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Growing Through the Cracks

Annual Trustees’ Report, Accounts and Financial Review 2024 | 2025

Company number 05190766

Growing Through the Cracks

Annual Trustees’ Report, Accounts and Financial Review 2024 | 2025

Growing Through the Cracks : Impact Report	03
My Hands Now - Spoken Word	04
Growing through the Cracks	05
A reminder of who we are and what do we do	06
Our year at a glance	08
Services and support	09
Youth voice and participation	17
Influencing change	19
Looking back & looking forward	21
Thanks and acknowledgments	23
Reference and administrative information	23
About Safer London	24
Get In Touch	24

Annual Trustees’ Report: Strategic Review	25
Safer London’s financial position at the end of the reporting period	26
Safer London’s ability to continue as a going concern	26
Trustees’ responsibilities	28
Statement as to disclosure to our auditors	29
Independent auditor’s report to Safer London	30
Financial statements	34
Statement of financial activities	35
Balance sheet	35
Statement of cash flows	36
Principal accounting policies	36
Notes to the financial statements	39

Growing Through the Cracks Impact Report 2024 - 2025

Impact Report S ~~e~~

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GROWING THROUGH THE CRACKS

My Hands Now

They used to say my name meant hope A label I wore but never owned A slope too steep to climb alone

I wore my vulnerability like a coat in the rain, A shield against the pain

Then a hand was offered, not from a bloodline, but from a stranger's grace. A single thread of belief spun into a safer space.

I mentioned some things to her that I swore I would take to the grave. I didn’t want to come across as stupid or not brave

But she saw the hope in my name when I could only see the scar

And in a breath, a heartbeat, she left the door ajar

The journey was not long in days but significantly vast in change A shift in the soul, a breaking of the chain.

Now as I walk the streets and the old calls echo I don’t give them the time of day I just walk away Not because I’m fearless But because I’m free

My story was once shaped by harm Until I was woken up by my alarm This life is mine From harm to hope And I choose hope

Harm had a familiar face, a voice that called from the street, And my feet would stop, a rhythm of defeat. To them, my vulnerability was sweet

To me it was a language I knew, a story on repeat Where family was just a concept, fragile and incomplete.

Every journey begins with a voice. This powerful spoken word piece, written by Asha a young Londoner who accessed our services and support, is a raw and moving reflection on trauma, resilience and the journey from harm to healing.

Through imagery and storytelling, Asha explores what it means to be vulnerable, to be seen and ultimately, to choose hope. It’s a testament to the strength it takes to grow when you’ve lived through challenges and difficult experiences - and the life-changing impact of being truly heard.

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Growing through the Cracks

Healing doesn’t follow a straight line. For young Londoners who’ve experienced violence, exploitation, harm and trauma the path forward is often shaped by experiences that are isolating, complex and often invisible to others.

The young people we support are navigating environments marked by high levels of violence, exploitation and trauma.

In the past year, serious safeguarding concerns more than doubled - from 161 to 385 in just six months.

220 Safeguarding concerns were for the most serious of incidents

Over 220 of these involved urgent Incidents, including young people being arrested for serious offences like GBH or possessing a weapon, being stabbed, or going missing for extended periods.

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More than half of these cases involved significant More than half of these cases involved significant harm or harm or immediate immediate danger and 1 in 7 related to serious violent crime danger in the community. This sharp rise reflects the growing severity and complexity of the risks young Londoners are facing.

My worker was absolutely amazing, she always made me feel comfortable as the space was non judgemental.

She has helped me to see myself in positive way and to be more caring to myself. Even though the meetings were for a purpose it has been like catching up with a friend.

I feel like the sessions we had around healthy relationships and boundaries have been really helpful. As now I know my boundaries and I'm more aware of their importance in relationships.

I am now a kinder person to myself and able to identify what I like about myself.

I feel like I am a stronger person.

Young Londoner who accessed Safer London support

These numbers are stark, but they don’t define the future.

At Safer London, we don’t just offer support - we create space for growth. Like roots finding their way through cracked concrete, young Londoners show us that growth is possible even under incredibly challenging and difficult circumstances. Harm and trauma can make it harder to thrive, but with the right support, healing can begin.

View the online multimedia version of Growing Through the Cracks

This report reflects that journey - not polished, not linear, but real. It’s a story of resilience, steady progress and of hope taking root where harm once lived.

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Impact Trustees’ Independent Financial Report Report Auditor’s Report Statements ~~eel~~ A Reminder of who we are and what we do

GROWING THROUGH THE CRACKS

At Safer London, we help young Londoners move from harm to hope, towards safer and brighter futures.

We are a safeguarding organisation working with children, young people and families who’ve experienced trauma and harm because of violence and exploitation.

We believe young Londoners should be supported - not criminalised or punished. Our approach is centred on safety and being led by the needs of the young person. We take a child-led approach - recognising their experiences, understanding the impact of trauma and seeing each young Londoner as an individual with their own strengths and potential.

Strong, trusting relationships are at the heart of everything we do, because real change begins with feeling seen, heard and safe.

What We Do Ds

We offer specialist services that address trauma, promote growth and build resilience. Our work is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships. These relationships allow us to understand each young person’s world, meet their needs and keep them safe.

Our work begins with addressing immediate risks and harm to make sure young Londoners are safe. From there, we work alongside young Londoners for as long as needed, helping them build long-term stability.

This can include supporting them to access addtional services and support such as CAMHS, help navigating the criminal justice system - including attending court - support with education, training and employment, and building resilience, self-worth and confidence.

Each year, we support hundreds of children, young people and families who are directly impacted by violence, exploitation and other complex challenges - including criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation and violence, peer-to-peer harm, and violence in the community.

We help young Londoners move forward at their own pace, with support that’s consistent, trauma-informed and tailored to their individual needs.

In June 2024, Safer London joined forces with St Giles Trust, New Horizon Youth Centre and Anna Freud to deliver London’s Children and Young People’s Violence and Exploitation Service (VESS London). ~~ee~~

Weekly sessions in safe spaces directly in the community

Support tailored to Strong trusting identity and needs relationships form the foundations of our support

This alliance enables us to provide holistic, wraparound support through a team of specialists, reducing the need for young people to retell their stories or navigate multiple services.

Young Londoners are matched with a skilled and experienced caseworker, who works alongside them directly in the community.

They meet young people where they feel safe - whether that’s at school or in public spaces like parks or cafés. Wherever they feel safe, we’ll meet them.

Support is tailored to each individual’s needs and circumstances - recognising no two journeys are the same.

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GROWING GROWINGTHROUGH THROUGHTHE CRACKS THE CRACKS

What Makes Us Different

Long-term support

We stay with young Londoners for as long as they need us, offering stability and continuity.

Community-based approach

We meet young people in spaces and places familiar to them - wherever they feel safe and comfortable.

Specialist services

Our team includes professionals with expertise in trauma, supporting those with SEND and working with young Londoners involved in complex harms including harmful sexual behaviours and sexual violence, as well as specialist parent and carer caseworkers.

Relationship-led practice

Trust is the foundation of everything we do - we build meaningful relationships that lead to real change. Our longer interventions and lower caseloads allow trust to grow and change lives.

Collaborative working

We work collaboratively with young Londoners, parents/carers and across the often extensive professional network. The VESS London Alliance brings together diverse expertise to provide seamless, joined-up support providing greater impact to children, young people and families.

Voice-informed approaches and solutions

We centre the voices and experiences of young Londoners in shaping our services and support.

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Our year at a glance

GROWING THROUGH THE CRACKS

Last year, we reached hundreds of young Londoners.

Behind every number is a young person supported to heal, grow, and move forward - and that’s where the real impact lives.

500

children and young people supported one to one by Safer London caseworkers

Through collaboration, reflection and a shared passion to do more for young Londoners, we came together this year to start shaping Safer London’s next organisational strategy.

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500
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86% 78% 78%
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reported of young improvements people said in their ability they would to build and recommend maintain Safer London healthy to a friend. relationships.

reported feeling safer, showing increased confidence and ability to protect themselves.

parents and carers supported one to one by Safer London caseworkers

We're focusing on creating safety and hope for young people and their families, breaking new ground through innovative services and being bold and visible - speaking up on the issues that affect young people and driving the solutions and change they need.

My worker is engaging and attentive. Our sessions are inspirational and informative.

I have learnt I can achieve more than I believe. I deserve all the good things coming to me and that I should believe in myself and keep going.

Creating safety Breaking new Being bold and hope ground and visible

Young Londoner who accessed Safer London support

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Services and Support

Behind every moment of growth is a network of support.

At Safer London it’s the consistent and persistent presence of our caseworkers and specialist teams - the people who listen, guide and stand alongside young Londoners as they navigate harm, rebuild trust and find new ways forward.

45%

children and young people we worked with were aged 16 and under

Our caseworkers work across a range of specialisms, responding to the unique needs of each young Londoners.

Whether it’s understanding the complex trauma of criminal exploitation, or working with specific groups such as girls and young women - each caseworker brings tailored expertise and a trauma-informed approach.

49%

Their dedication and commitment allow positive growth to happen in lives shaped by challenge and adversity.

children and young people we worked with identified as female

25%

My support from Safer London was extremely helpful as well as comforting.

children and as well as comforting. young people we worked with

had an SEND The support workers I had ensured I was comfortable

diagnosis and motivated, as well as feeling positively pushed to take a small step towards a new me. I found working with them quite life-changing.

