OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-04-04-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024/25

From 5th April 2024 – 4[th] April 2025

Charity name: FASD AWARENESS Charity registration number: 1176933

Objectives and Activities

1. Purpose and
Intent of this
report		 This Trustees’ Annual Report, prepared on behalf of the Board of FASD
Awareness, sets out the charity’s purpose, objectives, and activities during
the reporting period, providing transparency and accountability to our
stakeholders, including regulators, donors, beneficiaries, and the wider
public.
Key documents
to be read in
conjunction
with this
document.		 FASD Awareness Impact Report 2024 compiled by Andrew Keeping (CEO
FASD Awareness)
DOWNLOAD 2024 IMPACT REPORT
Summary of the
purposes of the
charity as set
out in its
governing
document		 The Objects of the charity are:
1. To relieve the needs of sufferers of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
(FASD) and those whose lives are affected by that condition who live
or work in the area of benefit or neighbouring areas through the
provision of support, education and practical advice.
2. To advance the education of the general public in all areas relating
to Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) including the promotion
of research for the public benefit in all aspects of FASD and to
publish the useful results.
The area of benefit is the South East of England, County of Kent and
Medway Unitary Authority, United Kingdom and worldwide.
Summary of the
main activities
in relation to
those purposes
for the public
benefit, in
particular, the
activities,
projects or
services
identified in the
accounts.		 1. To raise awareness of the key features and lived experience of
individuals affected by Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) via
talks, training, films and social media.
2. To provide support for individuals and families affected by FASD eg
via support groups and group outings.
3. To develop relationships with key partners, in particular with the
Kent & Medway CCG, and create a system to ensure professionals
offer appropriate expert help.
4. To continue to develop relationships with other FASD &
Neurodisability charities both locally and nationwide.
Statement
confirming
whether the
trustees have
had regard to
the guidance
issued by the
Charity
Commission on
public benefit		 The trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on
public benefit. They can confirm that all the activities carried out in the year
2024/25 were consistent with this benefit.
During the year, the charity engaged with an external organisation to
support funding and strategic planning. Although the partnership did not
achieve the expected outcomes, it underscored the importance of
strengthening our internal focus on growth and sustainability. In response,
we have begun refining our operational strategies to ensure long-term
resilience and continued impact.
The Board of Trustees met quarterly in hybrid format, combining in-person
and remote attendance. Between formal meetings, trustees maintained
regular communication via email and the Trustees’ WhatsApp group,
enabling timely decision-making and effective governance.
Following the resignation of our Chair, Peggy Murphy, the Board has
actively begun the process of recruiting a new Chair. In the interim, trustees
have collaboratively taken on additional responsibilities to ensure continuity
of leadership and oversight.

Achievements and Performance

Summary of
the main
achievements
of the charity,
identifying the
difference the
charity’s work
has made to
the
circumstances
of its
beneficiaries
and any wider
benefits to
society as a
whole.		 In the past year,FASD Awarenesshas made significant strides in advancing
its mission to support individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders (FASD), their families, and professionals across the UK and
internationally. The charity’s work has had a tangible impact on beneficiaries
and contributed to broader societal awareness and systemic change.
Key Achievements and Impact
•
International Recognition and Collaboration
FASD Awareness was invited to join the European FASD Alliance,
becoming one of only three UK organisations represented. The
charity also participated in international committees and
conferences, including Seattle’s International FASD Conference,
where team members received prestigious awards for advocacy.
•
Criminal Justice System (CJS) Project
A major initiative has been the development of a national expert
committee to address FASD within the CJS. The charity has engaged
academics, legal professionals, and public sector representatives to
raise awareness and promote research. A comprehensive paper is
being prepared for policy makers, with international collaboration
underway.
•
Training and Education
The charity delivered multiple bespoke training sessions to various
sectors nationwide. These sessions have been praised for their use of
lived experience and case studies, helping professionals better
understand and support individuals with FASD.
•
Support Services
Regular support groups for parents/carers, adults, and young people
have continued, alongside one-to-one consultations. Based on
feedback and engagement data,the charityhas adapted its offerings,

Wider Societal Benefits Through its advocacy, training, and collaborative projects, FASD Awareness has:

