Registered number: 03532428 Charity number: 1069296
LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
SNEEE CONTENTS
| Pages | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details ofthe Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees’ Report | 2-10 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | ya teen be |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 13 |
| Balance Sheet | 14-15 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 16 |
| NotestotheFinancialStatements | 17-32 |
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
SS a REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ee
| Trustees | Sarah Harvey, Chair |
|---|---|
| Cynthia Glinos, Vice Chair | |
| Rebecca Martin, Trustee | |
| Sally Winston, Trustee | |
| Catherine Bright, Trustee | |
| Sandra Alex Gage, Trustee | |
| Margaret Parry, Trustee (Resigned 8 February 2024) | |
| Judith Rose, Trustee | |
| Zoe Woods, Trustee (appointed 10 May 2023) | |
| Nina Livermore, Trustee (appointed 10 May 2023) | |
| Company registered | |
| number | 03532428 |
| Charity registered | |
| number | 1069296 |
| Registered office | 238 Felixstowe Road |
| Ipswich | |
| Suffolk | |
| IP3 9AD | |
| Company secretary | Sally Winston |
| Chiefexecutive officer | Sally Winston |
| Independent Examiner | =Scrutton Bland Limited |
| Chartered Accountants | |
| Fitzroy House | |
| Crown Street | |
| Ipswich | |
| Suffolk | |
| IP1 3LG | |
| Bankers | Natwest Bank Plc, 2 Tavern Street, Ipswich, IP1 3BD |
| Scottish Widows, PO Box 12757, 67 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8YJ | |
| Nationwide Building Society, PO Box 3, 5-11 St. George Street, Douglas, Isle of | |
| Man, IM99 1AS | |
| Solicitors | GoteleeSolicitors,34-41ElmStreet,Ipswich,IP12AY |
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
SSrs ee eS ee
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Lighthouse Women's Aid Limited (the "Charitable Company" or the "Charity") for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' Report and a Directors' Report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the Charitable Company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charitable Company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102),
Since the Charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
To continue to provide safe and supportive refuge accommodation building on expertise already evident within these services and to be adaptive to changing needs as a consequence of social / political and economic environments.
To develop innovative community services, responding to need, providing both preventative and therapeutic programmes for women and children throughout Suffolk.
To continue the campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence, through training programmes, social, public and printed media.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance ‘Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Strategies for achieving objectives
Actively engaging with partners and commissioners at County level to ensure LWA’s Domestic Violence Refuges are represented and recognised as a specialised service requiring the appropriate consideration as such in decisions around supported housing provisions in Suffolk.
Continue the Development provision of effective and progressive resettlement support for victims re-joining their communities and society.
Continue building and improving a multiagency approach to support victims of domestic violence through strengthening partnership work with other professionals who also see victims of abuse in their line of work.
Provide opportunities and the environment for staff to develop their professionalism and specialist service excellence to victims of domestic abuse in all its forms.
Continue to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse to young people through delivering the “Expect Respect” preventative programme to schools and educational institutions throughout Suffolk.
Continue to develop the Women's Centre as a centre of excellence indispensable for any victim of domestic abuse seeking support.
Raise awareness of the impact and costs of Domestic Abuse to the wider public through delivery of training and information programmes to social groups and the work place.
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
SSSES TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ee
Objectives and activities (continued)
c. Activities for achieving objectives
Putting these strategies into action we have three major areas of activity which are: Refuge and Resettlement; The Women’s Centre; and our training and education team.
Refuge and Resettlement
2023 was our 47th year for providing a safe and supportive environment for women and their children fleeing domestic abuse. Through strong multiagency links LWA’s Refuge work includes managing a constant flow of referrals, admissions, general advice and delivering person centred support and “moving on” programmes. These programmes are tailored to address the unique needs and complexities of women and children having to rebuild their lives after the devastating effects of domestic abuse. Through training in a range of competences and with 47 year experience LWA’s Refuge has a highly specialised and skilled team that together with other professionals across the country ensures victim centred support is outcome focused to rebuild their confidence and skills and to help them grow stronger and move on to a safer and happier life.
Our resettlement team support women and children in their new homes to the point when they can feel confidence in their new found independence. Our children’s team are essential in this process, supporting mums through childcare so they can attend appointments and programmes but more importantly supporting children and maintaining normality through the trauma they are experiencing and have experienced.
