REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05023067 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1103002 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FOR SOUNDABOUT Ad Valorem Accountancy Services Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 2 Manor Fam Court Old Wolverton Road Old Wolverton Buckinghamshire MK12 5NN
SOUNDABOUT CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page Reference and Administrative Detsils Report of the Trust8es 2 to 16 Independent Examinerfs Report 17 Statement of Flnancial Activities 18 Balance Sheet 19 to 20 Notes to the Flnancial Statsments 21 to 27 Detailed Statement of Finan¢ial A¢tfvttles 28
SOUNDABOUT REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TRUSTEES S J Claridge (resigned 101712024) Y Dattani (resigned 31912024) M Hartley K Ungerer (resigned 151112025) E Newsome (resigned 101712024) C Thomson B Weston-conway E Nunns Cwyuen H Chandler (appointed 17nr2024) B Travis (appointed 1712024) J Baird (appointed 17n12024) I Pasricha (appointed 241312025) REGISTERED OFFICE John Eccles House Robert Robinson Avenue Oxford Oxfordshire OX44GP REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER 05023067 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1103002 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Ad Valorem Accountancy Services Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 2 Manor Fami Court Old Wolverton Road Old Wolverton Bud<inghamshire MK12 5NN BANKERS CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Charity Bank Limited Fosse House 182 High Street Tonbridge TN9 1BE Page 1
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The twstees who are also directors of the charity for the pUoseS of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The tnjstees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Stalement of Recommended Practi 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). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Public benefit Charitable objects as per the Memorandum and Articles of Association: To provide relief to people with severe learning difficulties and physical difficulties by the provision of interactive music making sessions. Vision: A world where everyone can xcess and experien music. Mission.. Soundabout uses music, sound, and Silen to create opportunities where leaming Disabled people with complex support needs thrive. Values Kind.. We are kind, friendly, and supportive to everyone. Person£entr&J: We celebrate each person., creating sound and music together. Inclusive: we work hard to create welcoming and accessible Spa$. Aspirational= We use our energy to learn and aim for the best for everyone, while being curious, fun, and We are working to our strategic business plan 'Soundabout Build, which runs until 2027 and focuses on consolidation and stabilisation of offer, team, and finances, and preparing for the future. We want to build on expertise, knowledge, and learning, while creating new opportunities, innovation, and trailblazing in best practi in the field. We want to ensure that our offer is excellent in all ways, that we can keep Soundabout running robustly and sustainably, that we set ourselves up to grow in the future, and that we lead the sector by sharing our leaming. This includes a range of activities listed below under the 'Our programmes, section. In shaping OLsr objectives for th8 year and planning our activities, we can confim that the Trust*s have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and are confident that the work of the Chanty falls in line with the guidance. Page 2
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Soundabout Community Introductlon The SoundaboLrt Participant Advisory Group thought it would be lovely to ask the Soundabout communty to finish the sentence "Soundabout makes me feel... ' as an introduction. Here are some of the responses: Heard., Alive" Happy., Wonderful,. Included,. Lucky,. Inspired; Grateful; Valued., Seen,. Connected., Joy,. Less Isolated. Chair & CEO Introduction We all assess impact in different ways. Some prefer to look at numbers and statistics, understsnding scale and scope through charts and graphs. Others may prefer to read stories, allowing them to get to the emotional heart of transformation. For some, pictures and video tell the most vivid story, giving a sense of pla and purFK)se that even the most gifted wordsmith would struggle to evoke. IAthether you read this document from cover to cover or are simply flicking through. we hope that you will get a sense of the impact Soundabout has on the lives of Leaming Disabled people in a way that appeals to you. This report only represents a snapshot in Soundabout's lrfe, but these 12 months, March 2024 - April 2025, have showcased momentum and continued strength. When we launched our three-year strategy, Soundabout Build, in late 2023, we endeavoured to enhance the qualty of our output, develop an effective impact framework, develop organisational resilience and grow our cultur81 profil8. In each of these areas, we are proud of the progress we have made. You will notice that our impact framework is now deeply embedded in our communication and reporting, and that our list of supporters is growing and becoming more diverse. Our training programme generously funded by Youth Music - has been incredibly. well received, and our prdctitioner team consistently deliver outstsnding musical opportunities to Leaming Disabled people across England and further afield online. In other areas such as growing our profile our steps have been smaller, but we are leaming how to communicate more effectively and aLrthentically with our community with greater results. This will Continue to be a priority in the final year of this strategic plan, and we remain steadfastly committed to our approach and ethos. This, in collaboration with planned growth in the Soundab)ut staff team, will supercharge this work in the yéars ahead. It would not be possible for us to list every achievement of the last 12 months, but we hope this powerful document gives a flavour of what Soundabout is all about. Of course, the stories shared in this.report would remain untold without the generous support of our donors, the tireless work of our staff team, the musical talent of our practitioners, and the dedication of our trustees and volunteers. But above all, we are most grateful to the families and individuals that eMbce Soundabout, allowing us into their world. We are immensely proud to make music alongside the Learning Disabled community. Thank you, as ever, for your continued support of Soundabout. Ben Weston-conway. Chair of Trustees Holly Radford-James, Chief Executive OffIr Page 3
