fflJBAAS BOLTON ADULT AUTISM SUPPORT Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Statements forthe Year Ended 31st October 2024 Registered Charity No: 1162560
Bolton Adult Autism Support Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
WHO WE ARE Bolton Adult Autism Support (BAAS) is an award winning grassroots charity based in Bolton supporting Autistic Adults and their Carers Our Vision A society that accepts. involves and understands autistic people. fj r Where all autistic adults and their carers feel they belong. Our Values go ACROSS the Autistic Spectrum:_ Acceptance Connection Respect Openness Sensitivity Support
HIGHLIGHTS This year has been one of huge progress for BAAS. The uplift in funding re1Ved from the National Lottery Re3ching Communitie5 Fund in August 2023 was the beginning of our expansion. giving us confidence as a very small charity with one part-time employee to branch out apply for further funding. employ more staff. pr(Kure 13r8er office space and increase our existing service delrvery projects. From 1st June to st October we have wekomed arbd supported 273 visitors ¢0 our new office premises!! As a small Charity. all BAAS staff are employed on part- time contracts. h¢)wever. we have been thrilled to extend our staff team over the last reporting year! Our Service Manager increased her working hours to four days per Wee Although not all BAAS projects are directly funded by National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund. our Service Manager oversees all service delivery arKJ it is thanks to the uplift in fijnding that we have been able to not only increase hei woiking hour5 for the benefit of BAAS as a whole. but also to employ a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to manage Volunteei recruitment as well as coordinate our extremely valued Befriending Service. Additionally we have employed an OLrtreach Coordinator to facilitate our weekly group Social and Life Skills Events. We have also employed a Welfare Benefrts Adviser to a5Si5t with welfare benefits advocacy" a Training Facilitator to deliver our training programme to Volunteer5 arbd external organisations" and a Junior Adrninistrator to support the Operational Teatn_
HIGHLIGHTS With the recruitment of new staff. since 1st Novernber 2023 we have started logging all of our service beneficiary cont3cts. giving us a much more accurate picture of the charitys work In August 2024 we impfemented Charrty Log in order to enhance our recording systems. streamline reporting cut down on admin time and free our staff to focus more on direct service delivery. There has been a 116% increase in attendance at group events compared to the whole of 2022123. There has been a 3SO% increase from 6 cases to 27 in the number of welfare benefrts Issues we have supported. and we have achieved a 100% success rate for all those we have supported to access disability benefits. from first application through to First Tier Tribunal Appeals! We have diversified the range of voluntary roles on offer at BAAS. to reflect the additional projects and staff available to 5UPPOrt our wonderful volunteer5. and have recorded our highest ever number of volunteer roles facilitated in Or reporting year! Our Volunteer Recruitment has been larger than ever before with 26 volunteers joining the charity this year to as515t us in our work. BAAS rbDW SUPPOrts 156 Autistic Adults arnj 62 Carers through one. or more than one: of our Service Delivery Projects!
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE Work 34 TralnlnE 5k115 Ses3Kts as I'm IB)ming rbew ski115 get to try wtrbat rnade. It makes fvAarch 2023 and fmd tht& a re* rewaftjing exFrIence. My my5ell aiMI a50 that they are also learning wing ial ytuatior4 2 hr5 a week does more than £196335 In M BofrKYbdlne Volun Wixk It made 5uth a <JiffererKe to hlée In share interests my PIP 3pwI. but tr 3150 me fEf4 unaErstCTrrA. I Idn'tre31ty ha that inrny lrfe Tonry. May 2024