I am definitely a different person than I was before, ~~ee~~ mentally.

I've learned how to control issues such as anger, self-hate and talking down on myself, as well as trying to find new distractions to finally be able to move forward in life.

Who We Worked With hss

71% of the people we worked with were under 18

The majority - over two-thirds - of the young Londoners we supported last year were children, with 45% aged 16 and under.

Many have experienced harm and trauma that most of us couldn’t even imagine.

We worked with almost equal numbers of young women and young men

We work alongside young Londoners across all areas of our support - some have experienced harm and others have caused harm.

Our approach is not divided into separate victim or perpetrator-based services - instead, we recognise the complexity of young people’s experiences and provide support that reflects their individual need and circumstances.

1 in 4 children and young people we worked with had a formal SEND diagnosis

However, this figure only reflects those with a formal diagnosis. The actual number of children and young people we work with SEND is likely much higher. Despite this need, just 35 were supported by our single specialist SEND caseworker, highlighting a significant gap in provision.

This highlights the urgent need for more specialist workers to better support young Londoners directly impacted by violence and exploitation with SEND, especially given the wider risks they face.

Young Londoner who accessed Safer London support

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GROWING THROUGH THE CRACKS

Service Spotlight: Neurodivergent young Londoners

Many of the young people we support have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), which add layers of complexity to their lives.

5x Children with identified SEND are five times more likely to be permanently excluded from school than their peers without SEND

19,125

19,125 children referred to the National Referral Mechanism in 2024. Research indicates a high proportion had learning disabilities, autism or other neurodivergent conditions

From delayed diagnoses and school exclusion, to isolation and increased risk of harm, these challenges can make them harder to see, easier to overlook - and more likely to become targets for those who seek to exploit them.

children and young Londoners supported by a dedicated SEND caseworker

At Safer London, we understand that young people with SEND face unique and complex challenges - and they need specialist support to navigate them.

That’s why we have a dedicated SEND caseworker, providing tailored interventions and offering guidance, advice and support to our wider team so they can better meet the needs of children and young people with SEND who are experiencing violence, exploitation and harm.

This isn’t just about support - it’s about creating space for growth that is consistent, compassionate and makes sure no young person is left behind.

I found working with my caseworker really amazing.

I learned better communication skills, more about my autism, life lessons and a deeper understanding about myself.

Kieran's Story Creating Calm in Chaos 7

They used short videos, case studies and headphones - tools that helped Kieran focus and absorb information in a way that worked for him. Every resource was broken down and simplified, without ever being patronising. It was about meeting Kieran where he was at.

At just over 18, Kieran was on tag following a violent incident in which he had been groomed and exploited by a younger female peer. His world was chaotic, and traditional support methods weren’t reaching him.

When Kieran first met his caseworker, he barely spoke. His responses were short - one or two words - and he struggled to retain information.

Although Kieran was legally an adult, his caseworker made the decision to involve his mum. By sharing session topics and key takeaways with her, they created a bridge - helping Kieran remember and apply what he was learning. It was a respectful balance between independence and support.

The first meeting took place in a busy café - a venue Kieran had chosen. But it quickly became clear that the noise and activity were overwhelming. He couldn’t focus and the conversation barely landed. So together, they searched for somewhere better. They found a quiet café away from the main road, with a secluded garden space. The owner agreed to reserve a quiet table each week for their sessions.

Behind the scenes, his caseworker worked with his professional network to make sure his Autism was recognised in his court case - advocating for understanding and leniency.

That simple change made a big difference. Kieran began to concentrate, listen and engage. The space gave him room to breathe.

Over time, Kieran changed. He became more confident, more vocal and more engaged. He showed up, participated, and began to trust the process.

“I enjoyed working with [my caseworker] and he made things easy for me to understand.” - Kieran

Kieran’s Autism meant that long conversations and written resources were difficult. So, his caseworker adapted. Goals were set and progress measured by using a whiteboard with simple visuals - just numbers and faces to express feelings. Thinking breaks were built into each session - every 5 to 10 minutes - to help Kieran process.

Kieran improved dramatically over the time he spent with his caseworker. His caseworker noted a real reduction in risk and a meaningful increase in safety. But more than that, Kieran felt heard. And that made all the difference.

Young Londoner who accessed specialist SEND support

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Amandeep has been amazing to work with, from providing calm non-judgemental advice to pulling LT together our wider support network and making lots of helpful suggestions along the way.

When things were bad with our daughter we really looked forward to those weekly calls for advice and skills on how to manage the situation differently, and the reassurance that things would get better.

I just want to say a big thank you to her for her support, advice and ideas.

I learned I need to take better care of myself and try not to let situations become all encompassing and carry on having a life around moments or it’s too easy for the moment to get all my focus.

I have realised I had a lot of deep-rooted fear of my child potentially repeating some of the mistakes I made in my formative years. I can see those mistakes were down to how I was parented and this is a different situation altogether.

Of all the professionals we engaged with over the last 14 months Safer London support proved to be the most useful. Safer London truly was there for us.

Parent who accessed specialist family support

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Around one-third of child sexual abuse is committed by other children or young people. This includes both contact and noncontact abuse.

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Offending by 10–17 year olds represents around half of all police-reported child sexual abuse crimes.

Service Spotlight: Positive Relationships and Sexual Behaviours

Many of the young Londoners we support are navigating complex challenges that often leave them on the margins.

When a young person displays harmful sexual behaviours (HSB), stigma and limited specialist support can only serve to perpetuate further cycles of harm.

children and young Londoners supported by dedicated Positive Relationships and Sexual Behaviours caseworkers

At Safer London, we believe these young people deserve understanding, not judgment.

That’s why we created our Positive Relationships and Sexual Behaviours service - offering early, trauma-informed interventions that help young Londoners build insight, develop healthy relationships, and make positive, lasting change.

To make sure our support is inclusive, we have a dedicated SEND caseworker, providing tailored interventions and guidance for neurodiverse young people engaging in HSB.

Rob was easy to talk with and explained things I didn’t know. If I didn’t understand something, I found it easy to ask Rob.

Rob listened to me when others didn’t.

[I have learnt] that I am resilient. I’m not sure I fully understood what consent meant prior to our work and I do now. I also better understand how to keep myself safe.

Ryan's Story - Building Trust and Understanding

He imagined a fictional character, Samantha, and described how she might feel - highlighting emotions like fear and embarrassment. He then considered how he’d feel if those behaviours were directed at him, recognising their harm and reflecting on his own actions.

Ryan 14, was referred to Safer London by his school after making a sexual gesture towards a female student.

This followed a three-year pattern of harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), including sexually aggressive comments and harassment toward peers.

Through their time together, Rob noticed Ryan’s growing maturity and understanding of respectful relationships. Ryan was able to explore his sexuality safely and showed clear awareness of consent and boundaries in his relationship with his boyfriend.

The referral highlighted Ryan’s vulnerabilities including increasing isolation, an unstable home life - including fleeing domestic violence - and missed CAMHS appointments.

At Safer London, we started where we always do - by focusing on building trust.

Rob also worked with Ryan’s mum and school to monitor progress and address concerns. He advocated for rescheduled CAMHS appointments and helped develop an online safety plan that prioritised support over surveillance.

Ryan’s caseworker, Rob, used games and ice-breakers to create a safe space. He explained the service in a nonjudgemental way and worked at Ryan’s pace, reassuring him that he could pause or stop at any time.

Ryan’s behaviour stabilised, with no further incidents. School staff reported significant improvement, with one teacher saying: “It’s like two different Ryans.” At closure, the AIM3 assessment showed a reduction from ‘significant concern’ to ‘some concern’ - a significant improvement.

Weekly sessions over five months explored healthy versus unhealthy relationships, identity, respect and consent. Ryan engaged well, especially with scenario-based discussions and interactive tools.

Rob ended the intervention with a celebration session, recognising Ryan’s growth. Ryan shared “I’m grateful that I learnt.”

As trust grew, Rob introduced conversations about the law and the impact of sexual harassment. One session used a railway station poster listing inappropriate behaviours. Ryan explored each example, identified their meaning and reflected on how they might affect others.

Young Londoner who accessed specialist PRSB support

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Anna has been very positive and the sessions have been insightful.

It has made me understand and reflect more around my future and past, and made see what LT LT kind of person I can be.

All the sessions have been relatable and supportive. The sessions taking place in Starbucks have helped making it feel more comfortable as refreshing.

I have enjoyed all the sessions even the hard ones, as these have helped me to understand my past. I no longer feel as emotional when I think about my past.

Even though some conversations have been difficult Anna has always been respectful of my boundaries and allowed me to have a safe word in case the conversation has become too much, which has been really helpful.

Anna will be that voice in my head when I question right and wrong decisions, which will help make the right one.

I understand my past better and it will help me with future decision making.

~~|~~ I feel more at peace with myself.

Young Londoner who accessed Safer London support

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Service Spotlight: Families - parents & carers

Parents and carers are the most important protective factor in a child’s life – yet too often they feel judged, excluded, or unheard by the very systems meant to support them. When life becomes a whirlwind, they need space and support too.

parents took part in Safer London’s Who Cares? research, which looked at multiagency support for children and families affected by youth violence. Through this consultation parents shared that they felt let down by statutory services such as Social Care and the Police.

