COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 06520608 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1128284
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements
31 March 2025
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) | 1 |
| Independent examiner's report to the trustees | 19 |
| Statement of financial activities (including income and | |
| expenditure account) | 20 |
| Statement of financial position | 21 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 22 |
| The following pages do not form part of the financial statements | |
| Detailed statement of financial activities | 31 |
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)
Year ended 31 March 2025
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Charity registration number 1128284 Company registration number 06520608 Principal office and registered 124 City Road office London EC1V 2NX The trustees Dr Andrew Bateman, Chair Amanda Swain, Vice chair Peter Freeman, Treasurer Dr Michael Grey, Secretary Paul Brown (resigned December 2024) Mike Hope Lisa Turan (re-elected December 2024) Dr Julian Harriss (re-elected December 2024) Sam Shepard James Piercy Dr Michael Dilly Gerard Martin Dr Alyson Norman (elected December 2024)
Company secretary Dr Michael Grey Independent examiner M L Burgess Chartered Accountants Empress Business Centre 380 Chester Road Manchester M16 9EA
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Structure, governance and management
Governing document
The United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum is a registered charity number 1128284, which is governed by its memorandum and articles of association and constitution first published in 2001 and revised in 2010. The charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 6520608. The address of the company's registered office is 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX.
Recruitment and appointment of Management Committee
The Trustees/directors of UKABIF are elected by the members of the organisation. For the period March 2024- March 2025 the Executive committee were:
Dr Andrew Bateman, Chair Amanda Swain, Vice Chair Peter Freeman, Treasurer Dr Michael Grey, Secretary Paul Brown (resigned December 2024) Mike Hope Lisa Turan (re-elected December 2024) Dr Julian Harriss (re-elected December 2024) Sam Shepard James Piercy Dr Michael Dilley Gerard Martin Dr Alyson Norman (elected December 2024)
Co-opted Members: Amanda Cousins
The officers are elected from within the Executive Committee.
Maureen le Marinel continues to hold the office of Patron of UKABIF.
Organisational Structure and Decision Making
UKABIF is an independent registered charity with a Board of Trustees responsible for major decisionmaking. The trustees delegate the running of the charity to Wishful Thinking Communications Limited, which is operated by Chloë Hayward. Chloë liaises with individual members of the committee as well as the regional acquired brain injury forums and members of UKABIF. The organisation is led by the strategy from which the work is carried out under the leadership of the chair and often with input from other committee members depending on their area of specialism.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Risk Management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate its exposure to the major risks.
Objectives and activities
Aims and objectives
The aims of UKABIF in accordance with the constitution are:
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The advancement of education, on the subject of children and adults with acquired brain injury, of the providers of services for people with acquired brain injury; people with acquired brain injury and their families and carers; and the community of the United Kingdom as a whole
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The relief of disability of people with acquired brain injury by education rather than as a provider of direct services.
UKABIF's key objectives are outlined below.
Raising Awareness of Acquired Brain Injury
UKABIF sees its primary role to raise awareness of ABI - this includes highlighting the need for appropriate services, publicising progress on research and development as well collating and publishing information about the incidence, causes, consequences and costs of ABI - to a wide range of audiences.
Development of Acquired Brain Injury Forums (ABIFs)
UKABIF will continue to develop and support the ABI Forums in the United Kingdom.
Influencing Policy and Commissioning
UKABIF aims to highlight the need for specialised services for ABI to the Department of Health as well as the MPs, Peers and other significant agencies.
Information
UKABIF aims to be the first port of call for information on acquired brain injury.
Organisational Issues
The committee aims to ensure the governance of UKABIF is efficient and effective.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Achievements and performance
Public Affairs
UKABIF provides the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury and works with MPs and Peers to raise awareness of acquired brain injury and influence policy, such that access to service and support is improved for people with acquired brain injuries and their families and carers.
All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Acquired Brain Injury (APPG )
The year began with the continued push to assist the government with the production and publication of the Acquired Brain Injury Strategy.
The APPG met during ABI Awareness Week (21st May 2024) - the meeting was attended by Headway UK who presented their awareness campaign for the week. The ABI Strategy was discussed - progress was very slow due to lack of funding and the complexity of the work. A bridging document was suggested.
On 22nd May 2024 the Prime Minister announced a general election. This took place in July 2024. Between these two dates all government work ceased, and all APPGs were dissolved and removed from the official parliamentary register.
A new labour government was brought into office and a large number of new MPs gained seats. Previous APPG Chair, Sir Chris Bryant was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This official post prevented him from chairing APPGs. A number of other previous members took up government posts or lost their seats including Liz Twist who was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Keir Starmer.
The ABI Strategy, an initiative agreed by the previous government was discontinued so our immediate tasks were to reconstitute the APPG and to encourage the new labour government to reinstate the ABI Strategy.
Between December 2024 and March 2025 UKABIF worked to rebuild the APPG, initially requesting that MPs start to build pressure with PQs, requests for Debates and Roundtables.
UKABIF took on support with public affairs from The Story Network. Alex Bigham and Jo Gibbons worked alongside UKABIF to develop relationships with MPs and began work on a new report. This would update the evidence base and give accurate analyses as to the cost to the economy of Acquired Brain Injury with the understanding that updated research and strengthened recommendations are crucial to making the case for urgent reform.
In March 2025, the APPG for Acquired Brain Injury was formally inaugurated, with Sir John Hayes MP as Chairperson and Andy McDonald MP, Baroness (Estelle) Morris of Yardley, and Ian Byrne MP as officers. The group started with 25 members from both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The aims of the APPG were reviewed and confirmed as:
• Championing ABI awareness : Advocating for better services and support, improving understanding for those affected by ABI, their families, and carers.