BEFRIENDING SERVICE r Aut15m s[ffiC Adult Focused Befn@ndlng ser¥fCQ ((JlltlrhuE%S to be an extremely v31Ltsb reg)urce in PA)Iton rIng th@ rh@ed& of Autis Adults who 3 mor@ b@spce levgl of Supp)rL Together with the direct benefKiaries of the Befnend lTrg servlce. this 5erYKe a150 ben@fits (arer5 wFh)se Icyed one5 are thrtving as well as Our f3ntasuc volunteers who achieve great Job sausfactk)n from thdr volu ntary wcrL The powla rlty of the BefrlendlTrg Servlce ha& however. resu Ited In tre bplng an extended wattlng Ilst for Servlce Beneflclarles seeklThg th 5uppofL as the démand has Outstrippèd the rate of voknntoor reCruItTht Irb octobor 2023 wo wnployed a Befrnndng serve ccM)rdlnator. to pin tho 8AAS teaThL Aftor compleung thoir Probatnary poriod hover. Our Befrierkdlng servke crdi1tor dQClded that the Job wasn.t tho right orbe for thorrL AlthcMJgh we were rea Ily sorry to knse them. we.re 3 bsolutgty ddighted that thoy havQ [Orr1r1 Inw)IvQd Wlth &AAS, a n¢J are now serving cm Cr Board as one of Our wonderful TfuStoo&l Recfultrnerbt started again. and at exactly ha lfviay through rop)mng year. In Apnl 2024 we employed a dedicated volunteef CrdInat to Supwrt both volunteers a servKe Beneficiaries. Our volunteer coordiriator has been a fa ntasuc adtn and folk)wing their efforts we ave recorded Our rSK)St SuccessfLd year of voluntew Reciuttment to datv. TFbe charnge In personrbel has mean( FvIewer. that maJorlty r)f (r volunteet recrultment ha5 come In the latter part of thls reporung year. 2nd has beon 50rrbQthlTrg wo have boon f(Kussod on lIdIng r2&FallY for Our Bofnondlng serYlCQ. wo have contlnuod to bo hoJrtEnèd by witno551ng tho ImpJtt tho bonoficial su Prt of volufbtoors has had on 311 sorvlCQ BonoflC13nos. esp(laIlY who tako part I tho B@friondlng sorvlCQ and $4xial & Lffe Sk1115 Act15 program. eeee
BEFRIENDING SERVICE- IMPAcr BAAS havQ SuPPOrtod 14 Bofrior%dTng Rolauonshps wthfn la r@porunB yoar. with Or of Our wondorful volu ntrS roachlng 100 hours of dlrect Befrlendlng Voluntsry work! The impact of the Wr1e[Ing ser¥e contlnues to a rèally beft(la1 ono for th0 @ngagod In B0ftndIng Match0& Aftor complouon of wollboing Assossrrbonts wo hav@ found tho following- BWbQfiCi ov1 lifè satisfrJction lo¥É& at &t¥t of a BefriLTrling RatnSh were aYage of 2V In we m2tchod Qjr yoteer Darron with one of Our serv9 neflcianes Mlkey. Darron. Mlkey and Mlkeys rnU Dawn. h3ve the folhjwlng to say a bout the tlme they have been enjcrylng as part of a Befnending Relauonship. I li ke going with my Befriender each and finding new places to go withthem. I wouldn otfrberwise do that if I v¥ just on my own. What a great job Darren is doing WTth Mikey. They seem to be cettinzaloncand M ikey is ieally enjoying IL SO thankyou very much for orcanisin£. l enjoy being a Befripnder because I didn* get SUPPDrt myself in the pasl so I know hoyi i mportant it i& l enjoy seeing my Befriendee becomins mDre confidenL We eniDy emperiencint newthints, Like tabletop gatning. snooker L crazy golf_
COMMUNITY PRESENCE rgh incre3 our fcothc4d in Bcl. helping BAA5 to becCe an en rnCe r&rogni5&J prov1thr of 3Uti5tic ult carer SUP[rt ith rTre 5tsff we haye been able to att a whtier number of commun Benefici3rieL Our office in a prorninent tovffl centre knati(n ha5 canented our pre5erKe in Bt. maki n8 Lt5 even re£ognisatAe for those we 5UFP)rL WÈ del i4Ered OLr Autisrn Awareness Training to pzrtrw •xg3Th1530l rTrcrea5ing their LntJerrtaThJing of the best W3yS to supFMNt 3Utistr We CC•ntinue to be a recognised wk plKement pfovider for students frc I31 edl7tal est3blishrThents. ir1lIng Bolton CdleBe. UThitsrsity and IAanchester IAetrcyditan University. &xia & Life Ski115 Sessic5 In rol&kxLshl foolng )thth& t[ Iwo tJrrdQ mor