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES About Soundabout and our community We are Soundabout- the natlon's speciallst Learning Disability music charity Soundabout utilises music, sound, and sitence to make a difference to the lives of Learning Disabled people of all ages, and with complex support needs. Helping every individual to develop their ability to communicate and interact with the wortd around them in welcoming and accessible spaS both in-person and online. Wrth nearly thirty years, experien, Soundabout supports around 1,500 participants every year by organising over 1,000 interactive music making sessions. Equally importantly. Soundabout provides training for families, carers, professionals, and partner organisations enabling them to integrate the beneftts of Soundabout's immersive music making programmes into the daily lives of the Learning Disabled people they support. Soundalx)ut Community At Soundabout, we use the tenn 'Learning Disabled people with complex support needs, to describe the people we work alongside because, having consulted with Soundabout families and Disabled people, we have found this temi to be most aligned with the social model of disabilty (the understanding that disability is something created by barriers in society). At the same time, we also respect that individuals m8y choose to identify differently, and that care and education sectors may use 'Profound and Multiple Leaming Disabilities, (PMLD) The are: 1.3 million Learning Disabled people in England - 20,000 Leaming Disabled adults and 10,000 Learning Disabled children wilh complex support needs. Only 5.10/0 of Learning Disabled adults are in paid work. Barriers often fa by Leaming Disabled people with complex support needs include: More than one disabilty, including a physical disability - Requiring those who know them we51 to interpret communication - Complex physical and mental health needs Inaccessible career, leisure, and artlcultural opportunities Isolation. loneliness, and poor visibility in society Financial challenges Our Vision: A world where everyone can access and experien music. Our Mission: Soundabout uses music, sound, and Silen to create opportunities where learning Disabled people with complex support needs thrive. Our Values: Kind.. We are kind, friendly, and supportive to everyone. Person-centred: We lebrate each person; creating sound and music together. Inclusive: we work hard to create welcoming and accessible spaces. Aspirational: We use our energy to leam and aim for the best for everyone, while being curious, fun, and creative. To achieve our mission, we focus on 5 key outcomes for the Leaming Disabled people we support.. Improving Connectedness; Developing Communication,. Encouraging Enjoyment,. Increasing Self-Expression, Improving Health and Wellbeing. Page 4
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES We also focus on 4 key strategic aims to help Soundabout build from strength to strength.. High quality delivery from a diverse practitioner team., Developing our impact measurement,. Build sustsinabilty by diversifying income,. Grow Soundabout's profile. To understand the difference we make, we measure our impact by collecting data from our,, projects and talking to the people who take part. We are proud to share insights into our seNices and the impact they have. We need music now more than ever- let us show you how music changes lives. Our Programmes Soundabout Choirs: a national neOrk bringing Le8rning Disabled people of all ages and their local communities togeth er to share their voices in ways accessible to them. Sounds Vlrtual: online music-making sessions accessible live and on demand, meaning members can join from home, hosp ices, hospitals, day centres, and school! Sounds Sensory: projects transforming schools and community spaces into themed multi-sensory en vironments that engage all the senses. immersive Sounds Wild: innovative music-making sessions in inspiring outdoor spaces using a Forest School appro8ch to arLess th e many benefits of connecting with nature. Sounds Together: face-to-face communty music making sessions with smsll groups of Learning Disabled people where they design the projectl Training: families, carers, professionals, and partner organisations to use Soundabout techniques in the daily lives of the Learning Disabled people they support. Emerging Leaders and Graduates.. accredited course and work plaMentS supporting Learning Disabled people to enhan leadership s kills and cOnfKIen will preparing to become music practitioners. Tlmeling & Our Year In Numbers Key Dates between April 2024-March 2025 - April - Second Annual Workshop with National Children's Choir of Great Britain - May - Tewkesbury Big Weekend - June - Summer Perfomances including at Chalkhouse Green Fami Open Gardens and Plater Trust Awards - July- I Can Camival & Em8rging Leaders Graduation - August- Sounds Sensory Online launched & Resonance Board Training - September- Sounds Together Exeter launched - October- Autumn Sounds Wild school visits - November- Live Better Liv8 Longer workshops by Graduates - December- Shine a Light campaign and events - January - Moveabout campaign Page 5
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES - February - Bristol Information Event - March - Volunteer fyordinator recruited due to National Lottery Grant for choirs and volunteering Overview in Numbers for April 2024March 2025 Previous Year 962 3,341 1,576 753 890 40,775 2024-25 1,045 3,502 1.425 1.159 723 48.138 Sessions Totsl Attendees Learning Disabled Participants Parents I Carers Professionals YouTube Views Graduate Emerging Leader Work Placements Arts Award Qualrfication suSs Rate 65 100/0 180 1000/0 The $Iht reduction in Learning Disabled Participants is due to a small reduction in school commissions. Last year we had more large school groups and so anticipated the 2025 count to be much smaller than it ended up being. Pleas8 note that there may be some discrepancies between how staff have captured 'professionals' and 'parents I carers, with regards to paid carers, and so these stats are best placed read together, showing an overall increase in the number of parents, carers, and professionals we supported. Outcomes Review This section,reviews Soundabout's progress towards the 5 main outcomes we aim to achieve with Leaming Disabled people. We have provided dsta from a range of sources as evidence of progress towards each outcome. Outcome 1: Improvlng Connectèdness Soundabout music making opportunities are group opportunities that enable Learning Disabled people with complex support needs to build positive relationships wrth their peers. parents and carers, and wider Gommunities. SoundaboLrt activitie6 build strong networks and friendships that forge a sense of belonging. We use our national plaifom to showcase our community's talents and to shine a light on their experiences. Evidence towards improving connectedness.. "For Mich1 I think it's the sheer enjoyment, he loves the sessions and we know he gets a lot out of it. We get the pleasure of watching and listening and also taking part. There's various activities we can do which help Michael. I think it's also he gets a lot from the diversity of the group because the group are all made up of different individuals and each person brings something, and Michael brings something as well... He enjoy5 that feedbackl What he gets from here is the group, ivs that interaction that being 'part of something. Something a bit bigger than'him on his own and gives him dtfferent perspectives." Carer (Sounds Together Adults). "I'd like to mention .1 Can Camival.. We literally spent the whole day doing that and it was amazing. There's so many amazing beneffts to these festwals but the frdct that l just allowed myself to spend the day with the girls doing that, back-to-back sessions, they We all so different as well. It gave Maisy more of me which, sometimes I forget to do because like we're so consumed by dealing other things that, we overlook sometimes just spending that time doing those sessions together. 5t Created such special, special times as family. Maisy had been so unwell that day but then as soon as Karen [Soundabout Practrtionerl came on and she he8rd her friends, she was giving so many smiles, so many giggles. In those moments, you just forget about all the bad stuff, you know. when they have bad days and rough days.. you can ju3t tum on the screen and connect with other people, with friends. And then she responds in the way she does. It creates those special moments. All the time." Parent {1 Can Camival) Page 6
