COMPANY NUMBER: 3008942 CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER: 1067128 SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAU DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3LMARCH 2025 KEMPTON EMSDEN & CE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 34 NAPIER ROAL BROMLEY KENI BR2 9JA
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAT LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Company Number: 3008942 Registered Charity Number: 1067128 Chairman: Mr Stephen Hodges Treasurer: Mrs Georgia Jones Directors: Mr Stephen Hodges Mr David Elv J.P MBA Banking Mrs Georeia Jones Mrs Pauline Pierce Secretary: Mr Stephan Smith Registered Office: 19 East Street Bromley, Kent BR1 1QE Accountants: Kempton Emsden & Co. Chartered Accountants 34 Napier Road Bromley Kent BR2 9JA
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CONTENTS Trustees' Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Detailed Analysis of Funds Balance Sheet Notes Income and Expenditure Account Page 1 5 6 7 8 :
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAU TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Structure, Governance and Management Governing document The organisation is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 30th November 1994. The company has to comply with the Companies Act 2006 and related SORP. Organisation and Management The day to day management of the South East London Family Mediation Bureau is the responsibility of the Service Manager. The South East London Family Mediation Bureau has five Trustees (one of which is the Chair) and one the Company Secretary. An Executive Committee consists of the five Trustees, Company Secretary, Service Manager and other individuals experienced in family dispute matters. The Executive typically meets four times a year including the Annual General Meeting, usually held in October. The Chair of the Bureau is Chair of the Executive Committee. The Finance and General Purposes Committee is made up of at least four members of the Executive Committee, including the Chair, Company Secretary and the Service Manager. It is chaired by a trustee who is not chair of the Executive Committee. It meets 4-6 times a year, ordinarily two weeks before the Executive Committee. It works closely with the Service Manager to oversee the administration and finances of the bureau. It makes recommendations to the Executive Committee. The full Executive Committee has met in a combination of Zoom and face to face meetings and has been kept informed by minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee. The bureau is fortunate to have had Her Honour Judge Kathryn Major, from the Maidstone Family Court, as its President. Her Honour presides over the Annual General Meeting and is aware of bureau activities by receiving minutes of meetings and volume and financial data. Meeting minutes are recorded and made available to all committee members. Risk Policy The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that necessary steps can be taken to lessen those risks. Achievements and Performance The £50,000 Bounce Back Loan from NatWest on which we commenced repayments in August 2021 has reduced to £13,931. We have not used the loan but have maintained it at marginal cost as a cushion for unexpected economic impacts.. The Government Voucher Scheme commenced in May 2021. A family can apply for up to a contribution of £500 including vat towards the cost of the mediation process. This assists families who do not qualify for Legal Aid. We utilised £49,710 during the financial year. The scheme has been extended a number of times. During the financial year ending 31st March 2025. Private income rose from £88,452 to £98,103 (11% increase). There has been a small decrease in clients who qualify for legal aid funding. Last year we used £103,174 legal aid funding, this year £100,070 (3% decrease). The Service Manager continues to spend considerable effort on staffing and systems issues. We have a staff complement of 5; and a case management system which enables the mediators and office team to work efficiently and remotely or in the office. We use the services of eight independent session mediators. Page
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3L MARCH 2025 Financial Review Net income of £248,624 and expenses of £239,061 gave a surplus of £9,563; the directors had expected a flat year. The board is pleased with the annual result which largely arose from increased private client work. We had net income (excluding vat) from the following sources this year: • The FMC/MOJ Voucher Scheme £49,710; making up to f500 available to each family for mediation; • Legal Aid funding £100,070; • Private Clients business £98,103: - Govemment backed Bounce Back Loan £50,000 at 2.5% to be repaid over 6 years; monthly repayments £887.37 commenced August 2021 with outstanding loan of £13,931 at year end. We earned 1.46% on the balance. We note changes in expenses during this and the following year including: • Marginal increase in NFM subscription £1,580 from £1500 last year (historically f3,000) per annum; • Energy costs have stabilised at a lower level than expected; • Computer support continues on a time used basis rather than a fixed monthly fee. Our cloud based systems have reduced the need for the level of support which was previously required. Excess funds and residual loan funds were kept on deposit with our bank at 1.46%. During the course of the year we completed: 1236 Miams, 329 First mediation sessions and 267 Other mediation sessions. The biggest challenge faced has been uncertainty re office accommodation. The 2 ½ year lease breakpoint was due August 2024 and we were led to understand we would renew at the same rate of £16,500 per annum. When we met to sign the papers we were advised that the landlord was considering offers for the premises in circumstances beyond his control. We agreed we would look for alternative premises with a deadline of September 2025. We were reviewing local altematives when we were advised at the end of January 2025 that the premises had been sold. The new landlord was happy to renew under existing terms for a 2 year period but we faced uncertainty re likely costs thereafter. We progressed an outside option in East Street just 200 yards from North Street with the aim of relocation as soon as possible. At the financial year end we were aiming for a May/June 2025 move. The identified premises are 50% larger than current location which will enable more