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← The Transforming Autism Project

2024-03-31-accounts

Jii transforfnin9 u_ism tp 2023-24 Trustees, Annual Report

Early Intervention, Lifelong Difference

We provide crucial support for young autistic children and their families at an age when we can make a lifelong difference that everyone can benefit from. The early years are the optimal time to ensure children experience a safe environment, so that the lifelong trauma that often comes from a feeling of not being properly understood, and even judged and criticised for who they are, can be most effectively averted.

Based on a deep understanding of the profound sensitivity and other positive aspects inherent in autism, our unique early intervention approach transforms autistic children’s potential and provides parents and caregivers with the foundational support to confidently build positive, nourishing, trust-based relationships so everyone in the family can enjoy a happy and fulfilling life.

This approach is founded on our empowering conception of autism as having unlimited positive possibilities rather than one with constraints or impairments.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 2

Contents

Contents
The Transforming Autism Project- Charity Details 4
Foreword From Our Chair 5
Introduction From Our CEO 6
About Us 7
Values 8
2023-24 Objectives 9
2023-24 Achievements & Performance 10
Our Team 12
Fundraising 13
Looking Ahead 14
Charity Structure 15
Risk Management 17
2023/24 Financial Performance 18
The Transforming Autism Project Financial 19
Statements 31 March 2024

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 3

The Transforming Autism Project

The Board of Trustees are pleased to present their Trustee’s Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2024. This report and accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011.

Charity Details

Charity Purposes (as stated in Constitution)

Trustees

The Trustees who served during the period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Charity Number

To promote the public benefit, the advancement of health and the relief of young children in need by reason of autism and related conditions, and those who care for them, by means of:

Public Benefit

Address

The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. These objectives fall under the purposes defined by the Charities Act 2011.

Constitution Type

Governing Document

Advisors

Delivering public benefit is at the core of our mission. We benefit society by striving to improve autistic children’s development by working with their family to create positive, nourishing, trust-based relationships with their child, to transform and unlock the child’s development potential. We help the child to feel safe and understood, while guiding the parents to truly understand what the child is experiencing and trying to communicate.

Bankers:

Independent examiner:

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 4

Foreword From Our Chair

Welcome to Transforming Autism’s Annual report for 2023/24. It has been remarkable to witness the progress of the charity as it goes from strength to strength, continuing to grow and develop while reaching more families in need of support for their autistic child.

With growth and development comes change, and we have undergone a number of changes over the past year all of which have positively benefited the charity and strengthened its capacity to support a growing number of families.

I joined the board of Trustees, and have taken on the role of Chair, in September 2023. I have a background in charity fundraising and leadership and have chaired several forums previously within the sector, in addition to serving on the board of a large and small charity. The Trustees have also welcomed Edmund Kamm to the Board, who brings his finance and business experience, to take on the role of Treasurer.

We have also welcomed Tracy Pepper to the team as CEO, and she brings a wealth of charity leadership experience to the table. Guy Shahar, our previous CEO, continues to support the charity as Founder and Specialist Board Advisor supporting in several key areas.

Finally, we have welcomed many more dedicated volunteers to our team. I wish to thank all our volunteers for their invaluable support, on a day-to-day basis, across areas such as HR, recruitment, fundraising, marketing, family services and IT.

With the support of the strengthened team, we have been able to expand our reach and welcome new families to both the First Steps and Confident Autism Parenting (CAP) programmes.

It is a joy to hear the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the parents who have participated in these programmes and experienced transformative change for their families.

I am looking forward to the year ahead, as we finalise our next 3-year strategic plan and continue to implement the positive steps that are bringing us closer to supporting more families than ever before.

Finally, on behalf of all the families benefiting from Transforming Autism’s support, I want to say thank you to the Businesses, Trusts and Foundations and individuals who have donated to the Charity, enabling us to continue our work. We are grateful for your support and encouragement. It is only with the support of our donors and volunteers that we are able to fulfil our mission to work with young autistic children and their families to transform their relationships, environment and optimise their future prospects.

