REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1145351
Report of the Trustees and
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
for ASPIE LIMITED
The Richards Sandy Partnership Thorneloe House 25 Barbourne Road Worcester Worcestershire WR1 1RU
ASPIE LIMITED
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1to 6 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 10 to 17 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 18 |
ASPIE LIMITED
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
Founded by an Asperger adult, ASPIE was registered as a company limited by guarantee in June 2011 and achieved charity status in January 2012. ASPIE operates as a social, support and therapy group providing vital services and is a lifeline to adults who live with the complexities of Asperger's.
The purpose of the charity is to assist adults with Asperger's (known as Aspies) in the City of Worcester and surrounding areas to lead lives less disabled by the condition by providing an environment in which they are given the opportunity to:
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Gain confidence and improve communication skills.
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Build a network of support in the skills required for independent living.
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Access suitable education and training courses and develop employment application skills.
The aims are to reduce isolation, self-harm, suicide, sectioning and hospitalisation to improve our growing membersh ip's quality of life and prospects by increasing their confidence and self-worth through varied activities, workshops and mentoring overseen by a small, dedicated team. In-house autism specific counselling, pre- and post-dia gnosis and for a range of other debilitating issues help avert depression and crisis.
Our centre in Worcester is a safe haven where Asperger adults can drop the mask they wear in the outside world and find acceptance, friendship and support to reduce isolation, depression and self-harm and increase their self-worth and confidence to achieve the social inclusion, education and employment opportunities they long for.
Our focus during 2022 continued to be preserving the lives of Asperger adults, not able to make sense of the world in normal times, hit so much harder hit by the pandemic's backlash on the economy / education / employment / lack of care Services, still suffering the after-effects of isolation and disruption caused by the lockdowns and further exacerbated by the cost of living crisis and chaos caused by the NHS, civil service, education and transport strikes.
Immediate Support
We do not have a referral system or waiting list because when someone is highly distressed, they need urgent attention. The support we give, whether it's at ASPIE in person or online is immediate. With the number of pleas for help from members and families increasing, we worked harder in helping them survive these harrowing times, giving support, hope and motivation for a better future.
Achievement of public benefit
Since 2011 ASPIE has provided vital services and is a lifeline to adults who live with the complexities of Asperger's. They learn or improve social and communication skills, enabling them to move more comfortably through everyday life. Regular attendance preserves life, increases acceptance of their condition, and improves confidence and motivation towards remaining in or returning to education, training, employment and achieving individual and collective goals. The benefit to the individuals themselves, their families and society, from increased numbers in employment and reduced NHS costs because of the services we provided is immeasurable.
The trustees confirm that the charity has complied with the duty in section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to guidance on public benefit when reviewing its aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
What is Asperger’s
Asperger's, part of the autistic spectrum is a high anxiety, lifelong condition. It is a neurological difference. People with Asperger's process information differently, think differently and learn differently frequently leading to being misunderstood, isolated and disadvantaged, missing out in education and employment opportunities because they are different. Additional difficulties are the co-occurring conditions, such as depression, dyspraxia, dyslexia, OCD etc., and the sensory issues which impede their daily functioning and quality of life.
'Aspie' is an affectionate name for a person with Asperger's.
Because Aspies are different (unable to communicate easily, sometimes seeming awkward, difficult and clumsy) they often encounter numerous problems and are usually bullied throughout childhood, teens and beyond. Many have never been able to 'fit in' ,- not always realising why they are different. The result is they become withdrawn and isolated - unable to cope with everyday living even though they are intelligent and long for acceptance, employment and independent living.
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ASPIE LIMITED
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The Autism Act 2009
The Autism Act 2009 was the first ever disability-specific law recognising the needs of adults on the autistic spectrum and their families. The implementation of the act however by local authorities and health bodies in providing adequate and appropriate services is still slow, with little understanding of the complexities of Asperger's, the co-occurring conditions that accompany it and the sensory issues which make life extremely difficult for those with the condition.