NEW INTERESTS & HOBBIES ThaTrks to fur*llng from CRH Charltablo Trust we have ablo to glv Our SÉThice BeneftCi3r expenences a yw to ennching their lfve5. we haye Itrcu(ed a we selection of craft awy1tS at Our Social & Iffo Skllls EVts_ We know that tTrg new thlngs can sO[rtimeS be ctkallenging for ttrM)$0 on the autistic Spectru but by facilatIng these SQS5hJnS in 2 rolaxod grp atrrbosphEthro. wo h3vQ fIn SorvKQ orboffti2fiLlS to bo vQry Wthu513stlC abt tho dtfforont xtlvltlQS CWI offor_ What wo fool most prd of. howLww. Is th@ Involvofflont of r¥I( Berbefklarles In tK•th the deslgn of the Arts & Crafts Program. and FknJw they Pbave shared own Interests by leadlng some of sesslons thernselyex sharing thLyr talents wtth the rest of the grTrJ p. Fxiltatéd ty FaclitatQd aarry Ih LO
LIFE SKILLS Whon It COrnQ5 to proparing and cookfng hoalthy rrboals Irkdond0Thtty. cPkall@Thgos Wh functionlr%g anxioty and a lack of confldQnC can have a slgnfflcant Impact on autlstlc adults. Not only do alm to Irbcrease the skllls Our Servlce Beneftclarfe& have I tho kltchÈn for thÉ•if O¥orall hoalth. tknt also for tho1rfln3rll wÉ4llb@Ing Ihryth th15 In mlnd. we alm to help them budgot for cost effectlye meal preparath)n We do th15 by facllltatlng regular Cooklng Skllls seS51c helplng autlstyc adults to galn confldence and lea In the kltchen After each session we provlde all atterhdees wh a shopping list and basc re(Ipe card to LoUrage them to recreate newty lea rr dish@s at home. Our Outr&3ch coordlnator obtained a Level 2 FOCKI Hygiene & safety certrfficate In Jèrwry 2024. and has so far facilitated 14 cooking Skilts IL
A SERVICE BENEFICIARY'S VOICE
WELFARE BENEFITS ADVOCACY A Gise Study Chorlie Iivos alone and h05 0 dioon05 of outism. a rFK)dÉrt]te leornjng disabfjity ond PTSD. Despite havylg previou5ty being 17 receipt or tknonal IndeperklÉ¥ice Payments (PIP) ChGrtie had boen owardod O )ints Whon it carne time for hgr cloim to be re055gssed. Clkirlie'5 Mum. laura. had submitted a Mandatory Rocon5iderotion (Ni Chartie'5 bOlf. txJt agoin clrrie w05 a55essod as not moeting the critoria to score any points Whlch would entitje her to PIP. It was at th15 lt that ClrtIe (X Loura come to BAAS seeking hdp. Through BAAS Chorlie w05 Supported to Submit c written AppeGI to the First Tier Trybullol Serv4 and Wc25 otso represented by BAAS at the Trrtjunal Hearing. Following our support Charlie's F¥P was not only reinst(3ted. but She wa5 aworiled the enhonced rote for both the Doily Living ond Mobility Cornwents. the award oiven to Charlie Wos maOÈ for a perkx of years . the rnaX Wtth a background In wolfaro bonoflts dollvory at Crtizons AdvlCQ and funding from tho Natlonal Lottory Awards for All. Our SorvlCQ Manager ha5 recrutted and trained a dodlcated Wolfaro B@rboflts Advisor to provldo sUPPOrt to Autistli Adults and thoir Carors. onabllng thotn to achlovo tho ongolng dlsablllty wolfaro bonoflts thoy aro ontitlod to. Throughout thls roportlng yoar. 25 individu havo tOn .5UPPOrtEJ In 01th tho appllcatlon appeal of 27 Ydelfare of th0 supportod hav@ alroady r@colvgd tholr dlSIon havo aihlovod an award of a d153blllty nfiL from first appllcatlon through to Ffr5t Tlor Tilbunal Appeals! £lJ2.787 conflrrnod wopfafo bonofft @ntitlomont ha5 already bo@n awardEd wtth a furthor £65.449 proJoctE*l bonofft ontitlomont x[t@d - an Ovorall finan(ial bonofft of £198
GENERAL ADVOCACY As well as a5SlSting people tkn welfare berbefrts advocacy. we a150. where we can. help people vrtth other Issues ttry may need support with. Such as 3pplying foi a disablllty bus pas5 Dr housing15Sues. In January we a5SlSted Janet to have her autism d13grbo515 recognised 35 a medical Issue. In order to Increase her housing band. 50 She Could apply for Sultsble housing. Janet said the followinE atK)Ut the support she received:_ "l om autsstic (d diognosed with a type of bl(Kyé cancer. J ljad boon up 0gGinst it with my tjealth deterioratir ar terTible anti SOCIGI behaVIOurftorn neiohbours in my private rented property. Which J wa5 atso 5trtwJinq to afford. I wos 50 overwhelmed I wa5 ding it hard to go on With littje or no help. l experience extive dy5fvnrtion. Gnd thi5 W(35 now the worst it has ever been a5 1 froze oooin5t the obstacles I wo5 fcxif7Q. J spent 2 years chosing the outhoritiÉs for a resolution. but my councdf5 housing department would not recoonise rny medical needs as Gn