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2025-08-31-accounts

Company registration number SC230855 (Scotland) Charity registration number SC021439 (Scotland)

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY

T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 8
Independent auditor's report 9 - 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 28

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".

Objectives and activities

Our Objectives

To provide services, information and practical support to:

Our aims

We aspire to be the 'go to’ organisation for people in the Lothians who want practical help, training, services and support around autism. To achieve this we will:

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

We have a three year business plan and this is reviewed each year to ensure that we remain focused on our stated purposes.

To fulfil our charitable purpose we:

To ensure our work has a positive impact we:

Values

Lothian Autistic Society is committed to upholding the following values:

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Annual Report from the Board of Directors 2024 to 2025

We are pleased to present this report on behalf of the charity, covering activities between September 2024 and August 2025. It’s been a busy year, with a new Saturday group in East Lothian, new holiday provision in Midlothian plus extra holiday activities in Edinburgh. This is reflected in the substantial increase in income for the year. These activities, at evenings, weekends and during school holidays, have continued to offer children and young people opportunities to have fun, expand horizons and make friends in safe, supported settings where they feel included and comfortable. Families have had valuable respite, freeing time for them to pursue their own interests and spend time with their other children.

Achievements and performance

Our services for children and young people

We have delivered a strong core programme of activities across Edinburgh and West Lothian, have restarted the Saturday service in East Lothian and successfully piloted a holiday programme in Midlothian. Our programmes encompass:

More than 400 children and young people enjoyed over 1850 hours of activities made up of more than 370 sessions during school breaks, at weekends and in the evening.

Holiday Activity Programmes in Edinburgh and West Lothian are delivered as part of multi-year contracts with their respective local authorities.

The Edinburgh programmes are delivered across each of the school breaks (October, February, Easter and summer). Activity programmes are delivered four days each week over 10 weeks (40 days) with up to 45 children and young people attending each day. The council sought additional provision during the summer and we ran a 6- week version of the “Make Tracks”, activity programme, a community-based programme of activities for 12 to 14 teenagers. Half of this was based at Broomlee Outdoor Education Centre and gave participants the opportunity to explore outdoor pursuits, based on the programme for Branch Out, with the other three weeks exploring opportunities in Edinburgh (including a week of activities around the Edinburgh Festival Fringe). More than 250 families were supported during these school breaks.

In West Lothian there were programmes during the Easter and Summer breaks, with 9 days of activities at Easter and 25 during the summer. Up to 14 children and young people attended each day, with 40 attendees over Easter and 84 during the summer.

We were asked by Midlothian Council to pilot a Holiday Activity Programme during the Easter and Summer school holidays. This was delivered from Bright Sparks Nursery for four days each week over two weeks at Easter and four weeks during the summer. There was provision for 30 children and young people each day, more than 60 families used the service over the year. Feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive and we are hopeful that this pilot will translate into a more permanent arrangement in the coming years.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Saturday Adventure Teams

The long-standing services in Edinburgh and West Lothian continue to deliver fortnightly programmes of activities and outings where children and young people get opportunities to have fun, make friends and expand their horizons while their families get valuable time to themselves or to spend with their other children. In West Lothian this is delivered through a 3-year contract which ends in 2027. The Edinburgh service is funded through Self Directed Support payments to families, with the local authority providing direct referrals. After a slow start last year this is now operating at full capacity.

We were successful with our application to the Better Breaks round for 2024 – 2025 for support for a Saturday Adventure Team in East Lothian, which started in April at Pennypit. The grant funds 9 spaces, with further spaces funded through SDS payments through the local authority.

Basecamp is a programme of activities for children of primary school age (5 to 13) that helps develop the basic skills that help them function effectively in group settings. Groups meet one evening weekly, with two groups running consecutively. The Edinburgh service is funded through a three-year award from the Big Lottery Community Fund which comes to an end this year. We are seeking funding to continue this work.

The East Lothian service is supported by BBC Children in Need for three years and started in April 2024. Twenty-six children benefited from 8 sessions up until the end of the school year.

Basecamp2 supports young people to meet personal objectives through a structured programme while they make friends and expand their social horizons. We have two services in Edinburgh. A service for young women is partfunded (50%) through a grant from the City of Edinburgh Council, with the balance of funding from a range of smaller trusts and foundations. Fifteen young women (13-17) met once a week for three hours on 31 occasions. For many this is their only social activity, where they can meet and make friends with their peers.

