ASHIANA NETWORK Company No. 02972903 (England & Wales) Charity no. 1042440 REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Myrus Smith Chartered Accountants Norman House 8 Burnell Road Sutton, Surrey SM14BW
ASHIANA NETWORK Contents Page No. Report of the Board of Trustees 1-22 Report of the Independent Auditors 23-25 Statement of Financial Activities 26 Balance Sheet 27 statement of Cash Flows 28 Notes to the Financial Statements 29-40
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The management committee presents its report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's constitution, applicable law and the requirements of the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practi applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). 1. REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Status The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The board approved a change of company name at a special meeting on 22 February 2006. The name changed from Ashiana Project to Ashiana Neork. Charity Number 1042440 Company Number 02972903 Registered Office and operational address Oceanaire House, High Road, Leytonstone, London, E113AW Board Members Sabina Mahmood - Chair Anjum Bashir Shivangi Medhi (resigned 08-02-2024) Urmi Medhi Rashrni Nigam Halima Zaman tioined 02-11-2023) Professor Aisha K Gill (joined 04-06-2024) Tanoushka Kaur Treasurer O'oined 04-06-2024) Chief Executive Shaminder Ubhi Auditors Myrus Smith Chartered Accountants, Norman House. 8 Burnell Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM14BW. Banker National Westminster Bank Plc. 2. HOW WE ARE FULFILLING THE PUBLIC BENEFIT REQUIREMENTS OF THE CHARITIES ACT 2011 As a registered charity, the public benefits of our work are directly related to our aims. which seek to improve the lives of primarily, South Asian, Turkish & Middle Eastern women, by reducing the impact of domestic violence upon them. Our housing, advocacy, legal, educational, counselling and preventative work provides direct benefit to both the recipients of our services and the public generally through contributing positively to a better society. Our services are free and open to the section of the public who we exist to help.
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 We plan to introduce an annual audit of our charitable activities as well as consider how to promote public benefit on an ongoing basis. In forming our objectives, the Trustees confirm that it has given due regard to the Charity Commission guidelines on public benefit. 3. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document Ashiana NetMork is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Ashiana Neork'S business and governance is conducted under the framework of its memorandum of articles of association. Recruitment and appointment of management committeeltraining Board members are selected on the basis of the experience, skills and expertise they bring to fijrther the main objectives of Ashiana. The induction process for new members includes the provision of information on their roles and responsibilities, policy and procedures, meetings with the Director and staff, and site visits. One-third of the board members must resign at each annual general meeting. The retiring members are eligible for re-election. Rlsk Management Ashiana is committed to identifying and managing potential and probable risks that the organisation faces. The Board of Trustees have overall responsibility for management of risk, and it is an essential part of the organisation's effective governance. Monitoring known risks enables the Board and Senior Management Team to make informed decisions and take timely action. The principal risks facing the charity are financial and operational. Financial.. As a small 'led by and forf specialist provider, Ashiana has limited resources and faS an increasingly competitive external environment. National research Imkaan (2020) shows that 'by and foff organisations fad disproportionate pressures during the pandemic with a 39 % reduction in funding due to historical austerity cuts with organisations operating with one-third reduced staffing capacity. Research conducted by The Centre for Regional, Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University mapped funding for the women and girls sector and found that in 2021, a total of £4.1 billion worth of grants was awarded to charities, but the women and girls sector received just 1.80/0 of these (Mapping the UK Women and Girls Sector and its Funding.. Vvhere Does the Money Go? Rosa, the National Lottery Community Fund and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation) Payments by local authorities, government bodies, trusts and foundations are often paid in arrears and are based on the achievement of targets and outcomes. This has ongoing impact on cashflow and budgeting. The on-going cost of living crisis continues to impact Ashiana and its service users. Increasingly, we are having to tap into reserves to fund existing and new initiatives as expenditure pressures mount and income remains stagnant. A number of our contracts were renewed in 2021122, and we gained several new contracts for 2022-2024 and through to 2026. The London Councils Specialist Refuge contract was recommissioned in April 2023 and adds some stability until March 2026. However. the short-term nature of many contracts increases overall financial risk. Our plan to reduce and mitigate the risks include.. Preparing and submitting tenderslapplications as necessary Maintaining robust Quality Systems Having a spread of services by size and service type Ensuring we meet all contractual obligations
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Maintaining good relationships with commissionerslfunders Being responsive to changes in the market Performance monitoring in place Robust tendering for our own services Remaining competitive in terms of quality of services, value for money and contract price Clear messaging about our unique selling point Building on partnerships such as the London VAWG consortium and the OYA consortium Operational.. Operational risks range from recruitment and retention issues, safeguarding, inadequate monitoring and evaluation of projects, lack of contract compliance, inadequate business planninglcontinuity planning, poor response to nationa or global emergencies i.e., post-pandeniic. cost of living crisis, data breaches, reputation, public policy. We reduce and mitigate these by implementing appropriate policies and procedures, staff induction, training, and supervision. For example, we are responding to the recruitment crisis in the sector by sharing concerns with partners and stakeholders, coming together to seek solutions and share good practice. We ensure processes are in pla for all contract compliance and regulatory frameworks e.g., health and safety regulations. Risk management is ongoing and embedded in govemance and operational procedures with the following in place'.- 1. Annual Risk Register This register identifies the potential and probable risks faced by the organisation and each risk is given an impact and likelihood rating, as well as an overall net risk. The SMT monitor the Risk Register on an ongoing basis, and it is reviewed by the Board every quarter. 2. Business Continuity Plan A Business Continuity Plan is in place that identifies the critical business processes and major risks to these. The plan identifies the control measures in place and the person responsible for ensuring the relevant actions are ' taken. The plan is reviewed by the SMT on an ongoing basis. 3. Annual audited accounts of the Company The financial statements of the organisation are audited on an annual basis to ensure appropriate accounting procedures are in place, financial statements are free from material misstatement or fraudulent activity. Structure The Board bears overall responsibility for Ashiana Network. The Board delegates the day-to4ay running of the organisation to the Director, Shaminder Ubhi. Remuneration of Key Management Personnel The remuneration of the charity's key management personnel is set by the Board of Trustees, taking into account the charity's financial position and the amount paid for comparable roles in comparable organisations.
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Our Purpose:
To empower Black and minoritised women, particularly South Asian, Turkish and Middle eastern women who are experiencing VAWG with culturally informed advice, advocacy, counselling, immigration advice and safe housing - enabling them to make positive and informed choices To raise awareness of VAWG and carry out preventative work with the community as a whole. Our Vision For all women and girls to have the right to live free from violence and abuse. For VAWG to be recognised as a form of systemic Violen perpetrated within a heteronormative patriarchy where Black and minoritised women's experiences are compounded by structural inequality. For Ashiana to be recognised in its commitment to responding from a rights-led focus, enshrining the principles and ethos of Ashiana as an intersectional feminist, holistic, trauma-informed service. 4. OBJECTIVES Ashiana runs four refuges with a total of 21 bed-spaces,. two specifically for women aged 16-35 fleeing harmful practices. This multi award winning project was the first of its kind in the UK and is highly innovative in terms of addressing an area of significant need not met in other refuge provision. We designate a number of bedspaces for women with no recourse to public funds across these refuges and provide legal immigration advi. We offer advice, support and counse51ing services for women and girls who are experiencing VAWG, enabling them to make informed decisions and exit violent relationships. We deliver a range ofawareness raising workshops for people in the community and training on domestic violen for professionals in the voluntary and statutory sector. 5. OUR VALUES Our shared values are embedded in Ashiana,. they set out the broad principles within which we all work, make our decisions, strive to deliver the best quality services, and hold each other to account. Our core values are.. CARING & COMPASSIONA TE We are a caring and compassionate organisation. We show empathy, understanding and patience to anyone who comes in contact with us, including staff, survivors, and agencies to build resilience and strength. Whatever the outcome, being compassionate and caring creates a positive impact and a feeling of empowerment for all women and girls DIVERSE As a specialist 'led by and for, organisation we embed an intersectional approach and anti-racist practice in all our work. We stand for, and operate, within intersectional feminist principles, adopting a holistic and trauma- infomied framework that celebrates difference, respect, and representation. By and For refers to lived arperience oryanisations for example, organisalions represenliiig Black und mlnorilised women girls and disabled womeii among other groups épf women wilh specific inlerseclional iieeds, tlial are nol mel by generic provision because oflhe nalure ofthe services Éliey require. Stuffing, governance, and membership structures of these organisalions emerge hisloricallyfrom grnssroots slruggle and reflect the women tsndgirls Ihry serve.