There is a disappointing lack of understanding of the effort and immense courage it takes adults with Asperger's to cope in what is, to them, an alien world, but who can, with appropriate support, make a valuable contribution to society.
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen Director of Cambridge University's Autism Research Centre "Adults with Asperger Syndrome often suffer secondary depression due to social isolation, loneliness, social exclusion, lack of community services, under-achievement and unemployment. Their depression and risk of suicide are preventable with the appropriate support. This study should be a wakeup call for the urgent need for high quality services to prevent the tragic waste of even a single life'.
www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/adults-with-asperger-syndrome-at-greater-risk-of-suicidal-thoughts
In normal times research shows:
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One person in 45 thought to be on the autistic spectrum.
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79% of people on the autistic spectrum feel socially isolated.
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Many people with autism will not reach their 40th birthday.
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People with autism without a learning disability are 9 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public.
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Autistic women are 13 times more likely to die by suicide.
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Only 16% of people on the autistic spectrum are in full-time paid employment.
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Graduates with a social/ASD condition are less likely to be in permanent employment.
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At all levels, graduates with a social/ASD condition are most likely to be carrying out voluntary work.
There are currently around 130,000 people awaiting an assessment! https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/autism-diagnosis-wait-delays-nhs-patients-b2318470.html
Diagnosis is vital to those in crisis. It enables adults with the condition to understand why they are as they are and is a passport to better health, social inclusion, improved employment prospects and supported living. To some the diagnosis is a relief, others can take longer to come to terms with it and some resent the diagnosis.
The NHS provider of adult autism diagnosis for Worcestershire and Herefordshire is now concentrating on the 14 month backlog and no longer provide support to adults to help them understand their diagnosis. The newly commissioned support service refers people to us for our autism specific counselling.
Long waiting lists can significantly impact on both the individual and their family's ability to function normally, and the incident of mental health and relationship issues developing is high. For the individual, these issues can manifest themselves in several ways, for example, poor sleeping patterns, interrupted learning, disordered eating, social isolation, depression, and suicidal ideation.
ASPIE's in-house psychological service and counselling and other services provide support and understanding to enable members and their families to cope.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Membership
Facing an increased demand for our services from members and from individuals and families directed to us by the diagnostic service, the NHS, Mental Health Teams, Crisis teams, Healthy Minds, GPs, social workers etc., we continued our two strands of operation - opening face-to-face twice weekly with an average of 60 members (not all the same ones) aged 18 to 77 from all over Worcestershire and the West Midlands attending.
Our second strand, Online ASPIE had 130 members in touch daily. Counselling and mentoring support continued online for those too vulnerable to leave their homes, not able to access other services because many are still not up and running, or unable to get to ASPIE for face-to-face consultations because of work or study commitments.
How have we supported our members this year?
We opened every Wednesday 1-9 and Saturday afternoons 1-5 for socialising, playing board games, card games, poker. etc., and eating together, all designed to encourage engagement and improve social and interacting skills. It is the reassurance that we will be here, same time, same place, same people and the laidback environment which banishes debilitating anxiety so allowing members to breathe, socialize and do things together with like-minded others.
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ASPIE LIMITED
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
We improved social and communication skills of Asperger adults by increasing their understanding of the neurotypical world, what comes naturally to neurotypicals and not aspies, what it's OK to say and do, realising the consequences of their actions, learning to allocate priorities and managing time, personal care and because of their vulnerability, avoiding exploitation etc., - all designed to help them cope better with relationships and everyday living.
We provided trauma intervention work via the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy following the Tony Attwood model, Emotional Freedom Techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for members, parents', spouses, partners with a focus on anxiety reduction and developing coping mechanisms as preventative measures against depression and worse and family breakdown.
We expanded Members' horizons by networking with Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council, The Family Psychologist, provider of the adult Asperger diagnostic service, Worcester Community Trust, The Princes Trust, UK Cyber Security Forum, Autism West Midlands, and enlightened local employers who collectively provide courses on volunteering, training, back-to-work skills and employment; Worcestershire Football Association and Disability Sport Worcester; Sanctuary and Advance Housing for independent living skills.