We have a three-year award from The Big Lottery Community Fund through their Young Start programme that has allowed us to re-establish a mixed group this year. This started in October 2025.

Branch Out is our programme for young people approaching school leaving age. Twelve young people undertook a variety of outdoor activities, delivered in partnership with Scottish Outdoor Education Centres, over 18 day-long sessions that developed resilience and team working to support them in their transition from school. A highlight of the programme is two overnight stays at the centre in West Linton which is for many of the young people their first night away from parents or carers (and the first break from caring for the latter). This year was the second of three year’s funding from a combination of grants from Gannochy Trust, Agnes Hunter Trust and R S MacDonald Charitable Trust.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Parents and Carers and Families

We’d like to thank all the parents and carers who got involved with our services over the past year. We greatly appreciate the feedback you have given, which makes the efforts of our staff and volunteers worthwhile. We take pride in the fact that you entrust your children to our care and know how much that can mean to you.

The following extract from one parent whose daughter has attended Basecamp2 says it all and gives us real meaning to what we do:

R enjoys attending and benefits in many ways. Basecamp 2 enables and promotes friendships, connections with peers, great opportunities and increases life skills.

Out-with the Basecamp 2 setting, friendships are tricky and difficult to navigate and sustain. There is a default for my child to withdraw and become socially avoidant. However, in Basecamp 2's safe, supported and nurturing environment with a good ratio of staff to young people support, guidance and good role modelling is always on hand by Emma and her team.

R is exceptionally vulnerable, not just due to her very complex and spikey profile but also due to her developmental trauma. She struggles with transitions and separating from me in many situations. However, she tells me she feels safe, included and belonging at Basecamp 2.

Additional safety is also felt by R and myself as her health care plans are followed exceptionally well. An example of this is of the managing her anaphylaxis allergy. This helps her not just feel safe but also to feel included.

I would highly recommend Basecamp 2 to families like mine, whose child cannot access mainstream groups due to their disabilities. There is a great need and there always will be!

Staff

As ever, we have been lucky to sustain our activities through dedicated and enthusiastic teams of sessional workers. They bring a vast range of knowledge, skills, and life experiences to their roles to enrich the lives of the children and young people attending our programmes.

They are supported by our core staff, whose enthusiasm and dedication ensures that we use our funding effectively, that families get the support they need and that sessional staff are enabled to fulfil their roles.

A big thank you to each and every one of them.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Funders

We are proud to be supported by a wide range of funders and are grateful for all the support they give. Without them none of our activities could happen.

Over the past year we have received support from:

Agnes Hunter Charitable Trust, Alchemy Foundation, Barbara Ward Children's, Foundation, Barrack Charitable Trust, Basil Death Trust for Drama, Bayne's Charitable Trust, BBC Children in Need, Big Lottery Community Fund, Carmela & Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation, City of Edinburgh Council, Co-op Community Local Fund. Cordis Charitable Trust, Cruden Foundation, Dr Elizabeth Calder Memorial Trust, DR Fine, Edinburgh Airport Community Fund, Enzo Londei, Fringe Support, Gannochy Trust, HDH Wills, Himat Tanna Charitable Trust, Hufstetler Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Inchrye Trust, J S Innes Charitable Trust, J Smart and Co, James T Howar Charitable Trust, JK Young Endowment Fund, Mid-Lothian Council, Mugdock Children's Trust, Nancy Roberts Charitable Trust, Neighbourly, Penpont Charitable Trust, Pettigrew Charitable Trust, Red House Home Trust, Robert Haldane Smith Charitable Foundation, Rotary Club of Edinburgh Jubilee Charity Fund, RS Brownless Charitable Trust, RS MacDonald Trust, Serendipity Foundation, Shared Care Scotland, Sir Bernard & Lady Schreier Foundation, Stafford Trust, The Appletree Trust, The Archer Trust, The Crerar Trust, The David Family Foundation, The Gosling Foundation, The Harapan Trust, The Iron Bridge Trust, The Jones Family Charitable Trust, The Maple Trust, The Mickel Fund, The Morrison Foundation, The Nancie Massey Trust, The Pear Tree Fund for Music, The Ponton House Trust, The Renaissance Charitable Trust, The Russell Trust, The Schuh Trust, The Sweetpea Charity, The Truemark Trust, The Vardy Foundation, The Ward Family Charitable Trust, The White Top Foundation, W O Street Charitable Foundation, WA Cargill Fund, Walter Scott Giving Group, WCH Trust. West Lothian Council. West Lothian Education Fund, Whirlwind Charitable Trust, Witherby Publishing Group.

