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2023-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1166787

Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex P018 8NF

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

CONTENTS

Page 3 Legal and Administrative Information Page 4 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees Pages 5 to 8 Trustees' Report Page 9 Statement of Financial Activities Page 10 Balance Sheet Pages 11 to 17 Notes to the Financial Statements

Page 2 The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER 1166787 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1[st] April 2022 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31[st] March 2023 TRUSTEES AS AT 31[st] MARCH 2023 Esther Morley Bridget McLeod Stephen Bastiman-Davies Gary Admans (appointed 19[th] September 2022)

LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation REGISTERED ADDRESS 5 High Street Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 1JN DATE OF REGISTRATION 27[th] April 2016 GOVERNING INSTRUMENT CIO - Foundation Registered 27[th] April 2016 PRIMARY BANKERS CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Mailing ME19 4JQ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbrldge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex P018 8NF

Page 3

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS

Report to the trustees of The Autism Group on the accounts for the year ended 31st of March 2023 set out on pages 9 to 17.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is need.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Zita Derbak Sign: Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadbridge Business Centre Date: 21/11/2023 Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF

Page 4

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

Objectives and Activities

The purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document are:

To relieve the needs of people with autism and their parents and carers by:

(1) Offering a variety of training to parents/carers, family supporters and the community to enhance the understanding of autism in the Thames Valley.

(2) Offering social opportunities and life skill activities primarily aimed at children (11+) and adults on the autism spectrum (up to the age of 25).

(3) Building confidence and skills within families to support individuals on the autism spectrum to lead fulfilled lives.

Public Benefit

In accordance with Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

Services we have offered in the year:

Training sessions were delivered to professionals supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.

The TAG@Home service which provided 1 to 1 support and information to parents continued throughout the year.

In 2022 we launched a Pilot scheme, TAG Tots, to support families with pre-school aged children. Learning from the pilot enabled us to follow it up with Stay & Play with TAG, open access groups where parents and pre-school children with a diagnosis of autism or who are siblings, can play together with other families.

All services were advertised via social media, websites, local statutory services, schools and other local community organisations.

The Autism Group engaged several volunteers who are greatly valued; the volunteers contribute so much to the running of our clubs, Tea with TAG, and the charity as a whole.

Achievements and Performance

(1) 148 parent/carers attended workshops during 2022-23. These were on a variety of subjects and were commissioned by GEMS (the East Berkshire Autism and ADHD Service funded by the Frimley Integrated Care Board). Although Covid was no longer impacting face to face contact, the commissioners wanted to retain some virtual workshops to offer choice to parents who preferred an

Page 5

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

online offer.

Of those participants who completed post-session evaluation, 100% would recommend The Autism Group workshops to others, 99% found them useful and 100 % found them enjoyable.

Some of the attendees’ feedback:

“It’s wonderful to share experiences – it felt like a safe, non-judgmental space.”

“Excellent session. Thank you so much. Such great information, help and support given in a warm and accessible way.”

(2) Over the year, Parent Support Workers carried out 268 home visits or 1-1 sessions to 146 families. Parents are offered the first session in their own home and the second session was a telephone call or zoom session depending on parental preference. The feedback was very positive and 100% would recommend The Autism Group home visit service to others, 100% found it useful and 100 % found it enjoyable. This is also funded by GEMS.

Recipients of home visits said:

“Thank you so much for your time this morning. Put quite simply, you are amazing. Your input is keeping us afloat when we often think we are about to sink. I just wanted you to know how much my husband and I appreciate you, your knowledge, empathy and time.”

“ Before the home visit, we felt so lost and found ourselves going down rabbit holes on the internet making us even more anxious and worried for our boy. The support worker listened to us and was able to give some fantastic practical advice along with pointing us in the direction of some amazing books and resources. We are so happy with the support that we received and would highly recommend the team at the Autism Group to anyone in need of support .”

(3) “Tea with TAG” parent support groups were held face-to-face in Bracknell, Maidenhead and Slough during term time. A total of 225 parents across East Berkshire were provided with an opportunity to share the highs and lows of supporting autistic loved ones with empathetic autism professionals who understand.

