Charity no. 1171453
Independent Mental Health Network Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
31 March 2025
Independent Mental Health Network
Reference and administrative details
| For theyear ended 31 March 2025 | For theyear ended 31 March 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charity number | 1171453 | |
| Registered office and | 40 Lawrence Grove | |
| operational address | Bristol | |
| BS9 4EJ | ||
| Trustees | The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report | |
| were as follows: | ||
| Claire Smith | Chair | |
| Jason Burrowes | ||
| Mark Dale | Resigned 18 October 2024 | |
| Ceri Morris | ||
| Javed Rehman | ||
| Nick Wainwright | ||
| Chief executive officer | Catrin Beynon | |
| Bankers | Triodos Bank | |
| Deanery Road | ||
| Bristol | ||
| BS1 5AS | ||
| Independent examiners | Godfrey Wilson Limited | |
| Chartered accountants and statutory auditors | ||
| 5th Floor Mariner House | ||
| 62 Prince Street | ||
| Bristol | ||
| BS1 4QD |
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Independent Mental Health Network
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The charitable objects of the charity are as follows:
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For the public benefit, to advance the health of individuals and groups in England and Wales by:
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a. representing the needs of the membership of the Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN) in improving the provision of mental health services;
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b. working collaboratively with commissioners, service providers and other agencies to identify innovative health solutions that will improve the health of local communities;
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c. working with individuals and local groups in communities to facilitate the provision of support networks for those that are experiencing a mental health issue; and
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d. educating the public on the importance of understanding mental health and the need for parity of esteem in how we view this with physical health.
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To promote community capacity building through developing diverse networks of individuals and groups that are able to be involved in improving local mental health services in areas of England and Wales.
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The advancement of citizenship or community development through promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources by representing a range of views to policy makers and funders on improving mental health services in England and Wales.
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To advance community development through the promotion of volunteering and the voluntary sector in the role it can play for improving mental health services locally and nationally in England and Wales.
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To advance such charitable purposes (according to the law of England and Wales) as the trustees see fit from time to time, in particular but not limited to advancing the education of individuals and groups working in the health sector by making grants and awards to user-led mental health groups.
The main activities undertaken by the charity are as follows:
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To improve mental health provision for all those accessing mental health services and community support as part of the NHS Transformation Plan.
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Recruiting people with lived experience of mental health issues to be representatives with NHS providers, including locality and specialist workstreams.
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Peer support and lived experienced forums for members.
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Mental health awareness and training sessions.
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Work with others in the field of mental health and wellbeing on joint campaigns.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Achievements and performance
During the past financial year, The Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN) has continued to make progress in advancing mental health advocacy and strengthening the role of lived experience within service design and development. IMHN further expanded and deepened its work across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, with each project contributing to our mission of creating a more inclusive, effective, and person-centred mental health system.
A selection of key projects and achievements include:
1. The mobilisation of Mental Health and Wellbeing Integrated Network Teams (MINT) Our representatives continued to contribute towards the process of the development of these new teams. Their input on accessibility requirements, welcoming environments, and cultural inclusivity has been highly praised. Representatives also continued to join recruitment efforts, helping to embed co-production values into the ethos of MINT teams. We were delighted that the MINT teams were shortlisted for the prestigious HSJ award for ‘Integrated Care Initiative of the Year.’
2. Physical health and severe mental illness workstream IMHN representatives continued to support the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board's (BNSSG ICB) work to bridge health inequalities for individuals on the SMI register, including co-producing guidelines on approaches to improve the uptake of physical health checks. We look forward to these co-produced guidelines being published in 2026.
3. North Somerset Council Public Health Initiatives Our representatives continued to strengthen their partnership with North Somerset Council. This included joining the council’s Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Group, Mental Health Strategy Group, and The Trauma and Adversity Steering Group. IMHN also continued to deliver its mental health and lived experience training for public health officials in North Somerset. This training, which is written and delivered by lived experience representatives, continues to equip staff with new skills to support individuals with mental health needs. The training has once again received high praise, with participants citing greater empathy and awareness because of the course.