• Empowering voices : Amplifying the ABI community's voice in Parliament to ensure that they are heard by Ministers and MPs.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
• The Parliament Forum for ABI : Bringing together stakeholders to address key issues and drive change across critical issues like health, social care, and welfare
The focus for the APPG in 2025 was agreed to be on four key areas:
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Access to effective rehabilitation
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Addressing brain Injury in the justice system
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Education and young people
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Promoting awareness and support in sports
More about the APPG and UKABIF's Public Affairs work can be found here:
h�ps://ukabif.org.uk/page/CampaignAPPG
The Acquired Brain Injury Justice Network (ABIJN)
The Acquired Brain Injury Justice Network (ABI Justice Network) - previously called the Criminal Justice Acquired Brain Injury Interest Group (CJABIIG) - was established in January 2011. It is a consortium of representative groups spanning public, private and third sector organisations with the objective of raising awareness of the significant number of people in the criminal justice system with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI).
The Network is chaired by Andy McDonald, MP and Professor Nathan Hughes. It is a collaborative group, driving forward the issue of ABI across Government and the Criminal Justice System.
The group is co-ordinated by Dr Hope Kent who organises the network meetings, assists with producing resources and carries out research. Hope is also a Research Fellow at Exeter University and brings a breadth of research knowledge relating to neurodisabilities, poverty and development. Hope's involvement in active research in this area and participation in other special interest groups enables the ABIJN to contribute and learn from connected organisations and work. Gemma Buckland advises on policy and is leading on the related Barrow Cadbury Project. Gemma works in a range of justice related areas and has a background in public affairs. The network is developing a community of practice whereby members provide updates on their work; joint initiatives are explored and key individuals and organisations in the Criminal Justice System are invited for discussion. The network provides coordinated responses to consultations and part of our future work aims to address the development of a trauma informed justice system.
There are currently over 70 members of the network and they include:
Prof Nathan Hughes - University of Sheffield (Co Chair), Andy McDonald MP (Co Chair), Prof Huw Williams - University of Exeter, Dr Czarina Kirk, Lancashire NHS Trust, Prof Stan Gilmour, The Police Foundation, Gemma Buckland, UKABIF/Do It Justice, Dr Hope Kent, University of Exeter/UKABIF, Brainkind (previously The Disabilities Trust), Headway, UKABIF, The Ministry of Justice, NHS England and many practitioners from across the voluntary sector and justice system.
In 2024 the network expanded its activity to include a new Domestic Abuse Subgroup. The group aims to raise awareness of the prevalence of ABI amongst people in the criminal justice system who have been victims of Domestic Abuse or are perpetrators of Domestic Abuse. They also advocate for improving interventions available to this group in the justice system. The group has carried out some stakeholder mapping as well as developing strategic aims and terms of reference.
In July 2024 a network 'away day' was held, where participants took part in workshops with productive discussions about the network's strategic priorities, activity, and our role in inciting change. This was well attended, with approximately 25 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Headway, Brainkind and the Police Foundation, as well as a number of academics. The day was led by Gemma Buckland.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
The network's online quarterly meetings continue to be well attended. There has been a change in the contacts at the Ministry of Justice, NHS England, and at central Headway so the ABIJN has focussed on maintaining these good working relationships. Topics which have been covered at the meetings include 'health' theme with updates from NHS England, and Guild Lodge secure forensic ABI service and women's prisons health and social care review. We also discussed the new Women's Justice Board, and what pathways to impact we may have as a network with the appointed members.
Presentations
In September 2024 Professor Tom McMillan presented the annual Lord David Ramsbotham memorial lecture at the International Paediatric Brain Injury Society (IPBIS) summit in Glasgow. Professor Nathan Hughes introduced the session, and gave a tribute to Lord Ramsbotham, and an overview of the network. You can view the session on UKABIF's YouTube channel here https:
Resources
In January 2025 the network published a 'review of the evidence' – available here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/ukabif.org.uk/resource/resmgr/resources/final_review_of_the_evidence.pdf This aims to synthesise the academic evidence on acquired brain injury in the criminal justice system, to give an overview of the scope of the problem which needs to be addressed. The resource is intended to back up the case to civil servants/policymakers/other stakeholders that this is an important problem with significant evidence underpinning it.
Further resources in development include a collation of assessments used in the CJS and a training directory.
Research
The ABIJN is undertaking a Delphi review to build consensus on what constitutes best practice for people with ABI in the criminal justice system. Recruitment for participants of the study has been slow due to the need for HMPPS National Research Committee (NRC) approval which is a lengthy process. However, the responses gathered so far have been insightful.
Supporting Transitions to Adult Services in the Criminal Justice System for Young Adults with an Acquired Brain Injury
UKABIF applied for a second grant from the Barrow Cadbury Trust in February 2024 for a project which aims to continue the work carried out in the first project. In essence it seeks to improve support for people aged 17-25 with acquired brain injuries making the transition to adult justice services. The grant was awarded in June 2024.
The research aims to address the high proportion of young people in the justice system who have an ABI, which impacts function and neuro-maturation. UKABIF's research illustrates touch points where improvements in policy and practice can lead to appropriate management ensuring young people are supported to develop pro-social, future-oriented adult identities.
The first research project illustrated significant work is still needed to embed the brain injury and maturity evidence base, and to develop consistent approaches. This includes ensuring practitioners understand ABI and are able to provide adjustments, support and signposting.
This second project aims to:
- Continue to facilitate collaboration within the Acquired Brain Injury Justice Network (ABIJN) to change practice for young adults with ABI and improve their outcomes within the criminal justice system and beyond
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
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Complete an evaluation of Brainkind's training programme Ask, Understand, Adapt
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Raise awareness of this cohort's needs by promoting training for practitioners, particularly the police, registered intermediaries and public defenders
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Develop an understanding of how best to embed evidence into practice by supporting partners in one region to develop appropriate support pathways.
