2025-03-31-accounts - Sorted Counselling Services

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SORTED COUNSELLING SERVICES (A company limited by guarantee)

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Charity No: 1141928 Company No: 07437471

SORTED COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Report of the Trustees

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Legal status, governance and management

Charity Name: Sorted Counselling Services Charity Registration number: 1141928 Company Registration number: 07437471 Registered Office: Chiltern House 81 High Street North Dunstable Beds LU6 1JJ

Trustees:

Will Randell Caron Kendall Joel Grufferty

New Trustees are either recommended by existing Trustees or personally apply and undergo an interview process. Induction training is provided for all new trustees, where appropriate, and all trustees are encouraged to attend courses and conferences that would benefit them as trustees.

Staff:

Emma Spacek Clinical Director (Job Role Change) Appointed 1[st] January 2025 Patrick Carroll Finance & Data Manager Diane Jackson Administrative Assistant Gay Lane Counsellor 27[th] June 2025 Andy Perry Director of Services Resigned 17[th] December 2025

Bankers : Barclays Bank, 28 George Street, Luton, LU1 2AX

The governing document is the Memorandum & Articles dated 14 March 2011. Management is through an executive committee up to a maximum of 12, nominated from members and elected at the AGM. Trustee meetings are held on a bi-monthly basis.

Objects of the charity

Our charitable objectives are to promote the relief of poverty, sickness and distress amongst young persons between the ages of 5- to 25-year-olds. The charity meets its objects through the provision of one-to-one counselling, group work, workshops and school drop-ins.

To carry out these activities in the year to 31 March 2025 the organisation employed those persons listed above.

Public Benefit

The Trustees consider the charities activities, as set out in this report, are in compliance with their duty to ensure the public benefit. The positive impact of the Charity's activities on the lives of young people by improving their mental health enables young people to make informed decisions, and through developing life skills, not only benefits them but also benefits the wider community.

SORTED COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

For my Chair’s report for this financial year, I firstly must thank the councillors who provide the face-toface counselling for those who are need of our services.

Without you there would be no Sorted.

Behind the team of councillors, we have a small but dedicated team, who, along with our Director, ensure that all the necessary systems and processes are in place that enable Sorted to function.

This is a true team effort, and on behalf of the Trustee’s we thank you all for your time and dedication.

In the past year Sorted have delivered training to both our councillors and have made this available to the wider counselling community.

We have been able to recruit and retain our councillors over the past year; this stability has enabled Sorted to focus on service provision and funding applications.

The greatest challenge, and threat to Sorted, remains funding.

We are making high quality applications, and this is fed back to us, however many other Charities are also applying for funding from the same “pots” of money for services that are assessed as being in greater financial need than Sorted.

Sorted need to maximise our income and we will be offering, in the last quarter of 2025 / 26 an option for those who are able to pay for our services with a reduced waiting time for access to services.

This decision was made following a review of other counselling providers and with the agreement of the Trustee’s.

The demand for counselling for children and young people is increasing and Sorted will explore all avenues for funding so we can continue to make a difference.

Finally, thank you again the whole team at Sorted and the unheralded differences you make to those who use our services.

Will Randell

Chair

Sorted Counselling Services.

Report of the Trustees

SORTED COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Financial Review and Reserves Policy

The charity ended the year with a surplus of £140,360 (2024: £178,858). At 31 March 2025 we held cash at bank of £140,833 (2024: £179,658). The charity had £57,368 of restricted funds (2024: £67,471) and unrestricted funds of £83,465 (2024: £112,187) of which £40,000 are designated. The financial position continues to be carefully monitored and the cash position considered.

The level of reserves relates to the organisation’s level of both current and projected activity.

Accordingly, the charity’s Trustees are seeking to maintain sufficient reserves to continue operations in spite of challenges that may occur from any change in circumstances and to allow for an orderly reduction in activities or cessation of operations should this prove necessary.

The Trustees have determined a minimum of reserves as three months operating costs plus any longterm contractual liabilities that may be outstanding. The Trustees review this policy regularly and the policy itself annually. This year’s unrestricted funds at 31 March 2025 total £83,465 and amounts to approximately 10 months budgeted expenditure.

The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis which the Trustees believe is appropriate.

Risk Management

The Trustees keep the charity’s activities under review, particularly with regard to any major risks that may arise from time to time. The major risks that are identified by this process have been mitigated to an acceptable level by internal control systems and other factors as appropriate.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 20 / 01 / 2026 by:

.............................................