Carla McLuskie, Chair

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 5

Introduction From Our CEO

I am delighted to have joined Transforming Autism at this exciting time of transition and growth. Founders Guy Shahar and Giles Pelenc have established a unique charity with a strong, clear purpose and culture. We will continue to work together with our skilled and dedicated Board of Trustees to transition the Charity through its next stages of development.

The need for our charity continues. The number of children and families awaiting diagnosis and support remains high, resulting in very young children missing the opportunity for support at an age where it will make the most difference.

Since 2021 we have seen year-on-year growth in demand for our services, and 2024/25 is no different. Whilst other charities widen the supply of advice and signposting autism services, our priority remains focused on early support, working with autistic children aged 0-12 years and their families, when we can make a profound lifelong difference.

2024/25 will be a year of consolidation, building on the success of our programmes. Our First Steps programme, developed by Theodora Papatheodorou and Amy Prescott and funded by the Norland Foundation, piloted in 2021, is now working across Essex and Buckinghamshire, and we aim to expand into additional regions this year.

Our unique, online Confident Autism Parenting programme remains in demand, providing families of autistic children up to 12 years old with dedicated, qualified Therapeutic support online.

This year we will further develop our monitoring, evaluation and learning of our programmes. We will also research our impact to provide academic rigour and share our work widely amongst partners. We will continue to grow our volunteer workforce who provide a remarkable resource to the Charity, as well as building our team of skilled Therapeutic practitioners. 2023 saw a new Clinical lead join the organisation to work alongside our very experienced and skilled lead Therapist.

The external environment whilst unsettled, provides many opportunities for us to work in partnership with other autism linked charities, schools, nurseries and statutory services This will be a priority for 2024/25.

Our key risks like many charities include the generally unsettled economic and political landscape and its impact on fundraising which remains challenging, as well as ensuring our practices remain safe and robust as we grow.

We have a strong leadership team with the breadth of expertise to continue to put in place strong foundations on which to build, and I look forward to working together to improve the lives of young autistic children and their families.

Tracy Pepper, CEO

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 6

About Us

Mission We provide early autism support that transforms autistic children’s potential and equips their parents and caregivers to build loving, supportive relationships with them.

Transforming Autism

Our support and services benefit:

We provide crucial support for young autistic children and their families at an age when we can make a profound lifelong difference.

We work with families with young autistic children to transform their relationships and environment and optimise their self-esteem and future prospects. We also reframe autism, offering a unique positive and empowering conception of it.

Our pioneering First Steps programme was developed by Theodora Papatheodorou and Amy Prescott and funded by the Norland Foundation. The programme focuses on: working directly with autistic children providing therapeutic support; giving families the tools they need to understand and interact with their autistic children in ways that help them feel understood, affirmed and nurtured; strengthening relationships; and facilitating the child’s optimal development so that they are able to fulfil their true potential.

Unlike many other autism organisations, we do not focus on the perceived limitations or impairments associated with autism, but instead propose our own unique and empowering conception of it, highlighting the profound sensitivity inherent in autism as well as other positive aspects which, if nurtured appropriately, can lead to very positive outcomes.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 7

Values

Kindness

Active interest in each other’s welfare and how best to promote it. Alertness and responsiveness to their needs, and to our own, ensuring maximum respect for both. Unquestioning acceptance of the inherent and equal value of each individual, regardless of their attributes and character.

Positive Trust-based Collaboration

True sense of team unity in all actions including with our external relationships. Keen mutual empowerment. Having the courage to keep trusting others and to honour the trust placed in us. A firm focus on what we can achieve, not what we can’t; and to expand what we can.

Authenticity

True openness and transparency in all our communication, including around our intentions and feelings. Ensuring that what we express externally matches what is inside; and moulding what is inside to reflect our highest aspirations for ourselves.