Sub-project 1: Raising awareness and disseminating findings from previous project
The ABIJN holds ongoing discussions with a range of stakeholders including key representatives from NHS England and NHS Improvement - including the Health & Justice Team, Mental Health Team and Children's Team; the Ministry of Justice Vulnerable Offenders Team and HMPPS National Young Adults Training Lead, Neurodiversity Support Managers (based in prisons), justice and social care teams and the Police to identify areas where further research and practice development is needed to embed the evidence base.
NHSE and MOJ are implementing initiatives to improve responses to people with neurodisabilities but focus is needed to consider how ABI and maturity compound to impact on young adults' engagement. Funding from BCT enables UKABIF to participate in consultations, including developing guidance and shaping the MoJ's response to the Inspectorates' findings, to ensure that ABI is represented. NHSE and the MoJ are supportive of greater collaboration to meet their aims and ensure that the findings of our previous research and recommendations are understood and implemented.
The project team has promoted the leaflet for young adults in criminal justice settings and copies of both the report and leaflet have been made available to delegates at a number of national events.
We have built a new relationship with the Police Foundation to consider how we might take this forward. There is also a plan to re-engage the College of Policing.
Subproject 2: Evaluation of Ask, Understand, Adapt
Early in the analysis an issue was identified with a lack of coding the pre training questionnaires meaning pre- and post-questionnaires could not easily be matched. It has been agreed that a fresh set of questionnaires with relatively new staff who have not yet been trained will be completed in one prison.
UKABIF and the project team are continuing to promote the Ask, Understand, Adapt training whenever opportunities arise. It is now available to people with NHS.net and justice.gov.uk email addresses.
Subproject 3: Scoping development of specific pathways for brain injury for young adults across one geographical area
The aim of this subproject is to develop a co-ordinated strategy for young adults with ABI across the health, justice and social care systems of one geographical area. The project aims to understand local needs, review existing interventions, pilot training and think creatively about how best to develop local support pathways for young adults with an ABI who are involved in the criminal justice system.
Northamptonshire has been identified as the area of focus and the research is being led by Gemma Buckland with Dr Eleanor Bryant as Research Officer. The initial Research Assistant had to withdraw, and we have found it challenging to find someone with relevant lived experience who can support the project.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
The project has support from the Health and Justice Co-ordinator for Northamptonshire Probation and she has recruited stakeholders across criminal justice and health services, including representation from the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Violence Reduction Unit, healthcare, mental health and drug and alcohol treatment providers and local voluntary sector providers.
A topic guide has been designed to provide a structure for the meetings and interviews with these stakeholders.
The election and early release schemes caused some delays; however 12 introductory meetings have taken place with probation, police, health providers, youth services, drug and alcohol services, local authority suicide prevention, Headway (nationally) and a local academic. These are currently being analysed. While it is clear that we are starting from a low baseline in terms of practice, there is good engagement from local partners and good interest in what might be possible locally.
An advisory board comprising key local and national stakeholders, including NHS England, MOJ, and HMPPS has been established. As there is limited structured local or regional practice related to brain injury, this project should provide useful intelligence about potential system change to national and local partners.
The advisory board will focus on mapping local provision, including the dynamics that help and hinder brain injury and maturity from becoming a greater local priority.
Next steps for this project:
• Applying to the HMPPS National Research Committee so that Neurodiversity Support Managers in Prisons can be involved
• A mapping exercise conducted by the advisory board
• Establishing and analysing data
• Identifying partners to engage with young adults about their experiences via a focus group to map needs and gather ideas.
The National Acquired Brain Injury in Learning and Education Syndicate (N-ABLES)
The National Acquired Brain Injury in Learning and Education Syndicate was established in 2019 with the remit to support UKABIF in delivering the education recommendations of the Time for Change Report. The group has focused on developing links with education providers of children and young people, raising awareness of ABI across education-related settings, and producing guidance on returning to education after ABI.
N-ABLES is overseen by a steering committee which includes
Dr Emily Bennett (Chair) (BRILL), Dr Gemma Costello (Vice Chair) (CCPNR), Professor Nathan Hughes (University of Sheffield), Louise Blakeborough (Communications Consultant), Lisa Turan (The Child Brain Injury Trust), Joanna Woodhouse (SENCO and Parent), Susie Nolan (The Children's Trust), Petrina Sill (Eden Dora Trust and Parent), Baroness (Estelle) Morris of Yardley and Chloe Hayward.
The group receives part time support with planning, administration and co-ordination from Charlotte Giblin. Charlotte is an Assistant Psychologist who brings many ideas as well as energy and enthusiasm to the group!
N-ABLES work is informed by two expert advisory groups.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
The Young Experts by Experience (YEBEABI) Group
This is a diverse group of young people who have all experienced an acquired brain injury in childhood or adolescence. The group meets monthly online and at least once a year in person. The group has plans in place to increase the membership of the group and would like to encourage new younger members to join with a range of ages, a better gender balance and different socioeconomic backgrounds, to make the group more reflective of the wide range of experiences of young people living with ABI.
Throughout the year the group has provided input into N-ABLES communications campaigns, resource development and policy work. They have also planned and delivered presentations at several events. In January 2025 the group met in person. Baroness Estelle Morris attended the meeting, and the group discussed the possibility of organising a Parliamentary Roundtable Event. Estelle's invaluable insights on developing a strategy around parliamentary champions left the YEBEABI feeling a strong sense of guidance and accomplishment.
The Educational Advisory Group
The Educational Advisory has a main steering group of ten members and is chaired by N-ABLES steering group members Susie Nolan and Joanna Woodhouse. There is also an Education Advisory Network which predominantly focuses on providing feedback for resources.
The main focus of the Education Advisory Group's work this year has been to collate information for an open letter to the Department of Education, referencing the inclusion and attendance agenda and providing key insights to what is needed to make real change for children and young people with ABIs on their return to education.
Presentations and Speaking Engagements
During the course of the year N-ABLES has presented at a number of conferences and events to inform and educate a range of attendees about the issues which are central to children and young people with acquired brain injuries returning to education and to disseminate resources and establish relationships with professionals.
