Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 6 Apr 2024 Period start date To 5 Apr 2025 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 357 by end March 2024 – a rise of 32% over the previous reporting year. In FY23-24, Autism Bucks held 11 Zoom meetings and 8 face-to-face meetings for its members. The following guest speakers were invited to speak to the members: • Jess Hendrickx (twice) – Therapist – Relationships/Eating • Mark Russell – Age UK • Lii Brooke – Autism Therapist • Emily Toettcher – National Paralympic Heritage Trust • David Gray-Hammond – Autistic author • Mary Mobbs-Beal – The Theatre Shed Two special Zoom events were run specifically for Parent-members: • “Behaviour as communication” • “Personal Experience of SEND and Applying for Education, Health, Care Plans (EHCP)” On top of this there were 8 other social events: • Visit to National Film & Sci-Fi Museum • Boat Trip on Grand Union Canal • Model railway visit • Pottery class |
| • | Visit to Animal Antiks |
|---|---|
| • | Go-karting & Bowling |
| • | Xmas party |
| Trustees and representative members | |
| represented Autism Bucks at the | |
| following external events: | |
| • | Local council Volunteer Fair |
| • | Oliver McGowan Co-ordinator |
| Training | |
| • | Amersham & Villages Volunteer |
| Recruitment Fair | |
| • | Bucks New University Wellbeing |
| Fair (twice) | |
| • | Bucks Council Autism Strategy & |
| Action Plan Workshop | |
| • | MacIntyre Charity – “Meet & |
| Mingle Coffee Morning” | |
| • | Bucks Council – “Autism |
| Champions” | |
| The Autism, Bucks YouTube Channel | |
| now has interviews with 4 AB members. | |
| Over | the period FY2024-25 Autism |
| Bucks responded to 80 web queries | |
| from | concerned individuals and |
| organisations. | |
| Our Social Media Channels reached: | |
| • | Facebook followers: 1,358 |
| • | LinkedIn Followers: 91 |
| • | Twitter (“X”) followers: 2,402 |
| • | YouTube followers: 102 |
| • | YouTube total views: 4,803. |
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 £6,500 exceeding our outgoings of £4,100. This left a closing balance of £11,540, well ahead of our planned reserves. This was primarily due to donations which exceeded the budget forecast by £900, and fund-raising that exceeded budget by £2,680. |
| 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: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
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 | Whistl - £2,030 Rothschild Trust - £2,000 Amersham Xmas Market - £890 Vale Lottery - £370 Akeley Woods School - £120 Caroline Bauers- £120 |
| 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: Autism Bucks Trustee Roles and Responsibilities Handbook v2.0 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 | |||
| Laura Lynn Hobbs | Resigned 15 Jan 2025 | |||
| Martin Richard Hollett |
||||
| Samantha Dawn Hinson |
||||
– 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 n/a held in this capacity Name and objects of the n/a charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for n/a safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
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
----- Start of picture text -----
Signature(s)
Paula Strawbridge
Full name(s) Robert Neil Cary
Position (eg Secretary, Chair Secretary
Chair, etc)
Date 25 July 2025
25 July 2025
----- End of picture text -----
Autism Bucks Independeni Examiners Report For the Charitable Incorporated Organisation no. 1182603 registered 22 March 2019 nd 06 April 2024 - 05 April 2025 Index Activities, Objectives, Trustees Income & Expenditure Balance Sheet Transactions during period Independent Examiner's Report
Activities AUTISM BUCKS aims lo raise awareness and provide information of services that may improve communily access for Ihose experiencing aulism in Buckinghamshire. Objectives: To relieve the needs of people who are on the autistic spectrum, their parents. families and carers in Buckinghamshire in particular but nol exclusively by= 1. The provision and management of a website to provide guidance, support and infonnalion to those affected by autism. 2. Providing support, education and praclical 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. Trustees at 5th April 2025: Neil Cary (Chairperson) Samanlha Dawn Hinson Martin Richard Hollett Paulette Hunn (Treasurer) Paula Slrawbridge (Secretary)
