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2024-03-31-accounts

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE (RASA) CENTRE LIMITED

ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

CARING FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE SINCE 1986

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

2

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

RASA started out in a teeny house in central Birkenhead and for many years, it was all that was required but as demand grew and we started to move into working with Liverpool clients we needed premises to suit our new client base. For many years we rented a small room in WHISC in Bold Street and boy were we grateful for that space – albeit it for just one day per week.

In May 2009 we took on offices in Liverpool City Centre to expand our reach and our availability for clients. Within weeks all the rooms were fully booked, and we were already in danger of outgrowing our new space before we had even finished unpacking. We muddled along with shared office space in Sefton within SWACA and our four counselling spaces in Liverpool until we found our current premises in Bootle where we moved the combined Sefton and Liverpool services in October 2015.

Our service has grown – the types of therapy we can offer have increased, and our client numbers have increased so we have needed to expand further. Our graph shows how, except for the Covid period, new referrals have simply grown every quarter. Add into this, the fact that clients are staying with us for ever longer periods of time – and we were starting to burst at the seams and were watching waiting lists grow, with nowhere for clients to visit to receive face to face support.

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NEW REFERRALS BY QUARTER
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15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 20-21 21-22 22-23 23-24
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We are thrilled to announce that we have now taken over a third unit in Sefton, so we now occupy 2-4 Stella Nova. This has increased our counselling space and given us a larger room for Sunflowers, our children’s service.

We have also relocated our Birkenhead service to Atlantic House adjacent to Hamilton Square Station. The huge space was a blank canvas for us to adapt to suit our needs and we now have 6 counselling rooms, 2 large children’s rooms, space for group work and training and adequate offices and kitchen facilities to suit staff, volunteers, clients and trainees.

This has been an expensive year, and we will be tightening our belts a bit in the coming years as we try and recover our reserve that has been applied to this expansion. We believe it is absolutely the

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

right thing to do for RASA and the clients we serve, and we are pleased that we can now offer many more counselling and support session in both locations.

AUGUST 2023 – ATLANTIC HOUSE

ATLANTIC HOUSE NOVEMBER 2023

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

4

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (‘Accred)

5

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Throughout this report we will share our quarter end stats to demonstrate how we monitor ourselves month on month.

This way we can identify trends, increases in demand, waiting times and staff and volunteer caseloads and abilities to cope. We aim to constantly update and improve our services for clients and are open to learning from our clients and our statistics and reports.

FUNDING RECEIVED IN 2023-24

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UNRESTRICTED
TRAINING INCOME - RASA MERSEYSIDE
MOJ ISVA FUND 1 VIA OPCC TO MARCH TO INCREASE ISVA POSTS
MOJ ISVA Uplift via OPCC
MOJ VIA OPCC (CYP ISVA)
MALE ISVA FUND (MOJ VIA OPCC)
OPCC CONTRACT
RSF DEMAND LEAD FUNDING
MOJ RAPE SUPPORT SERVICES
GRANT FOR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
RASA EDUCATION LIMITED
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Jo Wood – Finance Manager

WAITING LISTS 2023-24

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600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Apr-23 May-23 Jun-23 Jul-23 Aug-23 Sep-23 Oct-23 Nov-23 Dec-23 Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
BH ADULTS | 17 AND UNDER
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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

6

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Month – June 2023

Total number of NEW CLIENTS referred – 241

Total number of new assessments (these include internal referrals) – 243

Total number of referrals for the same month the previous year – 203

Support started (based on ‘receiving service’ case group)

Time elapsed before seeking support (FOR NEW DPMS CLIENTS)

Actvites

Waitng list

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Snapshot of referrals

“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. to be heard and believed is a relief and a weight lifted off my shoulders. I’ll never be able to repay you for the support given.”

AGES OF ALL CLIENTS IN 2023-24

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Chart Title
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0-4 5-11 12-17 18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+
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OPERATIONS MANAGER – 2023-24

It has been a busy and varied year with all the excitement of moving into new spaces, alongside the hassle of trying to coordinate builders and workmen around opening times and client need. Now we are successfully moved in, it all seems like a distant nightmare, so we all hope these will be our final moves and we have found our forever homes.

With a small and tight operational management team with very specific skills and roles, I have found that staff management has taken an increasing number of working hours. It is fabulous to see how our teams have grown and developed but with the core management team remaining the same, it has led to increasing pressure on each manager in their own area of work.

All staff and volunteers receive monthly therapeutic supervision sessions with our carefully recruited supervision team and additionally have line management – in the case of the ISVAs – with the ISVA Services Manager and for the counselling teams, with either Wirral Services Manager – or with me.

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Line Management involves reviewing current working situation, identifying training or development needs and ensuring that any gaps in knowledge or experience, are met.

While we can address a lot of training needs in house, we also need to employ external training organisations in several areas – for example it is necessary to ensure that both centres have up to date qualified staff for purposes of first aid at work and fire marshalling.

Fortunately, the need to use such training is rare, but it is essential that we have it in place should the need arise. We currently train staff through St John’s Ambulance as their training is top class and renews annually.

There is also the need for specific specialist training to inform our key managers and the need to attend role specific conferences and events – these needs are identified by managers during line management sessions. This allows us as a service, to offer highly informed and skilled support for many of the complex issues that are becoming a more common occurrence in our day-today work.

All our ISVA Team are trained by Lime Culture, with several proceeding on to complete the more specialist areas of training in working with male clients, children and becoming leads in an ISVA service. Additional training offered this year has included a course around supporting clients with learning difficulties and this has helped inform our work with neurodivergent clients.

The training we can offer is always needs lead, but I am also keenly aware of our tightly stretched budgets and for this reason we do carry out a lot of our training using our internal trainers.

I have represented RASA at several local and regional groups in the year to ensure we stay informed of moves with the region and to add our expertise to groups wishing to include sexual violence awareness in their delivery. Many such groups have then gone on to request and receive, training in such areas as “Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence” “Bystander Training” etc.

For several months this year we ran a drop-in service at WHISC in Bold Street in response to requests from WHISC staff. This was very well received.

I attended a course in May this year to become a Domestic Abuse Workplace Champion – the course ran over 5 days. I am now a Domestic abuse workplace champion. The scheme is about supporting staff who may be experiencing or perpetrators of DA. This is now an active part of our support to staff and volunteers and has informed us further on how to support clients experiencing Domestic Abuse.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

9

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

running Taking Back Control and our Reducing Anxiety and Depression sessions in both centres.

In August we provided support for the Creamfields music festival. We will not be repeating this support due to the way that RASA staff were treated and communicated with. There is a lot of work to be done to enable us to effectively support such events and we would need to be funded for such work as it was quite labour intensive and felt ineffective and unwelcome.

We will aim to achieve funding for RASA to train more businesses/ staff who are working in the nighttime economy. This is likely to be more impactful and sustainable. Our previously delivered training “A Good Night Out” would be most worthwhile if we can achieve funding to deliver it – or be paid by recipients who are interested in supporting their clientele.

The cost-of-living increases hit RASA for the first time this year and we made the decision in September to increase all non-management staff salaries by 8%. This was intended to bring our salary levels in line with other similar organisations, but we still struggle to compete with statutory bodies such as local authorities and NHS Services who can pay higher salaries. Until now, we have been able to retain staff with additional and unique training and work experience opportunities and we are saddened that the dramatic rise in the cost of living has forced staff to look for better paid employment elsewhere.

We’re aware this is a sign of the times, and we need to bolster our unrestricted funding pot to be better able to reward staff for the qualified and experienced services they deliver. We are also keenly aware of our extremely poor (statutory pay only) maternity package which we feel is dire in the face of being an all women organisation.

With several staff on maternity leave this year and with comparative maternity packages from corporate and statutory bodies alike, we feel this is an area we need to improve on and be able to offer better conditions to pregnant women within our team.

Along with other team members we interviewed 12 volunteer counsellors for the autumn intake. Our volunteer training takes place over 2 weekends and is mandatory for anyone wishing to join as a volunteer.

In October we purchased a large volume of promotional items to use on our stalls at events. These goods were immediately used for our stalls and presentations for the 15 days of action events across the region.

Women’s circle groups held throughout this period yielded many disclosures of sexual violence and these cases were picked up by attending counsellors and support workers. By February our women’s circle groups were well established and popular. Women have asked that they be run weekly. We will investigate cost and availability of staff to meet this request.

By December all staff and volunteers had successfully completed the mandatory annual safeguarding updated training and were all set for another 12 months. Staff reported the training as being supportive and engaging which was positive feedback to hear.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

10

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

We are investigating the possibility of developing a RASA charter for the businesses in the nighttime economy, like the Manchester Charter that we trained. Helen is working on this from a training perspective.

Our waiting lists grew in January following changes in Pre Trial-Therapy guidance. This does not necessarily represent an increase in reported crimes but rather an increase in need for a specific type of therapy which we can deliver.

The trauma and the exercise workshop in now being run in both centres and has received incredible feedback. Following a meeting with Sefton Council and Sefton Active Team we now have an agreement with them in place. People who attend our course can go to Sefton gyms free of charge for 3 months and will be supported by an instructor. I have contacted Wirral and Liverpool contacts to see about setting up the same process and I am waiting for a response. Sefton have also said that we could have access to the running track if we wanted to start a running group.

As we approach year end, we continue to lose staff to better paid jobs elsewhere. We are fighting a battle to retain our highly skilled, well experienced and well qualified workforce. In recent times we have decided against relacing one leaver instead choosing to use the saving in salary to boost the wages of remaining staff in an effort to retain them in service. This will doubtless lead to an increase in waiting times yet again, but we are determined to offer the very best provision for our service users.

It has been a busy year with great highs and magnificent progress in our service delivery and availability of additional counselling space. We do end on a sad note though as losing long standing colleagues and friends due to our inability to offer better working conditions and reward is simply sad.

We wish them well in their new roles and know that the organisations they have joined have struck gold with acquiring them. Let’s hope for an improvement in funding in the years to come – one that reflects the level of expertise of our staff and can offer them long term contracts with a degree of stability and assurance we do not currently have.

Lorraine Wood – Operations Manager

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

11

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

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BELIEF SYSTEM - ALL CLIENTS 2023-24
Spiritualist ||
Sikh 1
Prefer not to say SSC‘
No Religion a
Muslim |
Jewish |
Other a
Hindu |
Christian Other be
Catholic ee
Buddhist |
Atheist |
Agnostic |
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
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ISVA LEAD – 2023-24 – Sarah Tipton

It has been a busy year in the ISVA department and as we end the year I am moving on from the role. I hope to keep a link with RASA through my work as a therapeutic supervisor but feel I have done all I can in this role for now and need to take some time out to reassess. The ISVA role has grown and developed in the years it has been in existence and I have amplified on this for the benefit of the future of the ISVA service.

All RASA ISVAs are fully and effectively trained to manage the ISVA role, and we provide excellent support in that role providing an open door and open access policy and including self-care and team building days throughout the year. But it is the sheer frustration of the role at times that makes it a difficult role to maintain. With increasing pressure of long waits for court dates and the complex issues this raises for clients, ISVAs have found it a difficult path to tread.

We have taken on a new woman in the role of male ISVA development this year and she has settled in well and started to make progress in that role.

We have been challenged this year by the loss of key contacts in Merseyside Police. It’s always a shame to lose good contacts and I hope we can continue to work closely with the new personnel.

A lot of partnership work continues with Merseyside police, recent focus has been on improving officer presence at the ISVA Clinics. From mid-June we accepted a rolling rota of different area officers coming to visit RASA 2-4 officers attending for a few hours. 9 visits were completed.

The listening ear group was well received. This group aimed to support the ISVAs by taking and making phone calls to clients engaged in the ISVA process.

This has sadly been put on hold at year end due to staffing issues and lack of funding to employ an additional staff member to run the scheme alongside the ISVA Team.

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

In July we instigated a client survey to identify any concerns around contact with Merseyside Police. Improvements have been noted, but there is still further work which needs to be done by the police to improve client experience. The findings of the survey have been shared with senior officers in Merseyside Police.

This is one indication of training need: -

by Unknown Author is licensed under Between beginning of Oct 2022 to end of March 2023 (QTR3 & QTR4): RASSO crimes reported to Merseyside Police = 896

Total referrals to RASA received from Merseyside police = 167

There is still an ongoing concern re referrals from the police into the ISVA service. It has been explored whether to make this mandatory, however concerns were raised in relation to referrals being made without the client’s consent. Therefore, this idea has been put on hold. I can end the year on a high as we have once again achieved ISVA Service accreditation, and I know I am leaving the ISVA Team in good hands. I wish them well.

*******

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ETHNICITY ALL CLIENTS 2023-24
White
Prefer not to say
Mixed or Dual
Chinese
Black or Black British
Asian or Asian British
Other Ethnic Group
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
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My year at RASA – Nikki Vaccarello – Wirral ISVA supportng Females.

Caseload at end of year 57

In the past year I have carried out the role of the Wirral ISVA supporting females, I also support a few female clients in the Liverpool area, but my clients are predominantly in Wirral. My work has consisted of offering emotional and practical support to victims/survivors of any sort of sexual violence, whether this be something that has happened historically or to date.

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Other parts of my role have consisted of doing some initial assessments and informed choice sessions with the clients. With regards to providing ISVA support, we }\ | }[a] I have continued to provide a full risk and needs assessment in each session with clients my this be a face to face, zoom or telephone session. Completing internal/ external referral necessary for the client, updating client references on the DPMS as to make sure it is all up to date, liaising with police, CPS and other professional agencies.

In the ISVA role, I provide a voice for those clients who don’t feel they are able to communicate their needs to others in the criminal justice system, an explanation in understandable terms for the client with informed choice sessions, regular communication with experience of supporting others through this process and independent advice based on the client’s best interest with a person-centred approach.

Throughout the support, I help to manage my client expectations of the criminal justice process and help them to be able to focus on their best coping strategies. I can assist clients in helping other professionals involved and on occasions their employers, to understand the process and to have some concept of what the client is going through.

My counselling skills continue to be of great benefit to carrying out the ISVA role. Empathy, nonjudge mentality, and congruent person skills are needed to be transferred into the relationship I build with both ISVA clients and the other ISVA team members. I provide a multi-agency approach by liaising with other ISVAs, by liaising with witness care, the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), IDVA’s, social services, also by seeking advice and support within the RASA team and referring clients to other support when needed.