Perspectives, Not Positions

Approaching issues, discussions and decisions not with fixed opinions that we then feel the need to defend, but rather with a perspective on what seems to make sense, which can enrich and be enriched by others’ perspectives.

Pioneering, Ambitious Thinking

Thinking outside traditional constraints; finding new ways to understand key concepts, including questioning established assumptions. Being unafraid to modify or build from scratch to ensure possibilities and distinctiveness. Constant openness to unconventional routes. A focus on abundant possibility rather than on any apparent limitations to allow the keen pursuit of our full potential.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 8

2023-24 Objectives

“When we suddenly found ourselves facing the challenges of navigating our child’s unique needs, we were unsure where to turn. That’s when we discovered Transforming Autism, and it was a changing point for our family. Through their personalised approach and expert guidance, we were able to better understand our child’s needs and implement strategies to help them thrive. From educational resources to practical advice, they equipped us with the tools we needed to support our child every step of the way.”

Parent on First Steps Programme

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 9

2023-24 Achievements & Performance

First Steps

Additional Services

Our First Steps programme, developed by Theodora Papatheodorou and Amy Prescott and funded by the Norland Foundation, provides multidisciplinary support in the family home. The programme focuses on the vital area of promoting optimal communications between the autistic child and their parents or caregivers, and empowering families to build strong relationships with them.

Programme aims for children include:

1. Confident Autism Parenting Programme

Up to ten families of autistic children come together by video-conference for 75 minutes each week over three months, with our Senior Therapist and Occupational Therapist. Parents/caregivers learn to optimally manage many of the key areas including: Behaviour; Sleep; Relationships with the family; Social Interactions; Eating; Play; Sensory Processing; Understanding the early signs of autism. Each programme is tailored to the needs of the group, and after each session, there’ll be ideas and suggestions to implement at home before the next session. Families learn from each other, as the group learns about what has and has not worked for the other members.

Programme aims for parents/caregivers include:

This is an intensive programme typically delivered over a minimum of 12 months.

By the end of the programme, participants should be experiencing: a closer, stronger relationship with their autistic child; a better understanding of their child; the confidence to continue to build of these foundations independently; and a child who feels more content, safer and less stressed in their environment.

During the year, we supported 36 families on our Confident Autism Parenting Online Programme.

2. CASA

CASA is an extension programme for families of autistic children of any age (diagnosed or suspected) that need additional support after completing Confident Autism Parenting.

Five families trialled our new CASA programme during the year.

3. Connect Consultations

During the year, we provided this critical support to six families and their children.

Connect Consultations offer personalised, private consultations to parents and carers on an individual basis.

During the year we piloted the programme with two families.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 10

“The [programme] has been a truly life-transforming experience for me with my granddaughter. Your analytic understanding of her internal world populated by her anxieties, and your celebration of how autistic children communicate and how you perceive their divine gifts to us. [The programme] dissolves the isolation and shame of parenting or grandparenting an autistic child.”

Grandparent on Confident Autism Parenting Programme

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 11

Our Team

We built out our team during the year, with over 40 volunteers supporting our mission and helping us deliver our services to families. In addition, we recruited a new CEO in February 2024, and we appointed two new trustees during the year, the Chairperson and the Treasurer.

Our team are highly engaged and committed. As well as supporting our service delivery through the provision of specialist skills in functions such as operations, HR, marketing and finance, many are actively involved in fundraising efforts as well. We are immensely grateful for the dedication, passion and hard work that allows us to make progress in fulfilling our mission, and our volunteers’ generosity with their time, skills and energy is hugely appreciated.