Nobody acknowledged what was going on with my son.

He was stabbed, he had chemicals thrown at him. He was severely exploited, and he did suffer a lot of violence.

Absolutely nothing, in my opinion, happened that should have happened.

Parent who took part in research

At Safer London, we believe parents and carers deserve understanding, not judgment. That’s why we offer a dedicated Families Service, providing one-to-one support for parents and carers – even if their child isn’t working with us.

parents and carers supported by dedicated family caseworkers

Our specialist family caseworkers create safe, nonjudgmental spaces where parents and carers can share concerns, build confidence and make sure their voices are heard in multi-agency settings.

Through this service, we’ve supported 22 parents whose children were also receiving Safer London support - and reached 73 additional children and young people through family-based interventions, strengthening protective factors and creating positive change across the whole family network.

Because when we stand with families, we help break cycles of harm.

Thank you so much for all the help, support and guidance with both myself and my daughter. She has enjoyed the sessions with yourself and I know she has listened and taken on board what you have taught her.

Your time with her has been so valuable and we have seen an improvement in my daughter’s behaviour in general and have been able to lift restrictions for her.

Amina's Story - Building Hope in Hardship

When Amina was referred to Safer London by Social Care, she was facing multiple challenges.

Working together, her caseworker and housing partners helped Amina move from hotel accommodation to temporary housing, and eventually secure a large family home.

Her 15-year-old son was at high risk of exploitation and the family was on a Child in Need plan. Social Care hoped that specialist support from Safer London would help Amina feel more confident in managing risk and better understand the complexities of exploitation.

The move was transformative. Amina described it as the best thing to happen to her family in years. She credited the support she received from her caseworker with helping her relocate and access safer housing - reducing the risk to her son.

Although her son was initially pulled back to London and arrested, with support from Amina, her caseworker and the wider professional network, he began to settle. He completed his GCSEs and started to adapt to life outside London.

From the beginning, it was clear that Amina was navigating multiple challenges. Her concerns extended beyond her son’s safety - she was dealing with chronic pain, mental health struggles, and the stress of living in an overcrowded and inaccessible home.

As her environment and life become more stable, Amina’s mental health improved significantly. She described feeling clearer, more able to cope and better positioned to parent. Through consistent support, small but meaningful changes began to take root - in her wellbeing and her relationship with her son.

Despite these pressures, Amina engaged consistently and openly with her caseworker. Amina was determined to make a change - not just for her son, but for herself.

Sessions began weekly and adapted over time to suit Amina's changing circumstances. The work focused on education around exploitation, peer influence and safety planning. Amina shared how the support helped her feel more confident to advocate for herself and her children.

While challenges remain, there is now a foundation of safety and stability. Amina continues to navigate life with strength and determination, supported by a network that understands and adapts to her needs.

Amina's journey reflects how, even in the face of harm, hope can grow.

With this confidence Amina advocated for her and her family to relocate out of London.

Parent who accessed specialist family support

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My worker Anna has been an absolute blessing to me.

During my difficult time she has really been hs supportive and patient with me, and it has truly benefited my healing journey.

I’ve learnt many things such as giving myself grace I have learnt to unconditionally love myself and to carry on being positive with every situation I face, even if I feel it will be difficult.

I have been able to acknowledge boundaries at an OO) earlier point when it comes to relationships and to always put myself first.

I now know what to do if I am in any dangerous situations and I feel I am able to speak to more people about what I am going through.

I am ever so grateful for everything. I am very thankful for having Anna in these last few months and will not forget her.

Young Londoner who accessed specialist girls and young women support

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Service Spotlight: Girls & Young Women

We understand that girls and young women’s experiences of violence and exploitation are different to those of boys and young men.

The young women we work with have lived through traumatic experiences - such as sexual exploitation, violence and abuse - and some have engaged in harmful behaviours or become involved in the criminal justice system. These experiences can have a profound impact on their lives and future.

60,000 Research suggests that there could be as many as 60,000 girls in England who are vulnerable to serious violence.

girls and young women supported by specialist sexual violence caseworkers.

At Safer London, we believe every girl and young woman deserves safety, understanding and the chance to rebuild.

Through our Girls and Young Women Service, we provide trauma-informed, tailored support that meets their individual needs. Our dedicated caseworkers create safe, nonjudgmental spaces where young women can process their experiences, strengthen resilience and take steps towards a brighter future.

40%

Referrals for sexual judgmental spaces where young women can process their

exploitation rose by experiences, strengthen resilience and take steps towards a

40% between 2021 and brighter future. 2023. Reports of girls experiencing sexual exploitation increased This year, we’ve supported young women to overcome by 43% in the same barriers, restore hope and find new paths forward - because

period. growth is possible, even after trauma.

I've learnt to talk about the incident without getting upset. My perspective also changed on the incident and on myself.

It has been so good to have a support system and that's what I'll remember in 20 years' time.

Young woman who accessed specialist girls and young women support

Cassie's Story ; From Fear to Hope

When Cassie, 23, was referred to Safer London she was living in fear. She had just completed a two-year suspended sentence and was terrified of being pulled back into crime.

Kamisha also connected Cassie to a specialist housing caseworker, who worked to facilitate a move out of her unsafe area. Kamisha encouraged her career ambitions, helping her set goals and celebrate milestones like securing job interviews and earning a Level 3 qualification in facilities management - something Kamisha supported Cassie with by connecting her with the King’s Trust.

Exploited by peers, coerced into carrying weapons and drugs, and a recent conviction for knife possession, left her feeling like her life was out of control. She had also witnessed multiple violent attacks on an ex-partner, including one near her home and a knife attack resulting in hospitalisation.

By the end of the support, Cassie had transformed. She’d changed her phone number, cut ties with harmful contacts and learned to say no - something she once thought impossible. She secured employment and completed probation.

Cassie’s caseworker, Kamisha, quickly recognised her for who she was - someone who was scared and desperate to get out of her situation.

Cassie’s confidence soared. She even participated in Safer London research, speaking openly about her experiences of the criminal justice system and offering feedback on resources. Cassie turned her challenges and experiences into insight, helping to inform recommendations on how to better support young women facing similar challenges.

At first, Cassie often cried during sessions, convinced she couldn’t say no to the people controlling her life. Rather than rushing her, Kamisha built trust over time by providing consistent, non-judgmental support and listening to Cassie’s needs and concerns.

Together, they explored the law, consent, boundaries and exploitation, helping Cassie understand her rights and recognise unhealthy relationships. They mapped her social circle to identify risks and worked on peer pressure scenarios. These sessions helped Cassie see patterns of coercion and gave her tools to resist them.

Cassie described the support as lifechanging: “I found working with Kamisha beneficial because I was in a low point in my life, especially being on probation. I learned how to deal with situations better. Before, I never used to think, but now I think before I react. I learned more about myself and how to better myself from working with her.”

Safety was a priority. Kamisha guided Cassie through detailed safety planning - identifying safe routes, changing travel habits and adjusting work shifts to avoid her exploiters.

For Cassie, the biggest change was independence - making decisions for herself, prioritising her goals and believing in her future.

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Youth Voice and Participation

23

young people engaged with youth voice and participation (either as a VIP or young researcher - or both) activities gaining youth voice skills

When young people inform and influence the services and systems around them, something powerful happens.

Last year youth voice and participation pushed through the cracks - informing, guiding and strengthening everything we do.

At Safer London, participation isn’t one-size-fits-all. It happens in different ways. One mechamisim is our Young Researchers programme, where young Londoners have shaped research influencing how we understand topics and themes like the concept of love in practice.

We also embed feedback and co-design throughout our work, and create spaces for leadership and influence through our young champion VIP programme.

Youth-led events, including three training workshops for Young Researchers focused on skill-building and data analysis

Each approach goes beyond consultation - creating genuine influence and driving meaningful change.

Because when youth voice pushes through the cracks, it doesn’t just shape services - it transforms lives and creates safety and hope for other children and young people.

70+

Hours of youth voice and participation activities

Thanks to the VIPs I have become a lot more confident in myself and sharing opinions and thoughts with fun and likeminded people my age!

We're not just making a difference to Safer London but we're also doing it to ourselves.

Safer London VIP

Watch Seed to Story, developed in collaboration with the Young Researchers.

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Programme Spotlight: The Safer London VIPs

Growth can happen even in the hardest places. For young Londoners who’ve experienced trauma or harm, opportunities to be heard and shape change can feel out of reach - yet these moments can be transformative.

Our young champion VIP programme is one way Safer London makes this possible. It’s a dedicated mechanism for participation, creating spaces where young Londoners can share experiences, informing who we are and what we do.

7 1-2-1 sessions and group sessions held over the year young Londoners 73 attained formal accreditations a (AQA Awards) through the The programme helps young people reclaim agency, programme build confidence and see that their voices matter. This includes shaping service design, contributing to conferences and events, informing creative projects and taking part in consultations that influence decisions. 16 And it works. 100% of young people involved in the VIP young Londoners programme told us they had opportunities to contribute involved in recruiting to Safer London’s decision-making, gained knowledge caseworkers and members of the and transferable skills, felt valued, grew in confidence, safeguarding team represented youth views, and knew their voice made an impact. These outcomes show that participation doesn’t just influence change - it creates spaces for young people to grow, heal and build futures with hope. Because when young people find their voice, they don’t just grow through the cracks - they help reshape support for other children and young people.