I support the client from as soon as they are allocated to me right through the investigation may the end result be the reported offender being charged and this going to trial , I will explain to the client regarding special measures that can be applied for , for when they are giving their evidence/ being cross examined by means of section 28, screening in place in the court if they wish to give evidence at trial or apply for a live link to be put in place and with whatever the survivor choose I will also offer to be there with them is they wish.

On the other outcome if an investigation is NFA (no further action) by police or CPS then I will support the client after this and explain their rights if they wish to appeal against this and until any safeguarding has been completed and if required and referrals been done by means of internal or external.

In the last years I have atended:

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

14

MBACP (‘Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

I participate in a monthly police clinic in Birkenhead police station in person. This is where the officers can come and see me to give me updates for my clients or they can come and ask me questions regarding the ISVA role and how we can work in collaboration with them to keep the client engaged in the criminal proceedings. By doing these monthly clinics it has helped to build up the working relationship/ partnership with the police, as to be able to offer the survivor the best possible support throughout the process of the investigation.

I have also worked alongside our Lead ISVA where we have had officers coming into the Bootle centre for us to deliver training as to what the ISVA service is, what type of support we offer as well as answering any questions regarding the support we offer, how this works, so that they understand the ISVA role, how they can refer victims into our service with their permission etc.

I continue to undergo monthly line management/ external supervision for quality of work and selfcare, as well as keeping record of information and activity within my roles. I also continue with my personal development attending training and workshops around the work I carry out and keeping up to date with standards, policies and safeguarding.

I feel that I have developed in my role and as a person , despite having such heavy workload I would like to stress that I feel very empowered to be doing the work that I do, to support the clients to advocate for them where needed and to be working in an organisation that does such vital for work for women , children and men that have been through a traumatic experience.

*******

Age: 44 Gender: Female Category: compliment Message I never felt safe speaking to anyone but in order to move on in life and try and forgive myself, I finally spoke with XXX. She helped me so much and had given me the guidance to allow me to start healing myself. After my 12 sessions with her I’m now on a 6-month break and look forward to working with RASA and XXX again to take the next steps. Cannot thank this service enough for the life you have given me back. Thank you XXX. You listened, never judged me and most importantly, made me feel safe. Thank you, x

WIRRAL SERVICES MANAGER – 2023-24 – Sarah Wood

At the start of the year, Wirral counselling waiting list is currently 8 weeks. I attended the Suicide Prevention Group on 28.04.23 to finalise the action plan regarding the strategy and the first issue we are going to look at is supervision. All partner agencies who currently provide clinical supervision to staff and volunteers will share this information to create a best practice model. All partner agencies using safety plans will share this information to create a best practice model.

We ran a successful course on working with autism and learning difficulty training in May. 25 people took part, and it was well received as an excellent learning experience.

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

We held a self-care afternoon in May for our Wirral staff and volunteers. We find these away days an important part of staff welfare and find it boosts the team spirit and supports individuals in the service delivery.

I attended the 2-x day Systemic Practice Training course and put together training to share with staff and volunteers.

Waiting list at the end of May was 2 months

Key members of the adult team are attending various local training courses to upskill themselves and to bring back training which can be passed t team members. This is mainly in the arena of mental health awareness.

It was interesting to note that a relatively new member of staff picked up on our long-held belief that juries in rape trails need a better understanding of what is before them. Staff believe that this is where most cases fall down. This is likely because juries are uninformed, and likely carry victim blaming at udes etc…. We hope to investigate it more thoroughly and contact the organisation Juries for updated and current information.

I attended a conference in Warrington in relation to Domestic Abuse and Suicide. Nothing new was shared, but I felt that a change in practice is needed. I firmly believe that when there has been a death by suicide, services should be notified so that they can do a search to see if that person was known to them. I intend to raise this where appropriate

Wirral continues to have a high DNA rate and am investigating reports to identify commonality. The referrals for Wirral have been the highest ever, but the DNA rate still remains high.

I delivered a short presentation for an event at Hugh Baird University and mentioned the way in which we work with clients- educate, validate and liberate .

We received over 40 responses in the first week to the survey which was circulated to clients in relation to juries in sexual violence cases. This has confirmed our belief that trial by jury may not necessarily be the right option for rape cases.

Adult safeguarding week and 16 days of action had a lot of online presentations and were well attended. The adult social care lead for Wirral asked us to be involved every year.

25 people confirmed they are interested in a focus group. We are investigating whether or not they would prefer a mixed or single gender group. 7 people have responded, and all said mixed. The first meeting will be online and then We are hoping to have groups in the centres.

Everyone is happy with the new centre.

We attended the International Women’s Day event on the 8[th of] March at the Adelphi hotel in Liverpool. RASA provided the cakes, juice, and some colouring packs for the children

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Waiting list at the end of March in Wirral was 154 as follows Listening Ear – 20 Initial Assessment - 20 Groups – 14 Pre-Trial Therapy - 11 Counselling – 70 Hypnotherapy – 2 Training - 17

by Unknown Author is licensed under

Month – September 2023

Total number of NEW CLIENTS referred – 217

Total number of new assessments (these include internal referrals) – 225

Total number of referrals for the same month the previous year – 202

Support started (based on ‘receiving service’ case group)

Time elapsed before seeking support (FOR NEW DPMS CLIENTS)

Actvites

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

17

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Waitng lists

Snapshot of referrals

LOIS ARCH – TRAINING MANAGER RASA EDUCATION LIMITED AND RASA MERSEYSIDE

In early 2016 after several failed attempts at recruiting into trauma focussed counselling roles, senior managers at RASA decided to start our own training school to train counsellors in how to effectively deal with clients who have endured extreme trauma, mainly, but not exclusively through sexual violence.

To facilitate the success, 2 managers trained in their own time in evenings and weekends to gain teaching qualifications, while I worked to write the courses we wished to teach and achieve their accreditation and therefore our credibility.

Our test year 2016-17 saw us advertise and immediately fill, a level 2 course in counselling concepts. This ran from October 2016. Another similar course in January 2017 was also filled on advertising, along with a Level 3 counselling course which started the same month.

Our dream was starting to become reality – the demand was established and clear. Our aim was simply to produce better counsellors while supporting RASA with an additional income strand.

In June 2019 we set up RASA Education Limited to enable us to better develop the training arm of RASA without the complexity of mixing our incomes.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

18

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

In 2023 we issued our 850[th] invoice – that’s 850 learners who have studied and learned across our various courses which now include

While I now dedicate my full-time hours to working with the training and development, several other RASA staff are also “seconded” to the Training School and spilt their working weeks between the 2 organisations. In addition, RASA Education Limited employs, a part time student liaison officer and several self-employed assessors, readers, markers as well as the hours devoted by the RASA staff who split themselves between the 2 roles.

It is a full-on job writing, amending and tweaking the courses to meet need and changes in external influences and involves not only the teaching but also the moderation, accreditation updates and development of our soon to become a reality – degree course which has taken many years to develop in line with the requirements of our accrediting university.

Our moderators this year determined that we have” Robust internal moderation” – something we are proud of. In this year that has never been more challenging as we work towards those final hurdles that sometimes seem just a step too far – but we will get there and will soon be able to offer our degree course to all those who wish to take their studies in, and understanding of, counselling and trauma support, that step further.

With the new spaces achieved through moving into new or extended centres, we can extend the courses we can offer those learners still waiting to get a place on our courses. This will be an ongoing situation as we balance need and demand against costs and costings, but we hope at some point to be offering more courses in Birkenhead which will remove the travel aspect that has in many cases been an obstacle to accessing our training.

As a result of training so many new counsellors each year we have been able to offer voluntary placements to counsellors working towards their qualifications, in the safe knowledge that they have been effectively trained in the management of and recovery from, the trauma of sexual violence.

We do not currently take placement counsellors from other learning centres as we seek to retain our quality and control over the support, we offer those survivors who come to us for support.

For further information – look on the RASA website under the section simply headed “Training”

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

19

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Thank you to all our learners and trainers for the huge amount of time and effort you have put into making RASA Education a success and to making the counselling world a safer place for trauma survivors.

******

CHILDREN’S SERVICES MANAGER – JANET BUNN – 2023-24

Has it been a good year in our Children’s Service? Is there such a thing?

I mean how do we define a good year? Is it a year in which no children at all come into service?

Probably not because it won’t mean that there is no child abuse occurring. It would simply mean that the children have not found their way to us.

Is it a success if which we accepted record breaking numbers of new child clients? Also, probably not because we would be horrified at the increase in numbers.

So, let’s say – we got through it and let our statistics speak for themselves.

GENDER OF CHILDREN IN SERVICE 23-24

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| Female | Male
| Other
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We found it impossible to recruit into the post of Power Project Worker. This post, funded through Steve Morgan Foundation was designed to ensure no child slipped through the net through their inability to articulate what had happened to them. It was a very challenging role with a high failure rate and the individuals who took on the role did not stay long.

For the first time in memory, we spoke to the funder and returned the funds. This gives a clear indication of the complexity of the work we do for and with our young clients.

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (A

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

I have met with the NSPCC this year to discuss referral pathways. This is an ongoing and enduring relationship. In December I delivered a presentation to the Thrive meeting in Sefton.

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BOROUGH OF RESIDENCE - CHILDREN IN SERVICE 23-
24
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WIRRAL
LIVERPOOL
SEFTON
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I have raised a request for us to hold a discretionary fund for under 25’s so they can attend things that they wouldn’t be able to, an example may be a drama event in town. I fees this will be a help to clients along with their therapy.

Sunflowers held a stall at Hugh Baird college on the 7[th of] Feb during sexual violence awareness week. I have created a Sunflowers Hub on Teachable for the team and their volunteers. This has information specifically related to work with children and young people. I will be adding to this resource and updating regularly

I have been accepted onto the CSA Centre Practice Leads programme. This programme is about support centres to develop their services. This will require me to be away from the office one day a month for 12 months.

230 children were carried forward from the previous year

In the year to 31-03-24, 399 new children’s cases were logged

Total children in service in year = 629

In the year just 14 trials took place for our child clients.

5 cases were proven guilty

So – has it been a good year in children’s services?

You decide.

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

TIME TAKEN TO DISCLOSE

| LESS THAN A WEEK | LESS THAN A MONTH | LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LESS THAN A YEAR LESS THAN 2 YEARS a MORE THAN 2 YEARS

*******

Name: Catherine Markey

Job Title: ISVA Centre(s): Bootle

Summary of day-to-day role: Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. Supporting clients through the criminal justice system who have reported or wish to report to the police. Practical and emotional support for clients either face to face, video calls and phone calls. These may be every two, three or four weeks. Liaising with mostly Merseyside police during investigations but also West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Thames Valley, Notts, Staffs.

I also volunteer in supporting clients with the Listening Ear programme

• Increase/Decrease in clients in last year – At the beginning of the year through to December I had up to 35 clients to support over two days a week. Since then, I have reduced the number of clients to 23 which is much more manageable

• Changes in client engagement/retention – Throughout the year I have supported a few clients who I would class as high need – self harming, suicidal (ideation and intent) or who are coming up to court appearances. These clients need more frequent engagement and have said they benefit from the support.

I have had to do several suicide safety plans and liaise with mental health teams in the case of One safeguarding incident with a client who had indicated she had bought tablets and planned to take an overdose. Some clients are happy with a check in every few weeks while others ask for more frequent support. The most frequent engagement is every two weeks.

• Waiting Lists and how you are providing support for waiting clients – I liaise with the assessment officer to take on new clients as I have availability. When I close cases I let the assessment officers know I can take on the new clients

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22

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

• Changes in presenting issues – some clients are facing long delays and sometimes not frequent communication from officers. This results in increased frustration and anxiety. This makes our role more difficult in managing expectations and frustrations.

However, there is a new initiative from Merseyside Police whereby high-risk offenders are processed more quickly when they are held on remand. This has obvious benefits in preventing long delays but also risks some clients coming into service with police already organising a S28 date without ISVA support, so the client has not discussed the pros and cons of different ways of giving evidence.

• New Opportunities for development of role – I have done extensive research on supporting survivors of sexual violence to better support clients with coping strategies and grounding techniques, psychoeducation and self-care. The group support programme Coping with Trauma has been very well received and

• New Contacts/Partnerships made – Good relationships developed with officers and Detective inspectors within Merseyside Police, Irish Garda, Witness Care, IDVA services. Had an opportunity to discuss the role of ISVA and when it should be conveyed to victims’ officers attending the PCC forum

• Wishes/hopes/dreams/ideas for innovation – I would like to see a huge improvement in reducing the backlog of sexual assault cases in the criminal justice system. The length of time clients are left in limbo severely affects their mental health and leaves them unable to heal and move on. It would be good to recruit more volunteers to offer more group support.

• One exciting thing you want to shout about – I developed a group support course called Coping with Trauma, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive

• One line summary of year– I have learned so much about the criminal justice system (good and bad!) and feel very supported by the ISVA team and appreciated by our clients

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

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SEXUALITY ALL CLIENTS 2023-24
Queer I
Other
Prefer not to say |
Heterosexual a
Gay/Lesbian m7
Bisexual a
Asexual
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Age: 23 Gender: Female Category: compliment

Message: - RASA has helped me so much! I had XXX as my therapist from RASA at Bootle and she has made me feel like I am just important as anyone else. XXX helped me understand my trauma responses as well as helped me understand mindfulness and self-confidence which has helped me heal so much. The RASA team are so lovely and understanding and I am so grateful that places like this exist for survivors. Thank you, Rasa, and Thank you XXX

CLINICAL LEAD AND RASA TRAINING LEAD

My role at RASA involves having clinical oversight of all services delivered. In addition to this – or maybe as a way of ensuring best practice, I also manage, run and assist in the development of, internal and external training delivered by RASA to staff, volunteers and external agencies.

In the past 12 months I have delivered the following training externally: -

Responding to Sexual Violence, Bystander Intervention, Dealing with Disclosures, Introduction to Trauma, Sexual Harassment in The Workplace, to a wide variety of organisations including 4 universities, several NHS services and a major corporate that also requested bespoke training to better equip staff with knowledge and skills to handle sexual violence in various forms.

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

It is good to see so many external agencies recognising the issue of sexual violence and working towards eliminating it in their workplace – or understanding better how to deal with what they might see – or hear.

This training can be delivered at the external agencies’ workplace to enable more of their staff to take part.

We have also developed an online platform via Teachable to allow staff and on occasion, external organisations to access training remotely when it is convenient and appropriate for them to so do.

