OpenCharities

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

2025-06-30-accounts

TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1

CONTENTS

Reference and administrative details 3
Trustees’ report 4
About the Magistrates’ Association 4
Achievements and performance for 2024-25 4
Our plans for 2025-26 9
Governance and management 11
Financial review 13
Trustees’ responsibilities statement 15
Independent auditor's report 16
Statement of financial activities 20
Balance sheet 21
Statements of cash flows 22
Notes to the financial statements 23

2

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Name The Magistrates’ Association Charity number 216066 Registered office 10a Flagstaff House St George Wharf Vauxhall, London SW8 2LE Trustees Mark Beattie JP (Chair) Jacqueline MacDonald-Davis JP (Deputy Chair) David Ford JP (Deputy Chair) Christine Grant JP (Honorary Treasurer to 31 July 2024) Robert Hawkins JP (Honorary Treasurer from 10 October 2024) Sarah Butters JP Sarah Clarke JP Josh James JP Ben Paolozzi JP Frank Shipway JP Tracy Sortwell JP (from 19 December 2024) Patricia Willmott JP Chief Executive Tom Franklin Auditors Price Bailey LLP 3rd Floor, 24 Old Bond Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4AP Bankers National Westminster Bank plc Bloomsbury Parr’s Branch, PO Box 158, 214 High Holborn, London, EC1V 7BX CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ Investment managers Cazenove Capital Schroder & Co Limited, 1 London Wall Place, London, EC2Y 5AU Solicitors Russell-Cooke LLP 2 Putney Hill, London, SW15 6AB

3

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

About the Magistrates’ Association

The Magistrates’ Association (MA) is the independent membership body and registered charity for the magistracy in England and Wales (Charity number 216066). We promote the sound administration of justice by:

With 12,000 members, the MA is the only independent voice of the magistracy and a unique source of expertise and insight.

Our vision

The MA’s vision is a fair and effective justice system, served by a robust and vibrant magistracy.

Our mission

We work with and on behalf of our members to promote the sound administration of the law: shaping policy and practice relating to the magistracy, providing support and guidance to magistrates, and informing the public about the magistracy and the wider justice system.

In 2024–25 we continued to deliver our organisational strategy, focusing our work around four key aims.

Achievements and performance for 2024-25

Key aim 1: To influence the policy agenda on behalf of our members and in support of our vision

In 2024–25 we strengthened our role as the independent voice of the magistracy. We engaged directly with ministers, senior judiciary, and key justice agencies to press for reforms that reflect the priorities of our members.

We:

4

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Our successes included:

5

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Key aim 2: To ensure that the public is better informed about the magistracy and the broader criminal and family justice systems

In 2024–25 we strengthened public understanding of magistrates and the justice system, ensuring the magistracy is visible, diverse and accessible.

We:

Our successes included:

6

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Key aim 3: To provide MA members, and the broader magistracy, with support, information, training and development

In 2024–25 we invested in new ways to support, inform and connect magistrates — strengthening both our member services and our wider contribution to magistrate training and development.

We:

7

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Our successes included:

Key aim 4: To be an effective, well-run and financially sustainable organisation

In 2024–25 we continued to strengthen the MA’s governance, membership offer and financial resilience.

We:

Our successes included:

8

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Our plans for 2025-26

In 2025–26 we will continue implementing the MA’s organisational strategy and business change programme, guided by our four key aims.

Planned activities include:

9

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

2) To ensure that the public is better informed about the magistracy and the broader criminal and family justice systems

Planned activities include:

Planned activities include:

Planned activities include:

10

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Governance and management

The MA is established and incorporated to promote the sound administration of the law, including, but not restricted to, educating and instructing magistrates and others in the law, the administration of justice, the treatment of offenders and the prevention of crime.

The MA was established in 1920 and granted a Royal Charter in 1962. It is currently governed by a Supplemental Charter and Bye-laws approved on 13 August 2025.