4. Trauma Informed Systems Changes Across Public Service Project with NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC)
We were delighted to be able to continue our involvement with NIHR ARC West and the University of Bristol. The project is aimed at assessing, mapping and evaluating trauma-informed practices, identifying gaps and challenges faced by different public service sectors. Our representatives have also joined workshops to evaluate the impact of trauma-informed practices, sharing insights to guide policy developments and promote best practices. They will join the ‘writing-up’ process of this work in the next financial year.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Financial review
For the financial year reported we recorded a deficit of £4,046 (2024: deficit of £46,150). The reported deficit arose primarily from exceptional, non-recurring expenditure, including lost office deposits, labour costs for office clearance, repayment of outstanding involvement charges in Greater Manchester, and professional HR advice. Total funds at 31 March 2025 were £91,557 (2024: £95,603). All funds held at the end of the current and prior year were unrestricted.
The charity’s financial position remains stable, underpinned by prudent financial management and a dedication to sustainable practices. The charity is well-positioned to continue its mission, with robust oversight ensuring resources are maximized effectively.
Management accounts are independently prepared monthly and reviewed by the Board of Trustees. Formal financial reviews take place at each board meeting, ensuring the close monitoring of the charity’s financial position.
As of March 2025, the charity’s main bank account held £90,907, reflecting careful cashflow management as we move into the new financial year.
The reserves policy for the charity is not part of the constitution but has been discussed at board of trustee's meetings. Free reserves (defined as the charity’s unrestricted funds) were £91,557 at 31 March 2025 (2024: £95,603). The trustees agreed that a reserve policy of 6 months of staff costs is prudent, equating to £38,995, which has been exceeded at the end of the year.
The Trustees acknowledge that, at the year end, the charity held reserves in excess of the level set out in its current reserves policy. The Trustees have considered this position carefully in light of the current operating environment.
The charity is currently operating within a period of significant sector-wide uncertainty, particularly arising from the recent restructuring of NHS England and the Integrated Care Boards. This presents a heightened risk to the stability and predictability of future charitable income. In response to this increased risk, the Trustees will review the reserves policy over the coming year to assess whether it remains appropriate or whether an extended reserves target is required, potentially up to the equivalent of twelve month's operating expenditure.
In parallel, the Trustees intend to develop a planned and measured approach to applying any reserves held in excess of this potential revised policy. This is expected to focus on strategic investment in areas such as marketing and the development of fundraising activity independent of Integrated Care Board funding, in order to strengthen the charity's long-term sustainability. Any such expenditure will be kept under close review to ensure the ongoing financial stability of the charity.
Structure, governance and management
The structure and organisation of IMHN remains as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), with a dedicated Board of Trustees who meet regularly to review performance and guide the charity’s strategic direction. This year, our risk management framework has continued to play a key role in successfully identifying, tracking, and mitigating risks to ensure the charity’s resilience and operational continuity.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees are recruited through a range of methods, including:
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word of mouth;
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external advertisement; and
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social networking and media channels.
Our trustees adhere to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, ensuring the charity's work consistently delivers meaningful and measurable impact.
The day-to-day running of the charity is overseen by the Head of Operations/ CEO, who assumed the role following the departure of the Interim Head of Operations in January 2024. The Head of Operations/ CEO is responsible for ensuring smooth operations and alignment with our mission and goals. The Head of Operations/ CEO actively collaborates with the Board of Trustees, engaging in regular discussions with The Chair to keep the board informed of ongoing progress, challenges, and developments.
The Head of Operations is supported by a skilled team of Engagement Co-Ordinators, together they work to foster an environment of continuous improvement, efficiency, and effective service delivery. As the charity grows, we continue to adapt our structure to maintain efficiency and alignment with our long-term visions, ensuring we remain fit for purpose and responsive to emerging needs.