(4) “TAG Tots” was a pilot project for The Autism Group which started in January 2022 and continued during the year with different cohorts of parents. Working with RBWM Early Years SEND Team, the 5 session programmes were for groups of 6 invited parents whose autistic child was due to start school in the next academic year. Alongside the parent support and information sessions, TAG staff ran a creche where parents could see their children being supported by autism trained workers using tried and tested strategies which they could then use themselves in the home environment. An example of feedback received from TAG Tots parents.

“Thank you so much for running the sessions. They were fantastic. We will really miss coming to them. They have been so helpful and informative.”

(5) TAG received some separate grant funding to run pilot TAG Tots sessions in the other East Berks areas but after discussion with the funders, it was decided instead to expand a new “Stay and Play with TAG” service which had been trialed in RBWM from Sept 2022. Our Tea with TAG parent support sessions are child free so that parents can share concerns in a safe and confidential space but we recognised that some parents with pre-school children were also looking for somewhere that they could get support and bring their children along - hence Stay and Play with TAG was born.

The last part of the financial year was spent researching and identifying venues and ensuring there

Page 6

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

were enough staff to run the sessions. At the time of writing, these are now all up and running successfully.

(6) Over the period from April 2022 to March 2023, 134 young people with a diagnosis of autism attended more than one session during the year with us. 78% attended regularly.

Our five Clubs are:

As in previous years, most of our clubs have a waiting list. We have looked at ways to increase our capacity whilst maintaining a low arousal environment.

Our Art club were invited to show their work at an art exhibition hosted at Norden Farm.

Some of the things young people said about Clubs this year:

“I did not have any friends before this group, and it has directly allowed me to experience this for the first time in a long time. The activity itself is very interesting and engaging and allows for creativity, intense thinking and most of all a lot of fun.”

“I had fun playing a game Luke made up and it was amazing. I enjoyed it so much I don’t want to go home.”

And their parents said:

“R loves GAP group and it’s one of the few things he truly looks forward to!”

“Although she didn’t attend for long, it did really help R - it was the first thing she felt able to do since she left school in year 5, and we were proud of her for wanting to give it a go. She has since joined the Army cadets and is now looking to go back to a school rather than study online, and GAP club really was the start of her realising that not everywhere was scary and she would have better experiences and there were people out there who understood her needs, so thank you so much for your support.”

Financial Review

Total Incoming Resources for the year was £101,568 (2021/2022: £74,986), a 35% increase compared to the previous year as grants received increased and we achieved higher levels of fundraising. Most of the Incoming Resources remains restricted with 78% of 2022/2023 income being restricted (2021/2022: 82%) which meant that we were unable to fully cover our unrestricted fixed core costs and so we further reduced unrestricted reserves by £6,034 (2021/2022: £5,827) to £10,428. With restricted reserves of £11,439 (2021/2022: £2,699), totals reserves are £21,867 (2021/2022: £19,161).

The Board has reviewed its reserve policy (see Note 14) and believes that available reserves are sufficient to support the organisation for at least six months and to ensure we will be able to continue to fulfil our charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure.

Page 7

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

Grants Received

The Autism Group thanks the following for their grant support in 2022-23:

Abri Homes Children in Need Comic Relief Co-op Community Fund The Foyle Foundation (£7,500) Garfield Weston Foundation Gordon Palmer Memorial Heathrow Community Trust Lions Club Bracknell Lions Club Maidenhead Louis Baylis Trust Michael Shanly Foundation Tesco Community Grant

Trustees Responsibilities

The Charities Act 2011 requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the CIO and of the surplus of the CIO for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the CIO. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the CIO and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the Trustees on 20[th] November 2023

Signed on their behalf by:

Printed name: Esther Morley (Chairperson)

Page 8

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

Note
Incoming Resources
Donations, Legacies and
Similar Income
4
Activities for Generating Funds
4
Investment Income
4
Charitable Activities
4
Total Incoming Resources
Resources Expended
Charitable Activities
5
Governance Costs
5
Total Resources Expended
Net Incoming/(Outgoing)
Resources
Total Funds Brought Forward
Transfer of Funds
Total Funds Carried Forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2022/2023
2021/2022
£
£
£
£
3,706
-
3,706
1,760
18,123
(742)
17,381
10,823
69
-
69
-
1,000
79,412
80,412
62,403
22,898
78,671
101,568
74,986
27,765
69,930
97,695
89,032
1,167
-
1,167
1,178
28,932
69,930
98,862
90,210
(6,034)
8,741
2,706
(15,224)
16,462
2,699
19,161
34,385
-
-
-
-
10,428
11,439
21,867
19,161

Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above.