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES "Soundabout are just amazingl My son absolutely loves his sessions with Soundabout. It gives him the opportunty to combine his most favourite things music, singing and saying hello to people! The ISoundabout] practrtioners are brilliant, so professional, kind, caring and they Just get my son, they have an amazing talent to bring out the best in every participant at whatever level they are.... it's really fascinating to observe. Soundabout have created something much greater than just music sessions, they have created a community which makes you feel so included, my son feels part of something, something that's his and gives him musical and social opportunities which are not readily available in his outside world." Parent (Sounds Virtual and Graduate Emerging Leaders) "It always just feels like the most epic family reunion, with the famity we chose for ourselves and who make us feel safe, valued and loved., Parent {Sounds Virtual and I Can Carnival) "My son really enjoys the sessions. He is highly anxious and sometimes find acsIng the community ovehelMIng. SoundaboLrt sessions allow him to feel a part of the community and interact and socialise with people." Parent (Sounds Virtual) "l am amazed at how we have been able to build a community in such a short time." Choir Leader, Soundabout Associate Choir Network 100 /9 of parent I carers reported a rise in confidence in supporting their child using music from the start to the end of Sounds Together Early Years Birmingham by at least 3 points on a 1-10 confidence scaling exercise. "I would strongly recommend this project to other families. It has brought these children together, built up confidence of both children and families. I have seen a development in all of the children, particularly the little boy I care for. This project has taught me ways to continue what we have been doing every week and I canl wait to try things out. The EYIS and Soundabout staff have been amazing - professional, fun and in tune with each child and providing exactly what they need. It has been outstanding. More children should experience this project. I will truly miss this project, all of the staff and other families involved. 1000A recommendl;, Carer (Sounds Together- Earty Years} Across all SoundaboLrt programmes, participants are 'having a go., 'achieving' and excelling in each level 'Me and My World, segment of the Sounds of Intent 'Me Framework,. As part of our efforts to improve connectedness within the communty and externally. we have supported Learning Disabled musicians in Soundabout choirs to release 6 public music videos which have been view 5,584 times. and to perfomi to aUdIenS across the country. Outcome 2: Developing Communication Soundabout uses music, sound. and Silen as tools to explore and enhance communication with and between learning Disabled people and the communities around them. Communication might be through vocalising or non-verbal e.g. facial expressions or gestures. Our sessions allow plenty of space and time to explore communication and interactions, along with allowing space for silence and processing time. We work closely with learning Disabled people and their close supporters to learn their communication styles and follow their lead. We also support parents, carers, and professionals to team how to interact and communicate musically so they can continue this outside of sessions. Evidence towards developing communication.. Page 7
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES "Soundabout came into William and I's life when he was in hosprtal and I was desperate to find something to entertain him. It has become so much more than that for us both. It was a lifeline during the 3 years he was unable to access school. A chance to learn together through music, to communicate on his level and make connections with peers and excellent music practitioners. The online sessions have opened up the world for William and gtven him an opportunity to socialise outside of school in a way that isn't possible for us living in such a remote rural area and facing the challenge of accessing after school activities when school is an hour from home. We appreciate so much the ability to attend wherever we are and it is a slice of nomiality when we are stUGk in a hospital a long way from home to be able to see and hear familiar faces. Soundabout really is a community that feels more like a family and its essential to us all. The chance to take a moment in the day to make music and take joy in that. It's enormously powerful for William as its given him joy and the power.to connect with others and communicate in his own way. I have learnt so much from the sessions, my own confidence in communicating with William using music has been built when attending the sessions and it has made our lives happier., Parent {Sounds Virtual) "One more thing I want to mention is the wonderful [Soundabout] practitioners. Charlie has built up a virtual relationship with three practitioners in particular, Karen, Georgie and Will, who just get her and over these last four or five years, know how she responds and even on the YouTube sessions when Karen only has information through the typed chat, she knows how Charlie wll be responding and can incorporate her in that way. Wrth no verbal communication, Charlie's world is very closed and limited but Soundabout has truly opened up this wodd, Thank you everyone at Soundabout." Parent (Sounds Virtual) My son has built a very good interactive skills Since he started attending the class. He now mumurs in an attempt to start speaking. He can now engage better with play items. He Can now flow with rhymes either by shaking his head, tapping his feet, murmuring or clapping of hands. He is now comfortable in the midst of new faces compared to before. Parent (Sounds Together- Early Years) Forms of communication reported across all programmes by practitioners included 'showed awareness of others,, 'interacted with others,, 'initiated interactions,, 'made intentional choice I preference,, 'use of facial expression., 'use of body langu8ge', 'eye contact or eye pointing,, 'vocalisation'. 100 % of parent I carers answered 'Strongly Agree, to the following statement at the end of Sounds Together Early Years (Bimiingham) project. I now have some ways of interdcting and engaging with my child through music I song I rhyme to support their development." Outcome 3. Encouraglng Enjoyment Being playful with music and sound is a big part of the Soundabout ethos, resulting in increased feelings of enjoyment. The atmosphere of our sessions is relaxed and fun with playful interactions being at the heart of our delivery. We aim to encourage everyone to enjoy music making at our sessions showing delight through laughing, smiling, indicating for'more, and retuming to Soundabout sessions. Evidence towards encouraging enjoyment". "Emma said she really enjoys SoundaboLrt and it's so much fvn. We would say that Soundabout helped Emma a lot in building up her confidence when doing the performances as well as the online sessions and through the emerging leader schemes. Music is part of her lrfe now and we can see that she feels safe and happy from the bottom of her heart when she is with Soundabout. Soundabout is helping so many families like us and we cannot say more to thank you all." Parent (Choirs and Graduate Emerging Leaders) 'You have no idea how much impact yesterday Iwork experien] has had on B. She has beaming ever since & was talking about r( for ages. We are very proud of her. Please do ask her again for anything else you feel she is up to. Parent (Graduate Emerging Leaders) 'These sessions have been amazing for him and his development. They are absolutely wonderful, please keep them going. I told him that he is going to his music class today and will see his friends and he vocalised so loudly. Carer (Sounds Tog8ther- Earfy Years) Page 8