Will Randell – Chair

Director’s report on the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2025

As the Director of Sorted Counselling Services I am pleased to present my combined director/clinical report together with the financial statements for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

The charity remains committed to providing free, confidential, one-to-one therapeutic counselling to Children and Young People (CYP) across South-Central Bedfordshire. This year has seen significant growth in demand, the development of key partnerships, and the continued strengthening of our internal systems and clinical practice.

Schools and Local Presence

We maintained strong relationships with schools in Dunstable and Houghton Regis, continuing to provide counsellors to four schools. Staff at these schools regularly report how valued and wellintegrated the counselling has become.

Data, Collaboration and Partnerships

Our data management system, introduced in 2024, has continued to strengthen collaboration with external partners, improving our workflow and communication. Our data management system continues to evolve, offering more sophisticated capabilities and ensuring the organisation operates in a modern, efficient, and secure way.

We remain in close dialogue with organisations including:

East London NHS Foundation Trust
CAMHS
Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes ICB
Central Bedfordshire Council
Houghton Regis and Dunstable Town Councils

Training Providers and Trainees

We continue to welcome trainee counsellors from local training centres, and our decision last year to accept Year 1 Diploma students is already showing benefits. Longer placements have improved continuity, strengthened relationships, and enhanced the quality of experience for both trainees and clients.

Managing Demand and Project Delivery

Across our core projects — Fortis, VEPP, Fortis Align, and Community Counselling — we have continued to manage a consistent and steady flow of referrals. The demand for support remains high, particularly for children and young people, but through careful coordination and efficient use of our expanded counselling space, we have been able to reduce waiting times across all programmes. The team’s flexibility and collaborative approach have ensured that referrals are processed promptly, assessments are completed in a timely manner, and young people are able to access support sooner. This reflects both the strong reputation of our services and the effectiveness of our internal systems in meeting the needs of the community.

Adapting for Younger Children

We refined our approach to children aged 5–8, recognising that some were not developmentally ready for counselling. We now conduct three 30-minute assessment sessions to explore emotional readiness. This ensures counselling hours are used effectively, while still leaving the door open for younger children to return when ready.

Session Structure

We continued with the revised model of 8 initial sessions, with scope to extend to 12 where needed. This structure has proven suitable for most young people and allows us to support more clients without compromising quality.

Director and Clinical Manager Role

The amalgamation of the Director and Clinical Manager roles has been effective, providing streamlined decision-making and consistent clinical oversight. However, due to continued growth in projects and demand, we anticipate the need to recruit additional staff or increase current hours in the coming year.

Referral Pressures

We remain in close dialogue with organisations including:

East London NHS Foundation Trust
CAMHS
Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes ICB
Central Bedfordshire Council
Houghton Regis and Dunstable Town Councils

Referrals continue to arrive from CAMHS, Talking Therapies, schools, Children’s Services, and IDVAs. We are finding an increase of referrals that are not suitable for Sorted and that the same challenges are being experienced in supporting CYP across the board and the most suitable service.

Team Cohesion and Shared Workspace

Since moving to a shared office in January 2025, the positive impact on our team has been clear. Working together in the same space has strengthened communication, improved day-to-day collaboration, and created a more supportive working environment. Being able to share ideas in real time, check in with one another, and respond quickly to emerging needs has enhanced both the quality and consistency of our service. The shared workspace has also contributed to a stronger team culture, improving morale and helping staff feel more connected, valued, and aligned in our purpose.

Expansion of Counselling Space

This year we also created a new counselling room within our office, designed specifically with our younger clients in mind. The space includes additional play resources, creative materials, and a more child-friendly layout, helping younger children feel safe, comfortable, and engaged in their sessions. Having this dedicated room has allowed us to increase the number of young people we can see each week, reducing waiting times and improving access to early support. It has also opened up further opportunities for private hire, and we anticipate this will contribute to increased revenue as awareness of the space and its specialist resources grows.

