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← Bromley Parent Voice

2024-03-31-accounts

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Bromley Parent Voice Annual Report

&

Statement of Financial Accounts

1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 Charity Commission Number: 1172718

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Contents

Team Introduction

Trustees Report Summary

Funding

Membership

Outcomes & Outreach of BPV’s Work

Future BPV Strategy

Financial Summary

Receipts and Payments Accounts

Notes to the Accounts

Report Approval

Independent Examiner

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BPV TEAM INTRODUCTION

Trustees: Helen Buckley

Tanya Smith

Inge Lake (Treasurer)

Steering

Committee: Kayla Dodd

Jo Seymour Cherry Masterson Kerry Demello

Volunteers: Atikah Chowdhury

Inge Lake Gwilym Dodd Delia Barton

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Trustees Report

We are now several years into our new journey, independent from our previous funders, and able to be autonomous in how we offer services and the direction we travel in as an organisation. This continues to be a big step for Bromley Parent Voice; but our members, Steering Group and Trustees have embraced it and we have had another successful year.

We have again successfully secured funding to provide IPSEA courses to local parents and these have been well received - the need for them is evident from the feedback we received. At a time when underfunding puts increased pressure on systems of support, few organisations are able to provide such assistance, and our independence enables us to fill this void without fear of any conflict of interests. We plan to provide more of these opportunities to assist parents and carers of local SEND children in understanding their rights and how to navigate a complicated set of systems to get their children the help that are entitled to.

We have been able to continue our popular coffee mornings where parent carers are able to find peer support and have worked with other local organisations to help offer assistance and training to 'hard to reach' groups. We have also been able to increase our presence and influence on social media platforms, and at school information events. Being able to diversify has been a great help in finding new parent carers who benefit from our events and services.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, there is likely to be increased pressure on traditional resources for families with SEND children and future elections, both local and national will bring additional uncertainty. We shall continue to provide our much-needed services in the local area and will look at opportunities for co-production only where this will benefit our members.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, most of whom are parent carers themselves. We are extremely grateful for all they do, and I'd like to officially thank every one of you for your contribution.

With best wishes from

Helen Buckley

On behalf of Bromley Parent Voice Trustee Board

29 July 2025

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Summary

This is the annual report & financial accounts of Bromley Parent Voice between the reporting period of 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024. The report gives an overview of the work of the charity and will outline our plans beyond April 2024.

Bromley Parent Voice is an independent charity which welcomes all parents or carers of a child or young person up to the age of 25 with a disability or additional need that live in the London Borough of Bromley. BPV started life many years ago as the recognised Contact/DfE parent carer forum working with the local authority to represent local families which later became independent in from Contact 2022.

The charity has since navigated the SEND landscape in Bromley independently by staying true to its original mission of providing support for parents & carers of children with additional needs & disabilities. Our philosophy is to ensure that no carer is left behind and alone while on their SEND journey with their child or young person and our aim is to amplify their voices in the design and delivery of local SEND services with stakeholders.

Objectives and Activities:

Bromley Parent Voice is a small charity supporting local families and carers of children and young people with SEND overseen by a board of trustees and the community engagement activities are overseen by a group of parent carers. The trustees manage the governance & strategic direction of Bromley Parent Voice to ensure it fulfils its vision and objectives as a fully independent charity. Our main objective now is to rebuild our Trustee Board so that it can increase its capacity to support the BPV Steering Group by seeking additional external funding and charitable partnerships.

The objectives of the charity are:

The steering group of parent/carer representatives carry out the strategic objectives of the trustee board as well as managing the charity’s operational activities. The BPV steering group delivers community engagement work & since becoming fully independent in 2022 the representatives have forged new community links and explored new ways of developing community engagement.

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The Steering Group and Board of Trustees are made up of local parents and carers of children with SEND, all of whom are deeply committed to supporting fellow SEND families. The BPV team is further supported by a dedicated volunteer administrator and a volunteer treasurer. The Steering Group meets monthly to represent the views of a broader community of parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. By focusing on the charity’s activities, the group helps inform, support, and empower families; ultimately working to improve services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Funding

The financial situation of BPV has been a concern for the charity and steps are being taken to diversify its income streams. The steering committee is developing a fundraising strategy and donation campaign to increase its future income; currently BPV has been using a combination of its reserves and a grant to continue to operate over the current financial period. The charity does not have any paid staff and it is completely led by a board of trustees and volunteers who are only paid expenses incurred. Bromley Parent Voice was successful in obtaining a £10,000 Awards For All Grant from the National Lottery in February 2023. The grant was used to provide a series of legal training sessions on SEND Law for parents & carers provided by IPSEA (Independent Providers of Special Education Advice).

