable and the ¢05t or value of the asset can be measured reltably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition. under the cost model, tangible
ffixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment
losses. All costs tncurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended worlong condition should be
included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less th8ir r8sidual value
over their estimated useful lives. as below.
Depreciation is provided on the folh)wing bases-
Office equipment
Computer equipmenl
25Ya reducing balance basis
33.3% straight line basis
2.7 Deblors
Trade and other debtors are ￿COgnised at the setuement amount after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade diso)unts dua.
Page 14

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting poll¢les (contlnuod)
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short4enn highly liquid investments with a short malurity
of Ihree months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.9 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when ther8 is an obligation at the Balance Sh88t dat8 as a result of a past
event. li is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required In settlement, and the amount
of the settlement can be eslimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that Ihe charty anticipates tt will pay to settle the debt or Ihe
amount it has received as advanced paJThents for Ihe goods or 5ervice5 it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the besl estimate of the amounts requir8d to settle the obligation. Wher&
the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those
amounts, discounted at the pr&tsx discount rate that refiects the risks specific to the liabilty, The
unwinding of the discount is recAJgnised in the Ststement of Financial Activities as a finan￿ cost.
2.10 Financial Instruments
The charity onty has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kn'nd that qualify as basic financial
instruments. Basic financlal Instruments are initsally recognised at transaction value and subs8quently
measured at their setuement value wilh the exception of bank loans vthich are subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the eftective interest method.
2.11 Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the
amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect ol the year.
2.12 Fund accounting
General funds ar8 unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trust88s in
furtherance of the general obi8Ctives of tha tharity which have not been deslgnated for other
purposes.
Restr5Cted funds a￿ funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by
donors or which hav8 been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and
administering such funds are charged aganst th8 specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted
fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Invastsnent income, gains aNI bsses are allocated lo th8 appropriate fund.
Page 15

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINA￿CIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Income from donations and legacles
UnrestrTcted Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Donations
Grants
33
33
42,962
3,132
70,092
22.350
20.612
22.383
20.612
42.995
73.224
Total 2023
36.632
36.592
73,224
Investment income
Unrestrlcted
funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Interest received
103
103
88
Analysls of expenditure on charilable activilies
Summary by fund ty
Unrestrlcted Restrlcted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
2024
Total
2023
Charitsble activities
39,892
27.234
67.126
45.047
Total 2023
14,483
30,564
45,047
Pag8 16

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Analysls of expenditure by activltles
Aclivitles
undertaken
diractty
2024
Support
costs
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
fvnds
2023
Charitable activities
66.064
1.062
67.126
45,047
Total 2023
44,493
554
45.047
Anatysis of direct costs
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Staff costs
Depreaation
Mediators. expenses
Recruitment costs
Managemenl and consultancy
Administrative se￿i￿S
Printing. postage and telephone
Computer costs
Training mediation
Insurance
Tw5tee expenses
Sundry expenses
Bank charges
Marketing, advertising and pubkcity
Website amortisation
31,511
1.608
2,019
89
5.712
6,000
11,561
23,064
8,896
249
923
209
227
55
714
353
209
304
1,332
60
6.622
488
72
7.500
476
66,064
44,493
Pag8 17

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Analysls of expendlture by activities (contlnued)
Analysis of support costs
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Professional fees
Payroll fees
354
200
1,062
1.062
Indopendent examlnerfs remuneratlon
The Independent examinerfs remuneralion amounts to an independent examiner fee of £ - (2023 - £ -).
and payroll lees of £1,062 (2023- £200}.
Staff costs
2024
2023
Wages and salaries
Social securtty costs
Contribution to defined contribulion pension schemes
29,608
1,865
38
31,511
The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows:
2024
2023
Employees
No employee re￿iVed remuneration amounling to nM)re than £60.000 in either year.
Trustees. remuneration and expenses
During the year. no Trustees received any rernuneration or Ot￿r benefits (2023 - £NIL).
Durlng the year ended 31 March 2024. exp8nses totalling £304 were reimbursed or pald dlrectly to 3
Trustees (2023- £55 to 3 Tnjsteesj In respect of meeting. travel and subsistence costs.
Page 18

