CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Mediation Buckinghamshire
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees’ Annual Report (including Director’s Report) & Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2025
Independent Examiner: Positive Community Finance Ltd
7 Scholars Rise, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire HP14 3FL
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Mediation Buckinghamshire
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Legal and Administrative Information | Page 3 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Annual Report | Page 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | Page 15 |
| Notes to the Accounts | Page 18 |
| Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees | Page 24 |
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Mediation Buckinghamshire
(A Company limited by Guarantee)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees/Directors Kevin Churchill – appointed 01/11/2024 Lin Instone – appointed 12/07/2017 Tony Kaye – resigned 01/11/2024 Andy Kenwards – appointed 12/07/2017 Phyllida Middlemiss – appointed 07/03/2019 Amber Preen – appointed 01/07/2024 Registered Charity No. 1093803 Registered Company No. 04443326 Working Names Alternatives to Conflict, A to C, ATOC (from May 2024) Legal Status Registered Charity & Company Limited by Guarantee Governing Instrument Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated 21 May 2002 as amended 23 March 2004 and by Special Resolution dated 22 April 2009. Registered as a Charity 13 September 2002. Objects The Charity’s objects (“the objects”) are to promote for the benefit of the public resident in the administrative area of Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas (“the area of benefit”) with a view to preservation of public order the provision of services directed towards mediation and reconciliation.
Chief Executive Officer Anthea Beeks Registered office Des Box, East Richardson Street, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 2GG Independent examiner Positive Community Finance, 7 Scholars Rise, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire HP14 3FL Bankers Lloyds Bank, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Mediation Buckinghamshire
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019.
Objectives and activities
Mediation Buckinghamshire (“the Charity”) is an incorporated company (limited by guarantee) and is a registered charity. It provides a range of services to support residents across the Thames Valley (Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire) to engage with, resolve and prevent conflict.
Our core service remains the provision of our mediation, conciliation and conflict support services to reduce unwelcome and anti-social behaviours (ASB) and neighbour disputes. We have continued to adapt this service within a dynamic and evolving commissioning environment. The resilience of this service over the last 27 years has stood the test of time and reflects the Charity’s reputation for innovation, quality and successful delivery.
Our services are delivered by a committed team of staff and a panel of 40 communitybased volunteers who are representative of the communities we live in and who have been trained in mediation and/or conflict support, DBS checked and taken through a volunteer induction process. We are fortunate to attract people who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in their community through facilitated dialogue.
Income generated during the reporting period derived from a range of sources:
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Commissioned mediation, conciliation and conflict support services provided under contractual agreements with our valued partner organisations, including charitable housing associations and Thames Valley Police, for whom we provide an Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Mediation Service across our operational area;
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Grant funding to support our Room to Talk work with families and young people, our work in local schools and our Community Reach programme to help prevent and reduce the impact of ASB in communities identified as at risk or vulnerable across our operational area;
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
- A small proportion of income was also generated through workplace mediation services.
This income enables the Charity to sustain and develop our staff and volunteers, deliver services free at the point of use to residents throughout the Thames Valley including self-referrals from neighbours, parents and carers, and promote the broader adoption of mediation, conciliation and conflict support services across our operational areas.
At the heart of our service is time: giving individuals space to be heard and acknowledged, with many being signposted to other appropriate support services and networks.
In addition, we serve many individuals facing compounding vulnerabilities, including mental health, social isolation, trauma and physical challenges. Many of our customers have limited access to support networks. Some of the issues include loneliness, poverty, bereavement, and lack of access to healthcare.
As well as improving understanding and communication, the associated benefits from our listening and facilitated dialogue service remain a core impactful intervention. Given the size of our Charity and the breadth of our operating area, our impact is substantial. Despite economic constraints, our value-for-money, independent services remain a critical asset to our referrers across the Thames Valley.
Achievements and performance
Despite ongoing challenges within the sector, in particular relating to:
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short term income generation;
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securing better core/unrestricted funding over the medium term; and
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meeting a growing service demand for complex and sensitive work across our operational areas
the Charity has delivered strongly against its charitable objectives and provided significant success throughout this reporting period.
Highlights of our year include:
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Following a lengthy consultation process with our referrers, partners and volunteers, in May 2024, the Charity Commission confirmed our new working name; “Alternatives to Conflict”. Feedback since then has been extremely positive and reflects our wider service offering across the Thames Valley, in particular our popular conflict support sessions and our Community Reach programme focused how to have difficult conversations within your community. We have resigned our logo, re-branded our leaflets and banners and started the process of re-designing our social media and web site.