The Members of the MA consist of:

The Board of Trustees consists of:

11

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Where possible, trustees are invited to observe one board meeting before the start of their term and to attend a half-day induction with the National Chair and Chief Executive. Details of trustee roles and responsibilities, the powers reserved to the Board, and those delegated to standing committees or to the Chief Executive are set out in the MA’s Standing Orders.

The organisational structure comprises the Board of Trustees; eight standing committees (five focused on policy — Adult Court, Family Court, Youth Court, Training, Learning and Development, and Diversity and Inclusion — and three on Finance and Audit, HR and Remuneration, and Appointments); a Policy Board, which coordinates the work of the five policy committees; the National Council, which advises the Board; 51 local branches across England and Wales; and a staff team of ten, including a senior management team of four.

The Board of Trustees identifies and reviews the major risks to which the charity is exposed and has established procedures to manage them. It has also taken account of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

The Board regularly assesses the Association’s achievements and reviews completed activities to ensure delivery as planned, measure their impact, and judge how far they contribute to the Association’s aims and objectives. Pages 4–9 of this report summarise the Association’s achievements in the 2024–25 financial year, which the Board has considered in confirming that the Association continues to deliver public benefit.

12

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Financial review

Income and expenditure

The total income for the year was £692,757, as compared to an income in 2023-24 of £635,751. Total expenditure was £1,121,223 as compared to a total of £1,687,558 for the 2023-24 year. This expenditure included an amount of £71,861 which represented the net value of an impairment to the market value of our property. This impairment resulted from the revaluation of our property asset to current market value.

We subsequently recorded a deficit before net gains in investments values of £428,466 as compared to a deficit of £1,051,807 for the 2023-24 year.

The net movement in funds for the year was a deficit of £365,209 compared to a consolidated deficit net movement of £862,423 for the 2023-24 year.

As we complete the second year of our business change programme the effects of our cost control and operational streamlining are reflected in that we realised an operational deficit of £328,466 in like-for-like comparison to a deficit of £332,466 in the 2023-24 financial year once the effects of the fixed asset impairment have been discounted.

We continue the business change programme with its attendant investment in technology to improve the efficiency of our operations and enhance both membership value and our overall impact. The successful completion of our five-year strategy should see us reverse the trend of consolidated deficits.

Investments

The Association has an investment portfolio, which at 30 June 2025 was valued at £2,328,676 (2024: £2,729,860) and produced an income of £107,110 (2023-24: £126,373). The investment portfolio continues to be managed by our professional advisors on a medium risk basis while maintaining the capital value of the portfolio after inflation.

Reserves

The Trustees maintained their aim of maintaining an adequate level of unrestricted reserves as far as possible by investing any amounts in excess of operational needs to ensure that they deliver an additional source of income to the MA to contribute to our running costs while protecting the capital against inflation. Each year the Board of Trustees assesses as part of the annual budgeting process whether it is appropriate to authorise expenditure from unrestricted reserves to meet the annual running costs of the MA and/or any specific projects within the budget year. The Board of Trustees has decided that this approach best supports the MA in meeting its charitable objectives.

During 2024/25, the Trustees maintained the reserves policy and categories in order to better focus resources to support the business change programme. The designations set to support key elements of the business change programme were maintained.

The target minimum level of free central reserves of £1,200,000 was maintained as trustees continue to consider it adequate to provide resilience and flexibility to the charity during this period of business change and uncertainty as well as supporting the going concern status of the charity.

The free reserve balance as at 30 June 2025 was £2,503,220 (2024: £2,782,862) and exceeds the minimum target set. This additional buffer will create additional capacity over the duration of the business change programme to support our long-term subscription strategy. It will also support any additional initiatives we might explore to enhance membership value, support branches and enhance our wider impact in our advocacy for the magistracy.

13

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

We began the process of withdrawing from the multi-employer defined benefit scheme and have made an initial payment of £36,299 to offset the potential liability upon withdrawal. As per the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS102), we continue to monitor the situation to complete our full withdrawal.