Twinkl, is an online educational publishing company that provides a vast range of high-quality teaching resources designed to support educators, parents, and learners. Twinkl has a large reach and invited N-ABLES to present a series of webinars. The first webinar was entitled Acquired Brain Injury: The Hidden Need in Your Classroom and was presented by Dr Emily Bennett and Dr Gemma Costello on 12th March 2024. It was attended by 45 people and received excellent engagement and feedback.
In July 2024 two members of YEBEABI attended the Irwin Mitchell Brain Injury Conference and gave a talk entitled "Sink or Swim? Supporting Independence in Education Post ABI". The young people shared their journey towards independence and gave advice to educational professionals on supporting the return to education post-ABI.
The presentation included factors that aid and hinder independence, the importance of the relationship between educational professionals and parents/guardians, and the presenters future aspirations.
Several members of the steering committee attended the International Paediatric Brain Injury Society (IPBIS) conference which took place between18-21st September 2024 in Glasgow. They facilitated an international symposium with the theme of co-designing research with service users and those with
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
lived experience. This featured an introductory video from the Young Experts by Experience (YEBEABI) Group who provided their insights. A video of the entire talk can be found on the UKABIF YouTube channel: Link h�ps://youtu.be/9XkGmUC70fo
On 9th October 2024, Dr Emily Bennett and Dr Gemma Costello delivered a CPD Session entitled "Tooled Up Education Staff Webinar: Managing Head Injuries and concussions at School and Home" in collaboration with TooledUp Education. The session was delivered following a high demand from teachers and other educational professionals for more information about concussion in educational settings.
Dr Gemma Costello virtually attended a conference event for newly qualified teachers in Wales alongside Dr Eleanor Bryant from the Time for Change Wales group on 11th December 2024. They delivered two virtual 45-minute sessions. The event was successful, and Gemma has been invited to attend the event again next year. She also utilised the opportunity to recruit to the Education Professionals Advisory Group and Education Professionals Advisory Network, as she felt it would be beneficial to have Welsh representatives.
In June 2024 Dr Emily Bennett took part in a webinar panel discussion for NR Times, a leading brain and spinal cord injury publication on the subject of Rebuilding lives after child brain injury.
Stakeholder Engagement
N-ABLES intends to extend its reach and is keen to increase the numbers of educators receiving information and resources and to offer the chance for them to join the education advisory network. A mailing list has been established, and plans are in place to send out regular communications about research, education provision, training events, policy development and education resources.
Communication
N-ABLES social media presence has continued to grow especially on LinkedIn. There have been numerous successful campaigns, focusing on International Women's Month, Mental Health Awareness week and Headway's Acquired Brain Injury Awareness Week, where N-ABLES shared an incredibly moving exert prepared by the YEBEABI group for the theme of "a life re-written". Another campaign entitled 'Avoid the Google Rabbit Hole' was based on research involving service users and their support systems who shared difficulties with interpreting medical jargon.
Research and Development
In November 2024 Dr Hope Kent, part of the wider UKABIF network, and Professor Nathan Hughes, secured funding from ADR-UK for a research project called 'Looking for the hidden population of children with an acquired brain injury'
The project will use the ECHILD dataset, which links health and education data for children in England. It will allow Hope to look at outcomes for children with brain injuries in schools for the first time and give an understanding as to how many children in the UK are likely to have a brain injury, and how many children get identified for SEN support when they return to school. Journeys through education will be reviewed to highlight what additional support might be needed for children with this hidden disability.
Hope has sought the expertise of the N-ABLES steering group in an advisory capacity. This is an incredibly exciting project which will fill a large gap in the evidence. A blog about this project was published in February here: https://www.adruk.org/news-publications/news-blogs/looking-for-the-hidden-population-of-childrenwith-an-acquired-brain-injury/.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Resources
Work commenced on the development of a "pupil passport" for children and young people to quickly inform professionals of their needs. This resource will be developed in collaboration with the YEBEABI group. The ABI Passport is designed to create a personalised information sheet that can be easily shared with schools, parents, and other organisations involved in their care and education. This accessible tool will provide a clear snapshot of key information about the child's needs, strengths, and important considerations, helping to improve understanding, communication, and support across settings. The ABI Passport aims to ensure that children and young people with ABI have their voices heard and their unique experiences recognised in a way that promotes inclusion and tailored support
Policy
N-ABLES formally responded to the Parliamentary SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Review, specifically highlighting critical gaps in the system for children and young people (CYP) with acquired brain injuries (ABI).
Their feedback focussed on a statement that the existing SEND system is unfit for this group, pointing to the lack of recognition of ABI as a SEND category, the inappropriate application of graduated response cycles, and the delays in accessing vital support due to the 20-week Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. It also raised concerns about the lack of awareness and understanding of ABI among teachers and SENCOs, which leaves these children at increased risk of being overrepresented in in statistics for absenteeism, exclusion, alternative provision, and youth justice.
N-ABLES called for urgent reform, to ensure the SEND system can respond flexibly and immediately to the unique and significant needs of children with ABI, so they can access the education and support they require to thrive.
N-ABLES would like to thank The Lovel Foundation for funding N-ABLES, Thompsons Solicitors for providing space for our meetings and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors for including N-ABLES in their conference.
Time for Change Wales
The Amser am Newid Cymru - Time for Change Wales group was established recognising that the unique sociocultural landscape of Wales warranted an equivalent report to the APPG Time for Change report that considers the demographics, geography and service provision in Wales.
In 2021, this need resulted in the development and publication of the 'Acquired Brain Injury and Neurorehabilitation in Wales: Time for Change'? report, funded by Kyle's Goal. Since its launch, the Amser am Newid Cymru/ Time for Change Wales group has undertaken a programme of work in health and education, which are devolved matters in Wales.
The group's work is co-ordinated by Dr Eleanor Bryant and supported by a steering group which includes Cari Sowden-Taylor, Julie Smith, Claire Williams, Emma Hale, Ffion Jones and Jakko Brouwers.