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In July 2024, Thames Valley Police (TVP) formally announced that the Charity had been appointed as the authorised provider of the Thames Valley ASB Mediation Service. The TVP media promotion received extensive regional coverage,
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
significantly raising the Charity’s profile across our operational area. As a result, we were approached by several new volunteers and saw a notable increase in selfreferrals - rising from an average of five per month to eighteen in August 2024.
“Clashes involving noise, parking, pets and boundaries often lead to unwelcome and offensive behaviours that can cause significant distress to those involved and divert scarce police resources away from preventing serious crimes. In providing independent and non-judgemental mediation support to resolve difficult situations, and by working, in confidence, with individuals and families to develop skills to recognise and manage conflict differently in the future, we are excited to be a vital part of the Thames Valley anti-social behaviour toolkit.”
Phyllida Middlemiss, Chair of Trustees
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In November 2024, the Charity took part in the Thames Valley Police ASB Conference “Restoring Trust Together”. A group of volunteers gave a presentation to over 250 people, including the Minister for Victims, illustrating how community mediation works in practice and the positive impact that facilitated conversations can have on health and well-being. The event provided valuable opportunities to engage with other organisations addressing anti-social behaviour across our operational area and reaffirmed the Charity’s strong reputation for expertise, the quality and necessity of our services, and our positive contribution to community relations.
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In November 2024, the Charity held its Annual General Meeting and Annual Celebration at the Buckinghamshire Community Wellbeing Hub, Buckinghamshire New University, Aylesbury campus. The event was well attended, with around 50–60 participants, including many current and potential referrers such as Social Housing Managers, Community Police Officers, and representatives from Social Services and Family Support teams across our operational area. Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, delivered a keynote address on “Preventing Conflict and Anti-Social Behaviour in Our Communities” , highlighting the public benefit of our service in building healthier and more resilient communities across the Thames Valley. Several of our newer volunteers also presented, sharing insights into their experiences with the Charity and the personal impact of their volunteering journey.
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In March 2025, we launched a new in-house Conflict Support Training Programme to prepare a further cohort of volunteers. The programme combined two online learning sessions with an in-person workshop at our offices in High Wycombe. Trustees joined the final session to introduce the Charity’s co-mediation model, discuss case preparation and best practice, and provide practical guidance on using the mediator portal for case documentation and reporting.
Our case numbers have remained healthy. Following the Charity’s change of working name to “Alternatives to Conflict”, we are delighted to note that cases are now being referred from a wider mix of sources across the Thames Valley, including Oxford City Council, Milton Keynes, and an increasing number of schools.
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
In 2024-2025:
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A total of 493 cases were received and triaged by our staff;
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We carried out over 500 exploratory or conflict support sessions and held 74 joint meetings;
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Our mediators contributed at least 2,560 voluntary hours of service;
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We supported over 1,200 people through our service;
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We took part in 73 community engagement events raising awareness of the impact of conflict and connected to over 1,000 people across our operational area;
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We delivered 8 training events, workshops & surgeries.
Overview of 2024-2025 cases by Referrer/Type
| Case by Referrer/Type | 2024/25 | 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|
| Housing associations | 55 | 47 |
| Police | 304 | 272 |
| Room to Talk: local authority/social services/youth orgs. |
need to verify | 78 |
| Self-Referrals | need to verify | 76 |
| Civil and Workplace | 3 | 3 |
| Other | 4 | 1 |
| TOTAL CASES RECEIVED | 493 | 477 |
Our change of working name has had a notable effect on our Room to Talk referral patterns, with clear shifts emerging since the transition.
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Geographic distribution of referrals has broadened. Buckinghamshire continues to provide a large proportion of referrals, but its share has reduced from 57% to 39%—not due to a decline in Buckinghamshire cases, but because of substantial growth from other areas.
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Milton Keynes has more than doubled its share of referrals, increasing from 11% to 23%.
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Oxford has also grown , rising from 8% to 11%.
Overall demand for the service has increased significantly. In the previous 12-month period, the Charity supported 65 Room to Talk cases. Current projections suggest this
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
will rise substantially in the coming year, reflecting both increased awareness and wider regional reach. We are mindful of the fact that the complexity of these cases can be significant and are looking at ways to support our volunteers and staff appropriately including additional supervision and mentoring opportunities for those undertaking our Room to Talk work.