We met the increased demand from members and non-members for therapy and guidance through the confusion and psychological damage caused by lockdown's cocktail of enforced isolation, delays in diagnosis, job losses, loss of homes, benefits holdups, medication mix-ups, family breakdowns, bereavements and other traumas. There's no quick fix, each individual needs ongoing counselling and mentoring tailored to their neurological difference plus step-by-step practical support to overcome each of these challenges.
We alleviated anxiety for many adults on Worcestershire's Adult Autism/Asperger waiting list - diagnosis is vital to those in crisis. It enables adults with the condition to understand why they are as they are and is a passport to better health, social inclusion, improved employment prospect and supported living. To some the diagnosis is a relief, others can take longer to come to terms with it and some resent the diagnosis.
We supported an increasing number of adults who are being diagnosed in their forties, fifties and sixties only just discovering why they are as they are, coming to terms and making sense of what's gone before but so often dealing with the heartache of marriage/partnership breakups, loss of job, the family home and having to start again with little money coming in.
We acted as advocates for our members as a 'go between' or interpreter, providing one-to-one autism specific mentoring in accessing a diagnosis, training and employment opportunities, ironing out employment difficulties, benefits, debt, family breakdowns, sorting out housing, homelessness, tenancy conditions and other problems etc, so preventing and averting crisis. This is a critical service to ensure members are able to maintain their independence.
Our football team ASPIE AVENGERS promoted healthy lifestyle and inclusion, giving Asperger adults the opportunity to play with others who understand them. There are now 24 players in the team. They have won many accolades and repeated their 2018 success in winning the Three Counties Ability Counts League and the Sandwell Inclusion League again this year. We also offered Judo sessions with Worcester Judo Club to improve co-ordination at the same time learning self-defence techniques.
We are still feeling the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns where some members lost their jobs, had to give up their flats and return to live with parents or relatives, far from ideal for them losing their hard-won independence. Many Asperger college and university students already at breaking point struggling to cope with higher education following the disruption to their education from lockdowns, were then disrupted again, this time by staff strikes. We recognised this struggle and:
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Supported Asperger adults experiencing meltdowns, psychotic episodes, eating disorders and suicide attempts.
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Supported members after hospitalisation.
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Supported other adults, employed but off sick, suffering from burnout because of unfair practices by employers.
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Provide emotional support and practical solutions at any time at the end of a phone to Asperger adults and distressed parents/family members/carers, giving them much needed relief, which enables them to carry on coping.
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ASPIE LIMITED
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Our Results
The results of ASPIE's existence are heart-warming and adults who throughout life have never been able to 'fit in' continue, even in these difficult times to:
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Report acceptance of themselves and their condition, reduced meltdowns, reduced depression, anxiety and self-harm.
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Have a sense of belonging, something they have never experienced before.
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Take part in ASPIE's varied activities, form friendships and meet up together inside and outside the group.
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Have improved confidence and self-esteem resulting in increased motivation into volunteering, apprenticeships and employment, independent living and enjoying cultural pursuits in the community the rest of us take for granted.
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Learn strategies to overcome resorting to drugs and alcohol and/or becoming victims of crime.
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A member initiated a Halloween party, pizza buffet plus bats, spiders and spiders web decorations, fancy dress and raffle all of which helped to increase his organizational skills.
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The festive period can be very difficult for aspies with the hype, pressure to attend family gatherings with loud and excitable relatives, food they don't fancy and a dislike of hugging by grannies and aunts, so our Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve parties were well attended and great successes - again with buffets, quizzes, pool tournaments etc.
In addition to the above:
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Approximately 30 members were helped to remain in employment.
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Two members had their employment made permanent.
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One has become a Master of Science.
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Another, after completing cyber security training for the neurodiverse has been taken on.
Raising Awareness
It is important to us to raise awareness and understanding of Asperger's and the profile of ASPIE to enable us to reach out to the many more adults and parents in need of support:
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Julia Micklewright attended the Autism Partnership Group meetings at Worcestershire County Council to give Asperger specific input into implementation of statutory guidance under The Autism Act 2009.