“I volunteer at Transforming Autism as I am passionate about improving the lives of autistic children and their families. My experience volunteering at Transforming Autism has been very positive. I really enjoy my time and I have built great working relationships with other members of the team. The weekly email update and monthly team calls are really useful in finding out more about the charity and its goals and aspirations. You are very much part of the team when you join and it is a wonderful charity to volunteer for.” Carla O'Sullivan, Recruitment

“Volunteering for Transforming Autism has been hugely rewarding. As a parent of an autistic child, I have experienced many of the frustrations and anxieties that the charity addresses so I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved and to make a difference. It’s been a privilege to work as part of an incredibly talented and motivated team of volunteers. It’s also very humbling to see people come together, contribute their time, and apply their experience and skills for the benefit of autistic children and their families.” Neil Perrott, Marketing

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 12

Thank you to our supporters

Fundraising

We successfully expanded our fundraising activity during the year:

Our work would not be possible without the huge contributions and encouragement from all our supporters. Thank you to all our donors, volunteers, employees, Therapists, advisors, partners, allies, suppliers and followers for your donations, time, support, guidance, and encouragement.

We are grateful to the following trusts and foundations for supporting our work in 2023/24:

Fundraising Compliance

The Board of Trustees recognises our legal requirements as a charity to maximise our income in line with our mission whilst ensuring that our activities and behaviour comply with the law. We recognise that the generosity of our donors allows us to carry out our charitable activities to enable us to deliver on our purpose. Whilst we aim to maximise our income, we also recognise that on very rare occasions we may consider refusing a donation or working with a partner. In such an instance we will act with integrity, we will respect matters of legitimate confidentiality, and will aim to respect the dignity of the prospective donor or partner. We believe in adhering to the highest standards of fundraising practice.

Our fundraising activities are led by our Senior Leadership Team, which is responsible for ensuring that all fundraising follows the standards in the fundraising code. We monitor the fundraising regulatory environment to ensure that we are aware of any changes in the fundraising code. We did not receive any complaints about our fundraising this year.

Turnover by source

----- Start of picture text -----
Individuals Other
24.8% income
0.1%
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Trusts & Corporates
Foundations 44.4%
30.7%
----- End of picture text -----

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 13

Looking Ahead

We have an exciting year ahead having put in place the foundations to transition from a Founder led Charity to a Trustee Board led Charity supported and advised by the Founder.

We are developing a three-year strategic plan which will set out our roadmap for the Charity and where we want to be in 2027, which we anticipate publishing in July 2024.

We have already carried out the significant baseline work for the strategy and the interim objectives set for 2024/25 reflect the direction of travel.

2024/25 Strategic Objectives

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 14

Charity Structure

The Transforming Autism Project is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation established in 2017, regulated by the Charity Commission (Charity no. 1173134). The Board of Trustees governs the business of the charity and is responsible for overseeing the management of The Transforming Autism Project. The Board is currently made up of four members, with business, finance, marketing, HR and nonprofit expertise.

The Board of Trustees meets monthly and make decisions in accordance with the provisions of the Charities Act 2011. The Board of Trustees delegates the day-to-day management of the organisation to the Senior Leadership Team which includes the CEO and Founder/Board advisor. The Senior Leadership Team is supported by the charity’s volunteers.

The Board has carried out a skills audit and will seek to fill gaps with individuals with the appropriate level of skills and experience. Outside of this, the charity is always open to considering applications from prospective Trustees in the interest of increasing the size and diversity of the board.

Prospective Trustees are screened in the first instance by a recruiter and then asked to complete a questionnaire about their prospective trusteeship (to assess reasons for applying and fit with the charity). This questionnaire is circulated to Trustees for feedback. If the candidate is thought to be suitable, interviews then take place with the CEO and at least two other Trustees, references are checked, and a DBS check undertaken. Once appointed, new Trustees are provided information on the legal expectations and duties of a Trustee and undertake Trustee Safeguarding training.

Charity Governance Code

The Transforming Autism Project operates according to the Seven Principles of Charity Governance, and the Board of Trustees reviews the charity’s governance arrangements to ensure it aligns with the code.

1. Organisational purpose : The Board is clear about the charity’s purpose and ensures that these are being delivered effectively and sustainably.