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 iii. SOCIAL JUSTICE Collectively we address social injustice and challenge oppression, structural inequality, and systemic racism. We stand up for women and girls that are so often denied their rights and freedoms. We will always advocate for fairness and equality in all that we do. Iv. COLLABORA TION By collaborating with survivors, agencies. and each other, we can produce the best outcome for women and girls. This approach ensures the Vol of women and girls is at the heart of all our work. 6. OUR ETHOS Women Only Space We acknowledge that many women at risk of VAWG will want to seek support from 'women' only services where they will also have access to 'women' only space. Our services are trauma informed and we recognize the emotional, psychological, and physical impact of trauma caused by violence and abuse and understanding the nuances within Black and minoritised communities. We provide safe 'women' only spaces to ensure women are not re-traumatised but rather supported in their recovery and resilience. Ashiana acknowledges that not all women experience VAWG in the same ways, and that Black and minoritised often face racialised abuse, andlor abuse based on discrimination against other aspects of their identities. We a150 acknowledge that Black and minoritised women experience additional barriers to seeking and accessing support for VAWG. Therefore, all responses to survivors should be adapted to ensure they are safe, accessible, and appropriate for each individual woman. We acknowledge that many women at risk of VAWG will want to seek support from 'women' only services where they will also have access to 'women' only space. We will also ensure that the needs of Black and minoritised women are addressed across all services in linewith the ethos of'led by and for,. This provides for an environment where women are safer and feel as they are being listened to and heard. The nature of our services means that, invariably, we tackle povety, disadvantage, racism, inequality, and social exclusion. The women and girls we support present with complex and multiple needs including self-harming, suicide, depression, eating disorders, insecure immigration status, language needs. Our aim will be to support and advise them in order for thern to make informed decisions and choices that enable them to exit violent relationships e.g., reporting to police, pursuing civillcriminal legal cases, taking out injunctions, access to refuges, welfare benefits, health, housing, specialist immigration advice. Our woman-centred, holistic approach will ensure we meet the needs of our clients. Our support planning, risk assessment and outcomes framework tools are utilised by staff to make assessments, draw up appropriate action plans, manage risk, address needs and monitor progress through regular sessions and reviews., enabling clients is achieve their hopes and aspirations. Every effort is made to ensure the clients feel they are in control of the process and see it as something helpful and empowering. By 'colleckive' we Aslii&n& sllljfworking IA various roles. eiilier advocatlngfor clients direclly or oddressing wider policy/pracllee ilirough ourpnrlnersliips willi stakeholders and oilier organtsalions, in purtlcular, 2. Tier organisalions.
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORTOFTHE BOARD OFTRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 "Now I thlnk I can protect myself, now I know what DV Is, I can pmtect myself. Before, I couldny say anything, now I can say loudly it was wrong. They (Ashiana) give us the power...now, I'm waking up" "rhank you for believing in me, offering me advice and encouragement, lending me courage and above all glving me unconditlonal love. No strings, just heart" Service Users Feedback 6. ACTIVITIES & IMPACT We delivered Refuge - crisis accommodation and second stage accommodation with designated bedspaces for women with no recourse to public funds Rehousing and move-on preparation for women Specialist intersectional advice and institutional advocacy on complex cases Trauma informed counselling and group-based peer support Specialist immigration advice and support for women with no recourse to Public funds nd gir.ls. Community support e.g. education, self-help groups and faith groups Educational and awareness raising on VAWG, including harmful praCtIS 549 women contacted us through our Web Chat facility 23 women accessed our crisis safe accommodation
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 TYPES OF ABUSE REPORTED 3CO 2 2W 132 women with No Recourse to Public Funds were supported by our In-House Legal Immigration Team
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Women presenting with a Disability Blindlvisual Impairment I & Dyslexia 187 W.i)men ha No Recourse 80h Leaining difflculty, Neurodevelopmental disorder & Speech Impairment IOD/o Mental Health 65% Mobility 375 iyomen were supported by our Advic¢ & Advocacy team Age Range 23% Under 17 Years 20/0 31% 18-24Years 22% 25-34 Years 3544 Years 45-54 Years 55 Years & Over Piefer notto say
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ADVOCACY & ADVICE SERVICE We provide a culturally specific service for Black & Minoritised women, predominantly women from South Asian, Turkish and Middle Eastern communities. These are seNices that's would not be possible at borough level if it wasn't for our team specialisms. We aim to work within a person centred and non-judgemental approach enabling and supporting women and girls to make informed choices about their future and build confidence in their own decision making. We want to see all women and girls safe and exit any abusive situation securely if that is what they seek support for as some women and girls choose not to exit and that itself takes extreme courage. We will provide advice around safety planning which explores all risk factors that may present as a barrier to a woman exiting safely, however we also know that once a woman is able to exit safely, the risk to her safety significantly increases and our work is to help keep her safe. Our objective is to do this by working with partner agencies to ensure communication is cohesive and work is joint up in a coordinated multi-agency response. Once risks have been mitigated as far as is reasonably possible, we explore practical options for women and girls regarding their future. We provide a pan London service and look at ways to promote out seNices and continue to establish referral pathways in addition to linking women with local services where necessary. We have a diverse staff team which represents the women we service; this is to ensure we remain by and for led in addition to ensuring an in-depth understsnding of cultural issues and language. As women, we are already marginalised and our work around intersectionality remains at the core of what we do,. we understand the barriers and intersectional needs of our client group. Subsequently, our aim is to bring challenge and change in a wider context., we will continue to advocate for women and girls who have no voice, and the wider changes we want to see is around how funding processes need to be more equitable across the VAWG organisations and acknowledging the work that only by and for specialist organisations can deliver as having representation in generic organisation does not make it by and for led. In this last year we have seen a significant increase in high-risk cases which include suicidal ideation, non-fatal strangulation and self-harm. In addition to this, we continue to see a rapid decline in mental health for women and girls, and as waiting lists continue to be closed for counselling services, advocates inadvertently provide significant amount of emotional support. For those cases which have been identified as high risk, we follow our safeguarding policies and procedures and refer to MARAC (multi agency risk assessment Conferen). Should a referral meet the MARAC threshold, they would then link the case with the local IDVA {Independent Domestic Violence Advocate). However, we do not close the case immediately after referring on but continue to support these clients who are at high risk until their cases are confirmed by an IDVA. This consequently involves holding the risk for a short period of time which at times can be challenging as we provide low to medium support. Should the risk be reduced by an IDVA, we would consider working with the woman around practical needs. A vast amount of our advocacy work includes working with women who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). There are two main challenges that we have faced this year regarding our work, one is sourcing immigration solicitors when our own service is at capacity and the other is, ensuring social servi$ provide funding forwomen who are entitled to S17 support. This requires a high level of advocacy which can cause a great deal of stress and pressure for staff that are working in crises situations to ensure women, and their children are not left street homeless. Staff are highly skilled in challenging social services and obtain successful outcomes, however achieving successful outcomes are few and far beeen. We look to make onward referra15 to meet the needs of women and girls where the area is not our specialism. We have engaged with local borough offi'cers, VAWG leads and commissioners to ensure local Servi delivery is appropriate to local needs and not duplicated.