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Julia Micklewright delivered training sessions in An Insight into Asperger's to local and further afield organisations.
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The Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Stephen Hodgson chose ASPIE as one of his charities of the year for 2021-2022.
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We had an OPEN DAY at Vesta Tilley House on Saturday 28th May 2022 to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. We invited the Mayor and Mayoress of Worcester (who chose us as one of their Mayoral charities). They attended and so did the High Sheriff, Andrew Manning-Cox. Later in the year we received his award for our work in the Community.
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We celebrated our 11th birthday with a party, quizzes and games. Our MP, Robin Walker, sent us a Happy Birthday message circulated on social media.
Summary
ASPIE, independent and maintained without statutory funding, has become a community. Our success is because we are different in that we were founded by the late Sarah Micklewright, diagnosed as an adult with Asperger's who recognized, along with the complexities of the condition, the need to promote the intelligence, focus and decency along with the longing for acceptance, inclusion and employment of adults on the autistic spectrum, the necessity of a permanent base because of their need for constancy and routine and in-house psychological support to repair their shattered lives. Despite her own vulnerability Sarah was fiercely protective of members and encouraged them to aspire to whatever it is they want to achieve in life and not be inhibited by those who do not understand. The sense of belonging this engenders, which many of them have never experienced before, enables them, at their own pace, to get their lives back on track. As an organisation ASPIE 'is virtually if not entirely unique as may be observed from the heartfelt enquiries and pleas for assistance received not only from individuals and families in the Midlands but throughout the UK'.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Unrestricted incoming resources for the year decreased to £41,338 from £45,084. Unrestricted resources expended also decreased, to £31,655 from £32,135. The net unrestricted incoming resources for the year after transfers between funds amounted to £14,248 (2021 - £12,949). The total unrestricted funds carried forward at the year end amounted to £132,321, compared to £118,073 in 2021.
Restricted incoming resources for the year decreased to £18,617 from £77,815, and resources expended increased to £42,057 from £40,850. Net restricted outgoing resources for the year after transfers between funds amounted to £28,006 (2021 - net incoming resources of £36,965). The total restricted fund balances decreased to £16,627 from £44,633.
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ASPIE LIMITED
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the trustees to maintain unrestricted free reserves excluding fixed assets at a level sufficient to ensure the operation of the service for a minimum of 4 months.
Unrestricted free reserves (unrestricted funds less tangible fixed assets) at 31 December 2022 amounted to £127,062 (2021 - £116,219).
The trustees were cautious with regards to spending reserves during the Covid-19 pandemic, hence the increased level of reserves from previous years. However, the trustees have reviewed the policy in the year and:
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recognise the importance of the counselling service in particular to members, the trustees also aim to hold sufficient reserves to be able to offer counselling services to members for a period of 12 months. This in the unfortunate event of closure, would allow members to still have some access to support whilst transitioning to a life without ASPIE. Therefore, a new designated fund has been created to recognise this cost of approximately £27,500 a year.
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recognise that a large level of administration and fundraising applications are completed on a voluntary basis by trustees and other helpers, the need for a fixed member of staff to take on this role in the future has been highlighted. This may open up further opportunities for ASPIE's members, such as increased fundraising opportunities allowing more activities to take place and full-time staffing may allow increased opening hours of ASPIE.
With this in mind, free reserves of the charity, excluding funds for a designated purpose, are considered to be £69,562. With budgeted costs for the year ended 31 December 2023 totalling £86,747, the reserves noted only cover 9 months expenditure. Whilst the trustees are grateful for support to date and recognise that their policy is met, highlight that income is lower than it has been for a significant number of years, and the need for increased funding to allow ASPIE to continue its invaluable service for years to come exists.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Future Development
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1 Expanding and extending our activities and services, to alongside our counselling, repair the ongoing devastating effects of the lockdowns and the chaos of rising costs in fuel, food and other living costs, reduced medical services and transport strikes.
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2 Expansion of our autism specific counselling and mentoring services to meet the needs of families and individuals directed to us by the NHS, Mental Health Teams, Healthy Minds, The Crisis Team, social prescribers, the NHS and social and support workers.