Fundraising

The MA understands its duty to protect the public, including vulnerable people, from unreasonably intrusive or persistent fundraising approaches and undue pressure to donate. The Association does not currently fundraise from the public or use any internal fundraisers or external fundraising agencies for either telephone or face-to-face campaigns and received no fundraising complaints during the year.

Key risks

A risk register, including steps necessary to mitigate identified risks, is reviewed by the Board of Trustees annually. The most significant risks facing the MA are:

Staff remuneration

The HR and remuneration committee reviews the Chief Executive’s salary annually in light of market forces. The Chief Executive recommends salary adjustments, as necessary, for all other staff and these are reviewed by the HR and remuneration committee. Recommendations are then made by the HR and remuneration committee to the Board of Trustees for approval when setting the annual budget.

14

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Trustees’ responsibilities statement

The Trustees 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).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity 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 charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

----- Start of picture text -----
…………………………………………………..
----- End of picture text -----

Mark Beattie National Chairman Date: 2 October 2025

Robert Hawkins Honorary Treasurer Date: 2 October 2025

15

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MAGISTRATES' ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Magistrates Association (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 30 June 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

16

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MAGISTRATES' ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

17

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MAGISTRATES' ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Charity and the sector in which it operates and considered the risk of the Charity not complying with the applicable laws and regulations including fraud in particular those that could have a material impact on the financial statements. This included those regulations directly related to the financial statements, including financial reporting which could have a material impact on the financial statements. In relation to the operations of the Charity this included compliance with the Charities Act 2011.

The risks were discussed with the audit team and we remained alert to any indications of noncompliance throughout the audit. We carried out specific procedures to address the risks identified. These included the following:

Reviewing minutes of Trustee Board meetings, any correspondence with the Charity Commission, agreeing the financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation, and enquiries of management and officers of the Charity. We have also reviewed the procedures in place for the reporting of any incidents to the Trustee Board including serious incident reporting of these matters as necessary with the Charity Commission.

Management override: To address the risk of management override of controls, we reviewed systems and procedures to identify potential areas of management override risk. In particular, we carried out testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness. We also assessed management bias in relation to the accounting policies adopted and in determining significant accounting estimates.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website - - - - - at: https://www.frc.org.uk/Our Work/Audit/Audit and assurance/Standards and - - - - - - - - - guidance/Standards and guidance for auditors/Auditors responsibilities for audit/Description of auditors-responsibilities-for-audit.aspx.

This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

18

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MAGISTRATES' ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

For and on behalf of Price Bailey LLP Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Date: 2 December 2025

3rd Floor, 24 Old Bond St, Mayfair, London W1S 4AP

Price Bailey LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

19
















All amounts relate to continuing activities of the charity.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes to the accounts are shown on pages 23 to 40
RECONCILIATION IN FUNDS
Total funds b/fwd
2,786,737
1,250,000
9,5004,046,237
3,648,660
1,250,000
10,000
4,908,660
Total funds carried forward
2,505,120
1,166,777
9,131 3,681,028
2,786,737
1,250,000
9,500
4,046,237		 All amounts relate to continuing activities of the charity.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes to the accounts are shown on pages 23 to 40
RECONCILIATION IN FUNDS
Total funds b/fwd
2,786,737
1,250,000
9,5004,046,237
3,648,660
1,250,000
10,000
4,908,660
Total funds carried forward
2,505,120
1,166,777
9,131 3,681,028
2,786,737
1,250,000
9,500
4,046,237		 All amounts relate to continuing activities of the charity.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes to the accounts are shown on pages 23 to 40
RECONCILIATION IN FUNDS
Total funds b/fwd
2,786,737
1,250,000
9,5004,046,237
3,648,660
1,250,000
10,000
4,908,660
Total funds carried forward
2,505,120
1,166,777
9,131 3,681,028
2,786,737
1,250,000
9,500
4,046,237
2024
Unrestricted
General
Designated Restricted
Total
£
£
£
£