Room to Talk referral pathways have also developed this year. Previously, around 40% of referrals were recorded as “self-referrals” but were actually initiated by children’s services on behalf of families. This has now reduced to 27%, with a clearer pattern of referrals coming directly from children’s services teams and schools, improving both accuracy and partnership working.
Room To Talk Statistics 2024-2025
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Future Plans – What lies ahead
We are working towards the goals set out in our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan which are regularly reviewed by our strategic sub-committee. Our key priorities include:
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Retaining existing contracts and partnerships.
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Strengthening governance and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
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Expanding access to free, high-quality services for referred service users across our operating region.
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Developing innovative approaches in community engagement, work with schools, and workplace mediation.
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Maintaining robust quality assurance and feedback mechanisms.
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Investment in the continuous professional and personal development of our staff and volunteers in particular those involved in our Room to Talk work.
We remain committed to sustaining excellence while adapting to an increasingly complex service delivery environment. We will continue to improve and invest in our existing services while developing new initiatives to meet the needs of our service users in a context of diminishing resources, growing hardship, and rising social isolation .
To achieve our strategic aims, we will focus on strengthening our capacity and resilience to meet increasing service demand, particularly in areas requiring longer-term support. Our priorities include:
- Recruiting additional staff, trustees and volunteers to broaden our skills and experience base.
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
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Appointing a part time Volunteer Management Officer (subject to funding) to enhance the recruitment, support and retention of our volunteers and to promote our 5 regional mediator-volunteer hubs to create a stronger local community presence as well as ensuring more open channels of communication, mentoring and learning between volunteers.
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Attracting a Trustee with financial expertise to strengthen our governance and oversight.
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Encouraging applications from volunteers with professional and/or lived experience of the complex social needs increasingly reflected in our work.
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Revisiting our self-reflective supervision model to ensure that as we grow, the service we offer is of a high professional standard and satisfies the needs of volunteers, as well as of our partners and clients.
In addition, we will be bringing a sharper focus to our workplace mediation service, developing a more specialist team for more effective and consistent delivery.
We move into the future with the benefit of 27 years of lived experience with which we shall grow and navigate the currents of change in an ever shifting social and business environment.
Public Benefit
In 2024-25, across our services, the Charity supported over 493 cases, representing 986 households and engaging directly with1,200 individuals. Of cases closed with a Mediation/No Further Action outcome, 72% did not return to the referrer within a three month period.
We believe that it is everybody's right to live peacefully within their communities. The stress that is caused by disputes is real and should not be underestimated. As demonstrated by our referral numbers above and the feedback we have received over this financial year (below) our clients and referrers tell us that mediation, conciliation and conflict support are effective ways of resolving disputes and, as such, provides a public benefit to the residents of the Thames Valley. Furthermore, the Trustees hereby confirm that they have complied with the duty of Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. Our charitable purpose within the meaning of the Act is enshrined within its objects as stated above.
Feedback
The Charity measures its support to the community both in the number of referrals received and, in the feedback, given by people who have used our services, whether as referrers or as clients. Our organisational approach to quality and feedback is one of continuous improvement and learning for the long-term with responsibility for quality, feedback, learning and continuous improvement resting with our trustees. Their leadership and oversight ensure that we maintain consistent, safe policies, procedures and practices that are regularly reviewed and updated to remain relevant and effective.
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
We are aware of our duty to maintain accurate, up-to-date information and feedback from referrers and clients. After each case, each party is asked for feedback on our service using anonymous client feedback forms and separate online satisfaction surveys. Information received is shared with trustees and stakeholders to highlight learning opportunities and areas of improvement. Informal verbal feedback from clients is also captured in their case folder. If given consent by clients, we will share feedback with mediator-volunteers and referrers. We also use an online link and a 6 monthly telephone survey to measure the impact of our work on health & wellbeing (basing our questions on the well-known Warwick & Edinburgh mental wellbeing scales).
Our innovative approach and agility to respond to contracted customer need and to attract new lines of work based on evolving community requirements continue to bring us positive feedback from clients and referrers and give us optimism for our future.
Referrer and Partner Feedback 2024-25
Thank you for everything you do. I really appreciate it.
Service is great and I refer into here all of the time for neighbour disputes for those victims to seek support, advice and perhaps mediation if applicable.
