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← Lambeth Mediation Service

2024-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From Period start date 1[st] April 2023 To Period end date 31[st] March 2024 Charity name: LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE

Charity registration number: 1120238

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 To promote for the public benefit,
predominantly but not exclusively in the
London Borough of Lambeth and
with a view to preservation of public order, the
provision of services directed towards
mediation and reconciliation,
between persons, organisations and groups
who are involved in dispute or inter-personal
conflict where that dispute or conflict results
from or may lead to acts of nuisance,
vandalism, racial abuse, or breach of peace,
and to provide such services.
To advance the education of the public,
especially in the London Borough of Lambeth
in skills related to mediation, restorative
justice, and conflict resolution with a view to
create better, healthier and more peaceful
communities.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 Mediation, conflict resolution, training, and
restorative justice.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 This is to confirm the trustees have had regard
to the guidance issued by the Charity
Commission on public benefit.
maintain the organisation and its work
sustainably in relation to mediation and
conflict resolution services.
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 Volunteers are vital to the service and enable
the Charity to deliver mediation and conflict
resolution services in
the community by acting as mediators and
facilitators. The charity is in the process of
recruiting new volunteers to broaden its base
and create a bank of volunteers so that the
charity can respond to the demand of the
service as it expands.
In addition, the trustees and Chair, work
voluntarily and have worked tirelessly to
ensure that this charity is robust and is
sustainable both now and in the future being
guided by the Nolan principles and good
governance.
During this period three new voluntary
trustees were recruited to diversify the Board
and enhance its complimentaryskill base.
Other