mediation work and a dedicated on site training facility. We were aware that this will increase accommodation costs substantially over the next 5 years with staged annual rent increases from £20,000 to £28,000 plus annual service charges of around £5,000 but some of this will be ameliorated by a sub tenancy for one third of the space to an identified local charity. There will be substantial one off legal and relocation costs associated with the move to East Street which will reduce our reserves but steps will be taken to rebuild reserves to a level of £60,000 (25% of ongoing costs) over the next two years. The relocation will put us more in direct control of our utility services which we believe will lower our overall costs. Plans for Next Year Plans for 2025-26 are to continue actions taken last year. Relocation to new premises on East Street: we are conscious of increased rental and ancillary costs. We have identified a subtenant to share the facility and reduce the financial impact. A new inhouse training facility and additional mediation capacity will provide extra benefits of the new location. We will continue to concentrate on tight cash management with monthly projectionsto the Finance and General Purposes Committee. Minutes of those meetings will be shared with the full Executive Committee. The use of ZOOM widens our catchment area. We will continue to offer clients the choice of office or Zoom for both MIAMS and mediation appointments. Create a training facility in the new premises and offer a series of mediation courses to mediators and other professionals Review administration salary structure based on experience and market information. We continue to capitalise on our excellent staff. mediators and the case manazement svstem enabling the team to work more efficiently from either home or the office. Page 2
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The NatWest Bounce Back Loan of £13,931 will provide a cushion for any further economic impacts. Monthly repayments of £887.37 started in August 2021. We review the need to retain the facility. Payment will complete in August 2026. The Voucher Scheme has been extended. We will continue to utilise this Goverment backed scheme where clients can apply for up to f500 towards mediation costs. We charge the client a reduced fee and claim back up to £500 from the Ministry of Justice. We note that more administrative effort is involved in this scheme which may result in a requirement for more administrative support. We will review our charges against market competitors and increase fees where appropriate. We appointed a Professional Practice Manager in June 2024. She will be delivering a number of short online CPD courses in the next year. The Trustees are grateful to the mediators for their unceasing loyalty the Service Manager, Professional Practice Manager and Case Coordinators for their tireless efforts in challenging times and the Executive and Finance and General We know there will always be other contient that the combined eins oral involved vil se us orinue to grow and prospero i ve have an excelet Wo anticipate a flat operating financial year for 2025-26 and will continue tight monitoring of expenses and income. However relocation costs will impact reserves during the next year with one off costs. Steps will be taken to minimise some of these costs Page 3
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL IRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FORTHE YEAR ENDED 31MARCH 2025 Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the directorsto prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application ofresources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; - observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; - prepare the financial statements on a going concem basis uniess it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. re directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any ti e financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with t 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 3 rd. December 2025 and signed on its behalf. This report was approved by the board of directors and trustees on C El DAVID ELY - Trustee Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT IO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREA! FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 I report to the charity trustees on my examination ofthe accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 6 to 13. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible tor the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act). given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5Xb) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act otherthan any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principlesof 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 and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). I have no concers and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention shoul ›e drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reaches Keptot Kempton Emsden & Co. Chartered Accountants 34 Napier Road Bromley Kent BR2 9JA Dated: 5 1z | December 2025 Page 5
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Funds € 247,883 741 248,624 Total Funds 2025 € 247,883 741 248,624 Income and endowments from: Charitable activities Investments Intel income and endo wments Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total resources expended Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 239,061 239,061 9,563 £ 50,789 € 60,352 == 239,061 239,061 9,563 € 50,789 € 60,352 =—-= Page 6 Total Funds 2024 243,765 609 244,374 235,922 235,922 8,452 42,337 € 50,789
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES • DETAILED ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS IN EUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 € 2024 € General Fun jeneral Fund - opening balanc Surplus for the year 50,789 9,563 42,337 8,452 Total funds at 31 March 2025 60,352 £60,352 === 50,789 £50,789 Page 7
