Project Buzz
(Registered Charity Number 1141034)
(Company Ltd by Guarantee Number 07404833)
financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 2 |
| Trustees' report | 3-11 |
| Examiner's report | 12 |
| Balance sheet | 13 |
| Statement of financial activities | 14 |
| Notes to the accounts | 15-16 |
Project Buzz
Legal and administrative information
Trustees
Andrew Jonas Chair Ralph Keene Treasurer Laura Stewart Secretary
Registered Charity Number
1141034
Company Ltd by Guarantee number
07404833
Principal Address
St Andrews URC Church Upper Hanover Street Sheffield S3 7RQ
Independent Examiner
Craig Williamson White Rose Accounting for Charities The Ghyll Threapland Aspatria CA7 2EL
Bank
HSBC 37 High Street Meadowhall Sheffield
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Project Buzz
Trustees' report
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors' report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards for Smaller Entities.
Structure, governance and management
The Charitable Company was established by its Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated 12 October 2010 and was entered on the Register of Charities effective from 1 April
Project Buzz is managed by a voluntary management committee.
Project Buzz employs 5 employees, a team of bank staff and engages 11 volunteers and 4 students on placement
The trustees who served during the year are listed on page 2 on the report.
New trustees are appointed following application and interview by the chair and beneficiaries. They are approved as trustees at the next appropriate trustee meeting. All newly appointed trustees must stand down at the next AGM, but may be reappointed immediately.
Reserves Policy
A reserves policy has been approved by trustees. The policy agrees to set aside three – six months running costs.
Public benefit statement
The trustees regularly give due consideration to the Commission’s guidance in deciding what activities they should undertake, by reviewing the needs of their beneficiaries, by ensuring that the service is fully inclusive, and that not any detriment or harm arises from the organisation carrying out its activities.
Objectives and activities
The objects of the organisation are:-
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To provide the necessary facilities for the daily care, recreation and education of children during out of school hours and school holidays;
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To advance the education and training of the persons in the provision of such care, education and recreational facilities:
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To develop the capacity and skills of the members of the public in the area of benefit in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society
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Project Buzz
Trustees’ report continued
Chair’s report
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the team at BUZZ for another successful year, continuing to go from strength to strength. You all [staff and volunteers] continue to demonstrate a great deal of dedication to the charity and do so in an extremely positive and passionate manner. Kath and Paula continue to drive forward the mission of Buzz, with an ever-expanding team, and I recognise the valuable role you all play in upholding the values and vision of the charity.
The team has continued to secure funding and further develop the commercial income, future-proofing the charity and providing job security for staff. The year has also seen the team successfully complete 12 months of intense training, development and mentoring as part of the Pilotlight programme, forcing evaluation of all BUZZ workings. This process has been extremely positive, enabled staff to take stock, reflect and set targets to enable the charity to sustainably evolve.
We have been extremely successful with our recent trustee recruitment, providing invaluable skills from a diverse group of professionals, generously donating their time and expertise. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board for their dedication. Through your active involvement in decision-making processes, you are contributing to the continuous improvement and development of BUZZ policies and practices. Your commitment to excellence, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge is an embodiment of the spirit that drives the charity forward.
I am extremely proud to be a small part of this amazing, award-winning, charity and I sincerely hope that everyone involved in Buzz is proud of their achievements and the profound impact you all make on the many families that use your services.
Andrew Jonas
Chair of Trustees
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Project Buzz
Trustees’ report continued
Our Story so far
Buzz was established in 1999 in Broomhall, Sheffield. We started life in partnership with Spurgeons. Parents in the community wanted a safe and stimulating environment where their children could learn, play, and grow. With the dedication and support of local families, Buzz quickly became a cornerstone of community, offering a range of activities and programs tailored to the whole family. Today Buzz continues to thrive, the vibrant atmosphere ad inclusive ethos remains although the focus of work has changed to supporting separated families. The legacy of those early parents lives on, as Buzz flourishes as a beacon of hop and opportunity for generations to come.
Our vision
That every separating family in our area of operation chooses to access our services to find positive solutions to cooperate parenting rather than going to court.
Our Mission
To offer holistic, solution-focused support to separated families as early as possible to avoid any lasting harm to the child and to ensure the child has the best possible opportunities in life with their co parents.
Our Values
Safety
Empowerment
Trust
Positivity
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Project Buzz
Trustees’ report continued
2023/24 overview
In 2023, there was rapid growth, service innovation and successful networking spanning from Sheffield to Japan.
Key achievements
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CEO received a national award for sustainability.
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Buzz won the National ‘Weston charity award’.
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Developed a brand new initiative to replace tradition family time – Families forward.
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Secured funding for Families forward programme to deliver, develop and share learning and practice nationally.
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Initiated and lead on establishing an SSFA for Sheffield and took host role for the national steering group.
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Successful recruitment of 15 new team members with a range of skills.
The Weston Charity Award provided access to the Pilotlight 360 programme. Through a series of eight monthly meetings, Buzz and four senior business leaders, known as Pilotlighters, engaged in a comprehensive strategic coaching programme to enhance the organisation's resilience.