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES "l just wanted to let you know that today was a really amazing session, and l am looking foMard to this 12-week journey. l am kind of sad that we are already one week down It is really exciting, and I love how J engaged, and I love what I have already been able to learn from the first session. l am looking forward to next week. Also, there are already bits of infomiation and tips and techniques that I have picked from Will Isoundabout Practitionerl that I have found useful." Parent (Sounds Together- Early Years) "I've really enjoyed it. I was leader in the group, I was leading with the drum and my hand to stop and the group was fr)Ilowing me. l enjoyed that!" Participant {Sounds Together- Young Adults) "It was just the most amazing day! All the sessions were such fun and so engaging. Hats off to the Soundabout team for their imagination, creativity and really slick production., Parent {1 Can Carnival) "It was SO awesomell Her best day of the holiday so far., Parent (Sounds Virtual) In Soundabout practitioner reflections of OxFord Choir participants, practitioners reported, enjoyment in 92 % of participants who were individually observed over the course of the year. "He often enthusiastically nods his head and moves his body rhythmically to the music, expressing a lot of joy in this movement. He also smiled and reccgnised when his ideas and movements were lebrated by leaders." Practitioner (Oxford Choir) 830A of Song Explorer practitioner observations reported 'enjoymenf in participant interactions. The top engagements in this area were 'Smiling', 'Laughing', 'SwayinglRocking' and Vocalising,. "She smiled in response to things she likes. During our heartbeat song we were looking to do it again and she seemed to lift her head up smiling which suggested she wanted more of the heartbeat sounds." Practitioner {Song Explorers) OutGome 4: Increasing Self-Expression Everyone has a right to agency and self£xpression. Soundabout techniques provide opportunities to explore that sense of self and provides a creative outlet with Learning Disabled people. By self-expression we mean being able to participate in creative sound-based activities, to enhance sense of self and others {explored via interactive activities), being able to make choices, and express likes and dislikes. Our person centred approach means that sessions are c¢>designed with attendees, following their lead and their choices throughout. Eviden towards increasing self-expression: "It's just so uplifting and the way he copies, recognition of sounds and beats, how he claps his hands to the beat, he really loves music and singing, so enjoyable. Just makes the children all so happy, so lovely to see all their smiles. I think it's really beneficial for the children. Literally our highlight of our week. He has got so confident over the weeks." Parent (Sounds Together- Early Years} Page 9
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES "My son M has been in the choir Sin the very first session and he's also s gr8duate emerging leader. He's virtually nonverbal. He's got severe learning difficulties and he's very Shy as well. He knows everyone at the choir. He knows what's going to happen. There's no Surises. And he can just be on his own rf he wants to and spin about and do whatever he wants. Anyway, Ellen [SoundaboLrt Practitioner] had asked him in one of the sessions rf he wanted to take part in a song and help to lead li as part of his graduate emerging leader experience. And we suggested we would but also we knew there was no pressure rf he didny want to on the day. His dad came with us to the rehearsal and this song came up. And before Ellen had said it, he jumped up to go... He took the mic and he just sang and led this song in front of everyone. We were. well we were in shock, he's never done that before. It was so wonderful to see. His father was laughing, through joy and shock... cause he knew that was his song. He sang in his own way and then afterwards, all the practitioners, everyone, was all so excited to come and speak to him and lebrate him. Martin, our [SoundaboLrt Practitioner] instrumentalist came up and said 'Do you know what? He was completely in piich, he was singing all in piich., Everyone thought it was fantastic! The choir and the Emerging Leaders programme has just made such a big impact on him and us, please just continue doing what you're doing." Parent (Choir, Graduate Emerging Leaders) "I've told anybody for Soundabout, I so enjoy what I do, it's a joy to do it and I say, even though it Can be hard, I like to give it go and other people need to realise that anyone that's in a chair needs to give anything a go. Needs to realise who they actually are and just be themselves because a lot of people aren't their selves in any chair. So, in a Soundabout way, it 18 all about music and you can talk with music, you can sing with music.. you can do anything. I've been to a Soundabout session where you can make music up and I've been one of their online sessions where you have to make a song and being in that way of making is very enjoyable and I think people need to know that you can... I've seen people make music with their mouths and I think how talented they are not using their hands but to move their heads lo make music is a brilliant thing because th8t shows people you can do different things with drfferent technologies. Participant (Graduate Emerging Leaders) 'Work experients is a lot of ftjn and enjoyable. Wrthin the work experience I have kept my leading skills and trying new things like the backing track for the new songs. I have learnt new things within the work experience and really enjoyed myself. Like in the past, I would have been really shy. I wouldn't be able to do it, but now that l overcome that knowing IYII be ok, it does help. I never thought I'd be a role model. But it's just amazing." Participant (Graduate Emerging Leaders) 100°h of participants who took part in Sounds Together Programmes across England showed evidencè of making developments selfxpression throughout the project. "She reached out whilst smiling, took a support workers hand and made a beat by tapping her finger on the fingers of the support worker. She enjoyed playing the wind chimes independentty and understood that we were all listening to her solo. She also pSayed sounds using the iPad, Iwking up and smiling and understanding that we were listening to the sounds she was creating." Practitioner (Sounds Together) 750/0 of participants in Sounds Sensory Online participants showed evidence of seSfxpression in Levels 1 & 2 of Sounds of Intent 'Me Framework, (me, my thoughts and feelings). 25 % of participants have showed evidence of setfexpression in Levels 4 of Sounds of Intent 'Me Framework. (me, my thoughts and feelings). Practitioner (Sounds Sensory Online) Outcome 5: Promoting Health and Wellbeing Music, Sound and Silence can support a sense of well-being by engaging in positive, enjoyable activrties. We refer to health and wellbeing of our communiiy as any obseNedlrecorded positive impact on physical and mental health. This could refer to direct impacis e.g. on mental health, or in-direct e.g. by emotionally supporting participants while having medical interventions. Our sessions bring groups together for meaningful activities, reducing isolation and bringing wellbeing through sense of purpose. Our Sounds Wild provision provides opportunities to wnne¢t with nature and reap the beneffts of being outdoors. Page 10
