Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 6 Apr 2023 Period start date To 5 Apr 2024 Period end date
Charity name: Autism Bucks
Charity registration number: 1182603
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To relieve the needs of people who are on the autistic spectrum, their parents, families and carers in Buckinghamshire |
| 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. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
1. The provision and management of a website to provide advice, guidance, support and information to those affected by autism 2. Providing support, education and practical advice and recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve their conditions of life and which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities 3. Advancing the education of the public in autistic spectrum conditions, in particular among those who work with people who have autistic spectrum conditions. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when exercising their duties. The trustees regularly review the charity's activities to ensure they meet the public benefit requirements and are aligned with the charity’s objectives. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference n/a Para 1.38 Policy on grant making
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | n/a |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Autism Bucks thrives thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, who play a crucial role in assisting the trustees in achieving our core objectives. They contribute by helping facilitate member social groups, supporting fundraising efforts, and managing some of our social media platforms. |
| Other | n/a |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Para 1.20 | Autism Bucks membership reached 270 in April 2024 – a rise of 35% over the previous reporting year. In FY23-24, Autism Bucks held 11 Zoom meetings and 8 face-to-face meetings for its members. On top of this there were 8 other social events: • Go-karting • Boat trip • Silverstone Museum visit • Road Farm visit • Catch-22 Jazz Jam Session • Model railway visit • Amersham Guided Walk • Christmas Party. Trustees worked with Buckinghamshire County Council on its revised Autism Strategy. Autism Bucks was invited to speak at the Amersham Women’s Institute Autism, Bucks was nominated for an Anna Kennedy Online Award The Autism, Bucks YouTube Channel showing interviews with AB members was launched. Over the period 2022-24 Autism Bucks responded to over 120 web queries from |
| concerned individuals and |
|---|
| organisations. |
| Our Social Media Channels grew in |
| numbers: |
| • Facebook followers: 1,309 |
| • LinkedIn Followers: 67 |
| • Twitter (“X”) followers: 2,576 |
| • YouTube followers: 89 |
| • YouTube total views: 3,449. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
| Other | n/a |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Autism Bucks ended the FY in a strong financial position, with income of £2,900 exceeding our outgoings of £2,770. This left a closing balance of £9,100, well ahead of our planned reserves. This was primarily due to donations in excess of £600, and fund-raising in excess of £2,000. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | It is the practice of the charity to hold sufficient reserves to cover operational costs for a minimum of 6 months. This is to provide a level of resilience against the possibility of unforeseen expense, to protect against loss of external sponsorship, and to provide funds to enable us to take advantage of opportunities that might arise. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £4,000 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | n/a |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | n/a |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | n/a |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Frederick Lawson Lodge - £300 Bucks Lottery: £298 Amersham Xmas Market Stall: £596 Amersham Round Table: £150 Active Fund-Raising Events: £909 Rothschild Foundation: £200 Late Beryl Broadbent: £173 |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | n/a |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | • Loss of the key trustees that are important to our ability to deliver the core charity operation (Chair, Treasurer) and its key operational activities (Member social groups). • Loss of main sponsorship funding sources. • Loss of support from volunteers. • Loss or corruption of IT such as our website. • Major hit on reputation for whatever reason. • Competition from other autism charities in Buckinghamshire, |
who might compete for funding, members etc. • Competition from larger autism charities in neighbouring counties that are well established and might chose to expand their territory. n/a Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
CIO - ASSOCIATION Registered 22 Mar 2019 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Autism Bucks is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) under the association model and registered on 22 March 2019. It is governed by a constitution that establishes its objects and powers and member voting rights. In the event of the CIO being wound up members have no liability. |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Candidate Trustees are subject to interview by one, preferably two existing trustees in the first instance and appointment on their recommendation subsequently ratified by vote by all trustees at a board meeting. Applicants are also required to provide two character references. Confirmation of appointment made when the candidate attends their first board meeting. All trustees subject to a current DBS check being established. Appointment to key role such as treasurer or secretary by similar voting process. Board meetings are held at least once every 6 weeks throughout the year. All trustees invited to stand for a further year at the AGM and these appointments confirmed by vote that includes voting by the members present. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
n/a Policies and procedures adopted for the induction Para 1.51 and training of trustees n/a The charity’s organisational structure and any wider Para 1.51 network with which the charity works
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | n/a |
|---|---|---|
| Other | n/a |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Autism Bucks |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1182603 |