The Families Forward initiative stemmed from discussions held at both local and national levels within our community of interest. Recognising the opportunity to provide comprehensive support to families, we integrated Family Time without any extra cost or time required.
The Support for Separated Families alliance is part of a national movement to bring together all professionals and organisations who work with separated families. We invited statutory, private, and voluntary organisations to collaborate with us in creating this initiative for Sheffield. Our launch took place in November 2023 and we were proud to be the second alliance in the country, inspired by Kent's pioneering efforts. The Families Forward initiative stemmed from discussions held at both local and national levels within our community of interest. Recognising the opportunity to provide comprehensive support to families, we integrated Family Time without any extra cost or time required.
Our team grew from 4 in 2022 to 20 in 2023 with each new addition we welcomed fresh perspective and diverse skills that have enriched our work and fuelled our success. As a strong team we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As we always say at Buzz, ‘there’s always a way.’
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Project Buzz
Trustees’ report continued
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion
Since 1999, we have operated in an inclusive, multicultural environment. Our services are attuned to various cultures, backgrounds, and situations, allowing us to continuously learn and enhance our practices. Interacting with individuals facing multiple challenges daily, we are cautious not to let our own preconceptions, beliefs, or any advantages we may influence how we listen to and engage with their narratives.
We reduce barriers to people accessing our services and empower people by,
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Valuing and respecting people and building positive relationships.
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Actively listening and accepting people’s truth
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Never judging people or telling people what they should do
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Seeing people as experts in their own lives
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Working collaboratively, empowering people to make decisions, offering choices
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Offering part and fully funded services based on family circumstances
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Employing a diverse team who passionately share our values
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64% of team have lived experience, 71% of our leadership have lived experience
From our referral forms –
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3% of service users are LGBTQIA+
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54% of children attending have additional needs
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10% of adults attending have additional needs
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12% of adults have learning difficulties
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34% are not in employment
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17% of adults are diagnosed mental health conditions
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0.5% of parents are in prison
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2% of parents have recently left prison
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0.9% of parents have a physical disability
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28% of service users are a part of the Global Majority
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Project Buzz
Trustees’ report continued
Service Overview
| Service Overview | |
|---|---|
| Services | Details |
| ‘Families Forward’ Buzz designed initiative |
To provide families with timely access to support and guidance. To offer a comprehensive and sustainable support program with a realistic timeframe To ensure that families feel empowered and supported in making decisions. |
| Family Time | Supported – for where trust has broken down and a neutral space is needed. Supervised – where there are more complex issues or a child is at risk of harm. Changeover – where there the adults in the child’s life can’t meet to facilitate the changeover. Virtual–can be used in addition to FT or on its own. |
| ICFA – Sub contract |
Improving Child and Family Arrangements is a court ordered programme in private law To help families who find it difficult to agree lasting arrangements tomeet theirchild’sneeds |
| ‘Your Time’ Parent Support Network |
Individual assistance Group assistance Virtual assistance Connections to other organisations |
| Communication Service |
We can help communicate about issues that impact the Family time and other times, like birthdays |
| Life Story work | This work can be adapted for private referrals where a child is meeting a parent for the first time or where there has been a long gap since the last time together. It can also be useful when a child feels their voice isn’t being heard in co-parenting decisions or when a child is highly anxious about meeting the parent they don’t live with. |
| Co-parenting programme |
A tailored programme for co-parents to make sustainable arrangements that can be adjusted as children grow up and circumstances change. The work is short term with long term impact, reducing parental and child stress, children’s exposure to conflict and improving co-parenting relationships. |
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Project Buzz
Trustees’ report continued
Our Goals 2023/24
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To provide a service accessible to everyone who needs it regardless of their financial needs:
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We provided 468 free and 130 part funded supervised Family Time sessions
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We provided 234 free supported Family Time sessions
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We advertised funded places widely to ensure people knew it was an option
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To meet the immediate and longer term holistic support needs for separating families:
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1248 Supervised family times
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78 Supported family times
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78 Changeovers
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24 Indirect contact
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367 individuals supported through our Families Forward Programme. On average families received 12 weeks of support adding up to an average of 50 hours per family
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50 parents supported through our parent support network
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13 referrals made to other organisations for further support
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5 referrals to IDAS. 4 referrals to Haven for children. 1 referral to Inspire To Change. 5 referrals to ‘Power To Change’. 13 referrals to Parenting programmes
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To educate and raise awareness of out of court solution focussed support for separating families:
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We hosted 3 awareness raising events as a part of the Support for Separated Families Alliance launch. Two to the education sector and one to organisations working within the field of children and families.
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We are planning a national learning event to share learning and outcomes from the Families Forward Programme and a series of presentations to relevant businesses and organisations.
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Project Buzz
Trustees’ report continued
Acknowledgements
Our greatest strength by far lies in our dynamic, compassionate and dedicated team. The past year their ability to innovate has been nothing short of inspiring offering tailored support to ensure families are heard, respected and supported. Our team are the heart and soul of the organisation.