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Advocates supported wotllen with housing and challenging gate keeping tactics, working with women who have NRPF, mental health, risk management, substance andlor alcohol abuse, physical il health. The needs of women and girls have become more complex in an increasingly under resourced sector. Women who have experienced VAWG and trauma are considered to be one of the most vulnerable in society who 'have typically fallen through the cracks" of other services and as such we continue to fight for equality and social injustice holding alleged perpetrators and agencies to account. During the year we supported over 375 women and girls experiencing a range of VAWG issues. 156 women had no recourse to public funds. 131 women had language support needs. 50 women disclosed a range of disabilities. 107 women needed support with housing options and 76 were homeless. Advocating on behalf of women who make homeless applications to the local authority due to VAWG continues to be difFicult despite the Domestic Abuse Act which unfortunately has very little impact on the success of women being accommodated. There are significant delays in communication from local authority and at times, there is no response many months after submitting a homeless application let alone any kind of acknowledgment of the application. Gatekeeping tactics leave staff frustrated when dealing with emergency crisis for women and children. We have seen more and more women being placed outside of London which means they have been cut off from their support networks. If women refuse the offer from Local Authority, they are seen to be making themselves intentionally homeless and Local Authority will then discharge their duty and close the case. Women are also being placed in hotels for more than 6 weeks which unsuitable living conditions, we have made every effort to challenge these decisions. We continue to see staff burn out and we are confident that our advocates who are highly skilled and passionate are not necessarily feeling burnt out due to the work and fighting for the cause but more so due to the relentless advocacy that is taking place for our clients trying to push back with local authority housing, social services, the poli and the criminal Justi system, ensuring they are doing what they are meant to do and not expect the charity sector to pick up statutory duties. Feedback from our advocate" emergency accommod.atlon for herself and baby wlh.,n'o hot water ornher floor and no ".0 remin,derthat in 4eeking suppo.rt and in. movtng on,.girls and women do tendto",.face a new wave of.suffering whllst they find"their footing, and the instsbility they go th.rough can b&"so: dèbilitatlD.g. and make them w. ..to return to the abuser. Hig.hlights the &Di the resilience women bulld. in. leaving .Just thpughther word¥ were v,ery. pow.erful:' We are pleased to receive a grant fr"om, the Matwest circle fund ovér the Re a. tyer4.flexible fund. s.upport. worriEn especial! Wmugh the cost of livirig.'¢risis. and temporary at.co.mnyodation to buy ssentlal.;Items for t. emselve4.:and,their children1. women af,tim",es. leave tbelt'b..ys,fve 10
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 HOUSING SERVICES Kyra, Saranaya, Noorah, Zafina, Ariana and Himaya Ashiana currently offers temporary safe accommodation across four schemes,. however, this will be increasing to 6 schemes in the coming weeks. The criteria for all schemes are South Asian, Turkish and Middle Eastern women between the ages of 16-35 who are experiencing Domestic Violence, Forced Marriage and Harmful Practices. Ashiana prioritises cultural sensitivity, recognising and respecting the diverse backgrounds of its clients. This inclusive approach ensures that services are tailored to meet the unique cultural and linguistic needs of survivors from diverse communities and has enabled clients to disclose sensitive subjects with confidence as the staff are understanding and aware of different cultural praCtIs11mpaCts. E.g. Honour Based Violence, Forced Marriage, Harmful Practi$, etc. Kyra is an 8-bed shared house, Saranaya, Zafina and Ariana are 5-bed shared houses, and Noorah and Himaya are 3-bed shared houses. Noorah and Ariana are for service users that need a slightly lower level of support. Clients are assessed and moved into Noorah and Ariana from Zafina, Kyra or Saranaya. Noorah and Ariana are used as second stage refuges and Kyra, Saranaya, Zafina and Himaya are used as first stage refuges. Clients are assessed and moved into Noorah and Ariana from Zafina, Kyra, Saranaya or Himaya. This secondary support helps clients move from the refuge to independent living with practical assistance and ongoing guidance. During their stay at Ashiana, residents are offered culturally specific support, confidential advice and advocacy regarding their legal, financial, housing and personal situation. Staff empower clients through skills training. education, and advocacy, helping them regain Independen and build a brighter future beyond the refuge. Many of the clients have compSeted ESOL courses to help them integrate into their new environment which in turn. encourages independence. A high 5evel of emotional support is provided along with practical support and guidance with basic life skills, this is tailored to each individual client's needs_ A recent trend that has been observed is that clients are presenting with a higher level of mental health needs. Throughout the period April 2023 to March 2024, we accepted 23 new clients at our refuges. It has been a very exciting year at Ashiana for a number of reasons. Over the course of the year, construction works were carried out on the property that Ashiana had purchased. In late 2023, Ashiana expressed an interest in purchasing another property and the purchase was successful. Ashiana are now proud owners of propertiesl The second property that Ashiana has purchased will be used as a Resource Centre. This is a huge achievement for not only the organisation, but also the sector. Ashiana provides internal immigration support, helping clients navigate complex immigration processes and access neSSary resources to secure their legal status. This integrated approach ensures that clients receive holistic support for their immigration-related needs within the refuge. Over the past year, 15 women who have accessed the service had no recourse to public funds. They have either entered the UK on a spousal visa, dependant visa, student visa, work visa or visitor's visa. They either may have been in the UK for a long period of time, or alternatively they may have been in the UK for a short period of time, however the issues still remain the same. Some are not permitted to leave the house unaccompanied, some have not registered with a GP, some have never used public transport, and almost all of them do not have a bank account. Clients are supported to navigate around these issues and are supported with basic life skills. At times this can be a lengthy process as this may be a completely different way of life for them. however the support workers give the clients the time, guidan and support to meet their needs.