21,959
-
9,500
31,459

461,074
-
-
461,074

16,845
-
-
16,845

126,373
-
-
126,373

626,251
-
9,500
635,751
5,419

962,798

719,341
1,687,558
(1,051,307)
-
(500)
(1,051,807)

189,384
-
-
189,384
(861,923)
-
(500)
(862,423)
3,648,660
1,250,000
10,000
4,908,660
4,046,237
All amounts relate to continuing activities of the charity.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes to the accounts are shown on pages 23 to 40

-

10,000

-
10,000
9,500
-
-
-		 - 1,250,000

5,419

952,798

719,341
1,677,558
2,786,737
2025
Unrestricted
General
Designated
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
£
30,905
-
9,131
40,036
530,702
-
-
530,702
14,909
-
-
14,909
107,110
-
-
107,110
683,626
-
9,131
692,757
5,017
1,044,345

71,861
1,121,223		 (344,874)
(83,223)
(369)
(428,466)
63,257
-
-
63,257		 (281,617)
(83,223)
(369)
(365,209)		 2,786,737
1,250,000
9,5004,046,237		 3,681,028

-

9,500

-
9,500
9,131

-

83,223

-
83,223
1,166,777
5,017
951,622
71,861		 1,028,500 2,505,120
2
3
5
4		 6
7
10		 12
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations & grants
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investment income		 Total income EXPENDITURE
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Impairment - Property Asset
Total expenditure		 Net Income / (Expenditure) before
investment gains / losses
Net gains / (losses) on investments		 Net Income / (Expenditure) RECONCILIATION IN FUNDS
Total funds b/fwd
Total funds carried forward

THE MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION - BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
10
Intangible fixed assets
11
Investments
12
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
19
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14a
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL NET ASSETS
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted funds:
Designated funds
15
Tangible fixed assets
10
Intangible fixed assets
11
Free reserves
Restricted funds
16
TOTAL FUNDS		 2025
£
1,900
-
3,228,676

3,230,576

81,350
471,609
552,959
(102,507)
450,452
3,681,028

1,166,777
1,900
-
2,503,220
9,131
3,681,028
 2024
£
1,001,699
2,176
2,729,860
3,733,735
91,832
307,473
399,305
(86,803)
312,502
4,046,237
1,250,000
1,001,699
2,176
1,782,862
9,500
4,046,237

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………….. Mark Beattie Robert Hawkins National Chairman Honorary Treasurer Date: 2 October 2025 Date: 2 October 2025

The attached notes on pages 23 to 40 form part of these financial statements.

21

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

Cash Flow Statement
2025
2024
£
£
Cash flow from operating activities:
18
(406,431)
(383,995)

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
(406,431)
(383,995)

Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of tangible assets
(984)
-
Loss on the disposal of fixed assets (Profit)/Loss
-
-
Proceeds from sale of investments
460,000
340,000
Movement of cash in the capital account (Increase)/Decrease
4,441
744
Investment income
107,110
126,373

Net cash provided by investing activities
570,567
467,117

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
164,136
83,122

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting
period
307,473
224,351

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
19
471,609
307,473
Analysis of changes in net debt
2025
2024
£
£
Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 July 2024
307,473
224,351
Cash flows
164,136
83,122
Other non-cash changes
-
-
Cash and cash equivalents as at 30 June 2025
471,609
307,473		 Cash Flow Statement
2025
2024
£
£
Cash flow from operating activities:
18
(406,431)
(383,995)

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
(406,431)
(383,995)

Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of tangible assets
(984)
-
Loss on the disposal of fixed assets (Profit)/Loss
-
-
Proceeds from sale of investments
460,000
340,000
Movement of cash in the capital account (Increase)/Decrease
4,441
744
Investment income
107,110
126,373

Net cash provided by investing activities
570,567
467,117

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
164,136
83,122

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting
period
307,473
224,351

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
19
471,609
307,473
Analysis of changes in net debt
2025
2024
£
£
Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 July 2024
307,473
224,351
Cash flows
164,136
83,122
Other non-cash changes
-
-
Cash and cash equivalents as at 30 June 2025
471,609
307,473