The Women's Centre
The Women's Centre delivers both support and preventative programmes and plays an important role in increasing awareness of domestic abuse generally. A specialised Crisis Intervention service provides advice to women and children in abusive relationships and creates a seamless link at the point of crisis with other agencies to develop and implement safety plans eliminating further abuse risk. Advice teams specialise in helping those out of abusive relationships. These teams working together means that women and children across the spectrum of Domestic Abuse have access to the support that meets their needs. Project teams deliver a range of training programmes helping those affected by DA to regain their self-esteem and confidently re-join mainstream society.
As the result of an identified need a Community Support Service, was added to the Centre. An initiative aimed at supporting cohorts not able to access Domestic Abuse services. In just its second year the growing numbers of people from hitherto unrepresented groups has risen significantly surpassing all expectations and demonstrating a substantial unmet need. Further evaluation of data has helped the Centre identify other groups where we need to alter our approach and as a result further targeted community-based services are being developed for next year. To manage and support the number of victims coming to the Women’s Centre a skilled Triage team now in place ensures women are seen quickly and depending on their need directed to the appropriate support agency. Raising awareness of DA continues to be a central objective and the Centre through a number of open webinars events, public talks, DV awareness courses, a monthly newsletter and regular press releases, ensures the effects of Domestic Violence remains relevant in our community. The knowledge and experience of staff at the Centre makes them ideally suited to developing and delivering training on domestic abuse and healthy relationships to schools and children’s centres. In the last year we increased our early intervention work and are now providing healthy relationships workshops in many schools. The programmes are adaptable and age appropriate for all school pupils between the ages of 5 and 18. Alongside these initiatives the Women’s Centre team continued to develop and increase Domestic Abuse Awareness training programmes to businesses, professionals and external agencies. The awareness and recognition of the disruptive effects of Domestic Abuse in the workplace will enable the development of preventative and intervention support programmes to the benefit of both business and society alike.
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
ae er er ren ne
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Objectives and activities (continued)
d. Our volunteers
Lighthouse Women's Aid is very involved in the community and relies on voluntary help. Volunteers providing legal surgeries, back to work help and financial advice, were the main focus of our recruitment in the year with other roles starting to fill in 2023. Most volunteers are members of the charity and we wish to thank our friends for their loyal support and invaluable service.
Achievements and performance
a. Key performance indicators
In the year under review Lighthouse key financial objectives and achievements were as follows:
Secure sustainable funding to continue the provision of safe and supportive refuge accommodation for Women and children. Lighthouse continued to provide effective support work within the refuge and deliver on all our contractual obligations, increased financial constraints notwithstanding. The ability to meet and delivery effective victim support in these difficult financial times is testament to the professionalism, dedication and a strong work ethics by the team. Children in Need funding stream for the Children’s Team has been secured for a further 2 years. We strongly believe that children should be supported in their own right, and this funding ensures that we can deliver a quality service.
Secure ongoing funding for the Women’s Centre beyond 2024. Lottery direct support, ended in March 2023 and alternative funding had not yet been found. However, the PCC had increased their commitment. Direct community support fell by 7.5% in the year resulting in LWA carrying out a strategic review. Demand for services at The Women's Centre continued to rise, however, and teams to cover a range of support services were making a real difference and delivering effective support in our community. To sustain these Community Services in the longer term and efforts to secure the funding to close the shortfall continues.
Develop and deliver Domestic Abuse awareness courses in schools; workplaces; and to professional organisations likely to come into contact with Domestic Abuse. Demand growth for training and awareness of Domestic Abuse continued from both schools and businesses. Demand for online Domestic Abuse training continued at the levels seen during COVID restrictions and was considered very encouraging. LWA sees educating people and especially young people about the effect of Domestic Abuse as central to the Charity's objectives. As such LWA will continue to commit resources in developing this important service and believe that as efficacy of courses grows the service so will it become more self-sustainable. Diversify fund raising options and develop community fund raising activities. LWA’s Community Fund Raising Team in 2023-24 continued their good work in promoting the profile of Lighthouse and raising funds in what proved to be very difficult economic circumstances. In an environment of rising inflation, rapidly rising cost of living and reduced public expenditure it always was going to a challenging year. Despite these economic hardships the team was successful in maintaining income at near 2022 levels. Fiscal tightening by Government will intensify in 2024 and 2025 and LWA remains’ realistic that in this environment it will require dedication, innovation and guile to overcome these challenges.