Emma Spacek – Clinical Director

ndependent e a iner s state ent

Sorted Counselling Services	Sorted Counselling Services	Sorted Counselling Services
Annual accounts for theperiod
Period start date	01-Apr-24	To	Period end date	31-Mar-25

Statement of financial activities

Notes *Incoming resources* 2 Donations Grants Fees and other income Rental income and bank interest *Resources expended* 3 Charitable activities *Total* *Net income/(expenditure) before other items* Total	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds £ £	Endowment funds £	Total funds £	Prior year funds £
	£5,519			£5,519	£6,772
	£8,200	£64,061		£72,261	£54,468
	£5,890			£5,890	£5,230
	£7,480			£7,480	£8,095
	£27,089	£64,061	£0	£91,150	£74,565



	£129,975			£129,975	£119,285

	£129,975	£0	£0	£129,975	£119,285

	-£102,886	£64,061	£0	-£38,825	-£44,720
Adjustments to prior year balances & rounding				£1	£0
*Reconciliation of funds:* *Total cash and bank funds brought forward* *Total cash and bank funds carried forward* *Net income/(expenditure) after adjustment* Transfer from and closure of restricted fund *Gains or losses on disposal of assets* *Net movement in funds*
	-£102,886	£64,061	£0	-£38,824	-£44,720




	-£102,886	£64,061	£0	-£38,824	-£44,720

	£179,658			£179,658	£224,378
	£76,772	£64,061	£0	£140,833	£179,658

Balance sheet

Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £
			£0
			£0
			£0
			£0
£0	£0	£0	£0	£0

			£0
£377			£377
			£0
£140,833			£140,833	£179,658
£141,210	£0	£0	£141,210	£179,658

£850			£850	£800

£140,360	£0	£0	£140,360	£178,858

£140,360	£0	£0	£140,360	£178,858

			£0
	£0	£0	£0	£0

£140,360	£0	£0	£140,360	£178,858


	£40,000		£40,000 £17,368 £83,465 -£473	£40,000
	£17,368			£27,471
£83,465				£112,187
-£473				-£800
£82,992	£57,368	£0	£140,360	£178,858


Signature		Print Name		Date of approval
		Mr William Randell		20/01/202

1.1 Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in

and with* ✓ accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued October 2019
• and with* ✓ the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)
and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined ✓ by FRS 102.*

1.2 Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity becomes entitled to the income.

1.3 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis when the laibity falls due.

1.4 Cash flow statement

The charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS1 from preparing a Cash Flow statement on the grounds that it is a small entity.

1.5 Going concern

There are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)

Note 2 Analysis of income

Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £ Analysis	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £ Analysis	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £ Analysis	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £ Analysis	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £ Analysis	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £ Analysis
Donations Other donations Total Donations Total Grants VERU(Evolve) Big Lottery Houghton Regis town council Ward Councillor Grant Beds & Luton Council Fund Dunstable Town Council The Albert Hunt Trust Total Grants	5,519 *5,519* 1,100	15,136 43,325 1,500	-	-	- 6,772 6,772 - 38,048 2,000 - 5,600 - - 45,648
				5,519
				*5,519*



				15,136
				43,325
				1,100
				1,500
		5,600		5,600
		600		600
	5,000			5,000

	*6,100*	*66,161*		*72,261*
Total
Tokko				-	8,820
Schools & PP contracts	5,890			5,890 -	5,230 - -
Sundry income adjustment
				-
Total from Counselling Services	5,890	-	-	5,890	14,050
Total
Interest income	5,655			5,655	5,367
room rental to balance Total Other	1,825 7,480	-	-	1,825	2,728
				7,480	8,095
Total 24,989 66,161 - 91,150 74,565
	24,989	66,161	-	91,150	74,565

Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)

Note 3 Analysis of expenditure

Analysis	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £	Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year £ £
Staff costs	63,814	3,513	-	67,327	58,948
Sessional staff		28,716	-	28,716	27,028
Volunteer costs & training		6,678	-	6,678	8,543
	-	-	-	-	-
Total expenditure on charitable activities	63,814	38,906	-	102,720	94,519

Premises		17,525	-	17,525	17,483
Insurance		1,323	-	1,323	1,233
Office supplies and consumable equipment		2,164	-	2,164	1,465
Publicity		117	-	117	66
Database		4,388	-	4,388	1,438
Professional fees		249		249	2,006
Subscriptions	-	545	-	545	35
Bank charges		111		111	102
Governance(acc fees inyear)	-	834	-	834	938
Total expenditure on charitable activities	-	27,255	-	27,255	24,766