16 Anderson's Story ~~~~~ Sonder and the Power of Empathy

“I've only attended two sessions so far, but already I feel a sense of connection. It's comforting to realise that I'm not alone in facing the struggles I have and that others in London share similar challenges.

Safer London plays a crucial role in giving young people hope and a sense of belonging, and reinforces that no one is alone in their experiences and empowers us to advocate for change.

It also provides a platform to learn from other’ s journeys and gain the confidence to move forward.

I've also come to understand the value of my caseworker support. Her patience and dedication have been crucial in my progress, and I feel it's only right to repay that effort by staying engaged.

As a young VIP, I fully support Safer London's mission to create a safer, more inclusive city. By fostering community engagement, we can help young people make positive choices, reduce violence and break harmful cycles.

That's why I signed up for the VIP programme and returned to Safer London, which has also been a source of motivation and confidence for me.

Through [the] sessions I've had the chances to meet and connect with many new people, gaining insight into their experiences. I've also enjoyed brainstorming ideas on how to help other young Londoners. Collaborating with others has boosted my confidence and helped me think creatively.

Together, we can build a stronger, more united London where every young person has the chance to thrive".

The sessions have also reminded me of the concept of Sonder, that everyone has their own struggles and stories, which has deepened my empathy.

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Impact Trustees’ Independent Financial Report Report Auditor’s Report Statements GROWING THROUGH THE CRACKS ti Influencing ~~<CSC,~~ Ci Fr change Real change for young people doesn’t happen in isolation. While one-to-one support is vital, the systems surrounding young Londoners - schools, Social Care, housing, health and justice - shape their experiences every day. At Safer London, we know that to create lasting impact, we must Through Who Cares?, we spoke directly Children spoke about broken promises influence these systems to work better for children and young to parents and children about their and feeling blamed for the harm they 45 people who have experienced harm - and those who have caused experiences of support systems when experienced: “I’ve experienced the lies…the I’ve experienced the lies…the harm.

young people and parents took part in consultation work that will help inform national policy, practice and approaches. 13

Young people shaped our participatory approach for our Who Cares? consultation.

This means amplifying youth voice, challenging harmful practices and collaborating with partners to make sure responses are consistent, trauma-informed and focused on safety and hope. By doing so, we can extend our reach beyond individual support and help create conditions where every young person can move forward

Who Cares?

Who Cares? was commissioned by Ofsted on behalf of the Joint Inspectorates as part of their thematic review of multi-agency working in relation to serious youth violence. We were asked to consult with children and families outside the inspection areas to make sure their voices were heard.

This national consultation reached families and young people across England, making sure a diverse range of perspectives informed the wider review.

We were brought into this work because we have a track record of engaging with parents and young people in ways statutory agencies often can’t. The trusted relationships we build every day allowed us to create safe spaces where families felt comfortable sharing their experiences.

Read Who Cares?which includes recommedations for services from Safer London, parents and children

Through Who Cares?, we spoke directly to parents and children about their experiences of support systems when they had been impacted by serious youth violence - whether they've been harmed, caused harm, or both. Their reflections were powerful and, at times, deeply concerning.

Families told us they often felt unheard, judged, and left to navigate complex systems alone. Parents described begging social services to follow up and being told to limit communication to one email a week.

Nobody acknowledged what was going on with my son.

He was stabbed, he had chemicals thrown at him. He was severely exploited, and he did suffer a lot of violence.

Absolutely nothing, in my opinion, happened that should have happened.”

Parent who took part in Who Cares? consultation

Children spoke about broken promises and feeling blamed for the harm they experienced: “I’ve experienced the lies…the I’ve experienced the lies…the fake opportunities they try to bring. Like, they will say they’re going to do something, and it will never come around.”

We heard repeated examples of missed opportunities - particularly in responding to harm outside the home, poor communication, and lack of traumainformed practice.

Families called for earlier intervention, honest conversations and better collaboration across agencies. They want services that care, listen and act, not ones that work in silos.

Insights from Who Cares? are shaping recommendations for statutory agencies and influencing national conversations about safeguarding.

By sharing these voices, we're helping to drive better, joined-up responses for children and families affected by violence - responses that are empathetic, consistent and focused on safety.

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Project Spotlight: a See Beyond

Girls and young women who display perpetrator behaviours are often victims of exploitation and violence themselves.

See Beyond was designed to challenge perceptions - encouraging Criminal Justice System (CJS) Professionals to recognise their trauma and adopt a safeguardingfirst approach.

The conversations sparked and connections made through this project are just the beginning - implementing these recommendations will be key to driving lasting, systemic change.

What we did:

1500

The campaign video was viewed over 1,500 times across all platforms

64

professionals attended the online launch event.

Produced a set of recommendations for decision makers on what changes need to be made to effectively support girls and young women who have experienced exploitation and harm.

Developed an open-access toolkit for Criminal Justice System (CJS) practitioners, providing guidance on spotting signs of exploitation, engaging with empathy, and applying professional curiosity.

Produced factsheets, comic strips and animations for girls and young women. Available in multiple languages (plus BSL versions), these resources cover the topics of unhealthy relationships and knowing your rights.

Created a campaign video to promote the toolkit and spark conversations about safeguarding-first approaches.

The recommendations developed set out clear actions for decision-makers to create a Criminal Justice System that prioritises safeguarding and trauma-informed practice. By equipping professionals with practical guidance and resources, See Beyond has the potential to transform how girls and young women are supported, making sure responses are rooted in empathy and understanding rather than punishment.

It is very easy in A Metropolitan Police sergeant reflected, “ custody to become disillusioned and desensitized to the pain and trauma the people we deal with have suffered. A reminder to everyone who works in custody is such a good idea.”

This reinforces the need and importance of See Beyond in challenging harmful narratives and reminding professionals of the trauma and stories behind the behaviours.

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66 The material, in particular the video, is simple, ee impactive, and thought-provoking. We really need to open our staff’s eyes to the victim- er offender dynamic that is so often present not only for young women but also children

Metropolitan Police sergeant

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Looking Back and Looking Forward

This year, we stood alongside 500 young Londoners and 60 parents and carers, offering consistent, trauma-informed support in the places they felt safest.

Each of these moments mattered. Each one was a step from harm to hope.

We heard from young people like Asha, who once wore her vulnerability “like a coat in the rain” but found strength in being seen and heard. Her powerful words in My Hands Now remind us that healing is not linear - but it is possible.

We walked with Kieran, whose autism made traditional support inaccessible. By adapting our approach - using whiteboards, quiet spaces and visual tools - we helped him find his voice and confidence.

Looking to the Future

The risks are growing. The need is urgent. And we must do more.

That’s why we’re launching a new organisational strategy - one that builds on our strengths and pushes us further.

We will:

We stood with Amina, a mother navigating housing instability and the fear of losing her son to exploitation. With our support, she found the strength to relocate her family, rebuild stability and keep her son safe from harm.

These stories are just a few among many. But they also remind us of the scale of need. While we’re proud of the lives we’ve touched, we know that 500 young people and 60 families represent only a fraction of those who need us.

Create safety and hope by continuing to provide trusted, long-term support in the heart of communities.

Break new ground through innovation, collaboration and a focus on what works.

Be bold and visible, using our voice to advocate for change and amplify the voices of young Londoners and their families.

We know that real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we listen deeply, act courageously and stand together. Whether through direct support, research, or advocacy, we are committed to growing our reach and reshaping the systems that too often fail the most vulnerable.

Because just like the young Londoners and families we walk alongside - who find ways to grow through the cracks - we too will keep pushing forward. We will continue to nurture the conditions where resilience can take root and where every young Londoner has the chance to grow, even in the hardest of times.

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Join Us in Driving Change

Our work is only possible because of our incredible supporters and partners. Real change takes collaboration - and together we can create lasting impact and amplify the voices that matter most.

If you want to help us continue our important work and reach more young Londoners and families, here are some ways you can get involved:

Supporter Spotlight

Support us in creating safety and hope

Support projects that provide direct help and create safe spaces for young people. You can also contribute your time, skills, or resources to strengthen our frontline work.

Throughout the year, we’ve partnered with AWW Architects to create meaningful opportunities for young Londoners, explore innovative approaches to building safer environments and raise vital funds to support our direct work with young people and families.

Together, we’ve achieved some incredible milestones:

Help us break new ground

Partner with us to develop new services and models that transform lives. Share expertise, technology, or research to help us innovate and grow faster.

3 young Londoners took part in a skillssharing workshop with AWW staff, gaining valuable insights and experience.
1 collaborative workshop brought together Safer London and the AWW team from London and Bristol to begin the codevelopment of a Safer Spaces Toolkit.
8 young Londoners enjoyed an exciting go-karting experience, supported by AWW.

Assist us in being bold and visible

Join us in amplifying campaigns that tackle the issues affecting young people. Help drive systemic change by supporting events that spark dialogue and action, allowing us to champion young voices and influence the systems that shape their lives.

£1,040 raised during a spooky cycle marathon, with the AWW team cycling the distance between their London and Bristol offices.

Ready to make change happen? Sign up to become a Corporate Champion! ae)

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Acknowledgments and thanks

Supporters and funders

Barrow Cadbury Trust
• City Bridge Trust
Help for Children UK
The London Community Foundation
Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)

• The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) • The many schools and individuals who fundraised to support our work.

