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