In March 2024, the group held a strategy meeting which brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from community brain injury teams and Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, to discuss and outline the primary objectives for the group in 2024-2025. The focus was first on addressing the critical issues and priorities for individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in Wales, particularly with regards to health and education and second, identifying specific group actions/ workstreams for the year ahead.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Example pieces of work for health and education include:
1) mapping unmet needs in community services and
2) liaising with universities/ teacher training courses with the aim of increasing training provision about ABI in Initial Teacher Training courses.
Engagement with policy makers and the Welsh Assembly Government
A further action discussed at the strategy meeting was to engage with members of Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and other key stakeholders. A meeting was held with Member of the Senedd. John Griffiths in May 2024 to discuss the 'Amser am Newid 'report and outline key issues for those affected by ABI in Wales. John Griffiths was keen to support the group's work and has agreed some key actions including 1) requesting a meeting with a minister and 2) requesting that the group present to the CPG on Disability.
A plenary debate was held in the Senedd following the Welsh government's response to the Children, Young People and Education Committee (CYPE) in November 2024. As part of the debate, John Griffiths, MS spoke about the impact of childhood ABI on a child's learning and education. Some of the key findings of the school survey were included as part of the evidence that was presented by John Griffiths MS, along with a call for improved support for children with ABI in Wales and better training provision for educators.
Education
School survey
Data analysis of the school survey has been conducted and the planned publication for this research is currently being drafted.
In September 2024, Dr Eleanor Bryant presented this work at the International Paediatric Brain Injury Symposium in Glasgow on the work she has completed on the Schools Survey.
Return to Education and Concussion guidance
In conjunction with N-ABLES the group has over seen the adaptation and translation versions of the Return to Education and Concussion guidance into Welsh. These publications have been added to the TFC Wales section of UKABIF's website and have been shared with the Association of Directors of Education - Wales, the Child Brain Injury Trust and Noah's Ark. Members of the group are working to disseminate these resources further within their networks.
Findings from the school survey highlighted that few educators complete training about childhood ABI as part of the initial teacher education (ITE). Consequently, the Time for Change (TFC) Wales group has sought opportunities to develop networks and links with universities in Wales and was subsequently invited to deliver two training workshops at an Additional Learning Needs Conference to student groups completing their ITE courses at University of Wales Trinity St David in December 2024. These workshops 'ABI: the hidden need in your classroom' were co-delivered with Dr Gemma Costello from N- ABLES.
Health
The group has engaged with Michelle Price Allied Health Professional lead for person-centred rehabilitation for Health Education and Improvement Wales who attended group meetings to discuss her new role, strategic programmes for rehabilitation in Wales and how to evidence impact and value of rehabilitation services.
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Year ended 31 March 2025
Mapping unmet needs project
A new project called 'Community Services and ABI: Mapping Unmet Needs in Wales' has begun.
This is a data gathering exercise which aims to evidence gaps in community services in Wales from multiple perspectives. It will involve partnering with community teams across the 7 Local Health Board's in Wales to identify what data is routinely collated about unmet needs, and identify geographical variation in service delivery. A further key component of the project will be to identify gaps in service provision from clinical and patient perspectives.
In January 2025, TFC Wales met with Dr Caroline Bald, Chair of the Brain Injury Social Work Group met to discuss their work, look at future opportunities for joint work and seek representation from social workers in Wales. In February Dr Emma Hale, a member of the TFC Wales group, co-delivered a talk 'ABI and Mental Capacity Assessments in Practice'.
We are grateful to Case Management Cymru for their financial support of this work stream.
Community Rehabilitation Alliance (CRA) and the Neurological Alliance (NA)
UKABIF continued to work with the CRA and NA across their policy and parliamentary groups. This enabled us respond to a larger number of consultations whilst also benefiting from the knowledge experience and advice of their specialist teams.
Strategic Partnerships
UKABIF has continued to develop its Strategic Partnership programme. The partners working with UKABIF in 2024/5 were Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Leigh Day, Slater & Gordon Solicitors and Cygnet Healthcare. They met with UKABIF regularly and supported activities connected to the Time for Change programme of work. The partnership included sponsorship of the UKABIF Summit in November 2024.
Our thanks to Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Leigh Day, Slater & Gordon Solicitors and Cygnet Healthcare for
their continued support.
UKABIF Summit November 2024
UKABIF's Summit for 2024 was held at The Lowry in Salford and attracted a record audience of 350 attendees. Chaired by UKABIF Chair of Trustees, Professor Andrew Bateman and Trustee James Piercy the programme included:
-
Labour activist and Chief of Staff, Natasa Pantelic who spoke about how we can all affect change and offered top tips on engaging with MPs to raise awareness of Acquired Brain Injury.
-
Kate Tantam, a Specialist Sister in ICU in Plymouth who spoke of the power of telling patient stories and highlighted the hugely successful #Rehablegend campaign which aims to improve patient experience, support quality improvement and raise the importance of rehabilitation.
-
Debbie Butler who spoke about her experience with depression and brain injury and how she uses her lived experience to influence and help direct research.
-
Professor Rui Loureiro, Research Director at the National Rehabilitation Centre in Nottingham, who gave an insight into the work and aspirations of the Centre's Research Programme.
- 13 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
-
Kevin Quartley, who sustained a brain injury following a fall at work in 2017 and shared his recovery journey.
-
Dr Mike Dilley who spoke about Functional symptoms after a head injury and the importance of diagnosing functional symptoms to ensure appropriate approaches to rehabilitation.
-
Dr Virginia Newcombe, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, based at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, who brought home the prevalence of brain injury citing one in two people will present to their GP with a 'mild' brain injury and was joined by TBI patient co-investigator Joanne Lloyd who about her involvement with the BRaINS-TBI Research. Joanne suffered a concussion a number of years ago and hopes the research she is involved in will help others in the future and she reiterated the importance of putting patients at the heart of research at every stage.