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The positive impact of having an in-house immigration Servi is that clients can liaise with a named person and not have to explain their circumstances time and time again to different professionals which may impact their mental health and overall wellbeing. The immigration support service that is provided has proved to be invaluable, and many clients have received immigration support from Ashiana Network legal professionals and thus received a positive result in securing their immigration status. Ashiana also offers counselling services as part of its wrap-around support model, providing clients with access to professional mental health support to address the emotional trauma and psychological effects of domestic violence. This seamless integration of counselling seNices and the Mental Health Support Worker ensures that clients receive holistic care to support their healing journey. Once the client's support needs have been met, they are also offered transitional support to help clients transition from the refuge to independent living, providing practical assistance and ongoing guidan to ensure a successful transition. We implement a resettlement service that extends support beyond the refuge. This initiative ensures that clients continue to receive assistance and guidance even after they leave the refuge, facilitating a smoother transition to independent living. By providing ongoing support, including access to resources, advocacy, and follow-up services. Ashiana NeOrk helps empower survivors to maintain their Independen and rebuild their lives with confidence and the holistic support that is provided is invaluable. Service User Feedback: 12
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 LEGAL SERVICE The Immigration service at Ashiana provides legal advice, advocacy and assistance to those vulnerable clients who do not have the funds to resolve their insecure immigration status. Some of the more destitute and vulnerable women are those that have no recourse to public funds and Ashiana's aim is to support them with access to specialist immigration advice in order to resolve their immigration status. We prepare and complete all immigration applications, which range from lifting 'no recourse to public funds, condition to applications made outside the scope of the immigration rules. We receive referrals from not only within Pan London, but also outside of London. The Legal Service has proved to be an extremely important seNice that is provided to clients. BebNeen the period of April 2023 - March 2024 we had 132 immigration cases, some of which were one-off advice cases. The Legal Team achieved 28 SUCssful outcomes for clients in terms of their status - these include settlement decisions, grant of change of conditions, decisions granting settled status, asylum, and humanitarian protection. The legal service that we provide is invaluable to our service users. We have experienced that legal aid solicitors are at capacity and the fees that private firms charge. is not something that our service users can afford. Expert staff assess eligibility, gather evidence and record statements and make applications to regularise clients, immigration status. Additionally, these women are supported to access refuge, housing, social care. health care, including mental health, reporting to police, support through the court system. We have built partnerships with a number of Family Law Solicitor's and work closely with them in order for servi users to access family law solicitors for divorce matters and non-molestation order matters. Due to the change in Legal Aid, it is extremely difficult for service users to aCsS a Family Law Solicitor for divorce matters as this is now no longer covered by Legal Aid. The Family Law Solicitor's assists service users with Non Mol matters along with Divorce matters on a pro-bono basis. Ashiana delivers training to partner organisations updating them on the changes withing Immigration Law. This training has been valuable, and we have received fantastic feedback from partner agencies within the sector. servi User Feedback: team last 13
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 COUNSELLING SERVICES We provide confidential one-tOne specialist trauma informed counselling ServIS for women and girls from 14+ who are or have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse as well as women and girls who have experienced any form of harmful practice including forced marriage, honour-based violence and female genital mutilation. Counselling offered is short term (6-30 Sessions) The counselling is provided in different languages as well as being provided by accredited qualified counsellors and experienced volunteer counsellorlplacements. Ashiana NeOrk is a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). In the last yearwe supported 132 women with 1-1 counselling and groups. Our clients were from various boroughs including Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, Newham and Tower Hamlets. Clients presented with complex and multiple issues. We have also continued to run 2 Support Groups through the year to women which have been 16 sessions in duration and 25 women and girls attended. Wp currently have 6 funded projects, which has meant that we are able to work with more women and girls as well as focus on key groups, for example under our CouRAGEous project we receive referrals for young women from 14+. This project is targeted towards supporting young women as well as prevention around ending violence for young people through empowerment, self-agency, building resilience through making informed choices. Our counselling service play a fundamental part in ensuring young women, get the specialist support they need, especially when they have reported witnessing andlor experiencing any Violen including harmful practice. Through this project we have been able to employ specialist counsellor's that work with young people. as you specific therapeutic skills to work with young people. Some challenges we have faced over the last year have been an increase in overall referrals and having to close our waiting lists bNice over the course of the year. The other challenge has been an increase in mental health distress, women are presenting with complex needs, whereby we are seeing women and girls that have experienced both childhood and adult abuse and trauma. These are challenges we are constantly facing and are continuing to find new and innovate ways to work with these challenges including offering further training to counsellors including extensive supeNision support to tackle secondary trauma and burnout, finding ways to reduce our waiting lists as well as trying to get women and girls into therapy quicker. Being able to offer women longer therapy contracts i.e. 30 sessions, we have seen great improvement of mental health as well as recovery from trauma. We also have 2 support groups that run each year, these have been successful and we have had a good retention of survivors that will attend the whole 8-week programme. The group work model is a primarily psychoeducational support. Women and girls feedback that they have found the groups supportive in not feeling alone and isolated and some women have been able to befriend other survivors. We have seen a better outcome ofwomen committing to their therapy, due to offering a hybrid therapy i.e. online, telephone as well as in person. We had fewer DNA (Did Not Attend), which has meant that there has been a 90 /0 attendance to therapy sessions as well as survivors completing their therapy contract. We have now fully adopted a hybrid way of working to ensure that our women and girls have access to specialist trauma informed therapy. SeNice User Feedback therap.ist.s help.this pasty.ear.' I no.w sqe li9lit at the erld of the tunnel, bef.ore:.my therapist there w.as only a dark abyss rlPd'.-'rfh despair .1. fe.el hopeful about.the fu.ture ahead,: with 8 ne.wf¢wnd,desire to Fregle.:o.-fHJ.illiri'g Ilfe for mysel£ . 'Istill.haiie,a lot of un-résolved issues to wo.kk"through, but with tsthe a?idpaknence. Ihop&to httplem,Bnt 14
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 EDUCATION & PREVENTION Our education and training work is conducted at a variety of levels with both statutory and voluntary agencies aimed at raising awareness about VAWG. Workshops, training and support groups are provided on topics such as domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour-based violence. Ashiana has had a busy and productive period in raising awareness of all forms of VAWG in a variety of settings and in a wide variety of ways. We delivered 6 training to 87 people from educational establishments such as schools and colleges. The training focused on VAWG and in particular Harmful Practices and Immigration, We delivered awareness raising sessions for women in our refuges on a range of issues. 7. VISITS TO ASHIANA Her Majesty the Queen Her Majesty The Queen visited one of our refuges, Zafina, on 6th December 2023. Current and ex-service users attended and were able to share their experiences with Her Majesty. She was very touched by it all and was quite surprised to see how young some of these women are. Staff and Trustees also attended and had the opportunity to meet the Queen and have a short conversation about their role at Ashiana. After months of planning, the event went smoothly and was, in fact, a resounding success. We attracted huge amounts of publicity through the national and local press and social media. We shared this with our key funders and stakeholders who in turn used their newsletters etc to circulate to their members. For example, London Councils put it on the front page of their weekly newsletter that has a huge Pan-London reach. Thank you both so, so much for all you did to make today's visit to Ashiana run so perfectly. Her Majesty was deeply impressed and moved by your work. I do hope all went well from your point of view- and that we will be able to work together again in the future! Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden The Deputy Mayor, Sophie Linden, visited Zafina 2 on 29th November 2023 as part of the 16 Days of Activism. She met with staff and heard from the women directly about their life experiences and how Ashiana has helped in their healing and recovery. We are currently funded by the Mayor's Offi'ce for Policing and Crime who have ftjnded Ashiana in its work to support survivors of Violence Against Women & Girls. The funding has enabled us to develop second stage accommodation for women that no longer need crisis refuge accommodation. Aisha and l just wanted to say thank you so much for hosting us yesterday. It was so good to meet you all and hear about all the amazing work you and your colleagues are doing to provide the much-needed support for Black and minoritised women and girls in East London. Your passion, innovation, commitment, and enthusiasm (despite the collective years you all have under your beltsl) shone through, and London's tackling VAWG landscape is all the richer for your voice and experien being amongst it. 15