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3 Rolling out our unique Autism Awareness Training programme.
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4 ASPIE members, following training with cyber security expert Dr Emma Philpott and being employed by her company UK Cyber Security Forum CIC having their working hours increased.
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5 Our football team ASPIE AVENGERS continuing to train and take part in the 3 Counties Ability Counts League and The Sandwell Inclusion League matches.
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6 We shall continue to seek new ideas and skills particularly in fundraising and events to promote ASPIE and raise awareness and understanding of Asperger's in line with our ethos.
Fundraising Goals
It is of course the aim of the trustees to secure the future for ASPIE to enable it to continue providing its invaluable service for many years to come. At present trustees are exploring funding options to create a full-time position to assist with the day-to-day management of the charity and allow ASPIE to continue to develop and provide the best support for its members. A designated fund has been created to recognise available funding for this for year one, but further funding to allow this to be a longer-term position is needed to create security for the charity.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, its memorandum and articles of association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Organisational structure
The charity is managed by its board of trustees, who are individuals with a direct interest in the provision of services for adults with Asperger's Syndrome, or who have the skills to assist them. They meet every three months.
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ASPIE LIMITED
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Risk management
The trustees regularly undertake risk assessments and have identified the major risk areas for the charity within finances, staffing, premises, health and safety, legal issues, publicity, systems and standards. Procedures have been established to manage these risks and these are periodically reviewed to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the charity.
The charity carried public liability insurance.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number 07666773 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number 1145351
Registered office
Vesta Tilley House Lowesmoor Worcestershire WR1 2RS
Trustees
Mrs J E Micklewright BEM Miss E Green Mr R Allsup Mrs E J Hawkes (resigned 20.8.22) Mr K R Norton (appointed 9.11.22)
Company Secretary Miss E Green
Independent Examiner
The Richards Sandy Partnership Thorneloe House 25 Barbourne Road Worcester Worcestershire WR1 1RU
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................ and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ Mrs J E Micklewright BEM - Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of ASPIE LIMITED
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of ASPIE LIMITED ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st December 2022.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('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 your 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts 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.
Rob Richards FCA CTA FCCA
The Richards Sandy Partnership Thorneloe House 25 Barbourne Road Worcester Worcestershire WR1 1RU
Date: .............................................
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ASPIE LIMITED
Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 24,141 | 10,793 | 34,934 | 103,926 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | ||||
| Charitable Activities | |||||
| 14,082 | 7,824 | 21,906 | 14,603 | ||
| Other trading activities | 3 | 2,690 | - | 2,690 | 3,877 |
| Investment income | 4 | 425 | - | 425 | 493 |
| Total | 41,338 | 18,617 | 59,955 | 122,899 | |
| EXPENDITURE ON | |||||
| Raising funds | 623 | - | 623 | 4,668 | |
| Charitable activities | 6 | ||||
| Charitable Activities | |||||
| 31,033 | 42,057 | 73,090 | 68,317 | ||
| Total | 31,656 | 42,057 | 73,713 | 72,985 | |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | 9,682 | (23,440 ) | (13,758 ) | 49,914 | |
| Transfers between funds | 16 | 4,566 | (4,566) | - | - |
| Net movement in funds | 14,248 | (28,006 ) | (13,758 ) | 49,914 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 118,073 | 44,633 | 162,706 | 112,792 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 132,321 | 16,627 | 148,948 | 162,706 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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ASPIE LIMITED
Balance Sheet 31st December 2022
| Unrestricted FIXED ASSETS Notes funds £ Tangible assets 11 5,259 Investments 12 42,377 47,636 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 13 1,142 Cash at bank 87,550 88,692 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 14 (4,007) NET CURRENT ASSETS 84,685 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 132,321 NET ASSETS 132,321 FUNDS Unrestricted funds 16 Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted funds £ 445 - 445 - 16,462 16,462 (280) 16,182 16,627 16,627 |
2022 Total funds £ 5,704 42,377 48,081 1,142 104,012 105,154 (4,287) 100,867 148,948 148,948 132,321 16,627 148,948 |
2021 Total funds £ 2,534 41,937 44,471 9,417 114,422 123,839 (5,604) 118,235 162,706 162,706 118,073 44,633 162,706 |
|---|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2022.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2022 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on . .......................................... and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Mrs J E Micklewright BEM - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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ASPIE LIMITED
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
INCOME
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Rental income is recognised in line with the periods to which such income relates, up to the extent that is probable that such income is recoverable. Where recoverability of rental income is in doubt, such income is instead recognised on a cash basis.