Until 2022, Bromley Parent Voice received an annual grant from the Department for Education. With the conclusion of this funding, the charity has taken steps to reduce its expenditure while continuing to offer its vital free signposting service to local parents and carers. In response to the current economic climate, BPV recognises the need to diversify its income streams. However, the organisation remains committed to keeping its training sessions and parental engagement events free of charge, acknowledging that many parents are unpaid carers, often reliant on benefits or are from low-income households. To ensure long-term sustainability, BPV is exploring alternative financial models, including charging schools and organisations a modest fee for consultancy services to help subsidise its free services for SEND families.

Bromley Parent Voice (BPV) is actively working to diversify its income streams to ensure the long-term sustainability of its vital services. This includes:

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In response to overwhelming demand, our dedicated volunteers are also developing a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for additional IPSEA solicitor-led training sessions, which have been consistently oversubscribed.

These efforts reflect BPV’s commitment to maintaining free, high-quality support for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND; many of whom are unpaid carers or from low-income households.

As a user-led volunteer charity, Bromley Parent Voice (BPV) faces unique challenges. All our volunteers are parents and carers of children with SEND, and their time is often limited by their own caring responsibilities. This has naturally impacted the scale of grant applications and fundraising activities we can undertake and has also made it difficult to expand our volunteer base.

In recent years, BPV has observed a significant increase in the complexity of queries from parents and carers many of which require specialist legal knowledge. At the same time, the local SENDIASS service has been overwhelmed, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The number of children and young people with additional needs requiring specialist educational support has increased significantly, with many still not having their needs adequately met by educational institutions. In response to this need, BPV successfully secured a National Lottery grant to provide an alternative source of independent SEND legal advice . The grant was used to commission IPSEA to deliver a series of specialist legal training sessions and guidance for parents and carers. These sessions were extremely well-received and oversubscribed, highlighting the urgent need for accessible legal expertise to fill a critical gap in SEND services in Bromley.

Despite being a volunteer-led organisation, where all team members balance their roles with caring responsibilities, BPV continues to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of local families. The charity is now exploring additional funding streams, including community fundraising, charitable partnerships, and a crowdfunding campaign, to expand access to these vital services.

Membership (Our Reach)

Bromley Parent Voice continues to be a voice for parent carers in Bromley working with external stakeholders, parents & carers, educational settings, and voluntary sector partners. However, our primary focus now as an independent charity is to represent the voices of our SEND parents & carers. BPV is open to all parents or carers of a child or young person with a disability or additional need who live in the London Borough of Bromley.

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Strengthening Capacity and Representation

Bromley Parent Voice (BPV) continues to be a vital, user-led charity supporting families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Bromley. Our organisation is led by a small but dedicated team of volunteers, all of whom are parents and carers of children with SEND. This lived experience is our strength, but it also presents challenges, as caring responsibilities often limit the time volunteers can commit.

Currently, BPV has three trustees , with a fourth joining in the next quarter. We are actively seeking to recruit two additional trustees to strengthen our governance and strategic capacity. Over the past year, six parent representatives have attended meetings with external stakeholders, and many more parents have contributed their experiences through social media, coffee mornings, surveys, and consultations .

Since April 2023, we have welcomed additional new parent representatives who have supported and represented the charity in the community and at external meetings. However, our ability to reach a wider audience particularly in disadvantaged areas of the borough remains limited by our small volunteer base.

BPV recognises that while SEND parents are best placed to support one another, their capacity to volunteer is often constrained. This makes it even more critical for us to secure additional funding, volunteers, and employed staff to continue delivering the independent support, information, and listening ear that families in Bromley so urgently need.

We are at a pivotal moment in our journey. Without increased resources, our ability to meet growing demand and expand our reach will be significantly limited.

Platform Engagement Numbers 23/24
Twitter X 1213
BPV Membership (MailChimp database) 1106
Facebook 773

Our Events

Over the year BPV has carried out the following activities to reach more parents and to develop participation during April 2023 to March 2024.

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Event Numbers of attendees
BPV Coffee Mornings 300+
BPV Connects Schools Project 150 +

Bromley Parent Voice (BPV) is committed to reaching families whose voices are often underrepresented—particularly those from minority ethnic backgrounds, the traveller community, and low-income households , as well as families whose children attend mainstream schools . These groups often face additional barriers in accessing SEND support and services.

The BPV Schools Connect Project has been instrumental in helping us engage with families in mainstream education settings and identify gaps in provision for children and young people with SEND. This targeted outreach has enabled us to better understand and respond to the needs of a broader cross-section of the community.