autistic per50n. l tryed to (2sk for help but had mony dLiors shut to me because I wasn't in the Whtareo ond sodly found that thoro is sUprt available in my Greoter mafh@Ster borough for this sort or problem. Having Lippeoled to &AAS. I rÉreived a reply with an offer of help. even th0h I Was Out of the Catchment area. They wrote to the re5pon5ible Iople in the Council and helped rne bvtwe I WGsn't able to act they li5tenÉYl to and WQTe able to replicate my 5rtuGtion in Lippeal wrth incredible accurLXy. BAAS achieved the clarity I w05 Wlabje to because or the state I wa5 ii?. rhi5 cau5a thg 51twtiTon to Start movirw. but a150. more im[atly. it emi¥Ve[ed me to t7rt be more a55ertive. I WG5 ploced in Band 2 for thg first trrne my medical neod5 were r09n15cd for rehousing. When previously they had been ignored. I c(ypnot tharpk BAAS for thr help and G150 for their EVFPtkJthy. undÉ)r5tGndino and kiniYne55. I reod 50rnewhere thot ore only as disabled a5 Our virorprnent make5 u&- ond rTght now neurodivergents ore 170¥ing to jurnp through extro hp5 to achieve thi5 en(l0ent re(nItiOn oran invr5ible dI5(lI1ty." ia
REfuRNING TO OUR ROOTS With 1rbcr@as c3px ity to offw our sorvicos. wo havo boon abl@ to retwn to our Charitys roots with the reintroduction of monthty Carers On ly Sessions. headed by our Cha ir. Roselle Gorman. These sessions have been really well attended and give our carers a spxe to share experieTrces and talk with other5 who un(lerstand the unique high5 and Iow5 of caring for an ad ult on the autistic spLKtru rn. rtay Trps In Docember 2023 v vigit£Ya Bonts Gardon Centre to enjoy the won(Jorful Christmas displays on offor. In July 2024 wo onjoy@d a day trip to L3rK3Stor. whoro wo h3d 3 PtiV3t@ guid tour of Lancastgr Castle. 3 group lurbch Jnd to enjoy the historic (tty centre. &oth day trips were well 3ttgntll by autistic adults aTrd carets alike. ar)d &eryone had a great timel 15
VOLUNTEERING AT BAAS student Work Placernent Provider -my placetTrent expenee at BAAS was I WII cherlsh TFbe team were so welcomlng and thelr hard work and dedlcatlon was wldent BAAS th sorne amazlng work wlthln the cornmunlty and truly have a postUY@ Impart on the IIVQS of othorr. Maorni. P5ychDIDEy Profess11 Practic* Masters StUd?t klar•chpstsr metrotAn Untr5Y, Junè 2024 ROSI& 2024 Volunteers Week 2024 Bolton CVS Fair we tgarned up with Our fThrS at Pjjlton CVS to host a stall at their volunteer5 Fair tnarklng the stsrt of volunteer5 week 202 it was fa nta5UC to haye so [rnY conversatlons wlth &)Iton ro51derbts! to recruit 1 of Our 16
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS Recruitment All our voluntoor interviews are now carried out by our Volunteer Cooidinator. and a Service Beneficiary who has been part of a befriending re13ti0nshi p. Having this extra dyna mic has enrKhed the rrlj[tfftent proce55. not only for the Charity. but 3150 foi the interviewees and helps them to prepare for their new role. A ServKe Beneficiary has for the first ti me progressed to the role of Volunteer Befriender. afLer they themselves have benefited from thg Bef rien(Jing Ser¥Ke. Wo have i tho role of Scx ial Actrvities Voluntr. giving our Vol untoors more choico in how thoy contributo thoir timo_ Our I trcUction to Autisrn training m0clu. LJeliverJ to 311 our Volunt•2of5. is now fxif1taj by an autiStK Staff mombor_ This not only enrichos tho tr3ining oxporionco for our voluntoors. but 3150 Jhores to tho Gro3tor Alanchoster Autism Tra in ing Sta nd3fcJ During tho13st roFY)rting yo3r. we have rocruite(J 14 Bofriending Volu nteors. 3 Sc131 Actm-ty Volunteors. 2 FurwJr3ising Volu ntoErs. Admin Voluntoor and 6 StUdt Work PlacomeThts. Alc9 with Voluntoors who havo rom3inod with us from tho prevN)us repcrting yo3 r. there are currentty 18 worKlerful people actively ong38 in voluntary roles at BAAS.I Events Wo m*Jo tho rr¥)st of our rbow premisos by hosting ou r very first VOnte@S Week coff 2nd Cako Aqornin& Giving ou r voluntoors a cha nco to meet others. a1 shale our approclatjn for their offort L7