The Charities SORP states that where the conditions attached to a grant are within the charity's control and there is sufficient evidence those conditions may be met, then the incoming resources should be recognised as incoming resource. Where uncertainty exists as to whether the charity can meet conditions within its control, the grant should be deferred as a liability until certainty exists that the conditions imposed can be met.
EXPENDITURE
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
RAISING FUNDS
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Charitable activities costs include all the costs of running the charity on a day to day basis including premises costs.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings - 10% on cost Computer equipment - 33% on cost
Assets costing less than £100 are not capitalised.
TAXATION
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
FUND ACCOUNTING
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11' Basic Financial Instruments' and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues' of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
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ASPIE LIMITED
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments are recognised when the charity becomes party to contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets are offset, with the net amounts presented in the accounts where there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic Financial Assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.
Basic Financial Liabilities
Basic Financial liabilities, including trade and other payables, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of future receipts, discounted at a market rate of interest. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of the operations from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction cost.
UNLISTED INVESTMENTS
Unlisted investments are recorded at cost less provisions for impairment.
OPERATING LEASES
Operating lease expenditure is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
3.
4.
| Grants and donations Gift aid OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Fundraising events Rent Sale of goods INVESTMENT INCOME Interest on investment |
2022 £ 34,573 361 34,934 2022 £ 130 2,271 289 2,690 2022 £ 425 |
2021 £ 103,550 376 |
|---|---|---|
| 103,926 | ||
| 2021 £ 78 3,575 224 3,877 2021 £ 493 |
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ASPIE LIMITED
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| 2022 Charitable Activities £ Membership fees 9,902 ASPIE AVENGERS football team 7,824 Counselling fees 4,180 21,906 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Charitable Activities NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): 2022 £ Depreciation - owned assets 1,960 Independent examiner's fees 2,382 Other accountancy fees not in relation to independent examination 49 |
2021 Total activities £ 7,292 2,911 4,400 14,603 Direct Costs £ 73,090 2021 £ 870 2,628 49 |
|---|---|
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
6.
7. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
No trustee has received any remuneration in connection with the duties of a trustee, however one trustee has received remuneration for provision of counselling services as disclosed in note 17.
TRUSTEES' EXPENSES
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st December 2022 nor for the year ended 31st December 2021.
9. STAFF COSTS
The charity had no employees in the year (2020 - Nil) and as a result there were no staff costs.