Early in the year we sold our first pre-recorded training for the Understanding and Responding to Sexual Violence. This was a good start, and we are delighted that a large organisation saw fit to purchase it for their staff. Not all training is suitable for remote learning as much of it requires participation and engagement which would be lost in pre-recorded sessions.

Our own staff and volunteers have access to this platform and can easily access our online training and development courses and sessions. We currently store our complete set of policies and procedures on this platform and staff have as open access to our GDPR training, Understanding and Responding to Sexual Violence, Safeguarding Adults, Responding to Challenging Behaviour, Sexual Harassment in The Workplace, Online Safety – and more. We will continue to develop such prerecorded sessions to enable staff and volunteers to refer back to them should the occasion arise.

Much of our RASA training for staff and volunteers is either mandatory or highly recommended, so ease of access is paramount. It is not always convenient or cost effective to have staff all taking part in training at the same time. Developing an on-line platform for our training and guidance has been a huge step forward.

Another module we have developed in response to need is “Managing Conflict” this will shortly also be available as a pre-recorded training module. As a result of recent changes The NSPCC has contacted us to ask for up to date training in relation to Pre-Trial therapy.

I completed all the work for the Manchester Night-time Charter. This involved training managers to train their staff, and these trainers are now planning on delivering the training to large numbers of people.

We have added a disclaimer stating that RASA would not recommend delivering this training to large groups of people, and that we feel participant numbers should be kept to a healthy size to ensure emotional safety, and to consolidate learning more effectively.

More bystander training has been completed with Liverpool Hope University, and there is some concerning feedback in relation to the number of students who said they would not report sexual violence to the police. Out of 38 students, only 2 said they would report. There is currently a large consultation happening with students in relation to sexual violence.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

I have needed to update the children’s contract regarding Pre-Trial Therapy. As a result, in change in CPS guidance in relation to pre-trial therapy we have been trained by Blue Star. It was a difficult document to understand when the guidance came in, so the training was useful.

Our updated pretrial therapy and notetaking training is now complete. I have recorded a session that is now available to staff and volunteers via Teachable. There are continuing issues with clients being told that they are not allowed pre-trial therapy. This will be addressed.

I have met with several taxi companies. It has been found that taxi companies have not been responding to complaints in relation to inappropriate conversations and comments by taxi drivers. A template is being compiled so that if any of our clients have had these issues, we can collect the complaints.

Outside of this RASA Training I have been heavily involved in developing the degree course for RASA Education and lending my experience to this process.

I also teach several courses for RASA Education, mostly in the evenings outside of RASA working time. It makes for a very full-on role, but I feel that extending the knowledge we have ourselves and imparting that knowledge to other counsellors and learners, is the best possible way to ensure continued quality support for clients today and in the future.

Vicky Green

Month – December 2023

Total number of NEW CLIENTS referred – 168

Total number of new assessments (these include internal referrals) – 170

Total number of referrals for the same month the previous year – 152

Support started (based on ‘receiving service’ case group)

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Time elapsed before seeking support (FOR NEW DPMS CLIENTS)

Actvites

Waitng lists at end of December

Snapshot of referrals

My year at RASA Merseyside – Josephine Cheeseman

Sefon and Liverpool Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), and Assessment Ofcer.

Caseload end of Year – 86

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

This is the end of my first year at RASA Merseyside. Although my role has changed a lot since I first joined in April 2023, I feel that I have settled well into RASA, and the ISVA team. I believe this is massively to do with the continuous support I have received from the ISVA team, and other RASA staff

Initially I joined RASA on a part-time maternity leave basis, working 3 days a week as an ISVA. In November 2023, my role and contract then changed to a permanent 2-day ISVA and 3-day Assessment Officer role. This role change took some adjusting, but with the support, knowledge, and experience of my colleagues I settled into my new role quickly.

This March 2024 my role at RASA has changed again, I am now leaving the assessment officer role and going into a full-time ISVA position. My new role covers clients in North Sefton and Liverpool. However, I am still currently working one day a week as an Assessment Officer until the position is filled, whereby I am still managing incoming referrals and booking in assessments with my colleagues and self. In addition, I am still managing half of the staged support clients.

My caseload is currently the highest it has been since I joined RASA, at 86. I believe I currently have the highest caseload since starting due to my role recently changing and taking on more responsibility. I am the ISVA to 51 clients, offering staged support to 22 clients, and am open as the assessment officer to 13 clients. Currently it is the assessment clients that fluctuate the most in my case load, due to arranging assessments on behalf of my colleagues, and then transferring the clients to their caseload.

ISVA role

The ISVA role involves offering Impartial practical and emotional support, which involves practical advice and signposting, advocacy within the criminal justice system, supporting clients at court, and an emotional outlet to discuss current emotions. In addition, and ISVA checks out current safety, support, and coping strategies of their clients. Although the ISVA position faces some challenges, I find it a rewarding and meaningful role. I have a mix of lower needs to complex ISVA clients.

Each client’s individual needs vary depending on mental health, disabilities, and risk of domestic violence. Although it can often be challenging working with high needs client, I find it rewarding to proactively support clients in need of additional support.

Within each ISVA session I offer clients emotional and practical support, whereby we will discuss the impact of the incident and case on the client’s mental health, personal life, work life, relationships, and more. Additionally, within each session the Safety and Assessment Safety tool (SAS) will be revisited, and any updates will be logged. Doing the SAS in each allows me to constantly monitor any safeguarding concerns, and the individual needs of the clients. Due to the criminal justice system

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

being such a lengthy process, the needs of each client can vary massively throughout their time with the ISVA service.

Since starting as an ISVA, I have only supported one client in a section 28 (S28) and shadowed a colleague at a trial. I have not had much court experience due to initially being part-time at RASA, and not being flexible changing my working days due to having another part time job. In addition, my client’s cases previously have not been receiving charging decisions from CPS.

I had initially planned to support a client in a S28 in December; however, this was rescheduled twice, and then cancelled due to the number of witnesses involved in the case and the lack of notice. This client is now giving evidence at trial in April 2024 with the special measure of a screen, and ISVA support. Many of my clients’ cases have recently been accepted by CPS and I have a mix of client’s wanting support at S28’s and in trials in the next year. Due to the on-going support of my colleagues and being able to shadow a colleague at a trial, I feel confident in providing clients with support at court and providing support following the outcome of a trial.

Leasing with the police is a crucial aspect of the ISVA role. Throughout the Investigation’s, I continuously advocate on the client’s behalf. This involves regular emails and phone calls with the Officer in Charge (OIC) and Specially Trained Officer (STO). I regularly discuss updates and the individual needs of the client with OIC’s and STO’s. In addition, The ISVA team runs ISVA clinics with the police to discuss client updates with the OIC’s, STO’s, and RASSO leader. I have co-run the Sefton PVPU police clinic over the last year.

Although officer engagement with the clinics can vary, I have found them useful for both receiving updates for clients and ensuring the ISVA team and Police continue to engage in a proactive professional relationship that will benefit the clients.

Multi-Agency work is a major part of the ISVA role, which includes liaising with IDVAs, support workers, Mental health workers, and more. In the last 6 months, one of my clients has led me to have a great multi-agency relationship with both their IDVA, at SWACA, and their key worker, at Venus. Throughout my time supporting this client, multi-agency work has allowed us to regularly keep each other up to date on any developments in the need of the client, and to ensure that all safeguarding is completed. Resultantly, the client’s individual needs and safety have been fully considered by all agencies involved.

Assessment ofcer role

The assessment officer role covers Wirral, Liverpool, and Sefton assessments for clients

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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

wanting to engage with the ISVA service. The assessments take roughly an hour and a half, including the paperwork.

Whilst I have been doing the assessments they have all been completed over the phone, however, I have offered office-based assessments to those who may struggle to do it over the phone. The assessment goes over contact details, the ISVA contract, general monitoring questions, the incident, the investigation, and the initial SAS. This allows us to highlight any safeguarding concerns, and the individual needs of the clients.

Since taking on the assessment role in November, I have had to make multiple safeguarding actions and referrals. I feel confident in recognising, and acting on, any safeguarding concerns that arise. In addition, I have great support from managers and colleagues, and therefore have support should I need advice on a safeguarding concern.

P. Since starting the assessment officer role, I have noticed that the main source of referrals have come = from the police and SARC’s. Sometimes client’s will also be referred by RASA’s counselling team, Universities, . : Mental Health teams, and self-referrals. In the referral we will be provided with the client’s basic information, often more detailed depending on the referrer. In ee 2 t P addition, I have noticed that the more detailed the — \ referrer is, the easier it is to predict if the client may _? have more complex needs.

However, during the assessment all the information needed will be collected, and the needs of the client will be assessed.

As a result of the SAS employed throughout both the assessment officer and ISVA role, I believe that I am well equipped to recognize and manage any safeguarding concerns that arise. In addition, the SAS tool is effective at highlighting the individual needs of the clients. For example, the SAS will highlight if a client has specific communication needs. If the client has any financial concerns. If there are any safety concerns, such as a risk of domestic violence. And much more. This enables me to recognise a client’s unique needs and refer or signpost them to the relevant support.

Staged support, which is an aspect of the Assessment officer role, involves offering emotional and practical support to client’s, liaising with the police, advocating on the client’s behalf, referring, and signposting clients to relevant services, and supporting clients at court. Clients are supported on staged support, prior to being assigned a full ISVA, when they are low needs in terms of mental health, safety, and investigation. For example, if a client is at the early stages of the investigation and has no current known risk of domestic violence or suicide, they are appropriate for staged support. Within staged support, I regularly offer sessions every 3-4 weeks for clients. During each session the risk assessment tool (SAS) is utilised in full, allowing me to pick up on any concerns. However, the sessions are typically 15-30 minutes, compared to ISVA sessions which are 60 minutes. If during support the need of the client changes, I assign them to an ISVA.

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MBACP (Accred)

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Overall experience:

In both my ISVA and Assessment officer roles, I am frequently contacting other professionals and working in a multi-agency manner to ensure the client is receiving the best support possible. Commonly, this involves contacting Police officers, witness care officers, GPs, IDVA’s, mental health teams/psychologists, housing support, and more. I have found that multi-agency work leads to the client receiving better support in their life overall, engaging better with the ISVA service, and allows for a better relationship with other agencies.

Chasing police for updates has been an on-going issue throughout my time as both and ISVA and assessment officer, due to struggling to get a response to contact attempts from some officers. However, some STO’s and OIC’s continue to provide regular updates, and offer on-going support to the clients. When the STO’s and OIC’s engage regularly with the client’s and myself, I have noticed that clients feel more supported and informed, and therefore continue to engage well with the investigation and ISVA support.

In addition to my employment at RASA, I have continued my professional development by completing the Level 2 Counselling course offered at RASA, which I found has helped me develop my active listening skills. Due to noticing the benefit Level 2 had on my ISVA role, I am currently waiting to begin the Level 3 Counselling course at RASA.

Thoughts on my role:

Regarding my ISVA and assessment officer role, I continue to find satisfaction and joy in my roles, although my role has changed significantly and there are sometimes challenges. Through the experience I have gained, and the on-going support of my colleagues, I have settled into my new roles well and feel capable at managing any challenges that come my way.

Working alongside a supportive and incredibly experienced and supportive ISVA team has been very beneficial throughout the last year. Furthermore, as a team I believe we are all comfortable in seeking advice, guidance, and emotional support from one another. In addition, having monthly line management and supervision appointments, as well as regular contact with a line manager, allows me to voice any issues or concerns, as well as discussing any positive updates. Resultantly, I believe client’s will be receiving better support due to their ISVA having adequate support.

Although my role, and therefore client load, has varied massively since joining RASA a year ago, I have supported some of my clients since the beginning of my time here. Through positive feedback I have seen that they find me a good support, and an empathetic ear to talk too. I believe this has allowed me to build strong and beneficial professional relationships with many of my clients. Being able to build a positive rapport with my clients has meant that I am able to ensure that they continue to engage with our service, as well as the criminal justice process.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Message: - I have used your services twice over the years and each time it has been extremely helpful. I felt very heard by the counsellors and the treatment received has been very useful at the time and throughout my following years without treatment. I found the EMDR treatment to be effective and helped to stop my nightmares. I cannot express how greatly I appreciate all the hard work behind the scenes to provide such wonderful support.

My year at RASA Merseyside – Anna Haton – Wirral ISVA and ISVA For males

Caseload end of year – 54

I have been with RASA for 10 months and I feel I am really settling into the role, and I am currently in the middle of completing the ISVA qualification.

In the last 10 months there have been many changes within the ISVA team which has meant that we have all had to support each other more as well as take on additional workloads.

I feel I have adapted well to these changes, and I am part of a great team and feel extremely supported within my team and by all staff at RASA. I am one of two Wirral ISVA’s I am also the ISVA for males, predominantly my clients are male, but I also support with some female clients providing them with emotional and practical support during the criminal justice process.

Out of the 54 cases I hold 29 are males. I am based mainly in Birkenhead but also work one day in Bootle. Part of my role is to work on male engagement with RASA, I do this around my work with clients. I also complete the male initial assessments which helps build that working relationship. During the year my case load is between 49-60 clients at a time.

My ISVA role

During the last 10 months that I have worked as an ISVA I have found that the majority of my role has been providing emotional support which helps them through the criminal justice process. It is essential that I can build a strong working relationship with my clients, that we establish a good rapport so they can feel they can trust me, especially as the criminal justice process can be extremely lengthy. It is hard at times to manage the client’s expectations and being the voice of reason and reality.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

MBACP (Accred)

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

Being open and honest I feel as helped me manage my clients’ expectations, but I have found my clients appreciate openness and honestness even if it is not what they want to hear. It is extremely important as an ISVA that I ensure my clients are provided with information to make informed choices and that they can access information which may help them understand the Criminal justice process and giving them autonomy to make their decisions.

I also attend Birkenhead police station for a police clinic that myself and my colleague who is the other Wirral ISVA arrange once a month. This enables us to get important updates from OIC as well as meeting the officers face to face.

Male Assessments Role

I am the ISVA for males, and this includes completing the male initial assessments which I will normally complete over the telephone. Completing the assessment highlights any safeguarding concerns and needs the client may have which will then allow me to create a tailored support plan which puts the client at the centre. When completing an assessment, it normally takes 1hr 30min and additional paperwork. I have had to make several safeguarding referrals from completing assessments and I feel confident in making these referrals.