Achievements
against
objectives set		 Throughout 2024, FASD Awareness has significantly expanded its reach
and deepened its impact across the community. A key development has
been the growth of our face-to-face family activity days, which have
become a vital source of connection, respite, and peer support for
families affected by FASD. These events, typically attended by around 30
participants, offer a safe and welcoming space for shared experiences
and emotional support.
In response to community feedback, we introduced an additional
evening support group for parent carers, making our services more
accessible to those with daytime commitments. Our adult support
groups continue to run regularly, with consistent attendance and
positive engagement.
To ensure strategic alignment and accountability, we actively use our
Business & Development Plan and progress tracker, which trustees
engage with regularly to monitor goals and outcomes.
We have compiled a comprehensiveImpact Report, drawing on
evaluations from all our services throughout 2024/25—including
webinars, support groups, and training sessions. This report includes
feedback from a wide-reaching survey that identified both successes and
areas for improvement. The responses were overwhelmingly positive,
often deeply moving, and highlighted the transformative value of our
work. The survey also revealed a need for more flexible scheduling to
better accommodate the diverse needs of families.
Our local presence has been strengthened through active networking
with charities, councillors, funders, and trusts. Notable collaborations
include the Medway Voluntary Action referral platform, launching the
Neuro Café Programme with local charitable Café’s and the Medway
Neurological Network, and securing ongoing support from Kent
Community Foundation.
FASD Awareness continues to be a strong national and international
voice for individuals affected by FASD. We amplify lived experience
through our training and webinar programmes, contribute locally via the
NHS ICB group, and remain an active member of the FASD UK Alliance.
Our global #BeAware campaign is now embedded in training for medical
professionals and organisations worldwide.
In response to growing concerns around individuals with FASD
transitioning into adulthood and encountering the Criminal Justice
System, our CEO continues to chair a collaborative research initiative.
This project engages police, judiciary, probation services, legal
professionals, academics, and families with lived experience, and has
been adopted as a strategic goal for 2025. They have also collaborated
internationally with CJS in Canada and the USA. In addition, our CEO and
Founder have been invited to sit on the Independent Advisory Group for
Kent Police.
Internally, we remain committed to strengthening governance and
leadership. Our dedicated trustees continue to provide invaluable
expertise and time. To support long-term sustainability, we carried out a
Growth and Sustainability exercise. This encouraged our board to
explore strategic partnerships and capacity-building opportunities with
external organizations.
Performance
of fundraising
activities		 Despite encountering early challenges, we successfully met our
fundraising target for the year. Achieving this required a strategic
reallocation of time and resources, reflecting the team’s adaptability and
commitment. However,we did experience a noticeable decline in

against support from some previous funders, largely due to the increasing objectives set financial pressures facing charities and trusts across the sector. This shift underscores the importance of diversifying our income streams and strengthening long-term sustainability planning.

Financial Review

Review of the
charity’s
financial
position at the
end of the
period		 Despite a difficult time to source funding, we have been able to increase
our reserves, whilst focusing on streamlining our activities and offerings.
A challenging year results wise still gives the charity a secure base to
move forward into the next financial period whilst focusing on our key
deliverables.
Statement
explaining the
policy for
holding
reserves
stating why
theyare held		 As funding becomes ever more difficult to source, the charity took the
decision that it would be good practice to ensure we hold a minimum of
3 months core running costs as a reserve. This was estimated to be the
minimum period during which time services could be streamlined as
required whilst additional funding is sourced.
Amount of
reserves held		 £ 18,000
Reasons for
holding zero
reserves		 N/A
Details of fund
materially in
deficit		 N/A
Explanation of
any
uncertainties
about the
charity
continuing as a
goingconcern		 N/A
The charity’s
principal
sources of funds
(including any
fundraising)		 Our main sources of funding are grant giving trusts. In addition, we
receive a small amount of money from individual donations and from
businesses.
Investment
policy and
objectives
including any
social
investment
policy adopted		 We have not adopted an Investment Policy as do not have funds to
invest. We have a small amount of reserves which is kept in our savings
bank account.
A description of
the principal
risks facing the
charity		 The charity continues to navigate significant risks, particularly those
stemming from limited funding and the ongoing challenge of
maintaining sufficient staffing and volunteer support. Our committed
team consistently delivers wide-reaching impact despite operating
under considerablepressure and with restricted resources. A key

vulnerability remains our reliance on a small group of individuals, which poses concerns for operational continuity and long-term sustainability. To address these challenges, we have adopted a more strategic approach to financial planning. This includes establishing clear funding priorities and developing detailed costings for both core functions and project-based initiatives. These measures have contributed to a gradual strengthening of our financial resilience. In pursuit of growth and long-term sustainability, we have begun exploring partnerships with external organisations. We are now collaborating with one such company and are optimistic that this relationship will support our fundraising efforts and help us plan effectively for future development.

Structure, Governance and Management

How is the
charity
constituted?		 Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), only voting members are its
charity trustees. ‘Foundation’ Model.
Trustee
selection
methods
including details
of any
constitutional
provisions.		 In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the trustees
have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the
effective administration of the CIO and what skills are missing from the
trustee board.
Apart from the first charity trustees, trustees are appointed for a term of
3 years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the
charity trustees. Normally this is our AGM. They may stand for a second
term but after that there must a gap of at least one year before re-
appointment.
Trustees are interviewed in accordance with the Safer Recruitment policy
and all necessary DBS checks and References are taken.