-
Identical twins Luke and Ellis Parry gave a humorous and informative talk. The brothers founded the 'neumind app' after Luke's brain injury in 2012.They explained how digital technology can play a positive role in rehabilitation. Their app includes nudges, reminders and trackers all tailored to meet individual needs.
-
Dr Caroline Bald, Chair of the Brain Injury Social Work Group and lecturer at the University of Essex; Dr Alyson Norman, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Plymouth and Kate Mellor, Expert by Experience and Hospital Liaison Hospital Facilitator, joined together to discuss social work and brain injury spoke about Heads Together, the UK's first brain injury social work training programme and emphasised the importance of learning from lived experience.
-
The programme closed with a panel discussion on improving outcomes for people with an acquired brain injury featuring Dr Krystyna Walton, a Consultant in Neurorehabilitation at Salford Royal Foundation Trust; Dr Mike Dilley, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist in Brain Injury at King's College Hospital; Paul Brown, a Partner at Burnetts Solicitors and Paul Kirtley a Barrister at Exchange Chambers.
As well as hearing from the line-up of speakers throughout the day, delegates had the opportunity to speak to almost 40 exhibitors including legal firms, physiotherapists, charities and tech companies who offered a wealth of information, advice and goodies for the attendees.
The Summit was sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, Cygnet Health Care, Slater and Gordon Lawyers, and Leigh Day.
Our thanks to Ali Packham, whose hard work throughout the year helps to organise this this event and ensure that it runs smoothly and to the UKABIF team and trustees who work hard on the day to support us.
UKABIF Fundraising Dinner
The UKABIF Summit was preceded by a fundraising dinner attended by both supporters of UKABIF and delegates attending the event the next day. The evening took place in The Compass Room at The Lowry on 5th November 2024.
Following dinner, the winners of the annual UKABIF Awards were announced and music was provided by young DJs from the excellent BPM Rehab. This organisation, which was founded by Mark Blundell and Dr Penny Trayner, provides the DJing as part of rehabilitation.
The dinner raised £12,500 for the charity.
- 14 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Our thanks to Exchange Chambers who kindly sponsored the Pre dinner drinks and to the UKABIF team including Ali Packham who organises this event and Charlotte Giblin, Eleanor Bryant, Hope Kent and Emma Chesworth who work hard to support the event on the day.
UKABIF Awards 2024
The UKABIF Awards 2024 were sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors and presented at the Fundraising Dinner on Sunday 3rd November.
The Stephen McAleese Award for Inspiration
This award was jointly won by two applicants this year
Claudia Laird was nominated by After Matters who support young people living with a brain injury. Claudia was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 24 and during recovery she remained determined to complete her nursing degree. She now works as a paediatric nurse at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
Mike Howarth suffered a brain injury and upper limb amputation following a motorcycle accident in 2019. After undergoing intensive rehabilitation at STEPS, he is now a trustee for STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation which is dedicated to providing support and funding for individuals recovering from complex trauma injuries and illness.
The Mike Barnes Award for Innovation
This award was won by Recallify - an AI-powered tool which can transcribe and summarise conversations designed by Dr Sarah Rudebeck and Dr Berkan Sesen.
The UKABIF Poster Award
Dr Henk Swanepoel, from Cygnet Health Care was presented with the award for his poster entitled 'Correlation study between the Free Cog and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) within Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) population.
More about the awards and the winners can be found here https://ukabif.org.uk/page/Stephen-McAleese-Award-for-Inspiration-2024 https://ukabif.org.uk/page/mike-barnes-award-for-innovation-2024 https://ukabif.org.uk/page/UKABIF-Poster-Award-2024
Our thanks to Thompsons Solicitors for supporting the awards.
Research
Heads Together
This NIHR funded Project came to a conclusion in 2024. The project team has continued to meet to raise awareness and to provide content for the Brain Injury Online Education Platform which is accessed here: https://biswg.co.uk/courses/
TBI-REPORTER - Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) REpository and data PORTal Enabling discoveRy (TBI-REPORTER)
TBI-Reporter held a General Assembly in September 2024 which James Piercy and Chloe Hayward attended. They presented the group's work and were able to receive an update on the work streams of
- 15 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
the broader project.
In addition to the regular online meetings, an in person meeting of the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement meeting took place prior to the UKABIF Summit in November 2024 in Salford. 10 members attended and it was a very valuable meeting with useful feedback.
TBI-Reporter won the NR Times Award for Global Impact announced 29th November 2024.
A full update of all progress with the platform can be found here https://tbi-reporter.uk/
Policy - how our activities deliver public benefit
In addition to our parliamentary work, Chloë Hayward and the trustees of UKABIF use their knowledge and experience to highlight and inform consultations and policies which are pertinent to brain injury. Over the course of this year we have:
- Responded to consultations and provided stakeholder feedback to relevant NICE guidance
• Retained key positions within other alliances and membership bodies (Amanda Swain is a trustee of the Neurological Alliance)
-
Membership of National Voices
-
Membership of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance
Regional Groups
UKABIF supports regional acquired brain injury forums across the country and has groups in the following areas
o ABI London o Bristol and Bath o East Midlands ABI Forum o Eastern Region ABI Forum o Essex ABI Forum o Kent ABI Forum o Norfolk ABI Forum o North West and North Wales ABI Forum
o Northamptonshire ABI Forum o Northern ABI Forum o Scottish Head Injury Forum o South of England ABI Forum o South Wales ABI Forum o South West ABI Forum o Surrey ABI Network o South Yorkshire ABI Forum o Sussex ABI Forum o Thames Valley ABI Forum o West Midlands ABI Forum o Yorkshire ABI Forum
UKABIF provides support for new and existing groups and attends many meetings throughout the year offering presentations and advice where needed.