The risk assessment is continually reviewed in every session I have with the client, and this enables me to high and manage any safeguarding concerns. During the assessment I am gathering information regarding the client’s monitoring information which includes date of birth, employment status, dependents, risks, impact of the incident etc. I also gather the details of the alleged perpetrator is known and this can help us manage a safeguarding concern and check with OIC that any safeguarding concerns have been raised. Details of the incident, for example if the incident took place in the night-time economy as Rasa works closely with licensing and we can ensure that licensing is aware an incident has happened in a particular club/bar.

I will also gather information regarding health and well-being, mental health, coping strategies whether these are positive or negative as these are the clients’ coping strategies. By gathering all this information as well as risk assessing and developing a tailored support plan, I can offer clients referrals to services, for example – Rasa pre-trial therapy and drug and alcohol services if needed and if the client consents. I can also offer the client sign posting. During the assessment I can gain information from the client who the OIC is in their case, and where they are in the criminal justice process. I can then manage their expectations and gain consent from the client to link in with the OIC and inform them the client has an allocated ISVA and provide my contact details, and gain updates from the OIC so I am able to support the client in the best way possible.

Male engagement

Part of my role is to work on male engagement with Rasa, and I have met with varies agencies to introduce myself, and the specialized work that Rasa does. I have discussed my role, and the referral pathways into the Rasa. Agencies have shared with me the services they offer and their referral pathways.

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

I have also organized Male coffee morning/evenings, updated the male section of the website, I have due to run a Male quiz night in a couple of weeks. I am attending the Launch of the Male Survivorship report, and I am attending an open day at James Place in Liverpool for males who are suicidal. I am also completing a questionnaire for my male clients which will identify what the boundaries are for males attending groups. The male engagement work I do is ongoing and is done around my client work.

Support in court,

Over the last 10 months I have provided emotional support in court for my clients this has included 2 section 28’s where the client has pre-recorded their cross-examination. I have supported 2 trials. My support has been in place from the beginning of the criminal justice process, ensuring my client’s voice is heard. I have been able to prepare my clients for court, ensuring they are aware of all special measures that are in place and that they can request.

I have managed my client’s expectations when requesting special measures that must be agreed to by the judge and CPS. I ensure that as soon as a client has been assigned a Witness Care Officer that I link in with them and submit Pro-forma which requests the special measures the client has requested and provides the court with any needs or risks the client has. I ensure that the client has access to a pre-trail visit if they wish, which can help reduce anxiety they have.

This can help the client mentally prepare the layout of the court room, and what the courts are like and see special measures like a screen and how it works. Unfortunately, in the last 10 months I have had more police or CPS, no further actions and then cases going to trial. It is part of my role to provide both emotional support for the client as well as practical support, ensuring the no further action is delivered in the correct way, received in writing as well and that they OIC also discusses the Victims Right to review.

I have also been present for one NFA at the request of the client and their family due to the poor relationship between the OIC and the family. This was a tense situation to manage as the family had lost faith with the OIC and my client had additional needs, and the family had power of attorney. I arranged for the client, her support worker, parents and the OIC to meet at our Birkenhead office. We do not do lone work and by arranging for everyone to meet at our Birkenhead office I was able to provide emotional support after the meeting.

I asked the client, support worker and parents to arrive before the OIC. This enabled me to get everyone settled, unfortunately the OIC was late, however he did deliver the NFA well in a way the client understood and provided the NFA in writing as well and answered any questions the client and family had.

Further development

I am currently in the middle of completing my ISVA training accredited by Lime Culture. I have also taken part in all mandatory training and additional training by RASA Merseyside for me to excel in my role. This year the ISVA team where

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MBACP (Accred)

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2024

reassessed for accreditation by Lime Culture. I am pleased to say that we have granted reaccreditation.

****

Message: - RASA has quite literally saved my life. I cannot believe the changes RASA has helped me achieve in just 12 weeks, I really feel blessed that i am able to come out of this stronger than ever, i am so proud of myself and so thankful for the effort and work that the therapist has put into me, i would not be where i am today without her and i cannot thank her enough.

Jess Traverse – Data Manager

My role at RASA is to manage the data filed on our virtual data management system, to check it regularly for accuracy and to file quarterly/bi-annually reports to funders as required This is hugely challenging as staff are incredibly busy with clients and often find it difficult to find time to fully record everything required. One of the advantages of my role is that it reduces errors made in recording and reporting by ensuring there is one single point of contact for all data queries and that I have the time to check, remind, chase and correct data to ensure the best outcomes for reporting the work that we do.

This was raised in year by Wirral commissioners. We met to discuss the issues with recording information and have updated staff and volunteers accordingly. It is infuriating when compiling reports to find long lists of “not known” when clients have been in service for some time. Staff now understand eth need to go back and amend records as further information becomes available. This will hopefully reduce blank data entries and more accurately reflect reality.

I have spent time this year deleting aged files in line with our GDPR policy. This has created considerable space on our server and speeded up response times for reporting

I undertook training with The Reader and started a reading group at RASA.

I attended a meeting with Merseycare for adult safeguarding week to talk about RASA and what we offer. They asked questions around our safeguarding procedures as they report every disclosure to the police regardless of the survivor being an adult or a child.

Lorraine and I attended the VAWG march to begin the 16 days of action. There was a vigil afterwards and we had a stand for an hour which a lot of women came up to. Our new promotional items went down well but it was suggested that we add our QR code to them next time. It was not well attended by the public but there were lots of other services there and powerful speeches by SAVERA.

The reading group will continue until the end of March and will not run while I am on maternity leave. I intend to restart it on my return to work.

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Hi, I know you are incredibly busy, but I just wanted to pass on my thanks to RASA and specifically to XXX. She supported a friend of mine about 6 months ago, and she has helped her more than anyone else ever has. She still mentions her support to this day and how much she values it. Thanks for everything.

A REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISVA ROLE OVER RECENT YEARS

Development of the ISVA Role – 2023

Up to approx. 50% of the work ISVAs are doing, won’t be seen looking at caseload numbers.

The further integration of the ISVA role into the Criminal Justice System (CJS), is 100% going in the right direction. However, the additional time required for partnership work with other professionals involved in the CJS, educating these professionals with regards to victim needs and safety and supporting clients through a lengthy broken CJS, needs to be considered. The role can no longer be quantified on direct client work/caseload.

Client need has increased, and safety factors need to be considered more frequently. There are huge gaps in the provision of support from other services, particularly mental health services. Resulting in ISVAs being the main professional managing and emotionally supporting clients with their mental health.

Considering the above, the number of ISVA posts we are funded for, is not covering the time that is needed to provide a good enough service to our clients.

We’re funded for £27,500 per year for a full-time ISVA, when the overall cost is closer to approx. £40,000 per year.

Overall, the funding we’re provided for the ISVA role and number of posts, doesn’t allow staff the time needed, and doesn’t value the work that’s being done and the importance of retaining people in the role.

Context

Reviews, Guidance & Policies:

Appreciating the much-needed reviews and documentation completed/ongoing in relation to victims of sexual abuse and the CJS. (Particularly - Rape Review & Operation Soteria – started 2021, Gov CJS Data Dashboard, National Framework for Working with ISVAs & Support Services - 2021 (for use by the police and CPS across England and Wales), National Operating Model (for the investigation of RASSO cases) – College of Policing.

Most of the focus of these reviews and guidance, is on the work and changes required by police and CPS. However, the changes that police and CPS are making, go hand-in-hand with more partnership work being required from ISVAs. Particularly as making these changes takes time with challenges surfacing along the way. Actions from these reviews and adhering to guidance, requires more time from ISVAs than what was needed before 2021.

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The guidance and policies put in place, require improvements to the systems, accountability, increasing the number of adult RASSO cases that reach court, improving timeliness and increasing victim engagement.

To be recognising the independence of accountability for each organisation involved in the CJS, also results in additional time, changes and recording progress, for us as a service as well as others.

Further documentation which recognises the importance of the ISVA role and outlines how it’s ideally integrated into the CJS, (Home Office: The Role of the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser: Essential Elements (September 2017). Joint National Action Plan - CPS and National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) – 2021. Ministry of Justice: Achieving best evidence in criminal proceedings; Guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses, and guidance on using special measures (January 2022)).

On top of the core role of providing emotional and practical support to victims. These documents particularly highlighting how ISVAs need to tailor support to individual needs, provide accurate information, act as a single point of contact, ensure the safety of victims and their dependants/others and provide a professional service. While considering needs ‘including, but not limited to, race, class, caste, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, nationality, immigration status, geographical location and religion.’ (CPS - Rape and Sexual Offences - Chapter 5: Issues relevant to particular groups of people - 21 May 2021).

Also, it gives recognition of the immensely challenging and traumatic experience of going through the CJS, closer working between ISVAs, police and CPS with greater understanding of each other’s roles, high quality liaison and communication, ISVAs working closely with statutory organisations as part of a multi-agency team, improving victims’ experience and providing professional support to those who may not report/continue with the reporting process.

As you can see, more and more is required from the ISVA role through improving CJS processes.

To accommodate these changes, some of the key things our ISVA service has worked with local police and CPS to put in place are:

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For all of this to be organised and continue to run with reviews being made along the way, again this all takes time and skills in communication, organisation, and navigation. Being involved with services more, ISVAs are frequently needing to challenge myths, stereotypes and negative culture which has been formed within the police and CPS.

On occasions, particularly police officers will be misinforming clients, such as telling them they’re not allowed to access therapy while there’s an ongoing case. ISVAs are challenging/educating officers and referencing Gov and police guidelines to raise awareness of the misinformation they’re giving. Then having to rectify any negative impacts this may have had on the clients and trying to maintain the client’s level of trust in the police, while ISVAs are also trying to maintain a positive relationship with officers. (Some don’t take kindly to being gently challenged, while we make every effort to communicate this in a supportive and non-confrontational way).

While communication from police, CPS and the courts isn’t always consistent or as frequent as it should be. The amount of communication time being spent has increased and is likely to continue increasing.

All the above equates to ISVA availability being less frequent for direct client work and support.

Court:

Where the reviews and improvements are lacking, is in the criminal courts and its processes. Yet this is still a focus for ISVAs with partnership work. Providing service presentations, attending regular operational meetings, developing communication pathways (particularly to communicate ISVA support and client needs at each Section28 or trial), addressing any challenges that arise with the court staff/volunteers and the time an ISVA spends supporting at court, are all things to take into consideration.

Additionally, the time spent with some of this work has increased since the pandemic, with a lot of court hearings/trials being postponed, often last minute. Then the negative impact on clients being something that falls mainly to the ISVA to provide support with, often facing challenges in gaining clarification as to why the case has been postponed, trying to stabilise the client so they remain in the CJS, considering client safety (with themselves and others) and maintaining support for usually another 9-12+ months if it’s the trial that’s delayed. We’ve noticed an increase in clients having suicidal thoughts and intent due to feeling like the case is never ending. Clients having that build up in stress and emotions, for court to be postponed and them knowing they’ve got that build up again, with a case that’s been ongoing for 2+ years for many, it’s no wonder clients are suicidal.

From experience of trial postponements, we have good reason to believe, that the push and implementation of more victims completing pre-recorded cross-examinations (Section 28s), has meant that trials aren’t prioritised and are more likely to be postponed when a Section 28 has been completed. (If this is what enable a victim to give their best evidence, then it’s of benefit, but it certainly doesn’t take away the impact of the ongoing case and trial postponements).

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The lengthy CJS timeframe and postponements, as mentioned in previous reports, means that clients are needing support from the ISVA service for longer periods of time.

A number of our clients reside in the Merseyside area, but their cases are being investigated and going to court in another area where the incident happened. This provides further time and communication challenges with these out of area police forces, CPS and courts. We’ve made a lot of effort building relationships with our local police, CPS and courts, and there are inconsistencies locally with the communication/relationship we receive back from individuals. This becomes even more of a challenge with those inconsistencies out of area and again more time needed on being able to provide practical support to clients.

Increased Client Need & Safety

As already mentioned, client safety considerations and needs have increased. Particularly in terms of their mental health.

Where we are referring to other services when needed, ISVAs are often the ones left on a longerterm basis to manage a client’s mental health. If other services aren’t providing the support needed or the client is on a waiting list, as much as ISVAs will try to remain within the boundaries of their role, they can’t turn the other way when a client is in need. ISVAs will do anything they can within their capabilities and time limits to keep a client stable and potentially keep them from harming themselves. If any safeguarding issues arise, this takes time to be addressed promptly.

This is all part of being able to keep victims engaged with the CJS, because if they are struggling too much with their mental health and their basic needs aren’t being met, they are more likely to need to withdraw from the process.

It becomes more of a challenge for ISVAs to fit in support for clients as regularly as they may need it. An ISVA may have their diary booked up around 3 weeks in advance, then need to squeeze in any safeguarding or general safety considerations with clients who are reaching out for support that wasn’t planned for those days. Plus accommodate support around unplanned timing of case decisions and ensuring a client has been given all the information they need to move forward.

Service Quality Standards:

For best practice and safety, to assure funders and clients, we undergo service quality standards review every 2 years.

This requires updated paperwork, policies and procedures. The team undergoes an interview process, and they check the team are up to date with professional development and training needed.

It takes time to undergo these reviews and to implement updates needed and it costs approx. £2,000 for the re-accreditation process every 2 years.

Part of the standards set, requires ISVAs to have an overview, monitor and review several clients’ needs and safety measures, with signposting and referring when needed.

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This includes looking at clients: Personal & Individual Requirements, Harm from Other(s), Health & Medical, Mental Health & Psychological Wellbeing, Coping Mechanisms, Social & Cultural Support, if there is/has been any Alcohol & Drug Use, Safeguarding, Criminal Justice, Employment & Education, Finances, Accommodation & Housing, Immigration & Residence, if there is any Risk to Professionals & Services, and Professional Judgment on any information or situations that may not be clear and needs to be accounted for/reviewed.

This is part of what forms best practice and delivering a quality holistic method of support for clients as individuals. Again, this takes time and skills to implement, record and review.

To have a good quality service and standards, time also needs to be invested in maintaining the staff members needs and reviewing their progress. This requires each staff member to have a monthly line management and a separate supervision session. As a team and a service, we also need monthly team meetings, time to review the service and unplanned meetings/calls to work through any presenting challenges.

Cost, Time and Wages

The overall cost per year for a full-time ISVA (approx. £40,000). Includes an average cost of supervision, IT equipment, a percentage of adequate and independent premises costs, training/CPD each year, etc.

Someone can’t function in an ISVA role, adequately, abiding by quality standards, GDPR standards and maintaining professional development, without all these aspects.

