2025-03-31-accounts

BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 2025

BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1076217 COMPANY REGISTRATION No: 03750656

Tim D Miller MA ACMA CGMA 24 Wimblington Drive, Lower Earley, Reading, RG6 4JG

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BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 2025

CONTENTS

Pages 2 - 7 Report of the Directors Page 8 Independent Examiner’s report

Page 9 Statement of Financial Activities Page 10 Balance Sheet

Pages 11 -12 Notes to the Financial Statements

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BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 2025

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER 1076217 COMPANY REGISTRATION 03750656 NUMBER START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1 APRIL 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31 MARCH 2025 DIRECTORS AT 31 MARCH Conor O’Connor Chair 2025 Darren Browne Mark Gaugier Dr Patrick Bullard Alison Bates REGISTERED ADDRESS 40 Caversham Road Reading, RG1 7EB DATE OF 12 April 1999 INCORPORATION GOVERNING Memorandum and Articles of Association DOCUMENT BANKERS CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling Kent, ME19 4JQ INDEPENDENT Tim D Miller MA ACMA CGMA EXAMINER 24 Wimblington Drive, Lower Earley, Reading, RG6 4JG OBJECTS The relief of school age and pre-school age children and adults suffering from autism, autisticrelated problems and challenging behaviour, resident in Berkshire.

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BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 2025

Structure, Governance and Management:

The Berkshire Autistic Society (working name Autism Berkshire) is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, both under the name of Berkshire Autistic Society. Our registered office for this reporting period was 40 Caversham Road, Reading, RG1 7EB but will move to Quadrant House, 20 Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QE from 20 March 2025.

The governing documents are Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated on 12/04/1999 and amended by multiple special resolutions dated 16/12/2008, 13/10/2015, 02/12/2016, and 06/03/2024 to meet latest requirements or, in the most recent example, expand our area of benefit.

At the March 2025 Annual General Meeting, all serving Trustees were reappointed. The Board continues to benefit from a diverse mix of professional expertise and lived experience, and remains committed to collaborative governance, strategic oversight, and responsible stewardship of resources.

During the year we employed 12 staff on a mix of part-time and full-time contracts, supported by a growing team of dedicated volunteers. All staff and volunteers are DBS-checked and receive appropriate training in a variety of key subjects such as children and adult safeguarding, data protection and Prevent. Many have lived experience of autism, which enriches our work and deepens our understanding of the communities we serve.

Volunteers undertake a wide variety of activities, including regular work in the office, fundraising, helping at events and attending meetings of area forums and partnership boards in local authority areas across Berkshire on behalf of the society.

Objectives and Activities:

Our mission is to empower autistic individuals and their families in the Thames Valley by promoting inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity through advocacy, partnerships, and support services.

We do this by:

• Providing direct and peer support services;

• Delivering training for families, professionals, and autistic people;

• Partnering with public sector bodies to enhance autism services;

• Advocating for autistic voices in local and regional strategies;

• Managing the Thames Valley Autism Alert Card scheme.

You do not need a formal diagnosis of autism to be supported by Autism Berkshire. We actively listen to autistic people and their families, prioritise personal contact, and adapt to changing needs to ensure our services remain relevant and impactful.

We welcome continued collaboration with our partners, funders, and supporters. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or advocacy, your support helps us empower autistic people and their families across the Thames Valley. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community.

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BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 2025

Achievements and Performance:

The 2024/25 year was shaped by continued high demand for our services, particularly those commissioned by the NHS. Despite financial pressures and staffing changes, we remained focused on delivering high-quality, person-centred support. Demand for support and access to our services has also remained high, with high volumes of referrals from key partners. Staff and volunteers have worked extremely hard to accommodate as many people as possible seeking support, but this hasn’t been an easy thing to balance. The society has needed to find additional funding to ensure services remain effective, but the strong work of the staff and volunteers have ensured that service users have not experienced disruptions or lapses in service quality. We continue to keep our services under review and will ensure resources are used in the most appropriate ways.

Key achievements from 2024-25 include:

• Helpline support: Our Children’s and Adult Helplines continued to deliver exceptional support and sign posting. These services remain a vital first point of contact for many families.

• NHS contract delivery: We continued to deliver our NHS Children’s and Adults contracts to a high standard, continuing to adapt to ever increasing demand, leading to the renewal of contracts for the next reporting period.