Conclusion

2024 has been a transformative year for FASD Awareness, marked by growth, innovation, and deepened community engagement. From expanding our support services and launching impactful campaigns to forging strategic partnerships and influencing national conversations around FASD, the charity has continued to champion the voices of those with lived experience. Our training programmes, webinars, and collaborative projects have not only empowered individuals and families but also shaped professional understanding across sectors. The creation of our comprehensive Impact Report , informed by evaluations from all services delivered throughout the year, reflects the meaningful difference our work has made. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to building a more inclusive, informed, and supportive society for everyone affected by FASD, whilst also being aware of the sustainability in a financially challenging climate.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name

FASD Awareness

Other name the charity uses FASD Awareness South East
Registered charity number 1176933
Charity’s principal address 1b William Street.
Rainham, Gillingham
KENT
ME8 8HN

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
wholeyear		 Name of person who interviewed/
appointed trustee
Peggy
Murphy		 Chair Appointed as Chair
on 14thJune 2023.
(resigned March
2025)		 A Keeping and Andy Nichols
Dr Adesoji
Abiona		 2018 (reappointed
at AGM)		 Founding trustee
Deborah
Matthews		 Treasurer Appointed January
2020		 A Keeping and P Rorison
Paul Allen 2018 (Reappointed
at AGM)		 Founding trustee
Andy
Nichols		 Vice – Chair Appointed 20th
September 2021		 A Keeping and W Spears
Sophie
Cartwright		 Appointed July 202
0		 A Keeping and W Spears
Samantha
Armstrong		 Appointed 25th
June 2024.		 A Keeping and Andy Nichols
Michael
Griffiths		 Appointed 14th
January 2025.		 A Keeping and Andy Nichols

Declarations

Reference and Administrative details - The trustees declare that they have

approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Andy Nichols (Vice Chair) 25/10/25

Paul Allen (Trustee) 25/10/25

FASD Awareness Financials 2024 - 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Code Cost type Amount
1 Admin £5,981.53
2 Internal Training £0.00
3 Board Meetings £0.00
4 Printing/Stationery £340.86
5 Postage £0.00
6 Website £803.18
7 IT £2,625.26
8 Travel £0.00
9 Telecommunications £159.29
10 Professional Fees £121.73
11 Days Out & Activities £0.00
12 Entertainment £0.00
13 Banking £0.00
14 HMRC £0.00
15 Wages - Admin £7,567.50
16 Insurance £2,295.00
17 General Expenses £0.00
18 FASD training £0.00
19 Maintenance & Repairs £0.00
20 Rent £0.00
21 Fundraising £500.00
22 Events £731.85
23 Webinars £189.00
24 FASD Training £3,297.00
25 Social Media Officer per Colyer Ferguson £1,620.00
26 Various expenditure per Tunstall Jubilee Foundation £7,040.00
27 Various expenditure per The Philip & Connie Phliips Foundat £8,732.17
28 Various expenditure per Postcode Lottery £13,710.08
29 Various expenditure per Leathersellers Foundation £3,000.00
30 Various expenditure per Ashworth Trust £2,370.00
31 Various expenditure per Awards 4 All £6,429.00
32 Various expenditure per SEIB Insurance Brokers £3,600.00
33 Various expenditure per Sports England £1,559.10
34 FASD Collaboration £0.00
TOTAL £72,672.55
----- End of picture text -----

Code Income type Amount
1001 FASD training £7,545.04
1002 Corporate Partnerships £2,500.00
1003 Grants £69,091.00
1004 Donations £8,936.39
1005 Bank Interest on Reserve AC £252.56
1006 Other Monies £0.00
TOTAL £88,324.99
Bank A/C @ 04/04/2025
Current AC: £5,530.34
Savings AC: £65,276.12
£70,806.46
RingFenced Project specific funds held: £47,015.28
Reserves held in line with Reserves Policy: £18,000.00
Unrestricted Reserves as at 05/04/2025: £5,791.18
Total Funds: £70,806.46
SIgned by one or two Trustees on behalf of all Trustees: Print Name
Date of approval
dd/mm/yyyy
Andy Nichols
25/10/25

(HARITY (OMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees On accounts for the year ended Charity no lif any) 1}7gf33 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'lhe Trust'} for the year ended Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, 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 Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in ¢arrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charily Commission under section 145{5)Ibl of the Act. Independent tThe charity's gross income ex￿eded £250,000 and l am qualified lo examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of linsert name of appliGable listed bodyll. Delete I l if not applicable. I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ") which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts sel 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 Gonnection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Dats: /* cLr £02 Name: LEC i Relevant professional qualificationls) or body 6AkLfaE)I /iilli£ of (DV IER Oct 2018

{if any): Address: 4+ &36£Ar) . S'/fi,rfkgouÉrtJtr kEL) I Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern {see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IA- IER Oct 2018