In response to increased social isolation following the COVID-19 pandemic, Bromley Parent Voice reintroduced its Coffee Mornings , creating informal, welcoming spaces where parents and carers of children with SEND can connect, share experiences, and access support. These sessions have proven to be highly successful , offering both emotional reassurance and practical guidance.

The coffee mornings are held in multiple locations across the borough , facilitated through BPV’s Schools Connect Project and in partnership with a local social enterprise café led by neurodivergent staff . Hosting events in a central Bromley location has significantly improved accessibility, enabling families from diverse communities to participate more easily.

Like many London boroughs, Bromley is marked by stark contrasts , with both affluent and disadvantaged areas. The cost-of-living crisis has widened these gaps, disproportionately affecting families of children and young people with SEND (Trust for London). These households are more likely to experience financial hardship , as carers often work in low-paid roles, reduced hours, or are forced to leave employment entirely due to their caring responsibilities.

In addition to financial strain, social isolation is a significant issue for SEND carers. To help address this, the BPV informal coffee mornings provide a safe, welcoming space where parents and carers can connect with others who understand their experiences. These gatherings offer not only emotional support but also access to valuable information and resources as well as guest speakers invited from the local community, health & voluntary sectors to share information about their services.

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Other Key Areas of work

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----- Start of picture text -----
Date Event
April 2023 21/04 Coffee Morning St Michael’s church
26/04 CASPA/BPV coffee morning
May 2023 5/5 Coffee morning Bromley Picture house Café
19/5 Coffee morning at St Michael’s Church, Beckenham – SEND
health visitor attended
22/5 IPSEA Post 16 SEND Law Training Workshop
24/05 SEND Champions meeting
June 2023 9 [th] June Coffee Morning Penge East Community Centre
22/06 Coffee morning with Julie Cook – Local offer
23/6 Coffee morning at St Michael’s church Beckenham
28/6 - Blenheim Children’s Centre One Stop Coffee Shop where
we had a stall.
July 3/7 IPSEA Introduction to SEND Law Training Session
07/07 Coffee morning
August 2023 Summer Picnic for Carers
September 2023 08/09 Coffee morning Rhiannon’s café
23/09 ??SEND law level 1 IPSEA
23/09 Coffee morning at Bromley Football club
October 2023 04/05 SEND Network Champions
06/10 Coffee morning Rhiannon’s Cafe
20/10 Coffee morning “
November 2023 04/11 Coffee morning Bromley Football club
06/11 IPSEA training session EHCP existing plans
16/11 Bromley Y AGM
----- End of picture text -----

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17/11 Coffee morning Rhiannon’s café
20/11 IPSEA Send Law level 1 Training Session
December2023 02/12 Coffee morning Bromley Football Club
13/12 BTSE Associate members meeting
January 2024 11/01 Coffee morning
15/1 IPSEA masterclass - how to obtain an EHCP
26/01 Coffee morning
31/1 SEND champions meeting
February 2024 9/2 Coffee morning Rhiannon’s Cafe
26/2 IPSEA tribunals
29/2 Consultation with CPFC regarding disabled access for
proposed alterations to Crystal Palace Stadium
March 2024 8/3 Coffee morning Rhiannon’s café
14/3 BTSE meeting
22/3 Coffee morning – Petts wood
26/3 Autism Show for CASPA Oakley House - ran a stall

Outcomes and Impact of BPV Work

After our workshop on ‘Masterclass in Obtaining an EHCP’

Following the workshop on ‘Masterclass for those with existing EHCP’s’

Parental comments:

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“Thank you for all your time and efforts”

“Thank you so much…a wealth of extremely useful information. Much appreciated!”

“Very useful. Everyone should know all of this!!”

“it was really invaluable!”

“I can’t say how much I appreciate the support”

“IPSEA courses are amazing! Best thing I have done on my SEN journey. Would highly recommend. Thanks, BPV for funding these and empowering our community”

The Future BPV Strategy

Bromley Parent Voice (BPV) remains committed to its mission: to inform and empower parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, improve services, and ultimately enhance their quality of life.

To meet growing demand, BPV aims to deliver more independent SEND information sessions - subject to funding - to increase awareness, knowledge, and parent carer engagement. We believe that partnership working with other third sector organisations such as the Bromley Children and Family Forum, Dyslexia Association, CASPA, and Bromley Mencap will further strengthen the support we offer to our members.