• The lack of inflationary uplift in contract values remains a concern for the society, operating on price schedules initially designed pre-pandemic, but we have continued to proactively manage resources. With careful planning, overseen by a capable finance manager and trustees, the society has been able to carefully to protect frontline delivery. This will not be a long term solution, however, and we are engaging carefully with the NHS and partners to review work and ensure it still meets service user needs in a cost effective manner.

• Increased capacity: The Volunteer Co-ordinator role, introduced in 2024, has been a significant success for us as a society. This time-limited investment has significantly improved volunteer engagement and capacity. While the post is due to be phased out in the next reporting period, we now have a framework of engagement designed that has meant we are able to recruit and maintain a team of dedicated volunteers who are vital in supporting our events in our area of benefit.

• Walk & Talk Group: This peer-led initiative continues to thrive, offering social connection and wellbeing support in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

• Autism Alert Card Scheme: Demand for the Thames Valley Autism Alert Card remains high. We have issued over 5,000 cards to date and we often hear feedback from card holders about how it has helped them in difficult situations.

• Training and Advocacy: We have contributed to NHS quality improvement initiatives and local SEND strategies, and supported other organisations to improve their autism provision and/or understanding.

• Digital Engagement: Our online presence continues to grow, enabling us to reach more families and professionals with timely information and resources. While the society has chosen to no longer post on X (formerly known as Twitter) we see high reach and impact from the posts on other platforms. We remain a key route for partners to spread public health messaging and research opportunities.

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BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 2025

We also marked the retirement of Helen Harris, a long-serving member of staff whose legacy includes founding the Bear With Me and Walk & Talk adult social groups. Helen’s dedication over the years has left a lasting impact on our community, and her work continues to benefit many. As one adult group member shared, “I’ve made friends for the first time in years. It’s changed my life.” While we are sad to have lost such an exceptional staff member we want to record the society’s thanks for her tireless work and wish her all the best in retirement.

Funding

The charity recorded a deficit of £22,917 for the year, in line with projections. This compares favourably to the budgeted deficit of £28,935, reflecting prudent financial management. Reserves at year-end stood at £68,544 (or £58,544 after provision for an orderly wind-up).

Key financial highlights:

• Total income for the year was £207,144

• NHS funding accounted for 73% of all project income

• Project contributions to core costs totalled £56,331

• Core costs were funded 51% by project contributions, 23% from reserves, and the remainder from grants, donations, and other income

The Trustees remain concerned about the sustainability of relying on reserves and are actively exploring new funding streams, including deferred grant applications and renewed fundraising efforts. We are also exposed to significant risk should NHS funding cease, or reduce, and will ensure to explore additional funding opportunities to ensure resilience.

As we move into 2025/26, we remain focused on delivering our strategic goals. We welcome continued collaboration with our partners, funders, and supporters. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or advocacy, your support helps us empower autistic people and their families across the Thames Valley. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community.

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BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 2025

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities:

The directors are satisfied that for the year ended on 31 March 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and that no member or members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act. However, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, the accounts have been examined by an Independent Examiner whose report appears on page 8.

The directors are responsible for preparing the report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (Financial Reporting Standard 102 and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

• make judgements and accounting 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 and

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Berkshire Autistic Society is a public benefit entity.

Approved by the Directors on 9[th] August 2025

Signed on their behalf by Director and Chair of Trustees: Conor O’Connor

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Independent exarninerfs report to the trustees of 'Berkshire Autistic Society, I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31" March 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 12. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515){b) of the 2011 Act to state whether particular matters have come to my attention Basis of independent examine￿5 report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disc105ures in the account5, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: {1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and; to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Name: Tim D Miller MA ACMA CGMA Relevant professional qualification or body: Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Address: 24 Wimblington Dr, Lower Earley, Reading, RG6 4JG th 5 October 2025

BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted Notes Funds £ Incoming Resources Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Grants 5,500 Membership Subscriptions 5,020 Donations 5,511 Fundraising and Collections 1,795 Training Courses 1,800 Bank Interest 3,680 Charitable Activities 1 - Total Incoming Resources 23,306 Resources Expended Fundraising Trading Costs 1,040 Charitable Activities 3a 43,263 Governance 3b 1,920 Total Resources Expended 46,223 Net incoming/(outgoing) resources (22,917) Total Funds Brought Forward 91,460 Total funds Carried Forward 68,543	Restricted Funds £ - - - 500 - - 183,338 183,838 - 183,838 - 183,838 - - -	Total 2024/2025 £ 5,500 5,020 5,511 2,295 1,800 3,680 183,338 207,144 1,040 227,101 1,920 230,061 (22,917) 91,460 68,543	Total 2023/2024 £ 9,550 5,077 5,258 4,751 1,500 3,926 200,128 230,190 8 230,176 1,649 231,833 (1,643) 93,103 91,460

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BERKSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025

Current Assets Debtors Prepayments Cash at Bank and in Hand Total Current Assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Creditors Accruals HMRC PAYE/NI Deferred Income 1 Total Current Liabilities Total Assets less Current Liabilities NET ASSETS General Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds	Unrestricted Funds £ 0 0 77,609 77,609 50 6,126 2,890 - 9,066 68,543 68,543 68,543	Restricted Funds £ 0 0 72,454 72,454 192 2,350 - 69,912 72,454 0 0	31/03/2025 £ 0 0 150,063 150,063 242 8,476 2,890 69,912 81,520 68,543 68,543 68,543	31/03/2024 £ 15,000 0 172,702 187,702 60 6,790 3,583 85,809 96,242 91,460 91,460 91,460

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Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted Funds £ 3 Resources Expended a) Charitable Activities Payroll Costs 2 86,092 Sub-Contracted Providers - Venue Hire 63 Refreshment Costs 125 Travel 371 Leaflets & Promotional Materials 492 Other Activity Costs - Storage/Virtual Office 2,674 Insurance 2,061 Telephone 1,494 Printing,Postage,Stationery 120 IT & Web Services 4,787 Small Fixtures Replacement 537 Staff Recruitment & Training 299 Subscriptions & Licenses 225 Bank & Fundraising Collection Fees 254 Overhead allocation -56,331 43,263 b) Governance Costs Legal fees - Governance Costs 920 Independent Examiners Fee 1,000 1,920	Restricted Funds £ 92,693 25,776 1,104 373 2,105 250 2,157 - - 652 1,766 630 - - - - 56,331 183,838 - - - -	Total 2024/2025 £ 178,785 25,776 1,167 499 2,476 742 2,157 2,674 2,061 2,146 1,886 5,417 537 299 225 254 - 227,101 - 920 1,000 1,920	Total 2023/2024 £ 178,793 27,520 4,013 481 2,163 250 2,078 2,466 1,979 2,150 1,055 6,230 254 27 481 236 - 230,176 - 649 1,000 1,649

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1 Incoming Resources from Charitable Activities (Restricted)

2024/2025 £ Deferred Income brought forward @ 1st April, 2024 85,809 Income Received 167,441 Deferred Income carried forward @ 31st March, 202 69,912 Income Released to Income & Expenditure 183,338	2023/2024 £ 135,223 150,714 85,809 200,128

We also gratefully acknowledge grants or donations over £250 from the following sponsors:-

NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB Amegreen Children's Services Louis Baylis Charitable Trust Berkshire Community Foundation NHS Frimley ICB Community Engagement Berkshire Masonic Charity Omnia Outsourcing Bracknell Town Council PayPal Giving Cadogan Masonic Lodge Priority Services4U Caversham Masons Reading Borough Council Community Impact Bucks Rotary Club of Pangbourne Cumber Family Charitable Trust Schroder Charity Trust Greenham Trust - Peter Baker Grants Shanly Foundation Heathrow Community Trust SmartCT Jacob Burls via 10k Run Sophie England John Lewis Community Matters University of Reading - Internship Scheme

2 Staff Costs and Numbers

Gross Salaries and Wages Employers' National Insurance Costs Redundancy Costs Pension Contributions Allocated to Fund Raising	2024/2025 £ 169,426 6,918 0 2,716 179,060 (275) 178,785	2023/2024 £ 166,102 5,870 4,132 2,689 178,793 0 178,793

Average full time equivalent of employees engaged:

	2024/2025	2023/2024
Activities in furtherance of organisation's objects	4.52	4.75

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. Staff are paid through the PAYE system.

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