We are deeply grateful to the Trustee Board for your belief in our mission and your unwavering commitment to Buzz. Together we are building brighter futures for separated families.
Our funders have enabled us to go above and beyond simply meeting needs and enables us to innovate, grow and respond dynamically to unique challenges that supported families face. We deeply value the trust you place in us to carry out the work we do.
The guidance, expertise and strategic insights provided by the Pilotlight team has been transformative. Thank you for helping us create a stronger foundation to support families.
Thank you to the many organisations that refer to us, we value your ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing our work together.
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to St Andrews URC for their generosity and commitment to fostering community focused organisations like Buzz. You have given us a welcoming and secure home where our mission can thrive.
We thank you for your continued support in our work.
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Project Buzz
Trustees' report
Trustees responsibilities for the financial statements
Company and charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which show the state of affairs of the charity and of net income or expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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q select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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q make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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q prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it
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is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
q state whether applicable accounting standards of recommended practice have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable the Trustees to prepare financial statements. The Trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the Trustees on ______and is signed on their behalf by:
Andrew Jones Chair
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Project Buzz
Independent Examiner's report on the Accounts of Project Buzz for the year ended 31 March 2024
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 13 to 16.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
· examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
· to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
· to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:______
Craig Williamson White Rose Accounting for Charities The Ghyll Threapland Aspatria CA7 2EL
Date:______
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Project Buzz
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
| Notes Current Assets Debtors Balance at Bank and cash in hand Total Current Assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2 Net current assets/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Net Assets Represented By Funds Unrestricted Restricted |
2024 £ 29,477 70,340 99,817 (425) 99,392 99,392 99,392 70,415 28,977 99,392 |
2023 £ 8,491 78,304 |
|---|---|---|
| 86,795 (400) |
||
| 86,395 | ||
| 86,395 | ||
| 86,395 | ||
| 72,638 13,757 |
||
| 86,395 |
For the year ending 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Director's responsibilities;
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476,
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements are approved by the Board on ______ and signed on its behalf by:
Andrew Jonas
Trustee
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Project Buzz
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2023
| Notes Income from Grants and donations 3 Fees Fundraising Other income Bank Interest Total income Expenditure on Salaries and National Insurance Rent Insurance Translation Support services Books, postage and stationery Subscriptions and registration Telephone Equipment and repairs Food, materials & consumables Training Travel Other expenditure Accountancy & independent examination Total expenditure Net Income/(expenditure) for the year Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted £ 11,982 100,426 - 100 365 112,873 97,733 7,481 508 - 3,295 1,191 415 263 705 384 270 1,433 992 425 115,095 (2,222) 72,637 70,415 |
Restricted £ 101,047 - - - - 101,047 82,289 - 365 - 260 - - 496 - 532 - 1,516 368 - 85,826 15,221 13,757 28,977 |
Total 2024 £ 113,029 100,426 - 100 365 213,920 180,022 7,481 873 - 3,555 1,191 415 759 705 916 270 2,949 1,360 425 200,921 12,998 86,394 99,392 |
Total 2023 £ 63,255 71,589 96 215 130 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 135,285 | ||||
| 136,652 7,131 1,271 948 2,596 1,241 669 526 547 1,179 2,968 68 1,591 400 |
||||
| 157,786 | ||||
| (22,502) 108,896 |
||||
| 86,394 |
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Project Buzz
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31 March 2024
1 Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 (effective from January 2015 and updated with effect from January 2016) - (the Charities SORP (FRS102)), as modified for smaller charities
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as defined under FRS102.
(b) Expenditure
Expenditure is included on an accruals basis.
2 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Thes
They are in respect of:
| Trade Creditors 3 Grants and donations:- Unrestricted £ Grants Brelms Trust CIC - Garfield Weston Foundation 6,500 National Association of Child Contact Centres 2,500 National Lottery Community Fund - Sheffield Town Trust 2,500 South Yorkshire Community Foundation - Donations 482 11,982 4 Restricted funds Brought Incoming forward resources Awards for All 4,083 - The Brelms Trust CIO 2,730 5,613 Children in Need - Contact Centre 6,538 - National Lottery Community Fund - 87,970 Sheffield City Council COVID recovery 406 - South Yorkshire Community Foundation - 7,464 13,757 101,047 |
Restricted £ 5,613 - - 87,970 - 7,464 - 101,047 Outgoing resources (696) (7,113) (6,538) (67,664) - (3,816) (85,827) |
£ 425 |
|---|---|---|
| 425 | ||
| Total £ 5,613 6,500 2,500 87,970 2,500 7,464 482 |
||
| 113,029 | ||
| Balance at 31-Mar-2024 3,387 1,230 - 20,306 406 3,648 |
||
| 28,977 |
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Project Buzz
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 5 Staff Costs Salaries Pension Employers N.I. |
£ 163,304 8,965 7,753 |
|---|---|
| 180,022 |
No trustees received any out-of-pockets expenses or were reimbursed during the accounting period.
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