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Eviden towards promoting health and wellbeing: "It serves as neNes relaxation after spending time at the session he sleeps soundly. His movement has also improved as he was motivated to do what other children are doing." Parent (Sounds Together- Early Years) "I swear to God, your sessions should be available in the,NHS. They're the best medicine anyone has ever prescribed and the only side effect is pure joy. Your impact in hospital settings is immeasurable. You have made the room safe for Ava when she has felt anything but safe. You've bn there for cannulas going in, ECGS, EEGS. YOue been there post-surgery, prior to surgery. YOue sang to her as she's gone to sIp under the care of an anaesthetist. On many occasions, you didnl even know you were there. But Ava did, and I did. and you made everything feel less terrifying. We weren't alone." Parent {Sounds Virtual and SoundaboLrt Participant Advisory Group) "I havenl been very well, that's why her carer is here too but I really wanted to come as we rarety get out to places like this and it's done me good too being in the fresh air. She loves the music... and the sensory elements as you can see!" Parent (Sounds Wild) Just a quick message of thanks to Soundabout, for T experience at NAIDEX yesterday. He really enjoyed and learned from it. He was also delighted to meet L IGraduate Emerging Leaderl in the flesh for the first time. For us Iparents] the visit was also instructive in other areas. We got helpful information from exhibitors around helping T get into the workplace... It is hard to express the extent to which T is enriched by his engagement with Soundabout. Thank you again., Parent (Graduate Emerging Leaders) In the practitioners refiection reports, practitioners observed improvements in the Health and Wellbeing of 600/0 of After School Club Participants. "Even during some of her most poorly or most dystonic days, we have found thst attending After School Club can sometimes offer her a respite from her discomfort and allow her to relax for a short while or ease her to sleep., Practitioner {After School Club) Across all Soundabout programmes, improvements were reported in practitioner reflections around the 'Me & My Body, area of the Sounds of Intent.. Me Frameworf(. Most participants were reported to be 'Having a go,, achieving or excelling in the Levels 1 & 2 of the framework with a particular focus on movement. Review of Strategic Aims This section reviews progress towards Soundabout's 4 Strategic Aims for 'Soundabout Build, our strategy and business plan for 2023-27. Each strategic aim has related objectives to help achieve the aim and we've shared highlights below to demonstrate prcgress towards these aims. Strategic Aim 1: To become the 'go to, charity within our specialism in England and Wales, by CatIng consistently high-quality musical opportunities with our participants facilitated by a divers8 team of expert music practitioners. Soundabout's geographical reach continues to widen through, Sounds Together programmes and Associate Choirs in areas such as Devon, Kent. and the North West. While good progress is being riiade, there are many more possible areas of the country that might benefrt from in-person Soundabout opportunities. In the interim, Soundabout continues to reach wider neorkS of Leaming" Disabled people indirectly through the training and mentoring of parents, carers, and professionals who support them. In the last year Soundabout supported 1.159 Parents and Carers and 723 Professionals were supported via public training programmes, training projects with schools and other organisations, mentoring programmes, and reflective sharing sessions, as well as through informal pradice MellIng during music making sessions. Many of the 1,882 parents, carers, and professionals trained by Soundabout support more than orie Leaming Disabled person. Page11
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Soundabout's commitment to ensuring the highest quality of delivery was supported by 'Soundabout Grow, our Youth Music funded Workfor development programme. Year 2 of the 3 year programme saw the implementation of a new and bespoke Qualty AssuranTr Framework designed using feedback from our community. 25 peer obseNation visits were undertaken by practitioners and staff across virtual and in-person provision ensuring consistency and qualty of delivery. As part of the programme, 5 open agenda peer support sessions offered space for peer discussion and reflection around any specific topics or concerns related to their practice. In addition, 6 practitioner training days saw our commitment to best practice enhanced by external experts in areas such as intensive interadion, non-verbal communication, Makaton signing, and mental healih with Profound and Multiple Learning DisabilTties. "I've realty noticed the paid training opportunities provided by Soundabout grow and I really am grateful. The ones I've been ab to attend have been so helpful and inspiring, thank you! Practitioner Data from practitioner self-evaluation includes; 80/0 selected "overall, I have felt satisfied in my work at Soundabouv,, 1 OOOA selected I feel like my work is valued and my voice is heard" Soundabout's Emerging Leaders and Graduate Emerging Leaders programmes continued to develop Learning Disabled young people who are interested in careers in the sector, while also diversifying the workforce. The young leaders have b88n infomiing organisational developm8nt and bring a wealth of creattve thinking to Soundabout. Cohort 3 (autumn 2023 to summer 2024) completed their course with all 10 Emerging Leaders successfully achieving Bronze Arts Awards through Trinity College London, gaining fomial accreditation and UCAS points. Targets for Graduate Emerging Leader work placements wer8 exeded with 180 placements undertaken during the year, an 1760/0 increase from the previous year. Placements were bespoke to the young leader's choices and goals, including video production, sounds together project assistant, group facilitation, choir leading. graphic design. concert hosting, signing video production, DJ, presenting, audio recording. Strateglc Aim 2: To further understsnd and demonstrate the value of our work by developing the way we measure Impact. Throughout the year the team have worked hard to continue implementing Soundabout's evaluation framework which captures data against the five core outcomes we reported on in the previous section of this report. The use of the Sounds of Intent Framework and the Sounds of Intent Me Framework (demonstrated above) has supported the capture of quantative data across some outcomes, however we are still experimenting with other meaningful ways of capturing and measuring progress outside of observations and quotes. Alongside our outcomes evaluation, the Soundabout Participant Advisory Group, Emerging Leaders, and Graduate Emerging Leaders, have been pivot81 in offering their feedback into decision making at every level. AcssIbl11ty measures to support participant voice have been experimented with such as video and audio recording responses as well as incorporating interactive music making in focus group sessions to encourage contributions. Work in this area is contributing to a greater understanding of the impact of our work and 8 robustness to our practIS. An example of the Sounds of Intent Framework in action from a report to the Lightbulb Trust in July 2024: Measurlng against a Framework: Sounds of Intent To measure outcomes more effectivety, Soundabout has implemented the Sounds of Intent Framework into practitioner practice and feedback fonns. Sounds of Intent focusses on three key musical areas of development which pemeates into wider areas of personal development, these areas are.. 'Reactive' listening and responding to sounds and music, 'Proadive' making sounds, singing and playing alone, and 'lnteractive' making sounds and music with other people. . In this example the SOI Framework was used to explore the following specific project outcome. Develop inclusive musical communities that reduce isolation of profoundty Disabled people., We used observations of progress made in the interactive area of the framework. An increase in progress made in interactivity would translate into wider d8velopment such as being able to listen to and respond to others and therefore forming connections with the wider community and reducing feelings of isolation. Page 12