TRAINING DELIVERY At BAAS wo don't only train our staff ar voluntoois In Autlsm Awaronoss. but also dollvor our sossiorks to oxtornal otgarhis3tions to Imprc>vo thoir undorstanding of autism and to onhanco tho sorYe5 thoy dollvor to thoso on tho autisuc spoctrum and thoir car•2rs. WEI aro roally ploasod to tx)5@ fEtrodb3ck ftorn soTho of tho @xtornal orEanisauons with whom wo havQ collaborat@d Chief Officer citiiens Advi *fjgan th•trainirf sarah IL Tpaaiii Loader )0% Dr those Ivho took part in Autism Awareness train£ would recommvKI our training proEram to anothw organisation. A5 woll a5 Autlsm Awaronoss Tralnlng wo also continuo to dollvor [n[Ul05 In Bofrlonding and Adult Safoguarding and Confldorbtlallty tt> all Our Voluntoor5. to bottor proparo thorn for thoir rolo5. In th15 reportlnE year wo hav@ dollvorÉ%d 34 tralnlne 5Q55lon51 18
FUNDING we.re so gtateful to our fvnders whose sUprt and gErOSIty allows us to ITbQQt tho of Bolton s auti5ti1 ults 3 nd thoir car@rs. Our rnultsy03r grant from the Nation31 LotL@ry Ro3ching Ccrfnmuthitios Fund. fot which we also re1V1 an uplift last year. has allow us to in(roasEk our porsonnol and continuo to dollr our BEbfriEIIs SotvKo and rointroduc@ Ca rp2r"s Only SuprL We h3ve also received 3 rbt from the NatKffial Lottery Aw3rds for All Fu ntj to dolivor ou r Traini ng Programmo and Welfare 8Or1 Adv4X2Cy. Futmling r[Val from CRH Charitsblo Trust at tho of tho last financial ygar enabl us to run our roally succossful &xial & Lrfo Ski115 Evwts Program. A m UltYear grant ftom tho Charity Swvice Grant has provide(J security arKI allow1 u5 to havo confKJtarKo in procuring larw office spxo. Wo havo al roc014 gr3nts from both Tho b)Iton Fun(J 3rkJ Tho Sir James aThJ lJy Scott Trust to holp us rrbQQt tho Increas ront paymonts arKI util ity bills. lunrestrictl Funding from Tho P•)plo's Postcoclo Lottery. Asda. Eric Wright Charitablo Foundation. and Aviva match funding for Dur Crowdfunder has also hdpod us moet our other overhèls. along with tho su pp)rt we'vo roceivod from ou r loca I community in tho form of charitablo catns. To 211 ou r fundors and supporters we wi¥h to oxto•id a vwy w3nrb 3 nd hoartfolt THATra Y(All! *rA SFrvi¢e Benefi<iuie5 rai5in&funds on behalf of BMS by und£rtaking Bolton's Communrty IOKII Lg
FiJfuRE PLANS Wo'ro [llY proud at BAIS to hav@ an othos of toLIl Iniluslon arbd this IS sofflothing wo'ro dotorminÉ*l to continuo with as grow and pro5[ furthot. 60% of staff are Nor([S Havin8 Co-opted additK)nal Trust throuElkJut this year. 66X ol r Board of Trustees are now also Neurodive Havlne d1510 rnak@rs who ar@ from thEk v@ry d@rnographlcs WLb sgok ta support Is Intogral to approach As wo movo forward Into our noxt chaptor. wo wlll conUnu@ to harnoss thls strongth wlthln tho orean15atlon. Ilst@nlnE to autlstlc adults arbd caror& to on5uro wo roach and SuPfh)rt Qvon moro adults whoso IIVQS havQ boon tOLKhod by autism. r Plans Ovor tho noxt12 rnonths wo plan to do tho following=_ ContinuQ to bulld on Our oxisung voluntary workforco to facrirt3to ovon moro b0frnd1ng rolauonships so that Indlvldua115£d support can bo offorod In groator nurnbor5. ContInL to t)ulld on tho eroup support 5osslons on offoi at BAAS. foi th Autlstlc Adults and Carors. Contlnuo to Incroaso our lf31@ bonoflts a(fvocacy. holplne aUt15t adults and thoir carols to achlovo tho coiroct n0f[t ontttlomorhL Wo wlll also dollvor wolf3r@ bon42fits trainlng to thoso w havQ capacity to manago tholr own or[t c131m5 whon oquippod wlth tho krbowlodgo to do so. Dolfvu AuU5m Awarono55 tralnlne packaEEb to eroator numbors of oxtomal oreanlsatlons. Wo aro avRfcing tho Outcomo froffl Our appllc3tlon to bo 3W3rdod Bolton'5 Volunt[ Chart@r. and onco this has bn finalld 11 prioritso working toward5 achlQyinE Tho Bolton Mark with Bolton cvs. 20
Bolton Adult Autism Support Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
Structure, Governance and management
The Charity is governed by its Constitution, adopted on 26 th November 2014, as amended on 30 th November 2016.
