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2026-04-05-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From: 6 Apr 2025 To: 5 Apr 2026

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 Autism Bucks exists:
a. To act in support of autism in general
and currently for the benefit of autistic
adults, their carers and families,
especially those who are resident in
Buckinghamshire.
b. To aim to inspire, inform and involve
the community in relation to autism.
c. To provide a valuable reference
source of information relating to autism
d. To promote awareness of autism by
presentations, lectures, meetings and
communications
e. To provide a point of contact for its
members for issues and questions
relating to autism.
f. To provide opportunities for members
to meet for the purposes of peer and
social interaction.
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		 Autism Bucks will achieve the above
through the following activities:
a. The ownership and operation of a
website designed to serve as an up-to-
date hub of information relating to
autism and activities within
Buckinghamshire and neighbouring
areas.
b. The creation and maintenance of a
membership list, to form the basis for
communications on events relating to
autism
c. The presence of the charity on social
media to further promote
communications
d. The organisation of meetings and
events to allow networking
opportunities for members
e. The preparation and delivery of
presentations to train and promote
awareness of autism and the work of the
charity
f. Attendance at events for the purposes
of promoting awareness of autism and
the work of the charity
g. Attendance at meetings and events
for the purpose of learning and
developing knowledge and skills for the
benefit of the charity.
h. Preparation and delivery of marketing
material to raise awareness of the
charity
i. The charity will form and develop
relations with governing bodies with
local responsibility within
Buckinghamshire and organisations
such as other charities working in
similar locations or subject matter.
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
Policy on grant making Para 1.38 n/a
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38 n/a
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 Autism Bucks is run entirely by
volunteers and has no paid staff.
Throughout the year, the charity was
supported by three regular volunteers
who, alongside the charity's nine
trustees, delivered member meetings,
social events and online activities.
Trustees also undertook operational
volunteering roles in addition to their
governance responsibilities, including
supporting members at events,
maintaining the charity's social media
presence, responding to enquiries and
helping to organise activities. The
continued commitment of our
volunteers remains fundamental to the
charity's ability to achieve its objectives.
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 continued to grow
throughout the year, with membership
increasing from 357 to 446 members by
the end of the reporting period, an
increase of almost 25%.
The charity continued to provide regular
opportunities for autistic adults across
Buckinghamshire to meet in autism-
friendly environments, develop
friendships, share experiences and
access reliable information and support.
During the year Autism Bucks held
eleven online meetings and eight face-
to-face member meetings.
Specialist workshops delivered during
face-to-face meetings included:
•
A workshop on happiness and
purpose led by Lii Brooke.
•
A Qigong session delivered by
member Peter Berrisford.
•
An introductory Yoga session led
by Huma Jalil.
Guest speakers during the year
included:
•
Mikyla Cooper (Brook and
Positively UK) – Health and
wellbeing.
•
Mel Francis – Neuroinclusive HR.
•
Gideon Henner – Languages and
Autism.
•
Bethany Chitty – Understanding
Sensory Processing.
•
Sophie Field – Red Kite Housing
Association.
•
Maria Djela – Neuro Diverse Self
Advocacy.
•
Neil Cary – Autism Diagnosis.
In addition to regular member meetings,
Autism Bucks organised six social
events:
•
Visit to Waddesdon Manor.
•
Performance ofADHD Unmasked
at the Swan Theatre, High
Wycombe.
•
Visit to Road Farm Countryways.
•
Boat trip on the Grand Union
Canal.
•
Visit to Animal Antiks.
•
Christmas Party.
The charity continued to strengthen
partnerships across Buckinghamshire
by working alongside a range of public,
voluntary and community organisations.
During the year Autism Bucks:
•
Contributed to Buckinghamshire
Council's Autism Strategy and
Action Plan.
•
Participated in Autism Awareness
Day with Buckinghamshire
Healthcare NHS Trust.
•
Supported the Amersham
Festival of Music through a
relaxed performance for
neurodivergent and disabled
people.
•
Attended the Buckinghamshire
New University Wellbeing Fair.
•
Delivered autism awareness
sessions for staff and pupils at
Turnfurlong Junior School.
•
Participated in the Chiltern Woof
School Fair.
•
Delivered an autism presentation
for the charity Hope After Harm.
•
Supported Autism Acceptance
Week at Marlow Library.
During the year the charity expanded its
online presence by establishing new
accounts on Instagram and Bluesky,
while withdrawing from X (formerly
Twitter). Growth continued across
YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Autism Bucks responded to 75 enquiries
from individuals and organisations
seeking information, advice and
signposting.
Throughout the year the trustees
continued to receive positive feedback
from members describing reduced

social isolation, increased confidence and the development of friendships beyond organised activities, demonstrating the continuing value of peer support within the autistic community. All of these activities were organised and delivered entirely by volunteers.

