Charity Number.. 1122969 Company Number.. 06431269 Northurnberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Unaudited Trustees, Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd la company limited by guarantee) Contents Page Chair's Executive Statement Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiner's Report 10 Statement of Financial Actwities Balance Sheet 12 Cashflow Statement 13 Notes to FinanGial Statements 14-23
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Chair's Executive Statement For the year ended 31 March 2024 Hello and Welcome Set up in 2003. NDAS celebrated its many achievements in June 2023 with supporters and professionals from all areas of the county. It was a chance to acknowledge the many dedicated staff, Trustees and volunteers who have contributed to making NDAS the well-respected and successful service it is today, helping people who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse in Northumberland. This year, we have welcomed a number of new Trustees to the Board and will be undertaking some training to build on the Board's strengths and understanding, and identify areas where we need more expertise. We have introduced a Finance Committee and have transferred funds and resetves to Flagstone, where we can easily move money. protected by the FSCS and earning a reasonable interest. As a responsible charity we are aware that income is primarily to enable us to support our beneficiaries, but we also have a responsibility to our staff and our creditors in the unfortunate scenario where the charity has to close. NDAS aims to have unrestricted funds to cover a maximum of 6 months running costs. Personally, I would like to express my thanks to Jill Mindham-walker for Chairing the charity so ably for a number of years, and to the staff and Trustees who have made me feel welcomed since the last AGM. We would like to thank our funders who enable NDAS to do such vital work. Thank you, too, on behalf of those people who are often afraid to acknowledge our support. Helen Milner MBE Chair
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd {a company limited by guarantee) Trustee Report For the year ended 31 March 2024 Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS) originally established by local women as 608030 has existed for over 20 years. We are a local, grass-roots Gharity, set up in 2003 to meet a local need that unfortunately is growing and still under-reported. The Lloyds Bank Foundation published a report called The Value of Small in February 2021 which found that: Small and mèdium-sized charities were a vital and distinctive component of the social and economic fabric of communities across England and Wales Small and local charities, distinctiveness in who they support, how they carry out their work, and the role they play in their communities makes them best placed to respond They reach and support disadvantaged people and communities that tend to be less well served by mainstream provision At NDAS victimslsurvivors are supported by local workers who know the area, know the communities and understand the local issues specific to that area. The service has been developed Dver the years by these local specialists based on feedback from clients and our in-depth understanding of victimslsurvivors of domestic abuse, their changing needs and the rural environment. We are well known across the county and word-of-mouth referrals are a mainstay of our support. People recognise our number and see our stickers on local noticeboards, the backs of toilet doors, and have heard of our support. Vision and activities Our vision is that all victims of domestic abuse in Northumberland, and their children, will be protected,- Survivors empowered. and cornmunities educated on the diversity and impact of domestic abuse. Our values: Welcoming We welcome you. whoever you are. Believing and Accepting We believe you, accept you and will notjudge you. We are inclusive and do not discriminate. Understanding We understand what you are experiencing. OLtr staff are here to listen and help. Protecting We will make sure you stay safe and will help you to make plans to ensure your safety. Empowering We will help you to find your voice and gain confidence and independence. United Working with you, and with olherlocal partner organisations, we will find the right support. NDAS is able to deliver setvices because of the funding received through charitable grant giving and from statutory bodies. Whilst receiving £124k (2022123) and £105k (2023124} of funding through statutory sources, NDAS secured £200k (20221231 and £279k120231241 of funding for domestic abuse services from grant funders bringing significant additional funds into the county of Northumbertand. It is also worth noting that during the period of the statutory funding inflation has at times reached 10 % however there is no inflationary increase attached to statutory grant funding which over time pays for less and less, with NDAS picking up the shortfall. As an example. based on a 4 % annual increase on a £50k award for services, after 3 years the cost is now £56k.