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
eaee TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
b. Review of activities
In the year to 31 March 2024, we continued to roll out our strategy to develop financial sustainability and grow community based services. Economic austerity and inflationary pressures, however, resulted in the demand for Domestic Abuse services remaining very high. LWA decided the economic challenges, notwithstanding, victim support was paramount and service levels would be maintained to meet demand and that the monetary shortfall would be met from Reserves. £100,000 of Free Reserves (£592,564) built up over the years for this reason were employed and designated funds were applied as intended. To remain viable and sustainable during a period of unprecedented demand and in an economic environment where funding continues to be precarious and competition is fierce, LWA has had to reinforce strict financial disciplines and remain adaptable with an operating structure able to respond quickly to changing circumstances.
Refuge & Resettlement
We have had a busy year in the Refuge. After securing the contract we have been looking at what we could develop in the Refuge that would be of benefit to residents. Journalling courses have been successful, as have monthly “Wellbeing” sessions. We have also been looking at how children’s services could be best developed, being outside is such a benefit to the children and we allocated a space outside so that we could start a Forest School.
We are always keen to ensure that we can support any woman who is fleeing domestic abuse whatever their background. We are culturally aware and are keen that we have information about different religious festivals and ensure that we have necessary information about dietary needs. Added to this we are keen to ensure that we are inclusive in our welcome and celebrate events, for example, Black History month. Across the service we have an Equalities group and regularly discuss how we can make the refuge as inclusive as possible
We welcome women of all ages and are pleased to have supported residents across all age groups from their 20s through to their 60s. Providing the right support for victims fleeing domestic violence is a complicated process and the relationship between Welfare and resident is key so that they feel able to tell their story.in confidence. The Welfare Worker can determine need and together with the resident agree Support and Safety Plans. Support plans are victim centred and focus on the steps needed for them to move on and start their new life. It is important that. Moving on from refuge is an important part of this work helping residents to safely move on and into accommodation and area appropriate and chosen by the resident. It is a complicated process, and the Welfare Workers are skilled at empowering the women through the process.
Across the Refuge multi agency working is key, we have strong links with Social Care, Schools, Nurseries and Children's Centres to ensure that children have their needs met and that the women are supported in parenting. A Health Visitor visits regularly, and the Children’s Centre comes in and completes Video Interactive Guidance with women and their children. This is a powerful tool which really can help women identify positive parenting.
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
pes et ee ee — ee ee a ee a ES SS TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
c. Women’s Centre and Community Services
Demand for Women’s Community Services continued to grow in 2023-24, and particularly an increase in women coming directly to the Centre for help. Inclusion initiatives to identify underrepresented groups such as older victims are beginning to see results. LWA wants to ensure that all women are appropriately supported and so offer bespoke work for those with protected characteristics. The development of services albeit planned and necessary to ensure effective inclusion are costly. In the absence of new funding for the purpose LWA employed the designated of £60,000 that had been set aside for the purpose. The challenges we face in 202425 with the cost-of-living crisis continuing and high inflation returning will exacerbate the financial pressures on the Centre and it was agreed that the designated fund at £60,000 be reinstated in 2024-25.
Assessing risk is a vital part of the Centre's work. We use the Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment (DASH) tool to ascertain the level of risk and ensure that women get the help that they need to keep them safe, as well as exploring where Honour Based Violence may be an issue. We continue to put high risk referrals through to the MARAC conference. Meetings are held for all areas of Suffolk and as women come forward to us from across the county, we attend MARACs in the area they live. As part of the Advice role, we are continuing to look at how we can best develop the service moving forward.