Mediation is always a good way to start with disputes. When they work it lessens work load, and when they don't it is a good evidencing tool.
There is no improvement that I can recommend as the communication has been amazing from AC and I have been kept up to date with the process.
Conflict resolution services are a fantastic service! One neighbour has contacted me since using the service stating that they have not had any problems with neighbours since engaging with the program.
The service is really helpful for those 'tricky' incidents where a crime has not occurred (or won't ever be proven). It means I can still provide a meaningful outcome to those involved.
It has made a real and positive difference to the families and young people we refer. Please keep being there for our clients thank you.
Client Feedback 2024-25
‘It was a very safe place to talk. Great timing schedule. Once I’d been through the process of Conflict Support the process made complete sense and I understood what I was dealing with.’
‘I felt comfortable and safe. Couldn't fault the aftercare and everything with the process was amazing.’
‘They were super friendly, the follow up was excellent. We were really pleased with the service.’
‘Wish it could be legally binding. Mediators were good at getting communication
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
open. Much more relaxing than court.’
‘It gave confidence to all the stakeholders involved. Everyone tried to help. They were empathetic and allowed us to talk to everyone involved in a way we couldn't have done without you. You guys were fantastic and your experience just helped.’
‘I would just like to say a big thank you to you all for all the help & support to date.’
‘Thank you for your time and patience at yesterday's Conflict Support session.’
‘It gave us a safe space to discuss the ongoing issues that we have with our neighbour and provided us with some valued insights.’
‘Keep doing what you are doing. Fantastic folks. Thank you!’
Governance
The Charity is an incorporated company (limited by guarantee) and is a registered charity. It is run by a committed team of trustees, staff and 40 volunteers, all of whom are passionate about making a difference in their community.
Governance has remained robust throughout the year. Trustees have continued to review and strengthen governance frameworks, update internal policies to ensure compliance with new legislation, and make certain all services are risk assessed to safeguard our volunteers, staff, and service users. Our strategic plan sub-group met several times this year to ensure that we continue to focus on our strengths and core business whilst remaining agile for new opportunities. We also reviewed our Governance Handbook and intend to bring it up to date to reflect the eight principles of the Charity Governance Code 2025. Day-to-day management is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, with oversight provided through board meetings held 6 times a year.
The Charity’s memorandum and articles of association give the trustees the power to apply our funds in such a manner as they think fit to benefit our business and charitable objects or purpose. The trustees have policies and procedures of governance in place to ensure effective use of the powers and these policies and procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis through these governance arrangements. All appropriate and required insurances, financial and risk mechanisms and statements are held and produced by the company.
One trustee stepped down from the Trustee Board during this year – long-standing mediator/trustee, Tony Kaye. The Charity would like to thank him for his service and the skills and oversight he brought to the Charity. The Charity recruited two new trustees, Amber Preen and Kevin Churchill who both bring a range of valuable senior management skills to the board ranging from charitable governance and commercial procurement to considerable lived experience in community youth engagement.
The Trustees who held office as at March 31 2025, and were directors as well as trustees on the dates that the report was approved, are as follows: Phyllida
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Middlemiss (Chair), Andy Kenward (Treasurer), Lin Instone (Secretary), Tony Kaye (resigned 01/11/2024), Amber Preen (appointed 01/07/2024) and Kevin Churchill (appointed 01/11/2024).
The Board remains committed to leading a safe, well-governed organisation. Continuous professional development remains a priority, with trustees, staff and volunteers completing training in domestic violence, safeguarding vulnerable adults, equality and diversity, trauma-informed practice, conflict coaching, and mental health awareness.
We have 2 experienced safeguarding leads who are the first point of contact unless there is an immediate significant risk of harm in which case staff/volunteers will report directly to the relevant authority. We make parties aware that, whilst we provide a confidential service in terms of the content of a conversation, we have an over-riding duty of care to report any safeguarding concerns which represent a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. Records are kept on all safeguarding concerns and are followed up with authorities.
Financial review
The financial statements below reflect the Charity’s activities outlined above and have been drawn up to comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities.
In 2024/25 there was an overall increase in total funds held of £xxxx from 2023/24. Within this total, unrestricted funds increased by £xxxx. The overall funds available to the charity are sufficient to enable it to continue to carry out its stated objectives.