Partners and collaborators

Anna Freud
AWW Architects
• Child Bereavement UK • Code 7 • Exit Hate UK • Father 2 Father
St Giles Trust
Karen Green Stewart
KIKIT
New Horizon Youth Centre
Participation People
University of Sussex School of Education and Social Work
• UCL Psychoanalysis Unit
• WAGN

Company number 05190766

Reference and Administrative Information

Safer London Trustees 2024- 2025

Janine McDowell, Chair
• Gemma Bailey
• Vaneesha Bailey
• Valerie Floy, Hon. Treasurer
• Dr Anthony Gunter
• Baroness Sally Hamwee
• Tim Jones

Key Management Personnel, Senior Leadership Team

• Chief Executive Officer – Rosemary Watt-Wyness (appointed 12 May 2025)

• Chief Executive Officer – Sherrylyn Peck (resigned 30 June 2024)

• Deputy CEO - Katie Mitchell (and Acting CEO between 1 July 2024 and 11 May 2025) • Head of Safeguarding

• Head of Quality Practice • Head of Corporate Services (resigned 31 December 2024)

• Head of Finance (from 23 January 2025) • Head of People (from 2 June 2025) • Head of Business Development

• Interim Chief Operating Officer (from 16 September 2024 until 11 May 2025)

Registered office

Auditors

Bankers

The Foundry Buzzacott Audit LLP National Westminster Bank Room 112 130 Wood Street 10 Southwark Street 154-156 Blackfriars Road London London London EC2V 6DL SE1 1TJ SE1 8EN

The Trustees present their report together with the financial statements of Safer London for the year 2024/25.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 36 to 38 and comply with the charitable company’s Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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About Safer London

At Safer London, we work with young Londoners and families who’ve already experienced harm and trauma as a result of violence and exploitation.

The young Londoners we work alongside have been harmed, some have harmed others - all deserve someone to stand by them. We provide consistent, trauma-informed support to children and young people affected by criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation and sexual violence, violence in the community and peer-to-peer harm

We work directly in the community, walking alongside young Londoners - helping them move from crisis to stability, and from harm to hope.

Our Values

Get In Touch

Safer London strives to be:

Change-makers: We bring creativity, passion and innovation to make a lasting difference.

Inclusive: All that we do recognises and values the diverse experiences of young people.

Trusted: People trust us because we have a track record of consistent, high-quality delivery.

Courageous: We are brave, unafraid to challenge and committed to empowering young Londoners to stay safe and happy.

To discuss potential partnerships or to commission our services, please email bd@saferlondon.org.uk

If you’d like us to speak at your event or conference please email communications@saferlondon.org.uk

Information on our services, including criteria and how to make a referral, can be found on our website www.saferlondon.org.uk

For general enquiries please email info@saferlondon.org.uk

About this Report

Report Credits:

Report Design: Safer London
Brand design: Article 10
Images: Safer London/Neck of the Woods Films
Illustrations: Phoenix, Young Londoner
My Hands Now: Asha, Young Londoner
Icons: Flaticon.com

Safer London is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1109444; and a company limited by guarantee No. 5190766. www.saferlondon.org.uk

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Safer London’s financial position at the end of the reporting period

Our income in 2024/25 was £3,514,480 (2023/24: £3,829,949). Our focus this year has been mobilising the London’s Children and Young People’s Violence and Exploitation Service, which commenced in June 2024. This contract accounted for £2,650,411 of income during 2024/25 (2023/24: nil). Work securing this contract in the prior year and work to mobilise the contract in this financial year has impacted on our ability to secure additional income particularly from Trusts and Foundations. Income from Trusts and Foundations in 2024/25 of £81,111 has fallen by £150,781 compared to the prior year. £186,524 of income in 2023/24 related to a children’s support service provided to the NHS, which has now been decommissioned.

Safer London made a deficit of £148,139 in 2024/25 (2023/24: surplus of £196,998). This deficit arose mainly because of the conscious decision taken to use the Charity’s reserves to invest in the direct delivery of services which are not yet fully funded.

Safer London receives occasional donations from individuals or small groups who have raised funds in aid of our work, as well as donations and in-kind assistance from private sector supporters. However, the bulk of our income continues to be derived from public and statutory bodies, including local and central government, trusts and foundations.

Reserves policy

Safer London has a reserves policy specifically to support its aims to hold sufficient reserves to:

enable normal operating activities to continue for a specific period should a shortfall in income occur;
take account of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time, such as when projects overrun or unplanned events occur;
acknowledge that there will be times when the size of the business cannot scale back sufficiently in line with contracts lost, since to do so would result in the loss of key personnel which would in turn limit Safer London’s ability to operate effectively to meet its charitable purpose or grow in the future;
maintain a presence in the sector;
cover any known liabilities such as rental agreements which cannot be immediately scaled back in line with changes to the size of the business; and

Reserves policy cont

The level of reserves as at 31 March 2025, as reported in this annual report and financial statements, was £855,337 (£1,003,476 at 31 March 2024). This amount is unrestricted. Of these reserves, £62,000 has been designated by the Trustees for investment in business innovation during the 2025/26 financial year and £1,649 of the total reserves relate to fixed assets. Free reserves at 31 March 2025 were therefore £791,688 which is within the Reserves Policy’s target range.

Safer London’s ability to continue as a going concern

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these financial statements. The Trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these financial statements.

The Trustees are satisfied that at the time of producing this report sufficient funding has been secured in confirmed contracts for the period to 2 June 2027 to enable the organisation to continue as a going concern.

The budget for 2025/26 shows a budget with a deficit of £117,000 and forecast reserves at 31 March 2026 of £738,000, within the target range. The budget deficit represents continuing investment in the Charity’s delivery of services, whilst we work to seek funding for this valuable work. The Charity’s latest set of management accounts demonstrates that we are materially on track to achieve this.

Investment and treasury management policy

Safer London has an Investment Policy which in summary sets out that the Trustees, taking due account of the liquidity requirements of operating the Charity on a day-to-day basis, will keep most available funds in low-risk bank deposits, despite the poor interest returns on such deposits. This is to preserve healthy cash flow and contingency. The investments aim to preserve the capital value with a minimum level of risk.

The policy does go further and allows higher risk investment, where Safer London has enough investments to spread risk effectively and maintains quick access to a proportion of funds as described above.

ensure an orderly close-down of the business if required.

As a result of the process set out above and acknowledging the challenging external environment and the risks associated with the agreed operation of our key contract, the Board of Trustees believes that a target reserves range of £450,000-£850,000 meets the Charity’s needs.

This policy will remain in place until such time as unrestricted reserves, after appropriate internal investment in the Charity’s future development, reach a level where options offering higher returns – although with associated increase in risk that comes with a broader spread of investment options - can be considered.

Safer London did not hold any investments during the financial year 2024/25.

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Fundraising statement

Safer London will not knowingly apply to, or accept funding from, companies, organisations or individuals who are directly involved in activities that are contrary to our overall aims.

These include companies, organisations or individuals who directly block or actively work against young people both in the UK and overseas; whose activities directly exploit or harm young people; or who directly block or work against the empowerment of young people.

Pay policy for key management personnel and senior staff

The Charity considers its Key Management Personnel during the year to have comprised all Trustees and the following staff.

Chief Executive Officer – Rosemary Watt-Wyness (appointed 12 May 2025)
Chief Executive Officer - Sherrylyn Peck
(resigned 30 June 2024)
Deputy CEO - Katie Mitchell
(and Acting CEO between 1 July 2024 and 11 May 2025)
Head of Safeguarding

We fund our work through services delivered on behalf of statutory agencies and we seek funding for our work from institutional donors and grant-giving trusts. We also advertise opportunities to fundraise in aid of Safer London on our website and social media. Where we receive donations from the public, they are usually processed through accounts with reputable online platforms such as Just Giving.

Safer London makes it clear on our website how complaints can be made about any aspect of our activity. We received no complaints in relation to our fundraising activity this year.

All fundraising is carried out by employees of Safer London. This year we did not employ professional fundraising agencies or any other third parties to fundraise on our behalf.

The Charity complies with the General Data Privacy Regulations and protects individuals’ personal information. We do not solicit individuals via telephone or door to door, we have not bought any data lists, and we never sell our supporters data. We review all relationships with commercial supporters when the relationship is established and on an ongoing basis thereafter. We put in place Commercial Participator agreements where these are required.

The Charity adheres to the standards in compliance with the Code of Fundraising Practice. Fundraising activities are led by the Head of Business Development and are monitored by the wider Senior Leadership Team.

The Trustees are involved in setting the Charity’s approach to raising funds, and regular reporting to the Trustees provides assurance that our activities follow this approach in practice and reflect the Charity’s values.

Head of Quality Practice
Head of Corporate Services
(resigned 31 December 2024)
Head of Finance (from 23 January 2025)
• Head of People (from 2 June 2025)
Head of Business Development
• Interim Chief Operating Officer (from 16 September 2024 until 11 May 2025)

The CEO’s pay is defined on an agreed 5 point pay scale which forms a part of the overall organisational pay and grading structure.

Regular, independent benchmarking of pay bands for charities of a similar size is undertaken alongside a benefits review. The last review took place in April 2024.