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guaranteè) Trustee Report For the year ended 31 March 2024 FUNDING 202212023 FUNDING 2023 /2024 -Local Gront ". unders StGtutory Fund¢ig NCC S1atutory Funding PCC P N2tional Grait Fu.Iders - Local Grant F¥Trder5 £ Staturory FLIDdinr NCC StatLtOP¢ Fur..&inc PCC National GraTr.t Fund=r: £25k £6(lK. 16% £49k 15% £53L 14% £175k £75k 23% £52K Of the population of Northumberland 50 % live in the rural areas which account for 970/D of the county, with the other 50 % living in urban areas which only account for 3 % of the county. This means we have a huge rural population living in remote and hard to access areas, as well as a densely inhabited Ltrban population. NDAS prides itself in reaching into rural areas in order to raise awareness, identifying and removing barriers to ensure support is available to isolated and marginalised victims. During 2023-24, of all NDAS referrals, 44 % were in the southeast, with 560/0 of referrals from the rural areas in the west and north of the county. an increase when compared wth 53 % during 2022-23 in the west and north. During the same period, 37% of self-referrals were from the southeast and 63 % were received from rural areas. Again, an increase in referrals from rural areas which accounted for 58 /0 during 2022-23. Working into rural and isolated areas can be particularly challenging. Communities can be tight knit whilst being widely dispersed, making it difficult for those affected by domestic abuse to access support. We have learnt that to reach rural communities our outreach work has to be continuous. It is no good going to an area, distributing information and speaking to local seNices and people once, we have to keep going back and promoting our services, how people access them and increasing awareness of domestic abuse on an ongoing basis. We have operated a hub and spoke system across rural areas establishing the Domestic Abuse Practitioners (DAP) within community settings, such as Family Hubs and other community venues, and making use of their resources, such as Wi-fi and access to other seNices, so that clients in rural areas can meet with their Domestic Abuse Practitioner (DAP) close to, as well as in, their homes. Face to face work is essential in enabling DAPS to assess the safety of a client's home environment particularly considering the proximity of the perpetrator, the welfare of any children, the quality of, and access to, support nebNorks for clierlts, and their physical and mental wellbeing. It is essential that we visit the client and the family so we can visually assess physical and emotional needs. and the wellbeing of everyone in the household. Perpetrators may be influencing the client, for example, by being present during phone call contact. All of these cannot be satisfactorily assessed on a remote basis and so we are committed to ensuring all are offered face-to- face support throughout the relationship with a DAP. Over this year we have supported 548 adult victims of domestic abuse, an increase of 26 % on the previous year. Our self-referral numbers are 630/0 of our referrals, a slight increase on 610/0 in the previous year, which demonstrates how well NDAS and our services are known throughout the county.
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Serdices Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Trustee Report For the year ended 31 March 2024 Demand for our services is increasing and continues to be grealer than supply of services however we respond immediately with our Initial Response Team conducting risk assessments and safety planning, including actioning priorities such as housing applications, on that first phone call and staying in regular contact with the victim until a DAP is allocated. The period a client waits for face-to-face support is about one to two weeks, and during this time they receive telephone support from the specialist Initial Response Team which ensures victims receive support from their first cry for help. As a small charitable organisation, we have the'flexibility to react and adapt quickly to the needs of victims of abuse and respond to emerging trends. The full NDAS team and some trustees have completed 'Trauma Informed, training to ensure all of our ServIS are able to recognise when someone is affected by trauma. to take account of and adjust the way we respond to ensure our interventions both support recovery and does no further harm. Our work over time with victimslsurvivors seeks to increase confidence and self*steem that recognises and increases personal resilience. NDAS provides: Initial Response - a friendly active listener, with a welcoming voice, that believes and understands. A risk assessment is undertaken, an individual safety and support plan agreed and regular contact continues from this point. We receive over200 calls each month from both professionals asking for advice and guidance, as well as victims asking for our support. Despite not all calls leading to referrals this is still valuablework as we can give irnmediate advice and signposting to supportvictims of domesticabuse. Some may not be at the point where they want to engage fully and may call back again weeks or months later. Practical and Emotional Support- DAPS provide one-to-one support over a 12-week period addressing all the issues identified by the client in the areas of Safety, Accommodation, Support Networks. Legal Issues, Health and Well-being, Money, Children, Work and Learning, Empowerment and Self-esteem. Standing Together Against Domestic Abu5elHome Office - funded a 12-month pilot (July 2023-July 2024) tasked withjoining up health and domestic abuse servicesto improve referral pathways and ensure older adult victimslsurvivors receive the support they need, with a focus on reaching rural and isolated communities. The number of older