So, RASA as an organisation has needed to find funding to fill in the approx. £12,500 per year for each full-time ISVA post.

This means when wages are being calculated, RASA struggles to pay each full-time post the £27,500 that’s given in funding. Even so, that amount as a wage, for an experienced ISVA, with the responsibilities and challenges faced, does not reflect the role that is being provided.

As a result, the ISVA Manager and the team are regularly investing time in recruiting and training new staff members, partly because we’re not retaining staff due to the wage not matching the level of work, challenges and responsibility that comes with the ISVA role. Also, the morale starts to dwindle with the team members who are more experienced in the ISVA role and have been with RASA for a little while, as they start to feel financially undervalued.

Overall

I go back to my initial summarising statement. Overall, the funding we’re provided for the ISVA role and number of posts, doesn’t allow staff the time needed, and doesn’t value the work that’s being done and the importance of retaining people in the role.

******

“I can honestly say that RASA has changed my life, the support I received by Aimee was amazing, she always made me feel listened too, empowered and most importantly believed. She gave me the tools I needed to challenge the negative voices I once used to hear regarding my experience with

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sexual abuse. From someone who used to shy away from talking about my feelings and experiences I am now so proud of the challenges I have overcome, and I could not have done it without RASA. “

*****

APRIL 2024 RASA CENTRE EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY

Introduction

RASA Merseyside is committed to encouraging equity, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our clients, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. The organisation -in providing services -is also committed against unlawful discrimination of clients or the public.

Our policy’s purpose

This policy’s purpose is to:

  1. Provide equity, fairness, and respect for all in our service (to include staff, volunteers, and service users)

  2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:

  3. •age

  4. •disability

  5. •gender reassignment

  6. •marriage and civil partnership

  7. •pregnancy and maternity

  8. •race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)

  9. •religion or belief

•sex

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Our commitments

The organisation commits to:

  1. Encourage equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace

  2. Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all are recognised and valued

This commitment includes training managers and all other employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equity, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

All staff and volunteers should understand they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, service users, and the public.

3.Respond to complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, service users, visitors, the public and any others during the organisation’s work activities.

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and bullying and harassment policy and procedure, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.

Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations (see Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure). In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 –which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic –is a criminal offence.

  1. Make opportunities for training, and development available to all staff and volunteers, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.

  2. Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness and update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.

  3. Monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equity, diversity and inclusion policy.

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Monitoring will also include assessing how the equity, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

Disciplinary and grievance procedures

Details of RASA Merseyside’s grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures can be found on the Teachable platform that all staff and volunteers have access to. This includes with whom an employee or volunteer should raise a grievance –usually their line manager.

Use of the organisation’s grievance or disciplinary procedures does not affect an employee’s right to make a claim to an employment tribunal within three months of the alleged discrimination.

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A review of our year at RASA from 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024.

1 year 52 weeks

2748 (2,514) new clients

630 (594) sexually abused children

1076 (1,449) clients from previous year

3196 (2979) females – 541 (513) males – 87 (76) others

2,835 (2,753) counselling clients –989 (803) ISVA clients

72,444 (62,946) actvites – 1,408,335 (395,247) minutes logged with clients 1005 (897) Wirral clients – 1,972 (1,839) Liverpool clients – 847 (865) Sefon clients 850 (890) multple sexual violence incidents – 185 (240) afected relatves and friends

1,116 (1,066) rapes as a primary cause for presentng – 51 (47) sexually exploited adults

1,093 (1,051) adult survivors of child sexual abuse

3,194 (3,002) sexually violated adults

23 (19) domestc violence victms

52 weeks

1 year

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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04538556 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1094462

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

for

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 9
Report of the Independent Auditors 10 to 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14
Balance Sheet 15 to 16
Cash Flow Statement 17
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 18
Notes to the Financial Statements 19 to 33

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

After the rape and murder of Diane Sindall in August 1986, RASA started out as a small group of concerned women in a small terraced house in Birkenhead. Word spread that there was help available for women and girls who had experienced sexual violence. Victims and survivors started calling in for support, and sensing a genuine need, the group of women formed themselves in a charity "Wirral Rape Crisis Counselling Service,. "The charity was launched on 28th September 1987 with the charitable objects: -"To relieve the mental and physical distress of women and girls who have suffered rape or sexual assault."

As today, demand was far higher than the women could handle and in 1991 the service closed for a few weeks to give the women a break. The first paid worker was recruited in 1992 and the organisation has grown monthly ever since.

A detailed account of this period can be found in the booklet "30 years of RASA"

In 1999 when the organisation officially became the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) under the charity number 1078638; in the hopes that this could better reflect the geographical remit of clients who often came from outside Wirral

In 2002 the Charity became a Company Limited by Guarantee and re-registered as the Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre Limited under Charity Number 1094462

In 2009 RASA took over premises in Liverpool to better service clients in the city. We soon outgrew the space and in 2015 the combined services of Sefton and Liverpool moved into the current premises at Stella Nova in Bootle, expanding in 2022 to occupy units 2-4. This has increased counselling space and given RASA more space for the children's service - Sunflowers.

RASA also relocated the Birkenhead service to Atlantic House adjacent to Hamilton Square Station. There are now 6 counselling rooms, 2 large children's rooms, space for group work and training and adequate offices and kitchen facilities to suit staff, volunteers, clients and trainees.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims

The full Trustee's Report is filed separately at Charities Commission.

Central to RASA's purpose is the principle of providing a safe, confidential place for survivors of sexual violence to be listened to, believed, and supported, with no pressure put on them. This work encompasses a helpline and email contact service, face-to-face counselling and emotional support, facilitated support groups, advocacy for those dealing with the criminal justice system (ISVA), training for survivors and for the public, family support, mindfulness and meditation, complimentary therapies, and signposting to other services.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities

The aims of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre are

  1. To provide a free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for women and girls who have ben victims of sexual violence in Merseyside (under the trading name RASA). 2. To raise public awareness of the damaging and life-changing effects of rape and sexual abuse.

In order to fulfil these aims, the objectives of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre are:

RASA does not employ male staff or volunteers as we are keenly aware that the vast proportion of sexual violence is perpetrated by men against women and it would therefore be inappropriate for male workers to be evident in a professional sexual violence counselling and support service.

Working from a feminist perspective: What it means for RASA

Since it was established in Birkenhead in 1986, RASA Merseyside has always had a feminist ethos, and has aimed to support survivors of sexual violence from a feminist perspective.

People have different understandings of the term 'feminism', and the social and political movements that have been called 'feminist' are diverse, sometimes taking opposing positions on particular issues.

At RASA, we embrace diverse understandings and views, while ensuring that all RASA staff and volunteers share a common set of values on sexual violence through our recruitment and training practices.

Our ethos has been shaped by our experience of working with survivors of sexual violence, and by the lived experience of the women who have volunteered and worked for RASA, over the last 38 years.

This has led to an outward-looking approach, allowing us to respond to the needs of the community we are part of. Over the years, we have moved from being a collective of women offering peer support to other women in their community via a phone line, to the professional organisation we are today, offering counselling and ISVA services to women, children and men across the Merseyside boroughs of Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

While much has changed in the way we work, and the number of survivors we are able to help has grown, our core ethos has changed little.

We continue to describe our ethos as feminist for the following reasons:

Our Ethos

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Public benefit

RASA offers support & counselling anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence (Rape, CSA, CSE) at any time in their life. We offer support, counselling, advocacy, training, groups,court & CJS support. We work with adults & children.

Volunteers

RASA relies on volunteers to support the staff team of counsellors and ISVAs. Volunteers receive excellent training and development opportunities including the opportunity to access greatly reduced accredited training through RASA Education Limited.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

See full report for overview of charitable activities.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

At the end of this year RASA holds in the region of £35,531.

The demands of the previous year have left RASA with very little reserve, and we will be working in the coming years to actively achieve funds to replenish our unrestricted funds. We maintain that the relocations were in the absolute best interests of the charity and the clients we seek to serve. We hope that the coming years will bring recommissioning of government funds that will adequately increase to meet the increased costs of running a charity in 2024.

RASA has in place a comprehensive Financial Procedure (updated and reviewed annually). It is available upon request.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

PCC FOR MERSEYSIDE

In partnership with RASASC, RASA successfully won the tender to provide counselling and support for sexual violence survivors across Merseyside. This tender, valid for five years (April 2022 to March 2027) is to provide an ageless and genderless service to all five boroughs. The service includes the provision of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA Service) for all five boroughs.

RASA clients reside in Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton Boroughs.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE FUND FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS

RASA achieved funding through the Rape Support Fund administered by the Ministry of Justice for 3 years from April 2018 - March 2021. This allows us to work as counsellors and supporters for all survivors of sexual violence. This valued fund compliments and ensures a full equitable service is available to survivors of sexual violence crimes in Wirral, Sefton and Liverpool. This fund was rolled forward by MoJ pending new tender process in April 2023

The funding was further extended to 31-03-2024 at the same value although with a small pot of uplift to meet the enhanced demand for services.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ADDITIONAL ISVA FUNDING VIA OPCC - all extended to 2024/25

Ringfenced funding for sexual violence (SV) victim support services, achieved by OPCC and commissioned out to RASA/RASASC partnership.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ISVA FUNDING

Merseyside OPCC applied for additional ISVA funding on behalf of RASA and RASASC to allow us to enhance and improve our response to those individuals who wished to make reports to the police and be supported through the criminal justice system. Throughout this year, it was indeed essential to provide this additional support to such victims as justice systems remain gridlocked and cases are taking longer and longer to get to court. This means ISVAs are carrying bigger and more complex caseloads and are becoming overwhelmed. Some cases in this year are not due to appear in courts for 18 -24 months.

RASA EDUCATION LIMITED

The RASA Centre Training division formed as a separate Limited Company in June 2019 with the joint aims of supporting the work of RASA Merseyside and developing and strengthening the Training School Curriculum - and providing satisfactorily trained volunteer counsellors to assist in reducing waiting times.

In this year the Education Centre contributed £40,000 to RASA. This was not as much as expected due to staff being heavily involved in the creation of new courses that will reap long term financial benefits.

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Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

RASA aims to build a reserve fund to cover 3 months running costs of the Charity. Currently such a reserve would be in the region of £500,000. As RASA works to contract budget deadlines, it is unlikely that RASA will achieve full reserve cover without substantial unrestricted donations being received as all available funding is being used to maintain and develop services for clients.

At 31st March 2024 the total funds held are £35,531 made up of Restricted Funds of £35,294 and Unrestricted Funds of £235.

Included in restricted funds is the balance of the property owned by the charity at £15,770.

The total reserves not including the property is £19,761.

RASA recognises that this is insufficient reserve to hold and will work in coming years to rebuild the reserve following the relocation of the services into more accessible and modern accommodation that better serves the client base.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

FUTURE PLANS

As an organisation we have always been careful to avoid any form of "mission drift" Our aims will always be the same - to support survivors of sexual violence and abuse and to educate the public and individuals about the horrors of such and how to manage it. We want to continue to provide a top class service for those who need it and we want to continue to develop counsellors who understand trauma and how to heal from trauma.

But funds are becoming more difficult to achieve and in the coming months we will be looking at all possibilities for raising funds through sponsorship, donation, income generation activities. This is one of the toughest years we have had to face but we remain determined to survive and grow, remaining true to our mission and fighting for the rights and futures of survivors of this heinous crime.

We are hoping for a miracle but in the absence of such we will continue to work towards achieving supportive partners who want to help us - not because of what they get from giving - but because of what they gain from helping those who have come to us for support.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

RASA is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England / Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 9 of these financial statements.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

RASA welcomes individuals who wish to be considered as a potential trustee.

Prospective trustees are recommended, self-refer or respond to advertisements on volunteer websites.

Prospective trustees progress through to appointment via the safer recruitment process under which they are interviewed by two senior staff members and/or an existing trustee.

As an accredited member of Rape Crisis England and Wales, RASA must ensure that the trustee board remains women lead. Men are welcome to apply to be trustees but will be unable to take key board positions.

Following safer recruitment process completion, prospective candidates are forwarded for election at the next AGM. At this point they must present a short biography to allow members to decide who they wish to elect. Existing elected trustees may also decide to recommend individuals to be co-opted onto the Board of Trustees. This must be carried out in line with the RASA Constitution.

Decision making

Day to day decisions are made by the operational management team consisting of Josephine Wood, Vicky Green and Lorraine Wood.

Induction and training of new trustees

Individuals must then successfully complete the RASA training for non-client focused staff. This process is carefully monitored by Education Centre staff for suitability to work with RASA.

Key management remuneration

Trustees have set the remuneration for key management.

Risk management

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

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

04538556 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1094462

Registered office

15 Morpeth Close Moreton Wirral CH46 6HQ

Page 7

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Principal address

Units 2 -4 Stella Nova Washington Parade Bootle L20 4TZ

Trustees

P Smith (resigned 28.3.24) M Wilson (resigned 28.3.24) J Harris (resigned 28.3.24) J Murphy (resigned 28.3.24) A Raz S Gunter S Blower

Company Secretary

J Wood

Auditors

Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the 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 those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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 irregularities.

Page 8

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued

In so far as the trustees are aware:

AUDITORS

The auditors, Robinson Rice Associates, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming 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.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 22 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

S Blower - Trustee

Page 9

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' 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 going concern

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

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the 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 concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 10

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

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

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the 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.