22

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

a) General information and basis of preparation

The Magistrates Association is a charity registered under the number 216066 and a Royal Charter company, incorporated under the number RC000337. The address of the charity is given on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are to promote the sound administration of the law, including, but not restricted to educating and instructing magistrates and others in the law, the administration of justice, the treatment of offenders and the prevention of crime. The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity under FRS102.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

After making appropriate enquiries, the Board of Trustees considers that the Association is a going concern for the next 12 months and into the foreseeable future, due to the regular income received from its members, the level of free reserves held, and the fact that the MA owns its own premises. There are no material uncertainties which would cast doubt on the Association’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements are therefore prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The Board of Trustees are aware of the budgeted deficit for the next financial year, as they have authorised the budget, and action is being taken to reduce the deficit and balance the budget in due course as per the risks identified on page 14.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, the functional currency of the charity.

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

b) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds is charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income and gains are allocated to the appropriate fund.

23

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

c) Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations and grant income to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. Grants and donations receivable for specific purposes are accounted for as restricted funds.

Charitable activities comprise membership subscriptions and life member subscriptions. These are paid in advance for the year and are recognised when the Magistrates’ Association has entitlement to the income. Life memberships are recognised in full in the year memberships are paid.

Income received in advance is deferred until there is entitlement to the income.

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102).

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

d) Expenditure and support costs allocation

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure can be categorised as follows:

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs and administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be

24

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

The analysis of these costs is provided in note 7.

e) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

f) Intangible fixed assets and depreciation

The membership database (SubscriberCRM) is depreciated by equal instalments over 5 years.

g) Investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the quoted market price.

The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

The charity does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments. All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their opening carrying value or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year.

Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses are combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The main form of financial risk faced by the charity is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitude of investors to investment risk, and changes in sentiment concerning equities and within particular sectors or sub sectors.

Investment properties have been included in the financial statements at their market value in accordance with the SORP.

h) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts

25

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

due. Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.

i) Cash at bank and In hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

j) Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

k) Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value which is at cost, with the exception of:

The investments note 12 details the historical cost of the investments and the unrealised gains to arrive at their fair value.

l) Pensions

Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution 'money purchase' scheme. Contributions to the Association’s defined contribution pension scheme and to employees’ personal pensions are charged to the statement of financial activities in the year in which they become payable.

The Magistrates Association withdrew from a defined benefit “multi-employer” scheme during the year. The charity has made a payment on account as advised by the scheme actuary in respect of any liabilities arising from this withdrawal. The charity will finalise the withdrawal once the scheme trustee advises of the final net liability position.

m) Taxation

The company 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 company 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.

26

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

n) Key judgements and estimates policy

No significant judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies.

The Trustees make estimates and assumptions concerning the future based on their knowledge of the company and the environment in which it operates. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual outcome.

2 Donations, grants and legacies

Donations
Branches - Voluntary Income
Judicial College grant
Legacies		 2025
£
2,168
18,737
9,131
10,000
40,036		 2024
£
2,300
19,659
9,500
-
31,459

A total amount of £9,131 (2024: £9,500) relates to the Judicial College grant which is a restricted fund.

All other amounts relate to unrestricted funds.

3 Charitable activities

Membership subscriptions 2025
£
530,702
530,702		 2024
£
461,074
461,074

All income from charitable activities in both the current and previous year relate to unrestricted funds.

Membership subscriptions include Gift Aid income tax recoverable.

27

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

4 Investment income

Dividends
Interest		 2025
£
106,047
1,063
107,110		 2024
£
122,287
4,086
126,373

All investment income in both the current and previous year relate to unrestricted funds.

5 Other trading activities

Magazine advertising revenue
Magazine subscriptions
Royalties
AGM/MA Awards income
500 Club lottery
Retired members’ event
Royal Garden Party Event - Income
Conference income		 2025
£
6,085
430
505
-
3,150
639
1,442
2,658
14,909		 2024
£
4,381
252
895
5,729
3,085
1,424
1,079
-
16,845

All income from other trading activities in both the current and previous year relate to unrestricted funds.