10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted funds £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 29,022 Charitable activities Charitable Activities 11,692 Other trading activities 3,877 Investment income 493 Total 45,084 |
Restricted funds £ 74,904 2,911 - - 77,815 |
Total funds £ 103,926 14,603 3,877 493 122,899 |
|---|---|---|
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ASPIE LIMITED
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
| 10. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |||
| funds | funds | funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| EXPENDITURE ON | |||||
| Raising funds | 4,668 | - | 4,668 | ||
| Charitable activities | |||||
| Charitable Activities | |||||
| 27,467 | 40,850 | 68,317 | |||
| Total | 32,135 | 40,850 | 72,985 | ||
| NET INCOME | 12,949 | 36,965 | 49,914 | ||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 105,124 | 7,668 | 112,792 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 118,073 | 44,633 | 162,706 | ||
| 11. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| Fixtures | |||||
| and | Computer | ||||
| fittings | equipment | Totals | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| COST | |||||
| At 1st January 2022 | 7,316 | 3,407 | 10,723 | ||
| Additions | 1,896 | 3,234 | 5,130 | ||
| At 31st December 2022 | 9,212 | 6,641 | 15,853 | ||
| DEPRECIATION | |||||
| At 1st January 2022 | 4,782 | 3,407 | 8,189 | ||
| Charge for year | 883 | 1,077 | 1,960 | ||
| At 31st December 2022 | 5,665 | 4,484 | 10,149 | ||
| NET BOOK VALUE | |||||
| At 31st December 2022 | 3,547 | 2,157 | 5,704 | ||
| At 31st December 2021 | 2,534 | - | 2,534 | ||
| 12. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS | ||||
| Unlisted | |||||
| investment | |||||
| bonds | |||||
| £ | |||||
| COST LESS IMPAIRMENT | |||||
| At 1st January 2022 | 41,937 | ||||
| Additions | 440 | ||||
| At 31st December 2022 | 42,377 | ||||
| NET BOOK VALUE | |||||
| At 31st December 2022 | 42,377 | ||||
| At 31st December 2021 | 41,937 |
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ASPIE LIMITED
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade debtors Prepayments Accrued income 14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Deposits held Accrued expenses |
2022 £ 340 627 175 1,142 2022 £ 1,625 2,662 4,287 |
2021 £ - 637 8,780 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,417 | ||
| 2021 £ 1,625 3,979 |
||
| 5,604 |
15. LEASING AGREEMENTS
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
| Within one year MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund Counselling Fund Future Plans Fund Restricted funds Computer & Equipment ASPIE AVENGERS Refurbishment Fund Worcester City Council Counselling Fund CCTV Equipment Fund Community Event Fund Sports Equipment Fund Community Support Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
2022 2021 £ £ 15,834 15,833 Net movement Transfers between At At 1.1.22 in funds funds 31.12.22 £ £ £ £ 118,073 9,682 (52,934 ) 74,821 - - 27,500 27,500 - - 30,000 30,000 118,073 9,682 4,566 132,321 672 328 (499) 501 8,004 (390) - 7,614 880 (380) - 500 455 (65) - 390 30,122 (24,382 ) - 5,740 2,500 - (2,500) - 2,000 (1,955) - 45 - 2,820 (1,567) 1,253 - 584 - 584 44,633 (23,440 ) (4,566) 16,627 162,706 (13,758 ) - 148,948 |
2021 £ 15,833 |
|---|---|---|
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
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ASPIE LIMITED
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Computer & Equipment ASPIE AVENGERS Refurbishment Fund Worcester City Council Counselling Fund Community Event Fund Sports Equipment Fund Community Support Fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Computer & Equipment ASPIE AVENGERS Refurbishment Fund Worcester City Council Counselling Fund CCTV Equipment Fund Community Event Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 41,338 499 7,824 500 - 5,974 - 2,820 1,000 18,617 59,955 At 1.1.21 £ 105,124 1,054 2,194 880 520 3,020 - - 7,668 112,792 |
Resources expended £ Movement in funds £ (31,656 ) 9,682 (171) 328 (8,214) (390) (880) (380) (65) (65) (30,356 ) (24,382 ) (1,955) (1,955) - 2,820 (416) 584 (42,057 ) (23,440 ) (73,713 ) (13,758 ) Net movement At in funds £ 31.12.21 £ 12,949 118,073 (382) 672 5,810 8,004 - 880 (65) 455 27,102 30,122 2,500 2,500 2,000 2,000 36,965 44,633 49,914 162,706 |
|---|---|---|
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ASPIE LIMITED
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Computer & Equipment ASPIE AVENGERS Worcester City Council Counselling Fund CCTV Equipment Fund Community Event Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 45,084 1 15,932 - 57,382 2,500 2,000 77,815 122,899 |
Resources expended £ Movement in funds £ (32,135) 12,949 (383) (382) (10,122) 5,810 (65) (65) (30,280) 27,102 - 2,500 - 2,000 (40,850) 36,965 (72,985) 49,914 |
|---|---|---|
Designated Funds
The Counselling Fund was created in the year to recognise the need for counselling services to be available for ASPIE members for a minimum period of 12 months in the unfortunate situation that ASPIE should ever close.