Developing victim confidence is key victim rehabilitation and our programmes, particularly the Freedom Programme and Power to Change, are at the core of what we do. We have been keen to ensure that the courses are able to be accessed by all our clients and we, therefore, have a wide range of programmes that have been very popular and a real help to women and children going through a difficult time. This together with the specialist work by the advice teams, an established multi-agency approach and access to practical support enable women and children to feel safer and on the road to rebuilding their lives. d. Investment policy and performance Interest rates rose at the beginning of the year and began to fall again towards the end of the year. The saving product employed by Lighthouse followed the changes in rates. The Trustees agreed, therefore, that because of the continued economic uncertainty and threat of continued and high inflation LWA continue to adopt a low-risk investment policy. As such funds have been kept in interest bearing deposit accounts and seek to achieve a rate on deposit which matches or exceeds inflation as measured by the retail prices index. Due to the wider economic circumstances deposit rates remained depressed and so this aim was not achieved in the year.
The investment funds held on deposit achieved an average rate of 2% against the retail price index of 4.5% in March 2024.
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
a. Review of performance during the year
War, rising inflation and continued political uncertainty had a profound effect on funding decisions by donor organisations, businesses, and the public in general. Donor organisation in particular have withdrawn many, hitherto, available funding sources and restricted further eligibility of organisation able to apply for the remaining available funding. Add fierce competition and the expectation for 2023-24 was that income would fall significantly across the board. Prudent economic management by Lighthouse over the last 10 years had, however, enabled our Charity to build up sufficient reserves to weather this economic downturn and continue our important work and deliver vital services to the growing number of Domestic Abuse victims seeking help. Against this background the Trustee decided that the strategy to continue the full range of service and support for clients be maintained in 2023-24 subject to review at the 1/2year. The review proved that expected anda full range of support programmes were continued. In the 2nd half of the year. Our fund-raising team concentrated on raising the profile of LWA to local businesses through free Domestic Abuse training programmes, information videos and talks. The strategy proved successful and by the year end £137,993 had been raised through donations, just 7% below the record £148,260 achieve in 2022-23. Contribution from funding organisations remained largely flat or fell further from the already low 2023-24 levels. Overall support from funding organisations fell just 2.4% to £586,522 from £600,642 secured in 2022-23. that in itself was considered a successful outcome in difficult circumstances. It was notable, however that the early part of 2024 showed signs of economic difficulties growing across the country and securing funds in 2024-25 is expected to be even more of a challenge than this year. Efforts to maintain and grow receipts from community fundraising will remain a key financial strategy to broaden and diversify funding sources and the team are continually looking for and pursuing a wide range of fund raising initiatives. It is likely to take some time, however, and the financing of demand growth for services in the short term will require continuing the designation of some funds from our reserves. As plan the designated fund of $60,000 put aside to support growing service demands was put to good use in funding the operations of our Woman's Centre. To continue the necessary support for the Women's Centre and associated community projects the Trustees have agreed that the designated fund be renewed and put in place for 2024 -25.
In addition to pressures on income the unrelenting demand growth for Domestic Abuse support and fuelled by the cost-of-living crisis and war in the Ukraine continued to drive up costs. Significant measures were taken last year to consolidate Admin and Women's Centre operations to both reduce and bring under control our running costs. These benefits are beginning to come through, but it won't be until 2025 before the full benefits are realized. Although LWA is experiencing some short-term pain the Charity is financially robust and will successfully see through the current challenges. Despite inflationary pressures, economic uncertainties the cost of reorganising operations, and expanding victim services the total costs for the year rose by £14,120 and a net expenditure deficit for the year at £100,751. In light of the significant economic upheaval we saw last year across the globe we expected a far greater collapse in public support and are very much heartened by the resilience of our supporters. Given the continued short term funding gap expected in Community Services in 2024-25 and the time it's taking to develop other opportunities the Trustees have agreed that the designated fund at £60,000 created in 2020 to support the Women’s Centre and associated community projects be renewed for 2024-25. Our assessment is that, designated fund notwithstanding, LWA’s balance sheet remains strong and within Charity Commission Guidance. We are confident that LWA will remain financially able to meet all our liabilities and commitments to victims, staff, suppliers and supporters alike.
Lighthouse Women’s Aid cost base in 2023/24 remained in line with the Charity’s strategy to grow and develop a countywide sustainable organisation capable of meeting the growing demands for Domestic Abuse services.
At the end of the year the total funds of the charity were £1,098,620, of which £440,528 relates to restricted funds and £658,092+ to unrestricted funds. Of the £695,180 general fund £237,628 relates to the value of buildings on which we have a mortgage of £162,616. In compliance with Charity Commission recommendations Lighthouse Women’s Aid have a policy to maintain unrestricted reserves equating to 3 months expenditure that in 2023 is £183,848.