It is a registered charity, as defined by the Charities Act 2005.
Trustees are volunteers from the local community, chosen for their particular skills relative to the objects of the Charity.
The officers meet on a regular basis to progress the objects of the Charity.
Objectives and activities
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To promote and protect the physical and mental health of people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs), their families and carers in Bolton and the surrounding areas, through the provision of support, education and practical advice, including the relief of poverty and distress.
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To advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs).
Statement of Public Benefit
In planning our activities for the period, we kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit at our Trustee meetings. The main activities are to improve the social connectedness and wellbeing of autistic adults and their carers through group events, life skills sessions and a befriending service, as well as to assist in the application and appeals of disability welfare benefits.
Reserves Policy
The Charity aims to build up unrestricted and cash reserves to enable it to expand its activities both in Bolton and the surrounding area. We aim to hold free cash reserves equivalent to six months operational expenses, currently £30,000.
Structure, governance and management
Organisational structure
Bolton Adult Autism Support is a registered charity. We are governed by our Constitution. The governing documents instruct the Trustees to act in a way to promote the objects of the charity. The Service Manager is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the Safeguarding Policy is attached with this report.
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Decision making
The board of Trustees delegate the day-to-day operational running of BAAS to the Service Manager and relevant staff.
Trustee recruitment
Trustee vacancies are advertised publicly and applicants are invited to contact the Chair of Trustees for an informal conversation before applying. Once an application is submitted, following a meeting with the chairman and approval from the board they will be invited to attend a meeting. Their formal appointment as either a trustee or co-opted member will be voted on at the next trustee meeting.
Those appointed as a Trustee during the year will have to stand down at the AGM and be formally appointed by members.
Trustee induction and training
Once appointed, Trustees will be issued with a welcome pack including their responsibilities as a Trustee and a role description. They will get a tour of the organisation; an overview of services delivered and meet the staff team. They will be allocated a 'buddy' Trustee who will oversee their induction. The Chairman will make arrangements to support any identified training needs and will be available to discuss the role as required.
Remuneration
The board of Trustees along with the Service Manager, are responsible for directing, controlling, running and operating the charity on a daily basis. All Trustees give their time freely, any expenses related to the duties carried out by Trustees and related party transactions are listed in the notes to the accounts. In this reporting period, no Trustee received remuneration, there were no Trustee expenses or related party transactions. Staff pay is set and reviewed by Trustees, taking advice from external sources.
Financial Results
Income in the year was £71,885 (2023 £48,605), the increase due to successful fund raising in anticipation of the increase in staff, moving office and expansion of our services. Expenditure on Charitable Activities increased from £13,808 to £33,701 due to the expansion in service and events provided to our beneficiaries.
Administrative Expenses at £37,104 (2023 £5,018) recognise the costs associated with the move to larger premises.
Resulting deficit of (£1,195) (2023 surplus £28,225) is divided between Restricted funds deficit (£3,450) (2023 surplus £26,057) and Unrestricted funds surplus £2,255(2023 £2,168). At the year-end the Unrestricted Fund balance is £22,304 (2023 £20,049), the Restricted Fund £32,030(2023 £35,480).
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Bolton Adult Autism Support
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the Financial Statements
The Charity Trustees are responsible for preparing a Trustees Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards
(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to Charities in England and Wales requires Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that
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period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to;
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
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Observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed in the financial statements and
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the charity will continue in operation
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2016 the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust Deed. The Trustees are
also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approval
The report was approved by the Trustees on XX January 2025 and is signed on their behalf by
Signed
Chair
Roselle Gorman
Date
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Bolton Adult Autism Support
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
Independent Examiner’s Report
To the Trustees of Bolton Adult Autism Support I have examined the accounts of Bolton Adult Autism Support for the year ended 31st October 2024 which comprise the Receipts and Payments Statement, Balance Sheet, and related notes. These
accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the accounts.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recognised Practice and for being satisfied that the accounts give a true and
fair view. My responsibility is to examine the accounts in accordance with the Directions given by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and to report my/our findings to you.