- 16 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Fundraising
UKABIF takes a proactive approach to fundraising and employs a freelance fundraiser, Zak Hulstrom, to research appropriate funds and develop applications to trusts and foundations.
UKABIF are committed to developing long term relationships with funders and maintains regular correspondence with them to keep them up to date with projects and overall strategy. Funders are noted in the associated projects above and include The Lovel Foundation, John Murray Charitable Trust, Allen Lane Charitable Trust and the Barrow Cadbury Trust.
Finance
UKABIF continues to monitor its finances closely and has established a finance sub-committee to oversee spending and budgeting. The net surplus for the year amounted to £37,393 (2024 £399) and reserves stand at £134,864 (2024 £97,471)
Financial review
Reserves Policy
The Board of Management has examined the Charity's requirements in light of the main risks to the organisation. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be sufficient to sustain 6 to 9 months of committed overhead. The Trustees also have regard to anticipated future funding commitments to ensure that adequate resources will be available to fund them to completion. This would include retaining reserves for future employment or contracted support and for projects that will not be completed within a financial year. As a consequence, the reserves retained by the Charity will exceed 9 months of prior expenditure to reflect the anticipated growth of the Charity’s activities in the future.
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees (who are also directors of United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
- 17 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees' annual report was approved on 4 December 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
Dr. Andrew Bateman Trustee
- 18 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Year ended 31 March 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements 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 under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the 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 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 charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 (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.
M L Burgess Associate – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Independent Examiner
Simpson Burgess Nash Limited Chartered Accountants Empress Business Centre 380 Chester Road Manchester M16 9EA
- 19 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)
Year ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | ||||
| funds | funds | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income | |||||
| Donations and subscriptions | 5 | 30,137 | 64,500 | 94,637 | 33,965 |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 132,706 | – | 132,706 | 124,726 |
| Investment income | 7 | 2,905 | – | 2,905 | 1,221 |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
───────── |
||
| Total income | 165,748 | 64,500 | 230,248 | 159,912 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Expenditure on raising funds: | |||||
| Costs of raising donations and | |||||
| subscriptions | 8 | 5,750 | – | 5,750 | 2,500 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 9,10 | 130,405 | 56,700 | 187,105 | 157,013 |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
───────── |
||
| Total expenditure | 136,155 | 56,700 | 192,855 | 159,513 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
||
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
───────── |
||
| Net income | 29,593 | 7,800 | 37,393 | 399 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
||
| Transfers between funds | (17,326) | 17,326 | – | – | |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
───────── |
||
| Net movement in funds | 12,267 | 25,126 | 37,393 | 399 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 97,626 | (155) | 97,471 | 97,072 | |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
───────── |
||
| Total funds carried forward | 109,893 | 24,971 | 134,864 | 97,471 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 22 to 29 form part of these financial statements.
- 20 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Statement of Financial Position
31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | ||||
| Debtors | 16 | 13,803 | 9,080 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 192,984 | 144,621 | ||
───────── |
───────── |
|||
| 206,787 | 153,701 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 17 | 71,923 | 56,230 | |
───────── |
───────── |
|||
| Net current assets | 134,864 | 97,471 | ||
───────── |
──────── |
|||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 134,864 | 97,471 | ||
───────── |
──────── |
|||
| Net assets | 134,864 | 97,471 | ||
═════════ |
════════ |
|||
| Funds of the charity | ||||
| Restricted funds | 24,971 | (155) | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 109,893 | 97,626 | ||
───────── |
───────── |
|||
| Total charity funds | 19 | 134,864═════════ |
97,471═════════ |
For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements 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 financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 4 December 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
Dr. Andrew Bateman Trustee
The notes on pages 22 to 29 form part of these financial statements.
- 21 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
1. General information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 124 City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX.
2. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the members are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. During the year, there were no judgements in applying the accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty which materially affected the financial statements.
Income tax
The charity is exempt from taxation on its charitable activities.
- 22 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Fund accounting
Fund accounting is applied to any restricted income that is received in the year. The restricted income is allocated to specific expenditure as per the terms of the donor.
Unrestricted funds have no specific requirements of how the incoming resources is to be spent. The income is used on charitable activities, the costs to generate future funds and day to day governance costs.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the receipts and payments account when the charity receives the income.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on a cash basis as incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Computer - 25% straight line Website - 25% reducing balance
- 23 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Impairment of fixed assets
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.
For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.
For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
4. Limited by guarantee
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum is a company limited by guarantee and accordingly does not have a share capital.
Every member of the company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of its being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.
- 24 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
5. Donations and subscriptions
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | |||
| Donations | 2,539 | – | 2,539 |
| Grants | |||
| Grants receivable | – | 64,500 | 64,500 |
| Subscriptions | |||
| Subscriptions | 27,598 | – | 27,598 |
──────── |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| 30,137 | 64,500 | 94,637 | |
════════ |
════════ |
════════ |
|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | |||
| Donations | 1,370 | – | 1,370 |
| Grants | |||
| Grants receivable | – | 22,035 | 22,035 |
| Subscriptions | |||
| Subscriptions | 10,560 | – | 10,560 |
──────── |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| 11,930 | 22,035 | 33,965 | |
════════ |
════════ |
════════ |
- 25 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
5. Donations and subscriptions (continued)
| Grants for restricted purposes: Barrow Cadbury Charitable Trust - Supporting Transitions to Adult Services in the CJS for Young Adults with an ABI Lovell Foundation - National Acquired Brain Injury in Learning and Education Syndicate Allen Lane Foundation - Acquired Brain Injury Justice Network Case Management Cymru - Time for Change Wales Total |
2025 £ 29,500 20,000 5,000 10,000 |
|---|---|
| 64,500 |
6. Charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2025 | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Conference, projects and workshops | 132,706 | 132,706 | 124,726 | 124,726 |
═════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
|
| Investment income | ||||
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | 2025 | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Bank interest received | 2,905 | 2,905 | 1,221 | 1,221 |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
|
| Costs of raising donations and subscriptions | ||||
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | 2025 | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Costs of raising donations and | ||||
| subscriptions | 5,750 | 5,750 | 2,500 | 2,500 |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
|
| Expenditure on charitable activities | by fund type | |||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Acquired brain injury education and activities | 126,352 | 56,700 | 183,052 | |
| Support costs | 4,053 | – | 4,053 | |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
||
| 130,405 | 56,700 | 187,105 | ||
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Acquired brain injury education and activities | 111,352 | 42,792 | 154,144 | |
| Support costs | 2,869 | – | 2,869 | |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
||
| 114,221 | 42,792 | 157,013 | ||
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
7. Investment income
8. Costs of raising donations and subscriptions
9. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type
- 26 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
10. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type
| Activities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| undertaken | Total funds | Total fund | ||
| directly Support costs | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Acquired brain injury education and | ||||
| activities | 183,052 | – | 183,052 | 154,144 |
| Governance costs | – | 4,053 | 4,053 | 2,869 |
───────── |
─────── |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| 183,052 | 4,053 | 187,105 | 157,013 | |
═════════ |
═══════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
11. Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its charitable activities.