| Charity’s principal address | 50 Somerset Way, Iver Bucks SL0 9AF |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Neil Cary | Chair | |||
| Paula Strawbridge | Secretary | |||
| Paulette Hunn | Treasurer | |||
| Anupkumar Taterao Jadhav |
Resigned 24 Jan 2024 | |||
| Yin Ling Denise Voon |
Resigned 27 Mar 2024 | |||
| Laura Lynn Hobbs | Started 14 Sep2023 | |||
| Martin Richard Hollett |
||||
| Samantha Dawn Hinson |
Started 28 Feb 2024 | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
n/a |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
n/a |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
n/a |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of adviser Name Address |
Type of adviser Name Address |
Type of adviser Name Address |
|---|---|---|
| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) | ||
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
n/a
Other optional information
n/a
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Paula Strawbridge Full name(s) Robert Neil Cary Position (eg Secretary, Chair Secretary Chair, etc) Date 26 Sep 2024
Autism Bucks Independent Examiners Report For the Charitable Incorporaled Organisalion no. 1182603 registered 22nd March 2019 06 April 2023 - 05 April 2024 Index Actlvltles, Objectlves, Trustees Income & Expendlture Balance Sheet Transactions durlng perlod Independent Examlner's Report
Activities AUTISM BUCKS aims lo raise awareness and provide infomiation of services that may improve communty access for those experiencing autk8m in Buckinghamshire. Objectives: To relieve the needs of people who are on the autislK spectrum, their parents, families and carers in Buckinghamshire in particular but not exclusively by: 1. The provision and management of a wébsite to Provi guKlance, 8UPPOrt and infomiation to those affected by autism. 2. Providing support, education and practical advice and recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest ol social welfare, designed lo improve Iheir conditions ol life and which develop their skills. capacities and capabilities. 3. Advancing the education of the public in autistic spectrum conditions, in particular among thos8 who work with people who have autistic spectrum conditions. Trustees at 5111 Aprll 2024: Neil Cary {Chairpersonl Samantha Daym I linaon {Irom 20 Fob 2024} Laura Lyn Hobbs Itrom 14 Sep 2023) Martin Richard Hollett Paulètte Hunn ITreasurerl Paula SlrawbTidge {S8cretaryl
Autism Bucks (cio 1182603 registered 22ThJ March 2019, CE016921) Financial peno¢J: 61412023 10 514r2024 21f23124 2022123 9.016 7,698 614 FundRwsWx Vae Ldtqry 132 ism 591 597 259 150 larch in Mwch Y24 1S0 Clh GraNs •rrhAn¢liq•.QA•A 15? 40 In$w•rK• 59 S9 42 Mwk•i*¥J MemÈ4rnM••tirvd5 525 585 475 391 TMspwt 15 16S M•r¢hSeco8ts 91 Preserter Feas 125 710 Tr8irYg 172
Fund Balances at close UR 0ratIOnS RF5 Bucks CC. Awareness Pro1t 2 RFO RullilI1lè- M¥iiib¥i MI1•1y> Totsl 8al•n 121 9.145 Autism Bucks {GIo 1182603 registered 22M March 2019, CE0169211 Financial period: 61412023 to 51412024 Balance Sheet As al 5th April 2024 0510412024 Cash at bank and in hand Y.145 Net Current A88tt$ Total AM•l• Represented by General Funds ReslriGled Funds 8.892 253 Totsl Fund• Approved by the Board of Trustees 21 Sop 2024 arKI $ignod on its b8haM: Ichairpetson) Neil Cary (Secretary) Paula Strawbridge
Autisrn Buoks 2023 12024 Aotual Incornc and Expcnditure 25 J•41 4a
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Autism Bucks On aecounts for the year ended 6th April 2023 to 5th Apiil 2024 Charity no (if any) 1182603 Set out on page5 3,4and5 I rew>rt io the iTusiees ort my examiltIOn of the accounts of the aE¥)ve LhILlY I'the Th1s1"I for ihe ended 0510412024. Rponsibl]it1 and basis As the charity s tru5tee5, you are reSnsible for ihe prepardtion of ihe of report acctyjnts in &cordance with the requirements of the Chariiies Act 2011 {"the Act"). I rew>rt in of my examination of the Tru4t's &¢ount4 okri¢d out under seciion 145 of ihe ?01 l Aci and in carrying oui my exdminaiion. have followed all ihe applicable Threciions given by the Chariiy Commission utK1er wtlon 14313Xbl of the A¢1. Independent I have compleied my examinaiion. I confirni ihai no maierial macle have examlner's ststement come lo my attention in conneciion with ihe examination which gives me ¢0 beli¢v¢ that in. any material re%p¢ct- Ihe accounling rordS were noi ke in accordance wilh section 130 of the Chariiies Act: or the accounis did noi accord with ihe xcouniing record8: or the accounls did not comply with the applicable requiremen15 concerning the fonn and conieni of xcounis sei oui in Ihe Chariiies (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2(Y)8 other than any requirement Ihai the accoun15 give a '(nJe and faÈr' view which is not a matier considered as pan of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no oiher matters in conneciion with ihe examination lo which attentlOD should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts io be re&hed. Signed: Date: 201912024 NwD¢: Jonathan Bullock CGMA. ACMA Relevant profession81 qualificationls} or body (if any): Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
Addrtss: 5 W¢y)dley Hill Chesham Buckinghamshire HPS 1SL Section B Disclosure Only complete il the exarniner needs lo highlight material matters ol concem Isee CG32. Independent examirbatson ol chaiily accounts.. diraclions and guidance lor examiners). Give here briefdetalls of any items that the examiner wishes to dlsclose. I he Chanty was in¢orpJraied on 22," Marctt 2019 as a ChaNrabie Incorporat8d Organisation (CIO). The financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2024 have been prgpargd on a cash •1Pv•xPnditU10 basis. My review has included an examination of bank slalements and sample invoices received and income receipts lor the period 0610412023 to 0510412024. The Grant of £200 from Rothschild Foundation in the y8ar was confimied lo the agreement. and is the final instalmenl lo be received. Please also note. that the actsvty of mullimedia seNi¢88 for this financial year under examination was undertaken inhouse. A r¢wew wats aloo modo of tho transa¢tion$ of April and May aftar tha period end date. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the guidance issued in the revised Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting by Charities, issued in January 2015 (Yhe Charities SORP FRS102-1.