Principal Funding Sources
The Charity works in partnership with its principal funders including local authorities, housing associations and the police. In 2024/25, the Charity had service level agreements with:
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Fairhive Housing
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Red Kite Community Housing
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Milton Keynes Council – Housing
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Slough Council – Housing
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Thames Valley Police
In addition, the charity undertakes workplace mediation and mediation of disputes involving residents of Paradigm Housing, for which it gets paid on a case-by-case basis.
Furthermore, in 2024/25 the Charity received grants from:
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Fairhive Trust Community Fund
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Heathrow Community Trust
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Community Grant Lottery
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326 Be
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Rothschild Foundation
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Resilience Fund Clarion Housing Group
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Milton Keynes Community Fund
Closing Statement
The Trustees are grateful to our much-valued referrers across the Thames Valley for their continued support. We would also like to wholeheartedly thank our dedicated team of staff and volunteers whose commitment and skill continues to drive the Charity forwards. We look ahead to 2025-26 with resolve and optimism.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees,
Phyllida Middlemiss Dated: 28th November 2025
Chair of Trustees, Mediation Buckinghamshire
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)
for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Note Income and endowments: Voluntary income 2 Activities for generating funds Investment income (Bank interest) Total income and endowments Expenditure on: Costs of charitable activities 3 Total resources expended Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2024/25 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ 470 65,079 65,549 123,250 - 123,250 - - - |
|---|---|
| 123,720 65,079 188,799 |
|
| 117,214 43,281 160,495 |
|
| 117,214 43,281 160,495 |
|
6,506 21,798 28,304 12,275 20,239 32,514 |
|
| 18,781 42,037 60,818 |
All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Note Income and endowments: Voluntary income 2 Activities for generating funds Investment income (Bank interest) Total income and endowments Expenditure on: Costs of charitable activities 3 Total resources expended Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2023/24 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ 26,575 37,055 63,630 91,125 - 91,125 - - - |
|---|---|
| 117,700 37,055 154,755 |
|
| 114,929 32,812 147,741 |
|
| 114,929 32,812 147,741 |
|
| 2,771 4,243 7,014 9,504 15,996 25,500 |
|
| 12,275 20,239 32,514 |
All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.
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| CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326 ee |
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326 ee |
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326 ee |
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326 ee |
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326 ee |
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326 ee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Sheet | |||||
| at 31 March 2025 | Note | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Tangible fixed assets: | |||||
| Tangible assets | 5 | - | - | ||
| Current assets: | |||||
| Debtors | 6 | 2,995 | 7,710 | ||
| Capital work in progress | 4,277 | 4,277 | |||
| Bank accounts | 61,959 | 28,713 | |||
| Total current assets | 69,231 | 40,700 | |||
| Creditors: | |||||
| Amounts due within one year | 7 | 8,413 | 8,185 | ||
| Net current assets | 60,818 | 32,515 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities |
60,818 | 32,515 | |||
| Net assets | 60,818 | 32,515 | |||
| Capital funds: | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 18,781 | 12,276 | |||
| Restricted funds | 8 | 42,037 | 20,239 | ||
| Total funds | 60,818 | 32,515 |
For the year ending 31 March 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
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 the accounts.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to the small companies’ regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Approved by the trustees,
Andy Kenward Dated: 28 November 2025
Treasurer
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Notes to the Accounts
These annexed notes form part of the Financial Statements
Note
- 1 Accounting policies
The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland “(“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical convention (modified to include certain items at fair value). The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the 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 and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
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 to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Computers: 25% per annum of cost
Fixtures and Fittings: 25 % per annum of acquisition cost
Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees for particular purposes.
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Note
1 ctd. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs
The company contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable to the fund in respect of the year.
Reserves policy
The Charity aims to hold reserves in unrestricted funds sufficient to meet statutory redundancy obligations to staff and other contractual liabilities.
2
| Income Voluntary income: Grants and donations Activities for generating funds Mediation services Investment income: Bank interest Total income |
2024/25 2023/24 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds £ £ £ £ 470 65,079 26,575 37,055 123,250 - 91,125 - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 123,720 65,079 117,700 37,055 |
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
| COMPANY | REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326 |
|---|---|
| Note 3 Cost of charitable activities Payroll and pension costs Mediators’ expenses and venue hire Premises (rent and utilities) Insurance (premises and professional indemnity) Office costs (IT, phone, publicity, copying and consumables) Training Supervision Depreciation Independent examination & Accountancy Fees Trustee expenses Repairs, renewals and small equipment Corporate expenses Total costs |
2024/25 2023/24 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds £ £ £ £ 91,531 34,129 86,281 19,180 1,655 175 1,282 940 13,026 - 15,469 3,404 520 - 460 103 7,515 2,317 7,136 2,257 102 6,207 165 3,100 - - - - - - - - 1,025 - 1,125 - - - - - 644 - 1,091 3,289 1196 453 1,920 538 |
| 117,214 43,281 114,929 32,811 |
Small inconsistencies with the income and expenditure statement are due to rounding.