Looking Forward

Much of or current programme is supported by funding arrangements that continue for at least another year, which puts the charity on a sound financial base. Much of this funding is in the form of contracts with The City of Edinburgh Council and West Lothian Council or through purchasing arrangements with them. We remain committed to delivering services for those families that are not directly supported by their local social work team and will continue to seek funding to make sure that we are able to do this.

We are optimistic that the pilot Holiday Activity Programme in Midlothian will continue, although it is likely that this will require us to go through a competitive tender at some stage.

The Saturday Adventure Team in East Lothian is another welcome addition to our programme, and we will explore options for further funding for this.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Financial review

During the year the charity has made a surplus of £66,507 (2024 deficit : £25,167). They have total reserves carried forward of £138,050 (2024 : £71,543) with £10,342 in general funds.

Finance

The year has seen a significant increase in the charity’s activities, predominantly in the number and scale of the Holiday Activity Programmes delivered across three local authorities. This has resulted in a 38% increase in income over the year, albeit balanced by a concomitant rise in expenditure. We are unsure if this will be sustained in future years.

As shown in the chart below, contracts now constitute almost 70% of the charity’s income compared with half five years ago. Contracts generally cover a number of years, providing a degree of financial security, which is welcome.

Reserves policy

It is Lothian Autistic Society's policy that unrestricted funds not presently committed or invested in tangible fixed asset (i.e. “free reserves") should ideally be maintained at 3 months total unrestricted expenditure in order for Lothian Autistic Society to continue its activities in the event of a period of reduced income. This equates to £23,594. The present level of "free reserves" of £3,433 (2024: £30,039) is available to the charity. The trustee's are aware the policy has not been met and are actively looking to increase unrestricted funding.

Structure, governance and management Governing document

The charity is a company limited by guarantee, governed by Articles of Association dated 29 November 2013. The company was incorporated on 26 April 2002 and, having previously been an unincorporated entity, recognised as a charity from 26 April 1993.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Ms E Clater (resigned 27 September 2024) Mrs E McLeod Mrs J Evans (resigned 17 June 2025) Ms M Smith Ms R Steedman (appointed 15 December 2024) Ms B Kane (appointed 23 September 2025) Mr T Myles (appointed 23 September 2025)

Governance

The board has met regularly through the year, albeit the number of trustees remain low. We have a constant listing to advertise for new board members through the Volunteer Edinburgh website and regularly receive enquiries from prospective members. Three subsequently joined the board during the year. Two board members resigned during the period.

Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees/Management Committee

The Management Committee are the trustees of the charitable company for the purposes of charity law and directors for the purposes of company law. Under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of one year after which they must be reelected at the next Annual General Meeting.

The members of the Management Committee who held office during the period to date are noted under the Reference and Administrative details section.

Induction and training of new trustees

New Trustees are invited and encouraged to attend induction training with the Chair and/or Chief Executive to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates. The Trustees are also offered to attend external training opportunities.

All Trustees are also offered and encouraged to attend governance training and/or information events to improve skills and to ensure that they are aware of both legal and professional responsibilities under charity and company law.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

Organisational structure

The management Committee meets at least 10 times a year, and are responsible for the strategic direction of the charity. Additional meetings are also held between the board and the core staff team, this strengthens the links between the board and service activity and gives Trustees a greater insight into the challenges faced in planning and running effective services.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for implementing the strategy set by the Management Committee, and for the day to day operational management of the charity, management of the staff team and also ensuring that the team continues to develop their skills and working practices in line with best practice.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Statement of trustees responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of Lothian Autistic Society for the purpose of company law, 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).

Company law 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, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 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 Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 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.

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Thomson Cooper be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs E Mcleod

Chair

27 May 2026

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Lothian Autistic Society (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including 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 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 we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 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.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY

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 (Scotland) Regulations 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, 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 charitable company 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 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

We considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas: existence and timing of recognition of grant income and the posting of transactions to the correct funds. We discussed these risks with management, designed audit procedures to test the timing and existence of donations and grant income, including reviewing of grant paperwork and terms and conditions, reviewing the allocation of costs against the correct funding and reviewed areas of judgement for indicators of management bias.