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Laura Harris- Parliamentary Undersecretary of State Laura Farris is the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice. Her responsibilities are.. Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, Victims and Witnesses, Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO), Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), Criminal Law, Child Sexual Abuse, Miscarriages of Justice. Laura visited in January 2024 and was accompanied by the DA Commissioner Nicole Jacobs. Nicola was appointed in 2019 as the first designated Domestic Abuse Cornmissioner for England and Wales. They both met with staff and clients and were interested to hear the client journey and challenges they face. an.impactfol visit yesterday. We reco.gniEe.the work.that needs to go into feedback lias been outstanding. The Jhighliglited the impact on them as iTLdividLs as well as the wider 7. DEVELOPMENT We purchased a property in Redbridge, which has been re-modelled into a 5-bed second stage refuge. We have also secured 1 further property with London & Quadrant,. a 3-bed scheme in Waltham Forest. In addition, Ashiana has recently purchased a second property which we aim to renovate and use as an office and resource centre by 2025. 8. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Sustain existing services Review all aspects of Governance Apply for OISC level 3 accreditation to enhance our immigration legal work Develop the Experts by Experience model at Ashiana Se1 development through remodelling Ashiana's new property for use as OfficelResource centre Developing partnershiplconsortia in order to improve practice and secure funding for services Explore expansion of our services for women with complex mental health 16
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 9. STAFF RECRUITMENT. RETENTION & WELLBEING A huge amount of SMT and Senior Workers time is spent on supporting staff wellbeing but also dealing with staffing issues Simultaneously, we are in a recruitment crisis. It is a sector wide issue and is having an impact on some services e.g. for the first time we had to close referral to the legal team. In the Counselling Service we created a new role, Associate Counsellor, effectively a volunteer counsellor. Giving it a different title and improving access to training etc has proved helpful. The crisis requires us to think differently about recruitment and of course, retention works when staff feel they have a good working environment, appropriate levels of support and added benefits such as annual leave, competitive salaries. We continue to ensure staff wellbeing is priorilised to ensure staff retention and recruitment, especially post pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, the rise in complex referrals and working in an increasingly challenging environment. We have increased resources to manage staff wellbeing, this includes salary uplifts, peer supervision, clinical supervision, weekly informal catchups, employee assistance program, line manager supervision and team building activities. 10. COST OF LtVlNG CRISIS The cost-of-living crisis continues to have a significant impact on women as we see more women accessing the service with financial support needs, women in rent arrears, women in debt, and women increasingly wanting to access alternative funding for example, women who need to exit their abuse but do not have the means to support the move. A recent survey by the Women's Resource Centre Impacts of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on the Women's Sector (2023) concluded: "After years of austerity, cuts to local public services, competitive tendering, a push towards generic service provision and most recently, the Cov179 pandemic, women s organisations have experienced ongoing and sustained pressure on their services for many years. Against this backdrop. the cost-of- living crisls has exacerbated existing issues and has resulted in a sector that is at breaking point. Increased demand was still the number one pressing concern for the women s sector. two years after it was highlighted as the top issue during the pandemic. fhis, combined with reduced capacity and resources due to rising costs, and complexity of workload is putting strain on organisations and staff. So, it s not surprlsing that staff wellbeing and burnout is the third most pressing concem for women's organisations in 2023 and that recruitment and retention is also a pressing concern for 289/0 of organisations. The areas that organisations saw the most increase in demand (over 50/) were no recourse to public funds (35/0), advocacy (340/0), and homelessness and housing support (33/0). The effects of the cost-of-living crisis are impacting Black and minoritised organisations and thair service users moro acutely than other organisations. The women s sector is picking up the pieces of a weakening public infrastructure. 84Q/o of respondents reported an increase in the need for family courts advocacy".htt s.'lkn.wrc.or .uklHandlerslDownload.ashx?IDMF-549ce278-76164b1b-gb16-12f749d2bb21 We continue to make representstions to Government though our sector wide partnerships raising our concerns and recommendations to assist organisations and service users. 11. QUALITY ASSURANCE Ashiana NeOrk is committed to working within good practice guidelines to provide high quality services for service users. We aspire to become an outstanding organisation providing safe housing, advice and counselling to all service users, individuals, groups, stakeholders and other agencies. To ensure high quality provision Ashiana has achieved accreditations with Investors in People (Gold), National Domestic Violence servi Standards, Imkaan Accredited Quality Standards (distinction), Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). We are applying for Level 3 accreditstion with OISC to enable us to conduct appeals work in-house. 17
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 12. ANALYSIS OF RESTRICTED FUNDS Ascent Specialist Refuge The Ascent Specialist Refuge project is funded by London Councils and was recommissioned in April 2023 for a three-year period to March 2026. Ashiana is the lead partner and Solace Women's Aid, nia Project and IKWRO are delivery partners. Together the partnership provides 39 specialist refuge bedspaces for women with specialist and multiple needs, no recourse to public funds, women with mental healthlproblematic substance use, sexually exploited and trafficked women. Ascent Ending Harmful Practices Strand (EHP) The Ascent Ending Harmful Practices is funded by London Councils and is a led by the Asian Women's Resource Centre {AWRC) and Ashiana is one of 9 delivery partners. The project provides advice and counselling services for those affected by sexual and domestic violence, specifically, Female Genital Mutilation, honour-based violen, forced marriage and other harmful practices. This work is funded from April 2022 to March 2026. Ascent Advice & Counselling The ASnt Advice & Counselling project is funded by London Councils and is a led by the Women & Girls Neknork, and Ashiana is one of the delivery partners. We provide a range of advice and counselling services to women in London affected by domestic and sexual violence. This work is funded from April 2022 to March 2026. Casa Project We commenced delivery of the 0-year Move on Programme in October 2019. The funding allows us to support women who access move-on accommodation through this project. The project is funded until March 2026. Advice & Counselling PLUS We are the delivery partner in this project led by Solace Women's Aid. This project enables us to expand on our current advice & counselling services. This is funded til130 September 2024. DASA- GLA & MOPAC Funded Projects Mental Health & Webchat This service provides 1..1 mental health support and group activities for women in our refuges and an online webchat service for women and young girls needing support to exit abusive relationships. This is funded until March 2025. Second Stagelmove-on Safe Accommodation This seNice provides an additional 5 bedspaces of semi-independent accommodation forwomen moving on from our crisis refuge accommodation. This is funded until March 2025 OYA Refuge. Immigration and Counselling services Latin American Women's Aid lead on this project with Ashiana, Asha project and LBWP as delivery partners. The o projects include.. 1) Refuge case work, immigration and housing advice 2} Therapeutic and counselling ServIS 18