Roles are evaluated in line with our Job Evaluation scheme. Job Evaluations are carried out by a panel of senior staff trained as job analysts.

Recruiting and appointing new Charity Trustees

Our Trustees are responsible for setting the strategy and delivery objectives of Safer London. In accordance with the Articles of Association the minimum number of Trustees at any one time is three. There is no maximum number.

Trustees are appointed by resolution of current Trustees. Candidates for Trustee roles go through a robust application, recruitment and selection process. They are also vetted through DBS. Once appointed, new Trustees are given a formal programme of induction which includes safeguarding training aligned with the Charity’s core activities. Further opportunities for training, both internal and external, are provided to each Trustee during their term of office as appropriate.

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Recruiting and appointing new Charity Trustees cont

The Trustees consider that the Board of Trustees, who are the charitable company’s Directors, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) comprise key management personnel of the Charity in charge of directing, controlling, running and operating the Charity on a day-to-day basis.

All Trustees give their time freely and no Trustee received remuneration in the year 2024/25.

Risk management

Safer London issued a Risk Management Policy in 2018 and this was last updated in May 2024. The policy sets out the methodology for assessing and rating risks. It is reviewed every two years.

Safer London has a Risk Management Subgroup which meets at least four times per year. This group is made up of the Deputy CEO, the EA to the CEO and Governance Coordinator, the Head of Quality Practice, the Head of Safeguarding and the Service Delivery Lead. A Trustee is invited to join meetings according to availability. Other managers that are regularly invited include the Head of Business Development and

the Information, Governance & IT Manager (who maintains a separate risk register).

The Risk Management Subgroup reviews current risks and controls and conducts horizon scanning to ensure awareness of potential risks and developments that may impact on the organisation. Where a major incident or business continuity issue occurs, they review the register considering any learning or changes to risk level.

The Risk Management Policy requires that significant new opportunities and previously unforeseen risks are assessed as and when they arise. For each risk identified Safer London looks at existing controls that already seek to reduce the negative effect of the risk (mitigation) or the likelihood of it occurring. In addition, further actions are identified as part of the risk management subgroup. SLT focuses on risk to ensure that we continually seek to mitigate the risks posed to the organisation.

Significant – red - risks (score of 15+) are shared with the Board at each quarterly Board meeting. Red risks are reviewed by the Risk Subgroup at each meeting and recommendations for mitigations shared with SLT. The Corporate Risk Register is reviewed in its entirety by the Risk Subgroup on a regular basis and in its entirety by SLT quarterly.

It is reviewed in full by the Board once a year.

Risk management cont

Examples of key non-financial risks on the register include:

Children, young people and families working with employees working for Safer London experience significant harm or an incident which triggers the Need-to-Know policy, which may result in reputational damage, possible intervention from statutory or regulatory bodies, further operational risk, and the loss of employees due to the emotional impact. [Operational risk]. To help mitigate this risk, Safer London has a number of controls in place including its safeguarding plan, staff training, and established out of hours procedures.

Failure to recruit and retain appropriately skilled staff, which could result in a loss of contracts if not mobilised within the timescale, could increase the costs associated with training staff, result in higher turnover and potential safeguarding risk. [Operational risk]. To help mitigate this risk, Safer London has improved its recruitment procedures, updated its wellbeing policies and resources and regularly reviews the pay and benefits offered to staff.

Failure to comply with legislation/guidance e.g. Charities Act, GDPR/Data Protection Act, Health & Safety, employment legislation which could lead to fines, tribunals, loss of contract, reputational risk. [Compliance risk] To help mitigate this risk, compliance with legislation is embedded in all of Safer London’s applicable policies and a named staff member has responsibility for keeping up to date with legislation in given areas.

Trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also directors of Safer London for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP;
• make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.

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Trustees’ responsibilities cont

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 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.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

None of the Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the Charity. Any connection between a Trustee or key staff member of the Charity and an external funder or provider of goods or services must be disclosed to the full Board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. This is done via an annual declaration of any such transaction as well as in-year disclosures as appropriate.

Statement as to disclosure to our auditors:

Insofar as the Trustees are aware at the time of approving this Trustees’ annual report there is no relevant information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware, and the Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 26th November and signed on their behalf by:

Janine McDowell, Chair.

Safer London is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1109444; and a company limited by guarantee No. 5190766. www.saferlondon.org.uk

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Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Safer London (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and the notes to the financial statements. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended; • have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and • have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

Independent auditor’s report to the Members of Safer London

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

Conclusions relating to 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.Safer London is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1109444; and a company limited by guarantee No. 5190766. www.saferlondon.org.uk

SAFER LONDON 2025

Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report

Impact Report

Trustees’

Report

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

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.

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and financial statements, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report and financial statements. 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.

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

the information given in the Trustees’ report, which is also the directors’ report for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Trustees’ report, which is also the directors’ report for the purposes of company law, has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of Trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

SAFER LONDON 2025

Independent Financial Auditor’s Report Statements

Impact Report

Trustees’ Report

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement, 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.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

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

the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
we obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Charity and determined that the most significant frameworks which are directly relevant to specific assertions in the financial statements are those that relate to the reporting framework (Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011) and those that relate to data protection (General Data Protection Regulation); and

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements cont

identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit

We assessed the susceptibility of the Charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

making enquiries of key management as to where the considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
tested and reviewed journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
tested the authorisation of expenditure, ensuring expenditure was approved in line with the charitable company’s financial procedures;
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and
investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
reviewing the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; and
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.

SAFER LONDON 2025

Impact Trustees’ Independent Financial Report Report Auditor’s Report Statements ~~-— a~~ Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements cont

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/ auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Katharine Patel (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Buzzacott Audit LLP, Statutory Auditor 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

02 December 2025

Safer London is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1109444; and a company limited by guarantee No. 5190766. www.saferlondon.org.uk

Buzzacott Audit LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

SAFER LONDON 2025

safer LONDON Financial statements 34

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||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Impact|Trustees’|Independent|Financial| |Report|Report|Auditor’s Report|Statements| |I|E|E|E| |FINANCIAL|Balance sheet 31 March 2025| |STATEMENTS|Statement of financial activities year to 31 March 2025| |(incorporating the income and expenditure account)| |Notes|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Notes|2025|2025|2024|2024| |funds|funds|funds|funds|funds|funds|£|£|£|£| |£|£|2025|£|£|2024| |£|£| |Fixed assets| |Income from:| |Tangible fixed|9|1,649|4,312| |assets| |Donations and|1|8,405|-|8,405|12,827|-|12,827| |legacies|Current assets| |Charitable|2|2,660,511|845,564|3,506,075|209,260|3,607,862|3,817,122|Debtors|10|764,823|435,381| |activities| |Cash at bank| |437,566|896,867| |and in hand| |Total income|2,668,916|845,564|3,514,480|222,087|3,607,862|3,829,949| |1,202,389|1,332,248| |Expenditure on:| |Liabilities| |Raising funds|3,4|134,883|18,612|153,495|25,089|78,278|103,367|Creditors:| |amounts falling|11|(348,701)|(333,084)| |due within one| |Charitableactivities|3.4|2,682,172|826,952|3,509,124|-|3,529,584|3,529,584|year| |Net current| |Total|853,688|999,164| |2,817,055|845,564|3,662,619|25,089|3,607,862|3,632,951|assets| |expenditure| |Total net| |855,337|1,003,476| |assets| |Net| |(expenditure)| |income and|(148,139)|-|(148,139)|196,998|-|196,998|The funds of the Charity| |net| |movement|Restricted|12|-|-| |funds| |in funds| |Unrestricted| |12|855,337|1,003,476| |Reconciliation of funds:|funds| |855,337|1,003,476| |Funds brought| |forward at 1|12|1,003,476|-|1,003,476|806,478|-|806,478| |April 2024| |The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying| |Funds carried| |forward at 31|12|855,337|-|855,337|1,003,476|-|1,003,476|with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting| |March 2025| |records and preparation of financial statements.| |Oo|

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The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

All income and expenditure derives from continuing operations.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 39 to 43 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees of Safer London, Company Registration Number 05190766 (England and Wales), and signed on their behalf by:

Janine McDowell

Chair Approved on: 26th November 2025

SAFER LONDON 2025

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes
2025
£
2024
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities
A
(459,301)
170,004
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents
(459,301)
170,004
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2024
B
896,867
726,863
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025
B
437,566
896,867
Notes to the statement of cash flows for the year to
31 March 2025
B. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2025
£
2024
£
Cash at bank and in hand
437,566
896,867
Total cash and cash equivalents
437,566
896,867
C. Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1 April 2024
£
Cash flows
£
At 31 March 2025
£
Cash at bank and in hand
896,867
(459,301)
437,566
Total
896,867
(459,301)
437,566
2025
£
2024
£
Net (expenditure) income for the period (as per statement
of financial activities)
(148,139)
196,998
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
2,663
9,172
(Increase) decrease in debtors
(329,442)
392,118
Increase (decrease) in creditors
15,617
(428,284)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(459,301)
170,004
A. Reconciliation of net movements in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
Principal accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key
sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial
statements are laid out below.
Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared for the year to 31
March 2025 with comparative information provided in respect to
the year to 31 March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical
cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value
unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below
or the notes to these financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of
Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their
financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of
Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the
Companies Act 2006.
The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are presented in sterling and are rounded
to the nearest pound.
Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment
Preparation of the financial statements requires the Trustees and
management to make significant judgements and estimates. The
key items in the financial statements where these judgements and
estimates have been made comprise:
•
determining the basis for allocating support costs;
•
assessing the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern
(see below).
Going concern
The Trustees have assessed the use of going concern and
have considered possible events or conditions that might cast
significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a
going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a
period of at least one year from the date of the approval of these
financial statements.
Statement of cash flows Year 31 March 2025
Impact
Report
Trustees’
Report
Independent
Auditor’s Report
Financial
Statements
~~lee~~

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are laid out below.