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference

Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 Our strategic plan continues to provide the
context and focus of our activities and
defines our strategic aim to be recognised
as a trusted authority in the peaceful
resolution of community conflict in Lambeth
and beyond through:
(1)
Providing diverse and pioneering
mediation services
The charity’s aim is to contribute to the
wellbeing of the community by empowering
its members to resolve conflict, peacefully
and to diversify our services, where
possible, to meet such needs.
Despite having been impacted by the
Covid-19 crisis, the charity continued to
develop our capacity to deliver our service
flexibly to respond to the needs of the
community.
The organisation looked at developing its
capacity to be able to deliver more
mediations by recruiting more volunteers
and diversifying the type of mediations it
can provide, whilst retaining its focus on
the community.
(2)
Develop and maintain an effective
infrastructure for sustainable growth.
The charity continues to move towards a
model of management and funding that
allows the charity to plan for the long-term
and provide for a sustainable organisation
that contributes to peace building and
social cohesion in the community
throughOur strategic plan continues to
provide the context and focus of our
activities and defines our strategic aim to
be recognised as a trusted authority in the
peaceful resolution of community conflict in
Lambeth and beyond through:
(1)
Providing diverse and pioneering
mediation services
The charity’s aim is to contribute to the
wellbeing of the community by empowering
its members to resolve conflict, peacefully
and to diversify our services, where
possible, to meet such needs.
Despite having been impacted by the
Covid-19 crisis, the charity continued to
develop our capacity to deliver our service
flexibly to respond to the needs of the
community.
The organisation looked at developing its
capacity to be able to deliver more
mediations by recruiting more volunteers
and diversifying the type of mediations it
can provide, whilst retaining its focus on
the community.
(2)
Develop and maintain an effective
infrastructure for sustainable growth.
The charity continues to move towards a
model of management and funding that
allows the charity to plan for the long-term
and provide for a sustainable organisation
that contributes to peace building and
social cohesion in the community through
mediation, restorative justice, and conflict
resolution.
The charity aims to become more
sustainable by generating income from
diverse activities and broadening our
income base. To this end the charity have
signed new standing level agreements as
well as to continue working with Lambeth
Council and identified grants that the
organisation can apply for one its
organisational review has been completed.
In addition, since our financial year-end the
charity has established tighter financial
controls, reviewed our staffing structure,
and completed a comprehensive review of
our policies and procedures to ensure they
are robust and comply with latest
legislation.
(3)
Leading in training and education in
conflict resolution practices
This year has been about consolidation
with a view to relaunch the organisations
training and education next year.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41 Resolving conflict between neighbours
continued to be our main area of activity.
The charity receives 100s of enquiries each
year, some of which are appropriate for
mediation and the services it provides. On
average 3 mediations are delivered per
month.
66% of queries progressed either to
mediation, conflict resolution or an
alternative route such as restorative justice
with the support of Lambeth Mediation.
44% were not appropriate for mediation
and this was decided after the initial visit
with separate parties. Where one party did
not want to mediate but the other one did
conflict resolution was offered and provided
in some cases.
Most cases were referred by Lambeth
Housing Management. Cases were also
referred by London and Quadrant, and
there were some self-referrals from
residents. In addition, a high profile case
was undertaken in one of the Lambeth
wards.
As in previous years the main presenting
issue is noise. Other issues were anti-
social behaviour, communication,
harassment, threatening behaviour, and
boundaries.
Our conflict resolutions were delivered
remotely as well as in person.
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41 Our main funder remains Lambeth
Housing. The organisation also signed
several new service level agreements with
other housing associations. However, these
tended to be over a limited period for
specific cases rather than on an on-going
basis.
As the organisational review was
undertaken new opportunities for raising
funds and diversifying our income base
was identified to ensure the organisation
does not become overly reliant on one
source of funding in the future.
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 Any reserves held at the end of the financial
year are kept in a deposit account
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 where relevant about:
The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 The charity is funded principally by Lambeth
Housing which is a long-standing contract that
has existed for resolving neighbourly disputes.
In addition, it receives ad-hoc funding from
other housing associations and private
individuals based in Lambeth.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 There is increasing competition in the
sector with it becoming increasingly
professionalised and more mediators
becoming qualified. Therefore, there is a
need to ensure all mediators maintain their
CPD and training on an ongoing basis to
ensure the latest practice is adopted and
reflected back into practice.
The charity is conscious since COVID it has
become overly reliant on one contract. This
increases financial risk and without further
funding questions its ability to maintain its
current commitments without relying on
reserves. This drives the charity’s current
focus alongside updating its policies and
procedures to ensure it is robust and
sustainable now and in the future.
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)
Para 1.25		 The charity is governed by its articles of
association
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Charitable company incorporated on 13
February 2006. It was registered with the
Charities Commission on 25 July 2007.
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Lambeth Mediation Service has a Board of
Trustees of up to twelve members, who are
responsible for the strategic direction,
policy, and performance of the charity. At
present, the Board has four members from
a variety of professional backgrounds with
complimentary skills who meet regularly
and assist in the management and
development of the charity.
The appointment of Trustees is governed
by the Trust Deed of the Charity. The
Board of Trustees is authorised to appoint
new Trustees to fill vacancies including
those arising through resignation or the
death of an existing Trustee. Trustees
generally come from a mix of the
organisation's existing pool of members,
from sympathetic,
organisations with whom the charity work
and from open recruitment.
Vacancies and details of the process for
applying to become a Trustee is circulated,
with appointments agreed as required
during the year and reviewed at the Annual
General Meeting.
The organisation pursues an open
recruitment policy whereby it advertises for
trustees to apply. The selection process
follows the same application process as for
any member of staff who is either paid or
voluntary. It aims to reduce bias and
maximise equity by all trustees being
required to complete an application form,
undergo an interview with references taken.
It encourages people from a diverse
background to apply and support is
provided where required to ensure access
to recruitment and selection. Selection is
based on agreed criteria and the specific
needs of the Board around representation
and skills required to enhance the
governing of the organisation.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees		 Para 1.51 All new trustees are inducted by the Chair
with a pack containing the organisation's
Constitution, the Business
Plan, the previous year's Annual Report
and a copy of the Charity Commission's
leaflet "The Essential Trustee: what you
need to know.”
Following induction, the organisation is
committed to supporting its trustees
through ongoing training and development.
The organisation is re-introducing
supervision to provide support to trustees
on a one-to-one basis and to develop an
annual training and support plan.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51 Due to its size the charity has a relatively
flat structure but within that there is a clear
division between strategic and operational
activities to ensure transparent decision-
making and good governance.
Currently, the organisation employs an
administrator and a consultant CEO. HR,
Finance, and IT consultants are employed
as and when required on a daily rate to
advise and ensure decisions reflect latest
legislation and best practice.
Relationship with any
related parties		 Para 1.51 Lambeth Mediation works as part of the
London mediation network and has a
contract with Lambeth Housing to provide
services in Lambeth. It also works with a
range of other housing associations and
occasionally private individuals.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charityname LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE
Other name the charity uses
Registered charitynumber 1120238
Charity’s principal address St. Lukes Centre
25A Wincott Street
LONDON
SE11 4NT