6 Raising funds

Investment management costs 2025
2024
£
£
5,017
5,419

Investment management costs in both the current and previous year relate to unrestricted funds.

28

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

7a Analysis of expenditure by activity

Direct costs
Magistrate event
training and support
514,168
Direct costs
Magistrate event
training and support
502,055
7b
Analysis of direct costs
Branch Expenditure
Wages and salaries (note 8)
Council and committees
Production of MAGISTRATE magazine
Representation
Events (including networking opportunities and
training)
MIC and training		 Support
costs
602,037
Support
costs
1,180,084
2025
£
60,429
361,133
4,388
80,338
-
7,705
175
514,168		 2025
£
1,116,205
2024
£
1,682,139
2024
£
75,385
341,272
7,389
61,393
525
5,947
10,144
502,055

Branch expenditure related to the aggregate of expenditure incurred by branches within the financial year.

Amount of £9,500 within Wages and Salaries relates to the restricted fund (2024: £10,000 in the MIC and training expenditure). All other expenditure relates to unrestricted and designated funds.

29

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

7c
Analysis of support costs
Communications
Membership
Administration
Wages & Salaries
Accommodation
Depreciation Charge (including
impairment)
Governance Costs
Pension scheme administration expenses
7d
Analysis of governance costs
AGM and MA Awards
Board of Trustees’ expenses (note 9)
Auditor’s remuneration		 2025
£
31,374
89,724
164,534
154,771
21,322
102,959
34,982
2,371
602,037
2025
£
8,115
1,645
25,650
35,410		 2024
£
46,812
55,215
127,819
146,260
19,199
727,452
50,320
7,007
1,180,084
2024
£
14,468
4,895
31,650
51,013

30

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

8 Analysis of staff costs and key management personnel

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2025
£
433,254
37,338
45,312
515,904		 2024
£
408,264
40,674
38,593
487,531

The average monthly head count was 10 (2024: 10) and analysis of the staff employees in the year was:

Management
Membership
Policy and research
Communications
Finance		 2025
Actual
Number
1
3
2
3
1
10		 2024
Actual
Number
1
3
2
3
1
10

The number of employees whose total employee benefits excluding employer pension contributions earning over £60,000, classified within bands of £10,000 is as follows:

2025 2024
£80,000 - £89,999 1 -
£70,000 - £79,999 - 1
£60,000 - £69,999 1 1

The employer pension contributions made by the Association relating to the above amounted to £13,992 (2024: £13,870).

The key management personnel during the year comprised of the Chief Executive, the Director of Finance & Resources, the Head of Membership and the Head of Marketing. The total remuneration of key management personnel, including employer national insurance and pension contributions was £291,707 (2024: £261,249).

9 Trustees fees and expenses

No Trustees (2024: none) received fees or payment for professional services supplied to the Association.

Expenditure relating to travel/subsistence, Board of Trustees, Elections and minutes of Board meetings totalled £1,645 (2024: £4,895) in relation to 12 Trustees (2024: 12).

31

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

10
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold
Property
£
Cost
At 1 July 2024
1,953,593
Additions
-
Disposals
-
Transfer to
Investments
(1,953,593)
At 30 June 2025
-
Depreciation
At 1 July 2024
953,593
Charge for year
28,139
Disposals
-
Impairment
71,861
Transfer to
Investments
(1,053,593)
At 30 June 2025
-
Net Book Value
At 30 June 2025
-
At 1 July 2024
1,000,000		 10
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold
Property
£
Cost
At 1 July 2024
1,953,593
Additions
-
Disposals
-
Transfer to
Investments
(1,953,593)
At 30 June 2025
-
Depreciation
At 1 July 2024
953,593
Charge for year
28,139
Disposals
-
Impairment
71,861
Transfer to
Investments
(1,053,593)
At 30 June 2025
-
Net Book Value
At 30 June 2025
-
At 1 July 2024
1,000,000		 Computers
& Printers
£
30,718
984
-		 Computers
& Printers
£
30,718
984
-		 Fixtures
& Fittings
£
125,144
-
(125,144)		 Office
Equipment
Total
£
£
1,774
2,111,229
-
984
(1,774)
(126,918)
(1,953,593)
- 31,702 - -
31,702
953,593
28,139
-
71,861
(1,053,593)		 29,019
783
-
-		 125,144
-
(125,144)
-		 1,774
1,109,530
-
28,922
(1,774)
(126,918)
-
71,861
(1,053,593)
- 29,802 - -
29,802
- 1,900 - -
1,900
1,000,000 1,699 - -
1,001,699