2. Leadership : The makeup of the Board is continually reviewed to ensure effectiveness of leadership in line with the charity’s mission and values.

3. Integrity : The Board acts with integrity, in accordance with its values, and strives to create a positive culture to achieve its charitable purposes. The Board is aware of and understands the importance of the public’s confidence and trust in charities, and Trustees undertake their duties accordingly.

4. Decision making, risk and control : Our risk management processes ensure decision making is informed, rigorous and timely, and that effective delegation, control and risk-assessments are set up and monitored.

5. Board effectiveness : The Board uses a balance of skills, experiences, backgrounds and knowledge to make informed decisions.

6. Equality, diversity and inclusion : The Board recognises the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion to support the charity’s effectiveness.

7. Openness and accountability : The Transforming Autism Project is committed to openness and transparency in their activities.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 15

Charity Structure (continued)

Safeguarding

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion

Safeguarding remains a priority for the Board and organisation as the number of children and families we work with grows. We follow safer recruitment practices and all colleagues working directly with children and families are enhanced DBS checked.

We had no safeguarding incidents or referrals in 2023/24.

The Transforming Autism Project is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the work that it carries out, by building an organisational culture that is welcoming, open and a safe space for all individuals. This is also integral to our values. We take active steps to ensure that our workforce, including our employees, Therapists and volunteers, reflect the communities within which the Charity works.

During 2023/2024 we:

  1. Reviewed and updated our Safeguarding Children’s Policy improving our case management process.

  2. Reviewed and updated our safeguarding training requirements for Trustees, Therapists and volunteers. 3. Recruited a new designated safeguarding lead (DSL).

Our programmes are free to families, so that finance is not a barrier to access. We do not select families based on demographics, including race or gender. Our programmes run in the evenings for parental access.

  1. Instigated a new bi-monthly meeting to review Therapeutic practice.

  2. Updated our Protected Disclosure Policy.

Our priorities for 2024/25 are to:

  1. Build relationships with Local Authority safeguarding partners.

  2. Improve our reporting process throughout the Charity.

  3. Improve our safeguarding induction process.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 16

Risk Management

Trustees have overall responsibility for risk management and maintain a risk register in line with its risk policy. Risks are considered at both a strategic and operational level, with the nature of the risk noted on the register along with an assessment of its likelihood and potential impact. The Board of Trustees reviews the risk register at least twice a year.

The key risks identified for the charity, and the mitigations in place, include:

Fundraising Shortfall impacting our ability to deliver on our charitable purpose. This risk is managed by the charity’s Fundraising and Marketing Committee. Mitigations include: regular fundraising performance meetings; up-to-date forecasting processes; minimising spending commitments beyond three months where possible; adopting a suitable reserves policy; diversifying our fundraising across a wide range of sources; and targeting larger, multi-year grants from Trusts and Foundations.

Data Security Breach resulting in loss of personal data. This risk is managed by our CEO and IT leader. Mitigations include: volunteer training on recognising suspicious emails and requests for sensitive information; raising awareness of data security through our volunteer agreement and regular security awareness training; tracking volunteer actions as far as possible; not storing confidential data on personal devices; use of multi-factor authentication where available; following accepted/recommended practices for cloud-based application security; maintaining cloud backups; implementing strong access controls and encryption for sensitive data; updating to the latest version of all systems; rigorous scrutinisation of third-party vendors; rapid and robust incident response strategies; and meeting the ICO-mandated reporting deadline.

Key Therapist Departures resulting in an inability to deliver services to our beneficiaries. This risk is managed by our CEO and our HR leader. Mitigations include: ensuring we have enough families to support in each therapist area; ongoing engagement with our CEO and volunteers; demonstrating the impact the Therapists are having on our beneficiaries; and ensuring we have a contingency plan in place including a prospective candidate list.