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our sector experience through discussion with the officers and other management (as required by the auditing standards).

We reviewed the laws and regulations in areas that directly affect the financial statements including financial and taxation legislation and considered the extent of compliance with those laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

With the exception of any known or possible non-compliance with relevant and significant laws and regulations, and as required by the auditing standards, our work in respect of these was limited to enquiry of the officers and management of the company.

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of noncompliance throughout the audit.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

These inherent limitations are particularly significant in the case of misstatement resulting from fraud as this may involve sophisticated schemes designed to avoid detection, including deliberate failure to record transactions, collusion or the provision of intentional misrepresentations.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 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 Regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 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.

Fiona Haro (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Thomson Cooper, Statutory Auditors

Edinburgh

28 May 2026

Thomson Cooper is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
46,481
283,815
Charitable activities
3
17,489
589,358
Investments
4
1,618
-
Total income
65,588
873,173
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
23,616
-
Charitable activities
6
69,683
777,880
Other expenditure
1,075
-
Total expenditure
94,374
777,880
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
(28,786)
95,293
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September
2024
39,128
32,415
Fund balances at 31 August
2025
10,342
127,708		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
330,296
27,510
238,874
606,847
14,172
379,434
1,618
2,403
-
938,761
44,085
618,308
23,616
21,276
-
847,563
46,064
620,220
1,075
-
-
872,254
67,340
620,220
66,507
(23,255)
(1,912)
71,543
62,383
34,327
138,050
39,128
32,415		 Total
2024
£
266,384
393,606
2,403
662,393
21,276
666,284
-
687,560
(25,167)
96,710
71,543

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
14
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
16
Unrestricted funds		 2025
£
90,784
129,639
220,423
(89,553)		 £
7,180
130,870
138,050
127,708
10,342
138,050		 2024
£
29,787
81,648
111,435
(49,342)		 £
9,450
62,093
71,543
32,415
39,128
71,543

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 27 May 2026

Mrs E Mcleod

Trustee

Company registration number SC230855

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by)
operations
21
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing
activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2025
£
(1,198)
1,618		 £
47,571
420
-
47,991
81,648
129,639		 2024
£
(7,422)
2,403		 £
(24,454)
(5,019)
-
(29,473)
111,121
81,648

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Lothian Autistic Society is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is 38/4 Baileyfield Road, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1NA.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next 12 months. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. The trustees have considered a period of 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings 25% Reducing balance Computers 25% Reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

2 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
46,481
74,566
Grants
-
209,249
46,481
283,815
Donations and gifts
Unrestricted
45,481
-
Basecamp 2
-
32,642
CEC - HAP
-
-
Specific Equipment
-
9,244
Shared Care Scotland
-
2,820
CEC - Saturday
-
6,800
Branch Out
-
22,500
WL Saturday Adventure
Team
-
560
Other
1,000
-
46,481
74,566
Grants receivable for
core activities
EL Saturday Adventure
Team
-
63,575
Basecamp
-
34,537
Basecamp 2
-
19,539
Branch Out
-
27,453
EL BC - Shared Care
Scotland
-
31,442
Children in Need
-
32,703
Other
-
-
-
209,249		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
121,047
26,941
76,069
209,249
569
162,805
330,296
27,510
238,874
45,481
26,941
-
32,642
-
48,550
-
-
200
9,244
-
12,069
2,820
-
-
6,800
-
3,000
22,500
-
10,000
560
-
2,250
1,000
-
-
121,047
26,941
76,069
63,575
-
53,683
34,537
-
32,950
19,539
-
22,330
27,453
-
27,328
31,442
-
26,514
32,703
-
-
-
569
-
209,249
569
162,805		 Total
2024
£
103,010
163,374
266,384
26,941
48,550
200
12,069
-
3,000
10,000
2,250
-
103,010
53,683
32,950
22,330
27,328
26,514
-
569
163,374