32

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

11 Intangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 July 2024
Disposals
At end of year
Depreciation
At 1 July 2024
Charge for year
Disposals
At end of year
Net Book Value
At 30 June 2025
At 30 June 2024		 Intangible
Assets
£
32,780
(32,780)
-
30,604
2,176
(32,780)
-
-
2,176

This represents the net book value of the membership database which was purchased in July 2019.

33

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

12 Investments

Stocks and Shares
Market value at 1 July
Additions at cost
Sale proceeds
Investment gains/(losses)
Movement of cash in the capital account
Market value as at 30 June		 2025
£
2,729,860
-
(460,000)
63,257
(4,441)
2,328,676		 2024
£
2,881,220
-
(340,000)
189,384
(744)
2,729,860

At 30 June 2025 the historical cost of these investments was £2,162,452 (2024: £2,613,361).

Post-balance sheet, there was a withdrawal of £100,000 to support the working capital requirements of the 2025/26 financial year.

Stocks and shares can be analysed as follows:
Equities
Alternatives
Bonds
Multi-asset funds
Cash
Capital account		 2025
£
1,735,119
301,079
205,356
-
87,122
-
2,328,676		 2024
£
1,921,166
418,819
315,217
53,228
10,621
10,809
2,729,860

34

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

12aProperty (cont’d)
Valuation
Transfer from Leasehold land and buildings
Valuation at 30 June 2025		 2025
900,000
900,000		 2024
-
-

The last property valuation was undertaken by Strettons in June 2025.

The trustees will continue to the market value of the properties under regular review and ensure the value of freehold properties included in these financial statements accurately reflect their fair value.

Total Investments
13
Debtors
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
14a
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Pensions
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
3,228,676
2025
£
-
34,300
47,050
81,350
2025
£
49,497
8,007
13,990
5,981
25,032
102,507		 2024
2,729,860
2024
£
-
45,336
46,496
91,832
2024
£
17,589
6,126
15,792
10,195
37,101
86,803

35

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

15 Unrestricted funds

General funds
Fixed assets fund
CRM Database fund
Provision of services to life
members
Strategic Development fund
Pension Liability fund
Equipment and Technology
fund		 Balance at
Income
and
Expenditure
Balance at
01 July
2024
net gains
and net
losses
Transfers
30 June
2025
£
£
£
£
£
1,782,862
745,899
(25,541)
-
2,503,220
1,001,699
984
(1,000,783)
-
1,900
2,176
-
(2,176)
-
-
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
1,000,000
-
(46,924)
-
953,076
100,000
-
(36,299)
-
63,701
50,000
-
-
-
50,000
4,036,737
746,883
(1,111,723)
-
3,671,897
General funds
Fixed assets fund
CRM Database fund
Provision of services to life
members
Strategic Development fund
Pension Liability fund
Equipment and Technology
fund		 Balance at
Income
and
Expenditure
Balance at
01 July
2023
net gains
and net
losses
Transfers
30 June
2024
£
£
£
£
£
1,917,333
815,635
(950,106)
-
1,782,862
1,722,595
-
(720,896)
-
1,001,699
8,732
-
(6,556)
-
2,176
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
1,000,000
-
-
-
1,000,000
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
50,000
-
-
-
50,000
4,898,660
815,635
(1,677,558)
-
4,036,737

The general funds of the charity include funds held by branches as at each year end.