12. Independent examination fees
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the independent examiner for: | ||
| Independent examination of the financial statements | 600════ |
600════ |
13. Staff costs
For the reporting period, the charity had no salaries employees and therefore total staff costs and benefits were Nil (2024 Nil).
All administrative functions were performed by Chloe Hayward of Wishful Thinking Communications Limited, with support as necessary from interns.
14. Trustee remuneration and expenses
Trustees
No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees.
Travel and office costs amounting to £348 (2024 £527) were reimbursed to two (2024 - three) members of the management committee during the year.
- 27 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
15. Tangible fixed assets
| Fixtures and | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fittings | Equipment | Total | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Cost | |||||||
| At 1 April 2024 and 31 | March | 2025 | 1,921 | 13,747 | 15,668 | ||
═══════ |
════════ |
════════ |
|||||
| Depreciation | |||||||
| At 1 April 2024 and 31 | March | 2025 | 1,921 | 13,747 | 15,668 | ||
═══════ |
════════ |
════════ |
|||||
| Carrying amount | |||||||
| At 31 March 2025 | – | – | – | ||||
═══════ |
════════ |
════════ |
|||||
| At 31 March 2024 | – | – | – | ||||
═══════ |
════════ |
════════ |
|||||
| 16. | Debtors | ||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | ||||||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 13,803 | 9,080 | |||||
════════ |
═══════ |
||||||
| 17. | Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | ||||||
| Accruals and deferred income | 60,156 | 40,044 | |||||
| Other creditors | 11,767 | 16,186 | |||||
──────── |
──────── |
||||||
| 71,923 | 56,230 | ||||||
════════ |
════════ |
||||||
| 18. | Analysis of charitable | funds | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||||
| At | At 31 | ||||||
| 1 April 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | March 2025 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| General funds | 97,626 | 165,748 | (136,155) | (17,326) | 109,893 | ||
════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
════════ |
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|||
| Restricted funds | |||||||
| At | At 31 | ||||||
| 1 April 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | March 2025 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Restricted funds | (155) | 64,500 | (56,700) | 17,326 | 24,971 | ||
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
18. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)
The purpose of restricted funds derived from grants received has been to fund the work of several projects namely the Acquired Brain Injury Justice Network (formerly the Criminal Justice Acquired Brain Injury Interest Group), a research project entitled ‘Supporting Transitions to Adult Services in the Criminal Justice System for Young Adults with ABI’, the National Acquired Brain Injury in Learning and Education Syndicate and the Time for Change Wales project. The grants have been used to meet the costs of the administrator, Interns and other relevant direct costs in accordance with the restrictions.
19. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | 181,816 | 24,971 | 206,787 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (71,923) | – | (71,923) |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
|
| Net assets | 109,893 | 24,971 | 134,864 |
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | 153,856 | (155) | 153,701 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (56,230) | - | (56,230) |
───────── |
──── |
───────── |
|
| Net assets | 97,626═════════ |
(155)════ |
97,471═════════ |
20. Related parties
Other than those disclosed in note 12, there were no related party transactions to report in the year.
- 29 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Management Information
Year ended 31 March 2025
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements.
- 30 -
United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Company Limited by Guarantee
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Income | ||
| Donations and subscriptions | ||
| Donations | 2,539 | 1,370 |
| Grants receivable | 64,500 | 22,035 |
| Subscriptions | 27,598 | 10,560 |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| 94,637 | 33,965 | |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| Charitable activities | ||
| Conference, projects and workshops | 132,706 | 124,726 |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Investment income | ||
| Bank interest received | 2,905 | 1,221 |
─────── |
─────── |
|
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Total income | 230,248 | 159,912 |
═════════ |
═════════ |
|
| Expenditure | ||
| Costs of raising donations and subscriptions | ||
| Purchases | 5,750 | 2,500 |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Direct expenses and conference costs | 39,491 | 43,273 |
| Specific project direct costs | 45,610 | 37,896 |
| Insurance | 725 | 1,023 |
| Administration costs | 49,415 | 45,736 |
| Communication costs | 11,355 | 6,796 |
| Motor and travel costs | 5,001 | 4,257 |
| Legal and professional fees | 4,500 | - |
| Accountancy fees | 1,224 | 1,207 |
| Bookkeeping | 2,829 | 1,662 |
| Other office costs | 6,969 | 4,065 |
| Computer costs | 3,871 | 8,356 |
| Postage and stationery | 746 | 347 |
| Marketing | 14,935 | 2,395 |
| AGM costs | 434 | – |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| 187,105 | 157,013 | |
───────── |
───────── |
|
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Total expenditure | 192,855 | 159,513 |
═════════ |
═════════ |
|
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Net income | 37,393 | 399 |
═════════ |
═════════ |
- 31 -