adults155+) supported during 2023-24 for the North and West is 42,. with 90 older adults supported across the county. This compares with 66 older adults for the previous year a 50 10 increase. Adult Edu¢ationlTraining Victimslsurvivors are also able to attend our specialist domestic abuse programmes e.g. The Freedom Programme, Freedom Forever, The Recovery Toolkit. These programmes enable victimslsuNivors who often see themselves as frauds. to understand domestic abuse in all of its guises, to recognise their own experiences and to develop skills and confidence to develop the resilience they need to plan for a future free of abuse. Specialist Supportfor Children and Young People affected by DA-We have a dear offerfor children and young people, recognised as victims in their own right under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Our current offer includes counselling for the children and young people of our clients. In addition, interventions are provided by our Team Manager who is a trained Social Worker for individual and sibling groups, covering areas such as feelings. relationships etc. Prevention Work Our Prevention Practitioner delivers healthylunhealthy relationship sessions in schools and youth groups across the county,- most recently working with schools lo respond to increasing incidence of misogyny. Training and awareness we run a series of traininglawareness sessions for professionals and community groups across the county to help them identifyvictims and referthem on to specialist services. Most recently we have developed a specific offer for health services promoting the issue of older adults affected by domestic abuse, the signs and flags to look outfor and publicising the NDAS service for older adults.
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Trustee Report For the year ended 31 March 2024 Building on numbers from 2022123 we have seen an increase this year of 260/0 giving a total of 548 new adult clients supported. In total we received referrals of 590 adultvictims. which includes some duplicates who were referred from more than one source. Age Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Cumulative Total 12 ears and under 12 ears and under 13to17 ears 18to24 25to34 35to44 45to54 55to64 65to74 ears 75 ears and over Not stated ears 17 43 50 31 14 12 34 41 36 10 37 41 lg q6 ears 35 36 25 14 149 168 111 63 22 ears ears ears 21 142 26 590 Total: 166 151 131 Of the 590, 46 were male. 515 female and 29 not-stated. A total of 324 clients told us they had a disability, and the ethnicity of our clients continues to reflect that of Northumberland as a whole, predominantly whitelBrilish. DomesticAbuse includes all kinds ofdamaging behaviour, not always physical violence.. emotional, psychological. sexual, economical. stalking and harassment, and coercive and controlling behaviour. The main issue for victims is their lack of control and not being allowed to make decisions over many aspects of their lives. Victims face multiple issues, often have no money they can access, risk losing their homes and even their children. The main changes we aim to achieve with our work wth adult victims of domestic abuse are.. 1. Victims of domestic abuse will feel safe, in control of their lives and able to make choices 2. Victims of domestic abuse will have better relationships with family and friends 3. Victims of domestic abuse will have improved self-esteem and Confidence During the support period we use the Empowerment Star with clients to demonstrate the impact of our work and what has been achieved by that client, with scores generally increasing on average in all of the aroas. Below is the breakdown of the changes experienced by our clients in each ofthese nine key areas overthe course of their support from us. For victims of domestic abuse. no deterioration in these nine areas also counts as a positive as they are often in a worsening situation when they finally ask for our help. Based on this the no changelim rovement scores are: Accommodation Children Em owerment and Self-esteem Health and well-bein al Issues Mone Safe 87% 94% 85% 87/0 87% 820/, 87% 750/, ort Networks Work and Learnin
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd la company limited by guarantee) Trustees, Report (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Gase study." December 2023 Rural West The Glient was referred to NDAS by a Social Prescriber from her GP surgery in 2023. The client disclosed she was in a physical and emotionally abusive relationship and the police had recently been called for a physical assault. The client disclosed she has been in a relationship with hergirlfriend (the Alleged Perpetrator) for 6 months on and off, the client was unaware at the start of the relationship that the AP heavily used drugs and alcohol, alongside how violent they were. After this altercation the AP started threatening the client daily, and turning up to the client's home which she shared with her son. this led to the AP being arrested for harassment. bail conditions were placed Dn AP. A Risk Identification Checklist was completed in which the client was 8ssèssed as a medium nsk scoring 10. The client requested telephone support from the DAP as she was living belweerl family addresses, she did not wish to ren7ain in her house as she was fearful of AP. The DAP provided a supporting letter in order to improve her banding so she could move house. Once the client was offered a property, the DAP contacted tenancy support in order to help the client access white goods. NDAS were also able to support the client to get carpets for the property. The client advised that this support made it easier for her to settle into her new home in a new area. It also made a difference to her son Lvho was not walking on bare floors. The DAP also arranged for a ring doorbell to be installed outside