The Trustees further designated reserves out of unrestricted funds for specific purposes:

The adequacy of these funds will be reviewed annually.

36

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

16 Restricted funds

Training
Training		 Balance
at
1 July
2024
£
9,500
9,500
Balance
at
1 July
2023
£
10,000
10,000		 Income
£
9,131
9,131
Income
£
9,500
9,500		 Expenditure
£
9,500
9,500
Expenditure
£
10,000
10,000		 Transfers
£
-
-
Transfers
£
-
-		 Balance at
30 June
2025
£
9,131
9,131
Balance at
30 June
2024
£
9,500
9,500

Training refers to grants received for the preparation of training material for magistrates undertaken in accordance with the financial memorandum agreed between the Judicial College and the Association.

37

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

17 Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed asset funds
Investments – Stocks and
Shares
Investments – Property
Current assets
Current liabilities
Fixed asset funds
CRM Database funds
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,900
1,161,899
900,000
543,828
(102,507)
2,505,120
Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,000,699
2,176
1,479,860
389,805
(86,803)
2,786,737		 Designated
Funds
£
-
1,166,777
-
-
-
1,166,777
Designated
Funds
£
-
-
1,250,000
-
-
1,250,000		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
9,131
-
9,131
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
9,500
-
9,500		 Total
2025
£
1,900
2,328,676
900,000
552,959
(102,507)
3,681,028
Total
2024
£
1,000,699
2,176
2,729,860
399,305
(86,803)
4,046,237

38

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

18 Reconciliation of net expenditure to net cash flow from operating activities

2025 2024
£ £
Net Movement in Funds (365,209) (862,423)
Depreciation Charges 31,098 8,111
Impairment of Fixed Asset 71,861 719,341
Decrease/(Increase) in Debtors 10,482 102,179
(Decrease)/Increase in Short Term Creditors 15,704 (27,098)
(Decrease)/Increase in Long Term Creditors - (9,068)
Decrease/(Increase) in Stock - 720
Investment Income (107,110) (126,373)
(Gain)/Loss on Investments at Market Value (63,257) (189,384)
Net Cash Provided by/(used in) Operating Activities (406,431) (383,995)

19 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash and bank
Cash in hand		 2025
£
471,609
471,609		 2024
£
307,473
307,473

39

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

20 Pensions – defined benefit scheme

The charity previously maintained a defined benefit scheme from which it withdrew during the financial year under review.

There was a debt upon withdrawal and the charity entered into a side agreement with the scheme trustee to eliminate this debt.

As the Section 75 debt could not be certified by the scheme actuary as at the date of withdrawal, 30 September 2024, a prepayment of £39,299 was made from designated funds to discharge a reasonable pre-estimate of the final debt calculated by the scheme actuary.

This amount will be treated as an “on account” payment pending the scheme actuary being able to formally certify the debt after the court ruling.

There is thus no long-term liability carried under this heading in the accounts.

21 Branches

The accounts for the Association’s local groups, which are listed below, are consolidated within these accounts since they are an integral part of the Magistrates' Association.

Bedfordshire Lincolnshire Berkshire Merseyside Birmingham Mid & South Glamorgan Black Country Middlesex Bristol & North Avon Norfolk Buckinghamshire North & East Devon Cambridgeshire North East & East London Central & North London Northumbria Cheshire North Wales Cleveland & Durham North & West Yorkshire Cornwall Northamptonshire Coventry & Warwickshire Nottinghamshire Cumbria North Oxfordshire Cumbria South Shropshire Derbyshire Somerset Dorset South & South East London Dyfed South & West Devon Essex South West London Gloucestershire Staffordshire Greater Manchester Surrey Gwent Sussex Hereford & Worcester Wessex Hertfordshire West Glamorgan Kent Wiltshire Lancashire County Leicestershire & Rutland

22 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions to report (2024: None)

40