Statement of responsibilities of the trustees
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 charity and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure, of the charity for the year. In preparing those 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 Charities SORP;
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained 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 which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.
Independent examiners
Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to the charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.
Approved by the trustees on 9 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by
Claire Smith - Chair
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Independent examiner's report
To the trustees of
Independent Mental Health Network
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Independent Mental Health Network (the CIO) for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 18.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’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.
Independent examiner’s statement
Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides bookkeeping and payroll services to the CIO. I confirm that as a member of the ICAEW I am subject to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2024, which I have applied with respect to this engagement.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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(2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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(3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
Dougal Howard
Date: 9 January 2026 Dougal Howard ACA Member of the ICAEW Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD
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Independent Mental Health Network
Statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Note Income from: Donations 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure 5 6 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Net expenditure and net movement in funds |
2025 Total £ 35 92,754 407 93,196 - 97,242 97,242 (4,046) 95,603 91,557 |
2024 Total £ 105 94,168 544 94,817 3,605 137,362 140,967 (46,150) 141,753 95,603 |
|---|---|---|
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 12 to the accounts.
All income and expenditure in the current period relates to unrestricted funds.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Balance sheet
As at 31 March 2025
==> picture [452 x 300] intentionally omitted <==
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2025 2024
Note £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 9 15,127 33,947
Cash at bank and in hand 90,907 77,148
106,034 111,095
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year 10 (14,477) (15,492)
Net current assets 91,557 95,603
Net assets 91,557 95,603
Funds 12
Unrestricted funds
General funds 91,557 95,603
Total charity funds 91,557 95,603
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Approved by the trustees on 9 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by
Claire Smith - Chair
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies
a) Basis of preparation
Independent Mental Health Network is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is 40 Lawrence Grove, Bristol, BS9 4EJ.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Independent Mental Health Network 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.
b) Going concern basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
c) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Income received in advance of provision of services is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.
d) Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
e) Funds accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
f) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
g) Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated in full to charitable activities.
h) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
i) 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.
j) Creditors
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
k) Financial instruments
The trust 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 with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
l) Pension costs
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
m) Accounting estimates and key judgements
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
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.
There are no key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the financial statements.
2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities
| Income from: Donations Charitable activities Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds |
Restricted £ £ - 105 - 94,168 - 544 - 94,817 - 3,605 48,988 88,374 48,988 91,979 (48,988) 2,838 (22,892) 22,892 (71,880) 25,730 Unrestricted |
2024 Total £ 105 94,168 544 94,817 3,605 137,362 140,967 (46,150) - (46,150) |
|---|---|---|
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
| For the year ended 31 March 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3. Income from donations 2025 Total £ Total income from donations 35 All income from donations was unrestricted in the current and prior year. 4. Income from charitable activities 2025 Total £ Service delivery and training sessions 92,754 Total income from charitable activities 92,754 |
2024 Total £ 105 2024 Total £ 94,168 94,168 |
All income from charitable activities was unrestricted in the current and prior year.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
5. Total expenditure
| Staff costs (note 7) Advertising and marketing Accountancy Bank fees Insurance Computer expenses Light and heat Rent and rates Staff training Subscriptions Travel Bad debt Sub-total Allocation of support and governance costs Total expenditure |
Charitable activities £ 63,912 55 - - - - - 6,190 550 822 20 2,487 74,036 23,206 97,242 |
Support and governance costs £ 14,077 - 8,031 83 756 216 43 - - - - - 23,206 (23,206) - |
2025 Total £ 77,989 55 8,031 83 756 216 43 6,190 550 822 20 2,487 97,242 - 97,242 |
|---|---|---|---|
Total governance costs were £2,100 (2024: £1,950).