the property es an extra precautionary measure. The DAP made a referral to obtain a Non-molestation Order, in order to protect the client frofft further contad with AP. Whilst this application was being processed the police made a further arrest of AP for ongoing harassment. Police inform&d client that she would proceed with Ihis charge and take it to court. The DAP provided education about the court system to prepare client. The Gase was heard in court, and AP pleaded guilty to harassment receiving a sentence of 15 vveeks behaviour rehfjbilitations, a fine. the court cost covers and was served with a Restraining Order. The client has now been able to go back to work and is starting to move fomard with her life, as she finally feels safe to do so. The client was closed down from support after 17 weeks due to extended support around moving properties and the court case. Coercive Controlling Behaviour ICCB) is the most prevalent issue among our clients, who struggle to share the nature of their experiences and often do not recognise it as a form of abuse. Professor Jane Monkton Smith, University of Gloucestershire, has produced a significant body of research that highlights that coercivelcontrolling patterns of behaviour are more important indicators of risk than violence. At NDAS we are looking at how this research can inform our services and interactions with victims. Despite seemingly low risk assessments, there is a clear potential for escalation if education and support around CCB are not provided by NDAS. It is crucial to implement intetventions aimed at helping individuals identify boundaries and understand the dynamics of coercive control to prevent further harm. We have fed this back to The Office of The Police and Crime Commissioner Northumbria IOPCCN) as part of their feedback to the Poli and we continue to recommend to victims that they log all abuse with the p.olice. In the Family Court system, we are finding that victims of domestic abuse are being let down as courts overlook post-separation abuse as a serious issue. Instead of recognising the dangers, courts often insist contact with children through Facetime, which victims perceive as a violation of their privacy and a means of allowing the perpetrator back into their lives. Clients express feeling continued control as they are required to adhere to specific schedules around this, enhancing their sense of vulnerability. Additionally, courts push for co-parenting arrangements, disregarding the power dynamics and fear that the dominant parent instils in the other, leaving them voiceless and fearful of repercussions if they assert themselves. Again, this is fed back to the OPCCN and we are therefore delighted to hear that PCC'S across the country have been workingjointly to produce training for Family Courts and we welcome its introduction.
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Trustees, Report (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Financial abuse remains a significant issue across Northumberland, with rising living costs making it difficult for victims to escape abusive situations. Many victims lack the financial resources to start anew, particularly as they often have no access to funds or assets. The limited availability of social housing and affordable private rental options add to reduced choice and opportunity to move to safety. Despite government funding 'Emergency Flexible Fund. intended to provide flexibility for such situations. the resources are quickly depleted, leaving many victims unable to access assistance as the funding gates close before their applications can be considered. The Cost of Living Crisis continues to cause financial hardship for the people we support. This has resulted in DAP'S having to spend more time applying for financial assistance through grants, food banks. and hygiene banks, as well as requesting utility support. We have raised funds to enable us to provide carpets and other necessary items for our clients when they are setting up new homes which has been gratefully received. Office Refurbishment We were lucky to enlist the support of Elliott Architects, based in Hexham who created re-design plans pro bono for our office building. The designs create more fit-for-purpose space for clients, the team and support delivery of OLrr services. We are delighted to report, having secured the support of a range of funders including Northumberland Councillors, that the refurbishment is now undenmay. With limited direct lighling, our original rooms were dark and unwelcoming. The changes will create a modern working environment with new desks. task lighting and storage for the service delivery team. enabling independent work whilst retaining access to advice, guidance and support from colleagues when needed. The merging of Iwo smaller rooms will provide a larger and more useful space for one to one counselling work, client sessions and the delivery of our group recovery programmes and enabling Board meetings and staff training to be held in our own building. Summary It has been another successful year for NDAS where we increased both the depth, and also the breadth of our service delivery. We have developed significant in-roads into the rural west and north of Northumberland, as demonstrated by our high self-referral numbers in these areas, whilst also developing the breadth of services we offer. Specifically. the development of specialisms in supporting older adult victims of domestic abuse, and our prevention work in schools. youth groups and small groups identified by professionals as at risk of becoming victimslperpetrators. As the earlier pie charts demonstrate, NDAS leverage significant income into Northumberland to deliver services above and beyond those funded by Statutory Services, providing significant added value for the population of Northumberland.