These financial statements have been prepared for the year to 31 March 2025 with comparative information provided in respect to the year to 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.

Preparation of the financial statements requires the Trustees and management to make significant judgements and estimates. The key items in the financial statements where these judgements and estimates have been made comprise:

assessing the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern

The Trustees have assessed the use of going concern and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of the approval of these financial statements.

The Trustees are satisfied that at the time of producing this report sufficient funding has been secured in confirmed contracts for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 to enable the organisation to continue as a going concern for the period of 12 months from the date of the approval of the financial statements.

A statement of net debt has not been presented above as the Charity held no debt during the year.

SAFER LONDON 2025

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Going concern cont

If unable to secure additional funding the organisation will undergo a slimming-down so as to reduce its fixed costs in order to remain able to deliver to budget. Scenario analysis demonstrates that the Charity is able to do this, maintaining reserves within the target range and cash above £180k for the next 12 months.

The budget for 2025/26 shows a deficit of £117,000 representing further investment in Safer London’s services. Forecast reserves at 31 March 2026 are £738,000, which are within the range set by the Trustees. The Charity’s latest set of management accounts show they are on track to achieve this.

Safer London is seeking to diversify its income to reduce the reliance on its main funder, and to enable it to build on its existing reach.

The Trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Support costs are those that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include, HR support, IT infrastructure and support, governance costs and administration.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity’s objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

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

Income from grants and contracts are recognised at fair value when the Charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and there are no unfulfilled conditions. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.

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

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure associated with generating fundraised income, as well as any associated support costs.

Termination benefits, included redundancy costs, are recognised when the Charity has the obligation to pay the benefits and they can be measured reliably. All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Taxation

The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Safer London is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1109444; and a company limited by guarantee No. 5190766. www.saferlondon.org.uk

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £2,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

At each reporting date the Charity assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements - Over the life of the lease
• Fixtures and fittings - 33%
• Computer equipment - 33%

Debtors

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

Cash at bank and in hand

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

Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Liabilities and provisions cont

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

Financial instruments

The Charity holds only basic financial instruments. The financial assets and liabilities of the Charity are as follows:

Financial assets - Trade and other debtors (including accrued income) are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 10. Prepayments are not financial instruments.

Cash at bank - is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value, as presented on the balance sheet.

Financial liabilities - Trade creditors, other creditors and accruals are basic financial instruments and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 11. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver charitable services rather than cash or another financial instrument.

Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Pensions

When employees have rendered service to the Charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for the service.

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme, and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors, or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

SAFER LONDON 2025

Independent Financial Auditor’s Report Statements

Impact Trustees’ Report Report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025

1. Income from donations and grants

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total funds| |funds|funds|2025| |£|£|£| |-| |Donations|8,405|8,405| |Grants|-|-|-| |-| |8,405|8,405| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total funds| |funds|funds|2024| |£|£|£| |-| |Donations|12,827|12,827| |Grants|-|-|-| |-| |12,827|12,827| |2. Income from charitable activities – by type| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total funds| |funds|funds|2025| |£|£|£| |People|2,278,810|724,252|3,003,062| |Peers|241,347|76,705|318,052| |Places|140,354|44,607|184,961| |2,660,511|845,564|3,506,075| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total funds| |funds|funds|2024| |£|£|£| |People|162,286|2,797,984|2,960,270| |Peers|35,280|608,266|643,546| |Places|11,694|201,613|213,306| |209,260|3,607,862|3,817,122|

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Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 cont

3. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities – by fund

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total funds| |funds|funds|2025| |£|£|£| |Raising funds|134,883|18,612|153,495| |Support and Out-reach|2,682,172|826,952|3,509,124| |2,817,055|845,564|3,662,619| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total funds| |funds|funds|2024| |£|£|£| |Raising funds|25,089|78,278|103,367| |-| |Support and Out-reach|3,529,584|3,529,584| |25,089|3,607,862|3,632,951|

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4. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities – by type

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |Activities|Support|Total funds| |undertaken|Costs|2025| |directly|£|£| |£| |Raising funds|120,588|32,907|153,495| |Support and Out-reach|2,745,162|763,962|3,509,124| |2,865,750|796,869|3,662,619| |Activities|Support|Total funds| |undertaken|Costs|2024| |directly|£|£| |£| |Raising funds|74,973|28,394|103,367| |Support and Out-reach|2,647,851|881,733|3,529,584| |2,722,824|910,127|3,632,951| |5. Analysis of direct costs| |Total|Total| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Direct staff costs|2,613,673|2,338,376| |Direct costs of support and out-reach|165,959|287,212| |Staff and volunteer travel and subsistence|17,578|30,201| |Fundraising and publicity|50,885|43,547| |Staff training|17,655|23,488| |2,865,750|2,722,824|

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SAFER LONDON 2025

C Impact Trustees’ Independent Financial Report Report Auditor’s Report Statements ft ~~Eee~~ FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 cont cont

Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 cont

6. Analysis of support costs

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|||| |---|---|---| |Total|Total| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Support staff costs|282,788|297,139| |Depreciation|2,663|9,172| |Rent, rates and service charges|120,280|156,122| |Other building costs|13,115|35,087| |Professional fees (including IT and accounting support)|46,081|139,914| |Insurance|9,660|8,249| |Finance & IT support|71,888|80,653| |HR support, recruitment and training|77,639|64,031| |Hospitality|1,191|1,157| |Office, computer and website costs|99,174|80,055| |Governance costs (see note 7)|72,390|38,548| |796,869|910,127| |7. Governance costs| |Total|Total| |funds|funds| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Auditors’ remuneration – audit of the financial statements|22,680|15,235| |Auditors’ remuneration – other services|3,888|6,095| |Legal fees|45,822|17,218| |72,390|38,548| |8. Staff costs| |Total|Total| |funds|funds| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Wages and salaries|2,574,897|2,341,369| |Social security costs|257,922|232,345| |Pension costs|63,642|61,801| |2,896,461|2,635,515|

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Included within staff costs are £127,501 of termination costs and settlements (2024: nil). These costs have been included within direct costs and there were no amounts outstanding at the year end.

The average number of persons, calculated on a headcount basis, employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Total Total 2025 No. 2024 No.

8. Staff costs cont

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

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|||| |---|---|---| |Total|Total| |2025 No.|2024 No.| |£60,001 - £70,000|2|2| |£90,001 - £100,000|-|1| |£110,001 - £120,000|1|-|

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During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - none). During the year, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - none).

The total amount of employee benefits (including employer pension contributions and employer national insurance contributions) received by Key Management Personnel for the year was £622,881 (2024 - £560,280).

The Charity considers its Key Management Personnel during the year to have comprised all Trustees and the following staff:

Chief Executive Officer (to 30 June 2024)
Deputy CEO and Acting CEO (from 1 July 2024)
Head of Safeguarding
Head of Quality Practice
Head of Corporate Services (to 31 December 2024)
Head of Finance (from 23 January 2025)
Head of Business Development
Directors of Practice
Interim COO (from 16 September 2024)

9. Tangible fixed assets

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|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |Short leasehold|Furniture|Computer|Total| |improvements|and|equipment|£| |£|equipment|£| |£| |Cost| |At 1 April 2024|55,206|42,593|121,253|219,052| |Disposals|(55,206)|(42,593)|(100,905)|(198,704)| |-|-| |At 31 March 2025|20,348|20,348| |Depreciation| |At 1 April 2024|54,084|42,593|118,063|214,740| |Eliminated on| |(55,206)|(42,593)|(100,905)|(198,704)| |disposal| |-| |Charge for the year|1,122|1,541|2,663| |At 31 March 2025|18,699|18,699| |Net book values| |-|-| |At 31 March 2025|1,649|1,649| |-| |At 31 March 2024|1,122|3,190|4,312|

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SAFER LONDON 2025

Projects, fundraising and management 69 63

Impact Trustees’ Independent Financial Report Report Auditor’s Report Statements S ~~S lee~~ Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 cont cont

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Statement of funds

10. Debtors

2024/2025

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|||| |---|---|---| |Total|Total| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Trade debtors|430,581|2,500| |Prepayments and accrued income|313,082|432,881| |-| |Other debtors|21,160| |764,823|435,381| |11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year| |Total|Total| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Trade creditors|38,279|154,863| |Other creditors|205,331| |Other taxation and social security|59,092|48,653| |Accruals and deferred income|45,999|129,568| |348,701|333,084| |Deferred income (included above)| |Total|Total| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Deferred income at 1 April|65,611|291,486| |Resources deferred during the year|7,500|65,611| |Amounts released from previous periods|(65,611)|(291,486)| |Deferred income at 31 March|7,500|65,611|

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||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Balance at|Income|Expenditure|Transfers|Balance at 31| |1 April|£|£|In/Out|March 2025| |2024|£|£| |£| |Unrestricted funds| |General funds|1,003,476|2,668,916|(2,817,055)|(62,000)|793,337| |Designated funds – Business|-|-|-| |62,000|62,000| |development| |-| |Total unrestricted funds|1,003,476|2,668,916|(2,817,055)|855,337| |Restricted funds|-|-| |MOPAC Victim’s Fund|-|98,730|(98,730)|-|-| |Help for Children Fund|-|48,487|(48,487)|-|-| |MOPAC Children Affected by|-|-|-| |392,152|(392,152)| |Violence| |MOPAC Rescue & Response|-|-|-| |46,971|(46,971)| |(Initial Contract)| |MOPAC Pan London Housing|-|-|-| |85,000|(85,000)| |Reciprocal| |Ministry of Justice via MOPAC|-|141,600|(141,600)|-|-| |The Barrow Cadbury Grant|-|32,624|(32,624)|-|-| |Total restricted funds|-|845,564|(845,564)|-|-| |-| |Total funds|1,003,476|3,514,480|(3,662,619)|855,337|

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Income has been deferred in respect of grants and contracts relating to the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.