Autism Bucks (cio 1182603 registered 22ThJ March 2019. CE016921) Financial period: 61412024 to 51412025 2024r25 2023r24 9.145 9.016 Donab'ons 1.023 614 FundRaisinoPasswe azon Sffllle Vale Lottery 370 298 FundRalslnW 121 591 597 259 150 Extemal Events Marth In klarth Sant3 Hoat Colledlon Other 2.105 Grants klerchandise Sales 2.000 200 79 6.510 2.1 181 309 Insurance 299 ttandsoaal Metha Doffin Names W•bstt• Hosong Zooffl 59 42 78 59 42 72 Markeb'ng Martelino 254 klemtserslAeeb"ngs 1,357 888 654 Catering Transport Venues 15 105 IAeithanthseCosts MÈrthanthseCosts 91 ProlesssionalSeNces 23 370 Pr•senl8rF8•s 125 Sundry thy 206 4.109 2,7T3 Closin 11.546 9.145
Fund Balanc•s at elosè UR Operations RF5 Bucks CC - Awarenwss Pro11 2 RF6 Rothschilds- Member Meetings Total Bance 11.546 11,546 Autism Bucks (cio 1182603 registered 22Th1 March 2019, CE016921) Financial period: 61412024 to 51412025 Balance Sheet As at 5th April 2025 05102025 Cash at bank and in hand 11,546 Net Current Assets Total Assets 11,546 Represented by General Funds Restricted Funds 11.546 Total Funds 11,546 Approved by the Board ol Trustees 17 July 2025 and signed on its behatf: (Chairperson) Neil Cary Isecrelaryl Paula Strawbridge
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the tnle members of Aulism Bucks On accounts for the year ended 6th April 2024 to 5th April 2025 Charity o lif any) 1182603 Set out on pages 3.4,5and6 I report io the iNsiees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('Ihe Trnst") for the year ended 0510412025. Responsibilities and ba515 As the charity's trustees. you are restK)nsible for the preparation of the of report account5 in CordanCe with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act"). I report in respeci of my examinaiion of the Trust's accounts carried out under seciion 145 of the ?01 l Aci and in carryino out my examination. I have followed all ihe applicable Direciions oiven by the Charity Commission under section 14515)(b) of the Act. Independenl I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matiers have examiner's statemenl come io my ¢iiieniion in conne¢iion wilh ihe examination which gives me cause to IKlieve lh in. any maieria] respect.. the accounting records We not ke in accordance with seciion 130 of the Ch¢uilies Aci. or the accounts did not accord with the coUntIng tccoid5; or the accounis did noi comply with the applicable requirements concerntno the form and content of account5 Set out in the Charities (Accounts and RetK)rts) Reoulations 21K)8 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair. view which is not a mdtter considered as part of an independent exatnination. I have no concerns and have come across no other rnatters in connection wilh ihe examinaiion to which atiention should be drawn in this report in onler to enable a proper un(krstanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 1710712025 Name: Jonathan Bullock CGMA. ACMA Relevant professional qualification{s} or body (if any): Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
Address: 5 W(K)dley Hill Chesham Buckinghamshire HP5 1SL Section B Disclosure Only complele Il the examiner needs lo highlighl material mallers ol concein (see CC32, Independenl examinalion of charity accounts- directions and guidance for examineTSI. Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. The charity was incortM)rated on 22nd March 2019 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The financial statements for the year ended 51h Aptil 2025 have been prepared on a cash receipvexpenditure basis. My review has included an examination of bank statements and sample invoices received and income receipts for the period 0610412024 to 0510412025. The receipt of £2,000 from Rothschild Foundation in the year was confirmed to the grant agreement (awarded May 20241, and is the second instalment to be received. A review vms also made of the transactions of April and May after the period end date. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the guidance issued in the revised Statement of Recommended Practice lor accounting by Charities. issued in January 2015 (The Charities SORP FRS102").