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Trustees, Report (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Number Company Number Registered Office 1122969 06431269 Unit 3 Waterhouse, Burn Lane, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3HN Trustee5 The trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows.. H Milner (Chairl Appointed 27 September 2023 J Mindham-walker (Chairl Resigned 27 September 2023 A Richardson R Swinburne P Oliver D J Taylor L A Mindham-walker C Marchant D B2rkes J Brown C Seeley Resigned 27 September 2023 Resigned 27 September 2023 Resigned 17 April 2024 Appointed 27 September 2023 Appointed 27 September 2023 Appointed 27 September 2023 Key Management Personnel Sharon Brown Chief Executive Our advisors Independent Examiners Evelyn Partners {Newcastle) Limited 17 Queens Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RN Legal Status The charitable company is limited by guarantee and therefore has no share capital. In the event of a winding up, every member (who is a trustee) undertakes to contribute to the payment of liabilities such amount as may be required not exceeding the total of £1.
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Tru5tees' Report (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees (who are also directors of Northumberland DomesticAbuse Services Ltd forthe purpose ofcompany law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance wth applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which gnie a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 102),. make judgements 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., and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it Is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable Company 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. This report was approved by the Trustees on .i&M.oot)l2or 2024 Signed on behalf of the Board Helen Milner Chair
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd la company limited by guarantee) Independent Examiner's report to the members of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd For the year ended 31 March 2024 I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 11 to 23. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitsble company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of your charitable company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'}. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)Ib) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or the aocounts do not accord with those records., or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other Ihan any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination,. or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Craig Henderson FCCA Evelyn Partners (Newcastle) Limited Date 17 Queens Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RN 10
Northumberland Dornestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating the InGome and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Notes Income from: Donations Charitable activities Investment income 7.957 34,801 4,490 7,957 6,995 436,105 470,906 433,603 4.490 245 Total income 47,248 436,105 483,353 440.843 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 15,261 367,890 383,151 323,812 Total expenditure 15,261 367,890 383,151 323,812 Net Incomel(expenditure) 31,987 68,215 100,202 117,031 Transfers 13 4.220 (4,220) Net movements in funds 36,207 63,995 100,202 117.031 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 154,068 277,609 431,677 314,646 Total funds carried forward 190,275 341,604 531,879 431,677 The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared. All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities. 11
Northurnberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd la company limited by guarantee) Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Non-current assets Tangible fixed assets 4,220 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 10 153,051 386,599 76,900 365,345 539,650 442,245 Liabilities Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets 527,659 431,677 Total assets less total liabilities 531,879 431,677 Funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 341,604 190.275 277.609 154.068 13 531,879 431.677 For the year ending 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors, responsibilities: The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordanGe with section 476" The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the AGt with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 1611ts121 nd signed on their behalf by: Helen Milner Chair Company Number 06431269 12
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Cash Flow Statement For the year ended 31 March 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Net cash flow from operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities 16 29,964 115,637 Cash flows from investment activities Interest receivable and investment income Purchase of tangible fixed assets { 4,490) (4,2201 245 Net cash flow from investing activities (8,710) 245 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 21,254 115,882 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 365.345 249,463 Cash and ¢a5h equivalents at the end of the year 386,599 365,345 13