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

3 Charitable activities

4
5		 Parental Contributions
Venue Hire
Performance related grants
Other Income
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Performance related grants
WL Saturday Adventure Team
WL Holiday Activity Programme
CEC - Holiday Activity Programe
ML - Holiday Activity Programme
CEC - MT
Investments
Interest receivable
Raising funds
Fundraising and publicity
Seeking donations, grants and legacies		 2025
£
10,552
1,890
589,328
5,077
606,847
17,489
589,358
606,847
102,454
82,041
248,338
121,263
35,232
589,328
2025
£
1,618
2025
£
23,616
23,616		 2024
£
10,338
300
379,434
3,534
393,606
14,172
379,434
393,606
86,687
79,654
213,093
-
-
379,434
2024
£
2,403
2024
£
21,276
21,276

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

6 Charitable activities

Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Rent
Rates
Heat & Light
Phone & Internet
IT Costs
Travel
Cleaning, Repairs & Maintenence
Recruitment & Other staff costs
Other Project Costs
Bank Charges
Licences & Subscriptions
Insurance
Sundry expenses
Share of support costs (see note 7)
Share of governance costs (see note 7)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Total
2025
£
549,316
2,393
15,000
1,989
2,860
675
11,145
11,358
1,369
12,292
108,779
273
14
-
994
718,457
119,777
9,329
847,563
69,683
777,880
847,563		 Total
2024
£
419,404
3,150
15,000
1,856
2,953
702
731
11,447
10,141
18,220
58,264
-
13
5,766
682
548,329
108,758
9,197
666,284
46,064
620,220
666,284

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

7
Support costs
Staff costs
Direct Support Costs -
Venue Costs
Indirect Costs - Office
Costs
Audit fees
Legal and professional		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
74,347
-
7,385
-
38,045
-
-
6,960
-
2,369
119,777
9,329		 2025
£
74,347
7,385
38,045
6,960
2,369
129,106		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
70,904
-
17,265
-
20,589
-
-
6,900
-
2,297
108,758
9,197		 2024
£
70,904
17,265
20,589
6,900
2,297
117,955

Support costs have been allocated on a proportionate basis.

8 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements 6,960 6,900
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 2,393 3,150
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 1,075 -

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Core
Casual
Total		 2025
Number
5
72
77		 2024
Number
5
58
63

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

10
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
592,094
471,988
24,118
11,387
7,451
6,933
623,663
490,308		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
592,094
471,988
24,118
11,387
7,451
6,933
623,663
490,308
490,308

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

The key management personnel of the charity comprise of the CEO and Care and Support Manager. The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel is £95,848 (2024: £88,439).

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures and
fittings
Computers
£
£
Cost
At 1 September 2024
11,291
13,351
Additions
-
1,198
Disposals
-
(7,744)
At 31 August 2025
11,291
6,805
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 September 2024
4,988
10,204
Depreciation charged in the year
1,576
817
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(6,669)
At 31 August 2025
6,564
4,352
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2025
4,727
2,453
At 31 August 2024
6,303
3,147		 Total
£
24,642
1,198
(7,744)
18,096
15,192
2,393
(6,669)
10,916
7,180
9,450

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

13
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
15
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals		 2025
£
59,748
23,860
7,176
90,784
2025
£
9,629
49,618
13,559
706
16,041
89,553		 2024
£
22,760
65
6,962
29,787
2024
£
9,400
-
22,180
4,888
12,874
49,342

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

15 Deferred income

Arising from Grant Income
Gannochy Trust
Angus Hunter Trust
CEC Basecamp 2
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 September 2024
Released from previous periods
Resources deferred in the year
Deferred income at 31 August 2025		 2025
2024
£
£
49,618
-
11,500
-
7,000
-
31,118
-
49,618
-
2025
2024
£
£
49,618
-
-
15,884
-
(15,884)
49,618
-
49,618
-