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN’S AID LIMITED
SS TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
AS ES ES SS = SS ES ES ee SE EL
b. Going concern
The trustees and management have prepared detailed financial forecasts that indicate that the Charity will be able to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due and will continue to operate for the foreseeable future, being at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis.
c. Principal funding
The principal funding sources for the year were as follows:
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° Suffolk County Council — provides funding for support services to Women in Refuge and those moving to independent living.
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° Children In Need — part finance children services both within Refuge and Community Support. - Ipswich Borough Council — provides funding for premises and premises maintenance. . The Big Lottery Fund — provides funding for sustainability project
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° The Police and Crime Commissioner provide funding Community Service and Crisis Support. ° The Rope Trust — provides funding in support for the Crisis Support.
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° VAWG - supports the Family Liaison Worker
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° Suffolk Building Society — provided help with setting up Triage Service . The Hopkin's Trust provides support for victims in hardship ° Scott Badler - provided help for the Family Liaison post ° Suffolk Community Foundation — provided smaller funding grants in support of specific victim support projects and programmes.
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° Other services are funding through smaller funding grants from a variety of sources and community funding initiatives.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Lighthouse Women's Aid Limited is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by Memorandum of Association on 17 March 1998.
The Company is constituted under a Trust Deed dated 17 March 1998 and is registered charity, number 1069296.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The Trustees may at any time appoint any individual who is qualified to be appointed as a Trustee to fill a vacancy in their number or as an additional Trustee.
c. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
New Trustees undergo three months’ probation and are appointed a mentor. During this time the new trustee receives instruction on their obligations under charity and company law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefits, governance obligations, the committee and decision making processes, the business plan and recent financial performances of the charity. During induction the new trustee will attend appropriate external training events on both Trusteeship and on Domestic Abuse where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
——————————————————————————————— SSS TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
a
Structure, governance and management (continued)
d. Pay policy for key management personnel
All Trustees give of their freely and no Trustee received remuneration in the year. Details of Trustee expenses are disclosed in note 11 to the financial statements.
The pay of senior staff is reviewed annually and normally increased in accordance with average earnings subject to funding. In view of the nature of the Charity, the Directors benchmark against pay levels in other specialised victim service provision organisation of a similar size run on a voluntary basis.
e. Organisational structure and decision making
The Directors consider the Board of Directors, who are the Charity’s Trustees, and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the Charity. The Board of Directors have responsibility of the strategic direction of the Organisation and its operation within Charity Commission Guidance, company law and Memorandum of Association. The senior management team, reporting to the Board of Directors is in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the Charity on a day to day basis in accordance with the policies rules and strategic directions as set out by the Board of Directors.
Reserves
Unrestricted Reserves
It is the policy of the Charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are free reserves of the Charity, at a level which equates to approximately three months unrestricted expenditure to protect against a decline or interruption of future sources of income. Three months being deemed suitable to enable the business of the Charity in respect of funding allocations, continuity in provision of service and responsibilities to staff to be fulfilled.
Designated Funds
The Trustees provide funds to be designated for a specific project. The amount of any funds held will be appropriate to the purpose or use for which they have been designated. The precise purpose of designating funds will be stated in the notes to the accounts.
Restricted Funds
It is our policy to spend restricted funds within a reasonable time of receipt. Each restricted fund is treated separately (see note 18). ;
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Plans for future periods
Continue to develop the Women's Centre services, roll out programmes countywide and seek continuation of funding beyond 2023.
Secure sustainable funding to continue safe and supportive refuge accommodation for women and children.
Continue to develop Domestic Abuse training programmes delivered to Schools, Young People, Professionals and Businesses.
Raise the profile of Lighthouse Women’s Aid by raising the awareness, through public presentations, group talks and educational sessions, on the effects of domestic violence and abuse.
Develop a fund raising strategy to diversify and improve our ability to secure funding for the long term sustainability of the Charity.
To achieve these goals the Charity has set up a number of Working Groups to review and develop recommendations for consideration by senior management and the directors during the year.