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Seriices Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting Policies 1.1 Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) issued in October 2019, Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the CharitiesAct 2011, the CompaniesAct 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notels)- The financial statements are prepared in Sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. 1.2 Going concern The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees have reviewed the annual budgets and considered relevant information in response to the external environment. Actual results are monitored against budget. Based on these assessments, given the measures that could be undertaken to mitigate any adverse conditions, and the current resources available, the Trustees have concluded that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts. 1.3 Funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charitable company and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance wth specrfic restrictions imposed by donors which have been raised by the company for particular purposes. The cost 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. 14
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 1.4 Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any perfomance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. Income from charitable activities includes income received under contract or where entitlement to grant funding is subject to specific performance conditions and is recognised as earned. Grant income included in this category provides funding to support performance activities and is recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainly. Income received to deliver services over a specific period covering more than one financial year is accounted for over the specific period,. related expenditure is accounted when incurred. Investment income relates to interest earned through holding assets on deposit. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time is not recognised and refer to the trustees. report for more information about their contribution. 1.5 Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT 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 where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the cost for which the expenditure arose. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost lor deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impaimient losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets. at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life. All assets individually costing more than £1,000 are capitalised, unless paid direGtly by a grant where capitalisation is not approved. 15
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 1.7 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 1.8 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash 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. 1.9 Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement after allowing for any trade discounts due. 1.10 Financial instruments The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured al their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 1.11 Pension5 The charitable company contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme for the benefit of its employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company. The annual contributions payable are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities. 1.12 Tax The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charilies Act 2011 and 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. 16
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Legal status Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, (No 064312691 and not having a share capital. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. Comparative statement of financial activities as restated restated Total 2022 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2023 Notes Income from: Donations Charitable activities Investment income 6,995 21,904 245 6,995 6,271 411,699 433,603 356,411 245 13 Total income 29,144 411,699 440,843 362,695 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5.601 318,211 323,812 300,418 Total expenditure 5,601 318,211 323.812 300,418 Net Incomel{expenditure) 23,543 93,488 117,031 62,277 Transfers 13 {23) 23 Net movements in funds 23,520 93,511 117,031 62,277 Reconciliatlon of funds Total funds brought forward 130,548 184,098 314,646 252,369 Total funds carried fonvard 154.068 277,609 431,677 314,646 17
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd la company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Donations 2024 2023 Donations 7,957 6,995 7,957 6,995 Income from charitable activities 2024 2023 Grant income 470,906 433,603 470.906 433,603 Grant income was received from the following funders: The Community Foundation Tyne and Wear and Northumberland Northumbedand County Council Community Chest The Henry Smith Charity Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Northumbria Karbon Homes Northumberland County Council The Sir James Knott Trust Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse ISTADA) Ministry of Justice The Pilgrim Trust The National Lottery Community Fund- RC North East and Cumbria Region NDAS Core Funding The National Lottery Community Fund- RC North East and Cumbria Region Helping children & young people to develop healthy & safe relationships Garfield Weston Foundation The National Lottery Community Fund - Awards forAII Children in Need County Durham Community Foundation Sara Charlton Foundation other grants <£9,000 40.000 10,000 19,950 31,010 11,000 49,434 9.000 50,000 31,400 18,991 39,550 50,000 49,434 24,700 18,991 77,200 76.900 50,120 30,000 20,000 9,984 59,243 9,137 42,000 53,664 22,801 470,906 433,603 During the year ended 31 March 2024, £153,051 12023 - £76.9001 of grants have been recognised as income in the financial statements as the recognition criteria for income had been met. Cash for these amounts was subsequently received post year end. 18