Basis of Opinion
My examination was conducted in accordance with the Directions of the Charity Commission for England and Wales and in compliance with the Code of Practice on the Examination of Charities Accounts. 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 trustees concerning any
such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Matters on which I am required to report by exception:
I note that it has not been possible to establish the allocation of the opening balance between Unrestricted and Restricted funds. A reasonable estimate has been made, and my report Is not qualified by this omission.
I have nothing to report in respect of the matters specified by the Directions of the Charity Commission for England and Wales in respect of reporting by exception.
(Signature of the Independent Examiner)
(Name of the Independent Examiner)
Position, if applicable, e.g., Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant
24
Bolton Adult Autism Support
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
Bolton Adult Autism Support
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
| Receipts & Payment Account |
2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income | |||||||
| Charitable Grants | 3 | 5,126 | 63,507 | 68,633 | 2,130 | 44,883 | 47,013 |
| Donations & Fundraising | 4 | 3,159 | - | 3,159 | 1,592 | - | 1,592 |
| Bank Interest Received | 93 | 93 | |||||
| Total Income | 8,378 | 63,507 | 71,885 | 3,722 | 44,883 | 48,605 | |
| Expenditure | |||||||
| Charitable Activities | 5 | 839 | 32,862 | 33,701 | - | 13,808 | 13,808 |
| Administrative Activities | 6 | 5,205 | 31,899 | 37,104 | 1,307 | 5,018 | 6,415 |
| Governance Costs | 7 | - | 2,275 | 2,275 | 157 | - | 157 |
| Total Expenditure | 6,044 | 67,036 | 73,080 | 1,554 | 18,826 | 20,380 | |
| Transfer | (79) | 79 | |||||
| Surplus of Income over Expenditure |
2,255 | (3450) | (1,195) | 2,168 | 26,057 | 28,225 | |
| Balances Brought Forward |
20,049 | 35,480 | 55,529 | 17,881 | 9,423 | 27,304 | |
| Balances Carried Forward | 22,304 | 32,030 | 54,334 | 20,049 | 35,480 | 55,529 |
25
Bolton Adult Autism Support
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
Bolton Adult Autism Support
Balance Sheet at 31st October 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||||
| Current Assets | ||||||
| Bank Deposit Account | 30,093 | |||||
| Bank Current Account | 25,849 | 55,529 | ||||
| Petty Cash | 130 | |||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||
| Creditors | 10 | (1,738) | ||||
| Net Current Assets | ||||||
| Total Assets | 54,334 | 55,529 | ||||
| Represented By | ||||||
| Unrestricted Funds - general | 9 | 22,304 | 20,049 | |||
| Restricted Funds | 9 | 32,030 | 35,480 | |||
| Total Funds | 54,334 | 55,529 | ||||
| Signed Chairman |
Treasurer
Date
26
Bolton Adult Autism Support Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
1. Principal accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below:-
a) Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Bolton Adult Autism Support meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the 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) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
General Information
Bolton Adult Autism Support is a registered charity and is non-profit making. It is incorporated in the United Kingdom.
Principal Activity
To promote and protect the physical and mental health of people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs), their families and carers in Bolton and the surrounding areas, through the provision of support, education and practical advice, including the relief of poverty and distress.
To advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs).
Notes to the Financial Statements continued
27
Bolton Adult Autism Support
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
b) Fund Accounting
-
a. Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
-
b. Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects.
-
c. Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
c) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The financial statements have been prepared under the under the historic cost convention and going concern basis. The trustees have carried out a review of the charity’s cash flow and resources and are confident that the charity is able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.
d) Income
Income is recognised when it is received.
e) Expenditure
All expenditure has been reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accrual basis. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
-
Costs of raising funds comprise fundraising expenses
-
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes those costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
-
Administrative expense records the costs of supporting the delivery of services.
f) Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit and legal and professional fees together and are included within charitable expenditure.
Notes to the Financial Statements continued
28
Bolton Adult Autism Support
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
g) Fixed Assets
Fixed assets that are funded by grants are expensed when the assets are acquired in the year of acquisition.
h) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
i) Financial Instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
j) Taxation
The company is a registered charity whose charitable activities are fully exempt from United Kingdom Corporation Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
k) Operating Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are expensed as expenditure is incurred.
l) Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contributions payable by the company during the year ended 31st October 2024.
m) Donated Goods and Services
-
Financial donations are accepted in line with our gift and donation acceptance policies, and recorded when received.