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. Intanglble assets
Website
Cost
At 1 April 2023
At 31 March 2024
Amortisation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
952
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
488
11. Tangiblo fixed assets
Office
equipment
Computer
equipment
Total
Cosl or valuatlon
Al 1 April 2023
Addition5
148
9.892
914
10,040
914
At 31 March 2024
148
10,806
10.954
Depreclatlon
At 1 Apfll 2023
Charge for the year
143
8,142
1,603
8.285
1.608
At 31 March 2024
9,745
9,893
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
1,061
1,061
At 31 March 2023
1,750
1.755
Page 19

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
12. Debtors
2024
2023
Due wlthln one year
Other debtor5
Prepayments and accrued income
7,000
66
85
131
7.066
276
13. Credltors: Amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Other taxation and social Se￿rity
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
738
8.381
180
9,203
180
14.
Financlal Instruments
2024
2023
Flnancial assets
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expendtiure
30.386
66,419
Financial assets measured al fair value through income and expendtiure comprise cash at bank and in
hand.
Page 20

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
15. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Balance at
31 March
2024
Balance at 1
April 2023
Income Expenditure
Unrestricted funds
General Funds
57.918
22.486
(55.252}
25,152
Restrleted funds
National Lottery
KFC Add Hope
Linda Hogan Communty Fund
Cotyer Fergusson
The Police and Crime Commissionerfs Office
1S.612
(15,612)
2.000
300
2,000
300
5.000
(5.0001
(6.6221
8,480
1,858
10,780
20.612
(27,234}
4158
Total of funds
68.698
43,098
(82.4861
29.310
statement of funds - prior year
Balanc8 at
31 March
2023
Balance at
1 Apnl 2022
Income Expenditure
Unrestrfcted ￿ndS
General Funds
43.343
36,720
(22, 145J
57,918
Restriciod funds
National Lottery
Linda Hogan Communty Fund
Colyer Fergusson
KFC Add Hope
The Police and Crime Commissionerfs Office
2.352
400
15.612
(17.964)
(100)
(5,OOOJ
300
5.000
2.000
8,480
15.980
(7.500J
4.752
36.592
{30.564)
10.780
Total of funds
48.095
73.312
(52, 709)
68.698
Page 21

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Summary offunds
Summary of funds - current year
Balance at
31 March
2024
Balance at 1
April 2023
Incom8 Exp8nditure
General funds
Resiricted funds
57.918
10.780
22,486
20.612
(55,252)
(27.234>
25,152
4,158
68.698
43.098
{82,486)
29,310
Summary of funds - prlor year
Balance al
31 March
2023
Balance at
l Apnl 2022
Income Expenditure
General funds
Restricted funds
43,343
4,752
36, 720
36,592
(22. 745)
(30.564)
57.918
10.180
48.095
73,312
(52,709)
68,698
Page 22

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
17. Analysls of net assets between fun(ts
Analysls of net assets between funds - current period
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
fvnds
2024
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
1,061
33.294
(9,203)
1,061
37,452
(9,203)
4,158
Total
25.152
4,158
29,310
Analysls Of net assets between funds - prior period
Unr8strict8d
fvnds
2023
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
2023
2023
Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Currenl assets
Creditors due within one year
1,755
1, 755
488
66.635
(180)
55.855
(t80)
10.780
Total
57.918
10.780
88.698
18. Restrlcted Funds
ational Lotte
Thls fundlng was g￿ted in order to furKI an Operdtions Manager.
The Police and Crirrie Commissioneffs Office
This funding was granted in order to pay for specific youth training. digital youth training packs and videos
for social media.
Col er Fer
usson
This funding was granted in order to pay for staff for the day to day running of the charity.
Linda Ho
an Communi
Fund
This funding was granted in order lo train a Youth Mediator.
KFC Add HQ
Foundation
This funding was granted in order to devetop a pilot Youth Mediation Service.
Page 23

ASHFORD MEDIATION SERVICE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19.
Penslon commlthients
The charity operates a defined contributron pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held
separately frorn those of the group in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge
represents contributions payable by the group to the fund and amounted to £38 (2023 - £Nil). A total of
£90 (2023 - £Nil) in respect of employer contributions and employee deductions were payable lo the fund
at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
20. Related party transaction$
The charity has not entered into any related party Iransaclion during the year. nor ara there any
outslanding balances owing between related parties and the diarity at 31 March 2024.
Page 24

IEJJ8iau io e?Jnos

edAi aindsia