COMPANY NUMBER: 3008942 SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2025 Note 2025 € 6 3,845 7 2024 Tangible fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Debtors Bank accounts 4,776 32,136 68,831 100,967 24,694 68.897 93,591 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors Amounts falling due after more than one year Net assets 8 40,948 33,652 60,019 63,864 59,939 64,715 8 (3,512) € 60,352 (13,926) € 50,789 Capital funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 60.352 € 60,352 =-= 50,789 € 50,789 For the year ending 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit undersection 477 of the Companies Act 2006. Directors' responsibilities: The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. Ten i at one a been a 2d in plane with the pecial proving line teal contamies henk Ion S. HODGES Director The annexed notes form part of these financial statements. Page 8
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3LMARCH 2925 Accounting policies The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FR$ 102. Tonin tris at tir ate remand in sting once railed do the hianical convenin frolic to into charity and rounded to the nearest pound. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years unless otherwise stated. Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income, the amount ca se quantified with reasonable accuracy and it is probable that the income will be received Income from charitable activities is received in exchange for supplying mediation services and is recognised when entitlement has occurred. income from grants is recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions hasnot been met a tre balance sine date, the neone is ardene amount can be measured reliably. If emitmen Investment income is earned through the holding of bank deposits. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated t activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. 'xpenditure is recognised where there is a legal obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probabl ettlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably Page
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS EOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Turnover Turnover represents grants and fees receivable by the Company in the course of its work. Tangible fixed assets and depreciatior Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation and impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculate to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows: Computer equipment - 33% per annum reducing balance - 33% per annum straight line - 20% per annum reducing balance eneral funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustes to further the objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Rave be and by the wait or to pried in pope i a if es i ringing red by loner or which. notes to the financial statements. Leasing entals payable under operating leases ane charged to the income and expenditure account on a straight line bas ver the period of the leas Debten bad debts are written off and provision is made for any debtors considered to be doubtful. Page 10
2. 3. SOUTH EAST LONDON EAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income Charitable activities Govemment mediation support Court forms receipts Investment income Bank interest receivable Expenditure on charitable activities AIM mediation fees and expenses MIAM assessment claims Software/website depreciation North Street expenses Book-keeping services Training costs Insurance Computer and communications costs Subscriptions Bank charges Sundry expenses Bank loan interest Staff salaries Employer's NIC Employer's pension contributions Depreciation Loss on disposal of fixed assets Accountancy Unrestricted Funds 2025 100,070 54,110 41,968 49,710 2,025 247,883 741 741 2025 46,550 37,095 1,000 23,694 4,759 1,917 588 7,041 3,144 2,716 896 492 101,161 2,195 2,947 784 132 1,950 Total Funds 2025 100,070 54,110 41,968 49,710 2,025 247,883 741 741 2025 239,061 Page 11 Total Funds 2024 € 103,174 46,375 40,202 52,139 1,875 243,765 609 609 2024 € 44,349 39,010 2,088 29,770 3,899 4,565 2,855 2,902 450 739 96,950 2,103 2,909 1,122 1,650 235,922
4. 5. 6. SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Surplus before tas This is stated after charging: Accountancy Depreciation of owned assets Loss on disposal of fixed assets Pension costs Staff costs 2025 1,950 784 132 2,947 ===== The average number of persons employed by the company during the year was as follows: Administration The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: Wages and salaries Social security Other pension costs 2025 5 2025 101,161 2,195 2,947 €106,303 Tangible fixed assets Cost: At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2025 Depreciation: At 1 April 2024 harge for the ye n disposal At 31 March 2025 Net book value: At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 Page 12 2024 € 1,650 1,122 2,009 2024 5 2024 € 96,950 2,103 2,909 £101,962 Office Equipment 22,262 985 (2,423) 20,824 17,486 1,784 (2,291) 16,979 £ 3,845 £ 4,776
SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 7. Debtors and prepayments Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors Prepayments 2025 € 29,154 2,982 - £32,136 ==== 8. Creditors Amounts falling due within one year:- Bank loan Sundry creditors VAT liability PAYE and NIC Accruals and deferred income 2025 10,419 12,127 14.197 1,454 2,751 £40,948 ==== Amounts falling due after more than one year:- Bank loan The bank loan is repayable by 60 monthly instalments which commenced on 14 August 2021 with an interest rate of 2.5% per annum. Related party transactions The directors do not receive remuneration, benefits or expenses from the charity. £3,512 10. Financial commitments The charity had total commitments at the balance sheet date of £ 0 (2024: £48,125). Page 13 2024 21,854 2,840 £24,694 2024 € 10,162 7,154 13.236 1,449 1,651 $33,652 £13,926
Turnover Legal Aid Agency grants AIM receipts - private Mediation information/assessment meeting Govemment mediation support Court forms receipts Bank interest receivable SOUTH EAST LONDON FAMILY MEDIATION BUREAL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT EOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 € € 100,070 54,110 41,968 49,710 2,025 741 248,624 2024 € 103,174 46,375 40,202 52,139 1,875 609 244,374 Resources Expended Staff costs AIM mediation fees and expenses MIAM assessment claims Software/website depreciation North Street expenses Book-keeping services Training costs Insurance Computer and communications costs Subscriptions Bank charges Sundry expenses Bank loan interest Accountancy charges Depreciation 106,303 46,550 37,095 1,000 23,694 4,759 1,917 588 7,041 3,144 2,716 896 492 1,950 916 101,962 44,349 39,010 2,088 29,770 3,899 561 4,565 2,855 2,902 450 739 1,650 1,122 Net income over expenditure for the year (239,061) € 9,563 (235,922) 8,452 Page 14