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

16 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 September resources expended 31 August
2024 2025
£ £ £ £
City of Edinburgh Council - Saturday - 353,975 (322,300) 31,675
West Lothian Council - Saturday - 185,056 (168,289) 16,767
Big Lottery Community Fund 14,250 34,537 (38,870) 9,917
Donations - Basecamp2 970 52,183 (27,254) 25,899
Mid-Lothian Council - 121,263 (119,488) 1,775
Shared Care Scotland - 29,610 (17,965) 11,645
Specific Equipment 825 9,244 (7,269) 2,800
Branch Out 8,084 24,064 (16,780) 15,368
The Red House Home Trust - 2,000 - 2,000
The Russell Trust - 820 - 820
Children in Need 8,286 32,703 (33,776) 7,213
Gannochy Trust - 11,000 (11,000) -
Anges Hunter Trust - 7,000 (7,000) -
RS MacDonald Trust - 7,889 (7,889) -
East Lothian Council - 1,829 - 1,829
32,415 873,173 (777,880) 127,708
Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 September resources expended 31 August
2023 2024
£ £ £ £
City of Edinburgh Council - Saturday - 56,683 (56,683) -
West Lothian Council - Saturday 6,370 86,687 (93,057) -
West Lothian Council - Holiday Activities Programme - 81,903 (81,903) -
Big Lottery Community Fund 18,989 32,950 (37,689) 14,250
Donations - Basecamp2 2,592 70,881 (72,503) 970
Specific Equipment - 12,069 (11,244) 825
Branch Out 6,376 37,328 (35,620) 8,084
City of Edinburgh Council - Holiday Activities
Programme - 201,428 (201,428) -
City of Edinburgh Council - Outdoor Activies - 11,865 (11,865) -
Children in Need - 26,514 (18,228) 8,286
34,327 618,308 (620,220) 32,415

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

16 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Restricted Funds are awarded by funders for specific project work and can cover all or part of the programme costs. Contracted services (where all or part of the places in a project are delivered through a formal contract with a local authority or other statutory body) are also included as Restricted Funds.

Holiday Activity Programmes that provide social programmes for children and young people during school breaks are delivered in Edinburgh, West Lothian and Midlothian. These services are delivered in contract with the relevant local authority.

Saturday Adventure Teams provide social opportunities for children and young people to make friends, have fun and expand horizons in day-long activities with a mixed programme that includes trips and outings to cultural and recreational places. These services are delivered under a single contract with West Lothian Council. In Edinburgh the two Saturday Adventure Teams are funded through direct payments, with all placements being organised and managed by The City of Edinburgh Council. The Saturday Adventure Team in East Lothian is funded by Shared Care Scotland and donations from Red House Home Trust and The Russell Trust.

Basecamp gives primary school children time to develop the skills that will help them cope in group activities with their peers. The service in Edinburgh is funded through The National Lottery Community Fund through a three-year award. BBC Children in Need funds a sister service in East Lothian.

Basecamp2 is a structured programme for young people in their teens that focuses on personal development. The City of Edinburgh Council supports 10 places in this project, a further 5 places are funded through a range of other funders.

Branch Out offers an opportunity for young people approaching the transition from school to grow selfconfidence and post-school skills through outdoor activities. Delivered in partnership with Scottish Outdoor Education Centres the project is funded through three separate awards from The Gannochy Trust, The Agnes Hunter Trust SCIO and The R S Macdonald Charitable Trust.

Specific Equipment is a fund raised for the purchase of sensory equipment. contributors such as Fringe performers, musicians, creative play teachers and expert animal handlers.

Mid-Lothian Council is funding for the Holiday Activity Programme during Easter and Summer

Shared Care Scotland funds the Saturday Adventure Team in East Lothian

The Red House Home Trust f unds the Saturday Adventure Team in East Lothian.

The Russell Trust funds the Saturday Adventure Team in East Lothian.

East Lothian Council funds the Saturday Adventure Team in East Lothian.

17 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2025
2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 39,128 65,588 (94,374) 10,342

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

17 Unrestricted funds (Continued)
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2024
2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 62,383 44,085 (67,340) 39,128
18 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
At 31 August 2025:
Tangible assets 6,909 271 7,180
Current assets/(liabilities) 3,433 127,437 130,870
10,342 127,708 138,050
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 August 2024:
Tangible assets 9,089 361 9,450
Current assets/(liabilities) 30,039 32,054 62,093
39,128 32,415 71,543

19 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2025
£
29,004
70,020
99,024		 2024
£
28,500
-
28,500

20 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

LOTHIAN AUTISTIC SOCIETY T/A BRANCH OUT TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

21 Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations 2025 2024
£ £
Surplus/(deficit) for the year 66,507 (25,167)
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (1,618) (2,403)
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 1,075 -
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 2,393 3,150
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors (60,997) 13,697
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (9,407) 2,153
Increase/(decrease) in deferred income 49,618 (15,884)
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations 47,571 (24,454)

22 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.