All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.

The notes on pages 11 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

BALANCE SHEET AS OF 31[ST] MARCH 2023

Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
2
Investments
3
Total Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Debtors and Prepayments
8
Cash at Bank and In Hand
7
Total Current Assets
Creditors:Amounts falling due
within one year
9
Net Current Assets
Total Assets less Current
Liabilities
Creditors:Amounts falling due
in more than one year
10
NET ASSETS
Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Fund
6
Total Funds		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
-
-
-
-		 Total
Total
31-Mar-23
31-Mar-22
£
£

-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
2,115
3,804
10,263
20,745		 5,919
11,210
31,008
40,613
12,378
24,549		 36,927
51,823
1,950
13,110		 15,060
32,662
10,428
11,439		 21,867
19,161
10,428
11,439		 21,867
19,161
-
-
-
-
10,428
11,439		 21,867
19,161
10,428
-
- 11,439
10,428
16,463
11,439
2,698
21,867
19,161
10,428
11,439

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 20[th] November 2023 and were signed on they behalf by:

Esther Morley, Chairperson Date: 20[th] November 2023

Page 10

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Preparation and Assessment of Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP - FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are Initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Assessment of Going Concern

Preparation of the accounts Is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Incoming Resources

Recognition or incoming Resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.

Grants and Donations

Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA In the same financial period as the gift to which they relate.

Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants

This is only Included in the SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.

Gifts In Kind

Gifts In Kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount realised. Gifts in Kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in Kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.

Donated services and facilities

These are only included in Incoming Resources (with an equivalent amount in Resources Expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility

Page 11

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

received.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.

Investment income

This is Included in the accounts when receivable.

Investment Gains and Losses

This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

Expenditure and Liabilities

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Governance Costs

Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees’ meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

Grants with Performance Conditions

Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

Support Costs

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of the resources, e.g., allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capital employed, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included as the trustees' best estimate of market value.

Pensions

Pension contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable.

Unrestricted Funds

These funds can be used for the general objectives of the charity as set out in the trustees’ report. The movements in Unrestricted Funds are given in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Restricted Funds

These funds are where the donor has specified a purpose for the donation made. Grants are raised for specific purposes within the objects of the charity.

Designated Funds

These funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of Unrestricted Funds for specific purposes or projects.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

Page 12

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on an appropriate basis over their estimated useful lives. The rates and basis applied per annum are as follows:

Equipment: 2 0 % on a Straight-Line Basis

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

The Charity held no Tangible Fixed Assets during this or the previous financial period.

The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows:

Year to 31[st] March 2022: None Year to 31[st] March 2023: None

3. INVESTMENTS

The Charity had no Investments during this or the previous financial period.

4. INCOMING RESOURCES

Donations, Legacies and Similar
Income
Donations and Gifts
Gift Aid Tax Recovered
Activities for Generating Funds
Fundraising Income
Clubs
Rental Income
Sale of Equipment
Investment Income
Interest Received
Charitable Activities
Grants
Training Income
Total Incoming Resources		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2022/2023
2021/2022
£
£
£
£
3,706
-
3,706
1,652
-
-
-
108
3,706
-
3,706
1,760
-
-
-
-
15,967
(742)
15,225
10,823
904
-
904
-
1,252
-
1,252
-
18,123
(742)
17,381
10,823
69
-
69
-
69
-
69
-
1,000
79,412
80,412
62,143
-
-
-
260
1,000
79,412
80,412
62,403
22,898
78,671
101,568
74,986