----- Start of picture text -----
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on
mM Jovember 2o2s. and signed on their behalf by:
Sarah Harvey
Chair ;
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
SSS ae INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Lighthouse Women's Aid Limited (‘the Charity’)
| report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that | might state to the charity’s trustees those matters | am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, | do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions | have formed
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, | report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination | have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. | confirm that | am qualified to undertake the examination because | am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.
| have completed my examination. | confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act: or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts givea ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:\NAN John Perry FCA
Dated: \ UR cewmdyy ITY
Scrutton Bland Limited Fitzroy House Crown Street Ipswich IP1 3LG
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 75,616 | 62,377 | 137,993 | 148,260 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 342,080 | 244,442 | 586,522 | 600,642 |
| Profiton sale of Berners Street property | 5 | - | - | - | 75,305 |
| Investments | 6 | 4,118 | - | 4,118 | 789 |
| Total income | 421,814 | 306,819 | 728,633 | 824,996 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Raising funds | 7 | 3,463 | 1,360 | 4,823 | 4,235 |
| Charitable activities | 8 | 517,842 | 306,719 | 824,561 | 826,751 |
| Dilapidations expenditure | 9 | - | - | - | 40,497 |
| Total expenditure | 521,305 | 308,079 | 829,384 | 871,483 | |
| Net expenditure | (99,491) | (1,260) | (100,751) | (46,487) | |
| Transfers between funds | 17 | 434,119 | (434,119) | - | - |
| Netmovement in funds | 334,628 | (435,379) | (100,751) | (46,487) | |
| Reconciliation offunds: | |||||
| Total funds broughtforward | 755,180 | 444,191 | 1,199,371 | 1,245,858 | |
| Net movement in funds | 334,628 | (435,379) | (100,751) | (46,487) | |
| Totalfundscarriedforward | 1,089,808 | 8,812 | 1,098,620 | 1,199,371 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the current and prior years.
The notes on pages 17 to 32 form part of these financial statements.
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LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED REGISTERED NUMBER: 03532428
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |||
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible assets | 12 | 912,239 | 891,172 | ||
| 912,239 | 891,172 | ||||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 13 | 35,649 | 350,633 | ||
| Investments | 14 | 161,782 | 159,533 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 240,736 | 105,012 | |||
| 438,167 | 615,178 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | |||||
| year | 15 | (89,170) | (133,152) | ||
| Net current assets | 348,997 | 482,026 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 1,261,236 | 1,373,198 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due after more | |||||
| than one year | 16 | (162,616) | (173,827) | ||
| Total net assets | 1,098,620 | 1,199,371 | |||
| Charityfunds | |||||
| Restricted funds | 17 | 8,812 | 444 191 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 17 | 1,089,808 | 755,180 | ||
| Totalfunds | 1,098,620 | 1,199,371 |
Page 14
LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
SS...
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
The Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on i. Ws 2H and signed3 on their behalf by:
Chair
Page 15
LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (97,954) | (117,089) |
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||
| Dividends, interests and rents from investments | 4,118 | 789 |
| Proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets | 286,393 | - |
| Purchase of tangible fixed assets | (43,690) | (50,006) |
| Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities | 246,821 | (49,217) |
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||
| Repayments ofborrowing | (10,894) | (10,373) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (10,894) | (10,373) |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year | 137,973 | (176,679) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 264,545 | 441,224 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | 402,518 | 264,545 |
| Thenotesonpages17to32formpartofthesefinancialstatements |
Page 16
LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- General information Lighthouse Women's Aid Limited (the "Company") is a Company limited by guarantee. The members of the Company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the Company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Company.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Lighthouse Women's Aid Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Going concern
The Trustees and management have prepared detailed financial forecasts that indicate that the Charity will be able to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due and will continue to operate for the foreseeable future, being at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income is deferred only when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.
No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and when it is earned.
Page 17
LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
a: Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 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 on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.
2.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised, along with any incidental expenses of acquisition.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is not charged on freehold land.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful live on the following bases:
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
Freehold property - 2% or 5% straight line cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% reducing balance Computer equipment - 25% reducing balance
- 2.7 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities.