	63,814	66,161	-	129,975	119,285

Notes to the accounts

Note 3.2 Paid employees

Note 3.2 Paid employees
Income tax & social security costs Other employee benefits *Total staff costs* Pension costs (defined contribution scheme) Salaries and wages	*Current*	*Prior*
	£	£
	*56,854*	52,088
	*5,542*	3,138
	*4,013*	2,290
	*918*	1,432
	*67,327*	58,948

Fundraising Charitable Activities Governance (finance) Other (data admin) *Total* The parts of the charity in which the employees work *Note 3.3 Average head count in the year* *Full time Equivalents*	Fundraising Charitable Activities Governance (finance) Other (data admin) *Total* The parts of the charity in which the employees work *Note 3.3 Average head count in the year* *Full time Equivalents*	*Current*	*Current*
The parts of the charity in which the employees work *Full time Equivalents*		*Number*	*Number*
	Fundraising	*0.10*	0.24
	Charitable Activities	*1.24*	1.34
	Governance (finance)	*0.34*	0.29
	Other (data admin)	*0.57*	0.63
	*Total*	*2.25*	2.50

Note 3.4 Corporation tax

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within S505 of ICTA 1998 or section 256 of the taxation of chargeable gains act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects

Trustee with the highest re-imbursed expense claims All other Trustee re- imbursed expense claims *Total* *Note 3.5 Trustees expenses and remuneration*		*Current*



Trustee with the highest re-imbursed expense claims	*None claimed*	*None claimed*
All other Trustee re- imbursed expense claims	*None claimed*	*None claimed*
*Total*	£0	£0

No Trustee had any material interest in any transaction relating to the associations affairs, either directly or via a third party

Notes to the Accounts continued

Note 4 Debtors and prepayments

Amountsfallingdue within one ~~year~~	Amountsfallingdue within one ~~year~~	Amountsfallingdue after ~~more than one year~~	Amountsfallingdue after ~~more than one year~~
*Current* *Prior*		*Current* *Prior*
£377	£0
£377	£0	N/A	N/A

Note 5 Cash at bank and in hand

Short term deposits Cash at bank and on hand Total

*Current*	*Prior*
nil	nil
£140,833	£179,658
£140,833	£179,658

Amountsfallingdue within one year	Amountsfallingdue within one year	Amountsfallingdue after more than one year	Amountsfallingdue after more than one year
*Current* *Prior*		*Current* *Prior*

£850	£800

£850	£800	N/A	N/A

Note 7 Movement in Cash funds

1 April	Transfers In	Transfers Out	Adjustment	31 March
£112,187		-£28,722		£83,465
£40,000				£40,000
£27,471		-£10,103		£17,368
£179,658				£140,833
	£0	-£38,825	£0

Note 8 Rental commitments

The charities premises are rented under a 3 month rolling licence Notice period for the termination of the contract is 3 months.

Note 9 accounting adjustment

For control purposes the Statement of Financial Activities is drawn up on a cash basis which reconciles to the Cash at Bank figure in the Balance sheet The adjustment in the balance sheet of (£473) reflects debtors and creditors (£377 debtors, £850 creditor or net -£473)

As prepared by the client

- Restricted and Unrestricted Income and Spend 2024 25 as completed by the client

2022-23	Income Unrestricted	Income Restricted	Spent Unrestricted	Spent Restricted	C/F Unrestrict ed	C/F Restricted
School contracts	5890		-5890		0
Ward Counsellor grant		1500		-1500		0
Albert Hunt Foundation	5000		-5000		0
The Big Lottery		43325		-43325		0
BLCF		5600		-5600		0
VERU (Evolve)		15136		-15136		0
DTC		600		-600		0
HRTC	1100		-1100		0
Other Income	12999		-12999		0
Reserves			-38825
Totals	24989	66161	-63814	-66161	0	0
		91150		-129975

Restricted and Unrestricted Income and Spend 2023-24

2023-24	Income Unrestricted	Income Restricted	Spent Unrestricted	Spent Restricted	C/F Unrestrict ed	C/F Restricted
School contracts	5230		5015		215	0
CIN				23506	0	-23506
Tokko		8820		8820	0	0
BLMK					0	0
BigLottery		38048		38420	0	-372
BLCF		5600		5529	0	71
Deposit account			21841		-21841	0
HRTC	2000		2000		0	0
Other Income	14867		14155		712	0
Totals	22097	52468	43011	76275	-20914	-23807
		74565		119286		-44720