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Ascent GLA Safe Accommodation Project Asian Women's resource Centre lead on this project. Ashiana is one of the delivery partners providing support to women with NRPF. P&ACT EHP Partnership - (Prevention & Action through Community Engagèment & training) Harniful Practices We are a delivery partner in this project led by the Asian Women's Resource Centre. This project enables u5 to expand our services for women experiencing harmful practices. London Holistic Advocacy Wraparound Service- the Life Saving to Life Changing Project We are a delivery partner in this project which is led by Southall Black Sisters. This project focuses on the provision of support, counselling, legal advice and a¢sS to accommodation for women with no recourse to public fijnds. CouRAGEus Project We are the delivery partner in this project led by Women & Girls Neork. As part of this project, Ashiana delivers Specialist Advocacy for women with multiple needs and BME young women and girls 14-24yrs WISER Project The WISER Project is led by Solace Women's Aid and as a delivery partner we work with BME women who find it hard to engage with support, who are experiencing violence or abuse and are affected by severe and multiple disadvantages. This project is funded until March 2025. MHCLG COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund via LAWA The OYA consortium, comprising of Ashiana, Asha Project, Latin American Women's Refuge and London Black Women's Project, reiVed fvnding to support its refuge services for the period April to September 2023. London Borough of Waltham Forest We were successful in our tender for the re-commissioning of our 13-bed refuge provision in LBWF. The contract is for a three-year term commencing March 2022. Market Place- Waltham Forest Ashiana is a preferred provider on the Waltham Forest Market Place framework which is led by Solace Women's Aid. This enables us to deliver specialist counselling for women in the borough as and when referrals are made and payment is based on the numbers of clients and sessions delivered. 19
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 13. THANKS TO OUR FUNDERS, ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED US DURING THE PAST YEAR, IN PARTICULAR: Asian Women's Resource Centre Charities Connected Forced Marriage Unit Homeless Link Greater London Authority GMSP Foundation Imkaan Life in London Trust Latin American Women's Aid London Borough of Waltham Forest. London Councils London & Quadrant Housing Association London VAWG Consortium Mayors Office for Policing & Crime Metropolitan Poli Oak Foundation OYA Consortium Public Interest Law Centre Refuge Solace Women's Aid Southall Black Sisters Waltham Forest Liberal Democrats (Secret Santa) Women's Aid Federation of England Women & Girls Network Women's Resource Centre 20
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 14. FINANCIAL REVIEW There was an increase in the activities of the charity in 2023124. There has been no significant change in the income by 21.14 % (21.140/0 2022123} from £2,544,474 to £2,557,158 but the expenditure increased by 120 (11.25 % 2022123) from £2,193,344 to £2,495,336. The total funds held by the charity increased during the year from £2,595,999 to £2,657,821. These funds are divided for accounting purposes into restricted funds, which represent the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes, and unrestricted funds that are available for the general purposes of the charity. During the year, there was an increase in the total value of the restricted funds from £9,225 to £23,912 and an increase in unrestricted funds from £2,586,774 to £2,633,909. The principal financial policies adopted during the year are (i} the accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention- (li) incoming resources relating to grants and material donations are recognised in the period to which they are receivable and (iii) resources expended are recognised on the accruals basis and on the basis that consideration has been received for the expenditure. Full details of the accounting policies adopted during the year are shown in note 1 to the Accounts. Reserves pollcy and going concem The policy of the charity in respect of reserves and major risks is to designate all unrestricted funds where the organisation has been able to identify a timescale for expenditure on specific projectslitems. In addition the organisation has estsblished a General Fund for unrestricted funds held by the organisation, which can be used as a contingency against emergency or unplanned expenditure. The Committee believes that by designating funds in thisway, they can ensure thatthe long term plans of the organisation can be realised, and the organisation will be able to fulfi5 its contractual responsibilities to its staff, funders, users and the wider community. The reserves fund represents unrestricted general funds which are not committed or tied to any tangible fixed assets held by Ashiana. The Trustees have considered the challenge Ashiana faces with limited, short-term contracts, lack of committed funds and some key Services that remain unfunded. As a smaller 'led by and for, organisation we are at further risk of losing contracts, funding and services as we compete against larger generic providers. At the same time, the demand for our specialist services is ever increasing as Black and minoritized women with multiple and complex needs seek our support. Post pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated this situation. It falls on Ashiana to ensure that it has a policy to retain sufficient reserves to safeguard its financial commitments and to continue to provide essential services to Black and minoritised women in the event that funding is reduced or indeed, completely cut. We will retain sufficient funds in our free reserves to manage short term periods without funding to enable us to deliver seNices. This will also enable us to plan a service closure slowly so that negative impact to clients is minimised. We will also ensure sufficient funds are retained in our designated fund to enable usto achieve our strategic goal to expand property ownership. Ashiana's forecast reserves through 2023124 means that the Trustees consider it appropriate to adopt the going conrn basis of accounting for the 2023124 Annual Report and Financial statements and is confident of Ashiana's ability to remain as a going concern for the foreseeable future. 15. Future Plans Sustain and develop existing services Review all aspects of Governance Apply for OISC level 3 accreditation to enhance our immigration legal work Develop the Experts by Experience model at Ashiana Service development through remodelling Ashiana's new propety for use as Office1ResoUr Centre Developing partnershiplconsortia in order to improve Practi and secure funding for service Explore expansion of our services for women with complex mental health Asset cover for funds Note 16 sets out an analysis of the net assets attributable to the various funds. These assets are sufficient to meet the charity's obligations on a fund-by-fund basis. 21
ASHIANA NETWORK REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Trustees, Responsibilities Statement The committee members (who are also directors of Ashiana NeOrk ft)r the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Reportand the financial ststements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law qUireS the committee members to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the committee members are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102). makejudgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial ststements" and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The committee members are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records thatdisclosewith reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularitie5. Each ofthe committee members has confirmed that there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware., and the committee members have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. The committee members are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Auditors A resolution proposing that Myrus Smith Chartered Accountants be reappointed as auditors of the company will be put to the Annual General Meeting. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. trJ,' Rashmi Nigam 10th September 2024
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ASHIANA NETWORK Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Ashiana NeOrk (the 'charitable company,) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, 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 FinanGial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements.. give a true and fair view of the state of the charitsble company's affairs as at 31 March 2024, and of its incoming reSoUrS and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice., and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 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 charitable company 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 golng 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 charitable company'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 conrn are described in the relevant sections of this report. other information The other inforrnation comprises the information included in the trustees report, otherthan the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the trustees report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent othewise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other infomiation 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 misststement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 23
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ASHIANA NETWORK Icontd... Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.. the information given in the trustees, report (incorporating the directors, report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements., and the directors, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion= adequate accounting records have not been kept, or retums adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us- or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns., or certain disclosures of directors, remuneration specified by law are not made, or we have not reiVed all the infomiation and explanations we require for our audit; or the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies, regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the directors, report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic reporL Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statement set out on page 19, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes 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 charitable company'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. Auditofs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 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. Misststements 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. 24