The Future Plans Fund was formed in the year to provide for an estimated one-year salary cost of a full-time administrator/ fundraiser for the charity. It is the aim of the trustees to secure the longevity of ASPIE by creating an employed role to deal with some of the day-to-day management of ASPIE.
Restricted Funds
The Computer and Equipment fund represents grants and donations specifically made for the purchase of computers equipment.
The ASPIE AVENGERS' fund represents grants & sponsorship received to help fund the cost of attending matches and the hiring of training facilities.
The Refurbishment Fund represents a grant received towards internal redecoration and the replacement of older computer equipment.
The Worcester City Council Fund represents a grant received for new seating in the reception area.
The Counselling Fund represents grants received for the provision of counselling and increased support required following the impacts of the COVID pandemic, and grants received to operate a premises for the provision of these services.
The Community Event Fund represents a grant received from Worcester Lottery to provide a community event.
The CCTV Fund represents a grant received from the Rowlands Trust to purchase capital equipment.
The Sports Equipment Fund represents grants received for purchase of recreational sports equipment.
The Community Support Fund represents a grant received from the National Grid to continue provision of services over the festive period.
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
During the year the charity purchased a pool table funded from the Sports Equipment Fund. On purchase, the value of the equipment was transferred from restricted funds to unrestricted funds, being £1,567.
During the year the charity purchased CCTV equipment funded from the CCTV Fund. On purchase, the value of the equipment was transferred from restricted funds to unrestricted funds, being £2,500.
During the year the charity purchased Printer/Scanning equipment funded from the Computer and Equipment Fund. On purchase, the value of the equipment was transferred from restricted funds to unrestricted funds, being £499.
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ASPIE LIMITED
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS - continued
The total transfers from restricted funds to unrestricted funds being £4,566.
During the year two new designated funds were formed as noted in the funds note above, to create these funds (Counselling Fund and Future Plans Fund) £57,500 was transferred from unrestricted to designated funds.
17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Mrs E J Hawkes, who was a trustee of the charity for the period until 31 August 2022, received £10,744 (2021: £12,723) during the 8 months to the end of August 2022, in respect of services provided as a counsellor.
During the year, income received from trustees totalled £1,245 (2021: £1,019). This included donations of £600 (2021: £720), Membership Fees of £520 (2021: £299) and Rent of £125 (2021: £0).
Page 17
ASPIE LIMITED
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December 2022
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Grants and donations | 34,573 | 103,550 |
| Gift aid | 361 | 376 |
| 34,934 | 103,926 | |
| Other trading activities | ||
| Fundraising events | 130 | 78 |
| Rent | 2,271 | 3,575 |
| Sale of goods | 289 | 224 |
| 2,690 | 3,877 | |
| Investment income | ||
| Interest on investment | 425 | 493 |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Membership fees | 9,902 | 7,292 |
| ASPIE AVENGERS football team | 7,824 | 2,911 |
| Counselling fees | 4,180 | 4,400 |
| 21,906 | 14,603 | |
| Total incoming resources | 59,955 | 122,899 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
| Grant application consultant | 623 | 4,668 |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Rent, rates & water | 20,870 | 20,995 |
| Insurance | 491 | 222 |
| Heat and light | 6,860 | 4,059 |
| Telephone | - | 50 |
| Publicity costs | 724 | 109 |
| Sundries | 132 | 94 |
| Professional fees | 22,645 | 21,933 |
| Computer and internet costs | 1,273 | 1,144 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 3,339 | 3,278 |
| Depreciation | 1,961 | 870 |
| TV licence | 159 | 159 |
| ASPIE Avengers football team | 8,214 | 10,122 |
| Independent examiner's fee | 2,431 | 2,677 |
| Office expenses | 2,896 | 2,605 |
| Event costs | 1,095 | - |
| 73,090 | 68,317 | |
| Total resources expended | 73,713 | 72,985 |
| Net (expenditure)/income | (13,758 ) | 49,914 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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