-
Gifts in kind, including retail premises, are not included in the financial statements, but where appropriate are mentioned in the Annual Report.
Notes to the Financial Statements continued
29
Bolton Adult Autism Support Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
2. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In applying the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, on the treatment of expenditure The Trustees’ judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on the best and most reliable evidence available at the time when the decisions are made, and are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be applicable. Due to the inherent subjectivity involved in making such judgements, estimates and assumptions, the actual results and outcomes may differ.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Critical accounting judgements
The critical accounting judgements that the Trustees have made in the process of applying the charity’s accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the statutory financial statements are discussed below.
Notes to the Financial Statements continued
30
Bolton Adult Autism Support Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
3. Charitable Grants Received
| 3. Charitable Grants Received | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Restricted Income | £ | £ |
| National Lottery RC | 35,408 | 33,831 |
| National Lottery AWA | 20,000 | - |
| Bolton Fund | 5,000 | - |
| Charity Services Grant | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Bolton Xmas Fund | 99 | - |
| CRH Charitable Trust | - | 6,365 |
| East Lancs Masonic Society | - | 1,687 |
| Unrestricted Income | ||
| Sir James & Lady Scott Trust | 3,000 | - |
| Eric Wright Charitable Trust | 1,000 | - |
| Asda | 626 | - |
| PPL | 500 | - |
| Manchester Guardian Society | - | 2,000 |
| Bolton Community Voluntary Services | - | 1,300 |
| Total Unrestricted | 5,126 | 2,130 |
4. Donations, Fundraising and Gifts Received
| 4. Donations, Fundraising and Gifts Received | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fundraising and Donations Received | 3,159 | 842 |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | - | 750 |
| Total | 3,159 | 1,592 |
Notes to the Financial Statements continued
31
Bolton Adult Autism Support Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Staff Costs | - | 31,287 | 31,287 | 13,971 |
| Event Costs | 545 | 108 | 653 | - |
| Volunteer Expenses | 294 | 1,467 | 1,761 | 1,054 |
| Total | 838 | 32,862 | 33,701 | 15,033 |
6. Administrative Costs
| 6. Administrative Costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Building Running Costs | 2,441 | 5,178 | 7,619 | 3,007 |
| Staff Costs | - | 14,295 | 14,295 | 1,397 |
| Legal Costs | 1,000 | 3,415 | 4,415 | - |
| Office Costs | 268 | 4,446 | 4,714 | 767 |
| Insurance & Payroll Costs | - | 781 | 781 | 697 |
| IT & Software | 1,496 | 3,704 | 5,200 | - |
| Website | - | 80 | 80 | 547 |
| Total | 5,205 | 31,899 | 37,104 | 6,415 |
7. Governance Costs
| 7. Governance Costs | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | Unrestricted | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Independent Accountants Fee | - | 2,160 | 2,160 | - | - |
| Meeting Expenses | - | 115 | 115 | 157 | 157 |
| Total | - | 2,275 | 2,275 | - | 157 |
32
Bolton Adult Autism Support Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
8. Employment Costs
| 8. Employment Costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Staff Salaries | 44,265 | 13,971 |
| Pension Costs | 1056 | - |
9. Analysis of Charitable Funds
| At 1st | At 31st | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2023 | October 2024 | ||||
| Restricted Funds | Brought Forward | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| National Lottery RC | 24,298 | 35,408 | (46,272) | - | 14,064 |
| CRH Charitable Trust | 6,365 | - | (4,825) | - | 1,540 |
| Charity Services Grant | 2,500 | 3,000 | (3,201) | - | 2,299 |
| ELMC | 1,687 | - | (1,766) | 79 | - |
| National Lottery AWA | - | 20,000 | (8,285) | - | 11,715 |
| Bolton Fund | - | 5,000 | (2,588) | - | 2,412 |
| Bolton Xmas Fund | - | 99 | (99) | - | - |
| Total | 35,480 | 63,507 | 67,036 | 79 | 32,030 |
| Unrestricted Funds | |||||
| General | 20,049 | 8,285 | (6,044) | (79) | 22,211 |
| Total | 55,529 | 71,792 | (73,080) | - | 54,241 |
Notes to the Financial Statements continued
33
Bolton Adult Autism Support Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st October 2024
10. Creditors
| 10. Creditors | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| PAYE Due | 369 | - |
| Pension Due | 169 | - |
| Accrued Expenses | 1,200 | - |
| Total | 1,738 | - |
11. Fund Analysis
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current Assets | 22,240 | 32,030 | 54,270 | 20,049 | 35,480 | 55,529 |
34