Critical Safeguarding Failure resulting in serious impact on the family and reputational risk for the Charity. This is managed by the Board of Trustees. Mitigations include: review and update of our safeguarding Children’s policy; improving our case management process; completion of safeguarding training requirements for Trustees; appointing a new designated safeguarding lead (DSL); instigating a bi-monthly meeting to review therapeutic practice; updating our Protected Disclosure Policy.; building relationships with Local Authority safeguarding partners; improving our reporting process throughout the Charity; and improving our safeguarding induction process.

Departure of Board Member(s) may lead to a loss of expertise, creating a skills gap within the board, and potentially the inability to hold a quorum. This risk is managed by the Board Chair. Mitigations include: skills audit conducted at least once per year to identify any gaps; ongoing recruitment to increase the size of the board; maximise retention through active engagement between Trustees and Board Chair; creation of deputy positions and establishing succession plans for roles with single person dependencies; and thorough recruitment process to ensure commitment of newly recruited Trustees.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 17

2023/24 Financial Performance

Financial Review

Reserves Policy

Our turnover for the year was £143,242, consisting of £9,880 in restricted donations, and £133,362 in unrestricted donations. The Charity’s principal sources of funds for the year included £63,577 from Corporates; £44,030 from Trusts and Foundations; £35,589 from Individuals and £146 from other income.

Our expenses for the year were £73,922, including £43,481 for therapist support services, £15,200 in salaries and £15,242 in administrative expenses.

Resulting net surplus for the year was £69,320, which helped to build our reserves and create our designated fund balance described below as we scale the Charity in 2024/25.

Funds

Total funds available at the end of the fiscal year were £120,410. This included cash of £126,968 plus debtors of £2,500, less current liabilities of £9,058. Funds available are broken down into:

Restricted funds are subject to restrictions specified by the donor and can only be used for that specified purpose. The Charity had £2,000 in Restricted funds at the end of the year.

Designated funds are designated by the board to cover specific items. Currently, our designated funds relate to our First Steps programme costs, to ensure the charity is able to meet the full 12-month commitment to our First Steps programme families. Designated funds cover the remaining period of the First Steps programme beyond what is already covered in our reserves policy. The Charity had £18,626 in Designated funds at the end of the year.

Unrestricted funds are available to use for the purposes of the Charity as the Trustees see fit to deliver its charitable purpose. The Charity had £99,784 in Unrestricted funds at the end of the year.

Reserves are needed to ensure we have sufficient funds to cover our ongoing operational costs and any unplanned expenditures. The Trustees consider that the ideal level of reserves is a minimum of three months of expected spend (excluding restricted spend), which currently equates to £81,133. The Board of Trustees are confident that at this level they would be able to continue the current activities of the Charity in the event of a significant drop in funding in the short-term.

Our reserve requirement at the end of the year increased significantly due to our ambitions and expected growth in the number of families we expect to help in 2024/25.

Free Unrestricted funds: Our resulting free unrestricted funds at year-end were £18,651, after accounting for designated funds and our reserves policy.

Going Concern

The Trustee considers that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Charity has sufficient reserves and designated funds to deliver on its family commitments and has minimal administrative expense commitments beyond its reserve period. The Trustees are of the opinion that the Charity is a going concern and the accounts have been prepared on this basis.

This report was approved the Board of Trustees on 12 July 2024, and signed on its behalf by Edmund J. Kamm and Carla McLuskie.

Treasurer

Chairwoman

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 18

The Transforming Autism Project

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of The Transforming Autism Project for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company 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 charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Approved by the trustees of the charity on .................... and signed on its behalf by:12 July 2024

......................................... Carla McLuskie Chairman ......................................... Edmund John Kamm Trustee

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 19

Page 19

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The Transforming Autism Project