SAFER LONDON 2025

Impact Trustees’ Independent Financial Report Report Auditor’s Report Statements S ~~S lee~~ FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 cont cont

Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 cont

12. Statement of funds cont

2023/2024

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||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Balance at|Income|Expenditure|Transfers|Balance at 31| |1 April|£|£|In/Out|March 2024| |2023|£|£| |£| |Unrestricted funds| |-| |General funds|806,478|222,087|(25,089)|1,003,476| |-|-| |Restricted funds| |-|-|-| |MOPAC Victim’s Fund|552,000|(552,000)| |-|-|-|-|-| |Paul Hamlyn Foundation| |City Bridge Trust|-|76,700|(76,700)|-|-| |Help for Children Fund|-|30,000|(30,000)|-|-| |Esmee Fairbairn (New)|-|76,330|(76,330)|-|-| |MOPAC Children Affected by|-|-|-| |2,188,761|(2,188,761)| |Violence| |MOPAC Rescue & Response|-|261,344|(261,344)|-|-| |(Initial Contract)| |MOPAC Pan London Housing|-|-|-| |255,000|(255,000)| |Reciprocal| |Ministry of Justice via MOPAC|-|141,600|(141,600)|-|-| |Standing Together Against| |-|-|-| |Domestic Abuse - Whole|11,250|(11,250)| |Housing Association| |The Barrow Cadbury Grant|-|2,376|(2,376)|-|-| |-|-|-| |Ofsted Peer Research|12,500|(12,500)| |-|-|-| |Total restricted funds|3,607,862|(3,607,862)| |-| |Total funds|806,478|3,829,949|(3,632,951)|1,003,476|

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12. Statement of funds cont

a) Restricted funds

Restricted funds enable us to deliver charitable activities that contribute to achieving the aims of our 5-year strategy. We have continued to reflect our 3 key strategic themes in how we deliver our work and structure our workforce.

We provide trusted, individual, relational support to ensure more young Londoners will feel safer, be safer, and have positive futures. Our team of skilled and experienced support workers deliver one on one support to young Londoners and their families, who are impacted by violence and exploitation in the community. Our support is centred around trusted relationships. our staff are relatable and credible. They work with young Londoners and the people important in their lives to deliver high quality, innovative and evidence-based support.

Through peer-group programmes in education settings and communities we support and empower young Londoners to speak up, recognise, acknowledge, and call-out unacceptable behaviours. These programmes aim to change norms and accepted behaviours within a group context. This work is informed by bystander theory to build oung Londoners’ confidence and skills to challenge their peers, professionals, communities and decision makers.

To make sure that the places and spaces where young Londoners spend their time are safe and positive we are developing our work directly in and with communities. During the past year this has included our housing advocacy and support provided via the Pan-London Housing Reciprocal as well as place-based interventions that draw on our knowledge of contextual safeguarding to improve the safety of young Londoners in their own home and neighbourhood.

In order to achieve our strategic aims, restricted funds also support a number of specific projects aligned to our 6 strategic enablers. These include, for example, projects to analyse and better understand our data, to research and evaluate the impact of our programmes, and to enhance the way that we communicate about our work with the public. Other key enablers ensure that young Londoners have a strong and prominent voice in influencing and shaping how we deliver our services; and developing an equity, diversity, and inclusion plan that will ensure that all our services are accessible to any young Londoners that need them.

b) Unrestricted funds

c) Designated funds

The Trustees agreed to designate £62,000 of the year end reserves at 31 March 2025 for business innovation.

SAFER LONDON 2025

Impact Trustees’ Independent Financial Report Report Auditor’s Report Statements ~~lee~~ Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 cont cont

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements Year to 31 March 2025 cont

13 Analysis of net assets between funds

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total funds| |funds 2025|funds 2025|2025| |£|£|£| |-| |Tangible fixed assets|1,649|1,649| |Current assets|1,183,389|19,000|1,202,389| |Creditors due within one year|(329,701)|(19,000)|(348,701)| |-| |Total|855,337|855,337| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total funds| |funds 2024|funds 2024|2024| |£|£|£| |Tangible fixed assets|4,312|-|4,312| |Current assets|1,332,248|-|1,332,248| |-| |Creditors due within one year|(333,084)|(333,084)| |-| |Total|1,003,476|1,003,476|

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17 Agency relationship

Safer London acts as the banker Charity in the arrangement with MOPAC which involves three other partners and under which the Charity receives and pays out funding from MOPAC, acting as an agent. This arragement began in the year ended 31 March 2025. During the year, Safer London received £2,048,745 of funds as agent and £2,048,745 of funds were paid out to the other partner charities under this arrangement. No funds are held as agent as at the balance sheet date.

14. Pension commitments

The charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised in respect of employer contributions payable as an expense in the period was £63,642 (2024: £61,801).

The defined contribution liability is allocated to unrestricted funds and is split between direct and support costs.

15. Operating lease commitments

At 31 March 2025 the charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non- cancellable operating leases as follows:

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|||| |---|---|---| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Not later than 1 year|89,976|115,355| |-| |Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years|27,200| |117,176|115,355| |The following lease payments have been recognised as an expense in the statement of| |financial activities:| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Operating lease rentals|131,476|113,731|

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The following lease payments have been recognised as an expense in the statement of financial activities:

16. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year.

During the prior year, ended 31 March 2024, the Charity made payments of £6,000 to the husband of the Head of Corporate Services for the disposal of office equipment and rubbish. There was a balance of £Nil outstanding at 31 March 2025 in respect of these transactions. There were no other related party transactions during that year.

SAFER LONDON 2025

43 |

Growing Through the Cracks Safer London Annual Trustees’ Report, Accounts and Financial Review 2024 | 2025

2025-03-31-accounts

Growing Through the Cracks

Growing Through the Cracks

Annual Trustees’ Report, Accounts and Financial Review 2024 | 2025

Contents

Growing Through the Cracks Impact Report 2024 - 2025

My Hands Now

Growing through the Cracks

1/2

I feel like I am a stronger person.

What We Do Ds

What Makes Us Different

Long-term support

Community-based approach

Specialist services

Relationship-led practice

Collaborative working

Voice-informed approaches and solutions

Our year at a glance

Last year, we reached hundreds of young Londoners.

500

Services and Support

Who We Worked With hss

71% of the people we worked with were under 18

We worked with almost equal numbers of young women and young men

1 in 4 children and young people we worked with had a formal SEND diagnosis

Service Spotlight: Neurodivergent young Londoners

19,125

Kieran's Story Creating Calm in Chaos ~~7~~

1/2

Service Spotlight: Positive Relationships and Sexual Behaviours

Ryan's Story ~~-~~ Building Trust and Understanding

Service Spotlight: Families - parents & carers

Amina's Story ~~-~~ Building Hope in Hardship

Service Spotlight: Girls & Young Women

Cassie's Story ; From Fear to Hope

Youth Voice and Participation

23

70+

Safer London VIP

Programme Spotlight: The Safer London VIPs

16

Anderson's Story ~~~~~ Sonder and the Power of Empathy

Who Cares?

Nobody acknowledged what was going on with my son.

Project Spotlight: a See Beyond

What we did:

1500

64

Looking Back and Looking Forward

Looking to the Future

Join Us in Driving Change

Supporter Spotlight

Support us in creating safety and hope

Acknowledgments and thanks

Supporters and funders

Partners and collaborators

Reference and Administrative Information

Safer London Trustees 2024- 2025

Registered office

Auditors

About Safer London

Our Values

Get In Touch

About this Report

Safer London’s financial position at the end of the reporting period

Reserves policy

Reserves policy cont

Safer London’s ability to continue as a going concern

Investment and treasury management policy

Fundraising statement

Pay policy for key management personnel and senior staff

Recruiting and appointing new Charity Trustees

Recruiting and appointing new Charity Trustees cont

Risk management

Risk management cont

Trustees’ responsibilities

Trustees’ responsibilities cont

Statement as to disclosure to our auditors:

Opinion

Kieran's Story Creating Calm in Chaos 7

Ryan's Story - Building Trust and Understanding

Amina's Story - Building Hope in Hardship