- 2.8 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Page 18
LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN’S AID LIMITED
ESa——E——_— ———S>—————— a NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2: Accounting policies (continued)
2.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.10 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
2.11 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.12 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.13 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
2.14 Current asset investments
Current asset investments are included at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Page 19
i a a EEE —————————_—————E————— ee
LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.15 Taxation
Lighthouse Women’s Aid Limited is a Charity within the meaning of the Charities Acts 1993 and 2006 and as such is a Charity within the meaning of Part 11, Corporation Tax Act 2010. Accordingly Lighthouse Women's Aid Limited is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or gains received within categories covered by Part 11, Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to its charitable purposes.
2.16 Operating leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Balance at
Balance at 1 Transfers 31 March
April 2023 Income Expenditure in/out 2024
£ £ E £ £
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Funds- all funds 242,073 - . 451,837 693,910
Balance at
Balance at 1 Transfers 31 March
April 2023 Income Expenditure in/out 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds
General Funds- all funds 513,107 421,814 (521,305) (17,718) 395,898
Total Unrestricted funds 755,180 421,814 (521,305) 434,119 1,089,808
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 26
## LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
## 17. Statement of funds (continued)
**----- Start of picture text -----**
|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Restricted|funds|
|Refuge|1|-|National|Lottery|109,540|76,499|(76,499)|(109,540)|-|
|Refuge|1|-|Other funding|127,898|-|-|(124,545)|3,353|
|Revaluation|reserve|197,221|-|-|(197,221)|-|
|Play|equipment|2,256|2,000|(1,755)|-|2,501|
|PCC|- COVID|grant|1,307|-|-|(1,307)|-|
|Norfolk|&|Suffolk|Probation|
|Trust|13|-|.|(13)|-|
|Suffolk|Community|Foundation|1,745|.|(471)|-|1,274|
|Community service|donations|(2,269)|38,947|(39,076)|(10)|(2,408)|
|SCC|-|Housing|Support|1,005|3,959|(4,964)|-|-|
|Rope|Trust|Emergency|Fund|2,000|402|(302)|(1,483)|617|
|Irregular|donations|542|-|-|-|542|
|Locality|Budget|-|computer|
|purchases|2,933|9,261|(9,261)|-|2,933|
|Donations|-|refuge|services|-|13,261|(13,261)|-|-|
|Children|in|Need|-|36,840|(36,840)|.|-|
|Ipswich|Borough|Council|-|17,000|(17,000)|-|-|
|PCC|- Women's|Centre|-|75,000|(75,000)|.|-|
|Crisis|Worker|Support|-|15,000|(15,000)|-|-|
|Women &|Girls|Fund|-|776|(776)|-|-|
|Children's|services|.|978|(978)|-|-|
|SCF|Hardship|fund|-|13,362|(13,362)|-|-|
|SCF|Breakthrough|fund|-|3,534|(3,534)|-|-|
|444,191|306,819|(308,079)|(434,119)|8,812|
|Total|of funds|1,199,371|728,633|(829,384)|-|1,098,620|
**----- End of picture text -----**
ee ee
## LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
## eee ethene eel NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
17.
## Statement of funds (continued)
The National Lottery and other funds represented the net book value of the Refuge. The fund balances are reduced by depreciation charged on the facility.
## The revaluation reserve represents the revaluation of assets held as restricted funds.
During the year, the trustees have undertaken a review of restricted funds. During this review it was identified that the original funding for the refuge had a set period of time over which the assets purchased with the grant were restricted. This period of defined time for a resticttion to be in place has now expired, and as such, the trustees consider iit appropriate to transfer the corresponding fixed asset value from restricted to unrestricted funds.
The play equipment fund represents the funds received to purchase a new sun shelter at Refuge 1, along with other equipment for children at the refuge.
Women's Centre donations represents funds donated by members of the public in respect of the Women's Centre which have not yet been spent.
The Big Lottery Fund Grant has been awarded in order to run a Women and Children’s Wellbeing Centre in Ipswich.
Community Service donations represent donations made to run training programmes and crisis worker support and advise workshops.
Crisis Worker Support funds are received to pay for salaries for the crisis worker positions and the associated admin support.
The Rope Trust grant has been awarded to help victims needing immediate and urgent help.
The SCC (Suffolk County Council) grant has been awarded to support victims that have no recourse to public funds.
The Children In Need grant has been awarded in order to fund two Children and Young People’s Transitional Workers.