There was no remuneration for Trustees in the year. There are no related party transactions to report. The charity's insurance provides trustee indemnity cover.
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CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Note
- 4 Staff costs
The average number of persons employed by the company, including directors, during the year was as follows:
| Office administration (full time equivalent) Salaries Employers NI Pensions Total 5 Tangible fixed assets £ Cost: At 1 April 2025 4,101 Additions/disposals 0 At 31 March 2025 4,101 Depreciation: At 1 April 2025 4,101 Charge for the year 0 At 31 March 2025 4,101 Net book value: At 1 April 2025 0 |
2024/25 3.75 £ 119,190 4,811 1,659 125,660 Cost: At 1 April 2024 Additions/disposals At 31 March 2024 Depreciation: At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 Net book value: At 1 April 2024 |
£ 4,101 0 |
2023/24 3.47 £ 101,505 2,800 1,155 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105,460 | |||
| 4,101 | |||
4,101 0 |
|||
| 4,101 | |||
| 0 |
21
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Note
| 6 Debtors and prepayments Amounts falling due within one year: Deposit with landlord Prepayments and accrued income Trade Debtors 7 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year: Accruals and deferred income Trade Creditors PAYE and pension Other Creditors 8 Restricted funds Fund b/f Income £ £ Children & young people 12,845 - Social media 922 - Casework coordinator 2,326 - Volunteer training 4,146 - Engagement Officer - 7,325 Self Referrals - 19,172 Milton Keynes - 7,950 Unwelcome Behaviours - 8,918 Clarion Resilience - 5,918 Rothchild Grant - 6,060 Heathrow Grant - 9,736 Totals 20,239 65,079 |
6 Debtors and prepayments Amounts falling due within one year: Deposit with landlord Prepayments and accrued income Trade Debtors 7 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year: Accruals and deferred income Trade Creditors PAYE and pension Other Creditors 8 Restricted funds Fund b/f Income £ £ Children & young people 12,845 - Social media 922 - Casework coordinator 2,326 - Volunteer training 4,146 - Engagement Officer - 7,325 Self Referrals - 19,172 Milton Keynes - 7,950 Unwelcome Behaviours - 8,918 Clarion Resilience - 5,918 Rothchild Grant - 6,060 Heathrow Grant - 9,736 Totals 20,239 65,079 |
2025 2024 £ £ 1,210 1,210 185 2,100 1,600 4,400 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,995 7,710 |
||
| 2025 2024 £ £ 4,769 - 810 5,577 2,519 2,268 315 341 |
||
| 8,413 8,186 |
||
| Spend Transfer Fund c/f £ £ £ 12,845 - - 922 - - 2,326 - - 4,146 - - 7,325 - - 5,470 - 13,702 2,749 - 5,201 - - 8,918 2,938 - 2,980 1,353 - 4,707 3,207 - 6,529 43,281 - 42,037 |
||
| 20,239 65,079 |
22
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
| Note 9 Financial Commitments Office lease with 3 month break clause Net incoming resources for the year This is stated after charging Independent Examination Fee Other Accountancy Services |
2025 2024 £ £ 3,630 3,630 |
|---|---|
| 3,630 3,630 |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ 500 480 525 495 |
|
| 1,025 975 |
10 Trustee Expenses
No trustees claimed expenses relating to their role as a Trustees
23
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1093803 (ENGLAND AND WALES) COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04443326
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Mediation Buckinghamshire
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Mediation Buckinghamshire ('the Company') for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ("the 2006 Act").
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the 2011 Act"). in carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection which gives me cause to believe that:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
I have no concerns and have come across no 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.
Lee Mathers MIAB, MCIOF (Cert) Positive Community Finance Ltd 7 Scholars Rise Stokenchurch Buckinghamshire HP14 3FL
27[th] November 2025
24