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 The trustees are pleased that the charity
remained in a sound financial position
throughout the year. Total income for
the period was £4,839 against
expenditure of £4,200, resulting in a
year-end balance of £12,185.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 The charity's reserves policy remains
unchanged. Trustees continue to
maintain reserves sufficient to support
the charity's ongoing activities and
resilience against unforeseen
circumstances. Reserves are currently
held in an interest-earning account to
ensure charity funds continue to
generate a modest return while
remaining readily accessible.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £5,000
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		 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 Principal sources of income included a
grant of £1,800 from the Rothschild
Foundation, donations totalling £1,675,
fundraising events generating £834 and
£477 received through the Vale Lottery.
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 The trustees continue to review the
principal risks facing the charity. The
most significant risks currently
identified are:
•
Dependence on a relatively small
number of volunteers and
trustees to deliver the charity's
core activities.
•
Increasing demand for support
and activities, placing additional
pressure on volunteer capacity.
•
Long-term sustainability of grant
funding and other voluntary
income sources.
•
Loss or corruption of key IT
systems, including the charity's
website and online services.
•
Reputational damage that could
adversely affect member
confidence, partnerships or
future funding.
Other n/a

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:
Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees		 Para 1.51 Autism Bucks Trustee Roles and
Responsibilities Handbook v2.0
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51 n/a
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

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2
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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
Martin Richard
Hollett
Samantha Dawn
Hinson
Chelsea Felstead Appointed 1 Jan 2026
Madeleine
Georgina Havard		 Appointed 27 Oct 2025
BethanyChitty Appointed 6 Apr 2025

– 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 charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this n/a falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets n/a from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address
adviser

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)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary,
Chair, etc)
Date
Robert Neil Cary Paula Strawbridge

Chair		 Secretary
15 Jul 2026
15 Jul 2026
15 Jul 2026

Autism Bucks

Independent Examiners Report For the Charitable Incorporated Organisation no. 1182603 registered 22[nd] March 2019

06 April 2025 – 05 April 2026

Index
Activities, Objectives, Trustees 2
Income & Expenditure 3
Balance Sheet 4
Transactions during period 5 - 6
Independent Examiner’s Report 7 - 8

1

Activities

AUTISM BUCKS aims to raise awareness and provide information of services that may improve community access for those experiencing autism 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 not exclusively by:

  1. The provision and management of a website to provide 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.

Trustees at 5[th] April 2026:

Neil Cary (Chairperson)

Samantha Dawn Hinson

Martin Richard Hollett

Paulette Hunn (Treasurer)

Paula Strawbridge (Secretary)

Chelsea Felstead

Madeleine Georgina Havard

Bethany Chitty

2

Autism Bucks (CIO 1182603 registered 22[nd] March 2019, CEO16921)

Financial period: 6/4/2025 to 5/4/2026

3

Fund Balances at close Balance
UR Operations 7,185
RF5 United Trust Bank 5,000
Total 12,185

Autism Bucks (CIO 1182603 registered 22[nd] March 2019, CEO16921) Financial period: 6/4/2025 to 5/4/2026 Balance Sheet

As at 5[th] April 2026

Cash at bank and in hand
Net Current Assets
Total Assets
Represented by
General Funds
Restricted Funds
Total Funds		 05/04/2026
£
12,185
12,185
12.185
0
12,185

Approved by the Board of Trustees 8 Jul 2026 and signed on its behalf:

(Chairperson)

Neil Cary

(Secretary)

Paula Strawbridge

4

Autism Bucks 2025 / 2026 Actual Income and Expenditure

5

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Autism Bucks members of On accounts for the year 6[th] April 2025 to 5[th] April 2026 Charity no 1182603 ended (if any) Set out on pages 3, 4, 5 and 6

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 05/04/2026.

Responsibilities and basis As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the of report 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 carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:
Name:		 13/07/2026
Jonathan Bullock CGMA, ACMA

7

Relevant professional Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification(s) or body (if any):

Address: 5 Woodley Hill Chesham Buckinghamshire HP5 1SL

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 .

The charity was incorporated on 22[nd] March 2019 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

The financial statements for the year ended 5[th] April 2026 have been prepared on a cash receipt/expenditure basis.

My review has included an examination of bank statements and sample invoices received and income receipts for the period 06/04/2025 to 05/04/2026. The receipt of £1,800 from Rothschild Foundation in the year was confirmed to the grant agreement (originally awarded 13[th] May 2024).

A review was 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 for accounting by Charities, issued in January 2015 (“The Charities SORP FRS102”).

8