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

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20		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
**year **		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee (ifany)
Simone Blanche
BOWMAN		 Chair
Pauline Habiba
SOWEMIMO		 Treasurer From Dec 2023
Jon-Jon Phillip
HILTON		 Trustee
Patrick Carlisle
SAYER		 Trustee

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects

Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

~~PT~~ Other optional information

~~OO~~

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)

Full name(s) Simone Bowman ~~a~~ Position (eg Chair Secretary, Chair, etc) ~~po~~ Date 02.11.2024 ~~PF~~

Financial statement LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE For the year ended 31 March 2024

Prepared by Asegun Limited

Contents

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE Page 2 of 6

Financial statement

Charity's Information

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE For the year ended 31 March 2024

LONDON

SE11 4NT

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE Page 3 of 6

Financial statement

Receipts and Payments

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE For the year ended 31 March 2024

Receipts and Payments
LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE
For the year ended 31 March 2024
UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS		 TOTAL
Receipts
Community, Family and Workplace Mediation 36,555 36,555
Total Receipts 36,555 36,555
Other Income
Interest Income 424 424
Total Other Income 424 424
Gross Profit - -
Payments
Audit & Accountancy Fees 13 13
Bank Fees 87 87
Bookkeeping & Payroll 1,537 1,537
Consulting & Professional fees 8,781 8,781
Insurance 312 312
Office Administration 2,380 2,380
Penalties & Fines 775 775
Pensions Costs 1,102 1,102
Printing & Stationery 32 32
Refreshments & Catering 813 813
Rent 8,767 8,767
Salaries 33,026 33,026
Staff Training 10 10
Subscriptions 450 450
Telephone & Internet 1,769 1,769
Travel - National 112 112
Total Payments 59,967 59,967
Net Receipts(Payments) (59,543) (59,543)
Cash funds this year end (22,988) (22,988)

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE Page 4 of 6

Financial statement

Statement of assets and liabilities

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE As at 31 March 2024

Statement of assets and liabilities
LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE
As at 31 March 2024		 Statement of assets and liabilities
LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE
As at 31 March 2024		 Statement of assets and liabilities
LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE
As at 31 March 2024		 Statement of assets and liabilities
LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE
As at 31 March 2024
31 MAR 2024
31 MAR 2023
Assets (liabilities)
Assets and liabilities
Current assets(liabilities)
Current Assets
Bank (Cash Funds)
113,369
155,721
Debtors
26,910
-
Total Current Assets
140,279
155,721
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
(7,546)
-
Total Current assets (liabilities)
132,733
155,721
Total Assets and liabilities
132,733
155,721
Total Assets (liabilities)
132,733
155,721
Assets retained for the charity’s ownuse
Reserves
132,733
155,721
Total Assets retained for the charity’s own use
132,733
155,721

Financial Summary

The Charity recorded a deficit for the year of £22,988 (2023: (£46,534)

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on [ 09/11/2024 ] at the AGM and signed on its behalf by: Pauline Sowemimo (Trustee)

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE Page 5 of 6

Financial statement

Notes To The Financial Statements

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE For the year ended 31 March 2024

1. Accounting Policies and basis of preparation

In accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (section 133 applying to charities with gross annual income of less than £250,000) the charity trustees have elected to prepare accounts on a Receipts and Payments basis, and also prepare a statement of assets and liabilities

2. Debtors and Creditors

Debtors - o/s income from Lambeth as at 31/03/2024 was credited to the charities account 19 April 2024

Creditors - NIC/PAYE payable to HMRC AS AT 31/03/2024

3. Analysis of Fund Movements for the Year

Unrestricted Funds may be used by the Charity for any of its general purposes. The movements in these funds are shown in the Receipts and Payments Account.

4. Financial Summary

The Charity recorded a deficit for the year of £22,988 (2023: (£46,534)

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE Page 6 of 6

Financial statement

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustsesl members of Charily Naffle LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE On accounts for the year ended 31 It March 2024 Charfty no (If any) 1120238 Set out on pag Pages4-6 Ireffwnber lo IrKlude the pap nUrn￿r5 of addilional sheelsl I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trust") for the year ended 3110312024 R•sponslbllltle3 and As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparalion basls of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 nhe Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions gNen by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ") in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material Independent examiners ststsment accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. . Please delete the %ths in the brackets rf they do not ap￿. Date: Slgned: 07112r24 Nam•: Oluyemi Nunayon (FMAAT) Relevant professlonal quallficatlon{$) or body (If any): AAT Address: 9 Clive Avenue, Crayford. Dartford Kent Da13LD IER October 2018