Page 11

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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

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

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

Our audit response is based on:

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Page 12

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

for and on behalf of Robinson Rice Associates Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

22 January 2025

Page 13

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

31.3.24
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
80,663
(1)
80,662
Charitable activities
5
Provision of services
-
1,328,859
1,328,859
Other trading activities
3
10,800
-
10,800
Investment income
4
361
-
361
Total
91,824
1,328,858
1,420,682
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
6
-
-
-
Charitable activities
7
Provision of services
252,398
1,326,125
1,578,523
Total
252,398
1,326,125
1,578,523
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(160,574)
2,733
(157,841)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
160,811
32,561
193,372
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
237
35,294
35,531		 31.3.23
Total
funds
£
112,763
1,239,538
23,905
272
1,376,478
8,443
1,359,796
1,368,239
8,239
185,133
193,372

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 14

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Balance Sheet

31 March 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
14
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
16
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
17
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
funds
£
5,420
6,284
54,884
61,168
(66,353)
(5,185)
235
235		 Restricted
funds
£
19,299
8,016
7,981
15,997
-
15,997
35,296
35,296		 31.3.24
Total
funds
£
24,719
14,300
62,865
77,165
(66,353)
10,812
35,531
35,531
235
35,296
35,531		 31.3.23
Total
funds
£
26,919
83,266
148,442
231,708
(65,255)
166,453
193,372
193,372
160,811
32,561
193,372

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The members have not deposited notice, pursuant to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requiring an audit of these financial statements.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 15

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Balance Sheet - continued 31 March 2024

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 January 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

S Blower - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating
activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash
equivalents in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the reporting period		 31.3.24
£
(77,538)
(77,538)
(8,400)
361
(8,039)
(85,577)
148,442
62,865		 31.3.23
£
28,179
28,179
(6,806)
272
(6,534)
21,645
126,797
148,442

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 17

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per
the Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Interest received
Trade and other creditors
Decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash (used in)/provided by operations		 31.3.24
£
(157,841)
10,597
(361)
(1)
68,966
1,102
(77,538)		 31.3.23
£
8,239
9,015
(272)
-
21,721
(10,524)
28,179

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand
Total		 At 1.4.23
£
148,442
148,442
148,442		 Cash flow
At 31.3.24
£
£
(85,577)
62,865
(85,577)
62,865
(85,577)
62,865

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 18

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

All splits are based on the numbers of clients served by the particular costs - or in the case of supervision - actual costs itemised in invoices. In the case of funds to be split across boroughs, funds are split in accordance with population of the borough in question (%).

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold property - in accordance with the property Improvements to property - 33% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on reducing balance Computer equipment - 33% on cost and 25% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Page 19

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
3.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Training courses
4.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest		 31.3.24
£
80,662
31.3.24
£
10,800
31.3.24
£
361		 31.3.23
£
112,763		 31.3.23
£
112,763
31.3.23
£
23,905
31.3.23
£
272

Page 20

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

5.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Commissioned work
Provision of services
Grants
Provision of services
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Grant Income
6.
RAISING FUNDS
Other trading activities
Hire of plant and machinery
7.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Direct
Costs
£
Provision of services
1,568,127
8.
SUPPORT COSTS
Finance
£
Provision of services
74		 31.3.24
31.3.23
£
£
652,099
1,058,736
676,760
180,802
1,328,859
1,239,538
31.3.24
31.3.23
£
£
676,760
180,802
31.3.24
31.3.23
£
£
-
8,443
Support
costs (see
note 8)
Totals
£
£
10,396
1,578,523
Governance
costs
Totals
£
£
10,322
10,396		 31.3.23
£
1,058,736
180,802		 31.3.23
£
1,058,736
180,802
1,239,538
31.3.23
£
180,802

Page 21

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation - owned assets
Hire of plant and machinery
Other operating leases
10.
AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
Fees payable to the charity's auditors for the audit of the
charity's financial statements		 31.3.24
£
10,600
-
6,725
31.3.24
£
7,500		 31.3.23
£
9,015
8,443
-
31.3.23
£
7,500

11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

12. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries 31.3.24
£
1,023,585
1,023,585		 31.3.23
£
1,004,198
1,004,198

Salary costs include amounts paid to subcontracted workers.

They also include:

Employers National Insurance £71,044 Employer Pension Contributions £15,384

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Management
Counsellors and support workers		 31.3.24
8
30
38		 31.3.23
8
28
36

Page 22

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

12. STAFF COSTS - continued

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

13. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Provision of services
Other trading activities
Investment income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Provision of services
Total
NET INCOME
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
112,760
3
112,763
727
1,238,811
1,239,538
23,905
-
23,905
272
-
272
137,664
1,238,814
1,376,478
-
8,443
8,443
132,486
1,227,310
1,359,796
132,486
1,235,753
1,368,239
5,178
3,061
8,239
155,629
29,504
185,133
160,807
32,565
193,372		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
112,760
3
112,763
727
1,238,811
1,239,538
23,905
-
23,905
272
-
272
137,664
1,238,814
1,376,478
-
8,443
8,443
132,486
1,227,310
1,359,796
132,486
1,235,753
1,368,239
5,178
3,061
8,239
155,629
29,504
185,133
160,807
32,565
193,372
1,376,478
8,443
1,359,796
1,368,239
8,239
185,133
193,372

Page 23

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Improvements Improvements Fixtures
Freehold to and Computer
property property fittings equipment Totals
£ £ £ £ £
COST
At 1 April 2023 41,500 16,920 21,565 59,328 139,313
Additions - - - 8,400 8,400
At 31 March 2024 41,500 16,920 21,565 67,728 147,713
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2023 24,900 16,920 20,055 50,519 112,394
Charge for year 830 - 725 9,045 10,600
At 31 March 2024 25,730 16,920 20,780 59,564 122,994
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024 15,770 - 785 8,164 24,719
At 31 March 2023 16,600 - 1,510 8,809 26,919
15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Other debtors 8,016 -
Prepayments and accrued income 6,284 83,266
14,300 83,266
16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Other creditors (1) 15,394
Accruals and deferred income 56,454 42,361
Accrued expenses 9,900 7,500
66,353 65,255

Page 24

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling
TOTAL FUNDS*		 At 1.4.23
£
165,864
3,418
(8,471)
160,811
74
16,600
46
25
262
41
2,217
19
47
530
232
20
3,105
1,109
403
679
(9,634)
7,311
2,059
1,994
3,000
1,200
1,222
32,561
193,372		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(131,479)
(3,282)
(25,815)
(160,576)
(18)
(830)
(46)
(25)
(262)
(41)
6,776
(19)
(47)
(530)
(58)
(20)
(119)
(1,109)
(403)
(340)
11,005
(7,311)
(2,059)
6
(1,154)
(50)
(611)
2,735
(157,841)		 At
31.3.24
£
34,385
136
(34,286)
235
56
15,770
-
-
-
-
8,993
-
-
-
174
-
2,986
-
-
339
1,371
-
-
2,000
1,846
1,150
611
35,296
35,531

Page 25

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling *
MOJ ISVA Funding 2
RSF Demand Lead Funding
MOJ ISVA to March 2023
NPT Transatlantic Promotional
Material		 Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
30,957
(162,436)
(131,479)
(1)
(3,281)
(3,282)
60,868
(86,683)
(25,815)
91,824
(252,400)
(160,576)
1
(19)
(18)
-
(830)
(830)
-
(46)
(46)
-
(25)
(25)
-
(262)
(262)
-
(41)
(41)
442,776
(436,000)
6,776
-
(19)
(19)
-
(47)
(47)
-
(530)
(530)
-
(58)
(58)
-
(20)
(20)
-
(119)
(119)
53,974
(55,083)
(1,109)
-
(403)
(403)
(1)
(339)
(340)
652,098
(641,093)
11,005
-
(7,311)
(7,311)
-
(2,059)
(2,059)
32,888
(32,888)
-
-
6
6
-
(1,154)
(1,154)
-
(50)
(50)
-
(611)
(611)
27,500
(27,500)
-
73,001
(73,001)
-
44,121
(44,121)
-
2,500
(2,500)
-
1,328,858
(1,326,123 )
2,735

Page 26

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

TOTAL FUNDS

1,420,682 (1,578,523 ) (157,841)

Page 27

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling
TOTAL FUNDS*		 At 1.4.22
£
155,036
5,226
(4,633)
155,629
99
17,437
61
33
276
55
2,304
25
63
540
310
27
3,105
1,109
403
-
(11,760)
728
2,543
4,119
1,994
3,000
1,200
1,833
29,504
185,133		 Net
movement
in funds
£
10,828
(1,808)
(3,838)
5,182
(25)
(837)
(15)
(8)
(14)
(14)
(87)
(6)
(16)
(10)
(78)
(7)
-
-
-
679
2,126
(728)
4,768
(2,060)
-
-
-
(611)
3,057
8,239		 At
31.3.23
£
165,864
3,418
(8,471)
160,811
74
16,600
46
25
262
41
2,217
19
47
530
232
20
3,105
1,109
403
679
(9,634)
-
7,311
2,059
1,994
3,000
1,200
1,222
32,561
193,372

Page 28

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
MOJ Male
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
OPCC Remote Counselling
MOJ ISVA Funding 2
RSF Demand Lead Funding
MOJ ISVA to March 2023
TOTAL FUNDS*		 Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
43,175
(32,347)
10,828
-
(1,808)
(1,808)
94,490
(98,328)
(3,838)
137,665
(132,483)
5,182
-
(25)
(25)
-
(837)
(837)
-
(15)
(15)
-
(8)
(8)
-
(14)
(14)
-
(14)
(14)
274,445
(274,532)
(87)
-
(6)
(6)
-
(16)
(16)
1
(11)
(10)
(1)
(77)
(78)
-
(7)
(7)
53,974
(53,974)
-
73,000
(72,321)
679
649,501
(647,375)
2,126
(728)
-
(728)
27,800
(23,032)
4,768
(1)
(2,059)
(2,060)
27,407
(27,407)
-
-
(611)
(611)
27,500
(27,500)
-
61,794
(61,794)
-
44,121
(44,121)
-
1,238,813
(1,235,756 )
3,057
1,376,478
(1,368,239 )
8,239

Page 29

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling
TOTAL FUNDS*		 At 1.4.22
£
155,036
5,226
(4,633)
155,629
99
17,437
61
33
276
55
2,304
25
63
540
310
27
3,105
1,109
403
-
(11,760)
728
2,543
4,119
1,994
3,000
1,200
1,833
29,504
185,133		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(120,651)
(5,090)
(29,653)
(155,394)
(43)
(1,667)
(61)
(33)
(276)
(55)
6,689
(25)
(63)
(540)
(136)
(27)
(119)
(1,109)
(403)
339
13,131
(728)
(2,543)
(4,119)
6
(1,154)
(50)
(1,222)
5,792
(149,602)		 At
31.3.24
£
34,385
136
(34,286)
235
56
15,770
-
-
-
-
8,993
-
-
-
174
-
2,986
-
-
339
1,371
-
-
-
2,000
1,846
1,150
611
35,296
35,531

Page 30

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling *
MOJ ISVA Funding 2
RSF Demand Lead Funding
MOJ ISVA to March 2023		 Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
74,132
(194,783)
(120,651)
(1)
(5,089)
(5,090)
155,358
(185,011)
(29,653)
229,489
(384,883)
(155,394)
1
(44)
(43)
-
(1,667)
(1,667)
-
(61)
(61)
-
(33)
(33)
-
(276)
(276)
-
(55)
(55)
717,221
(710,532)
6,689
-
(25)
(25)
-
(63)
(63)
1
(541)
(540)
(1)
(135)
(136)
-
(27)
(27)
-
(119)
(119)
107,948
(109,057)
(1,109)
-
(403)
(403)
72,999
(72,660)
339
1,301,599
(1,288,468 )
13,131
(728)
-
(728)
27,800
(30,343)
(2,543)
(1)
(4,118)
(4,119)
60,295
(60,295)
-
-
6
6
-
(1,154)
(1,154)
-
(50)
(50)
-
(1,222)
(1,222)
55,000
(55,000)
-
134,795
(134,795)
-
88,242
(88,242)
-

Page 31

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

NPT Transatlantic Promotional
Material
TOTAL FUNDS		 2,500
2,567,671
2,797,160		 (2,500)
(2,561,879 )
(2,946,762 )		 -
5,792
(149,602)

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.

19. OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Operating Lease Commitments

A lease for rent for the Unit in Bootle was signed in February 2020 running to 30 September 2025.

A lease was also signed for Atlantic House in August 2023 at £32,062 per annum.

The total rent due to be paid within one year are £91,806 (2023 £55,495)

There is a photocopier lease and the payments due in the next year are £6,287 (2023 £6,287).

The total of commitments due within one year is £98,093 (2023 £83,157) The rent due more than one year is £283,125 (2023 £381,218).

Other rents are paid on rolling contracts.

20. FUNDS

PCC FOR MERSEYSIDE

In partnership with RASASC, RASA successfully won the tender to provide counselling and support for sexual violence survivors across Merseyside. This tender, valid for five years (April 2022 to March 2027) is to provide an ageless and genderless service to all five boroughs. The service includes the provision of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA Service) for all five boroughs.

RASA clients reside in Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton Boroughs.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE FUND FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS

RASA achieved funding through the Rape Support Fund administered by the Ministry of Justice for 3 years from April 2018 - March 2021. This allows us to work as counsellors and supporters for all survivors of sexual violence. This valued fund compliments and ensures a full equitable service is available to survivors of sexual violence crimes in Wirral, Sefton and Liverpool.

This fund was rolled forward by MoJ pending new tender process in April 2023 The funding was further extended to 31-03-2024 at the same value The funding was enhanced by a demand lead funding uplift in this year.

Page 32

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

20. FUNDS - continued

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ADDITIONAL ISVA FUNDING VIA OPCC - all extended to 2024/25

Ringfenced funding for sexual violence (SV) victim support services, achieved by OPCC and commissioned out to RASA/RASASC partnership.

" MoJ ISVA Uplift (2019/20 bid) To provide additional ISVA services.

" MoJ Uplift (2021/22 bid) - To provide 1 full time ISVA for children.

" MoJ ISVA Uplift (2021 bid / previously notified) To provide additional ISVA cover and supporting staffing.

" SV Uplift Fund (From 22/23) To meet increased demand on services.

" Male Rape ISVA (2021/22 bid) to develop an ISVA service for male survivors seeking to report sexual violence.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ISVA FUNDING

Merseyside OPCC applied for additional ISVA funding on behalf of RASA and RASASC to allow us to enhance and improve our response to those individuals who wished to make reports to the police and be supported through the criminal justice system. Throughout this year, it was indeed essential to provide this additional support to such victims as justice systems remain gridlocked and cases are taking longer and longer to get to court. This means ISVAs are carrying bigger and more complex caseloads and are becoming overwhelmed. Some cases in this year are not due to appear in courts for 18 months.

RASA EDUCATION LIMITED

The RASA Centre Training division formed as a separate Limited Company in June 2019 with the joint aims of supporting the work of RASA Merseyside and developing and strengthening the Training School Curriculum - and providing satisfactorily trained volunteer counsellors to assist in reducing waiting times. In this year the Education Centre did not make a financial contribution to RASA funds as staff were heavily involved in the creation of new courses that will reap long term financial benefits.

JILL'S FUND

This public collection of donations is being held by RASA following the sudden and unexpected death of Jill Saward in January 2017. It has been held by RASA until such time as Jill's family determine it's most beneficial use for continuing the work Jill was unable to complete. Jill was a supported of RASA Merseyside for many years and was closely engaged, right up until the time of her death.