Children & Young People Donors help to meet the cost of running the Children and Young People Support Services in Refuge following the grant withdrawal from Suffolk County Council.
Locality Budget is a grant from Labour Party Councillors at Suffolk County Council for the purchase of new computers.
Donations-Refuge Service provides community support for victims at refuge and looking for help to move on.
Suffolk Foundation-crisis worker represents a grant to help meet the cost of expanding the crisis support service necessary to meet the growing demand from victims in urgent need of safety from further abuse risk.
The PCC (Police & Crime commissioner) Women's Centre grant has been awarded to support the charity with support staff costs.
Transfers from restricted funds to unrestricted funds arise where grants are given either to purchase fixed assets or to cover a proportion of administration expenses.
Page 28
Te ee Oe
## LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
## SS a LR
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
## 17. Statement of funds (continued)
The designated funds represent money designated regarding resources held in property.
18. Summary of funds
## Summary of funds - current year
||||||Balance at|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Balance at 1|||Transfers|31 March|
||April 2023|Income|Expenditure|in/out|2024|
||£|a|£|£|£|
|Designated funds|242,073|-|-|451,837|693,910|
|General funds|513,107|421,814|(521,305)|(17,718)|395,898|
|Restricted funds|444,191|306,819|(308,079)|(434,119)|8,812|
||1,199,371|728,633|(829,384)|-|1,098,620|
## 19. Analysis of net assets between funds
## Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|
|---|---|---|---|
||funds|funds|funds|
||2024|2024|2024|
||£|£:|£|
|Tangible fixed assets|908,886|S355|912,239|
|Current assets|432,708|5,459|438,167|
|Creditors due within one year|(89,170)|-|(89,170)|
|Creditors due in more than one year|(162,616)|.|(162,616)|
|Total|1,089,808|8,812|1,098,620|
## Total
Page 29
## LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
SSES | > RE SL RS SS SE SE SS TT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
## 19. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
## Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|
|---|---|---|---|
||funds|funds|funds|
||2023|2023|2023|
||£|£|e|
|Tangible fixed assets|460,201|430,971|891,172|
|Current assets|601,958|13,220|615,178|
|Creditors due within one year|(133,152)|-|(133,152)|
|Creditors due in more than one year|(173,827)|-|(173,827)|
|Total|755,180|444,191|1,199,371|
## 20. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
|||2024|2023|
|---|---|---|---|
|||£|E|
||Net expenditure forthe period (as per Statement of Financial Activities)|(100,751)|(46,487)|
||Adjustments for:|||
||Depreciation charges|22,623|26,690|
||Bank interest receivable|(4,118)|(789)|
||Profit on the sale oftangible fixed assets|-|(75,305)|
||(Increase)/decrease in debtors|28,591|(40,891)|
||Increase/(decrease) in creditors|(44,299)|19,693|
||Net cash used in operating activities|(97,954)|(117,089)|
|21.|Analysis ofcash and cash equivalents|||
|||2024|2023|
|||£|a|
||Cash at bank and in hand|240,736|105,012|
||Notice deposits (less than 3 months)|161,782|159,533|
||Totalcashandcashequivalents|402,518|264,545|
Page 30
## LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
## 22. Analysis of changes in net debt
||At 1 April||At 31 March|
|---|---|---|---|
||2023|Cash flows|2024|
||£|£|£.|
|Cash at bank and in hand|105,012|135,724|240,736|
|Debtdue within 1 year|(10,909)|(317)|(11,226)|
|Debt due after 1 year|(173,827)|11,211|(162,616)|
|Liquid investments|159,533|2,249|161,782|
||79,809|148,867|228,676|
Page 31
## LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN'S AID LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
## 23. Pension commitments
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £26,165 (2023 - £26,459). Contributions totalling ENil (2023 - ENil) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.
## 24. Operating lease commitments
At 31 March 2024 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:
||2024|2023|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Not laterthan 1 year|1,130|654|
|Laterthan 1 year and not later than 5 years|3,936|1,367|
||5,066|2,021|
## 25. Related party transactions
The key management personnel of the Charity received remuneration amounting to £139,838 (2023: £135,154).
There were no other related party transactions in either year.
## 26. Controlling party
The Charity is a limited liability company Limited by guarantee. There is no ultimate controlling party.
Page 32