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd {a company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Investment income 2024 2023 Interest receivable on cash deposits 4,490 245 Analysis of expenditure charitable activities 2024 2023 staff costs Rent and rates Insurance Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Postage and stationary Telephone and computer charges Advertising Travelling expenses Legal and professional fees Training Accountancy Sundry expenses and other office supplies Subscriptions Bank charges 300,272 11,000 1,724 3,990 1,460 2,657 9,530 1,391 18,279 1,811 1,016 12,809 15,828 252,479 10,250 793 1,731 1,450 938 9.057 1,404 11.500 7,922 4,168 3,720 15,535 2,690 175 1,384 383,151 323,812 Net incomel(expenditure) for the year This is stated after charging: 2024 2023 Independent examiners fee 2,500 2,400 19
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management personnel Staff costs were as follows: 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 269,908 18,535 11,829 226,154 18,929 7,396 300,272 252,479 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows- 2024 Number 2023 Number Charitable activities 13 During the year no (2023- none) employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000. The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment in Ihe year (2023- £nil). No trustees were reimbursed expenses during the year (2023 - £nil)- No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2023- £nil). The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £110,393 (2023 £107,028). 10. Debtors 2024 2023 Accrued income 153,051 76,900 153,051 76,900 11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Social security & pension creditor 2,656 2,400 5,512 3,950 8,041 11,991 10,568 12. Pension costs The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme, during the period contributions of £11,829 (2023 - £7,396) were paid into the scheme. At the year end, £nil was payable to the pension provider. 20
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024 13. Fund reconciliation For the year ended 31 March 2024 At 1 April 2023 At 31March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Unrestricted funds 154,068 47.248 { 15,261 } 4,220 190,275 Restricted funds Initial Response Personalised Support Supporting Children and Young People Prevention and awareness Back Office Client welfare funds Office Refurbishment CRM system 18,878 105,716 53,988 1,922 84,356 3,819 5.000 3,930 11.000 184,044 { 23,924) (225,890) (41,298) (20,913) (48,8221 5,954 63,870 12,690 50,120 152,734 1,206 55,030 69,111 117,200 500 54,250 (4,220) [3,930) 277,609 436,105 1367,890) (4,220) 341,604 Total 431,677 483,353 (383,151 ) 531,879 For the year ended 31 March 2023 At 1 April 2022 At 31 March Income Expenditure Transfers 2023 Unrestricted funds 130,548 29,144 (5,601 ) (23) 154,068 Restricted funds Initial Response Personalised Support Supporting Children and Young People Prevention and awareness Back Office Client welfare funds Office Refurbishment CRM system 9,695 58,095 14,201 17.984 207,934 59,243 18.991 84,150 14,467 5.ODO 3.930 (8,801 ) 1160,336) 119,456) (17,069) (99,427) 113,122) 18,878 105,716 53,988 1,922 84,356 3,819 5,000 3,930 23 99,633 2,474 184,098 411,699 (318,211 ) 23 277.609 Total 314,646 440,843 1323.812) 431,677 21
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Financial Statements (Continuedj For the year ended 31 March 2024 13. Fund reconciliation (Continued) Initial Response - This is our team who takelreceive all of the referrals from the website and via phone. They can come as self-referrals or via a professional and they follow up with a risk assessment and initial safety plan before the client is assigned to a practitioner for the one-to-one support. They will also check in weekly or bi-weekly with the client to offer advice andlor signposting rf there is some time before a practitioner is free. Personalised Support- This is our team of Domestic Abuse Practitioners IDAPS) who provide the one-to- one support for clients. This one-to-one support can be emotional or practical support and is done as a combination of face to face visits and telephone support. The DAPS cover all areas of Northumberiand and are trained in domestic abuse, safeguarding and other specific areas. Supporting Children and Young People- this is our children's psychotherapist who provides psychotherapy support to the children of the victims the DAPS support. Again, this service covers all areas of Northumberland and she visits children in schools or at the Hexham office. Prevention and awareness- Our prevention worker runs workshops and learning sessions with school classes, youth groups and various other groups around the county, promoting awareness of domestic abuse and teaching children about healthy relationships, consent etc. Between the prevention worker and the DAPS we also offer empowering programmes forvictims of domestic abuse to help them move forward and live free from abuse in the future. Back office- This team consists of the funding & planning officer, office manager and CEO to help support land fund) the delivery of our services and oversee its governance. Client welfare funds - Funds for client welfare. Office Refurbishment- For future office refurbishment. CRM system - For the new CRM system 14. Analysis of net a55ets between funds Year end8d 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 2024 Current assets Current liabilities 202.266 (11,991) 341,604 543,870 (11,991) 190,275 341,604 531,879 14. Analysis of net assets between funds Year ended 31 March 2023 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 Current assets Current liabilities 154,068 (10,568) 277.609 442,245 (10,568) 154,068 277,609 431,677 22
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Seniices Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) Note5 to the Financial Statements (Continuedj For the year ended 31 March 2024 15. Related party transactions There have been no related party transactions in the year. 16. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2024 2023 Net income for the period 100.202 117,031 Adjustments for: Interest receivable (Increase) I decrease in debtors Increase l (decrease) in creditors 4,490 1245) 1,423 7,981 Net cash used in operating activities 29,964 115,637 23