JUSTICE FOR JANE*

These funds are held in trust for the family of Jane Clough. They are donated funds to be used by the family to fund awareness raising and education around rape and domestic violence. The family retired from this role at the end of year to 31-03-2020 and requested that the small remaining balance be donated to RASA to be used as appropriate.

Page 33

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Other trading activities
Training courses
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Charitable activities
Commissioned work
Grants
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Other trading activities
Hire of plant and machinery
Charitable activities
Wages
Other operating leases
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Advertising
Rent
Survivor travel
Travel and expenses
Training
Canteen & household costs
Repairs and maintenance
Software and IT costs
Subscriptions
Partner's payments
Carried forward		 31.3.24
£
80,662
10,800
361
652,099
676,760
1,328,859
1,420,682
-
1,023,585
6,725
14,652
17,279
29,268
5,096
11,311
76,598
419
3,216
12,263
30,110
62,501
45,513
1,091
203,220
1,542,847		 31.3.23
£
112,763
23,905
272
1,058,736
180,802
1,239,538
1,376,478
8,443
1,004,198
-
9,889
12,023
23,395
5,174
6,624
63,527
123
4,014
23,044
24,717
10,787
7,175
491
139,184
1,334,365

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 34

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Charitable activities
Brought forward
Staff welfare
Freehold property
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Support costs
Finance
Bank charges
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration
Accountancy and legal fees
Total resources expended
Net (expenditure)/income		 31.3.24
£
1,542,847
14,683
830
723
9,044
1,568,127
74
7,500
2,822
10,322
1,578,523
(157,841)		 31.3.23
£
1,334,365
-
830
510
7,675
1,343,380
72
7,500
8,844
16,344
1,368,239
8,239

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 35

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04538556 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1094462

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

for

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 9
Report of the Independent Auditors 10 to 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14
Balance Sheet 15 to 16
Cash Flow Statement 17
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 18
Notes to the Financial Statements 19 to 33

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

After the rape and murder of Diane Sindall in August 1986, RASA started out as a small group of concerned women in a small terraced house in Birkenhead. Word spread that there was help available for women and girls who had experienced sexual violence. Victims and survivors started calling in for support, and sensing a genuine need, the group of women formed themselves in a charity "Wirral Rape Crisis Counselling Service,. "The charity was launched on 28th September 1987 with the charitable objects: -"To relieve the mental and physical distress of women and girls who have suffered rape or sexual assault."

As today, demand was far higher than the women could handle and in 1991 the service closed for a few weeks to give the women a break. The first paid worker was recruited in 1992 and the organisation has grown monthly ever since.

A detailed account of this period can be found in the booklet "30 years of RASA"

In 1999 when the organisation officially became the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) under the charity number 1078638; in the hopes that this could better reflect the geographical remit of clients who often came from outside Wirral

In 2002 the Charity became a Company Limited by Guarantee and re-registered as the Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre Limited under Charity Number 1094462

In 2009 RASA took over premises in Liverpool to better service clients in the city. We soon outgrew the space and in 2015 the combined services of Sefton and Liverpool moved into the current premises at Stella Nova in Bootle, expanding in 2022 to occupy units 2-4. This has increased counselling space and given RASA more space for the children's service - Sunflowers.

RASA also relocated the Birkenhead service to Atlantic House adjacent to Hamilton Square Station. There are now 6 counselling rooms, 2 large children's rooms, space for group work and training and adequate offices and kitchen facilities to suit staff, volunteers, clients and trainees.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims

The full Trustee's Report is filed separately at Charities Commission.

Central to RASA's purpose is the principle of providing a safe, confidential place for survivors of sexual violence to be listened to, believed, and supported, with no pressure put on them. This work encompasses a helpline and email contact service, face-to-face counselling and emotional support, facilitated support groups, advocacy for those dealing with the criminal justice system (ISVA), training for survivors and for the public, family support, mindfulness and meditation, complimentary therapies, and signposting to other services.

Page 1

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities

The aims of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre are

  1. To provide a free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for women and girls who have ben victims of sexual violence in Merseyside (under the trading name RASA). 2. To raise public awareness of the damaging and life-changing effects of rape and sexual abuse.

In order to fulfil these aims, the objectives of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre are:

RASA does not employ male staff or volunteers as we are keenly aware that the vast proportion of sexual violence is perpetrated by men against women and it would therefore be inappropriate for male workers to be evident in a professional sexual violence counselling and support service.

Working from a feminist perspective: What it means for RASA

Since it was established in Birkenhead in 1986, RASA Merseyside has always had a feminist ethos, and has aimed to support survivors of sexual violence from a feminist perspective.

People have different understandings of the term 'feminism', and the social and political movements that have been called 'feminist' are diverse, sometimes taking opposing positions on particular issues.

At RASA, we embrace diverse understandings and views, while ensuring that all RASA staff and volunteers share a common set of values on sexual violence through our recruitment and training practices.

Our ethos has been shaped by our experience of working with survivors of sexual violence, and by the lived experience of the women who have volunteered and worked for RASA, over the last 38 years.

This has led to an outward-looking approach, allowing us to respond to the needs of the community we are part of. Over the years, we have moved from being a collective of women offering peer support to other women in their community via a phone line, to the professional organisation we are today, offering counselling and ISVA services to women, children and men across the Merseyside boroughs of Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

Page 2

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

While much has changed in the way we work, and the number of survivors we are able to help has grown, our core ethos has changed little.

We continue to describe our ethos as feminist for the following reasons:

Our Ethos

Page 3

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Public benefit

RASA offers support & counselling anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence (Rape, CSA, CSE) at any time in their life. We offer support, counselling, advocacy, training, groups,court & CJS support. We work with adults & children.

Volunteers

RASA relies on volunteers to support the staff team of counsellors and ISVAs. Volunteers receive excellent training and development opportunities including the opportunity to access greatly reduced accredited training through RASA Education Limited.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

See full report for overview of charitable activities.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

At the end of this year RASA holds in the region of £35,531.

The demands of the previous year have left RASA with very little reserve, and we will be working in the coming years to actively achieve funds to replenish our unrestricted funds. We maintain that the relocations were in the absolute best interests of the charity and the clients we seek to serve. We hope that the coming years will bring recommissioning of government funds that will adequately increase to meet the increased costs of running a charity in 2024.

RASA has in place a comprehensive Financial Procedure (updated and reviewed annually). It is available upon request.

Page 4

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

PCC FOR MERSEYSIDE

In partnership with RASASC, RASA successfully won the tender to provide counselling and support for sexual violence survivors across Merseyside. This tender, valid for five years (April 2022 to March 2027) is to provide an ageless and genderless service to all five boroughs. The service includes the provision of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA Service) for all five boroughs.

RASA clients reside in Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton Boroughs.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE FUND FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS

RASA achieved funding through the Rape Support Fund administered by the Ministry of Justice for 3 years from April 2018 - March 2021. This allows us to work as counsellors and supporters for all survivors of sexual violence. This valued fund compliments and ensures a full equitable service is available to survivors of sexual violence crimes in Wirral, Sefton and Liverpool. This fund was rolled forward by MoJ pending new tender process in April 2023

The funding was further extended to 31-03-2024 at the same value although with a small pot of uplift to meet the enhanced demand for services.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ADDITIONAL ISVA FUNDING VIA OPCC - all extended to 2024/25

Ringfenced funding for sexual violence (SV) victim support services, achieved by OPCC and commissioned out to RASA/RASASC partnership.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ISVA FUNDING

Merseyside OPCC applied for additional ISVA funding on behalf of RASA and RASASC to allow us to enhance and improve our response to those individuals who wished to make reports to the police and be supported through the criminal justice system. Throughout this year, it was indeed essential to provide this additional support to such victims as justice systems remain gridlocked and cases are taking longer and longer to get to court. This means ISVAs are carrying bigger and more complex caseloads and are becoming overwhelmed. Some cases in this year are not due to appear in courts for 18 -24 months.

RASA EDUCATION LIMITED

The RASA Centre Training division formed as a separate Limited Company in June 2019 with the joint aims of supporting the work of RASA Merseyside and developing and strengthening the Training School Curriculum - and providing satisfactorily trained volunteer counsellors to assist in reducing waiting times.

In this year the Education Centre contributed £40,000 to RASA. This was not as much as expected due to staff being heavily involved in the creation of new courses that will reap long term financial benefits.

Page 5

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

RASA aims to build a reserve fund to cover 3 months running costs of the Charity. Currently such a reserve would be in the region of £500,000. As RASA works to contract budget deadlines, it is unlikely that RASA will achieve full reserve cover without substantial unrestricted donations being received as all available funding is being used to maintain and develop services for clients.

At 31st March 2024 the total funds held are £35,531 made up of Restricted Funds of £35,294 and Unrestricted Funds of £235.

Included in restricted funds is the balance of the property owned by the charity at £15,770.

The total reserves not including the property is £19,761.

RASA recognises that this is insufficient reserve to hold and will work in coming years to rebuild the reserve following the relocation of the services into more accessible and modern accommodation that better serves the client base.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

FUTURE PLANS

As an organisation we have always been careful to avoid any form of "mission drift" Our aims will always be the same - to support survivors of sexual violence and abuse and to educate the public and individuals about the horrors of such and how to manage it. We want to continue to provide a top class service for those who need it and we want to continue to develop counsellors who understand trauma and how to heal from trauma.

But funds are becoming more difficult to achieve and in the coming months we will be looking at all possibilities for raising funds through sponsorship, donation, income generation activities. This is one of the toughest years we have had to face but we remain determined to survive and grow, remaining true to our mission and fighting for the rights and futures of survivors of this heinous crime.

We are hoping for a miracle but in the absence of such we will continue to work towards achieving supportive partners who want to help us - not because of what they get from giving - but because of what they gain from helping those who have come to us for support.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

RASA is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England / Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 9 of these financial statements.

Page 6

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

RASA welcomes individuals who wish to be considered as a potential trustee.

Prospective trustees are recommended, self-refer or respond to advertisements on volunteer websites.

Prospective trustees progress through to appointment via the safer recruitment process under which they are interviewed by two senior staff members and/or an existing trustee.

As an accredited member of Rape Crisis England and Wales, RASA must ensure that the trustee board remains women lead. Men are welcome to apply to be trustees but will be unable to take key board positions.

Following safer recruitment process completion, prospective candidates are forwarded for election at the next AGM. At this point they must present a short biography to allow members to decide who they wish to elect. Existing elected trustees may also decide to recommend individuals to be co-opted onto the Board of Trustees. This must be carried out in line with the RASA Constitution.

Decision making

Day to day decisions are made by the operational management team consisting of Josephine Wood, Vicky Green and Lorraine Wood.

Induction and training of new trustees

Individuals must then successfully complete the RASA training for non-client focused staff. This process is carefully monitored by Education Centre staff for suitability to work with RASA.

Key management remuneration

Trustees have set the remuneration for key management.

Risk management

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

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

04538556 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1094462

Registered office

15 Morpeth Close Moreton Wirral CH46 6HQ

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Principal address

Units 2 -4 Stella Nova Washington Parade Bootle L20 4TZ

Trustees

P Smith (resigned 28.3.24) M Wilson (resigned 28.3.24) J Harris (resigned 28.3.24) J Murphy (resigned 28.3.24) A Raz S Gunter S Blower

Company Secretary

J Wood

Auditors

Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the 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 those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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 irregularities.

Page 8

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued

In so far as the trustees are aware:

AUDITORS

The auditors, Robinson Rice Associates, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming 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.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 22 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

S Blower - Trustee

Page 9

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' 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 going concern

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

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the 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 concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 10

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

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

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the 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.

Page 11

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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

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

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

Our audit response is based on:

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Page 12

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

for and on behalf of Robinson Rice Associates Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

22 January 2025

Page 13

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

31.3.24
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
80,663
(1)
80,662
Charitable activities
5
Provision of services
-
1,328,859
1,328,859
Other trading activities
3
10,800
-
10,800
Investment income
4
361
-
361
Total
91,824
1,328,858
1,420,682
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
6
-
-
-
Charitable activities
7
Provision of services
252,398
1,326,125
1,578,523
Total
252,398
1,326,125
1,578,523
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(160,574)
2,733
(157,841)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
160,811
32,561
193,372
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
237
35,294
35,531		 31.3.23
Total
funds
£
112,763
1,239,538
23,905
272
1,376,478
8,443
1,359,796
1,368,239
8,239
185,133
193,372

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 14

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Balance Sheet

31 March 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
14
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
16
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
17
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
funds
£
5,420
6,284
54,884
61,168
(66,353)
(5,185)
235
235		 Restricted
funds
£
19,299
8,016
7,981
15,997
-
15,997
35,296
35,296		 31.3.24
Total
funds
£
24,719
14,300
62,865
77,165
(66,353)
10,812
35,531
35,531
235
35,296
35,531		 31.3.23
Total
funds
£
26,919
83,266
148,442
231,708
(65,255)
166,453
193,372
193,372
160,811
32,561
193,372

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The members have not deposited notice, pursuant to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requiring an audit of these financial statements.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (Registered number: 04538556)

Balance Sheet - continued 31 March 2024

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 January 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

S Blower - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating
activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash
equivalents in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the reporting period		 31.3.24
£
(77,538)
(77,538)
(8,400)
361
(8,039)
(85,577)
148,442
62,865		 31.3.23
£
28,179
28,179
(6,806)
272
(6,534)
21,645
126,797
148,442

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 17

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per
the Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Interest received
Trade and other creditors
Decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash (used in)/provided by operations		 31.3.24
£
(157,841)
10,597
(361)
(1)
68,966
1,102
(77,538)		 31.3.23
£
8,239
9,015
(272)
-
21,721
(10,524)
28,179

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand
Total		 At 1.4.23
£
148,442
148,442
148,442		 Cash flow
At 31.3.24
£
£
(85,577)
62,865
(85,577)
62,865
(85,577)
62,865

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 18

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

All splits are based on the numbers of clients served by the particular costs - or in the case of supervision - actual costs itemised in invoices. In the case of funds to be split across boroughs, funds are split in accordance with population of the borough in question (%).