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ASHIANA NETWORK Icontd... 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.. Enquiry of management and those charged with governance about actual and potential litigation or claims and the identification of non-complian with laws and regulations. Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness. assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias,. and evaluating the business rationale of any signifscant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud. Professional scepticism in course of the audit and with audit sampling in material audit areas. Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a rnaterial misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that cornplian 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 InStanS 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.. www.frc.o -uklauditorsres onsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members 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 charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have fomied. Kevin Fisher (Audit Partner) For and on behalf of Myrus Smith Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Norman House, 8 Burnell Road Sutton, Surrey SM14BW Date.. 1 Oth September 2024 25
ASHIANA NETWORK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Note Income from: Donations and grants Charitable activities Investments 118,966 382,495 36,924 572,540 1,446,233 691,506 1,828,728 36,924 730,664 1,805,344 8,466 Total 538,385 2,018,773 2,557,158 2,544,474 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 61,461 429,789 61,461 2,433,875 56,517 2,136,827 2,004,086 Total 491,250 2,004,086 2,495,336 2,193,344 Net income 10 47,135 14,687 61.822 351,130 Transfers beeen funds Net movement in funds 15 47,135 14,687 61.822 351,130 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought fOard 15 2,586,774 9,225 2,595,999 2244869 Total funds carried forward 15 2,633,909 23,912 £2,657,821 £2,595,999 All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities. The SOFA includes all gains and losses recognised during the year. The notes form part of these financial statements. 26
ASHIANA NETWORK Company No. 2972903 (England & Wales) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Notss Fixed assets Tangible Fixed Assets 12 545,056 545,056 Current assets Debtors Cash at Bank 13 503,315 1,718,258 680,618 1,469,502 2,221,573 2,150,120 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 (108,808) (99,177) Net current assets 2,112,765 2.050,943 Net assets 16 £2,657,821 £2,595,999 Funds". Unrestricted funds Designated funds General fund 15 15 1,768,435 865,474 1,896,143 690,631 Total unrestricted funds 2,633,909 2.586,774 Restricted Funds 15 23,912 9,225 Total funds £2,657,821 £2,595,999 These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Approved by the directors and trustees on 10th September 2024 and signed on their behalf. Tanoushka Kaur Treasurer 1 Oth September 2024 The notes form part of these financial statements. 27
ASHIANA NETWORK STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Net cash flow from operating activities 211,832 (36,9931 Cash flow from investing activities Interest received Purchase of property 36,924 8,466 Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year 248,756 (28,527) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 1,469,502 1,498,029 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year £1,718,258 £1,469,502 Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities 2024 2023 Net income for the year Interest receivable (Increase)IDecrease in debtors Increasel(Decrease) in creditors 61,822 {36,924) 177,303 9,631 351,130 (8,4661 (192,9301 (186,7271 Net cash flow from operating activities £211,832 £{36.993) 2024 2023 Cash and cash equlvalents consist of: Cash at bank and in hand 646,162 426,791 Short term deposits 1,072,096 1,042,711 Total cash and cash equivalent £1,718,258 £1,469,502 28
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting policies General infomiation and basis of preparation Ashiana Network is a private company (No. 2972903) limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the "Reference and Administrative Infomiation" on page 1 of these financial statements. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Actounting Practice. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. 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. Income recognition Items of income are recognised in the financial ststements when all of the following criteria are met- The charity has entitlement to the funds., any performance conditions have been met or are fully within the control of the charity- there is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable- and the amount can be measured reliably. Income from performance related grants and contracts is recognised as the charity earns the right to consideration through delivery of the specified services. Expenditure recognition Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third paty, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure includes all irrecoverable VAT which is included as part of the relevant cost. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings= Costs of raising funds comprises those costs associated with attracting voluntary donations and grants Expenditure on charitable activities comprises those costs associated with the delivery of the various activities and services for the charity's beneficiaries. Expenditure includes those costs of a direct nature which can be allocated to a specific activity and also includes indirect costs, including governance costs that do not relate to a specific activity but are necessary to support those activities. Support costs are apportioned to each activity on the basis of staff time. Fund accounting Unrestricted general funds are freely available for use in furtherance of the objects of the charity and which have not been designated for specific purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are funds which can only be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or which have been raised for a particular purpose. 29
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... Accounting policleslcontd... Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Tangible assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and are stated at costs less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided so as to write off the cost of each asset, less estimated residual value, over its estimated useful life at the following annual rates= Computer equipment 33 % Straight line Leases Operating lease rentals are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Pensions The charity contributes to Stakeholder Pension Schemes on behalf of its employees. These schemes are defined contribution pension schemes. Contributions payable under these schemes are charged the Statement of Financial Activities in the year to which they relate. The charity has no liability under these schemes other than for the payment of those contributions. Debtors and cr8ditors Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising trom impairments are recognised in expenditure. Donations and grants Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrestricted Restricted The Oak Foundation National Lottery Community Fund MHCLG via LAWA OYA REFUGE via LAWA GLA GMSP Foundation The Caring Family Foundation London Councils via Tender Other Donations 118,966 118,966 111,800 51,360 263,320 250,670 51,360 263, 320 250,670 51,360 263,318 244,218 25,200 10,000 24,768 7,190 7,190 118,966 572, 540 £S91,506 £730,664 Of the £730,664 recognised in 2023, £147,000 was unrestricted funds and £583,664 was restricted funds. 30
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... Income from charitable activities Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrestricted Restricted London Councils- Specialist refuge London Councils - other Solace SLA LBWF- supporting people LB Camden Income from rent MOPAC Other 840,000 128,091 4,960 840,000 128,091 4,960 127,240 27,308 292,878 405,146 3,105 840,000 129,871 127,240 127,240 27,225 242,883 423,863 14,262 27,308 4Q,72B 405,146 252,150 3,105 382,495 1,446,233 £1,828,728 £1,805,344 Of the £1,805,344 recognised in 2023, £379,385 was unrestricted funds and £1,425,959 was restricted funds. Investment income Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Bank interest 36,924 £36,924 £8,466 All of the £8,466 recognised in 2023 was unrestricted funds. Cost of raising funds Direct Costs Support Costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Fundraising activities- salaries 61,461 £81,461 £56,517 All of the £56,517 recognised in 2023 was unrestricted funds. Cost of charitable activltles Direct Costs Support Total 2024 Total 2023 Educational, counselling and prevention work 2,390,922 42,953 £2,433,875 £2,136,827 Of the £2,136,827 expenditure recognised in 2023, £104,371 was charged to unrestricted funds and £2,032.456 was charged to restricted funds. 31
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd. Analysis of direct costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Wages and salaries Grants paid to London Councils Partners Payments to clients with no recourse to public funds Housing Association charges Legal fees Other direct housing and management costs 1,120,844 711,800 110,735 15,344 4,423 427,776 1,006,896 704,920 118,231 17,593 8,671 210,178 £2,390,922 £2,066,489 Analysis of support costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Office costs Premises costs Consultancy costs Governance costs (note 9) 15,003 10,255 8,817 8,878 14,543 16,665 30,745 8,385 £42,953 £70,338 Governance costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Audit and aOuntancY fees Trustee meetings Salaries 3,500 3,440 5,378 4,945 £8,878 £8,385 10. Net income The net income for the year is stated after charging.. 2024 2023 Depreciation Auditors, remuneration Trustees. remuneration Operating lease rentals £Nil £2,700 £Nil £92,927 £Nil £2,700 £Nil £33,713 No trustees were reimbursed any expenses during the year (2023.. none). 32