Page 13

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

5. RESOURCES EXPENDED

Charitable Activities
Bank Charges
Computer and Website Costs
Employers Pension Costs
Equipment Costs
Insurance Costs
Premises Costs
Printing, Postage and
Stationery
Repairs and Maintenance
Salaries and Wages
Staff Clothing
Subscriptions
Telephone Costs
Training Costs
Travel and Subsistence
Welfare and Refreshments
Governance Costs
Legal & Professional fees
Independent Examiners Fee
Total Resources Expended		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023/2022
2021/2022
£
£
£
£
72
0
72
96
504
3
507
4,458
121
0
121
138
43
494
537
734
459
396
855
1,162
13,563
2,996
16,559
13,698
107
37
144
180
0
0
0
169
11,805
63,635
75,441
65,109
106
59
165
301
21
132
152
592
473
422
895
1,038
266
0
266
418
85
1,444
1,530
637
140
311
451
302
27,765
69,930
97,695
89,032
507
-
507
518
660
660
660
1,167
-
1,167
1,178
28,932
69,930
98,862
90,210

Page 14

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

6. RESTRICTED FUNDS

Arnold Clark
Berkshire Community
Foundation
Berkshire Masonic Charity
Boshier Hinton Foundation
Bracknell Town Council
Children in Need
Co-Op Community Fund
Comic Relief
Edward Gostling RPG
Foyle Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation
Heathrow Community Trust
Innovation Fund
Lewis Communications Ltd
Lions Club Maidenhead
Louis Baylis Trust
Michael Shanly Foundation
One Slough
Prince Philip Trust
Pixel Fund
Solutions 4 Health
Tesco Community Grant		 Balance
Balance
31-Mar-22
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31-Mar-23
£
£
£
£
£
- 294
294
-
-
598
2,420
2,567
-
451
- 107
107
-
-
- 517
517
-
-
- 1,500
1,400
-
100
- 9,017
9,017
-
-
- 2,588
2,588
-
-
- 1,489
436
-
1,053
- 5,000
4,687
-
313
- 7,500
6,726
-
774
- 5,000
2,786
-
2,214
- 3,426
3,426
-
-
350
2,277
1,997
-
629
- 833
833
-
-
- 250
250
-
-
- 927
865
-
62
- 1,800
228
-
1,572
1,750
993
1,332
-
1,411
- 2,250
2,250
-
-
- 2,673
2,673
-
-
- 27,564
24,707
-
2,857
- 245
245
-
-
2,698
78,671
69,930
-
11,439

The restricted funds held are wholly represented by the cash reserves of the CIO.

7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

Cash at Bank and In
Hand		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
31-Mar-23
31-Mar-22
£
£
£
£
10,263
20,745
31,008
40,613
10,263
20,745
31,008
40,613

Page 15

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS

Sundry Debtors
Gift Aid Tax Recoverable
Prepayments
Total Debtors and Prepayments		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
31-Mar-23
31-Mar-22
£
£
£
£
- 3,661
3,661
9,205
-
-
- 8
2,115
144
2,259
1,997
2,115
3,804
5,919
11,210

9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Accrued Expenses
Deferred Income
Independent Examiners Fee
PAYE and NI
Pension Contributions
Sundry Creditors		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
31-Mar-23
31-Mar-22
£
£
£
£
- 2,766
2,766
387
- 10,139
10,139
27,885
660
-
660
660
- 182
182
327
-
24
24
29
1,290
-
1,290
3,374
1,950
13,110
15,060
32,662

10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR

The CIO had no long-term liabilities during this financial period.

11. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS

Gross Wages and Salaries
Employer's National Insurance Costs
Pension Contributions
Activities to Further CIO's Objectives
Fundraising Activities		 2022/2023
2021/2022
£
£
75,441
65,109
- -
121
138
75,561
65,247
2022/2023
2021/2022
2.15
2.34
0.17
0.07
2.32
2.41

No employees received emoluments in excess £60,000 (2021/22: None). All employed members of staff are paid through the PAYE system.

Page 16

The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023

THE AUTISM GROUP

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

12. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES

The only payments made to Trustees, or any persons connected with them, during this financial period relate to reimbursements for items purchased on behalf of the Charity in furthering the Charity's objects. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a Trustee, or any person connected with them.

13. RISK ASSESSMENT

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

14. RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavor not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

15. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or 'alms' that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees’ report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.

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The Autism Group Annual Report 2022/2023