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 5. Total expenditure (continued) Prior period comparative Staff costs (note 7) Advertising and marketing Accountancy Bank fees General expenses Insurance Computer expenses Light and heat Printing, postage and stationery Rent and rates Recruitment costs Repairs and renewals Subscriptions Travel Sub-total Allocation of support and governance costs Total expenditure |
Raising funds £ 3,605 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3,605 - 3,605 |
Charitable activities £ 108,213 192 - - - - - - - 17,055 90 334 2,993 249 129,126 8,236 137,362 |
Support and governance costs £ - - 6,466 90 184 779 443 139 135 - - - - - 8,236 (8,236) - |
2024 Total £ 111,818 192 6,466 90 184 779 443 139 135 17,055 90 334 2,993 249 140,967 - 140,967 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
6. Net movement in funds
| This is stated after charging: Trustees' remuneration Trustees' reimbursed expenses Independent examiner's remuneration (excluding VAT): Independent examination Other services |
2025 £ 5,912 Nil 2,100 5,766 |
2024 £ 8,401 Nil 1,950 4,466 |
|---|---|---|
Two trustees, as detailed in note 14 to the accounts, received payments for lived experience representative services. They were not paid in relation to their roles as trustees.
In common with other charities of our size and nature we use our independent examiners to assist with the preparation of the financial statements. Our independent examiners have also provided bookkeeping, management accounts and payroll services to the charity during the year.
7. Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
| Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs Freelance staff |
2025 £ 50,675 - 843 26,471 77,989 |
2024 £ 80,138 139 1,468 30,073 111,818 |
|---|---|---|
No employee earned more than £60,000 during the current or prior year.
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £30,616 (2024: £29,322).
| Average head count | 2025 No. 4 |
2024 No. 5 |
|---|---|---|
8. Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
9. Debtors
| Trade debtors Prepayments Accrued income Other debtors Creditors : amounts due within 1 year Trade creditors Accruals Other creditors Tax and social security Deferred income (see note 11) Deferred income At 1 April Deferred during the year Released during the year At 31 March |
2025 £ 5,815 195 9,117 - 15,127 2025 £ 4,085 3,886 140 3,266 3,100 14,477 2025 £ 2,400 3,100 (2,400) 3,100 |
2024 £ 19,641 3,855 9,129 1,322 33,947 2024 £ 2,565 3,613 1,996 4,918 2,400 15,492 2024 £ - 2,400 - 2,400 |
|---|---|---|
10. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
11. Deferred income
Deferred income relates to the delivery of Mental Health and Lived Experience training sessions for North Somerset Council between Novemember 2025 - March 2027.
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Independent Mental Health Network
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 12. Movements in funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds Prior year comparative Restricted funds Tameside Co-production Rochdale Lived Experience Total restricted funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds Rochdale Wellbeing Network Foundation Group Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership Unrestricted funds |
At 1 April 2024 £ 95,603 95,603 95,603 At 1 April 2023 £ 1,000 7,267 57,919 5,694 71,880 69,873 69,873 141,753 |
Income £ 93,196 93,196 93,196 Income £ - - - - - 94,817 94,817 94,817 |
£ (97,242) (97,242) (97,242) £ (1,000) (6,630) (35,822) (5,536) (48,988) (91,979) (91,979) (140,967) Expenditure Expenditure |
£ - - - £ - (637) (22,097) (158) (22,892) 22,892 22,892 - Transfers between funds Transfers between funds |
£ 91,557 91,557 91,557 £ - - - - - 95,603 95,603 95,603 At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
13. Related party transactions
Claire Smith, a trustee, received payments totalling £469 (2024: £nil) for lived experience representative services provided during the year as allowed by the governing document. Payments were made on market terms. At year end, £54 was outstanding (2024: £nil).
Jason Burrowes, a trustee, received payments totalling £5,443 (2024: £6,312) for lived experience representative services provided during the year as allowed by the governing document. Payments were made on market terms. At year end, £680 was outstanding (2024: £nil).
Justine Keeble, a trustee in the prior year, received payments in the prior year totalling £2,089 for lived experience representative services as allowed by the governing document. Payments were made on market terms. At 31 March 2024, £376 was outstanding.
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