In response to lessons learned during the COVID period, BPV is prioritising financial stability through the diversification of income streams . This includes applying for a combination of grants and exploring sponsorship opportunities with local businesses. Our goal is to raise £30,000 over the next few years to maintain our current level of service and reappoint a part-time administrator. The recruitment of paid staff will enhance our governance, increase operational capacity, and allow volunteers and trustees to focus on strategic development.

BPV currently has three trustees , with a fourth joining soon, and is actively seeking to recruit two more to strengthen the board. In 2022/23, six parent representatives engaged with external stakeholders, and many more parents contributed through social media, coffee mornings, surveys, and consultations. Since April 2023, we have welcomed new parent representatives who are actively supporting and representing their peers.

However, our ability to reach disadvantaged areas of the borough remains limited by our small team. While SEND parents are best placed to support one another, their capacity to volunteer is understandably constrained by caring responsibilities. BPV is now looking to broaden its volunteer base by engaging individuals from the wider community—those who may not be direct carers but are passionate about SEND issues and want to make a difference.

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We are at a critical juncture . Without additional funding, volunteers, and staff, we risk being unable to meet the increasing demand for our services. With the right support, BPV can continue to be a trusted, independent voice for SEND families in Bromley.

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Bromley Parent Voice Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2024

Fixed Asset
Tangible assets
Computer
Fixtures & Fittings
Total Tangible assets
Total Fixed Asset
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash on hand
Lloyds
Total Cash at bank and in hand
Net current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Current Liabilities
Accruals
Payroll Clearing
Payroll Liability
Pension Liability
Total Current Liabilities
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets (liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets (liabilities)
Capital and Reserves
Retained Earnings
Profit for the year
Total Capital and Reserves		 Total
As of Mar
31, 2024
As of Mar
31, 2023
(PY)
1,270.08
1,270.08
1,004.00
1,004.00
£
2,274.08
£
2,274.08
£
2,274.08
£
2,274.08
65.69
65.69
6,864.00
17,417.98
£
6,929.69
£
17,483.67
£
6,929.69
£
17,483.67
500.00
500.00
0.00
-298.55
0.00
286.19
105.56
105.56
£
605.56
£
593.20
£
605.56
£
593.20
£
6,324.13
£
16,890.47
£
8,598.21
£
19,164.55
£
8,598.21
£
19,164.55
19,164.55
19,369.65
-10,566.34
-205.10
£
8,598.21
£
19,164.55

Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025 06:36:46 pm GMT+1 - Accrual Basis

Bromley Parent Voice

Profit and Loss

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April 2023 - March 2024

Income
All Project Grant
DFE Grant
Donations
Total Income
Expenses
Admin &
governance
Accountancy
Computer repairs
Office/General
admin
Telephone
Travel
Catering
Total Travel
Workshop fees
Total Admin &
governance
Events
Independent
Support
Meetings
Rent
Zoom
Total Meetings
Payroll expenses
Pension
Taxes
Wages
Total Payroll
expenses
Total Expenses
Net Operating Income
Net Income		 Total
Apr 2023
- Mar
2024
Apr 2022
- Mar
2023 (PY)
10,000.00
3,043.83
84.64
5.00
£
84.64
£
13,048.83
500.00
500.00
732.62
857.98
408.00
1,161.36
193.92
187.51
14.39
281.00
£
281.00
£
14.39
7,369.80
£
9,485.34
£
2,721.24
289.03
396.94
565.00
1,270.00
203.70
158.29
£
768.70
£
1,428.29
113.40
241.97
8,460.00
£
0.00
£
8,815.37
£
10,650.98
£
13,253.93
-£
10,566.34
-£
205.10
-£
10,566.34
-£
205.10

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REPORT APPROVAL

This annual and financial statement report is an accurate reflection of the 2022/23 achievements and future aspirations of the charitable organisation, Bromley Parent Voice (BPV).

It is apt to take this opportunity to extend our thanks and sincere appreciation to all our members & wider team who have enabled BPV to inform and involve local families to influence positive change.

We continue to adhere to our financial procedures policy. Significant risks to the charity have been identified and strategies developed to counteract and prevent these risks. This policy is reviewed by the trustees in line with the planned schedule of policy and procedure review or as necessary.

This policy will also be reviewed by all existing and newly appointed trustees at the charity’s annual general meeting (AGM) and signed on their behalf by:

Helen Buckley

Trustee - Bromley Parent Voice Trustee Board July 2025

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BPV

I report on the financial statements for the period ended 31[st] March 2023 set out on pages 10 & 11.

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 needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 charities act,

Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the charity commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 act, and state whether particular matter have come to my attention.

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 you as 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 next statement.

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:

• To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 act and

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

Joanna Josiah FCCA 26/06/2025

12 Mead Crescent, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2SH

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