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold property - in accordance with the property Improvements to property - 33% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on reducing balance Computer equipment - 33% on cost and 25% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
3.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Training courses
4.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest		 31.3.24
£
80,662
31.3.24
£
10,800
31.3.24
£
361		 31.3.23
£
112,763		 31.3.23
£
112,763
31.3.23
£
23,905
31.3.23
£
272

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

5.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Commissioned work
Provision of services
Grants
Provision of services
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Grant Income
6.
RAISING FUNDS
Other trading activities
Hire of plant and machinery
7.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Direct
Costs
£
Provision of services
1,568,127
8.
SUPPORT COSTS
Finance
£
Provision of services
74		 31.3.24
31.3.23
£
£
652,099
1,058,736
676,760
180,802
1,328,859
1,239,538
31.3.24
31.3.23
£
£
676,760
180,802
31.3.24
31.3.23
£
£
-
8,443
Support
costs (see
note 8)
Totals
£
£
10,396
1,578,523
Governance
costs
Totals
£
£
10,322
10,396		 31.3.23
£
1,058,736
180,802		 31.3.23
£
1,058,736
180,802
1,239,538
31.3.23
£
180,802

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation - owned assets
Hire of plant and machinery
Other operating leases
10.
AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
Fees payable to the charity's auditors for the audit of the
charity's financial statements		 31.3.24
£
10,600
-
6,725
31.3.24
£
7,500		 31.3.23
£
9,015
8,443
-
31.3.23
£
7,500

11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

12. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries 31.3.24
£
1,023,585
1,023,585		 31.3.23
£
1,004,198
1,004,198

Salary costs include amounts paid to subcontracted workers.

They also include:

Employers National Insurance £71,044 Employer Pension Contributions £15,384

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Management
Counsellors and support workers		 31.3.24
8
30
38		 31.3.23
8
28
36

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

12. STAFF COSTS - continued

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

13. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Provision of services
Other trading activities
Investment income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Provision of services
Total
NET INCOME
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
112,760
3
112,763
727
1,238,811
1,239,538
23,905
-
23,905
272
-
272
137,664
1,238,814
1,376,478
-
8,443
8,443
132,486
1,227,310
1,359,796
132,486
1,235,753
1,368,239
5,178
3,061
8,239
155,629
29,504
185,133
160,807
32,565
193,372		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
112,760
3
112,763
727
1,238,811
1,239,538
23,905
-
23,905
272
-
272
137,664
1,238,814
1,376,478
-
8,443
8,443
132,486
1,227,310
1,359,796
132,486
1,235,753
1,368,239
5,178
3,061
8,239
155,629
29,504
185,133
160,807
32,565
193,372
1,376,478
8,443
1,359,796
1,368,239
8,239
185,133
193,372

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Improvements Improvements Fixtures
Freehold to and Computer
property property fittings equipment Totals
£ £ £ £ £
COST
At 1 April 2023 41,500 16,920 21,565 59,328 139,313
Additions - - - 8,400 8,400
At 31 March 2024 41,500 16,920 21,565 67,728 147,713
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2023 24,900 16,920 20,055 50,519 112,394
Charge for year 830 - 725 9,045 10,600
At 31 March 2024 25,730 16,920 20,780 59,564 122,994
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024 15,770 - 785 8,164 24,719
At 31 March 2023 16,600 - 1,510 8,809 26,919
15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Other debtors 8,016 -
Prepayments and accrued income 6,284 83,266
14,300 83,266
16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Other creditors (1) 15,394
Accruals and deferred income 56,454 42,361
Accrued expenses 9,900 7,500
66,353 65,255

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling
TOTAL FUNDS*		 At 1.4.23
£
165,864
3,418
(8,471)
160,811
74
16,600
46
25
262
41
2,217
19
47
530
232
20
3,105
1,109
403
679
(9,634)
7,311
2,059
1,994
3,000
1,200
1,222
32,561
193,372		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(131,479)
(3,282)
(25,815)
(160,576)
(18)
(830)
(46)
(25)
(262)
(41)
6,776
(19)
(47)
(530)
(58)
(20)
(119)
(1,109)
(403)
(340)
11,005
(7,311)
(2,059)
6
(1,154)
(50)
(611)
2,735
(157,841)		 At
31.3.24
£
34,385
136
(34,286)
235
56
15,770
-
-
-
-
8,993
-
-
-
174
-
2,986
-
-
339
1,371
-
-
2,000
1,846
1,150
611
35,296
35,531

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling *
MOJ ISVA Funding 2
RSF Demand Lead Funding
MOJ ISVA to March 2023
NPT Transatlantic Promotional
Material		 Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
30,957
(162,436)
(131,479)
(1)
(3,281)
(3,282)
60,868
(86,683)
(25,815)
91,824
(252,400)
(160,576)
1
(19)
(18)
-
(830)
(830)
-
(46)
(46)
-
(25)
(25)
-
(262)
(262)
-
(41)
(41)
442,776
(436,000)
6,776
-
(19)
(19)
-
(47)
(47)
-
(530)
(530)
-
(58)
(58)
-
(20)
(20)
-
(119)
(119)
53,974
(55,083)
(1,109)
-
(403)
(403)
(1)
(339)
(340)
652,098
(641,093)
11,005
-
(7,311)
(7,311)
-
(2,059)
(2,059)
32,888
(32,888)
-
-
6
6
-
(1,154)
(1,154)
-
(50)
(50)
-
(611)
(611)
27,500
(27,500)
-
73,001
(73,001)
-
44,121
(44,121)
-
2,500
(2,500)
-
1,328,858
(1,326,123 )
2,735

Page 26

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

TOTAL FUNDS

1,420,682 (1,578,523 ) (157,841)

Page 27

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling
TOTAL FUNDS*		 At 1.4.22
£
155,036
5,226
(4,633)
155,629
99
17,437
61
33
276
55
2,304
25
63
540
310
27
3,105
1,109
403
-
(11,760)
728
2,543
4,119
1,994
3,000
1,200
1,833
29,504
185,133		 Net
movement
in funds
£
10,828
(1,808)
(3,838)
5,182
(25)
(837)
(15)
(8)
(14)
(14)
(87)
(6)
(16)
(10)
(78)
(7)
-
-
-
679
2,126
(728)
4,768
(2,060)
-
-
-
(611)
3,057
8,239		 At
31.3.23
£
165,864
3,418
(8,471)
160,811
74
16,600
46
25
262
41
2,217
19
47
530
232
20
3,105
1,109
403
679
(9,634)
-
7,311
2,059
1,994
3,000
1,200
1,222
32,561
193,372

Page 28

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
MOJ Male
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
OPCC Remote Counselling
MOJ ISVA Funding 2
RSF Demand Lead Funding
MOJ ISVA to March 2023
TOTAL FUNDS*		 Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
43,175
(32,347)
10,828
-
(1,808)
(1,808)
94,490
(98,328)
(3,838)
137,665
(132,483)
5,182
-
(25)
(25)
-
(837)
(837)
-
(15)
(15)
-
(8)
(8)
-
(14)
(14)
-
(14)
(14)
274,445
(274,532)
(87)
-
(6)
(6)
-
(16)
(16)
1
(11)
(10)
(1)
(77)
(78)
-
(7)
(7)
53,974
(53,974)
-
73,000
(72,321)
679
649,501
(647,375)
2,126
(728)
-
(728)
27,800
(23,032)
4,768
(1)
(2,059)
(2,060)
27,407
(27,407)
-
-
(611)
(611)
27,500
(27,500)
-
61,794
(61,794)
-
44,121
(44,121)
-
1,238,813
(1,235,756 )
3,057
1,376,478
(1,368,239 )
8,239

Page 29

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling
TOTAL FUNDS*		 At 1.4.22
£
155,036
5,226
(4,633)
155,629
99
17,437
61
33
276
55
2,304
25
63
540
310
27
3,105
1,109
403
-
(11,760)
728
2,543
4,119
1,994
3,000
1,200
1,833
29,504
185,133		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(120,651)
(5,090)
(29,653)
(155,394)
(43)
(1,667)
(61)
(33)
(276)
(55)
6,689
(25)
(63)
(540)
(136)
(27)
(119)
(1,109)
(403)
339
13,131
(728)
(2,543)
(4,119)
6
(1,154)
(50)
(1,222)
5,792
(149,602)		 At
31.3.24
£
34,385
136
(34,286)
235
56
15,770
-
-
-
-
8,993
-
-
-
174
-
2,986
-
-
339
1,371
-
-
-
2,000
1,846
1,150
611
35,296
35,531

Page 30

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe
House
Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
Jill's Fund
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity
OPCC Remote Counselling *
MOJ ISVA Funding 2
RSF Demand Lead Funding
MOJ ISVA to March 2023		 Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
74,132
(194,783)
(120,651)
(1)
(5,089)
(5,090)
155,358
(185,011)
(29,653)
229,489
(384,883)
(155,394)
1
(44)
(43)
-
(1,667)
(1,667)
-
(61)
(61)
-
(33)
(33)
-
(276)
(276)
-
(55)
(55)
717,221
(710,532)
6,689
-
(25)
(25)
-
(63)
(63)
1
(541)
(540)
(1)
(135)
(136)
-
(27)
(27)
-
(119)
(119)
107,948
(109,057)
(1,109)
-
(403)
(403)
72,999
(72,660)
339
1,301,599
(1,288,468 )
13,131
(728)
-
(728)
27,800
(30,343)
(2,543)
(1)
(4,118)
(4,119)
60,295
(60,295)
-
-
6
6
-
(1,154)
(1,154)
-
(50)
(50)
-
(1,222)
(1,222)
55,000
(55,000)
-
134,795
(134,795)
-
88,242
(88,242)
-

Page 31

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

NPT Transatlantic Promotional
Material
TOTAL FUNDS		 2,500
2,567,671
2,797,160		 (2,500)
(2,561,879 )
(2,946,762 )		 -
5,792
(149,602)

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.

19. OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Operating Lease Commitments

A lease for rent for the Unit in Bootle was signed in February 2020 running to 30 September 2025.

A lease was also signed for Atlantic House in August 2023 at £32,062 per annum.

The total rent due to be paid within one year are £91,806 (2023 £55,495)

There is a photocopier lease and the payments due in the next year are £6,287 (2023 £6,287).

The total of commitments due within one year is £98,093 (2023 £83,157) The rent due more than one year is £283,125 (2023 £381,218).

Other rents are paid on rolling contracts.

20. FUNDS

PCC FOR MERSEYSIDE

In partnership with RASASC, RASA successfully won the tender to provide counselling and support for sexual violence survivors across Merseyside. This tender, valid for five years (April 2022 to March 2027) is to provide an ageless and genderless service to all five boroughs. The service includes the provision of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA Service) for all five boroughs.

RASA clients reside in Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton Boroughs.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE FUND FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS

RASA achieved funding through the Rape Support Fund administered by the Ministry of Justice for 3 years from April 2018 - March 2021. This allows us to work as counsellors and supporters for all survivors of sexual violence. This valued fund compliments and ensures a full equitable service is available to survivors of sexual violence crimes in Wirral, Sefton and Liverpool.

This fund was rolled forward by MoJ pending new tender process in April 2023 The funding was further extended to 31-03-2024 at the same value The funding was enhanced by a demand lead funding uplift in this year.

Page 32

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

20. FUNDS - continued

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ADDITIONAL ISVA FUNDING VIA OPCC - all extended to 2024/25

Ringfenced funding for sexual violence (SV) victim support services, achieved by OPCC and commissioned out to RASA/RASASC partnership.

" MoJ ISVA Uplift (2019/20 bid) To provide additional ISVA services.

" MoJ Uplift (2021/22 bid) - To provide 1 full time ISVA for children.

" MoJ ISVA Uplift (2021 bid / previously notified) To provide additional ISVA cover and supporting staffing.

" SV Uplift Fund (From 22/23) To meet increased demand on services.

" Male Rape ISVA (2021/22 bid) to develop an ISVA service for male survivors seeking to report sexual violence.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ISVA FUNDING

Merseyside OPCC applied for additional ISVA funding on behalf of RASA and RASASC to allow us to enhance and improve our response to those individuals who wished to make reports to the police and be supported through the criminal justice system. Throughout this year, it was indeed essential to provide this additional support to such victims as justice systems remain gridlocked and cases are taking longer and longer to get to court. This means ISVAs are carrying bigger and more complex caseloads and are becoming overwhelmed. Some cases in this year are not due to appear in courts for 18 months.

RASA EDUCATION LIMITED

The RASA Centre Training division formed as a separate Limited Company in June 2019 with the joint aims of supporting the work of RASA Merseyside and developing and strengthening the Training School Curriculum - and providing satisfactorily trained volunteer counsellors to assist in reducing waiting times. In this year the Education Centre did not make a financial contribution to RASA funds as staff were heavily involved in the creation of new courses that will reap long term financial benefits.

JILL'S FUND

This public collection of donations is being held by RASA following the sudden and unexpected death of Jill Saward in January 2017. It has been held by RASA until such time as Jill's family determine it's most beneficial use for continuing the work Jill was unable to complete. Jill was a supported of RASA Merseyside for many years and was closely engaged, right up until the time of her death.

JUSTICE FOR JANE*

These funds are held in trust for the family of Jane Clough. They are donated funds to be used by the family to fund awareness raising and education around rape and domestic violence. The family retired from this role at the end of year to 31-03-2020 and requested that the small remaining balance be donated to RASA to be used as appropriate.

Page 33

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Other trading activities
Training courses
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Charitable activities
Commissioned work
Grants
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Other trading activities
Hire of plant and machinery
Charitable activities
Wages
Other operating leases
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Advertising
Rent
Survivor travel
Travel and expenses
Training
Canteen & household costs
Repairs and maintenance
Software and IT costs
Subscriptions
Partner's payments
Carried forward		 31.3.24
£
80,662
10,800
361
652,099
676,760
1,328,859
1,420,682
-
1,023,585
6,725
14,652
17,279
29,268
5,096
11,311
76,598
419
3,216
12,263
30,110
62,501
45,513
1,091
203,220
1,542,847		 31.3.23
£
112,763
23,905
272
1,058,736
180,802
1,239,538
1,376,478
8,443
1,004,198
-
9,889
12,023
23,395
5,174
6,624
63,527
123
4,014
23,044
24,717
10,787
7,175
491
139,184
1,334,365

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 34

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Charitable activities
Brought forward
Staff welfare
Freehold property
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Support costs
Finance
Bank charges
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration
Accountancy and legal fees
Total resources expended
Net (expenditure)/income		 31.3.24
£
1,542,847
14,683
830
723
9,044
1,568,127
74
7,500
2,822
10,322
1,578,523
(157,841)		 31.3.23
£
1,334,365
-
830
510
7,675
1,343,380
72
7,500
8,844
16,344
1,368,239
8,239

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 35