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Sounds of Intent identifies six levels of musical engagement that occur sequentallY in human development. Neurotypical age of occurrence, together with the levels of Neurodiversity likely to be associated with each form of musical engagement in older children, young people and adults, is compared with associated level of disabilty. For example, Level 1 '1earnin9 to hearf which in neurotypical Occurren would be prior to three months before birth and relates to those with the most profound leaming disabilities. In the interactivity area of the framework, the six levels of interactive progress descriptors are as follows: 1. Relates unwittingly through sound. 2. Interacts with others using sound. 3. Copies others, sounds andlor is aware of own sounds being copied. 4. Engages in musical dialogues using motits. 5. Perfomis andlor improvises short and simple pieces of music with other people which may increase in complexiiy over time. 6. Performs andlor improvises music of increasing sophistication expressively with other people. Each descriptor pertains to one of three sub-levels of engagement.. 'having a go,, got itl, (which for the purpose of the report we have called 'consistently achieving,) and 'taking things furtherf. Once a participant is consistently achieving at a particular element, they can tske things further and 'excel' within that area. Example Case Study: As an organisation we are particularly focussed on supporting participants to access and progress between levels 2 4. Using the practitioner evaluations from Sounds Together Touchbase Pears we are able to see how the Sounds Together sessions directty impact progress made by participants against the Sounds of Intent Framework with evaluations being measured at the beginning middle and end of the project. J's Progress against th6 Sounds of Intent Framework (Levels 2 - 4) Please note.. areas of progress from start to the end of the project are highlighted in bold. Sounds of Intent Levels of Interactivity L2 Interacts with others using sound L3 Copies others, sounds andlor is aware of own sounds being copied L4 Engages in musical dialogues using motifs start of Project Mldway of Projact Consistently Achieving End of Project Taking it Further Taking it Further Consistently Achlevlng Having a Go Taklng it Further No Evidence No Eviden Having a Go As seen in the above example, J mad8 progress across three levels of the Sounds of Intent framework specffi¢ally in the area of interactivity across the 12-week project. By showing evidence of interacting using sound, being aware of others using sound, and beginning to engage in musical dialogues, it gives J the skills and outlet to express himself and connect wrth others. Example of practitioner comments in relation to interactivty progress of J during the sessions: 'J was smiling and shrieking, turning his head towards sounds and familiar people making sounds to himlcopying him., 'J was happy and confident to engage with both myself and Emily Isoundabout Practitioner], resting hand on drum as we tap it and singing into microphone., 'J sang an ah sound responding quickly and rhythmically to Emily [Soundabout Practitionerl in a call and response manner, Page 13
SOUNDA80UT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Strategic Aim 3. Build Soundabout's resilience and sustainability by diversifying income streams, enabling the org anlsation to evolve within the landscape we operate In. Soundabout continued to focus fundraising efforts on unrestricted income, in multi-year forn where possible. and from a diverse range of sources. This approach has been working well, with multi-year grants secured for unrestrided income, choirs, volunt*ring, and emerging leaders from The National Lottery Reaching Communities England Fund, The Lightbulb Ttust, and St James's Place Charitable Foundation. Currently Jndra1$lng responsibilities lie with the Chief Executive Officer and a freelance Trusts and Foundations fundraiser who works for the charlty 2 days per mnth. Soundabout sourced funding to bring additional fundraising support for 2 days per week from September 2024 - March 2025. This gave a boost to the charity's communty and events fundrdising work, with the production of many resources. Additional fundraising capacty is being worked towards to further develop and diversify Soundabout's frjndraising and income generation. New areas of fundraising have started to be trialled such as legacy fundraising. During this period Soundabout signed up to the National Free Wills Network and is now able to offer supporters the opportunity to write their wi15 for free in the hope that they teave a gift to Soundabout On they have sorted their loved ones. Donor stewardship is an ongoing area of development for Soundabout. The charity's Sparkle with Soundabout 'Light' campaign in the winter of 2024 included a Christrnas Big Give appeal which introduced naw donors to Soundabout and encouraged higher donations from previous donors. We continue to build on the work above modestly while looking at ways to increase capacity in this area. In early 2025 Soundabout undeNent a recruitment drive for 3 staff team roles; Administrator (due to a staff member moving on), Marketing & Communications Officer (new post, repurposing some of the previous Administratols duties). and a Volunteer COrdInatOr (new post, ful funded by the National Lottery grant). This recruitment drive was incredibly successful with 1,074 applications across the roles. The Marketing 8nd Communications Officer started the role in May, outside of this reporting period, and is already enhancing fundraising and income generation efforts. We are incredibly grateful to all our supporters and have listed below, with thanks, the Trusts and Foundations who gave over £5,000". Bally Thomas Charitable Trust EBM Charitable Trust Garfiekl Weston Foundation Golden Bottle Trust Heart of England Inclusive Communities Fund MacFarlane Family Foundation Mariamarina Foundation Morgan Blake Charitable Trust National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund and Awards For All St James's Place Charitable Foundation The Charles Plater Trust The Promenaders Musical Charity The Thomas Curtis Foundation Youth Music Strategic Aim 4: Grow Soundaboufs professional. personal, and cultural profile. Over the past year we have worked hard to grow our profile among organisations within the music sector. the arts sector more widety, as well as the health and social care sector. Most of our efforts have been building connections in the local areas suOund1ng our in-person delivery, creating tangible signposting opportunities and raising awareness of our work among potential recipients and supporters. We worked with 61 partners across the year including 24 from our Choir network. Page 14