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Note Unrestricted
funds
Restricted funds
Total
2024
£
£
£
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3		 133,216
9,880
143,096
Other income
4		 146
-
146
Total income 133,362
9,880
143,242
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5		 (6,280)
(2,039)
(8,319)
Charitable activities
6		 (15,645)
(27,836)
(43,481)
Support costs
7		 (16,702)
(5,420)
(22,122)
Total expenditure (38,627)
(35,295)
(73,922)
Net surplus/(deficit) 94,735
(25,415)
69,320
Net movement in funds 94,735
(25,415)
69,320
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 23,675
27,415
51,090
Total funds carried forward
15		 118,410
2,000
120,410

The notes on pages 24 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

The notes on pages 24 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 21 Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 21

The Transforming Autism Project

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Note Unrestricted
funds
Restricted funds
Total
2023
£
£
£
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3		 42,020
25,900
67,920
Total income 42,020
25,900
67,920
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5		 (5,946)
-
(5,946)
Charitable activities
6		 -
(11,020)
(11,020)
Support costs
7		 (13,547)
-
(13,547)
Total expenditure (19,493)
(11,020)
(30,513)
Net surplus 22,527
14,880
37,407
Net movement in funds 22,527
14,880
37,407
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 1,148
12,535
13,683
Total funds carried forward
15		 23,675
27,415
51,090

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.

The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 15.

The notes on pages 24 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

The notes on pages 24 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 22 Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 22

The Transforming Autism Project

(Registration number: CE010884) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

Note 2024
2023
£
£
Current assets
Debtors
12		 2,500
-
Cash at bank and in hand
13		 126,968
51,090
129,468
51,090
Creditors: Amounts falling due within oneyear
14		 (9,058)
-
Netassets 120,410
51,090
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Restricted funds
15		 2,000
27,415
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds 118,410
23,675
Total funds
15		 120,410
51,090

For the financial year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

The financial statements on pages 6 to 18 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on .................... and signed on their behalf by:12 July 2024

......................................... Carla McLuskie Chairman ......................................... Edmund John Kamm Trustee

The notes on pages 24 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

The notes on pages 24 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 23 Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 23

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1 Charity status

The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in , and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

The address of its registered office is: 29 Florence Road Feltham TW13 5AN

2 Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

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)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

The Transforming Autism Project 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 notes.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.

Transition to FRS 102

In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102 a restatement of comparative items was required. No restatements are required as a result of the transition to FRS 102.

Income and endowments

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 24

Page 24

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Donations and legacies

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Grants receivable

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of therapist costs.

Raising funds

These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs

Support costs include central functions such as personnel costs, marketing and publicity costs, and other expenditure such as printing, postage and stationery, insurance and accountancy fees.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 25

Page 25

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Financial instruments

Classification

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.

Recognition and measurement

All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitues a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle of a net basis, of the realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
Total
General
funds
2024
£
£
£
Donations and legacies;
Corporate donations 63,577
-
63,577
Donations from individuals 35,489
-
35,489
Grants, including capital grants;
Grants received 34,150
9,880
44,030
133,216
9,880
143,096

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 26

Page 26

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted
funds Restricted Total
General funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations and legacies;
Donations from individuals 28,320 - 28,320
Grants, including capital grants;
Grants received 13,700 25,900 39,600
42,020 25,900 67,920

4 Other income

4
Other income
Unrestricted
funds Total
General 2024
£ £
Royalties received 146
146

Costs of trading activities

a)

a)
g
Unrestricted
funds Restricted Total Total
General funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Fundraisingcosts 6,280 2,039 8,319 5,946
6,280 2,039 8,319 5,946
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
Total
Total
General
funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
First Steps 8,697
25,344
34,041
11,020
Confident Parenting 4,908
2,492
7,400
-
Prospect Assessment 1,040
-
1,040
-
CASA 480
-
480
-
Connect Consultations 320
-
320
-
Webinar 200
-
200
-
15,645
27,836
43,481
11,020

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 27

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

7 Support costs

7
Support costs
Unrestricted
funds Restricted Total Total
General funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Staff costs
Wages and salaries 11,476 3,724 15,200 9,000
Marketing and publicity 3,110 1,008 4,118 3,964
Other resources expended 2,116 688 2,804 583
16,702 5,420 22,122
13,547

8 Net incoming/outgoing resources

Net incoming resources for the year include:

2024
£
Independent Examiners fees 1,800

9 Trustees remuneration and expenses

No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.