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... 11. Staff costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 1,025,186 109,262 53,235 927,157 96,198 45,003 £1,187,683 £1,068,358 The employees who received total employee benefits during the year (excluding employer pension costs) of.. £60,000 - £69.999 2 (2023 - none) £80,000 - £89,999 1 {2023- 1) The total employee benefits received by key management personnel were £288,607 (2023 . £281,120). Under FRS 102, employee benefits includes gross salary, employer's NIC, employer's pension contributions and benefits in kind. The average weekly number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full time equivalents was 28 (2023.. 28). No termination payments {2023 - £Nil) were made to members of staff during the year. 12. Tanglble fixeil assets Freehold Property Cost: At 1 April 2023 Additions 556,389 At 31 March 2024 556.389 Depreciation: At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year 11,333 At 31 March 2024 11,333 Net Book Value: At 31 March 2024 £545,056 At 31 Maroh 2024 £545,056 13. Debtors Due within one year 2024 2023 Grants receivable Charges receivable Other debtors 463,154 35,077 5,084 665,369 13,747 1,502 £503,315 £680,618 33
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 lcontd... 14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year. 2024 2023 Charges- Credit balances Deferred income - Grants received in advance Accruals 27,659 7,565 81,149 91,612 £108,808 £99,177 15. Movement in funds At 1 Aprir 2023 Transfers between Funds At 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Restricted Funds Counselling, support & advice Education & advice Specialist refuge & NRPF Women against Violence Group National Lottery Community Fund Market Place - Waltham Forest Harmful practices Comic Relief - Imkaan OYA Refuge (via LAWA). Circle fund Noorah WISER project Advice & Counselling PLUS Holistic Wraparound service CASA project GLA P&ACT CouRAGEus project 92,719 7,190 840,000 51,360 92,719 7,190 840,000 51,360 4,403 6,546 4,403 4,960 35,372 11,506 35,372 263,320 263,320 167 (2,702) 167 11,914 40,728 27,308 47,834 190,787 9,864 250,670 39,935 116,726 26,112 27,308 47,834 191,273 9,864 250,670 39,935 116,726 486 325 325 Total restricted funds 9,225 2,018,773 2,004,086 23,912 unstrICted funds General Fund Designated Funds Furniture renewal Internal decorations Salary contingency PropertylServi¢e development Freehold Property Supporting women with insecure immigration status 690,631 538,385 363,542 865,474 49,000 10,000 265,000 1,004,944 545,056 49,000 10,000 265,000 877,236 545,056 127,708 22,143 22,143 Total unrestricted funds 2,586,774 538,385 491,250 2,633,909 Total funds £2,595,999 £2,557,158 £2,495,336 £Nil £2.657,821 Full details of the purposes of the funds can be found in the Trustees, Annual Report. 34
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 lcontd... 15. Movement in funds (continued) Comparative information for the previous financial year is as follows- At 1 April 2022 Transfers between Funds At 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Restricted Funds CounselSing, support & advi lucation & advice Specialist refuge & NRPF Women against Violence Group National Lottery Community Fund Market Place - Waltham Forest Harmful practices Comic Relief- Imkaan OYA Refuge (via LAWA). Circle fund Noorah WISER project Advice & Counselling PLUS Holistic Wraparound seNice CASA project GLA P&ACT CouRAGEus project 94,499 94,499 24,768 840,000 51,360 840,000 51,360 24,701 6,546 20,298 4,403 6,546 35,372 35,372 263,318 5,000 263,318 4,833 2,702 27,225 47,834 211,550 8,968 244,218 39,935 115,576 167 (2,702) 27,225 47,834 211,550 8,968 244,218 39,935 115,576 486 486 325 325 Total restricted funds 32,058 2,009,623 2,032,456 9,225 Unrestricted funds General Fund Designated Funds Furniture renewal Internal decorations Salary contingency PrOpetylseNi development Freehold Propety Supporting women with insecure immigration status 376,668 534,851 160,888 (60,000) 690,631 29,000 10,000 225,000 1,004,944 545, 056 20,000 49,000 1Q,000 265,000 1,004,944 545,056 40,000 22,143 22,143 Total unrestricted funds 2,212,811 534,851 160,888 2,586,774 Total funds £2,244,869 £2,544,474 £2,193,344 £Nil £2,595,999 Full details of the purpose5 of the funds can be found in the Trustees, Annual Report 35
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd.. Sectlon 37 Statement Grant Aid of £840,000 was reiVed in 2023124 (2022123 £840,000) from London Councils for the Ascent Specialist Refuge Partnership. The following table illustrates how money was allocated across the partnership and that it has been used for the purposes outlined in the funding agreement. Grant Income Grant Spent Lead Psrtner.. Ashiana Network Delivery Partner.. Solace Women's Aid Delivery Partner.. nia project Delivery Partner.. IKWRO 226,415 272,048 277,411 64,126 226,415 272,048 277,411 64,126 Total.. £840,000 £840,000 Grant Income Grant Spent Salaries Beneficiary Costs. Central Overheads: Other Direct Project Costs: Set Up & Development Costs: Interpretation Costs.. Lead Organisation Costs.. 577,039 113,196 80,731 6,314 6,720 1,000 55,000 576,961 113,193 80,731 6,395 6,720 1,000 55,000 Total.. £840,000 £840,000 Grant Aid of £51,360 was received in 2023124 {2022123 - £51,360} from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (covid extension). {via LAWA). The following table illustrates what the money was awarded for and that it has been used for these purposes. Grant Income Grant Spent Stsffing Cover: Additional Staff Cover Additional COVID-19 Related Costs Office equipment Other Costs.. 23,400 14,846 5,000 8,114 23,400 14,846 5,000 8,114 Total.. £51,360 £51,360
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd.,. Section 37 Statement (continued) Grant Aid of £92,71S was received in 2023124 (2022123 - £94,499) from London Councils (via Women and Girls NeorkI for the Ascent Counselling and Advice Strand. The following table illustrates what the money was awarded for and that it has been used for these purposes. Grant Income Grant Spent Salary.. Counsellor 0:18 Salary.. Counsellor 1-2 Salary.. Specialist Advi Caseworker 0..8 Salary.. Administrator 0.19 Staff travel ICT Clinical Supervision Mobile phoneslcomms Overheads 7,189 42,825 25,691 4,634 408 1,933 1,115 870 8,054 7,189 42,825 25,691 4,634 408 1,933 1,115 870 8,054 Total: £92,719 £92,719 Grant Aid of £35,371.92 was received in 2023124 {2022123 £35,371.92) from London Councils (via AWRC) for the Ascent Harrnl Practices Strand of the Ascent Strand. The following table illustrates what the money was awarded for and that it has been used for these purposes. Grant Income Grant Spent Salary.. Advice Workers Salary.. Counsellor Venue and Other Costs 21,091.92 12,480.00 1,800.00 21.091.92 12,480.00 1,800.00 Total.. £35,371.92 £35.371.92 Grant Aid of £57,399 was received in 2023124 (2022123 £57,399) from GLAIMOPAC (via LAWA) towards specialist counseling for women and children at the refuge. The following table illustrates what the money was awarded for and that it has been used for these purposes. Grant Income Grant Spent Staffing Costs other staffing & volunteer costs Indirect costs 47,667 8,060 1,672 47,667 8,060 1,672 Total". £57,399 £57,399 37
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... Section 37 Statement (continued Grant Aid of £205,921 was received in 2023124 (2022123 £205,920) from GLAIMOPAC (via LAWA) towards specialist services support in the specific areas of housing, immigration, family law, and complex cases at the refuge. The following table illustrates what the money was awarded for and that it has been used for these purposes. Grant Income Grant Spent Staffing Costs Other staffing & volunteer costs Indirect costs 186,743 13,180 5,997 186,743 13,180 5,997 Tot81: £205,920 £205,920 Grant Aid of £119,115.38 was received in 2023124 (2022123 £113,451 } trom MOPAC (via GLA) towards the delivery of specialist mental health and webchat services. The following table illustrates what the tnoney was awarded for and that it has been used for these purposes. Grant Income Grant Spent Staffing Costs Other staffing & volunteer costs Direct delivery costs Indirect costs 96,355.38 5,500.00 4,500.00 12,800.00 96,355.38 5,500.00 4,500.00 12,800.00 Total: £119,155.38 £119,155.38 Grant Aid of £62,604 was received in 2022123 {2022123 £64,103) trom MOPAC (via GLA) towards the delivery of second stage accommodation. The following table illustrates what the money was awarded for and that it has been used for these purposes. Grant Income Grant Spent Staffing Costs Other staffing & volunteer costs Direct delivery costs Indirect costs 51,604 4,000 3,000 4,000 51,499.67 4,000.00 3,000.00 4,104.33 Total: £62,604 £62,604.00 38
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... Section 37 Statement (continued) Grant Aid of £68.911.32 was received in 2023124 (2022123 £66,664) from GLAIMOPAC (via AWRC) towards the delivery of specialist advi and accommodation for women with no recourse to public funds. The following table illustrates what the money was awarded for and that it has been used for these purposes. Grant Income Grant Spent Staffing Costs Other staffing & volunteer costs Direct delivery costs Indirect costs 32,450.85 2,306.31 20,308.31 13,845.85 46,296.70 2,306.31 20,308.31 0.00 Total.. £68,911.32 £68,8911.32 39
ASHIANA NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Icontd... 16. Analysis of net assets between funds Fund BalanS at 31 March 2024 are represented by.. Unrestricted General Designated Restricted Total Freehold Propety Current assets Current liabilities 545,056 1,223,379 545, 056 2,221,573 (108,808) 974,282 (108,808) 23,912 £865,474 £1,768,435 £2a,912 £2,657,82_1 Comparative information for the previous financial year is as follows.. Fund Balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by: Unrestricted General Designated Restricted Total Freehold Property Current assets Current liabilities 545,056 1,351,087 545,056 2,150,120 (99,177) 789,808 (99,177) 9,225 £690,631 £1,896,143 £9,225 £2,595,999 17. Operating lease commitments The total future minimum lease payments due under non<ancellable operating leases are as follows.. 2024 2023 Land and Land and Buildings Buildings thin one year Within two to five years 118,559 83,085 £118.559 £83,085 18. Taxation As a registered charity, Ashiana NeOrk is not liable to tax on its charitable activities. 19. Related party transactions There were no related party transactions in 2024 or 2023 other than those set out in note 11 relating to key management personnel. 20. Contingent assets The charity has been awarded some multi-year grants with specified or implied timeframes which preclude recognition of the full amount. The total amount awarded for future years but not recognised is £2,043,502. 40