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Media coverage has been limited due to staff capacity relating to changes among the Soundabout team and reduced capacity due to the workload of recruitment. Press coverage included Graduate Emerging Leaders being inteIeWed live and the 'Shine a Light, original comp¢Y6ition being aired on BBC Radio West Midlands, alongside Sounds Wild articles featuring in NHS publications. Engagement with Soundabout social media channels has increased for example views on the Soundabout YouTube channel InCaSed by 180h to 48,138, and Facebook followers has increased by 4. to 5,513. Recwitment of a Marketing and Communications OffIr has been the main significant development towards this aim. This is a completely new post and it will provide capacity and expertise in this area which should signifi'cantly. support the growth of Soundabout's profile. Thè recruitment of a Volunteer Co-ordinator will also help to boost Soundabout's profile. This is also a brand new role for the organisation and will allow us to launch a programme that reaches out to new potential supporters offering chances to engage with the organisation in a more bespoke and meaningful way than we have previously been able to offer. We hope that the recruitment of new volunteers will create a pool of engaged people who can advocate for.the charity and raise awareness in their commLtnities and neOrkS, complementing the charity's current small scale champions programme. Finally, to grow our profile we committed to finding and creating platfoms for our participants to perfomi or share their music. achievements, and stories in meaningful ways. Events and perfonnances included the Tewkesbury Big Weekend, Chalkhouse Green Farm Open Gardens, Soundabout concerts in Wiltshire and Oxford, plus a joint workshop with the Nation81 Children's Choir of Great Britain at their spring residential course. The Soundabout Choirs recorded and released 6 music videos, including composing a brand new original song called 'Shine a Light,. Collectively the 6 music videos have been viewed 5,584 times on YouTube. Flnancial Review SoundaboLrt continued to raise sufficient funds to deliver our core projects and services despite a backdrop of high competition for funding and the increased cost of living. The charity's income increased from. the previous financial year by £137k driven by increased grants and donations raised from Trusts and Foundations. Income highlights include new project funding of £216,556 over 3 years from the National Lottery Community Fund, continuation funding of £75,000 from the Mariamarina Foundation, £31,250 from The MacFarl8ne Family Foundation for our community projects and £20,000 each from EBM Charitable Trust and Garfield Weston for our core work. The charity has also spent time in the year developing relationships with new trusts and fundraisers, holding showcasing events and meetings. Expenditure grew by £50k refleding the increase in project activity and service delivery resulting from the rise in income. Looking to the future the charity aims to continue diversifying income streams and prioritising muf(i-year support. Areas of development include eamed income. individual giving, legacies, and communty fundraising. The charity aims to continue stabilising finances in preparation to design an ambitious strategy which will be launched in the 2027 aligning with Soundabouys 30th anniversary. Reserves Policy Under the charity's reserve policy, the Trustees have resolved that the upper limit for unrestricted funds should be set at approximately 3 months staff salaries and core costs {£75,699). Current unrestricted reserves a £62.740. The charity aims to increase Its unrestricted reseNes to their upper limit over the next 2 years. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 20C6. Page 15
SOUNDABOUT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Recruitment and appointment of new trustees Trustees are recwited openly, with the role advertised publicly invrting applications from a diverse range of applicants. Applicants are shortlisted and interviewed by a panel of Trustees and Soundabout's CEO. The panel then take their recommendation to the full board of Trustees at a general meeting or annual general meeting who vote to appoint the new Trustees. The Articles of Association provide that one-third of the board shall retire from Offi at each annual general meeting. The Articles allow retiring directors to be eligible for re-election. At the meeting at which a director retires the Articles allow the board to appoint a new director in place of the retiring director. A chair is elected by the Trustees who will then determine how long the chair will hold office. The trustees in the fomi of the Board of Management are responsible for the overall strategic development and control of the charity's activities. Sub<ommittees may also exist to deal with various issues. Day to day operational m8nagement of the charity is delegated by the trustees to Soundabout staff. During this financial year the Chief Executive Officer remained as Holly Radford-James and the Finance Manager remained as Fiona Kellett. Rlsk management The Tnjstees have conducted a review of the risks to the charity and maintsin a risk register with mitigation in pla to redu those risks. The risk register is reviewed and updated regulady. 24th September 2025 Approved by orderof the board of trustees on........................................ and signed on its behalf by.. M Hartley- Trustee Page 16
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUNDABOUT Independent examlner's report to the trustees of Soundaboutllhe Company'l I repori to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company {and also f(s directors 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 (Ihe 2006 Act'l. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 20C6 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 I'the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charty Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examine$ statement Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed b¢Jdy. I can confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. 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.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 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 accordan 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 (FRS 102)). 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. D R Kerins FCCA Ad Valorem Accountancy Services Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 2 Manor Fam Court Old Wolverton Road Old Wolverton Buckinghamshir8 MK12 5NN Date: Page 17
SOUNDABOUT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Unr05trlctsd funds Rgstrlctad fund Total funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 18,658 18,658 27,008 Charitable activities Restricted Funds Unrestricted funds 350,078 350,078 73,809 245,357 43,605 73,809 Other trading activities Investment income 41,698 5,534 41,698 5,534 32,001 4,402 Total 139,699 350,078 489,777 352,373 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 7,458 7,458 7,200 Charltable actlvltles Restricted Funds Unrestricted funds 312,915 312,915 125,269 291,705 96,463 125,269 Total 132,727 312,915 445,642 395,368 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) 6,972 37,163 44,135 (42,995) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Totsl funds brought foNard 55,768 86,349 142,117 185,112 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 62,740 123,512 186,252 142,117 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 18
SOUNDABOUT BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Totsl funds 2024 Total funds Unrestrlcted funds R8strl¢tsd fund Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 10 2,073 2,073 4,850 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Debtors Cash at bank 11 12 1,235 21,326 48,812 1,235 21,326 172,324 1,293 6,596 143,332 123,512 71,373 123,512 194,885 151,221 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 13 (10,706) (10,706) (13,954) NET CURRENT ASSETS 60,667 123,512 184,179 137,267 TOTALASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABIUTIES 62,740 123,512 186,252 142,117 NET ASSETS 62,740 123,512 186,252 142,117 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 14 62,740 123,512 55,768 86,349 TOTAL FUNDS 186,252 142,117 The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the yearended 31 March 2025. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of rts financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Compsnies Act 2006 and preparing financial statements which gtve a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the chsritable company. (b) The notes form part of these financial statements Page 19 continued...