No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year.

10 Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Staff costs during the year were:
Wages and salaries 15,200
9,000

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:


charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:
2024
2023
No
No
Administrative Staff 2
1

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 28

Page 28

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

During the year the charity made the following transactions with key management personnel:

Key management and CEO

The Key management and CEO received remuneration of £15,200 (2023: £9,000)

11 Taxation

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

12 Debtors

12 Debtors
2024
£
Accrued income 2,500
13 Cash and cash equivalents
2024 2023
£ £
Cash at bank 126,968 51,090

14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2024
£
Trade creditors 3,870
Other taxation and social security 1,164
Other creditors 744
Accruals 3,280
9,058

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 29

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
15
Funds
Balance at 1
April 2023
£
Incoming
resources
£
Resources
expended
£
Transfers
£
Balance at 31
March 2024
£

£
£

£
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General
Unrestricted General Fund 23,675
133,362
(38,627)
(18,626)
99,784
Designated
Unrestricted Designated Fund -
-
-
18,626
18,626
Total unrestricted funds 23,675
133,362
(38,627)
-
118,410
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund 27,415
9,880
(35,295)
-
2,000
Total funds 51,090
143,242
(73,922)
-
120,410
Balance at 1
Incoming
Resources
Balance at 31
April 2022

resources
expended
March 2023
£
£
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General
Unrestricted General Fund 1,148
42,020
(19,493)
23,675
Restricted
Restricted Fund 12,535
25,900
(11,020)
27,415
Total funds 13,683
67,920
(30,513)
51,090

Page 30

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 30

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Total funds at
funds Restricted 31 March
General funds 2024
£ £ £
Current assets 127,468 2,000 129,468
Current liabilities (9,058) -
 (9,058)
Total net assets 118,410 2,000 120,410
Unrestricted Total funds at
funds Restricted 31 March
General funds 2023
£ £ £
Current assets 23,675 27,415 51,090

17 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year.

18 Transition to FRS 102

For the year ended 31st March 2023, the financial statements are presented per FRS102. Prior to this, the accounts were prepared on the receipts and payments basis.

Balance Sheet at 1 April 2022

Note As originally
reported
Reclassification
Remeasurement
As restated

£
£
£
£
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand 13,683
-
-
13,683
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds (1,148)
-
-
(1,148)
Restricted funds (12,535)
-
-
(12,535)
Total funds (13,683)
-
-
(13,683)

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 31

Page 31

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Balance Sheet at 31 March 2023

Balance Sheet at 31 March 2023
Note As originally
reported
Reclassification
Remeasurement
As restated
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand 51,090
-
-
51,090
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds (23,675)
-
-
(23,675)
Restricted funds (27,415)
-
-
(27,415)
Total funds (51,090)
-
-
(51,090)

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 32

Page 32

The Transforming Autism Project

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2023

Note As originally
reported
Reclassification
Remeasurement
As restated
£
£
£
£
Income and Endowments
from:
Donations and legacies 67,920
-
-
67,920
Expenditure on:
Raising funds (5,946)
-
-
(5,946)
Charitable activities (11,020)
-
-
(11,020)
Other expenditure (13,547)
-
-
(13,547)
Total expenditure (30,513)
-
-
(30,513)
Net income 37,407
-
-
37,407
Net movement in funds 37,407
-
-
37,407

Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-24 | 33

Page 33

Declaration

This report was approved and issued by the Charity’s current Trustees on 12 July 2024:

The Transforming Autism Project 29 Florence Road Feltham TW13 5AN

info@transformingautism.org transformingautism.org

Registered Charity Number: 1173134

Photography Credits