SOUNDABOUT BALANCE SHEET - continued 31 MARCH 2025 These fin8ncial statements have been prepared in accordan with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24th September 2025 . and were signed on its behalf by.. M Hartley - Trustee The notes fom part of these financial statements Page 20
SOUNDABOUT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STATUTORY INFORMATION Soundabout is a private limited company, limited by guarantee, regislered in.England & Wales. The company's registered number and registered office can be found on the company infomiation page. The presentation of the financial statements is in pound sterling (£). ACCOUNTING POLICIES ACCOUNTING CONVENTION The fin8nci81 statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entty under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordan wrth the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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}', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. INCOMING RESOURCES I TURNOVER Income has been recognised on the following basis: - Donations and grants are generally recognised when received. - Invoiced income is accrued monthly. Interest income is recognised on receipt. EXPENDITURE Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. Allocatlon of expenditure Salary and related staff wsts are directly allocated to a charttable activtty or other resour$ expended heading on the basis of time spent. The charity distinguishes beeen overhead costs in support of its charitable work, for example course administration, marketing and training equipment, and general administration costs. Both categories of overheads are allocated to fundraising, chaiitable activty and govemance costs based on the amount of direct expenditure incurred. AMORTISATION OF INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Amortisation is calculated to write off the cost of intangible red assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives at the following rate '. Website and Soare .' straht line 3 years TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful lrfe. Plant and machinery Fixtures and fittings 330/0 on cost 330/0 on cost STOCKS Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. TAXATION The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. FUNDACCOUNTING Funds held by the charity are". Page 21 continued...
SOUNDABOUT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
FUND ACCOUNTING
Unrestricted funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects
at the discretton of the trustees. Income is recognised as unrestricted income when the charity
becomes entitled to the income as a resuEt of activtties already perfomed and any pre
SOUNDABOUT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STAFF COSTS No member of staff eamed more than £60,000 a year. The average number of employees during the year was 11 (2024- 14). COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unre5trlcted fund5 R¢8trl¢tèd fund Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 27,008 27,008 Charitable activities Restricted Funds Unrestricted funds 245,357 245,357 43,605 43,605 Other trading activities Investment income 32,001 4,402 32,001 4,402 Totsl 107,016 245,357 352,373 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 7,200 7,200 Charitable activities Restricted Funds Unrestricted funds 291,705 291,705 96,463 96,463 Total 103,663 291,705 395,368 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) 3,353 (46,348) (42.995) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought fotward 52,415 132,697 185,112 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 55,768 88,349 142,117 Page 23 continued...
SOUNDABOUT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Wobslto Costs COST At 1 April 2024 Disposals 27,007 (27,007) At 31 March 2025 AMORTISATION At 1 April 2024 Eliminated on disposal 27,007 127,007) At 31 March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Flxture8 and Ilttlngs Plant and ma¢hln Totsls COST At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 34,622 17,874 52,496 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 Charge for year 32,722 1,554 14,924 1,223 47,646 2,777 At 31 March 2025 34,276 16,147 50,423 NET BOOKVALUE At 31 March 2025 1,727 2,073 At 31 March 2024 1,900 2,950 4,850 11. STOCKS 2025 2024 stock 1,235 1,293 Page 24 continued...
SOUNDABOUT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Trdde debtors Prepayments and a¢cwed income 18,884 2,442 4,096 2,500 21,326 6,596 13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Social security and other taxes Accrued expenses 4,161 6,545 4,849 9,105 10,706 13,954 14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS movement In funds At 114124 At 3113125 Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds 55,768 6,972 62,740 Restricted funds Restricted funds 86,349 37,163 123,512 TOTAL FUNDS 142,117 44,135 186,252 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incomlng resources Rosour¢o5 xpended Movam•nt In funds Unr8Stricted funds Unrestricted funds 139,699 (132,727) 6,972 Restricted funds Restricted funds 350,078 (312,915) 37.163 TOTAL FUNDS 489,777 (445,642) 44,135 Page 25 continued...
SOUNDABOUT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Comparatives for movement in funds Not mov¥m*nt In funds At 114123 At 3113124 Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds 52,415 3,353 55,768 Restricted funds Restricted funds 132,697 (46,348) 86,349 TOTAL FUNDS 185,112 (42,995) 142,117 Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incomlng r•sou¢S Resources expendod Movement In funds Unrestrfcted funds Unrestricted funds 107,016 (103,663) 3,353 Restrfcted funds Restricted funds 245,357 (291,705) (46,348) TOTAL FUNDS 352,373 (395,368) (42,995) 15. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There have been no relatèd party transactions in the year. Page 26 continued...
SOUNDABOUT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS Funds Incoming 31.03.24 Resources Outgoing Resources Funds at 31.03.25 Transfers Restrictsd Income Funds Youth Music Community Programme Soundabout Choirs Emergency Fund Emerging Leader8 Sounds Wild Sounds Sensory Family Support Sounds Together l Lightbulb Community Commissioned Work Associate Choirs Training Schools Music Making 14,189 5,520 18,841 123 3,562 20,470 165 10,401 9,331 66,083 71,514 70,076 74,909 81,382 56,228 5,363 15,652 32,889 123 17,770 14,219 20,000 10,025 5,792 16,276 165 49,535 9,331 75,000 35,866 {25) 3,716 22,715 14,095 570 21,907 16,954 436 783 857 134 56 56 Totsl restricted funds Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted income funds 86,349 350,078 312,915 123,512 55,788 139,699 132,727 62,740 Total charity funds 142,117 489,777 445,642 186,252 Page 27
SOUNDABOUT DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacles Donations 18,658 27,008 Other tradlng activities Fundraising events Other trading activities 17,291 24,407 23,865 8,136 41,698 32,001 Investment income Investments 5,534 4,402 Charitsble activities Charitable aGtivities 423,887 288,962 Total Incoming resources 489,777 352,373 EXPENDITURE Ralslng donations and legacles Raising funds 7,458 7,200 Charltable activities Wages Social security Pensions Hire of plant and machinery Rates and water Insurance Practitioner fees Telephone Postage and stationery Advertising Sundries Plant and machinery Fixtu$ and fittings 190,135 12,125 4,814 189,219 10,891 4,483 3,150 10,492 2,507 126,177 4,895 2,275 167,351 1,858 3,456 2,670 46,028 1,554 1,223 789 36,788 2,001 6TT 438,184 388,168 Total resour expended 445,642 395,368 Net incomel(expenditure) 44,135 (42,995) This page does not form part of the statLrtory financial statements Page 28